A Dance With Donuts [private - Haruka]

[Takaki Saeko]

This thread takes place concurrently with the Mednin event thread

How much time had it been already since the two had left to go to the sweltering tropical hell that was Kirigakure? Damn it all, he thought – it had been a mistake to pursue a treaty with the damned Water Country shinobi. If there was anything that was constant about the politics of other shinobi villages, it was that they were inconstant. The powerful rose and fell by the week; this week’s neoprogressive oligarchs might be lined up against the wall next week by their post-libertarian protégés, who would be hanged by their anarcho-conservative opposition the next. Do Natsu’s communications had been getting sparse lately, and it was a sign of trouble and upheaval. And now the village was apparently on lockdown since yet another Kage upheaval was rumored to have taken place in the last few days. Kumo was a total aberration by any standard. “Only” eight Raikages in fifty years, with Hayata Shin in power for the foreseeable future – that was the very definition of stability these days.

The Deathwatch had notified him that Natsu’s traveling companion had just arrived home – without him. Masao had been about to summon Shima Haruka to his office for a long debriefing but apparently she was about to be sent out on immediate deployment to some plague-stricken hovel. If he was not mistaken, this was the same mission that his son had apparently been assigned to as well. Wasting no time, the Sennin immediately canceled his appointments , threw on his jacket, and made his way to the gates.

The crowd of mednin was easy to spot. His colleague Kushin had not begun his briefing yet. Making his way through the crowd, Masao began his search for his target. Halfway through, he locked eyes with Enjeru, his son. The two men nodded at each other cooly, without exchanging words. Enjeru disliked idle conversation, and Masao had a mission to accomplish. Nearby his offspring, however, Masao spotted her. He had never actually seen Shima Haruka before, but based on the Chigokai’s description, it was definitely the object of his search, and if Do’s letters had been reliable, the Spymaster’s affections.

It was easy to see why – she was a beautiful woman by anyone’s standards. And a feisty one – he would have to be careful around her. After all, he also liked feisty ones.

“Mednin Shima, if I could have a word…” he said, gently touching her forearm.

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

This was insufferable. When were they going to get on with this? They couldn’t all possibly be traveling to the same village. She wanted to get the worst part over and find out exactly what her team would comprise of. Haruka hoped to at least show Kushin what she was made of. It was time to move onto chief. The thoughts of Natsu in Mist still lingered in her mind. Hopefully it wouldn’t be too much of a distraction. She still didn’t even know what this was all about but waited on the debriefing by her Sennin. When she stood alone on the edge of the crowd, the Shima zoned out. Her eyes cast a faraway gaze as her mouth drew into a disillusion frown. What was going on in her head was always far more interesting than outside.

A light touch on her forearm jerked her back to reality as a man called her name. She turned her head in his direction. She hadn’t ever seen him before, at least she could not recall. He was an older gentleman and a shinobi by the looks of it. Haruka didn’t pay much attention to other people though. He seemed to know her though. At least her rank and family name, but one of those wasn’t hard to deduce when she was in the midst of medical shinobi. He addressed her rather seriously. The only time she had heard the words “if I could have a word” were usually followed by some disciplinary actions.

Her heart skipped suddenly. She often jumped to quick conclusions before calmly assessing the situation, as she had done with her Spymaster friend. The Crow couldn’t help but suddenly be worried. Had something happened to Natsu? Would they even inform her if an unforeseen occurrence were to happen to him? After all, she was nothing to him besides a simple teammate on one mission. All these thoughts only happened in an instant before she cooled her mind. It was unlike her to worry about someone.

“Of course…” She responded with a twinge of hesitation. “Might I have your name first, sir?” The boldness returned as she fired back a question to him.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

He raised an eyebrow as the woman seemed to recoil slightly. True, the statement “if I could have a word” was often the prelude to a disciplinary action or the delivery of bad news or in his case, a brushing, but it was also a tacit understanding among the sennin of the branches that they were each responsible for the discipline of their own subordinates. He could not go brushing Shima Haruka, nor could Isaki Kushin dissect Kogami Ayumu not could Tagiushi Moro electrocute Ishikawa Zaku. At least not under normal circumstances.

“Might I have your name first, sir?” she asked, trepidation apparent in her voice.

Perhaps she does not fear a brushing so much as she fears I am going to be a creeper, thought Masao, finally realizing that she, as a mednin, probably had never really given the leadership of the Main Branch more than a passing thought. He bowed politely to her.

“Takaki Masao. Sennin of the Main Branch,” he said, matter-of-factly. “I hope I am not interrupting anything too urgent, Mednin Shima, but I was hoping to ask you a few questions about what transpired in Kirigakure, and about your traveling companion who apparently did not join you on the journey back. Are you fine talking here or would you like to go somewhere more private?”

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

So, this was Do Natsu’s sempai! This was the man she had heard about so much during their trip towards Mist on that godforsaken boat. She had pictured him a bit different. The name registered though, she just never had a face to put to it. Haruka knew so little of the other branches, a fault that her traveling companion had made apparent. But, it wasn’t her job to deal in information and Haruka never had much interest in activities or subjects that didn’t directly affect her. She returned a rather formal bow to the man as he introduced himself.

