Whiskey coated Dangers | Spanish

[Trigga]

Pre-Bijū Encounter
Kusagakure no sato
Shing Tavern
10:47pm

Rapid laughter and hearsay filled the hostelry air with much to reflect on. Tales of men slaying many, to lore of men falling at the hands of their own. Both intriguing and insightful, the sheer volume of knowledge could be overwhelming if not taken in moderation. Slurred words coupled the stench of intoxication that slipped off the tongues of dozens as they roamed without the knowledge of who actually sat in their company. Both an insult, and a relief, the one of interest only viewed this in the form of the latter. It had been quite some time since the shadows graced him, and the public eye stared away; this would act as his beneficial reprieve.

Moving through the crowd of men and women alike, passing the bar counter, and the numerous scattered tables and occupants, resting in the far-left booth against the wall furthest from the entry, a man resided. A cloak masking his person, save for the features of attractiveness presented by his face, the man of mystery was none other than the Niidaime Hokage, Uchiha Ryūsuke. Having assembled his forces, and left them indulging in the night’s slumber, the Fire Shadow had surreptitiously sent word to his closest ally in this world—at least from a political standpoint. Something of great importance would need to be discussed.

Enjoying the fine touch of herbal green tea, the Uchiha waited for his guest to arrive. With the air of battle slowly reaching over the horizon, it seemed death was surely knocking on everyone’s day. Reports of grotesque beasts terrorizing the plains of the Grass country had captured the senses of the world, and all scurried to supplement aid in these dark times. Nonetheless, deeper, more delicate issues plagued the Hokage himself. Requiring one to vent with, it seemed the Raikage was as good as anyone else. From their last encounter, it seemed his sincerity and self-respect had brushed off on the young leader, and it was company well-enjoyed. Maybe before battle, he could bask in conversation, if only for the last time.

[Estilo]

( Enter Atlas; Kage Bunshin )

The track bored straight through the grass plains of Kusa no Kuni, and was broad and clear to see. Then it narrowed and became winding as it entered a small forest. Either that or in the darkness I had mislaid it. The tree trunks seemed to close in on me. I threaded between them, convinced I was still going the right way, or convinced enough at any rate, but in my heart of hearts far from sure. Maybe I passed it, I'd thought. The tavern where me and the young Hokage I called my ally were meant to meet. Maybe I'd blundered straight by, missing it among the darkness of night, and Kusagakure no Sato's liveliest (and only) of pubs was behind me now, while I continued to walk onwards.

The edge of my lips met the rim of a near-empty flask of eggnog, chugging down the flavor of hazelnut, nutmeg and light alcohol, its warm feeling cascading within my insides. When the carafe was down to its last drop, and when that too was drained, I promptly placed it away within the inside pocket of my black coat. A sigh, the masked portion of my face hidden beneath the brim of a big battered leather hat. The hat was cocked and the wide brim bent so that most of my right facial features lay in shadow. Not that I preferred it so- but old clothing tended to drape around one in its own manner after a while of wear. Such was the case with the relic that sat on the top of my head.

Seven years. Seven years since the ferocity of War had sprouted back into our world. I felt like I could literally recall each and every event, as I briskly kept moving, looking for the tavern I wasn't sure I'd see today.

But then, lo and behold, it was there.

Shing Tavern. I'd made it just a tinkle past eleven. A little late, sure, but appropriately so in my mind. Maybe Happy Hour's starting up soon, I though with a mischievous smile, boots treading through knee-high blades of grass. The unruly clamor of conversation and laughter seemed to burst through the establishment's windows and cracks. Nearly a tangible thing, a sensation that vibrated underneath my feet and crackled in my ears as I drew closer to the bat-wing doors.

