It was perched on his ledge that Maigo had an interesting thought, definitely not occurred only to himself but by possibly a many persons on any given day. Particularly, that sloths sleep for nearly all day, every day, and somehow they hadn't become extinct. That was interesting, for Maigo slept often ten... even twelve hours a day when he could through various napping escapades and other adventures but he still came no where near the tenured ability of a sloth. Not without finding himself in an absolutely grueling migraine and a soreness and stiffness in his body that would leave him absolutely groaning to even stand. But really, they could sleep for twenty hours in a day and they hadn't gone extinct?! It defied evolution at its very core, or as the dim-witted Maigo might believe it to be and instead, would use the fact of the matter as justification that he could indeed afford to take another nap without worrying too much.

That might have to wait, his perch held above the market, all of his normal gear along with him and his normal clothing, armed to the teeth like a proper jounin and yet totally relaxed in it all the same. The roar and parade of people below, only those really looking up above the rooftops or those running along the rooftops would see Maigo leaning back against the rooftop ledge. His body sitting out over the awning marker, slight breeze pushed itself heavily along his elevation as he tilted his head down. No one in particular noticing him, that he noticed, as they all ran about their busy days and from place to place. For Maigo, a foreign jounin with no real particular purpose and just waiting for the days to end, planning to mess with Lin in the chances he got or just exploring the village and surrounding areas as he could.

Truthfully, his days had grown awfully boring being sent on his own for most of the time. So that was his warranted measure from day to day, to find something to do. A labored grunt as he raised his head up, shaking it as the fatigue of the sun from against his closed eyes, so few clouds in the sky to block it out. But that was typical for Maigo to deal with, for the village hidden in the clouds it was awkwardly sunny though, more than the average day at least with only enough clouds that he could count them on his fingers.

So with a final labored grunt he hoisted his body down, grabbing at the edge and lowering himself down as he paused for a moment, waiting for the open spot as two women walked passed him. His fingers began to slide, moving down and releasing his grip and falling below, his clothes dragging in the wind and his katana shifting upwards as he fell downwards to the street level.

Landing with a bit of spring in his step, his legs compacted slightly and cushioned his fall into his feet and through his legs rather than directly on his heels. His gear clanked and jingled slightly as he landed, the women ahead of him turning with shock as she felt the displacement behind her but otherwise little sound came from Maigo's lackadaisical landing. Shaking his head and inhaling deeply, he pushed the air out and took in the street level of the market for a moment before shoving the air out in a single and unified breathe of relief. He ignored the women's shock and blinked at her afterwards before she huffed and became to storm off in the direction she was originally going.

For Maigo, he didn't really care too much about any of it, he mentally shrugged it off and continued his journey forwards. No real path in mind or place to go or sights to see. His only direction would be down the long and marginally packed main street of the market as he kept his eyes open for well... anything that would catch his eye on this early afternoon.


[688 words]

Hyde had of course woken up rather late having been in the clinic all night. He had gotten back from that posting at about four in the morning due to some last minute patient influx. Really they could be more punctual with his time line instead of waiting for their little cuts to stop bleeding. People didn't honestly understand the different types of cuts and what depth warranted stitches or medical jutsu. Lord help them if they opted to actually seek professional help before slapping some super glue on it with a bandage. Honestly he wondered how some of the civilians survived themselves day to day. Reading too much fiction likely. Still he had worked through the night to damn near sunrise and had managed to get in a couple of hours of rest before he was awoken with several rays of light through his window. It appeared to be mid day though he was slow to believe it. Had he really gotten almost a full nights rest? A whole seven hours was doing him wonders. He couldn't feel his body but his mind was alert and feeling exceptionally rested. Today was an excellent day to go out and and explore the market a bit. See if he could find more accessories for his would be weapon design.

Idly he finished cleansing himself in the shower. Using the harsh bar of lavender as always. For moments it would leave red marks but those would quickly fade due to his healing factor. He was obsessed with being clean. Covering every inch of himself in suds three times and washing them back off. A personal obsession but one none the less. No one ever accused him of being dirty or smelly. His usual manner entirely organized. After the shower he dried thoroughly and moved to his closet. Selecting a pair of steamed pants with the crease perfect and slipped into those. Placing on a white button up shirt next and being sure to tuck it so the buttons were lined up with the button on his pants before putting on his black belt. His Kunai pouch with the one kunai and three shuriken in it being placed on his right him and his Kumo headband tightened around his left hip. After which he slipped on his black vest with the slightly darker shade on the back then the front. Careful not to button it up until a dark red tie was tightened around his neck and clipped to his shirt. Finishing with a pair of shined dress shoes and of course a metal Rolex with a leather strap on his right wrist.

With all that he moved to the door and collected his pack of smokes, a lighter and his house keys. Moving out the door and locking it behind him before placing the house keys in his left pants pocket. Choosing to take a smoke out of his pack before placing the pack in his vests breast pocket and finishing with lighting the smoke on his way down the stairs into the street before pocketing the lighter into his right pants pocket. It was a short walk to the market where he lived but affordable due to its less than impressive size. It was fine though as he neither had the resources to afford his own home nor the wish to stand out much as of yet. His smoke was half gone when he arrived in the market itself. Keeping to the sidewalk as often as possible though the crowds often forced him slightly into the street as he looked like a ten year old child in a suit with a smoke burning in his mouth he got a few looks of concern or disgust. Not that he paid that lot any mind.

Still he would only be in the market for a short time before an alarming noise drew his attention across the street. He knew the sound of weapons shifting violently but was unsure of the nature of it as his attention snapped to the sound. His blue eyes taking in the form of a foreigner rising to his feet as he quickly took a step back around a stall himself. Just peeking around it as he narrowed his eyes. Studying the man for a moment to see if he was going to act hostile. However the man looked familiar. It took a moment but finally it hit Hyde. This man was the one always close to the Raikage. A man of influence that perhaps could be one of the first doorways for him to have an in with the Kage herself. His profession having a stepping stone land before him. He would blow out a small bit of smoke from the corner of his mouth as he smiled. As Maigo moved so would Hyde. Following him in the hopes of seeing where the man frequented and maybe even where he lived. Always keeping just within sight of him through the crowd and behind him. Never approaching as he stalked the man. His cigarette burning ever lower. Could he really stalk this man? How long?

858

Today was the first day he could rest a little and help his mother with her daily errand. The day before that, he had done this brutal kenjutsu endurance training, he could still feel the soreness through his whole body, particularly his back and forearm muscles. He got these days rarely and didn’t know what to fill his time with. But today was different, his mother asked him to help her with some errands. The errand consisted of getting a small pack of Kyobancha, which basically was tea from the Kyoto region, with little to no caffeine in it. His mother could not stand caffeine, every time she drank a beverage with caffeine in it she would end up staying all night.

As Kiriya was considered, the task was relatively easy and he had the rest of the day for himself. He also enjoyed various tea sorts, maybe he got that from his mother. But his favorite one was the Ryokucha sort, which essentially was green tea. The moment he got up from his bed, he started doing push-ups. This was his morning routine on rest days. The push-ups helped him to shake of the morning sleepiness. After doing one set of maximum repetitions, he started putting his clothes on. Today was especially hot, he decided not to put on his black top and go with a simple t-shirt. That had to keep the heat off. Kiriya didn’t like those hot summer days. The season he enjoyed the most was the winter. If someone asked him why he liked the winter, he couldn’t really explain it. He just liked the sensation it gave him. Coming home on cold days, talking with his mother next to the fireplace, these were some of the best memories he had.

