Baazar of the Bizarre

[adero]

OOC: PRIVATE THREAD

The Bazaar of Sand is indeed a strange place one would find themselves. Across the crowded streets, vendors literally litter the pathways, clogging it with congestion, with the shouting of their voices as the beckon to clients and potential customers. Their goods are waved about in the air, of all fancies and sorts. To the left, a hand flings a fish, catching money in the palms of his hands. Several stalls down, an elderly man exhibits a mat laid with various assortments of ivory. Across from him, a mysterious looking old lady with an assortment of facial hairs and warts sits cross-legged, attempted to sell various hexes and amulets, all which seem shoddily hand made.

~Indeed there is no fine line between that which is sold and that which is bought.~

Such a place was to be not seen as of the most interest, but rather of the most oddity. And thus, the feet of our young puppeteer would travel, without goal or sight of his destination ahead. Above and over the horizon, sand kicking beneath his feet, the strange cluster and huddle of people and stalls could be seen. Their voices shouted over the crowd, each one trying to overpower their neighbors as they spoke in various dialects and odd assortments. His eyes would perk as a pale ghastly white hand withdrew itself from the folds of his robes to shade his eyes. The sounds, all were so different, so new, so exotic.

Desire, a natural lingering, urged the lad to go forth, to enter the oddity of frolicking and amassed men and woman who had taken such abnormalities to be the norm. And in he would go, among the masses, among the crowd.

Alas, woe to our young puppeteer, for as he entered among the crowd, his entity would merge into the mass, as if it were being consumed and devoured by an amoeba that destroyed all in its path. Jostled about he would become, eventually being pressed outward and away from the bazaar. And what lay before him? A strange café of sorts, that which seemed above the normality, yet still within reason. Sighing the young puppeteer would shake his head. His crimson red eyes would glance upon the sign briefly before his pale hand pressed against he brazen handles of the building.

A gush of wind would greet upon his face as the doors swung open with the utmost ease. Staring about, the young lad would find himself surrounded by what seemed to be a more refined environment. Glossy wooden tables of a Victorian style and polished chairs lay about, as a bar near the center of the room stood. Upon the ceiling, dozens of fans whirled about, circulating the air which had been cooled by some unknown force. Although such a place seemed quite pleasing, only several people resided within.

Shrugging, heavy footsteps, indicating his weariness would sound, thudding upon the wood which lay beneath him. A hand grasped slowly at the stool, whirling it about as so that he might sit in it. And in doing so, a shoulder placed itself heavily upon the bar. His pale lips would utter several quite words as he resumed to staring about contently in strange amazement.

“Tea please. The strong stuff.”

[Ryoushi, Vulture]

It had been an unsuccessful day of searching for the cloud ninja, and he decided to take a break, at another cafe. After making his way past the chaotic, congested, merchant infested hell hole, that was, just a side street of the city's market district, Ryoushi found himself entering a cafe, so strange in its normality, it stuck out painfully compared to the sights of the street. Deciding on ordering himself some tea, Ryoushi sat at the bar stool next to the phantasmal looking man, whose black hair provided for a great contrass between his skin and hair, that could be spotted miles away.

"Make that two" the young Sakurai said, seconding the other man's order. Studying the ghostly figure next to him, taking on his strange contrasting features, Ryoushi for the hell of it, decided to question the man about the mission Ryoushi was on. "Hey there, my name is Ryoushi, you wouldn't have happened to see any cloud ninja recently, would you?" So far, all of his searching yielded unsuccessful results, and he was beginning to lose hope on accomplishing his mission; to find out about the disappearance of the Raikage and Okami.

[adero]

And so the tea would arrive, the young puppeteer, having sat there for barely a minute would soon be granted the presence of yet another. A lad, barely younger than he himself was, would seat besides him, seconding his order. Tea eh? Indeed, good taste. He would think to himself quietly. His lingering black hair would hinder his eye sight preventing him from fully viewing the one besides him, however it would be of no concern, for the tea had arrived all the more swiftly upon two orders being placed.

The aroma would drift slowly to his nose as he inhaled; the refreshingly intoxicating scents would pleasure the mind and senses as a pale white hand had raised towards the pot, uplifting it and pouring such a heavenly substance into the cup. A hand would extend having been raised, offering the boy a cup. He says nothing as crimson red eyes reveal themselves and stare. Indeed his question was heard, but still not answered. A face of pure delight at the tea, and perhaps transgression of reasonability would show as a smile crept across his face.

