The first of many [Open rp]

[Santaru Arisu]

Clouds…they were everywhere. It made a lot of sense considering that he was no in the Village of the Clouds. Kumogakure. It was a land where he had been raised and a place where they served. By they he meant him and his swords. He communed with them well and since he always allowed them to remain hidden…mainly doing to most of them not liking him…he decided to keep them apart. Of course a part of him boiled at the concept of not having a blade near him but the rest of him was more than comfortable without it. Shifting a little in his chair he blinked his eyes as he opened them. Looking into the village he wondered what would be held to him today.

He sipped on his drink while watching the people go by. Nothing really surprised him in this village anymore which was a real shame in his opinion. In a world where almost anything could happen…why was it that it never happened. Honestly he was started to grow bored with the shinobi world and he hated the fact that always he was trapped in the middle ground. He hated not being in a mission. The thrill and ever present reality of the mission seemed to push away the real reality.

Now that he was sitting in the real world…the time away from combat he never felt right. Socially awkward was not entirely what it was…it was more of a sense of waiting. He was doing his best to try and get through the slow moments of life and get ready for the next pick up. He had been a Jounin for two years now and it had only caused the issue to get worse. As the mission grew more serious, so to did the normal times seem less then real?

He had no idea. He never did. He was not so much a thinker as he was someone who lived into the life he was given. He put money down onto his table, nodded to the waitress and started to walk through the village seeing what was going on.

[Topic start]

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

With a cocky grin upon her face, Mochizuki Tama surveyed the central plaza of the Susukino district from the only vantage point that she had deemed worthy for her feet to grace. That point being the highest in the plaza. That being said, this is a shinobi village, and apparently nobody had any qualms about the lone person perched on the rooftops. Tama had been cooped up in the stuffy Academy for far too long waiting for her brother to finally get out of classes. So she had made the executive decision to leave him there, she was far too excited about the prospect of finally getting to explore the town on her own with little supervision. All the preparations and work at home and the Academy had left her with very little free time as of late, so she didn't want to wait any longer.

She had immediately made for the central plaza of the Susukino district, for the place was an immense jungle gym that people could watch you climb, what with all the balconies, ropes, wires, and buildings that were everywhere. An acrobat at heart, she had fallen in love with the place, and had fallen in love with the attention she could receive there. Or the idea of attention she thought she could receive there. At most her antics had received a few raised eyebrows and some chuckles here and there. But none of the thundering applause that had always greeted her performances with her family's troupe. And that bothered her, she should be the center of attention everywhere. For she was the star of the show, the main act, the person everyone was waiting for.

This would not do, she needed the spotlight on her, she deserved to have the attention of all focused onto her. Because she was Mochizuki Tama, star of the Mochizuki Performance Troupe. So like any normal, attention-seeking, over-confident person with a devil-may-care attitude, Tama took a few steps back from the edge of the roof and then with a running start, leaped off the edge with a loud cry of exhilarated glee. She flew out a fair distance, her slightly baggy acrobat's attire rippling around her, her panda-eared hood falling back to reveal her blue hair, which went every which way as she fell. Wide-eyed and a now manic grin plastered on her face, Tama exulted in the rush of adrenaline that came with the fall. With both hands she grabbed onto a clothesline, hoping to break her fall and extend her airtime with a flip off it. However, the sudden weight added to the clothes already present on the line caused the line to snap, sending Tama, and some poor unfortunate soul's recently washed laundry, hurtling across the square.

Tama searched for a way out of her predicament, and found one. As the line swung past the monument in the center of the plaza she kicked against it, stopping her forward momentum. Unfortunately, this meant that she had no other place to go but downwards, into the fountain. As gracefully as she could, she plummeted into the water, drenching a good number of the people who had stopped to stare open-mouthed as she attempted this inane and insane feat.

A few moments later, a battered and bruised Tama emerged from the water, shaking and sputtering water. She looked about to see many of the people in the plaza staring at her with shocked expressions on their faces. Isn't this the part where they're supposed to cheer? she thought to herself. Then she took stock of the mess she had made with her stunt. Laundry scattered across the square, several collisions of people and carriages, merchants' goods scattered about and ruined, among other things. She had garnered attention alright, but not the attention she wanted at all. As the stares that were boring into her gradually became less shocked and more annoyed, some downright angry, she smiled nervously before bolting out the fountain and down the street, in the general direction of a man who had just paid for his meal and left a nearby resturant.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Shiruba]

It was a nice Cloudy day like it usually is. Living in a village so high in the sky had its perks, such as great views and a natural defense to imminent threat. The Dawnbringer Plaza was buzzing a bit for the time being and it will pick up pace as the time goes on. A light layer of snow covered the ground from the snow fall the night before but it wasn't nearly has bad as it usually is. The crunching of snow under Kyuuketsuki's feet eased his mind and the relaxing sound was something he really needed. His graduation from the Academy was yesterday so today was his first real day as a shinobi and tomorrow is when training really begins. Nervousness fill the void in the pit of his stomach when ever he thinks about it. He wouldn't make a good shinobi or fighter. The nine year old genin was to timid to be of any worth in the shinobi world but his Chuunin instructors didn't notice yet.

Crunch..crunch.. step after step Kyuu walked aimlessly throughout the square then... Boink.. The little genin rammed nose first into a pole. He shouldn't have been looking down the whole time, his mother used to always say that before she... left. The pain was stabbing his nose but it wasn't bad enough that it was broken, but it did bleed a bit. Kyuu wiped the blood off with his hand then started licking it clean. He looked around to see if anyone noticed and he saw someone that came out of a restaurant. His heart sank.. The shinobi boy didn't know if he saw him or not but he froze there standing. His heart sank. what will the man think of him??

