A night at the springs... {Hot Springs}

[Keigo Oen]

This would be a night of nights and something that he really wished to happen was to finally make some friends, there was story of a Resort or a Hotspring that had opened up recently and knowing the people around it would be tainted after so long. So he had to get his co-ed swim on. It was nice, as he had checked it out earlier in the day and with all the trials that were coming about he knew that visiting this place while on duty would be a horrid idea. So he waited until his shift was done, (the normal shift... he was always working even when he wasnt 'On Duty') and headed to the place with his swimming trunks and his body tired from the work he had done. Catching baddies was hard enough but he broke a mental sweat as well. He was hearing more and more about this Fantasy Inc that he was beginning to get beyond himself looking for clues and such. However, he knew that he could not let himself be his work. He head to very well rest or else he would end up making a simple mistake that could get thousands of people killed. This was no joke. Though, again, he was not on duty, he was laying back and gonna even have a few drinks tonight. It was time for him to chill... there didnt seem to be a 'Males only' section. Or a 'Women's only'. Everything seemed to be Co-ed. They did have a kiddie section for those with kids that needed to get away from the adults. And Souji had enough dealing with children in his own house. So he was giving a big 'fuck you' to children who were not Kimi, Chi, and those he actually enjoyed the company of.

Either way...

He'd take his pre-pool shower getting his body glistened and primed, before taking a towel and ordering a few drinks for an empty section of the Springs. It was a rather slow day at the resort. Maybe because alot of people were still out finishing their workday. Who cared. Souji had a day where he could finally relax and take in everything. He had killed a Cloud Shinobi, he'd grown so close to that Elite Guardian Job he could taste it. And with all the students graduating soon it was no wonder that he was trying to loosen up for the big haul of minds coming in to the branch. And if he was an Elite it meant he was going to be over the ANBU as well until there was a captain to deal with the ANBU side, but it would take a load off of Lightning's mind and body she'd be able to go home have a life, but he knew she was always working.

That was the thing about her... she was a big inspiration to how he did things... and why did he find himself thinking about her right now. Shaking his head he'd bring a few drinks into the pool with him. The soothing warmth seemed to take his mind off of everything. And the drink while cold and chilled, had its own alcoholic warmth. He was simply in shorts swimming around allowing the waters to soothe over his skin, he was relaxed and before long he found himself with his back to the door and a drink in one hand. The Warm Springs water causing the steam to rise into the air creating misty wisps. "Ah... this is good..."

 

[Kokomo]

Music


There was a dead feeling hanging in the air. The scarlet princess moving from her humble apartment in the depths of the Stone city. She had been there quite some time, and still, it felt strange for foreign to her. A continuous search had left her worn out, and feeling rather hopeless. Day in and day out she laced up her boots on another quest for the one thing she was searching for. And at the end of the day, she appeared empty handed and, still, alone. The mystical woman had spent so much of her time working on her own project that she hardly knew anyone. People who came near she either embarrassed herself in front of them, or needed to flee for one reason or another. To say the least, she was on edge. Many things in this land frightened her. She didn't know who was innocent, and who worked for him.

So now, with the moon glistening in the air, and the breeze from the raging sea below, she made her way through the streets dressed in much simpler garb that usual. A simple pair of black pants and a white T-Shirt, simple, actually. In her hand she carried a small bag that would hold a towel, and a few things for bathing. She figured, after all, she deserved a little time off from the nightmares of her reality. A little time off from the remembrance of her failures. A little time off from thinking...

Moving through the streets, the stone lite by the occasional street light, she closed her eyes to feel the salty air on her face. Her skin tingling from the bite of it's cool lips. There was one thing for sure about this city: it reeked of death. Aigéan did not. Aigéan was a city of life. Here, especially in the lower class places, you could smell the blood on the streets. You could see the red stains on the walls and hands of those who moved by. But over all, you could smell the decay of the world. The Stone village had very little wild life. They had very little to praise the sun for. Whether they killed it or not, she did not know. But it was times like this that she missed the island. She missed the animals and the birds, and the songs they would sing. She missed the life.

Aigéan.

But now, she stood at the entrance of the only place she could really feel water that felt like home. The Hot Springs held water warm as she could remember in her childhood, and it soothed as well. Entering the building, her eyes wandering hesitantly as she noticed there was a lack of people in the area, save the one woman at the desk. She had thick blonde hair, and it was pulled high on top of her head in a pony tail. She flipped through a magazine with a bored look, snapping a piece of bubble gum between her lips. Without even looking at Kurai, she spoke, "It's 711 yen." She had a cold attitude, and it was obvious she was about ready to go home.

The golden eyed woman obliged, handing her the money, standing and looking lost before the woman gave a look of disgust and pointed in the direction of the female locker room. Nodding, the only thanks she would grace her with, Kurai moved into the empty tiled area. The floor was wet, but there wasn't anyone around. Shedding her clothes, and delving under the water of a shower head, she hesitated briefly before wrapping a towel around herself, tucking it tightly around her breasts, to keep it from falling. Her long and delicate legs rubbing together awkwardly as she thought maybe she should go home. After a few minutes of shifting, she would finally exit and move toward the spring. The air was hot, and humid, but it felt good. Bumps rising on her skin as the temperature clashed, and she gave a slight smile.

There was someone already in the spring. Hair dark and wet, and muscles that piqued her interest. She had to catch herself, she was staring. It had been some time since she'd spoken to anyone in the city, and even longer since she made physical contact with a human being. Her hair, long and plastered to her back and legs, she moved around the other side, keeping her eyes low as she elegantly slipped into the spring across from the mystery man.

