The Humblest Abode [Kazuki]

Takahashi Aki · May 28, 2015

Today was the day Sousuke would show Kazuki around. He had sent a letter with instructions to the overlord on how to get to his humble abode. In contrast to the Toraono Dojo, it could have been argued that Sousuke lived in poverty. Sousuke lived comfortably. The Takahashi family were known for making ends meet, and were known to scrape by with the times. If the Senju were to arrive at the front door he would hear loud metal music, and some shouting. If he listened carefully he would hear Sousuke shouting. Not angrily. He was merely trying to shout over the music that was blaring. "Mother. Mother turn down the racket. I can't hear the door bell if you're playing that." Some inaudible cry back was heard. Then there was a cry coming from a child. If Kazuki were indeed to ring a door bell, he would be greeted by Sousuke's mother, the lady Masashi Chiyoko. She wore a black t-shirt with a skull on it, and a red skirt. Like Sousuke she had purple hair, but it was past shoulder length. This was a stark contrast and probably not what the Senju would have expected from the mother of the Steward.

Sousuke could be seen coming down the stairs with a child in his arms. Not an infant, but a toddler. The Steward would put down the child and go to greet his guest. Hopefully his mother's loud metallic music would not put him off, and neither did his mother's ... inability to act her own age.

Senju Kazuki · May 28, 2015

A few days later, since their meeting, Kazuki received a letter from the Steward. This letter contained clear and precise instructions so the Overlord could find Sousuke's house. The note also indicated that the White Wolf would go there to start his tour around Sand. There was no point in bothering Nagato. He had been busy between training, sending ravens to call in the rest of their clan and sharing what knowledge he had with other people in the Toraono Dojo. This would be a job for the Dread Lord alone. And if necessary, he could ways summon his cousin. The Silvery Haired Man felt confident he was safe alone, inside Sunagakure, even despite those recent events where they were attacked by a rebel group. And where did that confidence come from? His own ability to defend himself, from years as an elite ANBU, and from the fact that he had this ability to bring forth an army out of thin air. He, truly, was never alone. Following the instructions to the letter, the former ANBU Sennin found where the Steward lived with ease.

Immediately a big difference stood out in Kazuki's black irised eyes. While the Toraono home was grandiose, even if damaged, the Takahashi grounds were modest, humble even. A humble abode for humble people? Or was there an ulterior motive? He was probably going to find out soon enough. He was about to knock on the door when something else caught up his interest. Inside Sousuke's house a war was raging on. Not a physical struggle, he would say, but a sound fight for supremacy. Loud music was being contested by a man shouting. Despite the intensity of that tune, Reaper acknowledge that it was Sousuke that was shouting. The words were not clear, but the speaker was the Steward. The Overlord ranged the bell and waited. His eyes wavered around, inspecting his surroundings. Everything was ordinary. A peaceful suburbia, despite its location. Someone eventually answered his call, but it was not what he had expected. This woman had the same purple hair as Sousuke, but if the man was collected and easily forgotten in a big crowd, she was vibrant, loud, easily catching up other people's attention.

Kazuki was about to question for Sousuke when he spotted the other man descending the stairs with a kid in his arms. In any other house with any other people, the Overlord would have stormed inside. But he had to tread lightly here. He simply stood at the door waiting to be invited inside. "Steward...Ma'am." he calmly spoke, eying each individual in turn.

[Topic Entered]

Takahashi Aki · May 29, 2015

The fact Kazuki didn't step into his household immediately spoke volumes to his mannerisms. This was a man who understood not only honour, but also he understood the household rules too. Sousuke motioned for him to come into the house. He placed down the boy in his arms. The major difference this time and the last time Kazuki had seen Sousuke he had been whole. This time the steward had a metallic skeletal arm, due to the fact ... that well... a sandworm bit it off. Aki looked up at Kazuki and seemed to grow a little shy. The child waving at the guest hesitantly before behind his ward's leg. "Highlord this is my son Aki. Aki meet the Highlord Senju Kazuki." The child simply peered at him. He blinked and then blinked again. Chiyoko cleared her throat. She was expectant of her son to introduce her next. "This is my mother Masashi Chiyoko." He next explained. There was then a lion's roar in the background. Sousuke acted as if that was nothing unusual at all. "That is Maximus. He is a house guest. He is a lion." Following that a sand-strider darted from one hall down another squawking up a storm. "That's a sandstrider. Her name is Beaker." Chiyoko was then caught glaring at something. When it was revealed, it was a much older looking Chiyoko in military garb, with an eyepatch, missing an arm and glaring back. A small bolt of lightning was shooting from her forehead, and the same was happening with Chiyoko. Where the two bolts met there was an explosion. "That would be my grandmother Masashi Mako. Mom and her don't get along." After a few more glares and growls, Mako left the room with a bottle of hard liquor in her hand and flipping her daughter off with the middle finger. Sousuke shielded Aki's eyes from this sight.

