A Journeyman's Rise

Akari sat behind her desk doing paperwork as constructions crews began work across the city. She had just finished signing the last of the contracts that would expand the city tremendously. Allowing it to fall into it's place as one of the leading cities of the world. Revenue would increase, and as such they would be able to expand the economy to extreme levels. Balancing the village accounts to ensure such work could begin had been her first act as Hokage. She hoped that she could continue to make such progress as things progressed. She needed to track down a talented engineer to begin expanding the soon to be metropolises resources and provide general upgrades for the shinobi forces.

One such member of her forces, was scheduled for a meeting in just a few minutes actually. One, Tsukiyo Shinku, was fairly well spoken of in her forces, and the general lack of shinobi of any experience prompted Akari to get people promoted quickly. Tsukiyo was one such possible promotion. Provided she was able to prove herself to the Hokage in this meeting. Akari had a flak jacket wrapped around the opposite chair from her, and a pouch of 50,000 Ryo sat upon the desk before it. Provided Tsukiyo could satisfy her expectations in certain arts that Akari would test her in.  One of which was one that Akari had heard Tsukiyo was indeed skilled at, Genjutsu.

Akari herself was very skilled in the art and it would be a solid test of the woman to see if she warranted the promotion to the next rank of shinobi. That of a Chuunin, or Journeyman shinobi. Akari herself wasn't particularly powerful for a Kage, she might equal out to an average Jounin from a village at best, but not Kage. So Tsukiyo would probably have an easier time getting to Chuunin with Akari getting that the dark haired Kage was in the position of suddenly being promoted. Only time would tell though, and Akari simply worked through paperwork efficiently while she waited for Tsukiyo to arrive.

The night before, when she got home from her last mission--the woman tired and ready for a nice hot shower and bed--she arrived to find a bird awaiting on her penthouse balcony. With an annoyed sigh the woman checked what had been sent this time, and would see a summons from the Hokage...a new Hokage. Tsukiyo had met the previous Kage, even called him her teacher for a time--but honestly the man had never actually done anything to teach her. Just as in life, she could only rely in The Pack and no one else for support. Haku had been a reflection of that...and now he was gone, replaced--a new woman had taken his place.

Either way the woman could make her way towards the large building overlooked by Hokage Rock, the Hokage's office. She was wearing what had become her typical outfit, something that showed off her body in a way that could be useful to her. It was something she'd use to take advantage of weak willed men...like Suguru. She probably could get that man to follow her around everywhere like a lost puppy just by wiggling her pump booty a lil. Who needed Genjutsu with a body like hers, right?

Either way, vain thoughts aside, she entered the Hokage's tower, the Government Building. Light foosteps carried the short and hourglass figured woman up a staircase curling around the outer wall of the building, before showing up on the floor with the Big Boss Office--Hokage's office, that is. She approached the doors to the office and sighed quietly outside the door. She'd give a knock, but wouldn't wait to be invited in, pushing the door open and stepping into the room--Tsukiyo's pinkish red hues falling on Akari behind the desk. The new Hokage...Akari Uchiha. "You wished to speak with me?" she'd say, a neutral expression upon her features, her tone lacking any attitude, but also to the point.

A knock at the door would signify the arrival of her appointment. Her blue eyes rose to meet the form of her new potential Chuunin. Hair as pale as snow, eyes as red as blood. She seemed to wear some mesh under armor underneath a red half kimono. that was tied off with a red sash, black thigh high socks and one red pump and one black one. The look would be taken in with a swift glance before Akari looked down at what she was doing for a moment. Paperwork, meeting, paperwork meeting, she put the pen down and looked up to Tsukiyo. Her posture was perfect, as was Akari's and so it was evident they were both the same height. The pale haired womans body was certainly thicker than Akari's, but the raven haired Uchiha's was thinner and more athletic. Honestly, Akari preferred her own body. Which was part of the point of confidence of course. It did however mean that she was in no way intimidated by the woman's posture, and confidence. For Akari had that as well, as well as something else extremely important.

Rank.

However Tsukiyo would hopefully prove to be worth a rising of her own rank. From the lowest of shinobi rankings, to the journeyman level. "Yes, I did Tsukiyo. I wish to evaluate you, should you succeed in such evaluations the flak jacket you see on the chair will be yours. As well as the rank it signifies. As well as the modest purse on the desk with 50,000 Ryo in it." She would say, leaning back in her chair a bit and steepling her fingers as her three tomoe sharingan came into existence. The black tomoe upon the red sea. She would study the woman again, carefully. "Let's test your skills in the arts of Genjutsu.." She would say, the words calm, and collected before she said the next words. "Hit me with your best one." She would say, allowing the woman to do whatever hand seals were required for the technique.

