The Dragon's Den (Residence of Jun and family) [Flashback]

Jun was escorted to his home by Taito and Himiko, and Jun would open the front door of the large house, which was akin to an ancient Japanese castle, but smaller, even if it was still a giant house. The young man and woman brought their thought to be dead hero inside, and Jun went to the soft plush couch, and fell asleep nearly instantly, comfortable and exhausted. Jun slept many hours, in which during the meantime, The Uchiha twins, Taito and Himiko would explain what was going on to Jun's Uncle, the Clan and Village Elder, Uchiha Zataku.

The old man, having heard the tale that Jun had told his two friends, was astonished, saddened, but nonetheless, he was grateful to have his nephew back. The old man, now in his late sixties, had long grey hair that was turning white, deep wrinkles under his wise eyes, and hands that were now beginning to look worn, but otherwise, the man kept himself in good shape. He dismissed the two Jounin from his presence, after thanking them for bringing Jun here, and from there, Zataku would walk over to where Jun was resting, looking down at him, but daring not disturb him, for he must have not had a comfortable place to rest in many many long months. Looking at Jun though, and seeing the condition he was in, filled Zataku's heart with anger. How could Konoha do such a thing? Even if they were now enemies, the Uchiha, even Jun, deserved better treatment than what he had received. Zataku let out a long sigh, and he would sit in a chair across from the young prince, awaiting for him to wake up. Jun's daughter, Hisa, now six years old, was playing outside in the backyard, completely safe, since the backyard was walled in, while Jun's Son, Hiseo, one year old, was taking a nap in his room. Masuyo was off on a mission. No one had expected Jun to be here. Nearly everyone thought he was surely dead.

The moment that Jun stepped through the Gates, the Otokage looked up from his silent reverie, his sensory technique telling him that a familiar chakra signature had come within range.  Instantly knowing where the boy would go – or be taken, as it were, though he didn’t really know it.  The man stood, tossing the black coat that had come to be his trademark around his shoulders, the Uchiha crest emblazoned on the back.  As sound’s shadow slipped away, he adjusted the katana at his hip, the black ring surrounding a pool of red in his eyes glancing this way and that, the floral pattern of his predecessor’s eyes entwined with his own straightforward Mangekyo design.  Light steps took him through various streets, the busy village life around him almost disturbing in its constant buzz.  Never had he believed he would be the leader of a place like this, even when he had still desired to keep shinobi villages and specifically his own hidden village strong.  Several people moved alongside him, some attempting to garner his attention as the young Uchiha pushed his way past the crowd, only to meet with a dismissive wave and a slight smile. 
 
After several moments, Shinji was across town and standing at the door to the residence of his cousin.  It had been some time since he’d visited here – honestly, he’d wondered how he could face anyone from Jun’s immediate family when he’d allowed him to simply go over to the enemy.  To stop a war?  He could hardly believe that it had really happened.  Honestly, he expected that he’d have had to break into Konoha and steal his cousin away quite some time ago – he’d expected Konohagakure no Sato to break its promise and attack them again, now that one of their military leaders was captured.  No such thing happened, however, and he’d simply avoided that section of the family for quite some time.  As he stared at the door, he heard a shuffle inside and with a brief sensory scan he knew that the chakra signature he identified as Uchiha Jun was inside.  With a deft movement, he simply opened the door and stepped inside, slipping his sandals off as he moved across to a sitting room.  His red and black orbs glanced about, across the room, and then settled upon the unconscious Jun.  The only other person in the room was Zataku, Jun’s direct uncle and a somewhat close relative to Shinji, as well.  The both of their family lines technically were descended from a direct line of clan leaders, one through marriage and another being slightly less scattered. 
 
“Afternoon.  Who have we here….?”

