That very night both Otter and Midori would reach the hospital, and he would be checked in for treatment shortly thereafter. As part of the process, the stains of blood on him would be cleaned off alongside his partially-healed back wound and his tail wound. Thankfully, such things weren't deep nor particularly life-threatening, though he must admit. If his mind wasn't focused on other things at the moment, he wouldn't be caught dead letting these strangers touch his tail. Only Zai could touch it when he wasn't distracted, and even then it was rarely.

All in all, the hospital visit was well enough, but he didn't dare allow himself to lower his guard around these people. He didn't trust any of them. Their sharp tools and the way they spoke, such a way making him feel like he was being talked down to. These medical centers, while nice, didn't help but make him feel a sense of unease. The actual medical treatment itself came next after this however, and such treatment involved a strange liquid, something that felt excruciatingly painful when applied to his wounds, the stinging sensations almost making him lash out at the one applying it, his reaction being stopped only by the tight gripping of his hands to the table. He knows the disgusting, alcoholic smell to whatever that is now. In the future, should someone apply it to him and he is able to move, he'll make sure it will never reach his injuries.

It seemed these hidden monsters in light colors felt the wounds were light enough to not warrant any sort of medical techniques outside of the traditional sort, though after bandaging his wounded tail tip with gauze and his back with standard bandages then came parts he didn't expect, the parts he didn't know about. It seemed that he didn't have any present medical records on hand, nothing that would fully explain his history or anything else of the sort. All in all, as far as the hospital is concerned and as far as they can see, he is someone that hadn't even stepped foot in a hospital before this moment.

It wouldn't be a statement far off from the truth either. In his past medical specialists, if they can even be that, came to him if things got too bad, and if they didn't the wounds were generally forced to heal on their own. Since he arrived at Suna, he never truly required a hospital either. The injuries he had received so far had overall been light; a cut here, a bruise there, in a manner of speaking he was quite lucky to have even received a promotion without actually visiting such a place as this, and such luck could've ran out when he traveled to Iwagakure for the second time as well, but it was thanks to a certain friend he didn't have to.

During the process of patching him up, which was relatively shorter than the amount of time he and Midori had to wait to come in, he had received a needle in the bicep, something that made him wince and glare at the medical specialist administering it, though he would be able to just restrain himself enough to not grab the syringe and break it. The shot was described as a "tetanus shot", something used to help prevent a disease associated with rusty weaponry, and that while he'll need to come in for more soon so it can build his immunity to it up, that will suffice.

"Alright, if you need anything you're free to go, but make sure you come in tomorrow so we can create a full medical record for you." They would say before leaving the two alone in the room, with Ai himself on the table, bicep bandaged where the shot entered, his back bandaged, and his tail bandaged. "I don't like hospitals anymore. Even worse cages." He would say as he glared towards the doorway before looking back towards Midori, his facial expression softening. "You said you had questions when we came here, right?"

Wc 672

Midori shrugged, keeping nearby throughout the process and having thus witnessed the stress the chuunin boy endured. She couldn’t blame him for being unpleased with the treatment he had faced. But, at the same time, it wasn’t done without reason, and she trusted her staff at the hospital to know what they were doing. Throughout the whole thing she was prepared to step forward and punch one of them through the wall should they show malice that was to be avoided in the profession that they were trusted with. Yet, to her delight, there was no such situation that came up. So now, she stood next to the boy as he laid there for recovery purposes.

As they were left, Midori nodded to the attendant, before sitting down besides the injured boy, listening to him as he spoke. Ah, yes, she had questions for him. Well, that wasn’t the most important thing in her mind. “Before we get to those questions, I would like to commend you. I could see that the situation brought you discomfort, so thank you for being as brave as you have been. Thank you for being patient and brave throughout this ordeal, I can understand your distress. There are a fair few in the world that aren’t huge fans of the hospital. Even if to prevent later pain, pain isn’t exactly a pleasant thing.”

