Old News [Messenger Arriving]

[Kogami Ayumu]

The ANBU group that head went off to Konoha was returning at last after another arduous journey between countries. Going one way was rough enough, but returning almost immediately made it seem as though the trip was just one very long road. Their spirits would raise as they began seeing the familiar surroundings of the approach to Kumogakure. Flipping on their radio, one ANBU sent a message ahead to the gates: they had come baring messages... one for the Raikage and one for Okada Kaji, both from the Hokage.

Hearing word of this from the gates, Ayumu decided not to wait for the message to reach the tower but instead to receive it at the gates. He made his way there quickly and once he arrived it was only a short wait before the ANBU squad returned. The one carrying the letters unmounted from his horse and handed over the letter for Ayumu while the others did the same.

"Thank you," Ayumu said before noticing another letter in the ANBU's possession. "Who is that for?" Ayumu asked.

"Okada Kaji," the ANBU replied. Ayumu nodded, not surprised. Kaji had been informed too, though the message would be delivered to him if he did not choose to come to the gates as well. For the time being, Ayumu was more interested in seeing what this message said. Saito was not with the group, which suggested that the meeting had gone well, but Touma's absence was strange Not wasting any more time, Ayumu tore open the envelope and began reading the letter from... not Umashi.

Letters from Yomi

Finished reading, Ayumu stared quietly at the words for a few moments. Umashi was missing? Konoha had not informed Kumogakure for months? Ayumu closed his eyes and placed a hand over his face as he absorbed that information. What did it mean? Umashi was the one who they had been working with towards alliance between their nations. Without him, what would become of that alliance? In his absence, his village had neglected to inform Kumogakure that he was gone until Kumo ANBU showed up in Konoha. The only reassurance was the fact that the new Hokage was willing to accept Saito's stay in their village for a time. Ayumu now understood why Touma had not returned.

Moving the first envelope, Ayumu located the second underneath. He didn't need to guess who this was from. He opened it to a brief letter from Touma explaining why he had not returned. He would be monitoring the situation in Konoha, hopeful to inform Kumo of any changes before several months passed. That was some solace to take, though Ayumu would miss having Touma in the village in the meantime. However, there were more negatives than positives here to be sure.

[Topic Entered by Messenger NPC from Leaf]
[Topic Entered by Ayumu, Message Received]
[Kaji called to receive his letter if so desired]

 

[Okada Kaji]

While the Village Hidden in the Clouds was quite an illustrious and sizable city, its shinobi were rightfully champions of navigating it quickly. And of all the shinobi who could react promptly, Kaji Okada had quickly risen to notoriety across his village for arriving right in the nick of time. The thunder of hooves often foretold his arrival as he galloped to the gates on the back of his powerful and elegant steed. The venerable sunan mare with her chocolate hue and silky black mane— Kukki was her name, single-handedly made equine companions a trend in lands where shinobi tended to run alone.

“Whoa girl” Kaji called his steed to a smooth halt, and the marks of enchanting seals glowing on her legs and hooves ceased their heavenly glow. Kaji dismounted expertly and took a moment to appreciate the horse as always, petting the scruff on the nape of her neck before approaching a puzzled Raikage by the name of Ayumu Kogami.

Kaji led with a friendly salute and called to his senior, “Well if it isn’t the man himself.” Kaji came with an open hand, ready for his own letter, though he hoped he wouldn’t be left with the same confused look. “Is everything ok, Ayumu? ‘Don’t tell me it’s that Anatsu guy again… Oh, maybe we have an update on that other Uchiha already. ‘That was fast.” Once he received his own message, his eyes danced from line to line, and he too appeared dumbfounded by the unexpected changes. “First Hakuren turns up dead, now Umashi… missing,” he said with reasonable concern. “Talk about trouble in paradise.”

Just when things seemed to fall into place for Kaji at his declared home; the place where his heart lay in the Cloud— a pot of trouble was boiling-over back at The Leaf. In truth, it was a bit too easy for Kaji to declare that he’d never make a permanent return to the Leaf… However, he could not help but feel slightly accountable for the vacuum of loyal and capable shinobi that was created when he was sent to the Cloud. It was naturally filled, but the result was turning out similar to a blood transfusion that wouldn’t take; the old struggling with the new. This left Kaji quiet as he contemplated his path for a moment, one he’d have to tread carefully or end up dragged into a conflict that was no longer his to fix. Oh, these old ties that bind us still.

