The sun had long been set, the lights of the village were going out exclude some bars and other establishments of the night. It was quickly approaching midnight, the moon shown through a few clouds and a cool breeze shook the few trees and grass just outside the village gate. There was a single light over the bench Karumo sat at, flickering every now and then with the yellow bulb, it lit the small area around him nicely. He sat in his ANBU armor, the black shirt and black pants underneath blended in slightly with the night. Black sandals and his mask sitting in his lap, he sat there comfortably with the smell of a bit of sweat on him still, having gone straight to sit down on the bench after his latest mission.

A short stint to protect the wall, but ending in him putting down an old jounin of the village. It wasn't that the killing had traumatized him, but the words he spoke had his mind running. He felt the need to escape for a moment and reflect on it all, puffing away at a cigar he brought along. Actually, it was his second one now. His location was quite and relaxed, the gate guards had left him alone and were patrolling around the area for the short instant he sat there. It was the least he could do since he wasn't handling his paperwork or roster manipulations like he was expected. Not that he was behind on anything, but whenever he wasn't busy he always felt that fly buzzing behind his ear about what he should be doing.

He sat up waiting though, soon Jet would be returning to the village according to his sources, from all the mess in Kirigakure no Sato. He wanted to get updated on it all, what was happening, what had happened, and where things stood at the moment. Hopefully she ended up finding her way to the village's front gate, which with Jet was always up in the air. Her M.O. was perfect for the ANBU and he figured that there was a real chance that she took some back route or channel or tunnel to get back into the village. Something he wasn't aware of as funny as the thought was.

Karumo sat there though, puffing away at his cigar as the smoke rose up into the air and filled itself under the yellow light of the lamp. Letting his mind wander as he apathetically slumped under the light on that bench, his right arm wrapped around the back of the empty space of the bench. Waiting for Jet's arrival if it should ever come, he'd give it a little more time before he gives up and packs it up for home.


[471 words]

Silently across the ground a shadow glidded with the upmost speed, cutting through trees and blending in with its surroundings. This figure was alone, unlike when they departed from this nation. The return this time would be alone as Jet had sent Kira back to check in with Maki and see how things were faring. The trek was a bit quiet but that was what she preferred as she wasn't one for making noise. None of her kind were. It was a quiet ride until the last few hours. When she crossed the border she realized she was being pursued and while it would be a mystery to others, she knew exactly who they were. Jet made a lot of enemies in her life and would only continue to do so.

Plenty of people wanted to make hits on her but few accomplished even the task of tracking her down. Jet was an expert at stealth, blending into the scenery and becoming one with her surrounds. She never left tracks that you could see and she used soap to mask her sent. Sensory jutsu had to be quite strong to track her and even then it didn't always help as she used multiple clones and various traps to get people off her track. Of course she had times she let others see her, specifically iwa nin because while Jet was powerful, she was not unbeatable and thus, needed some way to let others know what would happen since if any antisensory jutsu was used on her uncounious body if she were kidnapped, she would never be found. Granted right now that idea wasn't helping her when those two attacked. Hikari and Kuro Nana, twin sister and Yasuo's favorites.

After that whole fiasco with Genbu, Jet was under the impression they would lay low or try to scare her but she didn't think they were that ballsy. It was a good thing she did a lot of experiments on the kurohebi she captured over the years to know their tricks. Unfortunately even with the intel she couldn't fend the girls off for too long. If she did, they would get the chance to shut off her kkg and that was unacceptable but she finally managed to put them down. But not permanently. She had run low on chakra by them and suffered a dislocated shoulder and fractured ribs. Injuries she didn't worry about but if she lost any more chakra she would pass out and frankly, Jet was keen on the idea so she tied them up as best as she could with wire and left.

Huffing, she felt herself grow tired. Pain she could withstand easily as she has been through worse but the fractured ribs were making breathing difficult and her chakra was slowly trickling away from using her invisibility jutsu. Thankfully she saw the village gates in the distance and decided to drop the jutsu. The gates were closest to the hospital so she opted to go to them rather than her usual tunnels and back track ways. A little closer she got before she had to stop and catch her breath. She was close enough to the gates to see the guards were missing...except for one. Chuckling even though it was a bit weezy she got closer, seeing an old face "Aren't you supposed to be in your office right now?"

572~

Karumo continued his silent introspection under that light, the cold night air pushing the smoke around as he puffed it out. The cigar had been burned down a little over three-fourths of the way through, the taste of the smoke lingered on his tongue and the smell would lightly linger around on his clothing. A heavy inhale as he heard a quickly approaching sound, a small figure emerging from the slight distance and towards the light. Karumo's eyes rolled towards the person in time to hear the familiar voice, "Aren't you supposed to be in your office right now?" the voice was raspy and worn out though. He let the smoke out in a single exhale, letting it rise up and get pushed away to his right with the wind.

Karumo would stand up quickly and train his eyes on her, focusing in on her and her demeanor. Taking the cigar in hand from his lips, he flicked it from his pointer finger off to the right of the bench. The ash sprinkling in flecks and sparks of fire as it tumbled through the air in to the ground. It wasn't very polite of him or anything, but with the sparks going out in the air, the chance of it catching fire after the fact. He instantly noticed the scuffs and small marks across her clothing and the aftermath of sweating, she had been in some sort of fight. His face would go from smile to neutral concern as he stepped forward towards her and spoke up, "The office gets stuffy from time to time..." he would add, his tone hurried and inquisitive. Leaving no pause in between for Jet to agree, disagree, or even respond, "But are you alright, you look like you've been in a fight?" he asked curiously.

He was close enough now that he was almost standing over her, ready to act at any second to help her out in any way he could. Up to carrying her to a hospital if he had to, hoping she would excuse the smell of the cigar for the time being.


[357 words, 828 words total]

The old face belong to a familiar person, Karumo Sekuro. Just the man she wanted to see but not so quick. Originally she planned to head straight to the hospital but she though the pain wasn't as bad, or at least could ignore it, and figured since he was here, she might as well talk to him now. Jet shrugged, er short up, the best she could and gave a nonchalant answer "Yes we were but nothing we can't handle. Just some pests buzzing around" Said pest fractured our ribs and dislocated our shoulder but we'll get back at them tenfold. Stupid kurohebi and their tricks. Next time we see them they'll be on our operating table and we'll see who has the last laugh. Send them back in pieces to that brat after we sell off their organs and had a few flies have their way with them. The malicious intentions of her thoughts didn't appear on her cool face as a smile graced her lips as she looked around jokingly saying "Though we could really use a drink right now....care to join us? We can't imagine you're waiting here for nothing. Honestly, making the head do the dirty work. For shame. That's our job haha"

Jet didn't allow him to wait or give him time for a response as she walked past him. They reached the gate, its towering walls a symbol of the unwavering might of the stone. A gate keeper came out and asked her for her ID, where she was, why she was here then had tried to scan her chakra signature to make sure it matched the one on file and she wasn't using a henge. Of course he couldn't so he automatically assumed there was something strange with Jet so he called in a woman, one she had a seen before, a blonde phantom eye woman, who scanned her and checked her in. And well should Karumo follow they would just let him in since he had been waiting there all night. Once inside the village she felt like stretching her arms but held back a wince and glared at her dislocated shoulder. She chuckled softly and turned towards Karumo, rubbing the back of her head with her good hand "Ah perhaps that drink should wait..."

968~

Nothing she couldn't handle? he thought to himself as he began to think through things in his mind. His eyes would wander off into the distance, to the rocks behind them as he searched briefly for any trace of anyone else there, hoping that she hadn't been followed by anyone else. Another thought struck his mind though, did she know her enemy and did it have anything to do with the call to Kirigakure no Sato? In the end, Karumo wasn't fed any of the details of why their help was needed or what it was for, other than that he'd take charge during Akira's absence. But also given the fact that Akira wasn't in tow with her... and nor was Suutei for that matter. So many questions, so little time, but it raised the question of what she knew and didn't know about this entire ordeal.

Karumo continued to listen in as concerned eyes would glance around and then back to her as she joked her way out of it, seemingly confident that things were alright now but maybe a false security of finding her way to the village gates. She concluded towards an offer to have a drink, but didn't leave him enough time to respond, even with a taunt about leaving the head in charge. She continued walking off towards the gate to check in, going through the paperwork and having herself checked out. A rather extensive process nonetheless, Karumo merely waved as he walked by the gate guards who had returned just a moment earlier. Waiting a few further from the gate, Karumo stood and watched each elated movement and her approach towards him. Karumo smiled at her slightly bashful display, chuckling a bit even as he responded, "Yeah, it's probably best to hold off on that drink, but there are a lot of things to cover too..." he would say and look down the road into the city and then back out to the road.

