Hello There! [Requesting Entrance]

[Santaru Ayanasu]

“It’s a bit colder than I expected…” Shukuya muttered to himself, his breath billowing like smoke on the cold morning air. Shivering slightly, he pulled his cloak tighter around him in an effort to keep out the chill as he walked. Not that it worked, of course. Winter was in full swing, and the ice and cold had blanketed everything. For someone who had spent his entire life on what was almost a tropical island, it was an...interesting experience. ‘I need to buy a heavier cloak when I get to Kumogakure..’ The priest decided. Eying the path ahead, Shukuya rummaged through the satchel at his side and pulled out the map he had purchased in Port Cirrus. Unfolding it and looking it over, he figured he only had a few more minutes on the current path before he reached Dragon Tooth Pass, with Kumogakure lying just beyond it.

Stuffing the map back into his bag, Shukuya picked up the pace, eager to get to the gates, into the village, and out of the godforsaken cold. Soon enough, the narrow trail gave way to the Pass, and he could see the gates looming in the distance. Dusting away the bit of snow that had collected on his scarlet cloak, the priest pulled down his hood, only to wince slightly as a particularly frigid gust of wind bit into his skin. Yet he couldn’t help but grin despite the sting. He was finally here. It had taken weeks, but his destination was in sight at last. Glancing up at the shinobi who manned the gate, Shukuya walked forward. “Hello!” He cheerfully declared. “It’s kind of cold out here! Is there someone I could speak to about coming in!?”

[Requesting Entry]

 

[Hameru Ren]

Cold winds and snow were just another part of life for the villagers of Kumogakure. That did not mean all of them liked such harsh weather however. Some preferred the more agreeable temperatures of Solum de Asphodelus but then it often rained there. Yet others preferred the downright exotic heat found in places like Sunagakure. Ren was one of those people who did not really care about the weather. Whether it was a slow, unabated drizzle which came down or a soft breeze during a nice summer day, Ren figured nothing he’d do would change it. As long as people didn’t start talking about the weather. Because Raiden forgive him, the next person to who’d try to make small talk and remark “Some weather we’re having today, eh?” would get a boot up their behind.

Fortunately, it was a calm day at the gates today. Not many visitors - perhaps they’d stayed in because of the many small paths in the mountains which turned dangerous when covered in snow. Not many Shinobi on duty either - perhaps the first bout of people catching a cold and not showing up to work? Whichever the case, Ren had been assigned gate duty for this week and the next. I wouldn’t mind if it stayed this ca-.. and there is the next traveler. I just jinxed it, didn’t I? He wrapped his cloak a tighter and moved outside, making his way to Shukaya.

“Good day.” The masked ANBU would greet. “Not from around eh? Very well, follow me.” Ren would lead the tan visitor to a small building near the base of the gate. It wasn’t a large room, but it provided shelter from the elements outside as well as some warmth from a fireplace in the corner. A table and some chairs were present in the otherwise empty room. “Passport please?” A hand stretched out to accept the document when presented. “Please state your reasons for visiting and the expected duration of your stay?” It was standard protocol – but if the man’s answers were nothing out of the ordinary, they should be done quickly enough.

[Word Count: 353]
[Marked for Training]

 

[Santaru Ayanasu]

Shukuya nearly cheered when a shinobi appeared from the gates. Judging by the mask, he was probably one of the village’s ANBU, but he couldn’t be sure. Shinobi tended to be an odd bunch, after all. Straightening himself as the man approached, Shukuya returned the man’s greeting with a slight bow and smiled sheepishly when he noted his obviously foreign origins. “I suppose I stick out like a sore thumb! Honestly, I’ve never been anywhere with so much snow! I think it’d be kind of fun if weren’t so cold…” Shukuya chattered, following behind the masked shinobi as he led him a room near the gates. The priest nearly sighed in relief when he entered, the warmth of the fire burning in the corner offering a welcome reprieve from the inclement weather outside. Rubbing his hands together to warm them, he perked up when the man got to business.

