OOC:

(YESTERDAY)

With the pressure of the wedding rehearsal coming up, the Sennin resorted to his safe haven, weapon maintenance. He hated overthinking things, and right now he just wanted to relax and take it one day at a time. Every time he saw Katy his body temperature rose, trying to thaw his frosty heart, and eventually it became completely warm, leaving him at her mercy. When he was with her, there was no pretending, no ego, nothing that could distance them, but all of a sudden, being faced with the question of retiring, anxiety began to find a home. It hadn't been decided yet, but it was on the docket. And that was the real aspect of the marriage to come that had Kenji nervous. He wouldn't let his emotions alter his judgment too greatly, so in an attempt to prevent that... here he was.

To his liking however, Katy and Kenji received outstanding feedback, and the wedding was looking to be a grand success. Katy and her team of "planners", dealt with most of the finer details: food, setting, theme, etc. Kenji was likely to be as surprised as everyone else at the appearance of the joyous event. With every wipe, a stain of worry dissipated, and replaced with a sheen of hope and fortune, and sparkling love. Many who knew of Kenji's past, including himself, fancied emotions such as these unobtainable given his horrific childhood experience. After almost a decade of prowling around in a cloak of guilt and grief, the blue haired gentleman publicly returned to the scene. And now, a little while later, he was hoping to leave the scene permanently, but this time in less gory fashion. Love at this point was almost completely synonymous with Katy, but given Kenji's vivid imagination, his mind couldn't help but to reach out to the far fetched notion of the feelings he had for Latika that was ripped so ghastly from his grasp all those years ago. The chain reaction couldn't be reversed, not that he wanted to anyway. It wasn't as if the memories of Latika, all the great times they shared, and then her being torn from him, and then returning in such bizarre fashion, and finally, the two ultimately exchanging mutual farewells. They weren't times he regretted, and no longer did he fear them, they were just as welcomed as his desire for competition. It was a pleasant chapter in his life, and he would make sure to preserve and treasure it.

He had made through his entire arsenal. Kenji was equally proficient in cleaning his weapons as he was in using them. A sequence of deep inhalation followed, as his cleaning ritual succeeded in calming him. Relief coursed throughout his entire body, alleviating all previous tension. This was a solace only his weapons could give him. Despite the new wave of energy, sitting for so long had made his body urge for a walk. So he pushed from behind his desk. His fingers stretched out, regaining their dexterity after cleaning for so long. With a swift motion his lively fingers plucked a gray scarf from the hook of his coat rack. Like a spring, the smooth fabric coiled around his neck tightly. Words would always fall short in trying to express how happy he was to be back in Kumogakure, walking the city streets of the village that floated in the rafters. While in familiar territory, his senses were not dull. His senses alerted him of a careful prowler. Kenji had no details so far, but he would soon. If the prowler was as careful as he seemed, Kenji would have time.

A vendor came rolling a cart down the middle of the road, exclaiming he had the best goods in all of Lightning Country. "Those are big claims, are you sure you can back it up?" The vendor came to a sudden stop. "HAHA!" His eyes wide with excitement, but then the happy emotion that riddled his face trickled away, leaving in its leave one of a more sinister nature. "Only one way to find out." The cart exploded, and so did the vendor. Everything after that was a blur. He was stretched out in the street, his vision blurred, and his mind frazzled. "What just... an explosion... but the vendor... did he too... someone was following me... was that him?? NO. WHY?..... Katy... I can't... not here...."


(Present Time~ Bachelor party will be posted later... **** got cray~)


Kenji woke in an even greater daze than the one he was in after the explosion. The events that followed the blast were just as fragmented. He did retain that the apparent assassination attempt was just a prank by a few of his friends, and when he woke up... many things were done, that if not in the spirit of the traditional wild Bachelor party, would surely end his relationship with Katy. The Bachelor part was usually done the day before the wedding, but everyone knew Kenji would be way too serious and even more alert to be pranked the day before his wedding.  It was now the day of the Reception, it was being held in the Kumogakure temples. Kenji, a usual stickler for chaos, was being reversed into a stickler for structure. He made it his duty, even while severely hung over, to be the first to arrive at the Reception. There was much to review. As he walked around the inside of the temple, his eyes were drawn up by the sound of running along the ceiling. In a split second Kenji was outside with a view of the top. "Squirrels... so many of them." Kenji reached for a few kunai, but was interrupted.