That aside, Midori rubbed at the back of her neck as she tried to think of how best to start her inquiry into the situation as a whole. The last thing she wanted to do was bring further discomfort, as it was rather obvious that he was stressed, and given the thing that had happened before arriving here, she did not wish to put further strain on his psyche. “So, at any point you don’t want to continue and need to stop for a break, simply interrupt me and say so, and we can stop talking. I can get you a drink if you need, or perhaps find something like a cookie. Anything at all that I can do to help you feel more comfortable, just say so. So, with that in mind… I suppose the first thing I’d like to ask is what do you know about this infinity gang? I personally have yet to leave Kaze no Kuni, so I am unfamiliar with the gangs of nations outside of our own. I am unaware of how large this gang is, nor am I familiar with their intents. Yet from your story, a foreign gang was within our borders. Any information is useful, so that I can better know what to look for to protect the village, and prevent any further deaths. I don’t expect you to have knowledge of everything, but anything that you can tell me will help. So… Yes. That is my first question I suppose. And thank you again so much for opting to stay, even if you change your mind later, in my mind you’re brave.”

501

Midori had seemingly decided to take a gamble and get closer to Otter, having decided to sit next to him. His first thought was to move away, these attempts to get closer to him, while he knew were genuine comings from someone nice like her, also couldn't help but give off an air of suspicious intent behind them. It most likely was just how he was feeling at the moment, but he was never much of the deep-thinking type, so he would do a mixture of a short scoot away and flinching as he tried resisting just outright getting up. She commended him on being brave and patient, as a fair few in the world aren't exactly fans of hospitals considering even more pain isn't exactly pleasant, even if it's the prevent later pain.

This compliment allowed him to offer a small smile in response. He didn't believe that it was brave in the slightest, but the fact that it was an attempt to help him be more at ease helps, at least for now. He would sit there in silence with her for a few moments with her rubbing the back of her neck and him scratching his head. His tail, while laying flat against the table, had a stinging sensation about it, one which nearly made him scratch as the wound in an attempt to either make it break into full out pain or to just relieve the area around it slightly. Just the feeling of this sensation and the fact nothing had been said for a few moments began to put him on edge, like he should do something. The urge to do something, to do anything, was coming back to him, that same urge that had gotten him into trouble in the past as a Genin, and hat he was able to direct towards other things as a Chuunin, now wanting to find a new outlet.

His restraining it was tough, it wouldn't be done without an ever so slight twitch in his left eye, but it was successful for long enough for Midori to break whatever couple moments of silence that had felt like an eternity for him. She would inform him that if he doesn't wish to continue or needs to stop for a break, he only needs to interrupt her and say so, and they can stop talking. She can get him a drink or even something to eat, or anything that will help him feel more comfortable. He would nod in response, knowing that he'll definitely ask for water, but that he will wait to do so later on, instead. For now however it was probably best that he heard her out, to help him keep himself from doing something.

She would ask for information on the Infinity Gang first. Due to being unable to leave for Iwagakure, she is unfamiliar with it and any other gangs of nations outside of her own village. She is unaware of how large they are and unfamiliar with their intent, yet a foreign gang was in their borders nonetheless. She was looking for any information on them as well for the reasons of knowing what to look for to protect the village and to prevent further deaths. Ending her question, she would thank him again for choosing to stay, even if he decides to change his mind.

He would think back to his encounter with them, with Ryuu, one of the stronger members of the group, and how if it weren't for the fact that he had Misty Flame he would have most likely not be sitting here today. The numbers were overwhelming for him and he hadn't even fought half of them before he had to resort to it. His hands shook from the sheer recollection of it and his eyes would widen as he blankly stared off for a few moments. This real battle, while it wasn't something he wasn't used to, the disgusting smell of burned flesh, and the fact that it was probably the second closest brush with death he had, it shook him to his core. This moment though would only be that; a moment, and his mind would already begin pushing the images and he smell away before he looked back to Midori once more.

"From what I've been told and what I've seen, they're a gang that is pretty huge in Iwagakure. They have a lot of them too. The group I encountered was at least twenty. They're weak by themselves. The strongest that I faced was my level, but the ones under him were Genin and even weaker than that. Genin aren't that weak, per se, but most of them were as if they were a step below that, whatever that is. I encountered them while I was looking for something. There was a mission to.. clear them out and they had a connection to that something, from what I heard. I don't know why they're here though, if it's for revenge, to find a place to move to, or what."