Zataku heard the door open and close, the sound of sandals being removed, followed by soft, nearly silent foot steps as they crossed the glossy wooden floors, heading to the living room. The old man knew who it was. It was no surprise that Gendo's talented son had caught onto his nephew's return. The elder did not move, thus, but he sat there in the chair across from the couch, eyes moving slowly from Jun, up to those floral patterned ones of Shinji's. Zataku's own Sharingan, in their unique pattern looked back, and the old man would reply to the young one,

"Jun, apparently. Quite an interesting turn of events, eh? However, the story the two who brought him here told me was terrible. My nephew has endured much pain at the hands of our former village's shinobi. It was the new Hokage, though, who freed him, the boy's old friend, Nakago. If it wasn't for him, Jun would have been put to death, and without his eyes. His friend is a good one, to give them back, and heal much of his body. Though still, Jun is far from being well. It will take the boy time to get back to his previous state." , came the deep and gentle, yet obviously pained voice of the clan elder. He did not like seeing Jun in this state. Jun, his only nephew left, and his Sister's dear little prince. Still, it was good that fate had brought him back to them, where he belonged. Zataku was determined to help Jun in his quest to become strong again, and even stronger beyond that, if he could.




Just then, someone came crashing out into the hallway from behind the kitchen's tarp, then padded quickly into the room. She was a woman of thirty-one years of age, beautiful, and still young, though much older than both Shinji and Jun were. She had choppy but long rave hair, and large dark colored eyes, and she was wearing a long pink dress with a kitty cat face on it and an apron with rainbow paw-prints. This was Jun's older sister, Seiaryu. She was not a ninja right now, and hadn't been since before she was put in a coma by her father on the day he died. Now, Seiaryu was slowly recovering from long-term amnesia. She remembered some things about her past, but a lot was still cloudy, and she still didn't know how to re-activate her Sharingan or use her chakra, but one day, maybe she would.




Seia came to a squeeky halt on the floor infront of the plush red couch, eyes darting from Uncle Zataku, to Shinji-Dono, to....

"JUN-KUN!!!!", the woman exclaimed, not believing her eyes. Her charming voice was screaming in surprise, and she took no hesitation in reaching down and smothering her long lost younger brother in tender love and care...well, a bit too much, because soon she noticed how thin and fragile he felt, and she was squeezing him too hard!




Jun woke up immediately, before having a nice dream about coming back home to Masuyo and everyone, but now..he was being crushed by an evil faced monster! Jun sprang up, gasping, his facial expression comical and full of pain, he tried to pry his sister off of him, but she was stronger than she looked. it took him a while too, for his eyes to focus, and notice it was just Seia-Chan. When she let go of him, the young man fell off of the couch and sprawled out on the floor, rather embarrassing, and he had to bat away the stars and birds circling his head. he would quickly then get up, and dust off, rather snobbishly, even if he was wearing clothing borrowed from Nakago Yaiba of all people. Jun turned around then, and noticed that not only Seia was there, but also Uncle Zataku, and Shinji, who both looked at him rather oddly for a second. Jun didn't know what to say. All that came out for now was,

"I'm back! Haha...."

Shinji listened to Zataku as he watched Jun, the quiet explanation resounding in his mind as he recalled the name and put it with a face.  Nakago, the one-eyed guy who had his head as physically close to Shinji’s predecessor’s ass as he could comfortably stand.  Yes, he remembered that one.  Though it appeared he might have some kind of redeeming quality if it were true that Jun had been released due to the actions of that one.  In the brief silence that followed the man’s statements, Shinji’s mind whirled through the possibilities.  Jun being returned meant that he no longer had to maintain the peace that his capture had signified.  At the same time, his sacrifice would mean little if Shinji simply began marching on Konoha now that his cousin had been returned – as though he had not suffered at all.  And suffer he had. 
 
As the clan leader looked upon his younger cousin, it was clear he’d been abused – an overall gaunt look caused his skin to cling to his bones, the meat there having been eaten away by starvation.  His muscles were atrophied, no doubt weak and nowhere near their once-proud fighting edge.  His skin was somewhat yellowed and seemed as though the texture would be more like mush than anything, though Shinji had yet to even attempt touching it.  He’d clearly been allowed a shower, as he did not stink or seem dirty, but it was clear he’d not been able to keep a normal hygienic schedule by the uneven cut of his nails, the dry, red-streaked eyes, and the scraggly hair that remained atop his head.  He’d been clearly beaten and tortured, however, by just the marks and scars that Shinji could see.  Before he knew it, his fingers had clenched into fists, eyes narrowed in righteous anger at the treatment the other young man had received. 
 
