Not Always the Right Way [private/ikka]

[Hanone]

The Grand Palais. It was a marvel to behold, or at least it once had been a marvel. The structure was home to so many busy people just trying to make a living in this underground hole of a village. It had started off well with glittering signs and honest people, but as all things do; it had begun to rot. And it was now rotten.

Sometime in the last few years many of the poor, desperate people had found a nitch to make money in the furthermost reaches of the ever-lit streets. Seedy businesses emerged almost overnight. Three major names overtook the drug trade with little more than a few blood skirmishes almost completely out of the leaders of sand's line of sight. Sledgehammer, Dusk and Soro-sama became well known names among the poorer people and underfed. Hallucinogens such as Mother Dust swept over the region like an epidemic. Even many of the more 'civilized' members of Suna's population found their way down to the darkside for a taste of Mother's Dust. It was a product that gave the user a deep sense of euphoria, making days pass quietly and almost without notice. Many people died of dehydration as they lived out golden fantasies in their minds. It was a release from the terrible world they couldn't escape from any other way.

As expected, the drugs made a huge wave of profits. The three names turned almost into clans of their own. Youth who were too weak or unwilling to join the ninja ranks ended up working for one of the three big players. After only 10 short years, the dark end of Grand Palais was a veritable breeding ground for criminals and rejects. Prostitution took root a few after Mother's Dust hit the ground followed swiftly by the black markets, the kind that made a killing off of people desperate to make their fantasies real life.

The leaders of Suna would like the people to believe their home was a safe haven; well watched over and protected. All of their people were supposedly cared for and free, but living underground made it a prison none could escape.

After the passing of Sledghammer, however, the game changed. Suna's leader might have been content allowing the trades to progress at their own, hidden rates, except for the rise of Hanabi...

---------

Eiji stood in the hallway of the main office building. He had received his paperwork for the week and wasn't exactly pleased to see he had been handed a B-rank mission. He wasn't against B-ranked missions, but he hadn't been assigned to anything for the ANBU in quite some time and was growing tired of the lower level missions being handed down to him because he was otherwise available. And he wasn't a fan of working with others outside the ANBU ranks, let alone a chuunin.

Sighing darkly, the lean male folded his off-white papers and slipped them into a pouch at his side, careful not to cut them on the single kunai resting within. He moved with dull effort toward the place of meeting on his instructions where he would meet up with 'Yamazaki Ikkadan'. His feet carried him dutifully down a set of winding stairs and out into the early morning air of the Suna caverns. The air was faintly wet and smelled of slugs to Eiji. He never took a deep breath anymore. The place was horribly suffocating.

His path wasn't a long one to trek. He was directed toward the Grand Palais, a place Eiji often found himself for good dining and a few good seamstresses who made his custom designed kimono for a decent pricetag. His instructions said he was to meet up with this Ikkadan at daybreak in the 'White Wind'; a small establishment in the middle-class dining district. It was probably a good spot to meet, he had to admit. It was easy to spot with it's glamorously painted swirly white and silver walls and was relatively well known. Their dark chocolate, orange zest scones were amazing. In addition, the interior was comprised of many booths placed in private stalls, some with doors for private meetings and the place was open 24 hours a day.

The brunette passed through the heart of Sietch Zensunna and into the Grand Palais as the morning chimes rang out twice, telling those living or working in the area the sun had just touched the horizon outside. And as the chimes rang out three times (that which signified the sun was clearly visible in the outside world), Eiji was stepping into the White Wind. A little bell at the door told of his entrance and a small woman wearing a frilly light blue top that revealed much-too-much breast and a white, checkered mini-skirt with gold accents came around the corner. She bobbed happily toward him, her hands finding each other before her small body which caused her ample boobs to press together slightly. Her eyes glanced over the shinobi quickly, obviously giving him her approval before asking in a chipmunk like voice, "Hi! Welcome to the White Wind! Would you like a public or private booth?"

Her overly cheerful, flirty voice grated on Eiji's nerves and the quick wink she gave him made him sure if he said a private booth and gave her the offer, she'd be happy to step in with him and close the door for a while. It probably happened more times than he wanted to think about. Scowling at the floozy, he said "Private. I'm expecting company." in such a dry, disinterested voice she was almost taken back. With a wave of her hand, Eiji followed the woman toward the lefthand side of the restaurant until reaching a door labeled 'Moon'. She opened the door, hooked a marker on the outside of the door to show someone was now occupying it then waited for him to enter, batting her eyelashes in what he assumed she thought was a sexy way. "When Ikkadan arrives, send him in." Then after a moment he added, "Send me another server, I would prefer someone who doesn't need to blink all the semen out of her eyes in order to do her work." Then shut the door behind him.

The woman was left speechless on the other side of the door. Not long after a new server appeared, a plain looking girl with a long black ponytail who brought him some tea and a chocolate-orange zest scone. The owner remembered him. Now all he needed to do was wait.

[awaiting ikka!]

 

[Honma Kotone]

Oh, he had been selected for a mission in the Grand Palasis? Oh, not that place again. It had only been a few months since he was last there, and even then, it wasn't the best first impression that he had ever had. Ikka was there on duty, teaching a student at the Academy some of the basics, or so he thought. The orders that he received were to meet up at some pub, which already seemed odd as Okibi was far too young to even meet there. Secondly, they were trapped in a Hellish form of entertainment - yes, cutting straight to the point - of battle and death. Ikka and his student were forced to fight a pack of wolves, thugs and a dehydrated, malnourished sandworm. He already knew that place was corrupt, and somehow, their corruption had allowed for the Academy to be manipulated by sending their faculty and students out into the worst part of Suna, to an abandoned 'inn', only to be trapped in a horribly cliched entertainment Colosseum.

