★ rasengan quest: mercy's plight

[Estilo]

she's one of those girls, who seems to come in the spring--

--one look in her eyes, and you'll forget everything.

★ Chapter One

Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura

Born to a wheat merchant and a tame housewife, Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura wasn't your typical samurai apprentice. He was renowned as the ultimate klutz of Tetsu no Kuni, which clearly brought to light the origins of his obvious moniker. But rumors and stories alone didn't necessarily prove that Sakami was that sort of person. No, when one met him face-to-face, it would all be crystal clear. The lad, a fairly young age of seventeen, was lean and with no visible signs of the muscle puberty should have rewarded him with years ago. His medium length, wavy black hair was usually unkempt and in the way of his brown eyes, and his clothing was far from the traditional samurai apprentice standards. Needless to say, the samurai of Tetsu no Kuni frowned upon apprentice's wearing black hooded sweaters and khakis in the workplace. But Sakami had used his stage three asthma as an excuse to continue doing so, to protect his lungs from the complete chill of their homeland. But in the back of his mind he always thought he looked cool with his hoodie on, paired beside the fake but detailed copy of a samurai sword sheathed beside his waist. It was made of wood, but unless he unsheathed it, no one else but his comrades and teachers would know.

Today, around late morning, Sakami would find himself at the first floor of the samurai compound. It was an open space with polished metallic floors and a single but large receptionist's desk in the middle, surrounded by a counter that formed the shape of a full circle. He approached it with a tentative aura, shifty eyes daring to glance at the pretty receptionist there from time to time. When finally the girl took notice of his presence, the lad would freeze in his tracks and give a sheepish smile, straightening the creases on his sleeves when there were no creases to begin with- a nervous action. "S-Sup?" He smiled, mentally punishing himself for asking such a stupid question. She was working, didn't he see that? At times like these, he wished he could just become invisible and skulk off with his tail between his legs, to avoid the embarrassment he was putting himself into at some level. But, he knew, he lacked the ability to ever do such a thing. That sounded more like a job for ninja. And while he had thought about becoming one of those sneak-and-kill types, the young man always knew he would only be happy following in his father's footsteps as a bladed warrior.

"Hey, Sakami." The girl, no older than him, replied with her typical bright smile, a gesture the young man often took to heart all too well. She laid down her pen, briefly pausing from her paperwork to give her attention to him. "I'm just filling out some sheets, and its boooring. But oh-ehm-gee, did you hear? I think we're going to be visited by a Hokage today." She continued, her ocean blue eyes widening with delight. "I've never seen a Hokage in person before, and I have no idea why they'd be visiting here..." Sakami wondered this as well, temporarily exiting the world of daydreams with Kairi- the receptionist- to ponder the arrival of such an important political figure in the ninja world. It seemed like even with the Chuunin Exams, no kage had actually bothered to travel to his homeland and attend any sort of event or meeting. But here one came, willy-nilly, for a plight the boy had reason to suspect. Was something going on?

"That's... that's interesting."

[/color] The apprentice answered, a smile in his eyes. "I've never met a Hokage either- I wonder who it is?" It was only when the sound of light footsteps echoed throughout the room that Sakami stopped talking. He turned to the origin of the sound, and discovered that a woman was coming down from the spiral stairs beyond, clothed in an elegant red dress lined with gold and wrapped with sashes. Her legs were bare save for a pair of stockings, put on to only scarcely reveal the creamy flesh of her upper thighs. She was a jaw-dropping beauty, despite being much older than him, and kept that serene persona as she approached Sakami from afar, throwing him and Kairi a polite glance as she passed through. Long flowing black hair trailed behind her in waves, the lighting above glistening on the surface of her golden bracelets and winged diadem. When it had seemed that she was headed straight out the door, the beauty stopped in her tracks, side-by-side with the awestruck lad. She threw him a smile, glanced backwards at Kairi, then turned back to him. Leaning in closely, her smooth hair brushing against Sakami's cheek, she whispered.

And when she was done, the woman abruptly disappeared- a sudden 'poof' leaving behind a scattered display of falling green leaves where she once stood. Sakami stood there petrified, processing what she had just told him, staring back into Kairi's confused stare while trying to understand the meaning behind the stranger's words. Was she?... no, it couldn't be...

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[Trigga]

Enter, The Hokage

Tetsu no Kuni-- the settlement lands of the illustrious samurai, as well as the terminus of Uchiha Ryūsuke. A night's escapade leading the figure of political strength and nonpareil compassion to the snow-engrossed paradise of the bladed warriors. Soft, vigilant footfalls with a near silent thump crossed the spans of nations on end, skillfully navigating the continental stretches to the best of his ability. A world so large, yet smaller then one could imagine, this innate experience and drive made the journey more permissible then one could assume initially. A moon lit a rather lambent tinge of sallow white, and a sky burnishing deep mauve, the Shinobi continued his journey without fall.

Leaving the Hidden Leaf behind, though not without protection as a mirror image of himself stalked in his stead-- his own shadow embodying the prescript in which had recently been permanently placed upon his edifice of accomplishments. Spiritually attuned to that in which he cherished above all else, the scarlet-haired nobility left his home in good hands-- he knew this all too well. From those who knew him beyond the fire shadow, and for those who cared little of his ascendence, everyone shared on common interest; the security of Konohagakure no sato. Before his reign as Hokage, Ryūsuke had done so much to ensure the safety of his village, and now he would entrust those who entrusted him. This circle of trust and strength would only build further and expand into an incredible force which wouldn't be matched by any mere jutsu, or army.

