Name: Kangen, Akira
Age: 14
Birthdate: September 3
Gender: Male
Rank: Genin

Village: Yokuchigakure
Clan: Kangen Clan
Element(s): Fūton (x2)
Specialties: Ninjutsu, Genjutsu
Special Characteristics: 

Ambidexterity:

Perfect Pitch:

Enhanced Sight:

Enhanced Hearing:

Untrained Sensor:

Height: 1.52 m
Weight: 42 kg
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Violet
General Description:

Despite his relatively young age, Akira carries himself in an aloof manner, ensuring that he is dressed impeccably at all times to make himself look presentable in public. Still a growing child, he currently stands at about 5 feet, his body satisfyingly proportionate - lacking the awkward gangly limbs that others his age may be experiencing. Not at all physically buff, he instead takes on a rather frail appearance, with narrow shoulders and an overall slim frame that separates him from many fellow shinobi, giving the impression that he is not one to be constantly exposing himself to strenuous physical activities. His sharp features give him a slightly feminine appearance, delicate cheekbones accented by a sharp nose and chin, a "v-line" facial appearance that many females would be envious over. Long, thick eyelashes bring out the uniquely lilac-colored eyes - eyes which reflect a different kind of light depending on the people he finds himself around. His long slender fingers are features that he is secretly proud of, flexible digits that go beautifully in sync with his violin, movements natural and refined. His hair is somewhat a contradiction to his otherwise perfect style of dress. Medium-long, layered black hair sit defiantly atop his head, strands sticking out at odd angles in a tousled mess, often falling in front of his face and shielding his eyes from view. Since a young age, he has adamantly refused to cut his hair until he has absolutely no choice but to do so, and has an odd insistence towards letting his hair remain in its constant messy state. Occasionally - especially at important events - he will allow his hair to be tied up loosely with a ribbon, but only in extremely rare cases.

Dress-wise, his outfits range from a large variety of styles, but he is most commonly wearing all black, a uniform-like appearance consisting of a black top showing the hint of a white shirt underneath, and black dress pants, with a similarly-colored victorian tail-coat on top. Attached to the center of his neck-collar is a small ribbon bow, tied loosely in a fashionable manner. His sleeves extend nearly past his wrists, ending in several small layers of white ruffles that just barely reach the base of his fingers. Of course, such manner of dress is quite formal and not necessarily fit for battle. However, Akira considers himself a musician first, and a shinobi second. In cases where it is inevitable that he must go frolicking through the wilderness to complete missions and other such tasks, he will switch to more comfortable wear or even battle gear, but only if he deems it appropriate enough to be seen in. Additionally, he is always seen carrying his violin bag, a black bag shaped perfectly for his violin, with a strap that allows him to carry it on his back, with the sling-shoulder strap crossing in front of his chest and shoulders. 


Personality:

An old soul inhabiting the body of a young boy - or at least, that's what he is often described as. The first impression that most would get when laying eyes on Akira would be that he is a solemn, quiet boy who always seems to appear completely comfortable regardless of the situation he's in. His gaze is described to be all-knowing, piercing right through those who meets his gaze as though he can see through them and everything that makes them an individual - from their personality to their morals, their fears, their history. The most important detail to note before even attempting to understand Akira as an individual is that he hates being interrupted, often giving off a negative vibe when people get too close to him during a time in which he is preoccupied with a task - especially when he is playing a musical piece. Should someone do so from the very first meeting, there is no need to attempt to understand the rest of his personality; it is almost certain that he will dislike the offender and treat them with the upmost contempt for the rest of his life.

