The Rusty Kunai

[Miyako]

The bar was of ill refute. Dirty pedestrians with dark looks gazed out at passerby's from within their filthy wooden booths, sullenly sipping from whatever swill caught their fancy. Those not partaking in the beer within walked faster as they approached, in a hurry to leave such a broken place behind them, before the very idea of the bar slipped from their minds. Out of mind, out of sight. Within the bar, sitting at the front counter was a woman. An angry scowl graced her countenance as she peered into her murky cup. Putting her head back, she took a hearty swig of the contents, slamming the cup back onto the bar counter with force. A loud clang sang out. Wiping the froth that had settled on her upper lip, the female complained, "I've tasted piss that was better than this shit."

Glowering at her, the bartender growled out, "Then get something else, you bitch." Eyes narrowing, she stood up, the stool she was sitting on clattering to the floor. All eyes were drawn to the two of them, watching the spectacle before them.

"The hell did you say to me, punk?" she roared, drunk and angry.

The man spat at her, "Leave," he ordered, to which she responded by throwing the drink at him.

[shiori rusu]

His search for a man, a shinobi, brings him to the Rusty Kunai. A shabby bar in the slums that hasn't got much to offer anyone by the looks of it. But if there’s anything, no matter how minuscule, he’s gotta try. His figure is hidden by a black cloak and hooded face, but that’s not the reason he’s given only a momentary glance (one or two) as he enters. There’s a commotion at the bar between the tender and a woman, he realizes much to his disappointment.

She’s drunk and yells and the man spits on her! “Ah,” he breaths and rushes forward latching onto the woman’s arm a moment too late as she’s thrown her drink. “PLEASE, FORGIVE HER, SIR.” Shiori’s hood comes off as he presses his head against the counter for a moment. “Please sir, here,” he places ryo onto the counter. A generous amount to be certain of. The bartender hesitates, unsure if he should strike or go for more.


In his confusion Shiori tugs on the woman's arm, hoping she'd take the hint and leave with me. Would she?  

[Miyako]

A small, gentle arm grasped Miyako firmly a moment too late as her low quality booze decorated the face and shirt of the bartender of the Rusty Kunai. The nasty sneer morphed into a look of absoute surprise, which was swiftly followed by supreme rage. However, before he could do anything, the kunoichi allowed herself to be pulled out of the bar and away, a generous sum of cash dumped on the bar top. The angry man hesitates upon sight of the cash, and before she is pulled out completely, she calls out, "Goodbye, handsome!" Stressing the word hand. She had history with that particular bar owner. The man himself was only a civilian. His brother, however, was a former chuunin. Former, because he retired after losing his left hand. A mark of shame that the bartender always carried with him. He put a lot of stock in his brother's career. Normally, Miyako wouldn't push at him like that, but the fool had pissed her off, and she was moderately drunk.


Outside of the bar, she turned to peer at the hooded figure who had bailed her out. Eyes narrowed, a slight frown, the Terumi looked very serious. She placed her hands on her hips, threw her head back, and laughed loudly and obnoxiously, not really caring what anyone thought. "You know kid, you have guts to pull me away like that. I like that. She leaned forward, a cocky smirk gracing her lips, "So what do you want with little ol' me, Blue Eyes?" She asked saucily, looking into the hooded figure's eyes. From her new vantage point it was quite easy to do so.

[shiori rusu]

His actions were impulsive but not a mistake! Though certainly he was no closer to his goal, and at this point felt a bit too embarrassed to go back inside. He looked to the woman before her, returning her smirk with a smile. What was he to do? She wasn't drunk, at the very least her breath didn’t reek to the point of considering her a drunk in his books.

“Wouldn’t be much of a Shinobi if I didn’t have guts.” Pulling his hood back his smile grew. “If you let me, miss,” answered raising his hand covered by the long-sleeve of his cloak and slowly motioned to her to wipe away the spit. "This."

[Miyako]

She child was oregeous. Pretty blue eyes, pretty dark hair, such graceful features... Oh, she'd be a heart throb in a few years. She was a bit under-developed, it seemed, but a lot of men liked that sort. Miyako knew she'd do just fine for herself. The jounin had no clue she was really a he. Straightening, she felt a little touched by the genin's offer of her sleeve. Still, she couldn't just take it. No matter how precious, she didn't know this little one. There could be poison on the sleeve that would be absorbed by skin contact, or with moisture. She might be grasping a kunai, and to take the sleeve would be to invite death. There could be... Well, it wouldn't do to dwell on what could be. It just wasn't a choice for her.

