An Odd Duo

[The Dude]

name; Bandito Brothers
rank; c
description; Sometimes you find allies in unexpected places. For us that’s Scarecrow Gulch, a bandit town a couple miles outside of the village. While it’s been a pain in our neck for some time, we recently came to the realization that we could use the rough and tough outlaws as a type of preliminary security. Tasking them with patrolling our borders and apprehending anyone on a watch list. First things first though, we need to convince them to ally.
reward; 50 experience, 1,000 ryo
minimum shinobi; one
mission status; interminable

Kiyoshi stood in an isolated corner reviewing the available missions in the compound for the day, his eye darting across various scrolls for something of interest. The missions held little appeal to the shinobi as he closed his eye scratched the side of his head frustratedly and mumbled, "Just another day in purgatory I suppose." He resolved to merely strike out his hand and grab any mission at random with his eye still closed but just before he moved he felt a gentle tug on the vacant sleeve hanging from his left shoulder.

Turning, Kiyoshi found himself looking at the receptionist of the compound who held forth the scroll with a warm smile. "You look a little more frustrated than usual Kiyoshi. I was holding on to this assignment for another shinobi but perhaps you can join him on it. Although he is somewhat younger than you, it is still a little more interesting than anything else you'll find here today."

Kiyoshi looked down at the receptionist flashing a brief polite smile and bobbing his head, "Thank you. I doubt age will be a problem since most shinobi seem to be younger than me these days..." Kiyoshi turned his head looking about the room at the collection of kids all around him mumbling darkly to himself for a second before turning back to the receptionist and against flashing his smile, "Where can I find him?"

The receptionist snickered quietly at Kiyoshi's peculiar behavior before quick stifling as his head turned back. "He'll be in at any given minute. You can come have a seat if you like while you wait and review the assignment. When he comes in I'll let you know and you can both get started together." Kiyoshi mumbled a quiet thank you and followed quietly after the receptionist before pulling a chair up behind his desk and rocking back to recline against the wall before he opened and read the scroll quietly.

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[Taiga Hozuki]

Fully equipped Taiga walked into the door to retrieve his assignment, his sister-shirohime walking right beside him step for step. She'd constantly rub against the young boys leg affectionately whilst he made his way to the counter, a tall fellow dressed in blue was rocking in a chair nearby as he approached the receptionist. "stop shirohime... im on business." Nudging her, she gave a small whimper as her ears lowered in protest; however she'd obey his commands and sit up straight awaiting Taiga to instruct her.

"I'm here for the mission I requested."

Speaking softly, she merely looked at him and smiled. "Nice to see you too Taiga. Business as always I see. And how are you Shirohime? Anyway. Heres the mission form and you'll be joined by Kiyoshi over there!" All the while she spoke, the receptionist maintained her kind face, pointing the man he'd notice when he entered. Taiga's sister eagerly rushed to where he was sitting, taking in his scent for a few moments while Taiga himself casually made his way towards the man.

"Thank you. I'll be back"

As he spoke he waved his hand good bye to her. Sizing up his temporary partner, Taiga would extend his hand, of course he'd have to look up while doing so considering how much shorter he was. He didn't particular mind, but it was somewhat embarrassing. "I'm Taiga... and this is my sister Shirohime. Lets work well together." Barking in response to her name she circled Kiyoshi. Taiga's tone was casual as he spoke, his other hand upon the back of his head, buried in his white hair. "Don't worry, she likes you."

[The Dude]

Kiyoshi rose to his feet as his partner and his 'sister' approached towering over the young shinobi as his crimson eye darted first to the pooch sniffing him and then to the young shinobi himself. The veteran took the hand in his own giving it a single firm but friendly shake as he introduced himself. The hound spoke up eagerly at the mention of it's own name, clearly a healthy animal and well looked after by the young boy.

Kiyoshi's crimson eye locked with one of Taiga's eyes before he briefly flashed yet another friendly smile before releasing his hand. "She told me you were young but... well you make me feel much older than usual. Everyday retirement seems more and more appealing." Kiyoshi strode past pushing his way out the door expecting the boy to follow as he lead the way to start the mission. "My name is Kiyoshi by the way. I'm a little rusty on missions though and as you've no doubt already perceived rather old, so I hope youth can carry me today," he said as they walked turning to smile at the boy as they went.