Placing the white porcelain teapot back upon the counter, the ghostly pale material and his hand, both which would have seemed to be one had the pot not had flowers painted upon it, would separate giving them two unique entities. The cup would arise towards his lips as he sniffed the aroma once more. Lips parting, a gentle sip would be taken as if savoring the flavors of such a delicious brew. Eyes closed for merely a second, they would reopen and stare at the lad calmly.

“Perhaps, perhaps not. What brings of such questions?”

His eyes, now placed upon the boy would stare a moment longer. Glancing upon the headband which resided in view, his face would remain consistent and delighted, indicating no acknowledgement of the situation.

[Ryoushi, Vulture]

Before the ninja's question could be answered, or even acknowledged, the tea arrived. Next to Ryoushi, the ghostly man would sip his tea, treating is like such the delicacy it was, seeming to take a peculiarly long time enjoying it. The pale skin of this person, seemed to blend with the cup and pot, and if it weren't for the elaborately painted flowers on the surface of them, then Ryoushi wouldn't have been able to draw the distinction between the pale white skin, and the white of the porcelain.

Offering Ryoushi a cup, he happily accepted, muttering a quick "Thanks". As the ninja raised the cup to his lips, slowly taking in the delicate brew, he knew why it seemed the one across from him had taken a strangely long time enjoying the drink. A wonderful brew before them indeed, the tea just seemed to drown out the troubles and stress of his so far unsuccessful mission. It was hot to point of being molten, but the Sakurai didn't care, he hadn't a care in the world, for this heavenly substance's flavor, was pure bliss flowing into him. Before he knew it, Ryoushi had downed the entire cup, all in about 20 seconds, during which he completely forgot about his mission or the person next to him.

Reaching across the surface of the bar, almost greedily, the ninja wrapped his fingers around the grip of the pot, generously refilling his now empty cup. The person across from him finally responded to Ryoushi's question, which took him a few seconds to remember himself. After quickly remembering, and replying, Ryoushi said in a calm, clear voice,

"I come from the village of cloud. I'm investigating the disappearance of the raikage, and his companion. You wouldn't have happened to heard anything would you?" Ryoushi's tone was friendly and inviting, beckoning for the man to reply, to answer all of his questions, to spew out the knowledge he surely had. After all, they say when you have tea with someone, it's the rough equal of being soul mates.

[adero]

Alas, the young shinobi's words seemed to be somewhat comprehended. His hand returning the cup back to the wood infront of him, his head would shake slowly.

"If you speak of the two nin I suppose you speak of, I presume they are dead, for the Sand Nin's number were vast. Now if you excuse me... I must handle some other business."

Standing, the young puppeteer would quickly stride towards the rest room, exiting from a window by some strange urge.

[exit] x.x Brb later.

[Ryoushi, Vulture]

It seemed suddenly, Ryoushi's companion had to go. This saddened the ninja, but he wasn't going to try and stop the man, for he got the information he needed, which meant his work was done. Ryoushi decided he would finish up the tea, and maybe order some extra. Somehow though, Ryoushi figured the kage and Okami were dead, and probably the rest of cloud village knew, but they just needed official confirmation, and the Sakurai now had that confirmation

(Waitin' for heero).

[adero]

Having re-entered through the window, the young lad would swiftly straighten up his attire, and as if nothing had happened, would press his hand against the door. Entering, his crimson red eyes would stare momentarily, noticing the lad whom he had talked to before. Indeed he was still there, so seating himself besides him yet again without speaking, sullen eyes would stare upon the empty tea pot as he finished the remains of his cup.

[👺 Usiel]

The Troubles have come. The time is now. The Feeling of lost and found has come upon those that wish to gaze the knowledge of an epic proportion. The gentle steps could be heard as the Demon of Sand slowly entered before. His min was wondering, pondering, considering of the situation at hand, considering that now was a time for break. A deep breathe was taken within. The warrior of sand would slowly enter, moving within the great bizarre.

