Kiri x Kaji [Tutor]

[Okada Kaji]

It seemed as if winter lasted year round in Kaminari no Kuni. It was his second day adventuring in this land, as Kaji had settled down the night before at a humble in near the harbors of Port Cirrus. The city was a fisherman’s dream but was also near and dear to the heart of Kaji, who hailed from a similar sea-side home. Kaji was quite far from the Maruishi though. He made his way through the bustling streets of Cirrus with a pastry in hand, attempting to nourish himself as he made his passage to the courier’s office with an important letter. For such a foreigner, Kaji’s experience traveling lent to his ability to do as the locals would, and he was dressed for the part in an assortment of earth-toned leather and linen garments. Every seam was tailored to his form, slim and tall as he casually slipped between fellow commoners going about their ways. The Hokage ordered Kaji and his comrades to keep a low profile, so nothing but his scimitar, Eelspine, sheathed against his belt hinted at his shinobi affiliation.

The city was so vast that it was easy for one to lose their way unless they kept perspective of their position to the coastal edge, which was never far from view thanks to the many hilly paths that faced the sea. Kaji was often an adventurous sort who took alleyways where he expected to find shortcuts. He hoped to stumble upon slices of life where residences lay, tucked between the merchant shops who seemed to take up every corner on the main roads.

This time, the alley Kaji chose led him into a large circular space wedged between four perpendicular buildings. There was a large oak tree in the center which provided shade to the place, and the sound of a group of children doing something mischievous in a corner. The little rapscallions fled as if they feared the authority of Kaji, and he could only smirk with satisfaction in knowing that he stopped them from— he looked into the corner where the children were prodding and found a dead rodent and a bloody stick they left behind. “Euughh” was the disgusted sound he grumbled.

WC 370
Requesting Kiri.

 

[Kiri]

Spoiler

Kiri had been in town for a few medical deliveries. It wasn’t uncommon to be given the errands when the staff were on a shortage back at the main hospital in Kumogakure. That’s what you get when the annual physical check-up was on-going. And though he would have been a welcomed hand to help around the hospital, he was yet to be a registered physician and so it would be malpractice on his part (and the hospital by extension) should he be giving the diagnosis. Besides, the nurses were also busy assisting their doctors and they needed someone who could take care of himself through the journey so it was up to him. To put it simply, the requirement so conveniently narrowed down to him.

He didn’t hate it though. It wasn’t everyday that he could go on a trip around Lightning Country. Ever since he became a mednin in training, he had practically spent more time reading medical books, sterilising tools and cleaning bedpans than actual fieldworks. Of course, that was always the case. One needed to be trained properly within the confines of the hospital and the protocols, before one could then apply and practice in the field. So he would take this simple errand as something he should take note of.

This would be the last town of deliveries so he immediately followed the route on the hand-drawn map that was given him. The Takahashi residence was just around the corner from the port and he immediately spotted it with its rather unique alcove-like entrance, where the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread would waft out. Entering, he would make himself known and find the owner of the house, exchange pleasantries and the package, as well as make sure that the person understood the instructions of the medicines.

“Thank you very much, Kiri. This is your second visit already,” said Takahashi-san as he gave the young shinobi a brown bag filled with freshly baked bread. “Just a little something for you along the way. It’ll take a day or two to return, right?”

“Oh you didn’t have to-“

“Nah, I insist. Besides, Komari-chan and Keisuke-kun loved the last time when you read for them. Fortunately, it’s not a stormy day today, otherwise you’d be stuck for the night once more. Hahaha!”

“Ah, yeah. I ended up being late that time,” said Kiri as he took a quick glance at the bread.

“Turtle breads! They’re new additions.”

“Hehe. I bet it was Keisuke’s idea.”

“I’m still trying to get the pan to rise softly for the panda design for Komari’s choice. Those two have been excited all week.”