‘Ah! Right..” Shukuya said to himself, and shoved his hand into his satchel, fishing for his paperwork. It took him a moment to find it in the clutter of his bag, but with a satisfied hum he pulled the passport out and handed it to the guard. The document was still in good condition, having been reissued to him only a year ago. Fortunately, the Shrine hadn’t revoked it after he’d left. Probably to keep him from coming back and causing trouble. But that was neither here nor there. Pushing the thought to the side, Shukuya walked over to the table and plopped down in one of the chairs as he considered the man’s question. Most people didn’t understand the intricacies of the Gods and their relationships with their chosen servants, so he couldn’t exactly say he was here because His Lord had given him a vision. He’d settle for something close enough to the truth, though. He didn’t lie, after all.

“I’m here on Pilgrimage.” Shukuya informed the man. “I’m a Priest. Though, outside of Tsuki No Kuni that probably has a different connotation. It might be more accurate to say I’m a shaman, an exorcist, or a demon slayer or some mix of the above if you have a word for it. Do you have a word for it actually? I’ve traveled a lot and it’s always fascinating-” The priest began to ramble, but he caught himself after a moment, and continued on after an embarrassed pause. “Uhm, sorry. I tend to let my mouth get away with me.”

“But yes! Pilgrimage! Kumogakure has always been fascinating for my order given your village’s rather colorful history with the supernatural, and I believe there is a great deal I can learn here.”

All true. The Priests had long believed that this village was some sort of spiritual nexus much like Tsukigakure given the problems they’d had with demons in the past, and he suspected that this was partly why His Lord had led him here. All sorts of interesting people and things tended to gather around such areas, after all.

“As for how long I’m planning to stay, I’d say as long as your leaders will allow. I have little need to travel elsewhere at the moment. I’d be more than happy to offer my particular set of skills in return. I am rather good at killing demons and dealing with other less malevolent spirits, after all.

WC: 557

 

[Hameru Ren]

Ren nodded along to the explanation of Shukuya as he studied the passport carefully. It was a foreign one so he didn’t quite recognize the place of origin – but all passport documents held some signs of legitimacy. This one appeared in order and, while one could never be a hundred percent certain in a world of magical ninja, seemed to belong to the tan traveler in front of him. The ANBU jotted down some of the more vital information such as name, age and a short physical description into a small notebook. He’d transfer it into the official records later on, stored somewhere secure in the one of the offices hidden away on the other side of the Dragon Tooth Gates.

“That all sounds fine. Truth be told – we haven’t had too much problems with demons ever since the Demon Wars some forty years ago. But I’m sure you’ll find some tasks suited for a person with your capabilities. Please take care not to upset the Tenouzans however. They don’t look too kindly on people with other beliefs.” Of course – the fact that Kumogakure’s Shinobi had wrecked their religious sites on more than one mission gone wrong and that many of those Shinobi were followers of Shinbatsu could have been the reason for that.

“Of course, please take care not to upset any Kumogakure civilians by breaking any laws either.” He handed over a small pamphlet cheerily titled ‘Kumogakure Welcomes You – The City Higher Than You!’ with an image of Raikage Ayumu holding up two fingers in a V-Sign underneath it. “This should bring you up to speed with the most of ‘em.” With that, Ren considered his job done. For more information on his legal rights, Shukuya could turn to the Torre Celeste. For more information on the city, he could hire a guide or try charming one of the locals. Or maybe he could divine a spirit to do it? Ren opened the door once more, stepping into the cold. With a few handsigns, the Gate opened wide enough to let Shukuya in.

[Entry Granted]
[Topic Left]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

From the shadows, a wandering shinobi, no the gate sentinel watched from afar. Behind a mask decorated with thin blue lines forming the face of a pale blue fox. A distance of half of a mile the young teen watched as the outline of a foreign chakra came into view. The person was approaching the gates, in turn, the anbu drew closer.

He was seeking to engage the foreigner but was beat to the punch by another. He clicked his teeth as he watched the two enter the holding room. Hoshi pressed into his right ear, activating the communication system on his headset.

"Kurama reporting. We have a foreigner at the gates. Requesting a Sennin to assist, or a welcoming party with the Raikage. Out."