She'd stand straight in the middle of the room, radiating confidence and intelligence on par with the Hokage herself. In this way, they was similar...both minds far above their peers, both beauties in their own ways and rights, both wielders of powerful Genjutsu. Even the same height, although with Akari sitting--this wouldn't be as obvious. Still, Tsukiyo showed no fear or lack in confidence being face to face with the Hokage. Or even more so, a Uchiha. Much like Akari's predecessor, she was actually younger then Tsukiyo....another 'Tweenkage', but unlike Haku, Akari was smart...at least relatively speaking. This was worthy of respect, and Tsukiyo wasn't even sure how smart the Uchiha was. But if she had gained this position...she had to be intelligent.

She watched as the younger woman placed her pen down and looked up towards her, Tsukiyo mindful of the fact the Uchiha could cast Genjutsu with just a glance but would still let her eyes meet with the sitting woman's blue hues--and listen to Akari respond. An evaluation...with a reward should she meet or surpass expectations. Tsukiyo's ears rung with the sound of fifty grand...but she'd contain her greed for now, it would be her's if she passed the test.

What was the test? Akari was straight to the point.

The woman saw the darkening of Akari's eyes and would glance to the side, no longer focusing on Akari as her Sharingan faded into existance. Tsukiyo knew better then to look a Uchiha in the eyes when their Sharingan was active, having a basic understanding of one of the most famed clans in her village had its advantages. She'd avoided seeing the red hues and however many tomoe the woman possessed. She'd hear her challenge...use her Genjutsu, cast it upon the Hokage herself. Tsukiyo shut her eyes and let out a sigh. "...Alright, if thats how you wish to evaluate my skills, Akari-sama." she said clearly, her voice silky and unintentionally seductive. "Though it may not be too impressive to a wielder of the famed Sharingan." she'd say, although she had already plotted her plan.

She'd reach up and reach into her top, between her brests, and slide out from within a silver metal instrument. A simple flute. "Excuse me if I seem nervous, I don't like playing the flute in front of others" she bluffed, lifting the instrument towards her lips and interlacing her fingers. Chakra molded within her, and with a breath, her lips touched the instrument. In that moment she'd shift her fingers and begin playing a haunting tune, with Akari watching every movement of the woman, the real trap should be sprung. The woman timed the activation of her best Genjutsu and the obvious, and weaker, musical Genjutsu at the same time, neither requiring a hand seal--and both triggers able to be activated at the same moment, chakra cast and music played in sync. The whole time, Tsukiyo kept her eyes shut since before.

Her song was nearly demonic in nature, a ghostly ballad that would, seeing as they was roughly 3 meters away from each other, cross that distance in a fraction of a second. able to cross 100 meters every second. If Akari had opened herself up to this, she'd find her effected immediately. A force of will it'd seem would bind her, drawing Akari's arms out to each side as if chains or wire was holding them up by the wrists. But this wasn't it...this was a ruse and robbed Akari of her mobility.

No. The real devil was in the details. The Genjutsu cast by having seen her fingers shift right as she played the devilish song, this was the real deal. It'd take a moment to set in, not as instant as the Demonic Flute: Phantom Sound Chains, but much more devastating. This was a Genjutsu of her own creation...Demonic Illusion: One's Trauma. A powerful genjutsu that once taken into effect, would completely block out any ability to move her body--as if she wasn't already--and lock Akari into a perfect recreation of the worst part of Akari's life...The woman was a crafty one it'd seem, and she was curious what the Hokage would do...or could do.

[350/350. Learned Magen: Jibun no Gaisho ('Demonic Illusion: One's Trauma')]

The dark haired girl would listen to the genin's voice, her hand rising a moment after the first sentence. A polite interjection. "Please, no "sama's" I dislike formality unless in a diplomatic situation." She would say, giving the wolf girl permission speak more freely if that was her wish. Of course if Tsukiyo wished to keep being formal, that was her wish. Akari however wouldn't bother now that she'd said as such. "The Sharingan is exceedingly powerful in many aspects, genjutsu being one of them yes. That's why the test is for you to impress me with one. It doesn't matter if I can break it. I shouldn't be in this chair if I couldn't manage at least that much. The point is to see how well your skills in genjutsu have progressed since you began your career." She would say, informing her that she was measuring progress, not capabilities. How far one had come in certain stretches of time was important and whether or not Tsukiyo got the promotion would be based on how far she had come.