(“A letter from Tetsu no Kuni, specifically asking for my attendance? Its odd, I've only visited the Samurai compound once, and during my stay I wasn't even Hokage. Yet this mysterious person knows me now as such? I guess I'll find out more upon my arrival.

[/color]”) While nonchalantly musing over in thought, the Shinobi was nevertheless industrious and watchful of his surroundings. A dormant crimson surfacing not, the sheer hue of purple in his irises would do well enough on their own. Being too dependent on his Kekkei-genkai had never been something the young man vanished, and it was seldom that he used it, even in the midst of battle. Transversing land and sea itself; patterning through the heavens and resting only when requisite, it was a standard day's time before he arrived in the white Eden of falling bliss.

For those who occupied the interior of the vestibule, a slow creak would echo modestly, and with the inhale of cold air, all would be alerted to his presence. Garbed in his tralatitious wears, consisting of a navy blue kosode (long sleeve), white hakuma which would masked beneath the silver robust of his body armor, and a Katana-standard strapped to his back, the Hokage had entered. To his right hip, secured by thick strings, the dragoon-esque accessories previously attained dangled—Agni was visible. Resting comforting in his right hand, a porcelain mask shaped to mistily resembled that of the majestic wolf, strands of long, exuberant scarlet danced in his foyer while his silk scarf followed suit loosely tied around his neck comfortably.

“I'm Uchiha Ryūsuke-- Shodaime Hokage.” He called out, though humbly despite such a revered cognomen following the elite legends of his surname. Hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, specks of snow danced down his frame as the Uchiha rested a mere two meters from the grand entrance; a esthesis of warmth sweeping across which accompanied a content sigh. Reaching into his top, the young man retrieved the letter in which he had received days prior and held it up. “My presence was requested here?” He called out, not knowing exactly who requested an audience with him, but knowing someone else should have known.

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[Estilo]

★ Chapter One - Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura

"Soooo...?" Kairi started, a blatantly obvious curiosity in her tone as she started- eyebrows arched in interest- from behind the desk counter. "What'd she say? She didn't whisper something dirty, did she?" The young woman continued with a taunting giggle. Sakami snapped out of his trance, cheeks red with embarrassment, the woman's strange words still reeling through his mind. It wasn't so much the content of what was whispered, but the randomness of it all. Why- out of the two people currently in this room, one of them being a receptionist- had the raven haired beauty chosen him? He had yet to make any sense of what had transpired, and decided instead to make things clear with Kairi, who often liked to goad.

"O-Of course not!" He stammered, his cheeks blushing red still. "Why would she whisper anything like that to me? We don't even know each other!" His stammering was then followed by a chorus of nervous laughter, a single hand raised to rub the back of his neck. In the back of his mind resided the urge to confess his feelings to Kairi, and admit that he only- truly- had eyes for her. But like many times before, cowardice ruled over said urge, and imposed his silence. This was just a big misunderstanding, and he didn't want to give the pretty receptionist the idea that he was into older women who whispered dirty things into his ears. Even if it had not transpired here to begin with. He was only interested in her, as it had been for a while.

"Uh-huh." Kairi smirked, narrowing her blue eyes suspiciously at the young man. She then pushed her wheeled seat away from the desk counter, giving herself room to stand up and reach for a manila folder nearby. "Well, anywaaay-" She continued, exiting the confines of her small workplace to approach Sakami with said manila folder. "Can you do me a big favor and make some copies for me?" She beamed, her smile caught in between two cute dimples. Stopping in front of the lad, she presented the paper-filled folder to Sakami. "I know I shouldn't be asking you, but Nuerhachi told me I had to stay put no matter what- to wait for the Hokage, and-" When footsteps echoed nearby, she abruptly stopped.

The front entrance had creaked open, and standing there was a ponytailed young man dressed in fairly elegant garb. Sakami turned to lay eyes on the newcomer while Kairi simply stared. Together they would look on, that is, until the man finally spoke. "I'm Uchiha Ryūsuke-- Shodaime-"

"HOKAGE!" Kairi squealed, finishing off the older man's sentence with her abrupt interjection. She pushed the manila folder into Sakami's hands before skipping off towards the honorary arrival- unaware of the ossified look on Sakami's face. With a smile that stretched from ear to ear, she clasped the Shodaime Hokage's hand with both of her own. "It's a pleasure meeting you, Lord Hokage! My name is Kairi Shinahara, I'm the receptionist here. I just started my shift, but if you need someone to give you a brief tour of Tetsu no Kuni later- I'm your girl!" And while she continued to shake the man's hand, Sakami stood frozen and wide-eyed. How had that woman known? Exactly what have I gotten into?! If the Hokage asked after him, the lad honestly didn't know what he would say.

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[Trigga]

"HOKAGE!!!"