Before he could storm away, out into the street, through the gates, and on the way to Konohagakure no Sato to exact bloody vengeance, another familiar figure burst through, into the room from the kitchen.  The pretty woman seemed as though she were going to regard him – possibly inquire as to why he was here, now, but then answered her own question with a squeal of surprised delight.  Indeed, Jun was home.  The sudden movement awakened the slumbering shinobi right away, causing a groan of pain to be heard from underneath the woman as she squeezed him in a hug.  As he slipped away and landed rump down on the floor, he quickly came to his senses and stood as quickly as he could muster.  Shinji smiled slightly, an upturn of the right corner of his mouth that had become familiar to friend and foe alike – he was amused.  His eyes took in the sight of his somewhat superior brushing, before Jun turned around to regard the gathered Uchiha. 
 
“Welcome home, Jun-kun,” he said, still smiling.  “It’s good to see you.”

Jun's eyes burned and had to focus better as well, before he could see his older cousin clearly, and the other figures in the room, one of which he knew was Seia-Chan. Part of the reason they both looked and felt horrid was because they had been removed and had been sitting in preservative fluid for quite some time. The other reason was because they were just re-attached to the optic nerves and mended a short week ago, and still needed to fully heal. Jun's body ached all over, he felt cold, and his stomach yearned for nourishment as well. Yet, with all of this going on, the young Uchiha still felt happy. He was home, in the presence of loved ones. He no longer had to be subject to cruel beatings and ugly words.

"Shinji-Kun, it's good to see you too, arigato." , Jun said, weary eyes resting upon the figure of his older cousin.  "You look well. I am glad!" , he added. Indeed Shinji was in top shape, with flawless skin, strong muscles, unstrained eyes, and lovely long shiny hair. Compared to Jun's pitiful state, Shinji was in God status. It seemed that Jun's efforts to attain peace had worked, since his family was here and well. He smiled sweetly, looking from Shinji, to his older sister, then his Uncle. Yet, Jun's heart now skipped a beat, as he noticed Masuyo wasn't there, and neither were his children. Jun would ask,


"Where is Masu-Chan, Hisa, and Hiseo?" . The young father now looked a bit worried. However, Seiaryu would spin on a heel, saying in a melodic voice, obviously over-joyed her little brother was back, and she'd say in a familiar, giddy manner, "Masuyo is on a mission, and should be back soon! Hisa is out back! Hiseo is sleeping!"  Jun managed to giggle a little, though it was awkward since he hadn't giggled in so long. He was very happy to see Seia was returning to normal slowly, but surely, as she lost the amnesia over time. Perhaps though....some advanced medicine might help cure it quicker? There was no telling for it had never been done before.... However, thinking more about the fact he was a father, twice, the young man started walking towards the hallway, then down it, going to the room that was meant to be Hiseo's. He'd never seen his son before, since Hiseo was born while Jun was away, fighting for Oto against Konoha. Jun was happy Masuyo had named the child the name they'd agreed on.

Jun now walked into the room, with Seia following, and maybe the others too. He was quiet, so he wouldn't disturb the sleeping little one. Walking across the cute little room that smelled like baby powder, he approached the crib, and looked inside to see a tiny boy comfortably covered in a small blanket with teddy bears decorating it. Hiseo looked like baby pictures of him he'd been shown by his family. Their were some differences though. Hiseo had a mixture of brown and black hair, like it had natural lighter colored highlights. He also had Masuyo's nose. He was a really cute kid. Jun smiled warmly at him, feeling very good. Here was his little boy he thought he'd never see. Jun just couldn't resist now though. He had to pick him up. So, Jun reached into the crib and put his hands gently around the chibi Jun, picking him up carefully, and cradling the child in his arms.




Like instinct, a tiny chubby arm moved to grab one of Jun's fingers, and the baby cooed softly, stirring slightly. Hiseo must have been keeping Uncle and Auntie really busy earlier to be this tired, Jun thought, smirking. He could see it now, his son would be full of energy just like he was, and ready to do anything, just like Masuyo. Raising and training children was going to be fun. Jun was already starting to like the idea of parenting, and actually getting to enjoy it. Part of this was because he hadn't had much time to spend with Hisa before, having to leave her and Masu alone when his daughter was only three.