"Sorry you had to see that. I really don't like my mother." Chiyoko added in a much more pleasant tone. She was speaking a bit loud over her music. There were still more members of the household to be introduced. There was of course the Takahashi patriarch Judori, and Sousuke's adopted cousin/sister Shiori. "So... how's your stay in Suna thus far?"

Michi · May 29, 2015

OC: Ray made me. Because he made me, I will punish him

IC:
It was just another day in the Takahashi household. The small home was full of noise from the lions, tigers and bears (considering some of his extended family) he opened his home and hearth to it was astonishing that she ever got any rest. The truth of the matter was, there was never rest to be found here. She often escaped to the Toraono Dojo, a building housing refugees from all over the village was significantly more peaceable. A hot shower felt nice, her long hair stuck to her back and a thick terrycloth towel wrapped around her twice as she sat there with a cloth in hand polishing a sword. The sword was of Takahashi steal or so that was what she was told. She was running her cloth along the length of the sharpened blade. She could see her own reflection in the glass-like metal. She frowned at the face that looked back at her.

Sousuke was yelling something to do with the doorbell over the ruckus his mother called music. Chiyoko was at the door, likely dealing with some door-to-door missionary. It was nothing worth Shiori's attention. Whoever it was, she was letting him in and Sousuke was even taking a keen interest in the stranger. Sousuke led the man into the main living space and started to introduce his cohabitants. He went on to mention most everyone, that is everyone less her. There was someone else there, someone who was going utterly unnoticed sitting on an armchair in a towel cleaning a sword. She glowered as Sousuke let the strange man in and failed to introduce her. The sword clattered onto the floor and she grasped her towel over her clavicle as she stood upright. "Sou-Sou!" Shiori cried. "Not only did you invite someone over but you did not warn me and you forgot I was even here!" She accused, her face almost as red as her hair. She let out a huff through flared nares as she glared at her cousin.

Her face had an ugly expression, the kind that might not kill but certainly maim. "I am Sousuke's cousin, Takahashi Shiori," she announced dutifully with a polite nod.

Senju Kazuki · May 31, 2015

Kazuki had just entered Sousuke's household when a parade of each member started. The Steward he already knew, but the others not so much. He met Aki, Sousuke's infant. Chiyoko came next. She was the woman that greeted the Overlord at the door. The one with purple hair and dressed as if she were 50 years younger. Next came an animal duo, a lion named Maximus and a sandstrider named Beaker. All was well until a much older woman entered the hallway. Mako was the name of the rude woman and she was Sousuke's grandmother. Last but not least, a girl made herself known, since the Steward had apparently forgot she was there. Takahashi Shiori, the woman that had allowed the White Wolf and his younger cousin to enter Sand. "Nice to meet you all." the Silvery Haired Man declared. Not that he was that much interested in knowing Sousuke's immediate family, but there was no point in being rude. "I believe I've met you before. At the gates." Reaper noted as he eyed Shiori. The more he gazed her, the better his recollection of that day. Tired, battered, the sight of Suna's entrance gates had been a blessing. Her allowing them safe passage even more so. That day had marked the beginning of the Senju's new life. Something that could not be forgotten and had to be payed.

He was about to answer Chiyoko's question when footsteps from behind him turned his attention away. A man stood beneath the doorway. He had a long, brown leather trench coat, body armor and a mask.

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"Sousuke. I am your father." the man powerfully announced. His voice was deep and powerful enough to reach everyone's ears despite the loud music. And as soon as everyone's focus turned on him, he seemingly vanished as if it had been nothing but a mirage constructed by severe heat.

Shrugging his shoulders and wondering what was going on, the former ANBU Sennin turned to face the Takahashi family again. "Can't say I've visited much of Sand. In some ways, it reminds me of my former home. In others, Sunagakure is completely alien to me. But I think I've come here to remedy that." Kazuki spoke. He wondered how well them would react to the stranger's surprise appearance and strange disappearance.

OC
I'm assuming Shiori allowed me inside Sunagakure.
That surprise entrance did not make any sense at all, but I had to do it.

Takahashi Aki · May 31, 2015

(I am running with this. I am going to go the distance.)

As the masked man had made his approach and declared who he was, from the ceiling a transparent version of a turquoise haired female nin in a yellow and navy body suit came falling down grabbing Sousuke who too turned transparent and went through the floor with her. Chiyoko was there scratching her head about the whole situation. She knew Yume came by from time to time, but she was an Inuzuka, she didn't have access to that sort of skill set did she? Chiyoko then realized Shiori was in nothing but a towel. She dropped the sword to which Chiyoko picked up. "So. This is about the most average Tuesday ever. I think it'll be a marvel of a day." By this time Sousuke had arrived back. He was wearing a more military outfit with his faceplate on. Chiyoko exchanged glances with her son. She raised an eyebrow.

"Starlord." He answered.

"Who?" She questioned.

