Tsuyo had taken the liberty to break some agreements from some time back and had hired himself a carriage to carry him to the old lands of Iwa. It wasn't as if he was ill and wanted to see his old home but rather just an odd home sickness. As if the nation he had pieced back together held some place in his heart. Luxury having been a part of his life didn't seem to matter without any company or recognition for who he was and what he had accomplished. Sure he was going out of his way to tick someone off but that was his amusing habit. Or rather even a hobby. However he had never been known for backing down when threatened. Always with confidence and a plan of course. Still he felt like an old man these days. Golfing on the weekends, reading the paper and walking to the same tea shop every morning. It was all such a dull pattern. Not anywhere near what the war had been like. He scoffed a little at the thought. An old man filled with war stories was what he had become. Most shinobi didn't make it to his age and he was beginning to understand why.

Still his silver eyes would glance out the window. Shifting to gold in the sunlight briefly. It looked a lot like he remembered it but still it prospered. His changes still held weight here it would seem even if his students had left it behind as well. He wasn't certain who was running the show these days but he wasn't here for some form of coupe. Just visiting. He doubted the guards and other shinobi would see it that way but he was neither concerned nor filled with dread at the idea. If anything he was rather bored with this lengthy ride. Konoha was left behind for now as he visited his summer home he thought jokingly. He was rather lightly dressed in a short sleeve silver button up with the collar loose and a green vest on over it. A pocket watch hanging from his right pocket but otherwise no items or weapons. Even his dress boots were shined. Dark hair was brushed back with hints of silver at the temples. A wallet rested in his breast pocket and hanging from the front of his vest was a pair of purple aviators. His hand raised to stroke his thin forked beard as they finally pulled to a stop at the gates. It was time.

He would wait until they came to a full stop before slipping his aviators on. The real test of how this whole trip would go. The gate guard. He would wait until the door was opened for him by the driver. A mention of bringing his luggage to the university as instructed was mumbled before the driver showed identification and continued on his way. Tsuyo had paused to breath in the surprisingly cool mountain air. He had forgotten how much colder it was up here. Still the guard looked at him impatiently at first before suddenly blinking and looking a little closer. As if having just realized who the man was he backed up speechless at first before finding a messenger. He sent the boy off running to the administration building with the notice that Akira had returned. They made no move against him and Tsuyo smiled. Smart boys. Still he folded his hands in front of himself and enjoyed the scenery. Let whoever would come to him come. He would just be visiting after all and he doubted they wanted an unnecessary fight with an ex Kage.

Jerrick spent most of his day at the forge. Hammers struck steal and iron. His sweat evaporating from his brow as the heat almost consumed him. The raw power that was required to create the tools that were to be sold to the public took a lot out of him. Jerrick felt like the strength was drained from him. He had been up before the crack of dawn working away. It wasn’t like he needed to do it. Though, it was a good stress reliever. There weren’t too many things that could beat the feeling. The feeling was vigorous. Outside of training, it was a good way to build stamina and strength. Jerrick enjoyed the craft that he learned. Blacksmithing was one of the few things that kept him sane. Even when he was a prisoner of war, manning the forge was the best feeling ever. The results that came from his time while imprisoned destroyed his muscles and stamina from lack of nourishment. It left him more or less his current state. Jerrick was slowly moving back to his old shape and it was exciting and glorious. The growth he made while in the village was terrific. It truly made him appreciate everything that happened since he arrived.

After his extensive time at the forge, he decided to shower and take a stroll around the village. He put on some dressy clothes. A long sleeve tunic under a black double breasted militaristic coat with gold buttons. His gold ascot was tucked neatly into the collar of his jacket collar. Jerrick’s beard started to get a bit long as he looked in the mirror. There was interest on his face that he wanted to keep it. There was a gentle stroke through his beard as he stretched it out to its true length. He would simply nod to himself in the mirror as he would march out of the door. His boots cleared the path of the front door of his home. The boots cleanly shined with his black creased slacks neatly tucked into them. He began making his way around the village taking in the sounds and smells in. Today was a good day. His muscles had finally began to relax. There was endless time that he had to himself. Not much else he found himself interested in outside possible a few drinks of whiskey. He currently didn’t want his walk impeded.

