Accidents Happen (Open)

[Kawakami Hotaru]

The Cronopolis, home. Why her family lived in the slums was beyond the young girl, her father and brothers owned more wealth than half of the people living in these slums cumulatively, but father had always insisted on staying close to their roots, to never forget the dirt they came from. He never fancied himself a rich man, a pompous man, he always envisioned himself as a sort of modern day Robin-Hood (of sorts); though he rarely stole from the rich and gave to the poor more often he stole from the everyone and gave to the himself, or the family anyway. At any rate her father and the family kept the girl safe through the slums, no dregs dared to touch her from fear of reciprocation of a family of hundreds, a bit a plus being a Wakahisa and all. -- Chiyoko was continuing her normal pursuits traversing the building tops throughout the slums, a brilliant breeze pushed against her face as she strided yards off the ground. There was no exhilaration like what she found in traversing the urban landscape, the possibility of dying had she made a wrong move missing the next roof top from her previous jump. It was absolutely magical, so magical in fact that Chiyoko's mind strayed and her concentration broke leading to a most awkward position.

Her feet left the ground, the jump was a good seven yards something that she had done many times before, but in this one instance she would not be completing the jump. Chiyoko's facial expression in that exact moment wasn't of fear or trepidation, but of pure embarrassment she was about to take a three story fall from the rooftop to the ground and she was embarrassed by her blunder, instead of fearing the ground which was roughly three stories below her. The young kunoichi's arms flailed out toward the roof top she had just attempted to jump to, her chest and arms slammed into the tin roofing of the building leaving large cuts against her arms. Futilely she attempted to grasp at the slick metal with her hands, all the while cursing her luck "Shit! No! No! No!" she yelled aloud as her legs kicked about beneath the kunoichi, her hands were quickly losing grasp with a loud squeak that one hears when dry skin drags against another material. And with that she began to tumble downward, things not looking so good for the girl.

Everyone within a half mile could hear Chiyoko's angry yells, as if she were having a bitter tiff with someone rather than falling several stories. A string of vulgarity left her lips as her fall was broken by several other rooftops which he continued to promptly roll off of after a brief struggle, one clothesline which she also managed to briefly grab, and then finally a group of trashcans on the street level. It was all a fairly painful experience, but she would live. "Ow!" she exclaimed laying in a small pile of trash that had come from one of the cans she had knocked over on the way toward the ground. A few cracked ribs, some minor cuts, and maybe a light concussion were all that faced the girl, all things considered the fall wasn't all that bad. The embarrassment of the fall, well that was another matter entirely. Laying on her back with vision blurred Chiyoko stared into the sky admiring the clouds for a brief moment before dragging her hands against her face covering her shame. Damn, that was embarrassing.

 

[Shinomiya Masaru]

Walking along the slums of Kumogakure was a very different experience compared to the district Masaru was used to traversing. To him this area of the village could hardly be compared to the Seki District which was brimming with nobles and well to do families, honestly it wasn't even fair to compare the two sections. With each step he took the young boy found himself using minimal movements to avoid all matter of trash, from vomit and piss to the riffraff that had no place but the cold streets to sleep it was no wonder some of the more observant residents were casting curious glances in his direction.

Thinking back on it there were only a few reasons why he could be in Cronopolis. One was that he could be on a mission, but something that could only be deduced by those who could catch a glimpse of the headband around his neck hidden only by his black cloak. Another option was that he actually was an inhabitant. It wasn't strange to think a boy could live in such a disgusting neighborhood, after all there were numerous ways to become an orphan in a shinobi village; however neither was the case. It would probably shock anyone who knew of his background and current housing circumstances, but Masaru was searching for an apartment to call his own. Far from anything as dangerous as a mission, but not something so tame as to gather information on an area he was unfamiliar with. Though if I do end up living here that is going to have to change, the boy thought while sidestepping yet another middle aged man passed out in his own filth. As opposed to the well mannered and rather tame Seki District, Masaru found himself without a lack of interest when it came to these slums. Something was always happening whether it be a group of children running from a pissed off shopkeeper to a brawl breaking out in the dark confines of an alleyway. His eyes were always moving, always watching and making mental notes about the people he passed, the things he saw, and the sounds he heard. It was all so lively, unlike that house.

A cool breeze nipped at his uncovered face, ruffling unruly brown hair while causing him to squint. His steps did not falter no matter what he saw or heard, his gait was strong and unyielding without pause like the one he had memorized after seeing it so many times. Whether it was his mother or his mentor he would surely not forget the way a Shima would walk. Place, circumstances, those thoughts were farthest from the mind when a Shima had places to be. It commanded power and presence, interest and respect, that was the way young Masaru strode through such a dump. With such a straightforward way of walking it was no wonder he was able to near his next destination so quickly. The click of his boots ceased when he stood in front of one of the many close knit buildings that rose into the sky. One look at the place and Masaru knew the inside would be just like all the others he had seen. The outer wall looked like it had seen better days, Masaru could make out a few graffiti markings under the half hazard off white paint job. There were noticeable cracks and markings here and there, he guessed they were from thrown bottles or fights that had gotten out of hand seeing as this street had a few bars on it. There were a few broken or boarded windows here and there, but overall it was one of the better apartment buildings he had seen in this forsaken district. For a while he had been staring up at the building, assessing it and the surrounding area, but a sudden noise grabbed his attention.