People couldn't resist the occasional sideways glances as the odd pair made their way through town. Normally when two shinobi partnered up with such age differences one of them was teaching the other, but most people knew Kiyoshi was just a bitter old genin so seeing him with any sort of partner was something. Kiyoshi didn't take notice of this as they passed through the village gates and began venturing on to Scarecrow gulch through the mist.

"So, tell me about yourself kid. What's the story behind you and Shirohime? I never quite understood the way some ninjas have pets or familiars work with them. How do you train them?" Kiyoshi asked with genuine interest. This wasn't going to be too far of a stroll but it would feel long if they simply made small talk.

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[Taiga Hozuki]

Watching as Kiyoshi stood up, he was much taller than Taiga had expected, and his grip was firm, so much so that the boy winced slightly, bu quickly tried to play it off. A half-hearted laugh escaped Taiga's lips whilst Shirohime snickered. "Well, just shows how dedicated you are to your work." The young genin replied while they made they're way out of the building an onto the street where prying eyes made them the focus point of their gazes. Taiga didn't care to much for others thoughts, considering he was so young and his partner was well... on the large size it probably was a comical sight. Paying the onlookers no mind, he noticed Kiyoshi was practically oblivious.

"Well. I'm from the Inuzuka clan, we are raised with dogs and taught to treat them as nothing less than family."

Pausing, Taiga looked down at Shirohime he smiled while rubbing the top of her head. She in response pushed herself into his flat palm for a few seconds until he retracted his hand and looked back at Kiyoshi. "I consider her my sister and would lay my life down to protect her as she would me. From the age I could walk Iv'e a;ways had my sister at my side. You can say we grow up together and that is where our bond lies... we are a family, not simply a master an its familiar." Taiga spilled his thoughts with ease to Kiyoshi, losing himself in talking he ended his musings shortly after. Turning the corner, he placed his hands in his pockets.

"So Kiyoshi... whats your story, anything worth mentioning?"

Taiga's sister moved on ahead, sniffing and looking about on her own. Having not even checked the mission yet, Taiga pulled it from his pack and took a quick glance over it whilst waiting for Kiyoshi to reply. Being a quick study it took no time at all, it was a simple mission, danger was minimal. It wasn't something that'd take the two of them long; though Taiga wasn't sure how they'd enlist the help of such people. He'd worry about it later anyway.

[The Dude]

Kiyoshi chuckled softly. "My story? Oh I'm sure there's a few bits here and there that would be worth mentioning," he mused before bringing his laughing to a sudden halt and fixing the boy with a cold stern glare waiting for him to look back up from the scroll. Holding the gaze for a moment of uncomfortable silence before he continue in a dark serious tone, "but if I told you that, I'd have to kill you..." Moments of silence followed before the corner of his lip curled up just before Kiyoshi nearly exploded with jovial laughter. After he stopped laughing, this time with a smile he answered the question somewhat more geniunely, "Ha ha ha. My life's been slow. I mean, I've seen so many things in what time I've had but I can't really say I've done all that much with it. Probably the reason I'm the only one in my family still alive though, we were all a bunch of hot heads getting into more trouble than we could handle..."

Family. The large man smiled affectionately as he looked ahead at Shirohime's activities while thinking back on his own family. The hound was treated like a family member? It was no wonder the she seemed so happy and faithful towards Taiga. Now if Shirohime looked after Taiga, then surely that freed Taiga up to look after this old man. "Do you have any family besides Shirohime? I have to imagine you do, since I don't know how someone so young could be living alone with no one around all the time...." Kiyoshi asked cheerily before realizing the answer to the question could be far more macabre than anticipated if he wasn't careful.

Looking forward avoiding Taiga's eyes he reached into his robe before withdrawing a small book with his hand that had hung slack from his robe until now. Opening it to the freshest blank page he began to write down some foot notes for ideas he had already today. There weren't many but perhaps he could stretch them out yet? Or maybe the day was too young for the ideas to fully form. Kiyoshi frowned realizing that neither of those were the case, he simply didn't have the inspiration to develop the ideas yet.

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[Taiga Hozuki]

Taiga listened intently while Kiyoshi spoke, than everything went silent. Not literally considering they just made it to the gates, and there was still noise in the background. He looked up, only to find a cold look fixed onto. To be honest it made Taiga uncomfortable. Gulping hard, he saw the faint curl stretch upon the geezers lips, followed up by a bellowing laughter. Sighing hard, he let out his own laugh, though it was moreso out of instinct. "Hahah...funny." Placing it back in his pack, Taiga went back to indulging Kiyoshi by listening to him. So he was the safe type, Taiga thought, though he wasn't completely sold, he couldn't put his finger on it but there was something about him... something mysterious; however, Taiga would discard the thought.