Jun, carrying the small child gently, as he walked back towards the living area, would cross that room, the meeting den, and towards the back double doors. Seia ran up and opened them for Jun, and Jun stepped out into bright sunlight, and the smell of lovely sakura blooms from the garden. Walking outside, he looked about the yard. it was somehow more vast than he'd remembered. Maybe a large part to have to do with that, was because for so long, the man had been deteriorating in a small prison cell, behind cruel bars. Sighing, Jun looked around, walking about to see if he could find his little ninja in training. She was six years old now. Surely Masuyo had begun her training, because they had planned to start teaching her when she was four.




'whoosh', came the small sound on the wind, Jun turning his head up, saw the small figure of a girl jumping from a tree to the lower tier of the roof, with a tiny 'thud' Jun smiled. He turned around, looking up, to see his daughter, a chibi Masuyo with Jun's long thick black hair and rare, beautiful dark blue eyes. She was wearing grey shorts and a black t-shirt typical of most Uchiha children. Hisa, though, when she payed closer attention and figured out who the overly thin man was, exclaimed excitedly, like she'd never see him again,


"Daddy?! Oh my god, DADDY!!" , Hisa said, tears coming from the corners of her eyes and dripping down her face. She jumped down immediately and much like Seia had before, hugged her father tightly, her head coming up to his stomach. The girl was tall for her age. She'd be just like Masu's height some day. Jun was very happy. He carefully balanced baby Hiseo in one arm, and took his now free hand to ruffle the girl's hair, smiling brightly, Jun would tell Hisa with confidence,


"Hey princess! I told you Daddy would come back, didn't I? Now, I'll never go away from you for so long again! I promise!" , said Jun. Inside of him, he felt very warm and loved. He liked this feeling, it was the best ever. Having someone to love and care for, who loved you back. What a wonderful gift. He had an entire family of people who cared for him, and he could protect and nurture in return, from his children and his Wife, to his Cousin, Sister, and Uncle. The whole clan, and the whole Village of Oto, really, were appreciative of Jun. In Jun's arms, tiny Hiseo started making sounds, crying at first, but Jun put his attention back on the tiny boy, shushing him, and touched his small soft cheek, when then, Hiseo opened his eyes, having ones that were a very lovely, exotic color, turquoise. You could also clearly make out the tiny darker colored ring around the center of the eye. Hiseo looked up at his Daddy's face, meeting him for the first time, squealing with joy and raising his small chubby arms up. Jun felt very touched, saying to the baby, "Hey there, Champ! I'm your Pa!" , Jun grinned. His stomach than made a hungry rumbling sound. He just remembered he was starving.

It wasn't long after Jun's arrival through the gates where Masuyo approached the entrance from the side of the forest surrounding it. She got lost on the way back but nevertheless, found the entrance. She was renown and knew nearly every Shinobi in Otogakure. The guardsmen at the gate didn't need her approval to pass through the gates and knew her appearance. They just waved as Masuyo smiled and waved back making her way through the gates. My target wasn't too hard...I'm glad I took him by myself instead of having teammates with me. That would've been a challenge keeping them in check... Kaede's mind set was still thinking about her assassination. She never really took great pride in killing, but it was a job which needed to be done, and hey, the payment wasn't too bad either.

Masuyo dresses up like the common Kunoichi would in Otogakure. She wears a pair of black Shinobi sandals. Their sturdy frame and structure provides protection and great durability during combat. Over her legs she dons a pair of loose fitting black pants. On her right thigh she straps on a blue Kunai holster using white tape under the dark blue strap over it. Inside she keeps a single Kunai as her primary weapon of choice. Around her waist she carries the common utility belt. It's color dark blue like holsters and made out of leather. On her right side she suspends a pair of Shuriken holsters side by side in a bunch. Around her back side, she wears the common hip pouch which holds the major source of her tools and equipment. Over her top she wears a long black sleeve shirt. Over her torso she slaps on an Otogakure flak jacket. Thick shoulder and neck pads with great protection. The belts are secure on the side which keeps the flak jacket on. The large pouch in front of the jacket is stored with even more gear which helps Masuyo carry more tools.

