Education in the Mountains

Japanese name meanings:

Kyokoku - Canyon

Yamada - Mountain

Ueda - High rice paddy

Noboru - Honest, Straight

Kiokure - Timid

Junko - Pure, Obedient, Genuine









Iruka looked at Kakashi. It wasn't often that you saw a reaction like that from the famous Copy Nin. It truly was breathtaking, both the village and the look on the other man's face.





Standing on the edge of the plateau he looked down. The river flowed over the edge and fell unimpeded about 200 yards to a large pond at the base. The teacher had never seen a waterfall so smooth. There was literally nothing for the water to hit as it flowed down. It was serenely beautiful. So calm yet so powerful. The water itself was crystal clear, and the waterfall was just the beginning.





Iruka looked out over the village. It was a canyon, a huge canyon with walls on either side going straight up. The bottom of the canyon was roughly 250 yards wide with the river flowing straight down the middle with small canals that flowed off the main river running throughout the whole village and supplying it with fresh water. The entirety of the village’s commercial offerings were built along the banks of the river and its canals. Travel through town was facilitated by numerous bridges and crosswalks over the main river and canals respectively.





The architecture of every building was elaborate and beautifully constructed. From this height, Iruka couldn't make out details but he could tell there was impressive craftsmanship involved in the construction of the entire village. From the simple stands of the marketplace to the grandeur of what appeared to be the government buildings to the flowing lines of the temple. They were all built to be admired. It was quite the sight. He had a feeling the bridges would turn out to be just as ornate once they were close enough to see them better.





Speaking of bridges, the canyon was full of them. They stretched across the width of it, all along the length and the height of the walls. They connected what appeared to be a massive series of walkways carved directly into the walls. Situated along the walkways were caves. Judging by the people moving around, in and out of them, the walls of the canyon housed the residential area. Each cave had a door, above it an opening used for ventilation, and another small opening to the side. There were also what appeared to be lifts situated all along the length. Curiously, Iruka could see no way to power them, but he watched a couple people get onto one and carry them up to where they wanted to go. The teacher in him was fascinated to see how they worked.





The walls of the canyon also had vegetation actually growing out of it. Trees grew out and then up, trying to reach the sunlight. Shrubs and flowers flanked doorways and walkways. The sun showered down into the canyon, casting shadows over everything and reflecting off the water droplets that collected on anything within about 75 yards of the base of the waterfall. Then of course there was the small faint rainbow created by the sun that shined on the cloud of fine mist formed down there as well.





It was almost magical. The shadows of bridges swaying in the wind combined with the constant shimmer of the sun off the mist created a dichotomy that was almost poetic. Iruka took a deep breath.





Kakashi looked at him. “I suppose we should go introduce ourselves.” He looked down. “They are expecting us.”





Iruka looked over the edge with trepidation. “How exactly are we supposed to get down?” He looked back up at the jonin. “That's a really steep cliff to chakra walk down.”





“I'm told there is a lift from the council building.” Kakashi pointed down to the right of the waterfall at the large building. He then followed a series of wires with his eyes to a sign at the edge of the cliff above the building. “Perhaps we should read the sign,” he said, with a smile.





Iruka blushed, shook his head, and ignored the other man's teasing. That's what I get for opening my big mouth before properly assessing the situation. He probably thinks I'm an idiot. He walked over to examine the sign. It was constructed out of a dark and intricately grained wood with a small charcoal grey square of metal laid into the upper right corner. The elaborate and flowing script read:







Welcome to Kyokokugakure



Please touch the Ferrochakrium plate



Located in the upper right hand corner,



And concentrate on your name and purpose.



Someone will be here to assist you momentarily.



Thank you.







“Interesting.” Kakashi said, standing beside him. “So it begins.” He reached out and placed his fingers on the metal plate.





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An uncomfortable silence settled over them as they stood and waited. Kakashi glanced at Iruka who stood, shifting from one foot to the other, patently avoiding looking at him. Suddenly, a wooden-framed open elevator rose to the edge of the cliff. A man stood inside with his hand on the rail. It glided to a stop. The man stepped forward, opened the gate, and pushed a wooden walkway about 5 feet long and wide down to create a walkway from the plateau to the left. The man appeared to be middle-aged and had a friendly face. He smiled.





“Welcome to Kyokokugakure, shinobi of the Leaf.” He bowed slightly. “I am Ueda Noboru. If you would join me on the lift, I will escort you to the council building.”





“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Ueda-san.” Kakashi bowed. “I am Oshiro Tarou, and this is my partner, Hamasaki Yasu.” Iruka bowed.