Ikkadan, dressed in his old wear, a red chair buttoned up jacket with his red boots and darkened trousers. What, he liked a little bit of red, is that too much? The boy was still staying at the Yamazaki residence, but was soon to be leaving and then moving in with her adoptive mother and father, Kuro and Suzuhime. As you can gather, he was pretty excited about that.

The boy had his orders, cupped in his hand, just a series of directions in order to meet up with his team leader: 'Motormori Eiji'. Ikka hadn't ever heard of the 'White Wind', and thought that maybe it was some joke for a caucasion man, whom would pass wind. Oh, how he missed being able to freely make jokes and being able to smile again without a care in the damn world. Although, there was always a constant reminder of his horrible term with Tessu, which was the horrible scar left over his abdomen that was given to him by Iori's, his uncle, chainsaw. And it was all because of that bastard, Tessu, he had nestled his control over the boy and attacked his family... But yet, Iori knew this and still attacked without a care for Ikkadan's health... That bastard.

Anyway, happy thoughts, Ikka.

Ikkadan had missed the chimes, as he was too concerned with his fart joke, but have no fear for he was here! The boy arrived at the 'White Wind', pressing his hands against the door till it opened with a creak and an unsettling high-pitched bell, which rang, obviously. Without really a second to curse the surprisingly high-pitched bell, the boy was met with a peppy woman, who seemed as if she really loved her job as a waitress... Or she was just waiting on the right time till she was able to become an actress. Oh, did you see what I did there, waitress-lady? "I'm looking for... Eiji? I'm Yamazaki Ikkadan, I think he's expecting me." He would add awkwardly, thinking that he had pronounced his team leader's name wrong or something. However, she would just nod her head and babble on about something not really important. What was important, however, was that she was taking Ikka to Eiji.

The door opened, and he walked through, closing it in his wake with a shift of his hip against the handle. Idiot, why didn't you just use your hands? "Eiji?" Ikka would add with a smile, setting his eyes on the somewhat well-dress man, whom seemed quite cold on initial sighting.

 

[Hanone]

The wait wasn't a long one. Eiji was only halfway through his first cup of tea and a bite into his scone when a knock came followed by the entrance of a very red-hued boy. Much to his dismay the word boy had to be included as he was certainly no older than 15. This wasn't exciting news. To hide his dismay slightly, he turned his eyes down, with his eyebrows raised, to the table where his paperwork was now unfolded and laid out. The top sheet had the basic meetup information written out. It stated his companion was Ikkadan, a general physical description and that he was a chuunin. It said Eiji was the mission leader and where they would be meeting. In addition it said the mission was B-rank. It was sort of like a cover letter. Both the youth and Eiji had gotten the same paper.

The one under it had the details listed out and they would need to go over it but then... he supposed introductions were in order. Exhaling loudly, the slim man rose his head and met the young teen's eyes. Only Eiji's right, brightly shadowed blue eye was visible due to his hairstyle in which his long, brown bangs fell before his left eye, hiding it from view. His supple lips were uniquely painted and were a deep violet hue that day. His upper body was mostly bare as the kimono he wore was left loose at the top, revealing a hairless, slightly scarred torso and abdomen.

Not really being into the whole handshake thing, he simply introduced himself, "Yes, I'm Motomori Eiji. You may call me by my given name if you please. Sit." then waved his hand toward the seat across from him, suggesting his companion sit. With the formalities given, he drew out the second paper and tipped it up so he alone could see it's contents. After a few minutes of looking it over, heedless to his company's discomfort, he began to explain the mission. "Yamazaki Ikkadan, you are required by mandate and duty to complete this mission given to you by the great nation of Sunagakure no Sato under the law of shinobi justice and council. Motomori Eiji, that's me, is to assume the role of mission leader. Both parties are required to partake in this mission, utilizing their known skills and strengths until the mission is completed whether by success or failure by death." He spoke in a bored tone, reading the writing on the page as a drone might.

Once the main header was read, he could move on to the specifics of their mission. Eiji shifted in his seat and continued, hoping he wasn't going to be interrupted, "Head to the far end of Gran Palais. Find the criminal Hanabi and bring her in for justice. If she resists, you have permission to execute on sight. Chance of death or injury is minimal as it's know Hanabi has little to no shinobi skill and is known to not have skilled protection on her side." Eiji paused, then added of his own accord, "What they meant by no skilled protection is none of her guards are shinobi. She will have guards but they should be easily dispatched." Then he turned his eyes back down to where he left off and went on to finish the page, "Motomori Eiji will act as a guide, leader and backup protection for this mission while Yamazaki Ikkdan is requested to handle the capture of the criminal Hanabi. This mission is considered a learner's... mission... Oh God."

He couldn't contain himself with the last bit and dropped the paper back to the table. It took some effort to not roll his eyes and instead pinned them on the boy before him. "Right. Any questions?"

 

[Honma Kotone]

Their eyes met, only briefly, before Eiji disconnected his gaze and faced down towards the papers; he didn't look too happy. Oh, and now an exhale, Ikka awkwardly rolled his tongue against the innards of his right cheek. He almost felt like performing an awkward whistle to break the silence was in order, but somehow manged to refrain from actually completely coming across as idiotic before the day was up. Although, something distracted Ikkadan from Eiji's blue hue, and that was his kimono, which revealed his upper body quite freely. Imagine if he was stuck in Cloud, wearing that, and caught in the dreadfully bitter drafts; he'd probably be so cold that his nipples, or 'nips', would turn little diamond-like shards of ice.

Ikka giggled, no stop, damn it.