As he was going through the front door, he waved to his mother and disappeared in the hot day. His house was not that far from the food market where the tea shop was located. Due to the fact that today was relatively hot, there were a lot of people on the streets, more than usually. He wasn’t used to seeing that many people in the streets of the village. The thing that irritated him the most was when someone was walking in front of him on the pavement, not letting him get past. But Kiriya was the type of a person that you had to get really angry in order to tell you something. He had never yelled at a stranger, no matter how irritated he felt inside.

As he reached the well-recognized tea shop, he quickly got in and bought the tea his mother wanted. His duties for the day were finished and he could have the rest of the day for himself. He decided to go for a walk around the village. As he was walking he noticed something strange, it appeared that a guy, not that older from him, jumped from a rooftop and landed on the street. Kiriya thought that his face was quite familiar and decided to follow him. There was something about the young man that intrigued him. The man had this shoulder length, jet black hair and appeared to really skillful with a blade. Kiriya jumped to this conclusion because of the katana he was wearing on his back.

---

WC - 561

The coincidence of Maigo's landing seemed to have stopped more than he anticipated, at least outside of the woman who turned towards him. It was in Maigo's own fashion though that he declined to really pay much attention and continued about his way, mentally shrugging it all off anyways and continuing down the street. Moving his hands to his pockets he began to leisurely walk down the main street, shops and stalls around him and the occasional person passing by him. His eyes scanned over everything before him but his posture was incredibly relaxed, one stall keeper yelled out at him, something about fresh fish and the best prices but Maigo shook his head and lifted a single arm, ignoring the offer for the time. Not even so much as considering it but immediately passing it off as he continued down the road.

Ten more steps from the eccentric man yelling out to passerby's and his awful smelling fish slabbed over piles of ice, Maigo continued on with his hands still in his pocket. Three bodies moved towards him in a line, thuggish types but more offbeat thugs that never truly dabbled into the world of organized crime. These were the type that instead liked to flaunt their power openly, fancy clothing and a swagger to their step that invited someone to meet their bravado head on. Maigo smirked in the midst of it, his eyes ran over the three with the big one in the middle and two smaller men, one medium to his left and a scrawny one to his right.

Sunglasses on and nice suits, the shoes really caught Maigo's attention, the big guy in white seemed to shine them. But they weren't causing anyone any harm? Would it be worth instigating the trouble just to knock someone who looked pretentious down a few pegs? Probably not...

Maigo stepped away to the side, his hands in his pockets, he turned his chest away, getting just out of the way of the medium sized man as he didn't move in the slightest. Maigo would relax back into his position and take a few more steps before hearing a yell out behind him, "Watch it old man!" the words rang out and a slight pause would build in the air among some of the patrons. Maigo stopped on the heel of his foot, turning his head around to see what was happening, an old man on the ground, flat on his ass with a soft wooden box in front of him. Some of the fruits and things he had spilled around him as he weakly reached out to begin collecting them.

Maigo had turned for a second, blinking he thought to himself that he should have instigated it, maybe he could have stopped the old man from having the trouble. Or perhaps even more trouble would have been started but this wasn't a problem, was it? Their jeering mostly harmless but what got Maigo's attention truly was the skinny one of their trio stepping forward towards him as he spoke with a nasaly and annoying voice, "Maybe I'll just stop looking where I'm going too..." he spoke and stepped highly in the air before slamming his foot down, right on top of one of the man's fruits. The guts of it squished out and the juices seeping out in each direction, the splash back hitting the old man in the face and splattering along his cheek and under his eye as a bit of concern and frustration would sit on the mans face.

Maigo sighed, and began to step back towards them, a hundred ideas ran through his head, pulling out his weapon and carving them up! Or really, their fancy clothes and leaving them in embarrassment with his own vigilante justice. Though, that was probably a bit too far, he'd have something better to stick in their mind to not walk so boldly around town as embarrassment could only stoke a flame of revenge. No! Maigo needed something more intense but also in the same breath, mostly harmless? As they weren't real criminals and the people here in the Land of Lightning weren't like in the Land of Water. No prisoners and absolute punishment wasn't an ideal that the people of this land shared with Maigo and his own.

Still as Maigo approached he stepped quietly, before interjecting himself between the trio of men and speaking up loudly, hoping to catch their attention as he pointed towards the ground, "Hey fellas, Look!" The eccentric nature of Maigo's carrying the words through the air to his finger tip as he began to move chakra through it and casting a simple genjutsu upon the trio of men. With each of them that would look, they would lose their vision, blinded and left that way for a moment, Maigo would set each of them alone and step back as he was sure that their vision was gone. Leaving the trio stumbling around and finding their way in the middle of the street, calling out to each other, creating a rather melodramatic and... funny scene, at least for Maigo.

Even with the scene before him, the old man gathered up his good fruit and gathered himself up, quickly setting off, neither acknowledging or thanking Maigo. Figured though, the sort of vigilantism that Maigo was used to, knocking the pompous down and carving the sins of criminals into their minds, it was different here. Though, a bit of thanks would have been appreciated. Maigo looked on to the scene before him, a few others around would be watching, a few shop keeps in panic as they watched and hoped that none of them would come too near and ruin their stall or carts. With a chuckle continuing Maigo spoke up, "Don't worry fellas, it'll end soon enough, and when it's done you'll have a newfound respect for being able to watch where you're going yourselves!" Maigo chuckled again and scratched his shoulder, loosening his neck up a little bit.

Of the three stumbling around in various directions it was the big one who stood up tall and tried to hear out Maigo's voice, "When I find you I'm gonna break you in two!!" the frustration on his voice obvious as he held out his hands again and began to feel around the area again. Maigo smirked, almost chuckling back into his laugh as he spoke up again, "Good luck with that!"

Maigo set himself into his feet, shoulder width apart as he prepared to make an important decision, whether to leave these guys here to themselves or if he should wait around until they can have their shot at him? Or if he'd be better off giving them a few good shots now and then leaving afterwards. Still, the decision wasn't an easy one but any outcome wouldn't bother Maigo too much, these low time fools were hardly any concern but they were giving him something to do for the time being.


[1195 words, 1883 words total]
[265/300 Chakra]

Jutsu Used:

For a moment Hyde would observe from a distance. His blue eyes calmly watching each move the man made. He was fairly calm which likely came with his stature. No Kage would keep the weak near them. That simply asked for someone to have to keep track of during any combat. Beyond secretarial duties he supposed everyone in the admin building at any given time was considered formidable. This man was rumored to be a foreigner but he had not heard of where from. Likely with that confidence and always being around the new Raikage, along with those weapons of obvious quality he was carrying, He was at least special Jounin level. If nothing else Hyde doubted he could follow him long without being detected. He was keeping his distance but keeping the man in eye line. He wasn't being evasive or looking around himself much though. Likely his confidence was over the top of what was considered safe. Hyde would narrow his eyes at that. How many people had he studied mannerisms of? How long had he focused on studying a target before engaging. He was making too many assumptions. The man was confident but what if it was warranted?

