Passing on the Message [Requesting Kazekage]

[Enatsu]

[Continued From Here]

Tensions rose high a the Maw of Barnyx. I'm sure if things got any more heated there, the devil Barnyx itself would have arose... Haha, what a fanciful idea. At least I still have my sense of humor in these rotten times. Hiku hated strife, but it was usually with reason strife happened. At least that's how he wished for it to be around himself. The tan shinobi grasped his temples as he entered the Kazekage Tower. He remembered times he would come here with his father who would tell him stories from that his mother told him. Stories about the times when Sunagakure was above ground. Hiku had always dreamed of helping find a way to rid the great sand village of those diamond maelstroms. He wondered if things were more glorious with the sun shining on their structures, on their village. He wondered if the strange merchant was right in a sense. Had Suna forgotten their life before them. Had they simply conformed to a life underground excluding the rest of the world from their developments?

"This is all too much in my head. I shouldn't be thinking this hard about this kind of stuff. He was some guy with no proper identification. The fact of the matter is, we did the right thing at the gates. Nothing else should matter, in fact that guy should have been grateful we didn't press him harder finding he had no identification and coming to Suna's gate, seeking entrance like that. We should have called someone higher in the food chain when asked, but we can't make accommodations for people who won't comply. They can take their rebellious pompous attitudes elsewhere." Hiku spat in his mind, about the situation he had to deal with at the gates. That was the reason he was here, to file a report in.

When he reached the receptionist things went procedural as normal. He signed a slip of paper and took a form for his report. "Gotta fill out the good old paper work. A lot of this stuff is just for documentation but that's what keeps us going. Can't be mad at that, at all." He would take a pen and begin writing on the form detailing everything he saw.

Spoiler

Name:Hasu Hikuidori
Branch: Main Branch
Duty: Gate Guard Duty

Summary:
I was surveying the gates and I came upon another shinobi handling a strange slouched man covered in bandages. The stranger claimed he was a merchant who had sustained injuries that left his body scarred. He had no form of identification and simply assumed we would or should take his word on it. The first responding shinobi at the gates made it clear that we did not accept foreign merchants, especially ones with no proper form of identification. The odd merchant began to speak to us in a demeaning tone, and then proceeded to ask for a superior. He was turned away from the village by the first responding shinobi. Before he left he gave us one last piece of his mind. He said "but the Stone remembers where it came from".

[Additional Notes]
-The strange merchant was entirely wrapped up in bandages. His eyes were glowing and red. He looked like his body was oddly proportioned could have been me over analyzing his appearance.

-The first responding shinobi stayed at the gates in order to keep an eye out for our bandaged stranger.

He stopped writing there feeling that it was an adequate summary. He would stop there and wait for the receptionist to call his name. He had hoped this could be done quickly. However there was something he was expecting to happen, or rather hoped it would happen. "If possible mam I'd like to see the Kazekage and deliver this report personally." He had a few questions about the state of the village and he wanted to hear directly from the Steward Kage. Just the way he liked to handle business, personally.

[MFT]
[WC: 662]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

The Steward stood in front of a mirror. It had been two days since that nightmare he had in the Great Halls of Learning. It was a disturbing to say the least. Very disturbing. Since that day Sousuke had been keeping to himself more often than usual. He knew three places as of late. His office. Keystone Prime. His home. Sousuke had been staring at the mirror for a few minutes. He was half expecting some dark entity to form out of null-matter and strike at him. There was just something he couldn't shake off. It was absurd. He was a man of logic. He was of sound mind. He was capable of explaining most things with ease. It had been five days too since he had made a sort of declaration. Sousuke aspired to be something more. Something better than his current state of existence. It was his wish to become superior.

The longer the Steward stared in the mirror he was slightly becoming more aware of his progress. Frowning was a start. The grim expression formed on his face. Indeed. "Sir you have someone to see you." The intercom called out.

Within seconds the Steward appeared next the reception desk. He stood there with his hands behind his back. "I have heard your summons, and so I am here at your will."<i></i> Sousuke spoke. The Steward attempted to smile, but instead it came out as a tiny grin. It was a peculiar thing to see upon the face of the Steward. A show of emotion, even if it was in a minute one. That small grin vanished though as emotion never did truly last long upon the face of the Steward. "People usually don't have me summoned unless it is something of dire importance, which I suppose this is given the fact that what you have there is a full report. Secondly I've observed that you wrote your report steadily. There is no ink on your hands, which suggests to me that this is something you have taken a great deal in care to present to me. I see that your hands are not kept in the best of care, probably because you have a habit of biting your fingernails and pulling hangnails off. Usually a person with bad nerves allows such nerves to command them under dire circumstances, but not you no. You seem to be in command of yourself more in an unpleasant situation, than in an everyday scenario,"<i></i> Sousuke spoke. He held out his hand to take the report. "There is something more, there is something else you wish to discuss with me, that is why you did not simply leave with the report closed in an envelope with a waxed seal with the sigil of your house."<i></i>

 

[Enatsu]

What seemed like it should have taken minutes, took only moments. Hiku barely had time to reflect on the incident in it's entirety. A man with a slender body appeared before him next to the receptionist's desk. He seemed awkwardly out of place like he didn't belong here. His violet hair and his yellow eyes made that clear. However Hiku was not one to judge, his mohawk didn't exactly make him look like the charming flower boy most people thought Yamanakan descendants were.