Masuyo shows great pride for Otogakure. Her forehead protector is worn around her neck with the steel plate facing forward with the symbol of Sound engraved on the front. Over both hands she wears a pair of black fingerless gloves with small steel plating on the back of each hand providing more protection. Her hands were placed casually in her pockets while looking down at the street making her way home. The common routine was working, cooking, and keeping her role as a mother. She didn't live far from the gates which meant a short walk for her. Overall she was exhausted. Tired with dry sweat on her arms and neck. She was still slightly hot from the battle, but she was relaxed for the most part. Turning to the side of the road she headed up the cobble stone path way leading to her castle. The large house for only three people. Half way up the stone path, Masuyo stopped with a questioning expression on her face. There's a lot more people than usual here...I can hear their chatters....voices I haven't heard before... Masuyo soon vanished from the path only to appear on the roof top.

She stayed very low with a Kunai already in a reverse grip held tightly in her right hand. Her instinct flared up as she quietly stalked the roof top. Peering over the ledge, Kaede caught a glimpse of her daughter dashing across the field approaching a man. Her grip increased, unaware who this "man" was and why Hiso was so attracted to him. This could've meant trouble for her daughter which kicked Masuyo into action mode. With her legs crunched already in a combat stance she pounced off the roof towards Jun in a shallow angle. Both feet softly landed on the grass before her movements halted. Seeing the full face of the "man", he happened to be Jun himself! After going missing for so long and suddenly returning, Masuyo fell into shock. Her grip loosened on the Kunai as her arm lowered to its side. Letting go of the grip the Kunai fell to point downwards as her finger was still inside the loop. She placed it inside the holster still not believing what she saw.

Masuyo stepped forward and caressed her hand across the cheek of Jun. It was real, not a Genjutsu or illusion. Kaede quickly realized his state and a glomp wouldn't feel too welcoming. She had to try and withhold her powerful emotions and filter through some less aggressive ones. She grinned brightly after seeing her husband for the first time in many years.

"Jun-kun....I'm..Glad you're alright! I haven't felt so dark and depressed ever since you went missing!"

Masuyo knew there were more people in the vicinity. Turning her head back, she saw Shinji's face along with a few other people Masuyo had little knowledge about, besides Seia.

"Oh..Good evening Shinji-sama!"

Masuyo was feeling delighted now that she can officially say she was "out of the dark ages". She did feel deep regret and grief by just looking at the shape Jun was left in. Mistreated and abused. Her sadness molded into anger seeking revenge for the ones responsible. She hid these emotions, trying not to spoil the positive atmosphere.

Shinji suddenly felt out of place, standing amongst the close family as they reunited.  Jun had gone to retrieve his offspring, the young male babe in just the other room, and when he returned, it was clear he'd slipped into another world.  Shinji could not even imagine what it would be like to be looking into the tiny face of someone he helped create, knowing that one day his legacy would live on through another.  Indeed, he'd barely thought of family beyond the duty to his clan, as leader.  No woman had particularly caught his eye - they all felt so far away, so very different.  So unlike him.  With the pride and love he saw in Jun's haggard face, he knew that his cousin had found something that Shinji was unlikely to ever find - peace. 

Masuyo had come in, and Shinji was expecting her.  She was another familiar chakra signature, and she'd been approaching for quite some time.  Method was unexpected but not dangerous to Jun as she realized who she might be assaulting, and instead of tackling him as one who was overexcited might, she beamed happily.  The whole family was here.  Not wanting to intrude, Shinji kept his distance, allowing them to say what they needed to say to each other.  To Masuyo's friendly greeting, he nodded, giving that same slight smile he'd worn since Jun had awakened.  He wasn't displeased, just uncomfortable.  The young man looked away, almost embarrassed at being there.  He wasn't the one who had missed Jun the most, after all. 

"Well, I'll let you all catch up.  I'll expect to see you fit again soon, Jun," Shinji said, turning away and beginning to walk out of the room.

[Exit?]

Jun wasn't expecting Masuyo to come back so soon, with Seia telling him she had gone on a mission. However, behind him, Jun had the awful feeling of harmful intent coming his way. The weary, but relatively rejuvenated young man (thanks to Nakago's healing, and food the other day) turned around quickly, clutching the tiny boy protectively in his arms, and activated his Sharingan, for the first time in a year. Red eyes bearing the three tomoe seal in each eye, stared down a beautiful woman, with light brown hair and lovely sapphire eyes. She had grown more supple and even more serene over the past 3 years. Jun was releaved, it was just his Masuyo.

