It had been a few days since her adventure at night. Akemi had taken a break to let things cool down a little and spend some time with her daughter, Ami. However, sitting on the side didn't bring in the ryo and soon the kitsune was out to continue her observations on Sunagakure's trade value. She had found the industrial areas to be ideal as a fall-back option, but the stench it brought with it wasn't really quite was she was looking for. There was also the lack of a real challenge, the thrill of outplaying her business partners or rivals that didn't sit quite well. No, she was fairly certain Sunagakure had more to offer than this. The whole country smelled of danger and difficulties, and that was not just because of the devilish desert winds or the blistering heat. Akemi could smell it and feel it in the air.

So now she was once more walking through the slums, casually, to see what it had to offer. In hopes not to stand out too much, she was wearing her Shinko monk robes. A set of clothing that were nothing more but simple cream shirt and loose cotton pants fit to withstand Sunagakure's heat, with a pair of ochre sandals. Sober as it was and devoid of any real ornament, only her kitsune tail could possibly be the centre of attention, their ashen blonde colour otherwise fitting quite well with the general colour of the Village's buildings. Keeping mostly to herself, she sauntered through the slums as her amber eyes took in every detail of possible business opportunities.

She had to admit that the slums were far more quiet than the main streets. Less peddlers pressing their noses in others' business in hope to steal a moment of attention to sell their goods, less people shouting about the quality of their goods. In fact, most people here seemed to tend to themselves, barely lifting their eyes to cross hers even though she could notice some looking oddly at her tail from the corners of their eyes. As expected, in this place no questions were asked if they weren't needed - the perfect area to find the perfect business contracts. Two parties, one offering services, the other offering payment, no questions asked as long as the contract was executed perfectly. Just as she liked it.

Her only problem currently was that she had no clue where she was. The streets here were a real maze, the doors and windows shut tightly and people generally avoiding contact unless they knew who you were. Or knew where you had to be. The thing was, being new in Sunagakure, she had no clue just yet. She'd have to work to find a contact, a liaison between her and the black market, perhaps the yakuza. As a free-lance contractor and peddler with the ability to control her chakra, she had a good advantage to get most deliveries done without much problems.

Unfortunately, chakra control didn't really help getting a sense of direction in the slums...




wc 521

This place, Sunagakure, held slight respect from Zu thus far during his stay here. The sun seemed to be the worst reason for being here as it was unforgiving and relentless with its pursuit to scorch the lands. The people, some were not bad such as Syekren Uchiha and Rokumaru.... Zu soon realized he never could not remember Rokumaru's clan, though his mind soon rid of that as he stuffed his hands into his jacket. The dark jacket was cut off at the sleeves for more air flow, and Zu had the hood up to obscure him from not only the sun's harmful rays, but also everyone else's glares. He was an outsider towards most of them, an unknown number added into their village that was was not yet trusted. Due to this, he tended to keep himself towards the slum areas of Sunagakure as these parts were more of home to him. Less people made for less interactions despite the constant fear for being attacked by petty gang members. Yes, here Zu could keep to himself and try to come to understand his power, hopefully at least.

Upon his enter towards familiar areas within the slumz, Zu let out a long sigh of relief as he felt almost under pressure around strangers. The sheer thought of him making the people that helped him get here look bad was worse, at least if he just kept to himself people tended to do the same so long as he could hush out their whispers. Taking his hood off to get a better view of his surroundings he pressed on until something rather unusual and interesting caught his attention. As he was casually walking by people on the slums, he passed someone that seemed to have a tail. Giving a slight to confirm what his peripheral vision saw and indeed, it was a tail. Since coming here, the people he has came across have not been out of the difference towards normal human aesthetics. Zu, gave a slight thought as to how this person's body was different, perhaps, it was like his clan and it would give insight if he at least tried to get more information. Zu gave a deep breath as he began to approach her and tried not to seem unfriendly in his speech, "Uhh, pardon me."

Zu spoke out in hopes to get her attention but stayed a fair few feet away as to not cause alarm. He would quickly speak again once this person turned around and he would get a better look upon this person. With a small smile he spoke again, "Hello, I am sorry to bother you, but I could not help but to notice your tail. If I could have some insight on how you have that I would appreciate the kind gesture. My name is Zu, just a simple wanderer trying to pay back my debt towards Sungakure. You do not seem like you are from around these parts if I could be as bold as to guess. Perhaps I can help you find what you seek from these parts if you could enlighten me just a little on what your tail is about."

Zu had hoped deep down that it had something to do with his clan or perhaps even senjutsu. His heart raced a little as anxiety towards trying to be social built a little pressure on him. Despite how he looked with his height and usual almost scowling demeanor, Zu was almost afraid of people it seemed. From the standoffish way he stood apart from them to the way he would only look at people's eyes for but a few seconds before his would wander away as if to hide from another's gaze. Zu did not want them to see the darkness that was held deep in his eyes. The kind of deep and cold darkness that this world instilled on him from at an early age. While Zu tried his best to keep his Jugo blood under control, however, prolonged interactions seemed to take it's toll at his current strength. For now, he would try to be as friendly and respectful as possible. Should his sanity start to slip from him, he would have to move far away and hope no one was hurt when he came too. His mind tries to lock away the memories of those times he lost control, but his subconscious would every now and then remind him of what he has done.

WC: 756

Ryu had settled himself back into his bar a couple weeks after the fight. Keeping his head down not really a concern of his since Suna hadn't made a movement towards him. Perhaps the ninja whoever he was didn't care to admit the streets had happened to him. That his powerful demeanor had been taken down by some single thug from the slums might be a blow to his pride. However something else still itched at him. He still awoke with a start from that dream. Each time he was standing alone on a deserted street. It wasn't like before with crowds of witnesses. Now he was alone. The street was still mid day and yet nothing moved and it was so dark. Dark enough that his eyes almost slid right over the shadowy figure of the man across from him. Bathed in darkness so he couldn't see his face. He knew who it was though. Those red eyes burned through the darkness like lights of their own. The sharingan watching him. Waiting for him to make a move so it could consume him. Laughing at all his power or lack there of. He had one by surprise once. But it was clear he would not again.

He always woke in his bed at that point. Hours may have passed or minutes. It varied. Today the sun was up. He had actually gotten some rest it seemed. Slowly he would push himself up. Moving across the room in boxers and a tank top. His bare feet slapping on the stone floor as he found his way to the bathroom to take his piss. Always a first thing in the morning kind of deal. Once that was done he moved out from behind the blanket covering that side of the room where his bed was set up. He didn't live in a studio but his bedroom was being used for something else. Instead he would move to the fridge. Popping it open and pulling out the drawer on top. There it was. The small jar with the one tomoe sharingan in it. His path to power waiting for him to simply grasp it. He wasn't connected enough to have it implanted yet though. It irked him but he would wait. Take his time figuring it out. Only one person in the world likely knew he had it. The man it had come from. His own eyes seeing all.

Still he would shut the drawer and collect a beer from the door before shutting it too. Popping the top with some pressure from his thumb. He would take a big swig before swishing it around and spitting it in the sink like it was mouth wash. Then he would lean back against the counter and drink the beer a few times. Wetting his parched lips until the bottle was half empty before moving to get ready. The bottle left on the counter. He switched boxers before pushing himself into some blue jeans. Finishing with a pair of black socks and black boots. He would move to the coat rack and collect his black jean jacket and back eye patch. Slipping them both off to hide his right eye. The odd color bothering him still but it would benefit him once he obtained that power of the Uchiha. No one would question an eye patch he always had. His long blond hair was still tied back in a pony tail slightly off to the side. His tank top hardly hiding the prison ink across his form. He didn't intend to head out today so he didn't bother with the gloves or wrist rags. Nothing indicating he was the jackal if people didn't know what to look for.

Ryu would collect his beer then and head out of his apartment. Locking the door behind him and pocketing the keys into his right jacket pocket. He would move down the stairs into his bar with his blue eye taking in the room. It was empty as would be expected at this time of day. All their business came at night when the parties happened. All their business for this bar anyway. He would move further down to see the bartender restocking. A nice enough lady with short green hair with long blonde bangs. He would settle onto his couch and sip his beer before one of his associates would march in through the door. Looking slightly tired from the day. A larger man in a turban and light long sleeved shirt with loose sleeves. tan pants marking him over sandals. An inconspicuous man having finished his deliveries. His brown eyes finding Ryu before moving over to him and sliding him a wad of ryo. The deliveries had gone off without a hitch it seemed. Still he looked like he had something he wanted to say.

"Yes?" Ryu would state calmly while counting the money. His beer forgotten on the table for a moment. The man glanced about before speaking in a low tone. Speaking quietly that there was someone interesting in the slums. A girl in clean clothes with a tail. She stood out like a sore thumb. Just wandering around as if looking for something. Ryu would nod as he finished counting. Rolling it back up and placing a rubber band on it before tossing it to the bartender to lock in the safe. His eye would shift to his employee before smiling. "Grab a water before you go. Tail her but don't approach. If she can spot you, Feel free to tell her to come to hounds heaven for answers. Information is a service and one I might offer."