The team leader, Motomori eiji, introduced himself plainly and asked that he be refered by his 'given name'. So, no suffix then? "I'm Yamazaki-" He began to speak, only to be cut off by Eiji; whom was reciting the mission debrief. Ikka took this chance to take a seat and pour himself a cup of that hot, black liquid from the pot centered on the table. He was trying to look sophisticated, and you can imagine how that was going to turn out. He poured the head of the pot forward, forgetting to hold down the lid with his finger for safety, slowly filling up a delicately decorated tea cup that sat upon a saucer. And then everything went a bit 'tits up', as they say. The lid of the tea pot undone itself, ran, yes ran, away from the pot and fell from a small height; its round body breaking its fall to the table. But, no, that wasn't the worst part. The hot liquid tea gushed out from the gaping hole that was left, allowing the table to be completely saturated with the uncannily strong smell of tea.

"I..." He would give Eiji, who wouldn't be impressed, a deep expression (a smile, one that really showed his embarrassment), "I don't think I like, whatever this is..." Slowly he would draw his chocolate hues away from his stare, if he do so stare, and pat down his wet hands against his dark trousers. And now, Eiji would have finished the debrief, the boy catching the important parts with a keen ear. And now a burning hand.

From there on, Eiji would dive deeper into the specifics of the mission, which noticeably changed Ikkadan's physical position, to that of what that really say: 'I am listening fully', or so he would hope. "Hanabi, so she won't really be a problem then? It should be simple, I guess." Ikka would nod, still with a masked motion patting down his hand, occasionally coddling it with his other trying to make it feel a bit better, after being submerged in hot tea. The overall mission objective seemed fairly straight forward, that's for sure, and it didn't really seem like that the woman would even cause any trouble, unless for some reason the information was off and the two were walking into a trap, but really, let's not be negative, Ikka.

"No questions, Eiji-" Wait, there was one, "Do I clean this up?" He scrunched up his face, and loosely swung his finger around, somewhat flamboyantly.

 

[Hanone]

It really took all of Eiji's patience to ignore the foolish clumsiness of the boy before him and press on.. He managed to get through the explanation and avoid getting dripped on, if only barely, then stood from his seat a moment after giving Ikka the chance to ask his question. Since it didn't matter to him anyway, he ignored it. Instead, Eiji responded with a cold disagreement to his voice, "Do whatever you like. We'll meet back up tonight, around 7 pm, outside of this building. In the meantime get that hand fixed up and be dressed for work."

There was a second where Eiji seemed to think about saying something else but then thought better of it and left the booth without another word and without concern if the boy said anything more to him. The brunette dropped a few yen onto the main counter for the tea and scone then exited the establishment. The meeting had been perhaps overly brief, but what needed to be done had been done.

------------------

Half a day passed since their original encounter at the White Wind. Eiji had since headed back to his home and changed for the mission. Since coming in officially dressed might not be received well by the seedy underbelly and their residence so he opted for loose black pants and a fitted black short sleeve shirt with long mesh sleeves. About his waist and right thigh were pouches carrying varying items for use in shinobi battle. His forehead protector was left at home for the time being. His hair was left styled as usual and his makeup was also left on, though he was recolored with darker purple on his lips and dark gray over his eyes.

Eiji was waiting at the White Wind for the boy. He'd arrived almost an hour early and waited with his back rested against the front wall.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Well, that went well?

Nope, I'm lying, that was quite the awkward encounter, where Ikka's team leader would now assume that his underling was nothing but a bumbling, clumsy oaf. The shame, the bloody shame, Ikka.

They had both parted ways, Eiji with a frosty exit, after sharing some cold words, and Ikkadan left after he cleaned up his spillage. Later on that night, the boy found himself dress in his 'Toraono' grab. It was a type of attire that he wanted to wear now, and for most times, to show that he was a part of -that- clan; whom had soon-to-be adopted him. Ikkadan was wearing black trousers an opened shirt, at the chest (which revealed his hefty abdomen scar), and around his waist he had a thick orange rope belt tied in a knot his back. He also wore sandals, yup, manly. Although, what was manly was his body structure. And the noticeable runic markings all over his body, all gifted from his adoptive mother and father; whom saved his life from the dreaded nightmare that was Tessu, but now, Ikkadan had all the time in the world to conjure up a plan of what to do with that enslaved puppet body hidden in a scroll..

A smile would brim across his face.

Ikka kept trailing along the streets, lifting his head occasionally and staring at the manufactured crystals above; which seemed to illuminated small portions of the city respectively. He found himself phasing in and out of conscious thinking for a good few minutes, often bumping into other walkers, but that didn't stop the boy from gazing so blissfully unaware at the lights above his head. Perhaps he was attracted by their glow, an unnatural white with a hint of rose, something that the reveal sun couldn't compete with, despite its beauty being in a league of its own. It didn't take long for the boy to meet back up with Eiji, whom seemed to have dressed different from their last encounter, but it was a good different. "Eiji-san." He would immediately give the man a bow, showing his respect, and then lifting up the upper half of his body; slipping his hands in between the groove of his rope belt and shirt.

 

[Hanone]

Ikkadan was different this time around. His immediate show of respect meant his coldness had made an impression. This was important because being clumsy and goofy just wouldn't cut it and Eiji wouldn't stand for it. It was about good business, good shinobi business.

The slim jounin slipped a black papered cigarette from his pouch and poked it between his lips then lit it with a basic timber match. He breathed in deeply, savoring the bitter tasting smoke then exhaled. Large ringlets of smoke poured from his mouth and wafted over Ikkadan. Finally he looked over to his mission companion and nodded back. It seemed his mood was more relaxed than last time. "Let's go shall we? The walk is about a half an hour, slow pace. I'll explain the plan as we go." At which point he pushed away from the wall, dropping the hardly smoked cig to the floor and left it there to ember away until its death, or until some grubby low life snatched it up.