Where had all the time gone? Was it really so long ago that Bokuden fought Kenji for the first time on sky peak? He remembered that day, most likely because from that point forward he and Kenji would ed up running into each other and bumping heads constantly. The Durian Tree with Misoka, the fight against Binsu atop the High Battle Plateau, missions and trainings done together as they were unexpectedly paired together in the same squad under the their former sensei Nagare; hell, Kenji had even seemed to end up finding Bokuden once again when he entered Kumogakure’s ANBU black ops. Now Kenji was getting married? It made Bokuden feel old.

Part of Bokuden was surprised when he received an invitation. Sure they knew each other, but it wasn’t like they were the closest of friends. Although given their occupations maybe the ones you trust are as close to being friends as you can count on, even if they’re a rival. “I guess those days are behind us now,” Bokuden mused to himself as he finished putting on his tie in a mirror in Nami’s house, waiting for Misoka to finish getting ready before they left. When Misoka was finished and ready to leave the two of them were of course stopped by Nami who insisted on taking pictures of them before they went. Bokuden and Misoka protested, but to no avail thanks to Nami’s persistence. Sometimes it was nearly impossible to say no to that woman when she had decided on something.

Once they had appeased Nami and her demands they would head off for the Kumogakure temples, where the reception was being held. Bokuden couldn’t help but be amused by the thought of Kenji being married at the temples. Traditional never really did seem to fit his style. Bokuden had never met Katy before, but she must have been some kind of woman if she could reign Kenji in. Part of him considered rubbing it in to Kenji when he saw him and picking a fight for old times’ sake, but he knew it wouldn’t happen. Today he would just be there to be happy for Kenji.

Bokuden, a stickler for punctuality of course arrived slightly before the invitation indicated, and it was there he and Misoka would see Kenji standing outside the temple, looking up at some squirrels that were scampering about on the roof. Bokuden’s first thought was how unlike Kenji it was to be early. Sure it was his wedding, but the gravity of situations never seemed to prevent him from being punctual before. Analyzing his reactions to the squirrels however, Bokuden was reminded of their meeting at the Durian Tree of knowledge so many years back. Looking over to Misoka, Bokuden raised an eyebrow and smirked smugly, knowing that she would get what he was amused by. “Still picking on defenseless animals after all this time, huh Kenji?” Misoka would call out to him as they approached, pointing to his hand that had been reaching for a kunai. “I guess some things don’t change,” Bokuden added with an amused huff.

---

(I'm posting for both Misoka and I this time around. In future rounds she will be posting right before I do.)

~Flashback~ Truth revealed. An ANBU unmasked.

Tsuyo had left Kiri in such a hustle. It seemed like he had gotten in and out with hardly a memory of him being there. But he had saved a few lives indeed. Not the least of which had been the Daimyo's and in the process an ANBU captured by the Bells forces. He recalled that memory kindly. He had shown off a little too much back then. Making himself out to be some sort of invincible god. A tall tale sure but one had to have such abilities to fake as he did. To battle while pretending you had no limitations was risky but it did pay off. It had been the first test run of his new suit after all. But it had left more of an impression then he had realized on the young ANBU. (OOC Note Kenji said I could do this next part) Enough so that it had been part of the tales of his adventures the man had shared with his bride to be. So the Bride to be just demanded that some one who had saved Kenji's life at least got an invitation to the wedding. And so she sent a friend to Kirigakure to seek him out.

Tsuyo was actually rather proud of his information network for that one. They had heard word of a lovely and eager young lady asking for a powerful warrior in a suit. And with how uncommon that was it was easy for such things to catch his eye as he read over the reports. He needed to catch the girls attention before she brought unknown attention to himself. Though after announcing himself to the Daimyo he could only assume rumors of him had begun to spread. He instead was curious. So he sent a servant with a carriage to go fetch the young lady and bring her to the neutral territories to meet him. Outside of any of the major countries in case she would most likely tell such a story in livid detail. He was a cautious man by nature. Still they sat down for tea. Once she revealed her reason for being there and handed him the invitation he could only smile as he read the names. After all this was the Reason ANBU did not hold emotional connections. A simple slip of the tongue towards a familiar story attached to the name. Intrugued by this Tsuyo not only agreed to come but also demanded to pay for the wedding itself.

