Amble into the Night [Open]

[Sand Council]

Ishii Sango</COLOR><COLOR color="violet">
Betrothed to the Otokage​

It was dark here in the marketplace, the sun had set hours earlier and the world had turned cold. The colorful awnings over the storefronts had been rolled away and the few permanent tarps that remained where permanent fixtures. She had never left the palace unescorted and since she had been shuttled to Soon's less than a week ago in anticipation of her future husband's arrival. She had never met the man but she had heard a great deal of him. She was nervous about these changes that would soon overtake her life. Otogakure was far... far... away. She was scared but also excited about this new chapter in her life, still she was so curious about the life and the world she was about to leave behind.

She had tried several times in the past to sneak out but she had never gotten this far. The guards always seem to know when she was about to break out and apprehend her before she ever left the palace. This was a rare exception and one she planned to explore fully. The manner of pedestrian had changed once the sun had set, the dense milling crowds offered during the daytime hours were replaced by a more scrutinizing and ominous crowd. She did not care greatly for this change and she sought a locale of interest, of safety and of comfort. She passed several taverns with their warm lights aglow. She passed the neon lights of nightclubs and strip joints and much like the aforementioned, she passed it by without a second glance.

She made her way into a coffee house, it was nothing large but the smell of roasted beans wafted through the air and gave the space a homey appeal. She was drawn by the gentle sound of jazz and the melancholy song she heard the woman sing. Wordlessly she took a seat in the back of the room and listened to the show. She had not made an order but she would soon, she had no idea what a cappuccino was but it sounded divine.

 

[Tomomi]

Spoiler

Birth/Real Name: Kanemoto Akujin
Adopted Name: Byakko Kyūji
Alias: Mikisugi Kyūji
Physical Age: 24
Height: 5 feet 10 inches tall
Weight: ????
Gender: Male
Day of Birth: October 5th
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Village: Sunagakure, Formerly Iwagakure
Alignment: ????
Rank: Jounin/Medic
Religion: Agnostic
Languages: English(Site Generalized Language), Runic Terran(Suna Language)
Skin tone: Well he was white but now he is darker like all of Kuro's clan apparently. He is not black, but has a tan I would say.
Eyes: Golden(They glow yellow in some situations) and they are feline-like eyes
Glasses: Not anymore, corrected visions through taking the Byakko Oath
Hair: Long, straight and white. I suppose if you would like a reference image look at Inuyasha.
Hands and feet: He has normal feet, but his hands are cat-like claws.
Markings/Tattoos: Silver-white markings formed around his left hand and forearm; also Byakko Tenshi seal is on his back.
Other features: Neko-ears
Relationship: Betrothed to the Head of the Byakko Clan
Looks Like: Avenger from Fate Grand Order​

Another night was slowly beginning to slip away at the fingertips of the Toraono Clan and their allies due to the less-than-stellar preparations from the heads of the operation. Akkuma had all but vanished from existence, Kuro was busy doing Sennin things, and our hero of this story had been busy attending to patients in the hospital and doing paperwork for the academy. All three of the leaders had been doing their own little thang for awhile and the underlings of Kyuji were almost ready in his eyes, but they still needed more training to be able to exercise a "mission" this dangerous in his opinion. However, everyone whom was tested to become Genin along with Kagari had done remarkable work thus far. Unfortunately, there was a limitation on the time for everything and they were quickly losing it. If they waited around too much longer, Sora would be able to build up a remarkable army and completely annihilate their opposition and then torture, or worse death, would be on the platter for the losers. This was not an option.

So why exactly was Kyuji out in the Bazaar this fine evening dressed quite fancy with his suit and tie on display along with his elegant little hat all concealed under a cloak to hide his identity? Simple really, this place was well known for being a merchant's paradise for business and he was on the lookout for something special for not just his wife who was due at any minute, but also his graduates whom had proven their worth to him as shinobi. Unfortunately, the demigod of the Byakko Clan was a very picky individual when it came to everything including gifts and he did not actually find anything up to his standard. But, the night was young and he would definitely need some food and something to drink right? Of course he did!

So his little venture would not be a complete waste. He decided on a little coffee shop which smelled strongly of roasted beans and they had little doughnuts for sale as well. Jackpot! He decided on his order being a medium-sized cappuccino and some donuts. As he was being given his change, he would notice a woman who looked rather peculiar enter the little shop and plop herself near the back of the shop letting the atmosphere soak into her it appeared. Kyuji wouldn't make the situation awkward however as he only glanced at her momentarily before thanking the barista and taking his drink and donuts, yummy, to a table also near the back near the lady. Obviously he didn't sit right beside her nor the table right beside her, but he did sit relatively close to use his peripheral vision to continue gathering information about the woman. Why exactly would someone so odd and seemingly out of place get to an area like this especially in the Soon's Haven? Things were not adding up...maybe some interrogation would need to be used? After all, she could be a threat to the village!