There was a sudden splash that startled Kyuu and he turned to see a wet girl that flew into the fountain. Confused but worried if the girl was going to be cold because she was all wet. The boy walked silently to her with a weird expression on his face. He couldn't help but stair at her hair because it was blue. He tried to force his eyes down to her face but her hair was so weird to him.

Hhh, hi.. the genin barely managed to get out of his void of a mouth.

He stood there nearly unable to speak, his shyness was to powerful to overcome.

Ddd do you need somewhere to get dress and warm, you're wet.

An idiot, of course she knew she was wet.

He looked down even more embarrassed because all he knew how to do was point out the obvious.

 

[Oshiro Saki]

The fact that they were the Village Hidden in the Clouds was no secret-- just look around. Anybody could see by the almost perpetual fog encasing the mountain shinobi village. Kosei had grown up here; it was his home. Whenever he was out on a mission, the lack of clouds made him feel homesick. He loved them, and he was sure that if they had emotions, they would love him too.

The cool of the morning sent a familiar chill through Kosei's back. He knew what it meant: today was going to be a good day. He loved the cold. He wouldn't mind it if there was never a summer again, jyust winter, spring, fall, and winter again. Soemthing about the brisk cold reassured him, like as long as he was within its chilly grasp he would always be safe. Ironically, he loved being warm while it was cold. He legitamately enjoyed curling up by a fire with a cup of hot cocoa while it poured rain outside.

The thought of hot chocolate put the desire for something warm in his mind, and once it was in, there was no getting it out. Within five minutes, the teen had found the closest street cafe that served what he had in plan. After slipping passed the low-hanging banners that gave some privacy, he sat in a chair one seat away from another man, and ordered chamomile tea, something to relax him. His order was before him in less than a minute, teabag and all, and Kosei scooped it up. Turning around in his chair, facing the somewhat bustling street scene, he assumed a comfortable position and sat there sipping his teas slowly. He looked over at the other guy, who seemed to be lost in thought, and decided to at least strike up a conversation. "Hey." he said casually. "nice morning, huh?"

SPLASH

Someone flew into the fountain after a loud cry, and once she'd escaped from the watery decoration, she headed in their direction. Oh, boy." he said as he almost spilled his tea. Another kid stopped her, and he felt as though he'd been granted a little more time before a confrontation, if there was to be one. ANd here he thought he was going to have a relaxing day...

 

[Junan]

A shriek caught his attention. Ever the shinobi on high alert he eyes and head turned towards the high pitched noise while his hands went about preparing to defend against some unforseen attack. Before they reached anything though the potential threat in the cry had dissapeared as his eyes were met with a child vaulting through the air. Now more relaxed he breathed out and let his chakra and muscles more fully relax as he stood back to an upright position. The girls hands reached out before her, taking hold of the line. It was going to break, he knew this before it happened, but then it happened and so he continued to watch her descent. A very slight shake of his head displayed his dissaproval, he could interferre and help her. It wasn't his place. Where was her mother or father? Perhaps the fall would teach the girl a lesson. She displayed some form of control though, stopping herself from slamming helplessly on the stone pavement, she instead had her fall broken by the water in the fountain. Quick thinking, she'd still be hurt by it, though perhaps more so her pride than anything else.

Looking around himself he searched for anyone going to aid the girl. There were none, though there were many who had noticed the incident. A boy had moved towards the fountain and another boy had been sipping on his drink, joined by another. Older shinobi and younger children were also around, though most went about their business without concern for the girl.

Water erupted from the fountain moments later, the girls blue hair matted to her face and looking miserable. The boy who had moved to the fountain spoke, Kushin watched, though his hands moved out slowly before him. The boy looked to his shoelaces, and he wondered if perhaps he'd have been better listening to what he'd said so that he would have had something else to laugh at later. Of course the laughter would come later, in peoples face it was simply arrogant and nasty, later it was still mean, but people wouldn't be hurt by what they didn't feel.

A slow clapping sound would come from his hands as they smacked against each other sarcastically. This was probably mean as well, though he was the medical sennin and he did have to make sure that there weren't any truely bad wounds on the girl.

Well done. For your next trick are you going to pole vault into the side of a building? he asked, he tone clearly mocking.

He walked towards the pair and wondered what he should do.

Hop out of there so we can see just how badly banged up you are." he then said, a soft sigh exiting his mouth afterwards.

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Kirito was just about to finish up with his drink when another person appeared next to him and ordered a drink himself. A man around his age asked him if it was a nice morning. Taking in the man’s features he nodded to him and replied simply with, “So far it has been an uneventful morning. I suppose nice.” Jerking quickly over to the noise outside the man looked over the fountain and noticed a girl fall down into the water and because a huge commotion, as laundry and chaos overtook the area. Looking back at the man he was sitting next to he said, “Excuse me.”

Kirito moved forward to try and make it to the girl but as he walked out he noticed a boy who ran into a pole. Kirito face showed an express of…what it going on in this village? Had the entire village made its way into messing around with the entire market sector? A man came forward, the man being the Medical Sennin of the village, immediately made a joke which Kirito found a little inappropriate but then went straight to work into making sure that the girl was not terribly injured in anyway. As the younger boy and her senior took over the major efforts, Kirito turned around and then sat down again next to the man who had addressed him.