His sentence severed, diminishing the curious quality that protruded through his tone of voice, the Hokage was seemingly staggered by the fulminant and abrupt force of voice. Though gentle, this inflation that emerged magnified a once lovely tone that was previously detected and only disheartened the art of surprise. His location intercepted, and his appearance known to the few populace around, all the young Uchiha could do was smile charmingly with a hint of vacillation as she approached. Beautiful was the only viable term that could express her exterior, and jovial seemed well enough for her blossoming aura that cradled her spirited mannerism. Nonetheless, it was overwhelming—this attention of course.

(“This is a much more welcoming conduct then my last visit.”) A subtle muse escaped into the expansive void of conscious thinking as the woman clasped his hands and waved energetically upwards, then to its paired direction. A handshake overly enjoyed, this young woman—the receptionist seemed quite eager to meet him. Her name highlighted, which complimented the dimple-ensnared smile that pulsated life into her youthful, round face, the Hokage expelled one of his own to ease the mood. “Its a pleasure to meet you, Kairi-chan.” He announced, his voice soothing and surprisingly calm-- his face erupting with a pleasant air that most in his position lacked. Humility was quite the understatement for Ryūsuke epitomized what I to be a young, mature, though considerate man.

I'm your girl!-- Eager and self-inclined to lead a tour, most likely extensive around the Samurai Compound, the Uchiha was flattered. A sea of scarlet held tightly in place within the ties of a velvet thread, almond orbs of lucent purple continued to peer out into the aperture in front of him. Taking in not only the receptionist that held his hand, but the other behind him, and from the looks of it, a samurai of the facility himself, he smiled. “While that would be great, are you sure this won't place you at an inconvenience?”He inquired. Knowing the obligations of a receptionist well, there were certain things they could and couldn't. Their job was maintaining a stable informative of all that entered or exited and for what reason. If she took the time to show him around what was assumed to be quite the erectile region, she'd unmistakeably miss any clientele that would surely enter beyond this point.

His hands still maintained within the warm, in-motion clench of the receptionist, Ryūsuke had happened to look over the young lady's shoulders, and found himself faintly glaring at the young samurai. His appearance suggested an age near his own, and with cheeks lit a vibrant cherry, a sensation all too familiar to the Hokage himself was evident. “Hello,” He called out, conscious to not ignore one of the two people remaining in the room. Nothing more then a sign of respect for the samurai and a common habit to try and show gratitude to all, the Uchiha awaited an answer.

[Estilo]

★ Chapter One - Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura

"Of course not, your lordship!" Kairi beamed, in response to the Hokage's inquiry about a possible inconvenience. Her hands remained clasped around his, despite the fact that she had already refrained from shaking them. But she, of course, did not mind. Being in the presence of an actual kage was an absolute honor! And around these parts, honor was a nearly tangible thing. "I'm not the only receptionist here, y'know. I'd run myself ragged with work!" She giggled, ocean blue pools gazing light-heartedly into the man's own optics. "The compound runs on a twenty-four hour basis," She continued, her tone changing to one of a dutiful flight attendant. "In order to maintain the attentiveness and enthusiasm of each of its workers, the compound rotates its designated receptionists every six to twelve hours. That way, we all come to work well-rested and ready! Since I have a free day tomorrow, I wouldn't mind giving you a tour tonight at all!"

His smile was enough for her to go on, and she refrained from divulging any more details on the matter from then on, content with simply having met him in the first place. When she noticed his handsome gaze turn over her shoulder- towards Sakami- she promptly answered what he may have been wondering, after he'd given his brief 'hello' of course. "That's Sakami." She smiled at him, unaware that her male friend grew slightly wide-eyed just then. "Don't let him fool you though, he's not a samurai- yet. And I don't think he's quite innocent either." She giggled once more, releasing the Hokage's hands and hiding her own behind her. Leaning her body forwards, to whisper something that could clearly be heard by Sakami- due to these echoing metallic walls- she contined. "I think he has a thing for older women!" She jokingly divulged, her bright smile growing wider still.

"K-Kairi!" The lad voiced from afar in what almost sounded like a whimper. This was all too much for him to take in at the moment, and he currently had no idea how to handle this precarious situation of his. Never having been one to lead even himself, the young man had no idea what he could say, or what he should do. Like before, he wished he could grow invisible and simply slink away. He wasn't prepared for circumstances like these, he wasn't ready. This was all happening so fast. This was all new to him.

"Oh c'mon, Saki!" Kairi replied happily, turning away from their honorary visit to briefly give her friend a glance. "Quit being bashful and say hi to our wonderful guest! Your being rude! Rude, rude, rude!" In response to this statement, Sakami's blush glowed redder still. He shifted his nervous gaze towards the man who had declared to be the Shodaime Hokage, finally working up the nerve to look him in the eye- albeit from quite some distance. He had appeared just as their previous visitor had described. Down to the flowing winter scarf. It was uncanny, it was ominous.

When Sakami refrained from voicing out a proper greeting, Kairi turned back to Ryusuke with a slight huff. "Please excuse him." She said with an apologetic smile. "Butterfingers is kind of a social pariah sometimes." Kaira rolled her eyes, then turned sideways to present the flight of spiral stairs at the other side of the room. "Well, let's move on, yeah? I can take you to your meeting, Lord Hokage. I'm sure Master Nuerhachi is waiting on pins and needles for you!" Waiting for a response, she smiled.