Eiji turned toward the direction of the slums and began to walk. He expected the other to follow him dutifully. He didn't say anything right away. He was allowing Ikkadan a chance to speak if he desired before then. Some people liked to babble before missions, he'd found, and liked to let it out of the way first. However, if he had nothing to say, Eiji would shortly begin the explanations. He dragged a lazy moving hand through his hair, brushing it away from his face for a moment, then let it drop back into place. He was feeling peaceful himself. B-rank missisons meant little to him at this point.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikka's chocolate hues rested on the slim man, whom seemed to picked up a nasty habit of smoking. Although, within a few minutes, or even seconds, Eiji had dropped the cancerous gateway from his hand and allowed it to smack against the wet, cobbled ground. However, even despite his dislike for smoking, Ikkadan did find the ringlets of smoke quite amusing - almost have the urge to excrete 'nom, nom' and pretend to eat the tartly little things, as if they were some kind of anorexic doughnuts. "Sure," Ikka would add as his leader stated, and they moved, "Eiji-san, aren't you a little anxious about this mission?" He ended his query with a smile, and arched head, as the man was surely a tower in comparison.

The two would walk, not much talking though. But perhaps Eiji was just too focused on the mission, or his personal life to really converse fully with the young boy. However, it would be unfortunate for EIji that, of all the shinobi, he was stuck with one that really liked to talk and keep talking. Ever since the removal of Tessu, and this scar on his belly, Ikkadan has always been reminded that life is so short, too small to be wasted on inability to be compassionate, to be heartless and uncaring; the world was cruel enough, but Ikka was one who wanted to fight against this truth.

His heart could now flutter freely, as if Tessu had never existed, and live a life to its fullest; held down by his own, mental constraints that were his own problems rather than some nightmare that got too much control. Ikka would return his head to a normal position, giving his captain a subtle smile, not wanting to overdo it or anything. "You seem like you've done a lot of missions, Eiji-san." He would add, slotted his eyes and tilting his head cheerfully, "I bet you'll be some kind of amazing shinobi, right?" Again, he added, holding that expression of trust, "It'll be cool to work with you!"

Upon entering the slums Ikka's expression would dim and falter at the sight of poverty and deprivation. This part of the village suffered heavily from social exclusion, which only meant that it was a community separated from the rest of the village by their class, poverty, unemployment and lack of access to benefiting activities. "Have you ever wanted to do something with your life?" Ikka would utter quietly, "I want to help people..." a cliched expression, but one that he believed in. And after all, why falter your belief just because one, or another, shares the same?

 

[Hanone]

[sorry about the delay!]

Eiji felt very little anxiety anymore. Like all new shinobi, missions had once caused him excitement and nerves. He remembered a day when he was 15 and was going on his first B-rank mission similar to this one. His team leader, a surprisingly adept woman named... Yini or something was in charge of a team of 3 advanced Genin including himself. He had been ready to burst from excitement, but he hadn't even been able to kill someone that day. The risk level had been totally inflated to the point of ridiculousness. Several other B-rank missions had been the same way. So after so many.. he was sort of hardened to it. In response, he said to the boy, "Missions have lost their worry-appeal for me. It's very standard business." He didn't return the man's smile, but he did note it with a slight tip of the head.

More silence passed as they walked, if only for a little while. He was happy for it and almost ready to begin speaking of the mission when another comment found its way from the youth. He was starting to assume Ikkadan was nervous. Just as well. Being nervous made one cautious. But the question following the statement made his brow furrow and his mind to linger on it. They were into the ghetto before he responded again.

When he did, he delivered it a little angry. "I have my talents, and I have no doubt I'm above your level, but there are people in this world that make me look like a novice. I personally don't think there's a single soul in Suna worth that title "amazing". We're all hidden shit here. God forbid you meet the "nuke ninja" that wander far away from any village. They live their lives day to day, without the comforts of a grocery store and a soft bed. And so many of them lack any compassion..."

He fell quiet then, closing his lips before he lectured the boy too much. Eiji was terribly pessimistic, that much was starting to peep through. However, he wanted to get back on track, address the questions. To their left, an old woman shut her door sharply at the sight of them and a beggar reached his hands toward them more feverishly than before. Eiji pushed by him without a second look. "Compared to Suna, I am amazing. Compared to the world... who knows."

They had to take a left turn at a fork in the road. The pair would have to pass another round of beggars. This time they were children. It was an appropriate time to answer Ikkadan's last question and address his statement. Ironic timing perhaps? "There are a ton of people you can help here if you want. Empty your pockets, give them all your yen. But turn away and they'll stab you in the back and bury your remains. I don't relish helping anyone who won't help themselves. Everyone can help themselves." A sour taste came to his mouth. He had come from a prison of a life; a world where his whole life was lined up for him. Who he could marry, who he should bed. What he can be. He had escaped it, he had changed his life instead of crying about it. The older male looked pointedly at Ikkadan's face then. "I am doing something with my life. As are you. Do I want something better you mean? Or a life with meaning? It's all shallow, all in your mind. No matter what you do, it's some false dream. You can never attain it. Not truly. Just do your fucking job."

Quite finished with the talking and not willing to hear any rebuttal on the matter, Eiji came to a stop near an old looking hut and put a hand on Ikkadan's shoulder to halt him as well. "We're heading into the boss's meeting room. Hanabi should be there. You will tell her your rank and your authority here and of her crimes, which include drug smuggling, thievery, torture and murder. Her crimes are punishable by interrogation and imprisonment. She is to come with us without complaint or resistance. Any who tries is subject to death on the spot. Be stern. I will be here as your support."

Eiji removed his hand from the boy and said more, "Her thugs should be basic fighters and should cower. They should be easy to beat. And she will not be expecting us. She should not have a very strongly hired guard because of that. Be firm. Don't falter. We are the law here."

