| abstract | - Regardless, Sannoto took his duties as a host seriously...somewhat; he was the life of the party, or so he had been told several times by others. As he walked around his home, his servants found themselves confused, especially considering it was the wrong time of the year. He was dressed in a red suit, carrying a sack filled with...something, over his shoulder. But, more than that, what truly gave away his persona was his occasional chant, "Ohohooho!!". His voice did not betray his monstrous physique. It was deep, foreboding, and outright terrifying. It rang throughout his home, nearly shaking the foundation of his blazing manor. It was an enormous estate that rested on the plains of the Land of Mountains, a land that was simply a country to the south of the Land of Wind. It was generally sunny, but because of the altitude, the wind was somewhat heavy giving it a mild feel. In the winters, it was outright miserable, but in the fall, it was simply...perfect. Not too far, approximately a quarter of a mile, lay a lake encapsulated in a portion of their territory. It was always a special occasion when Sannoto's family were invited. Hundreds of shinobi scouted the area, watching the area at all hours of the day for intruders. They were a powerful family, and several members had political positions that could send the world into an era of chaos. Regardless, the Senju could not remember an attack, nor an attempt at one. The guards could assure that it wasn't because of their presence, but because of Sannoto's own. He was a powerful shinobi, feared by hundreds. A hero of the Third Shinobi World War, and a seasoned veteran of the Fourth, there existed few with the courage to challenge his might even in his old age. Still, shinobi of these villages would not compromise the safety of their officials, and thus accompanied their leaders, prepared to defend the royal family. Among the first arrivals were Shigemi and her husband, the current Raikage. Tagging along with were their two teenage children; a 14 year old Tsugumi and her little brother Kanata. The latter was considerably rambunctious despite being 12 years old, including attaining the rank of chūnin a year earlier; part of his wild nature could be attribute to the burden of a jinchuriki's destiny. For the young girl, she was a study in calmness, a trait inherited from her mother, though just like latter and her grandmother, Tsugumi possessed a powerful temper. Fortunately, it was normally kept in check by her tranquil bearing. As of now, Tsugumi was absorbed in her playful torturing of her little brother, though she stopped once they reached an impressive set of gates that marked Sannoto's domain from the rest of the land. They were to enter the vast complex that was the property of her mother's grandfather; her great-grandfather. "Mom, what's great-grandpa like?" Tsugumi asked, already displaying a natural inquisitive demeanor. It would only be matter of time before she began delving into various books and encyclopedias to satisfy this nature. Shigemi smiled at her oldest daughter's question before thinking about how to reply. "Well....he's a larger than life figure to start," she responded to Tsugumi, "You may have heard of his exploits when he was younger, but despite his old age, he remains a force to be reckoned with. Very few would dare to cross his path when he is angered. Besides that however, he's largely a family man, something that he enjoys immensely, especially considering his family continues to grow each day," After being confirmed for who they were, the family entered the manor before walking down the generous path to the mansion's gates. "Great-gramps' house is huge..." Kanata chimed in, to which both his mother and sister nodded. All were wondering why he would need such a large house considering it was only him and his wife, but then again, Shigemi knew well of his luxuriant habits. It had been a good amount of days since Yasaki received the invitation from his Grandfather, the Metal Peace-Seeker. He had no quarrels with his Grandfather, in fact, he respected him as if he was a veteran. Arriving at the estate with his daughter, Himizu, a sweet girl that was quiet, tugged at her father's overcoat. He released a smile to her, but her eyes held somberness. "What's wrong, Himi?" the man would look down at her to study her features. She looked down, and then away. "Nothing, it's fine." she would laugh the heaviness of the silence away. Whenever the young man's daughter would be curious about something, she'd begin to ask him, only to soon let it fly, as she would soon find the answer to her question; she was excellent at making observations. Yasaki analyzed what she was wearing. He took her to his mother specifically for clothing tips, he wasn't very bright when it came to young girls. They arrived at the looming gates shortly after, and told the shinobi guarding the entrance who they were. They were soon let in and they began walking towards the mansion doors. Up ahead, Yasaki could see his sister and her husband, the Raikage, which he had severely hurt before, but now, he didn't much a problem with their relationship. Yasaki leaned his head towards Himizu's ear. "This is your Aunt Shigemi, be very polite, okay?" he suggested. She nodded her head quickly. No words were said, the entirety of the Sengoku dojo had taken the day off due to their grandmaster being invited to a family event. Standing on the front porch of the dojo was none other than the Perverted Copy Wheel Eye of Justice himself; Seigetsu Uchiha. He wore his white haori with the kanji "一" meaning one, which was covered by the kimono of his wife which loved wearing. He face focused upon the sun in the distance with his right eye covered by an eye patch. The eye patch covered a scar given to him in battle long ago, with the man known as Kazuhide. His face wasn't as useful as it once