Her expression changed into a bemused look, and she shook her head, channeling chakra and utilizing the water walking skill to allow the spit to fall right off of her. Such a skill was used to cling to the water's surface and remain standing, but Miyako knew how to twist it in such a manner that she repelled the water. It wouldn't work on jutsu, of course, but the trick would work to keep her dry. Now spotless, the kunoichi rephrased her question. "Now then, I'll ask again. You came into that bar for a reason. You're a little young to be drinking in a disgusting place like that, and you did head right to me. I could be wrong, and you might have business elsewhere, but what is it that you want?"

She began to circle around Shiori, hands still on her hips. Yes, she WAS a pretty little thing, wasn't she?

[shiori rusu]

Shiori’s movements stopped as the spit slid off her face and fell to the ground, eyes narrowed and hand returned to his side slowly. It was just really… gross. Granted, he’s seen worse, this was all a just a tad bit unnecessary assuming it was something she’d been in control of. Now he was the subject of a little interrogation, the woman questioned then circled him. Yeah, going out of his way to help her had definitely been a mistake at this point.

“I’m looking for someone who likes to drink and likes to slum. A Shinobi that turns into a fun drunk, not an angry one, miss.” He faints a smile and avoids her gaze.

[Miyako]

Having walked a full circle around the shinobi, Miyako stopped and pondered his? Her? words? A fun drunk? She had to admit, she usually was one. Well, when she wanted to be. She didn't usually get drunk. It was just on certain occasions that she hit the bars like this to really get drunk. She was pretty buzzed, though. Buzzed enough to have forgotten about the spit until Shiori offered to help clean it. Still, she was angry. The whole reason she was out here was because of what day it was.

The day her parents died. Indeed, it was the anniversary of their death. She had come here to get drunk, get into a fight, let off steam, and go home. Slightly drunk, angry, and depressed, the kunoichi narrowed her eyes again. Of course, she didn't think the younger person had intended it to be an insult, but with a bit of creative interpreting, Miyako knew she could get to vent her frustrations. "Are you calling me an angry drunk?" She modulated her voice to sound flat and annoyed, the precursor to (un)righteous female fury.

[shirayuri]

On this particular day Shirayuri would have kept a particularly keen eye on her older sister but the duties of being an Mizukage were an never ending stream of toil. In addition to being the supreme military commander of Kirigakure's armed forces she was also a person of spiritual significance. She was a High Shepherd in the Church of Latter-Day Rising Mist and heir to the Sage's dream of human ascension. The goth's responsibilities were not only political but also spiritual for the village was sick after years of enduring corruption and savagery. She had been busy throughout the day doing an assortment of tasks ranging from ensuring the Church's supplies had been ordered to auditing priests. When she managed to get enough time alone, she slipped out of her Mizukage clothes and entered into the Uradana District. Her appearance was far from regal and instead gave off the ethos of a depressed young girl. An layer of mesh tightly hugged her skin from the knees to her neck. She wore a simple black dress over it that stressed her undeveloped female form. While it reached her knees it didn't hinder her movement in the slightest but by the way she moved one would probably assume she wasn't in a rush.

There were a few places that Miyako would go on a day like this. None of them were nice places to visit, especially if you were from a noble family like the Terumi. Shirayuri didn't want to chide her big sister as they were a traditional lot where the youngest followed the eldest. Unfortunately Miyako's tendency for trouble had forced Shirayuri to step up and remind her that she ought conduct herself less like a common drunk and more like the eldest daughter of House Terumi. Out of instinct she chose to visit the Rusty Kunai and as she drew near the commotion inside told her that it was a fairly rough place to get a drink. It wasn't until Miyako left the establishment with some girl that the Mizukage's mood changed from concerned to annoyed. The Church frowned upon casual sexual encounters and try as she might to persuade Miyako against it, Shirayuri could not convince her elder sister that it was a poor lifestyle choice. Yet she had always assumed that Miyako had the decency to keep her sexual proclivities to consenting adults. The way she circled around the young girl forced Shirayuri to enter on the scene with a greater sense of urgency and alertness. Keeping conscious of her movements in relation to the probably scared young girl and seeking not to offend her temperamental sister, she walked up behind Miyako just after the elder sister had circled around the petite genin exactly once.

