Event CLOSED: Yamori Station Investigation

[Sand Council]

Welcome to Yamori Station. Roughly two years ago the train station was established here, and it wasn't soon after that people began to congregate within this location as well. As quickly as the station was built, a budding town had emerged as well. With the rise of the Swarm and the harshness of the Southwest Region of Wind Country, a frontier land of perilous climate, flora, and fauna, it should have been suspected that such a phenomenon might occur, and yet the Golden Sanctuary Merchants Guild were still surprised to hear of the happenings at their station. This station, however, is very important as many have tried to fully explore and map the furthest reaches of Wind Country and almost all either failed or were never heard from again that tempted to venture to the Southwest.

Your job, adventurers, is simple for now, as your services were procured by the GSMG themselves:

1. Assist GSMG employees and contractors with clearing their tracks of "obstructions"
2. Assist GSMG employees and contractors with "negotiating" with some ornery "locals"
3. Investigate what the GSMG are doing in this location (this objective was not part of the original objective but assigned in secret by Kazekage Raizo)
3a. Check the quality of life of the civilians in this location
3b. Assess the power structure of this location and the role the GSMG play within that
3c. This is not a liberation mission, keep it to documentation only
3d. Under extreme circumstances, disregard 3c
4. Assist with any additional efforts that might improve the quality of life for the civilians
4a. Make them aware that Suna has opened its doors for refugees and we will work to help bring them in

For Kaen

From the office of the Kazekage,

The Golden Sanctuary folks made a special request to bring in a demolition team for some of their cleanups, but Sousuke said you'd be more than enough yourself. While I still want you to assist in the efforts to investigate and assist with the standard mission objectives, I want you to also serve as our firepower. There is a high probability that you show off with your ability to make things go boom that you will win the eye of the GSMG, which means you might have a quicker path to getting inside information. Please make the most of that opportunity should it arise. You are to report to someone called "The Sheriff" when you get to Yamori Station.

PS - Remember that one time you introduce yourself in a big long formal way? That still makes me laugh when I am having a rough day! Hope you have been well... and your sister has been less angry!

-Ryuzaki Razio

Please create your opening round of actions entering the Gecko Saloon. You can either use this round to openly talk amongst yourself or keep your distance, either way after round 1 has been completed (all assigned parties have posted once or 1 week has passed) a new mod prompt will be dropped giving you guidance on either your next steps or potential choices. Have fun, Sunans!

Event Participants: Kanmuri, Kaen, Harupi, Suzaku, and potentially Yukina (NPC)

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

In spite of hearing about it for so long, it being the topic of much discussion, is it more private between his family and colleagues, and more official ones, it was still a sight to see. he could only imagine Sosuke's curiosity going haywire at the sight of the large metallic machine power by a different power source. One which came to be discovered some time after the Sundering which caused the spark of Carmot to seemingly fizzle away...

With everything going on the village, the refugees, the long night and the Unbent plaguing the desert since, he didn't have much time to consider the rise of the Golden Sanctuary. It seemed as any rising desert settlement, though the relative ease at which it managed to develop itself was worrying. The support of the current Daimyo, even if not directly tied to the history of the past, was just as much puzzling.

Still, that would be something he'd find more about later, he reckoned. Right now he and his group were focused on something more down to earth. The Yamori Station, probably one of the furthest Southwestern outpost in the country. Venturing further out was something not many got to talk much about...even his journey outside the village was a very risky, and probably foolish.

But even if they managed to settle here, the people here had their own troubles and woes. And hopefully, he and the rest of the team chosen for this task would be able to help eliviate them...and perhaps try and find out a bit more about them.

And what place to better to start the efforts as the local inn? Or well, Saloon as it called itself...the Geckoo Saloon. Seemed to have food and rooming, but that was probably being too picky. Turning to his other companions, the green-eyed Sunaku would ask "I imagine I can't be the only one needed a drink after our journey? A bit of a breather before we seek out the ones requesting our aid?

 

[Kanmuri]

There were three others around him during his trek to Yamori Station. Among them was a young, green haired boy filled with the passion of a thunderstorm. The other two were adults with sandy, brown hair and deep, crimson colored hair. The latter was an individual that Kanmuri couldn’t help but feel emotion towards. Part of him wanted to reach out to the man, but his fiery aura was too overwhelming and forced any conviction Kanmuri had into submission. It seemed as if the only potential source of comfort that the white haired man would be able to find in this desert would be the sun and sand or the homeless, “obstructive” individuals he would soon have to displace.

Despite accepting the mission given to him, Kanmuri couldn’t care any less about it. Why would he care about such a mission? In what way did it impact his livelihood? Until some time ago, Kanmuri didn’t even have a “life.” At least not one that he knew of. It was due to all these thoughts and facts that the white haired individual decided to branch off from the group. It wasn’t a declaration of dislike or annoyance. There were just so many more routes to the truth that he could be undergoing at that time. In a world where anyone could be against him, it was comforting to Kanmuri to know that there were individuals also rejected by society. So, he approached them.

Walking towards the nearest person deemed as an“obstruction,” the gnawing feeling of anxiety and paranoia in his gut would melt away. The slight furrow in his brows would dissipate and his shoulders would follow suit as their slacking indicated a release of all the previous burdens and stress they were carrying. As unfortunate as it was, the inherent “worthlessness” that the homeless harbored signified how powerless and harmless they were. And it was these negative traits that evoked the serenity to consume all the turmoil inside of Kanmuri’s body. He didn’t have to worry about these individuals being a part of some sick joke being played on him. He didn’t have to worry about them trying to manipulate him for their own benefit. He could sense that he and these individuals were one in the same. They were just people trying to find their place in a society that had rejected them.

So, he would slowly but comfortably sit down next to one of the individuals on the tracks. While crossing his legs and looking towards the open sky, Kanmuri would ask, “I’m an outcast of society; I have no home and the only person to have known me is out of my life. This led to me ending up on a path that’s led me here. So, are you also an outcast like me? What’s your story?”

