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1/2!

The boy was certainly curious, and I supposed that attested to the fact that he was indeed a Chuunin ranked shinobi of Kumogakure. Those who tended to ask questions, after all, were those who sought to improve their knowledge and weren't afraid to look like fools in the pursuit of it. It was better to ask then know, than pretend and never learn. In response to his question, I gave another cheerful- ear-to-ear- grin. "Well... the pivotal events in Ilos Harbor history, that would suggest the existence of these hounds, happened many years ago. I can't be one-hundred percent sure, not yet, but... yes, I suppose there is a chance that all of this is real. The deaths are certainly real. The animal attacks. There are records to prove it, pictures. But the existence of soul-eating canines is still up in the air."

It was eerie. Well, it had been 'eerie' since the moment I had opened my textbook and begun discussing this matter with my students. I'd studied these legends for so long, obsessed over them on paper. And now that I was sharing these stories, providing my own opinions and facts, I was unsure whether these Chuunin took me seriously or not. I'd always been a lover of the supernatural since I was little, seen a thing or two in my heyday- during my times as an aimless vagabond. But now, to see these stories investigated, the chance that maybe- just maybe- one of them will turn up to be true... it was exciting, to say the least.

"Listen, kiddo," I'd start, strapping the messenger bag over a single shoulder as I smiled. "You seem to be pretty interested in the subject. So I'll tell you what- I'm having a meeting tomorrow. A select few Chuunin who've already agreed to travel with me to Ilos Harbor itself- to investigate- are coming. If you want, if your parents are okay with it, you can come, too. Sound good?" I beamed. "But not before you get this field trip waiver signed by your mom or dad, okay?" I immediately continued, taking a sheet of paper out from under a pile of documents on the desk- then handing it to little Bit Kuroso. "I can tell you lots more about the hounds then. But you've got to be patient- I'm waiting to see if other Chuunin want to come."

The alcohol. No, one glass wouldn't quite inebriate me as much as I hoped it would. Which would have been a problem easily solved, if not for the company we were keeping at the current moment. She seemed like a fly chick- but the fact of the matter was that I didn't know Blanche. Once this complimentary drink Chaima had obligated me to reward was over and done with, I was quite certain I'd return to my comfort zone- no longer striving to cast a good impression on our lovely guest. A game of blackjack seemed to fancy my curiosity tonight. A game of blackjack and a three-course dinner. Discreetly looking over my shoulder, I took a quick gander at the Gourmage restaurant at the other side of the large casino floor.

Thoughts of Veralette graced my mind once more. Thoughts of her and our child. What were they doing now? When was the last time I had checked up on them? I turned to the blonde sitting beside me, to the bartender at the end of the counter. When I was sure they weren't watching, I discreetly issued the ram seal with my right hand- while the left cradled the half-empty glass of scotch in the air. Lowering my head every so slightly, I temporarily closed my eyes as Blanche continued on about something called a 'smoke bomb'. Focusing, for a moment:

The raven I'd left in Kumogakure. It was still perched on the balcony across from our spacious apartment flat. I urged it to fly towards the edge of an open window, the one Vera often left open during this time at night, to let the sweet-smelling smoke of a recently cooked dinner air-out. Our kitchen, clean and organized. A pot of something tasty on the stove. My vision, shaky and dark around the edges from the crow's beady black eyes. The echo of Vera- her impeccable tone of voice, urging our son to go to sleep as she rocked him in her arms in--

Blanche, her voice took me out of the trance. I guess this war really has stirred people up, huh? It was only when she wrapped an arm around Chaima and I, that I released the hand seal concealed to my side. My family was doing fine, as I'd anticipated. But it was always nice to keep in touch somehow... to just... know that they were there waiting for me still. It kept me anchored to the reality of this war-stricken and bloodthirsty shinobi world, kept me hopeful and sane. I nearly chuckled when I turned to see the fat grin on both Chaima and Blanche's face, allowed my body to rock with Blanche's swaying as her arm tugged me back and forth. "You're surprisingly happy for a girl caught in the throes of war like the rest of us, aren't ya?" I remarked. "I trust you've avoided the worst of it, then? Or learned to repress it." With a speck of a smile, I downed the last of my scotch.

Just like we were doing here- repressing it. Ironic, huh?

"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?

I'd love to meet with the new Tsuchikage!

