"Love is like a friendship caught on fire: In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning, and unquenchable."
Background
Senju Shigure, age 14, and born in the cold months of Konohagakure on the twenty third day and third year before the formation of the Hidden Villages. He hails from the illustrious clan of Senju, a birth right he constantly strives to be worthy of, and one that has raised him with a measure of patience and expectations. Shigure, much like many Shionbi of his age, is an orphan, and while this tragedy has become a cliche within the Hidden Villages it makes the sting and pangs of loss no less depressing.
Shigure parents were killed after the Clan Wars (Shizu & Gureggu). He was roughly eleven at the time when his mother and father did not return from the dwindling skirmishes and tenuously held fronts, and sadly so close to the end of the tragic battles between the feuding families. Shigure surprisingly rose above such tragedy and became something akin to a visionary: constantly looking to the future in hopes of a better tomorrow. His emotional resilience is quite possibly a homage to his deceased mother and father, who he more than likely wishes to make proud even in the afterlife. He has two keepsakes of his father and mother that Shigure guards with a ferocious tenacity and that few even realize if not close to the teenager or clan (a fading, worn, and torn blue scarf and Shinobi armor).
The teenager for the next three years, preceding his family's death, took to his studies with a passion and fervor most students rarely show, becoming a lone wolf in a sense, and ward of Leaf. Shigure wasn’t just a skilled combatant but also a scholar. The teenager delved into history, literature, techniques, and the mysticism of the Shinobi to be a better man than his enemy, and quite possibly a strength Konoha could rely on one day.
During his years at the academy he showed great aptitude and skill with lighting based ninjutsus and a particular finesse with taijutsus that avoided strikes, redirected momentum, and focused on the use of tools to overpower his opponent. He graduated the school with high marks in ingenuity, subterfuge, intuitiveness, chakra molding, stamina, and ninjutsu. A prodigal of the Senju and a youth with potential like any other.
Shigure was however held back a year in the academy, the stint due in part to a great depression he fell into. Inuzuka Hige yet was there to help him through his turmoil and allowed the Senju to find his inner strength through what Shigure has dubbed affectionately as “tough love,” but in reality Hige merely threatened Shigure with physical violence to coach the teeanger out of his failings and inevitably getting the youth to accept his parent’s death. The two share a rapport based on mutual understanding and mutual benefit: teaching one another, helping each other overcome their weaknesses, and providing shoulders when needed.
The rest, as they say, is a tale in the making.
Personality
Shigure can be considered a bit of a recluse in a lot of ways, but that doesn’t make him anti-social or impersonal. In reality he is perhaps the friendliest, or at least could be considered one of the friendliest, Senjus in Konoha despite his rather calm or indifferent demeanor towards strangers; then again walking around the village with a shit-eating-grin or smile twenty-four-seven isn’t exactly normal. Shigure is approachable, finding an empathetic ear for those who wish to rant or just need an emotional release, but he prefers to know the individual before diving into the deep end of anyone’s drama. All in all the teenager is quiet in public, conservative, and not quick to speak amongst crowds.
Many of the Senju clan has labeled Shigure as a loner in polite conversation, but the truth of the matter is Shigure is just trying to live up to the expectations of his family, village, and namesake. Keeping to the clan’s reputation is not easy, and especially for one as young as Senju, so he is constantly second guessing himself on how to act or speak outside of hostilities. Yet those close to Shigure know him to be a paragon of the Leaf and one who emulates much of Harshiramako’s values while incorporating his own ideals: altruism, virtue ethics, and deontology.
Atsuro is Shigure's teacher, mentor, and man placed in charge of insuring the Genin becomes not only a sound Shinobi but a Senju proper; while balancing the child's deep seeded emotional issues with Loss.
Hige and Shigure have been friends ever since the Academy, and now work together on the same team. Both share a quiet understanding due to each being orphans of War.
Nagai, a strange youth, and one full of mystery and questions to be answered. Shigure’s family took in the “stray” before their untimely demise. Ever since then Shigure and him have been surrogate brothers.
Hashiramako may not be his immediate Aunt, but a Clan is a family all the same, and she is still his blood. The child has no personal relationship with the woman. Yet Shigure still admires his Aunt's great deeds, ideals, and goals.