Kiri took a quick bite on the turtle bread and was surprised at the tenderness of the core– almost as if it melted on his tongue especially since it was still hot off the oven– and in contrast to the slightly crusty outer layer that had a hint of lemony flavor. “Wow! It’s really delicious. Please tell Keisuke that his bread is just perfect for my liking.”

“Kiri-chan!” a small girl would run up to him and hug him from behind. Upon turning around, Kiri would find her all powdery and smiling at him. “Panda! Panda! I’ll fill it all with chocolate! Come and eat next time!”

“Okay, Komari. I’ll do that too.”

He exchanged a few more words before he waved goodbye and left. With the bag in hand, he was on his way to leave when he suddenly caught sight of a dirty Keisuke. The small boy seemed like he had just been into a brawl and though he could see that he was trying to hide it with a fierce expression, he bet the kid would cry the moment he returned home.

“What happened, Keisuke?” asked Kiri, a little bit concerned as he patted the boy on the head.

“Nothing. Just some kids were being bullies at the main street. They were bullying some animals before they disappeared further down. I wanted to stop them when they were throwing sticks on a cat, but I ended up getting beat up.”

“Naw… call them battle scars. Hehehe. You’ll grow up soon. Don’t feel bad okay. You’ll eventually get stronger.”

“Like you? Ah! My turtle bread!”

“Ah, yeah. It’s delicious.”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” he ruffled the boy’s hair again as he shared a piece with Keisuke. “You know, you have the gift of creating wonderful bread and you like animals. I’m sure you’ll grow up into a fine man.”

“Yeah, well, I just hope those kids grow up too.”

Waving goodbye, Kiri would continue down the road. It wasn’t everyday he gets to visit some friends he’d made in town, and the Takahashi were a bit special– kinda like a family he could call his own. And just as he was rounding the corner to the main street, he spotted a few kids running from an alleyway, bumping into some people and making some noise about a “scary-looking man”. Naughty– he almost dismissed, but then he looked down the alleyway and could almost feel a trace of chakra. It wouldn’t be bad to investigate. Not to mention that his beast also felt like it wasn’t your ordinary chakra trail.

WC: 878

 

[Okada Kaji]

Whenever shinobi have minds and hearts for adventure, they can rarely pass through a land without having making for memorable encounters. Life was so abundant in Port Cirrus, yet for two shinobi, coincidences began to stack as fate led them down separate paths which met here; a shady path between places. In the same path that the bunch of kids had made their timely escape from Kaji’s vigilant sight, another stranger commanded his attention with mere presence alone.

Even when one attempts to conceal himself among the common folk, there is something about a shinobi that reveals them to others. Perhaps it is the way they carry themselves, or the confidence a shinobi shows when they do not fear the mysteries that await them on the open road. Kaji was just looking for the Courier’s office, but he rarely had days where he could journey from A to Z without an incident along the way. It was almost a natural defense system for him to slow his pace and focus his sight upon the unrecognized young man who came into view; not in fear, but in caution. His olive-green orbs were flatly colored and dull as he narrowed them into a firm glare at first. This was the kind of place where you’d find trouble if you went looking for it, yet when Kaji looked around, he found no one else approaching. This young one was not an assassin; of that much, he could be sure. “Hello friend,” Kaji called to the golden-haired ally, attempting to extend a bridge of friendship with the greeting. “Just passing through; I am new to the area and was hoping to find the local Courier Post.”

Kaji only took a few more paces nearer to the stranger, if only to have a closer inspection rather than jumping to any conclusions. Shinobi were practitioners of the art of deception, after all.

WC315​

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[Kiri]

Walking into the alleyway, traces of voices from the main road would fade at each step, leaving only an inaudible murmuring. He wasn’t that too familiar with the streets and backstreets of Port Cirrus, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t one to venture. As part of his mission aside from carrying deliveries, it was only right to keep the neighbourhood safe, he supposed. And it wasn’t long before he stopped on his tracks when in front of him stood a man who was seemingly walking away from somewhere.