Continuing their moderate pace, they left the village and began following the main path that lead to the destination they sought. "If you mean immediate family, I only have my mother and younger, baby brother..... " Looking up into the moody sky, his eyes seemed to stare off at something not there. "My father died in the last war...." In the open space Taiga's sister was far more active in stretching herself she was quite ahead of the two now, but she always stayed nearby, glancing back at Taiga every now and again. "He was a good man and died with honor so don't worry too much over it"Noticing Kiyoshi had began jotting things down, he tried to clear the tension that had maybe wrapped itself around him because of his father.

"What you writing Kiyoshi?"

Taiga inquired placing his body in Kiyoshi's path, while still walking, but backwards.

[The Dude]

Kiyoshi was relieved to hear Taiga still had family and that he seemed to be at peace with the death of his father. He didn't need his partner to get emotional on him before they had even arrived at their destination. Glancing over the top of his book the young shinobi now bobbed backwards before Kiyoshi's path looking back at him. Just like a kid he was wide awake full of energy and even more full of questions. Kiyoshi began to wonder if he was going to regret accepting the mission before it was over but still he remained friendly to the boy. It wasn't his fault after all and he seemed like a nice enough kid. In fact he hadn't given Kiyoshi a reason to not like him at all really.

"It's nothing. Not yet anyway. I'm just writing down a few ideas for stories I've had so far today. It's a little habit of mine to jot down anything off the top of my head so I can remember them all and flesh them all out a little bit at a time until I know for sure which ideas are a dead end and which ones are half decent. I rarely get a good idea but I like to jot everything down as notes for later consideration."

He crooked his eyebrow up in curiosity lowering the book some more to focus on Taiga and his movements. "You know if you're not careful you'll end up tripping over something and breaking your neck."

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[Taiga Hozuki]

"So he's a writer?"

Taiga mused. He himself wasn't that much a writer, though Taiga had recently been studying up on medical treatment. Not many knew, but deep down he was an aspiring medic, but he had decided to keep his dream a secret until he became more adept at the things required of such a profession. He was planning on unofficially joining their ranks soon; however, for now he was more focused on studying and acquiring more missions under his belt. "How about you make a love story. Woman love that right?" Offering him an idea, Taiga wasn't too worried if he'd consider it or not, but advice was something you either took or not. No hard feelings.

"Haha... I'm not go-"

Interrupted by clipping a stone upon the path, Taiga stumbling, whilst spinning until eh finally managed t find his footing, reestablishing control once more. Embarrassed, he averted he gaze from Kiyoshi, expecting an 'i told you so' or something quite close to it. "I had it under control..." Taiga retaliated while shirohime made her way back to the two, panting softly. The scenery around them slowly changed, it was becoming more dense of vegetation, and the obscuring mist that seemed to always linger in the air was thickening. "Ever travel? I always thought of it, maybe when i'm older i'll be able to go on higher ranked missions..."

Though he had asked a question, his attention was lost. He was deep within his own thoughts, thinking of the future that awaited him. No matter how eager he was to see exactly what he'd do or become, there was always that doubt that lingered. That fear of not liking what fate had in store for him. He'd continue pondering this notion until Kiyoshi break the quiet air about them that was settling.

[The Dude]

"You've never traveled? Never left the country?" Kiyoshi folded the book gently on his thumb to mark his place lowering it to look at the Taiga. He outstretched his other hand to help the boy to his feet but made no mention of the stumble. "Traveling is one of the things in this world everyone should do. Sooner rather than later. Don't hold yourself back from it waiting for an excuse to leave, Taiga. Go on an adventure." Kiyoshi began tapping his small book against his chest thoughtfully as he continued, "I mean, always stay true and faithful to your home and don't just abandon them. But the world's a big place and an even bigger audience! The world loves stories and if you've got the grit for it why not go write your own? Figuratively of course, I don't need another writer to compete with in the market as it is."

They began walking again and Kiyoshi began musing over some thoughts about the boy more and more. He seemed rather innocent and... tolerable as far as company went, which perplexed even Kiyoshi. Normally Kiyoshi was driven to dark and angry rantings like a lunatic around most but for some reason the boy didn't have that affect on him. It was as if his innocent and child like nature excused him from the harsh radical judgments Kiyoshi analyzed most with. An odd thing to find a good friend in one so small. But perhaps there was opportunity in this for both Kiyoshi and the boy, but things still needed to be seen before Kiyoshi began preparing any hasty plans.