956

One house after another, they all looked the same to her, but the streets didn't. Not one of them gave her the feeling she had passed through before. Even if she tried to find a few points of recognition, the kitsune had to admit it seemed impossible. Even if Inari's blessings shaped her in Her form, she lacked the keen sense of smell of the foxes, and her hearing couldn't catch anything out of the ordinary either. The only thing she could rely on was her intuition, which plainly told her she was lost but that only made her grin.

Her concern wasn't being lost or having her mind being tricked by Sunagakure's mirages that were seemingly everywhere, even within the slums, but that she still hadn't found any sign of yakuza or black market presence. She knew how people as these worked, yet she couldn't help but feel that she was missing a piece of the puzzle to fully solve this situation. A single key...

"Uhh, pardon me.", a man spoke, disturbing her train of thoughts. She turned around to face the chest of a rather imposing man, her amber eyes curiously raising up to meet his red or brown eyes, whichever it was the sunlight tried to show her. Akemi had seen him pass her, vaguely, but hadn't paid him much attention until now. With her five feet four compared to his six feet over, he stuck head and shoulder above her. "Yes? Can I help you?", she asked him, not quite sure what he wanted exactly. Despite his intimidating appearance, however, he seemed rather insecure about himself, as if reluctant to ask a complete stranger a question. Blaming it on the slums' general lifestyle, she wasn't really concerned about the question though, seemingly radiating the sort of confidence few would find fitting for the slums. A confidence that hinted not at ignorance or naivety, but stemmed from a certain domestic familiarity with the slums even if she clearly didn't fit in. Or maybe it was just that strength of will that came with most martial monks.

"Hello, I am sorry to bother you, but I could not help but to notice your tail. If I could have some insight on how you have that I would appreciate the kind gesture. My name is Zu, just a simple wanderer trying to pay back my debt towards Sungakure. You do not seem like you are from around these parts if I could be as bold as to guess. Perhaps I can help you find what you seek from these parts if you could enlighten me just a little on what your tail is about."

This was a surprisingly bold action compared to all the onlookers she had suffered, but from the looks of it the guy was either not from the slums, or ruling the slums. Buttoned shirt, black jeans, boots. He looked like the sort of man that could serve as a bouncer, perhaps a bodyguard for a local crime lord. Maybe he was just an honest trader lost in the slums. Whichever it was, he was quite polite and had earned himself an amused smile with sparkling eyes from the kitsune.

"I'm Akemi, a monk of the Shinko monastery, faithful to the kami Inari. The tail you see is a blessing of the divine for our faithful road towards growth in all its forms.", she replied, swaying her tail gently. "But much like the trickster kami we serve, this tail is not quite tangible. Even if it looks real, it's more of a projection of our faith than an actual tail."

She didn't reveal that there were Shinko who had the ability to induce a sense of tangibility within their tails, granting them a new form of martial combat. The secrets of her clan didn't quite concern him, but this secret didn't quite interest her either. She was just a peddler who was taught some self-defence for on the road, not a martial artist aiming to hone her skills with duels.

"You are right that I'm not from around here. I recently arrived in Sunagakure after finishing a long trade. I'm a peddler, you see, and since I arrived here I'm looking to get a better idea of the Village's trade districts... and find some good opportunities.", she explained Zu. However, Akemi wasn't too sure about his help, and that was visible in the swishing of her tail as she raised an eyebrow with a sceptical expression, "However, if you're just a simple wanderer... how exactly will you be able to help me in a foreign Village?"

It wasn't that she didn't appreciate the offer, but these were the slums. For all she knew, he could simply be out to rob her. Or worse. He'd have to be more than just a little bit friendly to earn her trust in an area as dangerous as this, where survival and the rule of the fittest generally overruled the laws of the local authority.



wc 860 + 521
= 1381

((Heh, Ryu. 'Tail her...'))

Zu let out a small internal sigh when she made no mentions towards anything of use to him. Since coming into this village as a man with nothing in his pockets, he has found little to nothing about his bloodline nor delved deep into training to obtain a further understanding. Zu was always worried that while dabbling within his powers that he would once again awaken a rage burrowed deep inside and hurt people. This was not something he wanted, he just wanted peace of some sort. Though when she spoke, Zu got a better detailed look upon her. She was quite a bit smaller than he was and his height was probably daunting. Not to mention he the approach he took probably did not sit well with her and yet she accepted his request and told him the minimal amount he needed to know that the two were not alike. Akemi was her name and Zu would do well to remember this act of kindness however small.

Her clothes were seemed well treated and she seemed like the type that would not be in a place such as this. It only made her stand out more that she was looking on the more wealthy side since she held not a single smudge of dirt. Unlike Zu, whose clothes were dampen a little from training earlier and his clothes still hand sand in some crevasses. Even his hair was a bit of a dispensary, but appearance was not really something Zu cared about. Most people stayed away from him due to his height and stature, if only they knew that Zu's muscles were more bark and bite. They were formed from hard labor work and he knew not really how to fight well. Fighting was something he tried to avoid at any and all costs. Luckily for him, he has not been robbed nor put into a situation in which he must fight.

Akemi explained how the tail, while visible was not tangible and that it was a way of showing faith and devotion towards Kami Inari. Zu would almost scoff at such a thing if he was not polite. When he was first enslaved he prayed to a god any god to save him from the hell he was forced into. Zu received not a shred of help until he awoke covered in blood from not only his masters, but also the other slaves. Sure, he dreamt of revenge, but revenge so brutal was never in his mind. Though Zu tried not to think of such things as Akemi called him out on his bluff about being able to help. True to her word, he was almost as new around here as she was. Zu however, has spent some time here and honestly worried about her well being. It was in his nature to worry for others, especially if they are beautiful women it seemed. Zu would have to be honest with her after that lie of helping to not seem alarming, he cleared his throat a little and proceeded to reply to her promptly and politely. "Thank you Akemi, though it would seem that my hunch was nothing. You are right for most of the part, what use can I be if I too am not from around here. I know however, that these parts tend to be unsafe especially when dusk is so close. When I said perhaps I could help you I just meant guide you towards perhaps a more market type area since you seem to be interested in business happenings. If that does not fit your liking, then please, at least let me repay you by at least keeping you company. I know how odd it must be for someone looking like me offering you company around these parts... but please believe me when I say I mean no harm."

Zu finished with a somewhat genuine smile. The owners of a noodle shop he helped guard told him he needed to socialize more and this is what he was trying to do. It also helped that Akemi was not bad on the eyes and she seemed like a pleasant person to be around. Zu felt an odd feeling of being watched for a moment and gave a glance around. To his findings, nothing came up but still felt odd. He came around these parts a lot and has never felt this. Perhaps this person or people watching him, but instead her. Zu would be prepared to protect Akemi if need be. Not because she needed protection, maybe she could handle herself, but instead because he wanted to make the people that helped him proud that they did. If beating up some possible mugger was needed then he would gladly do so. For now, Zu just hoped that this person did not seem put off by his demeanor of almost always looking a little angry. Even with his smiles, it seemed... Forced almost. Oh how being social was such a task for Zu. Once again, deep down, he cursed his blood line again.

WC:849
Total in Thread: 1605

Ryu would finish speaking and the man would nod slowly glancing back to the door. It would take time to locate her again but not much. She stood out too much to remain hidden simply walking around randomly. Still he was tired and not eager to go back out into the hot streets even at Ryu's bidding. He didn't threaten his people so they didn't fear him. Loyal enough really but still there was some reluctance when your leader was more of a friend than a regulator. Still Ryu could see it when it happened. He could tell when they were considering not trying too hard to do as asked. He had considered raising his voice and when it was important enough he would but the situation didn't call for that. There was another way to grease the gears of his machine. He would rise to his feet in a relaxed motion as if lifting from his seat was as simple as taking a step. He was oddly graceful for a gangster. Still he moved to the bar and reached over it. His hands grabbing a water bottle cold and moist to the touch and a fairly decent sized blunt. Turning and handing them both to the man. The man would eye the blunt before grinning and nodding. Heading out into the streets and sun.

Ryu noted the bartender eyeing him as if questioning why he wasn't harsher but no words were spoken. His hand grabbing a beer for himself this time before moving up to the vip which was simply halfway up the stairs in an open area overlooking the bar. A glass table between two couches. Music would begin to play a the bartender opted to turn some on. The beat dropping and the bass thumping lightly so one could still talk but the music could be heard clearly through out the bar. Ryu would set himself on the couch he liked up there and picked up a half empty pack of smokes, likely his own, before popping one in his mouth and lighting it. Sitting back with his smoke as he waited. The day might turn out interesting after all. Still he had his reservations about meeting just anyone. He wasn't known for tact or being polite. Business was tough when people didn't understand their position in things. Both this woman and himself needed to learn some more before he could make money off her. Still as he blew out a ring of smoke he smiled. Money was waiting to be made anywhere you cared to look. You just had to reach out and grab it. If he had luck with him today he was doing just that.