There he would stand in his normal like attire. His armor, staying clear, and neat. The armor of a Shogan warrior in a dark red, and blue color form. The Chest plate was red, crimson like that of blood, as the arms and legs were within the color of the deep blue sea. Along his right hand side his Katana and Watakashi would stay closely near, attached to his belt. On the man's back the great sword of the Six Bladed Sword would stay attached against the armor he wore.

His hair, black, lengthly flowing over past his shoulders, reaching mid back. Oriental, eyes covered with dark black goggles that one could not see through. Hands clenched, his right side near his back had his other weapons along as the weapons covered within his body used for concealment.

The warrior would slowly move in through as he took in a deep breathe. There was a small smile upon his face for he felt that the day would be considered, good. "I hope there is more tea." the warrior would say calmly before taking a seat away from all others taking in a deep breathe, sitting down along a bench, placing his weapons behind him, away from everyone else, as a show of respect, for a man of honor does not bring weapons in a place of solitude, a place of tea. However Tea could be dangerous and the warrior knew of it.

Giving out a little nod he just smiled still waiting paitently. There was really no indication that this man was Sand, for he wore no headband. However a smart man would know he was a man of Sand for he was the Kage. This of course would run through those that understood the way of the bingo book. His paitence was strong, his heart beated steadily as he began to observe all around him in a calm setting, waiting, for the tea, waiting for what others would say. His body was alert, but never tense. He was ready to move like water.

[Ryoushi, Vulture]

Calmly sipping the tea, now used to its heavenly taste, Ryoushi simply smiled and nodded when the puppeteer from previously, had returned. "Welcome back" the ninja would mutter calmly, not questioning the sudden disappearance, or even more sudden reappearance, of the person before him. Ryoushi wondered if he should question the ghostly looking figure any more about information regarding the raikage. It had seemed he already had said all he knew, and it would satisfy the new raikage, but at the same time, Ryoushi just felt he hadn't fully done his job yet.

His thoughts were cut short though, for suddenly, a heavily armor clad man entered the building, sitting a few tables away from the pair. While the man wasn't acting out of character at all, coming in, ordering tea, and waiting, he still failed to keep attention away from him, his armor decorating his body, inviting all eyes to take in the elaborately designed armor for the ye candy it was. Although, compared to those outside the building, the armor clad man, wasn't that out of the ordinary. Out of curiosity, the man's high profile, and a bit of intuition, Ryoushi would turn to face this newcomer, and question him.

Clearing his throat, Ryoushi asked with a sincere politeness, "Pardon me sir, but I'm on an investigation, would you have happened to see any cloud ninja recently, in any sort of activity?" His tone was polite, respectful, and showed not even the slightest bit of hostility. If one were confident enough to walk around wearing a suit of armor in such an area, an obvious display of wealth, then they had to be very strong. Ryoushi didn't want to trifle with someone of such strength at all.

[adero]

Alas, there was to be such woe, for with the last sip of his cup, all that remained lie at the very bottom of the Cloud shinobi’s very own cup. A sigh of disappointment would slowly slip past his lips as an utter would be heard, not of rudeness or anything of the sorts, but rather of exhaustion. His eyes would shift upon the door opening. Head not tilting at all, but rather eyes darting about inconspicuously, a man of notable appearance would come into view.

Trying to take no heed of the man as of yet, the young puppeteer would raise his hand, waving it towards the bartender. His voice would be silent and hushed, as words would barely slip past his pale pink lips, sounding once again.

“Bring another pot.”

Waiting silently, he would continue to watch the new stranger while not giving away any signs or indications of his attempts. And what was this? Such a stranger indeed had entered the tavern, for his armor was quite an eye opener. The chest piece would glimmer brightly of a crimson red as he began to take a seat at the bench nearby. Such armor seemed to resemble that of a shogun, however the limbs and extensions seemed to be well covered as well by a dark blue cloth between parts of the armor. Indeed such a warrior would seem to be of sand, for he was quite appropriately dressed for the heat and sun, something Nyzu himself could not say. What intrigued the young lad most however was not the armor, nor the array of swords which were littered upon his belt and his back which had been taken off, but rather of the glasses upon his face. Fanciful they were, and quite stylish if he might add.

