funnel web [private/hunting]

[daisy]

♥; ambition

I seemed to find myself there every morning, these days. Lounging at a window seat, watching my village go by. I'd been jovially warned once again by the barman of the dangers of wine this early, but an indulgent smile and a barely there shrug of my shoulders made it apparent that i no longer cared. It wasn't as if i was an alcoholic, and nobody could deny that i deserved a little something to get me through the day. Sighing, i uncrossed my legs, adjusting my chic black dress, a wardrobe staple i'd just not felt in the mood to accessorise. What a sleepy existence. I couldn't help wonder if that desire for adventure was even in me, anymore. Buried deep down, perhaps, beyond the daily cares.

But ever since our meeting, i'd wanted something. Ever since that woman strolled up, confidence blazing in every pore. I was something special, right? Leading a dreary village like this wasn't all i would amount to, right? But perhaps, letting myself stagnate like this was the reason for these doubts. I'd seen that sword on her back, i'd heard of the awe inspiring things she could do. Forbidden things she could do. As i'd left my home, i'd instructed that darling Rosa to check up on something. Something a lot of people must've forgotten, something even i had not thought of.

A dangerous, infamous jutsu, the possessor of which enjoyed a rather lucrative career in terror and crime. Naturally, i was no common criminal, yes, regardless of my occasional kleptomania, but such a jutsu could have many, many other uses. I'd heard of it in legend, the fluid black threads, the unsettling masks, apparently façades of murders. It was terribly enticing. I wasn't sure how much information my dear assistant could find, she wasn't as... astute as i. But i wouldn't leave it all to her. This was more than just obtaining something powerful, something prestigious. This was a matter of re-obtaining myself.

I drained my glass and stood up. Yes darling, today was a good day for ambition.

[daisy]

♥; delving

Leaving the cafe, i stepped gracefully out onto the streets. Even now, mature and composed as i'd become, i still felt a mild thrill as peoples' eyes turned on me. My appearance had always drawn attention, it was partly intentional, but the small triumph i felt was still such a pleasure. Perhaps they looked because they disapproved, but perhaps a few felt admiration at my daring and self confidence. After all, these were my people now. It was quiet though. Sleepy, almost. I could scarcely remember an iwa that bustled with activity and intent, it must be many years ago now. I was still here, after all this time. Back then, i'd jumped at any chance to leave the village, and had taken many an extended leave, both alone and with him. Had it really been over seven years? I wasn't sure if i was finally okay with what he did, or whether the time had just dulled the pain. Oh come now darling. Not everyday must be spent dwelling on things!

I shook my head slightly, running a bejewelled hand habitually through my hair. It was time to check in with Rosa. I had my doubts whether she could have found anything useful, but she was earnest and hardworking. Perhaps she'd had a stroke of luck. I was in no hurry, and took my time to wander the streets as i made my way home. I enjoyed these parts of my day, merely meandering past my people and their everyday lives. No matter how quiet my life got on the shinobi front, i would always have time for the citizens, at least. With the establishing of the problem board in Josephine's, an idea she herself had come up with, the regular people found a way to request professional help, albeit at a price. However, i'd made it clear that they didn't exactly require to post a reward, it was just common sense that indicated they'd have more chance of help, and better help, if their job was a paid one. Overall, i supposed, with a small smile, i may be lacking in a military force, but i had a happy village. It was a nice, if bittersweet thought. After all, what use were villagers should we be invaded? Not that it was likely, with the quiet agreement all five ninja village seemed to be in. Really, it was a time of peace. And who was i to take that for granted?

Shortly, i found myself ascending the stone steps of my building, the comfort and luxury of my boudoir awaiting within.
"Lady Coco! Lady Coco!" Came the familiar cries, and a woman in an apron came bustling out, almost tripping as she skipped haphazardly down the steps towards me. I couldn't help smile at her. As useful as she could be, i often wondered if i merely kept her around for the comic relief she provided.
"Rosa, dear, whatever is the matter?" I asked, continuing to climb as she fell into step beside me. She looked rather excited, almost like a dog returning with a ball. Stifling giggles, i listened as she began to explain.
"The jutsu you asked me to research! I met a man who knows all about it! I was just sending out some messages to contacts you have, and some travellers in our records, and i received invitation to meet with this man!" Rosa looked rather flushed, and her eyes shone with pride as we reached the door and proceeded inside.

"My my. You've done rather well, it seems." I said absent mindedly, already wondering who this man could be. Of course, as a hidden village, we often came into contact with strange individuals, to put it lightly. People who made dealings with shinobi, who needed their services for particularly dangerous or covert operations, these kind of people were either powerful, wealthy, or both. It was entirely possible that this man was a previous client, or merely a mysterious stranger we had offered hospitality. Either way, if he truly had information for me, i was elated! I hadn't expected to make much headway within the village, and was already preparing for a journey out with our lands.

"I take it he's in the lounge? I shall go meet with him at once, fetch some wine, will you dear?"