Raising her eyes slowly, when she would notice who it was, her eyebrows would raise as well. "Oh dear." She would say, as though she were just caught doing something wrong. "The man who drinks strange liquid herbs." She said, identifying him, and pausing to search her memory for his name--or what he told her to call her. "Shadow." A brief smile played on her lips as she gave a flirty glance back down at the water, her red locks pooling around her in the hot water.

"How could I forget the man who lurks with secrets and darkness surrounding him..."​

 

[Keigo Oen]

And as he continued to enjoy the company of silence he would be invaded to an extent. He could feel her coming. He sensed her chakra. He'd felt it before and with everything that he was dealing with it was definitely something he needed. Company. He didnt mind the company. Though when he heard her speak he'd lean his head back looking up at the woman. She was beautiful, her long red-hair hanging down her body as she was wrapped comfortably in her towel. It was definitely something that was quite... endearing to see but Souji had seen bodies such as her's before. So he could brush it off with a smirk. She called him by his 'name'... and with that he'd be reminded of the reasons he was relaxing. He had gotten away from his job and his alias. He wanted to be Souji tonight. Not the Guardian. Not the protector. He just wanted to be Yukata Souji, a nobody. A nothing. A shadow.

"Well, I am known as Shadow...", taking another sip of his drink, his face becoming more and more rosey. Though he could still hold his alcohol for a bit longer before he would get into cray cray Souji mode. Either way, he wasnt there yet. "How could I forget a woman such as yourself... Monogami Kurai. The quiet woman who seems to linger around the rich district. Beautiful and meek... she also speaks a language I have not heard in this region before...", nodding he'd lean his head back to her again, "Drink? I get a chance to finally talk to you one on one... So..?", rolling his shoulders he'd pick himself up from the waters before allowing the water to drip from him before he'd look at her and to pour a drink for her. It was a sweet drink. Sour in taste, apple in flavor. Hopefully he'd be able to finally find out more information on this woman. He was definitely intrigued with how mysterious she was to not have many files floating around about her.

"A night at the Springs, lets just have meek and wonderful conversation... no kids... no work... just two people... conversing eh?", after speaking he'd step aside as if to guide her to the pool. He was quite suspicious though, he was surely going to be trying to pry information from her. Then again, he could tell her about himself nothing about his family though. Just slight details about his travels. Stuff to help allow her to trust him... until he got what he needed. Though, it would be nice to have another friend looming around these parts. Someone not in the Branch. Maybe it would work. Then again, maybe it wouldnt. There was such a grey area with these things and with that he could do no harm in trying to get to know another face around these parts. He had no reason to think she had so much to hide, but she was definitely not directly from here. Which was most troubling to him... was she a refugee? Maybe. He had heard the Kirigakurian dialect... but the language she spoke didnt sound even close.

'Maybe I'm wrong...', thinking to himself for a moment he'd give the floor back to her.

 

[Kokomo]

This place did not reek so much of blood. It had a salty and sulfuric smell, but not much blood. Maybe a little, but the kind that you would get from stubbing your toe or bumping your head. It was a more peaceful place. Not much scars from people. In fact, it didn't feel much like people came here at all. Perhaps this city was too busy killing its residents to have time to rest.

Souji. A strong name with dignity behind it. Much more appealing than hers. Kurai: meaning 'stranger'. Fitting, really. But not in the eyes of the general before her. He spoke of her, how she stalked through the night. Ironically, the one who even called himself shadow was not as lurking as her. He paid her a compliment, one of quiet beauty. In the manners of modesty, she wondered? Or in voice? One could hardly say that she was shy, had they spoke her native tongue. But here, without knowing a soul, and learning the language by full immersion, it certainly seemed as such.

He turned away from her, grabbing a drink for both him and her. One of the liquid herbs, perhaps? He seemed almost giddy, in a dark sort of way, to be able to speak with her. Surely he'd be asking all the questions. She knew this game all too well. The 'lets get to know each other by me asking all the questions and avoiding anything you ask me'. Oh yes, she was a professional, but the tables had turned. He was narrowing on her.

Pulling the towel closer to her body, tightening the grip as she look at him, she submerged her arms back into the hot water. The steam from the cool air meeting it giving a mystical look to the scene. The blue lights were calming, and the sound of the water gurgling and pushing more heat was the loudest thing in the room--and it wasn't loud. In fact---huh? Kids? Kurai blinked a few times, wondering if he was asking her if she had kids. Or if he did? Whos kids? What? "I...I don't have any kids?" She asked, that accent adding a bit of sultry to her sentence. Her golden eyes peering brightly at him, like little orbed suns the clash with the darkness. "I don't really work much either," She admitted, giving a bit of a nervous laugh. She spent her days and nights researching and hunting.
"I guess I am what you call a.... free horder?" She paused, her lips moving to the side in a particularly thoughtful and unique pucker, "No no no, freeloader, in this country, yes?" She gave a brillant white smile, so brief it almost was like it didn't happen. But deep down, she couldn't help but wonder in a paranoid manner...

'Does he have someone searching my clothes inside?'

 

[Keigo Oen]

Funny enough, when she took the drink, or it was at least implied that she took it, Souji would bow and listen as she spoke about the kids, and the lack of work. "Well, I dont either, but I am a part-time teacher in the Academy... So thats what I meant.", a polite smirk would follow as she seemed to be on edge. Good. He wanted her to feel on edge. Though, he felt like he was getting back into work mode again. He was supposed to be relaxing. Shaking his head, "Oi... Sorry about the the one hundred and one questions... Lets just enjoy each other's company...", though when she spoe about being a freeloader he'd smirk. This was something that he felt his brother was being sometimes. Littler runt, declaring that he didnt want to graduate from the academy. it made Souji so damn angry thinking about it sometimes... Souji paid for that education.