He stepped to the side of Jet and spoke up at the guards, "Stay alert tonight, watch for anyone who might have followed her here!" he would yell towards the two guards in the stand and receive a nod in return. Stepping back to Jet afterwards he spoke up again, "We can talk while I escort you to the hospital and all, if that's fine with you?" he offered with a calming and genuine smile. In all honesty, he wouldn't be taking no for an answer, as far as the hospital went, and she'd have to check in and report to him eventually in some form. He just hoped that she'd make it easier in the instant and just knock it all out at once.

After her answer, or subsequent convincing if needed, Karumo would continue on with a rather simple question, "So, I'm guessing by your small quip earlier that you already know that I've been promoted and everything? But what else do you know? And where is Suutei?" he continued his questioning, not sure of what to make of anything to do with the recent situation, but he'd leave his questioning there for now.


[542 words, 1370 words total]

"True little phantom, we do have much to discuss. And knowing how doctors are, we'll have plenty of time. Oh and just so you know, you're kind of hard to miss Sekuro. People like Akira tend to make a splash, and you just happened to be around. Besides, it was a good idea to pick you for the job, much more than others" It went unsaid that Fukai would've been a poor choice and Nanashi as well. Fukai was not as thoughtful yet political versed at his fellow clan member; and did not like Jet, much less trust her as far as he could through her if he found her. Nanashi also was held in low opinion in the daimyo's court having been put on the inactive roster for some time and has yet to return to his post in the village, having last been seen in Kumo and from reports, no intention on leaving, so he's all but abandoned the village. His time as a kage was short if anything and he had no desire to take it back for a more permanent term. Jet herself was none too close to Akira and would've declined the offer as she was more suited on the field and maintaining her network than running a village she did not care for; not to mention many did not trust her just as much as Fukai or even more and would never let her close to the position. A few jounin here and there were jounin for a reason and were not eligible leaving only Karumo, Akira's pupil whom he took special attention to. It was the only thing that made sense in this whole charade.

Jet had her own questions and some inquires to make but seeing as how Karumo was so secretive about their meeting and Akira hadn't parted with the information, they couldn't discuss it out in the open and had to leave it for when they found a more private area. "Let's leave that for when we are in private kage-sama" The small quip was light heart and almost joking in the manner she addressed his new title. It matched the fact she was trying not to show how annoyed she was at how difficult to breathe and the throbbing in her chest from how easily she grew fatigued. They walked a bit with a short trek to the hospital. It was close to the gates making it easier from returning wounded to be treated if they couldnt be on the field. Once there Jet was given a lot of passive aggression from the desk lady. Ohh....right, Jet now recalled seeing her before having once slept with her girlfriend and unapologetically teased her for it before making quick haste out of their apartment. Seems she still didn't get over that seeing as she ignored Jet in favor of turning her attention to other patrons who came in after.

And it appeared that the others shared her sentiment as Jet recognized them from her younger years when she came in and stole morphine and other things for highs or actively avoided her checkups and leaving blood samples as much as possible. Ugh, maybe she just got set her shoulder herself at home. She broken it enough that she was well versed in that sort of stuff even if she wasn't a registered medic. She turned towards Karumo, rolling her eyes intent saying that they could just to her place when Jet remembered Maki. And Jet wasn't too keen on dealing with a lecture from the woman. frick it, she was just going to walk into their store room, take what she needed and do it herself because holy hell did she have a headache all of a sudden and wanted out of here to get a drink.

1619~

Little phantom... he would give Jet a short glance and laugh a bit, it was certainly an interesting (and patronizing?) way of talking to him. Truthfully, he was a bit glad that not everyone he knew had gotten so absorbed in his new title to not dare tread from the typical honorifics of it. He was appreciative though, that she recognized his skill, though he might disagree that he was the best person qualified to lead, but that would be better for later on, for now, he nodded along and agreed as she suggested to leave their conversation for when they weren't out in the open. He'd let the small return to referring to him as the kage slide for now, it wasn't a big deal or anything, but his thoughts digressed, "Well, after you..." he would hold an open palm towards the street and let Jet lead the way for the time being.

A short trip from the gate to the nearby general hospital, arriving in front of its beige colored walls and bright lights scattered about, shining late into the night sky here and there. Karumo accompanied her in, but quickly diverged from the path, letting Jet check herself in and all, Karumo would take a seat in the waiting room. Crossing one leg over the other as he pulled a magazine from a nearby table and opening it up to flicker through it. He ignored whatever hard time the staff were giving her, listening passively to everything going on in the quiet and empty waiting area. He sat calmly as he waited, minding his own business for the time, thumbing through the articles in each of the pages, skimming over what little information he could find if any.

In the meantime, his quiet browsing would be interrupted by Jet, turning back towards him and mentioning something about going to her place. Karumo laughed a bit at the notion, nothing too loud or patronizing, but he let it happen, "Seriously?" he offered with a little smirk. He wasn't sure about it, but he'd been able to see that the pain of it all was a bit much, even if he did want to escape and grab a drink as well, it wasn't exactly a wise decision. However, he was sure that she knew some first aid, but he couldn't remember if she knew medical ninjutsu or not, he actually couldn't remember much outside her abilities as a Yuurei and such. He would continue on, "If you really think that's a wise idea, I won't stop you... but does it really seem like that great of an idea?" he would continue to push at the subject.

Whether or not Jet did whatever she would do, Karumo would merely sigh and give a large exhale, leaving it at that. He would follow along for sure, especially if she decided against the hospital, to help in any way he could, up to and including dragging her back into another hospital or clinic if need be. Either way, Karumo was just following suit until they could get somewhere they could talk, whenever or wherever that would be.


[535 words, 1905 words total]

"Hm? Yes, just follow us" Just as Jet was about to slip past some folk who were heading into another hall, a doctor stopped her. She gave a look of annoyance before it soften, somewhat. It was more of a minor annoyance but she figured to take advantage of the situation. The blue hair jovial looking doctor was an acquaintance of her, since he was interested in her; partly as a person and more for her abilities since it was more or less known that the Yuurei experiments were a thing even though they 'should've' been stopped yet were still going on in various parts of the nations, thus wanting to examine her body which she vehemently refused. He stopped them, asking what she was doing here, wondering if it was for him, and offered to take her up to his room so he can fully examine her in private before noticing someone was with Jet. And not just anyone, but it was the Tsuchikage!

His face bright red, the doctor spewed out various apologies, asking what the man required of him before looking between Karumo and Jet realizing they were together. Finally no longer acting ridiculous, he looked towards the yuurei somberly, saying she wasn't here for an examination wasn't she to which she confirmed. She requested a few medical supplies for her own injuries to which the jovial look on his face faded away, eyes now sharp as he overlooked her. He said she can use her office even if she wasn't supposed to and he'll overlook it but wanted something in return. Jet whispered in his ear about a vial of blood, to which he figured was good payment, and agreed. With his pass, the guards let the trio through the locked door, down a hall and reached his office. He said that he could have the Tsuchikage wait outside and he fixed Jet up but she said he could stay and she could fix herself up.

The doctor reluctantly agreed and left the pair to their own devices as he was soon spotted once the pair when into his room, by a nurse who carted him away to tend to another patient. Once in the room Jet went through the cabinets to find what she needed before setting down to work. To help with her head, Jet swallowed a few painkillers and antibiotics before putting a bag of ice out. She was going to pull off her shirt but remember her dislocated shoulder. Sighing annoyed she turned towards Karumo "If you would be so kind, may you please set our shoulder? Harichimo must've taught you something about doing so hasn't he?" Jet wasn't going to explain how she knew of harichimo or Karumo's connection to him as she figured it wasn't important. If he couldn't she could always set it herself but that wouldn't be smart so she would have to get someone else to fix it.