But for now, it is time to sit back and eat some doughnuts and drink some of my warm beverage. Oh yeah!

 

[Sand Council]

OC: I assume you are just either spying, following or hanging around. She is just going to wander around town unless interacted with.

IC:

Ishii Sango</COLOR><COLOR color="violet">
Heiress; Betrothed to the Otokage​

The young woman quietly listened to the jazzwoman sing her sad song. She always had an affinity for music despite the fact that there was little use for it. A song seemed to convey a life and a feeling, ones that lingered with someone forever and those which were fleeting and wished she could get back. She did not feel much, not in terms of love or hate -- she found herself numb to most things outside of herself. Did this make her spoiled at best or at worst a sociopath? Perhaps, but it was a state of her nature she had no control over except when she heard music. Then she could understand the essence and soul of another in a way words, mannerisms and actions never could for her at least. some people had a talent where they could look at a face and say: you look sad. To her it was just a face, albeit sometimes a crying face but if those were tears of joy or sorrow she could never tell and she did not feel anything for the person even if she was somehow made aware of their sentiments.

Song was compelling, perhaps because her eyes could see so much, it took the away from the optical assessment. Still her eyes saw everything and she understood most, but she felt nothing for them. Devoid of empathy for others but not without emotion. She felt excited and a bit scared, this was the longest she had actually successfully been on her own outside of the palace. The world according to her tutors was a terrible place, full of people who wished her harm for the sake of doing such. She finished her drink in peace, her hands folded on the table she waited for the songstress to complete her song. The song was sad but was a tale of resilience, and the tune seemed to fortify her soul in a way she did not fully comprehend. The power of words was an awesome thing.

She left a tip on the table, it was substantial considering the cost of her purchases and the time spent in the coffee house and walked out of the the pleasant cafe without saying a word to anyone. The night air was cool and a stark contrast to the warm ambiance of the shop, it was shocking. She was rarely out so late in the evening and even when she was it was only for the most brief of jaunts. Still, the walled city lacked a bitter wind so the need for more than what she wore was unnecessary. She would walk past several establishments that even someone as naive as her would never enter even with a direct invitation. Bars with unruly patrons and the clink of bottles and glasses could be heard from afar and the scent of cheap ale wafted through the air. She would hasten her pace past such establishments, somewhat disappointed that life seemed to cease once the sun set less the lives of the miscreants. Still she continued to amble all the same, the cool night air did her well and eased her worried mind.

Her feet kicked at the dusty ground, leaving a fine film of sand on the top of her shoes. Of course, these streets were far from safe, just as she had been warned and she was eventually approached by a denizen of Soons nightlife. He demanded what she had on her of value in exchange for her life. Unlike Susumu, her brother she was a proficient fighter but certainly untrained as a Hyuuga. She started to beat the unfortunate vagrant to the ground with her overpriced leather clutch. The dull sound of impact would have suggested that her bag was filled with bricks. It was not, but it was filled with heavy golden coins so the effect was rather similar. Bruised and bloodied, the heiress wiped her sullied bag off on the beaten man's shirt before she continued on.

She would eventually come to a place of interest: a conservatory. She would peer into the windows of the large, glass walled space and look at the foreign trees from lands as far away as Rice with wonder. Trees were uncommon in the arid lands of Wind Country less the fringes of the country were water and precipitation were more abundant. She wanted one of the big trees with the long drooping leaves. Her hands pressed against the glass as she stared for some time before she finally peeled herself off the glass with a sigh. Nights in Soons Haven were less interesting than she hoped. She meandered back the way she came through town and past the various seedy establishments and even the coffee house. She was on her way back home, like it or not a warm bed was more interesting than an empty city.

 

[Tomomi]

It would appear tonight was going to certainly interesting as Kyuji would sip on his drinks and gulf down the donuts that he had purchased mere moments earlier. His eyes were fixed on the singer in the front of the room who was singing a rather depressing song if you would ask the descendant of Byakko, yet, he was also making sure to keep a close eye on the woman nearby as he was trying to gather some information on her that could helpful provide useful for their mission in the not too distant future. He would notice after a little bit that she would decide to place a tip on the table after the singer was finished her song and proceed to leave the shop. Obviously with trying to gather intel on the girl, he would follow her but at a respectable distant to not appear to be a stalker.

The path that the woman decided to take was a peculiar one as she would go past all the run-down and dirty facilities that littered the streets and it was obvious that this place was not a place for her to be nor Kyuji. He had only decided to go so far outside the village and into the Soon's Haven to find a gift and yet here he was when the streets would become quite dangerous and threatening to an individual who was skilled and yet this woman who seemed to have no skills was out by herself. He actually felt concerned for her and sadly for them it would not be long before a denizen did appear and was causing trouble for her. The demigod was going to go up and assist the girl but much to his surprise, she actually beat him down and sustained a bloody little stream from the man. She then proceeded to continue to walk and Kyuji would walk up to the man when she was a reasonable distance away and check his pulse noticing that he was still alive and applied a fix medical hand on the man. Even a convict was still a human and deserved to be treated, no matter how idiotic he was.