The book raised Kiyoshi again and the soft crinkle of paper sounded the turning of the page to something fresh. On this page he scrawled rapidly scratching down a multitude of words. This time they weren't ideas but places of interest he had been or had always wanted to go. The ones he had yet to see were circled in a group on their own while the rest were merely tagged with short descriptions of the wonders to be found there. Among the places he had been were, The rains of Ame, The forest of the fire country, The desert of the Wind Country, and the small heavenly haven known as the Wave country. Among the places he still wanted to see were the Lightning, Earth, and Tea countries. He smiled reviewing the list happy that he had at least done quite a bit of the travelling he had wanted to do when he was younger.

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[Taiga Hozuki]

"Never..."

Taiga would emphasize, though to be frank, he'd only just became a genin, during the war his was just mere child, but now he was a boy. Taiga often wished he was old enough to have witnessed the bloodied front lines of the war his father valiantly fought in; however, others he was glad that he wasn't introduced to the cold world in such a way. Maybe when he turned sixteen he'd set out to experience the things, the smells, the sights this world had to offer. "I've thought about it, but I don't think I'm quite old enough yet. Besides my mother still is very fond of me. So I doubt she'd let me leave pass the country side..." Taiga mused all the while kicking the same pebble with his right foot.

They'd come quite a ways, now walking through the damp, overgrowth the wilds of mizu no kuni fostered. He'd come out of the village only a handful of times since his promotion to genin at the age of nine. Mainly to run wild with his sister and feel the wind in their hair. It was a feeling they both enjoyed. It was rare for Taiga to spend time with another, he usually went solo with only his sister at his side watching his back, but having another person to talk to was nice he thought, while flinging the small rock a few yards forward. Shirohime also had taken a liking to him rather quick, she was a sound judge of character so that a was one reason why Taiga had such an easy time around the older man.

Maybe it was because he lacked a older male figure in his life and he yearned to fill the place left empty by his father? It was a thought he'd pondered upon their short journey to a small village upon the outskirts of Kirigakure. "We're almost there Kiyoshi... So any ideas on how we persuade big scary thugs to work with us?" Though the mission didn't seem hard, convincing thugs who don't like to take orders from anyone but they're boss would be a pain. It wasn't everyday you attempted to to enlist the aid of criminals, those documented and those who simply escaped the eyes of the law.

[The Dude]

"A few ideas, nothing I've decided on yet though..." Kiyoshi could see the silhouette of the Gulch looming out of the mist shortly ahead. "I figure we do this by the book though, start it out nice and diplomatic y'know? If they place nice we play nice. But..." Kiyoshi paused noticing a sentry ahead as he mumbled under his breath darkly and standing up straighter so his mouth was concealed from view by his high collar before speaking up audibly again but quieter now so only Taiga could hear. "But if they wanna just be big scary thugs, we just have to play their games and beat them at it I guess."

As they approached closer the sentry became more clear through the mist and he stepped out to meet them drawing a cutlass from his side and holding it at the ready before barking, "Who's there? The hell do you want?" He had a jagged scar that ran from his cheek bone to his jaw line, tattered and worn clothes and his breath wreaked of cheap alcohol. As he eyed the trio he began laughing hard and stumbling to his side to a tree for support, it wasn't hard to tell he was drunk. "Hahahaha sir, you can't take your son and his dog for a walk around these parts! It's a dangerous place," he stood up from the tree again holding his blade tightly and moving in closer on the two grunting, "if you give me your valuables now and turn around you can leave here unhar-"

SMACK! The back of Kiyoshi's gauntlet struck hard across the man's face sending him teetering back face first into the tree. Catching a drunk off guard wasn't very difficult work, but now Kiyoshi's voice grumbled down menacingly and deadly calm at the drunken oaf. "We didn't come to see you, insolent cur," the transformation was now complete. Kiyoshi had gone from friendly and outgoing to annoyed, hostile, and about three inches from total chaos. The bottle the man had been drinking from had fallen to the ground and now rolled towards their feet. "You're master is expecting this young man as an honored guest! Did he not tell you or have you simply had to much of the sauce to do this simple job?!" CRASH! Kiyoshi brought the heel of his heavy boot down shattering the bottle beneath their sturdy soles. "You have fifteen seconds to get your act together and lead us to him!"