Shirayuri had caught the tail end of the conversation but she had enough sense to surmise that Miyako had been thrown out of the establishment for one reason or another. The child's intentions seemed pure although awfully precocious but Miyako's distrustful ways couldn't be helped given that she had yet to accept the guiding force of the Church into her heart. The suspicion was vocalized as Miyako demanded to know why the child considered her an angry drunk. Shirayuri spoke up just as Miyako had demanded an answer.

"She's probably just lost Miyako. When we see people lost in a Mist, its in our nature to try and guide them to safety" Shirayuri spoke in a low tone with a voice eerily similar to that of her sister albeit with a soft and gentle touch. She put a hand on her sister's shoulder and gave her a quick embrace. "I should have known you'd be here..." Despite the affection in her actions her face did not seem amicable. It was as though she were in perpetual contempt at the situation but this was not something she could help.

Shirayuri looked at the young girl that had become the object of Miyako's curiosity.

"Hello"

[shiori rusu]

Shiori had no intention of being subject to her anger. If she felt hurt or offended, which given her response assumed to the be the case, she could just go right back inside and take on the whole bar. He hadn’t saved her, she was perfectly capable of handling the situation, he just wanted to avoid a situation like that. And in doing so lost what he had come here for. Ready to tell her off, he paused as they were joined by a woman who struck a resemblance to the black jacketed woman questioning him. Sisters?

Confirmed sisters. After hearing her speak he had come to a conclusion that he was wrong. Miyako wasn’t an angry drunk, this other woman was. It made him smile actually, just thinking about it, but he couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling this woman gave him.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miyako. And you too, miss. But I should be going.”

[Miyako]

Her eyes softened at the approach of her sister. The newly christened Mizukage was very dear and near to her heart, and just being around her lifted Miyako's spirits, but she didn't want her younger sister here. She didn't like family seeing her like this. Still, there was now no reason to try to be angry. So it was with a sigh, that she took a step back, straightened her posture, and dropped her arms.

She looked away and tsked, "She did say she was here to party. Besides, she's one of your ninja. I'm sure a delicate young thing like her could take care of herself..." She trailed off, turning a predatory smirk to Shiori. She didn't mean anything by it, really, she was just teasing the young man. "I think you're the lost one here, Little Cat," she began, earnestly returning the embrace. She then released her, and continued, "You're a long ways from your office, Mizukage-sama~" her voice had a teasing edge to it. Shiori seemed uncomfortable, and wanted to leave. "If you must,"she replied, having now lost interest in the ninja. Shirayuri was here now, and she wasn't sure why.

[shirayuri]

Shirayuri smiled as the polite young lady excused herself either out of fear or contempt for the Terumi siblings. The Mizukage noted that the person she had mistaken for a female was not a member of the Kiri congregation. It saddened her to see a lost soul so young in a place like this. It couldn't be helped that Kirigakure's tradition as the Bloody Mist had created an entire generation of untrustworthy and rather sadistic individuals. Despite her sincere longing for peace on Earth under the banner of kindness, happiness, and service she bore a near constant look of ill will towards others. As off putting as it was, it could not hold a candle to the infamous Terumi temper. A disposition so hot it could boil through a man's flesh. Shirayuri wanted no such unpleasantness but when she thought of her sister she grew concerned for her mental wellness. Miyako relaxed a bit now that they were together but her tone retained its sharp quality. Shirayuri listened amicably before responding. 

"I'm sure she could." the Mizukage agreed. If the girl had not yet left she would curtly add "It was nice to meet you too"

Shirayuri didn't ask the girl's name because it would be unnecessary to do so. When the time came they'd meet again. All who walk through the Mist be they guide or child feel the need to walk through the unknown together. Instead the younger Terumi would turn to her sister and correct her. "I'm never lost in this village Miyako. This is my home. From the seediest bar to the highest Church" Shirayuri took her sister by the hand and began to tug her in the opposite direction of Shiori. "I took some time off so that we could go see mother and father." While Shirayuri's words were true in her heart she would much rather continue the conversation elsewhere. While the two walked the sounds of the slum could be heard everywhere. Whores being beaten by pimps, junkies babbling about flying on the tears of a Kitsune, and bones being broken in alleyway street fights. The district needed to be cleaned up and only the Church was equipped to do so. But it had not gotten to its position of power out of ignorance, it knew that it needed to bide its time. The people of Kirigakure had come to love the madness and violence that made the Bloody Mist what it was. Even the non-shinobi got a sick thrill out of betting on which academy students would be left standing after the annual graduation massacre. Laissere faire moral policies and corruption had become not just a way of life but a source of pride for a village that thought itself the roughest of the rough. The Church needed to leave them alone for the time being. Those who sought help would find it. Those who sought forgiveness would find it. Those who sought peace would be given the tools to fight for it. And those who enjoyed inflicting misery on others? Well the Fair Game Doctrine existed for a reason. Shirayuri didn't like to think about that though. Uradana would be cleaned up in its own time until then the Church would operate as though not too much had changed. As time went on the Mist would rise and with it the consciousness of every individual living in Kiri.