~Present day~ the reception.

Tsuyo had sent the funds for the wedding back with the young lady and prepared himself to arrive. A substantial amount out of the companies treasury to pay for as gallant a wedding as the bride to be wished. Now he arrived into Kumo by carriage himself. It was odd being so deep within Kumogakure. After all the last time he had been here he had been in disguise and had managed to get a young girl with a talent for storms out of the country. More by luck then anything else. He was once again wearing the armored suit he had worn the day he had saved Kenji... Or interrupted the young mans escape plans with his own entrance. Still as the carriage pulled out front of the temple he stepped out and tossed his hat into the carriage. His brown contacts in to hide his hyuga colored eyes. A coy smile played across his face. His dagger was left in the carriage itself. In his right hand was a simple cane with a wolf head on top. and in his left hand a wrapped gift. He recalled the last time he had been to a wedding. He had been sent to murder his own friends. The day he fled from that cursed order. He could only hope today's wedding was less vicious and far more pleasant.

He moved up the stairs as he was arriving a little early in hopes that Kenji would have time to react to him. He entered through the doors and immediately noticed other were already there. A man and a woman he had never seen before. Though the woman did call out to the strange on up above. His brown eyes traveled upwards and he smiled. So that was Kenji. The archer Anbu he had had the pleasure of working with. A Kumo nin no less. Having arrived under the guise of Mr. Kajiya he simply adjusted his tie and leaned on his cane. He would wait for Kenji to notice him. But not to interrupt obvious friends of his. Surely his bride to be had already shared with him the wealth courtesy of Mr. kajiya that was to pay for this wedding.

Due to my lack of wedding knowledge, I have made the mistake of calling the wedding rehearsal a reception. I'm sure given the context my true meaning was obvious though. So this is indeed a wedding rehearsal, not the reception which is apparently the after party.

Posting Order:

His finger sliding into the hook of the kunai, pulling it slowly out of his pocket... he watched the pestering animals closely, as finger would set in motion their quick demise. This isn't cruel, I have simply never cared for squirrels. Then, in the midst of his draw... jeering tone rang out. So many things weighed on Kenji's mind, that the slightest ruffle in routine could startle him... but this voice... it did the opposite. A wave of relaxation caused him to relinquish his grip on the kunai, dropping it back in the pockets of his blue dress pants. With every degree that he turned, facing the person, the face that belonged to the voice slowly formed in his mind, becoming complete once he had turned all the way to see Misoka. Kenji had sent both of them an invitation, but he hadn't expected either of them to come. Despite his interactions with Bokuden being described as "contemptuous" at best, the arrival of Misoka was even more unlikely. Kenji wasn't even sure if he had sent the invite to the correct address, his intelligence in Sunagakure was extremely limited. But here they were, they had actually decided to join the groom on his momentous occasion.

Shortly after acknowledging the two, Bokuden let his voice be heard. "It's not what it looks like, I was just going to scare them..." A brief moment drifted by where Kenji stood with a slight grin on his face as he knew there was no point in trying to justify his affinity towards targeting small animals. "I must say, I am surprised you two made it, and now that I think about it, even more surprised that you made it together ;)" Kenji's white dress shirt had a sheen to it that gave it a glint in the sunlight. His blazer and tie was back inside. I can't believe Kasfara chose to sleep in on my wedding rehearsal! I was hoping I could introduce him to Satomi. Well maybe next time. Kenji looked behind Misoka and Bokuden for any sign of the brutal wolf, but she was nowhere to be seen at the moment. In order to get their attention back to the task of the day, he brought his hands together, "Let's go inside, we have the best to prepare for."