was, he had allowed his facial hair to grow just slightly into stubble. To say the least he look like a lost drunk. "I wonder exactly where you are... What are you up to at the point in time?" This thought played over and over in his head. He straighted his stance and cleared his throat calling out to the inside of the dojo. "Tsuyuri Uchiha and Izuru Uchiha, are you two ready to go? If not, I'll be leaving and I'll meet you there. I got something to take care of." Standing among his family, Kiyoshi sighed with slight annoyance. Having not been so well in touch with his wife's side, Kiyoshi felt a slight uneasiness form over him. Knowing all too well that her mother didn't approve of their relationship from the get go, he couldn't help feel as if her grandfather would react the same way as Sayuri had before. Shigemi somehow managed to persuade Kiyoshi to accompany her, despite his massive unwillingness to do so. Taking in the vast scenery, Kiyoshi was too in awe of what lie before him. "This is nice." He said in an unimpressed tone. "Let's just get this over with." A familiar chakra flushed over his mind; it was warm, sarcastic, playful, serious. But, there were signatures he didn't recognize. It was the unknown that excited him even more. Rushing out of his home, Sannoto stood on the patio, dressed in his red robes, and sporting his unbearable large brown sack across his shoulder. As each family member approached, his eyes lit up enthusiastically. It had been almost fifteen years since his last encounter with his family, credited to a variety of circumstances that occupied his time, and their own. Again, that only made him more excited. "HOHOHOHO!" His voice boomed across the heavens, shaking the earth, and splitting the clouds allowing the sun to illuminate the pathway as his guest approached. "Welcome! Welcome! It's been so long!!" Shigemi frowned at Kiyoshi's moodiness; she knew very well where it originated from, and part of her held a similar reservation, seeing it had been a while since she had seen her grandfather. "At least be civil," Shigemi responded, before turning at the approach of footsteps from the mansion. As expected, it was Sannoto who came to greet them, with his larger than life personality shining through with each step and action. His enthusiasm proved to be infectious as Shigemi felt her worries slipping away. Shigemi stepped forward to greet her grandfather, wrapping him in a bear hug before lifting off the ground. "Its been a while indeed grandfather," Shigemi said before setting Sannoto back on the ground. Tsugumi noted her grandfather's appearance; true to her mother's word, he was a very imposing figure. She then expressed shock when her mother lifted him off the ground despite his impressive size; it reminded her just how strong Shigemi truly was. This in part motivated her to become that strong some day, while improving her skills in other areas of the ninja trade. When her mother motioned the rest of the family forward, Tsugumi was the first to step up to the plate, her blue-green eyes conveying a level of intensity and steadfastness that was rare in girls her age. "My name is Tsugumi Hatake or Tsugumi Yuri. I'm the daughter of Shigemi Hatake and Kiyoshi Yuri and the older brother of Kanata Yuri. It's a pleasure to meet you great-grandfather," Tsugumi declared, her turquoise eyes radiating a fierce pride for her lineage. Kanata followed his sister's lead, standing next to her as their grandfather was placed on the ground once more by their mother. "Yo, the name's Kanata as my older sister just told you. What's up great-grandpops?" Kanata said, his swagger matching his sister's steadfast temperament. Neither would be cowed by their grandfather's towering figure and earth shaking voice. It was at that point Kanata noticed the other arrivals, particularly Yasaki and his daughter Himizu. "Yo mom, who's that?" Kanata asked as they reached the area everyone was currently situated in; because his mother didn't raise him to be rude, Kanata waved to the new arrivals before introducing himself once more. Followed by his sister doing the same. Yasaki's daughter brushed her dress off, removing any unwanted imperfections from off of it. She was scared. This was officially the first time she met her father's side of the family, and in her eyes, insecurity could be found. Approaching them quite quickly, was a young boy and girl, both chocolate-skinned and lively. Immediately, Himizu felt the pressure. Although she was older than the two, even young children aren't afraid to judge you, more so than adults. "I'm.. Himizu, Himizu Hatake, or Himizu Hagoromo, although I'd rather be addressed as a Hatake." she smiled and put a strand of her pure white hair behind her ear. Yasaki could only smile down at her, she was doing fine. Not too far from him, he spotted his sister and his grandfather making conversation. Wanting to join them, he placed his hand on Himizu's shoulder and snuck up on the burly man and strong woman. With quick steps (he was a master of silence), Yasaki lunged at his older sister, shaking her wildly from her shoulders. He showed a large grin and approached his grandfather who he loved dearly, it was him he wanted to follow in his footsteps when he was younger. "Hey Grampa Sannoto! how's everything for you, I see you're still a very scary-looking man." he chuckled, but when to looking around. "Has anyone seen Katoku? he should've been here." he questioned. At that moment, however, Yasaki noticed Kiyoshi. He remembered their previous quarrel, and only wanted to laugh. "Uh, hey man." he acknowledged him. "Be civil." Kiyoshi repeated under his breath. "Since when has anyone in your family been civil." He spat, in a clear sour tone. Exhaling heavily, he faced the giant man with a bushed expression, forcng himself to platser on a smile, Kiyoshi outstretched his hand to meet Sannoto's for a clean manly