As for his large associate the man blended in well enough as a local. Same clothes and look about him. Just as dirty as the rest of them and yet he held himself with more confidence. If people didn't need his attention they stayed away from it. No one stayed in his way and it didn't take long for him to follow the talk of the girl with the tail. He rounded a corner of an alley before spotting her clear as day. A lit blunt in between his lips as he smoked his mary jane. Dark sunglasses set over his eyes now as he leaned on the wall and observed her from a dozen meters away. Just watching like he was told. Still no one bothered him for his blunt not even for a puff. He had a new thought on his mind though since he couldn't hear the two. She seemed to have a fairly intimidating looking body guard. What kind of woman was she to have muscle walking with her? He didn't know the guy but the individual seemed to have much the same effect as any member of Ryu's gang besides Ryu. People were not making a play in the direction of the two. It was just too risky. For now Ryu's man would simply watch and wait. At least until the blunt finished burning.

1649

The wanderer named Zu spoke again, revealing that he wasn't quite the stranger in Sunagakure that he first had claimed to be. Perhaps it was true that this wasn't his birthplace or the usual area he frequented, but he seemed to be quite familiar with the slums considering he offered help in finding a few business opportunities. While interested, Akemi remained cautious. This seemed a little too good to be true but the young man hadn't really done anything out of bounds for her deny his fair request. Company was always a good thing, and with a man his size and width, it might actually not be the worst of ideas to keep him close even if only as a first layer of protection against the less savoury opportunists of the slums.

While she was considering his offer, Zu took a glance around the area. Much like she had learned before, one could never be too safe, and the occasional look over the shoulders or general assessment of the environment was the least of necessities to stay 'safe' in the slums. Even the slightest moment of distraction was enough to allow pickpockets and muggers their chances at lightening once purse, and considering their opportunistic demeanour, that one chance was all they needed. The stories of how a monk or peddler lost his purse at the most unexpected times could easily be counted by the dozen. Akemi had no intention of being the next one in a long line of mishaps.

"Since you insist... I accept. Let's see what a wanderer can show me about the slums' trade, hm?"

Akemi allowed Zu to lead the way, following his pace and route while keeping her wits about her. Even if Zu seemed friendly enough, she didn't quite trust the man just yet as she knew as much to nothing about him or why he would be lingering around in the slums. Certainly he wasn't a monk, and his clothes looked a little too neat to be just a common thug as well. What then was he?

"You seem rather well dressed for the slums, or for a wanderer. Did you came from a gathering of sorts? Maybe trade business, by coincidence? Or are you more of the... protective sort of business?"

As the two walked down the streets, Akemi didn't fail to notice that quite a few people had suddenly decided not to trail her or overtly show a cock-sure interest in her. In fact, with Zu around, most gazes were aimed at a suddenly very interesting floor now, its sand seemingly a little shadier in colour than all other sand in Sunagakure. The amount of closer packed buildings didn't miss its effect, that was sure. Here and there, some types really didn't care if Zu joined her wanderings, keeping an eye out on her with a cautious frown. One was even taking a casual smoke as his eyes seemingly didn't leave the two of them. The waft that left his mouth, however, wasn't that of cigarettes, the typical scent of the burning product too sharp and recognisable to be easily masqueraded. To think such kind of smokes were sold even here in Sunagakure... some products truly were universal, weren't they?

It reminded Akemi of her first few trades in the slums. She had transported similar products before, partially out of nativity, partially because as a nobody there was little else being offered. The pay was good for what it was, but no matter how Akemi put it, that sort of trade had something of an eerie shadow following in the trader's wake. Even if nobody cared what she transported, even if nobody knew what she carried, Akemi had never been able to shake off the feeling that trading such goods seemed far more dangerous for some reason than smuggling contraband like a good ol' bottle of spirits. The opposite was probably true, though.

The kitsune shook her head, clearing her mind of such old memories as she flicked her tail. She hadn't come to the slums for such silly trades, even if she'd have to rebuild her name again and earn the trust and respect of those who truly mattered in the slums. In fact, before even caring for such things, she had to finish the task she had imposed upon herself: putting Sunagakure's mercantile on paper.


wc 743 + 1381
= 2124

Zu gave a smile that was as genuine as could be when Akemi agreed towards his offer. He had never really had the pleasure of casually talking with someone as they strolled through a place. After claiming his own freedom, Zu had been in Sunagakure and tended to avoid most if not all people. This only difference was his initial curiosity towards her tail, otherwise, Zu would have totally ignored her. Now though, he was feeling a bit of joy as he felt like a normal person. That kind of feeling was almost all lost to him. Zu kept his hands by his side, slightly swaying as he would lead the way around these dull parts. Akemi sparked an interest towards Zu that almost stunned him for a moment. It was not his way to really talk of himself. Sometimes when he would try to talk about himself, it would flash images of his past to him. Some were good, most were bad. He replied in a rather quick response and looked down at his clothes briefly when he spoke upon the issue.

"These clothes were all I could afford from a traveling merchant on my way here. I actually did not even buy any water before coming towards this village. Haha, as for what I particularly do, I suppose the latter, though I am not strong enough to protect anyone really. As for business trading and negotiations go, they are not something I partake in. No offense, but money only brings a power that is an illusion. I see people hide behind others throwing money at them to do everything from killing someone to dying for nothing. That kind of thing is lost to me, I just happened here because it was the closest main village and I need information on my bloodline. As you could tell from my initial question towards you earlier, my attempts at finding something out have been fruitless to say the least."

Zu stopped speaking for a moment as he thought he just rambled on forever. It was very unusual for him to speak this much to someone who was basically a stranger. Perhaps his interactions with his Sensei and Rokumaru have made him a little more social. Despite that however, his heart still hammered a little as some anxiety was striking him. Zu could not lose his mind around here and hurt someone. That would undoubtedly lead to his death. Akemi seemed morally sound for most of the part. Zu could not tell if she was actually interested in business partakes or perhaps something sinister. For now his best bet would at least show here a few places that might peek her business enthusiastic mind. First stop and maybe the last, a local pub. Sure, it not the most appealing of places, but information on trading are surely done here alongside drinking and gambling. Zu stopped near the entrance and held his long arm out palm forward as if for her to proceed. From the outside music was playing and people were being loud, a place Zu tried to avoid if he could. He smiled a little and spoke to her again.

"I am sure you can talk to the bartender of this place and find some valuable information. Drunk people tend to have loosened lips and I am sure that you can find something of value here. I will go in but just for a drink or two. If you find something of value I will consider my debt to your kindness paid."

The three story bar loomed a little high. The place named Hounds Heaven as Zu remembered during his walks around here. A place he did not want to enter but will for a just a drink or two. That was about all he could afford. Hopefully, Akemi would find what she was looking for here. If not, he would have to move to the next stop until he felt as the debt he has to her was paid. Such an odd thing pride can be...

WC:676
Total:2281

Ryu had settled up in his VIP as soon as the man left but his thoughts drifted a little. His body relaxing back into the couch as his arm stretched over the top of it while his other collected his cigarette from his lips and dashed some ash off the tip. He wondered idly just how much unrest was in the village and how much of it was in the slums. Particularly the eastern slums where he ruled. People were making moves here and there as grabs for power but no one seemed to be targeting what was his. If anything they often came to him for permission or help. Each time building to his advantage. He often decided how the pieces moved at least in the eastern slums. All of it was going so well. It made him uneasy. Nothing that came easy stuck around long. That wasn't to say he hadn't done his fair share of the fighting to get where he was. Just happened to be that in his experience nothing stayed good for long. Time was coming he would have to fight for it. He needed to be prepared. His system needed to grow stronger. He needed to grow stronger.

Even as he thought this he knew the rumor going around the streets of him. They were calling him the fifth king. Referring to the four controlling powers of the western slums. It was easy to see where the slums split since there was a large wall there erected of earth burned black. He had taken a glance at the other side of that wall himself and what he saw he knew he wasn't ready for. It was a war zone. If someone had to move across the street they did so at a dash. The borders of the four territories he had heard were littered with bodies but until then he hadn't believed it. He had even had the opportunity to take on some of the gang members from one of the territories seeking to expand east. He had bested them but it wasn't a simple task. No one in his gang was a gifted fighter or jutsu master besides himself. His only standing boosts for his status were a couple of small things. First was the allies he was making with some of the lower ranked shinobi from the village he would train from time to time. The higher ranks usually just picked a fight with him and retreated shortly after.

His eyes would drift to the door as a crowd of people got off work from the mines and found their way to the cheapest bar in town. Hard workers managing to scrape by in the slums while their owners raked in profits. He would pity them if he wasn't sure they were aware of it. Still they brought him revenue and he didn't mind that one bit. Besides the crowds were a welcome distraction from the thoughts of the other boost to his status. One of the kings, a woman, had taken notice of him some time ago. Saved him herself. He hadn't seen her since but he felt her eyes on him occasionally. Even if word of a fifth king got to the four she would likely keep them too occupied to go after him. That was the saving grace for the eastern slums. None of the four could move forces into the slums to the east without weakening their position to the west. A sign of weakness like that could spell disaster for them should the others be paying attention. Subtle tactics had been used before but nothing direct his way. He just needed to prepare for it. Perhaps this new individual would be another step in his rise.