The steward addressed Hikuidori and made it clear he was there to pick up the report. His grin was awkwardly released and withdrawn as a simple procedure. Hiku's face stayed the same, as it normally was; relaxed and calm. He would hand the report in allowing the Steward to do what he needed but while passing it the slender man began to make observations of the report and Hikuidori. The young nin, listened as observations were laid across the table. When it seemed to come to an hand Hiku would slightly nod in approval."You're as sharp as a sword. As expected of the Steward Kage though. I can't blame you too much because like you said most people would have left it must be interesting to wonder why I'm still here. I took so much time in my report because I was making sure I left out a few details and didn't hint to them until I had your attention. I have some things I'd like to inquire but before I do that I suppose I should tell you about the incident of the gates." Hiku took a short pause to breath and recollect his memory of the event.

"I was casually patrolling the gates when I came upon a guard and a merchant. The merchant was covered by bandages, slouched over, and his eyes, well I could have sworn they were glowing red. The merchant you see, he claimed he was here to sell goods and knew his appearance was shady but we had nothing to worry about. He claims to have been attacked on his travels and sustained scarring injuries. However he still assumed he would be let in with no hassle. Problems in his story already, we can't let someone in based off their looks with no form of ID. Second off how did he survive his injuries being a simple merchant. What attacked him, who attacked him and how did a simple merchant survive such dangerous injuries? Questions popped into my head as the the guard told him we don't allow foreign merchants and that we were not going to let an unidentifiable figure in based on a hunch of who he was. Although he did not put it so kindly that's what I was thinking it was headed in. There were some words between them as the shady merchant became upset and threw an insult. At that point the guard threatened to lop his head off, and that he was allowed to go back in the direction that was free. I found that one to be funny but the situation itself to have been eye opening. The merchant made a last few comments but he said it, and I want to say intentionally in some eerie tone or something. He made an emphasis when he said "but the Stone remembers where it came from". Something was just off about the way he said it. After he left the guard decided to stay behind and asked me to come and report in. Truth be told I wanted to poke around the head of the merchant, something just didn't seem right about his circumstances. He didn't even mention if he had been robbed."

Hiku wasn't sure how much that needed to be reported, but they did have some creepy merchant skulking about the area. With all the recent hustle and bustle things didn't need an extra distraction. He would allow the Steward to take in all of the information and allow it to simmer on his mind. Hiku expected glorious observations that would possibly be in line with his own. If so then he was sure that the Steward could appreciate his comment about wanting to poke around the merchant's brain. He would prepare another statement and begin slowly allowing the Steward time to refocus on the conversation.

"Well I have a few questions of my own sir. One, can you please explain to me the duties of the gate guards and possibly get a revision of the current rules handed out and at the gate guard posts for all new guards and returning guards alike? Second, will you please send me on a mission? I am trying to train harder, because I want to become a Jonin and possibly one day move higher. Getting to Jonin is a short term goal I can attain to better myself. I have to do more in the village though and the first order of business is to become a regular mission completer. A solo mission would be fine if you have any tasks lying around for special skills. Third and last do you have any scrolls on genjutsu, or any books about things that could amplify their power? I feel that my mental power is great, maybe even greater than some seasoned practitioners but I lack scope of available methods to strengthening themselves. I'd really like to correct that era, so I can work on a way to overwhelmingly increase my strengths. Just training them normally is not as effective as having a greater power source." He stood still calm and still in focus. Hiku could only hope the Kazekage wouldn't see him as some power hungry whelp, even if that's how Hiku slightly felt he was.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke listened to the description of the merchant. Sousuked folded his arms and his gaze shifted to the ground. He constructed in his mind the merchant that Hiku spoke of. "Most merchants travel with an armed escort since the surface has become even more dangerous as of late. More and more things are coming out of the wild that are not ... human. Some of them are dangerous, some of them are allies of old."<i></i> Sousuke was brief by his father that the Bouldamites were going to take a more active roll in 'our world'. "Wrapped in bandages and slouched. Humanoid in form, with red eyes. Not a Bouldamite, that's for certain."<i></i> Sousuke thought harder. More information was given to him, and ultimately a line was given that made Sousuke look up from the floor. "The Stone remembers where it came from?"<i></i> Sousuke repeated a few minutes after. "It's a reference of sorts. I remember hearing it from a children's story my mother once read to me. Long ago when the world was made, the stone was cast into a great pool. The stone sunk and drifted to the bottom. It was surrounded by life in the pool, but always the stone remembered where it came from. The stone came from nothingness, and now it was surrounded by all in the ocean."<i></i> Sousuke thought. "No, that reference doesn't work here. I think what the meaning here is that the stone represents a slight, or what the merchant thought was a slight. That slight will not be forgotten. Who was the guard on duty at that time?"<i></i> Sousuke next inquired.