Entering, I tipped the brim of my hat slightly upwards. My right eye hidden beneath the porcelain white masquerade mask, but my left emerald shining brightly enough for the two. Green like jade treasure, a hint of intelligence within its depths. Immediately I spotted the hooded frame of a familiar figure sitting at the far-left booth at the other side of the room. The only patron here without a companion to weave stories with. How sad! I jokingly thought. Slinking in between, pushing through and sliding past the group of drunkards and vagabonds crowding Shing's Tavern, I made my way to the designated table.

The corners of my mouth twitched into a smile as I slid into the seat across from my comrade, my figure dropping back into a quite frankly relaxed and slackened posture. "Boy, do you look shady, man. Almost didn't you recognize you, y'know- what with the hood on."

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[¤ Tenkai ¤]

+ 7 Ryu
+ 10 Atlas

[Estilo]

( Exit Atlas; Kage Bunshin )

OOC: RYU. PM me if you're down to continue, so I can reenter this shit later and resume our RP, bro. C'MON MANG.

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[Trigga]

The noise was convenient, and my ears suffered little. The art of blocking out external interferences became near second nature, a talent quickly associated with my training and mastery as a Shinobi grew. A discipline I favored over all else, though equally detested given stipulations and circumstances that didn’t very well find my skills tolerable. Needless to say with this environment, and the population it occupied, I was left alone to my own dynamics, and the design of secrecy had never been more properly executed. Waiting was a bore, but I was bothered minimally to say the very least. It was peaceful being away from such upheaval that I faced back at the settlement.

Casually would my right hand glide over the surface of my tea cup, steam repetitively lifting from its heated pool and roasting the emptiness of my palm. A relaxing sensation and one I quite enjoyed as it was a reflective stratagem to say the least. In that very moment—that split second of time I drowned all my sorrows and concerns and took on a confidence that hadn’t manifested in some time. The art of accepting flaws to further enhance one’s strength was one I learned over the years, steadily honing my mastery over such an acquired talent so that I could better govern myself, for that would be the only way I would ever be able to lead an entire village.

Though my hood blocked most of my facial features (within good reason) my ears, expressing clarity unforeseen in any normal human weren’t diminished. As such, as he approached, he didn’t go disregarded; every subtle movement, each tension implicated was registered and properly asset through my fully mature Sharingan that had been previously activated upon my arrival. Another expedient talent gained over years of experience and experimentation would also alert me instantly to this deception he had played once before. A mirror image of himself that didn’t hold the same integrity—his genuineness tarnished before my almighty ocular power.

As the false impression sat down rather casually, I decided to nod my head upwards, allowing the jewels of my clan’s heritage to shimmer in the dangling light. “Nice clone, friend.” I muttered confidently, though still with a charming tone despite physical features that were normally viewed in an opposite colors. Short strawberry-blonde hair, and crimson hues.

[Estilo]

"Why, thank you." I light-heartedly replied, my smile stretching into a wolf-like smirk. "Sorry I couldn't make your acquaintance on a much more personal level. I'm afraid Atlas numero uno is off searching for leads on the Yonbi. But of course... you've already heard the rumors." Nearly everyone and their grandma had. But few had the resources to track the Bijuu down and combat it like Konohagakure and Kumogakure no Sato did. It was up to seated kages such as us to spearhead the movement and keep track of this thing.

Having brought up the subject, I grew intensely interested in what my old friend Ryusuke had to say on the matter. There were other things I wanted to discuss with him, pleasantries I wanted to share with the chap, but as always, my curiosity took hold. "So tell me," I began. "What are your thoughts on the matter? I'm sure Konohagakure is just as enthralled as I am at the existence of a giant red ape."

I had known of Bijuu since before the Great Flash, and I'd even seen them in combat once or twice- powerhouses of chakra terrorizing entire armies alone. But now, as the Nidaime Raikage, I could do more than just stand around in awe and watch as my comrades died. Much more. I leaned forward on the table, my right elbow propped firmly on the surface, the base of my chin resting in the comfort of my right palm- gloved fingers trailing gently on the white finish of my masquerade mask. I had big plans ahead of me. Question was, would Ryusuke Uchiha- my fellow Nidaime Hokage- play any part in them?