Taking a few paces to the side, Masaru watched as a body seemed to pinball off of various rooftops before finally hitting the ground, or rather group of trashcans. The unmistakable shouting of a girl could be heard as she was cursing up a storm,it wasn't too different from the angry shouting he had heard a few blocks ago. He took a moment to look up, wondering what she could have been doing or rather how she had managed to fall from such a height. He made a few assumptions, but couldn't be sure of anything other than she was still kicking and breathing and without brain injury seeing as she was able to remember quite a few choice words. If she was alive and with such energy then there was no need for him to step in and help her, and he began to walk toward the building again to go inspect a few rooms before he caught her moving out of the corner of his eyes. Pausing mid-step Masaru groaned inwardly. Normally he would have dismissed her, especially in an area such as this, but seeing as she had her hands over her face an unpleasant memory came to mind. He had often been scolded for ignoring any child crying in his presence and his mother had firmly and thoroughly educated him on how a gentleman should act. “Damn Shima upbringing,” Masaru mumbled as he turned on his heel and headed to the girls side. “You crying?” He asked without a hint of sympathy, even his expression was lacking concern as he stared down at the beat up girl.

[Topic Entered]
[MFT]

 

[Kawakami Hotaru]

The sky seemed to be an effervescent shade of blue and white through the cracks of the young Kunoichi's fingers, everything seemed fuzzy in the most interesting of ways. She could swear a bell was ringing in the distance, but it was clearly all within her head, clearly she was a bit concussed from the fall that she had just taken. Non-cognizant thoughts swam throughout her brain, somewhat unaware of what had just happened, then with a sudden FLASH the past few minutes came back to the young woman, along with a massive migraine, leading her to groan out. Still she remained laying upon her back waiting for the ringing to subside knowing, through previous experience, that if she even attempted to stand in that moment that her legs would give leading her to fall back into the same position she was already in. So, seemed in her best decision to stay down in the trash for a moment longer.

Seconds passed like minutes as she lay there thinking of what she had done incorrectly in the jump which lead her to laying in a pile of trash, her thoughts still fairly murky. Through the ringing in her ears Chiyoko heard someone approach the alley, dragging one hand from her face she listened as the man spoke. His voice was muffled through the ringing, but in an odd moment of synesthesia she could see the literal letters coming from the man's mouth, he seemed to be asking if she was crying. Of course she was more preoccupied by the fact that she had just seen letters fly from someone's mouth rather than his question, clearly the spill had done a bit of a number on her. Still she felt it best to reply to the man, and perhaps stand and get ready to bolt in case he was thinking of taking advantage of the odd situation he had found himself in. "No, not crying." She stated plainly, pressing one hand against the ground in order to sit up.

Dragging her other hand away from her face and exposing a separate colored eye, along with the gang related tattoo on her wrist, she stood on wobbly legs battling an intense amount of dizziness. Her eyes locked upon the man staring at him with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, even through the blur of her eyes it was fairly obvious that the young man wasn't from the slums. She could tell from the mere seconds of interaction with the man that he was far to prim for such a place, she figured what he was most likely going to ask next and went ahead and shot down any potential helping hand "Don't need help.</COLOR><i></i>" she thought of telling the man to piss off and mind his own business, but with the potential of him being a threat she held her tongue.

While at this point her vision and hearing was beginning to return to regularity her ability to run had not yet, internally she knew still knew if she attempted to run she would end up flat on her face, so for the time being she figured it best to keep the man talking. He seemed to be around her age with a mop of brown hair dressed in all black, bit of a goth she thought to herself. "You aren't from the Cronopolis, are you? You look like you're more suited for the Seki district.<i></i>" being a Wakahisa she knew the vast majority of the Cronopolis, and thinking back she couldn't place ever seeing this man before. He was clean and well maintained, didn't seem to be a gear-head, and seemed from his expression and tone to be a bit pompous. A trait that wasn't common in the slums. Upon closer inspection it seemed he was a Shinobi, but that didn't really mean anything. Just because he had a title of protecting others didn't particularly mean he was above doing horrible things, but then again she could've just been being paranoid. Yeah, that was probably it.

The wobbling in her legs had began to subside by this point as did her warped sense of paranoia, there was most likely nothing to fear from this man. Brushing a bit of the garbage from her clothing and looking over the small wounds on her arms Chiyoko decided it best to introduce herself, "<COLOR color="purple">I'm Chiyoko, of house Wakahisa." a house infamous for being invested all things criminal within the Village Hidden in the Clouds. She couldn't help but briefly wonder if the man would know of her house name, nobles and such living in the upper districts rarely heard of the criminals operating in the slums, most Shinobi even seemed to turn a bit of a blind eye to the on-goings of the poor. Economics and all, they had the upper class to tend to.

 

[Shinomiya Masaru]

“No, not crying.”

“Hmmm,” Masaru hummed in response while staring down at her. He was curious as to why she had covered her face in such a manner if she wasn't crying but chose to leave this question at the back of his mind. He didn't move away nor did he reach out in an effort to help her up. If she wasn't crying then she could just get herself up as he'd already done enough to make sure she wasn't dead or seriously injured, Though she could have been if not for the shoddy architecture. He observed while she seemed to gather herself. Short cropped hair, shorts, long-sleeved shirt. She didn't seem very impressive, just incredibly plain, but he knew not to expect much from this area. Perhaps he was become too accustomed to the gaudy fashion sense of the Seki District, though he himself had never thought of changing his attire to fit any situation. Plain and simple wasn't bad especially in his profession. While nothing piqued his interest in regards to her fashion sense he did however widen his eyes when he noticed that she had eyes of two different colors. That wasn't something common nor something he'd seen before, and Masaru knew that had to be the defining physical characteristic of this girl. Well, that and the marking on her wrist. He only caught a faint glimpse of it, but he could tell it was a flower. Which kind he didn't know nor did he care, it was filed away in his memory.