His stroll went well for the most part. There were plenty of looks that came his way. Some of them definitely held jealousy within them. Jerrick took pride in the way he looked. He didn’t let himself go out looking any kind of way. Coming back from training was the only time he didn’t really look too much into what he looked like. It wasn’t everyday that he decided to dress as delicate as he did. Today seemed special, so he decided to dress the part. It had been awhile since he last had a reason to actually dress up. Though, he didn’t always need one. The rest of the day was planned out to be calm and collective. That’s what he wanted it to be.

Jerrick began moving toward the front gate of the village. He figured that while he was out, he would walk on the outskirts of the village. Maybe even take a stroll into the mercenary camps and visit some of his clansmen that came back with him to Iwagakure. As he neared the gate, there was a man than seemed to hold himself in high regard. He looked at the man and noticed the elegance. It was like in his own regards he was rich and/or a royal. Jerrick actually found some respect in the way the man handled himself. It actually made him quite interested in meeting him. The actions that were presented by the guards alerted him that something was off about him. He wasn’t sure why the men looked like they say a ghost. Jerrick, still in his curiosity, wanted to know what the man was about. People didn’t just cause a ruckus at the gate without showing any signs of violence. There wasn’t even a sign of resistance. The gate guards were always carefully, but that just topped the cake for him. The direction that the man was running seemed to be toward Lord Maikumaru’s office. Whoever he was, he knew how to draw attention to himself.

Jerrick would attempt to walk up to the man and stand a couple of meters away. He didn’t want to be impeding in the man’s direct space. When it came down to the judging of someone’s character, he was generally quite good at being to tell right off. You had to learn to discern one’s abilities or character in the field. Picking people for certain missions could have easily caused them to fail. Jerrick didn’t like taking people into battle if they didn’t have confidence in their abilities. That also meant confidence in their overall presentation of themselves. This man seemed to reek of confidence from what he could tell anyway. The only thing left would be to see if he was right and greet the man directly.

“I don’t mean to intrude, but I wonder what man could cause the guards to act so aggressively. The name is Jerrick Shinkai. I’m a member of a merchant clan from the Kaminari no Kuni. I haven’t been a shinobi of this village long, but I like your style. I also like to know what business do you have in the village. Lord Tsuchikage may not be too pleased about having an upstart riding through his front gates. Just humor me for a few moments. Maybe I can even buy you a drink later.”

984

“I don’t mean to intrude, but I wonder what man could cause the guards to act so aggressively. The name is Jerrick Shinkai. I’m a member of a merchant clan from the Kaminari no Kuni. I haven’t been a shinobi of this village long, but I like your style. I also like to know what business do you have in the village. Lord Tsuchikage may not be too pleased about having an upstart riding through his front gates. Just humor me for a few moments. Maybe I can even buy you a drink later.”

His attention turned fully to a man who had approached him out of the corner of his eye. He had sensed no ill intent from him so he hadn't bothered to pay too much attention to him up until that point. Silver eyes of the Hyuga regarded the man. Formal dress, rigid posture, honed muscles and educated speech patterns. An educated man with training under his belt. Likely a soldier though one closer to an officer than a grunt. He held himself with a sense of authority and confidence one would expect from a leader and yet didn't flaunt his power as many might in his position. Beyond that he was observatory. Not missing the social cues just having arrived and making note of it. Still he had approached the source of it quickly. Perhaps he was a hero or perhaps he too could sense there was no hostile intent there. Of course at the mention of being a member of a merchant clan Tsuyo had a jump in increased interest. He held interests in many trades and some of them went through many merchant clans. Perhaps even through this man. He would smile a charming smile. Easily showing he was used to lowering the defenses of those he spoke with. It seemed to be filled with a gentle warmth. His voice a practiced silk on the ears. Almost hypnotic in nature.