The backstory to the true setting of the wedding was a long one, and one of many violations that he'd hoped to conceal. In a moment of confidence he shared with his fiance, the tale of a business man that helped Kenji a great deal during his stint in Kirigakure. Katy being so elated, neglected the fact that he met Kenji under... "masked" circumstances. At any rate, the cultured helper had decided to exercise even more generosity by not only attending the wedding but pitching in greatly in terms of funds. He didn't know when... Mr... Kajiya would arrive, but he was sure he could trust him. A naive notion indeed, but intertwined with the mixed feelings he had about Mr. Kajiya, there was a lot of things that lent themselves to trust. Kenji sat down on one of the benches among a swarm in the large hall. "The wedding is going to be... let's say, in an exotic setting. So Katy and I decided to hold the rehearsal here, and save the true place as a surprise. Yep, as an entertainer I should not have expected anything less than extravagant. Oh, Misoka, you remember Katy right? And Bokuden, I'm sure you are familiar with her music, are you not?" Kenji wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't, something told him that Bokuden wasn't much of a "pop" music lover. He seemed like more of a country music fan than anything.

As the three chatted on about Katy, the sound of another attendee was heard. Kenji's eyes shifted to the door, and in stepped a man in a suit that was too memorable to forget. It was the mysterious Mr. Kajiya. "Ha, you come bearing gifts I see." Kenji met him half way. He placed his hand on his shoulder and leaned forward and spoke in a volume only he could hear. "I do appreciate everything, but my fiance was careless with her tongue, which up until recently, I had enjoyed. But I can trust you right??" Kenji leaned back slowly with a smile. "Follow me, I would like to introduce you to the others." Kenji walked back and introduced everyone. "Bokuden and Misoka, this is Mr. Kajiya. Our paths have crossed many times on our respective travels. And his style is only second to his generosity. You all have great timing, the remainder of the attendees and Katy should be here soon."

Nagare had received an invitation for a wedding. The invite was embroidered and all fancy-like, and he appreciated the effort, but found it pointless since he was just going to tear it open anyway. His hand danced along the edges of the paper as he found a crease and tore appropriately until the envelope was open. He reached inside to pull out a simple card, curious to see who had sent the paper. He scanned the paper, passing up key words like "wedding" and "temple" until he found the name. Kenji Chikara, his former student. Huh, he truly hadn't expected Kenji to find love so quickly. His slipped one hand into his pocket and read over the remainder of the invitation. It seemed that today was the rehearsal. How long had he gone without checking his mail...? It was already in progress, following the times on the paper, so technically the Kumo-nin was already late to the event. No matter, though, he figured arriving fashionably late would be no harm to his character. He turned, dropping the invitation on his living room table and calling out to Horui. "Horui, I got news. Kenji's getting married and we're going to his rehearsal dinner." Horui appeared within moments from the bathroom, his hair all nice and washed. He gave Nagare a confused look as if to say, "when?"

"Right now. Got the invitation a little late, it's in progress so we kind of need to leave." Within an hour, Nagare had showered and eaten some sort of meal to hold him off until he could come back home, and the two left the house. They were headed for the Kumo temples near the back of the village, a rather formal and somewhat religious place for the wedding, but Nagare couldn't judge. It was Kenji's right to choose where the event would be held; it was his day. Nagare wore a simple white collared shirt and a black vest with thin red stripes, as well as dress pants and shoes. Horui was less-dressed, wearing a white button shirt open with a soft blue tee underneath. His pants and shoes were also white, so he kept a mental note to not eat anything that could stain easily. They entered the temple nonchalantly, scanning the area for anyone they knew. First seen was Bokuden, always a pleasure to see. Nagare hadn't seen him in months, in-fact, but he figured they'd get a chance to talk later. Kenji was speaking to him. A few unfamiliar faces were also seen; two girls, one with Kenji and one with Bokuden, and a man with dark hair nearby the group.

They made their way toward the group, and Nagare gave his former students and friends a warm smile. "Hey, everyone. Sorry we're late. And congratulations, Kenji, I'm glad to see you so happy."