“Don't need help.”

The self reliant type. They could be annoying at times, he knew all too well since he was often referred to as such himself. Of course he accepted help when offered, but only gave thanks if it was actually helpful. Masaru determined that, in an area like this, distrust of strangers was ingrained and so didn't take her too seriously. He wondered what she would think if she knew that the only reason he had even approached her was not because he was inherently kind but rather because it was expected of him. Masaru shrugged his shoulders, not eager to figure out what other course language she knew.

Her remark on his appearance wasn't meant to be a jab at him. At least he didn't think so. He was well aware that he stood out among the slums, he even lost count of the amount of looks he received from each block he passed. Still, he didn't think he looked like a Seki District kind of guy. I knew it. I've been living at that Estate for too long. Moving is the right choice, Masaru thought while placing his hands in his pockets. He glanced at the building he was inspecting before the girl fell out of the sky while she introduced herself. “I'm not from Cronopolis, but I don't think I'm suited for the Seki District,” he answered while turning back to look at her, Observant. Probably noticed my headband too. Guess I should scope out a different area. Her name didn't really ring any bells, but the way she said it made it sound like it should have. House Wakahisa. Whether it was vital information or not it was safer to remember than to forget, though he had no doubts about remembering her first name as it was the same as his aunt's. “Shinomiya Masaru,” he gave his name with a slight bow. He decided that giving his name wouldn't present any problems as even someone from the Seki District would have to do some digging before connecting him with anyone noteworthy. Despite that he didn't like to talk about his circumstances, but that didn't mean he was finished talking with her. “Get distracted and fall out of a window?” He asked while looking up, wondering if she'd rather he forgotten about her tumble to the ground.

 

[Kawakami Hotaru]

He didn't seem to be much in the way of conversation, or so she had so far observed in their brief exchange. She couldn't help but think that most people would have asked millions of questions by this point, why had she fallen, was she alright, where were her parents, etcetera; however, he seemed rather aloof toward the whole situation, which was rather different from what she normally encountered. It was refreshing in an odd way. He later stated that he wasn't from the Cronopolis, but also denied that he fit in the Seki district, which she couldn't help but roll her eyes at. It had been her experience that most well-to-do youth thought they didn't fit into the upper class, rather supposedly wanting to live somewhere that squalor existed, somewhere that was supposedly 'real'. Yeah, you live in this pit for a week and you'll definitely think you belong back in the upper districts. She thought to herself, eyes still transfixed upon the Shinobi. He then introduced himself giving a curt bow, no one bowed in the Cronopolis "Well Shinomiya Masaru, we don't bow here.</COLOR><i></i>" overly formal nonsense.

She briefly paused thinking of how to reply to his question on how she had managed to fall from one of the buildings. The girl didn't really fall as much as she jumped or failed in doing so which was quite embarrassing, but then again so was having an upper-class Shinobi find her laying in a bit of garbage in a back-alley. Might as well tell him what happened at this point, not like the situation could look a lot worse, "I jump rooftops, didn't make this particular jump." she shrugged her shoulders obviously abashed by the situation. Chiyoko crossed her arms cautiously, making sure to avoid touching the cuts that the fall had inflicted upon her, now more curious as to what the man was doing here. She assumed from his statement of 'not belonging' in the Seki district that he was looking for a new home. "So, you don't think the Seki district suits you. Think you belong here?<i></i>" she asked, cocking her head slightly to the side.

'Onee-san! Onee-san, you alright?!', A man yelled from the main street approaching the back alley, it was clear that he had heard the commotion, and this not being the first time the Kunoichi had fallen from a building, assumed that Chiyoko had taken another fall. The fellow was a large man standing at around 6'4" and weighing in at 250 lbs easily. The fellow was bald, wearing dungarees and a white tank-top as well as having colorful tattoos running across the majority of his being. It was safe to assume that the two weren't related by blood. "Ha, I'm fine. Thanks." she stated dismissively waving the man off, just another member of her family of sorts. The large man nodded curtly observing the situation, 'Alright Onee-san, you know where I am if you need anything.' Chiyoko gave the man a toothy smile waving him off as he rounded the corner returning to whatever activity he had previously been into.

After such an odd intrusion she figured it was probably best to explain to Mr. Masaru what had just happened "He's one of my brothers.<i></i>", pressing a hand against the back of her head and giving a light scratch she continued "<COLOR color="purple">Not blood related." she stated as if that fact wasn't rather obvious. "We try to look out for each other." Most of the time it seemed like it was more them looking after her, though.

 

[Shinomiya Masaru]

Masaru missed when the girl rolled her eyes at his statement instead his gaze was fixed on the rooftop where the girl had fallen from. He was more interested in her actions rather than her reactions to him. He was more aware than anyone about how he came off. Standoffish, uninteresting, boring. It didn't help that he kept up a perpetual poker face as that just served to piss off other people rather than have them lose interest when they intentionally goaded him. Despite this he never once thought of changing, there was no point to it really. He was accepted by few people, but they were the ones that mattered. Others, especially strangers, held no value in his eyes. That sort of perception was beginning to change however, due to his connections with a powerful Clan and a high ranking Shinobi he was forced to think about the consequences of what ignoring someone would do and what kind of reaction to his superiors it would bring. It was annoying to say the least, after all the Clan overall meant nothing to him as he meant nothing to them, but while he still held a connection he would tread delicately.