He would finish, giving out all he knows about them. If they truly are here for the reason he thinks they are, then that means the owner of the cage will be coming to visit too, to reclaim the one trapped within. He had hoped it wasn't that, though, as he was no longer prepared to deal with that, such a thing made his body tremble slightly. "I think I'd like some water after all, if that's okay with you." Should he receive some water, he would proceed to drink it. The cool liquid sliding down his throat making him realize that he was far more dry than previously thought, the stress of the situation and his small trip through and back through the desert must've began drying him out earlier than previously thought.

After he was finished, he would hold the near empty cup or bottle or whatever between his legs, the object held loosely with both hands as it dangled over the floor. "How'd you lose your arm?" He would ask, the question having been itching him ever since she showed him how to break it. It seemed to have more weaknesses to a regular arm, not to mention the pain that she must've gone through when it was removed. He wanted to know more about it.

Wc 1090

Twc 1762

With an almost deathly silence, the Kazekage listened as the injured boy began to answer her question with as much detail as he could muster. She could see the strain it brought on him to recall, but she waited without a motion for him to reply. He proceeded to explain how the gang was a large one from Iwagakure, where the group relied on numbers for strength. Quantity over quality, to give quantity a quality of its own. Still, his way of wording and comparing their strength was odd. Did he not know about the academy system? Just who was this boy? Well, that mattered little. The point was made. He himself was a chuunin, so did this mean that the gang had members with that much potential within their ranks? The thought was disconcerting, especially if the size of the gang was not hyperbole.

In terms of motive, the lack of clarity was an uncertainty that Midori wasn’t comfortable with. Without a doubt in her mind, it was something she’d have to keep an eye on. Couldn’t risk having a group like that grow in power – least of all with the current gang problem Sunagakure already had. For certain, she was glad she took this matter into her own hands – where the ANBU had suspected this boy of murder, it was likely they would have simply taken him out without asking questions. One of the places where she disagreed with the nature of the ANBU, although she understood the importance of it. The shadows were a dangerous place to live, one which stepped away from morality. From emotion.

As he finished, after a brief pause, the boy asked for some water. With a smile, Midori nodded, standing up. “In that case, I will be just a moment. The room with refreshments is just around the corner.” She declared, before walking to the door, opening it, and heading out. Roughly a minute later, she was back, a glass of water in hand. Gently handing it to him with a slow, careful motion, Midori then took her place back at the seat.

After he’d had his drink, a question which Midori wasn’t sure if she expected or not was up next. Her arm. Interesting, although she couldn’t blame him for being curious for sure. “Ah, I suppose that is something that’d be normal to be curious of, for sure… Well, make sure you’re comfortable. It’s a rather boring story, but I like telling stories, so, it is story time. I suppose the first thing to explain is that, if you visit the Ningyou compound, you’ll find many, nearly all of us, with prosthetic limbs. It became somewhat of a tradition for us to remove one of our arms when we become a shinobi, and to replace it with a new arm of our own creation. To accept that our art is a part of us, and to remember the history of the clan. But, it’s still an option. It wouldn’t be humane to force someone to remove a limb, it’s just a tradition. There are also Ningyou who opt to avoid the clan tradition, and they are respected just as much…”

Touching her prosthetic with her real hand, she looked to the ground for a moment. “Originally, I wasn’t sure if I was going to. I was working hard and enthusiastically to become a shinobi, but, during the academy, my health went downhill. I was scared and anxious, and unsure about everything. Everything felt… Low, I suppose. My right arm became my way of coping for a while, although I think I’d prefer to not go into details about that…” her voice trailed off, Midori simply staring at her prosthetic with a face that was filled with a mixture of sadness and joy in a weird cocktail of expressions.