No matter, for his tea had arrived, and no sooner had it been placed upon the counter, its intoxicating aroma would sift throughout the building. Sighing to himself, he stared a moment longer at the pot, and standing, pale white hands would grasp upon it, taking it over to the new man who had just entered. Ah, what the hell, he had shared tea today with one complete stranger, might as well make it two eh?

“Care for a drink? My pot is already ready.”

Although it had struck him long ago as to who the man before him was (for having seen such armor before among the dunes of sand where he had spotted the spilem), having seen him once before, his crimson eyes would stare all the more pleasantly giving off no indication of recognition of identity.

[👺 Usiel]

(Shitty ass post, felt rushed, had no motivation)

Sitting along the chair, the warrior began to mind his own business thinking of times of new and old. The moments of battles ran through his head as he took in a deep breathe giving out a little sigh. Then he was suddenly interupted by the man in front. His head cocked some as he looked up towards the man, who suddenly seemed to be that of a Cloud ninja.

The words uttered from the man's lips made the warrior sigh softly. He slowly, gently lifted his hands up taking his goggles, placing them long his forehead freeing his eyes. The warrior would stare out towards the man with his charcol like eyes. He gave a small smile and another sigh as he gently waved towards the seat in front of him.

“Care for a drink? My pot is already ready.” The other man spoke out in the distance.

"Sounds good friend, perhaps after conversing with this young man" he said with a smile, somewhat cheerful for he always felt that tea was the best way to express gratitude and understanding among men. Turning his attention towards the Cloud ninja he gave a little nod in a bow form. "Sir, I advise you to sit down, for this is a story." he said calmly. Depending if the man sat, the young Kage would begin the tale. "I know of who you speak of, Kage Talo of Cloud, and Okami Chuunin of Cloud." he said calmly as he stared forward. "They are passed," he said calmly giving another sigh. "They are now part of the desert." he continued staring at the young man never taking his eyes off of the man as his hands stayed together in front of him along the table. "Reasons be is because there was an insident at a village within Wind Country. We had forces there making sure that the village was to be safe, however they attacked our forces. Sand had to retaliate to ensure that the village would be safe." he said finishing up.

He then waited calmly, waiting for the y oung man's mind to take in all of the information. "We are sorry what was happened, but we did not know who the two Cloud Ninjas were till it was to late." He then gently placed his hands against the table as he stared still, not in a death like manner, or tryiing to show hostility, however he was pure and true in what he was saying. "If you have harsh words towards me it is fine, for I am the reason of their falling. If you wish to take your revenge, then you may try outside. Battle in a Tea House creates sour tea, and a true warrior of honor never fights in a place of solitude." he said calmly and surely, making sure not to hesitate, taking each word into consideration. Heero knew the outcomes, and he was ready for any types of problems may occur, however he did not wish to fight, and he still did not show any hostitlity. He however showed remorse.

[Ryoushi, Vulture]

The older wizened man before Ryoushi seemed to grow weary and upset at Ryoushi's mention of the raikage. He calmly advised the cloud ninja to take a seat, to which Ryoushi complied, sitting across from the kage. It was almost cliche', bad news always followed when a person had said that. Ryoushi already knew some of the bad news from his other fellow tea drinker, but it seemed there was another half of the story, that Ryoushi had not heard yet. Putting on a serious, emotionless face, the cloud genin prepared to listen to what the fellow shinobi had to say.

The first statement out of the kage's mouth proved he knew much more then the ghostly puppeteer. Perhaps it was how Heero had said it, the way he drew it out, and truly treated it like the tragedy it was for cloud, but something about the way Heero had delivered the statement, just made it much more depressing to hear. Perhaps it was the reminder of Okami, once Ryoushi's friend and comrade, who had once valiantly fought with Ryoushi. Or of course, the former Raikage, who would give his life for any cloud ninja, to see the village thrive, being reminded of the pair in such a manner, almost brought tears to the young ninja, for now he truly realized they were gone.