Revised Posting Order:

Misoka was elated at the idea of getting to meet Katy again. Kenji was glad she was so excited, even if it was possibly for the wrong reasons. Bokuden announced his bare familiarity with Katy's work, mostly due to Misoka. Kenji's comrade paid Kenji a complement on his engagement to a superstar. "I remember kissing her on stage, and how much of an outrage everyone was in, remember Misoka. Now that I'm getting married to her, if I wasn't such a talented shinobi, I would be in fear for my life." Kenji shared a few more stories of his experiences with Katy. "We've been through quite a lot during our short time together. Just last month we rode into Leel City, one of the most luxurious area in the land of lightning, we rode on dark horse, and looked at the fireworks all night. It was great." A smile came on Kenji's face. It was truly a welcomed feeling to have Bokuden, Misoka, and maybe Tsuyo being happy for him. "This may be my day and all, but I promise you all will not regret coming to the wedding, there will be something for everyone."

As the four shinobi continued to talk, another person entered the temple. He could see a flicker awake in Misoka's eyes as she hoped it was Katy, and so did Kenji... but it was a fellow that taught Kenji most of what he knew as a shinobi. A talented ninja who took both Bokuden and Kenji under his wing. "Nagare?" His former sensei congratulated Kenji after apologizing for his tardiness. Kenji barely process his words, "Horui too? I mean, thank you." A breathy and abbreviated laugh left Kenji as Bokuden commented on the unlikely circumstances of their reunion. "Bizarre indeed. I can't wait for you all to meet Katy. She should be here soon." Kenji said looking at the clock on the wall. "But while we wait to get the rehearsal underway, let's catch up." Kenji had been through a lot over the recent years, he knew the same was true for Misoka, Bokuden, and Nagare/Horui. "Oh yeah, Nagare, this gentlemen here is Kajiya. We've met on our travels. Mr. Kajiya, this is Nagare, a good friend of mine."

(OOC note would of been introduced as Kajiya. Not Tsuyo.)

Tsuyo smiled with a warm smile. Though even though that smile was practiced and inviting. It didn't reach his brown eyes. His gaze was careful and studying. Not like a trapped animal but like a chess player. Just reading the board. He acknowledged any greetings sent his way with a return nod. Civil but of the same type they presented him with. Instead he held out the gift To Kenji as another entered the room. And left it hanging there until once more Kenji was introducing him. A cool tone left his lips. Like velvet on the ears. He was used to speaking to others. A very formal man indeed.

"Well met to all of you. I am pleased to have been invited to such an event and look forward to hopefully creating the opportunity for us to be friends. But this is the least of my reasons for being here. It is a day of love for young Kenji here. Rare is it to find some one you care for so deeply and rarer still to be able to commit that to the rest of your life. Kenji my dear friend. May I be the first to present you with my gift. It is incredibly simple but alas your invitation arrived rather last minute. I hope that your find it worth while still."

And with that he held out the red box with the bow tie sealing it closed. The bow tie was a black one. As if meant for a wedding tux. A bit of a small joke on his part. Still he held out the box with a smile his eyes searching for a reaction. If it was opened then within would be an arrow spanning 40 inches from tip to tail. The head 2 inches long, and made out of steel, with three razor heads forming a triangular shape. The shaft is golden, with four black chicken feathers for fletching on the base end. The base has a small slit, called a nook, to allow it to attach to the string of the bow.

The streets were alive with chatter, the cool mountain breeze not fast enough to keep up with the spreading gossip.  Ringo was eating at a small café when the word finally spread to him.  Two women sat drinking tea and gossiping about the news about town.  At first Ringo didn’t pay the two any attention.  Their idle chitchat was more of a nuisance to him until the topic of their conversation switched from the latest ramen recipes to a celebrity wedding.  Hearing that a famous pop singer was holding a wedding in Kumogakure no Sato was more up Ringo’s alley.  He sat up in his chair and actively played with his bean jam cake while he listened to the two ladies go on about the wedding.

“I know!  Isn’t it just amazing that a Kumo-nin, of all people, is marrying Katy Larry! Oh, just imagine what place they could afford to have the ceremony.” The first lady sighed, looking up into her imagination as she contemplated all the possible venues to hold a wedding.

“It is remarkable, but I do know the rehearsal is being held in the temples today,” said the other bending over the table to get her friend out of the clouds.

“No, Really?”