Gathering her composure, she began speaking up once more. “I suppose, in a way, I was very fortunate and lucky. I got a lot of support and patience from those around me. People listened to me talk my heart out when my emotions took over, or when I felt worse than before. People offered me guidance when I was lost in what to do. My parents held me close and made sure I was safe, while still letting me have freedom in my choices. I was lucky. I’ve never gotten completely better. I still have my doubts in the world. But when I was back on my two feet, I opted for the operation. And I chose my right arm to remove my scars… No, I suppose to own my scars. I wanted to keep a permanent reminder of how scary the world can be, but also how good it can be. So, I have. Every night that I take off my arm to sleep, I remember how much guidance I was given. It helps to drive me. It’s why I opt to do what II do, and hope I act in the good for the better of others. I don’t want to cause grief to those around me, and while it’s foolish to believe that everyone can be safe… Well, I want to play the fool of this world.”

Having finished her retelling, she offered a smile to the tailed boy. A part of her was curious about his tail, but it was rather obvious that it would be a sensitive subject. Still, there was a personal question that, while it might upset him, Midori somewhat needed the answer to. “So… Do you have a place to live in Sunagakure? Judging from your plan to leave, and the way you refer to things as cages, it makes me think the answer is a no… In which case, I would like to offer to get you a place. Only a small one on the border of the village, so at a less populated place, but if it helps you get back into the village, and help you grow comfortable, then I’d like to do what I can.”

1005 + 501 = 1506

He appreciated the fact Midori actually stood up and got him some water, telling him that she'll be just a moment. His throat was dry at this point, and exhaustion was beginning to set in even more so than before, threatening to overtake him. Something refreshing like a drink would be deeply appreciated just so he doesn't end up getting too tired for talk. As soon as she would be gone, he would dig his claws into his left thigh subtly, the sharp pricks of pain being aimed to help him fight up the exhaustion. This sensation that came from his small action would last even after he removed his claws, the tingling helping make sure he didn't pass out of anything of the sort.

After the drink, which left a newly acquired cold feeling going down his throat, one which he almost coughed up at first before quickly getting used to it, Midori would make a comment on her arm being something that's normal to be curious of before telling him that the story is a boring on. Thankfully however, she liked telling stories, so it's story time. She would begin by suggesting that the first thing to explain is that when one visits the compound of the Ningyou's, they'll find that nearly all of them have prosthetic limbs. It's a tradition for them to remove one of their arms when they become Shinobi and to replace it with a new arm of their own design.

She'd explain that the reason behind doing it is to accept that their art is a piece of them and to remember the history of the clan. 'Holy hell, they remove their limbs just for art and history? A book seems less painful.' He would think to himself with his right eyebrow raised. Thankfully, members aren't exactly forced to lose a limb, since that's not human. Instead some of them decided to avoid the tradition and still be respected as much, most likely because they like having both hands more than anything else, Otter felt. She would also explain how she wasn't sure if she was going to either. She worked hard and with enthusiasm to become a Shinobi, but during the academy her health went downhill.

Being scared and anxious and unsure about everything, everything felt low to her, and her right arm become a way to help her cope. Before he could ask for details on how exactly that is, she would explain that she prefers not to go into detail about it, instead seemingly going from a bittersweet facial expression as she looked at her arm to seemingly regaining her composure, mentioning that she was extremely fortunate and lucky, in a way, as she got a lot of support and patience from those around her. People listened to her talk her heart out when she felt emotional or when she felt worse for wear, she received guidance when she was lost, and her parents held her close and ensured her safety while still giving her freedom in her choices.

That word, "parents" would make the male wince slightly as he heard it, the old wound from his argument with Zaiaku in the bathhouse still being fresh in his head, making him consider thinking upon the word later on. It was good however that the Kage received this treatment. Perhaps it's part of why she had reached as high as she did so far. She would explain how she has never gotten completely better and that she still has doubts in the world, but when she was back on her own two feet she opted for the operation, and to remove her right arm in order to remove the scars, or rather, to own them. She wished to keep a permanent reminder of how scary the world is, but also how good it is too, so she did. Every night she takes her arm off to sleep and to remember how much guidance was given to her. It's why she does what she does and hopes to act for the better of others, to no longer cause grief to those around her.

