Lost connections.

[Apple]

The layout? I currently sat within a building; mores specifically, a restaurant, in one of Kusagakure's center, an establishment favored by the wealthy in the village and foreign guests who wished to be sample the various delicacies that Kusagakure had to offer. It was a place that I'd visited several times in the past with other heads of state and of course with my own family on special days such as birthdays wherein I wished to treat them to something special. Of course, although the food was beautifully crafted and well made, Yuu had since grown a distaste for the way that it was presented and the, as he called it, fanciness of the place. Henceforth it had been a while since I'd come here, but the soft glowing lights on the walls were beautifully lit, soothing to the eyes and mind. Also soothing was the silence. With darkness having taken control of the sky, it was well past closing time for establishments such as these; the time itself drawing at roughly quarter to twelve in the night. Naturally, I had no complaints. Although I could confess to having been perhaps an.. ..attention seeker in the past, I'd since grown sick of it - the noise, the voices, the chattering - but, I couldn't complain about how much my village had flourished. And so; pale white skin bathing in the gentle, almost ineffective light that the room produced, I gazed about only for a moment or so at the ANBU dotted about the room. Of course; they weren't here upon my request, but rather from Kouketsu's own. In the past, I'd been more than happy to wander anywhere without people hired to watch my each and every move. And it wasn't that he didn't trust me, no - it was moreso a matter of safety, and although I found it cloying, the lifeless masks gazing at nothing at the wall before them, I did appreciate his concern. Sighing softly, I leaned forward, taking the small cup of unidentified liquid and downing what was left of it before pressing it back down to the table. Handling a nearby bottle bearing fine sake as a content, I freely poured myself another glass before leaning back in the plush bench. With my legs crossed, a single foot was pressed against the antique wood furniture; an action that wasn't exactly appreciated by the owners of the restaurant, but who were they to question me?

"...."

With the cup still carefully held in my hand, I could only begin to reflect on what I was about to speak about in the meeting that I'd arranged, my eyes wistfully following these thoughts. And no; I wasn't here to speak to myself, taking advantage of my status of kage to convince a restaurant to stay open for my own sake wherein I could muse over the thoughts swirling in my head. I'd organized a meeting appointment between myself and two of the jounin within the village who I requested a task completed from. It wasn't something easy, and I understood the challenges that could come from it; but perhaps it was the sake that had already started to tinge my mind with its bitterness, or maybe it was just me, but, I didn't give a damn. I expected them to comply to every little word and demand that I said, following them with success no matter the content of which they'd have to complete and go through to achieve it. Through being born here, through becoming jounin of the village, they were bound to serving me as their kage for as long as I reigned, slaves to my very existence. Taking another generous sip from the cup in my hand, my patience was quickly becoming thin.

..As was the control over my actions, a consequence of the bottle upon the table.

And then, I smirked.

For what reason, even I wasn't sure.

[spade]

"I wonder how much she has changed..." He was referring to Lady Kusakage, someone he hadn't seen in a year or so. No doubt would she be surprised of how much Esei had changed, now sporting bright blue hair while his eyes had turned permanently crimson. He was somewhat surprised he was requested by her, quite ironic as well, as he was going to go see her sometime this week. She probably had a mission for him, that was the only time she ever really needed him. He wondered if Kouketsu told her that he'd trained Esei over the past few years, if not, Esei wasn't going to say a thing. The location that was giving to him was a famous restaurant that was a bit too fancy for Esei's tastes, but if Lady Kusakage requested it he couldn't say no. He pleaded his loyalty to her that very day several years ago and he was going to die a loyal ninja.

Pushing open the doors to the famous restaurant his crimson oculars noticed the woman in seconds, looking as fancy as ever. Walking over to where she was seated he shot her a smirk, his fangs exposing themselves to his leader. "It's been a while huh? You don't look as fat as you did last time I seen you." Esei matured quite a bit over the past few years but cracking jokes on the Kusakage was never going to change, especially since he's been with her through almost everything. "Look just as wonderful as always." Despite the relationship between the two being leader and disciple he still felt as if they connected on a deeper level through all the experiences they shared. Nothing like a lover, more like a close friend, or at least that's how he felt about it. "I assume you have something for me to do?" He queried, pausing to take a look at the multiple ANBU stationed around her section. Real nigga shit.

[Bit]

“Another day another dollar.”