"Forget it." He tapped the side of his face and his facemask began to disassemble. It was now his time to realize the state of Shiori. He said nothing. Shiori had become a sort of white noise. Ever since she had moved in he had gotten used to her, and her eccentricities. You would have thought he would have told her to go get dressed, but... no, he did not. Shiori wrecked the walls on occasion. She scratched the floors with her attempts to wield a sword. At the very least she wasn't picking fights with Maximus, which was something that Sousuke was very happy with. "I did not forget you Shiori. You're here and sometimes you're out. Your schedule is difficult to predict." He seemed unaffected by her glare. Sousuke summoned a plasma orb, and had it float in the middle of the room. He waved his hands and began to dissemble the orb. He began first with showing the Kazekage grounds. He then assembled the residential zone. "Kazekage tower grounds, and where you currently are the residential zone." He then constructed the Grand Palais. "Grand Palais. A difficult area to keep under check. A slum of sorts with criminal activity, that is being policed by Anbu. There is an opposite version of this being the Desert Crown. Not as enclosed, but has its own small police force which is inept. The wealthy were somewhat shocked during the Cabal attack." He paused for a moment. "We in Sietch Zensunna are somewhere in between these two in terms of quality of life." He awaited any questions to be asked before going on any further.

MFT

Michi · May 31, 2015

"I did not forget you Shiori. You're here and sometimes you're out. Your schedule is difficult to predict."

"Am I that unnoticeable by you?" Shiori replied indignantly. "I was in the room with you, I was polishing one of your swords." Shiori had to empathize the fact that she was merely a matter of feet from him all day. Was she really so unnoticeable that he did not realize if she was there or gone. She glared at him as she realize just how utterly unnoticed she was. "YOU," Shiori announced as she pointed at the overlord. Her placed her hands on her hips, thankfully the towel capable of remaining up on its own she made a query, "would you have noticed if I was in the room with you?" Regardless of his answer she would try to punch Sousuke in the bicep and hiss "see!"

If his answer was actually 'no' she would follow it through with a moment of revelation crossing her face and the corners of her lips dropping into a frown.

If his answer was 'yes' or something to affirm how wonderful she was, she would add that he needed to listen to him more and then enter into a tirade of complaints about him he never listens to her and his need to be more sensitive like the foreigner.

Before much could be said or at least heard by her because she was not listening to Sousuke any longer she would announce in a huff. "I need to get dressed," and stormed off. Her feet stomped on the floor as she muttered something about Sousuke being a dull... dork? Yes, 'dork' was the proper word. As she rounded the corner she flung the towel at Sousuke's face and slammed the door to her bedroom behind her. There was crashing and a small crack had formed in one of the walls. Shiori was talking to herself, rather loudly. The words made little sense, perhaps because the walls served as a sound barrier or perhaps because they made no sense. Regardless she found herself ranting about Sousuke... again.

She ignored the dimensional rift that momentarily happened between eastern manga and western comics.

Senju Kazuki · Jun 2, 2015

"YOU" Kazuki heard out of the blue. His focus shifted to the girl covered in nothing but a towel. His black irised eyes glanced at the almost naked beauty he had nearby. Although he did not share the same interest in females, as the rest of the male brotherhood, the Silvery Haired Man still possessed the same urges, if extremely repressed and controlled. Therefore he felt compelled to pump his chest, grab that woman and run to the forest and make smaller versions of himself. Luckily he was a man that had near perfect emotional control and thus he made no such attempts. "Me..." the White Wolf acknowledge as he waited for her rant to continue. "Of course I would notice you are there. Your hard to miss..." the former ANBU Senin calmly noted, "Especially with all that commotion you are making right now." he finished his sentence while murmuring it. Luckily for him, Shiori apparently did not hear the last bits of his sentence and she stormed off to her room. Even once inside, she could be heard ranting. There was no discernible words, but the Dread Lord guessed she continued to complain about Sousuke. "You have an interesting cousin I should say. Quite feral, just like someone I know." the Overlord of the Senju clan commented.

The Steward started his tour by conjuring a plasma orb. A nice technique that was out of Kazuki's reach. For now. The purple haired man used the globe to show Reaper images of the village. He showed him the Grand Palais which nothing but slums. The Desert Crown where the wealthy lived and the Sietch Zensunna where the common folk resided. Everything seemed simple so far. "Please continue." the Silvery Haired Man requested. There was no way to be certain when the next interruption would come.

Takahashi Aki · Jun 5, 2015

"Shiori and Kuro are not related." Sousuke stated bluntly. Kuro was feral... but Shiori being described feral? Was feral supposed to be a compliment in this regard? That he was not sure of. Sousuke turned his head as Shiori called him a dork as she went off. "I'm not a dork. You're not using the word properly." He corrected her. Sousuke tapped his fingers together attempting to put things back in order. "She is interesting. Most times my most exceptional ideas come to fruition because she points out something totally unrelated to me which then causes me to have a eureka moment. I'm been trying to find a husband for her that is in my age group. She is slightly older than me, but I think she favours a younger partner." He guessed. Sousuke was, to a degree, oblivious to her affections... and truer nature. Thankfully for Sousuke, he did not see her bleed red sand of late. That in itself, was something difficult for him to accept. The truth was that his dearly loved cousin was Mother Suna, the head figure of the old religion. Sousuke on the other hand was unaware of such, and probably for the better. There would be complications... which was the case when you were a simple mortal.