Now was one of these times. Not particularly interested in her or her well-being he had done the bare minimum of what was required of someone who's actions were constantly under scrutiny. Thankfully being in Cronopolis meant that he didn't have to go the extra mile, something that made this area more appealing than the Seki District. Masaru looked to her again when she commented on his actions, to which he gave a small smile, “Unfortunately, Wakahisa Chiyoko, I'm not from around here. If my actions offended you I'm sorry, but I find it hard to believe bowing would be seen as disrespectful even here,” Masaru looked around the alley before continuing, “So I don't think I can break such a habit anytime soon.” With that it was clear that he didn't bow out of respect or thoughtfulness, but rather out of habit. It made sense that this area didn't care much for manners, and normally he wouldn't have given a second thought to them either, but after impressing an instructor at the Academy Masaru's thoughts on etiquette changed. Perhaps the filth of the slums couldn't see any reason why manners would be useful, but Masaru knew there was more to life than being able to address someone properly.

After that she had explained how she ended up in a pile of garbage, something that has Masaru raising a brow. He looked from her to the gap between the roofs again. It didn't look like a difficult jump to him, but she admitted to missing. Peculiar. He took her for the type to try and talk her way out of admitting shortcomings, Although trying to tell me a lie after seeing her fall would have been stupid. He watched Chiyoko cross her arms, 'Is she really that bothered by it? Even experienced shinobi mess up from time to time, maybe it was that an outsider caught her. He was about to ask her if she falls often when she spoke up first, bringing up his answer from an earlier question. Masaru closed his eyes for a moment, taking a hand out of his pocket to play with the cross hanging around his neck. When he opened his eyes again he looked straight at the girl while shrugging his shoulders, “I don't know. I'm not very suited for either seeing how greatly the areas contrast one another, but being here would be less...stressful.” He didn't expect to spend a lot of time here even if he did move due to his duties as a shinobi he expected himself to be kept busy with missions, but he reasoned that the same could be said for his current home. Still, he didn't want to live in such a stuffy environment where his existence was simply tolerated. While not truly being one of the family he was still related by blood, thus he had to be watched so as to not tarnish the Clan's reputation. It was an irritating setup, but he couldn't fault his mother for having him be put up there while she was away and he was attending the Academy.

“I know you don't think I'm suited for here, Wakahisa-san,” Masaru gave a faint smile again, wondering if his suspicions were correct. He hadn't interacted with many kids in his days at the Academy, but he could guess which ones were from this area and it wasn't hard to see how they viewed him. Some kid who had a good life in the Seki District, with wealth and comfort, without want for anything. A pampered genius. It wasn't hard to read the atmosphere surrounding children, most of them wore their hearts on their sleeves, but rather than irritate him it made him curious about their living environment. He wanted to know if this Chiyoko held the same views as those kids from back then, but before she could answer the call of a man could be heard from the street.

“Onee-san?” Masaru mumbled, confused as to who would address a kid as such, but when the guy got closer Masaru made sure not to miss a detail. Tall, completely towering over the two kids, and covered in tattoos. He looked like your typical thug, but Masaru made sure not assume. For all he knew the guy could be in the business of taking care of puppies. He stood silently watching as the two spoke, noting that the older man held respect for the young girl. The guy seemed to side eye him as if he might be responsible for the girls beat up state, but she dismissed him clearly. Masaru watched as his bald head vanished from sight, turning to her he listened to her explanation. House Wakahisa...hmm, Masaru nodded. He was piecing things together, but without actual facts he couldn't say his assumptions were right or not. “Like a family huh. Is it customary for your family to have tattoos?” He asked, pointing to her wrist.

 

[Kawakami Hotaru]

Offended? Hardly, it seemed he thought she had fairly thin skin if he thought she would be perturbed by his expression. She simply thought it to be a waste of time, manners meant next to nothing in the parts he found himself in. The fact of the matter was that while such things could advance one in polite society, he no longer seemed to be within the confines of said polite society. That society dispersed when he hit the poverty line. "Hardly disrespectful, just unneeded. You won't see many people around these parts returning the gesture, we aren't much for niceties.", She used the term 'we' in an almost subconscious manner, it was as if she was implying that he was different from her and the people around her even, though it was fairly obvious that there wasn't any malice in her statement. A Freudian slip one might say. Her fingers lightly traced over the cuts she had sustained in the fall, mentally judging if they were serious enough to warrant going to see the family physician, another back-alley resident of the slums. They didn't seem too terribly deep, deciding she would simply bandage them once she made her way back to the compound.

She watched intently as the boy played with the cross around his neck, a sign that he was perhaps a bit nervous with the whole conversation. Of course most teenagers would be nervous talking about where they thought they 'belonged'. Most simply didn't know where they belonged, herself included, and instead chose to talk as if they had things figured out. She expected him to tell her that this was in fact where he belonged, but it seemed he was a bit more tepid about the whole situation. Chiyoko couldn't help but briefly chuckle as he thought this life would be less stressful than his other, not that she doubted living with pompous nobility was stressful. "Doubt it would be any less stressful, just a different type of feeling. Dealing with nobility versus having a junkie break into your home and steal your toaster in the middle of the night.</COLOR><i></i>" Her toaster had never been stolen but she had heard several stories from others of such things occurring, they would steal anything that the could carry.

Masaru's smile seemed a bit forced to her as he expounded that he seemed to think that the young woman didn't seem to think that he would be a correct fit in the Cronopolis, and while she did partially believe that she didn't really know enough about him to say whether or not he could cut it out in the slums, "Your words, not mine.<i></i>" smirking she shrugged her shoulders back at him. "For all I know you could be a perfect fit here; however, most people aren't.<i></i>" she eyed him a bit more thinking of perhaps showing him a few tenements in the area, her family was in a bit of a venture in the real-estate business. Good way to launder money. Of course she soon returned to reality remember that the man could still be a potential threat and that her previous thought had been non-sensical at best.