Taking a seat he ordered another drink and said, “Well it seems for the most part everything is taken care of. I’m not needed at all which I suppose is fine.”

He shifted a little and got comfortable again, took a sip of his tea, and then said, “My name is Heriashi Kirito, may I ask yours?”

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

Kahako stretched her arms and placed them comfortably on her head as she walked into the central plaza of the Susukino district for the first time. As soon as she was released from the Academy, she set out for exploring her mother’s childhood home, and to find a place for a light lunch. It was quite different from the small village she herself grew up in, she thought. The main difference was all of the fog, but Kahako found a form of tranquility in it. Another difference she liked was that the village was so big; no one automatically expected anything from her. She really liked knowing that she got a fresh start here.

While Kahako was looking at all of the buildings around the plaza, she felt her foot step on something soft. She looked down to notice that she stepped on someone’s shirt. It looked to have been clean except for the small footprint she just stamped on it. Why was it on the ground? Kahako looked up and noticed clothing thrown around the plaza and a broken clothing line flapping gently in the breeze. She proceeded to pick up the clothing on the ground in her arms. She looked left and right to place the clothes down. Finding nowhere to place them in a cleaner spot, she shrugged and dropped them. At least it's in a pile. She looked around the plaza to find a place to eat something.

Kahako first noticed three people by the fountain. She looked strangely at the girl with blue hair who was dripping wet and a boy with a slightly bloodied nose. Her first thought was that the girl's hair color wasn't natural. She considered walking over to help them, but she could tell that the third person in the group seemed to be handling the situation. She also noticed two individuals in a street cafe conversing together.

She decided to head away from the spectacle that had most of the plaza’s attention and to get her drink. She entered the cafe and pointed her finger over her shoulder at the trio outside. “That is an interesting spectacle outside, isn’t it? I wonder what I missed?” She said to the two in the cafe. She sat in a chair beside them and ordered a cup of tea and a small snack.

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

Unfortunately for Tama, her flight from the angry townsfolk was interrupted by a small, simpering boy. He had reached out to her, and blocked her escape path. He stood there clearly showing his lack of confidence and presence with his stuttering offer of assistance. As the boy bashfully looked down at the ground before him, Tama rolled her eyes in exasperation, Of course I'm all wet, I just landed in a fountain! But considering that the longer she stayed here the more likely she was to get in trouble, the boy's offer of hospitality might be of use currently. She decided that as much as she wanted to just flee the scene, she would accept the boy's offer. She also noticed that her legs caused her a decent amount of pain when she attempted to stand, much more when she had tried to run and had fallen back into the fountain, another reason to accept the boy's offer. It would let her get cleaned up without having to go home, where her mother would find out about the commotion she had caused in the plaza.

Rather, that's what she planned on doing. However, her new plan was also derailed by the arrival of yet another person. Except that this time, it seemed that one of the bigwigs of the village had decided to intervene. Now there was no escape. Tama let out a resigned sigh as the man approached, she was going to be in so much trouble when she got home.

The villagers made way for him as he approached, this clued Tama into the fact that this guy was pretty important within the village. But his attention seemed to have been focused first on the little kid, and then on her. However, he seemed to be looking at her with a scornful expression. What's his problem? Don't look down at me! she thought to herself, slightly irritated at the man's demeanor. However, what really set her on edge, was the derisive, mocking tone with which he addressed her. The slow clapping wasn't helping either. She responded to the man curtly, lacing her words with bitter sarcasm to match her forced smile, Sorry, it's not my policy to take requests from snarky individuals who seem to not understand the concept of constructive criticism, she finished before muttering under her breath, "I would've been fine if that stupid line hadn't broke."

The man seemed to simply sigh and dismiss her comment as if it was nothing, before resignedly asking her to exit the fountain so he could ascertain what exactly her injuries were. Tama fumed, and it showed clearly on her face and in her body language. "Just a few cuts and bruises, a little fall like that wouldn't have hurt me, after all," she said placing unneeded emphasis on the word "me." Her composure was perfect, she showed nothing of the actual pain she was feeling as she clambered ungracefully out of the fountain, she was trained from birth to perform, and her stage face was nearly as good as the more experienced members of her troupe. However, the medical sennin would be able to tell that her ankles were severely sprained. And upon further inspection she had several muscles and ligaments in both legs as well. If Tama hadn't been trained in acrobatics as she had been since birth, her injuries would have definitely been more serious.

 

[Korikawa Ai]

A sigh of soft content released itself from his lips as Ai daintily sipped at his tea. His fingers were twitching slightly, years upon years of tea-ceremony causing his body to scream that he should be serving, not drinking, the heavenly brew.

With a sigh, he put the small cup to the table with a small clink. While watching the commotion outside was certainly amusing, he knew he was simply meandering around to avoid bringing the ridiculous new kimono his parents would not doubt force him to model home.

Rising gracefully to his feet, his simple red and white kimono seamlessly hanging from him without a single wrinkle, Ai reached for the medium-sized package on the chair beside him with a sigh. If only there were some way to get rid of the damned thing and prevent the hour long ‘fashion show’ he knew his parents would force him into if he brought it home.

Freezing suddenly as a dastardly thought crossed his mind, Ai felt a sly smile tug its way across his lips.