After he finished attending to the man, he would continue to follow the woman to apparently a conservatory. Fortunately for him, the doors and windows of the building were locked and she was stuck outside to just peer in. He would stay back and let her do her thing. However when she turned around, he was right in the path that the woman took with his arms crossed as he peered into her eyes and said with no emotion in his voice: "Hello there. What are you doing out here so late? You seem to be lost..." So he had decided to confront the woman head-on and get right down to business. Interesting turn of events if you ask the writer of this post who is strapped for time, but is most certainly still interested in this topic. Hell yeah.

 

[Sand Council]

Ishii Sango</COLOR><COLOR color="violet">
Heiress; Betrothed to the Otokage​

There was not much to do here in the dead of night, it was an utter disappointment for the lady heiress. She might as well go home, crawl into her bed and wait for morning to come. Such a dull-ass town. A few bars, a few vagrants and a coffee house and this was supposed to be a major travel hub. Pshaw.

"Hello there. What are you doing out here so late? You seem to be lost..."

A stranger announced, she knew it was not one of the guardians who called to her. A pity, she liked it when they tried. Eventually they succeeded but never on their first try, rather it was a battle of numbers and in the end it was they that was worse for the wear. If daddy only loved her just a little he would be oh so very proud. She turned around and looked at her caller, he seemed to lack a salacious or malicious interest. Disappointing. "Indeed," she announced as she approached. "I am afraid I have lost my way," she replied as she exposed the palms of her hands to the night sky at either side.

She gave the either foolish or brave stranger a toothy smile as she added, "I would like to be returned to my father, the Diamyo." She paused a moment before she added, this was going to be fun after all, "I am sure he will offer you a substantial reward for your troubles." Money talks, she reasoned not that she needed his help but she wanted the attention. It was sadly repetitive with the staff so a fresh unsuspecting face would be a refreshing treat that would make this venture worth while. Most of the denizens of the night left her to her own devices and she wondered if it was because she had such a recognizable face -- that was most likely the reason. Most knew better than to make unnecessary contact with a Jashinist, that is all less these two. The vandal smelled like booze and failure but this one... he smelled different.

 

[Tomomi]

Luckily for everyone, the woman responded quickly to the descendant of Byakko's question with a simple answer of losing her way. However, the next part of her response caught the man completely off guard as she asked to be returned to the Daimyo of the country and her father with the potential of a reward for returning her to him. It had appeared that Kyuji had struck the gold mine in luck as their target for so long was standing right in front of him and he could possibly kidnap her and hold her for ransom and save his and his clan's time. But, he didn't feel right kidnapping someone's kid and the results of her not returning to her father would create an inter-regional conflict even more catastrophic than the Cabel attacks had been on the Village Hidden in the Sands. No, he needed to get as much information from this woman as possible and scout out the location for their attack when Mr. Miroku and Mr. Toraono were ready. Honestly, he wasn't ready for the war against the Daimyo and his army either, but this woman could prove to be a valuable woman to escort back to her home.

Quickly in response to the woman, he nodded with a smile and said: "I will walk with you back to your home. This area is known for not being the most friendly of areas when the sun goes down as you have noticed already with that silly man that you beat senseless. It is better if two people walk together at this time than one, it will be safer for you and I both. As for the reward, I don't need a reward from your father, the Daimyo. Making sure that someone gets home to their family and friends is the most important thing to me as I have family and friends to get back to as well. But anyways, are you ready to go? Do you have a general sense of where your home is?"

So far so good, you aren't screwing this up Kyuji. Keep it up, Boy. You can do it! I know you can!

 

[Sand Council]

Ishii Sango</COLOR><COLOR color="violet">
Heiress; Betrothed to the Otokage​

"I will walk with you back to your home. This area is known for not being the most friendly of areas when the sun goes down as you have noticed already with that silly man that you beat senseless. It is better if two people walk together at this time than one, it will be safer for you and I both. As for the reward, I don't need a reward from your father, the Daimyo. Making sure that someone gets home to their family and friends is the most important thing to me as I have family and friends to get back to as well. But anyways, are you ready to go? Do you have a general sense of where your home is?"

He offered to help her find her way home, sans reward. What a white knight he was. Didn't he understand yet that heroes only lived to the end in fairy-tales. There was an old saying common among the Jashin-people: Live with a man for 40 years. Eat the same meals, speak with him on every subject, then tie him up and hold him over the mouth of a volcano. On that day, you will meet the man. You only really know someone's character when you observe how they react to suffering -- the more suffering, the 'truer' the revelations about their character. And what suffering is greater than torture? Or in this case, a hero named a fiend. "Wonderful!" She exclaimed as she hooked her own arm around that of the white knight. "I live in the heart of the village in one of the BIG buildings like the Merchant Lords," she answered gaily. She pointed in the wrong direction of course, she did not want to look overly competent after all. If he followed the wrong direction, it would only be to her benefit when she made her accusations.