"Well, it doesnt seem like you are a 'freeloader' you are registered as a warrior? So you must be doing something... even if its keeping the people safe from harm whenever you get the chance...", nodding he'd resubmerge himself in the water after taking another sip of his drink. It was so good you couldnt even taste the alcohol... but he really didnt need this sneaking up on him. Either way it was not something he'd try before but maybe he needed to just find trust in another. So what if she was barely clothed. It didnt mean that something was going to happen. Right? Why not do the whole small talk thing, and see if someone can be trusted... why was he always stuck in work mode. "So... How about this, you ask a question and I answer and respond with a new question and then we just bounce questions from one to another... Find out more about one another... See where that takes us? Eh?", Souji was going to go out on a limb for a moment. There wasnt much else he could do aside from sit in silence. Which he would just not do... This person was intriguing.

Who was she... where did she come from... and could he trust her? Maybe more would come from it. Friendship. Maybe he could help her figure out the language better, maybe he could help her find students she could teach or techniques she could learn. Maybe, but it all started with this. "So, ladies first... I'll answer any question I can but just know there are some questions that I cannot answer...", and many more that he wouldnt. So it was just like dipping your feet into water when you hadnt been in anything prior.

 

[Kokomo]

Her lips touched the cool glass of the drink, taking in its smell. The scent was not that of blood, or the foul odor of deception. Her golden eyes fluttered from his face, to the cup, back to his face, and then back down before she took a mild sip. She pressed her lips together, unfamiliar with it. It was a fruity sort of taste, not that of strange herbs or sour juices. The people here drank some strange things. But because of the lack of potency of the alcohol, Kurai was drinking the substance unknowingly. I wouldn't personally call it 'date rape', but, yanno, she doesn't know it's alcohol.

Anyways.

Shadow seemed to settle a bit, relaxing with the warmth moving to his cheeks. Blushing? Or was it because of the hot water? The mystery girl dropped her eyes again, pressing her rose petal lips together as she listened to him explain that she wasn't a 'freeloader'. It was nice to hear, even if she was joking when she said it. "Yes. A registered warrior." She nodded. These people had no idea what a warrior was. These people were murders. Justified murderers, of course, but not warriors. Warriors were noble people. They gave their lives for the sake of those around them, and protected their people at all times. They paraded the streets daily, and constantly guarded doors. They went to war with every threat around them--and never came home. They kissed their wives and children every day, and would never dare shed a tear. They made history. They made the best utopia they could.

But what she had witnessed here, in this city, was not quite that. Certainly, there were warriors here. But most of them were ruthless killers. They did not just slay their enemies, they tortured them and spit on their graves. They had no humility or respect for the dead. And she had found a few civilian bodies thrown in the dark corners of the poor district in her stay here as well. They had some warriors. But this was no city of warriors. This was a city of blood. But she wouldn't tell him that.

She would just take another swig of the drink, feeling the water roll off the outside of the cold glass as the steam met it in the air. He offered a truce to her, a question for a question. That seemed fair, of course. Her head seemed to be more straight, and her posture perked up a little, as though he became less threatening all of a sudden. Or maybe she was even excited. "Okay. That seems fair." She agreed, pushing a heavy lock of hair behind her ear, running her hand down until she had grabbed all of the hair, and placed it behind her in the water. Leaning on it with her back to keep it in place. She had exposed her body, now--or what wasn't covered by the towel. Her pale and slender arms that met dainty shoulders. A kissable collarbone, with a delectable muscle that ran from it up her neck to her angular jaw line. A piece of work, certainly. Of course, all Aigéarins were the same in looks. On her island she was just a plain as some of the girls here.

Shadow urged her to go first, suddenly feeling a bit of cat and mouse from him. A playful sort, of course. Not that you would find on the battle field or in the jungle. "Oh kay...." Her accent broke the word apart, as though each letter was two different words to her. "Why do they call you Shadow?"

 

[Akechi]

Honestly, he felt like he had been in this village for way too long. He found himself chatting up demonic women and girls alike, even cleaning up the streets to a limited degree and for a small fee. It wasn’t that Akechi felt misplaced or anything, but he did feel like he had lingered in this place for far too long. The life of a vagabond wasn’t about squatting in only one place for an elongated period of time. His body seemed to yearn for some form of excitement, whether it be sexual, dangerous or otherwise. He had spent too much time setting up contacts with minimal reward, or at least with minimal rewards that happened to be tangible at the moment. Who knew what the future would hold? The power of Ashuri and Kuroyuki, the uneasy alliance with the Kage of this village, and even his network of “pirate-agents” that were sailing the seas looking for that “special someone.” It enticed him but nothing was tangible. Nothing was concrete. There was no reward… nothing except the satisfaction of moving pieces into favorable positions on his chess board.

A Missing nin speaking of allies as pieces on a chess board… The irony behind that very thought was pretty amazing…

Today, was another one of those rest days. A day where he could relax, and not necessary worry about such things as work or the exploitation of certain resources. One must work hard but they must also play hard in their private lives. I mean, that was the simple mathematics of life. That was balance. Just as good balances the incredible evils of this world, and naturally inverse of this as well. ”Last time I was at the hotsprings I met a beautiful blonde woman. Maybe I’ll be just as lucky this time.” He giggled, speaking to himself but just loud enough that any near him would be able to hear the man’s words. Pushing back through the door of the hotsprings, he was met with a pretty young girl behind the counter. Why was there always a beauty working these things? You’d think she would’ve been a model. Perhaps she would have found it more entertaining to strut across a runway as the center of attention, rather than checking people in at a hotspring counter. Nodding toward the girl, Akechi kept his thoughts to himself, traveling to the men’s locker room and disrobing.