“Perhaps I should venture out to the Leaf to see about Touma, Saito, and the other affairs come spring, once winter thaws?” Kaji didn’t seem certain at all as he raised the suggestion to the Raikage. “Yomi put it well enough, Umashi can handle himself. As for Lady Hokage— if she intends to visit us, maybe we should see to it that Touma and Saito join her traveling band. Having guides on hand should prevent a repeat of the travel problems we had that time my party ventured to Cloud.”

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

The sound of horse hooves announced Kaji's approach, and Ayumu didn't even have to look up to know it was he who was coming. He looked up as he heard Kaji's voice's. He realized the concern must have been obvious on his face as Kaji inquired as to whether everything was okay.

"Ah... am I that obvious? Troubling news from Konoha," Ayumu replied, not spoiling the message but instead gesturing to Kaji's own letter. He glanced over his own once more as he waited for Kaji to finish and then looked up as Kaji's voice sounded again.

"The trouble never ceases," Ayumu replied, a lesson he had learned well since reaching his first position of leadership. Kaji had a few suggestions to make in regards to the recent events, as well as a small revelation for Ayumu.

"She intends to visit us? That bit didn't make it into my letter. I suppose it's good you were here to compare notes," Ayumu joked. Kaji's confidence in Umashi made Ayumu feel a bit better about the Hokage's disappearance, but only a little. He didn't know what battle it was that Umashi was fighting, nor did he know if he believed the world was truly at stake, but he knew that Umashi being gone had potential to be troublesome for the alliance.

"Anyway, yes, it might be a good idea for you to go, given your history there. Touma decided to remain behind in order to keep an eye on the situation there as well as Saito, so I'm comfortable with waiting until the time period established has elapsed to have the boy come back. If the timing works out, Touma and Saito can join this new Hokage on her trip as well, if she wishes. If not, we can easily arrange an escort as we had for your group," Ayumu continued. Yomi had decided to allow Saito to stay despite their troubles and Ayumu was not keen to yank the boy back prematurely in spite of that. He trusted Touma to look after him.

 

[Okada Kaji]

Any trouble in the Land of Fire certainly presented an ill wind as news of it blew over to Kaji at the Hidden Cloud. The letter from Lady Yomi was cordial enough that she undersold what could have very well been a state of emergency. The only thing missing was ash cloud peppered into a skyline drifting from hundreds of miles away— Kaji imagined a land steeped in the flames of chaos. There, he had a reputation as The Hunter in parts unknown, but that title was surely fading into the words of obscure history books since his move to the Cloud. “I want to trust in them as I’d think they trust us, but the ill omen of that letter is hard to downplay” Kaji revealed, reflecting on his vision of trouble on the horizon. “But a delay seems like the wisest course, yes— besides, we can rely on Touma to send word if anything seeks out immediate attention.” Indeed, sending a capable shinobi to fill the role intended for Yuuto Masaru was a wise move; an eye on things to ensure the integrity of this alliance between great villages holds.

It seemed as if their prompted meeting was adjourned, and Kaji began to turn for his steed when a lingering concern left him pausing. He played with the letter in his hands for a moment then and even looked at it again as if he hadn’t already memorized the details perfectly. “You know, Ayumu, I would have already been riding for the Leaf due to something like this if it happened a year ago.” It was the kind of observation that prompted a question in-turn, though the reason may have been clear at surface level. “Things have gotten so complicated now, though, especially with some changes in my personal life. ‘Uh, the big kind. ‘Would you mind if I joined your walk for a moment?” The rapport between Kaji and Ayumu had never been better, of that Kaji was sure as he felt the confidence to delve deeper into this subject at hand. The subject of Yuii Kagetsu was an ever-complicated web built on secrets and passion, making their lives challenging as they both struggled to work while keeping total discretion. Proceeding along the path wherever Ayumu intended to go next, Kaji joined him and whistled for his mare to follow along casually.