The man stumbled and hurried wiping drool and a few drunken tears from his face before getting up and leading the way! "You smell putrid, stay far enough ahead that we don't have to waft your sickening odor or I swear to god I will find a decorative use for your spinal column!" The man took hurried steps forward giving space to the company and tripping slightly as he did. With him now out of ear shot Kiyoshi leaned down towards Taiga mumbling darkly still unable to shake the tone from his voice, "I'm a little worked up right now, you think you can try and handle the diplomatic side of this when we meet whoever's in charge? I'll just stand behind you and back you up if you need it. Sound good?"

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[Taiga Hozuki]

"Eh?"

The young genin raises a brow at Kiyoshi, trying to decipher the hidden intent behind the dark words he spoke. Taiga's nose had easily picked up the scent of the man, his sister as well was privy to the strangers location, his soft footsteps ringing within the Inuzuka's ears. Though one would normally not hear someone he only made subtle movements. Taiga's heritage allowed him far better sense than that of your average shinobi. Sure enough while they continued along the path, the mist began to clear, the figure of what Taiga presumed to be the man stepped forward, choosing to arm himself before speaking.

He'd assumed that they were a traveling family. Not that it was so far-fetched considering the age diffidence between both genin, but he was mistaken. Sorely mistaken. Taiga exhaled while his sister began to growl. Her ivory teeth gleamed bright as the ears atop the dogs head perked upwards. Before he could attempt to mediate the problem before him the back of Kiyoshi's hand struck the man with a resonating force. It was so unexpected that Taiga had failed to notice Kiyoshi even moving. He was too surprised to even look astonished or off-guard. His voice was darker, almost completely different to

Taiga's trained ears. He definitely had a much colorful side he'd neglected to mention the boy. Now; however, wasn't the time for questions or to allow his mind to ponder such things. Standing idle while the frightened guard rushed to his feet, stumbling around he would sprint ahead. He was scared silly, but he'd lead them to where they needed to be Taiga thought while walking. "O-of course...." He managed to mumble lowly, still confused by the escalation of things. It was quiet. Painfully so as they entered the small town.

The guard who'd led the traveling duo stopped sudden and raised his shaking hand, pointing to a fairly worn building just overhead. "Th-TTThee boss i-ii-is over there. Just answer Junpei when you knock on the door...." Spilling over the information he'd run off, tail between his legs. He was gone, scattering out of Kiyoshi's sights. Taiga made a mental note to stay on Kiyoshi's good side. He liked it far more than Mr. Dark and Moody. "Lets go!" Taiga instructed as he'd turn the corner and walked up a few spots. "Ready Kiyoshi?" Asking he'd knock once on the door before waiting, a eye peaked through, but no sounds were made.

"Junpei"

Answering without being asked anything a short moment passed before the hinges unlocked with a soft pop and the doors opened up. They were almost done with the task at hand. All that remained was the actual persuasive portion the mission required.

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[The Dude]

As they stepped into the building Kiyoshi took in the surroundings casually. It was dark and the stale stench of tobacco wreaked through out the windowless room. Dirty men and even women filled the room sitting at a multitude of low set tables littered with ash trays, bottles, and half eaten food. All eyes looked up with curiosity for a moment at the strange crew before returning to their own business. Only one man with an eye patch and a scraggly mohawk remained staring at them. He sat alone across the room at a much larger table, reclined in a chair his feet on the table and a smoldering cigar in his hands.

Yellow teeth shown in the darkness as he grinned creepily at the party recognizing the kiri headbands before beckoning the party over. Kiyoshi glanced down at Taiga to see how he was adjusting to the scenery before give him a supportive pat on the shoulder and muttering, "I think we can assume that's the man we're looking for. You two go ahead and start our diplomacy. I'll wait here and keep an eye on you, I'm sure you two can handle it."

Kiyoshi was confident in his partner and new he would be able to handle himself even in this den of questionables. What he really wanted to see was how Taiga dealt with this situation when he was alone and what his strengths were. If he was charismatic they could handle this situation with absolutely not troubles. If not then it might even go so far as a minor brawl, in this case Kiyoshi would witness the boys prowess and ability to fight along side his hound.

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[Taiga Hozuki]

Taiga's nose wrinkled.

The ill-lit room carried the stagnate stench of tobacco, which to Taiga was extremely mind numbing because of his enhanced smell. His sister also whined, but boy nudge her to endure it. His eyes wandered around, taking in all he could see. It wasn't the most clean of places nor appropriate. His young mind could only fathom what actually went on within these walls. Trashy woman, drunk, shagged man and the look of what he didn't want to end up in life was all he could surmise from his surroundings. He, Kiyoshi and Shirohime were the center attention as they walked through the hall.