Despite the man’s attempt to blend with the common folk, in particularly, by manner of dressing as well as simple speech, there were things that would betray him. Kiri, having been exposed to a myriad of strangers in his time working for the hospital, and in his errands along the countryside, had picked up a quirk and observed rather well the manner of tone. And this stranger was…

“That’s an accent I’ve never heard much. You’re not from this country, are you?” said Kiri with a straight stare to the man, eyes burning the image into his mind almost instinctively as his senses were keen enough to work on their own. However, aside from the stranger’s accent, the beast inside Kiri was stirring as if to say that the latter was more than appears the eye. “You don’t smell like the ocean, either.”

Naturally, one would be more keen to be cautious, but Kiri slipped his hood aside, to take a better look, as well as perhaps to lure? An enemy would make use of this moment to take him down, especially when they were caught doing some unwanted deed. “So, what do you need the courier post for? I’m certain people would know it’s entrance isn’t in some back alley like this. Or were you perhaps bullied by those children as well? A man your age and size?” It was purely humour, not insult, especially with the way things happened earlier with Keisuke-kun. And it wouldn’t be the first time those bullies would prank an adult either.

He grabbed a turtle bread from the bag and threw it towards the stranger, saying, “Have a bite. I’ll show you the way. Wouldn’t do good on my conscience to leave someone astray.”

WC: 380

 

[Okada Kaji]

“That is true,” was the response given by Kaji to the first assertion made by the stranger he encountered. A few words was all this newcomer needed to hear; Kaji possessed the distinct vocal patterns of a man from many shores away, with boldly spoken tones that echoed through the alley with ease. “I am among a band of companions traveling north, from the Land of Fire. We did come by ferry but have only been here for a night and one wake-up. I supposed I’m just wandering to gain my bearings and soak in some culture.”

A bit of truth from Kaji seemed to drop the stranger’s guard just a bit, leading Kaji to presume that he may have come with haste, thinking Kaji to be the cause of the children’s disturbance. But upon his mention of the Land of Fire, Kaji read some discomforting muscle contractions on the strange lad’s face. But the sum of it all led to more curiosity from the new acquaintance; a young man he’d soon know by the name of Kiri. He was a brash sort, and came at Kaji with the nerve to jab at him with a playfully delivered commentary. He thought himself slick for it, but was moreso being assertive in his observations; but for what gain? Kaji cast the commentary aside with firm jaw and a confident smirk. “Someone gave me directions a few blocks back, but I’m starting to think they misled me deliberately… I almost mistook you for a street urchin foolish enough to try robbing me, probably in cahoots with the one who sent me this way. All things considered, I’m a bit lost now and it won’t be long until my comrades become concerned of my whereabouts.” Kaji then took a few paces closer to Kiri and lowered his volume to a more personal tone, in case open ears listened beyond the nooks and crannies of the empty alleyway. “I have an express letter that needs to fly out today, destined for Kumogakure no Sato.”

It was a bit surprising though when this Kiri fellow tossed him a small loaf of bread from his bad, which Kaji snagged out of the air. His hospitality was sudden, hinting at the better man hidden under his protective, street urchin zeal. Perhaps these two were really cut from a similar cloth. “Thank you” Kaji said. “I’d hate to bother you further, but perhaps you could point me in the right direction to the Post from here?”

WC417​

<i></i>

 

[Kiri]

Kiri raised a brow at the street urchin comment. He liked how this guy had the guts to throw back at him without so much of a fuss. But he’ll let it go for now as he heard from a whisper that the matter of this postal delivery had something to do with Kumogakure. He could tell a lie when it’s said, he had learned that much from his training. “Follow me,” he finally said as he would the latter out of the alleyway. He had been in town for several occasions to know the ins and outs, and there was even one occasion he had to give chase amongst the roofs. Ah, but perhaps traveling from a higher vantage point was much easier.