His eyes behind the mask widened as the two exited the room and the large stone door creaked open. Hoshi's physical form disoriented into a flock of ravens. The ravens flew to the gate intercepting the two combining together to form Hoshi once more behind the mask. The 5'4 teenager stood before them, stoic and straight.

"My apologies, I see my colleague has already informed you of our policies. Unfortunately, our rank doesn't now permit us to escort you. If you would, please wait just a moment for one of our sennin to properly escort you inside."

Hoshi bowed at the two. He made sure his voice was calm and reassuring, as if, he was smiling from behind the mask. He didn't want to make the visitor feel uncomfortable about the regulations of Kumo, and he also didn't want to throw his fellow comrade under the bus. He hoped he properly made his point clear.

[Topic Entered, Delaying Entry, Requestin Sennin or Kage.]

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

From time to time, Ayumu had to make trips to the gates. There were various reasons for such being necessary. Sometimes his signature was required for various paperwork. Sometimes there were situations at the gates. Occasionally there were individuals that wished to enter without proper paperwork. Today, Ayumu was at the gates on an errand. With luck, this happened to coincide with another need, apparently. Ayumu had been chatting with one of the gate personnel when he vaguely noticed somebody approaching the gates. An ANBU had taken the man into a room, likely to process him and Ayumu had temporarily forgotten about it. When the call came over the headset that a foreigner had arrived requiring a Sennin or the Raikage to approve, Ayumu took interest once more. He was here, fortunately, so he might as well respond. Excusing himself from the conversation he was in, Ayumu peered over the side of the gates and saw the trio paused just before the open gates. Without warning, Ayumu dropped beside them, crouched before standing to full height.

"I guess I'm the lucky guy today," Ayumu noted. The Sennin would not need to be called since Ayumu was already on the scene. Shukuya would likely recognize Ayumu from the pamphlet he had just been given. Of course the two ANBU would recognize him regardless. Ayumu didn't know who it was behind those masks, though he knew both of them, but he had been informed of their ranks by the ANBU he had been speaking with prior. The taller was an ANBU elite while the shorter was ANBU. Fortunately, it seemed the passport in question had not been stowed away just yet. Ayumu spotted it and made eye contact with Shukuya, adopting a friendly smile.

"Hi. Kogami Ayumu," he introduced himself. "Raikage," he added, to make further note of who he was. If the man was attempting to enter Kumogakure, he likely knew what the title meant. "Would you mind if I took a look at that passport?" he asked, holding out his hand. Presuming that Shukuya complied, he would take a glance over it himself. 'Tsuki no Kuni... don't see that every day,' Ayumu thought, pausing on the country of origin for a few moments. The village seldom had visitors from that country, so that made this situation very uncommon. It would likely depend on who responded as to whether the passport provided would have gotten Shukuya access. Some would be more cautious than others, even if it was a valid passport.

"Tsuki no Kuni, huh? Don't get many visitors from your country. It would appear that you are who this says you are. Normally a passport would get you in, but this one is pretty uncommon around here so I hope you can excuse the extra caution," Ayumu explained, handing the passport back to its owner. He looked to the higher ranked ANBU, Hameru, and nodded. "Go ahead and show him in," he instructed the ANBU Elite. He turned his attention back to Shukuya.

"Enjoy your visit," he said before giving a nod and turning to reenter the village himself. Though the man would be allowed in, he'd likely be monitored a bit more closely than the usual guest. Regardless, Ayumu needed to get back to the Torre Celeste.

[Topic Entered / Entrance Re-granted / Topic Left]

 

[Santaru Ayanasu]

“Interesting...:” Shukuya mused, lightly tapping his fingers against the table where he sat. To have had no real demonic activity in almost 40 years after suffering an outright invasion was...unusual to say the least. Perhaps something had been done afterwards to ward them off? He doubted that was the case, but it certainly merited further investigation. ‘Just another thing to add to the list.’ He decided cheerfully, and turned his attention back to the guard.

Acknowledging the man’s request to not upset the local religious groups and to obey the laws of the village with a nod of his head, Shukuya took the offered pamphlet and nearly snorted at the cover. ‘So that’s the Raikage….Looks like an interesting guy.’ The priest thought to himself in amusement, and tucked the document into his satchel with the rest of his things. He’d read through it once he’d found an inn or hotel and got settled in.

