Edarama

Edarama was brought to the world eight years ago. Ever since he could remember, from around the age of five, all he’d seen was constant strife. This world they lived in divided people based on their ability to manipulate chakra and their banner… although some would argue that only the hidden techniques your ancestors left you mattered. After all, those who belonged to no clan or couldn’t manipulate their chakra were bound to serve those who could. They were hopeless against the clans that threatened to lay waste to their homes.

No two clans were the same. That went for their hidden techniques and traits, as well as their approach to life.

The Uchiha clan, upon whom the dojutsu (ocular technique) named the Sharingan was bestowed, were known for their ambitiousness and desire to conquer the world. Then, there were others, such as his own, the Senju clan, composed of nomads that wandered the precious land and were gifted by nature itself. They believed that life came to be from nature, as nature itself is bolstering with chakra, with that being one of the reasons his kin are so peaceful. As nature personified, his people had a strong belief in not taking from anyone else, but, instead, to provide, whether that be protection or something else.

They were a rare sight in the Land of Okane, where the majority used their kekkei genkai (bloodline techniques) to preserve the territory gained by their ancestors or to gain some.

Edarama wouldn’t go to say the world was a terrible place, however. Perhaps his clan’s leader was to thank. Senju, Motorama, as he was known to the people of the clan, or “The Two-Faced Monster” to the inhabitants of the Land of Okane, kept his clansmen safe wherever they travelled.

His abilities transcended those of his kin. He was gifted with the unique kekkei genkai of bending wood to his will, whether it was summoned by him or that of his surroundings.

The Senju clan was made of people with superior physical and spiritual attributes to the average clan, alongside their ease to learn and specialize in many areas. As their clan name indicates, Senju (“a thousand skills”) clan members are capable individuals known for their ability to learn quick and a lot, as well as for their deep bond with nature, going as far as practicing a religion named “Shizenhogo”, based on the practice of spiritual connection with nature and the protection of it.

“Right, back to Motorama nii-chan!” Edarama’s coal-like eyes met with yours in his continuation of the tale. “Well, because everyone fears him, besides us of course, they stay away from us in our travels. There’s the occasional bandit or squirmish with an enemy clan, but those who know better stay away!” Edarama said matter-of-factly. He sounded very proud of the renowned man.

“Edarama, if you’re done talkin’ to yourself, I need an extra hand,” Sajirama said. He was a sixteen year old he’d become fond of. His mother was a villager that tagged along many years back, distinguishing him from some of the rest. His Senju blood was diluted, but he shared many of the traits characteristic of the Senju. His hair was peculiar, though. It was as dark as night, polar opposite to his, as his own was as white as snow… which, now that he thought about it, he’d never seen before.

“Coming!” Edarama turned and hastily made way for Sajirama’s side, who he looked up to on their way out of camp and towards a nearby lake.

Every time they left the campsite, his blood pumped quicker. It was an enjoyable feeling, excitement mixed with a bit of fear. They never knew if there were enemies around, spying on them and waiting for the right moment to strike!… Although usually nothing happened.

That’s why I’m so excited. He swallowed the words in anticipation to Sajirama mocking him over a mere fishing trip, though, judging by the look on Sajirama’s face, he, too, was excited. It brought a smile to his face.

“You brought everything, right, Sajirama-san?” A question he should’ve asked earlier, but Sajirama rushed him. Had he not, he would’ve taken his time to thoroughly check they had everything. Edarama leaned forwards, peering towards the toolbox in his friend’s hand and the fishing rod on his back.

“I did. There’s no need to fret.” Sajirama kept his eyes on the road. Edarama nodded silently, turning his face forward.

The scenery that led to the fishing spot was truly remarkable. There was much green to take in, from wild vegetation growing onto the straight path, to the bushes and trees that embellished the walk, making it more peaceful.

Edarama held his chin high. He was proud to be of help to the clan once more. He was thankful to Sajirama for bringing him along again.

“And we’re here,” Sajirama said upon their arrival at the docks. The wooden docks sustained by underwater pillars was where they’d left it.

“Uh… Edarama, today you’ll be in charge of fishing. I won’t help you at first. I want to see how you do.”

“All right!” Edarama’s excitement only managed to grow. This opportunity must’ve come because he was always behaving right whenever the two of them went on fishing trips. That, or Sajirama felt bad for always leaving him watching.

Sajirama put the toolbox down on the bridge and assembled the equipment. Then, he held out the fishing rod with a bait, a worm actually, pierced by the hook.

Edarama was honored to take it. To be holding the fishing rod for the first time… It felt good, having power. He snickered about it.

Sajirama looked down at him with a confused smile while rubbing his cheek with a fingertip. I should’ve let him at it sooner, if he was lookin’ forward to it so much.