Sousuke waved his hand and the plasma orb became a board. There were some buildings on it. "Project Rebirth. Since the sandstorm stopped I started building on the surface, a few clicks away from the underground. This is a project to reclaim the surface. It cost an arm and ... some other things too..." Sousuke's eroding armour was something he did not want to mention. It was more like a sickness truth be told. Beneath Sousuke's flesh there were plates. Sandworm's blood, for a lack of better word for it, corroded his metal and Sousuke made the mistake of allowing the plates to return. It was something he kept to himself, but he knew in time it would reveal itself. Sousuke was a busy man, he did not have luxury of really sleeping or having time to get well. He was guardian protectorate of the realm, he was a father, he was Steward. He had great responsibility, but in contrast to some in Suna he lacked truly great power... at least in contrast to Kuro and Katuso. "Don't expect Project Rebirth to keep this appearance."

The image seemed to skip a bit. Sousuke's mechanical arm seemed to be having a momentary lapse. Sousuke focused as he pulled out from under the couch a tool box. He began to fiddle with a screwdriver as he opened up his arm and began tightening certain bolts and nuts. As he did so the image broke apart. There was a certain look of annoyance with the Steward. "My Ward Okibi lost her arm. My grandmother lost her arm. Ironically? I lost my arm after both of them. You know me as a craftsman, even a creator such as I sometimes needs to tend to these things. Apologies of course."

MFT 507

Michi · Jun 14, 2015

OC: I am so sorry - I forgot about this and have been waiting for my turn. REMIND ME!!!!

IC:

"I'm not a dork. You're not using the word properly."

"I am using the word properly you DORK!" Shiori hollered as a shoe was propelled out of the room and in the general vicinity of Sousuke's face. It was a stiletto, the find that one would want to avoid if they had a liking for their face. "Stop correcting me!" She announced in a shrill voice. Her bedroom was far from interesting, being a 'blind woman' meant that nothing could truly match. In a way, she liked it that way. The flower-bedding and the navy comforter. The shaggy orange rug that felt bushy under her toes and the arrangement of unopened boxes that lined her walls from her previous apartment that she never bothered to unpack. Despite having moved into Sousuke home a few weeks ago she never did quite make herself at home. She found a dress, it was not a particularly nice one. All she seemed to own was dresses, they were easier to 'coordinate' as a 'blind person.' She pulled a purple stretchy thing over her head/. It was sometimes difficult to determine which extremity went out where in some of these things... first world problems.

"She is interesting. Most times my most exceptional ideas come to fruition because she points out something totally unrelated to me which then causes me to have a eureka moment. I'm been trying to find a husband for her that is in my age group. She is slightly older than me, but I think she favours a younger partner."

Another shoe was hurled at Sousuke's face with better accuracy, thankfully it was a fuzzy slipper. "I am not marrying one of those pansy-ass pretty-boy rich-friends of yours either!" She roared as she stuck her head through the skirt. Dam dress was upside-down. She sighed as she threw it off and pulled it again over her head right-side-up. Her long red hair clashed with the purple, or at least that was what her eyes assessed but clashing was a good thing in front of her cousin. She had far too many secrets that were necessary to keep from him. It was ironic how she loved and feared the same person in such a way. She only had a rudimentary understanding of Mikaboshi's fate within Sousuke's Ebon Blade, a state she did not wish to share but did wish to understand so she could shatter that threat. There was no man, regardless of her level of trust or affection that she would allow with such power over her kind.

Shiori came out of her bedroom barefoot, she had run out of shoes. They had all been thrown at Sousuke's head at some point today. She cupped her hands politely in front of her and cocked her mouth to the side in a defiant childish manner. "I apologize for the commotion sir," she added quietly with a polite bow. "My cousin can be thoughtless."

Senju Kazuki · Jun 16, 2015

"Shiori and Kuro are not related" Sousuke noted. Apparently the Steward had though Kazuki was implying such notion. Unfortunately that was not exactly correct, but correcting the host was in the Overlord's mind right now, not that it was important. "Well you can always consider Nagato, my cousin." the Overlord said. He was single and certainly looking. "And I am certain he can handle her temper." the Silvery Haired Man calmly added. The Steward then showed him what he had labeled as Project Rebirth, which was none other than Sand's ascension to the surface. It was good to see that the sandstorm was over and life would be able to return to the real world. Sure, there were its perks in living underground, but nothing could beat the surface world. As a Fire Country born, the White Wolf missed the world on top more than most, but it seemed he was going to return. "Please take your time. It is not like we are in a great hurry, at least to my knowledge." Reaper reassured Sousuke as he watched how the Steward tampered with his arm. The Dread Lord understood the purple haired man's pain. Although all of his arms were still original, a part of him was not. Kazuki's heart was no longer living. Or human. Or existent at all. In his stead, an icy chasms with a fiery inner core, where once a healthy, beating heart stood. A eternal remembrance of an encounter with some demonic sisters.