She stumbled on occasion although she never lost her footing, not truly but it was something that was noticeable from afar. She verbally blamed it on her footwear, a pair of strappy sandals that did have arguably poor support. Assuming that the Medic had a basic sense of direction, regardless of the girl's feigned poor sense of direction they would in fact eventually travel to the heart of the city. The ciry itself had a socioeconomic gradiant, the poor seemed to occupy the fringe of the village and as one moved inward the wealth seemed to grow exponentially. Dusty unpaved roads would eventually turn to cobblestone walkways and broken-down hovels would become middle-class homes and then eventually grand estates that looked like palaces. The names of various names, some known shinobi clans such as the Haku and Aburame and some belonging to the famed Merchant Lords. There would be no estate for the Ishii family, their home was in Soons. Instead she pointed at one of the largest, sprawling estates. It belonged to a wealthy Sunan family if Akujin knew his names, the Aburabuta family. She wound point at the gate and declare this her temporary home.

It was certainly a grand enough space to entertain a princess. The deep verdant carpet of grass seemed to span forever before it would terminate at the doorstep of the massive stone and wood structure. A few lights were on, the ambient glow escaped through gossamer curtains. The shadows of some of the residents or perhaps servants could be seen from afar. "Come in," she offered as she gave him a tug in the direction of the gate.

 

[Kouin]

Standing in the shadows silently, Kouin wore dark, linen-woven sand shawl to shroud and protect him from the harsh desert environment. The first thing to attract his attention was the siren's call of the singer, which had drawn him into the area to begin with, but what kept his attention was regal looking women who had no clear sense of direction, yet something felt off about her; she radiated some subtlety that led him to believe she wasn't someone that appeared to be so helpless. Wishing to stay concealed he propped a hood up, and continued to slink through the shadows.

A thought crossed his mind; what if this was her ploy? Lure a man, anyone would in this case, but then when they were properly secluded... He had a grave idea of what the end result could be, but he decided not to jump to any rash conclusions without any solid evidence; though to his luck or dismay, a man approached her and offered his services as an escort. Letting out a sigh of distress, Why did he have to offer to help her of all people? He kept his eyes on the two, and listened in the best he could. The women was part of regal upbringing, much to his own speculation, but he had no idea it was someone as influential as the Daimyo of Wind Country, though that wouldn't sway his course. She first offered the "sap" money in exchange for his escort, but his honor wasn't going to have any of that, A sucker, and a white knight all in one package? This is probably her dream target... The words the medic spoke held intention that was plain as day, he was obviously infatuated with the devilish vixen, and he couldn't blame him, but he lacked something Kouin didn't, omnipotent eyes.

The women began stepping haphazardly and nearly falling, yet failing to do so each time, which nagged at him. Her clear lack of balance should've caused her to fall at least once, but no; this was a final mark on his list of suspicions. He quickened his pace behind the two, and caught up to the pair, Hold madam. He shouted in the direction of the women. Kouin moved in front of the two, the shawls hood still covering his visage; emerald ripple eyes leered out of the mask of darkness concealing his face. He took a moment to gather more vital intel on the women, Glossy white eyes, maybe a Hyuuga? Then a hood might do me no good then. Maybe against his own better judgement, Kouin removed the hood from his head, and revealed the rest of his features.

His face held a look of intent and inquisition; he brooded over his own thought for a mere moment, You madam give me an intriguing vibe, maybe it's simple paranoia that someone gets in my line of work , but maybe more likely, it's a keen instinct also developed over years of training and strife. He paced back and forth slowly as to give himself time to chose his words wisely. Needless to say, I've been observing you carefully as you caught my eye; your looks in contrast to the area didn't seem to match so much, that was my first mental queue. Secondly the way you moved about. He paused for a moment and took a moment to look at her footwear closer up; at first glance they didn't appear to be something that would cause consistent tripping fits. You failed to keep steady footing, and continued to stagger about, yet you appear to have no sign of being intoxicated. Though if you were....

He took a breath for a moment, and placed a hand on his chin, If you were intoxicated, you would hardly have been able to avoid a fall. He stopped pacing, and felt more assured about his assumptions as he spoke them aloud, You seem skilled in this "ploy", or scheme or whatever you call it. Rather well rehearsed, but people have tells. So I'll ask, what exactly did you have planned for this man when you reached your destination? His words held a tinge malice and a dash of bravado. He knew little of the women in front of him, but he had faith in his own abilities; question is were the dice on his side or not?

