spotlight. [vega]

[BLKND]

CHAPTER spotlight
POST one
OOC n/a

The scent of citrus was intoxicating to the senses of those whom once had no appreciation for them. The smell of sour was nothing like the taste, which made it all the while more appealing. The want to cringe, and grit in a frightful anguish is hardly considered sane, however when the smell presents itself, then the taste cannot help but follow. The longing for the two senses to somehow merge into one, or some how make each other perfect in some way was all too appealing. This unison of course was an impossibility. Why? Because the scent no longer felt the bitterness that the taste did. It had transcended into a utopia that knows only the benefits of seduction. It was a tool for the taste to crush those unwary enough to take caution. However, there were few who would relish in both. The saliva of their gaping mouths moistening the edges of the vibrant sunshine lemon before taking a quick plunge into it's exposed viscera. The squeeze of the jaw would thrust the juice of the fruit to explode into their mouth, forcing an array of flavor and anguish. It was the perfect feeling, and as the cool of the juice would contradict itself with the dry spice of it's flavor, the true understanding of this 'citrus' was revealed. With lips that would curve around the end of the sliced lemon, the young man which would relish in this taste would find himself lost in a flurry of feeling. It wouldn't take long for him to lose this heavenly sensation, ripping the shredded fruit from his maw and thrusting it apathetically back into the tea cup in which he had found it. The weight of the fruit would scatter the few drops of tea left in the cup into a number of different directions, however none of them being much farther than the tip of the old, wooden saucer which sat beneath it.

"Shite kudasai watashi wa ikutsu ka no yori ōku no ocha ga aru kamo shirenai?" ["May I have some more tea please?"] He would ask bluntly, however not forgetting to add a slight air of courteousness.

He had addressed the only working staff in this shabby tea stand. The majority of the staff had called in sick today, more than likely due to the fact that for once, the weather was actually decent in this village. With a constant overcast, it was a rarity to see the sun. It was not uncommon for families to take full advantage. He was no different. Sitting in a rather short stool, with knees touching the tall wooden bar of the stand, showing his length, he had been enjoying his day for quite some time. An early breakfast, a quick exercise and now an afternoon tea was more than enough to keep this young man contempt with his off day. However today wasn't his off day, so after tea he would have to cut things short. In fact, today was the day for him to make his way out of the village and into the wilderness of Kaminari no Kuni. A common mission for ninja his rank, the Raikage had plenty of money to spend of constant reconnaissance missions within their country's borders. If things popped up, then he would want to know. If they continued to lay low, it was also valuable knowledge. Ibara didn't mind. Having been a recently promoted Chuunin, he was eager to make his mark in the eyes of their leader. This would provide the perfect opportunity. Legs spread, and knees bumping against the bar, he would wait in anticipation for both his tea, and his subordinate which he had been informed would be joining him on the mission. Little was known about the shinobi other than his gender, the secretary refraining from informing him for a reason beyond comprehension. As the next wooden saucer would find itself in front of the small bar space in front of him, the tall young man would nod at the waitress, however avoiding eye contact. His one visible eye too focused on the possibilities which lay behind this mystery man. Would be be a hindrance or a helping hand? That question would have to wait until he showed his face. For now, however, he was simply wasting the sunlight.

[vegapunk]

_________________________________

It truly was a glorious day. The sun was high and bright in the sky with only a few scattered clouds settled above. Any true Kumo resident would know it was splendid and most of all unexpected. The weather around these parts were constantly gloomy as a blanket of overcast grey cloud would resolve itself to a long stay. Although Eiichiro enjoyed the thunder and flashing lightening storms that were a common occurrence, there was something special and inviting about the heat of the sun beaming down from directly above. The whole atmosphere in the village seemed to pick up as more people were on the streets at this time of the morning than there usually was, most likely enjoying the sun firs hand. It was particularly intriguing to Eiichiro that something so simple as the weather would have such a profound affect on the general demeanor of the people. However, the most intriguing part was the effect that it was having on himself. He found that he was in a particularly peppy mood and he couldn't help but sing and hum a tune as he walked to his destination smiling to people as he walked past.