Losing the kimono would be irresponsibility, destroying it would be wasteful… but perhaps there was a way to get rid of the loathsome article of clothing without earning his parents ire. After all… who could blame a Geisha – here he shuddered slightly at accepting his parents chosen profession for him even in his own mind- for protecting the innocent image of a young girl? It wouldn’t be proper for a child to run around in wet clothing after all!

Barely repressing a cackle of glee, Ai picked up the package with purpose and began making his way over to the small group of people near the fountain. Slipping through the villagers going about their business with an almost regal decorum Ai mastered his grin, projecting only a kind serenity.

All he had to do was sucker that kid into taking the kimono off his hands, and he’d be able to claim that it was all for the greater good!

Inspecting the man and the young boy accompanying her gave Ai pause for a slight second before he confidently continued his stride. A Geisha’s trade after all, was the manipulation of men, and while he may not like his strange upbringing he knew for a fact that he was the best Geisha, male or female, this side of the nation!

Confidence almost full to bursting, the burden of his new kimono in his right hand Ai announced himself to the group with a cooing “Are you alright? That fall looked like it hurt and you’ll catch a cold in those wet clothes!”

 

[Junan]

(OOC: I know it's out of order, but I figure my being here will be brief and chances are Kushin would reply before anyone else would anyway. Besides, gives you more to rp about)

The girl met his sarcastic tone with words filled with venom. His eyebrown raised up and a possibly pained face masked the amusement. She stumbled out of the fountain and stood there to be inspected. His eyes were well practiced and despite the best of her abilities to feign wellness he could see the damage which had been done. Without proper medical attention these injuries would likely cause her serious pain with every step she took. If she continued to jump around then there was a high chance she would injure herself more seriously as her body wouldn't have the support that it would require. It was only because she was at full health that she came out of this this well off.

Another boy closed in and spoke to her kindly. Kushin looked up at the boy, then to the girl, then to the other boy before finally once more looking to the girl.

You'll be fine. Walk it off. He said before standing once more If you feel that perhaps your injuries are more serious then go to the hospital. I'm sure someone will take care of you.

Stepping back he turned and then left the scene. Who was he to tell someone who'd told him they were fine that they were not. The pain she'd suffer from her injuries would remind her to be honest and kinder to those in a position to help. After all he had taken the time out of his day off to attend her, clearly he had been willing to help. Or willing to make it seem like he was. He wondered, if she had said her legs were sore would he have helped her? His eyes searched the clouds passing almost in arms reach they seemed so close for the answer. Yes. He decided that the answer would have been yes.

Let her pain teach her what her guardians clearly had not. She had others to help her out anyway, she wouldn't be in any real danger unless she attempted some other acrobatic tricks within a week without medical attention. No-one was that foolish though, surely.

[topic left]

 

[Oshiro Saki]

All too quickly, people started to show up all around himm. People crashing into each other, people checking on the girl, and others. Too much excitement for Kosei, especially at this time, when he was still trying to wake up. Finishing his chamomile, he smiled at the young girl who spoke to them. "Heh, yea. Looks like she's gonna be fine, and I need to get going. Stuff to do." he said, chuckling a bit as he placed the empty cup on the bar counter, which was then scooped up by the barista. "Seeya around, maybe."

[Topic Left]

 

[Santaru Arisu]

OOC: My voice is like Alphonse from FMA brotherhood, just to clarify

As Kirito was speaking to the man next to him. He noticed that another girl entered the café area and pointed out behind her and asked if what it was she missed out on. Kirito had hoped that the man would have explained it but apparently he decided he had stuff to do and then left.

As such it was now apparently up to Kirito to be social and explain things. As he began to walk out into the main area he said back to the girl. “The girl who is wet decided to be a circus performer in an open area which inevitably left her hurt in more than just her pride. She however seemed to be okay but for now I think a little divine intervention is needed. I’ll be right back”

From what Kirito could tell the man was getting annoyed with her attitude and as such he claimed she was fine and left. Kirito had been on the fronts and knew when people were playing tough and as such knew that she was just trying to not be looked down on or just trying to be a trooper. Either way there were no rewards in this world for acts of bravery like this right now. As the effeminate male walked forward he opened up his yen purse and set some money down on a shirt. As he walked close to the group he shouted, “ALRIGHT! Everyone get out of here if they are not helping the hurt individual. I would love for you to not take the money I left on the shirt. I am a Special Jounin and as such I have everything under control.”

With that said he noticed a boy an a girl…wait…maybe girl…trying to help the person who was wet. Kirito immediately noticed the issue and smiled very gently. If there was no fighting Kirito aimed to swiftly pick the small blue haired girl, wedding style, and carry her back to the café where she could go to the restroom and change. If there was trouble from the small youth he would be more aggressive and drag her. Either way she would be coming with him.

Looking at the Geisha he said, “You are very pretty. I also happen to notice you have an extra pair of clothing. If I could pay you for those could I please give it to the small one here? I would be very grateful. Also if you both would please follow us.”

Kirito began to walk…hopefully with two others following him and he made his way back into the café. He looked at the girl in his arms and said, “No need to be tough for the crowd anymore but if you still want to that is fine. Either way you at least need to change as a first priority. Secondly you should really get checked out, I did something similar once and I did not get it checked and the hospital time quadrupled. Needless to say it’s better and quicker to just get looked at.” He said this in a very tender quiet tone. he was serious and really only wanted the best for her.

Walking past the girl in the bar, which eh winked to he made his way back to where the bathrooms were and said, “I have no idea how to put on a thing like that so Ma’am if you could go back in there with her that would be swell. I’ll stay out here and talk to this boy and the girl at the bar when you wish to collect your money.” As such he finally set down the blue haired girl.