 

[Mikaboshi]

Suzaku was torn.

On one hand, he'd been assigned to a group by the Kazekage which was ostensibly full of very experienced shinobi-- something that seemed to imply a significant amount of faith in his abilities. This was a mission that clearly carried some significance if Raizo were devoting two Jounin and an ANBU to see it done. In more ways than one Suzaku was an outlier to this group of experienced shinobi in that they were also significantly older than him. It was hard to gauge just how much older in some of their cases but certainly older none the less. He wondered if they were also reflecting on the fact that the Kazekage had seen fit to assign a genin to their team but if any of them had harbored negative thoughts about that matter they hadn't shown it up until now.

On the other the mission brief was so boring. Covert investigation? His upbringing as a de facto member of the Deep Court due to his mother would perhaps have implied that he had some skills at infiltration or subterfuge but the opposite could not have been more true. Suzaku didn't like to lie and didn't like to not be who he was. It had already made life difficult on more than one occasion when his brash nature had run afoul of the Kazekage's father on not one but two separate occasions. To say that Suzaku had a hard time keeping his mouth shut when the notion struck him to say something was a complete understatement.

He'd much rather have been assigned to a group fighting monsters and keeping the peace especially after that Riyota guy had brought up the name Dominus and the Swarm. His blood boiled for a chance to test his mettle against the unbent monsters and it chafed him that he'd been assigned to a mission which would require him to keep his hot blood from running away with him as it was wont to do.

"I imagine I can't be the only one needed a drink after our journey? A bit of a breather before we seek out the ones requesting our aid?

Suzaku turned to one of the older men in the group-- Sunaku Harupia --and nodded emphatically. The trip had been long and even with their desert gear and provisions, getting out of the sun sounded like an excellent idea. Hard-headed brashness aside, he understood that he was the subordinate here and he figured that following the lead of the more experienced guys in the group was only common sense.

"Sounds good to me. Let's get outta this heat."

 

[Raizo]

She wasn't sure how long she had been sitting in the Gecko Saloon, or how long she had even been in Yamori Station. While she did wait to depart at roughly the same time as the rest of the group, she could not bring herself to travel directly with them. It was...complicated. Yet, she didn't have to explain any of that. She did, however, have to explain to Raizo why she was assigning herself to this task. While she danced around the subject of his original wish to send Akkuma on this mission before the demon chose to throw away the offer to join Suna, she steered clear of any personal interest in this mission and focused solely on the fact that she believed she could be of use to the assigned group. While she did not fully know all of the members of the party, save for one, she had been there during the assignments. Raizo also had sent her to carry out her own set of objectives.

She, tuck in at the bar, would casually turn around, momentarily being stunned seeing Suzaku before quickly transitioning back to her generally stoic face. "Took you all long enough...wait, where are the others?"

See, this is why I needed to be here. They are slow and can't even stay in a group!

Shaking it off, she would return to addressing those joining. "Sorry, I travel better alone, boys. That said, my name is Yukina and I am the personal attendant to Raizo." She would then pause and raise one finger up to her mouth as if implying to Harupia and Suzaku to "be quiet". She hoped that they would potentially pick up on what she was implying, but as long as they kept relatively quiet she could explain better once they had joined her. She would then motion for them to come to the bar, she had already started to enjoy a drink herself...potentially why she was feeling a bit more herself even though he was here.

 

[Sand Council]

NPC: ???
Affiliation: ???​

The white-haired young man would approach a man who was hunched over on the tracks, with a large rice hat covering his head and obscuring most of him from the sight of Kanmuri. There would not be a flinch or a sound as the young man began to explain himself and then pose a question to the weary man, one that Kanmuri assumed would be part of the "problem" they would be "cleaning up".

"Outcast of society..." the hat would tilt upward exposing the old visage of a man who could have been anywhere from 70 to 1,000 years old, which I assume would be an exaggeration...

"Hell squirt, what society thar' to be outcasted from out'chere?! Sheeeeeeeeeee-it, don't tell any ov'em Golden Sanc' pricks, but some of us be tryin' to pluck out a nail 'er two... I mean them train'll run with just a couple missin', am I right!? Yeee-hee-hee-hee-hee!"

By this point if the smell emanating from the old man didn't paint the picture for Kanmuri, the bottle clutched tightly in his right hand might have helped send the message home; this old man was full of more liquor than the Miroku casino.

"Easy to tell you ain't one'of'em, squirt. You came talk'n to me instead of dishin' out any of'em threats! But they know those of us who stuck around ain't gonna leave... 'sides, the Mayor is one'of us, Yeee-hee-hee-hee-hee!"

Kanmuri has found an eager person to talk to in this town, but with his level of intoxication and his... hobby...of stealing from the railroads, would it be a viable enough lead to continue to work? That would be up to the young Fang Marked.

---

It would seem that most of the people from Suna had gathered. The bartender would take to assisting with orders if/when the Sunans placed them, and would be friendly, if not reserved with his words, to any of them that might ask more than just for a drink. He had already started off with Yukina prior to the men arriving, so his attitude would have already been picked up by the female. While friendly, there would be a moment every so often, especially if asked questions outside the realm of drinks, where his eyes would shift around the room before ending the conversation with a close-ended, often single word, response.

"One. Two. Three. Well, I believe the correspondence said there would be at least 5 of y'all present."

Entering the bar would be a man who was dressed in a dark business suit, heavily unbuttoned at the top to his dress shirt to give an extremely casual look, with a cigarette light and burning at the end of his mouth. The figure was tall, in muscular shape, and seemed to be somewhere between his late 20s-early 30s, but as mentioned in a different prompt, age was a fickle thing in this world.

"Pardon the intrusion, gang, but I am the man you folks have been sent here to work with. Barkeep, the usual please." His words would be followed with a smile and wink to the drink vendor.

"Yessir, Mayor, right away."

"The name is Yamashita Kenta... but please, just call me Mayor. E'rybody else 'round these parts does!"