[Topic Entered]

 

[Seijin]

I'm just a passing through Kamen Rider~​

Making his way through the night, Umashi definitely wasn't trying to be creepy and so he was surely glad that he wore an all white cloak. What he couldn't fix though was his skin completion as it gave him the appearance of ghost with no features, save for his all too green eyes that seemed to glow in the night light. He'd been watching his old Kumo friend and while he normally opted to mind his business. The fact that he'd pounced on an unsuspecting young couple was something that he couldn't ignore. Quickly making his way to defend the honor of who he presumed to be locals, he tapped Kouin on the shoulder and made his entrance. "Don't be a creeper bro, that's how you get locked up abroad." He chuckled as he shook his head and slapped his knee. Perhaps he got too much of a kick out of this vacation thing. Surely Hissori wouldn't be too ticked off if he managed to throw down without having to throw up. Beer pong, definitely a no go, but moonshine before ninja shenanigans . . . definitely a sure bet.

 

[Sand Council]

Someone was following them but she did not care. That was the whole point of the bait. To wander and to be seen. She chattered about nonsense topics and let them wander all the way back to the heart of the village. Hooded and cloaked, an unknown darted in front of them blocking their path. The verdant glow from the darkness and the shade gazed back at her.

Hold madam!

Just her, she was the target of interest and not the strange man she had attached herself to. Interesting choice. As the hood was peeled back, she saw a man of little consequence - utterly mundane in her opinion. She had stopped as requested although her face bore an expression of disinterest.

You madam give me an intriguing vibe, maybe it's simple paranoia that someone gets in my line of work , but maybe more likely, it's a keen instinct also developed over years of training and strife.

He started to pace and she snaked her other arm around Akujin's in the intermediary. She could feign fear and she did. She grasped or tried to in case he pulled himself away from her and buried her face into his shoulder. "He is scaring me," she would complain in a shaky voice.

Needless to say, I've been observing you carefully as you caught my eye; your looks in contrast to the area didn't seem to match so much, that was my first mental queue. Secondly the way you moved about... You failed to keep steady footing, and continued to stagger about, yet you appear to have no sign of being intoxicated. Though if you were.... If you were intoxicated, you would hardly have been able to avoid a fall.

"Eww, were you following us!" She exclaimed, her voice loud enough for random pedestrians would hear the conversation. "What is wrong with you!" Women knew if nothing else how to make a scene.

You seem skilled in this "ploy", or scheme or whatever you call it. Rather well rehearsed, but people have tells. So I'll ask, what exactly did you have planned for this man when you reached your destination?

The answer would be 'the same plan that she had for him' as well now. The scene that was about to unfold was delicious and she could not have done a better job setting this up if she planned it herself - of wait, she did plan this. "Nothing," her voice cracked as if she was under immense stress as she clutched Akujin's arm.

From his strange choice of attire, he was easy to see from afar. She would not warn Kouin but she also assumed or rather hoped that he planned to bash the man's skull in. Blood for the Blood God n' all. Raher he tapped the man on the shoulder and seemed to side with her so it was going to work out all the same. Just a three-fer.

"Don't be a creeper bro, that's how you get locked up abroad."

Creeper... Fair point;

"Sir, this man was harassing me and my escort," she complained. "I think he is a drunk or touched in the mind, help us please... I think he might be violent."

 

[Tomomi]

As Kyuji awaited for the young maiden's response to his kindhearted suggestion of walking her home, he pondered the consequences of being seen with the daughter of the Daimyo and what would happen to him if she either was found dead or hurt while in his presence. He would not only be in deep water by the Daimyo's family, but also his own family and possibly the whole village considering that there were probably spies that had worked with the Cabel and were gather intel and spreading rumors about people in the village. Understandably, it made sense to try to start internal turmoil among the villagers as they were already on edge from the terrorist attacks from those crazed and often delusional convicts. Thankfully, the village had ended that attack on their village and was slowly rebuilding on the surface of their former home; yet, the village still did not have a wall and if the villagers didn't act soon, there was going to be outsiders crossing the "border" and probably causing more havoc in their home.

But, his mind seized its wondering and pondering as the white eyed maiden exclaimed in response to him and hooked her arm around his. A slight hint of blush appeared on his face at the intimate action from the girl, considering they had just met and she was being very friendly---a little too friendly for him. His wife would not approve of this action, but he let it slide to continue gather information on this woman as they began to walk and she pointed in the direction of her alleged home so that is the exact path they took even though his information from his "brother," Toraono Kuro, told him she lived in Sora along with the Daimyo. Information had been wrong before, just ask his patients who had died under his care because of false information. As they did walk, he noticed the stumbling from her occasionally, but didn't think anything strange about it aside from the poor footwear she had decided to pick to be in this area of the country considering the high crime rates and what not.