Looked like some people had already beaten him to the punch. One a beauty, the other a familiar shadow. ”Ay Souji! Long time. Where have you been hiding yourself?” The man yelled out, jumping into the pool of warm water, his deeply reddened eyes skipping Souji in favor of the beautiful woman that had accompanied the Mr. Shadow. ”They had to call him something. I guess shadow fits a man that adores sticking to them.” Souji was somewhat of a shadow. I mean, he basically a mute during the discussions that Endo and Akechi had. A man that follows orders…

There truly was nothing more dangerous than a man that simply follows orders…

”Your hair is gorgeous. It is a marvel unrivaled by any of the likes here. You aren’t from here… Perhaps another traveler, just passing through like myself?”

[Just had to drop in ]

 

[Keigo Oen]

Amazing, this was beginning to heat up a bit... but then again she was still so very quiet. Either way Souji would listen to her questions as he felt some sort of way. Seemingly dazed by the drinks he'd taken but they were borderlining his limitations. Either way, Shadow managed to figure out this girl in a few moments, she was a foreigner, maybe she was a spy from Dragon Country or something. He didnt really know but with how everything seemed to tie in together he was well aware that his suspicions would go no where unless he stayed cool. She asked his question and with that everything would be going. He was a Guardian, he was a warrior for the people. He signed up giving his solemn word and focus to protect and serve, and before he could answer Akechi would enter, a man that he hadnt seen in months it felt like. Souji had a birthday in the time that they had last met and that was some time ago. So, nodding to himself he felt the need to move and push himself forward and out of the pool...

But the man dived into it without a worry for either of them. Spouting about how beautiful the woman's hair was, and such. It made Souji frown. His plan was foiled for the time being, and then Akechi answered his question for him. Ugh, the way he acted... but Souji had orders not to do anything to the man, they were supposed to be partners for now. So, he'd treat him as such, brushing it all off Souji would shake his head, "Hello Akechi, I've been working.", nodding to himself he'd figure that this was going to be an extravagant way of dealing with it. "Also, you're incorrect. I follow the ways of Nokuzu, the Goddess of Shadows and the Night. It was with her blessing I was allowed to have this name in all honesty. I am known to most as The Guardian of Shadows. To others, Souji.", though again to the retort to the woman's hair Souji would sigh pinching his nose.

"Miss Kurai, I apologize for my acquaintance's behavior. As 'charming' as he comes off, his compliments are a bit hollow~ as he speaks them so often~", not that Souji would know, but Shots were fired anyways, and it was time to have alittle bit of fun with all of this. Maybe this would turn into a mini-party. Something to make a night memorable. And it was about time that Souji just get a chance to have fun. Everyone deserved some fun in their lives. "As unique as you look Kurai, and I have myself called you beautiful... I believe that it is not something you merely say to someone... You have to show them the words, and how they are true. This is merely a theory of mine... so maybe he could... show you rather than using those dreadful hollow words..."

Snickering to himself Souji would add at the end, "Unless he's too afraid~", Oh Souji, the webs you weave~

 

[Kokomo]

When he didn't answer right away, her mouth would go back to the drink. She wouldn't quite sip it this time, in fact, she would throw it all back. Bottoms up. If there was anything to learn about Kurai, this quiet seemingly innocent goddess, was that she could hold her damn liquor. Her cheeks started to heat up, a tint skimming her cheekbones, just as another person entered. It was nice to see that they weren't the only night owls, but it did mean that their conversation would be quickly interrupted. Certainly he wouldn't divulge too much information to a stranger--

Oh.

They knew each other. He spoke to him, using his actual name, to which Kurai raised her eyebrows. "Souji?" She piped, letting him know that she managed to catch that bit of information. The other man sinking deeply into the water beside Souji. She pulled her towel closer to her body as he seemed to eye her. Kurai could have sworn he would lick his lips if he was alone. She gave a brief smile in return, her hands folded together near her chest now. Closed off. So much for learning, huh?

Souji corrected the man, speaking a bunch of nonsense, she honestly, did not understand. Goddesses of the night? Blessings? Nokuzu? What the hell was he talking about? But she wasn't the only one who seemed to not catch the mini history lesson behind his name. The stranger blurted out a compliment in response, completely ignoring his existence, despite how close they sounded in the beginning. "Oh, thank you. I'm not from here, no. Not travelling, exactly. I'll be here quite some time." She didn't understand the saying 'just passing through'. She thought that he meant she was literally just moving through the city today to get elsewhere tomorrow.

Souji formally apologized on his behalf, her eyebrows raising as she learned that the man gave out compliments like a river gave water. "Oh, really?" She gave an accusing look towards him, a little playful than actually serious. She could care less what someone thought about her appearance.

She knew she was a damn catch.

"Show me?" Whoa, like sex? Hold up, she wasn't a prostitute. They knew that, right? "Oh," He cleared up the confusion between flirting and flat out sex as he continued talking. Damn, this language was so confusing! "Yes, yes, do show me." She played along, after finally realizing that it was all a tease. They were poking fun, is all. Wow, her thoughts were getting pretty weird though. What was in that drink?

 

[Akechi]

Seemed Souji was a bit upset. Did Akechi interrupt something? Honestly, he thought the man had his eyes on his sensei or whoever, but I guess he liked keeping his options open. Maybe he saw Kurai as the meaningful conquest that she was. I mean, was there any question of the opposite? Despite even knowing the girl’s personality, Akechi could tell that the woman was, for lack of a better expression, “quite the woman” indeed. Not that she couldn’t have turned out to be a shrewd bitch or even a prejudice one, but she passed the all so wonderful eye test. Shallow as it was, it was a bit more in depth when the eyes in question were the enviable Sharingan eyes that most seemed to “love.” Or loathe… Really just depended on how greedy you were.