Further conversation had been interrupted when one of her many brothers had found the two, naturally Masaru seemed to be a bit unsure of the large fellow. Such a feeling was warranted as the man was just what he thought him to be, a thug. After a brief conversation he returned to his duty leading Masaru to ask a rather pertinent question, obviously beginning to piece together what type of family she was related to. Looking down toward her wrist she further exposed the tattoo to the shinobi, allowing him to take in the fine petals of the red chrysanthemum "I suppose you could say that. This one in particular,<i></i>" obviously referring to the chrysanthemum "is required by our family, it was done in the traditional manner of Horimono as are all tattoos any family member wishes to gain. As we are not all related by blood we need identifying marks to tell our brothers and sisters from others." her fingers lightly traced the tattoo with a certain fondness. "<COLOR color="purple">The chrysanthemum has been the family mark for centuries, it's our crest and we wear it upon our skin.<i></i>" she thought of further explaining why the petals of her particular tattoo were the red color they were, being that each group of the family were required to wear a certain colored petal denoting what they did within the organization. She was the only to have the Ruby colors, the only Shinobi. She decided against it, he probably didn't want to know of such things.

Still she couldn't help but think the man had probably figured out what her family was if he hadn't known before. It was obvious they bore striking a resemblance to the Yakuza, they were organized crime. "So, guessing you've figured out what my clan does?<i></i>" Not that it was much of a secret anyway.

[MFT]

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

Her eyes pulled away from the man huddled against a wall in front of her. The echos of a child's shout pierced the cool and gray air. She turned back, quickly handing him a message. She nodded, her thanks for his small contribution to their network of spies. “Report to the Torre by the weekend, Kagama-San.” She ordered as he bowed once more.

“Yes, Shima-Sama.” She didn't give him another glance as she hurried down the street. Although it hardly looked like she hurried. Her steps were quick, precise, and fierce. Not a run, but a walk with purpose. It was enough to part the crowds of men and woman. Enough to keep the beggars off of her. Not that they targeted her anymore than everyone else. She wore simple, worn ANBU gear. In this district, that was something you steered clear of. Even though the uniform was a discontinued one, the poorly uneducated civilians wouldn't know the difference. Haruka had a face most recognized, but not well known that everyone would call out her name or give her due respect. She found it better to keep it this way. Still, she noticed the glances of others, as they tried so desperately to remember where they had seen her.

The shrill pierce, the one she heard above all the wails and blistering curses of the damned, called out to her. She had to see. It was an unusual sound, even in this rough district. The Cronopolis was unpromising, never did she expect anything good to happen at any corner of this god forsaken place. It was no Susukino district though. So Haruka was hardly moved by the filth. She had seen worse in the sordid alleys of Susukino. If the Cronopolis was the stench that butted up against the Seki district, Susukino was the pile of vomit that sat in a hot, sour sun for days.

By the time she reached the mouth of the road, the two young shinobi had begun much of their conversation. The drifting lull of Masaru's voice caught her attention first as she halted by the building on their left, listening for a few moments as they carried on in the most standoffish way teenagers could. She only caught bits of the conversation unfortunately, but the last bit that Chiyoko had asked towards her cousin was quickly addressed as she came sauntering into the alleyway.

She made a fast assesment of the girl. The tattoo standing out among everything. “The Wakahisa gang, a bunch of thugs playing at house. Causing more trouble for your people in this district than they've ever helped. You can hardly call them a clan though. Yakuza thugs who should have been ousted all together as a group. Fortunately, some of your 'family members' are a bit more useful to me and a little less traitorous to the Raikage...” She crept up alongside Masaru, crossing her arms as she stared down the girl with her normal disinterested gaze. Her voice was even, but taunting nonetheless. Though, she hardly meant it. Haruka just had a challenging air about her.

Red chrysanthemum, from what her spies amongst the Wakahisa told her, meant that she was a shinobi. Haruka couldn't recall another Wakahisa putting their service towards the Raikage in years. She filed through her mind. Although it was vague, she remembered seeing Chiyoko's family name on her file as she read about the incoming students. Haruka remembered she didn't much care. This girl was doomed to fail with an upbringing like hers.

“A shinobi of your house. Quite the black sheep, aren't you? You're not a shinobi yet though.” She mused, but no smirk of instigating glee could be seen upon that dead face. Without looking towards Masaru, she questioned, “and what are you doing here?"

[MFT. 635]

 

[Shinomiya Masaru]

Masaru smiled again, and with a slight shake of his head he responded, “Then there should be no problem.” He hardly wanted to admit that his niceties were for his own benefit rather than being genuine, but for now all that was needed was confirmation that his bowing did no harm and that he would continue despite it not being necessary. So far his attempt at learning the working of the slums was proving to be more fruitful the longer this conversation dragged on. He wasn't going to let an opportunity for information slip by, and the girl had no qualms about giving out information which worked in his favor. It wasn't as if any of this was crucial or vital, but how would he be expected to perform his duties for Haruka if he didn't even know the workings of his own village? Unexpectedly though he had found something of interest in what could have been a rather dull conversation. House Wakahisa, not a Clan in the true sense of the term but important enough in this rotting district to having weight to their name. There were many things he wondered about such a family, but stayed quiet in favor of watching her reactions to how he answered her questions.

