"It never troubles the wolf how many the sheep may be" - anonymous

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For as long as I could remember I had been taught obedience was the key to survival. My father always told me that in times of conflict with those you cannot hope to defeat, just lay down your weapons and subdue yourself to them. They're the bigger man. They're greater than you.

I also should mention my father wasn't the best at giving pep talks.

But like myself; he was raised that way, we all were. By we, I of course mean my clansmen and I. The noble Takahashi clan, feared for their explosion release and production of deadly shinobi, yet in reality we're a bunch of snivelling mutts. Takahashi; meaning bridge, was exactly that. We were the bridge of Iwagakure.

The Takahashi clan were trained from birth to follow the herd. The shinobi they produced did not fight Iwagakure's battles but rather groomed the ones who would. We were the stepping stones, ladders, bridges, for all Iwa-nin to cross into the future. A future where we were not welcome. We were all most Genin or Academy teachers, the clad Head and heir almost always becoming the personal advisor/assistance/lapdog to the Tsuchikage.

Which is why I, Takahashi Ichirou, heir to the Takahashi clan and first born son to the respected Takahashi Daisuke and Takahashi Ayane — am the black sheep of my clan.

I didn't have explosion release nor did I have any desire to be a follower. No, I was a leader, I was born a leader, and i'd rather rot in hell then succumb to the masses.

"I am no mere sheep!"