Main Branch Event [open to all MB]

[Yukari]

Hikari shifted, waiting for someone to say something. When someone finally did, it was the Jounin from the gates, Kane. "What do you particularly have planned for the branch M'am? Are you going to keep the structure as is or are we going to be reorganizing?" He asked.

"I plan to restructure a bit, information based work will fall under the intelligence services- of which I was once a part. I do not have the plan completely worked out as yet, but when I do, I will inform all who are affected by the changes. I also intend to promote several shinobi- from within our branch- to hold key positions, such as gate keeper, Spymaster, Ambassador, and the like. In the wake of Do Natsu and Takaki Masao's... illness and probable demise, many such positions have been left vacant." She cleared her throat, and wet her lips with her tongue. "If there are no other questions for the moment, I'll move on to appointing and introducing..." Hikari paused for questions, if there were any, she would answer, then move on, "Alright. Firstly, I would like to ask Shima Haruka to join me here." Hikari would wait for Haruka, to do whatever she would do, then continue, "Shima san is a fine Kunoichi. She has long served our Kage, first as a mednin, and then as an assistant, and a delegate to and of the highest offices of Main branch. She is strong and wise, and will continue to serve, but in a different capacity. Shima san, please accept this praise and promotion. I offer you the position of spymaster, at the head of one of the divisions under my control."

"I'll also introduce someone who, I am well aware, would rather not have come today." She gestured to the bar, "In the wake of the loss of leadership, Nara Ryuujin has agreed to return, serving as an advisor for me. He has been given the title Veteran Sennin, as when he retired- many years ago- he was a Sennin. I request that you all treat him with the respect deserved of one as experienced as him. "His appointment is precedented. In times of upheaval, Shinobi long retired have returned to active service." She looked over to him, as he stood at the back of the room and joked, "Don't worry, Nara sama, I won't ask you for a speech." If it had been Masao, she might have stuck her tongue out playfully, before moving on, but this man was not her uncle, and she was trying to present an aura of professionalism.

Kūruson Ējento​

Miri walked toward him- well, strutted- haughtily. She flirted in passing with someone at the bar as she passed. “Ejento.” She smirked as she sat. “Still the paper pusher, I see,” she tossed the ball back to him. “There’s no need to litter though." Kuruson laughed, scratching his ear lightly.

"Not littering, Miri, I'm offended at the thought!" He grinned, clearly he did not feel as slighted as he said, "I knew you'd catch it, just like I knew you'd wear the cat suit. Very nice by the way, I see that even though you're getting older, you're not letting that get in your way. Good for you." He took a sip of water, not needing alcohol to deal with his day today, despite the difficulties of his past. "Ah, and 'paper pusher' is such a... menial title. I'm not one. I'll be serving in my own capacity. Perhaps I'll ask for a position at the academy, or in the diplomatic corps. By the way, what exactly do you do? No paper, no pushing, no... well. You work at the gate? Heard from Fuyuri sama since..." He was referring to the failed endeavor which was SWORD- or whatever the old man had called it. I spoke to him the other day."

[MFT 630+]

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

The silence stirred as Hikari asked for the Crow to take the stage with her. Haruka couldn't refuse, whether it be a command from her sennin or a request from a friend. She needed to show the crowd just who she was, bolster the strength of the branch, and most importantly support her young friend who was grabbing the reins of power. She stood up tall and straight, always proper and fierce in her movements. She gracefully moved across the floor, gazing straight ahead at the stage with her signature expression of stern disinterest. She met the red haired warrior, standing at attention next to her as she met the crowd's faces.

Haruka bowed to the crowd and then to Hikari as she finished her introductions. "Thank you, Tanaka-Sama." It finally sunk in. She was standing in the feet of her former love. The love that would never return to her, with all honesty faced against her. She wondered how he had felt when Masao had called his name across the auditorium to introduce him into power. He could not have been as forlorn. Nor was he filled with such dread, probably teeming with hopeful optimism at his uncertain future. He would of made his family proud, if they had known he was alive. Now she stood here, with a family who was embarrassed by her betrayal. She had turn her back to them, and it was a fate she readily accepted.