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[Trigga]

Listening to the words my friend spoke, a soft sigh couldn’t help but to escape through the slit in my mouth—lips parting to ease the comfort. “I understand,” was all I could say. Challenging the legitimacy of someone as influential as the Raikage was unwise, and while we weren’t as close as allies should be, he was, without a doubt, an ally—a very important one. The closest to me in terms of Kage brethren, I held a level of respect that I displayed for my own community, a testament to the impact his presence has had on me since our meeting so many years ago.

Above an ally, a political head, or even a person who obtained veneration and important through a title, Atlas was actually a good friend of mine. I took what he had to say into deep consideration, and gave my best possible answer without reluctance. This only transitioned into my own contemplation as his first question speared deep into my consciousness. The news of the Yonbi emerging in the Grass country was something no one could have projected, no analysis could have birthed such information, and the inability to scale the strength of such monsters made it that much more difficult to deal with effectively.

“Well,” I started, intentionally breaking my decree as I continued to pursue a thought. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be—though I feel I’m the only one with experience handing a Bijû on my squadron… I really hope my team can maintain composure when faced with the tailed-beast.” A rather simple statement, though its simplicity was overshadowed the echelon I placed my apprehension at for the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. As the Niidaime Hokage, it was my duty to return the husbands back to their wives, and fathers back to their children. My life was forfeited the moment I accepted the title of Fire Shadow. I knew this much.

“Though, they’re trained well, and if they follow protocol, all should be well," I smiled falsely.

[Estilo]

I’m as ready as I’ll ever be—though I feel I’m the only one with experience handing a Bijû on my squadron... I smiled at the statement. I knew that feeling all too well. But, on the plus side, our current meeting here could hopefully turn the tide in the encounter that was to come. If we planned ahead, set up a strategy. We could very well put an end to the Yonbi's senseless rampage. But what then? I wasn't sure whether we could wipe the beast from the face of the earth... or capture it somehow.

Though, they’re trained well, and if they follow protocol, all should be well. He smiled, a little weaker than before. I could tell the apprehension that came with facing a beast of that magnitude was getting to him, too. It was getting to all of us, really. But as the seated kages of our own respective villages, we had duties to perform, tasks to fulfill. Being there- fighting against the Bijuu, in the flesh, would only solidify our bond to our villages and its people. But then again... was that really true? I wondered whether Ryusuke's faith was diminishing.

"Sounds splendid." I answered, tipping the brim of my hat upwards once more. An emerald green eye glinting, while the other remained hidden behind my porcelain white mask."I'm sure you've got a few tricks up your sleeve in case things don't turn out as good as you'd hoped it be. As do I. But the real trick would be in getting our forces together, fighting as a single unit... combining our gathered resources. I can tell you, for one, that the Yonbi is bound to receive an electrifying surprise from yours truly. And you? Anything special, my friend?" I asked, determined to evaluate our strategy ahead of time.

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[Trigga]

Atlas was a man forged through experience and excelled at the Shinobi arts. Though from what I’ve gathered over the several years that accumulated our friendship, he also had a keen eye for people. An ability more ideal for a Politian rather than a weapon constructed for war, I knew it fit our positions well as the respective head of our villages. My smile held no truthful glee, and while I did my best to conceal the anguish and misperception that progressively slipped into the open, I was always better at combat then masking what I felt. I knew he could see directly through me, and a Sharingan wasn’t needed in his case. This man who sat before me, without any godly augment, possessed true clarity.

Truth be told, I disliked lying, or even giving the impression of such trickery, considering I was also deceiving myself. Nonetheless, regardless of being younger than most of my position and stature, and not nearly having an equal footing in terms of experience, I was expected to maintain some level of professionalism, and act accordingly to situations like this. I didn’t have time to falter, nor become tentative with my own ability. Growing much physically only balanced with my psychological succession, and now a young man and a Leader I had duties that overshadowed any anxiety. I would demonstrate my worth on the battlefield.