As he heard the final words, of how even though it's foolish everyone can be safe she wishes to play the fool of the world, he would say his thoughts exactly. "And you call me brave for doing this. I wouldn't cut off my arm for anything. I see why you did it though, and I respect why you did it a lot." He said, receiving a question in return. He would be asked if he had a place to live in Sunagakure, since judging by his plan to leave and the way he refers to things as cages, it makes her think the answer is a no. If not, she offered to get him a place, a small one on the border of the village, less populated, but if it helps him get back into the village and be comfortable then she'll do what I can.

"I guess I don't have a place anymore. I was leaving to protect the people I'm living with at the moment, but even then they're not people I'm related to. I don't even think they'd let me stay if I wasn't with Zaiaku, not because they're horrible or anything like that, but because they don't know me much." He would say as he thought about it. Jinhue would probably love the idea of him being gone, considering he seemingly had an issue with him from the start. Still, the thought of having someone else pay for it made him concerned, he didn't exactly want handouts either. "Are you sure you want to do this? If you do I'll be in your debt, it's just I'd rather not take advantage of your kindness or anything like that." He would say, skirting around her mentioning how he calls everything a cage. He wasn't at that point where he was comfortable explaining it to her. Perhaps at another time, when his personal business is all over and done with, but for now, for all he knows the people in this very hospital could be connected to it in some way, waiting to report back on how it's affecting him.

Then again, she is literally being nice enough to offer him a place to stay, and no one else was in the room at the moment, either. He guessed he could share some of why he called things that, just for clarification's sake. "Where I am now is at the directions of someone else and I only just recently found that out. I called this village a cage because it suits them if I stay, and I call everywhere else a cage because in the end I'll be losing if I go. Everywhere's a cage right now, and I don't know how to deal with that yet, only that the one keeping me will be here soon to punish, or never." He would explain while keeping his own past hidden. This is the furthest extent of the knowledge on the situation that he has so far. Perhaps he can seek out the dogs that are sniffing him out and see if he can get more info, but that's a thought for later. His eyes would dart around the room, checking to see for sure if they're truly alone before looking back towards Midori.

"I don't think you're one of them at all, you're too nice, too consistent. You're the Kage of course so you can't be and I'm not stupid enough to start thinking you're some kind of imposter, but I don't know about everyone else around or outside, so I won't reveal anything else on this."

Wc 1338

Twc 3100

A slight blush reached her cheeks for a moment as he complimented her on her bravery. To Midori, it wasn’t about being brave, but being herself, yet regardless she appreciated the compliment. Next up, however, was his story. Well, perhaps story was the wrong word, but an explanation of his situation, although vague. Details were missing, although details that she expected would remain missing. Judging from his behaviour, something had happened. In that instance, there was little chance she would hear what had transpired. Which was fair enough in her mind, as his trauma was his, and she had no right to force him to relive it.

He explains that he was living with… Wait, Zaiaku? That person she met ages ago? Wow, small world. Perhaps once she had gotten past the serious stuff, she would make sure with Otter that it was the same Zaiaku. It was a rather unique name, so she had no doubt it would be him, but it was interesting regardless that there was a possibility of knowing the same grey giant as this boy. With a smile, Midori nodded though. “Yes, I’m sure I want to do this. I don’t see it as putting you in debt, so much as helping you out. You aren’t abusing my kindness, of that I’m sure.”

The rest was vague. Things Midori was not personally sure of. Finally she gave a slight nod, before speaking up once more. “Being the Kazekage does not excuse any actions I take. I can still do wrong, for I am still only mortal. As for your thoughts on this place, or, everywhere as a cage… I cannot say I understand, for that would be to undermine the struggles you have faced. All I can say is that I am sorry for all the troubles you have been through. Yet know that so long as I live, I will not force you to do anything. If this village is a cage to you, then open the bars. Any who would try to force upon you things of which you do not wish, I will see to it are detained, and if they proceed to try again, perhaps a fate worse still. Your life is important, and to that degree, your choices are as well. You can voice your thoughts. Believe what you wish to believe about the village. Hate that you wish to hate, and love that which you love. If there is any way I can aid you be free of the feeling of the cage, please let me know. I have an office in the administration building, which you can find near the centre of the village. If you ask for me at the reception desk, I am often in the building, so I am sure I will be able to spare time to come chat and listen. I don’t know what happened, but, I won’t ask either…”