Haruka, the Spymaster of Cloud. The immature mednin who stuck her nose up at the politics of Cloud as their former Spymaster traveled with her to Mist was far gone. It seemed like a thousand lifetimes ago. No one could of ever predicted she would be standing her now in his stead. The Shima would have never believed the changes she had gone through. With veins colder, pumping with the icy venom of Haku blood, a mind swarming with the chaos of carefully placed politics, the emptiness of a love lost, and the fierce need to protect Cloud, Haruka stood in the new age of her rebirth as a shinobi for the village.

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

Previously on Nara’s Retcon…
[legend="[size=4][b][color=#FF8000]iNPC Oka Miri[/color][/b][/size]"]Miri blinked at Nara Ryuujin while he stood next to her, mildly surprised that he noticed her, let alone iterated a non-emotional displeasure over the simple fact that Miri wasn’t facing the front while Hikari spoke. The atmospheric pressure he gave was almost suffocating, but Kumogakure taught her well. After all, she was trained specifically for interrogation and espionage. The high possibility of what to do during torture and how to resist was also a part of her training regimen.

“Sir,” She spoke after she turned around. Just as he gave her a calm tone, she returned one of her own. Even with her displeasure, Miri wasn’t one for insubordination, especially when the reason for her not turning sooner wasn’t out of defiance.
[spoilername="Pulled from previous post"]As Hikari spoke of her exploits, Miri had to admit that the woman did accomplish much. But how would she do when serious conflict arose? When would she dictate talking as a no longer viable an option? How would Hikari react when she saw the dark side of Kumogakure? The side that questioned your morals and asked you what part of Lightening country were you truly loyal to? What would she do if those older than her felt that they could manipulate her into their own whims? Hundreds of questions similar to this flittered through her mind. For all the assurances Hikari gave the people of her branch, Miri held twice as many worries.

But she would voice none of them. At a desperate moment like this, unity was needed among the people of Main. Not second guesses or insecurities. Instead, she took a long sip of her drink before a paper ball flew in her direction. In the blink of an eye she caught it without flinching. A brow rose before her head turned to the originator.

Ejento Kuruson. Miri had yet to get a true opinion of the man, but so far, she knew she could trust him. Grabbing her drink, she sauntered to him, passing the man who was once in the shadows. He himself moved to the bar, and had a particular grin on his face when she passed. Her eyes met his bright red as she walked past him. She matched his smirk, offered a sultry look, and when she was out of his hearing range she muttered, “Keep dreaming, Casanova.” Another sip of her drink took her to Kuruson’s table.

She pulled a chair quietly, as not to disturb the question and answer session going on up front. “Ejento.” She another smirk as she sat. “Still the paper pusher, I see,” she tossed the ball back to him. “There’s no need to litter though.”[/spoilername]

Her smiled softened slightly as Ejento laughed. It was good to hear his voice again after so many had been lost. “Actually, I’ve heard little from him since then. Mostly gossip here and there.” She paused as Hikari introduced Shima Haruka to the stage. Before the new Spymaster graced the stairs, and the veteran sennin followed soon after. “Are you worried?” she asked Ejento. Her eyes never strayed from Hikari while she took another sip. He would know she was talking about their new sennin and those she named her advisors.

Uncertainty was never usually a part of Miri’s state of mind. But Hikari’s youth mixed with older advisors made her uncertain. How easy would it be for either of them to be able to sway her? The Shima had a fierce look, one that Miri respected. Nara seemed serious enough, but the fact that he used his abilities to make her comply only minutes ago caused her to immediately not trust him. He clearly didn’t trust that his subordinates would listen to him without intimidation. Well, that coupled with the fact his sudden ‘out of retirement’ status came after Masao’s death. It was an all too convenient power vacuum for him.