Smiling only moments afterwards, a truthful, genuine beam of content, I was reassured by my fellow Shadow’s concise summary of what he had in store. I was expected to return the favor and give some light to the darkness which was my potential and techniques. “Let’s just say I’ve developed new earthly talents that should prove a nuisance for the Yonbi.” And I’d leave it there. Dropping my hood, allowing my cherry blonde bangs to fall over the forefronts of my face, my crimson oculars pierce their façade, and roamed directly towards the facial region of my companion—namely aiming to make direct eye contact with Atlas. Blood stained hues attempting to meet emerald jewels.

“May I ask you something?” I inquired.

[Estilo]

Earthly talents. Sounded like something useful in a battle with a Bijuu of that magnitude. Hopefully, it would aid my own plans for battle. Whether it knocked the Yonbi off its feet, or simply proved to subdue it, Ryusuke's earthly talent would aid in the destructive properties of my leviathan. I only needed to ensure that I kept my calm during the battle ahead, and didn't just go out throwing S-Rank techniques every which way. Sure, over the past few years my talent with chakra had only improved. I had about as much chakra as one would expect a Hoshigake to have, maybe even more so. But the Yonbi had much more.

The strategies and allegiance between Kumogakure no Sato and Konohagakure no Sato was interesting, yes. But I supposed my friend wanted to move on to more personal matters. Such was made clear when he approached me with a question: May I ask you something? I smiled at the gesture, a wolf-like grin surfacing as I raised a single hand- hopefully calling the attention of the waitress that walked about. "Always, amigo." A language seldom used in this world, one I'd learned long ago in the diversity of Kuma no Kuni. "What ails you?"

Before he could answer, the waitress arrived. "Two of the coldest beers you have, please." I whispered, rearing my head to make eye contact with the blonde in the apron, tossing her a charming smile. It felt good being a bachelor. But despite that, I still found myself thinking of her. The blonde smiled sheepishly, nodding as she trailed a single finger over the length of my shoulder and walked away. An obviously proud look in my eyes dimmed down when I turned back to Ryusuke.

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[Trigga]

That signature, almost instinctual grin of his alerted me to his concentration. Suave at its finest, Atlas had opened his ears to conversation—but more important what I had to say. The pressure had been alleviated from his shoulders, and now I was bombarded with the attention of the man who I respected so much. I waited but a moment, giving ample time to his rather succinct, though effective philandering with the blonde who resided some feet off. His direction aimed interest in beer, and while I seldom drunk such products, this was an event and I was around company I could trust, and if this were to be my last alcoholic beverage, why not share it with friends?

Matching that wolf-like beam with my own confident smile, I sighed for a moment. Our eyes had locked for a moment, and that instance was all I would need to induce a silent tête-à-tête. What I had to say wasn’t for the ears of those who surrounded us, and during such times and with the possibility of the Yonbi destroying all, spies came in abundance as well as rivaling ninja. I wouldn’t risk such vital information—I had the means to give the scarlet-haired more of a cinematic experience, anyways. “Atlas, don’t move. I’m going to use my Sharingan to communicate with you through another channel.” He wouldn’t have much time to comply, and with that, the symmetrical blades that orbited around my pupil began to twirl in harmony—hypnosis would soon be prompted.

Atlas would soon find himself becoming progressively relaxed, as I smiled and did the same, my eyes still in deadlock with the Raikage’s. Soon enough pictures, as clear as a morning’s sky would flush through his consciousness. Almost dreamlike, the man with the porcelain mask could see what I have. Looking through my eyes, a conversation with an Anbu of my village would become evident to the Lightning Shadow. The surrounding would be dark, evidence to the night as the heavens was painted in a deep shade of dark purple, the two in attendance stood in solitude, and soon enough, words would be exchanged, beginning with the Anbu.