Outside the man Ryu sent to tail them or rather her was still keeping near them enough to watch. At a couple of points he had backed off just a bit out of paranoia. The first time the large man had looked around as if feeling eyes on him. He hadn't wanted attention from that one so he looked away. However when the girl had done the same he had been caught off guard. With his testosterone rushing he had never expected a woman to be so perceptive. For a moment he almost swore they made eye contact. It was to his relief that she made no move to confirm his suspicion. He brushed it off as coincidence and followed them anyway. Circling back the way he had come without really noticing. He wasn't bright but he was loyal. Still his smoke ran out well before they got back. By then his hands were resting in his pockets as he chewed on a tooth pick. He would stop across the street from the hounds heaven and raise his eye brows in surprise. Had they tracked him without him noticing back here? Or was some wheel of fate at play? Either way if they came in there they were going to meet the Jackal of Suna.

2503

As the pair walked down the street, Akemi nodded emphatically at Zu's explanation on money. She didn't quite share the same perception as he did, but she could agree with money being just an illusory sort of power. While she certainly didn't mind to have a good amount of cash, unlike those as a means to exert a false sense of power, she used it to provide her family and keep a life of quality and luxury. She was a picky woman, if anything, and certainly wouldn't let go the opportunity of a good life if it presented herself. To force others to do what she herself wouldn't do, however... that was not the sort of abusive might she wanted to partake in.

"You must have seen quite a few bad things if that is what you think about money. It's a pity many people abuse the potential of money, but I can assure you a healthy amount of ryo could cure plenty of people from disease just as much. The trick is not let it control you by getting too attached to it."

It was a hard trick to learn, though. One very few people had ever been able to succeed at as money seemingly had a natural allure towards greed and threw all sense of proper morale in disarray. How curious that such a dumb thing like a ryo coin could have such a power over people.

The journey through the streets ended at some unfamiliar pub named, 'The Hounds Heaven', counting three stories in total. Her eyes overlooking the building from bottom to top, she was quite impressed considering how difficult it had to be in the slums to maintain a building of this size, but all together she wondered if it was actually being used completely. If she had learned one thing in the slums, it was that image and reputation accounted for many things where money could not sway the heart, but as an insightful person she wasn't easily swayed by bravura. Neither would she if the three stories prove to be lacklustre.

Allowing Zu to forego her in entering the building, the woman followed in his wake, tail swishing playfully in anticipation of what the bar had to offer. Her eyes darted over the first floor, a seemingly simple enough area where a bunch of workers were picking their seats and drinks, meaning prices here were affordable enough as it were. Akemi then spotted an empty place and proceeded to make it hers, giving Zu a gentle poke in his arm before pointing at the places. Once the two would be seated, Akemi would ask Zu, "Are you familiar with this place? What can you tell me about it?"


462 + 2124
= 2586

Akemi's reply towards his view on money was a bit enlightening. Zu was mostly biased because it was due to a money struggle that his village of simple farmers were burned down and enslaved so that their slavers had more control of the territory. It was a common thing for criminal overlords to do it. Even though Zu hated money in its general sense, he also knew its value in this world. One could not do anything without money, sadly enough. Zu learned this real fast when he came to Suna with nothing but the clothes on his back. Many nights he went without food or shelter mostly because the money he made from doing odds and ends missions for Sunagakure he gave away towards the more needy such as elderly people and children that were homeless and starving. Zu had a soft spot in his heart for those that were in worse position than he was. Zu's life was not anything like a wonderful life, but still, he worried too much about others and their own happiness to the point he would sacrifice his own comfort to increase theirs. Though these thoughts were to be kept within him, for they need not be said out loud for others to pity him. Oh how Zu hated pity more than anything.

Zu and Akemi soon entered the bar that Zu had brought them to. In honesty, he knew nothing about the place nor if it held any sort of value. Zu was hoping that it would provide Akemi with what she was looking for. Naturally during this time when most of the common workers were getting off, this place was rather filled with all sorts of people. Some drinking to forget hard memories and others drinking to remember the good memories. Zu, was rather new towards the entire drinking scenario and had only drank once before with his sensei and his sensei's sensei. Luckily for the two of them, there were still some places with empty seats that the two could accommodate. Pulling the chair out he offered it towards Akemi as a respectful way before he sat across from her. Within moments of sitting, Akemi sparked a conversation about the place. Zu had no more intentions of lying and thus, spoke only truth about this place while looking around at the patrons that inhabited the place.

"No, like you this is my first time in here. It is a shot in the dark really. Though I have been in another bar and obtained some rather useful information. If the place is not towards your suiting we can try elsewhere."

Zu made the mention because even with the decent looking waitresses, Akemi was by far the most beautiful lady here from what Zu could tell. Which, aside from her tail, brought on many looks from the men who were already deep in intoxication. Zu, was once again naturally worried for people like he was some sort of guardian even though he has never protected anything in his life. Shortly after Zu's reply towards Akemi's questions, a rather petite waitress quickly came over towards their table and asked what the two would be having. Zu, of course just needed a small glass of rum with a few ice cubes. Once the waitress got their orders, she would smile and walk away promptly to get the order in. Zu kept his mind on the people around him without trying to seem like he was ignoring Akemi. Their eyes seemed to boil his skin, and he hated how they stared at her with such lustful intent. Zu decided he would spark up a conversation to get his mind off of what was going on around him.

"Exactly what kind of business opportunities were you looking for? From the looks of it, some of the business that goes down here would not be towards your liking..."

Zu's thoughts were in jumble because he felt a little embarrassed he took her here. Just a simple bar on in the slum district. What on earth was he thinking. Shortly after saying that, Zu realized he had to use the bathroom and excused himself from the table that the two sat at. While walking towards the bathroom, a table of five were eyeing down Akemi and once Zu went off towards the bathroom, a male soon got up from that table and followed Zu into the bathroom. Walking up towards the stall, Zu took a nice and long piss as the other man went into the stall next to him. Zu stood there, awkwardly trying not the tell the man to **** off, and soon noticed that the man was not pissing. Turning his head towards the man, Zu asked him if he had a problem. The blond haired man smiled a rather sinister smile before talking to Zu in an odd manner of sort.

"Nah man, what is the rate for the woman?" The other man said in a smug way.

Puzzled, Zu replied in a curious manner as to what the man meant hoping that he did not just insult her. New friend or not, to Zu a friend is a friend. "Excuse me? What do you mean?"

"The lady you came in with. Clearly she must be a prostitute of some sort for her to be hanging around someone as ugly as you right?
So come on man, whaddya say? Let my boss buy her from your services, I promise you we pay well."

The man took out a bag from inside his clothes that held more money than Zu had ever earned in his life and held it outwards to Zu with a half cocked smile. Zu blinked as he wondered how many times they have done this and the lesser man took the money to leave the woman alone. Zu, who was highly annoyed by this point spoke in a rather hostile manner after pushing the money away, "Do not insult her, she is not that type of lady. If your boss really wants her company then he should man up and talk to her himself. This little charade is pathetic. "

The man frowned a little at this, it seemed that this was not the answer he was looking for. Instead of a somewhat friendly way, the man replied to Zu in more of a concerned manner. Clearly this man was the negotiator of their little group.  "Look man, my boss does not take no for an answer. We have been riding day and night to get to this village and he wants to have fun. He will get what he wants, so you might as well make a little money off of it right?"

Zu who had just finished washing his hands, turned around and grabbed the man by the shirt and pulled him close so the man could get the message a little more clearly this time. "I do not want your money and if you, your boss, or any of your lackies think about harassing her I will break all of your bones. That is a promise I intend to keep. Now **** off and leave us alone before something bad happens to someone."

The man was soon let go from Zu's hold with a push Laughing a little he left the bathroom warning Zu that , that was the dumbest thing he could have done. Like that, the man left quickly to relay the message towards his boss. Zu promptly left the bathroom, feeling his blood start to boil. He did not want to hurt people, or possibly something much worse. This encounter angered Zu. Hastily, Zu made it back towards the table where Akemi was and tried to make no eye contact with the group of men who were obviously glaring at Zu. Zu's drink was on the table when he got there, taking it all down with one large gulp. He went to speak to Akemi that they should leave but just as the words were about to leave his mouth, a man smashed a bottle on the side of his head breaking the bottle. Zu's body almost fell over but he caught himself before hitting the ground as blood poured from above his eyebrow that trickled down to his eye and he was forced to close his right eye before the blood got in it. Standing upright, Zu's demeanor changed as he tried everything in his willpower to not do something he would regret. The men, all five of them with their leader in the back hiding like a coward looked in awe as Zu was not knocked out from the hit. Zu had taken a beating before, the feeling of pain was not new to him. Standing there Zu waited for them to make a move, ready to use his ability if need be. Though he would have to make his transformations a subtle blunt instrument if things did escalate towards that. Last thing he needed was people whispering that he is a Jugo. Zu had already seen the negative connotations people put on that clan. Despite his ancestors help, they were still seen as hostile beings that cause more destruction than help. Zu really hated to fight, but did so if the need came about.

