It’s a beautiful day outside...

Birds are singing…

Flowers are blooming...


I groaned as morning peeked in on me from outside the windows. Groggily I forced my eyes open to check on the time. On the nightstand the basic electric clock stared my down, scolding me to get on with the day, displaying a stern looking 11:31 on its metallic face. Well, guess it is about time to get some work done. Unlikely the usually work day he couldn’t just slack off this time. Yeah.. Today, there was something that actually had to get done and slacking off wasn’t an option. Unfortunately. See, unlike normal, there’s someone I gotta meet. (‘AH! Social interaction!’ am I right? [Nope, I’m Kisei]) Terrible self-pun aside, I probably shouldn’t delay too much, after all I got about ten minutes to get to the opposite side of the Konohagakure.

One hectic umbrella ride and destroyed cabbage vending stall later


The meeting place was a bit less formal than what I typically did, but this was a more relaxed exchange this time. Meeting with a previous client was always a pleasure, (most of them being young fit ninjas who know a thing or two about weaponry). Now assuming memory hadn’t failed me this time, I was meeting the Aburame that bought those gauntlets. The reason for this meeting was somewhat mixed. Half business and the other half more personal. Being honest with myself here, it was getting kinda lonely just being cooped up in the basement or lounging around. The personal projects and new tech ideas were fun but it wasn’t like there was any one there who enjoyed the work aside from me. There was that recent thing with Takao. Being invited to join Root was.. Exciting. Not everyday you get invited to join a secret organization for the country that accepted you as a refugee. While I didn’t know the specifics of what exactly they expected, a short run down by Takao cleared up that they basically functioned as the Anbu. While not exactly sure about it, Takao Kimura was someone that he could trust. If he asked me for something as potentially dangerous as Root, then it meant that he had faith in me. Or at least that was the hope, no missions called out for him yet so I’ve been biding my time with machinations. Which brought us to our current situation. A blueprint delivery mixed with a nice get-to-know-you lunch.

As I stood by the doorway looking for my companion I felt someone tap me on my shoulder.


442

I felt an instinctive reflex to bash whoever touched my shoulder with my explosive umbrella, but was able to restrain myself long enough to hear their voice. A small smile crept up on me. Relaxing the grip on my umbrella I turned to face my, ahem, companion. “Heya.” I waved, with my unarmed hand. My eyes immedietly set upon the mantis creature on the other man’s shoulders for but a moment. ‘Seems that mantis is almost as signature to him as my umbrella me…’ I had to suppress an anxious shudder. When the native ninja suggested they get their seats, well, the slight rumbling in my stomach couldn’t agree more. “Yeah.. let’s see.” Slight smile leading me, I looked around the room and found a booth where they could talk. Nodding to our destination, I began to lead, holding the umbrella close to my side, and making sure not to accidently cut anyone on the bladed edges. When we arrive at the table I set the umbrella flat on the floor and took my seat. It was a bit nerve wracking, having lunch with a man and his pet mantis like it was nothing. It was so surreal, so mundane, normal(?) I was honestly half expecting an enemy village to attack, or explosions to go off, but more likely, just wake up from whatever simulation Bordis had on right now. But no, this, just was. It’s a bit weird, solidiers having a civilian life as well. My heart felt a bit, weird. But in a good way. I couldn’t help a smile- Oh wait, what were they saying?

“Oh! Sorry. It’s been good. I’ve got one thing I’ve been working on mostly, but I don’t think you’d be too interested in that. Hah..” I scratched the back of my head, giving an apologetic look at my partner. Thinking about what might fascinate them, nothing too technical, so high science was out of the way.. I’m certain that they don’t want to hear about his, ahem, adventures in the virtual realm. That and he really should try not to be so obstrusive. “Recently, I’ve just been upgrading some of my old tech, no new developements. What about you? You seem, different. Just a little.”

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My eyes opened at the mention of the chuunin exams, my attention drifting momentarily elsewhere to his own experience with event. Ah, high hopes and burnt dreams, it was a dreadful time. Not even going into detail about the other events that transpired during the exams, or really, the “transition” to Konohagakure afterward. It was a disappointing defeat and a downhill personal journey from there, the failures that littered that particular point in the past were a sensitive topic, but I lightly shook my head dispelling the darkening cloud around my thoughts and smiled. “It’s good to hear that you did well in the exams, as well as your promotion.”