It wasn’t until there was another lull of speech that Miri spoke quietly again. “To answer your question before, I’ve mostly been guarding the gate. It’s dull work, but someone has to do it. Even more so with no current gate captain.” She finished off her drink and set it to the side, lightly glancing back to the man in the coat. She made sure he saw her looking before she turned back towards the front, letting go of her glass in the process. She knew Ejento might be staring at her. If he made a comment, she would just respond with, “All work and no play makes Miri a dull girl.”[/legend]

 

[Yomoko]

Kane was glad that she didn't hold back on information. There weren't any uncertainty in her voice. She seemed to have a game plan on what she was going to do; heck she even had some promotions to hand out. He listened as the names wee read off, Haruka and Ryuujin. Kane, unfortunately knew neither of them being from Kirigakure. Though sense being here he had heard of a person with a horrible aura; something so dark it feels beyond demonic. That must be Ryuujin, the man near the bar; because it was that same aura that Kane was feeling now just sitting in his seat. Haruka was going to be the new Spy master and Ryuujin held the title of Veteran sennin. Kane wondered what else was going to happen on this interesting day. He sat back and finished his drink; watching the day's events unfolding.

(ooc: sorry not much for me to post on)

 

[Yukari]

[OOC- those of you who haven't posted can post after me. It's been quite a while, and you should have posted by now.]

Haruka stepped up on stage and quietly bowed. "Thank you, Tanaka-Sama." She said, seeming overwhelmed.

"You're doing fine, Shima san." She said quietly, so that only Haruka would hear. And then Nara Ryuujin would do his thing- if he ever actually did his thing. After that, Hikari would smile out at them. "Well," She'd say, "You really are a quiet bunch. Ahem, there is one more announcement that I'd like to make. Kane san, please come to stand beside me." She would wait quietly for him to do so, before she said, "You distinguished yourself not long ago. Brought my attention to you. For the service you provided, I would like to award you the title and associated responsibilities of Deathwatch Captain. I told you that your assistance at the gates had been noted. Here is your reward." She said with a smile. "If you like you may say a few words."

After he did what he would do, Hikari again spoke. "If there are no questions, I'd like to release you to use these facilities as you will. The recreation floor- that which we are on, has refreshments and many games, or relaxation methods which are available for your use. Please make yourselves at home for the evening." With that Hikari would step down from the stage and mingle a bit.

Kūruson Ējento​

Ejento looked at her after Haruka took the stage, "Worried?" He asked, considering it for a moment. "I trust in the Kage's will. If he believes she's ready, who is to say she's not... and I have worked with her for a few years, so... I know she'd do what was right for the village." He scratched his forehead, and then made a motion with his hands, "She's gonna need help pulling this branch back together. Look at everyone in here." He nodded to the rest of them. "They're quiet and cold. The Sennins' falls hit us pretty hard. It'll take a lot of work from all of us to get back to our former strength."

“To answer your question before, I’ve mostly been guarding the gate. It’s dull work, but someone has to do it. Even more so with no current gate captain."

Moments later, Hikari announced Kane's promotion. He clapped and smiled at Miri. "Maybe you should talk to Tanaka sama about an official position, Miri. You've certainly got the... uh, right attitude." Miri finished off a glass and looked back. Ejento looked and someone in a coat. "Well well." He smirked playfully.

"All work and no play makes Miri a dull girl." She said in a sultry tone.

"No, no, have fun, don't mind me. I'll just uh, go over here and leave you to the table." He winked, getting up and trotting off toward the door.

[Hikari will be available here for one more round before I make my exit post. Please come to her with any concerns/questions/introductions you wish. Thank you for your participation.]

 

[Yamaryuu Sora]

Only starting recently at the Academy Yukiko did not expect requirements to rise fast, but a teacher had told her to attend to a ceremony of sorts, "you might learn something, main branch need the support even from the youngsters" he said. the day after Yukiko went for the event, getting lost as she had not yet created a city plan in her head yet, it had not been long since she arrived at the city. and she had not yet seen it all.
all that it may, she realised she was late when she stood outside the door listening to the presentation of new promotions, Still scared of all the new people she had to deal with, she remained outside the door only to peek in, something about the room also unsettled her, an feeling creeping in her bones, making her even more uneasy..
"learn what you can, and don't be afraid" she muttered while peeking in.

[OCC: sry for being late.. just joined]

 

[Kuro]

Kurogane observed as the new Sennin talked for a while about the branch and where it was generally headed, and there generally didn't seem to be so many questions, so it ended pretty abruptly. The Kyoujouran stood up from his seat slowly and clapped if the others did, then made his way towards the exit slowly to get some fresh air. On his way out he almost bumped into another girl in the way, but managed to make his way around her without another incident. Outside he stood around for a bit, thinking over the words said about the future of his branch, then decided to go for a walk.