The thought was troubling. If the man was more capable than your average special jounin than chances were anyone with a chakra signature was already detected. Even a genin like himself normally would of trained above the level of an average civilian. However there was one small part that made him blend in far more. A genin had enhanced their chakra to nearly double that of the average citizen. However his clan was known for having smaller chakra pools. Even if there was a chakra sensory activated he would register as a child. His appearance matching his chakra and there would be little to no reason to suspect him if not for his blue eyes watching. The mans back was turned to him and yet he was feeling a need to be cautious. There was something about the target that irked him. He was so relaxed and obviously physically capable given the fall from the roof. His original assessment of the man being careless seemed misplaced now. His instincts were telling him to keep his distance which hadn't been included in his original logical examination. He had altered it from lazy and careless to dangerous. He was going to need to test the theory somehow without getting directly involved though.

He didn't notice the other genin shopping for tea as his attention was held for now and the genin had done nothing to draw attention to himself. Shined shoes carried him along the paved market road as he would note the target being idly addressed by a shop keeper eager to sell his product. A product that had an expiration by the end of the day had to be sold fast. The target noticed him enough to wave one hand but passed him all the same. However Hyde would have to be a little more direct in avoiding the man. If the gentleman were to yell out hey kid or something like that due to his fine clothing he might be noticed. Even if he wasn't the more the man he was following heard those words the more he would start noticing kids around himself. Still crossing the street seemed to work. Moving next to a closed stall for a moment and leaning against it. He saw something interesting approaching. A possible threat to his target was walking straight at him and likely would force an interaction. Some guys with enough wealth to dress well but not enough brains to be of any threat to anyone. He was aware of them at least.

Still his eyes widened as surprise overtook him. The target wasn't acting like he had expected when confronted with such a weak opponent. He would observe as Maigo side stepped the individuals clearly looking for trouble in his path. Narrowly missing them. Was he attempting to stay out of trouble perhaps? Or was this simply not his issue to deal with? Either way his intentions being unclear as they were his expression only seemed mildly annoyed. However there was a clatter as it drew his attention to the old man that had been knocked down. Now this was interesting. The strong had stepped aside and now the weak suffered. His eyes searched the old man for any serious injury a moment. If there was any damage the man wasn't showing it. A fruit being crushed underfoot seemed to be the only casualty. However his attention had returned to the old mans reaction a moment when suddenly there was a cry as the three men went blind. Stumbling around in a panic as they lost their eye sight. Casually standing next to them was nothing other than the target himself, Maigo. Had he managed to blind them in some way? There wasn't any blood though. No flash of light. Some sort of ninjutsu or even genjutsu then.

Regardless of the origin of the technique all three opponents were virtually disabled offense wise as well as most of their defense. If there was a time to attack it was now. However Maigo seemed content to just stand there and wait for them to come to him. Hyde would cross his arms and take his tongue as he sucked air through his teeth annoyed. Power difference or no he wasn't being even a little efficient here. He had ample opportunity to take all three down and let kumo handle them before they became a greater threat again. Of course if he wished to remain an observer he himself couldn't get involved. The old man had left without a word and now was clear of whatever may come but they were still in the market. He needed a way to get this started so he could more closely observe the interaction at the same time as ending it quickly so the market wasn't in any danger. All while not being noticed. It was a pain but his eyes scanned the area anyway. Any attack obviously from his direction would draw eyes right at him. However there was a way to assist with no danger to civilians and mild damage to infrastructure. A sign was hanging by two chains over the head of one of the skinnier fellas of the encounter. Still blinded in some way.

Slowly so as not to give off any intent or draw attention to himself Hyde would unclick his weapons pouch. Slowly opening it with two fingers and with a third carefully pulling out a shuriken. Maigo's back was to him as he taunted the large man. That made this attack a little easier. Since it wasn't directed at Maigo he could hope the man couldn't sense the hostile intent. Still he timed it carefully and with accuracy as he took a breath. Holding it as he flicked his wrist out with a flung arm. Quickly returning his arms across his chest as the shuriken flung through the air and slammed into the rusted chain holding up the sign. Breaking it from its last bit of life and letting the small swine swing down and clobber the thin gangster over the side of the head knocking him out clean. The shuriken itself falling down into some bushes next to the business doorway. Still Hyde would watch to see if that somehow led back to him. At least now everyone was watching so one more staring was hardly standing out.

2134

Item used:

As Kiriya was walking behind the young man with the black hair, he was thinking about the thought that lead him to him. What did he find intriguing about him? Perhaps it was the full-sized katana that was placed on his back. Anyway he couldn’t seem to stop following him. Something interesting was about to happen and he knew it. As he continued walking behind him, at a safe distance, he saw three thug-like men standing not far from him. These were the ordinary thugs and thieves that roamed through the village. Their clothes consisted primarily of suits and fancy shoes, but they didn’t look like they were skilled in anything other than getting into trouble. He had thought about the problems that criminals like this did to the village. Kiriya couldn’t comprehend why the upper echelons of the village weren’t doing anything about them. Perhaps they were doing, but what could be done anyway to them? The thugs didn’t seem to be doing anything wrong at this particular moment but Kiriya couldn’t stop himself from getting angry.

The origin of his hate toward all thugs and thieves was buried deeply into his childhood memories. He couldn’t remember what exactly had happened in that cold fall day but the sound of his mother screaming was encoded on his mind. He was just coming back from the academy, as he saw the busted front door he charged inside. Inside were two thieves that were trying to rob their house. One was holding his mother by the neck while pointing a kitchen knife toward her. The other was trashing the whole place in search of something valuable. It seemed that he didn’t found anything and as he saw the young boy he charged to him. It all ended in a split second when Takuya arrived. He quickly disarmed both of the thieves and neutralized them. They ended up laying on the floor with hand behind their backs. If Takuya didn’t come the unthinkable would’ve happened.

While Kiriya’s mind was buried deeply into his dark memories, one of the three men pushed an old man, who was passing by. He was carrying a basket full of fruits and looked like he was an ordinary merchant. Kiriya got really angry, in the past there was nothing that he could to, but this time that wasn’t the case. He would knock some sense into the thugs whatever the cost. As he started running towards them, the black-haired guy that he was following suddenly took a step back and started walking in the opposite direction. After that something happened in a split second. The three thugs looked like they were blinded from something. Kiriya couldn’t understand the words that left his mouth.

His mind started analyzing the situation. The black-haired guy should’ve used some kind of a ninjutsu. But Kiriya hadn’t heard of a jutsu that makes you go blind. It’s true that there were some jutsu that released light but that wasn’t the case. The next logical assumption was that it was a genjutsu.

This young man looked quite skilled. From the katana on his back, Kiriya knew that he was proficient in kenjutsu. It was at this time that Kiriya decided to go and speak to him.

---

WC - 561 + 564
= 1125

It came from behind him, high over his head but he heard the sound of it whirring through the air first. As Maigo had placed his fist into his hand and pressed against the fingers, aiming to crack their knuckles and further loosen his body, his head turned, his heels dug into the ground as he prepared to rotate and try to avoid it but it was high over his head. His hands remained together in that instant before falling away to ready nearer his sides than his front, his right hand lingering even further back than that. The corner of his eye caught it moving up, crashing into the chain of the sign before falling away. Maigo ignored where it fell away to, leaving it some arbitrary place away from him.