Singing to my self as I entered one of the most prestigious restaurants within the village of Kusagakure, I found myself attending yet another meeting with Blanche. I had grown accustom to meeting with the woman now a day’s it was starting to seem like cloak work. I was dressed within my most casual clothing as I didn’t feel the need for anything extra. With my hands tucked in my pockets I made my way through the restaurant, my eyes peered around the room examining every inch of it. ‘Damn she’s got a lot of my boys in here tonight.’ I thought to myself as I noticed the plethora of ANBU guards stationed around the restaurant, ‘I guess she’s feeling a bit uneasy after that unexpected visit.’ But I wouldn’t allow myself to question her reason for the extra protection for too long as I found myself just a few feet off from her table.

“Lady Blanche, Esei - Sensai…. How ya doing?”

I’d say as I pulled up a chair to the table with them, I hadn’t been sure of exactly what Blanche had summoned me for sense she had already had so many guards here but I wouldn’t questions motives. I’d just take my seat at the table while pulling myself up, ‘Esei, I haven’t seen Sensei in years.’ Seeing this man after many years brought back fond memories of my childhood. There had been plenty of long days and nights that I spent training under him, he was one of the many inspirations in my life.

[Apple]

Several minutes seemed to pass before my very eyes as I gazed onwards at the exquisitely decorated place that I had been set in. Also upon the table, next to the set of drinking cups and bottles of sake, was positioned a large vase of flowers, surely cut and made merely hours before this very meeting to preserve the freshness and the beautiful glow that they seemed to have. I was sure that some would marvel at such a creation, but - the arrangement itself wasn't to my liking. But, it was a nice gesture by the owners of the restaurant, and I couldn't exactly bring them to fault over it. However, as I held my gaze on to the vase before me, I could hear a kind of shuffling come closer - footsteps. Dramatically, I turned my body to face the incoming person, a large, waterfall-like mass of blonde hair closely following my each and every move. The smirk on my face had since left, and upon seeing Esei, even he couldn't provoke it back. Not right now, at least. Moving back to my original position and readjusting my feet slightly, my arm then rose, motioning for him to sit down on one of the various seats positioned at the other side of the table.

"Sit."

And his voice - his voice was the same as it had ever been, albeit perhaps slightly more mature. But the most striking thing, apart from his attitude? His hair. It had since changed from that traditional shade that most Uchiha bore to a vibrant blue, something that I hadn't noticed. But then again, I hadn't seen him enough as of late to pick up on such a change. Of course, it did, strangely, suit his skin tone and eye color, but at the same time, I wasn't going to just tell him that. Crossing my arms again, taking a sip from the small cup, I looked on at him, and prepared to speak -- but was cut away as I heard another pair of feet enter the room. Again, I turned my head to look at who it was, confirming that it was the second person who I'd asked to meet with me today, Sy. Because of this, I chose to bide my time, waiting until he had come close to both Esei and I so that I could address the both of them; it only made sense, after all. It wasn't long until the other Uchiha soon came up, taking a seat on the other side of myself. And so; with everybody here, I took a final swig from what was left in cup of sake that I held, placing it back down on the table shortly thereafter. Of course; I'd noticed them looking around at the ANBU in the corners of the room, and, leaning back again in to the bench, I chose to explain to them. "..They.. are here under Kouketsu's orders.." I spoke. My own safety was one of his concerns; it had always been that way. "..If it was my way then I'd have come here alone. However.." I paused, readjusting my gaze to look at both boys before me. And, I didn't finish my sentence, instead choosing to focus on the main reason that I'd called the two of them here; but could I trust them to do such a mission as the one that I was going to give them? Were they truly that versed in the shinobi arts that they could do it successfully? More than just dignity was at stake if they slipped up; and I wanted them to understand that. Personally, I thought that they would do well; which was why I placed them on the mission. But if they returned back to me as a pile of broken limbs in a hessian bag then I'd be gravely mistaken on my judgement. But did I feel guilty about sending them out, with that thought in my head? No. A small part of me trusted their abilities. I just hoped that such trust wasn't blind.

"..What I'm about to ask you isn't something that you can relay back to your friends and families."

"If I hear one word from someone that suggests that what we've discussed has been leaked by your own lips.."

"..You.. won't be so fortunate as to have my forgiveness.."