"Oh, and before we forget. We should have a written report somewhere...." Jet figured it must be sealed inside one of her bandages "But incase you want to know now. Suutei was tasked to deal with border patrol and whiping out various gangs in the area while keeping an eye out for Kumo nin. However he was last seen by the islands where ruins were found. It seems he abandoned his post and therefore should be labelled MIA. Akira on the other hand...we know he has met with Ayakashi however that is the extent we know. It seems he has decided to remain in Kiri for an undetermined time, probably to stay and fight. However he hasn't given us a follow up and even allowed us to return making the entire purpose of us being his escort pointless. Since he has passed the hat down to you, we were wondering if you could enlighten us on why he stepped down when there was no reason to do so, and why he seems to have no plans to leave Kiri any time soon"

2309~

Jet led the duo on their way, seemingly apathetic to his plight of making sure she ended up alright. Well, at least from what Karumo could tell, that wasn't unlike her nature so he didn't press it any further than he needed and instead accompanied Jet and staying a foot or so behind her. Being stopped by a doctor of a more peculiar demeanor. Karumo chuckled a bit as he became sporadically nervous and deferred to let Jet handle and answer any questions that would come their way and instead offer curious and inquisitive glances and facial expressions about whatever was happening.

It wasn't surprising that Jet had some connections in the hospital, but he was definitely going to ask about that later on at some point, if not just to give her a hard time and make her sweat a bit. If he could press that far after all. The doctor continuously asked to take Jet and treat her himself, perhaps a wayward admirer? It mattered not, Jet sent him aside and left them to themselves to handle whatever would happen, watching Jet take some painkillers and other pills and such. Then a polite request for Karumo to help set her shoulder back, into place. Karumo smiled and nodded, "Let me know if there's any pain and I'll stop..." he would ask in return, he would take hold of her wrist and bend it to bring her elbow to 90 degrees and hold it there for a second.

He would pause a second to let her adjust to the pain of it. Never knowing the feeling, it was always easier for him, and he could usually do it himself, a slight perk of not being able to feel anything. One of the few bonuses to the curse of that affliction, "Take a deep breath..." he would offer as a final warning after a brief pause. Both hands gripped onto her elbow and pulled it away from her, then he would release a hand and begin to rotate it around the joint. Slow movements key and ready to stop and let it fall back to rest if she began to feel it too much. Waiting until he would hear a popping noise to signal that the bone was back in it's socket, rotating and wiggling slightly for however long it would take.

He also listened to Jet's bit about the report, he knew that one would be filed eventually and he could read it there, but he wanted to know everything that had happened, from her. And even more so, about Suutei and Akira on top of that. It was troubling to hear that Suutei went missing, but he decided not to interject just yet. He figured Akira would stay behind, but it seems that he hadn't told them anything, he wondered what he should share and keep to himself. He'd only given a partial truth to Harichimo beforehand leaving out the bits about Akira's past and his history before arriving in Iwagakure. The bits that would shine a negative light on him anyhow, aside from that, he was a bit saddened that he'd have to tell this tale all over again.

Jet also had questions though, and with them so out of the loop on a pointless trip to Kirigakure no Sato under the alarm of war, Karumo figured she was owed an explanation before he started bombarding her with questions. Shoulder set or not, Karumo would keep working at it slowly, or he would step back and let her tend to herself until she needed help again, gathering his thoughts in the process. "Well... I guess I can't blame him for telling you much, though I'm saddened to hear that your trip was so pointless. I'll have lots of questions for you about that too, concerns and things of that nature." he led on before pausing a bit.

"As for Lord Akira, well, he's not who you knew him to be. He was and is a real person that you saw, but the guise of Akira Kazako is nothing more than that. He'd been looking for someone to step up in his place, and I suppose he found that I was ready. Though, I've yet to figure out if I was ready myself..." Karumo's glance would fall off a bit as he began to think things through and wonder in the melancholy of his new position. "I don't know why he's in or staying in Kirigakure no Sato though, he didn't explain that much in my brief trip there to meet him."

"What I did learn, is that he was a ninja formerly of Konohagakure no Sato. A shocking truth to say the least, he was deeply regretful and felt that he'd betrayed the village he helped raise up. There were other monotonous details and warnings about the Daimyo and his ways, but when I returned, I met with the Daimyo and took up the mantle of Tsuchikage from there." from there he would leave a brief pause to give her a chance to acknowledge or ask any other questions or make any other requests of him.

Otherwise, when all was said and done, Karumo would shift the conversation and move onto questioning everything to do with the events unfolding in Kirigakure no Sato. "So Suutei is missing in action, and Ts-- I mean Akira is staying behind. But outside the summons and call to war, I don't know much else and haven't really heard anything. And given that Iwagakure and Kirigakure are still allies, I'd like to know more about what happened and what actually happened in the end?" his curiosity abounding. He had no idea if whatever happened was even over, the tides and struggles of war made everything difficult for everyone. When peace is disturbed, the ripples could be felt throughout the entire world. Refugees, economic recession and depression, death, building up the worlds military, and then those nations that would attempt to make a play in the weakness of others.

If everything was over, Karumo wouldn't be surprised for a call to help defend their borders as they recovered, however impractical it might be given their distance. And then, should the war still be raging or not even started, then another call to help on the frontlines might be received, again met with impracticality. A tricky situation to send his own citizens and people to fight for a plight he knew nothing of and for a village so far away. He would have to weight the saving face of an alliance built strong or to garner the support of his people and keep them and the village safe in the absentia of their fighting force. Hopefully Jet could shed some light and reveal to him something, any bit of information to swing him in the right direction.


[1169 words, 3074 words total]

Pain was something Jet was well versed in all her life. From having trash thrown at her from mobs in the slums to falling off her tightrope in the circus, to dueling other slaves, and fighting to stay alive. So, over time she built up a great tolerance for pain though it still got to her at times, being frail as her tended to do that no matter how much she willed herself that it didn't hurt. Not when her throat was nearly slit, leaving a large scar on her neck she hides under the collar of her shirt. Not when she felt pieces of her die from her former sensei's necrosis that bite off her flesh. Not when she had various arrows, kunai, and sebon embedded into her back. Every time her bones were broken, she pulled through and swallowed her pride. Her body could afford to be broken, as it will always heal in the end. After all you can live if your spirit isn't broken. Perhaps that was how she made it through all she did. Because in order for herself to live, she had to destroy her enemies, breaking them body and soul. Heh, no wonder she had so many enemies.

So she reminded herself it wouldn't her, that it would be nothing and it was just a minor inconvenience as Karumo took hold of her wrist and bend it to bring her elbow to 90 degrees and held it there for a second to allow her adjust it seemed. These were the sort of things she preferred to sort quickly. He seemed to take it slow, as if to be careful of her, as if unused to handle those who could feel unlike someone as numb as he, before a resounding pop resonated through the air, as the bone was back into its socket then adjusted accordingly. She only tensed her jaw a bit before relaxing a bit and letting out a soft breath, as her chest rose and chest feeling a bit better at least one issue was taken care of. Breathing out she murmured a small thanks, before doing her best to ignore the soreness, and pulled off her shirt, leaving her in a plan black sports bra. As her skin was now exposed her various scars were visible but only thing that was fresh were the bruises that marred her. Jet took this as an opportunity to take an ice pack to her chest, and placed it on her ribs to alleviate some of the pain. Whilst doing so she listened carefully to Karumo speak.

Jet wanted to speak, to interrupt but it seemed he had more to say, and once he was finished, it took a moment for her to process everything and a whisper left her lips that someone owed her money. Regardless with this newfound information, her long time suspicions of Akira proved not to be unfounded. Briefly she wondered if he had a bounty she could collect but it was squashed since she determined to be a suicide mission and she didn't care to upset Karumo more than he already was. It seems the revelation of his teacher's true origins deeply affected him and shook him to the core. Yet despite his teacher being a criminal and liar, he still had a degree of affection for him so it wouldn't be unfounded to say they left on a more or less pleasant note, as pleasant as it could be with these circumstances.

Jet chuckled deciding not to let the atmosphere turn tense "Well, we guess he's going to enjoy his retirement now. Oh and the trip? It wasn't so pointless. We at least know the cause for the disturbance." She felt her breathing was no longer labored nor wheezy so her voice was more steady as the pills she took began to work, then she continued her tale. "It seems that it was a case of a couple eloping. Ryuzoji Kaekio was the Raikage's student however whilst escorting a Kiri squad home after the chuunin exams, an altercation occurred and she went missing whilst the squad got home. It was presumed they were attacked, a trap was likely, and disturbed by the loss of his prized student, all kiri personnel, shinobi and civilian were detained. A few had managed to escaped and lived to reach Kirigakure to tell news of the events along with the Mizukage's personal network. That is the story everyone knows"

With a pause, Jet allowed Karumo to work on her shoulder some more as she loosened her bandages, revealing various seals, and with a bit of chakra unsealed, a few folders. Putting the ice pack down, she took out a few, with a picture of the squad involved, Kaekio, Sero Jr, and Nozomi. But there was also a picture of a red haired woman. In the folder there were more pictures, profiles, documents, and all the information she cared to bring to Karumo from Kiri aside from the conflict but their guards, defenses, and whatever she found to be of interest. She held up a photo of Kaekio and the red head to Karumo "This woman came out of nowhere, and has been seen around Himitsu Nozomi often. Nozomi was previously in a relationship with Kaekio. A presumably close one, so her death or we suppose 'disappearance' should've disturbed her. However it hadn't. We suspected she had a part in foul play and used the young woman. But we had an underlying suspicion there was more."