As such he finally made his way back to the front and smiled at the girl at the bar and said, “Not a whole lot was missed but now that it is over we can move on.”

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

A person who seemingly exuded the aura of a pretty, popular girl suddenly appeared to join the growing throng of somebodies that had decided to gather around Tama. It was only natural that they all gathered around her, despite her failure earlier, her goal of becoming the center of attention had been achieved. Anyway, Dressed in a pretty kimono, and carrying another, she seemed to be a little too happy about Tama's situation. Suspicion flew through Tama's mind, She seems too happy. What is she thinking? Then she noticed the kimono in the girl's hand. For a split-second, her eyes sparkled with desire. This look she erased from her face quickly, Stage face, stage face, she thought to herself.

Tama had performed in the kabuki plays her troupe put on, technically they were supposed to be performed by men alone, but whenever Tomo was cast for a part Tama found a way to keep him occupied long enough so that she could take his place. They were so alike it was easy to fool the other members until the play had started. She had started stealing Tomo's parts because she didn't like the fact that there was something in which she couldn't perform, but she had fallen in love with kimono then and had played around in the troupe's costumes ever since. However, she would never admit it to anyone that she now did it because she liked dressing up in kimono.

She was just about to craft an excuse to get the kimono when another person joined the group, Drawn in by my sheer presence, no doubt, thought Tama conceitedly. Well, she wasn't wrong, although the presence of an injured girl pretending to not be injured was what probably drew in the newcomer. The snarky one had left in the meantime, saying how she'd be fine and that she should "walk it off." The tone of that last part really set Tama on edge. Damn smug bastard, probably saw right through me, and he's not even pointing it out. Fine, it's not like I wanted to be "patched up" by you anyway. Good riddance, I say. Though deep down Tama knew that she was probably not helping her situation by disrespecting someone who seemed to be able to help her. Unfortunatly, Tama's pride wouldn't let people speak patronizingly to her without a retort.

Tama was wrapped up in her mental berating of the man who had just left, that she did not notice what the newcomer was saying first to the crowd, and by the time she was paying attention to the effeminate man, Tama was already in his arms. Beet-red, Tama began to stutter a protest, but few words that were coherent came out. She would have struggled but the pain in her legs and feet prevented her from doing so. So all she could do for the moment was sputter ineffectual exhortations to be released.

She was carried into the restaurant, and lectured at the same time. Something about not needing to pretend for the crowd anymore and looking out for her physical well-being. "Hmph," she huffed, surprised at the unreliability of her stage face to these people, "Put me down! I can walk, I don't need to be helped! I'm perfectly fine on my own! Let go of me this instant!!" Apparently her protests were still being ignored by the effeminate man, who had just requisitioned a cafe employee to help Tama change into the kimono.

Finally on her own two feet again, Tama grabbed the kimono from the one who had carried her and haughtily declared, "I don't need help with this! I can do it on my own!" She then attempted to storm into the women's bathroom, but with her injured legs it became more of a determined hobble. The girl employee had followed her in anyway. "Since you're already in here, I guess you can help hold the kimono, something so pret--, I mean it's not mine so I don't want it to get dirty." With the help of the employee, Tama quickly changed into the kimono. The sleeves were a bit long for Tama, but otherwise it fit comfortably.

When she emerged she held out hand, staring at those around her, and demanded, "Geta. I can't wear my shoes in this, get me some geta!" The demanding tone of her voice was offset by the struggle between delight at wearing a beautiful kimono, trying to maintain her prideful and confident composure, and excitement at still being the center of attention.

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

Kahako watched as the man in the hat immediately stood and left with just a small greeting to her. Did I do something? She thought as the waitress brought her a cup of tea and sweet dango to the bar stand. As the second man was walking out of the building, he filled her in on the situation and promised his return.

Kahako grabbed one of her dango and turned in her seat to watch the events in the main area unfold. She made a smirked as the male who just left her side proclaimed he had everything under control just because he was a ‘special jounin.’ ‘he sure does know how to use his authority,’ She thought. Her smirk widened when he proceeded to pick up the wet girl and carry her back to the café despite her efforts to resist.

When they were closer to where she was stationed, she got a better look at the girl who was protesting in the Jounin’s arms. She looks almost like Tomo. However, any belief that this might be her classmate was squished when she heard the girl speak to the man indignantly. ‘Not even close, but they do have the same hat,’ Kahako thought as she took note of the man winking at her and took another bite of her dango. This blue-haired girl was way too outgoing to be of any relation to her fellow peer. As the jounin put the girl down, Kahako watched the poor girl limp into the restroom.

Kahako finished her first dango when the man returned and took note of his appearance as he spoke to her. He did have significant feminine qualities, but Kahako could tell that this was indeed a man. She gave the Jounin a small smile and introduced herself. “I am Higa Kahako. It is a pleasure to meet you.” She said as she took a sip of her tea. “I am a student at the academy currently. I hope to have the special Jounin status you do one day to help diffuse situations like that.”

Just as Kahako was about to bite into the second dango on her plate, the blue haired girl returned with the demand of geta. The green kimono did look nice on the girl, although a little off. Kahako raised an eyebrow at the flamboyant girl. “I would never wear geta with that type of limp. It would make my walking sound like a horse with three legs.” She said to the girl before she took another bite of sweet dango. Years of being taught how to properly become a manager of a store taught Kahako that geta were generally uncomfortable. Plus, there was no support around the ankle. No, what the girl was wearing now would be a whole lot better than any geta in the world. “Dango?” She offered to the blue-haired girl.