His personality is quite the incomprehensible mess - while not suffering from any known personality disorders, he is quick to switch from one mood to another, whether it be from positive to negative, or the other way around. To most people, he refrains from speaking first, his apparent "quiet" nature often leading others to mistakenly believe that he is an overall introvert. However, this isn't true. He simply prefers not to approach people when it is not absolutely necessary, especially knowing that even so much as giving a brief greeting or asking a quick question could ultimately result in a prolonged conversation - long, irrelevant exchanges of words and information that he generally prefers to avoid. When approached, Akira takes on a "judge first, adjust accordingly at a later date" mentality. His first move would be to do a quick visual scan of the individual, taking in their physical features, style of wear, and apart rank of importance. This is followed by a quick judgement of the first words to leave the approaching individual's lips. The fact that he waits to be approached guarantees that whoever approaches him will utter the first words, allowing him the opportunity to decide how he feels about them. Judgement of others generally results in the classification of two categories - the category in which he will first display an act of politeness and respect, and the category in which he will treat the individual with discourtesy, disdain, several hints of sarcasm and an uncanny preference towards absolute bluntness. Generally, those placed in the second category will remain in the second category unless some form of special circumstance arises (something which has yet to happen). Those placed in the first category however, find themselves easily moved into the second category should Akira suddenly lose the feeling of wanting to please or impress. 

Not one to take kindly to over-friendly individuals, Akira dislikes having his personal space invaded. Hating to reveal much about himself, those who are overly nosy or stick their nose in where Akira feels doesn't belong will undoubtedly receive a snappy response - or no response at all, in which Akira will simply turn and walk away in disinterest. Since the incident that resulted in the loss of his family, he has begun to withdraw from most forms of social interaction, temper becoming increasingly volatile as he spends more time shutting out the rest of the world. If angered in situations where he isn't strictly bound by rules of not using his abilities - especially in a fight or some form of physical conflict - a slightly sadistic persona may emerge, in which his favourite line "Allow me to play you a piece" (which can be formed in several variations with the same meaning) often makes its appearance shortly before he actually begins his attack. 

Quite the spoiled individual, he had been labelled as a musical prodigy from the moment he first held an instrument - as most members of the Kangen clan were expected to be. However, such expectations held true through his many years of playing music, and this achievement has allowed him to develop an air of superiority, allowing him to justify his actions when looking down on someone in contempt. While he doesn't go as far as to demand for something he wants, he has an obsessive streak that allows him to pour his focus into achieving something. Although this one-track mind may often serve to be a hindrance - as he is visibly uncomfortable with the idea of being able to achieve a goal he has given himself, Akira himself doesn't view it as a problem, but rather a trait that ensures nothing but perfection. 

Likes: 

As an additional factor to his mature state of mind, Akira's likes cover a large variety of quiet hobbies. First and foremost would be his physical, mental and emotional attachment to his violin. Although he has switched through several violins throughout his years of playing, he keeps every single one safely stored, occasionally taking even the unused ones out to clean and ensure that they are still in top condition despite the age of the instruments. He can dedicate an entire day simply locked inside his room tending to his violins, displaying a nurturing side that most living beings do not get the opportunity to see. Playing the violin, of course, is a no-brainer. Upon his introduction to the stringed instrument at age three, he finds himself never tiring of the melodic tunes that he is able to draw out, revelling in the beautiful music that he is able to create with his own hands. Akira loves to find a quiet place to practice, never truly minding that he is simply playing for himself. It provides him a chance to relax and simply enjoy his own music, and is often a reliable way to ease himself out of a bad mood.

In addition to the violin, although only really specializing in the stringed instrument, Akira has a fascination with most instruments of the string and keyboard families, and makes an effort to learn, at least, the basics of all others. At the moment, he is proficient in the piano and the other variations of the violin family (viola, cello and double bass). Although he cannot channel chakra through anything other than the violin, he still takes interest in other instruments, and holds respect for those who specialize in other instruments. In terms of interests not pertaining to music, Akira enjoys curling up in a quiet corner to read, immersing himself in whatever book he can lay his hands on. He also does take the time to train, though that is normally done in conjunction with his violin practices, as most of his techniques are channeled through his music-playing. 