Her dusty brown eyes glanced over at the overpowering crowd of people. She turned in their opposite direction and smiled politely at the Sennin. “We need not go anywhere formal, but perhaps a little walk would be fine.” She’d join his side as they strolled away from group. The quiet thickened for a moment. No doubt the Spymaster was very valuable to Masao. She understood how alarming it might have been to hear that only one returned home. The raven crowned woman anticipated the Sennin’s disapproval of leaving a comrade alone in a foreign nation.

“Your Spymaster is quite talented, you must have an eye for choosing skill.” She began to make small talk, but switched over quickly to serious matters. “That being said, he handled the meeting with the Kirigakure shinobi very well despite the situation. It seems the Mizukage could not meet with us to talk about the treaty, so the Sennin stood in his place. However, only two were accounted for. The medical sennin was absent. The village is somewhat unstable, to my understanding. They suffered recent attacks from monster and its placed Kirigakure into lockdown. I think Natsu could sense that I was very homesick. So, he asked for permission to let me leave despite my protest that I wouldn’t leave him alone in a foreign land. Apparently he had some appointments to attend before tying everything up. And, of course, he was working on setting up his little birds in Water country. Doing his sempai proud and whatnot.”

 

[Takaki Saeko]

"Of course, milady," said Masao as he offered her his arm in a gentlemanly fashion. At his age no woman was going to fall for him on the basis of looks, but one thing that he did have, unlike the younger uncouth bucks in the village, was the knowledge of how to actually talk to a woman in a way that didn't have her fleeing in terror or recoiling in disgust. (It's actually really simple, guys: smile, be honest, and if you think she's attractive tell her straight up that you like her. Above all else, don't do the creepy hovering/"nice guy" act hoping that she'll magically notice you like her and thus fall upon your D. It never works, and women hate that shit). They broke off from the milling crowd of mednins and strolled together along the length of the wall. Masao remained silent for the most part - even if she did not know his face, she knew who he was, and probably why he had approached her. She would talk, if for nothing else than to relieve her own trepidation.

"Your Spymaster is quite talented, you must have an eye for choosing skill..." she began. He smiled politely, forgiving her the small flattery that would undoubtedly precede bad news. Still, the situation was not as terrible as he had imagined it might be. That Mist was unstable was old news - but that Do Natsu had managed to actually be able to meet with two thirds of their power structure was impressive indeed. The important thing was that he was alive, and working, and apparently in good spirits.

"Donuts can be a troublesome little brother, but I am relieved to hear he is safe," said Masao with a sigh. "I must admit that I care less about a relationship with Kirigakure or setting up an intelligence network there than I care about the lives and well-being of my subordinates, and also their companions. So I'm glad that you have made it back safely. No doubt watching over him in that village was a tiring task for you, and I see that even now you have pressing responsibilities and no chance for rest. You have my gratitude, and I'm sure that I can wring at least a thank-you card out of the Spymaster as well. Really, he owes you a steak and lobster dinner in the style of Hayata Shin," he chuckled. He fixed an inscrutable gaze on Haruka. "What do you think of the man?"

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

She had slipped her hand in the crook of his arm. Impressed, but expected for a man of his age and status. Haruka, being raised like a proper lady, enjoyed gestures such as these. Masao’s mannerism put Haruka at ease. They looked slightly odd leisurely strolling among the wall arm in arm. Anyone could easily mistake Haruka as Masao’s newest entertainment since the death of wife and Regent Commander, Santaru Rin. Indeed a rumor could easily be twisted from this, but Haruka had no idea. Not that he had anything to fear. It was probable he had the resources to control such lies. Besides, Haruka was rather beautiful. What would the harm be in making the old man look good?

Putting silly nonsense aside, the raven haired kunoichi was fairly surprised at the affection Masao had towards his Spymaster and other subordinates. She smiled only slightly under the watch of Masao’s eyes. It was easy to see why the Kaguya boy worked so hard to impress his Sennin and remained diligent. He must of felt a sense of responsibility to return the kindness and guidance given to him by Masao. The Haku giggled alongside the older shinobi at his insistence that Natsu repay the woman in some way. The conversation took a sudden turn down a more serious path. How did she feel about Natsu? She wondered what Masao was getting at.

“What do I think of Natsu?” The question repeated poured off her tongue with slow contemplation. “Oh Takaki-Sama, prepare yourself for a dreadful report.” Even though she smiled, there was a grave tone in her voice. “From the very beginning of my acquaintance with him, I felt that he was an incompetent fool filled with arrogance and a showy behavior. He seemed to have the impression that being so highly educated meant that he was a trustworthy and likable person. Not only once did he insult me, but on the second occasion he did so in the company of foreigners. Truthfully, I hate his kind of people. The kind that think knowledge alone, without experience, puts you above others. I felt he was the last shinobi in this village and the last man in this world whom I could ever be prevailed to fight alongside.”