[Topic Left]

 

[Tsuyoshi Takeo]

The Dragons Rest… Ironic, in that near-mythical beings were gathering there tonight to do anything but rest. One does not go to a spa/restaurant/casino/hotel without the intent to use said facilities. The irony continues as the one thing that Narashi Jo wanted to do right now, was rest. He had only recently forced himself awake from the comatose-like stupor he had fallen into after Saeko had found him laying in the mud at the Garden of Heroes, half-dead from the internal struggle with his… very literal… inner demon. She had somehow found the strength to carry him home, wash the mud and blood from his body, and put him in bed. They lay there for the rest of the night, and the entire day. Saeko only woke him because it would have been strange for him not to attend when he had been invited by the new Sennin of the Main Branch. It had taken some effort to wake him from his first decent sleep in two months, and even more to get him ready for the party. After his defeat, By-Tor was in no mood to even consider lending Jo any strength; and, even if he had been, Jo would not have accepted. So, several cups of coffee, a shave, a shower, and one finely pressed suit later, Jo was headed towards the party.

Throughout the meeting Jo had faded into the background; inconspicuous, unremarkable. He was a master at blending in; and, with the Dragons Rest being a busy, upscale establishment, it was not very difficult. Hikari’s speech wasn’t what Jo expected of her; her words were usually more eloquent. Today, they were very much function-over-form. Information on their new Sennin and her new advisors, another ad-hoc promotion; the latter had become so commonplace lately that Jo wasn’t even surprised anymore. Once the meeting was over, Jo waited until Hikari seemed to have a free moment before approaching her. He walked up, seemingly out of nowhere, and spoke.

”Sennin Tanaka… We need to talk.” His voice sounded rough, ragged, and hollow with exhaustion. When she turned to see who had spoke (for she might not be able to tell based on sound), she would find his outward appearance matched the way he sounded. The charcoal-grey suit he wore would’ve looked sharp, had it not been worn on shoulders hunched in weariness. His chocolate colored hair, normally well-kept and combed straight back, was in dire need of a trim, and shaggily parted down the middle. His face, while shaved, was looking worse for wear. His sunken cheeks and pale complexion were a testament to his recent malnutrition; and the dark circles under his eyes evidence of sleepless nights. What was once a strapping young shinobi was now seemingly falling apart at the seams.

 

[Yukari]

The Shinobi gathered stood and applauded as she moved around the room, already down from the platform. She was a bit irked that the ones who had been promoted by Masao were not there, but she moved on as she moved about. ”Sennin Tanaka… We need to talk.” His voice sounded rough, ragged, and hollow, and Hikari turned, expecting someone else. She blinked, taking in his appearance. She could not complain of his clothing or his personal grooming, but whereas last time they had met, Jo had been the picture of health in youth, now he appeared a haunted tired man.

"Ah, my Hand." She said, her voice was quiet, and not as warm as it might have been in the past. The truth was, she had lost some of that with her uncle's death, still, a bit of compassion made her reach out and touch his cheek lightly. "You have not been caring for yourself, Narashi Jo. Come with me, we can speak more privately near the doors." She said taking that hand away and lead the way. She recognized Kuruson Ejento, and nodded to him, as they passed. "You look like hell." She said by way of transition as they reached an area not so filled with people. "Why?" She wanted to tell him that his appearance and his health were an important part of his duty to the Raikage, and to her branch, but she held off on the admonishments until she got a proper answer about what had happened to him.

 

[Tsuyoshi Takeo]

“Ah, my Hand.” Hikari said, her voice colder than he remembered from Tenouza. With the death of Masao still an open, festering wound, Jo wasn’t surprised that his niece had lost some of her girlish warmth and naiveté. The loss of a major role model and a key figure in ones life could make anyone cold, but her words still held sincere compassion as she gently touched his cheek; “You have not been caring for yourself, Narashi Jo. Come with me, we can speak more privately near the doors.” Jo followed her to what she deemed a more “private” area of the crowded hall; her words, once again, more function over form. “You look like hell. Why?”