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[Trigga]

[atrb=style,width:400px;background:#eee;border-radius:30px 0 30px 0;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;,true][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,center][atrb=style,background:#333333; width: 400px; btable; text-align: justify;] The Beginning “Please, call me Ryūsuke. I’m not yet accustomed to being presented with such a title yet.” The Uchiha exclaimed as he looked on with a slightly discomfited hue dancing over the smooth surface of his face. True enough, such a formal greeting, coupled with the honorary modulation Kairi implicated to his ears was rather overwhelming. A shadow before the illustrious moniker, the scarlet-haired boy was fairly familiarized with the darkness. Never pushed to the limelight as he was now, and fancied being in the absence of the communal light. Nonetheless, it seemed with the preceding election, his essence held a more solid substance. It was odd, but flattering. Hand still clasped freely within the warm embrace of the receptionist, the Uchiha couldn’t help but smile attractively at her explanation of why she was free enough to give him a tour. She was adamant in her stand, and even when faced with the opposition of the fire shadow himself, she didn’t falter. The true sign of a industrialist, as well as an stimulating person. Her personality was something to venerate. Nonetheless, it was amiable and quite humbling. Tetsu no Kuni had turned out to be worth the journey and he had only settled in the snow-white landscape for a mere two hours. Finally (though he enjoyed her company), her hand had slid from the impressions of his inner hand and fell behind the curtains of her own frame. Leaning in, she whispered, though astonishingly loud enough for the other in attendance to hear a rather thwarting, though entertaining comment. This in itself brought not just a smile, but a soft laughter from the Hokage’s mouth which effortlessly glided from between his lips. Attempting to hold back the humor that was building, he couldn’t help it, and after slightly gazing over her shoulder once more to note his reaction, that only made it all the more pleasant. “Nothing is wrong with liking the more mature things in life.” He exclaimed with a smile. Sakami had appeared to be everything that Kairi had described him as, and while his persona rather peculiar; it wasn’t something he hadn’t encountered before. A social pariah as she illustrated him as, and while there was truth, this didn’t discredit the latent potential he possibly held within the reservoir of life he still possessed. Then it happened and as Kairi announced who had assumingly asked for my presence. This brought a fit of joy to my face as I nodded my head in an acknowledging manner. “Lead the way, Kairi-chan.”

TAGS: WORD COUNT: MUSE: NOTES:
Posting template made by Taiga for Ryu

[Estilo]

★ Chapter One - Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura

"Leeeet's go!" She replied, brushing a strand of her long brunette hair behind her ear. Giving a cheerful nod, Kairi then gestured for the Shodaime Hokage to follow her, promptly clasping her hands behind her once more as she commenced to walk on. Passing closely by Sakami as they headed towards the spiral stairs afar, the young man would take a step backwards to see them go off, glancing at the crimson-haired Hokage when he swept past. There was nothing he could say now, and he wasn't sure he'd muster up the courage to say what had been whispered earlier in his ear. For, if he did, how did he know he wasn't going to enter something dangerous or life-threatening? This was a matter for the Hokage, after all, and while he respected the man's accomplishments, he was also privy to the assortment of stories focusing on the lives and scandals of shinobi. He did not want to have any part of that, choosing the strict but stable life of a samurai instead.

Then again, times had changed. His people were now determined to actually help the shinobi get their lives together, thus meddling in their affairs. The young samurai apprentice supposed he should take after the actions of his superiors and follow suit. But that damn cowardice took hold again. He liked the techniques shinobi had, but he didn't want to take part in any of their plots or schemes. What the raven-haired beauty had asked him to do would most likely through him smack in the middle of that. He mused, that red glow on his cheeks slowly fading away, as he watched Kairi and Ryusuke the Hokage walk off and up the spiral stairs. Kairi, being the random but bubbly girl that she was, stopped at the stairs abruptly, and leaned over the railing to yell out at Sakami. "Hey! Keep a lookout at my desk, yeah? I'll be right back! Thank you!" And with that, she moved on.

Leading the honorable Shodaime Hokage up the stairs, the two eventually reached a corridor framed with metallic white at all sides. Their footsteps created resounding taps on the polished floor as they walked, Kairi humming a short tune as she lead the way- her fingers absentmindedly fiddling with each other behind her back. When at last the duo reached a wooden door, one decorated with kanji carved into its oak, she stopped and turned to the young man she was escorting with a long smile. "Here we are!" She stated, hopping once to display her bright enthusiasm. "Master Nuerhachi is ready to see you now- he's canceled all his other meetings to wait for you! I'll see you later, Hokage-sa... I mean, Ryusuke." Smiling, as she gazed into his pools of purple, the young woman would then spin around and open the door for him. There, presented before Ryusuke, was a spacious oval office. Curved bookshelves covered the left and right walls, stocked with various books and works of literature.

A single rectangular desk resided at the back, sitting behind it in a black leather chair was a rather bear-like man. Clad in dark red plates of armor, a thick black beard covering most of his face and ending in a ponytail. He looked about forty, if one had to guess. He looked up at the young visitor when the door had been opened, temporarily taking his mind off the paperwork on his desk. A breeze wafted in through the window behind the older man's desk, flapping the curtain that held the insignia of the Samurai. "Master Nuerhachi," Kairi started, her back to the doorknob she was still currently holding. "Lord Ryusuke has arrived- the Shodaime Hokage."

