Monkey Business

The Land of Fire was famous for the eternal spring that kept its trees a vibrant green and in a constant state of healthiness. Some referred to the Land of Fire as a country filled with rich history and beautiful scenery. A land where one could escape the harshness of nature and settle among large fields and kind animals. Surely, those who migrated from the rougher terrains experienced a poisonous envy burning inside their stomachs. But it ultimately subsided after witnessing the softness born among this countries citizens. A level of peace rare in the world of shinobi and samurai, where murderers spoke of honor and thieves of chivalry. Still, the Land of Fire exhibited an external layer of harmony which attracted those wishing to start anew. This particular day was a prime example of its harmonious atmosphere. Gentle breezes created whispering trees who shook in resistance to the forceful winds. The large trees casted a rather large shadow among one another, causing the forest below to be consumed by a slight darkness where animals played with one another. Thick forest covered both sides of the multiple roads branching towards the different towns of the Land of Fire.

However, shinobi who walked the path where the sunlight kissed were not true agents of darkness. Assassins who found happiness in solitude and isolation engulfed themselves in the shadows. One such being walked alongside the empty road beneath the vast coverage of beautiful trees. His lavender eyes pierced through the shadows ahead and spooked unsuspecting wildlife. The green kimono and dark sash that tied around his waist complimented his immediate scenery. Journeying without a single weapon or tool on his person could cause one to suspect this individual to be a normal traveler. But many often referred to the individual as the incarnation of the wolfsbane. Regardless of the perceived threat, the man was a traveling void. Completely empty of any perceptive emotions or intentions, only walking from location to location without a physical care. However, his eyes burned with a certain passion found in shinobi with a desire. She's near here. Three words that surrounded his psyche and overwhelmed his consciousness. ''What am I supposed to do if I see her? I cannot kill her...But they want me to retrieve her dead or alive...If he won't come willingly I'll have to...'' The thoughts faded in fear of the ultimatum. Perhaps she'll come willingly, he kept reminding himself. Forgetting that if she wished to return, she would have done so already.