Her slight laugh surprised him, but as usual he kept up the usual Shima poker face. He wasn't attempting to be funny in his answers, rather he was actually being relatively honest. Peculiar, Masaru thought while she explained herself. Different kind of stress? Most likely. He wasn't stupid enough to believe that anywhere was stress free, but he knew that the stress of that Estate was well above what he wanted to tolerate. He merely shrugged his shoulders, “I wouldn't expect any different. Although I'd like to meet anyone brave or stupid enough to try and break into a shinobi's home.” Masaru wondered if he would compliment such an effort before dealing out punishment or not, Suppose I'd have to cross that bridge when I come to it.

Before he could comment any further he felt a familiar presence. He heard her voice before seeing her, but chose to focus on the girl while his cousin gave her analysis of the Wakahisa gang. Masaru's suspicions were confirmed, but he expected no less from the Spymaster. It would have only been a matter of time before the truth was out, whether by the girl's own mouth or someone else. Masaru waited patiently during the exchange until he was spoken to, and when addressed he bowed deeply, “Shima-sama,” he greeted, “I thought I'd get to know this area a little more as I haven't been here often. I was also looking for new housing.” He straightened, directing his gaze toward Chiyoko again. He didn't want to discuss his reasons for wanting to leave the Shima Estate in front of her, but he assumed his cousin would know that and so said nothing.

 

[Kawakami Hotaru]

Once again it seemed Masaru was forcing a smile, something about the smile couldn't help but make her think that it was a bit counterfeit. He looked as if he wasn't the simpering type from the few minutes of conversation they had already went through he seemed to be more of the staid-not-so-fun type that didn't smile too terribly often, but then again she really knew nothing about him. "Yeah...<i></i>", Her tone was a bit off-beat as if unsure as what else to say. For the most part she still wasn't sure about the Shinobi it seemed to her that he was a bit cold and distant, though such traits seemed to be fairly common with Shinobi. Such a job melded the minds of those in the business in some strange ways. Her feet lightly traced the ground beneath her, the wobbliness she had felt earlier had fully eased away, perhaps it was time to leave the alley or so she thought to herself as the conversation between the two continued.

Soon Masaru's smile faded and his, or so she thought, more natural blank expression returned as they spoke of him moving down into the slums and how he seemed to be underestimating both the stupidity and the bravery of your average day-to-day junkie, "Well there are many people around here that fit the bill of brave and stupid.<i></i>" some might go as far as to say that Chiyoko fit into that bill as well, though she had very little interest in the drugs that were being peddled in the slums. In fact she often wondered if that was all she was, just another of the many morons living in deprivation and squalor, too stupid to realize what her life truly was. But such thoughts were reserved for the times when she was alone, for the time being she still had to focus upon Masaru.

Soon afterward their conversation would be interrupted not once but twice, shortly after her brother left the two another seemed to amble into the conversation. Chiyoko's eyes immediately bolted toward this new woman breathing her in as she verbally berated her family, not that any of it was less than warranted; our young Kunoichi knew where she came from and found no shame in the words of others castigating her family. "Yakuza thugs, exactly what we are.<i></i>" She acknowledged the fact with a hint of pride behind her voice and a slight grin upon her face. For a brief moment she drew in the woman's figure and features not bothering to respond to the fact that she seemed to know that Chiyoko was a future Shinobi, clearly she knew much already. The woman seemed to hold an authority that typically came with the upper class along with a certain noble beauty that accompanied her terse words quite well, she seemed to be a bit of an ice queen.

It seemed the two Shinobi that Chiyoko found herself with knew each other in some respect or other, there was no movement in Chiyoko's eyes nor did the new woman's as she seemed to ask Masaru what he was doing in the slums to which he promptly explained, obviously putting out an air of respect toward the new woman who he addressed as 'Shima-Sama'. For a brief second the young Kunoichi wondered how the two knew each other, the two shared some similarities in appearance, perhaps they were related, or perhaps she was his Sensei? There was no way to be sure at this point, but the guesses were as good as any. Her arms remained crossed still covering the wounds she had just inflicted upon herself, unsure of how to proceed in the situation.

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

The young thug was rather comfortable with her roots, as she didn't take much offense at Haruka's curt words. The Shima couldn't hate anyone who had pride like that in their upbringing. It mattered little where anyone came from in the end anyways. What defined them as shinobi were their actions. Still, Haruka had to be a little standoffish, as was her nature, to show just who was boss. She rooted herself to the ground, never straying her gaze from the Wakahisa girl.

“New housing? Is my family's estate not adequate for you? This district is far too dangerous. Besides, living on your own causes great distraction to my lessons. I won't have your attention focused on trying to make end's meet. If you have problems with the Shima estate, then you are suppose to come to me. What good am I as a teacher if you do not trust me to help you, Shinomiya-San?” Although Haruka understood why he wanted to leave, she felt a little hurt that he hadn't ever said anything. Then again, she understood why he hadn't. He was a lot like her. Never wanted to burden others or rely on anyone when he thought self strength was a necessity. She knew he detested the estate, and knew everyone at the estate detested him. She had just been so busy with the political changes and missions that kept burying her that she failed to reach out quick enough.

She felt like a failure as a role model. Forced to grown up on his own, the cycle continued as Haruka pulled away with every passing day that stole her attention. She had to. It was something she must do. For the sake of the village. Masaru was young, but he probably understood. Yet, she still couldn't help but feel guilt. It was why she implored him to find friends. Loneliness destroyed a person. It made them cruel and hard. Clever, yet unkind. Loneliness gave an omnipotent viewpoint on humanity, as she often stood as observer in the sidelines. Sometimes it was easier, but the Shima found herself less able to stay away and more sucked into the vortex of human chaos.