"When you're ready, head into this building and go downstairs. There's a hidden door beside the fireplace. I haven't been here before, but I know it is a basement room. There may be things to upset you, maybe others there committing crimes in your view, but these others are not our concern, just Hanabi." Once his lips were closed, he raised his hand, offering it toward the broken looking door. His expression was calm as if he was heading to bed. His inner turmoil, if there was any, was well hidden under his stony facade. There was time for a question, if he had one, but otherwise, Eiji was prepared.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikkadan didn't really talk that much, well, he wanted to but Eiji seemed to just shrug off his warmth with an unreasonably cold attitude. But perhaps that is the destiny of all long-term serving shinobi but were they all to lose their own dreams, goals, aspirations and goodness that they once had? Was becoming an experienced shinobi going to be an affair that just constantly made Ikkadan feel low...? No, not in a million years, but perhaps that line had already been said and that argument already strung. Eiji seemed to be quite self-absorbed, claiming that he was 'amazing' when compared to those in Suna but, yet maintained some ego when talking about the unknown outside of the country border. "Oh..." He would exclaim with a small voice, lowering his expression to a small smile, trying to hide his awkwardness at what his leader began spouting.

What a very negative man. It wasn't as if he was proclaiming to be realistic, but he just felt negative, and that wasn't really the best thing to have to hear. But then again, maybe there was another reason for that.

Ikkadan and Eiji passed by a closing down, a woman fearful, and a beggar who became fiendishly greedy when his green eyes set sights on the shinobi. Perhaps he believed that they were made of money, and because of their lifestyle, they would have a few spare coins. Ikka would slyly toss the man a note of yen from his pocket, however he done so quite openly and that would have probably caught the attention of his negative leader. And even after giving the man the money, the negativeness rubbed off on Ikka only slightly though, as he thought of the cause-and-effect of giving that beggar some spare change. What if, now hear me out, that man would return to his dwellings and use that money to buy more drugs. However, what if that man truly had reason behind begging, and needed to feed his children... One couldn't really know what story was true, so instead, you would have to go out on a limb to trust that your money was going to a good place...

Oh, I'm blabbing.

Ikka's concentration was returned to him when Eiji removed his hand from his shoulder, seemingly the boy had completely forgotten that he had put it there to begin with. Odd. But it didn't matter, his leader gave the boy an order and whatever it was, he had to obey it like a good little boy. Ikkadan's chocolate hues setting sight on the old looking hut, a smile broke through as the beauty of what it could have looked like blessed his mind and eased his worry; even for a moment. "Wait, Hanabi is suppose to be in here?" He would give her a poised look, and raised eyebrow, "I expected something a little... Grander."

 

[Hanone]

Eiji was a lost man in his own way. He only sought to live his life, ignore all others. There was pain buried in there, pain of a life that made him bitter and full of distrust. It came off him in droves. Sometimes he was better at keeping his negativity at bay, but with hopelessly optimistic children, like Ikkadan, it couldn't help but find its way out.

And the boy didn't make it any easier. He dropped the beggar some money, something that didn't go unnoticed since no beggar thanked quietly and the almost vacant look on his face as Eiji explained the mission grated his nerves. He seemed to be off in his own little world, only really coming back to the now when his hand pulled away. He hoped dearly he was listening.

From between clenched teeth, the jounin sighed and said a strangled, "That's what I said. Come on." There wasn't time to explain to him that a hideout or hidden place would look like this from the outside. Rarely do those in the slums with money show it off in a manner that said... I've got money! It was a good way to get killed.

Since Ikkadan didn't enter first, Eiji pushed through the front door. The creaky old thing whined pitifully as it opened, like an old woman getting up from a rocking chair. The single room was bland, wooden and smelled slightly of mold. There were no furnishings and the few built in shelves and floor were dusty from disuse. There was, however, a cleared path from door to fireplace without dust. This was a well used trail. The leader entered, leaving the door to swing shut on the boy if he wasn't paying enough attention to catch it and made his way to the secret entrance. A small opening near the base of the shabby stonework was apparent and worn down. Four fingers could slip into the hole and open an unseen latch with an upward squeeze.

He did this and with a soft woosh sound, a trap door in the floor opened. There was a long latter down and a faint light came up at them from below. "Try to keep your head in the right place. This is serious you know." Eiji looked at Ikkadan's face, his own solemn. Their eyes would meet, if the boy looked his direction only a few seconds before Eiji started down the latter. It was nearly 50 feet down before they would touch down. Before them was a low hanging, circular hallway. It continued on toward the right so you couldn't see further in from this point, but dull voices could be heard up ahead. Strange though, there were no guards at this point. Eiji didn't ignore this fact, but wasn't so worried as to turn away from the mission. They would need to press forward.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikkadan entered the little hut along with Eiji, he really got the sense that his attitude was having a negative effect on his mission leader. And at that point, the boy really had a moment with himself about changing his whole act towards this particular instance. But it was a difficult thing really, it wasn't like Ikka to be restrained, but Eiji was the veteran here and above all: he was going to be right in everything within this mission. Although, the boy did want to make his leader feel a bit more happier... Even if these thoughts weren't the place for such a noble quest, that is what his heart twanged for. But wasn't that silly, for a boy who had just met the man, Eiji, to want him to be a little happier.

Odd indeed.

The hut door moaned, quite sharply, it really sounded as if it needed some treatment. The hinges would be rusted, broken and worn down by time. However, it seemed as if the door had been used quite frequently as signaled by the looseness of the door; brutes pressing too hard on the frame, undoing the effort that craftsmen put into their baby. Dust, wooden and somewhat moldy; not what you'd expect from the base of operations of a deadly gang, no? Ikkadan would stand in the the room, idling searching for any clues with his chocolate hues as his orange zest strands pressed cozily against his face. The boy would watch as his leader managed to notice an entrance way, which, to him, was quite marvelous. Eiji had managed, to within only a few moments, set his sights on a semi-noticeable clue with great ease.

