Prepare Your Diddly Hole (Entering country)

[Kairyuu]

We're Comin For You Masao​

The boat lay behind them, as did miles of rail. Words had been said, at one point, and vomit projected across the deck in what Hoshikata still felt was an attack on his person. Against all precedent, Hoshikata had spent most of the trip silent and in thought. When words were said he would merely smile, apologize, and promise not to do it again. In truth if he had known it would be such a problem he would likely not have at all. Or at least been more subtle about it.

But now they were here, stepping off the train and stretching legs. The scenery as they passed through Wind, Fire and the other countries between had not interested him much. But now they were here, and he could see the mountains looming in the distance. As he stepped free of the confines of the deathtrap on wheels he seemed to return to his usual self.

"Welcome to Lightning." He turns to look at them, noting that his breath was already coming out in a fog to show the cold. He didn't seem bothered by it, indeed he didn't feel it. "Bundle up, I suppose. I can only imagine how cold it will be in the mountains. If memory serves, the village is close to this border but in the middle of that range you can see. So we'll have to keep warm and take some food to keep us going for a day or so."

Without pause he steps to Tatsuya and puts a hand on his shoulder, looking into the eyes of his oldest friend. "And to you, I do apologize. I promise, nothing of the sort shall ever happen again."

 

[Hameru Ren]

Curious words had reached the ears of the Spymaster. He had been back for no more than three days and was still working through quite some piles of reports. So much had happened, yet now a new player was entering his turf. A player he knew, one he had experience with. But the man was not alone. Natsu had heard about the mass exodus of the Isaki and Shoukyou clan, of course. It had been the buzz of town right before the Spymaster had set out with Rozan. And if it hadn't been for the weird cat-bus thing Rozan had summoned, the Clans likely would've beaten him to reaching Cloud.

Of course, not even the Spymaster had known where the trekking clans were headed to. His initial reaction to the report that Hoshikata had been seen on the Train much surprised him, a feeling which only grew the longer the man stayed on it. Yet curiousity as well. What was the man planning? Had he come here with his entire clan in hopes of making a new Mist? One with cardgames and prostitutes? It'd bear investigation, but Natsu felt he couldn't trust many of his agents. In his absence they had done some of the worst reporting. And Hoshikata was a skilled opponent. The Spymaster would go himself.

Perks of the rank, and being close friends with the Deathwatch Commander, included swift and unseen exits out of the Village. Almost as if he'd never truly entered. Most curious, nay? Natsu happily made use of it however, and with one of the messenger horses borrowed from Kumo's stables he swiftly reached the train station. It was but barely on time, as he had only a short hour before the train carrying Hoshikata and co. arrived. It didn't take long to spot the man however. "Greetings, Isaki-Sama." Natsu called out, waving a hand at the Golden Man."I have to admit, I did not expect to see you again so soon."

[Topic Entered]
[OoC: I lingered.. Aren't I amazing?]

 

[Shiruko Makoto]

Tatsuya's rage had long since cooled, especially when they hit dry land again. The trip over the mainland was uneventful, even boring, but at least it had given him time to calm down. Particularly since he had gone off on his own for much of it, spending his time apart from everyone he could possibly manage to get away from.

When he was mad, he was thoroughly mad. Of course, he had actually ceased to be shortly into the trip, but it paid sometimes to act like you were more furious than you were. Then people would just not do whatever it was they did again.

He pulled his jacket around himself tightly, absently applying clan warmth seals to it. He'd do it for the twins too if they asked, but they could do it on their own if they were bothered to. He gave a half-hearted scowl he didn't really feel at the train and adjusted his stride and stance to a more normal one for him.

"I should've thrown you off the boat," he muttered, not meaning it. "All right, fine, apology accepted, just...don't. I don't like anyone mucking around with my head."

Five seconds later he was smiles again, because enigmatic and childish-seeming was another good thing to be. Provided you weren't actually childish, of course. Did anyone see that the head games ran in the family yet?

It was surprising that a native seemed poised to greet them. He lifted an eyebrow, but otherwise kept his usual amiable fool persona up. He might have to ditch it at some point, but while they were around other ninja certainly wasn't the place to do so. And this was someone who knew Hoshikata...hm.

Obviously, he's been to Mist--and recently.