The baby in Jun's arms giggled, now reaching out to his mother. Jun tickled the tiny toddler's nose, and he'd give a sweet smile to his beloved, as she told him with caring words, of how much she had missed him. It touched his heart, even hurt a little bit. Masuyo had been depressed? Jun felt guilty. However, since he was home, all of that would change. He'd promise to get back in shape, and train to get stronger, learn more techniques, and become a true shinobi once more, as the secondary head of the clan, and as a father and a husband.

Jun would then kiss the top of Hiseo's head, and pass him to Hisa, who'd happily hold her baby brother, while her Father hugged and kissed her Mother. Hisa was glad both of her parents were here now, and Hiseo was glad too. He now had more people to hold him and give him love, and some day Jun would train the boy, and he'd surely become a ninja too.

Once Masuyo was done talking to Shinji, Jun replied to Masuyo, "You don't have to worry anymore, Masu-Chan. The flames of my heart will melt away your sorrow, you can be assured. How many long days and nights I have missed you, thinking I'd not see you again. I love you so." , it was similar to the dramatic words he'd spoken to the damsel on the day they met for the very first time. Surely, they'd flatter Masuyo's heart.

Now, Jun'd turn towards his cousin Shinji, who was like a long lost brother to him. Jun knew that look on Shinji's face. Shinji didn't really like large crowds, as they made him feel weirded out. Also, Shinji didn't have a woman to love, or children to look up to him, but this didn't mean Shinji was not loved. To Jun, Shinji was another part of the family, who would always be welcome. So, with warm words, Jun'd speak up to the Uchiha Lord,

"Shinji, what's the hurry! We have a lot to talk about. I want to know how everything turned out here at home, and what our next goal is. We should plan ahead, you know? Also, you shouldn't ever have to fel like you're not welcome here. You're as much of a brother to me as you are a friend. Please....join us for dinner and a chat?" . Hearing this proposal of Jun's Seia got really excited. She yelled happily, "I'll make the supper! Everyone's favorite dishes, ina jiffy! Then....DESSERTS!" , and with that, the hyperly energetic woman left back inside, rushing to the kitchen, and you'd swear she could make shadow clones with how quickly she got the preparations started. Jun thought about how he'd remembered Seia's cooking, and he felt sick. However, he really didn't care so much about how it tasted, because he needed to eat.

Masuyo seemed a little too cautious about her situation, but Jun was above all than happy to see her. Jun went in to hug Masuyo in which she reacted to him in such a manner. After the two had their tender moment, Kaede turned around to see Shinji leaving. Masuyo, being the tender mother she was, wanted to attend to her guest. Jun was quick with his words, beating Masuyo's hospitality with his. However, she did not want to seem like she didn't want him there and thought more words could work better than one.

"Yeah Shinji-sama! Why don't you stay for some food? It'll be a great for Jun to catch up."

Masuyo saw the enthusiasm in Seia easily outmatch her own. Kaede loved cooking, making it one of her professions while at home, but Seia seemed to live for creating dishes for people to eat. Masuyo watched Hiso take her newest born son. She was so young and yet carried her child like a pro. She obviously had her strength. Masuyo waited for Shinji's reply before saying another thing and going inside the house. Being on the road for a couple days wasn't something Kaede fancied, but she got used to it. Inside her house, she deeply wafted the air. Glad things are back to normal... She rushed upstairs and removed her jacket and utility belt. Taking off her sandals as well she was left with her pants, shirt, forehead protector, and holster against her thigh.

"Ahhh...Feels good to let loose"

Masuyo never had Seia' cooking. She did faintly remember it being "unique" compared to the regular recipes she was used to. Flipping her hair, Kaede trotted down stairs and into the kitchen to see what Seia was brewing.

[OOC: Guys, I am so sorry I seemingly disappeared. I had to send my laptop off to Dell, and it took much longer than they told me before I got it back. I figured a week at most, and it's been like a month...so I'm terribly sorry, but I'm back now and plan on posting as soon as I can]

[OOC: great. I was away for a long time with no ideas for plots, but was recently planning to take over as Otokage and make a plot which had Shinji in a coma and Masuyo dead, because I think Moustu quit. However, now that can be slightly altered. Masuyo can either be dead or somewhere far away, etc. and Shinji and Jun can figure out what to do with Oto.]