“Yes!  I found out because my husband always goes to the temples to pray before opening his restaurant, says it brings him luck.  But today he couldn’t because it was reserved.”

“Did he say who reserved it?”  The first lady asked, still a little doubtful that her friend had discovered where the famous wedding was being held.

“Well, no,” her friend sat back, looking down at her napkin.  “But who else could afford to reserve the temples for the entire day, hm?”

The two ladies giggled in delight at the cleverness and deductive skills.  It was amazing how much gossip could make these women feel alive.  Ringo chuckled under his breath as he laid money down on his table.  It was time he paid a visit to the temples himself just to see how right these blabbering ladies were.  But first he had to dress the part.  If it really was a wedding rehearsal, than entering the party with just a trench coat, vest, and a tee shirt would not do and Ringo really wanted to enter that party.

Where a celebrity holds a party many rich friends would be found and when the rich party, the rich often forget their belongings.  While everyone has their fun, Ringo would have fun of his own at picking up valuable and ‘forgotten’ items.  Maybe even a few wedding presents would be ripe for the picking.  The wealth that would be in those temples would be unfathomable and it could be his if he could get himself in.  Just the thought of it made him giddy with excitement as his pace quickened down the street.

He found a nice and honest tailor a few streets down, which was quite the find as tailors aren’t always that honest about what fits and what looks good on their customers, their minds too easily corrupted by the chance of making a profit off of poorly designed suits.  Yet Ringo had found one tailor that worked honorably, going through several suits until they found one suitable for the wedding rehearsal.  The suit was nothing too fancy, only nice enough to look the part that Ringo needed it to play which was that he was wealthy enough to know the bride and groom but not wealthy enough to know them too well.  It was a simple silver-gray suit with matching vest and a white collared shirt tied up by a silver-gray necktie.  Ringo thanked the tailor for his work and took a dark overcoat to complete the suit.  Once the money was paid, Ringo made a final stop at a boutique.

Only Ringo would have to buy a suit and a dress for himself.  The ladies inside thought he was a wealthy man, coming in dressed up in his suit and overcoat.  When asked, he said the dress was for his date and that he wanted something simple for a simple woman.  That appeased all the women working there and it wasn’t long before he had a long, black silk dress that had a side cut running up to the thigh.  Having been so nice, the lady working the counter sold him a pair of pearl black heels to go with the dress at half price.  Thanking them several times for their help, Ringo placed the heels in the deep pockets of his overcoat and left with the dress in a gift bag.

Making his way over to the temples of Kumo, Ringo was stopped by the reflection of himself in a glass window of a building. It had been a long time since he had been dressed up like this.  His face felt naked without having the bandana to hide most of his face.  The gift bag that held the dress also seemed a little silly, as it clearly had the boutique’s name marked on it so he dumped it, folding the dress up.  Using the string from the bag to tie the folded dress to his back, Ringo would now look much more appeasable and the dress was safely kept out of sight.

Taking a deep breath, Ringo stepped up to the temple where he could see a few people chatting inside.  Had he arrived early to the rehearsal?  His source of information never did say when it would arrive so it was indeed possible that he was early.  Not that he could even call his source of information a legit source anyhow.  Arriving so early would make things disastrous for trying to enter without being noticed.  He sat outside the temple doors pondering of what to do.  He could either take his chances by marching right in or he could wait to join in once more guests had arrived.

Luckily for Ringo, while he pondered away at what he could do, more guests began to arrive and his opportunity to blend in was at hand.  He got up from the bench and made his way into the party as the first wave of guests arrived to the rehearsal.  Now that things had picked up for him, he began to come up with his cover story if he was ever questioned about his being there.

Bokuden was the first to greet Nagare, saying hello and making a comment about how he hadn't expected for the squad to all be together again for a wedding like they were. Nagare nodded, thinking about it for a bit. His students were something else, really. They had surpassed all of his expectations and now here Kenji was getting married to some woman that Nagare hadn't had the pleasure of meeting yet. It was almost bittersweet, as Nagare felt out of place. Let alone that feeling of separation, he had never been to a wedding and the idea of love was something long foreign to him, so he was a tad uncomfortable. He could easily pass this off as being nervous for the guy, though, and so he did. He put on a smile as Kenji spoke, although he wasn't listening. Something about Katy, who must have been the bride-to-be. Then he heard his name and his ears perked up. "Hrm?" he mumbled half-distracted.