"Well met Jerrick Shinkai of a merchant clan. I don't hail from merchants myself but my name is Hyuga Tsuyo. A traveling medic. Though if we are being honest here I was known by a different name. Different times and all. It's a well known fact by now so I don't mind revealing it. Here I was known as Akira Kazako. As for your concern about upsetting the current Tsuchikage, well, whoever they may be I doubt they will take any negative actions against one of their predecessors. Here comes the runner now."

He would smile and lift his hand to indicate the runner who had left earlier before folding his hands behind his back and standing tall. Not moving to meet the messenger but allowing the messenger to approach him. A young fellow but still sweat marked his brow. He was hardly short of breath but he appeared nervous. After all approaching Akira? After the man had been kicked out of the country no one had expected he would defy the court and return. Still few in the nation could match him and this particular messenger was nervous about even drawing so close to the man. Still he would swallow and adjust his headband before approaching and clearing his throat. Avoiding making eye contact. Did they know he had mastered genjutsu as well? How interesting. Still the messenger would speak. His young voice cracking at first but continuing with a brave confidence.

"The Tsuchikage has graciously granted you entry to the village. However you will be expected to behave yourself and will be observed at all times. Anything out of line will be reported directly to the administration."

It was a simple message but the messenger quickly turned and almost fled back to the gate guard as if he expected to be crushed for his insolence. Still Tsuyo would smile. Eyes would look to Jerrick incredulously as they couldn't believe he would stand so close so comfortably. Some stories were elaborated on a bit about the great Akira. How he could kill a man with a brush of his fingers. Rob them of their chakra and cripple them with a glance. Jerrick was being admired now as a man of pure bravery. Still Tsuyo would seem to ignore it. He seemed relax despite the tense situation and didn't at all seem perturbed by the warnings. He held himself in a cool and relaxed state before glancing to the view once more. Speaking after a moment as he made direct eye contact with jerrick if the man allowed him to. He was not shy and those eyes seemed to do what they were famed for. They seemed to see all that was visible and all that was hidden.

"If you would be my guide i'll take that drink I think. Walk with me a while my good man?"

“Sure thing, Lord Tsuyo. I’ll try and lead us somewhere further away from village entrance. I tend to prefer to not get involved with casual travelers.”

Jerrick would walk with the man to a better destination. It took him off guard that he was walking with a former Tsuchikage. He wasn’t sure if he was to believe it at first or not. Though, there was no hesitation in the man’s voice. The way the guards also acted also sort of confirmed his suspicions that the man told the truth. He was curious about why he needed to be allowed permission to walk within the village walls. Did something happen between regimes? This brought many questions into his mind, but there was no way that he could bring himself to ask about it. Not that it definitely could be considered as being rude, but the guy could have probably took him out in an instance. The name Hyuga brought a warm feeling in his chest. He was quite fond of their taijutsu style. The gentle fist was quite renowned throughout his clan. Jerrick remembered an old tale that his father told him of a Hyuga that had fought one of their ancestors during the warring states era. They were not to be taken lightly. The fact that he was able to meet one in person seemed astonishing. It wasn’t everyday that he was able to meet individuals from famous clans. He wasn’t going to take it for granted. Jerrick wanted to get to know Tsuyo for he was since he wasn’t too sure about the man’s history.

“How would you say was your era as Tsuchikage, Lord Tsuyo. What were you able to accomplish? What do you think about the position itself? That’s if you wouldn’t mind me asking. I wanted to get insight on how I could better serve the current Tsuchikage and the Iwagakure as a whole. What would you say was the most pressing part about the job?”

There would be clarity and firmness in his voice. Jerrick had some concern about the state of the village. The time he spent here seemed to cause him to become more fond of being a shinobi. Though, he still had to prove his worth. Jerrick was definitely probably one of the older shinobi within the village walls. Unlike most of the shinobi here, he wasn’t raised or influenced by the land’s culture. Iwagakure was a big change for him. He wasn’t really sure what to think about the village before he joined, but things seemed to always look positive. There was some things that he wished were different. One of those things was that he wished he was considered higher rank. He thought that his background and experience would have at the very least made him a special jounin. The last kage Harichimo seemed to think different. Jerrick appreciated the chance he was given, so he wouldn’t openly complain about it. The last Tsuchikage seemed to disappear without a moment’s notice. The village didn’t seem to suffer too much with the constant changes. It was probably nothing to be too concerned about. Jerrick wasn’t sure if he was interested in the Tsuchikage’s spot or not. He still had a long way to go before he would even consider trying to run anything in the village.