Coming down the end of the alleyway, they would loop along smaller streets before heading back to the main thoroughfare. It was easy from there, just a few minutes walk through the bustling street until they would find the odd-looking, black painted building. “I’m Kiri, by the way. Not your average street urchin,” he added as they would enter the premises. “And this is part of the land that I protect.” He then pointed towards the large counter where numerous staff were addressing some patrons. “You can send there. I’ll just wait right here and make sure you don’t get bullied again.” He gave a sweet smile as he sat on a bench. He wouldn’t deny that he was a bit curious about someone from the land where he was born. Would he have the same accent and behavior if he was raised there?

WC: 269

 

[Okada Kaji]

And so, Kiri agreed to aid Kaji on his path to the courier’s post, even though he might have held some doubt of Kaji’s motives with his letter. Kaji would have accepted be told which way to go, but being led personally also sufficed. He was a helpful and good-natured lad, or so Kaji concluded as he followed along, seemingly willing to put his trust in Kiri.

Once they arrived at Kaji’s destination, his newly acquainted friend shared his name; Kiri certainly wasn’t the street urchin Kaji made him out to be. The idea was an assassination of character and left Kaji feeling nearly embarrassed by his former impression of Kiri. The lad claimed to be a protector in this land, something that was no small claim to make. Kaji wondered how many times the lad had been put to the test by the kind of denizens Kaji encountered so regularly in his adventures abroad. The noted the fleeting cherubic features of Kiri, who was still embracing his manhood, and new his experiences were still lacking to call himself a protector of anything. Kaji returned a grateful smile to humor Kiri. “Ah, Kiri, you’ve been a great help to me.” Still, half-focused on his task at hand, Kaji reached into the coffee tinted leather of his jacket, and revealed a badge crafted from polished pewter, and clipped it onto attachment point on his chest. The morning sun shined upon it, reflecting light against his sigil of the Hidden Leaf. “Thank you… And, I’m Kaji. It has been an honor to meet you.” Obsidian locks spun as Kaji turned away to approach the counter where his message would be attached to a courier falcon, and sent away at one. Just as he said he would, young Kiri chose to wait for Kaji’s return, possibly overhearing his exchange at the counter. The letter was stamped with the official wax seal of the land of fire and was paired with an elite falcon who’d be capable of delivering the letter to the Raikage’s office without a chance of failure.

“Alright, my letter is off and I’m all finished up here” he informed Kiri as he marched back to him. Seated there, Kiri was eye-level with the impressive sword which hung from a sheath clasped to the leather of his belt. It was a mithril blade of exceptional design, trimmed in gold, with a softly glowing emerald staring at Kiri from the blade’s pommel. The sword was visibly a scimitar; a weapon design rare to any land one might venture to in the five great shinobi kingdoms. The boyish man must have been wonder just who this Kaji was to carry such a rare-looking weapon, one that emanated power to the senses of the chosen. “Perhaps I owe you a few yen pieces for your assistance” Kaji suggested as he moved his sword aside and untied a suede satchel tied to his belt. He began digging through it and revealed a few silver coins.

 

[Kiri]

Strange as it was, despite Kiri's attempts to be cautious with this man, he couldn't help but trust in his words. He was glad that his gamble paid off and this man was indeed truthful in his errand to send a letter of some sort. He would have first thought it was merely to someone in Kumogakure but as he soon revealed a badge that clearly signified his affiliation with Leaf, Kiri became interested.

Watching the man named Kaji proceed towards the counter to send the letter, Kiri began to think of his memories of Leaf. Truth be told, despite being born in the Land of Fire, he had only been in his clan's territory. To be more precise, he was pretty much a prisoner of his own family, especially when his expected clan heritage turned out to be a flaw. Many years have passed since his isolation from even his own family, and many more since he came to Lightning Country. Still, he wouldn't deny that he always wondered about the rest of the Leaf.

Just then, he overhears the instructions and it is revealed that the letter was to be sent directly to the Raikage. Just who was this person? As Kaji returned to him, Kiri nodded as he tried to analyze the situation. Should he inquire about the package, he may appear suspicious. And so he decided to feed on his earlier curiosity for now. “No need. Instead of money, why don't you tell me who you really are. I'm a bit interested in Leaf, myself, and seeing you’re shinobi from that badge of yours, I suppose it's only fair to say that I, too, am like you. Though my training has yet completed. Hence the errand. Hence I'm here.” He stops briefly before he continues again. “Or does it sound odd that I've suddenly become curious? There’s a cafe across the street if you'll indulge me.”