Jet placed the ice pack on her ribs once she handed the photos to Karumo "Same person though one is technically dead. We don't know how it was possible to practically morph her into a new person, effectively killing her Kaekio persona. All she is now is Mitsu Osada, an anbu under Ayakashi and partner to Nozomi. It appears that was the last the girl expected when she abandoned her country was a potential war but it seems it is what it has come down to. With that last bit of information you've given us, we can effectively see how this will play how. The only real concern is how to proceed. Akira is no doubt going to stay in Kiri and aid them, but that is not to say the rest of Iwa should. Konoha reinforcements should've been called in since they are allies. Iwa could help out as well but it is now your call. We don't believe such a large force is necessary to recover the hostages so Ayakashi's motive is undetermined. We have theories but we would like to hear your own viewpoints on it."

3438~

Karumo watched her giggle a bit at the end of his ranting, he didn't expect that reaction at all, he expected far similar to anger or frustration. A want to go after him and question him of who he was and his intentions, to uncover the grain of truth in it all. Karumo had that grain already, in a single paper folder hidden away, but for now, he would keep what more there was to it to himself. He listened on as she began to weave a tale of the chuunin exams and Kumogakure no Sato, starting with what everyone knew.

Karumo dutifully nodded along as he watched her remove more bandages and reveal some seals, bringing out some folders beyond that. He watched as Jet held up a photo of a red-haired woman, taking note of it as he moved her shoulder about and tested its range of motion. He continued to listen on as she gave what information she had on the woman and her connections along with it. Giving her own suspicions and handing the photos over to Karumo to let him thumb through them. He looked through them all and at the people in them, taking note of their faces as she continued on.

When it was all said and done, she asked for Karumo's thoughts, he'd memorized the photos already and hummed to himself as he handed them back to her for safe keeping. Clearing his throat a bit and giving a small laugh he spoke up, "I'll be honest my first thought is that you gather information exceptionally well here..." he held his smile for a second as he looked towards her before continuing on, "A lot of this I hadn't heard myself, but I did speak with the Mizukage very briefly while I was in Kirigakure no Sato. We learned a lot there, but it seems you have more of the smaller details behind it all."

"To tell you the truth, I don't understand the Mizukage's motivations either. It's either incompetence in reaching a resolution or no will to do so it seems, on either sides part. Akira is there and helping out himself, but beyond that, I am very hesitant against offering any more support. A nation so prided on its military strength calls for aid from distant allies claiming a humanitarian rescue but it seems more that they aim to usurp the village and break it under their own will and egos. That is what I've read into it, and to offer Iwa's direct support in it seems folly in the end. We are allies with Kiri in the end, it's hard to deny them support, but there is far too much involved in it all. And beyond that, we've never been enemies or even qualms with Kumo either. Going to fight against them would damage our economy towards them given their proximity."

"The way I see it, is that to fight a war we've no horse in would be setting machinations of politics and economics that we will no longer have control of. We'd be taking a back seat at the best and it is only our place to lose in it. We lose our shinobi and kunoichi's lives in battle, we lose peaceful ties we've held so long, and we damage the standing of the world amongst each other as well. If you ask me if it's worth fighting? I would say no..." he paused briefly as he exhaled heavily and let his eyes roll down in thought. Making his indecision towards it all visually obvious along with his words. Wondering if the preservation of alliances was worth the destruction of all else. Even if that one alliance could be rebuilt, the damage in the end was irreparable, lives potentially lost if any mistakes were made. And to set in motion Iwagakure's actions before receiving word from the Mizukage that they were executing their attack.

Then the nagging in the back of his mind about the possibility that Iwa would attack and move in on its deal and a resolution would be reached or Kiri to back down. Then what of his actions, would he be left to pay the price of his indignation against another village. And then if everything went to plan, what would the cost of disrupting peace in the world? Too much unknown to act so recklessly and so dangerously.

With a brief pause, Karumo would turn his head towards Jet with a glance and aim to grab her attention, "And you?" he paused for a second, "If you were the Tsuchikage, if you were in my shoes. How would you act, what would you do?" he left off, wondering what her thoughts on all of it were.


[812 words, 3886 words total]

Seeing his reaction, it appears he hadn't expected such a reaction from her, although he wasn't alone as a part of her was surprised as well. Of course she would like to know more; anyone who found out their former leader was a nuke nin would. Jet had not doubt in her mind that there was more to the story than what Karumo told her, but as she was no more than an acquaintance, the word comrade being too loose of a term, he would not part with such details with her. She did not mind this though. She knew she was a distant person whose motives were never clear and had no particularly strong bond to the village, nor its people. All she cared about were her own agendas. Some folks mistaken that for a good work ethic and even loyatly towards the village whose 'debt' she was repaying. In honestly, this village was a means to an ends. The fact the events played out as they did during her escape were what led her here. Otherwise she would've hightailed it out of here, maybe go back to suna and find her place, her home.

Pfft, she had no such thing. As she had to call her own was her body and wit. Her intelligence and the experiences that molded her helped her become the woman she is today, all of them. Perhaps her other personalities could not let go of the past and remained as churlish as they were when they first spawned but lately, they all seemed to blend into each other leaving only three left. And despite each having their own agendas they could all understand one thing, don't burn bridges when you can still charge a toll on them. So while there was a part of her that wanted to pester Karumo for more information, to find the truth and see what she can make of it, she knew with time she will get what she wants. She always did one way or another. Whether or not it shall be through peaceful means is yet to be determined.

Uncertainty seemed to befall on her dear leader as well for he too, despite his words, was unsure of how to proceed and as one of those who had spent time in Kiri, finding the less noticeable details, her counsel was sought and thus shall be given. The three beings conversed for a short term among one another in a communal mindscape about how to answer. They would want to be as honest as possible but cannot divulge too much nor word it in such a manner as to lose Karumo's favor. After a moment she opened her eyes, the ice pack numbing her finger tips reminded her of a certain woman. "In this situation, we cannot help Kiri too much. The term allies is a loose name, a word easily broken until someone tips the balance. There are no true allies, only enemies of present and those of the future. We choose who we will deal with first in order to observe and prepare for the other when the time comes. Therefore, we should remind Kiri that indeed we are allies but we have our own interests to protect. As of right now, Suutei before his disappearance had already began clearing out various bandit troupes around the border whilst keeping an eye out. They also have Akira as well. A man as capable as he is worth a 100 men, with years of experience and skill to back him up. His strategic mind and political savy will no doubt find him in a place besides Ayakashi as she would be a fool not to put a valuable resources to good use. And these resources she has no short supply of." Jet took out more files, pointing out some of the best and noticeable of Ayakashi's forces, their current economy, and their sustainability.