With her task done, she'd give a nod then proceed out the door- but not before casting a single wink and smile at Ryusuke before leaving, allowing the door to remain ajar. Nuerhachi narrowed his eyes at the man once Kairi left, laid down his ballpoint pen. "Exactly... who are you? Why are you even here?" He asked in what was almost trailing off into a growl. The man was genuinely asking a question, no sign of memory loss or trickery in his voice or physical gestures. Sienna brown eyes continued to gauge the young lad his receptionist had referred to as 'Ryusuke, the Shodaime Hokage'.

He was taking this very seriously.

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[Trigga]

“Leeeet’s go!”

The mannerism in which she allowed the first utterance in her chopped sentence to flow into an extensive sting was rather intriguing. Elongating what could have been a simple statement, and adding an obvious emphasis to demonstrate an innate ability to entertain, it was obvious that this young woman enjoyed her job thoroughly. That or other it was her company that seemingly sparked the intense flame that seemingly burned continually through her open-hearted nature and forthcoming eyes. Either way, this welcoming—this assembly of genial people just for the Hokage’s arrival was more than enough to set him at ease.

The life of a Shinobi usually only forwarded the contrary of this subtle gratitude, and while death and bloodshed would surface more than once more in his lifetime, it was a nice change of pace to be welcomed with something other than crimson red. Being Hokage in itself only warranted two possible outcomes, both holding the same conclusion, but two slightly different routes. Either dying in a blaze of glory, or eschewing everything you embodied with the emblem of the Fire country embroidered upon your head dress. Both seemed depressing, but were adequate. Death was the only true end for all living things; nonetheless, it was the experiences in life that made that final breath worth breathing.

And with that, the two would progress forward, Kairi taking the forefronts while Ryūsuke took part in following in her foyer. As they approached the steel case of spiraling steps, she turned around, and soon enough out of habit, the Hokage stepped aside. Eyes glaring in the direction in which the woman spoke, she had asked Sakami to stand guard and watch over her shift while she presented him to their Leader. He did little to hide his indecision, or he seemingly knew not that it was showing. Either way, before he could even accepted, she ventured off, the Uchiah following suit so that he wouldn’t find himself loss in this extroverted warren of corridors and rooms.

Moving upwards, steadily coiling around the stairwell, only to motion upwards a number of flights, the two finally stepped off at one of the many levels. A steel-inspired tinge of white coating both walls that composed the framework as a grand flooring-tiled marked the conduit forward. “Beautiful,” The Hokage thought to himself with orbs lit a curious purple and beaming elatedly at his surroundings. Architecture didn’t seem like it was one of the strong suits for the Samurai. Nonetheless, assumptions were proven wrong, and with that, they would advance into one of the rooms—it was time to meet their Captain.

“Thank you, Kairi-chan,” He announced.

Upon her exit, and the closing of the door, Ryūsuke had captured the wink, and ostensibly returned the favor with a subtle wave before turning his attention to the man who sat across the room. Bulky, though seemingly more muscle then otherwise, a prominent feature was the long, thick beard that lacked into a single bread that encompassed most of his face. Before the Hokage could begin their meeting however, all following comments would be halted with a single "Exactly... who are you? Why are you even here?" . This in itself had triggered yet again another expression of bewilderment as the scarlet-haired youth looked on without an answer to give. Instead, he pulled up his occupied hand, which housed a letter and soon advanced upon the man’s desk where he would bow deferentially, and place the parchment on the surface of the grand oak.

“I am Uchiha Ryūsuke—Hokage. I was asked to come to Tetsu for a meeting by the owner of this letter.”

Aside from the rather elegant inscription, there was no other indication of whom this finely written letter belong to. Only an address of where to be, and the person of interest in whom this letter was addressed to, being the Hokage himself. If it wasn’t the Head of the Shinobi Compound, who could it have been?

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[Estilo]

★ Chapter One - Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura

Eyeing the man suspiciously, the grizzled old samurai reached his hand down tentatively to slightly pick up the note- never leaning forwards or dropping his guard once. He scanned the words imprinted on the parchment with quick eyes, the periphery of his vision very much aware of the proclaimed Hokage's movements and gestures. When he concluded his perusal of the message scrawled upon the parchment, the man would let the note fall from his light grasp and back onto the surface of his oak desk. He tapered the glare that stuck to the frame of the young, pony-tailed man.

"Why does this letter have the official stamp of the Gokage Kaidan? I've never seen it before, and documents such as these always require my approval." Not waiting for the obviously confused lad to answer, Nuerhachi huffed. The Hokage he had requested to meet had already come, and here he was standing in the presence of another. Though, he could not be sure whether his status as such was valid. For all he knew, this stranger could be an assassin of some sort, or someone with the desire to infiltrate the Samurai Compound and its secrets. Sternly, he continued. "I want you to leave.

Now."

Unsure whether this man was a friendly or not, the battle-scarred veteran knew better not to take any chances. He would end this conversation swiftly, and if the male in question had anything else to say about it, that would only raise his suspicions even more. "This was obviously an incredibly cretinous mistake. I apologize for your long days of travel, but you must now return to your homeland. You are not needed here." Should the supposed Shodaime Hokage comply, Master Nuerhachi would see him to the door, promptly closing the portal behind the scarfed male.