He dipped his head lightly in respect to the man, using it as cover to give him a not-entirely-subtle once-over that anyone sharp would catch. The grin on his face widened very slightly.

"Shoukyou Tatsuya. Pleasure to meet you, I'm sure," he said, very slight stress on the first word.

 

[Akako]

It was amusing to say the least to see their big brother angry with the Isaki. They knew how their brother thought, of course, so weren’t worried in the slightest and took to wandering about on their own, visiting their medical team, their… creations and taking care of the clansmen of both the Shoukyou and the Isaki. They knew to leave their brother alone and they had yet to disturb both Hoshikata and Temujin beyond the basic social niceties.

The train ride was something else too. Even if they were shinobi who maimed and killed for a living, even doing beyond that with their less than moral experiments, it was a whole new world out there. They had never been outside of Water Country before and they looked forward to seeing the sites. They would pretty much act like a pair of tourists until business comes a’calling.

They were both bundled up in black fur long coat that reached up to their ankles with only boots, white gloves and faces visible aside from that with the hoods up. They had warming seals too although one of the two had taken the glove of their right hand off as he, she, it excitedly whispered to his, her, its sibling: “Let’s see what frostbite does first hand!” Quite literally too.

But then the Kumo nin arrived and that twin hid the hand turning blue behind their back and smiled innocently. It seemed the blonde nin, they had to suppress a groan with their brother present, already knew Hoshikata. They waited until Tatsuya introduced himself before taking their turn. They noted of course the tone of voice their brother used and stopped themselves before they could roll their eyes. The two stepped forward in unison and bowed their heads in greeting; “Shoukyou Akane and Akihiko,” they said although they didn’t say who was who for they were identical from head to toe at the moment except for the currently blue left hand. “Nice to meetcha! Do you have any hot chocolate? We would very much like some please!" they piped up cheerily.

Yep, these sorts of games ran in the family along with a whole lot of other shit.

 

[Kaguya Jikan]

"Damn it's cold," Temujin said as he pulled his overcoat tighter around him. He was putting on a charade because he was burning up on the inside as he moved his tendrils around to create friction and heat, like an internal heater. The train ride had been rather boring, the scenery was bland through the countries they passed although different than what he was used to. He had seen the different temperate zones in books so he wasn't surprised by anything. Temujin looked towards his brother as he was apologizing to Tatsuya. "Hah, he promises now, but what about the next boat ride, or the one after that." Temujin knew his brother was a trickster and wasn't sure if the promise could be counted worth much.

Breathing in the cold air it filled his lungs. Sending a breath of refreshment throughout his body. "The air is much cleaner here than in mist, I kind of like it" he said, before taking another long deep breath. Soon a ninja from cloud joined them, and he happened to know Hoshikata, Temujin turned to his brother "And who might this be, brother?" He was generally curious though his voice had a little contempt in it, not meaning to. Looking over the cloud ninja he was impressed, such a healthy looking specimen. 'I bet his heart is strong and ripe for the picking. Though it looks like the fight would be a tough one, too tough to actually pursue. Standing there, Temujin waited for his brother to introduce this strange stranger.

 

[Kairyuu]

He was wondering about how best to get word to his cousin that they were here when the answer present itself. Hoshikata turns around, a smile on his face as he spies Natsu waving and walking towards him. A flick of his hands to the others of warning to watch themselves and he steps forward, hand out for a shake.

”Natsu, I was wondering when you would show up. Surely someone as informed as yourself heard well before of our arrival. And yes, I'm sure but events transpired in such a way as to bring us here. May I present my friends and family. All, this is Natsu, he serves much the same position in Cloud as I used to in Mist.” Those golden eyes rake across each as they answer, the smile not wavering. They had chosen, all, to remain foolish for this meeting which was good for him.

”How could I not come here first, after receiving such a valuable gift from the Raikage? I have come to offer one in return, as well as to speak with him if I may.” In truth the gift nothing, but meeting this Raikage meant everything. Hoshikata, as former Mizukage and spymaster of Mist, as well as the leader of his clan and this merry band of travelers, figured those qualifications would be enough to earn him a meeting. He had much to discuss, to mutual benefit of all involved if it worked out well.