The woman would slide a flute out from between her cleavage, making a comment requesting she be excused for any nervousness due to her not liking the idea of playing the flute before others. Akari's finger tips would remain steepled, herself leaning back in her chair comfortably, as the flutes song played. The illusions would begin to affect her, horizontal layering of the illusions it would seem. A neat trick, and potentially lethal to many people in the world. However inconsequential to an Uchiha of enough prowess. The first genjutsu, we'll call it the first anyway. Was a genjutsu that made her feel like she was being pulled taught, tied off by steel wires and unable to move. The second was an odd one that required her to consider it for a moments.

She would find herself in her home in the Uchiha district, in bed, a massive storm wracking the house. It took a moment to realize that this storm was the storm that had frightened her as a child. It had probably been the time she was most afraid of in her life. Which is to say barely anything to a shinobi of any kind of caliber. She'd been desensitized to such things long ago from the long lectures on the subject until when she'd finally killed someone it didn't seem like anything at all. No, the storm was when she was last terrified in any conceivable way. But the inkling of fear she felt was brushed aside with ease. So this genjutsu, caused a target to relive their most fear filled moment in their life? Most traumatic?

Either way it was an interesting jutsu, and she'd have to remember it's existence in the future. For now though, the technique was easy enough to dispel with a simple use of her Sharingan Genjutsu. The illusion shattering power removing both genjutsu's as if they'd been dust upon a table, swept away by a cloth. The Uchiha would still be sitting in the same position, fingers touching, leaning back against the chair in relaxed composure. "Impressive indeed" She would say as she looked upon the woman with her Sharingan eyes. "I think you're deserving of the vest and bonus. It's a one time bonus, mostly because I've already cut pay this month. So expect a pay increase starting with your next months pay. Now then, if you wish to see how you stack, feel free to look upon my eyes. I'll cast one of my genjutsu upon you. That's not an order, but an invitation. If you don't wish to, you don't have to." She would say, offering the opportunity to see what another genjutsu user could do. It might be invaluable in trying to form other genjutsu to utilize against others.

Tsukiyo had made a mental note to not be so formal--which was perfectly fine with her--she hated it anyways. She wasn't the type to be formal, if her outfit wasn't a clear indicator of that, but she knew when it was best to be polite, and now was that time. She'd hear the explanation of Akari's thoughts on this test she was giving, she wished to see what Tsukiyo could do--how she progressed. This didn't change any of the woman's interactions, but the note was mentally written down.

After she'd shown her hand to the Hokage--putting the younger woman through the illusions. Surely the Sharingan was able to see through her double Genjutsu casting, first the flute playing, followed by the actual impressive one--one of her own design and particuarlly potent...depending on the opponent. Akari? No, her memory was tame, during the time Akari was under the effects, Tsukiyo was also frozen, and able to watch from an outsider's perspective...a storm? She was scared of a storm? Tsukiyo remembered this storm, she lived in the orphanage back then...Tengoku had been frightened, but Tsukiyo wasn't phased. She'd always been the brave one of the twins...she was also one to give her all to improving herself. Thats why she stood here today, recognition for her progression.

But soon enough it was broken, and Tsukiyo lost sight of the woman's windy memory. Tsukiyo slowly lowered her flute as she heard the woman, opening her eyes but focused on the desk bewteen them, at best seeing Akari's mid torso as it came out from behind the desk while the Uchiha Hokage spoke. But as Akari spoke, Tsukiyo seemed to pass the Hokage's test, a subtle smile creeping across her lips. But then she was issued...what could only be called a challenge. She had no need to oblige the challenge...it wasn't an order. But Tsukiyo was prideful...Akari barely finished speaking and the woman lifted her gaze, locking eyes with the Uchiha--taking in the three tomoe of Akari's eyes. "...Its never wise to look a Uchiha in the eyes. But I can't use my Genjutsu on you if I can't expect the same back..."

Mentally she knew this may be quite the experience...but the prideful wolf couldn't chicken out of a challenge. She knew this was shooting herself in the foot--and she didn't have to...but what Wolf backed out of a challenge? "Go ahead, Akari." she said, tone serious but confident.

Akari would give a brief, barely perceptible grin at the wolf girl as she accepted the invitation. More of a challenge really. She met Akari's eyes defiantly and the three tomoe glare would immediately cast a genjutsu that most would consider most insidious. As she did she would speak. "This genjutsu should be well within your abilities to break." She would say, showing that she knew she was giving the wolf girl something she could escape from. If the pale haired woman wanted more, Akari could oblige. The genjutsu cast would immediately make the newly appointed Chuunin feel as if large metal stakes were nailed into her body from vertical angles. It forced upon the target the impression that they could not move and it's primary use was as a torture technique.