Tobiramako in the same regards to Hashiramako is not a direct family member of Shigure, but like Hashiramako he holds an esteem for Tobiramako's ethics, and sees her as a necessary counter balance to Hashiramako's values. Shigure also respects the fact she is Clan Head and the awesome responsibility that comes with such a postion.
Shigure knows very little about Daisuke beyond being the Nidaime. He refuses to speak of the man openly; perhaps due to the man's reputation and anger issues. A hornet's nest Shigure would prefer to avoid at all costs.
A friend of his Sensei (Atsuro) and apparently Medical Ninja of Konoha. His senior and quite a weird one at that. But he's at least kind and approachable; which Konoha could use: level headed Shinobi.
Kyu and Shigure seem amiable despite their Clans history and penchant for hating one another. Obviously the two Genin have not inherited their elders old grudges or hatreds. A friendship is growing but which way it'll go is anyone's guess.
A short athletic male, with intimidatingly gray eyes, undercut style chestnut hair, who appears to be in his early teenaged years, and stands at 5’5 falls before your vision.
This teenager has short, straight, and undercut styled chestnut brown hair that ties off into a short loose hanging ponytail. The irises of his eyes are gray; the canthus is narrow and oculars themselves intimidating in appearance with dark circles beneath each. His face is deceptively youthful, with no blemishes or grains of hair, and not showing any signs of his age; his eyebrows are thin and sharp, his nose is slender, and his lips full and small. He is quiet short (no more than five feet five inches) and his physique is rather slim, toned, and athletic; but not overly muscular. His lightly hued bronze skin hints at a Konohagakure heritage. He can be considered handsome if not a bit androgynous. The teenager displays an extremely calm demeanor despite his expressionless or frowning visage; in where he contracts each brow in displeasure or concentration.
His forehead is adorned by a protective headband of the Leaf strapped to his cranium by a black latex like band that falls underneath his undercut style head of hair.
A large pale blue faded scarf whimsically hangs over his shoulders and ties off at his back in a drape that hangs at his mid drift. The scarf’s colors start to bleed more at the ends and shows signs of wear and tear.
A brown and silver metallic shoulder guard is strapped to his left arm.
Each forearm and hand is covered in fingerless black and brown metallic guards with leather acting as the cushioning and lining; something akin to a heavily modified gauntlet or vambrace.
Fishnet like chain mail resides beneath a black hiro with white lining that “v’s” at his pectorals (think of a martial gi in modern terms). The hiro itself is missing the right sleeve, or more so has seemed to be tailored to accommodate the youth’s tastes. A deep blue sash ties off the hiro that hangs over his waist concealing his buttocks and groin.
Slim fitting black slacks hug at the youth’s buttocks, thighs, and calves, and are neatly tucked into a pair of metallic shinguards.
His feet are covered in black and brown Jika-tabis (boots) with a divided toe area and appear to be a slip-on of sorts, with white and blue straps tying off the footwear to his shinguards. The Jaka-tabis are able to withstand heavy-duty trekking or extreme environments.
Dear diary, its 12/24/10, the cold season, snow is everywhere, and Konoha has lost her wisdom.
Aunt Hashiramako has left, for what reason I do not know, and has no expected return date; what does this mean for the Senju and will Daisuke be able to reign in the Uchiha in her absence? Perhaps Aunt Tobiramako can insure Daisuke does not act like the mischievous man he is while wearing the Hokage robes.
I fear for Konoha without the two sisters as heads of the Village. Will we be able to maintain the delicate peace or will the families return to past grievances and feuding? And what happens to our might in the absence of Hashiramako? The future will be troubling in deed. I hope clan Senju is able to remain strong Mom and Father; watch over me please.
Dear diary, its 01/11/10, and the heat is unbearable during the warm season, but I’ve mastered my affinity!
Dedication and perseverance have paid off, I have finally torn past my personal blocks and harnessed my natural affinity. I didn’t think I was a Raiton type, I’d hope to be more like Father and Mother (Sution) but perhaps with time I can unlock that affinity too, as I know Suiton is part of me; it has to be (don’t take this from me too world).
You would be proud Mother and Father. My instructors are quite impressed with my aptitude with chakra molding and my work ethic has paid off, just like Aunt Tobiramako preaches, and I’m glad I listened.