As the two walked away, Shirayuri would be eager to hear Miyako vent. The Jounin was not drunk but she had been drinking meaning that there was a lot on her mind. The goth was affectionately called "Little Cat" by her older sister. She had always been a quiet girl that preferred listening over talking. She disappeared when not needed and showed up when one wanted genuine companionship. Shirayuri's demeanor gave off a sense of mild disinterest yet she was one of the few Bloody Mist era shinobi that had retained a sense of decency and affection.

[shiori rusu]

There was no surprise that Miyako’s mood would improve in the presence of her sister, but he wasn’t expecting that person to be the Mizukage. His behavior had suddenly become unbecoming and warranted consequence. Continued to do so, Shiori didn’t bow and apologize as he knew he ought to do, rather he could see clearly their wasn’t any true attention given to him. In a moment he realized his position, a simple third wheel to the couple, it brought a smile to his face.

Thankfully he had already excused himself. “Thank you. Truly was a pleasure meeting you.” Followed by a bow he turned and took his leave, his search had only just begun after all.

[Miyako]

It was unfortunate Shiori left. The young ninja could have been an interesting play-thing. The genin was fresh, still new. She could have molded him, transforming him into something new. It would have been an interesting diversion, but was ultimately pointless. Still, anyone with such pretty eyes would be worth watching. She would keep an eye out for this one. She could always use another hand to help control the streets. Perhaps Shiori, not that she knew his name, could be one, in the future. A thought for another time, for sure.

Right now, however, her sister had arrived. Shiori had left, and Miyako was still depressed. She did not respond to her sister, but instead watched the shinobi leave before turning and following Shirayuri. Cries of pleasure rang out from brothels along the way. Orphans gathered together in small gangs, learning how to trust each other and survive in a cold hard world. Men, women and children drowned their sorrows in liqour and drugs, which were passed around in shady allyways, the currency being exchanged rapidly, allowing the economy to grow and strengthen. It was order and chaos all at once.

Her ears picked up the shhirrk! sound of a blade piercing a body, and her eyes were drawn to the corner of a small ally. She recognized the now corpse as a rapist she had commissioned the yakuza to make an example of. Crime would be carefully controlled from now on. It was something she had vowed long ago. It would always exist, but it would do so for the betterment of the village and her family. Shirayuri would never know of these things. She was an idealist. The world oculd never be perfect. The Mist would always fog the minds of the people of the world. But it could be controlled. It could be applied to the betterment of all. She'd have to send some people to check out those brothels they passed as well. She needed to make sure the Mothers were treating the workers well. If she caught wind of them allowing people to abuse the Sisters working in them, she'd have to crack down on them too. So far, they seemed to be doing the best. Diseases were more controlled now that the church was helping heal people more.

She was satisfied with the drug trade. The people wanted them, and she saw no reason to deny them their desires. Without those drugs, they would be unhappy, and could become violent. This way, they would work to get the money for drugs and the economy would be strong. Everything was perfect to her. She loved the madness all around her. It all fit together in an organized mess, and she was at top.


[exit]

[shirayuri]

Miyako didn't say a word. She didn't have to for Shirayuri to know that today of all days was not one where it would be appropriate to audit and probe at her older sister's mind. The two walked in silence as they made their way out of the Uradana District. Shirayuri wanted to tell Miyako that everything would be alright. That she would join the Church as a new convert. She'd allow her mind to be audited and cleared of the traumas that lurked within its deepest recesses. She'd receive the priesthood and serve her community righteously. Shirayuri wanted to tell her big sister all these things and she usually did. But no on this day. Today there would be silence interrupted by the occasional reminiscing on times of old. With the slums behind them, the siblings moved on to the Terumi Household without another word.

[EXIT]

[Anmida]

Grading Score: