New Beginnings: Magic in Mokugakure

[Kakashi Hatake]

“My name is Asuma,” the olive-skinned shinobi responded, nodding at the injured party. “As for what we are, we’re just...people. Watch your step.” He gestured toward a sizable crater, a gaggle of townsfolk currently at work shoveling loose earth into it. “Don’t mind our appearance. As you seemed to have learned, the Tangled Green isn’t always the friendliest place. I hope you can understand our initial hesitation.”

“Take it easy,” the young medic implored, draping an arm over the youngest newcomer. “You need to- Ooof!” The boy was nearly knocked to the ground as the girl sprang momentarily back to consciousness, muttering an apology as her caretaker struggled to keep the two of them standing. He placed his free hand on her hanging head as they walked, his appendage beginning to glow a dull blue.  

“That’s Chūzo,” the chain-smoking jonin said with the hint of a smile on his face. “He doesn’t get the chance to play hero much, but he does his best. The two behind you are Mack and Gabriella. They don’t take as quickly to strangers as Chūzo, but you can trust them.” 

The group continued through the village center, passing toppled buildings and the burnt remnants of various infrastructure. Though the village as a whole remained standing, the scars of devastation could not be ignored. Asuma found it hard to look upon those wounded as he passed, instead focusing on their destination. Just ahead he could see the off-white building popping up over the rest of the smaller huts. He hoped that the infirmary had enough staff to cater to the newcomers.