At least she wasn’t mincing words. Jo wanted nothing more than this to be over and done with so he could go home and collapse back into bed. Sixteen hours of sleep hardly made up for almost two months without it. He was probably going to be subject to excruciating testing once the whole Jinchuuriki debacle was brought out onto the table, so trying to get as much sleep as possible now was probably Jo’s best bet. ”It’s the Letifer; the whole division is falling apart.” The description was a little blunt, but at least it was honest. ”With the entire Assassination Departments’ efforts being diverted to stopping the Kingslayers and fighting the war with Marsh, the missions that were usually assigned to them were just tossed onto the backburner. Then, with the war over and Enishi gone, everyone in the department was reassigned to other divisions.” Jo didn’t bother stating that it was Masao’s dying wish that everyone be rerouted to lead divisions that were lacking; there was no honor in speaking ill of the dead. ”That left me with a mountain of uncompleted missions and a horde of pissed-off clients; I’ve spent the last two months trying to catch up. We’d have lost a good bit of clientele if it had gotten any worse.” Jo didn’t blame her for not knowing, it wasn’t her fault. Hikari was the second Sennin of the Main to take office in as many months since Masao’s plunge and Natsu’s illness. She probably wasn’t even aware of the mountain of boxes containing completed mission files sitting in the incinerator room in the basement of the Torre waiting for her review prior to destruction. Jo continued; ”I say “me” and “I” because there isn’t anyone left in the Assassination Department. I’ve been trying to keep up with my duties as the Hand and running an entire division as well as cleaning up months of uncompleted missions for a division that, effectively, no longer exists. The Couriers Department pretty much runs itself, but they’re also so short staffed that all missions outside the Village have been postponed. They’re barely able to keep up with all the missives being sent in-house. Luckily, with the War over, we don’t need to send any covert messages into the field; otherwise, we’d be up shit-creek without a paddle or canoe.

“In the last couple of months I’ve barely ate, and I haven’t slept hardly at all; unless you count blacking for an hour or two at my desk. And there’s… Something else…” Jo glanced around at the people who could more-than-likely still hear him, and lowered his voice to a whisper only Hikari could hear. ”I’m in trouble, Hikari… The kind of trouble that ends with a “quick drop and a sudden stop,” if you catch my drift.”

 

[Yamaryuu Sora]

Soo much was happening in the room, people walking around stalking to each other, in trying to understand it all and learn as much as possible she did not see the man in the karate outfit until he was already past her, with her pulse high, she tried to calm herself, looking back into the room, a red haired woman and a Brown haired man had retracted to near the doors, the woman was the one speaking earlier. Yukiko figured that it probably was an important person and therefore someone she might learn from.
she then tuned in listening almost solely at their conversation.

Yukiko did not know the city was that short on staff. she felt sorry for the Brown hared man.. noticing how worn he looked.. understandable with so much Work.
he suddenly glanced around, and lowered his voice so that Yukiko could not hear it anymore... without thinking she strained to try and hear what was being said, leaning a bit closer in the doorway.
all that she could hear was "..... drift." she then realised that se now was fully visible in the doorway. and quickly retracted behind the wall. standing there silently. lowering her heartbeat and thinking (mumbling to her self).. "this is almost too much learning than I can handle.. Wait a bit.. then leave"...

 

[Yukari]

Kūruson Ējento​

Kuruson paused as he stood at the door, noting a young girl with red hair. She was a cute kid and somehow reminded him of someone. He watched her almost get bumped into by the big man in karate clothes, and then lean a bit too close for comfort, to Hikari and Jo. Time to intervene. he thought striding toward her with purpose. "Hello young miss." He said, "You really shouldn't stand here by the doors. It's rude. Come, why don't you get a dessert or introduce yourself to someone." He said, nodding to Hikari as he ushered the student away. "Also, eavesdropping is terribly rude." He said seriously. "When you do it to the wrong people, it's called espionage." He said ominously. Then he smiled and lead her away. "I'm Kuruson, by the way. Kuruson Ejento."