 

[Korikawa Ai]

Ai, in the midst of running through various plans to offload his unwanted kimono was startled from his thoughts by being directly asked a question by what he took at first glance to be a woman. Taking a few moments to process the question, the compliment passing through without recognition or complaint due to the amount of times he's both accidentally and purposely had his gender mistaken, Ai was a bit dumbstruck.

None of his plans had been THIS easy.

Nonetheless, the inherent grace and tranquility drilled into him over years of Geisha training led him to quickly gather himself. Flashing a bright smile he hastened to offload the item.

"Why of course! Anything to help such a young girl!"

Barely even registering anything other than his now empty hands in his utter glee, Ai followed the woman into what appeared to be a cafe.

His plans hit a small stone in the road when he was asked to dress the girl (Going into the womens' bathroom to undress and redress a small child fell far too far into the territory of that one man from the horror stories his mother had told him of evil men from the past... Irichomaru or something like that) but it was quickly fixed by discretely commanding a nearby female employee to dress the young girl.

With a skip in his step that was far too unrefined for a Geisha to have, Ai made his way to where the woman had said he would have his payment. The kimono, an extravagant, beautiful design that was meant to be his first true working Kimono, was far too expensive to give away without any sort of recompense. Hated the thing might be, but it was definitely expensive.

Arriving just in time to hear yet another young girl introduce herself Ai absentmindedly wondered "I wonder if she's this woman's daughter?" as he brushed off, and then took, a seat.

Barely seated for 2 seconds before the girl from the fountain burst from the bathroom in his (no, not his anymore he thought with a hidden dastardly smile) kimono, Ai overheard an offer of dango from the young girl.

Smiling slightly at this perfect opportunity Ai remarked "I'm fine without the dango, although I am interested in just what you have to pay me for the kimono now resting oh so beautifully on that girl. It is after all, worth a several thousand yen."

All this was said with a peaceful smile, although on the inside Ai was thinking just how he could ring the most profit out of this as possible.


OOC:
((Too many people doing too many things, my brain is all frizzled from figuring it all out >.< Being a battle-mod must be hell. Question though, where did we find out the kimono was green XD I had wanted it too look like the picture below, and I honestly cannot find out where I said it was green. God I miss these things too easily. And yes Ai thinks Kirito is a woman, and I will refer to him as such until he finds otherwise))

Spoiler

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Everything went according to plan so to speak. Kirito had picked the girl up so her feet could rest at least for a few moments, though she did have some silent protests. After that he dropped her off and while the girl seemed to be hesitant to help her try on a kimono, which Kirito found weird he eventually left her to go change which honestly was a tad bit of a relief. Kirito was not a knight in shining armor. He did not enjoy doing the tasks that helped everyone out. He did them because he felt it necessary for him to do. People just sometimes seemed to need someone help them through things. He was not so stone hearted that he would not help people. He just generally wished that he did not have to do it.

Higa Kahako was the students name and she also one day hoped that one day she could be a Jounin. Well anything was possible. He smiled and nodded to her and simply stated, “The trick is to live. Anyone can everyone can eventually turn into a Jounin but can they live long enough to get there is the real trick.”

The girl in the kimono seemed to be very happy and even had a spring into her step. Kirito could not help but wonder if doing something nice for someone else really made people feel that good. Kirito no matter how many nice things he did ever felt so good about it. Maybe it was just a difference of opinion.

Kirito ignored the girl crying out for geta. Honestly she had just gotten a new Kimono and now she wanted shoes to match. Kirito rubbed his face in irritation and looked back over to the girl who originally offered the kimono.

Kirito was not a thinker. A business person he was. An academy student and or Genin was right now trying to work him over and to be honest he did not really appreciate it. “Just a brief question. You originally were going to offer that to a girl for free, yet now you bring up a high price. Were you planning to extort her for money as well or is it because you walked into someone offering to pay who might actually have the money?”

Kirito gave her a smile and sipped on his new found tea and merely added, “Rhetorical. While I could pay it off seeing as I am the son and next in line of the entire Diamond industry that goes through the country…I mean you can only imagine what that must make in profits…” Thankfully this was not a fib.

Out of all of the clans heads of the different gem crafts Diamonds always had the highest selling rates among the rich. As such Ataeru did not have nearly as much as Kirito had and to be honest Kirito loved having this leverage.

“That kimono came out of a package or medium size, meaning that you just picked it up. Stores have to give a proof of purchase when handing someone an item regardless of when they paid for it with the exact amount it was worth. Now if you want to show me that I can give you an equivalent exchange. If you someone “lost” it, then we can go back to the store and I can ask.”

Kirito had played his cards well but he was not done with it just yet. “However I am a Jounin and a crafter of weapons and diamonds and as such I have many skills. My simple question is do you want cash or something else?”

 

[Suzuki Setsu]

No one had brought geta. Tama tried very hard not to show disappointment on her face, she had been looking forward to wearing the complete outfit. But the newer girl at the table had made a valid point, although Tama wasn't going to acknowledge it, geta would probably be a bad idea for her feet and legs at this point. Holding her wet clothes in one hand she made her way over to the group gathered around the effeminate man who had carried her into the shop in the first place. She knew it was a guy because Tama had felt his mucles and upper body when he had picked her up, quite unintentionally, she had told herself, flushing slightly at the memory. However girly his face appeared, this was a guy. One would assume that Tama would be used to seeing effeminate males, considering that she had a look-alike twin brother that was mistaken for a girl all the time. But Tomo was a special case, Tama had grown up with him and could instantly tell he was male, and still got frustrated when people couldn't tell them apart.