“While I do want to check on the state of our friends in Konoha; well, I know that Yuii opened up to you about the things between her and I some time ago… and, uuuuh, well, it would be a bit disgracious of me to stray too far from her in the coming months. You see, she is…” and then came a knot in his throat forcing him into silence! It was as if anxiety locked up his tongue and wired his mouth shut… but with his words left unsaid, the Raikage would be left to potentially jump to all the wrong conclusions. And with their walk taken in the name of privacy from the eavesdropping gate staff, the subject must have seemed even more suspicious. “She’s been very sick, haven’t you noticed? I think it’s some gut rot from all those sweets... she’s been bloated— and weak in the knees as of late, and needs my support. ‘I doubt she’d tolerate me going on such a trip without her to be honest, but she’d feel guilt-ridden if I didn’t go on her account.” It probably sounded like a lie, sure, but those symptoms weren’t entirely off the mark. Kaji didn’t take Ayumu for a fool, but Yuii was doing a decent job of hiding her pregnancy in the public eye, so the cover-up was worth a shot. “If I am to go, I’m thinking maybe she’s deserving some furlough as well. She’s mentioned wanting to travel with me, and I’m sure she’d see our adventure circling back home to cloud in a timely fashion… You know she deserves some time to unwind as much as anyone.” Though Kaji was sure Ayumu would have a talk over it with Yuii to confirm her interest in the idea, he saw no harm in proposing the idea in her favor. The worst either of them would say was no.

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Kaji had similar misgivings about how long it had taken for Konoha to share information with them and what the event unfolding there could mean, however that was a concern for later. He agreed that they could wait on sending anybody to Leaf given that Touma was in place to keep an eye on things. Ayumu thought that perhaps the conversation was nearing it's natural conclusion, but Kaji seemed to have something else on his mind. With a smooth transition, he began to gently broach a different subject, hinting at something big in his personal life. Of course, by now Ayumu knew that he likely meant something to do with Yuii. She had not long ago admitted to Ayumu the feelings the two leaders of their branches had for one another. Whatever it was, Kaji wanted to talk to Ayumu about it.

"Sure, I was just headed back to the Torre but there's no rush," Ayumu agreed before turning to walk with Kaji. Before Kaji could say a word, Ayumu was already speculating on what he might want to talk about. Was he looking for some relationship advice? Concerned about making his move to Kumogakure permanent? Now that Ayumu knew of him and Yuii, his enthusiasm of the idea of staying in Cloud made a lot of sense. As Kaji mentioned the fact that Yuii had revealed their relationship, Ayumu nodded, but his curiosity was only peaked more as Kaji went on. Why was he hesitant to leave her side... for the coming months, specifically? Ayumu raised his eyebrows as the natural next step in logic suggested what Kaji was reluctant to say. Ayumu stopped dead in his tracks, turning on a heel to face Kaji as the man hesitated, waiting for that big reveal. But it didn't come.

"Sick? Oh... uh, right," Ayumu responded, turning away from Kaji. "Not what I thought you were going to say," he admitted. Scratching his head, he started walking once more. It was probably obvious from his dramatic reaction that Ayumu had jumped to the very conclusion that Kaji decided not to say out loud. Though, despite not saying the p word the things he described only reminded Ayumu of when Kahako had been pregnant. That suspicion wouldn't go away just because Ayumu decided not to prod. At last, Kaji revealed where this conversation had been headed from the start. He wished to include Yuii in his travel plans so as to remain by her side while still carrying out the duty he felt he needed to in Konoha. Ayumu nodded slowly as he considered Kaji's words. Naturally, Yuii had been talking about vacation practically from the moment Ayumu had met her. Before she returned to the village, she had been something of a wanderer on the village's payroll for quite some time. That nature never really left her and it hadn't helped that Ayumu had been forced to restrict her ability to travel due to her handling of bringing Sunuke into the village. That restriction had passed, but she still hadn't gotten out, likely because of how busy she was as Sennin... maybe because she didn't feel like she could.

"She does deserve it," Ayumu agreed, nodding once more. "I have no problem with it so long as she makes sure to leave her usual duties in capable hands. Of course, that's easier said than done but with the prospect of vacation as motivation, I imagine she could find somebody," Ayumu concluded. Now that Yuii had established herself a bit in the position of Sennin and well, of Yuii, it couldn't hurt too much for her to leave the village for a short vacation now and then, could it? In truth, the prospect of a trip somewhere sounded mighty fine to Ayumu too, though he'd have to think about how he might work something like that out. Yuii had probably been hoping for something like this much longer.

"Isn't it a bit soon for the honeymoon, though? You're not even married yet!" Ayumu teased, bumping Kaji's shoulder with the back of his hand with a smirk. Unless, of course, there was something else he didn't know.