Tanaka Hikari​

Jo followed her willingly to a quieter section of the room, and got straight to business. "It’s the Letifer; the whole division is falling apart.” He said bluntly. "With the entire Assassination Departments’ efforts being diverted to stopping the Kingslayers and fighting the war with Marsh, the missions that were usually assigned to them were just tossed onto the backburner. Then, with the war over and Enishi gone, everyone in the department was reassigned to other divisions.” Hikari rubbed her face carefully and nodded. Of course it was. ”That left me with a mountain of uncompleted missions and a horde of pissed-off clients; I’ve spent the last two months trying to catch up. We’d have lost a good bit of clientele if it had gotten any worse. ”I say “me” and “I” because there isn’t anyone left in the Assassination Department. I’ve been trying to keep up with my duties as the Hand and running an entire division as well as cleaning up months of uncompleted missions for a division that, effectively, no longer exists. The Couriers Department pretty much runs itself, but they’re also so short staffed that all missions outside the Village have been postponed. They’re barely able to keep up with all the missives being sent in-house. Luckily, with the War over, we don’t need to send any covert messages into the field; otherwise, we’d be up shit-creek without a paddle or canoe. In the last couple of months I’ve barely ate, and I haven’t slept hardly at all; unless you count blacking for an hour or two at my desk"

It wasn't enough that the leadership was practically in shambles, she had also been left with divisions understaffed enough that in order to stay afloat, they had to run one of their most competent shinobi into the ground. There was more, however. He leaned close and whispered, ”I’m in trouble, Hikari… The kind of trouble that ends with a “quick drop and a sudden stop,” if you catch my drift.”

"We'll deal with both issues together, but you look like you might fall over. Sit down at a table, we'll eat and discuss what can be done for the Letifer, and then once you have some color back in your cheeks we can go somewhere more private to discuss your other problem." She said, "I'll also assign someone to lighten your load. Come on." She put a hand lightly on his shoulder. As they walked, Hikari flagged down a server and requested two plates. "Narashi san, you have to take care of yourself better in the future. I understand the extenuating circumstances. These are trying times, but there is no excuse for allowing yourself to waste away. You and I are each tools of the Raikage, and we must keep ourselves fit for use. That means eating, exercising, sleeping. You must promise me you will never again allow yourself to fall into this state." She said as she pulled a chair for him and went to sit on the other side.

[[OOC: Jo, we can talk about the Letifer here and then the other problem in another topic if you like. It's up to you.]]

 

[Yamaryuu Sora]

A man that Yukiko had not seen approached "Hello young miss." That startled her,
"You really shouldn't stand here by the doors. It's rude. Come, why don't you get a dessert or introduce yourself to someone."
looking somewhat scared at the man she realised this might not be the best approach to learning and probably not what the teacher at the Academy had meant when he told her to come her...
The man ushered her away and she followed his lead.
"Also, eavesdropping is terribly rude." He said seriously.
"When you do it to the wrong people, it's called espionage."
Stopping in her tracks now feeling that this was definitely not the right approach, what if the red hared and the Brown haired man thought of her as a spie.
Keiji definitely would not like that. "S- Sorry, I - I didn't mean to..."
She looked up and saw the man smiling, it eased her somewhat. "I'm Kuruson, by the way. Kuruson Ejento."
Yukiko bowed at the man, "I- I'm Yukiko, Suzaku Yukiko, people call me Hayabusa."
the Suzaku name still didn't really feel right, but at some point it would. at least she hoped.
"I-It's just that all those people in the room seemed important in their own way....
I- I Was told to come an learn by a teacher at the Academy. being new here. but... but everyone feels a bit scary... "
Somehow Kuruson did not feel as scary as all the others, and that made her talk more than she wanted.
but right now she was just glad that he was not angry at her.

 

[Yomoko]

The event went on as Hikari lead them through talking about whatever it was she wanted to talk about. Thing slightly took an odd turn as his name was not just mentioned, but he was being summoned to go ahead and stand next to her. An eye brow was raised of the realization of what was going on. He was being named gate guard captain. He felt honored. He knew Hikari had taken note in how he acted at the gates, she had said so herself. But he didn't expect this. He bowed to her in respect but chose not to spoke. Inside he walked normally off the stage and exited the room through a side door. New duties, more responsibilities. Time to get to work.

[topic left]

 

[Matsuno Hama]

Scratched his chin lightly as he quietly listened and observed all that went on around him, rather aloof from the proceedings. After his short conversation of apparently time-bendy retconning, he didn't approach nor even seem to take interest in any of those gathered around the new Sennin. It was simply, really; he was primarily going to concern himself with small projects of his own devicing, and giving advice to the new Sennin whenever and wherever he figured she may or may not need it. If he was sought out by others, he would deal with that when the time came.