( I'll come knockin' soon enough. )

When she suggested I call her by her first name, I simply smiled at the fact that she had failed to notice the teasing I'd tried to convey through calling her miss. Of course, to me, she was more than just a simple miss! But I was nonetheless still glad that the title still fit, and admittedly hopeful that she wouldn't become a Mrs. Rinji anytime soon- not until I got to know her a bit better. "I only kid, Hiri. You're more than just a friend to me, y'know. You're special." I said, in almost a whisper.

She was just as cute as she had been before, so impeccable and sweet. It was truly heartwarming. And it was only when she teased back at me that I realized (or discovered once more) that she also had a rather mischievous side to her personality. Or, was that perhaps a side of Hirihi only a few people knew? I didn't know, but what I did know was that there was no chance in Hell that I'd turn down her offer. "Oh really? Advanced medic, eh?" I smirked, eyes beaming with joy. "I'll make sure to listen attentively to everything the Good Doctor has to say then. Consider it a date." I smiled, still too wary to say it so with seductive tone. Perhaps, she only considered me a friend?

I spun around, returning to my natural manner of walking, making sure I did so before I tripped on something behind me and made myself look like a fool. It was only when Hirihi stopped, that I followed suit. So, straight to business now, right? I supposed the time was ripe, our previous exchange of words having provided enough light-hearted relief to make each other feel comfortable. But only slightly on my level. I was still cursed with the trepidation that she would reject me all together, fearful of that outcome and her disposition towards me.

I was a little surprised to hear assassination escape her lips, but then realized that she was a shinobi, and had no current idea that I was the Nidaime Raikage. If she did, she'd know that I'd try to keep her away from such knife-and-dagger tasks. Unless, of course, she fancied such tasks- which would most definitely change my opinion of her. "No," I replied. "Nothing like that..." I continued, my gaze shifting away from her, turning down to the stone-cobbled street, as we stood apart from one another. Time to spill the beans, right? Finally building up the courage to continue, I turned back to her whilst retrieving something from my front pocket. "This," I started, pulling out a small green scroll and holding it up. "Is what our 'mission' is based upon. But before I fill you in, Hiri... I need you to promise me something."

"Promise me you'll remember me as I am- right now, right here. Nothing more and nothing less." Sincerely, I awaited her response.

( Enter Atlas; Kage Bunshin )



★ Any and all Kumogakure shinobi Chuunin ranked or higher are invited to join!

"They tell stories in Kumogakure- folktales, most people say, passed down from generation to generation, since the first settlers made Kaminari no Kuni their home. One of these countless narratives includes the legend of the "Hounds of Ilos Harbor". The harbor itself, real. An actual place in Kaminari no Kuni any Thunder resident in the know would be capable buying a ticket to- a two to three hour voyage tops on horse-drawn carriage. But the hounds... debatable.

Most infamous for their supposed soul-devouring capabilities, the Hounds of Ilos Harbor are said to be descendants of the great Ten-Tails, traces of its revered and ultimate power now separated from the Bijuu with minds of their own. They were known in olden times as harbingers of chaos, omens as fruitful as black dogs themselves, canines from the darkest pit in Hell. The most credible account in history depicted these hounds as shadow-dwelling beings that caused the "Great Pine Fire" in the portside town of Ilos decades ago. Not only were they blamed for the fire, but countless witnesses attested to the fact that these hounds had mauled many to their deaths in the panic. Attacks followed by the devouring of an essence.

But now? The hounds only reside in textbooks. Or many would like to think they do. Most recent reports have proven that animal attacks in the forest region surrounding Ilos have sparked up again, and many of the residents have begun to blame the Hounds of Ilos Harbor. But whether you believe this is foolish superstition or not... well, that's up to you. But one thing is almost certain. The mauling's will continue, the death of many will occur. And until this matter is investigated, we may never know whether this was the cause of random circumstances in the woods, or something more. Something supernatural."

____________________________________________________

Done with my lecture, I snapped my textbook shut and took off my glasses. Behind me, a chalkboard covered with various notes and scrawled paragraphs of wording. In front of me, my neatly organized desk, and beyond that a classroom of at least twenty recently promoted Chuunin. They had been listening to my debriefing for at least an hour now and, knowing that each and every one of these individuals had proven their patience and discipline through the trials in the Chuunin Exams, I was not surprised that they were straightened in their seats still- waiting for me to continue my lecture. I smiled. "That's it for today, guys. You're all free to go. Otherwise, come to me if you have any remaining questions." And with that, the hustle and bustle of journals being packed into bags and footsteps ascending stairs announced the departure of a majority of my students as they exited. But who had stayed behind to voice their questions?