“Lord Hokage-sama. I’ve recently received reports of a man who resides within this region of Kusa no kuni. His name is Nagamochi Itade—a former Hidden Leaf operative. Though our intel on his talents and purpose are leaden, we do know he possesses information on a certain technique, which originated in our village. A Kinjutsu…”

The trance would end there, and I would relax into my seat, giving time to my fellow shinobi to gather himself. Surely I was the first Uchiha to implicate a technique of that strength and magnitude without force upon him.

“The forbidden technique is known as….Rasengan.” I’d pause.

[Estilo]

I raised a brow at this next statement, my ever-present smile still going strong despite the unexpected turn. Atlas, don’t move. I’m going to use my Sharingan to communicate with you through another channel. The Sharingan. I smiled at the irony of it all. If only Ryusuke knew... well, hopefully that wouldn't change anything. I pushed the thought of telling him just yet away, instead vying to give the man an affirmative nod. "I trust you. Do your thing." But before I managed to utter that last syllable, I was already caught in the effect of his hypnosis.

A strange sensation overcame my entire body, and while my senses told me to issue my Kai and dispel the foreign power, I allowed it to creep further into my senses. As I had stated just now, trust in Ryusuke Uchiha was something I did not lack. I allowed him to use his Sharingan on me willingly, and what followed was a blurry and evanescent vision of a past event. The Second Fire Shadow, talking to an ANBU agent in the dead of night. I sat back and enjoyed the 'clip'.

When it ended, I felt the foreign chakra that had entered my system slowly fade away. When it was all gone, my eyes having returned to reality during the short timespan, I listened intently to the Nidaime Hokage's following words: The forbidden technique is known as….Rasengan. I shot him an inquisitive look. "So, the Rasengan, huh?" I repeated, my tone tinged with curiosity. "Who'd have thought a Kinjutsu of such magnitude could be in the possession of someone around here. How... enlightening." I smiled, rearing my head to see if the waitress was coming, before continuing on. "And? I don't suppose you've found any new leads upon your arrival have you?"

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[Trigga]

Allow my chakras to slip back into the confines of my body, I bathed in the sensation of feeling replenished once more. A technique I rarely used, the hypnotism that I could induce was well above any standard genjutsu, and allowed my eyes to pierce even the most secured minds. However, such tool of interrogation wasn’t needed for Atlas willingly allowed me admission into his thoughts. A sign of good faith that I respected above all. This was one of the true reasons why we got along so well—this trust factor I shared with no one else. Before a leader, above his preeminence, and surpassing our titles, he was a friend, and a damn good one.

As he inquired to any possible leads, my eyes sealed only momentarily. Detaching myself from reality to further elongate a cognitive state I favored for contemplation, I’d stand still stoic for a single moment. “I have a very reliable lead right now,” and with that my eyes would drift off to the distant north, branching off to the western flanks of the further most corners of the inn. If the Burabiya took the initiative and decided to trail the movement of my eyes, he’d find himself focusing pass the congested area, and singling in on one distinct individual. A short, plump man, ranging into his late thirties, early forties. An appearance only a mother could love, and a carriage that favored a bum over anything else.

“ That man will lead us to Nagamochi. His name is Chong.” I’d silence my words.

Giving my friend time to digest all I had to say for the moment, I expected some type of validation before I continued. Hopefully he would aid me in pursuing my goal for the time being. While we were both Kages and very preferential dogmatic heads, we were shinobi and the art of stealth came almost natural to us. Working together would surely solidify our results. Needless to say, I would need an answer soon, for no one could estimate how long Chong decided to stay in the tavern. Taking a sip of my tea insouciantly, I’d await, while concurrently scanning the perimeter around me.

[Estilo]

I listened as he replied, gauging his body gestures as he spoke I have a very reliable lead right now. There was nothing to it; all I needed to do was follow the general line of sight he had taken until my own orbs caught visage of the culprit. His lead. An older gentleman, stocky and chubby. I narrowed my eyes in amusement, keeping my head reared as I focused on the man, before turning back to my Uchiha companion.