For now, however, he set the glass he had carried with him upon the tray of a server as they walked by, straightened his tie and made his way out of the conference hall.

[Leaving topic]

 

[Tsuyoshi Takeo]

"We'll deal with both issues together, but you look like you might fall over. Sit down at a table, we'll eat and discuss what can be done for the Letifer, and then once you have some color back in your cheeks we can go somewhere more private to discuss your other problem." So far, her reaction seemed fairly typical of someone who had just been handed someone else’s mess and knew they were going to have to clean it up eventually. Jo followed her lead obediently, a heaving sigh escaping him at her next words. "I'll also assign someone to lighten your load. Come on."

"Narashi san, you have to take care of yourself better in the future. I understand the extenuating circumstances. These are trying times, but there is no excuse for allowing yourself to waste away. You and I are each tools of the Raikage, and we must keep ourselves fit for use. That means eating, exercising, sleeping. You must promise me you will never again allow yourself to fall into this state." Jo nodded dumbly as she spoke, knowing her words were true; or else her relatively small hand wouldn’t weight so heavily on his shoulder. He accepted the seat offered, grunting in exertion as he lowered himself down. ’Dear Raiden, I feel like an old man!’

”I give my word, Hikari; I will never allow myself to fall into this state again…” His words were sopping with a dark bitterness as he realized how far he had fallen; not only physically, but spiritually. He was ashamed of how weak he had become; how had he let himself lose control? The familiar burning feeling of unbridled, irrational wrath began boiling in his chest. It took considerable effort to suppress the fire within; and the haughty laughter in the back of his mind only rubbed salt into the wound. The waiter returned with whatever Hikari had ordered, and a new overwhelming feeling of emptiness. Jo slowly reached out and picked up a utensil, his movement slow and measured; controlled. He ate in small, slow bites; chewing each mouthful twenty times before swallowing. Every ounce of his being wanted to shovel the entire plate down his gullet, and Hikari’s too. This was more than just hunger, this was gluttony.

Once his plate was empty, he drained his water glass, took a deep breath in, held it, then released it. He was in control… and the Beast sulked off into the recesses of his mind. While Jo was consumed with controlling himself, he was still able to maintain his situational awareness. Many of those gathered had started filing out, and the little girl who had been eaves-dropping on them by the door (though he assumed not intentionally), was being lead away by the man Jo had seen Hikari speaking with earlier. Still, Jo felt too many eyes on him. He’d spent so long lurking in the shadows of the village, snuffing out lives by stealth, that he was beginning to feel suffocated when he knew people could see him. It wasn’t so serious as to be considered a psychological disorder, but he did prefer solitude, and the ability to know everything about his environment before entering it. ”I think it’s about time for that private meeting, Sennin. The presidential suite here is soundproofed; and I swept the place for bugs less than a week ago.” When Hikari got around to reviewing those files for disposal, she’d find that he’d assassinated a wealthy businessman by slipping peanut oil into his room service. The Allergic reaction had looked like an accidental death, and the chef was fired soon after. Jo would have felt bad for the chef, had he not been paying off the health inspector for the last few years. The businessman got what he deserved; he’d been selling stolen government weapons to the Tenouzan Inquisition, and profiting off the deaths of those that fell to them.

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

Brazen, rude and foul he was. A demon in mans skin. Satou simply stood by the bar. Drinking, enjoying people talking and mingling amongst one another. Speaking of plans and ideals for people to follow and lead. Some folks even got a nice raise. Him? Well, he simply felt like doing whatever pleased him, or whoever. A chuckle resonated somewhere in the room. A laughter that only the crazy people could hear. A demons laugh. Satou sipped the red wine, it was rather pleasant, he had gotten drunk far too soon after the awakening. This time he had pleasant taste tests. He even bought the bottle from the bar. While people talked and conversed. He did his job, getting information. And knowing what fun there was to do next.