“I was wrong about him though. All of it was wrong. He’s an admirable man. A man that admits his faults and humbly seeks forgiveness. I assumed he knew nothing of what he spoke, but I can see he gains his knowledge from his sacrifice to serve this country to the best of his ability.” She fell silent for a moment, only to break the pause with a chuckle. “He and I, we’re so similar. We both are so stuck on perfection and to impress those that we look up to. I had been too prideful and harsh to see what he really was. It was an honor to serve at his side and I only hope I have more chances to work with him. This journey to a foreign land had isolated us from everyone we knew and it forced us to quickly rely on one another. Without this mission, sir, I’d have never gotten the opportunity to gain such a valuable friendship.”

 

[Takaki Saeko]

"And I can see why he likes you as well," said Masao, grinning after Haruka's comprehensive, no-holds-barred report on the true nature of his pastry-obsessed otouto. In many ways, Shima Haruka was a mirror of many of Santaru Rin's attributes: the fiery independence, the razor-edge tongue, and of course the alluringly prickly femininity, although Rin herself would have never admitted to any of the last part. And then there was the matter of Haruka's eerily similar appearance to his late wife. Being with her reminded him of an earlier time when things had been more carefree. No, you fool, he reminded himself. Those times were most definitely not carefree. We both suffered under the yoke of Ryuuto and every day was a struggle for survival. You merely view it through the lens of aging. Still, she had an effect on him that was altogether very pleasant. It would be very possible to lose many enjoyable hours talking with her.

"Excuse me, I said too much," he quickly added - the word "like" was an extremely loaded term. "After all, our letters are classified exchanges between the senior leadership of the Main Branch. That being said, he highly respects you, and is grateful for your assistance during the journey. You both helped contribute an outstanding amount to our village's knowledge of the Water People." He paused.

"And I'm also glad that you were able to give me such an honest report. In truth, Do-kun has many rough edges that he needs to smooth out - he posesses a certain awkwardness around the opposite sex - but I am always pleased with his willingness to learn from his mistakes and improve himself for the sake of his village. He does not know it yet, but I intend for him to be my successor. It is no secret that as an aging shinobi my time is nearly come, and that prior sennin of all branches have previously done a disservice to the village by allowing the lazy, evil, or insane, to take over in their wake. I feel he is destined for greatness, however," he said, allowing a measure of pride to leak into his voice.

As they continued to walk, he could not help but notice how soft Haruka's hand was on his arm - another reminder of Santaru Rin. Every step they took together was making him start to miss her. He would need to tear himself away lest unwelcome thoughts seep into his consciousness and drive him to lunacy. As they approached a nearby Deathwatch station, he turned to her and bowed, gently disengaging himself.

"This has been a most welcome chat, Mednin Shima, but I cannot impose myself on any more of your time. I wish you luck and safety in your mission. And when Do-kun arrives I will be most glad to wring a gesture of thanks from him to you," he said, entering the station.

TLUS - thanks for the RP! Short and sweet, yo.

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

What a tease! It was too late to forget what the older gentleman had said. One sentence and Haruka had bit down on the meaning behind his words. She raised an eyebrow at him. Was she supposed to pretend that Masao meant more than he said or perhaps the reverse. She felt as if he was teasing her now. Takaki Masao was quite an interesting man indeed. Like was a vague word that she hated in these circumstances. Natsu was a dear friend, her only friend if brashly spoken. Masao couldn’t of meant any more than that. “My…You simply do know how to utterly intrigue a woman, Takaki-Sama. Understood though. Some secrets are best kept between the boys.” She winked at him playfully. Haruka was satisfied to leave it at that. The Sennin gave too quick of a recovery for her to even dent what was running through his mind. She brushed aside her annoyance quickly as he engaged the Shima woman further.

“So, I’m not the only woman our deliciously diabetic Donut is a complete fool around? I take comfort in that. Sir, you would simply be ashamed of your Kouhai if you saw the way he behaved towards me at first. He’s a quick learner though.” It was a surprise that Masao would let Haruka know of Natsu’s eventual succession as Main Branch Sennin. Even more so when he told her Natsu had no idea. He knew nothing of the woman. Perhaps it was because he saw the ghost of his wife that he was at such ease to talk to Haruka. She would never know however. “It will be a shame to lose you, sir. I don’t know much about anything outside the hospital, but I do know that the men and women you have chosen to handle positions of power are very capable. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Tanaka Hikari. She is an extraordinary young woman. I have no doubt that Natsu will do great things. I will be there to help him in any way I can.” A warm smile blossomed on her lips as she locked gazes with Masao. “One more thing, you certainly do like to talk up your Spymaster. I hope it isn’t just to me.” It was one of those things where a woman appeared to jest, but burned to know the answer. Alas, she wouldn’t receive it.

“Thank you, Takaki-Sama.” She bowed in return after their time together had passed. “I expect a lobster and steak dinner from our future Sennin. Let’s speak again soon. I truly have enjoyed your company.” Her dark brown eyes danced with a light of invigoration. She was tired after such a long journey and to be thrown into her next mission was an even harder blow. However, a man like Masao could inspire Haruka to serve her country tirelessly. She bowed once more before strolling back to the group.

[Topic Left]
[Thanks much, Masao! =D I enjoyed it!]