Approaching the bar, he would lean up against it as his drink would come sliding to him.

"Things work a lil different 'round Yamori Station, so if y'all want to fill your bellies, keep on drinking, or just get to work--well you let me know and I will of course--" his eyes would immediately turn to the pink-haired female as he would offer her a wink as well before finishing with, "--oblige. As a humble civil servant, tis my duty after all!"

NPC: "The Mayor", Yamashita Kenta
Affiliation: ???​

Harupia, Suzaku, and Yukina had now been introduced to their contact within Yamori Station, what would be their next set of moves?

---

OOC: No posting order is required at this time; the deadline to post will be next Wednesday (site time) but could happen sooner if all parties post before then. Kaen is still allowed into this event should he choose to make an appearance.

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

Well, there was at least one person who had the same inclination for refreshment as he did. Or at least didint wish to argue. It was a bit amusing how the group seemed to have already split off before he really noticed… but he had a tendency to be a bit too much in his head sometimes. Chuckling about he said, „Well, the others seem to have a thirst for exploring right now...which I can respect. But yes, let's find some shade” he nodded to Suzaku as they headed into the saloon. Not that he wasn't used to large amounts of heat, but a cool shade after a long journey was always a good feeling.

As he entered along with his younger companion, there was one more person who would be familiar to them. The red-haired girl seemed to be a close assistant of the Kazekage. She greeted them with a bit of incredulity, both for their speed and the fact his group scattered. He simply sheepishly rubbed the back of his head saying „What can I say, the call of duty was simply too strong for the others, already exploring the town…” As she introduced herself he wanted to return the favor but she quickly put a finger to her mouth, motioning them to be quiet. He blinked in surprise, but stayed quiet as he sat by the bar only adding „Sunaku Harupia, my pleasure” feeling it a bit too rude not to introduce himself.

He would order a drink, trying to spot out the most unfamiliar drink of the ones available and ordering it, noticing the bartender had a cordial but keen eye on them...and before he could truly try and prod the man serving the drinks, they were approached by another man. Well dressed and cordial, though apparently keeping a keen eye on them. The Mayor of the town. Rising his glass to the man he said „Sunaku Harupia, a pleasure to meet you Mayor. The three of us just met here in this fine place. I think after a bit of a breather we’ll be ready to help with the assignments you have for us” smiling brightly as he took a sip of the drink. Acting as cordially s their host...and perhaps keeping a close eye on him and his mannerisms. They were sent here to learn as much as they could after all.

 

[Kanmuri]

Beside Kanmuri was an elderly man who donned an umbrella-like rice hat. Like Kanmuri’s past, the shadow casted over the face of the elderly man resulted in the majority of his face being a mystery. Unlike the visual features which were hidden, the olfactory features were more than apparent. Surrounding the man was an intense, repugnant smell. As the stench wafted through both his nostrils, Kanmuri closed his eyes and meditated in an attempt to discover whether or not he knew that smell. Though, it was to no avail. While it was possible that, somewhere in his shadowy past, Kanmuri experienced the smell of alcohol, as of right now, he couldn’t be certain.

Thus, as he slowly reopened his eyes, the bright rays of the sun would remind him of his current destination, a railroad track in the middle of the desert. And if the rays of light weren’t enough to remind him, the heat definitely did. It was at times like this that Kanmuri cursed his white jacket...but more so than the jacket, the snow haired man cursed his circumstances. Regardless of whether or not he wanted his jacket, it was one of the few articles of clothing he had...It wasn’t something he could just flippantly toss away. So, he turned his attention back to the man under the rice hat with squinted eyes. Whether they were projecting jealousy or blocking the bright environment would have to be something the young man thought about later.

As the man lifted his rice hat, his elderly visage would reveal itself. With a wrinkly face and a toothless countenance, the elder would smile as he emphatically slurred his responses to Kanmuri. If the pitch and tone of the elder’s voice wasn’t enough to signal his passion, then the way in which his hand seemingly painted the area around him would certainly be. The old man’s whole body spoke with him as the bottle he was tightly clenching would occasionally spill on the ground around them. To the elder, it seemed as if he wasn’t an outcast like Kanmuri--a realization that sprung up a dull pain within the Fang Mark’s stomach. The elder, and potentially the others on the tracks, were just living their lives there. Snatching nails and enjoying their lives one day at a time. It was an idea incredibly filled with a sense of lazy relaxation that it was tempting to the scarred man to stay there himself and eventually fit in. However, the last words of the elder would catch his ears.

“ 'sides, the Mayor is one'of us, Yeee-hee-hee-hee-hee!”

The mayor started off as one of them?

The idea of a great individual rising from the underprivileged community of “obstructions” shocked Kanmuri--both due to the obvious struggles the Mayor would have had to overcome in addition to the idea fanning a red flame of curiosity in Kanmuri’s arctic-colored head.

Just what type of man is this Mayor? And why would he want to leave this easy, relaxing life…? I wonder…

With a question on his mind, Kanmuri begin to further continue the conversation with the senior.

“This “Mayor” sounds like an interesting character. You say he’s one of you? What do you mean by that? Are you saying he was once a part of this community or are you just saying he’s on your side?”

 

[Mikaboshi]

Sweat rolled down Suzaku's forehead, forcing him to bring a gloved hand up and wipe away as they pushed their way into the saloon, causing him to miss noticing the person that was sitting at the bar waiting for them at first. The bar scene was... dingy, to say the least but this was far from the first time that Suzaku had been to a frontier town. Before coming to Sunagakure, Suzaku's only real interactions with other humans were on the rare occasion that he went with Zangetsu on a trip that caused them to pass through a refugee camp or a frontier town where he'd met his fair share of unusual characters. It wouldn't have been correct to say that he felt right at home in a place like this but it felt more familiar to him than the bustle of big urban centers like Sunagakure or Soon's Haven did.

"Took you all long enough...wait, where are the others?"