Sweet foods. The one thing that truly ties him down to his young age is his irreplaceable love for all things sweet. From candies to various desserts, he has always had a sweet tooth for as long as he can remember, and during his own quiet violin practices, he can sometimes be spotted with a lollipop in his mouth, completely removing the otherwise serious atmosphere as he plays. 

Dislikes: 

He holds a general dislike to anything that he deems "noisy" or "too loud". One of his frequently used phrases to express his annoyance towards a person or situation is to say: "It's (You're) too noisy." After the uttering of this statement, he expects everything to quiet down, and if not, one can begin to anticipate the down-spiralling of his mood. Being a musical specialist who has dedicated most of his life training to his auditory abilities, he has a tendency to pour all his focus into a single task, and in situations where sound is coming from too many sources, he loses concentration - becoming overwhelmed by the various sounds stacking together against his perceptive hearing. As such, he tends to avoid crowded places, especially after the tragedy that befell his family. Previously, he had been used to the various social events that he would attend as an entertainer and child of an upper-middle class family, but since then, has found large social events tiring and much too loud for his tastes. The "noisy" factor also plays into his dislike of being interrupted, especially when he is playing the violin. Deeming it incredibly rude to be cut off while he is in the middle of a piece, he will become snappy and irritated should he be interrupted while doing a task. 

In terms of more tangible dislikes, Akira has a well-known dislike for unpitched instruments, as well as a general dislike for instruments belonging to the percussion family. Although his clan looks down on his distaste for such instruments, he doesn't bother hiding it, outwardly declaring that he feels such "primitive" instruments should not be considered important enough to be a field to be trained in. Other dislikes include bitter foods, overly sour foods, and seafood. Quite the picky eater, he will not settle for simple rations, and will go as far as to refuse food if it doesn't suit his tastes. 

Motivations: 

Akira's primary source of motivation are - or was - the expectations placed on him as both a member of the Kangen Clan, and as an individual musical prodigy. Coming from a clan and family that does not tolerate failure, Akira does not struggle much to achieve such expectations, but they serve as healthy and driving motivational factors in his life. Even if the expectations of those around him are removed, he still expects a lot from himself, never allowing himself to fail at a task that he has given himself. This, of course, leads to a devastating feeling of failure should he be somehow rendered unable to complete a task, which only motivates him further to never allow such a failure to repeat. 

Upon the death of his parents, a motivation that drives him to continue to pursue the life of a shinobi rather than simply a performer is the desire to discover the truth behind their deaths as well as discover his missing older brother. Although he really doesn't see himself as a shinobi and had always held misgivings towards the idea of expending his own life for the protection of strangers, it is his desire for the truth that enables him to preserver through the gruelling life as both a shinobi and musician.

Fears: 

His greatest fear - before and even after the tragic incident - is the fear of failing. To become unable to fulfill expectations being placed on him by those he loves or respects, or the failure to meet his own goals. Being quite harsh on himself, he despises the thought of giving up before truly giving it his all, and it is this mindset that serves as both a motivation and a fear. In situations where he - or others - have deemed something as a failure, he has a tendency to lock himself in his room to silently brood, continuously berating himself until he finally decides to re-emerge with a new determination not to fail again.

Additionally, he fears the truth that he will find out about his parent's death and the fire that ripped through their home. Knowing that his older brother had not been in the best of terms with the rest of the family fuels this fear - the fact that Shiki had gone missing in action from the morning before the tragic fire was something that everyone deemed suspicious. The fire still haunts his worst memories, and there are nights where he relives the roaring flames that took down their entire house, burning all that was within - the screaming of precious instruments. Which leads to another fear of his - the destruction of his precious instruments. Akira borders on obsessive when it comes to the welfare of his personal instruments, and there is always a lingering fear of losing or somehow causing damage to one of them; a fear that tends to interfere with his shinobi duties, as his violins are his primary source of power.