At the end there was a room where a man with a scruffy appearance sat, smelling of alcohol and another stench which to Taiga unfamiliar but one he was glad to not be acquainted with. Feeling Kiyoshi's hand touch his shoulder the boy looked up, only to nod in agreement with Kiyoshi's plans. He wasn't the smoothest talker there was, but for a young boy he was quite sensible, which maybe would work out to his advantage. Leaving the mans side, Taiga stepped forward into the dim room before nodding to the man before him.

"As you can see me and my partner are from Kirigakure. We come here on strict orders from the mizukage himself to ask for your cooperation in aiding us by patrolling the borders an taking into custody anyone on the watch list"

Taiga spoke clearly with great diction for his age; however, the man simply raised an eyebrow before erupting into a bolstering laugh that left Taiga dumbfounded. Had he did something wrong? Maybe presented himself in a comical manner? The boy was sure none of those were the case, but before he could ask the laughing ceased. "Listen here boy. If your mizu-kage wants our help, he'll have to come to me himself. Not send some boy an a geezer to my doorstep!"

The man mocked haughtily, Taiga wasn't taking the insults well, his fist tightening. Letting out a sigh he decided he'd try again. "He's a very busy man sir, but I assure you that it'd be greatly beneficial to you and what you do to whole-heartedly consider this here an now. This is a request that works not only in ours but yours." Rubbing his black beard he stared at Taiga for a moment whilst leaning back. There was a silence before he'd speak. "Beneficial? What type of bullshit are you feeding me kid!? We become your leaders lap dog... for what? Tell me what I get out of this? "

Taking a moment to think he tried to quickly ponder the most realist and proper way to answer that'd maybe appease to this mans sensible side. That was if he had one. "You watch out backs we watch yours. Any work you do outside out radar, we don't interfere with. Its a win win situation for us both if you'd only look at the positives." Taiga replied back coherently, his voice firm, yet calm. A wide grin stretched upon his visage, Taiga had no idea why but he was hoping ti was for reasons that wouldn't complicate his mission. "Okay boy. Say we do this, everything you just told me is truth right?"

Taiga nodded quickly with no hesitation.

"Than I accept!"

He spat, which left Taiga in a state of relief. Negotiations had gone by quite smoothly disregarding the small bumps, but they had completed their tasks. Handing the man some papers which included the wanted list as well as more instructions Taiga gave a light bow before returning to Kiyoshi's side. "That was close... went better than i thought" Whispering to him, Taiga began to walk forward heading for the door. He knew his sisters nose could no longer take the air in the building and neither could his.

[The Dude]

Tension and curiosity could be felt throughout the room as Taiga sat down to begin the negotiations. A small murmuring carried throughout the crowd of miscreants from the boy beginning the negotiations rather than the elder of the two. Kiyoshi couldn't manage to hide a smirk at their confusion. Unlike these people he was almost positive Taiga could handle this. As their conversation progressed it became clear the leader had some bias against this pair working as messengers and felt that he was worthy of speaking to the Mizukage for something as trivial as a small security look out? It was nonsense but Kiyoshi remained silent and watched on as Taiga continued confidently presenting one or two well reasoned points and arguments to the leader.

Tension climbed in the room but took a turn for the better when the leader accepted and spat on the floor. Quaint. Taiga handed over some papers that explained what these men would be doing and with that Taiga turned and approached Kiyoshi. "Went perfectly you mean," Kiyoshi whispered back before turning back and following after his partner towards the door and outside into the fresh air. They began to begin the walk back and the lingering odor clinging to their clothes deteriorated swiftly in the gently blowing wind. Once they had some distance between them and the Gulch Kiyoshi broke the silence, "You handled that well, Taiga but I'm afraid there's a side effect to your perfection that you may not like so much. We're going to have to go on a mission again soon with a bit higher stakes and stress so I can see how you do in those circumstances."

Kiyoshi looked down to Taiga and smiled warmly, "After all my curiosity is sparked to see just how impressive you really are. I have my suspicions that there's far more to you than meets the eye, and I'm anxious to find out what that is." Kiyoshi held out his outstretched hand again to the boy, "Is that alright with you partner? And of course you as well..." Kiyoshi added with a slight nod to Shirohime noting the animal's stake in Taiga's life and choices.

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