"What can I say, the call of duty was simply too strong for the others, already exploring the town…”

A familiar sense of his internal organs seizing and then suddenly attempting to violently rearrange themselves gripped Suzaku as Yukina addressed them and pulled his attention towards the bar where she was seated, a partially enjoyed drink already in front of her. He found interacting with Yukina challenging on his best days and this was no different but mercifully for him the only thing he needed to do was follow her lead as he brought her finger up to her lips to indicate that be quiet. That made things simpler, at least.

"Water, please." He said, turning to the barkeep as another approached them and began to address them. It was time to go to work.

Among the various lessons that Mikaboshi had tried to teach Suzaku, one of the most important in the opinion of Suzaku's master had been the arts of theatricality and deception, both of which Suzaku had largely failed spectacularly to learn anything about. It hadn't been until one of their trips to the surface that his uncle Zangetsu had shared a secret about his own way of infiltration. Zangetsu also struggled with relating to people and lacked the type of social savvy that Mikaboshi was trying to impart to Suzaku but his many years as the Kazekage's shadow had taught him that sometimes it was easy to say a lot without saying a single word.

"Stay quiet. Look pissed. Most people will leave you be. If anybody gets in your face, make sure you throw the first punch. Lots of people like the idea of fighting but pretty few like to actually get hit."

Zangetsu's words bubbled up as Suzaku quietly listened to the Mayor's words, his back to the man with his shoulders bunched in a way that he hoped made him look like a tough customer. The advice had come after Suzaku had complained to Zangetsu how difficult he found it to convincingly buy into saying something that he knew wasn't true and the veteran ranger's solution had been to advise him to just say nothing. Hopefully it wouldn't come to having to throw a punch-- that was pretty strictly against the mission brief so Suzaku wasn't quite sure what he'd do if it came to that. STill, he listened to the exchange between the Mayor, Harupia and Yukina as best he could while doing his best impression of a stoic silent type, waiting for his refreshing beverage to arrive.

 

[Sand Council]

NPC: Hyohakusha
Affiliation: Yamori Townsfolk​

"Hell, you ain't askin' but go'head 'n call me, Hyohausha!"

The old man would smile some more of his heavily toothless grin, the ones he did have still in his mouth seemed to be fiercely fighting to remain within his gums.

"Sheeeeeeeit! Boy, that ole jackass is a boozer and horndawg... so yea, I'd reckon he's one of us, Yeeehee-hee-hee-hee!!!"

The old man was very delighted in his remark, his arms and body would move with his laughter causing more of his drink to splash out of his bottle.

"But hell, one'o'us might jus' mean he ain't one of them peckerwood Gold Sanc turds... it's kind'a us 'n them sorta 'sitchation', you hear? Nothin' too turrible, nothin' too great, but more of a mutual understand'n that we all do better with one'nother! The Mayor understood that and took charge of the sitch better than most could."

He would seemingly notice something off, his facial expression growing more cautious. His hand grasping his bottle would begin to wave up and down in the air for a moment.

"'sides, e'ryone, them pickled turd Gold Sancs too, in Yamori is better than w'ats out'er..."

It would now become painfully clear to him what was wrong, his facial expression now shifting to serious.

"Outta booze... come'th or stay here, stranger. Either way, no more chit-chattin' without a drink."

Would Kanmuri continue with this person or would he attempt a different strategy? Either way, the old man would be wandering off to his drinking hole of choice.

---

He would let out a sigh as it seemed the female, and less interestingly the younger guy with her, would not be taking to his words.

"Fret not lil lady, I'll get you warmed up to me before your stay here in Yamori is over." His words would once more be followed with a wink and smile.

He would motion once more to the barkeep and wave his hand as if marking all of them in the group.

"Put whatever they want on my tab. Guest get top billing when working with The Mayor!" His words would be followed with a smile and wink to the drink vendor.

"Yessir, Mayor, right away."

"Harupia, ya say? Sounds like you are the leader of this group, so glad I could make your acquaintance. I hope you and your crew didn't have issues gettin' out here. I know this place can be a bit...difficult. Sadly, you ain't seen shit between here and civilization, its from here down further south where things go wrong in a hurry."

Motioning for another drink he would continue.

"I was hopin' your demolition crew... or guy, would be here by now, but the message told me to look out for a red-haired chap. Unless that was a typo and they meant you, sweetie?" his eyes would immediately turn to the pink-haired female once more before sliding back to Harupia "Well, hold up, you did say you were a Sunaku, right? Harupia, if it's lookin' like this other fella might not show, maybe I could put your special gift to use? You are one of those kinds of Sunaku right? The hole controllin' the sand and what not?"

The Bloodline known as Sunaku was very well known by those within this country because of probably obvious reasons. Those that could move sand magically in a country full of sand... understandably get a lot of different reputations throughout the course of history with those who live in the same space.

"If the greenie head there, Mr. Cold Shoulder, would like to get to work with the lil lady while Harupia and I continue chattin', y'all certainly can. Big thing I need from y'all is to help the Gold Sanc' fellas with laying some track down. They will need your muscle, both of you look like you can cause some damage, am I right?"

There would be no smirk this time, and if either Suzaku or Yukina would be looking at him, his smirk would be much different. It was more of a knowing expression on his face. Did he just take an easy guess that two shinobi were going to be natural fighters, was it just some weirdly worded compliment or insult, or was it something more?

NPC: "The Mayor", Yamashita Kenta
Affiliation: Yamori Townsfolk​

---

OOC: No posting order is required at this time; the deadline to post will be next Saturday (site time) but could happen sooner if all parties post before then. Kaen is still allowed into this event should he choose to make an appearance

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

Harupia took another sip of his drink he received as the Major spoke. Quite potent, brown alcohol. Smelled somewhat fruity...a whiskey of sorts? It was a bit harder to get back home… burnt the throat a bit but in a pleasant way. Taking a close look at the barkeep and major, trying to read as much as he could into the people around him. The Mayor seemed a lot more welcoming than the barkeep...though it was part of his job.