As the man continued, Ryoushi realized this had to be the Kazekage, for he spoke as if he had lead the troops that patrolled sand. This was confirmed when he said it was himself, that had killed them. For a moment, it almost enraged Ryoushi to think that he was sitting across from the kage, drinking tea with the very man who killed the Raikage, and a chunin of cloud, once Ryoushi's friend, but this wave of anger quickly passed. Not only was it foolish, but furthermore, according to this person, they had attacked first. It was hard to believe at first, but the more and more Ryoushi thought about it, the more likely it seemed,

Talo had left the village, giving very little detail as to where he was going, or what his purpose was. When Ryoushi had met Okami out of the village, Okami was plundering treasure from an ancient temple. It became disheartening, almost a slap to the face to accept, but within moments, Ryoushi realized the dark intentions behind the pair. Obviously, Ryoushi would have to question further, for the Kazekage did not seem to be hiding anything, and seemed willing to share. After regaining composure, Ryoushi spoke politely to his superior.

"I see. Anyone would've done the same, if one of their own was attacked unprovoked. And now that I think about it, there very well could've been evil intentions behind their actions. While they were acting independently, they were still representing Cloud. So I formerly, on behalf of Kumogakure, apologize for the actions that our former Raikage, Talo, and chunin, Okami have done. You obviously speak the truth as it adds up with the facts already known. I have nothing ill to say to you, but instead, once again on behalf of the Village hidden in Cloud, thank you." his next words were daring, and for a moment, almost hurt to say, but were true, "I think if I told our new Raikage this, he too would thank you, for such selfish actions taken on the behalf of those two ninja would not be tolerated. Once again, I apologize for their behavior. I hope we can put this whole ordeal behind us."

Looking down for a moment, to really take in what he just said, and what he had just been told, Ryoushi found himself deeply upset that a fellow cloud ninja would do such a despicable act. though, because he was with a superior, a kage for that matter, he would try his best not to let what he felt show, instead he tried to remain professional, and stay on task. Perhaps the villages of Cloud and Sand could come away from this as allies, as brothers. Who knew?

Sitting back in his seat a little, Ryoushi was glad to see that his tea had arrived, not that it mattered though, for the Ghostly puppeteer had decided to generously share his own. Pouring himself a cup of his own tea, Ryoushi said to Kazekage, extending his hand for formal introduction, "By the way, my name is Ryoushi Sakurai, genin of Cloud". He hoped that his status of genin wouldn't make the kage before him have any less of an opinion of him.

[adero]

Silence would be his best weapon, for here before him, sitting upon the same chairs, merely meters in front, two enemies lay. To his left, a young cloud shinobi, one of the village which he had forever forsaken, not of current reasons, but rather of his past. To the right however remained the seemingly aged old man, who although had not done him harm as of yet, had more than proven his violent nature as recalled by the puppeteer’s memory. Pale white fingers would slowly grasp about his porcelain cup’s handle as he gripped it with an all the more tightening fist. His mind, lingering back to the time before, amongst the sand as he watched the giant behemoth or rather monstrosity rise up from the dunes, would imagine and re-enact the assault upon the two cloud shinobi, the act remaining in his mind. Indeed this man was dangerous, but to what extent?

And with this new tactic, his pale ghastly white hands would rise the cup to his pink lips. Upon sniffing slowly one to inhale the aroma, the liquid would pass through his lips, traveling down his throat. A smile would creep across his face indicating utmost pleasure as he set the cup down once again to hear the two shinobi’s stories. Of the sand shinobi, whom he had seen earlier in the dunes, his tale would sound familiar, yet inaccurate. For had Nyzu not seem him strike first with his very own crimson eyes? No matter, for his face would remain calm, as if clueless and merely enjoying such a tale with grim remorse. His eyes would carefully keep watch upon the Cloud shinobi’s expressions as he guarded himself with a cool calm disposition.

Indeed it seemed that the story had passed, and with it, the young lad would quickly apologize for his village, for their actions, and for their selfish nin. Accurate as it had sounded, for the brief moment Nyzu had known the young Talo, his eyes would perk with subtle realization that he had become kage. Such a disgrace it was, painfully ringing within his ears, for had he not seen the youth behave so disgustingly at the exams, as to question a proctor? Distaste would fill his mouth as he attempted to retain the tea, hopefully not ruining that of his companions’ as well.

No longer desiring for tea, the cup would sit there motionless. Alas, such reminiscent memories, alas such painful thoughts, all suppressed only by the fickle mistress time herself, would be yet again brought up. No matter, for emotions would remain hidden. Inconvenient would it be now had they arisen. His mind would remain heavily focused upon these next few words as he lay reclined in the chair as if without a care. Listening to the name of the boy, indication of acknowledgement would arise.