I spoke my warning; of course, I didn't think that either of the two would truly go about flaunting secrets and word of things that weren't their own to share, but I had to be careful. "..I'm about to propose to you a mission unlike one that I may have chosen to send you on in the past." I began to explain, my words almost.. rambling, but at the same time, frighteningly determined. "..It will, for the most part, be dangerous. I expect for the both of you to return safely but should you do one thing out of place, I won't be there to save your asses." I continued, my head leaning back then as well, gazing at the ceiling above and the soft hanging lights. Of course; originally, I was going to throw myself in to the mission at hand without the aid of anyone, as it was something that concerned me, but having shared such news with Kouketsu, again, he intent on preserving my safety, rejected the notion and suggested I send some of my promising shinobi on it instead. I had a family now; and they came first, but I had so many things that I needed to get done. As the saying goes; if you want a job done well, do it yourself. Another sigh slowly passed through my lips, and I began to speak again, looking from Esei to Sy.

"..If you agree to the terms that I've outlined, then I'll reveal to you what I want done."

I said, fiercely eying their expressions. As long as I had their oath; their promise that nothing would become of this, that they understood the risk that could come with the mission itself, then I could then go forwards to tell them the mission that I proposed to the both of them.

SPOILER: Click to show

1 Infuin pack stored.

[spade]

Oh? Esei's partner for the mission was going to be his past student, also a fellow Uchiha, how fortunate. "Fine" Was the sole response that Sy was going to receive from Esei. He knew just how much Blanche hated to wait especially when she's going through a life crisis. Blanche might not think that the bright haired Uchiha knew much about her, but he sure knew just how to read through her facade. He knew that something had happened with her for her to be acting like such a bitch, usually she's more friendly. Although he hadn't seen her in years he knew something was up, but he wasn't the one to pry, not anymore at least.

"I assumed so..." He said in response to having the ANBU because of Kouketsu's orders, he was just that type of a man. Esei's ears perked up as he listened to everything Blanche had to say. She acted as if he never received a mission before, he knew about everything she had told him. It seemed as if she didn't trust anyone anymore, hopefully that would change sometime soon. "I agree, Lady Kusakage." It had been the first time he ever used such a phrase for her, Esei usually called her by her first name but never with such honorifics. Guess time really did change a person.

[Bit]

‘Hmm Sounds interesting enough.’ As Blanche gave the overview of what exactly she called us here for a slight smirk would appear upon my face. The reason for that was this hadn’t been the first time that she wanted to keep quiet about a task she was giving me. But what I truly wondered is why she wanted to send my Sensei along with me, he brought a list of questions to my mind. ‘Ehh no worries.’ I thought as the question started to weigh heavily on my mind, I continued to listen to her preach for a couple moments more before she asked if we agreed to her terms. I’d nod my head as I heard my Sensei answer her question.

“Yeah I agree as well.”

As I spoke I made sure to keep my eyes on Blanche, now she had all of my attention I was ready to find out this life threating mission that she was sending us on. It couldn’t have any more dangerous than the ones that I had been a part of in the past. The only difference that this one would have is my Sensei traveling along with me; It was kind of a reassuring feeling. I felt like this would be a learning experience for him, he hadn’t seen me at work since I was a young boy. Now days I was standing taller than him, while also boasting the same title that he held.

[Apple]

It was then, as I listened to them reply, that their compliance to the sworn secrecy that I'd asked them to take seemed agreeable, and the both of them prepared to listen to the next part of what I had to say. But how was I going to explain it without revealing too much information, or perhaps causing trouble that I didn't mean to happen? Trouble for him? I paused, a break of silence lingering in the air as I planned exactly how I was going to approach the topic at hand. The restaurant was quiet, myself, Esei and Sy being the only people within its confines who were actually speaking, the silent ANBU otherwise looming over the conversation. The staff had long since left after closing time, leaving their trust in my own well-meaning attitude to not destroy the place and the leave. It was too beautiful for that - my village was too beautiful for that. I wouldn't see any harm come to them as long as I'd live. "....." Pouring myself another cup of sake, I then placed the bottle back down, and steadily took a sip of the liquid before clearing my throat. Gazing from Sy to Esei, I'd now begin to respond to the questions that I was sure were building up in their minds in regards to the mission that I wanted them to take - that I needed them to take. It was no easy feat, and no easy feat to explain either, so I held my bearings, and attempted to do the best that I could with what I had.

"..I need you both to break in to Sunagakure for me."