Instead, his eyes locked onto the sign as he watched it hinge downwards, coming right into the side of the head of the skinny one. Blinded he never saw it coming, maybe heard it, the clash against the chain and the snap, a bit of a creak and rattle as it came down but soon he was lying cold on the ground and out completely. The real draw to attention was the sound it made against his head, a thud that became heavier and drew into a cracking noise, it sounded painful in its own right and looked nearly as bad as he fell to the ground with a softer thud and completely unconscious.

Maigo's right hand had already reached to the sword at his side, pulling it from behind him and raising it slightly from its sheath, just a few inches as his hand hovered. Nothing more than an involuntary reaction at this point, he'd hardly noticed that he'd done it but he needed to be careful. That shuriken... probably wasn't aimed at him, or if it was, the one who threw it had no real skill with the weapons of a ninja. Either way, Maigo scanned the area around him, letting the last two of the thuggish fools stumble their way in place as he looked around. A few people standing around staring at the scene obviously, some in casual clothing and others in... far more elaborate and neat clothing. And on top of all that, one kid who looked like he was coming right for Maigo and had his attention right on him.

Immediate questions on whether he threw the shuriken or not came to mind, he was certainly fit enough to pass as a ninja, and young enough to not know how to throw it. His grip tightened heavily around the grip of his katana with his shoulder turned and his head looking back. His expression would be rather blank, more confused than angry or frustrated as his eyes would continue to scan more thoroughly the area around him. In the off chance that he wasn't the one who threw the shuriken, in the off chance he had friends lurking around, and in the off chance that the one who's attention was on Maigo would try something further. Or in the off chance that nothing would happen, better to be cautious than dead. On most days anyways.


[539 words, 2422 words total]
[265/300 Chakra]

Hyde tilted his head at the reaction shortly after he had thrown the shuriken. The man had shifted in demeanor the moment it left his hand almost. He had picked up that tiny difference in the air around him and identified it. How interesting. The man was more than simply capable. He was down right a force of destruction ready for war. His lazy appearance seemed to have left the area as Hyde felt like there was now a much greater tension in the air. The man had sensed a weapon and was no ready for full out combat. Hyde would watch the mans eyes snap to the shuriken and follow its trajectory. His feet shifting in such a way where he could of easily avoided the attack had it been meant for him. For the moment Hyde was positive there was nothing he could do to succeed against this individual. He was beyond the level of Hyde's reach. Even if he had attacked when the man was preoccupied and from behind his attack would have amounted to nothing. Whoever the man was he was capable and what was more, Hyde's attack did more than knock one of three out. It also made the capable man prepare himself fully instead of just toying around.

It appeared Hyde was going to get to see more of what this individual was capable of and just why the Raikage kept him at her side. He hadn't expected this to turn out like low bearing fruit. Observation ripe for the plucking. Perhaps it would be more difficult had there not been a distraction but for now he was just an onlooker. He noted where his weapon fell with intentions of collecting it later. Everything was going very well in his mind. He was just a well dressed kid out for a stroll as far as anyone looking around might think. After all the trained shinobi before him skimmed over him with the rest of the crowd with a sharp gaze as he looked for the source. Just when it appeared like he would get away unnoticed however he heard foot steps to his right and shifted his head. There was a boy slightly older than himself he would imagine but in appearance a good six years his senior. He was moving towards the engagement with purpose but failing to identify himself. If he was correct in his thinking Hyde supposed this boy was some sort of hero type. Out to assist with stomping out injustice where ever he saw it.

Something was wrong though. The sound of metal shifting slightly in a moment brought his attention back to the Raikage's boy toy. The man had locked his gaze on the approaching boy and was partially revealing steel. He saw the boy as a possible threat and that meant he would strike him if he came to close in all likelihood. Hyde had to make a choice now. Either step in and stop the possible end of his countryman or keep his guise in play and observe for more info. A part of him considered it. A moment of hesitation that could cost everything. He wanted to benefit himself more but he couldn't simply ignore this scene and let it play out. His teeth would grit as he would launch in as fast as he could from his position to the side. It wasn't impressive by any means but it allowed him to slide to a stop with arms outstretched facing the boy. Looking up into his eyes with dark blues of his own. His words carrying more weight than his ten year old appearance would suggest.

"Consider what your doing before you force your way passed me. Feel that tension in the air? That man isn't sure who is friend or foe. Let the tension die down before you step into his range. We can't have you being cut down as collateral. Watch and observe unless you think you are actually a match for him. Be smart about it."

2817

As Kiriya was heading toward the man, he suddenly saw a figure of a boy dashing to him. The boy looked several years younger than himself. At that moment he didn’t know what to do. Was he a possible threat? Kiriya’s mind was fairly confused when the boy appeared in front of him, standing with his arms stretched. His appearance was quite shocking, he wore a black vest with a red tie and a white shirt underneath. Not something one could expect from a kid. As he was standing in front of Kiriya, looking up to him, he warned him about the black-haired man. Kiriya’s mind hadn’t considered it but after thinking for a few seconds he realized that the boy was right. The man, standing not that far from where they were, was looking towards them with one hand placed on his sword. Just from the body language one could see that he was ready to fight. Kiriya felt stupid, why didn’t he realize this sooner?

“I suppose you are right. He might think that I’m a friend of those thugs, as to the way I was approaching him. Thank you for stopping me, I owe you a big one. By the way, my name is Kiriya, nice to meet you.” Kiriya finally came to his senses. The incident with his mother a few years ago had clouded his mind, not allowing him to decipher the situation, as he would normally do. The younger boy had possibly saved his life. If he had approached the man, there was no telling what he could’ve done.

“To be honest, I had a nasty experience with thugs like that and I wanted to lend him a hand. Somebody helped me back then and this man reminded me a lot of that person. But the fault was mine, I didn’t analyze the situation well. I’ll wait for the things to settle down and then I will try approaching him.”

Kiriya felt foolish, usually his mind analyzed these types of situations perfectly. But this time it was clouded by the memories of his past. His mother’s scream still echoing the darkest parts of his head. Takuya had always told him, you either win or you learn something. This time he had learned. He learned that emotions were powerful and could easily dull the senses of even the strongest ones.

“What do you say we go for ramen sometime later today? I pretty much owe you my life. I just have to go and talk to him. Thanks again for saving me.” Were the words Kiriya said to the young boy as he moved around him.

The black-haired man was looking right towards them without moving. Kiriya knew that if he wanted to come closer to him he had to state his intentions from a far, this way he could prevent any unnecessary fighting. It wouldn’t be a much of a fight though, even a blind person could tell that the black-haired man’s combat skills were far superior. His first thought was to make the seal of confrontation, but that would only mean that he wants to fight. The next thing he thought of was to make the sign for peace. That would do the trick. Kiriya moved a little closer to him and did the peace sign. He wasn’t sure if he saw it from that distance. The only way he could find out was to keep walking toward him.

---

WC - 1125 + 592
= 1717

OOC: Didn't know that RP-ing could be so awesome. Having a great time with you guys.