The secret door would open, and a disgust of wind would push against his face as if there was a ready supply of oxygen flowing from behind it. Ikka would encroach downward, along with Eiji in front, as his steps were as quiet as possible for a novice like himself. "I'm sorry, Eiji-san." He would add lowly as Eiji had gave him a stern look, accompanied with some undoing words. He needed to focus more, his mistake could end up killing them both unfortunately. He didn't want that, obviously. Ikka reached the bottom of the ladder noticing the circular hallway with a raised boy, cautiously poking his ear would to pick up on the muffled, glazed over voices from afar.

The boy would lift his hand and place it against the rock face of the passage way; he would mold his chakra into the material for just a few seconds until a sheet of paper broke free from the surface and hovered in front of the two. "What if I use this to scout on ahead?" He would look away from his simple creation of a sheet and fix his eyes on his leader, hoping that he could offer him up some advice. Even if the idea may have been bad, at least he could maybe get some advice back. Although that was wishful thinking. Ikkadan kept the paper hovering in a stationary position, if Eiji would allow it, the parchment would glide on forward, pressed against the rock face to allude capture and thanks to a dilution process, Ikka was able to change the colour of the sheet to that which matched the rocks. So, yes, if Eiji would allow it the paper would go on ahead and search out the location of Hanabi, if not, it would return to the rock face simply.

 

[Hanone]

The boy followed him dutifully, coming down the latter silently and promptly after the mission leader. Well almost silently.

Once they were at the bottom, the boy created a paper as a scout and asked permission to use it. Maybe he would have said no if the perimeters of their mission had been different, but the mission requested Ikkadan head up the action. Eiji was still in charge, but the boy was giving the go-ahead for tactics. With a small wave of the hand, he motioned for Ikkadan to do as he pleased with the paper. A moment later it slid out of sight along the rock wall.

Beyond the two males' views, around several more bends in the hallway, a large room opened up like the mouth of a river into the ocean. The room was grandly decorated with fine silk banners on the walls, stands wit priceless vases, invaluable statues from the Old Sunan Village and locked ornate chests. The room was oval in shape but easily the size of one city block. Thick, red pillars were placed every 20 feet or so to support the stonework ceiling against collapse. At the far end of the room was what could only be seen as a throne. It was a tall backed chair sitting upon a dais. To either side of the throne were two other tunnels, probably getaways or other entrances to the room.

But as for people, there seemed to be only 3 individuals inside. All three were at the far end, two standing beside the throne which sat a woman. The men were very average, seemingly no more than plain civilians. Brown clothes, average height, graying hair, and one had a beard.

The woman, however, was dressed in a gold and red dress. It hugged her body like a second skin, which was hardly flattering. The middle-aged woman had very thin arms and legs but a squishy, round middle that rolled several times in a sitting position. She looked even more ridiculous with platinum blond hair done up in piggy-tails with ringlet curls falling from the gathered point to just brush her shoulders. She sat cross legged, the short bottom of the dress slipping away from her thigh which revealed much-too-much of her, while the three were in deep conversation. One of the men said something that made the woman laugh hardily, shaking her rather flat bosom vigorously.

Back in the front of the hallway, Eiji waited for Ikkadan's report. It could come in handy to know a little about the room before entering. Not that they couldn't attempt to enter unseen.

 

[Honma Kotone]

The paper sulked along the surface of the wall, its body adjusting and crumpling silently at the every obstacle within its path. It moved so softly, so gently almost as if the paper glided just a few millimeters above the wall surface to avoid any noise. Ikka would relax as he focused the little mentality required for him to manipulate the sheet of paper, well, that was until the boy's own expression would curdle just for a moment. "I think," He would add as he leaned forward, as if that would help him, but doing so anyway, "Three people..." Ikka would narrow his vision momentarily, adjusting his focus before urging the paper to prowl deeper into the dragon's den.

The sheet of paper would swoon from the ceiling, avoiding detection by using the brightly lit room's shadows as a cover. It wasn't as if those who were in the room could even spot the black sheet of paper so easily, as their eyes would be so adjusted to the light. As the paper floated, or rather waddled, to its fall, the paper would shift and crimp in place; forming a well-designed paper man. It's body was slender, obviously, and its attitude full of mischievousness. The paper figure would tip-toe from one pillar to the next, rubbing his body against the beautiful material that coated the room whenever he had the chance too. "I can't tell whether they're all male, all female or both..." Ikka would add, folding his arms and turning his face towards Eiji with a daunting expression.

This technique could only really sense those with a life force, which was reasoned by the boy's bloodline of that of a Wood user: whom uses life force energy. It just so happened that the boy intermingled those two elements together, wood and paper, to create a hybrid child of the two, which was a sheet capable of sneaking around mixed with the ability to sense some moderate levels of life force, or chakra, that almost everyone had. For the next while, Ikka would manipulate the little figurine to explore the room, gathering as mother data as it could muster within the amount of time it was give. Quickly carefully, the sheet of paper would return from the dragons cave, adorning a set of make-shift wings as it fluttered happily back to Ikka's open palm.

"I didn't give you wings." He would state, eyebrow raised with a smile on his face, to which the figure would raise his pointed hand and give the boy a sort of 'thumbs up' before being added back into the collective: Ikkadan. "Anyway, it looks like a fairly big room, its supported by pillars or something... There's a large chair towards the back of the room, that's where one signature is emitting from. Those other two are just a few feet away, although I suspect that they're both males as we can hear them now, dully."

 

[Hanone]

His scouting paper had turned out relatively effective and seemingly unseen by those inside; he hadn't heard any commotion about it. This was good news, at least they would be able to enter unexpected. Nodding his approval and to signify he'd understood the boy, Eiji put a hand on his shoulder again. In a hushed voice, he said, "Remember what you were instructed to do. Follow." His slim hand dropped away from the boy's frame and Eiji stepped forward, walking with confidence into the long hallway. He had to veer right and left then finally came into the room. While he had done so, thick blue crystals pushed through the skin on his right forearm, wrist and hand. Pieces of the jagged rock enveloped his fingers and extended to create a clawed glove of sorts.