WC:320

 

[Okada Kaji]

One of Kaji’s eyebrows perked as he gained a bit more incite towards the origins and motives of his present company. It wasn’t uncommon for immigrants from the Land of Fire to be found in foreign lands, trying to make new lives for themselves. The Fire Daimyo’s invocation of his Shogunate decrees nearly smothered the will of fire for ten long years, so much that many thought it was a lost cause. Kaji was an immigrant to the Leaf, similarly to how Kiri found new life as a Hidden Cloud shinobi and observed him with a sense of understanding.

All things considered, Kaji elected to comply with Kiri’s request to divulge some surface-level insight with the lad. “If you hail from the Land of Fire like you say, I’m sure you do not come across your old kinfolk very often… I should insist on getting back to my companions, but I suppose a quick cup of coffee won’t hurt. ‘Sure” he said, shifting his sight to the cafe he noticed across the way from the courier post. “Your curiosity is warranted; besides, I imagine that news of affairs in the Land of Fire must be scarce in these parts.” He then spun on a heel and began an even stride towards Kiri’s suggestion with the lad in tow. They were crossing one of the main veins of Port Cirrus; a highway of merchant vehicles drawn by beasts of burden, more wheeled taxis driven by horseback, and an abundance of commoners going about their lives.

“This badge is a symbol of my authority as a Guardian of the Will of Fire, and I serve in this capacity in all lands, home and abroad.” He looked to Kiri, wondering if he even understood The Will, but did not judge him for that. “And yes, we’re even more alike than you think— I am also a leaf in the wind, my origin was claimed by the Land of Earth, but I left in search of new beginnings.”

They arrived at the cafe, but Kaji paused on the curb if only to focus on his musing. “I believe a shinobi’s location is much less important than the purpose they serve in being there,” he said insistently. “Do you believe in redemption?”

// WC375
Total WC1977
Tutor Complete.
Thread continue as Free/Open RP. //

 

[Kiri]

He did not mean to outright say what he may have been keeping a secret from a few others. Not everyone knew he was from Leaf, after all. But perhaps Kaji was sharper than he gave him credit for. At that, he would simply nod. Though he had only intended to get to know more about the nature that revolves around this man, he didn’t think he would actually get curious about his own origins. Perhaps it wasn’t so bad if he was trusted enough. Awareness of one’s roots was as important as anything else, and with what’s been bothering him lately, it was only natural for his interest to be piqued. Not to mention that him being one who was not born in the Fire Country but was willing to be a guardian of it– which somehow resonated with Kiri.

Certainly, he would not let this chance pass. Soon enough they would arrive inside the cafe and he would pay much attention to the man’s words. Indeed, a shinobi’s origins was as important as their current standing, but while the past may form part of the man, it was always the present that really molds his beings. And it would be their selected future that would essentially continue to influence their choices.

“Redemption?” repeated Kiri as he thought on the word. He may have had thoughts of vengeance, but redemption wasn’t something he had ever thought of. Probably because he never had any reason to think of it aside from its normal usage. But hearing the other’s tone, he could tell there was a story to be had, and it was likely something that he could learn more from.

WC: 280

 

[Okada Kaji]

Their entrance into the cafe was proceeded by the jingle of a bell at the door. There were at least two baristas on the staff behind the counter; one was hard at work preparing a fairly complicated drink, while the other was in the process of trying to reduce the temper of an irate customer. The place was fairly modern in appearance, with a forest green theme and a white logo branded on everything in the shape of a mermaid. The cafe was on the busy side, with a handful of patrons enjoying fresh coffee and over-priced breakfast items. There was a line formed at the register about five customers long behind the one causing the backup, and by the time Kaji and Kiri found their place in line, one of the others gave up on the wait and walked out.