”Working? That’s what they call it. Work. Well… if it keeps you busy I guess,” the man laughed, shrugging his shoulders to match the rather aloof tone in his voice. Souji honestly hadn’t shown him much these days. When Akechi first enter Iwagakure, he saw Souji as a man that had a plethora of worthy contacts and resources that he could exploit. However, he had shown him nothing of the sort so far. His life was bland, devoid of anything of value in the eyes of the Uchihan sovereign. But then again, he was only privy to what they wanted him to know about this man named “Shadow.” The same could be said for Endo, and any other of their more “shadier” activities. You know, those activities that they claimed was necessary for the betterment of Iwagakure. Those activities were on the hush hush, much like Endo’s mission with the Uchiha. ”I didn’t care to be correct, Souji-san. No need to be so serious.” The comment maintained the aloof demeanor that he had displayed so far, shifting his attention from the moody Souji to the beautiful Kurai.

”Me too. My name is Akechi. I’m actually from Sunagakure. Where are you from, Kurai-san?” Curiosity seemed to find its way into his voice as he spoke to the girl, and even in his body language as he pushed off of the wall of the pool and over toward the beauty before him. Placing himself between Souji and Kurai, he spoke directly to her as if the brooding man wasn’t even there… though he would answer his “challenges” as he saw fit. ”Ignore his cynicism. I assure you that my words are my bond, and that every fiber of them are true. You truly are an outlandish beauty. It is almost as if your beauty is simply unfit to be in this world… this world of terrors and sorrow. There is just something about you. Bewitching almost, eye candy in its highest form… at least to my Sharingan.” He wasn’t simply attracted to the woman and the beauty he found unique, but also the aura that radiated from the woman and the serene chakra that flowed throughout.

”Honestly, it’s hard to show you anything when I don’t know anything other than your beauty. No. No. Showing you, Ms. Kurai, won’t be as simple as that… and it wouldn’t involve having Mr. Shadow around either.” He winked, dipping his head in the pool for a brief second before rising with a breath of fresh air. ”Showing you for a second is more of a hollow act than compliments derived from true genuine emotion. No… a man showing a woman like you would take a life time, Kurai-san. You just have to be willing to take the trip.”

 

[Keigo Oen]

Souji would listen to the babbling brook, though he did take a liking to Akechi. He was very firm with his tone and confident. It was something that both genders could respect... to an extent. He just hoped that the man didnt go off spouting things he truly didnt mean. Maybe it would end with a rendezvous to Akechi's hotspot. He seemed to be saying all the right things, Souji would end the night looking out at the stars from his roof top. As it seemed he would not be getting any relaxation here. Not now at least. So this time Souji would stand, sighing to himself before he would continue.

"Trust him Kurai. He's trustworthy... I trust him.", it seemed forced but he was sincere enough to actually say it and have an air of confidence in what he said. He didnt see Akechi as one to be quick to violence. It didnt take alot, but Souji couldnt take what the man was saying. It made him sound thirsty. Then again, maybe Souji could take a note or two from his confidence, even squaring Souji off from her and turning his attention completely to her. Souji was again made a shadow, just like his entire life. Oh well, if thats how it was going to be then Souji would become a shadow... the shadow that he was. "I'll... be back.", turning and taking his final drink before beginning on his way out. Not that he wanted anyone to pity him. It was something that Kurai would be able to see in his eyes as he lifted himself from the pool moments prior.

With that, Souji huffed and moved to the outside, if he were allowed to leave, he'd pay for drinks to come to them until they chose to leave. "Treat them well...", he'd speak to the clerk, but if he were to be stopped... he'd just stop. Thinking about whatever was said.

[MFT]
[Attempting to Leave]

 

[Inuzuka Junko]

[legend="Girls Gone Wild"]
It had been a long, painful and bloody week for the red headed ANBU girl. She’d managed to wangle a bit of time off from her duties due to the seriousness of her injuries and most all of her bandages and such had come off, bones and torn muscles mended. She had decided that this night she would visit her hot spring resort for pretty much the first time since it was opened, she’d not had the time to simply relax in the waters and that’d be something her muscles which had been stiffening up from lack of exercise would enjoy.

The tram ride down was pleasant enough for what it was and certainly was a good investment, couldn’t have guests venturing the tunnels and getting lost now could we? Junko would step into the entrance and nod to the girl behind the counter with a smile, the girl would recognise her right away and boss. “Pretty quiet tonight huh?” The redhead would comment as she looked about. “Is there anyone using the waters?” She’d ask curiously and the woman would nod immediately. “Yes, a few guests arrived not so long ago.” Junko would fold her arms for a moment and exhale out of her nose. “Tell you what. Grab me up a few beers and bring them out to the springs, then you can head off early. I’ll lock up so don’t worry ‘bout it.” She’d say with a jovial tone and head for one of the changing rooms. Before to long the teenager would step out into the steam filled air and with a happy grin begin heading toward the sound of voices, when she picked them up of course. As she approached she heard a couple of voices and to her surprise she recognized one of them. ”Souji?” she thought, he seemed to be leaving the area, but an almost evil grin would creep across her lips as she began charging full speed toward where the man was, luckily the steam would conceal her just long enough to get the jump on him, she hoped.

In reality he would have time to react, but would he? Junko would charge him down with a grin on her lips and a glint in her single, storm grey eye, the right eye was in fact the only part of her body still “injured” and therefore covered up with a white eye patch. Her red hair that was usually always up in a bun would be down, probably the first time she’d worn it that way in public. What covered her body though would be the make or break ingredient in the plot to have Souji simply wait to be pounced by the Wolfs Sin of Wrath, a crimson red bikini that whilst covering up her body enough to be deemed safe, she was still at risk of spilling out of. “Souji~” She would coo as she leapt up and collided with the man, smothering his face in boobs as her arms wrapped around his head and held it there as they both tumbled down into the water with an almighty splash. She’d keep hold of him for a moment before dragging the both of them to surface, laughing her ass off as she released his head and fell backwards, away from him and into a sitting position against the wall. “Man, that was hilarious!” She’d say between breaths. She’d then look across the hot spring pool at the other two people, strangers as far as her mind could tell. “Yo, I’m Junko, sorry about the entrance, but he left himself wide open for that.” She’d titter. “Hope you’re all enjoying the resort!”