Maigo watched him approach, his thumb rested into the single oval guard on his blade and resisted the figure of steel as he held it in place, hovering at his side and still mostly sheathed. But his approach was cut off, a well-dressed child dashing in front of him and keeping him from getting to Maigo. Raised arms and words being spoken, Maigo's attention had become nearly fully diverted to the two kids near him, bits of their conversation leaked into his hearing. Friend or foe... observe... Kiriya. The words ran through his mind for a moment as they continued on.

Maigo grew a bit more frustrated with the time passing on, he let his grip weaken for a moment and his sword fall back down fully into its sheath. His hand remained on the weapon though as they continued on, the boy who was initially approaching him still had his attention diverted. To Maigo, this was an interesting situation, not able to tell what their intention was. Whether he was being written off as an enemy here, a troublemaker by two village ninja that were off duty or by two citizens. More likely ninja, his dash was graceful and contained and quicker than a normal citizen. It might not have been exceptional or full of speed, but it did betray his own standard-ness in the world with the quick movements.

The next came the boy trying to show him some sign, Maigo knew better than to trust it outright but Maigo saw the sign and continued to read the situation as best he could given the situation. He was always a fan of theatrics, so he turned to face the boy completely, his shoulders standing square in their direction as he contemplated on the odds that it was nothing but a ruse for them to catch him off guard.

Maybe it was nonsense, they were a bit younger than Maigo at the very least a few years and the child was... well, seemingly a child and young enough that Maigo didn't think he'd need to worry all that much about their battle experience playing against. However, that would be an even better way of getting caught off guard. So then the plan was set, Maigo would ease up just enough, lull them into a small feeling of safety but his golden colored eyes would scan through the area, the faintest chakra ready to push to his eyes and activate his sharingan if need be and his feet set for quick movement and response.

Though Maigo's body would be ready to respond, his words and facial expressions would betray that, a small smirk growing over him as he would call out, "So come on, enough jawing. What is this then?" he would end abruptly and watch them for an answer, their response, their movements, everything they would do would tell a story. A story Maigo had no choice but to be interested in, as much as he'd have rather taken care of the stumbling idiots that were now behind him and gone about his merry and lazy way.


[525 words, 2947 words total]
[265/300 Chakra]

Hyde was rather relieved that the other boy had opted not to attack him. Had he done so they may have had a small scuffle of their own that likely would not have ended well for himself. The other boy was a shinobi as well and being as Hyde was not yet prepared for active combat he wondered if he would of been able to do much of anything against the other boy ready to charge head first into danger. That aside other things had to be taken into consideration as well. Due to his body aging slower his form was that of a ten year old meaning the other boy was more properly built for combat with a longer reach that could be the turning point in any combat. Once again he mind went to his weapon design he had wrestled with for some time. If only the weapon were complete he might have a shot at fighting people. He had practiced with weighted wires for a long time but for now he was stuck with one kunai and some shuriken. Healing ability or no he was hardly effective. Yet here he was standing on the brink with this kid.

The boy would introduce himself as Hyde watched him with dark blue eyes. Studying him while he had the brief opportunity. The man that they had almost instigated a fight with wasn't coming at them so he had that second. Kiriya seemed to be an innocent enough kid. Much like himself. Which only told him appearances could be deceiving. His own appearance was meant to lure a target into a false sense of security around him. Still he would nod his head politely in a near small bow while never breaking eye contact. His own voice coming out sounding more mature than his appearance should allow. "Well met Kiriya. My name is Hyde. A pleasure. Allow me a moment to diffuse the situation if you please." With that he would lower his arm and listen as the young man explained his actions. Driven by something in his past that urged him to fight even when it was clear he wasn't needed. It was a good motivation to have so long as it didn't get him killed in the process. A shinobi driven by honor and memories. It was typical but he couldn't say he disliked it. However there was more prominent things to address than the invitation to join him for lunch some time.

This was made evident by the man behind him finally speaking up. He seemed on guard against them which made some sense. Hyde would shift his gaze to the man a moment as he considered how much danger they were in. Hyde would brush off his vest and straighten his sleeves before stepping two meters closer. Still well out of range of the blade even if he took a step to swing so he wasn't coming off as threatening. However the ideal distance for speaking without having to shout. He really didn't care to lose his voice for this. Of course that didn't mean he couldn't take some liberties with the explanation of their actions. Even if he was irritated at his cover being blown. He might never be able to stalk the man again. Still in an only slightly irritated voice he would speak up. Choosing to identify himself and hoping Kiriya would do much the same.

"My name is Hyde, a shinobi of this village. We mean you no harm Maigo-Sama. In fact, if it suits you once you have knocked those two men out so they might be detained by our village shinobi, Kiriya here would like to treat you to lunch. Ramen sound alright to you?"

3451

Kiriya carefully listened to what Hyde had to say. He was suggesting for a stop by the ramen shop. Kiriya felt uneasy, he should have thought of that. This boy, Hyde, young in appearance, was a very intelligent shinobi. He was able to read the situation thoroughly. Kiriya felt that Hyde was one step ahead in every situation today. Nonetheless, his suggestion was the best option he had.

“Ramen sounds good to me, if it’s okay for you to join us and have a little chat. You reminded me of someone very close to me, thus I wanted to speak to you personally. And the way you dealt with those thugs shows that you have considerable skills as a shinobi. I get why you seem so tense. If someone had approached me like that after beating those thugs I would be suspicious also. On the other hand, if we happened to be your enemies or spies, I’m sure that you could handle us both in a split second.” Kiriya’s mother had taught him that in situations like that the best thing you could do is simply tell the truth.

Kiriya didn’t have a lot of friends in the village, in fact he had none friends of his age. The closest thing that resembled a friend was Takuya. He had learned a great deal out of him. Kiriya’s soul was craving for someone like him, a friend. Although Hyde and the black-haired guy were not the same age as him, he wanted to try and befriend them.

As the words left his mouth, Kiriya looked into Hyde’s eyes and nodded to him and proceeded getting closer. Although the words he had said, he felt that the tension in the air didn’t quite lower. Why was he risking his life? Not just risking his life, but risking the life of a fellow shinobi. Kiriya’s mind was going crazy. He was hoping that the feeling he had inside of him would be correct.

---

WC - 1717 + 339
= 2056

Maigo watched the kid straighten himself out, keeping at the ready at all times he spoke up in aim to defuse the situation. What was even more was that he knew his name, which... meant he was gaining more notoriety spending time with Lin then he would probably ever care for. An offer for ramen and a conversation followed but why the offer at all? What did Maigo have or possess that either of them could be interested in or possibly want? It might be worth seeing out, or it might still be part of their ruse and a goal of entrapment, letting his guard down? Probably not... Kiriya seemed too honest to be trying at something and although Hyde was unique, his offer of Kiriya's wallet was almost enough to make Maigo laugh as Kiriya seemed to pass over the detail.

He began to rattle on though, Maigo thinking about how it showed his considerable skill? Well, two of them still stood and he hadn't even knocked out the third of their trio. Maigo sighed a bit, still half listening and dropping his sword fully back into its sheath. The kid lacked confidence, almost assured that Maigo could take them both with ease and whether that was true or not, it didn't really matter. His posture relaxed but his shoulders remained square if not slumped forwards, and his body turning slightly to the two thugs stumbling around.

