Remaking a life...

[Gouki Takumi]

A quiet breeze began to blow over the ground. Whispering amongst grass, grit, and anything else that was able to be moved. Though, that is what one could come to expect, when they came to the land of Lightning and Cloud. However, that was not why Gouki was here, he was here because this is where he wanted to make, or remake his life. He would go out for a profession that would suit his wants, as well as his skills and jutsu.

He was known as an iron hide, both due to his bloodline, as well as due to many amazing feats he'd pulled that dealt with fire. However, he was not well known, he was just an overly large man that seemed to have a dull glow to him. Arms wrought with the strain of training, bulging with muscle and vein, showing off the cut of his frame. His gray eyes searching around, he was in the center of the land, with really nothing to do.

"What.... the hell am I doing here...?"

It was a question he already knew the answer to, he was here for his future life. He had been studying since the time he'd become a ninja in general. His studies had not been on increasing his own skills as a nin, but instead as a craftsman. He was an apprentice for some time, though now he was unemployed looking only for a place to set up. He wanted that profession, and nothing would stop him anymore.

[Dagron Hoshigake]

With yesterdays missions completed and a day to himself, Ip reflected on where he felt he was headed in life. The Path To Enlightenment was a tradition not specific to his family, but to many monks and priesthoods throughout the world. The concept brought many to their death because of their ideals. Others never made it to that enlightened state but died masters of their respective arts. And some never thought about it and becam ecomplacent with their lives. Where would Ip fit into the seemingly never ending circle? His determination and pride conflicted with his thoughts that he may fail too. There was no room for failure in the shinobi world nor his own.

While these thoughts toiled in his mind, his concentration was splintered. Ip eventually bumped into a rather large, indimidating ninja. I don't remember them making them that big.., Ip thought as he took a step back and apologized profusely. After several small bows he glanced up to study the man further. He looked in his late teens, dull, but powerful. Arms made for crushing it looked, Ip noted.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I.. Wasn't looking."

[Gouki Takumi]

[/i] A quick shaping of his tongue, so that he would not cause a misunderstanding. His lips forming a line once more, the same appearance that was behind the mask before he'd taken it away. His next words to be his introduction to this man."I'm Gouki... Born here, raised elsewhere.."[/ul]

[Dagron Hoshigake]

"I am Ip Trang, neither born nor raised here. The story is long and winding. A history best left hidden behind the facade of having always been here. Again I apologize and it is a pelasure to make your acquaintance." Ip bowed again after a small tangent, glancing up to catch a glimpse of Gouki's face. Indeed he was a strong man. Ip could not see him being a very skilled ninja per se, though he appeared knowledgeable. "What brought you to Kumogakure no Sato, if I may ask?"

[Gouki Takumi]

[/i] It was the only reply he could come up with to the man's questioning, and as much as he wanted to give to a stranger. As his words ended, his entire torso shifted forward in an elegant bow, his etiquette, as well as the way he worked showed something not taught by the nin; but instead of other teachings.

Then his form came back up, his lips twisted back into a smile, as his arms lowered to his side, looking downwards on the nin. He was not an exceptional ninja himself, but he was a ninja, and could do as much as anyone else to save himself. However he was born for something different, something with fire. Then he spoke again. "Ip.... I need to build. To shape, do you know how I could do that?"
[/ul]

[Dagron Hoshigake]

"Build?" The question came off as odd to Ip because he did not understand the context in which it was meant. it showed on his face as he quirked a brow. "What do you mean? I know of several kinds of "building" and "shaping," but I don't quite understand what you're asking me." A hundred different variations flared in Ips mind as he let the thought toil away into the depths of his mind. If he seeks a job, does he mean building as in a craftsmans art? Or.. I wonder.. What could he be? "I'm sure the Raikage would have to permit any major jobs requiring "building," or "shaping," in terms of craftsmanship. We don't have many workshops and what little carpentry we have is done in homes or on the side of the streets where construction is."

[Gouki Takumi]

[/i] Gouki's words were fast, as he showed off the weapon, perfectly balanced, and counterbalanced to the point that he didn't have to try very hard to spin the weapon in the long complicated combinations that were it's application.
[/ul]

[Dagron Hoshigake]

Of all the portents and ominous signs, Gouki's forewardness with his weapon did not shock or concern Ip. With war having just passed like an eclipsed moon, such virulence openly displayed would have been dealt with personally by the shinobi collective. If anything his interest was piqued as he listened to Gouki. The man was consumed, it seemed, with desire. A desire that brought him to Kumogakure with it forged into his heart and mind like a well tempered steel. This passion Ip could relate to and understand. His own goals smoldered deep within. Because of their desires, Ip could comfortable extend his hand to this gentleman of a ninja.

"I see. The Raikage would no doubt want to see this for himself. By this, I mean your skills. If you are eager, we can set off to meet the Raikage now, though I feel the attendant may want an appointment set up. Perhaps if she sees this fire, she will understand the importance. What it would mean to have such a determined blacksmith working for Kumogakure."

Ip gave gouki a short smile and have him a moment to think over the idea of taking the subject directly to the villages leader.

[Gouki Takumi]

[/i] It was his teachings that had the little nin built into his vocabulary. It was when he was little that he was called that, and thus when he was free to wonder on his own, it stuck with him. But now, he was ready to go and see the Raikage. The one who would allow him to enjoy his craft.
[/ul]

[Dagron Hoshigake]

"To the Raikage's office!"

With nothing more than a point at the grandest structure in all of Kumogakure no Sato, a looming tower personifying the strength and glory of the village, Ip began his brisk march.

[Gouki Takumi]

[c l o s e]