Dear diary, it's 08/15/11, and the leafs are begging to fall, the forests are beautiful during the season of change, and I have made a friend indeed.
Hige, fire and passion, that’s a kind way of describing him. I didn’t think I’d make any relationships after Mom and Father passed away, but he seems to genuinely understand my feelings; but that is more than likely because he too knows the pains of loss.
He seems to lack any practical understanding of the elements, but I can help him with that. I don’t want to play into stereotypes but you'd think the Inuzuka would learn a trick or two with all the years they’ve been Shinobi. Oh well, he compliments my mid-range style well, and I can help him with his training too; or at the very least cover his weaknesses in a fight should it come to that.
I hope we become the greatest of friends Mother and Father.
Dear diary, its 06/08/12, and late into the evening, darkness is imprisoning me!
I can’t sleep again. Nightmares of my parent’s death keep plaguing me, and images of their murderers taunt me in a haze of unfamiliarity. I try to remember the faces, not my parents, but of the Shinobi who robbed me of my family. But how could I even know what he, she, or they look like? I wasn’t even there? Is this a sign, a vision of some sort, or does my mind simply wish to keep me in a wallow of misery? These cold sweats along with the season don’t help. Perhaps I am just coming down with something? I should see the clan healers, but then I’d have to confess my horrors, and I’m not ready to do that.
It’s pain for me. Nobody wants their family to die too fast. I swear I can see their faces and hear their voices. Mom-Father please give me the strength to be brave like you. It’s hard to look back; I’m afraid, so once again I’ll just hide in my room and remember the peaceful times that made us bright. You told me Mom and Father long ago: I can’t fly if I don’t try, but you left outside the wall. More than ever it is real. I can't lose my edge.
What a foreboding omen, and just after graduating the Academy.
A boon to be sure, but one clan hard to live up, and even harder still to remain relevant in. Shigure exhaustingly tries to emulate his elders and clan teachings while still being progressive and free thinking much like his aunts Hashiramako and Tobiramako who embody wisdom and strength and altruism and rationale in his eyes; and he strangely avoids talking about his older cousin Daisuke (perhaps due to his fiery temper and mischievous personality). His younger cousin Shisokuma is a bit too carefree for Shigure's tastes and thinks he should apply himself better to become a Senju proper.
Perfect Chakra Molding
Much to his keepsake as a Senju Shigure can more than adequately mold his chakra to suit his needs in performing Ninjutsus. Whether due to good genes, proper instruction, or sheer determination Shigure has perfected the art of molding chakra to his whims; and while he is not one to ever boast he knows where his talents lay and uses them accordingly: thus becoming a close range to mid range fighter through Taijutsu and Ninjitsu applications in combat.
E Rank Jutsu
The Senju lad put in the extra hours after school to perfect the basics; so while other children where off being sociable, cementing relationships, and squandering their allowances Shigure was off in some corner of Konoha’s surrounding woods training, and training, and training until he insured things were right on a foundational level.
Diminished Genjutsu
Shigure has always understood the necessity of needing to deceive his foes, and the majority of Shinobi who cannot accomplish such matters of subterfuge or obfuscate with tenacity are by and large worthless in this world of Spies, Assassins, and Agents for hire, but Shigure himself prefers practical means of deception opposed to the mystical; thus resulting in a lack of Genjutsu training. And while he can perform such Jutsu competently it is an obvious weakness he must either overcome or ignore in favor of strengths.
Diminished Power
The teenager is actually quite adapt at hand to hand combat, but lacks the necessary force to cause his blows to do much without the aid of tools. His short stature and youth have much to do with his lack of physical prowess, and Shigure secretly despises his inability to throw blows like other Taijutsu Shinobi. So instead Shigure has opted to focus on softer techniques of martial arts like Kenpo or Wing Chun: using his opponent’s strikes and momentum against them in favor of raw might.
Fear of Loss
Shigure is not some egotistical snob who vainly clutches to his possessions, matter of fact his fear of losing something stems from those around him: he cares deeply about his family, friends, and companions, and at times this compassion turns into sever anxiety which causes him to wake up in sweats in the middle of the night or to experience horrible nightmares. This explains largely why he has dark circles beneath his eyes as he doesn’t sleep well.
Male
Senju Clan
Konohagakure
Lightning
Water