"You know, I don't know... I am pretty busy with most things, and who is gonna stay here to keep an eye on these bandits?" Maigo chimed in, speaking earnestly he let his golden eyes roam slowly back to the two of them when an interesting idea struck him. He knew that one of them had to have thrown the shuriken and Kiriya at least seemed trained enough, and with the way that Hyde stepped up to handle the situation he was definitely no coward.

Maigo would smirk a moment after and speak up again, "I'll tell you what, I'll... accept your offer? But there are two thugs left and two of you, I'll leave them to you to take care of and knockout, should be lesson enough for them..." he trailed off, watching each of them to see their reactions to his proposal. "Then when that's taken care of, ramen will be fine with me." Maigo's smirk held for a moment after, fusing to more of a smile as he waited for their response. Truthfully, if he wanted to, he could wait for them to enter into the midst of their combat and sneak away, back to doing nothing? Well, maybe ramen wouldn't be so bad but then again... Maigo was ever so apathetically busy too.

Regardless, should they agree, Maigo would hold up a hand for the theatrics of it and snap his fingers loudly, piercing the air around them with the click. The genjutsu of the two thugs undone, giving them a bit of a challenge to deal with, but then again, these morons were weak enough that the lowest of genin could deal with them.


[527 words, 3474 words total]
[265/300 Chakra]

Hyde would glance at the boy next to him with blue eyes as he spoke up. Reassuring the man that they meant no harm. He wondered if the young man had simply brushed off his mention of the other kid paying for all of them or if that had been his intent all along. Perhaps the young man was going to make piece over a single lunch. Still Hyde had to wonder what use there was in being so at ease with street trash so close to them and still a plausible threat. Even with the summer crop harvested and being sold they were a threat to the public. A livelihood ruining group. He glanced within himself momentarily and wondered how cold his own heart was that he wanted to spill blood simply because he viewed the two remaining as mere parasites. He saw the village as a garden and this lot was the pests feeding off of it and possibly ruining entire crops. People he had vowed to protect when he graduated. So many shinobi laws and yet they all seemed to want restraint. What good was that if no lesson was ever learned? The village was not of his mind though. Still his blue eyes would shift to the two stumbling parasites. For just a moment to anyone looking at him there was an aura there. Something he had not yet learned to master hiding. Like a wave rolling off of him killing intent would shift over the two men. Freezing them in their blind stumbling a moment.

To the two men, Maigo and Kiriya the pressure wouldn't be very impressive but something about his eyes on the two thugs suggested more than an arrest. It was clear that he would prefer graves were dug a little deeper for the rotting fools before him. Something about them had a hold on him and he wanted to bleed them right there. They were weakened and vulnerable. However logic would gradually win over the killing intent and bury it down. He was in a public street. There was nothing to be gained professionally from killing three men that at worst had simply bullied an old man in front of witnesses. Still his right hand shook a little as it hovered over his kunai. If only they would give him an excuse. Draw a weapon and charge for a hostage maybe. However no hostages were near enough to grab for them without being intercepted. With them blinded Maigo would have an easy time dispatching them. So it had come as a surprise to Hyde when Maigo suggested the two of them deal with the two thugs. Hyde would raise a single right eyebrow as his left would lower. Curiosity mixed with suspicion. He suggested the fair odds and that they fought it out. It was their job but Hyde knew if he began he wouldn't stop. It seemed to resemble a trap more and more the longer he payed attention to it. Still he would glance at the young man and step his own happy rear end to the side. Nodding to the two men as they seemed to snap too. His blue eyes studying Kiriya as per usual. Still he would speak in a nearly bored tone.

"Go for it. Take the two men down if you like. I will just act as the support role for now. A med nin for you to rely on. Feel free to go wild Mr. Kiriya. I will observe for the moment in case you decide to bite off just a little more than you can handle."

4057

Kiriya watched Maigo’s actions and listened to what he had to say. He would accept the lunch offer only if Kiriya and Hyde dealt with the two blinded thugs, laying on the ground. Kiriya didn’t like the sound of that. On a second thought, he found it rational to say something like this. Maigo clearly was a strong shinobi, it was only logical that he didn’t want to surround himself with weak ones. Maybe this was the “test” they needed to pass in order to speak with him? But on the other hand, beating a couple of low-life thugs wasn’t a big measurement of someone’s skill. Something was troubling Kiriya’s mind. Dealing with the two of them would be a pretty easy job for him. There was a sense of justice in his head. Did they really deserve to be publicly beaten-up by two kids? On the other hand, they were harassing an old civilian, they should’ve seen this coming. Kiriya cleared his mind, devising a plan how to knock them out with the least violence possible.

In the meantime, Hyde stated his opinion on the matter at hand. His tone depicted he was clearly bored with the situation. Hyde offered Kiriya to deal with both of the thugs, he would be a support role for this. From his words Kiriya depicted that he was proficient in medical ninjutsu and if something bad happened he would help. This time Kiriya remembered the incident with his mother but his mind stayed calm. He couldn’t let his emotions get the better of him and go wild. If that happened, blood was definitely going to be spilled. Kiriya couldn’t let that side of him take over.
The incident with his mother was the primary reason why he decided to become a shinobi. The helplessness that he felt in that moment was absolutely terrible. He didn’t have the strength to protect the one closest to him. From that moment on he went on gruesome training every day in order to become stronger. Strong enough, that when the time comes he could protect the ones closest to him.

Kiriya turned his whole body to Hyde, patting him on the right shoulder and nodding. That was sufficient explanation about his next actions. Kiriya started slowly walking toward them. As Maigo saw this he quickly raised his hand in the air, snapped his fingers and the genjutsu was gone. The thugs laying on the ground realized that they could see and wanted someone to pay for their humiliation. The only thing they saw was the young boy approaching them.

“Did you do this to us?! It really doesn’t matter because you’re the ones who’s going to pay for it.” The bigger one was almost shouting these words from his mouth.

Kiriya didn’t feel intimidated by them. The task was simple, he had to knock them both out. As he was in the midpoint of the distance between them, he quickly grabbed the rusty wakizashi on his back. The wakizashi needed to be replaced but that was a matter of another time. He had to focus on this task now. The bigger one of the hooligans charged right to Kiriya with his fist. If he wanted to beat Kiriya he should’ve tried harder. The fist was dodged easily and suddenly Kiriya was behind his back. The weight of his opponent was working on his side. Kiriya didn’t use all his power to strike with the back of the wakizashi on the neck of the thug. The strike was sufficient enough to knock him out leaving only one more to deal with.

The other was quite slender. He appeared to be faster but the expression on his face stated that he wouldn’t be much of a problem. His approach was different, he didn’t charge at Kiriya but stayed in one place hoping for a counter attack. Kiriya saw through his plan. He quickly charged toward him and vertically swung his sword from left to right. The thug managed to dodge it and started throwing punches toward Kiriya. Kiriya’s sword attack wasn’t over, he stopped it just when the sword passed the thug’s body and swung in the opposite direction. The blow landed right in the gut leaving the thug without enough oxygen. The next strike was on the back of his neck with the dull part of the sword. The task was done, both of the thugs were knocked out. Kiriya wasn’t sure if this violence was needed but he did everything he could in order to speak with Maigo.

“Is this enough for you? Could we now stop playing games and talk like normal human beings?”