As he spoke to him he said „Well, perhaps by virtue of rank but I wasn't quite the designated leader. Helping everyone traverse through the desert. The way here wasn't too bad. I've had worse travels for sure” he nodded finishing his drink.

The conversation did go down twaords the reason why they were here, to begin with, the task they were asked to do. One which apparently would have required a lot of firepowers, the reason why Kaen was part of the task group. In retrospect them splitting up didint work out that well, but it seemed they could make it work. Apparently, his family name did reach beyond the village.

Turning to the barkeep with an empty glass he would say „One more of those please” before turning back to the Mayor „Yes, I would be from that very bloodline, and I do have some other tricks up my sleeves. I would assume Lord Kaen will join us soon but if need be I'll be sure that Sunagakure holds up their end of the bargain. Though I am curious what exactly would need to be demolished.”

He paused as Suzaku and Yukina were addressed, turning to them as he said „Don't worry about me guys, I can't wait here a bit till Kaen shows up, or if need be tug up my own sleeves. I'm sure our host will be quick to put me to work if needed” giving them a nod if they wanted to head out and continue. Part of him was a bit curious whether Kenta’s demeanor would change if they were to speak alone…

 

[Raizo]

Her expression would not change as The Mayor talked to her, or more so at her. It was a blessing, at this moment, that her default expression was rather stoic, if not described as cold so that she didn't have to show her true revulsion towards the smarmy words of this town's leader. She wasn't sure they could trust this man, even if he was their contact. She wanted to stay together and stay on top of the movements of this man, just to see what he was going to be marching them into.

That said, Harupia seemed to be reading the situation. The Mayor now had an interest in him for his bloodline's ability. While she would internally be against it, she knew to trust the Jounin's instincts in this situation. She would nod to Harupia before turning to Suzaku and grabbing him by the wrist.

"Harupia, we will head into town and take a look around, isn't that right, Suzaku?"

Her expression would be intense as she nearly waited for a response before firing out her next words.

"I've never seen a train station, so I would love to finally have a chance to see one. Harupia, please feel free to contact us" she would tap the headset plugged into her ear, "and if nothing else we can rejoin with the entire group later tonight?"

Then with all of his might, she would forcefully pull the green-haired boy along with her as she exited the saloon. Once outside, should Suzaku allow her to drag him out, she would release Suzaku.

"I don't know if we can trust that man... but Harupia seems like a competent high ranking shinobi of the village, so we will leave him to that. You and I should either begin with task 2 or 3; either assisting with 'ornery' locals or just investigating this place in general."

Had Suzaku kept her from dragging him out, the above words would have been whispered to him as she would pull in close to him, pressing her body up against his and her lips up against his ear.


Either way, surely Suzaku would have fun with this moment.

 

[Mikaboshi]

"Harupia, we will head into town and take a look around, isn't that right, Suzaku?"

Stay quiet.

"Yeah."

Look pissed.

"I've never seen a train station, so I would love to finally have a chance to see one. Harupia, please feel free to contact us and if nothing else we can rejoin with the entire group later tonight?"

So focused on "stay quiet" and "look pissed" was he that Suzaku didn't notice as Yukina reached for and grabbed him with strength that vastly exceeded what her slight frame might have implied. Managing to keep the facade mostly intact, Suzaku shot the Mayor a look which he hoped was conveying the image of quiet badass that he was trying to project but being pulled along so forcefully might have undercut that premise somewhat. He didn't exactly fight Yukina's decision to pull him outside that they should vacate the room -- if anything he was happy to be out of the direct spotlight which required him to put on an act -- but the surprise of being pulled along did cause him to instinctively resist enough for her to physically insist that he come along with her which put the two in extremely close contact.

"I don't know if we can trust that man... but Harupia seems like a competent high ranking shinobi of the village, so we will leave him to that. You and I should either begin with task 2 or 3; either assisting with 'ornery' locals or just investigating this place in general."

For anyone else, this might not have been anything of particular note but for someone like Suzaku who's very chakra system was constantly abuzz with a blitz of energetic lightning chakra, the realization that Yukina had pulled him uncomfortably close to her caused quite literal sparks to fly. As the two made their way towards the door, small bolts of green and gold energy crackled between them-- not enough to harm Yukina but enough to send a tingling shock through her fingers and any other exposed skin that she touched him with. Turning beat red as they exited the building, Suzaku quickly tore himself free from Yukina's grip if she hadn't already released him in surprise from his body spontaneously erupting in a shower of verdant-colored sparks.

"I ain't really any good at this-- uh, infiltration stuff." He said quietly, clearing his throat and trying desperately to move past the embarrassment which had just been thrust upon him. "So I guess if I had to pick between'em, I'd say deal with ornery whatevers. Seems like it has the least chance of me blowin' our cover too soon."

 

[Sand Council]

NPC: Hyohakusha
Affiliation: Yamori Townsfolk​

The old man would shrug as it seemed the boy was lost in his thoughts. Hyohakusha would wait for no man when it came to refilling his system. So with a staggering walk, he would begin making his way to the saloon of his own choosing. It would not be the same as where the rest of Kanmuri's group had ended, it was a much more run-down location that seemed to be full of more residents of Yamori that looked like the old drunk. Dirty, tired expressions, and torn clothing. Yet, they all seemed to have a drink in hand, maybe life wasn't so bad?

Would Kanmuri follow or head elsewhere?

---

Another sigh would escape as he would pull out a cigarette from his coat pocket.

"Shame to see you go, honey..." he would say to the departing Yukina and Suzaku. "Y'all should check-in with The Sheriff. They'll be at the actual train depot waiting for ya!"

"Young love, what an odd thing to watch in action. Anyways, Harupia, can I call you Harupia or do you have a more formal title I can call you by? Hell, whatever you are good with, works for me, partner!"