Realising that perhaps that would perhaps probe too far in itself, Midori began again. “The place I have in mind isn’t a big place. I can’t really just give you a large place after all, as that wouldn’t be realistic, practical, or fair to those else who live in a village. It’s a two room apartment, and finds itself far from the bazaar. Usually, this means people are less likely to wish to inhabit the area, as it causes inconveniences when it comes to getting things you need – a longer walk and all that. However, in your instance, I imagine it’s something you would like, no? Anyways, the main drawback and why I can afford to give you this for free is that it does not have a bathroom on suite, which is instead found nearby. If this is too much of an inconvenience though, I’m sure I could find the budget to have it renovated a bit. Cooking areas are provided, and there are some bits of basic furniture provided. It’s in an area that is often used as small accommodations for those fresh from the academy so that they can get on their own two feet in an independent, yet safe and secure way. It wouldn’t be morally or judgementally sound to just expect people new to the shinobi lifestyle to be able to afford a house in its proper. So, that is the details regarding that.”

Thinking for a moment, she began looking to the side, gathering her thoughts. What to do about the infinity gang situation… Finally, she got a plan, after roughly two minutes of complete, awkward silence. “I believe I will organise a meeting with the Tsuchikage. Perhaps if I bring the topic to him, he will feel it of importance as well, and provide aid to dealing with the situation, and answering questions. I can’t afford to risk other deaths after all. No matter what, I will not give your name, so you do not have to worry or be concerned about that. I’m a medical ninja as well as a Kage, confidentiality is important in that regard. But, I would like to ask, is there anything else you believe I should address in the meeting to the Tsuchikage? I want to hear from someone of the village, any concerns of foreign relations. You’ve been there, and I do not wish to have unneeded poor relations with a village from another nation. I’m prepared to listen, and so, I would like to ask for your opinion. If you have none, that’s fine. Also, I apologise if I’ve been talking too much. It’s just something I guess I have a bad habit of. If you mean the Zaiaku I think you mean, he could likely attest to this aha! Poor guy, the first and only time I’ve met him, if it’s the same one. Small world, but it could just be me assuming.”

With that, she realised she had begun rambling again, waving a hand in apology with a light hearted laugh. “Ah, right, rambling again, my bad! So, anything you want to say, be it for the topic or otherwise?”

1014 + 1506 = 2520

He was appreciative of the fact that it wasn't an abuse of her kindness to take her up on her offer. While he didn't owe a debt that was agreed upon by the both of them, he would have to make sure that he repays her for this later on one day. It also seems that despite being leader of the village, even Midori has limits, and her actions taken carry consequences. It's perhaps for the better this way as it helps wave off the corrupted weeds attempting to wrap around the position, but it did make him wonder if it went up any higher then, and at what position would it reach where the one holding it can do whatever they desire. His short learning of the fact that a Kage has limits was also followed with an admission that she can't understand the idea of everywhere being a cage. Of course she can't! No one can. They're all birds in a cage, before he thought he was the only one held, but no. As long as there are personal demons alive, ones that hold a very live threat, one is in a cage. The bars the captor can see through, can hear through.

It was appreciated that she didn't try to feign understanding out of respect for his own struggles, that surely would've been a larger insult if he had bought into her understanding him only to admit later that it was to play to him. What was surprising however was the fact that she apologized for it, as if she held a part to play in it. He would lightly shake his head at this when she apologized for the troubles he had gone through. He didn't need to hear such a thing from her, he didn't want to. She's innocent in this, so the burden of apologizing for the actions of another shouldn't be on her shoulders. She did bring about an extremely interesting swear however, where for so long as she lives she refuses to force him to do anything. If the village is a cage, open the bars, if there is anyone attempting to try to force upon him things he doesn't want, they'll be detained. If they try again then a worse fate, perhaps.

This would surprise him as he listened, for not even Zaiaku had fully swore something like this out yet. His eyes slowly widened as she spoke, his realizing how much she truly cares for not just him, but for people in general. He hadn't encountered one like this before, not to this degree. He can't voice his thoughts, believe what he wishes to believe, hate who he hates, and love whom he loves, but most importantly should there be any way she can aid him in being free of the feeling of being in a cage, he should let her know. Ask for her at the reception desk at the administration building. She's often there, and so she is sure that she can spare time to come chat and listen, and while she doesn't know what happened, she won't ask, either.