Eventually, they would arrive to the heart of the city going past the different socioeconomic statuses from the dirt poor to the filthy rich. It was sadly the side effect of having a city flourishing in general; some people suffered, while others flourished. In actuality, it was quite hard for the descendant of Byakko to walk right by people who were begging for food and money as they tugged on his clothing and being given the strange looks from others as he was walking with a pretty girl in his bizarre outfit compared to her. She was dressed like a princess in a fairy-tale and Kyuji was dressed like one of those bad guys who tried to steal the girl from the true hero of the story. At least he wasn't being arrogant or macho--ooooh yeah! After a little stroll, their destination seem to be chosen--an estate owned by the Aburabuta family which was definitely upper-class level as he was tugged by the woman telling him to come in.

BUT! It seemed their lovely evening would not continue to be lovely as a manly shout was heard telling his lady friend to hold on. As the figure appeared in front of them, he would reveal more of his appearance but really got Kyuji's attention were his emerald ripple eyes that seemingly were much like Kuro's. It was possible that the Rinnegan was spread throughout the world, but having two people with that special trait in the same village and so close to one another was definitely interesting. If this man would prove to be a friendly stranger, then maybe just maybe he would get to meet Toraono Kuro and they could have a nice little spar between one another. However as he began to speak, the demigod listened to each word carefully escaping his lips questioning the Daimyo's daughter's actions tonight and what she was planning on doing with him when they were alone. As he was about to respond to this mysterious man, it appeared that his little companion was going to get the first words in as she told him that this man was scaring her as she buried her head into his shoulder. Fortunately for her, he was playing along quite well as he could hear the shakiness in her voice as she first responded and the scene more and more looked like the two were a couple or close friends. If she was trying to fake her emotions, Kyuji must have really looked like a moron as each word after that initial statement of being scared seemed realistic to him. It also was kind of concerning that they were being followed and he had not heard nor seen the man at all; maybe his senses were slowly declining at his ripe age of 24ish. In either case, it was quite irritating that this man was intruding on his intel gathering on this woman; he was going to scare her off and if he did, he was going to be very, very sorry for his actions with a fist to the mouth. But, the descendant of a cat god was not for fighting this evening especially in a tightly enclosed area of the city. No, this was not the time nor place to put up their dukes and get down to it; no time to hit each other with their best shot and fire away!

If it wasn't for another figure appearing behind the man and tapping him on the shoulder, Kyuji probably would have responded right away after the Daimyo's daughter but he kept his mouth shut as he examined the new figure standing in front of him that appeared to know the other man in front of him. With the two man standing nearly right beside one another, it was funny seeing one wearing complete white and the other wearing complete black; even funnier was them knowing each other...it was a yin-yang moment if there was ever one. It was quite possible that they were here together on business or because of the rumor circulating that the Daimyo was up to something concerning all the villages. Either way, Kyuji was relieved to see the white, ghostly figure coming to their aid and easing the tension, but not before his eyes began to glow their golden hue in the nighttime. In actuality, he was probably being foolish following this daughter of a political figure around especially late at night and considering he had a wife and soon-to-be child(ren) at home waiting on him. Lady Yanshi was probably a little worried, but Kyuji had done this before and he always did come home not smelling like booze, sex, drugs, or strippers' sweat; she had nothing to worry about, right? In either case, the situation was definitely escalated more than it was before and it was advisable for someone to break the tension that was floating in the air. And with that, Kyuji extended his available hand to the two men as he introduced himself to them with a fake smile on his face and a fake happy tone in his voice: "Good evening, or would it be good night? Either way, it is a pleasure meeting you both. I am Byakko Kyuji, and a medical shinobi of this great country. Are you two just visiting or are you here on business? Either case make sure to come to the Toraono Dojo when you have a chance and we will give you a nice welcoming dinner courtesy of the clan!"

He would then direct his attention to the black-clothed figure and continue: Sir, you had nothing to worry about. I was just taking this lovely lady to her home and going on my way. Nothing else was going to happen! It was more of a nice and kind gesture than anything else considering this area of our country is notorious for having a bad name especially when the sun goes down for the night. But if you or your friend would feel better if you accompanied us then by all means let's all go! I have nothing to hide after all." At least the night was continually getting more and more interesting.

 

[Kouin]

He felt the light tap of umashi on his shoulder; the tap startled him slightly, but he was relieved when he saw it was an ally that could help if need be. The woman continued to get more and more defensive, playing the victim; accusing himself of hurting her. Ma'am, we live in a shinobi world, true pain comes nothing close to this triviality. His mind wondered to when he heard of his village first completely freezing over, the sheer weakness he felt in the inability to do a thing to even save a square inch of the village, while so many other people gave their lives for it. Nothing made him ever feel so powerless, but it also the exact thing that gives him the most power.

Kouin scoffed slightly at all of her remarks; it were true a women playing defensive leaves people more willing to help them than a so called "aggressive" male. As if you weren't scouting this entire district for the perfect "white knight", is that any worse? At least i'm not using someone. He watched the women's face carefully, but not just the face area. Everything that pertains to how someone talks and reacts, he was visualizing every last movement on the girls face; he wouldn't allow a single expression slip his gaze. Words can tell many things, but they also show many lies, but if you look for expressions left on peoples faces you'll never miss a moment.