WC:1558
Total: 3839

Ryu would settle back into his seat as he finished his smoke. Putting it out in an ash tray with three other mostly burned away copies of the one he just finished. He didn't fear the concept of blackened lungs with modern medical jutsu available. A greased palm here and there was enough to see that one didn't die young of such things. Official channels were expensive of course but individual prices were usually far more negotiable. Truth was he needed a personal medic nin with some of his activities threatening his health far more than smoking. He was going to die young so he didn't worry about living to an old age. The fact that he was still alive was from caution and willpower as well as the power he stole from the villages copies of the world jutsu libraries. Of which he had learned a great deal from. Still he would notice something interesting just as he finished smoking his fourth smoke of the day. As if beckoned by his interest in her tale the woman with a tail being tailed wandered into his bar of all places. His eye brows would raise as a large man entered with her and his man did not. He didn't recognize the guy with her but if he had to guess she wasn't here without a body guard.

Still they found a table and Ryu would rise to his feet. Moving across the floor of the upper VIP room only he accommodated for the moment and ending at the black bars guarding any drunks from falling over to the floor below. There he would cross his arms and place them on the bars. Leaning on them as he observed the two and whatever they ordered to drink with his one blue eye. It took another minute but the man he had sent to invite them in should they notice him finally entered. He looked up to Ryu and nodded before getting himself a beer behind the bar. Ryu would note it before scanning the crowd. Mostly the usual's though there were some new faces in here besides the two. Foreigners by the look of them. More burned than tanned. He wasn't really a fan of those types usually. Didn't know the order of things where they arrived. Still he wouldn't bother them if they didn't bother his business. The whole of the eastern slums just happened to be his business.

Still he would take note of the guard heading to the bathroom and one of the foreigners following him. They were only gone a couple of minutes but Ryu hardly trusted the situation to keep from escalating. Nor was he wrong he decided when the mood changed in the bar the moment those two came back. The body guard was obviously in a darker mood and as for the foreigners they didn't seem to be much happier. He knew that shit was about to go down or was fairly sure about it but he would let it have a chance to get out of his bar at least. However much to his exhausted patience that wasn't bound to happen. He watched them move up and strike the boy with a bottle. The sound of glass shattering clear over the murmur within the bar. Ryu would take a slow breath and pace his mind a moment. He would be careful not to end any lives for this insult. This was not just his territory. It was his bar and his home. They had spilled blood on sacred ground to a Myugan. Blood and booze that was.

As if it were on cue every man and woman in the bar rose from their seats leaving behind mostly finished drinks. The servers avoided the moving crowd by moving behind the bar with the lady bartender and the big man that had been scouting until a moment ago. Standing behind them for protection. All the mine workers and other mixed patrons exited the bar and in a moment all was quiet as if waiting for something. Then the sound could be heard. Boots hitting wooden stairs as Ryu would slowly make his way down them. Drawing the eyes that remained to him as he moved down to the bottom floor in a calm and deliberately slow motion. His one eye looking to the men around the room before he would sigh. Speaking up for a moment in a tone that was frustrated as if an adult dealing with stupid children.

"You folks hear a lot of jokes often? Check this one out. So a bunch of dumb ass little dick assholes walk into a bar right? And think they have the run of the place for whatever **** reason. They start throwing around some weight and all the sudden most of them are suddenly not doing so hot."

With a sneer two of the larger men of the group shifted to either side of Ryu. As if moving in some sort of stealth. As Ryu passed one table he would pick up a tooth pick and slip it between his teeth paying the two no mind. Continuing the slow walk towards the group. The boss would sneer and nod to them before they would both lunge forward to attempt to attack Ryu from two sides. There was a sudden flash of electricity that seemed to surge from the bar owner himself before both men had their hair spike up and their eyes went white before they slumped down mid step. Small red blotches popping up along their skin. Shocked at what just happened the boss reached over and shoved the initial attacker forward still holding the broken bottle. The man would lunge forward with the intent to stab Ryu in the face with it only to see a blur of motion before him. Ryu had side stepped the thrust and in a couple of movements gripped the mans arm and spun it viciously. There was a sound of bones snapping as his arm spun like a coil in an unnatural way. There was a moment of shock before the screaming in agony began. With a snarl the boss snapped his fingers and they collected their men and made for the door. No one barred their way but Ryu watched them. Memorizing faces for later. Still once they were gone the bar was empty except for the staff and the two new comers. With that Ryu moved over to the table. Pulling out a chair and glancing between the two for any objection before taking a seat regardless. He would smile as a new round of drinks was brought to them and speak up. His voice calmer now as if what just happened was like therapy to him.

"So, what brings you to my part of town strangers? Trying to make friends?"

3661

So Zu didn't know that much either. Much like her, he was just guessing and hoping for good luck as he attempted to find something of worth to her. A bit disappointing, but then again, she had the semblance of a bodyguard with her so there was that. Sitting at the table now, Akemi could feel plenty of gazes burn within her back despite having a 'bodyguard' with her. Empathy wasn't always a gift, it seemed, and she had little trouble to understand what sort of gazes they would be. In a place like this, where fending and fighting was the norm, the laws of the rural jungle were not too different from the laws of animalistic survival. 'Without the masquerade of civilisations, human is but an animal', or so went a common saying within the monastery, more so implying how easy it was to lose any sense of discipline and proper behaviour when confronted with hardships.

As a petite waitress arrived to take note of their orders, Zu asked for a rum with ice cubes and Akemi requested a whiskey on the rocks. It wasn't quite the drink a monk would pick, but then again, the kitsune of Inari were not quite the monks one would expect either. Zu then asked her about the sort of business she was looking for. She couldn't tell if it was on cue with her unusual drink or a genuine curiosity about a seemingly sober but well-dressed monk wandering through the slums, but she'd answer nonetheless.

"I'm a transporter, a peddler, really. While it might be more proper to pick up the general trade goods and tourist souvenirs, it can't be denied that there are people within the slums that offer more... delicate goods, with better prices, for the same work."

True, such work was more dangerous, but her benefit was that monks and especially Seal contractors were not often bothered with thorough checkups. To most, she was just transporting 'letters' with sensitive information not meant for the general populace.  That wasn't exactly the only kind of job she accepted, but Akemi didn't really feel the need to share the fact she had taken on blood contracts on easy prey before.

As Zu needed to visit the toilet, he excused himself, and the very moment he left sight of her, the woman could feel desire flaring up like a fuelled flame. She sighed as she thought to herself how 'brave' such men tended to be, driven off by the mere presence of another male and now aiming to use the briefest of opportunities to make their move. Already bored, Akemi coiled her tail around her leg.

Barely had she put back her glass when a guy snuck up to her from behind, intending to rest his hands firmly upon her shoulders in an 'amicable' gesture. Drunk as he was, however, and not exactly of the subtle sort with his pants burning with desire, Akemi caught the sound of his stumbling feet and, as he moved his hands to rest on her shoulders, 'coincidentally' leaned forward to check the quality of the table. Missing his grip, the oaf almost tumbled forward and as he recovered his balance, Akemi casually stretched, her hand colliding with his nose just hard enough for him to get that irritating seemingly never ending tingling sensation. She hadn't punched him, so he had no reasons to attack her, but he was annoyed enough to swear under his breath. With feigned innocence, she turned around to apologise.

"I'm so sorry...", she said, receiving an angry glare as response since the man could hardly do anything else than hold his nose in an attempt to get rid of the painful-but-not-really sensation he was suffering. Then, just as he tried to grasp for her arm, Akemi seemingly turned around just in time to take her drink, which had been brought just about now. Once more, drunk and in agony, the man missed his grip and stumbled half over her chair, grasping the back of the chair so as not to fall over. Ready to huff from frustration, Akemi added salt to the wound as she 'clumsily' dropped her glass while he was regaining his footing. The whiskey and ice cubes covering the floor more than one would expect, the man slipped and crashed onto the floor. Seeing stars after the painful smack he had experienced, he didn't seem ready to stand up just yet. "Aww, I'm so clumsy. I'm really sorry, sir. Are you alright?"

At that time, Zu returned from the toilet, seemingly annoyed as well to the point he didn't immediately see the drunk lying a little behind the floor. When he neared, he wanted to say something but at that moment someone smashed a bottle on his head. Narrowing her eyes to thin slits as her gaze shot from the broad man before her to the culprit with the broken bottle behind him. He surely had one ugly grin upon his face, that suddenly faltered as he realised Zu didn't go down right away. Shifting her gaze back to Zu, Akemi was equally surprised, to say the least and offered him an winning smile. There was something about a enduring man...

However, at that point, the shit really hit the fan.