---

WC - 2056 + 802
= 2858

Maigo watched with a subtle chill crawl across his skin as his offer seemed to exert just a bit of chakra pressure from Hyde. He knew it was a tantalizing offer but he seemed to control himself and resist the urge that was crawling across him. Maigo had seen it a bit too often, and the chakra pressure wasn't tremendous like some but for such a young age, it certainly caught a smirk from Maigo who listened absently as he turned the offer towards Kiriya completely.

Kiriya accepted silently though, a quick pat and a nod and he stepped forward to approach his target and Maigo stepped back and out of the way as he released the genjutsu upon them. The thugs immediately began to gather themselves and their attention turned to Kiriya, maybe just the first confident face for their embarrassed selves to focus on since if they'd found Maigo, he probably would have definitely been there target. For Maigo, he turned and faced him but kept Hyde in the corner of a watchful eye as he stepped back even further and gave him more than enough room to work.

Maigo watched him draw an old and rusty sword from his back while being taunted out, his eyes focused as the boy's grip was solid and he prepared his stance. It was capable for sure and his quick dodge and maneuver on the big guy showed that he at least knew what he was doing, maybe he could impress Maigo? He'd found so few weapon masters in and around Kumogakure that he almost worried the art form was lost in this village. But as Kiriya moved and made quick work of both of them without serious harm Maigo knew that he was plenty capable with that weapon of his, maybe even to Maigo's own equal?

When it was done the boy turned and yelled back at Maigo who couldn't help but laugh and turn away, reaching to his pouch he pulled out a few ryo notes and handed it to a shop keeper. "Make sure those three on the ground get picked up and taken care of at some point." he spoke at a normal tone of voice a few meters off from each of them, it didn't matter if they heard him or not but with that Maigo would turn back to the pair of them and laugh again. He certainly seemed on edge for having to complete such a simple task or maybe it was that he didn't think he'd have to be participating in some random vigilante violence? Maigo chuckled again and spoke up to the both of them, "Sure, what do you want to talk about?" his laugh persisted and he spoke loudly enough that it could hardly be considered an inside tone of voice.

Maigo's posture would have shifted but his alertness would remain, with both hands brought forward away from his sword and his thumbs tucked into his belt and elbows pointed out as he watched each of them, waiting for what either one would say or offer next to their little adventure.


[530 words, 4004 words total]
[265/300 Chakra]

Hyde would casually cross his arms as he watched. His role wasn't directed towards the combat for the time and he still didn't have his weapon anyway. This drama was just part of the world rolling along. However this was far to public a place for dispatching of targets. Especially low level ones that were mostly just thugs and not actual threats. Sure, they could be connected and it could escalate but until they made it happen as shinobi in the public eye they had to restrain themselves. Something he wasn't really proficient in was letting scum walk away to become a bigger threat. Tactically ignoring the public perception these three being left alive would be something to haunt them. However his own positioning away from the direct confrontation might be to his benefit and he knew it when he started. His eyes studied the situation as he removed himself from direct memory. Should these three have friends they would recall these two readily but Hyde? Hardly even an observer. With every thing going on he would be looked over easily he was sure. That was something he practiced himself at. Remaining overlooked in order to get close to a target or out of the enemies line of sight.

The other boy didn't seem to mind the concept in the slightest. He was eager to fight a little and prove himself. That much was obvious. Still Hyde's own gaze would shift over to Maigo. Wondering himself if the man minded that two on one in the slightest. After all the man didn't seem to know it yet but Hyde had already knocked out one of them. Drew his attention in the first place. The man only paid him mind for a few moments which suited him well enough as he contemplated the situation. Maigo was just out for a walk and happened to find trouble? Some part of Hyde considered the possibilities of that. Was it possible the man had arranged for this encounter? Could he have been targeting these men simply to be entertained by the village genin? Hyde shook his head and glanced back to the fight. No one was that much of a mastermind. At least not in his experience. They had simply stumbled on an encounter and he had been playing. The other young man with them though was not. By the time Hyde had looked back he had already stepped around the large mans audacious charge.

With swift and precise movements the young man stepped to the side and a flash of metal was seen. A single hit to the back of the mans neck was plenty. He stumbled forward disoriented for three steps before collapsing with a bouncing thud. His form laying still after bouncing twice as he was no longer a threat. Blue eyes shifted to him and calculated the chance of permanent damage as minimal. Breathing patterns were normal. A simple shock to the system. The gaze shifted back to the fight as the new ally charged and his initial strike was avoided, at least that was the deceptive appearance. A sudden change in direction didn't slow momentum as it slammed into the target and then another step before a shock to the system was delivered once again. All three were now down for the count. He heard Maigo asking someone in the market to handle it and turned to watch that until Maigo spoke up and the other joined them. His eyes shifting with interest between the two. He would sigh though as he figured he may as well speak up. He had been asked a question after all.

"It's and odd thing but I want the Raikage to summon me to the office personally. I don't want to request a meeting, I want her to know me. However perhaps we can speak of this over a meal. Mister Kiriya since you were so kind as to offer perhaps you should lead the way to your preferred location. hmm?"

4734

Kiriya’s mind just got settled down, was the violence justified for a talk with Maigo? It probably was not. He started doubting if he did the right thing. These thugs in particular didn’t do anything wrong to him. As this kind of thoughts entered his mind he quickly remember the face of the old man they were harassing. The doubtful thoughts perished as quickly as they came. This was his one and only chance to talk to Maigo. Kiriya wasn’t even sure what he wanted to talk to him about. But one thing was certain, he didn’t know if a chance like this would ever appear to him.

As he was thinking about the fight that happened he heard Hyde’s words. He said that he wanted a personal meeting with the Raikage. That meant Maigo was close to her or at least Hyde thought so. That seemed odd, why would Hyde want to get close to the Raikage? It’s true that the Raikage figure had big influence over the village but there had to be a hidden meaning behind this.

“We could talk about everything in the ramen shop. It’s just two blocks from here. The food served there is one of the best in the whole village and it’s my treat.” Kiriya was still thinking about what he would say to Maigo. He secretly hoped that Maigo’s and Hyde’s food wouldn’t be very expensive but he could afford a little extra spending.

Kiriya looked at Hyde and nodded again signalizing the direction they were headed in. He started walking slowly assured that both of them would follow him.

He was still troubling his mind. What would he even talk to Maigo about? Maigo seemed strong, much stronger than the average Kumogakure shinobi. Kiriya thought that it would be a good idea if the two of them did a spar. Kiriya didn’t have any chance in a battle like that but the combat experience would be very helpful. The other thing he was curious about was the Raikage. Hyde’s answer to Maigo had sparked a thought in his mind. He also wanted to meet her but didn’t know how to approach the matter.

As he was walking to the ramen restaurant Kiriya remembered what his mother asked him to do. He had to go back to the house and help her with the gardening. He had almost forgot about it. Although he didn't want to go back he knew he had to. The gardening process wasn't that difficult and Kiriya knew that his mother could do it alone. The real reason she wanted his help was the less time they were spending lately together.

"Guys, I just remembered that I have to help my mother out with something. Go on without me, I will definitely join you some other time. I apologize for this awkward situation."

Kiriya tried explaining the situation but knew that he looked extremely stupid. In the end he was the one that wanted to talk to Maigo. He really hoped that this wasn't his last chance. As soon as Kiriya told them he started making his way through the marked district to his home.