Tsukiyo would be smart enough to be able to forcefully move her hands for the genjutsu kai technique but she'd feel the excruciating agony all the while. However this wasn't the only technique that the Uchiha teen would use. No, see Tsukiyo hit her with two right? So why wouldn't she reply in kind? Immediately after casting the first illusion she'd activate a second before the first could even fully manifest. The Genjutsu Sharingan was the easily the most versatile technique in the Sharingan arsenal. It allowed for a vicious variety of effects that allowed Akari to apply one of multiple abilities. The most powerful version allowed one to take full control of ones mind for a time. However Tsukiyo was smart enough to resist this capability. She would probably manage to knock it down to full body immobilization. This would force her to be stuck inside of the original genjutsu, Shackling Stakes, for longer than Tsukiyo might like. This would either provide a challenge for her to overcome, or instill the fear of god into her. Or?...

No, she would more than likely remember the Uchiha's capabilities, and never accept a game such as this again. Pride goeth after all, right? Confidence in ones abilities was one thing. However being so confident that one accepts such dangerous challenges just because of your pride? Such a thing was dangerous, and if Tsukiyo ever intended to rank up higher in her forces, she would have to learn to curb that pride and not take such stupid chances. This would be a lesson in such things.

She'd see the grin, and mentally sigh, knowing she'd be in for a ride. She'd hear the woman's words but already reality was being warped for her. Tsukiyo soon felt herself unable to move, even trying to Kai out of it would be impossible for the time being. Like a roller coaster, there was no getting off the ride once it begun. She'd feel, even see if she could keep her eyes open, large stakes shoot down and impale her. The expression of pain was instant, shutting her eyes and gritting her teeth--all she could do--as this continued. It was torturous, the pain of each stake felt like they was actually striking her.

This was the first time someone as skilled as herself had ever used a Genjutsu on the woman, usually able to get out of them with ease. But not this time. The prideful wolf was put through an extreme amount of pain, it wore her down mentally, and went on and on. She knew what this was, she could pick it apart, she could understand the illusions cast upon her. But she couldn't stop it.

Finally she felt the strength to move, and would inch her hands together, clasping them into a hand seal and releasing a burst of chakra to disrupt the illusions. She'd almost fall upon breaking them, a hand dropping to the edge of the woman's desk to keep herself stable, as she'd glare through one half lidded eye at Akari--the other shut as she was fighting off the pain she'd experienced. Her breathing was labored. But she kept standing. Her pride had gotten her into some trouble, it was beginning to chip away at the woman--a number of events lately had some negative outcomes...and they could be attributed to pride.

"Ok....you made...your point..." she'd growl through grit teeth between breaths. She'd take a second but would come to stand back up straight, the woman focusing her eyes on the flak jacket she'd earned today, or rather, throughout her time since returning to Konoha. She was smart enough to not meet Akari's eyes again, at least not until she put away those weapons of hers. It angered Tsukiyo...no matter how good she was at Genjutsu, she still couldn't keep up with the Uchiha's gift.

But she'd swallow the anger as she caught her breath, still feeling weakened by the mental stress and what felt like actual pain she'd went through. The woman knew...this was only a glimpse into what the Uchiha was able to do. Compared to others, such as Akihiro Uchiha, Akari was weak...but still, the Hokage had power. No doubt.

"Am I dismissed now..." she'd ask, a hint of her sharp tone behind her words, but her voice also sounded weakened, defeated nearly. She'd been told she earned the jacket and bonus--her collecting both of them. Assuming Akari had nothing more for her, or at least staying long enough to listen, she'd take her leave...

A storm though? Such a spoiled child, doesn't know hardship...

[Exit]

Akari would nod at the woman as she admitted that Akari had made her point on the lesson of pride. It was foolish to let oneself fall into such simply laid traps. Much more was expected of a shinobi of her village and she had been half tempted to take away the promotion the moment Tsukiyo had fallen into such an obvious bait. She would refrain though, she'd damaged the woman's pride today, there was little doubt to that. It would do none of them any good if she stripped it to the core and denied the promotion she'd already been told she had because of such a thing. No, the rank of genin was designed to bring one to a level of strength that one could stand on their own feet to a degree. It was during their time as Chuunin that many earned the emotional maturity to progress further.

If one was to use those definitions, then Tsukiyo was clearly qualified for Chuunin, but she'd have to work harder to get to the rank of Jounin. That was a rank that involved trust, and Akari wasn't going to give that one away without someone having earned it from her. Still though, Tsukiyo had proven that she could handle the rank of Journeyman, it was now up to her to prove that she could be trusted enough with the rank of Jounin or if she was stuck at the rank of Chuunin for the foreseeable future. When Tsukiyo asked if she was dismissed, Akari spoke a single word. "Yes." What did the woman expect? An apology? No, one didn't apologize for teaching a lesson.

"Really though, she's 20? And still had such issues? How childish."

Exit