Kaji paid the disturbance no mind at first and remained attentive of their conversation at hand. It appeared that Kaji’s mention of redemption resonated curiously with Kiri, who’s response hinted that he need more of an explanation from Kaji. “Everyone makes mistakes sometimes,” he said, “and whenever a shinobi makes mistakes they usually come with dire consequences… Sometimes our mistakes are made deliberately, and sometimes our errors are the products of factors we couldn’t control, but ultimately the responsibility falls on us.” Kaji then found a pause when he could not help but overhear some of the conflict taking place at the register. Apparently, there was a mix up with the angered customer's order, and they were demanding more compensation for their time on top of being granted a new drink in place of the old one. Truly trivial.

“When I was an apprentice ANBU, I was ordered to spearhead a coup d'etat and attempted to assassinate the Tsuchikage of the Hidden Stone… about, give or take— twelve years ago. As a youth a was loyal to a fault, and when my master expected me to perform such a heinous act, I complied, because I believed that if he said the Tsuchikage was corrupt, it must have been true.”

 

[Kiri]

The conversation quickly went underway. Kiri was so intent to listen to the other's explanation that he forgot to keep check on what was about him. He paid no attention to the problems of others. After all, while there was no that posed towards him, he wasn't as nearly indebted to pacify problems revolving occupations. That and because every word that left Kaji's mouth felt like it resonated with his soul. He couldn't tell why but it felt both a nostalgic memory and a subtle forewarning.

It was also quite strange on how Kaji felt honest towards him. The conversation they were having, with regards to assassination plots, wasn't exactly your coffee table talk but it felt like he wasn't taken for granted. Almost as if he was an equal of some sort. Considering this was something only his mentors would talk to him about, or perhaps in detailed explanations in some record or journal from the archives, it felt as if he was getting involved.

Still, it also made him feel worried for Kaji. He was simply too trusting. Or perhaps it showed how much of a capable man he really is. "Kaji-san, thank you for telling me this but I can't help but feel worried. I guess I'm not used to this kind of conversation outside the village." He scratched the back of his head, "I guess it feels strange but at the same time it also feels special."

Then the eagerness returned to his eyes as he added, "So then, would you say that loyalty to a fault is virtue of a shinobi then?"

 

[Okada Kaji]

Kaji was observing a long counter top with transparent siding and shelving, which revealed a wide variety of donuts and other pastries. Their conversation remained his focus yet he surveyed every facet of his surroundings with curiosity. It appeared as if the beginnings of his life-changing tale caught Kiri off guard, reasonably enough. “My apologies… I suppose my story isn’t your standard spinning yarn. Fair enough.” At first, Kaji perceived that the course he chose in their conversation was overstepping a line in the lad’s perception of acceptable banter. To Kaji it was nothing more than half an anecdote distilled from his life and times. But then Kiri awkwardly expanded on his reaction, attempting to smooth it over by calling both strange and special. “You think I’m weird” Kaji insisted without much change in his voice; then he shrugged.

“Yeah, loyalty to a fault is a core virtue of being a shinobi, ” Kaji agreed, though that wasn’t quite the moral he was working towards. “When I committed my crime, I was bested, captured, and imprisoned in a facility known as the Onyxian Sanctum. By now, you’re probably wondering how or why I’m standing before you, proud and free… it took my superiors four long years to prove that my master had manipulated me, and countless other apprentices into committing heinous crimes. I was his prized student, so he left the worst of it all to me before fleeing the country.”

Kaji clutched the Leaf pendant on his collar as thoughts of his continuing path of redemption paraded through his mind, so much that he was distracted from the conflict escalating at the counter. He looked to Kiri instead, all the more convicted to explain himself completely. “After I was pardoned for my crimes, I tried to return to service as a shinobi but I was so dishonored that I could not dare walk those halls with pride again.” The halls he spoke of was the pristine Temple which hosted Stone’s incredible ANBU forces. “It wasn’t until I made my pilgrimage to the hidden leaf that I found a new purpose and my redemption. I found a home just as disgraced as I was, torn down by war and a cruel daimyo who subjugated his own people.”