"Apologies accepted. I believe that true geniuses carry the stigma of lack of social skills. Perhaps this is true with your cousin, although I suspect that is not the case." the Overlord noted as he attempted to placate Shiori and compliment Sosuke at the same time. "And Nagato is no pansy-ass pretty-boy rich friend of him, so do not discard him so readily. I think you have seen him before,though not in his best shape." Reaper stated alluding to their initial encounter. The first time he and the blond Senju met another Sunagakurian. The time when they had entered Sunagakure for the very first time. If the one that allowed them inside wasn't Shiori, then the resemblance was uncanny. The former ANBU Sennin was now waiting for Sousuke's arm to be fixed so this virtual tour could continue. But interruptions were swift and plentiful that day.

Four more individuals entered the Steward's house without being invited. First came the Muscle, next was the Assassin, the third was the Tank and the last one was the Cunning Furry. Together plus one they were the Guardians of something. Today they were Kazuki's bodyguards.

Takahashi Aki · Jun 23, 2015

Sousuke considered Nagato. He thought about it heavily, and he kept it in mind for later. Nagato was a young man, and very much a possible suitor for his cousin. Shiori roared at him about him correcting her. Sousuke seemingly rolled his eyes. "I am not the male genitals of a whale. You may wish to consult the owner of a contract pertaining to that of sea creatures if you're so compelled..." He spoke in the most plain tone. He paused for a moment. No. Shiori was not going to get this. She probably never would. She would keep calling him a dork. "Harupia isn't a pansy either. I am very certain he is interested in members of the female gender." He defended his old friend. Yes. Harupia was rich. Was he a pansy? No. Was he an ass? Well. No he was not a donkey. He was very much a human person. "It would be very irresponsible of myself to set you up with a man of ... questionable qualities. Take Saemon for instance. Womanizing. Violent. Lacking gentle nature."

As the door opened several more individuals entered the room. Sousuke looked at each of them. "Ah. A good company. I have worked with these fine individuals before." He leaned forward slightly, "The muscular one, he is perhaps the most literal man I have known. Broaching him with the concept of metaphorical gestures was most ... difficult and tiring." He spoke in a lowered voice. If anything he expected the furried companion to speak up about how he 'blang, you're dead' someone. The tree-ish companion would speak his name and only that ... and the assassain? Well. She had an expertise in poking people with very sharp objects. Her twin blades would have no ... sense of amusement at hand. Rumor had it her adopted father and her did not get along at all, that of course was not to be talked about. At all.

Shiori complained about his thoughtlessness. If one had taken their eyes off of Sousuke for a moment, they would find him now with the metaphor cobbler hat on. Here he was now making shoes for his cousin. The Steward hand crafting a pair of flat shoes that would be meant for comfort. He was now handing his cousin the new shoes. "Who else would be making you shoes?" He offered as he placed the shoes down for his cousin to try out.

Michi · Jun 25, 2015

"I am not the male genitals of a whale. You may wish to consult the owner of a contract pertaining to that of sea creatures if you're so compelled..." 

Sousuke countered, causing Shiori to become red in the face. "Not like I would know!" Shiori debated with a shout. Her 'interests' in her cousin were less than pure and he had no interest what-so-ever in her. She pursed her lips together and gave him an incensed look. It was fine to talk about whale genitals, but whenever the conversation moved over to his there was never anything to say. There is only so many times a girl can hear about textbook anatomy, physiology in action was her interest. Perhaps knowing where this conversation would soon turn, Sousuke continued with his dialogue as he defended some random-named gentleman.

"Harupia isn't a pansy either. I am very certain he is interested in members of the female gender."

"Who the hell is Harupia! And 'I am pretty sure!' How can you only be somewhat confident!" She exclaimed as she threw her hands in the air. "I can't talk with you," Shiori exhaled as she slumped hr shoulders. Talking, even yelling at him was like yelling at a dictionary. 'He is not a cigarette.' 'Yes, she is an anthropomorphic dog, your point?'

"Well you can always consider Nagato, my cousin."

The stranger offered, speaking to Sousuke rather than her. Shiori's posture seemed somewhat defeated, one day she was going to wake up in a wedding gown she just knew it. He would marry her off to some little creeper who bathed in spring water and had a servant to hew his food for him like a bird. Men were rarely men in Wind Country, there were a few exceptions among the shinobi forces but as most could affirm -- the life of a shinobi was often short and cruel. Beyond that, a transformation justu could make anyone appear chiseled, a lie could preserve one's manliness as long as he remembered to put away the decorative soaps and the army of stuffed animals were relegated to a closet before she arrived. But the truth of the matter is: men were so stupid and dull. Women were no better, in fact she found them worse.

"And I am certain he can handle her temper."