To do this, he needed only steal some food, as he gathered the tray of food for the two who sat down not far from where he was. He brought the food to Jo and Hikari. He was well dressed in a suit and tie, he serviced them without word, with poise and left soon after. He got a good look at their faces, concern. It was so plain, and the male looked malnourished and weakened. A soldier of sorts, oh joy. As the demon got back to the bar, he grabbed his bottle and two empty glasses.

He simply sauntered back over, placing the glasses before Jo and Hikari, which then he proceeded to pour them wine, smiling, took off his shades and sat down with them. Staring at them with eyes ablaze like hellfire. "Mind If I join?" He simply asked, his voice was calm and collected. Sitting next to two possible figures who could make his night FAR more interesting. He took a swig from his own cup.

 

[Tsutaku Sotoa]

As Sotoa stood by spectating the event he noticed a number of others taking their leave and a few sticking around to continue conversing with each other, some discussing casual and important matters. Downing the rest of his root beer he walks over to return his mug and in a few moments to make his way out also. While he was still in the district area Sotoa looked to have a walk around and possibly have a late night out before turning in. There is usually always something to do in this part of the village, but being as old as I am my choices are limited around this time of night. Sotoa though as he set his empty mug on the bar. Looking around once more he shrugged his shoulders. Well I don't think they'll mind at all. Looking at the bartender and moving his empty mug a bit closer he smiles. "I think i'll have another, just a refill. No need for a new mug." He says to the bartender, looking to get some more root beer to go. I'm sure they won't miss the glass. As his mug was filled with fresh root beer Sotoa leaves a friendly tip on the other side of the bar, then picking up his glass as he began to leave the building. He was on his way to having a night on the town with his drink in hand, taking a casual small sip while walking outside of the hotel. Ahh so where to first?

[MFT]
[Topic Left]

 

[Sanageyama Masaoko]

Haruka evanished in the background of the roaring crowd of Main Branch ninja. Hikari and this motley crew had hopes. She gazed towards her Sennin, who was already busy discussing matters with Narashi Jo. Haruka only caught a cut of their conversation before turning her ears away. The young boy she had spoken with earlier was no where to be seen now. She watched as this Nara Ryuujin sauntered his way out of the auditorium. Her father never spoke well of the Nara clan, a family full of demons and madmen, but Haruka would have to judge his capabilities with her own experience. Hikari needed all the guidance she could muster from those who were above her in age and rank. The red head would get there, surely and steady. There wasn't much for Haruka to do now as the swarm of people ambled around and filtered out of the building. She'd make her way towards the Torre to get started on organizing her division back to fighting order. She caught the gaze of Hikari as she began to leave herself with Jo, and simply bowed her head respectfully. Just as quiet and alone as when she came in, the Crow swept out of the room and back onto the street of the Susukino district.

[Topic Left]

 

[Yukari]

Kūruson Ējento​

Kuruson chuckled at her response. "It's Okay, kid. just don't do it again." He patted her shoulder.

The girl bowed and introduced herself. "I- I'm Yukiko, Suzaku Yukiko, people call me Hayabusa."

"Suzuku?" Kuruson asked, "There's a mednin in the village named Suzuku, any relation?" He asked,

"I-It's just that all those people in the room seemed important in their own way....
I- I Was told to come an learn by a teacher at the Academy. being new here. but... but everyone feels a bit scary... "

"Ahh.. Well, they are. That red haired lady is the Main branch Sennin. The man she's with is one of her top people. Most everyone here has a position that they hold. and duties they do for the village. Even you are important." He said, "Because you are a part of the future. Who knows. Some day you might be the one up on that stage talking to all these people."

Tanaka Hikari​

”I give my word, Hikari; I will never allow myself to fall into this state again…”

"Good man." She said seriously.


As Jo ate, a man she didn't recognize poured the wine. He was dressed smartly,but he not quite in the uniform of the Dragon's Rest. He finished, and sat down, "Mind if I join?" He asked as Jo finished.

”I think it’s about time for that private meeting, Sennin. The presidential suite here is soundproofed; and I swept the place for bugs less than a week ago.” Jo said, at nearly the same time as the other.

"Apologies," Hikari said, "But there is important business I must discuss with Narashi san. I'd be more than happy to meet with you some other time.

[[OOC: Sorry Satou, I was preparing to leave with this post. I'd be more than happy to RP with you in another thread.]]