The hand remained just behind his leg, keeping out of immediate sight of those in the room as to not startle them more than need be. His face was passive, stern and serious. His posture was tall and imposing. So many like himself in the village held themselves this way when coming into a place where a fight might happen; confidence was key to winning so often it had become second nature for Sunan Shinobi, or at least the older ones he knew.

Eiji did not speak, however. Ikkadan had been instructed to do the talking and he remained silent, hoping the boy would remember this too.

Their presence, if Ikkadan had followed him into the room that was, was noticed almost a little too slowly. At first both men kept talking to the woman. She, in turn, payed attention to both men, a slight smile pulling at her thin lips. For a split second she flickered her gaze over to the pair of them then back to her companions. They were of no import to her it seemed. However odd this might seem, this was Hanabi's secret meeting room. So people would come in to see her here, maybe visitors weren't too surprising?

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikkadan would absorb the reiteration of his captain's order, or rather what he told him to do previously: to confront Hanabi with her crimes and ask her to submit to the law. And if she failed to submit? She would be swiftly killed, such a bloody mess that would create but that could not be avoided, could it? The boy would move with his leader, pressing through the threshold that led into the privily decorated chamber, a symbol of her wealth among the poor. Was it really something to brag about in such a blunt fashion, this throne, the woven material that coated the chamber in richness. Although, one would suppose that by revealing her wealth, or rather expensive taste, it would allow for her followers to really be submerged within an environment of submission, to follow the order of their rich master.

"Hanabi..." Ikka would say upon entering, veering to the opposite side of Eiji to avoid his detection or rather to take the attention away from his presence. "My name is Ikkadan, I'm a Chuunin within the Main Branch of the Shinobi corps." He would enter the threshold that separated light and darkness, revealing himself to the two men and the woman. He gave the woman a gentle expression and tucked his hands behind his back, cupping them and loosely toying with his belt knots. "Within my authority I have to deal with petty criminals, and of course, larger fish such as yourself." He would pay the woman a small compliment, although most normal people would take it as pretty insulting. "You're being charged with drug smuggling, thievery, torture and murder. These crimes are punishable by interrogation from other members of our corps and imprisonment for an extended period of time, which shall be decided upon during your trial and investigation."

Ikka would undo his cupped hands and rest them by his side, easy to move them slowly as to not frighten the two men into an offense. "I ask you to come with me without comment, compliant or resistance. Any result in your resistance will call for an immediate death sentence." He left the woman with no option as his face stiffened at the seriousness.

She really needed to come them to survive...

 

[Hanone]

Ikkadan took it upon himself to take responsibility. It was refreshing. The boy seemed like such a flake, he wasn't sure if he'd remember why they were there when presented with the boss. Luckily that didn't happen.

Overall, the boy did well. He made himself known, spoke with confidence and authority. His biggest flaw, however, was just assuming the woman before them was Hanabi. She could have been anyone to be honest, though if he had to guess, he too thought she was the female drug lord. She just held herself in that way and the two others stood to either side of her throne like pawns.

The unattractive woman's face became downright ugly as it moved from a smile to a deep frown. Lined creased between her brows like canals and her upper lip lifted as if she'd smelled something sickeningly foul. Her hands dropped to her throne armrests where long, painted fingernails dug into already formed grooves in the wood. This was a common pose for her it seemed.

Both 'pawns' turned too. The one to the right peered over his shoulder, scowling while the other spun all the way around to face them. His face wasn't so angry as it was... full of anticipation. Eiji wasn't expecting that look. Perhaps he was eager for a fight. Maybe he was excited to see some blood. But something prickled at the back of his mind. A warning. Eiji shifted ever so slightly, almost unnoticeable to an untrained eye. He was on the defense.

After what seemed to be minutes, but was probably more like seconds, the woman spoke. Her voice was shrill and angry, "You ninja-scum aren't welcome here. We do our own business, your leader knows that. He should be minding his own. This is your only chance: get the fuck out now, Chuunin Ikka-chan. And take your girlfriend with you. And don't ever come back or we'll kill you and your family." She finished by spitting on the floor. It was a large amount and dark brown from chewing tobacco.

Eiji didn't move. He would allow Ikkadan to continue to deal with the outlaw as he felt was necessary. She was resisting, as expected. But she was also offering them a way out too. This was usually an offer given out of fear. When a leader wanted to pretend they had something over you. It rarely worked, but they always did try, poor little peons.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikka would smile, lowering his head to allow his orange zest fringe to cover his chocolate hues, a combination that really made one feel hungry for some chocolate orange. But what was he doing? The woman was resisting, and those men seemed to be -ready- for something. The boy wasn't really expecting the men to seem so ready, but then again, maybe they liked the challenge of fighting a shinobi. "So, you are Hanabi, good..." He would raise his head, and as he did so, his body would seemingly detach and spread into countless bundles of white crisp paper. He would retain a quarter of his human form, which would his part of his torso and head. Although the outlines of those hidden paper sheets were ready to pounce into action, as the other countless flapping sheets hovered momentarily.

"What did I say about resisting?" Ikka would add, pushing his paper formation through the air, brushing past the two men - attempting to latch the mens mouths with a single paper sheet to keep them from talking. The boy would now be hovering a few feet from Hanabi, with a smile on his face, as the sheets surrounded the wannabe queen. The only formed part of Ikka's being was his torso and head, which made him partly vulnerable unless he was prepared with a Paper Clone switch. Of which, he would have prepared before entering a close proximity with the dangerous crook. After all, a woman like that wasn't not to be taken lightly.

"If we leave, you'll kill someone else, won't you?" A stream of paper would form, shifting and shaping into a half-formed hand; which pressed against the woman's face. "And I, with my good mind, allow that to happen. Now, I'll ask you once again, come with me or I'll kill you."