The overlord assured her cousin, potentially forgetting she was there. Was Sousuke suddenly a vendor and her a ware? It was taking a majority of her restraint to not kick either of them in the groin to see if they possessed the attributes of a 'dork' before forcibly receding them with the kinetic force of her foot.

"It would be very irresponsible of myself to set you up with a man of ... questionable qualities. Take Saemon for instance. Womanizing. Violent. Lacking gentle nature."

Shiori frowned and looked at him blankly. "I have no idea who these people are and I do not want to," Shiori grumbled before she added "...and what makes you think I want a gentle-man?" She crossed her arms over her chest as the two engaged in a separate conversation about Project Rebirth, an ambitious enterprise to return to the surface after thirty years of subterranean-living. The storm's terrible screams had ceased, she never asked about what he found or what he saw but he did not seem to know anything pertaining to her duplicity and she was content to leave it at that. All the same she apologized to the stranger, she did not know who he was but she assumed he was a man of relative importance to command her cousin's attention as such. She might be 'free-spirited' but she was not one to make an international incident.

"Apologies accepted. I believe that true geniuses carry the stigma of lack of social skills. Perhaps this is true with your cousin, although I suspect that is not the case."

The stranger defended Sousuke. Sou-Sou was a whale genital, but he was also a genius. That much she could affirm. And while it was a closely guarded secret unlike her carnal intentions, she also feared the Kazekage. Sousuke had her brother trapped in his Ebon Blade, while she did not the details of their arrangement it would be irrelevant. It was a situation where power and domination was in his hands, there an never be a sense of friendship or brotherhood when one had the other imprisoned and subjugated by the other.

"And Nagato is no pansy-ass pretty-boy rich friend of him, so do not discard him so readily. I think you have seen him before, though not in his best shape."

Shiori nodded, he had seen her before but not in this form. She was perpetuating a series of lies to placate and protect herself from Sousuke. She did not want to share the Deep Court Lord's fate. "I was wearing make-up that day," she lied. She was under a transformation jutsu, her facial features mildly different from her 'natural form.' It has been a progressive activity over the past several weeks. Since that incident in her apartment where she told him the truth before she learned of Mikabosi's fate. He did not take the truth well, her new body and the crimson sand. So her raven black hair and her green eyes replaced her azure orbs and her fiery red mane. Her long, heart-shaped youthful face replaced by a rounder slightly older one. Over the course of the past few weeks she has made efforts to slowly transition her false form to be more in line with her natural body. A slow and calculated process of shaving off millimeters. The naked eye needs a 10% deviation or more to be able to notice the difference 'at a glance' without measurement. Time, age, and weight slowly change one's features but not in the course of a day but over a matter of weeks, however the transition would be less significant. She was shorter than she used to be, so her heels are higher than they used to be. She 'dyed' her ebony hair scarlet and cited a need for contact lenses, changing the eye color in the process. She was not far from her 'true' form, the transformation near complete but if there was something about her during their brief encounter she wanted to explain it before Kazuki fed any hidden, unspoken doubts that might linger in the Steward's mind.

Senju Kazuki · Jun 28, 2015

OC: I'm giving Sousuke the other 4 guardians on a temporary basis if he accepts.

IC: Kazuki's right eyebrow was slightly raised as he heard Sousuke about his set of bodyguards. It was nothing but an extraordinary event the fact that Sousuke knew and had worked with them before. Unfortunately if they were at the Overlord's side it meant they were all dead now. The Silvery Haired Man could convey that to the Steward but there was no point. He did wonder, though, if he had worked with them and was still alive, who the hell was the Starlord he possessed. A different men no doubt, but that would mean there were two different individuals, at different points of time, that carried the same alias. It was quite curious to say the least. "I am surprised by the fact that you used to work with them. What if I were to lend them to you for a while? For old time sake?" Reaper questioned. There was no doubt they were a formidable group when paired together, but the former ANBU Sennin had far more powerful summons at his disposal and he could very well dispense them for a while. Cousin kept bickering with cousin and that was not the White Wolf's business so he opted to stay away. He had already intervened and he feared it wasn't for the best. "Make up you say? I suppose so." Kazuki said. Perhaps she was correct, perhaps she was not. There was no way to be certain. Shiori did exude a certain enigmatic aura, one that the Overlord could not quantify or even explain. Although he was the worst men to point that out. He did exude an aura of death and cold that he usually could suppress when necessary. Today was one of those moments since those around him should not be feeling anything at all.

"I am glad to see that Sand is moving upstairs once more. Perhaps the arrival of the Senju House will initiate a second golden age to Sunagakure. Now does that conclude our tour around the village or is there more places you want to show me?" he inquired.