Everyone suddenly seemed in a quiet urge to leave the bar and the servants joined the bartenders behind the bar. In a matter of seconds, the bar was empty bar for Zu, her and a group of people that were seemingly allied with bottle-man as they all shot Zu a vindictive glare. Even if Akemi wasn't sure what this sudden change of atmosphere was, she was fairly certain of one thing: bad news was coming.

While the sound of boots resonated through the bar, Akemi hopped over to the bar to take a lost towel and slid back over to Zu, moving the towel to his head to serve as a temporary means to stop the bleeding. In meanwhile, Boots started to speak, his words rife with annoyance as he attempted a failed joke and taunted the unknown gang that had become Zu's enemies. Somewhat taking a look from under and between his arm and chest, Akemi saw the spark of lightning zap a couple of guys, and Boots proceeded to wrench an arm into an unshapely form with an equally unhealthy snap. After that, the gang scampered away and out of the bar.

'Boots' revealed himself to be a man about her age, blonde hair, one icy eye and with a body size in between that of Zu's and hers. His dress style told her he was a man of agility, preferring light weight clothing with a fashion befitting that of a rogue living in the slums. Tanned skin, tattoos, he fitted right into Suna and thus Akemi assumed him to be a native of the Lands of Wind. But most of all, she had the impression of having seen his face before, she just couldn't place a name on it just yet. All she knew was that she hadn't really met him, and yet...

He proceeded to take a seat at the table they had picked out, now being about the only crowded area in the whole pub. She wasn't keen on accepting strangers at her seating, but with the way the bar had run empty and the speed with which he had dismissed that gang, she guessed there was little point in defying him anyway. Well, at least a free round of the same drink came in, which was a good thing since she had used it to give the drunk the slip. And a slip it was, considering he was quite late to realise what was going on and leave the bar himself despite the sudden rush. As the new guy spoke, new drinks were delivered for the table, but before she partook in the offer, Akemi listened to his words first. His part...?

"Friends, exactly. Friends with business opportunities, to be precise. It looks like you outbid them all in a matter of seconds though", she chuckled, raising the newly arrived glass of whiskey in his honour before taking a sip. "I wasn't aware people owned whole parts of Sunagakure, however. Do indulge two wanderers on foreign grounds, will you? Who are you exactly that you can claim this part of town as yours?"

Her amber eyes briefly shifted to Zu, wondering how the wound was doing. He had been in a foul mood when he exited the toilets, but she hoped he was feeling slightly better now, aside from having a bruised pride, probably. The man would not have one, but two drinks to compensate now, at least.


wc 1483 + 2586
= 4069

The anger that was boiling underneath Zu's skin subsided when someone intervened on the situation Zu was thrown into. Zu's attention was directed towards a man that came from above and his boots hit the floor with a large enough racket to draw everyone's attention. Zu's heart hammered from the emotions of fear and anger swarmed him. Akemi, grabbed a towel and tended towards the bleeding from which Zu soon took as he did not want to get any blood on her. Zu nodded as a way of thanking but kept his eyes on the others. Was this guy on their side, Zu had a quick thought of. However, as this new one eyed man spoke, Zu could feel the animosity and hatred the man had for the group of men.  Standing still, only read to defend if need be. He did not want any of this and now he could have gotten innocent people hurt... or worse.

The fight, if one could call it that, was over about as quick as it started. With flashes of lightning and amazing maneuvering, the new man took quick work of these people that posed no more of a threat to this man than a common cockroach could. These men were clearly outmatched in every way and thus made their escape as any sane animal would. If you cannot fight, you flight. The air seemed a tad less dense as the men made their exit without anyone trying to stop them. The kind of control and command this man had over this place, and perhaps even further was quite something. The man turned his attention towards Akemi and Zu. Zu's tensed his muscles as if expecting to receive similar beating for possibly causing trouble, were relaxed when the man appeared to sit down and not seem like a threat. Zu sat shortly after the owner did as to not seem offensive to stand over someone. Bending down to clean up the broken mess with the towel Akemi had gotten earlier. Zu smiled a little when he spoke about making friends, but knew friends as wonderous as they were, are in danger of Zu so long as he was still a prisoner to his rage. The man's wording on which part of town this was made Zu realize that he probably had more control over this area than he original had thought. He would have to make sure not to insult this man or cause problems. People usually control areas by the two popular means which are money and fear. From the looks of this place and how he handled those people it looked like that was how he kept a stable order in an place without order. The waitress came by with two drinks and Zu took the little money he had left to pay for it but she did not accept. Giving a little sigh, he laid the money on the table as he does not really enjoy free things. Even a drink, was a hit to his pride and he would pay for it one way or another.

Akemi soon replied with a flurry of question that were pretty much on Zu's mind. Zu decided to quickly reply as well after she spoke, his words tried not to come off as not friendly as he replied "I am sorry for causing trouble here. To be honest, it has been a successful day for friends. I have already made one friend today why not two? My name is Zu, and I thank you for your hospitality."

Zu raised the glass that the waitress brought him and nodded with a smile as he drank it all in one gulp. Zu let out a long sigh of relief as he set the glass back down. He did not drink much due to money issues, but damn was this drink hitting the spot. By far rum was the best kind of drink to him and the rum here was quite something. Even though that was his last drink, Zu was in a lifted mood for the turn of events seemed to play in his favor. Were the fates being kind or cruel to him, he knew not. He looked around as workers started to go back to work. Zu hoped this man would receive them as friends as he clearly would be a valuable one to have around judging from his skills. Perhaps Zu could learn a thing or two from this man, though Zu would have to make sure not to use his kekegenkai around others. The more people that knew the worse it was for Jugo's and even mentioning the name was warrant enough for distasteful looks. Zu was in this man's debt for allowing him more days of peace before everyone knew what he could be. Despite his large stature and muscles, Zu was new towards the whole shinobi world and fighting styles that lie within it. He would have indubitably use his kekegenkai if he was alone in that fight, but, he was not and for that, Zu would remember this man well.

WC:861
Total: 4700 (Woot even)

Ryu would sip at his own drink quietly. Not bothered with the alcohol content but really it was a mild distraction. Of course it came from a bottle with the correct label and tasted right. However as only he and a couple others knew, the majority of the booze in the place was a forgery. Some was legit purchased to keep up the appearance of deliveries and no one came up with too much in the way of questions seeing that but it was no where near enough to fully supply an entire bar. His own brewery as small as it was upstairs was especially crafted of his own design. Taste testing each cap full until he got each mixture right and making his own recipe book. He had gone out of his way to find out how to simply make the booze for cheaper in much larger amounts. It was illegal but based on who he was no one doubted he didn't care. He was about saving money and creating revenue. So long as it didn't cost those who couldn't afford it. The slums were his stomping grounds but those that didn't fight him didn't hate him. There was some level of peace in a civilian run law part of town. He was the law that was.

Still he would wait until they both took their seats and each savored their own drink with a few words before he took another sip. So she was in the market for something as of yet not defined. Interesting that she would be expanding her search here except he could figure that much out. She wanted to make money quickly and if that was the case, legality wasn't a bargaining chip she was prepared to refuse. If anything it was likely what she was after. The more illegal the activity usually the more money they offered. High risk high reward. She was an interesting one but she was also nosey. Asking questions that could otherwise get one shived. That was if he were that type of man. However he wasn't in the habit of putting a blade in the ribs of just anyone curious about him. It was bad business to drop bodies recklessly. Nor did he relish killing. He would do it if pressed but that wasn't likely today with these two. It was all rather polite. Still his one eye shifted to the big man as he spoke to. Studying him a moment. Was caught off balance awful quick for muscle but he didn't go down. A negative and a positive he supposed.

Still as they drank the waitress would bring him a bag of frozen green beans for his head. Something to reduce the swelling since god knew there wasn't a medical nin anywhere nearby. Hopefully that didn't need stitches. If it did the guy would have to find his own way to the hospital when he chose to. Still Ryu would lean back and finish his glass before setting it down. It was only down a minute before a refill was quickly poured back into it by the bartender herself. They were hovering. Eager to learn more about these two. Specifically the girl with the tail. Ryu on the other hand showed little interest in that part of her. Instead picking up his glass and studying the golden liquid. Speaking up finally as he did so as he made eye contact with neither of them.

"Well met Zu. Nice to be offered a name by guests in my bar. Questions will do just as well though lady. How is this mine? Who am I to claim it? Those questions tell me you indeed ain't from here. I'm the Jackal of Suna. Rising king of the eastern slums and proprietor of this establishment. You said you got business on the mind, tell me what you do, hell maybe even start with who you are and then we can move on from there. Call me Jackal, you are?"

4342

Right. The Jackal. Now that she had heard his name, she remembered the wanted poster she had spotted during previous escapades in the slums. So he was a wanted man, a rising star in the underworld and an established person, for as much as propriety meant something in the slums. Any knife in the dark was enough to slip the paper of ownership into the hands of another, but perhaps that was exactly the sort of business he knew about.