Indeed he is respectful. Not like that one. A bitter emphasis upon that would be placed in his mind as such a thought would cross, referring to Talo.

[👺 Usiel]

Hearing the words the young man's eyes would glance back towards the other ahead a few times here and there and back to the one he was speaking. There was something odd about this and he just shrugged it off for he did not feel any type of anger, or danger within or around him. Giving out a little nod here and there he nodded some listening to the words of the young man. "Understood" he said calmly as he waited still for his tea, for it still has not come, but how would one expect something come so quickly.

"Well, iit is quite alright. The People of Sand has an understanding towards the accomplishments of the world. We feel that if we are engaged during a mission then it is fine for casualties will always be a problem in our world." he said calmly slowly straightening his back, placing his hands together in front of him along the table. "I as a protector of Sand had to do what I felt would be the correct actions to keep my people safe, especially since it was in our own country." he continued staring at the young man giving a few blinks here and there as he smiled some.

"I hope we do not have ill malice towards one another. I however can say that we did see a ninja of yours, someone who was missing not to long ago...however he is gone now...vanished within the sands." he said calmly speaking about really one of his own people. "He went by the one known as Koori, it would be wise to strike him from the books of bingo." he said calmly as he straightened his throat some. The warrior did not know however that Koori was a respected sand member. One who took his life however, perhaps it was because of the presure of being persuded by others, by those of Cloud. It was sad for Heero did admire the man. He did somethign that was the start of a great ambition of sand. The knowledge and study of power, knowledge, and to track that of one's history.

That was when the young warrior realized that he had to go off and find out about that damn shield that Koori went to try to hunt, but now was not the time. "Thank you, for not attacking," he said calmly as he had taken a deep breahte releasing his own hands as he glanced towards the young man ahead. "I would be delighted to join you for some tea." he said calmly as he turned his head back towards the Cloud Ninja. "My name, is Heero Kazume of the Sand Village. Nidaime KazeKage, one who is called the Demon of the Sands." he said calmly giving a little bow acknowledging the name in which was given to him.

[Ryoushi, Vulture]

After hearing further elaboration as to why he had done why Heero had done what he had, Ryoushi nodded, understanding completely. There's was just one bit he needed for his report for the Raikage, and then the entire mystery would be solved. "Would you happen to know why Talo and Okami attacked one of your forces? I'm not questioning that they did, I just simply wish to know if you knew their motive at all." His tone was polite and sincere as he asked Heero. After which, he would calmly raise his cup of tea, slowly bringing the brew to his lips, sipping at it lightly, enjoying the flavor.

It seemed Ryoushi's intuition was right. It was none other then the kazekage before him. It was almost honoring to be near such a presence. It was even more flattering, when Heero had modestly thanked him for not attacking. Slightly shocked at this, Ryoushi calmly responded, "As I said, I have no hostile intentions, in fact quite the opposite. Perhaps the two villages of Sand and Cloud can become allies, as Cloud ninja are not like those two that you had to kill. We are proud, and our Shinobi have honor. Obviously, from what you say, Sand ninja possess these same virtues, so what are our villages, but two of the same birds, of a different flock?" The ninja said, ending with some metaphor he had heard somewhere and liked, always remembering it.

What was more interesting, was that a missing ninja of Cloud had been seen by Sand sometime back. Ryoushi didn't pay attention to such things usually, for that was the kage's business, but Ryoushi would have to remember to bring that up, his death included. It was sad to hear of suicide, especially from a former comrade, but the pressures of the shinobi world were great, and some simply cannot handle the pressure. A sad thing indeed.

Pausing for a few moments, the genin realized he completely forgot the company of the ghostly man, Nyzu. His mysterious silent nature was eerily complementing to his ghostly appearance. As he looked over to confirm in fact, that he was still there, he noticed he wasn't drinking his tea. It seemed odd, for he seemed in love with it, just seconds earlier. Speaking up, a slight tone of concern in his voice, Ryoushi asked him "Something wrong?"