Takahashi Aki · Jul 1, 2015

Sousuke seemed to phase out for a moment at the offer of working with the Guardians for one last time. He was reminded of his younger years. His parents were often not home, due to politics, and sometimes he used to have little adventures, that was until his father found out. These little adventures were done with no supervision, merely the gesture that his grandmother had once had him meet the Guardians, as she too knew them from a few operations. From this day forward, you are not going out on little escapades with these hooligans. You are of the line of Stewards. It is expected that you are to remain home and look after the homeland. That is our family's purpose. His Father said to him in the last days of his teenage years. Sousuke never really spoke with his comrades, but he merely worked with them to get the job done. In retrospect, it was fun. He got to see a lot of strange things. It was a fit of unnatural silence to be had. He always did was others expected of him. The other being his father, Kuro to an extent, and the nobles. It was difficult truly at times. There were far and few times in between when Sousuke accomplished something that he wanted, rather than what was expected of him to do. "I would most enjoy that." Sousuke answered finally as he snapped back to reality.

Shiori had questioned him as to what made him think she wanted a gentleman. "Most women want choice. The archetype of man to promote and allow choice is the gentleman." He explained, "It's not like I'm marrying you either. If you don't like Harupia, then you don't have to marry him..." He hesitated. The line was going to follow was going to be worded as his father would have done so. Continue the family line. Well. That wasn't exactly true. Shiori did not have Takahashi blood only name. The name mattered to some... in fact it mattered a lot to some. It had some sort of legitimacy to it. The name Takahashi did not mean wealth. It usually referred to someone of a honest hard working nature. All in all,this was ... not exactly now Sousuke wanted to put it. "I just think you should have a partner in life. I am merely trying to make sure you get the one that is most complimentary to you." Well. That was clumsily worded wasn't it? Sousuke sighed. This was complicated. Why was the female gender so complicated?

Kazuki inquired if that was the final part of the tour. He nodded. Yes... that was about it. "There is Soon's Sanctuary on the outside. They're merchant ruling society. They were consistently moderate towards us. Questionable lately due to the Cabal incursion. The desert expanse is being logged due to the changing ecosystem."

Michi · Jul 2, 2015

"Most women want choice. The archetype of man to promote and allow choice is the gentleman."

Did he really understand what he was saying? She let out a discontented sigh. A gentleman, in a shinobi village? It would be like uniting with a scholar in the Paleolithic Era. The art of ninjutsu, and by extension all method of shinobi art was mediated primarily by one's strength, vigor, durability and to a lesser extent their mental faculties. Perhaps Sousuke's ideal was a 'good' choice had they lived in a merchant community such as Sora or Soons, but again they did not. He had a vision for a life for her that was less than realistic, but that was not the most troublesome aspect.

"It's not like I'm marrying you either. If you don't like Harupia, then you don't have to marry him..."

And there it was. The stark reminder that there would... could be nothing more. It was not a labor of effort and time, she was barely within his scope of cognizance. It was almost cruel , this blunt redundant notice. Her eyes looked down, she did not have a retort. There was nothing she could say that he did not already know. He already knew ow she felt about him, that was why he was seemingly duty-bound to reiterate his lack of interest. Of course he was not interested. She did not know why, but she knew something was lacking - perhaps she was not pretty enough, strong, intelligent, even interesting enough. Whatever it was, it was dire. Why else would he not notice a woman clad in only a towel polishing a phalli object?

"I just think you should have a partner in life. I am merely trying to make sure you get the one that is most complimentary to you."

"That is how it is," Shiori murmured and turned away. "Enjoy... giving your dignitary his tour," Shiori added as she walked off into another room, her voice laced with defeat.

[[Attempting to Leave Topic]]

Senju Kazuki · Jul 7, 2015

Soon's Haven. Kazuki had heard those words before. In fact he had been tasked with a certain mission whose main goal would involve a certain journey to that part of the world. It was good to know that they were usually moderate toward Sunagakure, even though his assigned task had less than noble motives. It was unsettling, however, to learn their intolerance level had been raised since the Cabal Invasion. The Overlord's assassination was no easy task, but if the local populace was now increasingly hostile...well he was on a highway to hell. Luckily the Silvery Haired Man had already conquered hell. Sousuke continued to argue with his cousin, something the former ANBU Sennin wished to opt out. Sure he had already threw some wood into the fire before, but right now, it was safer to stay and wait for a cooler moment to start speaking again. As emotions flared up, Shiori stormed out or attempted to. The Steward, his new gang and the White Wolf was all that remained. "It seems the topic of marriage is a sensitive matter to your cousin." he calmly noted while eying the Purple Haired Man. "I've seen Shiori before, as I have mentioned, but she seems different. Not radically different, but distinctive from before. Is she known to use transformation jutsus when greeting strangers into Sunagakure? My mind is just curious about this subject, though you should pardon me if I am intruding into forbidden territory." Reaper questioned. Indeed he was curious and Shiori had provided with an answer, but there was no issue in requiring a second opinion.

The holographic tour around Sunagakure was also over. There was little else to do around Sousuke's house. There was just one last subject before a departure could begin. Kazuki and Nagato's citizenship. "It seems you have shown me all that you can, for now at least. I now just need to actually visit those places. But before I go, I think we have something else in need of a discussion. The question about my citizenship." Kazuki stated. Although the tour had been an important issue to tackle, things were getting progressively serious.