 

[Okada Kaji]

Of course Ayumu was seeing through the veil of Kaji’s scheme but seemed trusting enough to not call him on the ruse. However, by the time Kaji really thought he had the Raikage going, he was countered with a mere joke that struck too close to home.
“No… not quite yet” Kaji replied to the notion of not being married yet. While his previous meeting with Umashi ended with a demand that Kaji marry Yuii Kagetsu to remain with the Cloud, Kaji was still far from popping the question. Perhaps it was the idea of a requirement for citizenship that left him in a quandary, not wanting to taint their relationship for any reason other than love. A lot of love has to do with making each other happy, Kaji thought. “Yuii has always wanted to travel— she yearns for it often, and I think the trip would scratch an itch for her.” As someone well traveled, Kaji knew what she was missing out on, and wanted to provide those experiences. “To see the world beyond the many mountains of Lightning Country.”
The wisdom of Ayumu was telling and Kaji formed a grin. The Raikage was ahead of the mark but not by far. In fact, Kaji often carried the box he intended to fill the perfect trinket with, yet knowing Yuii, Kaji would never get the chance to propose and she’d do it first.

“I’m sure we’ll get to all that someday, maybe sooner than later,” said Kaji, aiming to get the conversation back on track. “But there are a lot of factors making things more complicated. It’s hard to start a family in a world that isn’t ready for it.” Some of the subjects should have been familiar to Ayumu; actually, all of it. Yuii had told him of how critical the Kagetsu was of her in the past— that hadn’t changed. However, there was also matters of their own ANBU Branch and very specific rules within their honorable codex.
“Barricades within the system” Kaji persisted. “I’d hate for our union to be treated like some scandal. A smudge on Yuii’s reputation within the village could expose her to naysayers and opponents to her position. Even within ANBU, if word got out that I was violating the Codex as their Vice Commander… some of the senior members would call for me to put down the mask.” It there it was seeming as if there was much left to discuss after all. The short stroll suddenly seemed more like a long walk with heavy subjects on the schedule. “And all that is before Yuii's family has their overreaction… She’s scared and living in fear of her elders, and honestly, so am I.” He had a profound pause, clearly still with much on the tongue. Some truths were too hard to admit. “I’m scared of what I’ll do if we dare to start a family and they intervene with force… I’ve— left a past of undervaluing life behind, but I’d kill for her in a blink of an eye.” He felt shame, even slowing his pace just slightly, thinking himself unworthy to walk beside such an honorable man. “I should’ve been honest” he admitted before pausing his stride entirely. “It’s no sickness with Yuii, I doubt she’s ever been healthier. It’s exactly what it looks like… we are having a child.” Cross between frowning with disgust and grinning full of pride, Kaji was out of character— looking like a nervous wreck. “And I have no idea what I’m doing anymore.”

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

The joke was a joke... mostly but it was also prodding a bit more at the earlier subject Kaji had narrowly avoided. Ayumu was suspicious now, but he wouldn't outright ask. He wasn't going to pry. Not so directly, anyway. Ayumu would be studying reactions closely now. Kaji continued on, not broaching the subject of marriage any further but refocusing on the idea of traveling. He mentioned Yuii's love of travel, an aspect of Yuii that Ayumu was well familiar with. It was a point of contention for her with her current position as Sennin. Before then, she had the freedom to travel whenever she pleased, but being the Sennin required a lot more of her time to be spent in the village. Ayumu himself had left the village a lot more in his youth, even if it was on missions.

Kaji brought up the obstacles that he and Yuii faced with their relationship. There were many, some that Ayumu hadn't thought much about in all honesty. He knew that the Kagetsu were very strict and that they didn't care much for Yuii. That despite their dislike of her, they expected her to follow their instruction to a T. Of course, as a clanless man himself he could never know just how strict they truly were nor the lengths to which they would go to have their way. The ANBU branch was an obstacle he was more familiar with. Ayumu groaned slightly as Kaji brought it up. The fraternization rules had been implemented and enforced by Ayumu's successor in the position of ANBU Sennin. It had not been his idea to restrict the members in such a way. He understood the thought behind it, but he disagreed with it nonetheless. That being said, those guidelines could be changed, especially given Ayumu's plans for Kaji in ANBU. The clan was truly the more rigid institution. He couldn't blame the man for how he felt about the idea of the clan's interference.