[adero]

Such train of thought would occupy the young shinobi as he sat there contemplating. His eyes would longingly gaze upon his tea as it would begin to cool, its cool waters would gently settle as tea leaves would begin to float about, dancing among the heavenly waters which he had once loved so. Troubled was his mind, however his face would show nothing, rather it would show a blank expression of nothingness which may be misinterpreted as boredom. Truly however he despised his company, for the cloud shinobi before him continued to speak. His words, although seemingly genuine, were oh so typical, oh so expected. Surely he wouldn’t dare speak out against the actions of Sand, with or without the truth. To do such would be blasphemy.

Alas, his train of thought was to be interrupted upon hearing the man speak once more. His voice would be shortened, as if lacking air from his previous entailment of the story before. Indeed he had accepted his offering of tea, and having been slightly dazed from words directed at him, the young puppeteer’s head would nod sharply, as if shocked or surprised. Black flowing hair would gently brush away from his face as he would nod and smile. Pale white hands remained extended, offering the teapot which still remained quite very hot from the tea inside as he began to return to reality. Such words following however would only further trouble his mind, melding that which he had contemplated in thought, to that of reality.

Kage eh? Indeed it would seem for such to be true. Such strength… such power… His mind would linger upon these last words as the image of the giant sand behemoth, its towering figure, would remain imprinted upon his mind. Sand was truly a formidable force. His attention however would be robbed as the cloud shinobi spoke to him, it seems that Nyzu’s silence was quite overdue and had gained suspicion. His pale white face turning, crimson red eyes would meet the one addressing him as a smile would creep across his face in an eerie manner. “No, nothing… My tea was cold, twas my only gripe.” Allowing for the now known kage to pour his own tea, he would patiently wait as to grasp the pot once replaced as to fill his very own cup.

His head would revert back to the armor clad shinobi.

“Tis a sad story indeed no? Sad enough to cause one to lose their stomach, even over such wondrous substance, as if a demon of the sands, or rather a titan, a behemoth, had struck my very own thirst from the gullet.”

[👺 Usiel]

Looking at the Cloud Ninja in front of him made him nod here and there as he thought of the question for a brief moment. "When..." he said calmly taking in a deep breathe as he slowly looked down recapping the situation that had occurred. "When one of my subordinates, one of the members of Sand entered, he spoke of the situation. From my guess it was because something was or may have been valuable within the situation." he said calmly leaving out deep details of the situation that had happened.

His vision would slowly sore towards the other man as the Cloud Ninja had spoken of some sort of peace. He stared at the other man up and down some as he narrowed his eyes slightly giving out a small smile acknowledging the man. "Well, the problem with that type of solution or really prospect of a friendship between our Village and yours is well...your Kage was involved" he said staring at the young man sitting before him. His words were true, not malice, somewhat stern, but polite none the less. "It is hard to fabricate a bridge of trust when the tools were poorly manufactured" he continued calmly taking in a deep breathe as he sighed softly, really speaking about how making an alliance would be difficult for when the Kage is involved then a situation such as that could be greatly corruptable. "The situation as I see it is this, we do not trust you, we are not sure what else you will do, so our defenses are currently up." he said calmly as he gave a little bow.

Turning his head back he would hear the young Cloud ninja asking if something was wrong. Cocking his head to the left the Kage of Sand began to hear what the young man was speaking. Giving out another little nod he turned his attention back towards Ryoushi.

"Sir," he said calmly. "I don't remember me stating exactly what killed them, or what we encountered in the situation of the Cloud Kage and their Ninja's dimise." he said calmly slowly turning towards the young Adero. "I know I did not, so how does it seem you know all of the information stated."

[Ryoushi, Vulture]

Before Nyzu answered the cloud shinobi's question, he seemed to still be in his own thoughts for several moments. Perhaps something was troubling him? It seemed mysterious. There was a moment where Ryoushi realized the conversation seemed to go down the wrong path, for when Nyzu had replied finally, he had obviously dropped a hint. "as if a demon of the sands, or rather a titan, a behemoth, had struck my very own thirst from the gullet" Thinking about what it could mean, the ninja raised his cup to his lips, this time, taking a much longer sip.