He would motion for another drink himself as he struck up a match and lit the little white stick hanging upon his lips. Taking a drag he would pause, turning his head away from Harupia to release the smoke. He may have some poor manners at times, but he wasn't a complete jerk. He would attempt to keep his smoke away from his guest, before pulling out another stick and holding it out to Harupia.

"Need one?"

If accepted, it would give it to the Sunan and offer him a lit match to start up his own bad habit. If not, he would say with a chuckle, "Yea, nasty habit, I know."

Either way, the conversation would eventually head back to the question Harupia had asked him. What is it that they were needing to be cleared off?

"I guess the easiest way to describe it is a big hill that sits perfectly where we need to lay tracks. You might ask, why not go around it? The white coats up at Terminus said there was a couple of reasons for needing to clear the obstruction, but one of the primary ones being that while it impedes us, it isn't feasible to lay tracks going around it. The angle of the tracks laid would cause the big trains to jump the tracks or some other shit. Ya, definitely encroaching upon territory where my simple mind can't understand... so's all's I care about is helpin' these fellas out by blowing away that obstruction."

Placing the still-lit cigarette in his right hand, he would pull up his new drink in the left hand and take a sip.

"Though if you aren't the type to blow things up, like that Kaen fella, then, and maybe this is me placing my own fantasies into what someone with your blood is actually capable of, maybe you could possibly sink the damn thing? Like, with your powers could you part the ground or create quicksand and just gobble up the whole damned thing?"

The fixation was clear, they wanted the hill gone. Would Haru be satisfied with the request now that he was aware of the target?

NPC: "The Mayor", Yamashita Kenta
Affiliation: Yamori Townsfolk​

---

Suzaku and Yukina would find themselves out within the town of Yamori Station and seemed to be on the path of dealing with the ornery locals. This would require them to visit another figure within the town. "The Sheriff". Heading to the train depot they would be able to get a small snapshot of the locals and those who worked for Terminus. The locals were mostly in ragged clothing, those in Terminus employ would be wearing a similar grey jumpsuit uniform with the Terminus symbol. There would be others, those who looked similar to the locals but also different. If one were to assume, these would be the hired guns Terminus had been bringing in for muscle for their train and depot.

Upon reaching the train depot, a figure would emerge from under the awning and begin to make its way towards the duo.

"Y'all the Sunans?"

The tone would be aggressive. It would be hard to see the face of the figure but upon the left breast of their coat would be a metal star with a word carved into it. "Sheriff".

How would the young duo address the approaching figure?

NPC: "The Sheriff"????
Affiliation: ????​

---

OOC: No posting order is required at this time; the deadline to post will be next Sunday (site time) but could happen sooner if all parties post before then. Kaen is still allowed into this event should he choose to make an appearance

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

As Yukina spoke to him while starting to drag Suzaku along with her he would say „Sounds like a plan! Lots of ground to cover for all of us. Be sure to get in touch if you’d need me for anything as well” nodding his head twaords her. As much as it was safer to stick together, they did have separate tasks, and they were, for one reason or another, short on hands. He was preaty confident on being able to handle the suave Mayor of the town...whatever his agenda may have been.

He couldn't help but chortle a bit at his companion's comment „I don't think I'd call it that...though I guess I didint have the best of luck with my own love life so what do I know. And nono, Harupia will be just fine” he added, trying to keep the casual atmosphere. It was always a weird game of cat and mouse conversations like this. You suspect the other person can be up to something, but you act casually to make them think you don't...but they also might suspect that you suspecting them. A weird tightrope. He just hoped to stay casual would get him something worth sharing with the village.

The Sand user would shake his hand at the offer of a cigarette saying „That is a vice I try to avoid...probably going to stick with this” taking another sip of his drink as the man took the drag of the smoke. Considerate at least to turn away from him. After a moment he explained in more detail what exactly was needed. Seemed simple and logical enough, though it seemed like a tall task. As he explained he seemed quite keen on knowing the extent of his power.

After a hum, he would say „It’s not out of the question, though I guess it would depend on just how large of a hill are we talking about. I know you said big but like...was it you can see it on the horizon big or not as much? If not remove the whole Hill, I could perhaps try and pierce through it? Make a tunnel of sorts? You think that would give the brains behind the trains enough wiggle room to work with?” Maybe it was a long shot but he could try to squeeze out a bit more info about the actual technology behind the train and its tracks. Probably not something he’d understand but relay it to Sousuke could be handy.

 

[Kanmuri]

In response to Kanmuri inquiring about the mayor, the elderly man would take it upon himself to earnestly lean in and introduce himself. Along with catching his name, Hyohausha, Kanmuri’s nostrils would once again catch a whiff of alcohol; though, the smell was noticeably weaker this time around. It would appear as if Hyohausha took a child-like pride in his name as his face glowed with happiness and his wide, mainly toothless, grin confidently contrasted his desolate surroundings. With even more energy, he’d finally answer Kanmuri’s question. Describing the mayor as a “boozer” and a “horndawg” was how Hyohausha described his people. Even if Kanmuri’s brain wasn’t scattered from amnesia, the white haired man wouldn’t have been able to comprehend the meaning of those words. Thus, the events that were to ensue were inevitable.

With scrunched brows and squinted eyes, Kanmuri would raise his index finger up before asking, “Hey, Hyo-”

Kanmuri’s attempt to ask a question would be interrupted by alcohol greeting his face. Still excited, and drunk, Hyohausha’s arms flailed as he continued to discuss the in and outgroups of Yamori. Kanmuri, now using his raised hand to wipe his face instead of inquiring, couldn't help but listen to the old drunk.

"But hell, one'o'us might jus' mean he ain't one of them peckerwood Gold Sanc turds... it's kind'a us 'n them sorta 'sitchation', you hear? Nothin' too turrible, nothin' too great, but more of a mutual understand'n that we all do better with one'nother! The Mayor understood that and took charge of the sitch better than most could."