"The Jackal. Wanted man, easily a small thousand ryo on your head. I knew your face seemed familiar, and with what you just stated I'm not surprised envy for your power knows a price, here and out there.", Akemi replied, confirming his name and status. "I'm Shinko Akemi, monk of Inari. I'm just a peddler, really, transporting goods from one point to another."

There was more to her than this as a simple transporter wouldn't just walk into a bar to find contacts, nor would a monk simply sip whiskey like it was the most normal thing to do. The thing was that her former reputation as Fuin Contractor held little sway over here, and so she didn't bother mentioning it. The fact she had transported various contraband with little trouble, even picking up blood contracts were just meaningless words in the slums of this new place. Besides, she was not in the habit of offering all her services right away until she knew which one of her 'business partners' would make a good asset.

"Such transport services are required everywhere. Some just like to pay more for the same job, knowing their goods are too delicate to be handled by the common courier. Those are the services I offer." Akemi took another sip of the glass, letting the words sink. Not that they were such a secret for someone familiar with the slums, but by giving the Jackal his time to think about it, she'd soon know by his expressions if it was worth the stay or if she'd just have to look elsewhere. "There's always something to be traded with a peddler, after all."

The kitsune took a quick glance at Zu to see how he was holding up with the bag of beans on his head, but aside from looking rather funny with it, he seemed to hold up quite fine. She wondered what he was looking for in the slums.

---

412
Total: 4481

The other two started speaking on matter that were not in Zu's interest. The man with the eyepatch began speaking and made mentions to call him Jackal. Zu for some odd reason wanted to know why that name, but decided it was best not to delve into such matters. It would not aid him in his quest in becoming a worthy shinobi. If such a beast could be called such a thing. Zu held the bag of beans to his head as he thanked the person who brought it to him with a nod. At least his place knew how to treat guests. When Akemi started speaking, she gave hints towards what kind of job she partakes, transportation of goods. Zu did take notice how everyone stated for what Zu believed to be real names, except Jackal. A curious thing it is for one to not tell a name, perhaps he was hiding something. Zu was uninterested in this conversation for most of the part. Really he had came here for a drink or two and to help Akemi find what she was searching for. At least half of what he set out was completed. Now he just needed to make sure this Jackal was looking for similar business opportunities.

Zu did not say a word though. These kinds of talks tended to bore him a little, and if it were not for the drinks and offerings of friendship; Zu would have walked away about as quick as it started. Still though, despite his anxiety of being around people and slight boredom of conversation, he was a man of his word. He would help Akemi seek business opportunities, but aside from that, he knew not what he was really doing other than drinking and at least trying to seem like a normal person. He gave a little thought as to what these people would think of him if they knew what he was. A ticking time bomb that could explode at any moment. The connotations that hang around his clan are never any good. Zu perhaps one day wanted to correct that, just, not today. Keeping his lineage a secret was his best bet until he got full control of his abilities. Zu sipped his glass of rum, and listened. For now, it was all he could do until he learned more of the situation. Within a matter of time, the swelled came down and the bleeding stopped. Zu gave back the bag to the waitress standing nearby by. At least it did not hurt, really it was just annoying more than anything. How could he let his guard down so easily. Zu had to be more diligent in future events. Next time, someone perhaps will not come to his aid and next time, it won't just be a small cut that he walks away with. The alcohol made its course through his body as his muscles eased and his body relaxed a bit. For a moment, Zu felt like a normal person just having a drink and conversating. Such a feeling was quite lost to him as he never really had done much of it aside from when he drank with his sensei. It was a pleasant and fearful feeling. The fear stemming from the possibility of losing everything again. Zu would try his best to not allow that to happen.

WC: 564
Total: 5,264

Ryu would listen a moment as the woman began to speak. The man with her seemed to not be all that familiar with business talk nor did he seem to be close to her. A silent type that his eye kept falling upon. He was a large man and Ryu could feel power in him. He didn't exude it so much as there was a stress of holding something back. If he were to unleash that ability it was a fearsome thought. If Ryu had to fight him here he wasn't sure he could hold back that entire tide without killing the boy. He wasn't that gentle to begin with. However he was curious about it. How interesting that these two would stumble into his bar and draw such attentions. Like threads pulling together on the wheel of fate. He wondered if they were drawn to him or he to them. Still the timing was opportune. He was in need of some less direct interactions with his more or less legit business practices since he couldn't show his face in the village. It was just too hot there for him at the moment so he needed something new to assist him. Her timing was simply convenient and he never trusted anything convenient.

Still his attention seemed to snap squarely back to the girl as she mentioned his bounty. Such things were dangerous to speak of. Anyone looking to make a profit might consider snatching him up. For a moment he looked into her eyes with suspicion in his own. Was it possible this was all a ruse? A two man team designed to sample his abilities before taking him down? If so the scene a moment ago could of been entirely for his benefit and not theirs. Constructed to make him comfortable with the danger passed. He searched for any signs of malice within her as he contemplated the possibility. If either of them made a move he would blast them back to the wall and ensnare them there before turning to the other. Zu was larger and if these two were using distractions then his mass was to distract him from her being the real danger. He would gamble as much if they tried him and attempt to snare her first before attempting a harsh and rapid take down of the big guy. It all depended on if that was the case though. After a moment of tense silence it appeared he was being paranoid.

He would sigh and pick up his glass before smiling and raising it like a toast. Turning it back to his mouth he swallowed the bitter liquid before setting the glass face down and his one eye would glance down to it. Speaking even though he seemed to be studying the now empty glass. "Perhaps business is something you are after peddler. If so I might even exclusively seek your services within the slums. Outside of it is your business. Do yourself a favor though and don't cross the wall to the west. You two will die there. If you want to make some coin I will offer you a deal though. A trial run. Return here tomorrow morning, either alone or just the two of you with the following having been purchased already. If you do this, I will take your man here personally to witness the removal of the new threat to the two of you." With that his eye lifted to look to the two of them. The bartender would frown before collecting a bill of sale for ingredients needed to manufacture alcohol. From the main village. A supplier he obviously could not reach. It was placed in front of the girl. Ryu watching her for a reaction. "Now you have a choice, prove to me I can use your talents and money will be made, or leave that slip here and those foreigners become your problem. They don't know the man that crossed them today but a moments research buys me out of their business. You want me to clean up house and make the slums safer for you two, you do me this favor. After that its up to you if we make money together. Deal?"

5055

There was a moment of silence after her words as the Jackal mulled over them. Zu didn't feel a need to speak or state any sort of business, but he hadn't really told her that was what he was looking for anyway. She wondered if he'd be inclined to accept a job on the darker side of things if one was offered. Even if money wasn't his thing, people had to keep themselves busy with something, right?

Akemi could see the suspicion in the Jackal's eyes after she had mentioned his bounty, and offered him a teasing smile in return. She wasn't the sort to bother with that sort of bounties as these required the better hunters to deal with such dangers.
She was an amateur at best who simply knew a trick or two that others didn't, unlike those trained bounty hunters that made it their business to track and take down bigger prey like this. This sort of work was dangerous and deadly, and not something she was looking for as an amateur assassin.

Still, it was in her kitsune nature to tease the mind and the senses. Even dropping the words was enough to see a shimmer of caution even from such a big name, and that was all she needed to indulge herself in a little mind game as this - no matter the reputation of the criminal, all life bled the same red colour. Only a fool would forget that little fact. He seemingly hadn't forgotten just yet, stepping up to offer her a little trial run instead as a bill of sale was placed before her.

Akemi overlooked the bill. Wares for alocohol, sold by a vendor in the Village. The location of the vendor told her it should be easy enough as he wasn't located at the entrance of the Village, nor was to be found in the crafting areas. Just a casual vendor. She wondered what the catch was.

"A test run, hm? That looks harmless enough for a game.", she said as she took the bill of sales and tucked it away in quiet acceptance of the offered deal. With that settled, she looked at Zu, wondering what he thought of this whole ordeal. She had what she came for, but she wasn't quite sure if Zu had found something to his liking. Without really wishing for it, he had been pushed into the sort of trouble that came with the slums - vindictive reprisals, sooner or later - while he just wanted to keep her company in her search.

"What's wrong with the west wall though?

She assumed it had to do with the unspoken war of thug turf or criminal lord districts, but she wasn't aware yet of that sort of underground politics. Such things would come later, once she had reestablished her business contacts solidly enough to start digging deeper for new information and opportunities.

---

496
Total 4977

Zu had mostly spaced out during their talk. Between the interactions, the fight, and the liquor, Zu had a lot on his mind as he stared blankly at the glass in his hand. Even with his promise to the man, he did not engage put of fear. Not of the fear that would come onto one for fighting, but the kind that will leave an even heavier negative connotation on his clans name. It was an unmistakeable ability that only made others seem to hate except for a few. Some saw for Zu as a person and not a monster, but would these two have done the same? Would this man have smitten him down the moment he lost control? Would his new friend see him as monsterous? These thoughts swarmed his head, however, they soon left as Zu started to pay attention towards the conversation that seemed to bored him before. When mentions of dangers of death nearby, Zu's subconscious seemed more alert. The instinct of flight over flight was heavy within him due to his nature, but if possible he should heed this mans words. Though... what was beyond this wall to the West. If Zu should get strong enough to help the village he would do so, and if a threat loomed this close aside from common thugs, then it was within his pride and debt to alieviate such a thing.