Ikka held his position, ready his chakra in the appropriate places and focusing whatever he needed to perform a substitute just encase the woman surprised the boy. It was a tricky situation, a criminal resisting arrest and a boy to nice for his own good, trying to be as hard as nails to bring this drug lord down. She needed to be stopped because her defeat will make the world a better place, or at least the slums would become more stable without her dark dealings. Families could be happy, find stable jobs and be able to afford such entitlements that one should be allowed within their short lives.

And this bitch was just one obstacle.

 

[Hanone]

Things were beginning to unravel before Eiji's eyes and not in the way one usually expected. Certainly Ikkadan was taking control well. The two papers he had sent out toward the males beside the throne found their mark and latched onto their mouths firmly. But just like Hanabi, they didn't react very much. A little startle and a hint of anger.

Hanabi leaned back in her throne, fingers still dug into the armrests. The veins in her arms were straining visibly to the surface, showing her tension, but she didn't get up and run away or fight back. She had a lot of self control or something else... Eiji's eyes narrowed.

The woman's eyes narrowed at the boy before her. He was so very young and she assumed that meant he was inexperienced. His paper fluttered around her, dancing around the air like butterflies. Her face was strained, then broke into a smile. "Child. You just made the worst mistake of your life." Then suddenly, with the speed of the most skilled of shinobi, two hazy forms appeared to either side of the woman, one closer to the paperform Ikkadan than the other. Eiji could see they had come from the two hallways behind the throne and knew within the pit of his stomach, their coming here had been compromised.

But thinking wasn't an option here, only reaction. The closest man to Ikkadan struck out with incredible speed and force, swinging a powerful leg toward the head of the papery boy hardly missing a beat. What was more was the other man had already passed his hands in a blur through a set of handseals and was blowing a wave of raging, purplish fire in the direction of Ikkadan's getaway. He showed anticipation and battle-readiness. Eiji would have responded with haste and interception except for the fact that four others appeared in a diamond shape around himself.

He took in a single breath as the attack came down. In the moment of battle, things slowed down for Eiji. His trained eyes took in what was around him in that second. Every side had a weapon raised, two swords, a warhammer and one with two curved daggers. Their eyes were full of fury and a determination for the kill; they wanted to end this quickly. Eiji's body lowered, he found a single exit to move through (the space beside a sword user and the hammer weilder who needed a little more space to swing) and took the chance. Time returned to it's normal, intense speed in his eyes and he narrowly avoided being cleaved, smashed and stabbed. A plume of broken rubble and dust rose from the spot he had once stood.

The jounin landed, pivoted and released an immediate wave of acid at the place the men landed. The sickly green water burnt a layer off the floor and washed over the right leg of just one of the men, sizzling the flesh into nothing but a bubbling, sinewy puddle on the floor. All the others had leaped away just in time. The hit man screamed as his shinbones continued to sizzle then too, turned into a soft paste, then nothing.

Eiji couldn't look toward the boy, but hoped he would be able to hold his own. His stomach, however, was saying otherwise. The deepest pit of his stomach was sour. Those men had been too strong, too quick.

Hanabi, now protected, laughed and exclaimed to the room, "You idiots think we didn't know you were coming? We knew! I know everything!" her cocky voice cracked with excitement. She wanted to see them die!

 

[Honma Kotone]

Another use for the paper that Ikkadan created was, like before, some sheets contained a special propriety which allowed for the boy to 'sense' if there was any other life signs close-by. However, that allowed the boy to lower his guard somewhat as the sensation of feeling in control took over, but, all good things must come to an end and come to an end did his mentality of control. Two blurs, figures even, phased through the air - too quick for Ikka to be aware until it was too late - both figures stood beside the throne, protecting their hive queen like some kind of precious honey. One man, far too fast to counter, managed to swing his leg firmly towards Ikka's weak point; connecting with his face and causing the remainder of his formed humanoid body to be propelled backwards in a haze of crispy white.

Ikka would slam against a pillar, his body half-formed by paper at this point, his hand pressed against his forehead as he rubbed it firmly. However, again, it was too late for the boy to even realize that danger was approaching in the form of fire, his element's to a certain degree. Some simple-minded part of him expected Eiji to help, but it appeared that fate would not allow that, and fate would cause four others to block the leader's pathway towards his comrade.

His heart thrashed against his chest, adrenaline heightened his senses but really that only made his hands quiver and shake due to fear. He really wasn't expecting this, but really, was he going to allow this shinobi-esk man to take advantage of him? Ikka would now be almost fully reformed, which now allowed up to flip through a series of seals as he leaped to his feet and stared down the purple, fiery haze dead-on. The boy would summon a mold of paper, which would quickly form into that of a hand-held shield. As quick as he could, the boy would crouch down, holding the shield against the expectancy of what was to come.

A second past, a brief moment of not having to fight against such a fire, but all-too soon that moment would bash and the boy, now crouched, would be pushed across the floor; holding his shield as best as he could, feeling the intense heat surround his entirety. The handle of the shield, which snugly fit over his forearm, would disperse and the shield would drop, eventually dispersing. Luckily, the flames would have died down, only loose embers of purple energy clinging to the lush materials was all but left. Nut Ikka didn't leave unscathed, he would have some small burns on his forearms. The boy would have to bare with them for now, after all, he had to assist in the defeat of Hanabi.

"Enlightened Suppression!" Ikka would exclaim, pushing forward his open palm, while using his hand to hold the wrist of his open palm hand. The earth beneath Ikka, in fact, the cobbled stones that wove themselves over the earth would sprout out of their fitting slots and be pushed aside by a growth of wooden plants. A series of plants, beautiful flowers that bloomed so perfectly, would viciously begin to swirl collectively and, without wasting a moment on allowing one to admire their thorny beauty, they would roar forward and attempt to bind the man, whom had launched the purple fire technique at Ikka.