Suddenly, Kaji's pace slowed to a stop. Nobody else was around now, it was just the two of them without prying eyes or ears. Kaji had made a decision, it seemed, to get to the heart of the matter and reveal what was really on his mind. He admitted that Yuii was in fine health and confirmed Ayumu's suspicions... they were expecting. Ayumu took a deep breath as he turned, looking Kaji over as he exhaled. The man looked as though he wasn't sure how to feel. He was lost. Perhaps wondering how Ayumu would react to this news. Ayumu, for his part, simply smiled and clapped Kaji on the shoulder before letting his hand drop back to his side.

"Congratulations," he said sincerely. He knew that there were a lot of things on Kaji's minds, that many things worried him about bringing the child into the world, but it was still something to be celebrated, in Ayumu's mind. The rest could be figured out. It would simply have to be. "I know your concerns are limitless, but that is something to be happy about. Susumu was, admittedly, not part of the plan for us... but as it turns out, nothing brings me more pride than fatherhood," Ayumu told him. The Torre would have to wait, this conversation was one Kaji was clearly in need of having.

"For ANBU's part... let's say that those regulations in question weren't always regulations... and just like they have before, regulations can change," he hinted. It wasn't as though he wanted the regulations to change for Kaji. The restrictions had never been something Ayumu had agreed with fully. The men and women of ANBU put their life on the line for Cloud. They should be allowed to find some meaning in that life, outside of work. To try to keep it otherwise was unsustainable. That was Ayumu's viewpoint.

"Clans are a different beast... a complicated one indeed. Take it from a clanless mongrel who is marrying the eventual inheritor of the Shinrya clan. For various reasons, I imagine Kahako's grandmother doesn't much care for me," Ayumu explained, giving some insight into his own familiarity with clans. "Though, from what Yuii has told me and my own experiences with them, I realize the Kagetsu clan is still yet another beast," Ayumu admitted. They were one of the founding clans of Kumogakure and had influence to show for it.

"They like to think they can do whatever they want because they're a founding clan, but their holding is slipping. Times are changing if someone like me has ended up in the position I'm in," Ayumu insisted rebelliously. There was a reason he was not taking the Shinrya name despite technically marrying into the clan. He was proud of where he had ended up despite not being in some powerful influential clan.

 

[Okada Kaji]

In a society so constricting with its policies and traditions, it was relieving to have a Raikage like Lord Kogami at the helm. He was a true friend— or so Kaji decided as Ayumu offered him congratulations on the coming child. Until that moment, the secret love-child had felt like something to be guilty of or even a burden. The uncertainty was shameful, but with Ayumu’s reply came some kind of salvation. No, the bureaucracy should not taint Kaji’s love for Yuii Kagetsu, nor should it spoil the joy of their firstborn child coming due. This chat was something Kaji truly needed. “Thanks, Ayumu” answered Kaji to those kind words regarding the child. “It means a lot to have your support.”

“I have no doubt that the ANBU can be reformed— that I know is well in your power” Kaji added with a hopeful tone. “But the Kagetsu will be a problem. There’s going to be a point where they will have to accept us or do their worst… but Yuii living in fear for freedom just doesn’t feel free. It just doesn’t feel like an ideal environment to raise our child, either.” As he mulled over the possibilities he considered the few options available. “I imagine the only immediate solution would be me taking the child and going underground. ‘I would raise it in secret and sever what Yuii and I have together... ‘What kind of life is that?” It was an answer Kaji already knew: it was the life of a low-born shinobi who flew too close to the sun. “I’d rather die fighting than live under the thumb of aristocrats, or turn my back on my woman.” He was beginning to sound dangerous, but Kaji knew very few ways to swim in shark infested water without biting back; fighting the oppression of Yuii's kin. Could he really be considering fighting the Kagetsu? “Or, do you think there’s another option? How did you and Kahako overcome the Shinrya?”

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

Kaji agreed that the ANBU regulations were not the real obstacle. The Kagetsu were not to be trifled with, even by the Raikage. He might have been the leader of the village, but that didn't mean the clans did not have considerable influence of their own. Besides that, they had a lot of resources, shinobi included, enabling them to throw their weight around. If Ayumu, or any other Raikage, was ever forced to act against them, the village would probably suffer greatly for it. Kaji voiced his concerns about their family living in fear. The idea of him disappearing with the child for its safety was even on his radar. Ayumu looked at the ground as his hand balled into a fist. Were the Kagetsu really so underhanded?