Not much time passed as Jerrick would lead them to a bar closer to the center of the village. Jerrick had been here once or twice before and had no complaints about their service. The place was generally super clean and didn’t usually have anyone here that would cause a problem. The Shinkai would hold the door open for the former Tsuchikage as he would walk in and sit on a stool. The place was sort of empty which for the time of day it was. That didn't bother Jerrick. He sort of preferred the quiet every now and then. This would also give him more opportunity to probe the old lord. He figured that after the journey he had it was probably better to just enjoy a couple of drinks and rest up.

“You said you were visiting. I guess I can fill you in one or two things. The current Tsuchikage is Lord Maikumaru. I’m don’t know much about him, but he seems like an alright guy. I know he’s proficient at taijutsu like ourselves. They say his fighting style is quite brutish. I haven’t seen it for myself, but he seems capable enough of a fighter. That’s just based off word of mouth. The Tsuchikage before him just vanished. No one really knows why or what happened to him. I was originally in his squad, but I only met him once.”

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Tsuyo would smile in a way that almost suggested he held in some mirth at the whole situation. He wasn't afraid of stepping through the gates and being a lone man against the onslaught. He was rather confident but always something in his eyes hinted at some mischief. He was full of life for a retired Kage and often he would appear perfectly cool and comfortable despite his surroundings changing. After all he had been allowed within the walls to wander even if supervised. They were cautious but he supposed there was reason to be so. However as soon as Jerrick had him through the gates citizens began to take notice. At first the normally bustling and busy streets were quiet with the day to day rub. However at first there were small sounds of surprise and then excitement. Not a single person they passed not wearing some official uniform or headband seemed at all displeased. Some didn't recognize him of course but a great many did. It wasn't a layer of fear that persisted over the masses but joy. If he had accomplished anything it had reflected in the citizenry the most. Still he would listen to Lord Jerricks words. He was amused enough as they walked and kept a formal stride himself. Whispers of Jerrick having to be a great man to guide Akira himself could be heard on the whispers. Seeming to consider his answer as he spoke in return.

"Well I suppose the position itself is more of a pat on the back before being loaded down with the issues of the entire village. A political position of power. You control the village but answer to the court. Trying to find middle ground where you can. I was merely middle management in that regard. I have no issue expressing my distaste for the greed of the court. My rule focused mostly on the common issues. Housing, reducing criminal activity in the region, education and markets. As well as a strict policy against drug and human trafficking. I displeased many but the economy of Iwa was gradually improved. The ceiling I hit was the more wealth the village made the heavier the court taxed us. Our, well our difference of opinion is part of the reason why I need permission to enter at all. I am banished from these lands you see. Not that such a command has done them much good as you can see. Here I am and at worst I am being observed. I can live with this."

They would soon enter a small establishment. It held a sense of class to it but just enough for the two of them to fit in. For a moment it was business as usual. Just another couple of quiet patrons coming in through the main entrance. The two would take a stool at the bar over the booth that Tsuyo usually preferred but he was a guest and would follow the lead of his guide. They had barely been seated just long enough for Jerrick to explain the current and last Tsuchikage. Tsuyo was not familiar with This current leader but the last and the one before him had been his students. Both vanishing strangely. Perhaps they just wanted a peaceful lifestyle. Still a brutal version of taijutsu had its uses. He had mastered fifteen different styles because each held its place of strength and weakness. Still as the barkeep turned to take his order he stuttered out "How can I....Lor...Lor..Lord Kazako! You're here in my bar! You likely don't remember us but you saved our daughter from some slave drivers. Please your drinks and your friends are on the house. One round of drinks for everyone!"