"This gentlemen here is Kajiya. We've met on our travels. Mr. Kajiya, this is Nagare, a good friend of mine." Nagare eyed the man named Kajiya. Nothing unusual about him, really. He seemed quite formal, but Nagare wasn't one to judge. "Hello." he said, giving Kajiya a sort of awkward wave with his right hand. Nagare hated being social thoroughly. He was a cynic and a recluse at this point, not of his own accord but simply because social interaction wasn't a pleasure of his and he just fell into that role. He slipped both of his hands into his pockets as Kajiya offered a gift to Kenji. Nagare hadn't brought a gift, but it was a rehearsal, so it didn't matter. Or did it? He was new to the wedding scene.

Horui had long left the company of the others and was off in a corner eating from a table of food. He tried everything there was to try; trays full of rice-based desserts, candies, cheese and cracker appetizers, mini cakes and buns, and various dumplings. While stuffing his face meticulously, he noticed someone else enter out of the corner of his eye, a man with light-colored hair who seemed suspicious, to say the least. He stared at the new person for a while before resuming his feast. He didn't recognize the guy but he didn't care all that much. As long as the person didn't pose a threat to himself or Nagare, desserts were his only concern.

With a contented sigh, the young female pulled the brush through her cerulean hair once more, working out the last few tangles, before finally placing it carefully down on the star painted dresser. For just a moment, before she stood, her emerald green eyes gazed in to the reflective glass surface, a final glance to make sure everything was just right..... That everything was perfect. The next few days had to be perfect. And today, would be the test run to ensure that everything was. 

So far, things had were running smoothly. 
Her hen's party was a prime example. She had invited some of her close and more artistically adept friends to come with her on a night on the town. They had started off at one of the local clubs, before moving on to various karaoke bars around the village. They would get on stage, give everyone a surprise performance, and only leave once all the attention was lost and the free drinks had dried up. And then... Katy Larry and all her friends would move on to the next one and do it all over again. Until there was not one establishment in the village that she had not made herself known in. 
Once they were all done, they all went back to her mansion and spent the last late hours of night talking and relaxing to the sounds of her music. It had been wonderful and Katy would have said she never wanted it to end if it wasn't for the fact that she knew the best days were to come. 

"Katy! Are you not done yet? Everyone will be waiting for you"

"I'm coming. Just one more minute" 

With one last adjustment of the pink floral dress. One glance down at the fluorescent blue heels, the famous singer picked up her bag and headed out the door. To the dark horse that would give her a ride to the venue where she would be meeting her fiance.

---

Even though she made good time on the way, Katy was quick and graceful to dismount her steed and headed inside. 
And when she got inside....she was taken completely by surprise. The place was stunning. Colourful, elegant. Perfect. Just the way she had wanted it. Though even then, she knew that it would be nothing like the actual wedding venue. The place in which she was sworn to secrecy. But aside from the decorations and awnings, her emerald eyes were quick to find her fiance among the small gathering before her.
And there he was. He looked as dashing as always. Dressed all up in his suit, grinning...proud. She imagined she looked the same. 
The connection they had was infallible. Ever since they met, she knew they could be something. Even with all her other adoring fans that would give up all their chakra to be with her, only he could make an impression that was imprinted on her heart forever. 

"Kenji! I'm so sorry I'm late. I was trying on my make-up for the day and I completely lost track of time. Have I missed much?" 

The moment their eyes met, Katy walked straight over to Kenji and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, brazenly leaning up to kiss him in front of all onlookers. It was only after she pulled away to revel in their moment, before she turned her attention to the people that had come to the rehearsal. People she had yet to meet.
It meant so much that he would let her get to know the important people in his life, even when it would take many years for him to get to know all of her friends and family. 

"Hi I'm Katy. Nice to meet you all" She said, with a bright smile, still keeping hold of her fiance's hand. "Kenji, are you going to introduce us?"

OOC: Skip me if this thread is still going.