"Honestly, when I fully figure out what happened myself, that's when I'll come visit to tell you the full story." He would respond as tears began to well up in his eyes from the rare kindness being shown. He wasn't an amnesiac, but the story he had in his eyes held too many holes that needed to be filled first for it to make any sense, too many holes and too many unresolved issues. Wiping his eyes with his left forearm he would hear her continue to speak. The place isn't a big place at all. She can't just give him a large place, that's not realistic, practical, or fair to anyone else residing in the village. It's a two-room apartment far from the bazaar, meaning less people to inhabit the area. Screw the large place, this place so far sounds perfect for him to stay, clear his head out, and prepare for the coming days.

What the main issue about it is and why she can afford to give it to him is the fact that the bathroom isn't on site, it's instead found nearby. He also didn't mind his in the slightest. In his situation he almost resorted to living in the wild and going in the woods, so this is definitely far more preferable now that he's with a clearer head. Everything else is seemingly basic in quality but provided. The interesting thing about it is that it's an area often used as small accommodations for those fresh from the academy so they can get on their own two feet in a safe and secure way. It's not morally or judgmentally sound to just expect people New to the lifestyle to afford a house, so this is the alternative. "It's more than what I would've had if I had gone the other way. I spent my first two weeks in an abandoned apartment, so this fits perfect for me. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this, I wish I could though." He would respond as she paused for a few moments. More than a few moments really, it seemed more like two minutes, and in those minutes he was able to stop the tearing up and was now beginning to feel awkward about the situation.

It would be then however that she would speak up again, stating how she'll organize a meeting with the Tsuchikage and bring the topic to him. He'll find it important as well and bring aid to dealing with the situation. She can't afford to risk other deaths and, no matter what, she will not give his name, so he wouldn't have to worry or be concerned about it. Confidentiality is important to her as she's a medical ninja and a kage. She did wish to ask if there's anything else she should address in her meeting, however. She wants to hear from someone of the village in concerns of foreign relations. He's been there and she doesn't wish to have unneeded poor relations with a village of another nation. She's essentially asking for his opinion, which is fine if he had none.

Honestly, he was about to begin paying attention to the fact that she did ramble after she apologized for talking too much, but then she mentioned Zaiaku, and how he's a poor guy for having to deal with it too. It's a small world if it's the same one, but it could also be her assuming. Hugging himself for a few seconds at his just hearing the name, Otter began to feel a sense of longing, of missing the jumbo sized Oni. "If the one you met is taller than most people in the village and doesn't even look human, that's the one. I miss the big softie so much, he really is a poor guy though if you played around with him too. He's together with me and I give him too much of a hard time a lot of the time." He would say as he looked away with a slight smile though saddened eyes, his pointed ears almost appearing to have lowered slightly, the combination almost being a bittersweet look of sorts. He hasn't seen him in a while. In fact, he wasn't even sure if he was there when he himself left for Iwa again, it truly worried him.

This wasn't the time to get caught in the remembrance of missing lovers. Instead, it was the time to share anything he has about Iwa that could be of use for her meeting. Unwrapping his arms and removing the previous look from his face, he would look towards her. "I didn't exactly meet the current Tsuchikage, I didn't have much of a chance to so he probably wouldn't even know me if you did mention my name. I just did my stuff with a medical nin named Nanashi, called himself the Pestilence of Iwagakure or something like that, Saanin. I did meet the previous one though when I went at another time back when I was a Genin and now he's apparently missing. Name was Akira. Iwagakure is cold in some places and hot in others, but that's not something to bring up during your meeting, obviously."