 

[Hameru Ren]

"None of the events too unpleasant, I hope?" The Spymaster asked, before being introduced. Friends and family eh? They were likely part of the Exodus then too.. Curious to see such loyalty. Natsu thought as Hoshikata presented him to the merry band. The first man introduced himself and Natsu returned the bow. "The pleasure is all mine, surely." He responded friendly, smile playing on his lips. A pair of twins came up next, obviously eager to be on foreign land after the long trip. Or perhaps they were so hyperactive all of the time. In which case he wished Hoshikata the best in mainting his sanity.

"No hot chocolate I'm afraid, but I do have some donuts with me." The Cloud Nin informed them, a quick wink before he slung his backpack from his shoulders and fished out the bag with pastries. Natsu hardly ever left home without at least a single bag of the delicious things. "Though any of the local inns are bound to have some hot chocolate if you truly want the beverage." The final member of the party did not offer his name straight away, though he did seem to be observing Natsu closely. Let him watch. Natsu thought. As long as he is not foolish enough to try anything more.

"Ah, I am certain the Raikage would be more than pleased to speak with you. Surely your cousin will be very excited to see you again as well." Natsu assured Hoshikata in response. "No doubt you are all tired from the trip though and have quite some luggage with you. If you wish I can arrange for a carriage to simplify the trip to the Village? Otherwise you are more than welcome to spend the night at a local inn and rest up. Regardless, I offer my services as local guide. The mountain area can be quite tricky to navigate in." Not nearly as tricky as surviving a political conversation with Hoshikata though. But if Natsu was to figure out what the party's intentions were, he'd have to stay close.

 

[Shiruko Makoto]

If Hoshikata attempted to cast a Genjutsu on him again, even ostensibly for his 'comfort', Tatsuya was going to have more than Words with him. Or Words, but also with Sharp Things.

So they could worry about that if--or the inevitable when--it happened.

Much the same position, hm? So an ostensible genuine diplomat, full of trickery. Step carefully. He didn't let the pragmatic thoughts show on his face though, keeping the slightly-suggestive smile.

"My my my," he half-purred. "I'm not sure about that...it's certainly not all yours..." And now there was a definite hint of something else to his smile, half-predatory.

If, while in Mist, Natsu had actually heard anything about Tatsuya, he would be living up to his reputation very well indeed. Or at least part of it--meaning that the other part of being an airhead was more likely to also come across as true.

"Well, the carrying makes no difference to me, nor the mountains. I have excellent endurance. I'd prefer to just press on." A small chuckle. "But perhaps my comrades would like somewhere to rest their feet, particularly my siblings. They're rather small to walk such a distance after a tiring ride."

Not...even. He'd rather get to Cloud for the evening if at all possible. Like hell was he getting cooped up in a small area again for any length of time. He silently prayed everyone else also voted to head for Cloud on foot as well. Not to mention that would give them all time to wear at their gracious host with their varied personality quirks, both true and false. It was highly unlikely he'd miss the chance to turn anything Natsu said into an innuendo, or at the very least come back with a response that was one.

Walking would definitely be preferable for that part, too.

 

[Akako]

Although they were pretending to be carefree and innocent, it wasn’t hard to multitask and keep an ear out on what was going on. It wasn’t of importance right now but they would keep the information and decipher it when they deemed it necessary. They did wonder what exactly the Raikage gave Hoshikata but one could infer the possibility of an invitation to the village.

They look put out at the lack of hot chocolate though but perked up at the news of donuts. Before anyone could even blink, the twins had already spirited away the pastry bag and it was half empty when they did blink. Their red eyes were wide and almost, dare I say, sparkling when the bag was empty. “Big brother, we give you permission to marry this man if it means a lifetime supply of donuts. We will help you take him to the wedding ceremony,” one twin said in a manner that it was hard to tell whether they were serious or joking. The other twin was just saying “Donutsssss,” in a Gollum like voice.

Their awe at the delicious donuts was interrupted though at their big brother’s words. “WE ARE NOT SMALL!” they screeched at Tatsuya. “WE HAPPEN TO BE OF AVERAGE HEIGHT FOR OUR AGE AND RACE!” Their voices were still loud but there was no real heat in the tone by the second sentence. They would never get mad at their brother for long, even if they did hate getting called small. But small had its uses. For one, they were great at hiding in the shadows and very quick. Everyone was rather surprised when the two went to the Medical field and not into ANBU like they thought they would.