♫ ♫ "Hey little soldier boy, why are you so achingly slow..Like fragile tiny shells, drifting in the cold..Little soldier boy, come marching home. Brave soldier boy, comes marching home." ♫ ♫

The tune just found itself billowing out of his mouth without any accord, it was the first thing that came to him. The old tune was one that his mother used to sing to him when he was younger and the flooding memories of a place far gone breached through to his present. In all honesty he didn't have too much time to enjoy the day. Though many would it was his noble duty to protect the village that he called home and this would be fulfilled by participating in a mission with a fellow Kumo-nin. He didn't know to much of the shinobi he would be working with, barely anything at all, only the place were the two would meet and his gender. The Tea House, a fine choice indeed something which told much about his character something that he would most likely enjoy. With his hands clenched together hidden in his long sleeves he slowly made his way to the Tea House down a path from the street. He had not been to the Tea House in a while, and he was itching to see if they had any new products that he could sample. But, nothing could beat his good-old favourite, a simple jasmine tea.

Down the path the sounds from the hustle and bustle of the road disappeared. However, as he edged his way closer to the Tea House he could hear to slight murmur of voices through the double-wooden open doors. He would enjoy a bit of company especially that of his new partners. Stepping through the entrance he made his way to the counter. The smell of fresh herbs, warm tea and the tantalizing tastes of hot food and sushi made not only his nose tingle but is tongue also. Scanning the room to find the man he would be working with he first cancelled all the civilians from his vision, to hone in on the few shinobi which resided inside. There was a single older man with thick facial hair, a young women sitting with what would look to be her mother, and a single young man sitting in a stool. Deducing from the facts his first bet was this man and he made his way to the area of the counter closest to him. Making his way to the counter he waited for the man behind it to realize his presence and turn to face him. Screening through the menu he had decided to just have a jasmine tea. Though change was good, some old dog's don't like to learn new tricks. The man turned and asked what Eiichiro would like.

"I will take a large extra-hot jasmine tea. When its ready just send it over here thanks."

Turning his body he would move towards the man he suspected to be the one he was going on the patrolling mission with. Pulling a stool up next to the man in question he sat down neatly next to him flashing a generous smile, closing his eye's slightly. They would be working this mission together and meeting for the first time, all things that were exciting and open to so many possibilities. The man was young and tall having an aire of professionalism around him. He sat neatly in his stool content with being there but also ready to leave at any minute. Brushing his blonde hair across as it sleeked over his eye he turned his head towards the man and began to speak.

"Sorry to interrupt, but you wouldn't happen to be the chuunin participating in a patrolling mission soon would you? If so, I am Eiichiro Munashi your partner for this mission."

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[BLKND]

CHAPTER spotlight
POST two
OOC n/a

The abrupt screeching of what could only be described as intrusion would ring into the left side of his cranium, invading his inner ear drums to alert him of an alien presence. The sudden echo would multiply and expand in the sound of a voice which would make itself stand out in comparison to the dull drone that would course through the small tea house. Ibara's scrawny, olive neck would turn to lay at least one of his incredibly thin eyes on the one who would address him so casually. Giving him a dull stare that would last for a small, noticeable moment, it would be quickly followed by a devilish grin that would carry a slight hint of malice. However, as his smile would continue to grow, to the point that it would appear horrific, it would be cut short by the 'clack' of wood hitting wood. The second serving of his requested tea had arrived on a separate plate, and an additional lemon finding itself served neatly beside it, with a stirring spoon and packet of honey to top it off. It would draw his attention away from this newcomer's youthful black eyes, if only for a second. Lifting his head to greet the stare of his waitress he would give her a nod and a quick thank you.

"Arigatō." ["Thank you."] He would lazily state, his eyes slowly shifting back to the right to greet this newcomer.

He was tall, only a few inches shorter than Ibara, but considering the height of the stools in which they sat, the true difference between the two were questionable. A heavenly light would course through the poorly built walls which would surround the two of them, allowing small flurries of sunlight to show the true color of each of their oculars. It was important now, because making sure that they could identify each other would be the most important thing for them. He had identified himself as Ibara's partner for the mission he had been assigned to, a mission that would require temporary leave from the village into the countryside of Kaminari no Kuni. It was a simple patrol mission, just as he had said, but it was not something that would prove to be truly treacherous. At the very least it would be a short hiking trip that they two would share.