---

WC - 2858 + 545
= 3403

[Exit thread]
Training stats:
-Endurance from D-Rank to D-3 for 1700 words and 250 ryo
-Perception from D-Rank to D-3 for 1700 words and 250 ryo
words left - 3

The responses to the question were as... unique and vague as Maigo could have hoped or expected. Firstly Hyde wanting to meet Lin, or rather, to be summoned by her personally. That was an interesting thought, though, she was the Raikage and perhaps it was a sort of honor to have his name known and get the introduction to her beforehand. Easily done by Maigo but he deflected to speaking of it over their meal and turning towards Kiriya for his confirmation and so did Maigo turn his head towards him. Kiriya though agreed along instead of answering the question but it was fine, the confirmation that their meal would be on him was enough to convince Maigo who smirked briefly before they would continue on.

The journey there was unceremonious, Maigo watching from behind as he followed the boy to their location, motioning Hyde on so that he would be the third of the party. Letting his hands fall behind his head and elbows bent as he interlocked his fingers and held the back of his head. There wasn't really any talking between any of them as they continued on, it might be a good chance for Maigo to reiterate his question again and try to pry a few answers or he could just remain on his sort of silent type persona he'd been carrying so far. Not so much silent, but more quiet than normal at least.

After a short moment it seemed to strike Kiriya randomly, some obvious chore he still had to do for his mother. Odd but made sense, he apologized but before it really mattered he was already making his way from their company. Maigo's arms would have unfolded and fallen to his side as soon as he turned around but it wasn't until he began to leave that Maigo would tilt his head lightly and scratch at the crown of his head lightly and watched him depart to leave the two of them standing there.

"He's a weird kid, isn't he?" Maigo would turn with a raised brow towards Hyde as he wondered his thoughts on the situation. It was certainly odd to forget about something like that so easily but it didn't matter to Maigo, it released him of half of his responsibility here. Regardless, it would leave the two of them there almost to the ramen shop he spoke of to continue on if they wanted to and discuss Hyde's request with the Raikage if he so wanted. "So, you wanted to meet the Raikage?" He'd continue on with a bit of questioning regardless of whether Hyde answered his other question or just let Maigo muse to himself about it. Either way, it did certainly leave them in a marginally awkward situation.


[470 words, 4474 words total]
[265/300 Chakra]

Hyde would listen with narrowed eyes for a moment as the other boy seemed to agree with him. Everyone had secrets but this young man seemed to choose to be an open if not someone hyper book. He was either clever at covering his own initiatives or he was just as simple as he appeared. However Hyde was incredibly familiar with different appearances. He might appear ten but in his clan, he looked old for his age. A teenager as he may be his clan aged slower due to regenerative properties in their chakra. What was considered adult age in society to his clan appeared barely older than himself. Still what didn't kill someone made them stronger. So long as they were willing to endure it. If this was some clever plan for them to be lured into a sense of security he may as well trip it. Or perhaps it had nothing to do with him and the boys intention was Maigo. Either to gain his favor or perhaps to get closer to his throat. His eyes shifted to Maigo and then the boy again. He somehow doubted that it had a prayer. This man held too much distance from them. Kiriya was too close to his own level while Maigo was the highest power he had ever felt the pressure from.

Location aside Hyde would turn from them and move over to a bush beside a half broken sign and an unconscious man. Leaving weapons about was uncultured for a man of his own intelligence. He had enjoyed the illusion that Kiriya was the only fighter there but perhaps Maigo would just assume he was collecting loot from the battle. Unlikely as that was. He would lower to a crouch with one knee almost touching the ground and slip the shuriken back up his sleeve before raising up and straightening his collar before glancing to Maigo. Eyes with intelligence behind them and yet no experience trying to study the mans flat expression. He was so laid back for a man of power. Still Hyde would straighten his shirt and his tie before moving to join them. Walking where it was indicated for him to walk. Where Maigo could keep an eye on him no doubt. He wasn't sure about the entire situation but food did sound good. If Maigo intended to take him to church in a biblical end sense it could of been done easily by now. Perhaps the man had genuine interest.

Still he would only make it about a block and a half with them before being surprised by the young man suddenly seeming to be shocked and remembering some household chore he had forgotten. So this kid. He was just a foolish or kind man? One might say being kind was foolish and yet Hyde didn't feel danger from Kiriya. It wasn't until the boy sped off that Maigo spoke. Idly Hyde agreed with him that the other kid was odd before handling his purse and feeling the weight. He could afford to feed the man himself. Though he didn't like loosing a resource and using his own. Still the other man would continue to speak about Hyde's own odd request. A meeting with the Raikage that she summoned him for. Hyde would glance to him before sighing and rubbing the back of his own head before starting to walk towards the ramen shop again. They would reach there within a couple of moments and Maigo would have more reason to stay with a fresh made meal in front of him.

"Indeed. I suppose you have deduced I am not foreign to fighting myself. Even though I let the other take on the men earlier. Odd as he was he was useful for hiding my own talents from such a public scene. You see, I want to be a professional hitman. One utilized for the Raikage directly without official contacts from the village. Much like ANBU but no reports. No evidence. A target, a payment, and a life."

5414
Exit thread
Perception
E ~> E-1, 75 words and 0 Ryo.
E-1 ~> E-2, 150 words and 0 Ryo
E-2 ~> E-3, 225 words and 0 Ryo.
E-3 ~> D, 300 words and 0 Ryo.

D ~> D-1, 325 words and 25 Ryo.
D-1 ~> D-2, 400 words and 50 Ryo.
D-2 ~> D-3, 450 words and 75 Ryo.

3489
Endurance
E ~> E-1, 75 words and 0 Ryo.
E-1 ~> E-2, 150 words and 0 Ryo
E-2 ~> E-3, 225 words and 0 Ryo.
E-3 ~> D, 300 words and 0 Ryo.

D ~> D-1, 325 words and 25 Ryo.
D-1 ~> D-2, 400 words and 50 Ryo.
D-2 ~> D-3, 450 words and 75 Ryo.

1564
Reaction time

D ~> D-1, 325 words and 25 Ryo.
D-1 ~> D-2, 400 words and 50 Ryo.
D-2 ~> D-3, 450 words and 75 Ryo.

389 remaining

A professional hitman...

What a weird way to want to be utilized, a hitman who reported underground. Sounded like he was just looking to justify being a rogue ninja, or maybe not even that. Just looking for a pass on his own actions and vices. Still, that was enough for Maigo to feel a bit uneasy at the situation as he blinked for a moment and nodded, "I see..." were the words that parted his lips as he nodded briefly to him.

"Well, I'm sure you'll be able to figure something out. Besides, if you want to stay underground, announcing your ideas out to others seems a bad enough idea. But hey, as long as I don't end up on the other end of your knife, then we don't have any problems..." he chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, trying to play off whatever unease would be built up into the air. "I'll see what I can do, I'm sure the Raikage will find you if need be," Maigo spoke with some finality before raising a hand and leaving a smile before he pressed the chakra into his body and flickered away from the scene. Sure, Hyde would have been able to track him off he wanted to, but for the most part Maigo felt their conversation had reached its end and really, wasn't sure if he wanted any more details less he end up as an accomplice to something.

[246 words, 4720 words total]
[Exit Thread]

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