Aku

*"Can't you leave a man to his demons in peace...i just want to drink and die alone and be forgotten...i dont want to remember anything of my former life and i just want to spend whatever time i have left alone..."* - Aku to Kakashi Hatake

Aku (アク, Aku) is a former Jōnin of Konohagakure renowned for his deeds during the Third Shinobi World War.

## Background

Aku, once a revered Jonin of Konohagakure, had earned a well-deserved reputation for his remarkable accomplishments during the Third Shinobi World War. His unparalleled skills, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination made him a formidable force on the battlefield. However, despite his past glories, Aku's life took a sharp turn after the war, leading him down a path of despair and self-destruction.

Haunted by the harrowing memories and experiences of the war, Aku found himself trapped in the relentless grip of post-traumatic stress disorder. The flashbacks of bloodshed, loss, and the weight of responsibility weighed heavily upon his soul, leaving him emotionally scarred and mentally exhausted. The weight of the burden he carried became unbearable, gradually eroding his spirit and sense of purpose.

As the days turned into years, Aku spiralled into a deep state of depression. His once-vibrant spirit and enthusiasm for life were replaced by a desolate emptiness. He withdrew from society, seeking solace in the bottom of a bottle, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. The numbing effect of alcohol provided temporary respite from the torment of his memories, but it was a fleeting escape that only worsened his condition in the long run.

Aku's former comrades and friends watched in sorrow as the once-great shinobi succumbed to his inner demons. They yearned to help him break free from the shackles of his past, but the darkness that enveloped him seemed impenetrable. Aku became a recluse, avoiding contact with others and shying away from any reminder of his former life.

## Appearance

Aku is a tall and lean figure, standing at around 6 feet (183 cm) in height. His build is wiry, a testament to the physical demands of his past as a shinobi. His skin is fair but carries a slightly pallid complexion, a reflection of the years of self-imposed isolation.

Aku's hair is a striking shade of midnight black, kept relatively short and tousled, falling just above his shoulders. His obsidian hair contrasts starkly with his pale skin, giving him a distinctive and somewhat enigmatic appearance.

His eyes, once vibrant and full of determination, have dulled over time due to his inner turmoil. They are a deep shade of onyx, often betraying the sorrow and pain he carries within. When he was younger, his eyes were said to be sharp and alert, a testament to his keen perception as a shinobi.

He typically dresses in simple, dark clothing that reflects his withdrawn lifestyle. A black long-sleeved shirt, faded gray pants, and worn, dark boots complete his attire. A tattered and faded headband, a relic of his days as a Konohagakure shinobi, is tied loosely around his forehead but is now worn more as a reminder of his past than as a symbol of his allegiance.

## Personality

Aku is a deeply introverted individual who tends to keep his thoughts and emotions hidden beneath a stoic exterior. He is naturally reserved, preferring solitude over social interactions. Aku rarely initiates conversations and often responds to inquiries with brief, measured responses. His stoicism is a shield he has meticulously constructed to conceal the emotional turmoil that resides within.

He is haunted by the memories of the Third Shinobi World War, and these memories relentlessly intrude into his thoughts. The visceral recollections of bloodshed, loss, and the weight of responsibility are an ever-present spectre in his life. These haunting memories are like an unrelenting storm, making it difficult for him to find peace.

Aku is plagued by overwhelming guilt over the actions he was forced to take during the war. He bears the weight of lives lost and suffering endured by others, even when these outcomes were beyond his control. He often questions whether he could have done more to prevent the tragedies he witnessed.

Emotional restraint is a hallmark of Aku's character. He has become adept at concealing his feelings, even in the face of the most trying circumstances. While his inner turmoil rages, he maintains a neutral façade, rarely betraying outward signs of anger, sadness, or joy. He believes that showing vulnerability would make him weak and expose him to further pain.

Aku's coping mechanism for dealing with his haunting memories and guilt is self-imposed isolation. He withdraws from society, seeking refuge in solitude and obscurity. He believes that by distancing himself from others, he can protect them from the darkness that envelops him. However, this isolation exacerbates his inner turmoil and loneliness.

To temporarily escape the torment of his memories, Aku has turned to alcohol. He's often seen with a flask or bottle, using its numbing effects to drown his sorrows. This reliance on alcohol serves as both a physical and emotional crutch but ultimately worsens his condition.