At this point in the conflict at the counter, the second barista finished mixing the irate customer's drink and passed it to him over the counter. There was no pleasing this man though, as he first analyzed the drink in his hand, turning it all kinds of angles to get a good look at it. Then he took a small sip as if he was testing wine for royalty, and a new scowl crinkled his face. By now, Kaji had turned his back to the far away encounter and honed in on the point he was making, “I suppose my point is that the end must justify the means, or um,” he paused a moment, trying to better formulate his philosophy into something sensible and approximate. “A time may come for you in your travels where you discover that some part of this cruel shinobi world is going to try to cripple you— it happens to us all. It made you travel the land already, much like it did to me, but... don’t let it define or limit you once it does. Persevere.”

 

[Kiri]

He did not really meant it, though perhaps it was also because of his lack of experience and judgment when it came to those things, that it was only when the latter mentioned if he was called ‘weird’ that Kiri realised what he had said. He quickly stiffened and blushed in embarrassment as he would hurriedly try to apologise. “No, no. I didn’t mean it that way. I just… think it’s fascinating in a different way.”

But soon enough, the tale would continue and Kiri would hear more of Kaji’s past. It was intriguing, indeed, especially when the man who seemed strong and with authority, had a past like such. It somehow made him feel as though life wasn’t all about bloodlines anymore, or that inherited roles weren’t what defines a person. And hearing a bit of what Leaf had become, Kiri felt a little torn inside, himself. He may not have had fond memories of his life in Leaf, but he never thought of harboring such evil intentions against it. To think that Leaf was finally falling into place now, and that this man before him was putting much effort to help in its change, was rather awe-inspiring.

He smiled at the bit of wisdom that was shared. “Well, it does feel like it’s always trying to pummel me to the ground, but I think I’m going to be okay,” he said with a small sigh as deep inside he knew he had doubts about his efforts. Unlike Kaji who found a means, a goal to aspire, and the strength to do so, he was stuck in between the past and the future. And the present seemed as if it did not exist, not unless he would mess up and he would be reminded of the life he was leading at the moment.

But he would quickly divert his thoughts before he could get into a fowl or confused state about his own convictions. “I didn’t really travel because I wanted to… well… but… oh about Leaf,” he ended up changing thoughts mid-sentence, “How is it now? Is the Ha… is… uh… are there still noble clans around?” His intention was simple and that was to figure out if his family was still there, though of course they would be. Though perhaps their presence would not be that prominent, he thought.

Jus then, an unexpected event occurs and a tall glass would come flying across the room and hit Kiri at the back of his head. Ice and shards of the glass would come crashing on the ground, followed by the cool liquid with a mixture of blood. Kiri found himself leaned against the table, all drenched but still aware, conscious. He suffered far worse than that, so he would quickly straighten himself and look over to find the barista in shock and quickly running over to their side. But his eyes were fixed towards the irate customer who seemed in shock. At that point, unconsciously, Kiri’s third eye would open, the vertical slit that was hidden beneath his golden fringes (which now draped on his face) would open. This spurred his inner beast and an uncanny aura would leak from his being.

But he would quickly realise it and he reach out to cover his third eye with his hand, not bothering to listen to the barista who was fussing about wiping him and getting him checked out by a doctor, to which he would simply dismiss, “I’m fine. I’m a mednin.” Meanwhile, that irate-turned-pale customer would rush out from the shop.

 

[Okada Kaji]

“I have never seen a society without it’s share of noble elites” Kaji answered in regard to Kiri’s inquiry about the matter. “There is a posh assembly of royal families in the land of fire, though they aren’t nearly as influential as in the past. The royals have no strings tugging on the Hidden Leaf, not if the shinobi have anything to say about it.” Kaji asserted his view confidently, as he was taking part in a rise of order in the Leaf like never before. Kiri’s inquiry was notable enough to Kaji, and presented the mystery of why that was of any importance to Kiri. However, Kaji wouldn’t have much of an opportunity to pry when considering what would come next in the chain of events that day.

