Toshiro Part 1

Warning:

Pretty gruesome backstory, at least in the beginning part.

You probably already guessed it, but I'm just putting it out there since I feel like it's obligatory.

Enjoy?

"I don't ever remember having parents. I was on my own for as long as I could remember, at least until I was around 5 and met him, my master.

"I was in an alleyway, scouring around for spare food.

"Then, a group of thugs came into the alley.

"I was a small, malnourished 5-year old, and because I hid as soon as I heard them approaching, they didn't see me.

"I remember vividly how there was a pouch of gold coins swinging freely on the biggest guy's belt. His back was facing me, and no one was looking at me.

"I was foolish, and I reached out to grab it. I was caught, and the thugs grew angry, since that pouch was their day's 'earnings,' as they called it."

Toshiro glanced down, took a deep breath, let it out, then continued.

"I was terrified at the time - they seemed like giants to me.

"I instinctively cried out for help, but no one heard.

"The thugs took their anger out on me, and their heavy fists beat down on my face and weak little body.

"I thought I might die, and I probably would have, if my master hadn't stepped in.

"I had just seen a flicker of a shadow in the corner of my eye, and I had closed my eyes a second later because the thug beating me up was bringing down another fist to my face.

"I heard a few groans, and then silence.

"I was young and scared, unsure of what to expect when I opened my eyes.

"He seemed...like a dark angel. He looked pretty old, maybe in his forties, and seemed powerful. He felt like an angel to me, but the powerful aura around him made it seem impossible for him to be a pure angel.

"He had a cold gaze looking down at the thugs, but it turned warm and comforting as he looked at me... it was the first time I felt like I wasn't alone, and someone actually cared for me. At that moment, he seemed like a real angel, like a savior."

Toshiro sniffled a little, but regained his calm after a minute and started again.

"The rest was a blur, but the man had asked me if I was alright and, seeing my bruises, he took me to his home to treat me.

"Maybe he felt pity for me, or sympathetic, but after hearing I had nowhere to go home to, he let me live in his house for a while.

"Of course, I was grateful and overjoyed. So I lived with him for a few months.

"Then, I asked if I could be as strong as him. I asked seriously, but I wasn't expecting a positive answer.

"When he said yes...I was astonished, and begged him to teach me and be my master.

"He explained how he was a hunter, and so was his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and so forth.

"He explained that what he would teach me could never be passed on to anyone else unless you know they are completely trustworthy.

"He called his special ability...his secret weapon...nen.

"He taught me about nen. I didn't have much natural talent, but having practiced hard before I even turned seven, I showed results.

"Eventually, after finding out I was a conjurer, I found a way to put it to use.

"I created pills. I was able to create so many things simply from science and practice. Healing pills, pills to make stamina increase, pills to benefit so many things... my master was very proud of me.

"I remember his proud smile...he felt like a grandfather I never had.

"Years passed...I don't know how many, but they all felt like paradise. He and I became...family."

Toshiro looked away, a bitter smile showing on his face.

"The rest of our days passed, and I slowly and steadily learned more about nen. I didn't learn everything yet, and since I didn't have a hatsu that would help in fights... I wasn't able to help my master when people ambushed us.

"They wanted the 'miracle pills' I made, and mistakenly thought my master made them.

"My master underestimated them. There were two Nen-users, an Enhancer and Emitter, and they teamed up together to fight against my master.

"The people who didn't know Nen were still very strong, and after the Nen-users weakened my master, they were able to take down my master easily with the help of everyone.

"And, pathetically, I couldn't do anything but watch."

Toshiro's head was hanging low, and he was talking quietly as he lowered his voice.

Thanks to my hearing, I could still understand what he was saying.

"The Enhancer used his strength, and the Emitter backed him up by healing, strengthening, and replenishing him from a distance.

"I tried to help, of course, but it was useless. My hatsu was useless in fights, and I couldn't make a pill for myself because it wouldn't do much for me - I didn't know any fighting techniques at the time, and a strengthening pill or anything to give me an advantage would go to waste on me.

"The men defeated both my master and me easily and barged into the house we lived in, and found the room where I kept my stash of pills.

"They took everything, not leaving a single pill behind, regardless of its use.

"I was...heartbroken. My master was alive, but he was in bad condition.

"He always has good instincts, and I know he knew he was dying that day.

"...If he hated me, it would have been better. Instead, all he did was reach for my hands, and whisper to me... 'don't let the secret of nen fall into the wrong hands, and...live on.' That was it! He had a stoic face, and smiled a little.

"I remember it like it was yesterday, how the moment his eyes slowly filled with tears, the house burst into flames.

"The flames were the work of a nen-user. And I was too weak to get my master out of there.

"He..."

Toshiro's voice cracked, and he wiped at his eyes quickly.

"He was crying. It was the first time I'd seen such emotion on his face.

"He smiled at me, and leaned in close to me. He whispered his final words...

"'Toshiro. Live your life...put your special talent to use. You're a special boy, don't forget that. And...I love you.'"

Tears were dripping down Toshiro's face, but he didn't seem to notice - he didn't seem like he was aware of anything around his.

He was lost in thought, a glazed expression on his face.

"Ahem. Continue."

I reminded, after waiting 10 seconds.

I hadn't heard how he developed the Sleeper Pill yet, or how he came to the Underworld when he seemed so innocent.

"Ah... right, sorry. After that, he used his nen to protect me, and pushed me out of the house. I came out of the house unscarred, but when the flames finally died down... my savior, my master, my teacher, and my...grandfather...was dead.

"And the worst part is, he was smiling...."

Toshiro broke off, choking up.

I stared unflinchingly back, and didn't acknowledge him.

Toshiro looked up, a bittersweet expression on his face.

"I've never told this to anyone...I guess what they say about how telling someone your worries and scars can make them a little lighter is true.

"That may have seemed unnecessary, but it does make it easier for me to explain the rest.

"And...thank you, for listening."

Toshiro smiled up at me, slight relief noticeable on his face.

I nodded coldly - it didn't really matter to me. I just had all day, and he certainly wasn't going anywhere.

If I got Toshiro to feel a bit secure around me, it would save a lot of trouble.

And I didn't have to pretend to care a lot, didn't have to fake emotions, because he had no expectations.

I suppose this man was just lonely.

If he proved useful, I could introduce him to some of my other smart friends.

Maybe they'd click, and I'd have another connection with loyalty.

As my thoughts wandered, Toshiro cleared his throat again.

"Thank you, for being patient. This next part will take a while...." (A/N: probably a few more chapters and a lot more time since I'm short on free time, creativity, and motivation)

"So please continue being patient with me. Thank you."

Toshiro cleared his throat again and took a deep breath.

"After the murder of my master...."