My suspicions were only confirmed when Ryusuke continued on. That man will lead us to Nagamochi. His name is Chong. I raised a brow, a smile crossing my face, clearly proud of my fellow Nidaime's efforts. "Not bad. All we need to do now is trail this bloke to the mothership. Shouldn't be too hard." Yes, with that statement I was sure Ryusuke would become aware that I was whole-heartedly focused on helping him out. I'd come across Kinjutsu before, and when they were placed in the wrong hands, they could become very terrifying.

Besides the fact that I wanted to ensure that the Rasengan wasn't being put to bad use, I would have helped Ryusuke anyway. And why not? I wouldn't be much of a friend if I'd simply ignored his endeavor. The waitress came, placing the beers on the table and slipping me what appeared to be a napkin at the base of my bottle. She then smiled at us both, narrowing her blue eyes seductively when she glanced into my own, before walking away- hips swaying, the epitome of feminine beauty with a hint of vivacious attitude. What a woman.

Not even bothering to look down at the address scrawled on the napkin in pen, I folded it promptly and tucked it into the recesses of my front pocket. "So," I continued with a content sigh and smile. The stocky man behind me was surely still there, in the distance across the tavern. If not, Ryusuke would have already moved into motion to follow him. I picked up my cold beer by its neck, gesturing for my friend to take a sip of his own. "You're going after Kinjutsu now... are you?" I smiled, tipping the beer back to drain the fluids inside. Finished, I set the bottle back down on the table. "You're one hell of a risk taker, Ryusuke."

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[Trigga]

“It shouldn’t be too hard. He has no prior experience with the Shinobi Arts--- and his physical conditioning isn’t on par, either,” I smiled, almost amused by the brief scrutiny I had taken the personal obligation to deliver. Truth be told, he was no threat to us, and if we trailed him until forever, we’d never been singled out through the shadows. How could such a main without no form of protection actually be so close to someone who harbored such a secret? It made little sense, and almost seemed bizarre on the surface. I’d slyly take this oscillation in logic for face value, while keeping my own thoughts at bay.

Crimson orbs shifting from left to right sporadically, I made an effort not to draw direct eye contact. As Hokage, my name was known fairly well, even outside the oak walls of the Fire country. Needless to say, my appearance played well in masking my claims for the time being. The tragic metamorphosis after the attack on Konohagakure had only two beneficial outcomes: the safety of my municipal, as well as an odd guise that no one outside my hidden village had seen yet, well save for Atlas right now. Short locks, tainted a cherry blonde, my appearance was more mature, and it reflected the development in strength, as well in the mind that I had undertaken over the years.

As the waitress hovered over towards our table, placing the cold beverages onto the wood surface, I couldn’t help but to smirk. As always, the Casanova who sat across from me exerted his omnipresent magnetism which infected the woman as she wobbled off. I, on the other hand had also drawn attention. Through my [color=maroon=Sharingan

[/color], the tall, voluptuous blonde to my further western flank wouldn’t go disregarded. Her cool crystal blue eyes stabbing deep into the back of my frame without wavering. Atlas surely could see who I was now thinking of. I sighed, though, not giving her the satisfaction of my attention. I recognized her, and she didn’t know this; as such I was safe for the time being.

Taking a drink, as my face smudged up for but a second’s worth of time, I smiled at his comment. “That technique was designed by one of my village’s Kage. Its knowledge belongs with us.” Truth be told, I hadn’t actually meant the woman who created such a devastating ninjutsu, though stories of her strength, and her beauty hadn’t escaped my ears. “I’m just returning its strength back to its home,” I concluded my dialogue for the time being. I’m sure my red-haired friend had something to say, or add to the conversation with that in mind. Chong would begin his move soon, and as such I’d like to talk as much as I could before an air of silence would flood our night.
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