OROCHI SAKURA
Upon entering the central tower of the Torre Empirea, I was immediately reminded of why I habitually avoided venturing out before dark. The scene that unfolded before me was a tableau of unnerving artificiality; the people who populated the tower were more plastic than human, it was difficult to distinguish which of us was the human puppet. Their excessive cheerfulness and unwavering happiness struck me as deeply unsettling, reminiscent of those unfortunate souls taken over by body snatchers in the old horror tales. The word "welcome" echoed around me, repeated incessantly by these peculiar inhabitants, and I was inundated with offers to assist me in navigating the labyrinthine corridors of this grand Arts Décoratifs structure. For someone who has made a lifelong practice of maintaining social distance, this relentless barrage of forced cordiality was nothing short of a nightmare. With a stoic composure, I maneuvered through the central tower, which felt more like a descent into one of Dante’s infernal circles than a passage through a modern building.
My purpose in this disconcerting place was to meet with the Raikage. The invitation was no ordinary one; it bore the weight of a personal summons. However, it was not mere obligation that propelled me forward, but a gnawing curiosity. What could be the reason for my audience with the 12th Raikage? This question lingered in my mind, adding a layer of intrigue to the already surreal experience. As punctual as ever, I arrived 20mins early to meet the Raikage at the location she chose. Now… the waiting.
[MFT]