“Oh, your arms!” She blinked. Crouching she came closer to Chiyoko. “Here. No need to be stupid and let those get infected.” A part of Haruka would always be a doctor. She couldn't help but reach out to those in pain. Her hands glowed with pure white energy. “I was a mednin once,” she started, ignoring the looks the girl might be giving her. After an insult like before, it seemed hard to believe that Haruka wanted to help. “You may be a Wakahisa, but you'll be a shinobi of Kumogakure first and foremost one day. Isn't that right? Its my intention to help all of my people, so don't try to resist me.” She smiled softly, taking her arms. The pure energy was euphoric, often leaving the injured in a state of momentary bliss.

“My name is Shima Haruka. I'm the Spymaster of the Main Branch. Forgive my rude introduction beforehand. Although I stand by my feelings for the Wakahisa, it is not my part to judge you prematurely.”

MFT. 538

 

[Shinomiya Masaru]

The girl didn't seem offended at Haruka's words, in fact she acknowledged that they were the truth which he found commendable. However that wasn't his main focus at the moment, because now he was looking toward Haruka expectantly. She could either address him about his motives for leaving the Estate there and then or she could leave such talk for later. He wished that she would discuss personal business like this when it was just the two of them around, but if she wanted to make a point she would often tell him straight up what she thought.

She chose to push the topic. He averted his gaze as she spoke, listening patiently while she questioned him. Her final statements were the ones that made him look at her as though he wanted to interrupt. Did not trust her? What kind of assumption was that? He, who so depended on her for practically every little thing regarding his training and life as a shinobi, did not trust her? Masaru's fists were clenched at his side while he fought the whirlwind of emotion running through him. Often did the boy look cold and distant, uninterested in the world he was teased for being much like a robot, but such thoughts were far from the truth. He felt more than anyway, he experienced emotions just like everyone else. How could anyone know his experiences, the reason why he kept such things hidden deep within? Masaru closed his eyes and shook his head, wanting so badly to be anywhere but here.

The shock of her question left him silent as he tried to form an answer in his mind. When he tried to speak it was as if a lump were in his throat forbidding him to, and once again he wondered why she had to press his personal problem in front of someone who wasn't involved. No, this was her intention. I need to calm down, it's not as if she's saying I'm not good enough to serve her anymore. I'm still needed, she's just telling me that she needs me in the best condition is all... Masaru thought to himself, his fists slowly loosening while his breathing calmed. He was still needed. Relief washed over him, and he regained his usual calmness. “The Shima Estate fulfills my basic needs, so yes it is adequate,” Masaru knew his answer was somewhat cheeky, but it was the truth, “If I can't even live in such a district in my own village then how am I to be expected to go out on missions? Forgive my disrespect, Shima-sama, but at some point I'm going to have to leave that Estate and I want to do so as soon as possible. To say that I don't trust you...” The words were stilted, forced out unlike the others. He paused and looked away again, “I'm loyal to you, Shima-sama. Nothing would stop me from fulfilling my duty to you, nothing would distract me. It is because of this that I thought you would understand my reasons. I was just scouting around today, I haven't made any decisions yet, and I haven't only looked in this district.” Masaru gripped his cross, unsure of what else to say. What else was needed? He reaffirmed his loyalty, promised that living on his own wouldn't provide distractions, and stated that nothing was set in stone. No doubt they would have to talk more later, unless Haruka wanted to continue this here in the presence of an uninvolved party.

For the first time in a while Masaru looked in Chiyoko's direction. She still had her arms crossed. Masaru guessed she was still feeling the effects of the fall when Haruka moved towards her. He nearly jumped when she spoke, looking much kinder as she treated the girl's wounds. Masaru's eyes narrowed but he focused on the cross in his hand while his cousin introduced herself. He got what he wanted from her, and unintentionally his cousin, so all he wanted to do now was go train.

 

[Kawakami Hotaru]

There was a look of slight confusion plastered upon Chiyoko's face as she listened as the woman who had just entered the alleyway and attempted to verbally slight her who then moved onto Masaru, who had just explained what he found himself doing in the slums, apparently he was living with the older woman's family and was training under the woman who did not seem to approve of him moving out into the world, in the least. While the woman spoke toward Masaru her gaze never seemed to move from our young thug, they seemed to be locked into a battle of wills as neither seemed to stray from eye-contact. For a brief moment she thought of speaking up, but despite her lack of manners even she knew that it was not her place to push into others business, even if they were openly displaying it right in front of her. And somehow I find myself in some type of family tiff, what a weird day. She thought as her gaze still locked upon the woman, the Shima.

The Shima clan, her mind drifted as she internally recounted what she knew of them. Aside from being one of, if not the most, affluent families in Kumogakure their family held major estate in the upper courts and held a fair amount of political power within the power hierarchy of Kumogakure, but none of that really mattered to her. To her they were just another noble family, vying for attention from a political system that largely ignored the impoverished and destitute, just another big name playing a game of intrigue. While she didn't want to make sweeping generalizations, it had been in her experience that such people were pedantic, pompous, and priggish, three traits she wasn't overly fond of. The woman who she still had her eyes locked upon seemed to fit her description (really both of the two did), or at least for the moment.

A brief moment of silence passed over the group of three, one could cut the tension with a knife as Masaru seemed to ponder how he would respond to the woman, though he was afflicted by her words Chiyoko wasn't particularly able to see how vexed he was as her eyes still remained upon the woman; no way was she losing this shit now, she had stared far too long for that. Of course she was still listening to him speak, not having the resolve to not give a brief chuckle at his comment about the Shima estate adequately fitting his basic needs. Certainly hope so, living in one of the highest regarded estates in a few hundred miles, though Chiyoko figured she would still probably prefer the rather droll tenement her family inhabited. Of course the initial cheekiness of Masaru's statement faded as he seemed to burst into some sort of heart-felt reaffirming love note of a speech, she wasn't impressed.