Then Jet took out reports concerning the imprison mist personnel, including date, times, sighting and so forth. It also includes reports of some lucky nin who managed to escape or evade imprisonment, and their reports."The kiri nin held in captivity in Kumo serve no importance other than a few spies and cannon fodder, both easily replaced and replenishable. If Ayakashi was truly as benevolent as she appears to be, the rescue team must've been already dispatched by now, either by one of her personnel there or by a certain swordswoman who finds herself beside the Raikage more often than not. At the end of the day, Ayakashi does not need more of Iwa except resources she has enough of. In fact, calling us to 'aid' her seems more of a ploy to gain favor with us. After all, having an alliance with powerful village as Kiri is reassuring. But we are not one of the lesser villages nor are we particularly weak"

Jet leaned back, feeling the cold wall on her back as she looked away sighing nonchantly"As it stands we do not having anything to gain from this and much more to lose" She paused putting the ice pack now and allowed a small grin"However do not be mistaken. We do not feel we should pull out of this, at least not completely. Instead we feel we should help a little more but more safely. Our economy is doing quite well so we can withstand protecting their supply lines if needed and our own intel. Also, we can event put a few genin and perhaps a cell of chuunin or two guarding Kiri's borders alongside Konoha. As far as we are concerned, Konoha cannot dedicate time to a full task force as there has been a recent change in leadership and adjustments needed to be made. No, for now, putting a few on border control and putting out own spies into kumo seem good enough. In anything, we will provide as much as we can"

Jet eyes turned serious as she contemplated the gains from this."All that is left is how to pick our winnings and that all starts with two people: the seven swordswoman Gin and our very own Akira. Gin despite her connections to Sanosuke, would not, or at least shouldn't forsake Ayakashi whom she appears to have a close relationship to. If the woman has enough time to lounge around and warm the man's beside, then she has time to make herself useful and aid Kiri anyway she can. If that means intel, rescue or perhaps assassination than so be it. Iwa simply needs the intel. And as for Akira, if he still has a semblance of loyalty to the village he helped build, then he would have no problem. He can provide intel we are not privy to about Kumo, Konoha, and Kiri all at once. We can use him to gain Ayakashi's favor and not let her forget the debt she acquired. She has called us to aid her, an entire village, to strike down another major powerhouse for selfish reasons, worse than Sanosuke's own. When the time comes, she must come to our aid once it is needed. If she has not then by that time, we can discard her and make use of Akira to disable the threat. If he refuses, he too proves he has turned his back and reverted to his unloyal ways, thus too will require disposal"

"We can only hope it doesn't come to that. But regardless, Ayakashi has proven a thread. So you ask us, if we were Tsuchikage, if we were in your shoes, then we shall answer you simply. We would prepare for war. If there is a point she turns her sword on us, we must be ready to strike her down and this time, make sure she doesn't get back up. Especially when there is a possibility that Ayakashi will take over Kumo and put it under her rule, whether actively or with a figurehead remains unclear of course if she were Kaekio or 'Mitsu' seems a good idea for such

Feeling more rejuvenated as the last remanments of pain faded from existence Jet when ahead and massaged her shoulder a bit before opening a cabinet, taking out a baggy black shirt and pulled in on. It had the doctor's initials sewed onto it."Aside from those things, we would recommend you to have a meeting with Konoha's new leader. It seems to be a familiar face, one neither you nor us expected to reclaim their seat. We can hope that their Hokage is a more reasonable person than the rest of their leaders and smooth out the rocky relationship we have with them"

4905~

Karumo listened to her words, carefully heeding her advice, and also seeking a bit of insight into her own promise. Her words stung though, against his undecided mind and the part of him that was ethically driven. Her use of the words 'replaced and replenishable' stung, but such was the plight of the ninja, he wondered if he should be so surprised that there were ninja in the village that thought this way. He declined to interrupt though, listening on to her insight, reiterating that this seems to be mostly a ploy by the Mizukage for whatever that was worth, perhaps it might have been obvious to some and for Karumo who excelled in skepticism, it was very much so.

He agreed with her again on that they didn't have anything to gain from this encounter, this war. She continued on and detailed the bits about Konoha's support and their doings, things he'd already heard wind of, it may look poor to back out on such a combined effort indeed. Her idea to go along with it for the hopes of coming out a victor was risky, he wasn't a fan of being left out of the negotiations and left the village tend to its own wounds, even if he would get information out of it. Her summation was simple and clear enough for Karumo, that she would lead them to war and be ready to strike down their own allies. It was a distanced approach, it reminded him all too well of the traditionalist approach of the old shinobi and how they would never be trusting of one another. It wasn't surprising to say, and in a village where jingoism and isolationist calls were so frequent in the past it made sense that the average sentiment carried over as second hand ideology into everyone's mind.

Her last bit to mend the relationship with Konoha was interesting though, Karumo would hum and nod his head to acknowledge the thought. Having sat down onto a small stool to the side in the middle of her own musings, he spoke up, "The animosity between Konoha and ourselves is definitely an issue worth addressing, perhaps this war would bring us closer together...." he mused to himself, speaking up to Jet but not looking at her directly or anything.

Then with a turn of his head he would speak directly to her, "You're wrong though, Jet." he would give her a second to recognize his words and wait to see the reaction her face would give, "Not totally wrong, but on a big issue nonetheless... your constituents, comrades, and other ninja are never easily replaced or replenished. Every person and life is precious to the village, we should do our best to protect them, and I think that it's an ideology that the Mizukage shares. Even if she has other motives and goals, rescuing her ninja is a primary goal of their actions."

"You think like your ancestors though, never too trusting of anyone else..." Karumo laughed and leaned back a bit with a stupid smile on his face. Bringing his arms up to rest behind his head, "Anyways, how's your arm? All those painkillers you took I imagine you're feeling at least a little better..." he asked with a simple smile and waited for her response.


[563 words, 4449 words total]

Jet dumped the remains of her tattered shirt in a bin and with a small application of katon chakra, it burned away to ashes before the flame snuffed itself out. As she did so she was carefully listing to Karumo's words but it seemed he did not understand. Perhaps this was were the two of the differed and how he acceded to the position he holds. She sighed turning towards him as she pocketed her hands in her pants "It seems that is where our ideologies differ. True, life is precious. We wouldn't be here otherwise but unlike our civilian counterparts we do not have the luxury of being so careless. We do what must be done to protect our village. We believe any shinobi worth the time would do whatever possible to protect the community's interest. Both you and Jet are replaceable. Perhaps not as easy as genin but replaceable. There is always someone bigger, better, or just as decent as us. If we fall today, another shinobi would take our place. Genin especially are easily replenishable as new batches are produced every year. And chuunin in every nation make up the bulk of the armed forces more than genin. Any anbu can do what we do. Any person can rise to your position. Like your clansman for example. At the end of the day, as long as the death toll is minimal, the sacrifices are worth it. They are not children. They know what they are getting into."

"And once again" Jet noted "the Mizukage's personnel must already be on their way home. There are powerful kiri nin like Gin and an allies in the village that with her spy network's combined forces should be no problem." The mental image of a few certain folk came to mind, particularly Nanashi among others as he should be aware of the growing tensions within the village unless he has forsaken them or perhaps was already home. She hasn't exactly been keeping tabs on him. However the whole allies thing was getting to her so she let a not so appropriate comment about the Mizukage slip unintentionally "Of course we could be wrong as having your village burned to the ground twice would leave you a bit hysterical..."

And it seemed her views towards the whole thing bothered Karumo to some extent, as he compared her to their ancestors. She scoffed softly "Please, that's the reason our line continue to this day. Trust no one and be without allies. Trust too much and be used. If you trust enough to keep them close but still a distance away you'll be prepared for what's to come. In time perhaps you will come to understand"

With the subject now changed to something more light hearted, Jet looked at her shoulder, rolling it a bit and feeling much better. Of course it was still a bit sore but the pain killers and her high tolerance were enough to deal with it. So she turned and nodded towards her superior, feeling the tensions die down somewhat as it was late at night and she was too tire to argue "Indeed, our shoulder is faring better than before. Thank you for helping us and setting it into place. In appreciation of your efforts, would you like to go grab dinner now? We are a bit peckish and are sure you must be as well. There must be at least a few taverns open right now. And it will be our treat. Besides we are curious what you've been up to in our absence" She turned pulling her bandages on again underneath the shirt and on her torso tight as ever before she handed the files to Karumo. "You can keep these. We have plenty of copies" As the exchange was made Jet head for the door and turned to him, waiting to see if he will join her for dinner or not.

5571~

He watched her dump her shirt away into the trash and begin her rant, a small bit of argument about her statement and him calling it wrong. It was a nice comparison, seeing that she also liked to argue her points and ideology, even if she wouldn't admit it. It didn't change anything about how he thought, he understood her words and ideas, they were commonly carried by many in the village including many of the village elders. So for the time, he would accept her words as they were, perhaps one day he might be able to sway her opinion and make her see the value of her underlings lives a bit more down the road.

Afterwards though, she stretched her shoulder out and confirmed that it was feeling a bit better and next made an offer for the two of them to go grab dinner. She pulled at her bandages under her shirt, Karumo thought to himself, thinking that it had been a while since he had eaten after all. His cigar hadn't exactly helped with that impending hunger. Standing up, he spoke up all the same, "Sure, dinner and something to drink sounds great to me, you'll just have to mind that your date smells absolutely awful..." he added with a sarcastic smile and pulled at the collar of the black shirt to waft it into the air. Of course he wasn't serious about it at all, but he figured that given how serious she was, it'd be fun to pull at her strings a bit.