Tsuyo would smile but with what appeared to be an empty palm shifted and suddenly there was more than enough coin to cover all of it. He would tilt his head in respect to the barkeep as he stacked them in front of himself. The barkeep looked like he was about to protest but Tsuyo spoke first. "Please, it is important to support local small businesses. It helps the neighborhood thrive. Besides you have a family to see to as well as your own business. I would be remiss if I chose to accept your generous offer. Please, I'll have a bourbon, neat." With that he settled into his stool. He was wearing short sleeves so there was no hint as to where the coins came from. An illusion maybe? Trick of the hand? It was difficult to tell. Still once he was served he would sip at his drink with a hum of satisfaction lightly before glancing to Jerrick once more. "We have discussed myself and the office of Kage plenty I think. I am curious if you would elaborate on who exactly you are Mr. Shinkai. Most would be nervous around me after the guards caution but you hold yourself with a practiced calm. Certainly not the average gentleman are you?"

It truly wasn’t the response he was expecting, but he knew that the position of Tsuchikage couldn’t all be cracked up to what it seemed. Dealing with the court seemed very similar to dealing with clan politics. Though, he attempted to stay out of that as much as possible. He could respect Lord Tsuyo’s focus on the little man. It was easy to get caught up in one’s title or authority and abuse it. Just from listening to him, it didn’t seem like he had been that kind of man. Jerrick knew of the lives of common folk. He himself had worked with them within his former rank and file. Taxes seemed unavoidable. The system was inevitably broken. During his time in Kaminari no Kuni, there wasn’t much dealing with the courts. They took their orders from the daimyo and that was that. The fact that Tsuyo was banished made him think back on himself. Both men seemed to be abused by a system that was only meant to serve a group of people. At the level Jerrick himself was currently in, he couldn’t do anything about it. It was beyond him and his abilities. Not just as a warrior, but also as a shinobi. The Tsuchikage’s position was no joking matter. It caused him to admire those that held the position currently and previously.

The two would sit at the bar and not soon after the barkeep recognized his guest. Jerrick would watch as the two interacted. His eyes widen at her words as he would attempt to keep his composure. The old lord was a hero to the people and also seemed to be a hero of parlor tricks. The coin majestically appearing in his hand was appealing. He himself couldn’t tell where it came from. Jerrick would have been more than willing to pay for the drinks himself, but the old lord insisted. It made him wonder how he could attempt to be more like this man. His past was darker than some and better than most. It puts a smile on his face that he knew that someone was positively affected by what the man has done in the past. Jerrick wouldn’t that kind of admiration. Though, he preferred to keep to himself and get stronger outside of the public eye.

“I’ll have what he’s having,” Jerrick would add in when the former Tsuchikage requested a drink. “I appreciate your responses, sir. It actually influenced my way of thinking a bit. I wasn’t aware of how much responsibility and anguish that came with such a prestigious title. Though again, I appreciate you amusing me with your response.”

Jerrick would be presented with the bourbon before lifting the glass as a toast. “To Lord Kazako!” he would say before taking a sip. He would listen to the rest of what Tsuyo had to say. Jerrick figured that it would be time for him to tell a bit about himself. It was only a natural response to asking about a stranger’s past. Jerrick would most definitely entertain the question that was presented. He didn’t mind delving into his past. As long as he didn’t have to relive some parts it was fine. Thinking about his past made him think about his sister. She was an integral part of his past. It was also a reason how he tried to do his best and become stronger for. Though, that was a past that seemed almost foreign to him now. Nostalgia had its place, but it wasn’t reserved for the here and now.

“To start…” he started with a brief pause trying to figure where to begin. “I’m very much not average. My skills have mostly been utilized as a diplomat as of late. I grew up on the northern shores of Kaminari no Kuni. My father taught me everything I know. Well, mostly. The rest I learned while in service under the direct army of the daimyo. I was an officer in the army. We fought in various battles and even in war. While on a campaign, I and a couple of those under me were captured as prisoners of war. There I was forced to do hard labor. It was mostly blacksmithing. I withered away within their fortress for years. I was then rescued by a group of mercenaries. Time passed and I ended up in Iwa trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. That’s when I decided to become a shinobi. I wanted to make a difference. Something that I couldn’t truly due a decade ago. Hopefully, I can return to my former strength and be strong enough to protect the people of this village.”