OOC~ :

The rehearsal was going at a good pace and there were many elements that had already pleased the shinobi greatly. The arrival of a rival and a friend, and the presence of a respected sensei, but if that wasn't enough, Kajiya was presenting a gift to the groom. His face lit up slightly . There was only ONE thing that could top a present... Kenji accepted the kind gesture. With caution and precision he unraveled the gift, revealing a gleaming item. A beam of ember tinted light emanated from the object. Once Kenji's eyes adjusted and intensity the golden hue waned, he was able to discern what it was. "A golden arrow. Kajiya, this token is much appreciated." Kenji sat the gift down on the chair. A faint grin danced on Kenji's face, the gift was spectacular.

The rehearsal was now underway. All the attendants so far had begun organizing the area. Kenji went over with everyone's role. 30 minutes in they were all sidetracked by a conversation, cueing them to pause and chat for awhile. During the intermission, festooning the temples immediately, was the bride...

Yes, he was grinning, and without a doubt he was proud. He stood erect in his creamy blue suit. Her voice rung out towards the teal haired man, announcing her intention not to be as late as she was and inquired if she had missed anything. Katy's festive gown was draped in the spirit of spring, causing his heart to bloom once again. The pink drawing of petals on the dress dared to accentuate her heels. Their blue tint practically mocking the shinobi and his love of the color, making Katy all that more irresistible. She really knows how to drive me crazy. It's the most perfect blue... I've ever seen, and she's perfect. His excitement peaked as Katy made her way to him. With every step, with every sway, with ever bounce of her hair, Kenji's vision became narrower, until his perception of his surroundings were so skewed he almost lost equilibrium. Of course he would fight the sensation, but it was difficult given how long he was away from her.

His shoulders bore the welcomed pressure of her arms that. Her demeanor, her presence was refreshing, and so were her lips that pressed against his. She was outgoing, no question, much like himself. The engagement of the flashy couple was setting off fireworks all over town... mostly because Katy Larry, but Kenji liked to think he had something to do with the anticipation too. As Kenji gently traced his hands down her back to her hips, he managed to pull himself away before Katy became entranced. When she got going there was nothing that could stop her, and he couldn't blame her, he was a frightfully good kisser. "Well darling," Kenji said chivalrously, "we have only gone over briefly some of the more mundane assignments, so no, you're just on time." Katy looked around, Yup, she was in a trance, if we had kissed any longer, this would turn into the honeymoon. She asked for her shinobi bride to introduce her. "Of course. This is Misoka, a friend of mine from out of town. She was with me when we first met at the Namehage Festival. Actually, she is the reason we met" Kenji looked at Misoka with a smile. Misoka, whatever you do... don't swoon, do anything but swoon I beg of you. "Over here is Bokuden. We trained together in our Genin and Chuunin chapters. We have shared many violent clashes that have, ironically, made us... not enemies." Kenji chuckled a bit, still not quite ready to call Bokuden his friend, it just felt wrong. "Either way, he is a noble man and a tremendously powerful shinobi." Kenji turned away from Bokuden and gestured to Kajiya. "Aha, I don't believe I have to introduce Kajiya." Katy was the one who mistakenly revealed Kenji's identity to the gentleman, and it was upon her request that he came to the rehearsal and the soon to be wedding. Also, Katy was the first to hear the news from Kajiya that he was paying for the entire wedding, making the extravagant local all possible. Kenji picked up the gift to show to Katy. "We're both familiar with the capacity for generosity Kajiya has, well, it hasn't dulled." Kenji displayed the golden arrow. "Finally, a man who I owe a considerable amount of my shinobi knowledge to, Nagare. I still consider him my sensei. His exterior can be bit cold, but inside, he is as warm as they get... That sounded a bit weird... let's just say he's a nice guy once you get to know him, ay."

"That's everyone. Now, let us, PREPARE FOR THE BEST!!" Now that Kenji's senses had returned, he surveyed the temple casually, absorbing the grandiosity of the place, saying to himself that this would actually be a nice place for the wedding. He noticed someone he didn't know... One of Katy's many friends probably. Hmm. Kenji would make sure to introduce himself to the moderately well dressed fellow later.