History: 


It began with a single highly successful musical producer - a man who had managed to captivate the hearts of many despite living in a world where people fancied moving quickly on with life and spend minimal amounts of time simply taking their time to enjoy a piece of art. Kuramoto Aoi was quite a simple man when away from his masterpieces, but given the opportunity to write and present his music and he becomes an entirely different man, full of commanding authority that only further draws attention to his emotional music. And it was two years into his rise to success that he married Kangen Ran, from the musically renowned Kangne clan. The couple began their happy life sharing a similar love for both each other and their love for music … but within a year, it became apparent that their multiple attempts to have a child were all futile. Although not enough to cause great conflict, the couple began distancing themselves to focus on their own individual musical interests.

It was a fateful night full of success and mistakes. Upon yet another successful performance in which his wife did not attend, the usually down-to-earth Aoi allowed himself to be tempted into a night of drinking, partying, and other forms of celebration that inevitably resulted in an unexpected surprise several months later.  Kuramoto Hikaru - meaning "light" or "radiance" - would be Akira's older half-brother by two years, a young, bright-eyed boy who could have no hope of attaining a name of himself in the future that would come. Upon the discovery of the result of the one night he had allowed himself to set aside his morals, Aoi took the child in, knowing that the mother wanted nothing to do with the child. And despite Ran's initial fury, her anger subsided enough to allow this new addition to the home, caring for him as she would with a child of her own for the next two year … until it was revealed that she had finally succeeded in becoming pregnant, the child which she carried would be one who had the blood of much talent within his veins. Kangen Akira; it was decided at the moment of his birth that he would carry on his mother's clan name, and to begin undergoing training the moment he reached age three, as was customary of all Kangen clan members.


The first three years of his life passed by rather uneventfully, doted on by his parents and older brother - the young Hikaru who never seemed to be able to leave his baby brother alone, pouring much time and attention to play with the even younger Akira. On the day of Akira's third birthday, a great celebration was held among the clan, several clan members arriving at his home with a large variety of instruments; the ceremony of instrument celebration was going underway. Three year old Akira would have to make a choice that would affect his future, as whatever instrument he ultimately chose would accompany him for the rest of his life; the one instrument he would eventually refer to himself as a master of. One by one, the various family of instruments would be played out before him, and unlike most children - who would be distracted several songs in - he sat attentively, violet eyes never leaving the instruments in front of him. It would not be his first time hearing many of these instruments, as his parents both had extensive knowledge over a wide variety of musical instruments and would play for Akira and Hikaru at every chance they got. But still, he appeared captivated, a response that the clan members acknowledged and praised. 

From well known instruments such as the various sized flutes to the traditional Japanese instruments (the koto, the shamisen) heard them all, but had yet to make a decision, as though the instrument he longed for had yet to make an appearance. As though he already had one in mind, only politely listening to all others in hopes of finally hearing the one sound he desired. Ironically, rather dramatically, the one he was waiting for came last. The hollow, strangely-shaped instrument, vertically asymmetrical, with it's top round shape slightly smaller than the bottom, a long neck that stretched with the thin, delicate strings that were attached on one side …  the violin. It was his mother who played this one, a rendition of a familiar childhood melody,the music singing of home and sweetness, mixed with a hint of bitter nostalgia. 

And then it was chosen, and everyone rejoiced. Everyone but Hikaru, who only watched from the shadows in confusion and jealousy for all the attention that his younger brother was suddenly receiving. 


The moment he began his extensive training in the musical arts, it became increasing obvious that he was a true prodigy, a child with natural talent. Developing a love for the instrument that he had chosen, he poured all his attention into learning it, to learn the basics, then advance to much more complicated pieces, and finally to self-compositions. By seven years of age, he was performing in front of crowds of people naturally, tagging along with his parents to their events as a guest performer. Everything was thrilling, yet he was always calm when he played, as though nothing could over in over his head as long as he was still playing his own music. 