In the hallway, alone, Ryusuke would need to follow the same hallway he had been lead through to return to the front entrance. Should he decide to take that path, he would soon come across Sakami, making his presence known by stepping out of a shadowy nook against the wall. His expression was one of doubt, one of mental uneasiness. It appeared like he had something to say. And while he focused to try and say what was being repeated through his mind like a broken record, a single bead of sweat dropped down his brow. He'd come here right after Kairi had returned to her post, to confront this man, to spill the beans. But now that he was here, he couldn't acquire the drive to- "A-lady-came-through-here-and-whispered-in-my-ear-and-she-described-exactly-what-you-look-like-right-now-and-she-told-me-to-look-out-for-you-and-she-told-me-to-lead-you-somewhere-I-know-but-I-obviously-didn't-at-first-because-I-don't-know-you-at-all!"

He sucked in a much needed breath of air. Spoken like a true spaz.

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[Trigga]

A momentary silence dangled over the disposition of the concise conference with a much influenced sentiment of confusion. There the Hokage stood, allowing a forthcoming bouquet to escaped his frame and expunge all doubts. Nonetheless, his senses were astute and a body alert and prepared always did better than one lax and unsuspecting. And for good reason, for when the scarlet-haired allowed his oculars to peer down at the Chief of the Samurai himself—Nuerhachi, elements of suspicion were discernible. From his inability to not allow his true perception to leave the Uchiha’s frame, to the hint of uncertainty that rested within his facial security, it was quite obvious to tell something had eluded him.

True enough, the element of this meeting; the most crucial segment absent was the rationale as to why the Hokage was here. As the paper floated back down with a gentle sway, and finally rested on the oak surface, the Hokage himself took a moment to glare down and take in the motif of the Gokage Kaidan—the symbol of the Five Kage summit which was only issued by the man who rested before him. Regardless, there he stood in the presence of eyes that knew not why he was there. If he wasn’t the one who summoned him to Tetsu, and then who did? Bizarrely enough after momentarily covering the dynamics within his mind, how did Kairi know of his arrival, and yet not the man in charge?

Following the lines of dialogue, forcibly allowing his soft ears to gather and decipher, a soft sigh escaped the Hokage’s mouth, followed by a false smile. A seemingly palpable waste of his time, and the Executive before him, it would seem a vital mistake had taken the Uchiha away from his jewel and now, with a rather demanding tone, he was being asked (told) to leave the Samurai Compound. “I see--- I’ll be on my way,” And with that, a gradual spin on the heel and an advance, Ryūsuke motioned out the exit, accompanied by Nuerhachi himself. At least he was self-effacing enough to escort his guest from his office. With one way up, the Hokage would use the same route to move back into the atrium.

Descending down the mountain of spiral planks, the Shinobi found himself at the base of the stairwell, and back into the lobby. (“Time to head back h---") A train of thought canceled with the emergence from the shadows, Ryūsuke was intercepted by Sakami himself. “Huh?... Take me somewhere?” He exclaimed in an query, capturing the shyness in the man’s voice and highlighting the sincerity his coy nature held. Strange, and needless to say apprehensive, the Hokage would play along for now. Maybe this person who knew of him was the one who actually sent the letter. And with that, and the secured conceal of his mask into his back pouch (lower waist), Ryūsuke would smile.

“Lead the way.”

[Estilo]

★ Chapter One - Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura

They had exited through an 'employees only' back door in the compound, Sakami unwilling to give his reason why, but the Shodaime following along nonetheless- if he ever wanted to find out the meaning behind the lad's previous statement. Though Sakami would never admit it, he had only wanted to exit in such a manner to avoid explaining himself to Kairi at the front. He could not find himself lying to her in any manner, and he did not want her asking questions. Plus, should she ever report the fact that he had left the compound with the Hokage in tow, Master Nuerhachi would surely reprimand him. After all, this crimson-haired man had gone through such a short meeting with the veteran samurai. Sakami had heard the last of their conversation before discontinuing his eavesdropping. He had not been wanted there, and if Nuerhachi found out he was escorting this man of political importance to a place where he probably shouldn't be, Sakami knew he'd have to pay for it severely. This was no laughing matter.

Tabi boots crunched through thick and icy snow as the young samurai-in-training led the Shodaime Hokage through the winter wonderland that was Tetsu no Kuni's typical landscape. The sun was up in the sky, a blurred peach-colored circle masked by a misty canvas of white. What little sunlight that managed to filter through the clouded scenery only served to light up the land, but failed to provide it with any detectable warmth. It had been snowing rather adamantly but an hour ago, but had now been reduced to a quiet drizzle of frosty flakes. Sakami threw his hood on, retrieved a red scarf from the recesses of his black messenger bag and wrapped it around his neck to cover the bottom portion of his face, and to tighten the grip his hood had around his head. No point in risking an asthma attack, despite the fact that he had not experienced one in years. Its rarity had allowed him to go so far in his training as a samurai; as they probably would have never accepted to train someone with such an affliction. But luckily, he'd gotten past it.