Sitting down at a nearby table, she created a small vortex of wind using chakra, and placed her clothes in it, in an attempt to dry them off. As much as she enjoyed wearing the kimono, her image required that she either wear the complete outfit, geta included, or not wear the kimono. So Tama had decided to semi-dry her outfit here, and finish up at home. She knew that her mother was going to be furious, but she was going to have to face the music sooner or later, and now that there was no way out of it for her, she might as well get it over with.

She listened in on the conversation between the man who had carried her and the kimono-clad girl with the agenda. Apparently, she was trying to charge the man for the kimono. Was she going to charge me too, I knew she was up to something. Well, it doesn't concern me anymore, I got a pretty kimono out of the deal, and I didn't have to pay for it! she thought elatedly. Still, this girl needs to be taught a lesson, after all she is trying to weedle some money out of this deal. And she used me to do it. It was that last part that incensed Tama the most, without her consent she had been used as a pawn in the kimono girl's plot to get money. While she respected the idea, Tama didn't like being a pawn much, and so she decided to try and make this as difficult for the kimono girl as possible.

She spoke up, "Hey, you," Tama began as she addressed the kimono-clad girl, "You seemed awfully eager to get rid of this earlier, if it's worth that much to you I'll give it back," Tama continued, her outfit spinning and tumbling inside her mini vortex, "I'm almost done drying this, after all. And I wouldn't want to cause you any hardship because you gave something that expensive to me." She smiled innocently, her eyes sparkling with feigned sympathy and concern, Let's see how much you want this gone.

{OOC: Sorry about my delay, my finals were all stacked on top of each other. But now they're all done! And Ai, I'm sorry about changing the color of the kimono, for some reason I thought I saw green somewhere. I'll refer to it as you indicated from now on.}

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

Kahako, being the daughter of a merchant, could smell an attempt at extortion a mile away. The lady who was the original owner of the kimono appeared to be trying to get the best deal out of the Jounin beside her. Though she didn’t show it on her face, Kahako was surprised by the fact that she was sitting next to the heir of the Diamond Clan. She knew little of the diamond business because her father’s store focused more on other goods, but everyone who actively traded knew of the clan that controlled it.

At the same time, Kahako picked up on the disappointment of the blue-haired girls face when she learned no one had geta. It was fleeting, almost unnoticeable, but Kahako saw it all the same. ‘I think she likes the kimono…’

As Kahako listened to the conversation around her, an almost unnoticeable smirk surfaced on her lips. Time to poke a diamond-funded bear. ”If I may be so bold, even with the recent issues at Port Cirrus, I doubt you would have issues paying her back for her kimono. Plus, someone with so many Geisha-like qualities couldn’t possibly lie about the price of the item. Is it really worth it to walk ALL the way to the store she bought it from, just to make sure you give her exact change?”

She finished her mochi-filled treat as she looked back to the blue-haired girl. “Besides, I think the kimono looks nice on you. I would keep it, geta or no.” Kahako reached for her tea cup, only to notice it missing from where she placed it last. Confused, she looked around and noticed the Jounin of the group sipping from a suspiciously similar cup that was in front of her a minute ago. She frowned slightly. “ummm… sempai… I believe that is my tea you are drinking.”

 

[Korikawa Ai]

Ai was utterly baffled, the son of a wealthy family? There was no way the person in front of him was a man! Thinking on that remark for a second, and catching his reflection in a nearby mirror Ai internally sighed before admitting to himself

‘Okay, perhaps there is a way’

Nonetheless, confusion over the man’s gender aside a small smirk made itself across his face.

He was entering familiar territory now. A jounin the man before him may be, but it was the existence of the Geisha to negotiate with men above her standing and in doing so gain standing of her own.

Still, this was admittedly new for him, he had never had something turn so quickly on him. Everything was going so smoothly too! Had he voiced some of his thoughts about pawning off the kimono without realizing it? Is that what was going on? Maybe he should retreat for now and just run off before the girl had the chance to give him back the kimono?

Giving himself a small shake to knock himself out of that silly mind-set Ai thought ‘Damn that!’

He was promised money, and by Kami he wasn’t leaving without at least something to help offset the cost to his family of his (admittedly highly selfish) actions.

Straightening his back slightly, allowing a cold undertone to enter his voice, Ai snipped out “I know a ninja must be suspicious to survive, but assuming a plot as evil as extortion of a little girl from me is something I take offense to.”

Smiling warmly at the girl seated drinking tea; Ai chided “you could learn a thing or two about trust from the girl here, I would never lie about the price of the kimono, it goes against everything I have ever been taught.”

With a small huff Ai lowered his voice to speak only to Kirito before continuing “If you must know, I had originally planned to offset the high price of the kimono by taking the girl on as a Maiko. My sponsors will soon be opening an Ochaya somewhere in this very district, and while my talents are many, a single Geisha is still not enough to successfully run a teahouse.”

Hunching slightly Ai murmured “I would appreciate it if you told no one of the state of need our soon-to-be opened tea-house is in, as that will allow TRUE extortionists the freedom to abuse us at will.”