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Tsuyo would seem to study his drink as Jerrick toasted him to the rest. Influenced his way of thinking? Well experience should hold influence after all. A battle hardened old man might be on an untouchable level in comparison to a brand new shiny warrior in his prime. Tsuyo was middle aged and well aware of the youth and their impressive powers but he had a lifetime of battles, techniques and mistakes he had learned from. He had witnessed and been a part of a great deal of this nations miserable history and the misery of other nations as well. The toast to him was nothing he was abashed about though. Just deep in thought. Still he would sip his drink with the rest. The smooth texture touching his throat with a warm and pleasant sensation. A slight intake of breath after he swallowed. Less than a gasp but still a reaction. The liquor was surprisingly good quality. Top shelf in this part of town? He almost chuckled as he considered that his stores he left behind may have been sold off. Good lord it was good to drink with company again. Tea and a newspaper before his daily work out and then some golf twice a week had left him bored.

He would remain patient and quiet out of respect for his guide as the man spoke. A soldier for the Daimyo. Well he certainly hoped this man didn't receive orders to attempt anything against himself. It would be a shame but the man he remembered was ignorant and self serving. It wouldn't mean much to send a pawn on an impossible task to him. Not that he had any doubt this man before him held skill and potential. It was just a simple fact that very few people in the world were a threat to him in his mind. Perhaps four at most. A fifth was an ally of his. A sixth a brother beyond blood. Pain had bonded them together and that man would never willingly fight Tsuyo without outstanding reason. He smiled as he recalled that he had once been the head of an organization of retired Kage. A sort of league of justice above the laws of the land. Considered criminals at the time they had done enough good that even Tsuyo himself was pardoned and was no longer in any bingo books. Just another strange thing he missed. One never thought they would miss the knife and dagger life style. He still had his resources and information network of merchants but that was a story for another time.

The mention of being enslaved for a time brought a frown to Tsuyo's face as he finished his glass finally and set it down. Only for it to be quickly refilled as others resumed drinking and talking. He would consider the amount of slave traders he had killed and wonder why they had been allowed to resume operation in his absence. Was no one stepping up to the shoes he left behind? Though this man was free now. Likely the trader was dead. If not it would be a quest for this man. If he wished to ask Tsuyo for aid it would be given but one must not force their power into the conflict of others lest they be left unfulfilled. This man radiated honor and willpower. However he was eager as a lad at the same time. Likely to rush into an impossible situation to save one life. If he would name the type of man this person was he would call him a paladin. As he finished speaking Tsuyo would wet his lips with some of his drink once more before resting his right hand and the cool glass in its grip on the bar top. Looking the man over before speaking once move.

"Often it takes losing our strength to realize what we had. For my lesson in humility. I had both my eyes ripped out and lost both an arm and a leg. Luckily I am resourceful and have since fully restored myself. But it was a lesson I will never forget. I am sure the harrowing time you spent smithing for them was similar in its humility. When your strength is regained you will remember it and likely be better for it. I like to think I am. Tell me though, do you think the people are better served with one man with a sword or one man with a voice crying out to be heard? You said you were both a diplomat and a shinobi. I encourage to protect those you can with your strength, but improve the lives around you with your words.":

Jerrick took another sip of his drink as he meditated on the words of his drinking companion. He wasn’t sure what to say. The both of them had probably seen the worst of humanity. He closed his eyes and took a breath. The right words would come to him. He wasn’t sure how to quite answer the man’s words. The question had its own layers of difficulty that he needed to sort out in his head. His own blood had been spilled for another’s ideology and he knew that more of his blood would continue to flow. It was the nature of his current job. Jerrick knew of what was expected of him and it wouldn’t at all affect his answer. Another sip was taken from his glass before he would give an answer. There was definitely a great respect for the man. Jerrick wasn’t sure if he could have come back from that kind of torment. He may have just lost his will altogether, but that was just him speculating.