As the two walked through the snow, Sakami would make no attempt at conversation. Too nervous already, too preoccupied with his thoughts at the current moment. He only wanted to put this whole situation behind him and go back to his normal life. Before she had completely thrown it off-course with her untimely morning departure. How had she known that the Shodaime would be arriving? How had she known what he had been wearing? Naturally, doubts passed through his thoughts. Maybe they had both been working in cahoots. Maybe this was all some sort of plot against the people of Tetsu no Kuni. Though Kairi had perhaps chalked up the woman as a run-of-the-mill ninja, based on her flashy departure, Sakami was beginning to imagine her as something on a different level entirely. She wasn't just another shadow-stalker coming here asking after the next Chuunin Exams. She was something else. If only Kairi had been working her shift a bit earlier, when the woman had entered the compound. Then he would actually have a name, an introduction. But Kairi had not, and therefore, neither she nor Sakami knew who the woman was- or of her illustrious title. But they had been there in time to see the 'Shodaime'.

Kairi had not known how the rumored Hokage visiting Tetsu no Kuni would look like- or whether they'd be male or female, for that metter. But the moment Ryusuke mentioned the word 'Shodaime', she had immediately jumped to the conclusion that he was the Hokage she had been waiting for- leading the man to Nuerhachi, only to have the character rejected and thrown out for yet to be explained reasons. It seemed she had taken a liking to him, too, which couldn't up but stir up some jealousy within Sakami. He brushed it off for now though, content with the fact that this would all be over once they reached their destination. In unison, the two entered a snowy forest, scattered with bare and leafless pine trees, skinny and frail like runway models- but not as pretty. He wondered what the Shodaime was thinking, as he continued to lead him through this quiet and lonely territory. They'd be there in due time, but not quick enough.

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[Trigga]

[atrb=style,width:400px;background:#eee;border-radius:30px 0 30px 0;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;,true][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,center][atrb=style,background:#333333; width: 400px; btable; text-align: justify;] The Beginning This journey had turned out to be the exact diametric of what I had previously assumed it would be. A long travel it was, and one that couldn't be made in a single day's travel, my efforts were needless to say, wasted, as I was asked—no, commanded to leave and return home. Having left the security of my office and the protection of my gates to make what I assumed was a political meeting possible, the Veteran Samurai did little to meekly ask me to leave. My presence had escaped his day's agenda, and my attendance was no longer needed. A dissatisfaction it was, and now after this last endeavor, I'd return home with what I left with—absolutely nothing. I had come so far, and had done so much to simply travel home after not even an hour in Tetsu no Kuni's Samurai compound; I wanted to enjoy myself. Sakami now ostensibly would provide me with something that would not only ease my curiosity, but feed my innate noesis to simply savor the world around. A timid soul, he gave off a surprisingly strong aura that I myself hadn't experienced from another person. It was akin to my own respectful, though quiet nature until I nurtured my social quality with interaction. While he was obviously hiding something from me, or at least allowing his facade to blossom publicly, I wouldn't allow my guard to deteriorate. Moving through the winter retreat, I found myself shivering but a little as I adjusted to the cold air. A great climate change from the warm, spring blanket that moved over the firmament of the Fire country. My kinship with the Fire element had aided in easing the chills from my bones as I exerted small protrusions of chakra, allowing my Katon affinity to heat my frame. This however wouldn't be visible to those around me as I exerted it in infinitesimal moderations. Agni, which dangled to my front also provided enough heat as their very cores were fire itself. My attire was a combination of winter-oriented material, with enough flexibility to allow perfect mobility. I would amend and find myself able to perform in this climate soon enough. This silent tread was becoming obnoxious and with two presence, conversation should have sparked? “If I may, Sakami-san.” I announced, allowing my calm voice to beckon out, over the whispers of the moving wind and hopefully into the Samurai's ears. “Where exactly are you taking me?” Obvious to him, the location we'd reach eventually escaped me. Alien to these parts of the world, my geographical mapping was little to none, and with a tourist guide in company, he should have at least giving me the correctitude of knowing where I was going.

TAGS: WORD COUNT: MUSE: BLAZING! NOTES: It's coooooold spada!
Posting template made by Taiga for Ryu

[Estilo]

★ Chapter One - Sakami "Butterfingers" Nakamura

Their venture into the territory, and the silence that had come with it, was suddenly disrupted when the Shodaime spoke up, inquiring after their destination. Casting but a mere glance at the man, Sakami would continue to trudge through the snow. He really did not want to talk, fearing that he might just dig himself deeper into a hole he had initially been thrown into, but then again, the man deserved to know beforehand. And beforehand was definitely now, as they were steadily reaching the end of their travel. "There's a place in this area, close-by. A giant crater. We call it Moon's Peak around here. That's where I'm taking you." Giving the man another quiet glance, just to ensure he wasn't dissatisfied with this answer, Sakami would anxiously pick up his pace a bit. Hopefully, he would not ask after the reason for this escapade of theirs, as Sakami had no idea what it was.

Needless to say, he was a bit surprised the man had not inquired a bit more after the woman who had given him these directions. Either he did not care, or he was simply trusting Sakami considerably more than the young apprentice had imagined so. Surely, that strange woman held all the answers. Surely her presence at the compound had meant something. And he could not seem to get her visage out of his mind, a dazzling portrayal of beauty and seemingly supernatural strength. He had his own suspicions, his own ideas and theories, but Sakami was perfecty content keeping them to himself if the Hokage he was currently escorting did not want to know. Being the shy and reclusive person that he was around most strangers, he was fine with being kept quiet. He was fine just getting this over with.