"Eiichiro-kun?" He would begin. "Hajimemashite." [Nice to meet you.] He would say with a simple nod, his attention drawn back to the tea in front of him, fiddling with it a bit as he would continue to speak, his eyes however obviously avoiding any formal contact. "Kore wa, kajuaruna ninmu ni narudarouga, watashi wa watashitachi no ranku no chigai no kanzen'na rikai o kitai suru. Watashi wa no senchōda, to anata wa watashi no jūzokudesu. Watashi no iu koto ni mimi o katamuke, soshite nani ga okoru ka dō ka wa iki tsudzukerudarou." ["This is going to be a casual mission, but I expect complete understanding of our rank difference. I am your captain, and you are my subordinate. Listen to what I say, and you'll stay alive if anything happens."]

Slowly pouring the honey into the tall wooden cup, his spoon would slowly swirl within the insides of the deep, crimson liquid. His fingers, slender and straight would poise perfectly politely as he did so. His smile would slowly creep along the bottom of his face. His teeth once more exposing themselves to the young blonde addressing him.

[vegapunk]

The two had finally met and the beginning stages of the day's adventures would start to unfold. What is to happen will be a mystery to both shinobi but that was the enticement of participating in such things. Looking inquisitively at the lean man in-front of him he was eager to get to know him better just front the initial moments of their meeting. He always enjoyed meeting knew people and understanding their psyche both in a social and battle-ready situation. As Eiichiro's eye's would seem to drift off into a distance space and quickly averted his attention back to the current situation with a single snap of consciousness. It seemed as though the man had ordered himself another tea to Eiichiro's delight. It would allow him some time to receive and drink his own while possibly getting to know the man slightly better before they set off. Polite and astute he would receive his tea thanking the waitress before turning his attention back towards Eiichiro.

He had hoped this was the right man otherwise he could look somewhat foolish. Holding a firm and confident gaze with the man before him, in all honesty, he wasn't too sure if he was correct which was an oddity for the man. Though still young he had a knack for this kind of thing as his perception was more than advanced. But this man intrigued him in a way that most didn't, he wanted to know more and understand it better. Perhaps it was the way his face was structured especially his mouth. Although not overly noticeable in a dormant or closed state when opened or a smile stretches its way across his face it lights up a world of intrigue. What lurked behind the unique grin was it sinister, cheeky, or plain madness? the fascination would consume him till he came to a conclusion which satisfied his own demand. Upon this fascination the man before him would begin as he greeted the young shinobi back repeating his name in a calm manner whilst reverting his direct contact.

The words would float from his mouth and into Eiichiro's ear with ease, like that of a bubble they were simple and calm, but most importantly they were too the point. He was a true chuunin and captain something, from the words he spoke, he seemed to take much pride in with good steed. Before Eiichiro would reply a petite women carrying a sleek wooden tray with a single cup on it would arrive behind him. Sensing her presence he would meet her simultaneously, completely turning his body from his mission partner, as she proceeded to stop before him. Lowering the tray with her body he replicated her movement whilst taking the tea off of the tray and bowing. The tea was hot as the curling of steam upward dissipated high in the air, a good sign indeed. Quickly turning his body once again to converse with the mysterious shinobi in front of him he sipped his tea slightly edging it on the tip of his lips.

"Ahh...beautiful. Its been too long since I have been here. And yes, of course, there will be no challenge of command from this end. To be quite fran,k taking orders of this kind is more preferable for me so there is no need to worry. However, a problem shared is a problem halved isn't it?

//pause//

How is your tea? good I presume."

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Eager to be polite with a hint of jovial enthusiasm, Eiichiro's speech was effervescent and light. There would be business to commence on soon as the borders of Kaminari no Kuni would not search themselves. He felt in good hands with the shinobi sitting before him and knowing the pride in which consumed his rank he felt that much safer to travel with him. However, what better way than to start off a day and a possible new friendship than with a cup of a hot tea. Well, a cup of delicious hot tea at that.
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