The two men stepped forward and onto the lift. Noboru lifted the bridge and closed the gate. “Councilwoman Yamada has been notified of your arrival.” He placed his hand on the rail and the lift started to glide down. “I'll take you to the balcony. You can make yourself comfortable there until she can take you to see the village.”





The lift continued to descend. It broke the plane of the roof and descended into the building through what appeared to be a records room to the floor below that and coasted to a stop. Noboru stepped to the other side of the lift that opened the gate and bridge to the inside of the building. Kakashi and Iruka looked around in awe. The building was stunning. The walls were beautifully polished wood with a mural carved into it of a mountain and waterfall. The floor was a mosaic of natural stone that seemed to continue the scene that started on the wall.





“This is amazing,” Iruka breathed.





“Thank you, Yasu-san. We are quite proud of our artists and craftsmen here in the mountain.” He gestured for the men to follow him to the left.





They followed him through a sliding door onto a covered balcony over the pond. A tea set was sitting on a small table between two chairs. “Please have a seat. I must return to the records room.” He turned to leave but paused and looked back over his shoulder. “I hope that you will find the village comfortable and your mission successful.” A look briefly passed over his face, but he turned around quickly to hide it and walked quickly off the balcony and closed the door. Kakashi frowned.





“Odd.” The blonde frowned. Iruka nodded.





“I'm not sure what to make of that,” the teacher mused. “There seemed to be a bit more to that statement than one of general well wishing.” He sat and poured himself a cup of tea. “Would you like a cup as well, Tarou?”





Kakashi shook his head and moved to the edge of the balcony, staring out over the pond and gardens on the other side. Things were certainly getting interesting. He wished he had more information as to exactly what the issues here in the mountain really were. Thanks for the details, Danzo Fuckwad. He hated going in practically blind. A commotion outside the door drew his attention. He turned around. Iruka had stood up and was looking at the door as well.





The door crashed open. Both men tensed up and prepared to defend themselves. In tumbled a ball of limbs, strawberry blonde ringlets, and pink cheeks. They relaxed. The child stood up and looked at the two men. “Hi! I'm Kiokure. What's your name?” She smiled and giggled and looked at them. Looking at Kakashi, she stilled.





She walked up to him and stared at him. Almost reverently she spoke. “Wow! You're so pretty….” He blushed.





“Well, so are you, young lady.” He chuckled. And she was. She was a stunningly beautiful child. Her hair hung in silky ringlets and bounced cherubically. Her face was positively angelic. She radiated joy and surprising power. This child had the potential to become incredibly powerful in the future. He'd never felt that kind of power radiating from such a small child.





“Kiokure!”





All three people in the room jumped and looked at the door. Kakashi’s eyes widened. The power radiating off the woman standing there was extraordinary.





The girl quieted but smiled at the woman. “These men are guests of Kyokokugakure. They deserve more respect than that,” she reprimanded the child.





“Sorry Mama.” She looked at Kakashi. “I'm Yamada Kiokure, and this is my mama, Yamada Junko. It's a pleasure to meet you,” she said, formally.





Iruka knelt down to her. “The pleasure is all mine, Kiokure-chan.” He lowered his head to her. “My name is Hamasaki Yasu, and you are the best welcoming committee I've ever had.” The child grinned and almost hopped in excitement. He leaned in to whisper in her ear, conspiratorially. “And you're right. He's too pretty for his own good. Just don't keep telling him that. He'll get a bigger head than he already does.” He winked. She giggled but tried to hide it and nodded to him seriously.





“I promise!” Iruka gave her a thumbs up.





Kakashi watched this with a smile and turned to the woman who was watching the conversation with amusement in her eyes as well. “Oshiro Tarou.” he bowed to the woman. She walked to him. It was more like gliding, actually. He'd never met someone so graceful. Every move she made was like silk flowing in a gentle breeze. Her grace was very much in contrast with her appearance. Everything about her was so very ordinary. From her mouse brown hair to her eyes of the exact same shade to her face. Her appearance was simple and nondescript. Until she moved. Her grace of movement was so stunningly beautiful. She was a paradox of a woman.





“I welcome you, Oshiro-san,” she said, formally.





“Please. Call me Tarou.”





“Very well, Tarou-san. I am Councilwoman Yamada. I'll be showing the two of you around the village and getting you settled into your room at the inn.”





Iruka’s head jerked up. “Room, singular?”





“Is that a problem? I'm told the two of you are partners. I assumed one room would be sufficient to allow for easier communication.” She looked concerned.





“That is absolutely fine, Yamada-sama,” Kakashi replied, quickly. “My partner is just a little shy, regardless of how long we've worked together.” He shot the other man a glare.





“Please call me Junko,” she looked to the two men, “and I understand. We each have our peculiarities.” She smiled. “Shall we go?”





Kakashi nodded. “After you, Junko-san.