"Speaking of weapons, I was wondering if you'd be up for working with me on a new weapon system I've been thinking up. With your tech prowess, I'm sure we can maybe make it a reality. Also tell me about you're other project. I'm sure you'd be surprised in the things that interest me. As you can likely tell...I'm a bit of an eclectic fellow"

I sweated a little bit at N’Jobu’s interest in his other project, if only he knew the real purpose behind it. Though, they were looking for a new weapons system, that might be an interesting endeavor. “For sure-” I would’ve said more but our waiter appeared before us, asking for our orders. I nodded, letting N’Jobu go first, ordering the chicken katsu. After she jotted down the other ninja’s order she turned to me and politely asked, “What would you like?” I glanced down at the menu for a bit. At first I was completely sure about taking the deku katsudon special, but then sw that they also had a rare weekly special of spaghetti. I was a little torn between the two but ultimately decided on, “I’ll take the Katsudon, and a glass of water please.”

The waiter smiled and thanked the two, promising to be back soon with their orders. I smiled back and nodded, watching momentarily before turning my attention back to the topic at hand. “While I’d love to tell you more about, hah.. that, security protocol and things like that you know?” I shrugged, leaning in a bit closer to N’Jobu, opening my mouth to say something, probably an invitation to see the thing in person; but I thought better on it, and leaned back into my seat. “Though this new weapons systems proposal really does sound interesting. I’m not really sure what you like, but I plotted a few new weapons that might work well with you. Though did you have something particular in mind? Ranged, close up? Something precise, or complicated, maybe..” My mind swirled with possibilities. Weapons are an extension of my mind, as much as a leg is a part of the body. Each one created with a special idea or passion behind it. As he tried to think of what this Aburame might use and enjoy. They said that they got good use of those gauntlets in the exams. Though with the mixed capabilities of that weapon it was hard to tell what kind of style they leaned toward. Or, maybe they were someone who liked to mix up their options, keep them open. There were so many possibilities to work on, but without a clear idea of what to do, the vision became blurred, and it was hard to focus on a concrete blueprint. Hm.. Maybe I'll take them to the machine after all.


598

I listened intently to N’Jobu’s words, mind flying from idea to idea as he spoke, trying to get a figure on exactly what kind of weapon he’d like. While a bit disappointed that the gauntlets didn’t really fit it was also a comfort to find that they helped N’Jobu find exactly how he wanted to handle things. As an archer and long ranged fighter. The utility they were seeking with trick arrows was a smart idea and something that a number of people employed, standard bows and arrows would only get you so far after all. Although, I've have seen the blacksmiths of the Konohagakure, and had to say they were rather advanced for the current age, though perhaps he was lowering his standards after spending so long here. The idea of a arrow replicating quiver was interesting however, and an fascinating idea instantly popped in to mind, though would it be alright to show him? I tried to get N’Jobu’s attention but when he made mention of DISMANTLING THE GAUNTLETS, I instantly shut down and and zoomed in on that fact at the same time. Not quite sure of what to make of that information. The shadows of my face contorted into a mask as I kept up my smiling facade. Barely acknowledging the waitress as she laid down our food in front of us. The delectable scent doing nothing to distract my shock, though as I picked up my knife and sliced a bite, I did have to say, it was delicious.

“Not too bad, though the chicken it has a bit of growing up to do.” I nommed nonchalantly while I chewed through the meal. Occasionally taking a sip of water to wash it down. Finally I brought my gaze to the other ninja, “It sounds like an interesting endeavor, I’ll take it on. However-” Quickly taking another bite of my katsudon, and a gulp of water, I looked back to finish my sentence, “first, I have something to take care of back at my workshop, something that requires your help, specifically. I think you’ll even find it a bit of fun. If you wouldn't mind.” A smile present in my voice, I carefully placed my hand on top of my umbrella’s hilt. Feeling the comfortable metal handling underneath my slightly scarred palms, before returning my focus to the chicken in front of me.

My mind thought back to those security protocols from earlier.

Screw that.



423

I was, enthused, that N’Jobu was open to the request. The promise of future collaboration was a good one, one that I could get behind. As soon as a little, something, was settled out first. “I’d like that.” I smiled. Satisfied with the response, I directed more of my focus to the food, letting the conversation die down for a little bit with the distraction. The workshop, my own private world. A little while after I finished my meal the waitress must have noticed that we had both finished and came over with a sweet smile asking if we’d like any of their offered desserts.