Giving that tidbit a moment to sink in Ai carefully pressed a bit further, sighing slightly before admitting “In truth, that kimono represents the entirety of my sponsors’ assets, besides the teahouse. I had planned to offer the girl the secrets of the Geisha in exchange for it, if she was interested, but since you came up offering to buy the thing I saw an opportunity to give a young girl a gift I normally would be unable to due to my lack of wealth.”

Straightening his back once more Ai allowed some steel to enter his voice as he returned his volume to a normal level, “Nonetheless, what would have happened, or could have happened is of no matter. It is, as you said, a rhetorical.”

Turning to the girl clad in his kimono and preparing what he knew would be the argument that he would be hardest pressed to sell he let his face show some signs of sadness.

A sense of melancholic regret tingeing his voice, Ai bemoaned, “That… was to be the kimono of my debut. I was happy to sell it to this man and buy another one, knowing it would go to one as beautiful as you… but I cannot use it once it has rested upon the shoulders of another. To do so would curse my career and lead to my utter ruin! A geisha’s debut is sacred, and must be nurtured with the highest of care. A second hand kimono, no matter how short it was owned by another, is simply unacceptable.”

Producing a small piece of thick, yet obviously high quality paper from the folds of his kimono Ai placed it on the table and pushed it over to Kirito.

“There is your receipt. I am willing to enter negotiations over the exact payment, as you could have never known that it would be such an expensive gift to the girl, nor that it is one that is un-refundable…”

Here his voice become iron-clad, “However, I will accept no less than 80% of its value. The fate of the Ochaya, my sponsors, and myself, relies on it”

Slightly unnerved at demanding anything from one so much higher than himself, Ai wavered slightly, taking on a bit too hastily, “Of course, I would also accept the services someone of remarkable beauty and grace as the benefits of having another Geisha at the teahouse would far outweigh the costs of entering debt in order to outfit…”

Ai’s voice trailed off slightly here, eyes alighting with glee.

“In fact, I’m sure a ninja could use an alternate identity to hide behind when infiltrating other towns and villages… what better disguise than a beautiful woman!”

Here, an almost manic smile crossed his face, his composure weakening slightly as the thought of having another male Geisha tickled his funny bone.

Controlling himself and returning to a state of calm negotiation Ai calmly murmured, “Surely this is a situation we all could both benefit from? You, from easy access to any village in the land, I from a second Geisha to work at the Ochaya, and the girl from the enjoyment of such a beautiful kimono”

Folding his arms within his sleeves Ai smiled serenely, awaiting what would most likely be a response of outrage, that males couldn’t be Geisha, but prepared with his trump card should that come about.

OOC:
((If at some places this feels disjointed, its because I had to rewrite it 2 times >.<))

 

[Santaru Arisu]

Kirito became acutely aware of the Wind jutsu being used so simply to dry clothing. Kirito mentioned to himself about the waste of such jutsu and the chakra she was expending. Jutsu is not a means to make our lives easier. Chakra and jutsu are weapons…seeing this little girl use it for her amusement was upsetting. All the more reason the military needed to be tighter on these students and Genin.

The girl spoke again. Something about giving back the clothing if the girl really wanted them back and Kirito looked over at her and merely responded with, “Shush chatty one.” Sure it was rude and mean to her but this was not a conversation she needed to be a part of.

Kahako mentioned something about the geisha and tried to reassure Kirito which was nice and she even complimented the blue haired girl. Kirito was honestly not very impressed by her but her looks were different to everyone after all.

Kirito did not really focus on her minus the fact that she then brought up that he was drinking her tea. Kirito blushed a little and set the tea down on the table. Looked at her and said, “Yes and it is quite delicious…”

He chuckled to himself and looked over to her and said, “Order another and I’ll pay for it sorry.”

Finally things turned back over to the person before him whom he cared about. The one who had really drawn in his interest.

The person before him seemed to have an inner monologue before she spoke up again about her wishes. She stated that she was offended by the statements they had made to her that it took Kirito aback. She mentioned that she wanted to take the girl on and make her into something useful to balance out the price she lost on the Kimono which made sense in terms of business.

She started to explain what the Kimono meant to her and what it meant to the sponsors. He chuckled to himself and simply had no idea that so much would reside in one article of clothing. This geisha thing was very serious. She stated her demands and then gave a second option for what she would also accept. Something that was rather interesting.

Kirito bit down on his lip and sipped Higa’s tea again simply forgetting that it was once again not his. Kirito studied the girl and then picked up the slip of the receipt. He saw the price and thought about something. Something that might be very interesting.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a check book. He looked at her with a devilish grin and wrote down the amount of money he would pay for the kimono. He wrote down 150% of the cost for the kimono and slid it over the table.

He started to write down another check while he watched and waited for her reaction. When he finished the check he said, “That first payment was for the Kimono and for any damages that might have been given to you, also known as an apology.”

He finished the second check and wrote out the number but left his signature on it blank. It was a healthy sum of money, almost enough alone to start a small business. He passed that over the table and said, “If you can prove to me that this geisha shop is worth something, I’ll sponsor it. If I really like it I might even consider being a partner to the company. I however will only speak to you. I also demand that I see the establishment and get a sales pitch from you before I even agree to give that money to you.”

Kirito crossed his hands and merely said, “Convince me to be a part of this. Sometime within the week. Speak to whomever you need to.”

Looking back over at the blue haired girl he said, “You own either this person or me…you should decide who you want to pay back for this. I am not a man who give freebies.”