The two quickly calmed down with matching smiles on their faces though. "But a carriage would be nice. We wouldn't say no to that."

 

[Kairyuu]

Hoshikata shook his head softly, ”No, not unpleasant. Quite the opposite, in fact.” The less information handed out at once the better, he figured, and Natsu likely already knew what had transpired; the Isaki and Shoukyou clans had simply decided to find a better home for themselves. The patriarch of the older and larger of those two clans watches as the other hands out doughnuts which his betrothed and her shadow devour.

Childish.

He nods at the words said next, ”I look forward to meeting him. I see no reason to delay any further on matters outside when we could be getting closer to our destination.” And then Tatsuya began flirting. Hoshikata's face didn't move a centimeter as his old friend began with the soft words and airheaded facade. Or as the twins went with a routine straight from a vauldeville routine. And his brother...well he remained silent for the moment.

”How rude of me not to introduce the others. The young man beside me is Isaki Temujin, my brother. The young couple there are Tatsuya's younger brother and sister, Akihiko and Akane.” While it would normally be more formal to introduce Akane as his betrothed, he was still considering annuling that little agreement. Near as he could tell any future with her would be an unhappy one for both involved.

”A carriage will be fine, I suppose, though I am not averse to walking. I will also need to know good lodgings in the city. Perhaps a few places you would suggest? And some you would not. I need to know where to avoid after all.”

 

[Hameru Ren]

Nodding his head at their responses, Natsu smiled once more. It truly was a curious group. The silent, staring Temujin was perhaps the oddest of the bunch, though Natsu could not form much of an opinion with how little the man spoke. The twins were a bundle of youthful energy and the Spymaster for one was grateful he hadn't been forced to spent a long trek with them in close quarters. Their appreciation for Donuts was good to see however and even Natsu was surprised at their speed. Their comment at the marriage had him chuckle for a moment, looking at Tatsuya for a brief moment as if to consider it.

"Certainly. If you follow me, we can see about arrangements for the carriage then." Natsu offered them, moving towards one of the buildings further down the street. "As for establishments inside of Kumogakure.. There are the diplomatic quarters near the Torre. I am certain something could be arranged there. Though if you prefer something smaller and more homely, there is of course The Blue Crystal. It's in the Seki District and has been a favorite of many a tourist. I am afraid that if you seek grand hotels or casinos such as in Kirigakure we will not be able to offer much though."

"We do have plenty of hot springs however. The Black Lotus would be the most renown, although its customer service can be a bit inconsistent. As for you, Akihiko and Akane, there has been an increase in pastry shops lately. Donuts seem to have become a near country-wide specialty. If any of you would prefer something calmer or more solitaire however, I am certain the Ancient Forest may offer some relief." The Spymaster turned travelling agent informed the family. Finally coming to a stop, he called over a man to exchange a few words as he let the Kiri-Nin to themselves to discuss what they might do during their stay.

Returning with the man in tow, Natsu spoke once more as soon as he would not be interrupting someone's speech. "It seems that there is a shortage of carriages. Recent state-affairs have claimed most of them. There is still one available which can accommodate up to four people and luggage. I and whoever of you is least taxed by the trip can go by horse. We should be able to reach Kumogakure before too long then." Unless any of them would raise protest or offer a counter-argument, Natsu would instruct the carriage-owner/driver to prepare the vehicle and bring out another pair of horses.

 

[Shiruko Makoto]

"Sure, sure," Tatsuya said, glancing at his siblings with a (fake) fond smile. "I'm sure I was almost as small as you at your age..."

Something they would know to not be true. He had been small as a child, but that was probably before their memories; to them he would always have looked tall anyway. Just a bit of teasing, and all.

It was only fair, when they were being little brats at the moment.

"Yes, let's get going," he said easily. His expression didn't change at the change in address Hoshikata used on Akane, but he wasn't really surprised. He hadn't expected they'd get along well for a while, if ever. "I don't mind walking at all either, I'm certainly probably the most able to here."

He returned Natsu's look with another, less-subtle once-over. Whether it was genuine interest or an attempt to reciprocate the flirtations for some other means, he'd take either one. He was already engaged, but it had never bothered his fiancée that he did this sort of thing, and he didn't mind the twins' comments. Well, except for needling them back, on principle.