From Hyohausha’s words, Kanmuri could tell that, unlike himself, the mayor was a man of initiative. Even when coming from a place characterized by hedonistic relaxation, the mayor still took it upon himself to have become the middleman of the two groups by showcasing that they are better working together than against each other. It was an attribute that Kanmuri admired. Like a magnet, Kanmuri felt his inner cogs being pulled towards this idea of leadership. Thoughts began to overwhelm his mind, and a fiery passion combusted within the inner workings of the man dressed in cool white colors. There was a lot he wanted to know about this mayor now--if he dared, he wanted to learn from him and be like him. But like grains of sand blown away in the wind, Kanmuri’s desires and passions would be extinguished by the reminder of his reality.

Hyohausha was beginning to walk away--away towards his people. Unlike Kanmuri initially thought, Hyohausha wasn’t an outcast like himself. Hyohausha had friends, famly, and a community. Kanmuri had none. With this truth resurfacing, chills would run down his spine as his glass house of comfort came shattering down. Now, feeling fully exposed and vulnerable once again, Kanmuri was left at a crossroads. He could either follow Hyohausha into his community or continue on his mission.

Going back to his mission meant plunging himself back into someone else’s, potentially, organized plan. By following the rest of his unit, he’d be under the eyes of multiple people who could all be against him--they could all be working for the individual or individuals who were responsible for the person he was now. A man with red scars decorated with tattoos and a monsterish hand. Even if he followed Hyohausha, Kanmuri would always be an outcast.
But at the very least, he’d be an outcast in a group that had no extrinsic power or influence besides drinking themselves into the next day. Therefore, if he had to choose--if he had to choose between his mission and these people--Kanmuri was choosing to follow the man to wherever he went next. So, slowly getting up, Kanmuri would follow Hyohausha to wherever his drunken stupor lead them.

 

[Raizo]

Upon touching him, there would be a jolt. Her heart would flutter, her mind would race, but her grip would only tighten... in a manner only a Reckless individual could. Yet, still, this sensation, what was it? Was it something he did as a defense? Was it something she only felt? Was there more to read into it? Her heart would not stop beating rapidly, as she continued to clutch him tighter until the two of them were outside of the saloon.

Releasing him, she would let out a sigh and would listen to which task he felt more comfortable tackling at this time.

"Infiltration doesn't necessarily need to be something over-the-top sneaky. Hiding in shadows, camouflage, tiptoeing... just be yourself. Your ability to build and quick and sudden connection with someone can be a very valuable tool... especially for someone like you..."

Her face would turn red. She was embarrassed, but what exactly about that comment was embarrassing? There would not be time to linger on it, as they would soon find themselves being yelled at by an approaching figure.

Should we be open or should we start out more guarded?

She was having trouble fully processing like normal. There was something, whether it was the tingling sensation still traveling throughout her body, her rapid heartbeat, or just the fact her brain was getting fogged up with Suzaku, that just seemed to be stopping her from being her normal self.

Frozen, she remained there stumbling on trying to formulate her thoughts and words, but ultimately hoping Suzaku, who she continued to glance at, would take charge of the moment.

 

[Sand Council]

NPC: "The Mayor", Yamashita Kenta
Affiliation: Yamori Townsfolk​

"Beats me what those things can or can't do! Hell, it is sorta wild that they have expanded in the way they have, right? Like, for someone to go from there to here... that is wild that they have that sort of industrial power." He would take another sip.

Pulling himself up off the bar, he would toss out some Yen and would begin to make his way towards the swinging double doors of the catina. Pausing for a moment he would motion to Harupia.

"How 'bout I show ya what we are working with?"

If Harupia didn't agree to come along, the Mayor would wish him well and tell him to join him at the 'end of the tracks' when he was ready.

If Harupia decided to go along with him, the Mayor would enter a roofless coach, being pulled by two Sand Runners, and wave for the Sunan to join him. Placing his sunglasses on, he would motion for the driver, a smaller man sitting at the front of the coach with reigns in hand, to start their journey. While it wouldn't take all that long to get to where they needed, in large part a blessing of the Sand Runners, it would be noticeable how such a trek on foot would have taken considerably longer.

If Harupia was watching the scenery while the journey went along, which would have probably been the case as The Mayor would seemingly fall asleep almost as soon as the ride had started, he would notice the following; large swathes of untouched desert, what appeared to be another settlement further out in the distances away from the town, much closer to their new destination, and finally would notice them approaching a fenced-off area that had several tents and various workers. Past all of that, would be a mountain range, not a hill.

The coach would come to a stop.

"Apologies, Harupia... I might not have been the most truthful. Honestly, didn't wanna scare any ov'ya off."

Pulling himself out of the coach, the Mayor would take out and light another cigarette.

"Welcome to the End of the World, Harupia."

A feeling of dread seemed to pollute the air. The train tracks would cut past the fenced area and into the sand that seemed to lead into a lower point of the mountains. This point seemed to have an opening either broken or carved into it. Merely looking at this, even from the safe distance they were, would be enough to send a chill down one's spine. This land, this location, this whole thing; something would not feel right.

---

NPC: Hyohakusha
Affiliation: Yamori Townsfolk​

Hyohakusha would notice that the boy seemed to finally come to his sense and follow him. "That's the spirit, boy!"

With that, both would find themselves entering a bar, a much different bar than the one the others had entered with the Mayor. Here there would be other locals, a rather dingy-looking establishment, and poor hygiene galore. The old man would approach the bar, grab a couple of mugs and then proceed to an empty table. He would then motion for Kanmuri to come to join him as he would slide one much his way. The glass may not have ever been cleaned before, but if Kanmuri just drank it without much thought he could probably get past the sanitation issues.

"So, you ain't ever said what'cha doin' here? Lookin' for a new life? Lookin' fer the ole proverbial gold? Runnin' from sumthin'? Or are you just lookin' fer trouble?"

He would take a long and deep drink from his mug before slamming it down. Liquid and bubbles wold run out from the corners of his mouth and linger in his pointed white beard.

"Cuz yer gonna find it all here, boy! Yeeehee-hee-hee-hee!!!"