"I also don't know much about foreign relations, but they really do have a lot of rocky terrain and trees. If Sunagakure got more wood and metals that it didn't have it could probably help a lot, now that I think about it. Their gangs are weird too. There's not as much in the village as our gangs from what I've heard and seen, but there's more in the wilderness. It actually took me off guard when I've seen it myself. I'm sorry, I don't really have much information to go on other than that. The first time I went there was so I could do some missions and get away for a while while the second time was because I was looking for someone, I didn't have much time to fully check out the place or the climate there in general. Sorry if none of what I said helps." He would tell her, giving pretty much what he knows that could be of some use during the talks, at least in his eyes. A thought did come up in his head however that he felt he needed to ask about. She's the Kage, so surely she of all people would know if they're talking about the same person. "Do you know where Zaiaku went? I haven't seen him around and I'm worried."

Wc 1688

Twc 4788

Midori simply sat, quietly and patiently, as the tailed boy spoke of a variety of things. First, he declared that he would inform her of the story once he himself knew. While vague, it got the point of it across. Whatever experience he had gone through, he would first need to get to grips with, and figure out for himself what it was. She understood enough to know this, and to that degree, she didn’t even debate offering aid in such a matter. The personal affairs of the soul were best self tended, for otherwise they grow disheartened and unsure of itself. Or some other metaphysical saying such as that. It’s been too long since she had last got drunk for her to really make sense.

Next, he said he was appreciative of her offer, which given that he was no longer declining it, made her come to the assumption that he agreed to her offer. It at least gave her the reassurance that he was willing to try become a part of the Sunagakure community, even if it was not something he was keen to do, and held anxieties about. It was nice for her to know that she could help him enough to have a roof over his head that he could be comfortable with, and that was his own. A sense of home helped comfort, at least in her mind. He couldn’t be too far different, right?

As she mentioned Zaiaku, a pang of regret struck through her body at the bodily reaction that was given. It seemed the name was a sore subject, the child hugging close to himself and his voice growing a tad more distant. As he spoke though, it only made more sense. The two were of a close relation. Judging by his description, however, it was certainly the same Zaiaku that got fed up of her jokes and flicked her across the street, quite literally. A part of her felt sad that the boy deemed himself a burden, yet she did not speak, for fear of causing further stress and strain, instead opting to just wait for him to continue and finish speaking.

Finally, he answered her question and request, offering his suggestions for discussion with the Tsuchikage, as well as his notes about the land of Iwagakure no Sato, and that of Tsuchi no Kuni. From the looks of it, the gang problem exists also in Iwa, however unlike Suna which hosts it internally, the gangs in Iwagakure survive through the wilderness. An intriguing state of cultural difference, but likely due to the more hospitable nature of the nature outside of the walls of the stone village. Furthermore, the ones he met were not the Tsuchikage, which was not a surprise to her. Instead, it was a Sannin, and a medical shinobi named Akira. Two medical shinobi, actually. The Sannin concerned her somewhat however. Calling himself the pestilence… What state was Iwagakure in, where one of its three strongest shinobi called himself one of the horsemen of the apocalypse, one of the most… Unpleasant, when it comes to a medical view.

In terms of trade, his point was rather valid, and one that she made a mental note of. She nodded silently to herself, staring at the floor in thought before speaking her mind on the subject matter at hand. “Wood and metal… Yes, I can see where the concern regarding our trade for that lies, especially on the topic of the former. Due to the harsh environment, we cannot find many trees that can sustain themselves through both the fine sands, and the unrelenting sun. While I have plans to further our mining efforts within Kaze no Kuni, it would obviously require a source of metals that we do not naturally have access to, as well as metals to allow us to sustain ourselves in the meantime. We have our own resources that the stone will struggle to get as much of as us, so I will obviously offer those as a fair bargain. Reeds, salt, and quite obviously sand. Still, I thank you for the input. I was personally thinking that wood would be a need, but had not seen how much wood was in stone country. I am glad to hear it is a viable option.”

As he asked about Zaiaku, Midori listened quietly, before pausing. He hadn’t had contact with his boyfriend for a while? It saddened her, and she shook her head slowly in response. “I’ve only talked to him the once, and it ended with him flicking me across the street because I was annoying. However, I wasn’t Kazekage at the time. If you wish, I can request the ANBU patrols find out his location and ensure he is safe? Given his… Physical abilities, I’m sure he’s fine…” she coughed somewhat, before continuing. “But, if you need it to put your mind at ease, it would be no problem at all.”

826 + 2520 = 3346