"Oh, your arms!", The statement broke their gaze and slightly startled Chiyoko, she certainly wasn't expecting any sort of concern from the woman who had displayed a mark distaste for her family, it was a bit unexpected. Immediately afterward the Shima woman closed the distance between the two crouching and complaining about a possible infection if her wounds were not treated properly. Thanks, but I've been falling from buildings for years now. Think I know how to treat a few cuts. The words ran through her mind and nearly came through her mouth, but shortly before letting said words out she realized how stupid she would sound admitting that she had made a habit of falling from buildings, so instead she allowed the woman to take her arms in silence with an obvious look of confusion upon her face, the look of confusion furthered as the older woman explained that she was a mednin at some point, Chiyoko didn't know many cold and turgid medic-ninja like the one who seemed to be set on healing her up. "I would be lying to you if I told you I knew, certainly seems everyone wants me to be.<i></i>" Frankly she didn't know if she would one day she would be a Shinobi first and foremost, though her family was certainly pushing for it. As if they were prodding her on as some sort of sacrificial lamb, slowly removed from the more illegal and interesting activities of her family, from the fun. God, being a sacrificial lamb sucked. Still, her arms remained extended as the Shima worked her magic.

Dopamine, the chemical briefly flooded her brain as the woman continued her medical jutsu promptly removing all of our young Shinobi's ills. Her pupils briefly dilated, This is nice...What a strange woman she thought to herself. Unfortunately for her the experience was all too fleeting, her pupils soon constricted as the woman introduced herself, explaining her position in the village, also stating that she still did not care much for the young girls family. " I don't really think forgiveness is in order, I can't exactly get mad at you if your opinion on my people is right.<i></i>", She was under no illusions as to what her family was "Your judgments are correct, premature or not. Anyway, I certainly appreciate the help with my wounds.<i></i>" she paused for a brief second, wondering if it was in her best interest to give her first name, though it was more than likely that she had heard it in some part of the earlier conversation with Masaru, in any matter if she did not it seemed likely that Masaru would give her name. Besides, if Haruka knew what the color of the young Shinobi's tattoo meant it also meant she knew that Chiyoko was a blood-member of the clan and only daughter, her identity was fairly easy to piece together.

"I'm Chiyoko, the only daughter of the main-branch of my clan and one of only seven blood relatives of my people, though I'm sure you already knew that. Being the spymaster and all.<i></i>" Her tone was rather dry, as if she knew introducing herself served no purpose in the situation. Chiyoko's gaze finally averted back toward the third member of their party, Masaru. He seemed to still be fidgeting with his cross, it seemed fairly obvious that Haruka had made him quite uncomfortable. "So, how are you related?<i></i>" Her question wasn't directed at either of them as much as it was toward both of them, attempting to relieve a bit of the tension in the odd situation she still found herself in.



((OOC:So, sorry if it's a bit ramble-y. I might have gotten a little carried away.))


[Inactivity Exit]

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

Haruka hummed faintly upon hearing the young Shima son's words. That got him more fired up than she expected. Perhaps she struck a nerve and severely underestimated just how much his fidelity was for Haruka. It was a pleasant notion to have someone trust so deeply in you, but loyalty was a double edged sword. As his mentor, her actions reflected on those that she lead. It was a liability. Although, Haruka supposed if she told him such things that Masaru would still follow. It was more than a bond of master and student, it was piety for familial ties. The dark haired woman didn't press on the matter anymore. She merely wanted to pressure him in the presence of another.

“Yes. I did see your file at the academy. There isn't much that I don't know about in this village. As for this boy,” she gestured towards the grumpy Masaru as she stood up, “he is my cousin's son and I have been asked by his mother to look after him. She is a shinobi of this village who often does assigned work in remote regions of our country.” Her eyes still laid on Chiyoko. It excited Haruka to meet a girl of such strong will. Someone who was able to admit their faults. Certainly she'd be a great shinobi if trained by the proper hands. However, it seemed the Wakahisa was very unsure about what she wanted. She drew the setting silence in as she gathered her thoughts.

“You seem hesitant about your entry into the academy and this is certainly not the profession to be hesitant in. What do you want to be, Wakahisa-San? Is the path of a shinobi the right choice for you? Selecting this career choice because it is the wishes of your family is not always the right path. Take it from someone who walked in similar shoes.” She smirked sardonically.

 

[Shinomiya Masaru]

It was clear his presence wasn’t necessary, hell he was only here to check out buildings in the first place not start up a conversation with some mobster’s daughter. He noted the interest his cousin put into this girl and he didn’t want to interfere with her little interview. Masaru was settling down now, putting the conversation at the back of his mind as he tried to figure out what to do with the rest of his day. He still wanted to leave as there was no real reason for him to be there, he was truly an awkward third wheel, but he needed to give his cousin a reason for leaving so abruptly else she would think he was throwing a tantrum. Glancing around Masaru spotted the holster at his cousin’s waist and remembered that he needed to purchase a few more kunai among other things. He cleared his throat during the break in conversation while looking up at Haruka, “Excuse me, Shima-sama, but I remembered some other errands I need to attend to so I’ll take my leave here,” he turned to the Wakahisa girl and gave a curt bow, “Good luck at the Academy.” Another bow, this one more respectful, to Haruka and Masaru had turned on his heel making his way onto the street before leaving the way he came.

[MFT]
[Topic left unless stopped]