As he stood towards the door, he tried to hand her things back to her but was shut down, apparently she had copies made already. He folded everything back up into a manilla folder and folded that under his right arm as he followed after her. When she would turn back he would speak up again, "Got any specific place in mind? Lead the way, you're in charge for tonight..." he would wave the folder forward and prepare to follow after her with it folded under his arm.


[354 words, 4803 words total]

Jet chuckled, the smell of Karumo's cigar potent and lingering onto his clothes did not bother Jet in the slightest "Hn, we have been with worse"

"We're in the mood for something hearty so let's head to the new restaurant that opened downtown. It's called Khana Pakana and it has really good food from what we hear" Jet picked the restaurant mainly because she was in the mood for some comfort food. The dishes served there are what you would typically see in the wind country and reminded her of her childhood in Suna, where she enjoyed various blended of spices in the most unorthodox dishes. No matter how little money her family had, her money could always make a five star meal out of anything as long as she had the right spices. Of course she couldn't tell Karumo something like that for a number of reasons. The main ones being she is a very private person and does not enjoy divulging about her past, not that many cared to look into it save for a few folks who never found out the true story. That and it went unsaid, those who came from other villages weren't to be trusted, the same applied to Suutei only Jet hadn't gotten permission to leave and transfer. No instead she was forced to leave but looking back now, it would've been inevitable. Though some part of her wondered what would happen if she had never snuck out that night...if her father hadn't sold them out...

Most likely someone would've found out about Jet and her mother and accuse them of being spies since those of the Yuurei were not of the trustworthy sort. Heck it would probably be Jet's fault for unlike her mother, she could be tracked and wasn't nearly as skill. Perhaps to avoid execution her mother would have attempted to kill as many as she could and get Jet to safety. Of course Jet would rather avoid that as her naive self would've asked to become a shinobi. When she was little she dreamed of becoming one. To have the same power and prestige as the ninja that she often spied on the academy students and genin teams trying to learn what she could so with that oppurity, she would have taken it in a heartbeat. And her mother would be displeased but Jet was born with a silver tongue and sharp mind, something she had gotten from her mother, who would be forced to see her daughter's point of view.

Hn, imagine that, the slum monster becoming a suna nin, right out of the slums and straight into becoming a genin. If she were lucky, she would've been placed on the team with the Kazekage's children; the same kids who helped her out when she was being bullied by some jerks. Tch, Jet was still upset by that. Maybe one day if she ever returned to suna, she would find them and kill them. Yea...that sounded nice.

During her inner monologue, Jet had lead Karumo out of the hospital using a back entrance and various shortcuts before arriving at their destination. Despite now way past midnight, the tavern was as busy as could be and was practically packed with people drinking, smoking hookah, and eating food whilst watching dancers. The place was still hopping as it only opened a week ago and seems to have found success. Jet walked in and was greeted by familiar sights and smells that had a nostalgic feel, making her accidentally letting that emotion slip onto her face. The pair of ninja were greeted and by her request, a table at the far back with the least people and some screening. The entire place spanned two stories with an open courtyard where people danced and attended the bar. Dancers and fire were everywhere giving an alluring show. Fine tapestries, pillows, and more gave it a comfortable feel with distinct feel of the desert villages. Her stomach felt it was going to rumbled as curry spices wafted her nose. Once the pair were seated, they were given some menus and asked for their drinks, and if they desired a hookah and what flavor. "We would like to have some arak to drink. And whatever is the chef's choice for the meze tonight"

6308~

She'd been with worse? What was that supposed to mean? He watched with cautious eyes for a brief moment as she spoke on, it didn't matter where they went much to him really. Karumo would chime in briefly after she was done, "Worse? I don't think that's a good thing..." it was simple and got his point across. He would save the accusations of her inferring that he was pretty bad for the time being, no reason to mess with her like that or anything. Instead, Karumo would continue on and focus on their path to this restaurant, going out of the back of the hospital and down the streets of Iwa at night. It was a calming feeling for the most part, everything mostly quiet and the moons light to keep everything lit with the occasional cloud blocking it from view.

Karumo would follow into the building after her, two stories, a rather fancy accommodation for a bar and restaurant in his view. But then again, Karumo was always more for form of fashion in nearly all things that he did whether that be clothing, lifestyle choice, or eating establishments. However, he did note that often times luxury followed fashion so he wasn't a complete dunce to the world, just more rather apathetic to its niceties. What did meet Karumo was a nice smell as he entered in, the heavy scent of spices and the aesthetic of party, it had a very relaxed and energetic feel to it. Seemingly an oxymoron but it was working well, but what intrigued him even more was the expression that Jet gave off, like she was enjoying the place. Karumo would smile a bit and chuckle, quickly dispelling it if Jet were to turn, he'd definitely have to bring that little bit up at some point tonight. They were seated towards the back, it was a bit quieter which didn't bother Karumo in the slightest. When they were asked to order Jet led off, "We would like to have some arak to drink. And whatever is the chef's choice for the meze tonight" his eyes would widen a bit as she spoke up. He had no idea what any of that was to tell the truth, he supposed that his simple tastes would betray him here.

Karumo breathed in a bit sharply as if he were thinking about it before speaking up, "I'll have the same thing I think..." he spoke a bit quieter and with a smile. "No hookah for me though, but is this alright?" he would bring up one of the cigars from the pocket on his shirt under the armor piece, already cut in it's shades of brown leafing on the exterior and the band still wrapped around it in colors of gold and red to signify it's make and grower. Whatever response he got was fine, if he was allowed to, he'd take a match and light it up otherwise he'd just slide it back down into his shirt pocket and leave it at that.

Once their server was gone Karumo would turn his attention back to Jet, folding his hands on the table in front of him and leaning forward almost sitting up and out of his seat, "So... just between you and me, what did I just end up ordering?" he would speak and shift his eyes around the room in a paranoid fashion as if to make sure no one would be listening in on them for whatever reason before he returned his attention to her.


[604 words, 5407 words total]

The waiter gave a look to Karumo, looking at him oddly before writing the order down. And when Karumo asked if it would be alright to light his cigar, the waiter would nod and say its fine, everyone is smoking something anyway before he handed him an ash try and went on his merry way.

Jet blinked as she heard her young kage order, wondering for what absurd reason he ordered another meze. Arak she could understand but meze? Two servings of meze would be practically a feast. But from his questioning and nervous stature, it seemed he didn't really look at a menu or think about what he was ordering but nonetheless it made her chuckle. Perhaps the memories of her past haunted her but here, within these sights and smell, she knew there was some good parts to her dark and trouble past, which allivated some of the burden on her heart. So for once she genuinely smiled and chuckled, covering her lower face with her hand and her cheeks turned a rosey hue before it died down. "Why would you order meze as well? We ordered it for us to share!" And as she grinned looking at her kage mischievously, Jet rolled her eyes playfully. There might have been something in those pain killers because she felt on top of the world right now and being in somewhere that reminded her of...her mother...made her feel like suffocated, as if the noose around her neck loosen somewhat "Meze is a traditional desert staple for dinners where several small platters of food are served. Since you ordered a second serving we now have a feast to eat. Good thing this shouldn't put too much of a dent in our pocket" she teased.

6605~

Karumo would get an odd look from the waiter, offering a courteous and yet awkward smile, hoping that it might give away that he had no idea what he was doing here. He received nothing instead but fell back into his seat to light his cigar and begin puffing away on it, the oak-y taste of it began to fill his mouth and the same scent slowly filled the air. He slid the ash tray further down the table and set it near the wall as he went on with his small paranoia bit.

Karumo would watch Jet chuckle and cover her face at his little show, seemingly laughing at him, but what concerned him more was how relaxed she appeared as compared to normal. Karumo would lean back into his seat some with a smirk as he awaited her response, "Why would you order meze as well? We ordered it for us to share!" his face would drop for a second. She was thinking ahead then? Well, at the very least it shows for his not knowing anything, he would laugh and scratch the back of his neck and head while holding his cigar in his left hand, "Well, to be fair... you ordered it for us to share, I have no idea what that is..." he gave an awkward laugh for his bit of response.

"Meze is a traditional desert staple for dinners where several small platters of food are served. Since you ordered a second serving we now have a feast to eat. Good thing this shouldn't put too much of a dent in our pocket" he listened in and stopped his grinning a bit and let his head drop.