His eyes widened a bit when the women tried to answer his accusation about her plans. The throat area tensed slightly and a crack in her voice was uttered. He had to be careful, anyone could make their voice crack purposely, but the women has shown naivety in his face already. I highly doubt that. He put his point blatantly, he was done cutting corners with her. If your words were true; why would someone to-be married be all over another man? Are you just that unfaithful to your fiance? Or do you just not care at all about him? He in truth cared very little for cliche like that, what she chose to do with her organs was her business, but for his objective playing to that side should help him. He observed her clothing one last time; her clothes were truly gorgeous, and would seem her goal was to attract some young stub, but why?

Kouin looked at the current situation. Three men standing at a junction, with one women. A women clearly adept at cleverly rusing men into bouts of violence, but why? Kouin would have to leave that question in that back of his head for now...

He finally turned to the man; he had a pleasant demeanor, and non-aggressive after he just accused the women, so that boded well. He listened carefully to his words and watched his face intently. Kouin was shocked, the man was honest and genuine, but Kouin has learned from many years, sometimes the most trust sounding people were the most untrustworthy. I am neither a vacationer nor a resident. I'm actually an agent of sorts. Rumors have been flooding around about certain "ill" activities occurring here. He paused for a moment, he didn't want to reveal too much information on why he was here. I was simply hired by the country persay to make sure nothing real unfortunate happens. Kyuiji proposed an interesting offer, accompanying them would be a lot easier than just slinking through the shadows, with a nod he reached out his hand to Kyuji, Akashi, Sejuro Akashi.

 

[Sand Council]

Ishii Sango
Heiress; Daughter of the Daimyo;
Betrothed to the Otokage​

Ma'am, we live in a shinobi world, true pain comes nothing close to this triviality.

Yes, yes that was very much true. If this was pain, Jashin would be quite happy indeed. The Lord expected more from the faithful, he expected torment and fear. Many Jashinists, herself included used others as a proxy for their pain. Jashin did not seem to care where the pain came from or even who inflicted it, as long as those cries could be heard. It was like a prayer. "You really like harassing women at night don't you?" She accused with a sour expression. "I am not a shinobi, in fact it is the shinobi's job to protect us and they have been doing a terrible job thus far," she complained. She did not know that any of the men gathered were shinobis but a part of her hoped that at least one of them was. She wanted to piss them off and to share the local sentiment towards a selfish, isolationist group who had the 'power' to make a difference but kept to their own devices. Many civilians in Wind shared this bias, this opinion that Sunagakure and all those housed within are incompetent and selfish. When the maelstrom overtook the country, they receded into the earth. Thousands died. She knew that the storm was not their fault, but their reaction to it was. She also knew that the storm was the Daimyo's fault --

As if you weren't scouting this entire district for the perfect "white knight", is that any worse? At least i'm not using someone.

The stranger countered and she smiled back at him coyly. "White Knight... and why would a girl he could lift with a single arm be able to do anything to a knight." She was not exaggerating of course, she was a little slip of a thing and she knew it. It was a fact that worked greatly to her advantage when dealing with insightful men such as this. It would be enough to reinforce her point to most, but hopefully not too well. His righteous indignation would hopefully only grow as he saw her potential malfeasance. And he continued to be steadfast in his stance. Skilled "ploy". A rather funny statement, but for a man who knew so much he asked a lot of questions. Queries she had no intention of answering without a little bit of fun. So she told him nothing.

I highly doubt that... If your words were true; why would someone to-be married be all over another man? Are you just that unfaithful to your fiance? Or do you just not care at all about him?

He was not getting any warmer and she was quite confident because of that. Her stance shifted, her toes pointed in Kouin's direction, her arm still hooked around Akujin's. "Not married yet," she answered coolly. "But also, I am not flirting or showing any disrespect. Did I miss the make-out session? You seriously want to create an international incident don't you," her tone gradually went from calm to caustic and sharp as she scolded him. She was making a few good points here, if the stranger realized it or not but that was the plan. To make a point and a dam good one, to rile him into aggression or a mistake that could be called dangerous so she could call for the guards. So she could be a good girl and say her prayers before she went to sleep at night.

It was then time for the "white knight" to talk.

"Good evening, or would it be good night? Either way, it is a pleasure meeting you both. I am Byakko Kyuji, and a medical shinobi of this great country. Are you two just visiting or are you here on business? Either case make sure to come to the Toraono Dojo when you have a chance and we will give you a nice welcoming dinner courtesy of the clan!"

The white knight was trying to soothe. If she had her way he would fail miserably. He would continue to try all the same, her hold on his arm would continue during this brief speech.