[Entering Thread / Stopping Souji]
[/legend]

 

[Kokomo]

Tension.

Maybe she was wrong. Perhaps they were rivals of sorts? Glory, she had no idea. These people were absolutely impossible to stay connected to. It was like a constant white wash of new information and complications. The man across from her seemed cool and clear headed where he was, where she almost felt the heat from Souji's ears steam her face. He was certainly pissing him off with his cockiness. But, nonetheless, he made a polite introduction, inquiring about where she was from. He was from a place called 'Sunagakure'? If she heard him right that was. She had never head of it before. But before she could answer, still contemplating if she even wanted to, he pushed towards her. He stood in the deep part of the spring, the center, and stared her down. His voice was smooth, and melted over her easily. Bewitching, he used. Strange, she had never heard that word used in such a way. Was he hinting at her likeness to a succubus? Sensing her with his sharigan? Well...

He wouldn't be wrong.

But that was information to be saved for another time. Her body pulsed blood, the spring so hot she could feel the heart beat in her ears. He seemed to move closer with every word, speaking to her about the complexity of his feelings. Bewitched by a woman he didn't even know. No one in the room knew. No one in the city knew. No one in the country knew. Oddly enough, people still seemed drawn to her. Did she not leak some sort of dangerous feel to her? Did she appear so approachable and innocent? Good. That's how it should be. But, either way, he continued to cake on his slur of... what the hell was he even saying? Something about showing her a trip? A trip of a lifetime? Hollow? Time?

What?

The complex sentences he was using was losing her. She was not fluent in the common language, especially when it got as in depth as that. So even though he worked hard to make himself sound as impressive as possible, the truth was: "I'm....I'm sorry. I don't understand a word you're saying." She gave a weak smile, shrugging as her eyes moved behind him towards Souji. He stood, reassuring her that he was trustworthy--but she didn't exactly like the idea of being alone with him. A man prowling like that? He was sniffing for something to pant over, and he had found it. And she didn't exactly want to be the main course of the night. "I--" He took back a drink violently, almost in a forced way, and said he'd be back. A total lie, of course. Kurai stood, holding tightly on to her towel, and making sure to cross her legs slightly as she stood so Mystery Shakespeare couldn't peer up her skirt, she went to speak--but was interrupted by something, rather odd.

The excitement just never ended.

A busty woman jumped onto the scene--literally--and tackled Souji right back into the water. She pulled him back up for air and smothered him into her buxom breasts. Kurai felt a slight twitch of jealousy. Not exactly because she was smothering Souji but because she was.... so sexy. Her eyes lit up slightly as she watched her, the crimson bathing suit, that matched her hair so flawlessly, moving back and forth as she jerked violently, threatening to give the audience a peek at what she had to offer. An ass so rounded and firm, and muscle definition to die for. As she looked across the spring, Kurai's eyes would dash away from her to the water. Kurai, the average bodied foreigner. There was nothing extraordinary about her body, save for her sunshine eyes and fire hair. She was pretty, but no where near as eye catching as half of the village. And her body was far from a bombshell, especially in the light of this newcomer. She had average breasts, a slender body with almost too much muscle definition, and a regular old ass. Long legs, but they were nothing special either.

If it were possible, her face would have been green in envy.

It would become apparent as her face hardened, perhaps not to the new girl, as she didn't know how soft her expression usually was, and she flexed her jaw for a moment before standing again. "Actually, I was just leaving." She would say, watching the woman carefully, maybe even scanning her over. Moving away from the ground as she walked up the steps out of the spring and towards the door, turning as she looked at them, "Thank you, for letting me accompany you tonight." She spoke generally, but her eyes were watching the Shadow in the room. Giving a polite smile, and a slight bow, she turned and left.

[Topic Left Unless Stopped]

 

[Akechi]

”You trust me? That’s funny.” He said softly, looking up into the night sky, with a smirk pasted across his face. Nah. He knew his place in this village. He wasn’t a member and he didn’t answer to anyone of their traditional caste system, which meant that he was a potential threat to their security. That was how they saw him. It was simple risk assessment. To be honest, he was surprised that he didn’t have a security detail following him around, monitoring his movements after carrying out his duties faithfully. Then again, maybe these people were more a lot better at their jobs than Akechi gave them credit for. After all, even a pawn can be incredibly apt at a particular ability or field. ”You’re leaving.” It wasn’t question, it was more of a statement. Souji was leaving, and for what reason. Because of a challenge that he posed, one that he figured Akechi wouldn’t bite the bait on? Funny. It was just so… funny.

And there was the strawberry chick? Perhaps she didn’t like the verbiage or dialect that Akechi spoke in, but those were something that came natural to him. He was a student. A man that constantly furthered his education and skills through the knowledge of what was written. Learning from the past is the only way pave a way toward a brighter future. His words were truth. Truths that the young lady simply wasn’t ready for. ”You don’t? I’m sorry. You simply don’t know my passion then.” He shrugged, moving toward the edge of the hotsprings as the woman seemed to awkwardly shuffle on past her. Honestly, he didn’t mean to sound too forward, but he was asked to say how he felt. Was he truly to blame for truths spoken when it was demanded of him? That was the problem with women these days. A compliment instantly meant “I want to have sex with you.” A mere observation of one’s beauty could be misconstrued as a veiled attempt at an invasive pick up strategy more commonly known as rape. Mere words that simply weren’t interpreted as they should…

It was disheartening, but that was life.