Seeing that things were finished, Shukuya stood up from his chair and straightened out his clothes before he fell into step behind the ANBU. “Back into the cold again…” He sighed, shivering when the man opened the door and winter rushed in with a burst of wind and snow. Reaching up to throw the hood of his cloak back up over his head, Shukuya stepped outside and followed the ANBU to the foot of the gates.

The man soon came to a stop before the massive structure and performed a series of handseals as Shukuya watched on, causing the gate to open with a low groan. Grinning, the priest stepped forward to offer his thanks when another shinobi suddenly appeared in a flurry of ravens. The sudden intrusion almost startled Shukuya, and he barely stopped himself from drawing Kotowari.

‘Seems like someone likes his theatrics..’ He thought with a hint of annoyance, eying the newcomer as he chastised the first guard and informed him that he’d need to meet with one of the village’s leaders to enter the village. That was slightly irritating, but not unexpected. Fortunately, he didn’t have to wait long, and before Shukuya could even respond he noticed a bit of movement from above as another shinobi all but dropped from the gates, landing beside the trio.

This one he happened to recognize, however, thanks to the pamphlet he’d received only a few minutes before. This was the Raikage. Meeting the man’s gaze and returning his smile with a grin of his own, Shukuya bowed slightly. “Kangetsu Shukuya.” He said respectfully, and handed Ayumu his passport at the man’s request. Observing the Raikage as he flipped through his passport, Shukuya was surprised by just how...ordinary he looked. He lacked any unusual features that might hint at a bloodline or another unique ability, and given his demeanor, the priest would’ve thought he was just a normal person if he met him on the street. Shukuya decided that he liked him.

“Yes, Tsuki No Kuni can be an...interesting place. We tend to handle our own problems, so I’m not surprised that few of us have ever visited. I understand the need for caution.” He reflected, and took his passport back from the Raikage before bidding the man farewell. “Thank you for your time, Lord Raikage, and for allowing me into your village. It was an honor to meet you.”

Watching as Ayumu turned and re-entered the village, Shukuya glanced at the ANBU who had first approached him and offered him a smile. "Thanks for your help. Perhaps we'll meet again, though I doubt I'd recognize you without the mask." With that, Shukuya entered the village, only stopping briefly to offer a prayer to His Lord, and to Raiden, whose domain he was entering. It was time to find a nice, warm hotel and get a hot meal and a good drink.

[Topic Left and Village Entered]

 

[Hameru Ren]

Ren raised a brow at his fellow ANBU although none would see it hidden behind his mask. He didn't quite recognize the voice nor the mask. The branch had grown over the past years so it was unlikely to know all your comrades. Besides, they generally were a paranoid bunch when it came to their identity. A select few had even come up with their own subdivision called S.N.E.A.K., meaning Serious, Nonstop Espionage and Kidnapping. They claimed to be so good at being an ANBU not even their parents knew their real name. In truth, they were a bunch of dorks who met every friday to play a card game. Would the fellow in front of him be one of them? Or was he just another ANBU into dramatics? Before Ren could respond to Hoshi's claim another person dropped in. It was raining men. Halleluja.

Ren bowed at Ayumu and had to stiffle a protest as the man riffled through the visitor's passport. Security checks were good and all, but honestly, this wasn't the first time the Elite had processed foreigners. Regardless, the Kage also approved of the document and signalled Shukuya the go ahead. The gate still stood cracked open so Ren didn't have to make any further effort at least. "That's what they're for, after all. Enjoy your stay." The ANBU responded. Once the Gate had closed, sealing the Village once more, he turned to Hoshi. It took some self control, but he managed to keep voice neutral.

"We just went over the purpose of the mask, and all, but to prevent scenes like this in the future - Callsign Kyogi, SOD, ANBU Elite. Pray tell - who is it that claims I do not have the permission to authorize entries?"

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

The Raikage arrived shortly, rather quickly than in a normal situation. He must’ve been nearby at the sound of the call. Hoshi bowed to his leader, the foreigner and then stood straight up. After an exchange of words the two were departing. That left only the two anbu around.