"Sir, you had nothing to worry about. I was just taking this lovely lady to her home and going on my way. Nothing else was going to happen! It was more of a nice and kind gesture than anything else considering this area of our country is notorious for having a bad name especially when the sun goes down for the night. But if you or your friend would feel better if you accompanied us then by all means let's all go! I have nothing to hide after all."</I><i></i>

I am neither a vacationer nor a resident. I'm actually an agent of sorts. Rumors have been flooding around about certain "ill" activities occurring here.</B><i></i>

"Really?" She scoffed as her grip loosened about Kyuji.

I was simply hired by the country persay to make sure nothing real unfortunate happens.<i></i>

It would seem that the gentlemen have come to an agreement. Well, poo. A handshake would seal their cooperation. Her arm would slither from the arm she once clutched onto.

<B>Akashi, Sejuro Akashi.

She let out an annoyed sigh, her mouth dipped a bit to one side. She was vexed by their cooperative nature. "Then would the <I>both of you like to come inside?" She offered as she took a space between them following their manly agreement.

 

[Seijin]

Just when I thought that I was out, they pull me back in!​

Kouin really . . . really needed to calm down. The guy had gone from zero to one hundred really quick and unless he was cruisin' for a bruisin' then getting all riled up was going to do nothing but land him in someones dusty prison. Not one for being all touchy feely, Umashi put another hand on Kouin . . .err . . . Seijuro Akashis shoulder and tried to forcibly calm the guy down by keeping him in place. Umashi wasn't going to abandon a friend but he also didn't want to have to fight his way out of a gank that could easily be avoided. Then there was the fact that this would be an international incident if things progressed too far, it simply boiled down to the fact that it was far easier for Umashi to try and keep Kumo's attack dog on a leash versus knowingly letting him run wild.

Twisting his face up a bit, he gave off the appearance of being offended as he scratched his chin and responded. "The both of you?" Cocking his head to the side he made a point of counting out all who were noticeably present and stopped on himself. Either this was jab at his skin tone against the nighttime backdrop or . . . "Seijuro Shinbatsu, a pleasure to meet you two.” he paused as he introduced himself with a slight bow and a grin. It could be noted that he emphasized the last name, possibly noting the cleaned up version of the family name that his brother so lackadaisically butchered with the missed note. “You’ll have to ignore my brother, he’s adopted and he likes to act out. Alas, where was it that you were inviting us to milady? I can’t let my brother out of my sight or I fear that he might run our family’s good name, and fortune for that matter, into the ground!” So much for getting off the saddle, and just like that, Umashi was right back in the thick of these shinobi war games. Hopefully Kouin would play it cool and keep their cover.

 

[Tomomi]

This kind gesture that our dear descendant of Byakko had committed was starting to slowly slip into more of a pain in the ass than anything else. It would appear that both gentlemen that stumbled upon the "young couple" were fine with joining them on their little adventure and they even introduced themselves to him as what seemed to be brothers. Yet, he had doubts about that considering the pronunciation of their last name was emphasized by the second one more than the first. It was possible that they were brothers or even the aggressive one was adopted, but this was something that just wasn't settling well for Kyuji. As for the little maiden he was with, he could tell she was starting to get annoyed more and more by this Seijuro Akashi fellow as accusations were being flung at her and she was wittily responding to him...these two were just not going to get along it seemed by the end of the night, someone was going to meet their breaking point. But for now, it seemed everyone mutually agreed to go with the daughter of the Daimyo for now, but Kyuji needed to know one thing before they went as he turned to the girl and calmly asked her for her name since everyone else had introduced themselves. If he could get more information about her, it could prove helpful for not just himself but for his village and his clan. He knew for a fact that the demons known as his brother and cousin were dying for some blood to be spilled by their hands and he so far was involved in that confrontation as well.

But for now, it was time to keep moving to avoid any international conflicts and before Mr. Seijuro blew his load even more than he had to. The man would turn again to the woman and nod saying he wanted to go in when the other two were ready. It still felt very funny and suspicious that the Daimyo's daughter would be in this area of the country considering her father allegedly ruled over the country from Sora which was where the attack was going to be. But at the rate that everyone was going with getting prepared, his army was going to be stronger than before and there was going to be a sea of red spilled fighting over who should rule the country. All Kyuji could hope for was the village or his clan was prepared for the worst, he was sure that people would be killed, injured and tortured if they were captured. This future endeavor seemed grim to say the least, but now was not the time to dwell on the future! It was time to live in the present and see what was in store for him from the daughter of the Daimyo and the creator of the woman!

[OOC: I'm sorry if that isn't up to our standard, but you guys have been waiting and I didn't mean to make you wait even THIS long. Next time, Friends, next time!]

 

[Tomomi]

[OOC: So this thread died and I am leaving it due to inactivity. Whatever we decide to do to wrap up the story, let me know. I assume that Kouin and Umashi probably went somewhere together and had a talk and Kyuji took the Daimyo to the home they are currently in front of and let her go to go about his life.]

 

[Sand Council]

[out]