Board Thread:Konoha Logs/@comment-27375402-20160405215937/@comment-28131316-20160405222541

Another day in the Kyoko compound, was like another day walking through a miasma of hatred and fury. She knew what her place was, even those with a handful of feather's held more rank than her. Despite her being the second born of the clan Head, she was 'The Failure', and even children took this as an opening to consider her the end of all their jokes. Despite her being a skilled Researcher, and a valuable asset to the Village, Kumiko was nothing more but a political tool for her family. Her father holding it over her head that the only way to gain status in her clan was securing a good marriage to further the clans holdings.

Her father was power hungry. Which for a clan filled with people that supposedly were the embodiment of Wisdom and Knowledge, was kind of a self-defeating purpose. She never spoke up on such things, it had been years since she had been seriously physically reprimanded, but a back hand now and again was dealt out when she stepped 'out of her place'. Today was no different, as the young woman sat on the edge of the Kyoko clan training courtyard. She was looking into the specialization fields of research, as she was reaching the point in her apprenticeship where she would have to make that choice.

Earlier that day, to the Shinobi Researcher she trained under, she had mentioned that she was interested in researching bloodlines. Interested in learning all about them, and their Traditions and Cultures surrounding them. She believed it would be an admirable thing to study, and the records were basic from what she had been told. The Shinobi she had been assigned to, when she entered her apprenticeship, had mentioned that he thought it was a good idea, but he would have to speak to his higher ups first. Which she found to be completely logical, as they didn't need some wet behind the ears Researcher stepping into such a territory without laying things out properly first.

The young woman's head ducked down, as she pushed herself through the notes from that days worth of studies. Caramel eyes, partially hidden by her glasses, swept over the script before her. With a careful hand she continued to write in notes, and answer the questions presented to her for her research and memorization work. Her Higher up would expect this when her next shift happened, and she would make sure it was completely. She was drawn from her personal thoughts when one of the smaller children, probably only two or three, walked up to her and gently tugged on the back of her bun. Causing a slight pain in her scalp, as the toddler's slippery fingers tugged on the pale lavender strands.

"Ano... Juri-chan, you shouldn't be near me, it will invite trouble." She said softly to the small toddler, and like clockwork, as always, the child's parent appeared. Kumiko slowly tucked her writing utensil behind her ear, as the parent swooped up their child. This was one of the women that had married into the clan, but the look of hatred on her face was clear. "Juri-chan simply got lost, apologies. I did not mean to upset you." Kumiko whispered as she bowed her head and ingratiated herself to the woman.

"Don't talk to me or my child, the only reason you are here is because the Elders haven't found a husband for you yet." The woman snapped back as she left with the child, leaving Kumiko to stare at her work before her.

She blinked a few times, finding that a few tears had gathered, but she found herself pushing them back as always. Closing herself off, keeping herself tightly reigned in. Her face calm and impassive as she stared at the documents she was working on. Inside her heart gave a painful clench because of the lost chance of some sort of positive interaction. She should expect it though, every member of the clan was ingrained with their disdain and distaste for her. She was the only born-Kyoko that was a civilian, which was just not done. From birth, since she became 'The Failure', children were taught to behave, or they might end up like her.

It should hurt more than it should, but Kumiko had long become numb in a way that was probably not healthy for a young woman. As she looked up she noticed her father heading into his reception chambers, the clan elders not far behind him. Behing them walked her brother Daiki, and a few people she did not recognize.

They were probably preparing another possible betrothal for Daiki, as he needed to be married before he could become the Head of the family. Kumiko gave a small huff of dissatisfaction as she watched them, but quickly clenched her lips as her fathers cold gaze landed on her.

Her head tucked down again, as she kept herself sitting on the edge of the training area, returning to her work so as to not draw attention to herself. Perfect Lady, perfect tool, it was the only way to prevent more troubles.

She drew in a deep breath as she focused herself again, and then shuddered at the feeling of the small hairs on the back of her neck. They were rising, causing a shiver to rush through her again, as she let her head slowly come up again.

Behind her stood Daiki, as she let her gaze lift enough to stare at his chin, as she was forbidden from looking clan members in the eyes unless directed. "May I help you, Daiki-sama." She asked softly.

"Dekisokonai*, The Clan Head has requested that I attempt to test you again. To see if you may awaken chakra manipulation. I do not find a reason for it, but it has been requested. You are almost 20, and that is the age of majority in the clan. If you cannot even do simple Jutsu, your fate will be compeltely sealed." Daiki said, his eyes matched hers in color but his conceit and arrogance shone in them like something vile.

"Y-Yes... Daiki-sama, if that is what you wish. When will this take place." The young woman asked as she slowly started to put her materials away. Standing up, and folding her hands behind her in a rather submissive manner, her head bowed politely, as she had been taught.

"As soon as the other clan members clear the field, so when their spars are coming to a completion, than you will attempt a spar. I warn you, I will not go easy on you just because you are a civilian." Daiki stated as he slashed his hand out in a rather agressive manner. "Go get one of the trianing weapons, and prepare. Maybe a good beating will draw it out of you."

Kumiko's face remained impassive, even as her hands clenched tightly behind her back. Her fingers locking around each other and tightening to a point where she wanted to just snap and strike him. But she knew better, she knew better than to strike him. She bowed her head lower, moving down to bow from the waist in a very deep manner. "As you wish, Daiki-sama."