"You don't suppose it's too late to cancel it then?" he would offer a bit shamefully and with a bit of a laugh to boot. A bit of sarcasm, he didn't want to cause them any trouble and not while they were so busy, at the very least, Jet was right. It shouldn't put too much of a dent in their pockets. Karumo was sigh a bit after and speak up, "Oh well..." he would bring his cigar up and inhale it, "We'll just have to drink our way through this feast to make room then..." he offered exhaling the smoke in small breaks through his sentence.

"That is..." he would glance towards Jet while he ashed the cigar into the ceramic tray, "if you think you're up to it?" he would offer with a smirk and sly look as he stood straight up. He didn't take for Jet as much of a drinker, not compared to Harichimo or anything, putting him through the ropes a few times to say the least. And not to mention his time with the Oracles, they also knew how to keep their liquor down, or at least to keep it coming even if they couldn't keep it down. But he would hold his look until Jet decided to answer, whether that would be in favor of his terrible idea or totally against. Part of him could only imagine the later but she also had the tendency to surprise him, mainly that she could smile and had a sense of humor.


[549 words, 5956 words total]

"It is too late. Unless you're considering chasing after that waiter and causing a ruckus oh wise one"

Jet tsked and shook her head, waving a finger scolding Karumo. "You've made two mistakes. One, arak is not really alcoholic. It's a very casual drink. But we'll fix that in a moment"

"Hey, can we get a few bottles of tequila!" Jet called out to a passing waiter who was heading to the bar with dirty glasses who looked at her and her companion. He saw the fire in their eyes and figured it would be okay to indulge them a bit. Besides if they got smashed, he wouldn't mind taking care of the snow white hehe. So with a grin he put the glasses in the sink and got four bottles of tequila along with slices lime and head over to the table. And just in time too, now that another couple of waiters came by as well and began serving various dishes. They served pit bread, hummus with tahini, mashed eggplant dip, labaneh (Thick, tart, and creamy, this yogurt-like cheese, is perfect eaten with olive oil, pita bread, and za'atar), charred eggplant with chile sauce and tahini, artichokes with lemon za'atar dipping sauce (Za'atar is a mixture of sesame seeds, dried thyme, and spices ubiquitous), yogurt and cucumber dip topped with rose petals, grape leaves stuffed with rice, grilled pita bread with za'atar, emirati grilled prawns, galilean style hummus (Generous spice, a good dose of olive oil, and chickpeas piled high), herb meatballs served in tomato plum sauce, spiced chicken and tomato kebabs, tabbouleh (Finely chopped fresh parsley and mint are bathed in fruity extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice) and finally roasted eggplant with goat cheese tahini topped with peanuts. Well...they definitely weren't going to leave hungry thats for sure.

Once everything was served, the waiters left the pair be. Jet's stomach growled as she saw the food but wanted to sort themselves out first. She gave Karumo two bottles and kept two for herself along with a single double shot glass each. "Okay we take a shot together, eat something, then take another shot and repeat that process till one of us is far too gone. Loser has to pay for everything and listen to one command of the winners' within the next twenty four hours. Are these terms agreeable? You shouldn't have a problem with that attitude heh?" She poured herself a full glass and leaned back, crossing one leg over the other whilst smirking whilst watching the alcohol swirl in her glass "Oh and your second mistake. Was thinking you could win."

7057~

"It is too late. Unless you're considering chasing after that waiter and causing a ruckus oh wise one" she spoke up in response. Karumo sighed heavily and scratched the top of his head briefly, feeling like the weight of accepting his mistake. A small bit of weight felt like it had been lifted off of his chest but non of the anxiety of spending all his money was gone, a moot point in the end really, but it was still worth the short moment of grief. But Jet continued on, taunting him for his decisions and shaking her finger at him, he would glance up briefly as he listened in to her taunt, "You've made two mistakes. One, arak is not really alcoholic. It's a very casual drink. But we'll fix that in a moment" he looked at her curiously for a moment and watched as she sat up to call out for a waiter,

"Hey, can we get a few bottles of tequila!" she shouted out, Karumo's eyes would dilate and widen a bit as she called out. A feeling of surprise to say the least, and tequila?? And a few bottles at that... he would wonder for a moment about what was getting into her, what her plan was here. He would glance over at her for a moment and speak up, "A few bottles, huh? Don't you think that's a bit much..." he would leave off for her to respond to in the meantime as he brought it back along with all of their food.

A feast she wasn't kidding about in the slightest, he looked at everything laid out before them, the aromas of spice and scent of it all was incredible. Lots of variety in many colors, things that Karumo hadn't seen before or thought of trying, that much would be a treat but he wondered if the tequila would pair well with the food they chose? The burn and spice of it would certainly be interesting in combination but he didn't fuss over it and looked towards Jet who set out two bottles of the drink in his direction and a shot glass worthy of it. 80 proof. Meaning that this particular alcohol was 40% pure ethanol and getting through two bottles of it, hell, getting through one would be a trial of endurance and sanity. Jet continued on with a small explanation of her plan, or idea rather, "Okay we take a shot together, eat something, then take another shot and repeat that process till one of us is far too gone. Loser has to pay for everything and listen to one command of the winners' within the next twenty four hours. Are these terms agreeable? You shouldn't have a problem with that attitude heh?"

Karumo exhaled heavily to push the breath out of his chest, it certainly made things interesting, but if he accepted, there was no way he could lose. It'd be unsightly for the Kage, a guy like Karumo to lose to Jet, size alone would let him hold more of his alcohol and he didn't take Jet for much of a drinker like he or Akira were. So... his odds were good? But if he lost... being subject to whatever she wanted for 24 hours would be troublesome, especially with the whole Kage bit going on. Still, it wouldn't kill him to have a bit of fun, besides, there was a rare opportunity for him more so than her, to get Jet drunk and delve a little further at the enigma that she was.

She poured her own drink and chimed in again, Karumo responded with a smile and small chuckle, "Alright, fine. You're on, but just know this Jet... that confidence is not a fitting substitute for strength..." he held his smile and grabbed the first bottle in his hand. Grabbing the seal and twisting the cap, breaking the connection with the small sounds of crackling before filling his own glass near to the brim. "If we're going to do this, then I plan on doing it right..." he held the glass up showing how full it was, almost taunting her to try and match him.

Whether or not she did would bring up his teasing, but when she was ready he would hold his glass in the air and nod, "Here's to being too far gone to remember this first drink tonight..." he would say with a bit of a laugh before downing the entirety of it. The heavy burn as the liquid slid down his throat didn't bother him in the slightest, he couldn't feel anything like that down his throat but he could taste the flavor of it on his tongue. It was always interesting to him, to taste something like that, a hint of agave in the incredibly unique flavor of alcohol and some other tropic flavors. Each one masked by the flavor of another to create a blend that most people would ignore and lose in the coughing and burning of the liquid, it was almost like a talent for him, to be able to avoid that. To Jet though, she would see him take down the full shot without problem and without wavering in the slightest, not so much as even a sigh or exhale that even the most seasoned of alcoholics would give after downing a double of tequila.

With that out of the way, assuming she didn't comment or anything in between he would have set the glass down with a thud next to the bottle and begin to run his eyes over the smorgasboard of food in front of them. Asking with his hunger on the mind, "So, you're the expert here. It all looks so good, but what should I try first?" he looked over all of it, the chicken seemed to be calling out to him but he figured he would follow her suit. Matching bite for bite and drink for drink was the plan, right? That was until he was too far gone to really care anymore...


[1032 words, 6988 words total]

"Our confidence is our strength for we have that in spades. We have felled many a fellow who thought too much of their abilities. Whether it is by the sword or by glass, we are unparalleled in that regard Phantom" Jet grinned at the prospect of challenging the kage to a match. Before he was kage he was a comrade, a colleague. Before he was that he were the young genin she aid in his rescue long ago. And before that he was a young aspiring ninja of the Village of Stone who aimed to be the top of his clan and do the best he could be before the rug was swept away under him. She saw him rise only higher and higher, making his worth all that much more to him. Now that she returned to Mexico from her time in the land of mist, she could focus on her village and what profit she could gain from it. After all, there was always something lurking about and she was over due to do some house cleaning, particularly of that fukai. Though she needed to become more than acquainted with Karumo and this was the first step, a night out drinking with a 'friend'.