The gate closed behind them and Ren spoke up. He spoke his call sign and rank. At which, Hoshi humbly fell to both knees with his palms up the floor, bowing. He realized the mistake he made, and consequences were dire. He gulped before he would plead his case.

“Please forgive me Senpai! I did not notice! As of late, there has been an increasing amount of foreigners entering the gates. I was... I was only seeking to help. Forgive me!”

 

[Hameru Ren]

Ren jerk back as the boy before him fell to the ground. Did a flair for the dramatics become a prerequisite for joining ANBU nowadays? Had he missed that particular announcement in the Sileo? "Stand up Mempo." Before people start assuming I have a weird fetish or such. The blonde added mentally. If he was being honest, Ren did think back at some of the hazing punishments he'd had to endure back when he'd been promoted to the rank of Mempo. Those had been some.. intense times, and he'd been let off easy. He'd heard Nimbus squad had forced it's newest members to perform the Elephant Walk - but those were just rumors of course. And most certainly not what he'd inflict upon Hoshi.

"You were doing what you thought was right for the Village - I cannot fault you for that. Understand that there is a time and place for everything however. The foreigner would still be well within our capability to detain after being permitted entry. The other guards should have stored the Snapshot of his appearance by now - his personal information will follow suit." At this, he tapped the notebook in his pocket. "Futhermore, it projects an aura of instability if we begin arguing with one another in front of international guests. News travels quickly nowadays." Ren sighed. He sounded like Natsu at this rate. "Regardless, you did not answer my question. Codename, division?" He questioned. That the man was of lower rank than him had been proven by his behaviour. And AiTs were the only to wear blank masks. The man's rank had been simple enough to deduce. The ANBU Elite could have probably narrowed down the name of his fellow Shinobi by looking at today's gate roster however. Wish I'd thought of that sooner.

[Word Count: 295]
[Marked for Training]

 

[Shouyu Hoshi]

Hoshi stood at the command, looking down with his head at angle, so this was easily prevalent by view. Senpai continued and what he spoke was proper ethics of the anbu. He sighed lightly finding himself again breaching a code of conduct. He was silent all the way through, allowing his superior to speak. When once again asked about his name and rank he finally looked up and lifted his head to respond.

“Code name, Kurama. I was never officially assigned a division. Nevertheless, I am the student of Byakko. Rank, Mempo.”

Hoshi straightened himself and inhaled a small breath. His inexperience in the anbu corps was showing. There were very few people he worked with, aside from Byakko[Shu]. His latest mission included the dreadnought, he doubted if his name had rung any bells. And his unpainted a mask a memoir of a unfinished business, although the boy clearly had shaped it into the likeness of a fox.

“I have yet to solidify myself in the Corp, therefore, I am unaware of most of my comrades.”

 

[Hameru Ren]

"Byakko you say?" Ren once more appraised the boy in front of him. The old man was well known within the corpse. The feat of reaching such old age was somewhat rare in the most combat-oriented division of a Shinobi village after all. Yet he also had a reputation of being somewhat of a recluse and distant. More so than those generally part of the ANBU. If the young Mempo in front of him had impressed the infamous Byakko to the point of apprenticeship then he would have to hold quite the potential. And the boy's words were fair enough - even Ren who had been in the division for several years now did not know all his comrades - nor had he known Kurama. Perhaps the division could make an effort to facilitate the recognition of colleagues. Or at least, their rank. An extra adornment on the mask or a modification to the ANBU Seal which permitted them entrance to the Sileo. It was already used to authentication purposes, surely it'd be minimal effort to retailor it to fit such a need.

He nodded to his colleague. "I understand. Don't worry about it too much. But please, use extra caution next time. Verify with the other members of the Deathwatch if you're unfamiliar with the Shinobi processing visitors." With that, Ren would turn around and make his way back to the offices hidden away in the wall until the next guest of the day passed by. It'd get him out of the cold and allow him to process Shukuya's to the end. This had dragged on for longer than he'd intended so hopefully the rest of the day would go by more smoothly.

[Word Count: 280]
[Marked for Training]
[Topic Left]