Kiri became the victim of an aimless act of violence. A blend of chai tea flew across the cafe, covering other patrons in the liquid and shattered against the back of Kiri’s skull. The culprit was none other than that irate customer from before, who resorted to a poorly thought out action once the newest drink wasn’t to his liking. The crowd was reeling and the baristas were at a loss. Two of the customers were sailors from the docks who managed to contain their tempers until now, and attempted to bar the exit of Kiri’s attacker. But the bastard was tougher; he slugged the first sailor with a blinding blow strong enough to make him think twice and stumble back into his pal in a stupor.

“Someone needs to an anger-management lesson or two” Kaji realized as he slid away from Kiri’s side and performed a timely counter to block the escapee. In a single motion, Kaji reached over his left shoulder and pulled on an iron ring sticking out from his shoulder, and revealed a single kunai that was slotted within. Kaji slang the blade with incredible speed and accuracy, sending it careening into and through the attacker’s foot, which caused a surge of pain while pinning him to the floor.

Kaji made his single demand, saying “You’re not going anywhere until you give all these kind people an apology” before parrying his prey’s first and only swinging fist. Kaji parried the fist, slapping the hand away with the back of his left wrist. Then Kaji counter-punched him in the gut with a right, and uppercut the bastard on his chin with a stiff left. Kaji seized him by the collar before dipping low and ripped his blade out of the ground and foot. A flying elbow stuck upward from Kaji to his target in one final blow in the combination. The former attack was looking as pathetic as he behaved previously and collapsed to the floor, where he was reintroduced to the two enraged sailors. The proceeded to kick the shit out of him. “Serves you right,” said Kaji.

Kaji left the patrons to their revenge and turned his attention back to Kiri, who had undergone the strangest of transformations in that span of time. A third eye had formed on his forehead. Before Kaji could voice his concerns there was a barista seeing to him with a rag pressed onto the wound to manage his bleeding. The second barista was on the land-line phone and making an urgent call to the city guard, who’d be there in no time. Kaji was nervously glancing between Kiri and the rest of the hurricane of activity in the cafe. The Hokage’s decree, demanding that they avoid incidents rang out in his mind, leading Kaji to gravitate towards the entrance. “Uh oh, look at the time, I think I better get back to my comrades. I’ll be seeing ya around, Kiri… sorry about your head, buddy,” he said before vanishing through the jingling cafe door.

// Topic left hurriedly. //

 

[Kiri]

In the midst of the confusion that was happening around him, Kiri kept a good eye as Kaji stood up from where they were seated. Despite the barista’s best efforts to try and help him, the blonde would only move his head aside to get a better view of what was transpiring. Kaji’s movements were fast, smooth, and set. Without much hesitation, the perpetrator of the flying glass was subdued, if not in a rather painful way. And to make things worse, the sailors whom he encountered along the doorway were now given free reign over him. But the sounds of authorities would then be heard as the other barista had already called for an emergency.

At that point, Kiri got tired of the barista trying to help him and lightly shoved past him as he caught sight of Kaji saying a quick farewell and then leaving. It was a pity because he still had questions and he felt a strange connection with the man that he was now quickly getting annoyed at how this unfortunate circumstance occurred.

“I said I’ll be fine. I’m a mednin,” said Kiri as he pulled his hand away from the barista. He quickly went out of the cafe, hoping to find Kaji and perhaps stop him but it was too late. The shinobi was quick on his feet and though he hoped the other was fine on his way back (aka not get bullied by those brats again) he still felt like he wanted to sit down and talk more with the man.

Sighing, Kiri would raise a hand and rub at the sore spot at the back of his head. Knowing fully well that he, too, should get going now that he had nothing much to do, he would pay his bill at the counter and leave.

[Topic Finished. Left]