handshake. "It is a genuine pleasure to meet you. I'm Kiyoshi Yuri, husband of you beautiful granddaughter and father of these wonderful children." While speaking Kiyoshi placed his hand upon Shigemi's hip, pulling them closer together. By then, more of his wife's kin began to show up, first being Yasaki and his daughter. Kiyoshi visage had returned sour upon seeing him. Yasaki greeting was indeed awkward, both knew what ground they stood on, neither was really fond of the other. It was for his wife's sake that Kiyoshi even responded in the way he did, only uttering a dry "Hey." To end whatever conversation Yasaki wanted to have before it had even begun. Sannoto met Kiyoshi's firm grip with one of his own. Jovially he responded, "Oh, I thought you've might've been a servant of hers or something." Turning his attention, he quickly released his hold from Kiyoshi, and turned to face the great-grandchildren that crowded him. His face lit up enthusiastically as he greeted every one of them, taking in their personalities, their mannerisms, their essence. He had lived an eternity, and it only took a single glance for him to determine how a person would ultimately turn out; what he saw was promise in his family's future. He saw continuation, and that enough, regardless of the overwhelming depression of Shigemi's husband, to keep his spirits suspended. Though, there was always a darkness that burdened him. It had for years, and after he thought that he left it behind, it only became that more heavier. Turning, his tone was a tad serious as his voice echoed across the plains: "Shigemi..." He waited until he had her attention. "Where is your mother?" "Looks like I'll be attending the family reunion this time. I didn't get the chance last time, but this time I've got spare time to do so." The woman thinks to herself. Once the esteemed Raikage of Kumogakure, she relinquished the title to her successor after twenty years in the seat. Even at the age of forty-three, her beauty never left her, and some would say time has been on her side those twenty years. With her mind no longer plagued by nightmares and stress, Kiyasui could finally find peace, and time to herself. Packing up her bags, she grabs the invitation off of the table in the kitchen. Walking over to the door of her house, she grabs her house key and locks the door. With her bags slung over her shoulder, she forms the Ram seal and begins focusing on the location of Sannoto's house. Once she envisions it, her body is wrapped in a bright light as she teleports away from her house. All the way towards Sannoto's manor within the Land of Mountains, she walks towards the massive house, her bags in tow as her blonde hair blows gently within the wind. Being pounced upon by her brother shook Shi slightly, until she saw he was the culprit. Shi returned his greeting with a hearty clap on the back, something Yasaki would feel later. Shigemi was then glad when her grandfather accepted both her husband and children, though she noted his nonchalant comment. She would talk with him about it later however as Sannoto brought to her attention the absence of her mother. "I honestly don't know," Shigemi responded, "relations between her and I have been....tense over the past few years over decisions I had made. Point being, she has effectively cut me off, and I did the same. We haven't spoken since," Part of Shigemi wondered how her mother was doing, though her issues with the latter remained at the forefront of her thoughts. Tsugumi on the other hand noted just how infectious her great-grandfather's enthusiasm was, as even her father's depression lessened slightly in his presence, something which brought further happiness to her. "So what are your interests Himizu?" Tsugumi asked her cousin, curious to see what she did in her spare time. Despite being a chūnin of Kumo, Tsugumi looked to gain knowledge from every corner of the shinobi globe, knowing there was much out there that she could add to her own experience. Kanata on the other hand watched the conversation between his mother and great-grandfather with growing interest. He had never met his grandmother, but knew that her presence was a sore topic in both his family and his mother's side of the family at large. To say she had antagonized quite a few people was an understatement. Part of him hoped he would never have to meet her, particularly if she was as bad as his parents said she was. He then noticed a blonde woman approaching the massive house several bags in tow. As part of his cheerful nature, Kanata waved to the arriving woman, displaying an enthusiasm that matched Sannoto's own. Sannoto could do no more than scratch his head. "Yeah, your mother was not always the forgiving type. Trust me, more than anyone, I know that." Without a doubt, he was saddened, but it wasn't his duty to burden the family with issues that he had caused. Though, even as he prepared his jovial façade, he couldn't help but respond to Shigemi's answer. "I assume..." Sannoto's voiced trailed off as he gave Kiyoshi a pointed look. "Yean, I can definitely assume it's because of that." He turned to Shigemi for confirmation. "I knew she'd go far, but as to cut you off over something as trivial as that...." He paused again, almost as if he was trying to recollect his thoughts as he spoke. "Did she have someone lined up already for you, Shigemi? Is that what this is about?" "Tch. Of course." Kiyoshi huffed in response to Sannoto's statement. "Servant." He repeated somewhat under his breath, releasing his grip from Shigemi, Kiyoshi placed his fingers atop his buiging temples, massaging them gently to somewhat relieve his arising anger. In the time frame of a few minutes, Kiyoshi was already over this entire family gathering, hoping for it to abruptly end before it even starts. "Boy, isn't this going to be just swell."
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