N’Jobu didn’t seem too much in the mood for more food, and neither was I if I were to be honest. So I politely declined with a smile, but before I could ask for the bill the other ninja already covered it. I didn’t make too much of a fuss over it, but silently was pleased that more of the already thin budget wouldn’t have to be spent on lunch. Now I could focus more on the new item designs later on. Once the bill had been properly covered the insectual ninja let known that he was ready to go. Swiftly locating my umbrella I nodded to him and made my way out of the resturant. Although it was a lovely warm day, the harsh rays weren’t something that I wanted to deal with at the moment. So I casually opened up the jet black wings of my weapon to the sky, and let it shield me against the bright sun. Turning behind at N’Jobu I beckoned him to follow. “This way. My shop shouldn’t be too far away.” Just on the opposite side of the village, not too far. Don’t mind the destroyed cabbage stands along the way.

While Kisei would’ve made some small talk, he wasn’t particularly in the mood to humor conversation, but if N’Jobu had an questions along the way he’d do his best to answer them.

When they finally came to view of the weapons shop, I let out a sigh of relief. My feet were aching and the prospect of a nap sounded like a great idea after a full meal, but there was a reason he brought N’Jobu here. “Welcome back Kisei-” A familiar voice called from the counter. Shouto Sumiko. Resident designated uncle, and general manager of the store while I was away. "Hey there. Sorry but you're gonna have to cover for me a little while longer, gotta take this one down." I nodded towards N'Jobu with the back of my head, not pausing as I moved around the clerk desk and towards the staff only room. Beckoning the other ninja to follow behind me. “See ya later.” I waved goodbye to Shouto, not looking to see whether or not N’Jobu was behind me. The staff only room was stocked with a number of generic items and armor pieces, placed on various shelves or hung up on the walls. On the opposite side of the room was a secure titanium-carbon alloy door, locked tight with a vault door wheel, and a padlock added on the side. “I hope you don’t mind the security, I may have gone a little overboard, but what do you do on a free weekend?” I shrugged at N’Jobu, flashing a sly smile.

Placing one hand on the wheel and another on the number pad I began the unlocking sequence. You see, Slowing rotating wheel on the door clockwise, carefully measuring the degrees it turned. The door was a pretty complicating mechanism, inside it was moving a number of sharp gears with precise minutes movements as the wheel turned. The gears would shift along the inner walls of the door as well as go about their own individual revolutions, this would be enough of a lock on it’s own but I wasn’t one to take the easy way out. Instead of leaving everything to the door, and having it function as a basic locker key, I divided the unlocking sequence between the padlock and the wheel. The padlock didn’t actually have a number assigned to it,  not precisely. Instead, it adjusted different blades that would stab out to puch the gears out of the way and add new ones in it’s place. Eventually causing the bolts to slither into their sockets and unlock the door. Though since the gears are always moving, the password changes from moment to moment, per se. I would go into more detail but this beauty of a machine takes too much concentration to split any more of my focus.

After a good thirty seconds the metal door clicked with a metallic thud, and the door finally opened up. I flashed a smile back to N’Jobu to see if he had any questions or comments to add before they continued. Waving a hand in front of him the stair way was lit up with a warm yellow-orange light from built in lights on the top of the hallway. Soft and bright but not too jarring. Just like I loved it. What was immediately apparent was the amount of technology invested into the place. Lines of energy pulsed around the wall, electricity crackling inside the black and gray steel patterns of the wall. The stairs were also metal, though lined with a bit of rubber so people didn’t slip. Hand railing were present though bare and uninteresting. At the command of a soft whistling from my lips, gentle piano music played in the background.

“I’ve done a few renovations to the place since I bought it.” Was all I offered.

When the duo made it to the bottom of the stairs a semi-circular doorway appeared before them, looking as alien and strange as the hallway it watched. Without skipping a beat I walked forward, holding a hand back for N’Jobu to stay where he was. Tapping the side of the wall twice the door opened up, “Adding guest profile, N’Jobu…” I thought for a moment, “Aburame.”

To my surprise, B-ordis popped up, “What kind of secruity pass is he getting Kisei?”

“Genetic plus voice recognition.”

“All settled now, head on in.”

A sort of adrenaline filled my veins, and I cletched my fist a few times to calm my nerves a bit. Giving up I crossed my arms and spun on the back of my heel, turning to face the black haired archer, and his pet, “Welcome to the workshop. Glad we could have you.” I grinned, “Before we go in, any questions?”


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[Exit]