"Well, the Kagetsu really are different entirely. The Shinrya use their wealth to influence whereas the Kagetsu are more willing to use any resource or methods, it seems," Ayumu responded, comparing the attitude of the two clans. He had never really been concerned about Kahako's clan or what they might do. It was hard to imagine having to worry about earning the ire of something so big as the Kagetsu clan. Yuii and Kaji were in a difficult position.

"If they ever came after you two, or your child, I'm confident that you would show them how bad an idea that is. Know that I would have your back for defending your family-- no matter what you had to do. They can't get away with something like that," Ayumu said. He knew he didn't have to tell Kaji it was okay to defend his family-- Ayumu would feel the same way in his shoes-- but he wanted him to know that he would be supported if he did.

"That said... maybe the key is to bring it all out in the open? The less people know, the more the Kagetsu can do without drawing attention to their actions. They work best just like any shinobi... in the shadows, where nobody is looking. If your family and relationship remain in the dark, they've got you right where they want you," Ayumu tried to reason. He wasn't sure if this was the best of advice. He didn't have all the answers, unfortunately, but it seemed logical to him.

"The people of this village won't let the Kagetsu do whatever they want and the Kagetsu are smart enough to know that."

 

[Okada Kaji]

Encouragement and camaraderie from Ayumu was certainly a boon to Kaji in his time of uncertainty. With those kind words came the decree that Kaji and Yuii could count on the village to have their back if things turned sour with the Kagetsu family. There was rightful concern that the taboos listed by the anbu would have Kaji branded and ousted, but those deserved a change as well. It appeared that the life they chose was one that would inspire change in each other, and change in their world. The idea that he and the Raikage might push for reform in the anbu organization meant that there was hope that Kaji and Yuii really could form a world ready for their child. Having hope seemed to be the key to it all.

Kaji made a contented exhale, releasing some of the stress in one big breath. “Thank you, Ayumu… I’ve gotten a lot out of this chat; a real weight off my shoulders.”
In fact, Kaji was starting to look forward to the joys and chores of fatherhood for the first time, truly glad that he was experiencing it all in this place known as The Hidden Cloud. “Enough clarity to get back to work” Kaji put in with an awkward laugh. “To regain focus and continue building a world our offspring can thrive in… Ha, speaking of— do you think your young one will follow in your footsteps? ‘The Cloud will benefit well to have shinobi like you serving it for generations to come. Will a day come where Susumu joins the ANBU ranks?” The latter was meant as a joke, but he couldn’t help but feel as if he were predicting something inevitable. “With a bit of luck, I’ll still be there to help reign him in… Yuii has told me stories, he’s a good kid.”

With a bit of humor and casual conversation, the Raikage and the Vice Commander had come full circle in their chat, and the base of the Torre Celeste was just a few steps away. It was amazing how quickly one could pass through the village when they were distracted. It seemed as if their time had come to a close, and both men had much left to do for the Cloud that day. “Welp, it’s been a good talk,” Kaji said, “I’ll let you get back to work, and send a report on the Leaf business as soon as I get something new from Konoha. ‘Adios, mi amigo.” With last departing words spoken in his natural language, Kaji tied up the end of their chat and split off, seeking the nearest access point to the Sileo Tempestas.

- Kaji has left the thread unless stopped.

 

[Kogami Ayumu]

"Haha, I have no idea what Susumu's going to do. He doesn't seem the type to head into the Medical branch like his mother, though, so it's certainly possible. He seems to have some fascination with ANBU, though, so it's certainly possible that's where he'll end up," Ayumu responded, following Kaji's transition from the initial conversation. If Kaji had gained something from the conversation, Ayumu was glad he could be whatever help he might have been. The Kagetsu were really a thorn in his side, as were most of these large clans. At last they had reached the Torre Celeste and it was time for both of them to get back to work. "Yeah... Duty calls. I'm glad we were able to talk. My door's open anytime you need to do it again. See ya," Ayumu said before Kaji returned presumably to the Sileo and Ayumu ascended the steps to the entrance of the tower.

It felt good that Kaji had chosen to confide some of these things in Ayumu. He seemed to respect Ayumu just as Ayumu respected him and it made Ayumu want to be a many worthy of that respect. He hoped that Kaji would continue to trust in him and that the two of them could be good friends. Ayumu didn't have enough of those. Sighing, he made his way into the Torre elevator to return to his job. He was certain he had missed any number of things on his excursion to the gates and would be paying for it shortly. That was pretty much always the case.

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