Takahashi Aki · Jul 11, 2015

Sousuke shook his head, he listened to the Senju Overlord. Women were a difficult thing. Seemingly Shiori did not agree with anything he had to offer. Choice? Was that not the thing women wanted most? Sousuke remembered an age of story of the Black Knight who was to be berothed to a woman who would turn into a green monster during day or night. Granted the Black Knight was to inherit a grand fortune, he was given the choice of choosing when his betrothed was to look normal. His choice was simple, he merely elected neither option and let the lady choose. That of course broke the spell that had caused her transformation in the first place. It struck him as odd that Shiori did not want choice. "Marriage has always been a sensitive matter." He was trying to put together a relationship for his cousin that she would benefit from. He was younger than her, and the youth's place is to look after their elders. She seemed to think ill of this, he wondered why. He cared for her. He looked after her. This merely was an extension of him looking after his cousin. "The Uchiha clan leader once tried to marry me off. He thought I had no interest in the other gender... which was most confusing... then again my mother's side is Uchiha, or rather a branch out clan. It was most awkward." Sousuke sank back into his chair. He did not seemed to think fondly of the old man.

The Senju spoke of one final item being his citizenship in Sungakure. Well. It would be more than just himself, there was his cousin and the entire clan too. "I filed the paperwork six hours ago. I also filed the dummy corporation too for S.J.U. Limited. I'll ship you over the minute book. I'm having my legal counsel finish it up for me." It seemed that the Steward had already put together what he could to put the Senju clan off of the grid. "Rank wise, I would offer you jounin with its appropriate privileges."

Senju Kazuki · Jul 15, 2015

It would seem that the Steward thought of everything. A dummy company had already been created and paperwork had been written in advance. Everything was going smoothly for the Senju Clan and Kazuki would not see it differently. "Then it is time to bring my clan, or whatever members remain alive, into Sand. It is official then, the Senju Clan is now part of Sunagakure, at least, until Leaf can be retaken. Even then, some may elect to stay here with you, some may opt to return to our ancestral home. Although I long for Leaf, I cannot forget this gesture from your part, so even after Konohagakure is taken back, I will stay in Sand. Though forgive me if I travel back and forth, in a periodic manner." the Overlord of the Senju Clan noted. He was not trying to be ungrateful, but Sousuke had to understand the precarious situation the Senju House was in. Seeing that the Steward seemed to be a reasonable man, the White Wolf hoped for understanding. "And what would those privileges be?" the Silvery Haired Man questioned what could be considered an odd query.

Why was it so odd? This inquiry had come from a men that was a former Sennin from a Hidden Village. It would seem logical that he knew about that, but the fact was that he did not. The former ANBU Sennin had jumped from the Main Branch to the ANBU Branch without becoming a Jounin first, therefore he never knew what being a Jounin really was. Add to that, the fact that Leaf was different from Sand, and his lack of knowledge was almost normal.

Takahashi Aki · Jul 19, 2015

It was refreshing to have a noble who was thankful of what a host provided. Sousuke had his share of nobles who oftentimes did not appreciate his aid. Lady Tomoko Haku lost her prized jeweled panther. Yes. The butler stole it. Lord Nanjiro Nobu has lost his prized family katana. It was stolen by a rival who thought that his skill was through his sword and not his own martial skill. Most times it was minor tasks, and when the truth of it was revealed most nobles did not want to admit it was their own shortcomings to see that it was their own inability to broaden their own horizon. To make matters worse, these nobles did not actively aid Sousuke or help him in lightening his burden as a Steward whose King would not take the throne from him. Sousuke seemingly relaxed back into his chair, he let out a sigh, "You're welcome. You're one of the few to ever thank me for ... anything really. It's refreshing to be honest. To be on the receiving end of gratitude." The Cabal were angered by Sand's supposed isolationism, being incapable of helping people out. What they would never understand was that the power they had was taken from them when the Sunahoshi line was dismantled. Many would argue that one should look after its own people before all else. It took close to thirty years to put everything back together. Wind Country did not help Sand at all. What good was it to help others, when one could not help themselves? Others argued that regardless of position that one should give their all to aid others. Between the two ideals the latter of the two was self destructive. Things were going to change now. For the better... with a little luck. Sousuke did not really condone luck, but he himself admitted that it did factor into things at the end of days.

"As Jounin you'll have access to most facilities... I day most because we're still fixing structures, restructuring, and so on. I'm still determining sites and plans, which is secured info as it is infrastructure. I do reserve the fact that plans change at last minute in terms of building. You do have access to archives for histories but some clan histories are a somewhat privatized item. Not all clans were agreeable in the past, and ended up on the wrong side of things. Still to this day some clans are ashamed of certain moments in history."He explained. "R&D is off the grid mainly because R&D was destroyed... but hopefully it will be back up, following a strict restructure of it." Sousuke was still bitter about his facility being destroyed.

"How are you adjusting to the climate? It must be funny, as in strange, to come to a desert but residing underneath it?" Sousuke queried.

MFT

The Humblest Abode [Kazuki]

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