The white-haired boy, with his head lowered, abruptly sped towards the edge of the bridge with unmatched happiness. He had Sajirama worried for a moment.

Having watched Sajirama use the fishing rod numerous times prior, he worked his way around the basics. “Right, so I pull it back, and then…” He thrust the rod forward, lunging the fishing net into the water. He then reeled it further down and sat down, swinging his legs forwards and back.

“That wasn’t half-bad, I’ll admit!” Sajirama took a seat beside him and set a hand on his head, patting him.

Edarama flashed a happy grin to his friend’s remark and sunk his head respectfully. Sajirama did the same.

The two of them looked up and gazed into the horizon. It was sometime in the afternoon, so the sun was halfway down. They had time.

Sajirama stood up and dragged an empty bucket he’d packed, placing it between them for when something perked.

“Say, Sajirama-san,” Edarama said meanwhile.

“Yes? What is it?”

“Why did you choose fishing?”

Sajirama was surprised by the question. He stayed silent, probably thinking of any underlying reasons he had to choose the profession over the other ones the clan offered.

There were blacksmiths, herbalists, tailors, hunters, cooks, fishermen, weight carriers, ninja, but most importantly there were no woodchucks. They didn’t hurt nature in any way, but they used what was readily available to them. For example, they used plants for medical purposes, and ate fruits and plants, and the animals that roamed these lands, but they didn’t harm their surroundings in any way. In fact, they protected them from those wanting to cause it harm.

That was the way of the Senju.

“Well… I think it’s because of how peaceful fishing is. And, I still get to help the clan somehow. Keep everyone fed, you know? I like fish, too. Especially sardines.”

“That’s why, then?” Edarama thought they were noble reasons. He chose this profession because it fit his personality the most.

In his case, Sajirama had suggested he tag along and check it out when he was struggling to find out what he was interested in doing. Then, Sajirama gave him the brilliant idea to try them all out. That way, he’d know for certain. That was the plan, until he ended up settling for fishing. He’d made a great friend on the job, so, he thought they’d make each other company.

“Why did you ask?” Sajirama’s brows were arched slightly.

Edarama was silent for a minute, but then he looked up, revealing fiery eyes to his friend.

“I want to help keep the clan safe. I can keep them alive through fishing, but what if… What if we’re outnumbered and Motorama nii-chan can’t protect everyone?” He was genuinely worried and clearly had given the matter a lot of thought. He wanted to delve into ninja arts.

Sajirama rubbed the back of his head.

“You know… The people of the clan need to be fed. You don’t have to become a ninja to help the rest. Motorama-sama and the rest already fend off any threats,” he said serenely.

“But… I do agree that the clan could use more fighters.” Sajirama brought a hand to his chest. “I want to keep our fellow clan members safe too. Let’s become ninja together, Edarama. We’ll grow much stronger, learn ninja arts, and make sure no one harms our family,” he said passionately. They shared the burning desire to turn into a wall of flames that shielded their clan.

“Deal!” Edarama stretched his arm out for a fist-bump, which Sajirama responded to.

A happy yet nervous smile stretched across his lips. Edarama knew that, if they were to become ninja, the path ahead of them would be a very difficult one, full of tragedy and hardship. But it didn’t have to be. If the both of them were as strong as Motorama, no one would dare approach their people.

Sajirama, being the oldest, wouldn’t let Edarama’s ambitions get to his head. So, he forcefully turned the boy’s head forward.

“For now, though, focus on fishing. Being of help is the first step to being a ninja.” He sagely nodded.

Edarama pouted, before a smile replaced his acted sad look. Shining eyes befell the rod deep down the lake.

Suddenly, something began pulling on the rod. It was time.

“Something’s biting! Help me pull it up!” He began reeling the fishing rod back, pulling it his way along the way. Sajirama got up from his seat and helped pull. With their combined efforts, a large tuna was flung through the air, hitting the bridge behind them. Edarama’s eyes widened as he rushed over, a happy grin on his lips.

“Wooow! It’s so large! This’ll feed all of us, I bet!”

“It’s a tuna. Wow… I thought these were very rare, and that they could only be found in a sea. Help me lift it.”

The two Senju picked the large fish from its peak and its rear, and shoved it inside the bucket they’d brought. It almost filled it whole by itself.

No, wait… maybe it did come from the sea. Then that means…

“Edarama, run!” Sajirama kicked the bucket the tuna was in into the lake and picked up the toolbox and his fishing rod, before pulling his friend by his arm.

“Eh? What’s going on?” Edarama asked warily. He moved hastily with his friend, even though he didn’t understand why they were fleeing. Everything was fine just a moment ago. Then, he looked back to check what was happening, and…

The white-haired boy gasped, his mouth agape and his eyes dilated.