Apparently this man wanted the two or one of them to pick up a certain array of items from a list that he bartender gave. It was handed to Akemi whom overlooked the paper. From facial expressions alone, she did not seem to give hint that the contents would be a problem to obtain. A problem however arose whenever it was more of a trade. We get these items for him while he takes care of the foreigners. Zu was not one for needing protecting he felt like, and certainly never would ask for it. Such a trade was useless in his mind for it offered him little. Zu cared not if those people attacked him, for at least he could keep his promise about crushing that one mans bones. In a dark alley with no witnesses was exactly the type of environment from which he could express his hatred toward them in a furry of rage and detest. Zu was long done with his drink as Akemi seemed to agree towards this proposal. If anything, at least she obtained something of use within this agreement. Her eyes shifted towards Zu, looking at him to see if he gave an approval or disapproval. Akemi asked what was wrong with the west wall, a question of concern, and possibly the only bit of usefulness that Zu could obtain aside from what he would like to believe are his new friends. The mingling with others was not his strong suit, but he would have to try to do so. With a deep inhale, Zu spoke towards the other man briefly, "I thank you for the hospitality and kind gestures, however, should those men go looking for trouble, I will be the one to stop them. I am sure you have enough problems on your plate as is."

Zu set his empty glass down after speaking. He had almost forgotten it was still within his hands. It was not in his mindset to let others fight his battles even if they could do it without breaking a sweat. He was already in debt to this man for aiding in the conflict and resolving it without much harm to them, and so Zu could not add more to his already too long of a bill to pay. Zu's eyes glanced outside as he realized a lot of time had been use up here and he accomplished little aside from hopefully gaining some sort of friendship from the two. He looked towards Akemi before speaking again, "Hmmm, I suppose if you're game I am as well. Not like I have much else to do at this moment."

It was true, he had little to do. Aside from the odds and ends jobs Sunagakure gave him he had nothing to do. Perhaps more interactions with others was good for him even though these kinds of things bore him. Then again, he could possibly get information from this man. Surely with his control on the area he would know something or anything helpful towards the Jugo bloodline. That question though would have to wait and was ultimately the reason he wanted to agree toward such this little meaningless almost task. Zu gave little thought that it was a trap becaus why not ask his workers to get these things. He sat there, unsure what else to say so he waited for others to speak. Deep down though he could feel something boiling and burning within him and almost felt compelled to just leave and run very far but he sat there. He could not let this rage and desire for malice control him forever. Sooner or later he would have to attempt to fight these demons and not just run and hide them. This sitting was a mini test for his control. He gave a small smile towards the two of them hoping they did not see through it and to his dark rage.

WC:895
Total:6159

(OOC: Very sorry about the late reply. Was going to be my exit, but I decided to keep Zu a little longer. My next one will be my las though.)

Ryu would listen as the girl acknowledged his offered job. It was simple and legal but if she took off with the supplies they wouldn't be worth much on their own without the right equipment and knowledge to mix them. As a Myugan he was highly familiar with making alcohol. Also it wouldn't be a devastating loss for him either. If she took his supplies the amount it would cost her would be greater than anything she might gain. He would make sure of that. His eye would shift over her as he studied her. She was willing to take on the job even though it seemed like such a small step. She was being tested and she knew it. That aside he was getting a good deal here too. The main village wanted him and anyone associated with him. He needed a new face to move his product. She would do wonderfully since no one would assume a monk was working for him. However she continued on to inquire about the western wall and what was on the other side of it. It showed that she wasn't from around there because in time the underbelly of the village revealed itself to everyone. Still Ryu would lean back and his fingers on his left hand would tap the table. A small amount of raiton would emerge from his four fingers as each tapped and move to the center of the table. Forming four crowns made of the energy just an inch above the table no bigger than the thumb. He would speak as the crowns rotated.

"The eastern slums are for the unfortunate that were pushed from the main village. A failing economy forming this part of the village and making lower class citizens. While its true that low ranking criminals usually move here as a home base the majority of the population is just trying to survive in a desert with no where to go. You would be amazed what you can do when your starving and half your skin is burned in the sun with no water. However to the west passed the wall is something different. The weakest of those surviving over there are the equivalent of power of a chunnin from the village. Of these people four stand above the rest. The four kings of the west all rumored to be as powerful as our Kage. They each control the four corners of the western slums and are constantly at war for the center. Going there at your current level would get you robbed and either dead or far worse."

He would watch them to see if his point had set in. Even for him at the moment it was possible only death waited for him over there. It was his need to grow in strength if they tried to cross that wall. A fifth king was the whispers of him but he knew he wasn't ready. What he was studying would bring about a change in that but it was slow going. The four rotating crowns would fade away and the room would seem slightly darker. Still an intake of breath from the big guy drew his attention. He spoke of handling it himself and implied Ryu could stay out of it. Even as he finished Ryu would watch him with that lone eye studying him. He would let him finish before speaking once more. His eye not blinking as he stared at Zu without a single hint of flinching or backing down. If anything the pressure in the room seemed to grow a little heavier. He wasn't happy being told what he could do in his own house.

"You will help take care of it but you don't get to decide if I do or not. No one does. They started shit in my house and walked out of here. I can't just let that be. I was disrespected and when I am done they will be an example that I am not to be **** with. Ain't ever been one to know a thing about mercy. Rapists and slavers don't get a sit down. They get a shallow grave. Do you feel me?"

5764

Ryu's take on life in the slums was touching, if not common to every slums in a city. Life here was hard, people tried to get by. They made the best of it, forced to ditch the societal etiquette of kindness and compassion in favour of survival, and were disregards by everyone else as being the 'fallen' and 'failed' of society. Every time a Shinko monk of another monastery passed by, the stories about poverty and misery in the big cities were the same. Unfortunately for them, the kitsune of Inari didn't dabble in Charity and Hope, but it wasn't an uncommon sight for one of them to pay the whole tavern for drinks. Pranksters, merry-makers, trouble makers... the nicknames for the kitsune were as many as the stories about them or their mythological divine.

That said, the political tale of influence, of the four Kings ruling over the slums and everything around it intrigued her. It wasn't that she was into politics, but the joy about it was that there were tricks to be played and games to be made. Playing out one yakuza against another, relying false information, conning... little tricks of mischief that often escalated by uncontrolled human emotions. Little games many a nogitsune played, if only to see the cataclysmic aftermath. Many considered the Yin aspect of the kitsune treacherous and dangerous, but the truth laid in the fact that after the downfall, one could only rise and grow again. In her mind, Akemi could already see her new playground unfold before her eyes.

Four King, a rising Fifth. Would he push aside the other four, or would one of them crumble into dust? Should she support him in his rise, just to see the other four tumble? Or was wriggling a fifth one in the old circle a better one as all of them would be sensitively weaker than just four of them? She couldn't tell just yet as she lacked insight in Suna's slums. What she could tell, was that the story had piqued her interest.

As Ryu referred to something called a 'chuunin' and a 'kage', Akemi tilted her head curiously. What exactly were those? Sure, she had overheard Suna shinobi enough to know a kage was a leader, but since she had lived in a monastery quite far from any Village, the names of the different ranks eluded her. The strength equivalent of a 'chuunin' told her nothing, and she could only assume that the Kings, being kage equivalent, were powerful. Maybe as powerful as the seven-tails or eight-tailed elders of the monastery. Maybe not. Akemi swept her tail to the other side as she contemplated the meaning of 'chuunin', but quickly bored with it as it didn't bother to reveal its meaning, she eventually asked the Jackal, "...What's a chuunin exactly?"

Before he could give her a reply, Zu made his statement on how he would take care of his own problems since he didn't feel like burdening the man in front of them with it, then continued as he stated to her he'd tag along since he had little else to do. She flashed him a welcome smile, though she had quite hoped he'd just come because it seemed lucrative in a way. Not because he had no goals, dreams or occupations. Still, it seemed the 'unofficial bodyguard' would stick around, and that was fine just as much.

Ryo retorted quite strongly to Zu's desire to handle his own problems though. He seemed to feel strongly about making his own decisions, or the fact that some strangers had caused trouble in his tavern. She could sympathise with that, but she had a little more trouble pinpointing the origin of his latter statements. Rapists? Slavers? Those seemed a bit strong a wording for a groping drunk that ended kissing the floor instead. While he was surely not talking about that guy, she wondered if something horrible had happened in that direction that he felt so... provoked. Either way, as she felt this was more a debate between two men trying to figure out who had the most chest hair, she simply waited quietly for the two to finish.

---

712
Total: 5689

Exiting thread due to inactivity unless someone wants to continue
5764
1407 towards Senjutsu D-C Complete
4357 towards Senjutsu C-B

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EXIT

Total: 5689