---

Paused until Suzaku posts and/or Yukina is needed elsewhere.

NPC: "The Sheriff"????
Affiliation: ????​

---

OOC: No posting order is required at this time; the deadline to post will be next Monday (site time) but could happen sooner if all parties post before then. Kaen is still allowed into this event should he choose to make an appearance

 

[Kanmuri]

Hyohakusha would lead Kanmuri into a bar that appeared to be as dingy and dilapidated as the elderly drinkers that inhabited it. Walking inside of the bar only confirmed this suspicion. Within, puddles, of what appeared to be either urine or a concoction of similar appearance and smell, were splashed around and feces littered the ground every so often. Used tissues, napkins, plates, and other kitchenware were home to the insects that fed upon the leftovers--this bar served as a heaven of sorts for them. If the sight wasn’t enough to deter the unsure, the smell would be the deciding factor. A rancid, musty tang mixed with the desert dustiness was enough to churn away what little appetite remained in the stomach.

Though despite the graveyard of cleanliness that was the bar, there was nothing short of laughter, happiness, and insouciant camaraderie to be found in both the bar and one’s eardrums. The community was deafening.

Making use of his elderly experience and knowledge, Hyohakusha collectively made his way through the boiling pot of chaos. Despite being younger, more agile, and stronger, Kanmuri couldn’t help but struggle to weave through individuals and apologize to the many people he bumped. It was as if the old man could see the future--knowing exactly where to step and in what direction. Unlike Kanmuri, Hyohakusha didn’t cause a single individual to spill any of their drinks. Though, despite the amount of alcohol that Kanmuri had caused to rain on the creaky boards of the bar, not a single patron shouted or thundered at him. Instead they all met him with a smile and an attempt to share a sip of their drink.

Intentional or not, this bar was having an effect on him. It was as if he was freezing outside surrounded by tornados on a warm, bright, sunny day. Despite the danger, the health risks, and fear of uncertainty and death, Kanmuri was fine with the chaos--as long as he could absorb that warmth and welcoming feeling from the sun’s rays.

Soon, Hyohakusha grabbed some mugs that seemed to be plastered and clouded by the colonies of bacteria from centuries past. He would then lead Kanmuri to one of the few open tables left and hand him one of the mugs. “"So, you ain't ever said what'cha doin' here? Lookin' for a new life? Lookin' fer the ole proverbial gold? Runnin' from sumthin'? Or are you just lookin' fer trouble? Cuz yer gonna find it all here, boy! Yeeehee-hee-hee-hee!!!" Hyohakusha would say as he drank from his mug before quickly slamming it down.

Purpose. New life. Proverbial gold. On the run. And trouble. These were all valid assumptions and in some way true. How does an individual with no recollection of his past or present look at their potential future? What was Kanmuri here for? His intestines would begin to rope at the thought while anxiety brushed and irritated the interior of his chest. The question would send shivers down his spine...but Kanmuri couldn’t identify why.

Or at the very least, he wanted the answer to be different than the initial one his brain produced.

“Acceptance and vulnerability.” Kanmuri would unconsciously say out loud. It was at this point, that the beating in his ears became too strong, and he’d eye the mug in front of him. He couldn’t tell if it was because of his past, or if his brain was looking for a placebo. But he knew if he were to drink from that mug, that the next parts would be easier. So, with closed eyes, Kanmuri would aggressively grab the mug with his monsterish left hand and force all the mug had to offer into his mouth in one fell swoop. With the act of courage complete, the white haired man would then find his resolve in speaking by focusing on fighting and submitting the liquid he’d just consumed.



“Look at me...I’m abnormal. A clown. Someone did this to me--used me as a plaything and their personal art canvas.” His fair-skinned face would begin to turn red, but it wouldn’t be because of the mixture. “Look at this. Look at this hand!” Kanmuri would declare as he raised his hand for, not only Hyohakusha, but all to see. “I’m a freak! But no matter how much hatred fills my heart at the idea of who could have possibly done this to me. My heart aches and cries for one thing--just one thing.”

“Acceptance...a place to call home. A place where I won’t be judged. A place that accepts and doesn’t care for my vulnerabilities. I want a family, Hyohakusha--a community that’ll take me in like a father who lays eyes upon his prodigal son.”

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

Well, the Mayor was not an engineer apparently. Or just keeping his cards close to his chest. Understandable. Though there was so much idle chatting could get for either of them, as the mayor stood up paying for the drinks, offering them to get to the actual place. The Sunan nodded standing up as he said "Of course, I wouldn't dare take up to much of the town's hospitality"

He followed the man to the carriage, asking to wait just a few final minutes as he looked around, hoping to try and spot out the Red-Haired Shinobi that was originally mean for the task, and soon they were off on their way. The Mayor seemed to have dozens during their ride. He could imagine he was a busy man, and the pride they took was one he knew well.

The Sunan was looking at everything with interest. The desert looked quite familiar to him, even if it wasn't quite the same as back home. He could see out in the distance a smaller settlement and after that some tents. Perhaps an offshoot for the workers getting ready for the inevitable train expansion? As they rode closer to the destination, Harupia also took a few moments to look at the sleeping man beside him. Not coming close, but trying to see what he could glean on a closer look. Any sort of scars, markings, maybe a specific piece of jewelry... glancing between the man and his surroundings, seeming to pass it off as if trying to see if he was still awake.

As they came closer, he could see that the...scale of the area was a bit larger than anticipated. And there was something else...a chill in the air. A sense of dread. He could feel it...as they rode closer he looked closer at the man in the camp, trying to gauge if they felt it too. Finnaly, they came to a halt.

He was silent at first, adding only a gentle "Ominous" as the man introduced the location, as he stared at the distance. The mountains and the gash between them. Turning back to the Mayor, he asked "Do I dare to ask what made you choose that name? Cause if you're about to tell me the world is actually flat I might need another drink.." he added, trying to raise the mood with a slight joke...though even in his mind he felt it was a fruitless attempt.