Perhaps it was a lot to take in merely by that sentence, I wasn't sure, but I knew what I was doing, and I knew what I wanted them to do, in turn. Over the last seven years, Sunagakure had become more of a wasteland than anything from what I'd heard - I hadn't been able to visit there and with no clear leadership, there was no way of going about doing such an activity. I'd confirmed my neutality with the village a while ago to make sure that nothing came from the place that could be of harm to Kusagakure - Although I severely doubted it given the state of the nation at the momeont - but I knew nothing more than the fact that there were still a few people living there. I didn't know what they were doing, what they were planning, how they lived, what had become of the once prosperous village - I didn't know a lot of things about it, now. The tides had changed and Sunagakure had been consumed by silence. Brushing back a long strand of blonde hair, I then chose to continue, in order to prevent them from thinking in to that manner for too long. "..I've heard barely anything from the place for ... several years now." I paused, gazing off towards the wall behind the both of them. "..I need information." I explained, my tone adamant - or was that just the sake rinsing my words? "..People say.. that the place has become a haven - a utopia, and others say that it's merely another gutter in the wasted streets that our nations reside in. Having not had contact for so long; I don't know what to believe." After what had happened on that day where Sora had been captured within his own mind by the actions of none other than my own husband, I wasn't sure if I could truly face Sunagakure myself without having such memories come back - but one of the main reasons I wanted them to go and scout around the village was, truly, because of those memories. "..You will go, find the village to confirm its positioning, and take note of everything around you. From the whispers of people on the streets, to the appearance of the houses." I elaborated, waving my hand in the air to go along with this. And now; I'd propose what I was truly thinking of - the ulterior motive to this entire charade. However, given circumstances with my friend; I had to choose my words carefully to make sure that nothing was revealed.

"..And while you're there, try and find Estsuko, Beppin."
"..Search her home, ask her name -- anything.

Beppin; his lover and companion was much more ... accepted than he. If it allowed, I'd have asked them to find Sora himself, but with word of his "Death" having sprung across the world several years ago and with nothing else come forth since, I didn't want to break the news that he could possibly still be alive and then have his own life jeopardized from that. But I wasn't even sure if they were still within the village, whether they had left when it had first begun to rot with time, but it was the only lead that I'd had. I hadn't even spoken with Beppin herself since that ill-fated day, and although I hadn't made a connection strong enough with her to say that I truthfully missed her that much, it was her partner that I yearned for. I just wanted to know that he was okay - that he was healthy bar from the noted grievances made by Kouketsu. "..Chances are.. you won't find her. But in the instance that you do, please give her this letter." I spoke, taking another finish sip from the cup and placing it down. Rummaging in my coat, I took out a letter, decorated with the green seal of Kusagakure, unbroken and true. In one sleek movement then, I placed it on the table, pushing it between the both of them. With all of this information given, although the two of them were intelligent, I felt the need to clarify one last thing; "..This mission merely deals with information gathering. You are not to incur violence between our nations. Where your entry in to the village is concerned; I heavily doubt that there are many ANBU left, or a leader, to say the least. You won't be wearing your headbands during this mission." I ordered; although, it did make sense. It would be strange, of course, to see two shinobi bearing headbands of Kusagakure walking around the village. "..You should be in the clear; but take things as they come." I explained to them, ushering them to work on common sense and their intuition. Leaning back, I closed my eyes, already feeling my head become .. light beneath the weight of the drink.

[/b][/font]
RANK: A
DESCRIPTION: Wishing to find out what had happened to Sunagakure, a village that has fallen a long, long way over the past seven years, you've been requested to break in, and gather information. Look at everything; take in each little thing about the village. Is it quiet? Was breaking in quite easy? Is there gold lining the streets? These are all things that could happen upon entry, as such little information is currently known about the place. Care will be needing to be given during this mission to make sure that your cover isn't blown - with so little known about the village, that's a danger in itself that could be posed to you, so be very careful when taking your steps! A sub-quest for this is to deliver a letter to Etsuko, Beppin, a villager who's status is currently unknown
OBJECTIVE: Find the location for Sunagakure, and then effectively find a way in to its confines without being spotted as foreign shinobi. When within, search about the village for any information that may pertain to its current leadership and state, and also find information on one Etsuko, Beppin, and deliver the given letter to her if found. A detailed explanation of her appearance has been included in this pack.
PAY: 10 EXP and 10,000 Ryo + bonuses if completed successfully![/ul]
[/blockquote][/div][/font]

[spade]

"Alright... is that all?" Esei had been listening intently from the start and jotting the information down in his mind. She wanted the two Uchiha to sneak into Sunagakure and basically investigate the entire area while looking for someone known as Beppin. "When do you want us to depart?" He questioned, seeing if he had the time to visit Kouketsu and get a quick lesson in before he left.

OOC: Sorry for the short post :/