From there the conversation turned to lighter topics. "The duty of the guards? Repel threats. Repel invaders. Allow entry those who are of good character. Be hospitable in some manner ... as the gates are a good representation of us. The aforementioned scenario is one that is exceptional of course. I would seek out Lord Mikaboshi to acquire the guide you are looking for."<i></i> Sousuke offered. The next item of business wasn't a difficult one to attend to. "A mission? I'm sure there is something I can find for you. If I send you to the surface, you are going up there prepared. I will aid you in such an undertaking. I can't think of anything on hand at the moment, but be rest assured should there be something that requires attention I will reach you through the appropriate methods."<i></i> There was the last matter of business. Yes. Power. Sousuke understood the desire for power. It was necessary, and Sousuke did not mind Hiku's desire to be more powerful, he wanted Hiku to be modest in his ambitions. Sousuke vanished for a moment as he retreated to his office to acquire a grimoire. He returned quickly enough with a large grimoire in his hands. The tome was massive and Sousuke required two hands to carry it. "I would use this as a starting point."<i></i> The grimoire made a sudden smash noise as it hit the desk. "Sage Khan's work The Cranium and the Will. An expansive tome as you can see. It goes through the science of the mind, as you will require an understanding of how the cranium operates, the left and the right sides. From there he goes on to expand about how genjutsu requires one to have a healthy medium in the usage of both sides of the cranium. Light reading for some, heavy for others. I found it to be most insightful."<i></i>

 

[Enatsu]

The steward held insight to the situation in a form of brainstorming. His mind really was something interesting, the way he continuously came up with theories for the events at the gate. They were good ones, but in the end it was just brainstorming. Hmm I guess these are interesting theories from him. He thinks so rapidly it's almost like he's a machine. I wonder if he was always this way or something changed him to be this way. The world doesn't breed people like these everyday. I wonder what's a Bouldamite? He shrugged his random thought and refocused his attention. The Steward began to explain that he believed the man from the gates was making a reference. It was as if the merchant was becoming increasingly nerve racking every passing moment. Something never sat right at the gates and now things jut got more interesting the longer he heard thoughts about it. He was asked a question which slightly made him embarrassed. "About that, I actually didn't catch his name, but he had pale skin, blue hair, and these intense orange eyes. I had wanted to get this report in immediately I suppose I forgot to ask for his name."

Everything Sousuke said made sense, however they were basic manners. He did however say this situation was exceptional to normal procedures, most likely due to the shady character of the "merchant". Almost immediately he made it clear there was someone else he should seek for the answers. Inquisitively he asked Sousuke, "Where could I find Lord Mikaboshi?" The tone of the word lord was obviously emphasized. Hiku didn't like to call people "Lord" and "Highness", things of that nature did not matter to him if they were not in direct control of him. He envisioned that when he went top side for missions one day for the upper echelon of Wind Country; he would meet snobby people who called themselves Lords. He believed to be a Lord of any kind you must have delivered some type of impact on this world.

The Steward didn't have anything at the moment in the mission area but he did propose a chance to go the surface with Hiku when he was prepared. A grin would spread across Hiku's face. "Damn straight, the good missions are all up top. That's where I want to be.", he spoke in his mind while releasing his grin. He responded to Sousuke in an exited tone, "Fair enough, I'll just head to mission dispatch for a mission. I've become fond of this group of trouble makers in the Grand Palais. I'm going to go pay them a visit soon."

When the topic of Hiku receiving some instructional knowledge the kage left briefly to gather something. In his mind he thought about the item he could possibly be receiving. This is going to be amazing. I doubt it will be like a secret scroll but it will definitely be interesting. Lo and behold the sight he saw was interesting. The steward had came back with a book larger than his brainstorms (Sousuke's). It was so big the steward had to use two hands just to carry it. Hiku cocked his head to the side eyeing the ridiculously large book as Sousuke began to feed him some information about the book. It was apparently a work of Sage Khan, probably in the top of his collection. Although it could always be a rare gem, that size could be a major deterrent to some people. Hiku would walk forward and pick up the large book that was just plopped on the desk. "Thank you very much. I'll definitely have some fun reading to do when I get out of here."

Hiku would bow lightly, and then head towards the direction of the door. There was something he couldn't shake off though and in order to ease his mind he would turn to the Steward once more. "If you need anything at all, don't be shy to give me a call. I'm trying to get my feet wet again. I was so rusty I didn't know the gate rules and that just doesn't sit right with me. I'm going to make an impact this time in my service. He'd turn and head for the door, hoping that he was on the right path to something greater.

[Attempting to Leave Topic]