He thought about explaining it to her but as she turned to leave he had a single thought. Even as water splashed upon him, striking him in the face as droplets fell from the bangs of his hair, Akechi had a single thought that provided him a form of clarity. He had intruded. He was not wanted. In other words, why stick around? Grinning. Laughing. The man suddenly vanished, only to appear in front of the beautiful woman before with one hand on the door, and another gently brushing against her shoulder. Oddly enough, he was fully clothed and completely dry. Just how fast was he?

”Stay with your friends. I’ll go.” He said simply, his voice devoid of the free spirited emotions from before. Before she could even respond, the door had opened, a quick wave toward no one in particular had been given and the door had begun to close behind him. Crashing parties were fun…

But only when the people were accepting…

Or when the trouble started…

Not today.

[Stopped Kurai from leaving/Topic Left]

 

[Keigo Oen]

And as he would leave he woudl find himself with flesh drilled in his face... and himself thrown into the pool. Followed by giggling. Well then. How eventful. Souji'd rise from the waters only to see that Junko was the culprit that had done this to him. Stopping him from leaving and making sure he stayed in this place... from there Kurai started to leave but was instantly halted by the now leaving Akechi. Now, Souji would have loved to see the man leave but, it wouldnt be right. They all were here and maybe they could all get along. However, this was going to be quite the night cap of some sort. At least... he could maybe look to nice conversation? "Akechi-san... Stop. Its not right of you to leave me in such a predicament my friend... Hows about we play a teams game? Eh? and I cant have a team with two on one... They'd beat me dry...", chuckling to himself, and letting loose a bit. The Springs were nice and quiet. It seemed they were seriously the only ones here... and with that notion Souji was definitely going to be a bit more friendly knowing that maybe this was a group he could trust. Akechi wasnt that bad of a guy... a bit forward, but some guys had the confidence Souji obviously didnt have. Junko was the only ANBU or Guardian that he didnt mind working next to. They could do some great things if they worked together. Then again, Souji thoroughly enjoyed their Sennin's company and he had a sneaky suspicion that she enjoyed his company as well. Then there was Kurai, quiet, meek, and definitely the type you could just sit around and let it all go with. Just talk.

They all had good within them, and none of them aside from Akechi gave him any thought that they could betray... but then again Souji always had his guard up. So he would... "I actually dont know what game we could play that would limit physical contact...", mainly because he didnt want to get too into it. Somethings could lead to another and he'd not really want to deal with such things at this point. "Any ideas?", nodding Souji would tilt his head looking to all the participants in this Hot Springs Experience.

[Stopping Akechi from leaving.]

 

[Ryu Hime]

Gen Ryu walks towards the hotsprings wearing one of her more exotic puppets. The puppet was expertly made for it will take a very keen eye to tell she wasn’t human. This puppet had tan skin like one would expect from a suna-nin. However her entire body was cover with markings that look absolutely tribal. As she enters the undressing area she strips down showing each and every mark on her beautiful curves. She would enter the hotspring naked, but figured people might object so she raps a towel around her form thus covering the important part. As she enters the area where the actual spring were she sees a few people that has already gathered.

Greetings to you all,
I do hope I don’t intrude.
May I bath with you?
​

Ryu was often called the mad hatter and for good reason for she was truly mad, but she could manage the madness. The process of sealing a soul into a puppet is a delicate one and unfortunately for Ryu, her mind ended up like a shattered mirror with each shard a different personality. In order to keep these personalities from fighting for control she made them bodies through which they can be channeled. This puppet’s name was Shikora had the peculiar habit of always speaking in Haiku.

 

[Inuzuka Junko]

[legend="Girls Gone Wild"]
Boy, Junko sure did pick the right time to come and join the party, people literally fighting to leave and it couldn’t be helped that she felt her presences was in some way connected to that, she felt rather ignored in fact as no one seemed to acknowledge her presence except for a few stares. She’d rub at the now damp bandages over her eye and sigh softly to herself, she really wasn’t meant to get the dressing wet but she hadn’t quite gotten to grips with the fact that she had to be less her for a while. She’d shimmy down in the waters and let the drama unfold, it would have been nice to have a full pool of people to talk to but just one would suffice, she was happy for any kind of company really.

The trio consisting of a pretty girl, Souji and a strange man went on a little longer, Souji being the only one to offer some sort of compromise which she kind of agreed with, though any ideas for games and the likes that came into her head seemed either dumb or unadvisable in a hot spring resort. Though it was at this point that the girl from the front desk came hobbling in, carrying a large cooler past Akechi and Kurai and she stumbled toward Junko. “Here you go Miss Inuzuka.” She said, inhaling deeply as she put down the item. Junko would lean her head back and look up at her with a smile. “Thank you, enjoy your night off.” She said cheerfully as she quickly reached into the cooler and pulled out two beers, popping the caps with her thumbs and taking a swig from one as she offered the other to Souji, the only other person in the water. “Beer? Anyone stayin’ gets to drink for free.” She’d say with a wide grin, enjoying her first taste of alcohol since the accident.

Feeling refreshed from the cold beer and relaxed in the hot waters soothing her sore body, Junko would look over to the pair and the door and smile. “I don’t know about any games or anything, but with a few beers and some conversation I’m sure we can all have some good fun, right?” She would speak cheerfully, really hoping to convince then to stay but unwilling to press the matter past what it already was. Souji wasn’t bad company anyway, they could talk work if nothing else and that would be pleasant enough. That thought however was quickly shoved out of her mind as a fifth person entered the area, this one possibly making an even more dynamic entry than Junko herself which was impressive. Through the steam appeared a dark skinned woman, covered in sweet looking tattoos but completely naked save for a towel, just about covering her. “I mean, there’re rules about wearing bathing suits at all times but that’s more a suggestion, to save the kids from being corrupted.” She’d simply say to anyone who was listening, but would then nod to the strange girl. “The more the merrier, grab a drink if you’d like and hop on in.” She’d smile.