So the grey haired Yuurei matched her kage, glass for glass and cheered "And all that which will follow" and clinked their glasses together before downing the shot, feeling the familiar burn down her throat made her grin though she was curious to see Karumo have no reaction of any noteworthiness so she was glad to see he would put up a semblance of a fight. Alright phantom, have at it. Once the shot of tequilla was downed, Jet felt herself grow hungry, Jet decided to take a pita bread and put some of the  tabbouleh on top and gave it to Karumo whilst she served herself "This is a good idea to have as a pallet cleanser before we try anything else" then she took a bite  of her own. She loved the feeling of the sour minty taste of it all, bringing back fond memories. She only ever got to eat like this when she stole it but the memory was still fresh in her mind. The buzz of alcohol and her painkillers made her whisper something under her breath unknownest to her "If only mother was alive for this"

7455~

Her taunts were of a far more... regal nature, less so insulting but far more braggadocio than he would care to let on. Karumo would smile and shake his head at the thought, "By sword or by glass, huh?" he turned his head a bit, "I think you just haven't been tested enough..." he held his smile slyly and continued on. Not that he was to say she'd been untested, but he would find her prowess with a glass tonight. Each shot they took and bite they ate was a different sensation for Karumo, who, would show no signs of being dragged down by accumulating burn or such. But rather, would slowly become tipsy in mind, finding an acute sense to know mentally when the alcohol was beginning to affect him rather than just feeling more lose than before.

Jet may take notice of it after applicable time, his words becoming more... pointed and his voice falling far more natural than he'd probably care to allow it to. She handed him food and he took it, following suit as he had no idea what any of it was or what to do with it, but that didn't take away from the exquisite tastes. Karumo took after, tasting the bread with the spread on it, listening as she spoke up he munched away happy and content. Leaning back in his chair and throwing a single arm around it to his side, he would sit back as a short melancholy fell over her, whispering something to herself.

Inquisitively he would lean in a bit, focused in on her before speaking up, "What was that?" he would ask calmly. Swaying slightly in his place as his sense of balance began to distort, hardly noticeable at first. His complexion would change a bit though, far more neutral and maybe turning a bit red at his cheeks, the warmth of the bar and his clothing beginning to weigh against him.


[329 words, 7317 words total]

As much as Jet was occupied trying more foods on the table and filling stomach, amidist the music she heard a soft sound of crying. Her eyes grew sharp and narrowed and she turned to the side seeing a woman and two children, a girl and boy, who held onto her robe as she consoled them and took them to the upper level of the building, their home it was likely. An apartment. Even here I feel lonely. Jester and I. We are surrounded by familiar sights and smells, but these people, they are not like us. Not like what we used to be. Jet did not even bother calling him out, she instead took the rest of the bottle and gluped three quarters of it down in one swing, feeling comforted by the searing heat inside her body, letting her barriers fall as the alcohol took its course, filling her body, and let her mind sway. When he asked what she said she responded in kind. "Karumo....what is family to you"

Karumo and Jet were too vastly different people, different lives, different families, different morals. Everything was different. He was like the light of the day whilst she was the dark. He had people who looked up to him, people who supported him, people who loved him. But she...had nothing. Nothing at all. What is so great about being feared if have nothing to control, to conquest. She had a spy network, one of the bests around. She has ties into the black market that if she needed anything, someone would provide it. Money was never an issue for her, since she joined the troupe. She used her sex appeal to acquire secrets, which bought her more, which brought her power. They often called her the devil, a monster, a stain on mankind. But did she eat the flesh of her fellow kin? Did she rape young men and woman for nothing short of pleasure of their suffering? Did she plan to lead a life of hundreds into misery. Did she ever plan to be...a shinobi?

How different were shinobi to mercanries? What of village ties? To be quite frank, there was none. You are alone. You are bought. You are used. You are thrown away. Nothing you do amounts to anything except line someone's pocket. Pocket filled with blood money. The notes no matter how green always looked red to her. It matched almost to her skin. The scars were fading, the silkiness remained, she still looked beautiful, but she always felt filthy. Soiled. Dirty. Disgusting. When people screamed at her, she acted like it rolled off her like nothing, but when she was alone in an empty bed with a half filled bottle in hand and smoke blowing out of her mouth, it did not matter. She pretended to be strong because that was how she survived. If they asked her, what are your greatest accomplishments she would say...I don't have any.

Karumo, my dear kage, you are the closest thing I have to a friend. All other retch, revolted by the site of me. You...let me stay by your side. We use each other. We watch each other. But the distance between us has not lessen. Perhaps the simplicity of our relationship is what keeps us bound, bonded, and sated. I have always thought of using you, from the day I saved you. But I never acted on it. Why? I could have played behind the scenes. Push you into the right direction. Yet I did not. Was it missed opportunity. Maybe...it seems likely.

Every time I saw you I wondered how to use you

But the more I saw you, the more I wanted to get to know you

The times I saw you were not heavy but happy

I felt human

I felt normal

I felt decent

However the inky darkness cannot help but wonder, how dested will you be when you get to know me, outside reports and the rumors I know are circling...

Have you heard about you become your environment? For me, I grew up in poverty, I grew up hating, I grew up starving, I grew up in slavery.

I grew up
.
.
.
And lost my baby

To someone who never truly knew what the words meant...please tell me...what is family?

Ahh...maybe you should stop drinking A younger, more light hearted voice spoke to her. Why don't you go rest? Trust me...everything is okay. I got it? So why don't you let me play? Despite the bright blue in her eyes, through the inked ink, her eyes took a red hue, making them look almost violet...Jester...has come out to play.

8250~

Time passed on, more food and drink, Karumo was hardly beside himself at this point in time, the very act of keeping his eyes open was dawning on him. Jet interrupted his sullen musing, a simple question loaded in such a direction, he wasn't sure what to do with it entirely... 'what is family?' It was... a question of principle perhaps? Or maybe it was curiosity that drove it. Maybe it was just the alcohol running through their systems, but Karumo straightened up a bit. A serious look on his face as he sighed a bit, trying to keep himself composed, as failed as that might be with the blush on his face from the increased temperature of his body with alcohol in his blood. An exact science to explain it, others would describe the warmth of it, being exposed and open to the truth. A sign of that emotion, but Karumo couldn't feel that and all he had was the explanation behind it. But for all his coldness and inability to understand... touch. He still felt. A lot. More so altruistically for many things than he'd probably care to, much more than many ninja would, and in a way to jeopardize even himself.

Maybe his feeling and light-heartedness showed too much, why else would she be asking her kage such an emotionally suited question? Not that he wouldn't have an answer, but it was interesting... how he was viewed and where he stood with everyone. For Karumo, it was re-assuring. He never wanted to be seen as anyone's boss, but as their friend or mentor. He knew how to make tough decisions, and pride damn him for his folly, but he often times felt it slink in. Anger and disgust for some things and crimes, played as a fool and constantly analyzing all the same. That's all he felt with his Kiri business, used. His village, his people, himself. Nothing more than a reassurance for others. But it was in these moments where he could sit and talk with people... understand each other a little, dig at the deeper questions of the human psyche that he relished in.

"What does family mean to me? Or what is it...?" he would pause for a second and exhale again, feeling the looseness of the drink in his mind. His words were... delayed, he wasn't sure what he could add or where it would be, where his thoughts would take him. But after a second of musing, whether or not Jet would respond he would speak up,

"Family is blood... simply put. Those you're born with and who raise you, who care for you early on and bring you up. But that family fades and expires, their feelings can change and they can ostracize you or leave you for nothing..." his gaze had faded off in the distance as his thoughts ran to his clan and his own family while he spoke. Vague memories of a family taken from him at an early age came to memory. The last thing he felt, ran tangent with what he saw, his families deaths, and the cold sting of a sword to his back. From then on, he'd been numb to everything, but his clan took him in. An heir to the clan and raised to take over, blood relatives keeping him up, gone on to betray him for his supposed heretic views and ideals on where to take the clan. That didn't end well, a flawed family forced upon a person, it was... troublesome and such a grey area since so many held so many different views on the subject and feelings about it all.

"Still... that form of family leaves a lot to be desired in some and things taken for granted in so many others. I prefer to think of true family as those that you choose... those people who love and respect you, who may be agitated but won't leave your side for anything. Those not bound or obligated by anything but still care for you selflessly. Those people are your real family, that can accept what you've done in your past and help you to build a better future..." he continued on leaned back in his seat. He wondered if she would accept his answer, or have anything more to say about it. He wasn't even sure how much of what he said he believed himself or if he'd even gotten the words out right. Such was the nature of alcohol though.


[768 words, 8085 words total]