"Well, we are on a diplomatic mission," he said carelessly, as if he didn't suspect at all that every single person there had ulterior motives. "Although staying in the tourist area sounds more fun to me, I'll leave that up to my friend here. It is, after all, his mission and not really mine." He gave a sweeping gesture toward Hoshikata, with a wide grin. It appeared most of his facial expressions could be summed up as some type of smile.

And there wasn't really a trace of deception in his face either, which had come from long practice. No, he genuinely looked as if he didn't have a care in the world except flirting and slightly irritating younger siblings.

He glanced at the twins. "Best behaviour, and not too much sugar. You know mother will tell you off for it when we next see her."

Not that he expected that to stop them from eating whatever the hell they wanted, but at least he wouldn't be the one who got in trouble if he could at least say he tried to tell them to eat healthy. He was mostly sure they could take care of themselves there, anyway. They certainly had managed fine without him before.

Would it be a better idea for me or Hoshikata to ride with him? Probably him, for consistency's sake, but it was entirely possible--almost definite--that his friend was playing some sort of odd diplomatic game with Natsu that he shouldn't disrupt. Then again, the flirting might distract the diplomat somewhat, although if he was also a spy like Hoshikata was...well. He didn't think he ran much risk at being found out as fake, as you had to know him quit well indeed to even begin to figure that out usually, but that was also an option.

"Well, I'm the one with the most stamina," he said with a suggestive look. "So I think I ought to be the one to ride with you, our fair host, if that is of course all right with my friend here."

Flirting. The whole. Way. Enjoy, Natsu.

 

[Akako]

Akane could practically, well literally, feel the disappointment from Hoshikata as she continued her childish act. Obvious enough to her, and probably to her brother too, especially when he did not introduce her as his betrothed and, for a moment, she felt ashamed. This was not a good face to put for the Shoukyou clan, even if the heir himself was viewed as a lazy and carefree arse by those who did not know him well. Especially now that the two great clans had to depend on each other and co exist… the circumstances only made the marriage more important than ever. Even the elders said as much when they started barraging Akane with thinly veiled insults during their boat ride when they saw she was not even taking the time to know the Isaki patriarch.

It was mostly Akihiko’s idea to do such a façade and she was regretting following up on the suggestion. But changing her attitude right now would be suspicious, especially for the Kumo nin so she knew she would have to keep it up until they were at least separated by carriage and horses. She, at least, subdued herself the tiniest bit for the moment.

“Do they also have tea and cake?” Akihiko, although still undistinguishable from his sister, piped up eagerly. Unlike Akane, the childish persona came much more natural for the boy. “And are there mixed hot springs too?” he added, relaxing in hot springs a favourite past time for the twins.

Akane nodded at his brother’s words, much liking cake and tea and hot springs too but interjected; “We’ll leave the decisions to Hoshikata-san and to our brother. For now, it’s better to start travelling! We’ll let them decide on who takes which method of transportation as well, mhm,” she said, putting her hands behind her back and swaying back and forth on her heels.

 

[Kaguya Jikan]

Temujin bowed as he was introduced, hoping his tone from earlier didn't take too much a toll on the host. He didn't mean to sound on his high horse but sometime his voice got the better of him. "Thank you for the introduction Hoshikata." Temujin himself wasn't really interested in pastries but the mention of food did sound good. Rubbing his stomach as he spoke up, "Could you suggest somewhere to eat? It was a long train ride and my stomach is yelling at me. Something other than pastries, maybe some squid or sushi." He looked over the members of his group as he followed Natsu down the street.

He couldn't get passed the grumbling in his stomach, it was annoying him to the high heavens. He would have to eat as soon as possible. Temujin was relieved when Tatsuya said he would take the horse ride, It was a lazy day for Temujin, being exhausted from the train and hungry as hell. He wanted to sit back in some hotsprings and relax, though the mission was the prime objective and took precedence. "A nice carriage ride would be pleasant, And I packed lightly so luggage won't be a problem. I'd also like to thank you for being such a gracious host." He still wasn't sure what kind of impression he made, he was hoping it wasn't a negative one.