Footfalls carried him through the snow as they advanced towards an open plain afar. But they were still in pine tree territory for now, nature's large masterpieces towering up into the sky and filling the scenery with their immediately identifiable scent. For a long while, it seemed like the unearthly but strangely beautiful loneliness of this area would go on forever, but it was not destined to last. In the pine tree, thirty-five meters away, a man emerged from the substance of a pine tree afar. A lanky form, garbed in a long brown coat and short black scarf. His features once shielded by bark brown, they came into focus once his body emerged from the pine. Stubble covered his thin, weasel-like face. Dark bags receded under his dark eyes, short brown hair wild and uncombed. His abrupt appearance prompted Sakami to stop in his tracks. The stranger simply stared from afar.

His gaze locked onto the two, them being right in the line of his vision, he swiftly rose a single apprehending hand- gesturing for them to stop. "Don't come any closer now," He said in a rather strange (Scottish) accent. "I like you both just where you are." If they refrained from moving, he would then continue. Not one for tricks and ruses, he kept a close eye on their hands and gestures. Should one of them attempt to conceal any, he would sooner than not call them out on it. "I'm only here to talk... for now." His trembling, unblinking gaze turned to Ryusuke in unison with his pointed right hand.

"With you."

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[Trigga]

[atrb=style,width:400px;background:#eee;border-radius:30px 0 30px 0;border:1px solid #e6e6e6;,true][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,center][atrb=style,background:#333333; width: 300px; btable; text-align: justify;] A Shadow Emerges “Moon’s Peak?” He inquired, albeit rhetorically. A gigantic crater? By natural means and a construct of the planet itself, or mock and designed from the physical warfare that ostensibly blossomed as time faded into the future, it seemed the young samurai was taking the Kage somewhere of great importance. This was only further reinforced by the majestic name it was given. Holding such power, but a dalliance that was unrivaled in the field of importance. Profound and almost dreamlike, it seemed all answers would be expected given upon their arrival. This allowed a soft sigh of content to ensue as the crimson-haired boy smiled. The day was looking up for him. There was no need to question any further. It was already evident that young Sakami (despite being roughly the same age as Ryūsuke himself) was in a state of absolute discomfort. It was expected. The Hokage was not only a stranger needless to say, but a stranger in a position of power of power nonetheless. If it wasn’t his last name that’s struck fear into the hearts of his enemies, it was the pretentious title that demanded respect from his peers and even superiors. Before being named the Shodaime, the young Uchiha could clearly remember being just as demure in the presence of the Hyūga that ran before him. Moving through the pine tree nirvana, the scarlet-haired Shinobi couldn’t help but draw on a number of parallels between the winter masterpiece, and the spring heaven from which he hailed from. Stripping away the white sky falls and the chilled air, you had a forest—a beautiful forest. One of life and significance with its own unique—a distinctive inimitable akin to the forest fortress of the Hi no kuni planes. It was like being at home, just during the later months of the year. Forthcoming and humbling, that seemingly ubiquitous smile surfaced once more. Nonetheless, as most good things in life seemed to end, this gracing the planet with that of joy would fade as a shadow emerged ahead. Eyes narrowing as footfalls ceased to exist, the Uchiha stood behind his friend, though not before taking the forefront himself with somber hues of purple. A tall, gangly form mostly garbed beneath the dark brown shroud, facial features became evident. A mature face (roughly middle age?) with stubble falling beneath his jaw line, this rough exterior was accompanied by a challenging tone, Defensive, Ryūsuke held a solid composure, only concerned with the timidity that Sakami resonated. It wasn’t until he was signaled out that curiosity skyrocketed and without hesitation, though an astute sensory perception, he would proceed into dialogue. “And what do you want to talk to me about?” Giving margin in terms of communication throughout the day, the gathering of information was essential. With the strange opposition a modest ten meters to his front, the Uchiha held both hands to his side, while his bearings were unmoving. For the time being, he would comply. In the midst of discussion, however, a sudden surge of acumen rushed through the Hokage’s being. Fibers of knowledge and experience surfing through his frame, interweaving to formulating picture perfect avenues of exploration within the very mind he held so dearly. Tales of grim prospecting doom, and the rising from the ashes as the phoenix renewed himself. Without much thought to it, almost instantly knowing the meaning of such a conception, Ryūsuke’s eyes widened. “I want you to leave right now… I must go.” The young Uchiha directed towards his samurai companion, knowing danger could possibly ensue if he continued his stay, with that and a simple drop of a smoke bomb, the area was covered in a dense blanket of grey. Quick, executing shunshin after shunshin, the Hokage swiftly made his way towards the Hidden Leaf. Arriving at the earliest tomorrow, the young leader wouldn’t rest until he had returned home. His village was In distress—at least the Shinobi who found their lives threatened with pre-war malice. Hopefully he’d arrive in enough time to arm his natives and ensure their survival. The journey from tetsu would be a taxing one, but he’d have plenty of time to revitalize himself upon his arrival. To Hi no kuni

TAGS: Sakami WORD COUNT: Don’t matter! MUSE: SEXY! NOTES: I loved your previous Post!
Posting template made by Taiga for Ryu

[Messatsu!]

Moved. +70