[WC - 518]
[/legend]

 

[Kokomo]

Oh dear Deus. These people wouldn't leave her alone. She just wanted to leave. The dashing man appeared before her, clothed and dry, brushing his hand across her shoulder, and causing her to take a slight step away from him. These people sure were touchy. She didn't understand the idea of touch being used to communicate safety and compassion to other people--it wasn't so where she was from. He told her--didn't ask--to stay with her 'friends'. Kurai scowled slightly, "They aren't my friends." She said coldly. Using the word friend so loosely was highly frowned upon. Friends were people you had many memories with. Friends were people that you had memories with, and loved unconditionally. And so far? She didn't have a very good memory of these people.

Souji called to him, asking him to stop. Suggesting a game. Kurai stayed facing the door, her body close to Akechi, and her head down as she listened to the people around her. Games? No, it was far too late. It was time to go home. Go to bed. Grab something highly alcoholic to drink, and head to bed. She had another busy day in the morning, as per usual. The two stood in the doorway, just as another person moved in, pushing past them. A strange looking woman, covered in markings and speaking in a strange pattern. Almost like poetry.

Xesús, they people were getting weirder and weirder.

Even after being offered free beers, she was just plain too uncomfortable. A strange wacko covered in tattoos, a mysterious man with a sketchy story, a busty go-getter, and a quiet unheard man. A group of people that simply didn't fit together, and her especially. "No, thank you. I think it's time I walk home." Kurai pushed past the man, heading towards the dressing room where she'd redress herself in her usual attire, and move out of the hotsprings. She'd had enough for one night.

[Topic Left]

 

[Akechi]

”Every rose has its thorns…” Akechi murmured, a false grin and a shrug following the words that was said with such sarcasm. Honestly, he didn’t really know if they were friends or not, but Souji seemed to want her around before Akechi pranced in. Simply denying herself the company was rather prudish but who was Akechi to judge. He honestly couldn’t care less about these people or their feelings, but he had a role that he needed to play and a guise that required a bit of upkeep. The term “weary” was a bit of an understatement compared to what he currently felt while maintaining this persona. Though he found their responses rather amusing, he often felt like he was just wasting his time. Especially considering that Endo hadn't made any noticeable moves in quite some time. It also didn’t help that Souji was as cautious as they come or that Endo tended to be a bit more of a shadow than even Souji was.

Perhaps, Akechi simply knew Souji and some of his habits a bit more than Endo. But there certainly is something to be said about a man called “the shadow,” and a man that simply vanishes into the night, only returning when he saw fit. The latter was Endo in a nutshell. Not quite the characteristics of a Kage, but definitely one of a survivor. Not much more could be said than that. ”Like what? ‘Friend?’ ” Akechi questioned, turning to face a woman with her head faced toward the ground and a man that seemed keen on keeping the both of them around. He didn’t mind staying but the feeling he had before didn’t quite vanish he stared at the two people behind him. It was clear that Kurai didn’t want to stick around, her pouting pretty much told the story. Souji, perhaps he was driven by some form of duty just as people like him normally are. Maybe he wanted to keep an eye on him, or maybe he had some specific orders from Endo to keep Akechi in his sights. Whatever the case, asking him to play game felt a bit more forced than it was genuine.

”It’s quite alright. I only play games for money anyways…” And sometimes power. And sometimes knowledge. However, it was always for some type of personal gain. The type really just depended on the circumstance and what was at stake. Fun, however, wasn’t in the cards. At least not around this bunch. Not in the traditional sense anyways…

The strawberry haired woman pushed past him, stomping her way out of the hotsprings rather coarsely might I add. ”I guess she wasn’t up for it.” Akechi commented, his reddened Sharingan eyes glancing back at the beauty before turning back toward Souji. I mean, seeing her walk away was much more pleasant than actually talking to her. Not anything against her, but Akechi was an ass man. She may have thought it average, but the way she switched down the hallway was spot on. Her ass looked much more than average on this day… especially while wet and naked…

/creepmode.

”Are we playing for money? Or… wood, in her case. Else, something else has got to be at stake.” Games meant something had to be earned or rewarded by winning. Even the wooden girl puppet woman could give up something. She may have believed herself to be passing for Sunan, but the Sharingan could pick up a bit more than simply faux skin coloring. Anatomically, her puppet body simply didn’t match that of a human’s. Neither physically or chakra-wise.

[I’ll stick around.]

 

[Keigo Oen]

Souji didnt much like the fact that Kurai still left but he could understand, this night was becoming more and more of a disaster. And there was no stopping that train, "Well, Miss Kurai did leave but we have more company? Cute. HOwever, I know Junko and I have work to do as much as I'd love to stick around we have... important paperwork to attend to.", looking at Junko and shaking his head, he'd hoped that she caught his drift. Though maybe not. They hadnt worked together THAT extensively. So he half expected her to not catch anything... either way, "C'mon... if you handt come I wouldnt be inclined to be a work horse...", snickering he'd shift into shadows appearing behind Junko and stepping out from the pool.

"Now, if you all want to have a party, lets plan this out. Make sure we have something that we all can do and imagine... Back here. Something spectacular? How about it?", Souji would look up to them even Akechi with a smirk on his face, "C'mon Junko. Gotta head to the Spire to process some documents. And maybe after that we can have some drinks.", he was attempting to get to know his colleague. Maybe they could have a great relationship. Plus she was ANBU he was Guardian. They had to find a bridge in their gaps. Why not just use the basics of humanity and communicate better and more frequently. Seemed logical and practical enough, Right? Either way he woudl await their responses and then he'd head out before giving a wave to the new woman, "You should come too..."

And with that he was gone~

[Topic Left]