And so the time had come to set out for Tea Country. Kaji Okada made plans with his allies for the journey, deciding to gather at the very same pier where they set sail for the Dreadnought all those months ago. Kaji was setting off with Miraku and Hoshi, just like on that fateful day. However, for the tournament, they were being joined by Junko Tsuyoshi this time, a skilled Medic, and shinobi alike. The squad had a typical itinerary for any group of shinobi. Just like the last time, Kaji’s traveling party planned to strike out on their own and rendezvous in Port Cirrus. From there, they would meet with Captain Wokou of the ship Her Lucky Bones, and be ferried to Shinogi Landing in Kurosawa City, the Capital of the Tea Country. It was a journey destined to take a couple day’s time, sailing south across the Lightning coast and into the tropical waters along the western edge of Tea.
Kaji was embarking from the village the way he always had, riding into the mouth of Dragontooth Pass on the saddle of a strong Sunan Mare. “Whoa, girl,” he charmed his steed into trotting to a stop and swung a leg over her back to make a smooth dismount. The chocolate-hued steed let out a soft neigh and pawed the firm cobblestone. Kaji seemed so focused, intent on beginning his journey as if hurrying into it would bring to a conclusion just as fast. But as he was never one to overlook the simple things— he stopped to pet the sweet horse in appreciation for her service as he always did.
In his time since coming to the Hidden Cloud, it seemed as if Kaji had become one with the setting and naturalized in every sense of the word. He owned his identity as being a man of the Cloud, just like how he wore his leathery vestments so well. He was dressed in mountainous, earthly toned garments, all thick to protect him from the bitter north’s chill. His voluminous raven head of hair was tied into a knot to keep it in order during his ride, with a few telling sable strands gleaming in the daylight. The gatekeepers seemed to already have the necessary paperwork drawn and were observing Kaji as he approached their station. It was clear that in a city of many shinobi they still knew his features well enough. His wiry frame was made for war yet softened slightly by age into a refined masculine shape. Angular features played on his face with a complexion bordering caramel. But most notably were his eyes— shining orbs that appeared as if emerald stones were set into his pupils. Somehow, Kaji always managed to look bored or exhausted though, managing to dull those spectacular gems with his expression.
Kaji revealed a hand-size booklet bound in coarse greyed leather which was kept inside his waistcoat pocket. He bent the spine as he opened the booklet wide to reveal his printed ID and passport, and presented it to be stamped for the umpteenth time with time and date, certifying his passage. The process was forgettable, though many faces and things were— but that didn’t go for everyone. The list of people who could bring a light to Kaji was incredibly limited, as he was short on loved ones and friends. As he took back his passport and turned to face the wide world ahead, his dull expression was suddenly renewed with brightness and warmth. Had she come to see him off, tell him he forgot his toothbrush, or to relay more instructions from their benefactors at the Torre Celeste? Regardless of why; any time he saw Yuii he felt joy.
-- Requesting Exit for Travel to Tea Country.
-- Requesting to be let out by Kagetsu Yuii.
Kaji was embarking from the village the way he always had, riding into the mouth of Dragontooth Pass on the saddle of a strong Sunan Mare. “Whoa, girl,” he charmed his steed into trotting to a stop and swung a leg over her back to make a smooth dismount. The chocolate-hued steed let out a soft neigh and pawed the firm cobblestone. Kaji seemed so focused, intent on beginning his journey as if hurrying into it would bring to a conclusion just as fast. But as he was never one to overlook the simple things— he stopped to pet the sweet horse in appreciation for her service as he always did.
In his time since coming to the Hidden Cloud, it seemed as if Kaji had become one with the setting and naturalized in every sense of the word. He owned his identity as being a man of the Cloud, just like how he wore his leathery vestments so well. He was dressed in mountainous, earthly toned garments, all thick to protect him from the bitter north’s chill. His voluminous raven head of hair was tied into a knot to keep it in order during his ride, with a few telling sable strands gleaming in the daylight. The gatekeepers seemed to already have the necessary paperwork drawn and were observing Kaji as he approached their station. It was clear that in a city of many shinobi they still knew his features well enough. His wiry frame was made for war yet softened slightly by age into a refined masculine shape. Angular features played on his face with a complexion bordering caramel. But most notably were his eyes— shining orbs that appeared as if emerald stones were set into his pupils. Somehow, Kaji always managed to look bored or exhausted though, managing to dull those spectacular gems with his expression.
Kaji revealed a hand-size booklet bound in coarse greyed leather which was kept inside his waistcoat pocket. He bent the spine as he opened the booklet wide to reveal his printed ID and passport, and presented it to be stamped for the umpteenth time with time and date, certifying his passage. The process was forgettable, though many faces and things were— but that didn’t go for everyone. The list of people who could bring a light to Kaji was incredibly limited, as he was short on loved ones and friends. As he took back his passport and turned to face the wide world ahead, his dull expression was suddenly renewed with brightness and warmth. Had she come to see him off, tell him he forgot his toothbrush, or to relay more instructions from their benefactors at the Torre Celeste? Regardless of why; any time he saw Yuii he felt joy.
-- Requesting Exit for Travel to Tea Country.
-- Requesting to be let out by Kagetsu Yuii.
Kaji’s hard edge softened as he gladly took Umeko into arms, appropriately treating the child like a precious and fragile package. She had become lively in the time since her birth, full of energy and grabbing for everything in reach. Kaji was looking down at her and smiling as Yuii reflected on their coming travels with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The emeraldine stare elevated from the child to her mother with the same caring gaze. “Aye, the time has finally come— but don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find some time to enjoy ourselves in Tea Country.” Kaji almost pulled Yuii into the grasp of one arm while he held their daughter in the other, cradled so gently. That frisky hand messaged her shoulder playfully, warmly, and lovingly. “Between all the competing and chaperoning, we’ll find time for us three to be together as well. ‘We can get a competent one of the kids to look after Umeko and have a date-night for a change. Who knows... maybe there’s even a nice beach we can share a panini on during the sunset.” At this point, “panini” was a codeword— now that they were parents it was time to develop codewords. Kaji held a small but wicked grin.