Probitas:Tales of Innocence

[Kakashi Hatake]

The namekian youth let the shinobi’s words sink in, gazing thoughtfully at his feet. Plenty of the village’s citizens had painted his father as a bad guy, shunning him as a violent and dangerous influence. Probitas had begun to wonder if maybe his kind were indeed all that the villagers had claimed. That was, until Asuma had mentioned him. Though it was clear that his methods were not always in-line with the norm, the jonin could only speak of Retane in a positive light. The boy felt pride welling up within his chest as he recounted the words that the chain-smoking ninja had uttered; his father had saved the lives of Moku’s ninja. His father was a hero. Perhaps, he could have pride in both his species and his father.

“Thanks, Asuma-sensei,” Probitas said finally, beaming.

“Huh?” the bearded ninja inquired. “For what?”

“For trusting my father.”

Asuma chuckled. “He saved the lives of our shinobi. He’s earned it.”

The namekian smiled once more, gazing at a group of parrots perched on tree limb overhead. He watched as a lithe jungle cat scaled the bark of the tree, slinking out onto the bough. The birds flapped and cried out, scattering as the feline traipsed toward their roost. A single bird stayed behind, eyeing the incoming threat with curiosity as it approached. The feline sniffed the parrot thoughtfully before laying down beside it, purring gently. Sometimes, the most threatening creatures just need company.

“Sarutobi-san!”

Probitas quickly turned toward the call, watching as a group of Moku ninja dashed toward he and his sensei. Their faces were etched with concern, worry weighing heavily on their words.

“What is it?” Asuma inquired, stamping out the last of his cigarette.

“It’s wolves and the raptors again, sir,” one of the ninja spoke, straightening his headband. Probitas could barely make out the man’s eyes behind his long, dark bangs. He wasn’t sure why the man bothered to wear the headband like that if he just let his hair hang in his face.

The olive-skinned shinobi furrowed his brow, exhaling slowly. “This isn’t good. These territorial disputes are happening more and more frequently.”

“Lady Tsunade requested that we alert you to assist us, sir,” said the shaggy-haired man, bowing slightly.

“Yes, thank you Garoki,” he said, bowing in return. “You guys head over there, I’ll follow in just a moment.”

The group nodded quickly before dashing off further into the facility. Probitas could hear the sound of a struggle in that direction, scientists calling for one another to flee the area as the mixed cries of various animals became louder. “Wolves and raptors?” the namekian inquired, looking up at Asuma.

“Yes,” the jonin affirmed, shaking his head. “We have many animals in the facility that are under study. There are a few groups that give us trouble, the raptors and wolves being the worst offenders. They seem to be more aggressive than usual lately…”

Probitas’ keen ears noted the sounds of quarrel growing increasingly louder, snarls and screeches echoing through the facility. He furrowed his brow and squared his shoulders, looking up at the bearded shinobi. “I want to help.”

Asuma smiled. “I was hoping you would. Let’s get over there.”