 

[Kairyuu]

He would indeed follow Natsu as the arrangements were made, his face registering a calm acceptance of the news. Likely Natsu had done that one on purpose in order to chat up one his companions, or even Hoshikata himself. Still these games, the ones he thrived on, were being played in his life. He relished the chance to match wits with this man again, but this was not an advantageous place to do so for him. Instead he smiles and nods to Tatsuya.

”I think Tatsuya here would be the perfect person to ride along. He seems to have taken a shine to you. And I know around you he would be free to be himself, while around his siblings he has to act like the mature one.”

The message to his friend was hidden in those words, but he had no doubt Tatsuya would understand them. Instead he holds the door open for his brother and the twins before slipping inside himself. ”To Kumogakure, then!”

(Topic left, heading to gates, S rank 30 minutes)

 

[Hameru Ren]

"Of course they'll be able to provide you with tea and cake." Natsu replied the twin. "While it's our favourite, that does not mean everyone shares the same taste. Or that people do not get tired of dull, same old after a while. Variation can spice things up. Thus you need not worry, Temujin-Sama. We serve everything from Sushi imported straight from Port Cirrus and the mountain lakes to the finest bacon strips available. You just need to know where to look. I myself would prefer Fillet-o-Fish or Poisson Cru when looking for Sushi Bars. As for our hot springs, we have such a large amount of them, surely there are those who offer mixed-baths. I know the Black Lotus does, regardless."

With all of the questions answered and the carriage and horses led out by the driver and a pair of stable hands, Natsu mounted one of the steeds. Nodding at Tatsuya, the Jonin couldn't help but remark. "Stamina isn't everything you know. Horseback riding becomes a lot more enjoyable when employing the proper techniques." It likely was the first quip of the long trek, but Natsu didn't mind. It would be a different challenge from conversing with Hoshikata, but no less dangerous or exciting. Let the Golden Man rest. He'll need to be at peak condition to survive our next conversation after all. "So, do you have a lot of experience with riding, Tatsuya-Sama?" Let the Games begin..

[Topic Left, following to Gates]
[S-Rank, 30 minutes]

 

[Shiruko Makoto]

"Mixed baths," Tatsuya murmured audibly. "My favourite kind."

He didn't give Hoshikata a visible sign, but the continued occurrence of his flirtatious talk and the fact he wasn't letting up on the suggestive tones would probably key in his intent. Especially with the way he meandered after Natsu, with long strides but an easy pace and light smile.

"I am glad you could arrange transport for my siblings, at least. They tend to overestimate themselves." Throw in a little doting older brother to go with it all. "But is there anything in particular you would recommend to someone visiting Cloud for the first time? I confess I have rarely left Mist before, so I would go wherever you thought I should..."

He didn't exactly flash a thumbs-up or anything, but the intent would be clear to Hoshikata at least. To Natsu, the attitude would probably come across as more of a constant 'if you know what I mean.'

"Oh, I have plenty of technique as well. I've been told I'm quite skilled." His smile acquired a predatory edge. "But of course, I've also been told I'm a fast learner when it comes to anything physical. So if I'm doing anything inadequately, please, feel free to teach me. I learn best...hands on."

That was pretty much what it was going to be like the whole way. Not a sentence would come out of his mouth that wasn't some innuendo or disguised flirting. He would be subtle, sometimes, but. Well.

That was what he was there for.

[S-Rank; 30 min to Cloud]

 

[Akako]

It seems like Cloud was going to be a nice little vacation, outside of formal business, for them with news of hot springs and sweets. Looking content, the twins slipped into the carriage, seated beside each other so that Akane was opposite of Hoshikata and Akihiko opposite of Temujin. But not without a final wave to their brother and a silent message of good luck to the Cloud shinobi.

• OutOfCharacter | S-Rank; 30 min to Cloud. Lazy post is lazy.

 

[Kaguya Jikan]

Temujin nodded at Natsu as he listed the wondrous food items that await him in cloud. "Looking forward to it, as well as this stay in cloud." He turned his back to Natsu to climb into the carriage, he was looking forward to this trip in mist, a little downtime without any dead to look after. It was tough work being a coroner, pretty silent too. As he entered the carriage he took a seat opposite of the twins and laid his head into his hand. "Time for a quick nap I think. Didn't get one on the train." He yawned and closed his eyes, hopefully the bumpy road wouldn't keep him up.

[Moving to cloud gates - S-rank - 30 minutes.]