Heero then answered Ryoushi with a less then desirable answer. OF course Sand would be reluctant to befriend Cloud, but Talo and Okami acted on their own selfish wills, not that of the village. He would have to make this clear. "Heero..." Ryoushi calmly began. "Like I said before, the Cloud ninja are nothing like those that you had to kill. Any cloud ninja would agree in a heartbeat, from what you say, was completely wrong to do. And yes, he was our Kage, but a disgraceful, unhonorable one at that. That ordeal was a private affair of his, and he didn't even tell the village why he left, before going to this village, in pursuit of this valuable thing. If my village had found out what Talo and Okami have done, we would've imprisoned them, and made a much more official apology. But, this isn't the case, and we're just finding out now. I understand, your ninja were attacked by ours, but realize, while they wore Cloud headbands, they stood for nothing of Cloud's values. Thus, try and think of it as them having nothing to do with our village.."

Taking in a deep breath, then taking another long sip at his tea, Ryoushi sighed, hoping Heero would see it his way. But at the same time, that hint that Nyzu had dropped... It obviously meant something important. This was confirmed when Heero had answered him, saying he hadn't said how they were killed. While Nyzu had dropped a subtle hint, Heero had answered as if Nyzu had blatantly said they were killed with a behemoth of sorts. However, more questions were raised, when Heero questioned Nyzu's information. Obviously, the ghostly puppeteer knew more then he had originally told Ryoushi.

((Sorry, I've got some minor WB going on))

[adero]

His pale white face would slowly turn to the kage before him, the one known as Heero. Crimson red eyes would gaze upon the armor, the splendid armor which he wore, and slowly with progression, would finally rest upon his face as he stared intently. Silence would ensue for an awkward moment, not an eternity of suffering where one contemplates what to say, but rather a split second, in which even the most ignorant of people would be able to comprehend, one suggesting the tensions suddenly emitted into the room. A smirk would cross his face as Nyzu’s pale lips would spread, opening themselves to reveal white teeth as he laughed. His voice would indicate no fear, no worries nor lack of doubt at what had been said, for with composure having been regained, the lad would look back up with his breath returned.

“Indeed if I may say, it seems that I have been misunderstood no? Twas merely a lament of my lack of thirst, for it seems that upon hearing both encounters, the search and the death of the same two lads, I have lost all desire for such morsels.”

A pale crimson hand would wave in the air freely, dismissing any thoughts that would have been implied by the kage’s last few words. Leaning upon his knee, a hand pressed upon his leg, he would however ensue for more details, for alas, his curiosity had caught the best of him, or had it?

“But indeed sir, or shall I say Kazume, does that fit you well enough? What comes across your mind such that innocent eloquence provokes such accusations?”

With such a shift in subject, his eyes would resume their gaze, reverting upon the tea pot itself. Head not shifting, but rather looking straight forward still, his voice would continue to utter sounds as he addressed yet another issue lingering about.

“And you young lad, though not much younger of age than I, what deems it right that such wondrous tea, compliments of myself, are to be spoiled with what seems to be a desperate plea for peace? The man here before us has most graciously explained what has occurred, and although the idea is… might I dare say… intriguing, an alliance of sand and of cloud, has been denied. Not to sound rude, but might I ask, might I pose such a question myself? Whether or not cloud is ready for an alliance, whether their kages, their corruption, all have been vanquished, does it seem fit for any nation to ally with them? For are you not groveling here before us yourself, attempting to regain peace, lacking dignity, respect, and all other signs of pride?”

He would grow silent yet again as he shook his head. Regaining composure from his words, his little soliloquy which he had just endured, and with such calm thoughts once again retained, his eyes would stare at the young cloud shinobi with a deathly stare, one not seen by the kage himself at the angle at which he sat. A smile would yet again resume upon his face as he spoke several final few words.

“A thousand pardons, where are my manners? This is nothing to lament over, for is it not merely tea?”

[adero]

OOC: Double post. Pardoned to leave atm

His eyes would stare about sullenly, as he continued to find yet another source of entertainment as to break the awkward silence. Long had it been since he dare speak such haughty words, such words that had openly expressed his now growing and bitter intent towards those of cloud. No matter, for a stack of books lay to the side and with it, his pale white hands would reach outwards towards it. Taking the first article in his grasp, the young puppeteer would nonchalantly flip through the pages, suddenly stopping and gazing upon a certain name.

For indeed this was no ordinary book, it was a Bingo Book. His eyes would widen as a smirk of pleasure crossed his face, and with that, he would stand, bowing slightly, and taking his leave.

[exit]