“You bring an interesting question. I will say it’s hard to answer without a total thought. I do appreciate your inspiring words. It brings me a greater sense of motivation. I will take your words to heart. My answer to your question is that I would prefer one man with a voice. I rather have someone talk reason and encourage the people. Words can do many things that a sword cannot. Many people can be gathered behind words. A sword alone can accomplish many things, but it often leaves the people in the dark. The path of bloodshed will always beget bloodshed. It’s an endless cycle. Those words can do the same. I believe that one man with words can either save or destroy a nation. I’ll take my chances on one man with words and using the strength of the people to bring positive influences.”

He spun his drink around in its container as he would take in the scent. Jerrick couldn’t wait until he was able to return his body back to its former glory. It was a top priority on his list. Whatever the gods had planned for him, he hoped it was something great. There was definitely greatness that emanated from Lord Tsuyo. Jerrick was glad that he was able to meet him. This encounter was definitely life changing in itself. It made him wonder what he truly would be capable of. Only time would be the true determining factor. There were quite a few things that he wanted to put his time into. His current shinobi ranking would hold him back from doing what he wanted. It was something that he wouldn’t give up on easily. Keeping his head up would be the key to getting to where he wanted to. Too much had happened to him for him to be able to give up easily. A slight smile emerged on his face as he considered what the future held for him. He wouldn’t let his age hinder him. If he hadn’t made a positive impact so far, he would push to do as much as he could for his new community. It wouldn’t be an easy road and he didn’t expect it to be. Jerrick would put his blood, sweat, and tears into doing what he could for the people here. The only one that would be in his way would be him.

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Tsuyo would smile and tilt his head as he glanced over his now refilled glass. The bartender was working to keep his glass from being empty and honestly Tsuyo hardly minded. After all this was a rare occasion where he could relax with the comfort of good conversation. Usually folks either wanted him to train them or were simply after his head for their own name. He had enough enemies that he never stopped and let his guard down. Even now he was aware of everyone in the room. His guard only appearing to be lowered. After all that girl Orochi Risu had managed to escape that prison even without any chakra. He had received haunting news that she had managed to get even his technique reversed so likely she remembered him. Not many forgot him after they had engaged him. He liked to think he was just charming like that but truth was he just had a talent for finding trouble. Most of the Aoi Bara did. That was what made them who they were though. Still he would listen to the mans reply to his query and smile. Sipping the last of his drink. Setting it down and placing his hand over the top to keep it from being refilled as he spoke. He wasn't here to get sauced after all.

"I like the answer. Though the truth is much harsher. A voice is often silenced because those he or she might speak against will never tolerate rebellion even in a raw nature. They clasp to their power even if they make martyrs of others. Many remain silent of oppression because fear is a powerful tool. In my time I wielded hope for the masses in one hand and fear for those who would oppress them in the other fist. I would be interested to see you grow in power and stature. A voice of the people without infection of those who would gain from the suffering of others. You're blade and your voice should grow together so their hidden knives in the night can not strike you down. For now though I will be on my way. The travel was long and I am in dire need of a hot bath. I know the way to my floor at the university. Visit me sometime will you?"

Tsuyo would nod and wink before suddenly the sound of a slight hum would emit from him. A momentary glow of purified chakra flowing around him. Wisps of gold appearing visually for just a moment before the next he was simply gone. No scent, no sound, no vision of him remained. No one seemed to be doing anything different from before so likely he hadn't been stunned by some jutsu but instead all appearances of the man had vanished like a ghost. One man who had come in after them cursed under his breath and quickly got up to head for the door. The bartender however would collect the empty glass left behind with a smile before looking to the man Tsuyo had left behind. Speaking to him with a hint of amusement in his words. "Lord Akira is more than a decent speaker. He was a powerful shinobi when he was here. A master of taijutsu and one of the best medics in the world. Now I suppose the rumors of him having mastered genjutsu were true too. That said if he is interested in you I will say many in this village will be keeping a closer eye on you as well Mister. A lot is going to be expected of you."

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