And as he continued to thrived … his brother, his dear brother who had given him so much attention, began to sink further into the shadows. Knowing that it was wrong to keep out the other song, the clan offered to teach him the basics of music as well - although lacking the Kangen clan blood, he was still the son of Kuramoto Aoi, and it was expected that he still retain some of that talent. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Holding little to no interest for music, Hikaru rebelled against the music lessons, rebelled against anything that had to do with music. By age eight he began demanding to be placed in Yokuchigakure's Academy, demanding to take on the life of a shinobi through his own skills, and not through music. He began to resent everything about Akira, hating the attention, the talent, the skill that Akira possessed to meet the expectations placed on him. 

And so, the relationship between the two brothers began to deteriorate. 


He was late that evening. If asked now, he wouldn't be able to recall just what had delayed his return home. The memory starts the moment a messenger found him at the Academy, informing him that something had happened at his home, that messengers were being sent out to locate the remaining family members while the situation was being taken care of. Somehow, he made it home. Somehow, he found himself being held back as he watched his home be engulfed in flames, watching helplessly with everyone else as responders from the village attempted to put out the fire with various suiton techniques. But it was taking too long, much more than regular flames started by some accidental source would require. 

He was twelve years old, and that night, the statuses of both his parents were declared deceased, in addition to his private music tutor from the Kangen clan. But his brother … there was no mention of his brother in the house. In fact, there was no mention of his brother's whereabouts at all, apart from the fact that he was still unknown - a suspect in what was ruled a suspicious fire. 


No longer able to settle with a life of performance and indulging himself purely in music, Akira turned his attention to the life of a shinobi, determined to gain the skills to discover the truth about what happened to his home - a situation that still remains unknown, clearly a sign that some strong force had been behind it. Representing the proud Kangen clan, he still refuses to give up his studies in music, instead furthering his training in the Kangen arts of applying chakra to his instrument, using it as a medium to channel his abilities. After the incident, he had been adopted by his aunt, sister to his mother, and another member of the Kangen Clan. But Akira is no longer the same child that he had been, becoming much more volatile and withdrawn, quite the difficult individual to deal with.

RP Sample: 

It was a beautiful living piece of art. The world before him revolved around the colours red and orange, an intricate mix of various shades creating a breath-taking spectacle that lit up the dark night; the absence of the moon and stars only adding to the darkness that enveloped the surrounding area. Violet eyes were ringed with horror, a chill down the young boy's spine as he watched the dancing flames consume the home that he had lived in all his life, disappearing under the fiery show that he couldn't tear his gaze away from. 

The boy who was so sensitive to the sounds around him, the boy who couldn't stand it when the concentration of noise in his immediate surroundings became too saturated … that boy was momentarily gone, deaf to the yelling of people around him. But that wasn't to say he couldn't hear anything. It was the groaning screams of the instruments within the house that called to him, pleaded for his help. He could hear them, strings snapping as the bases of their respective instruments were forced out of their natural shape, deforming under the intense heat of the flames that ate away at the rest of the house. Everything that he had become so familiar to, the piano which his mother would play to him, play for him, and play with him … it would be reduced to nothing but ashes, rotting away with the memories that it carried.

"Please …" The word of pleading escaped his lips, softly, insignificant. What could he plead for? It was far too late. Too late to do anything. All he could do was watch was the world he knew collapsing in a sea of flames, removing itself from his reach forever. He stood rigid, staring at the same spot even as members of the Kangen clan began to make their appearance, crowding around him and offering their condolences. 

Noisy. 

How irritating. Couldn't they see that he didn't want to hear their sympathy-filled words? That he simply wanted to mourn in peace? He wanted to scream at them to shut up, to forcibly draw out silence. But instead, as though some unseen force was controlling him, he took out his violin from the case on his back, resting his chin on the leather chin rest. And then he began to play, a mourning piece full of bitter sorrow, longing, and farewell. 

Faceclaim: Leo Baskerville - Pandora Hearts (Also claiming Oswald Baskerville as a similar / future FC)

Buuump!