Urban Espionage [Private Mission]

[Claws of the Tundra]

Mission Document

Name: Hide and Seek
Rank: "B"
IIC Length: ---
Difficulty: Moderate
Objective: Thanks to the intel gathered by a successful AnBu operation, it has been learned that an established militia group known as the I.B.U, are planning on illegally selling high grade weaponry, and information to any willing buyers. The locations of these hotspots where such things are being placed are hidden, and thus are to be disclosed to selected brokers under the disguise of a conference in a building within the nearby capital city of Yuki no Kuni. Yukigakure ninja are to infiltrate, and acquire such information for the good of the entire region. A map, and other supplies will be given in a kit along with the mission to be used whenever necessary. Stealth and espionage are advised.
Reward: 50,000 Ryo

w/ Defiant

---

They were to meet at the gates, therefore once ready the Yukikage acting as a normal Yukigakure kunoichi would be on her way there immediately. Its been a long time since she has done anything this serious out in the field so a lot of nervousness was building up. Luckily her time in the wild has given her a general instincts for such things. Which means she is decently prepared for what is very much a stealthy spy mission.


For this mission she stuck to the gear she has become familiar with. Dressed openly with sleek clothing that minimizes the amount of drag, and resistance. A simple teal colored crop top, with strong thick black straps was all she had for upper wear. Her abdomen may be exposed, but her "skin" alone is camouflage for the winter snow, but in a city setting it stands out. Thus the rest of her body, such as her arms and legs were filtered out by black forearm gloves, sports tape wrap, black leggings, and standard ninja grade sandals.

Although the cold climate hardly bothers her, she had a dark blue jacket tied around her hips as well, in case they need to blend in with the shadows. However her incredibly long white hair still messes with that. Its moments like these that make Kahimi remember why she wasn't the best at stealth work during her academy years.

Visual of Outfit (Right)

SPOILER: Click to show

Though where she lacks in that, she has in out right force. The Yukikage wasn't shy of weaponry and equipment. Besides her village headband being tied snuggly around her forehead, Kahimi also brought along her old shorts word from home. No dogs with her either. Though she did think to break some other tools, such as kunai knives, shuriken, tags of varying types, wire, and of course various pouches and holders to carry it all in. Plenty of weapons to use. Though she hopes not to have to. Still everything was in place, and with that sword neatly fastened horizontally across her lower back she felt a bit more safe too. Though she still has to learn to use it better...


Either way Kahimi was ready to go out into the field. She informed the guards and everyone else to treat her like a normal ninja when they see her, and for AnBU to vigilant on the chatter going on in Yomazu incase anything happens. However as by all means this mission was just between her and her new partner. By the looks of it once she reached the gates she'd officially be the first to arrive. Knowing this Kahimi would take the opportunity to relax a little. Sitting on top of a big box near the tall fortified wall of the gates. All five of the guards on duty at the moment minding their business though noting that the Yukikage showed up for departure on her mission. Now all that remained was for the other white haired maiden to show up.

[Defiant]

Idle fingers drummed against the stock of a Heavy Crossbow. Thick locks of snow white hair bounced gaily with each stride the woman took. Her right hand was stuffed into her pants pocket, and she walked with an air of absolute confidence, an air not unearned, but possibly not deserved. She was dressed casually, as normal, with a long sleeved white shirt with a very wide and deep cut neck, held together with loosely tied laces that revealed a generous amount of cleavage. She wore her near elbow length, soft leather gloves that end in an orange flair, lined with blue and fastened with gold buckles. Around her waist, she wore a thick leather tactical belt, equipped with spaces to attach pouches. The spaces that weren't in use looked like jewels centered in silvery metal. The pouches contained caltrops, and a few marbles. Her pants were lined on the inside with short fur to keep her legs warm, and were studded together with dull bronze caps that round down her thighs and crossed her knees. Her boots were of a similar bright orange to the edges of her gloves, but they gradually darkened, both in style and from use, closer to the heel of the boot. The boots themselves had heels that made her appear almost 2 inches taller than she was. She wears her weapons casually, using an orange silk sash to tie her Katana, Wakizashi, and Tanto, loosely around her hips. A length of climbing rope is looped multiple times around her torso, sitting between her breasts, and her beloved crossbow dangled freely from it, at a position for her left hand to grab it easily. She wore a tactical vest, one with fur around the top of the collar to add a small bit of extra warmth. In the breast pockets of the vest were a flashlight, compass and multi tool. The vest itself is a deep, earthy green. She also brought her 'gauntlets' as well, however they're more like the skeleton of one that overlaps with the gloves she commonly wears. It braces her forearms right up to the flair, and the backs of her hands and knuckles were similarly protected. Her fingers could move freely, and she preferred that even if it afforded a lack of safety for them. "Yoo!" She called with a wave to Kahimi once the woman came into view. Gwyn's infectious smile was on her face again the moment her blue eyed companion came into sight, and the woman didn't even realize. With a few skips and a hop, Gwyn got up to speed to launch herself in one agile leap up to Kahimi's side. "I'm ready when you are." Gwyn stated confidently as her left hand went down to her waist and played with the metal of the headband that was hidden behind the silk wrapping. "Crossbow's fully loaded and I'm fully rested."

[Claws of the Tundra]

In the process of waiting for her partner, Kahimi took to distracting herself with minor maintenance. Out of all times to unnecessarily about her appearance, she chose the very moment she already went out to go on a mission. One where its a primary goal to remain unseen in the first place. Really its that nervousness getting to her again. Her self-esteem issues were getting in the way now that she realized that she was leading this mission.

Gwyn herself has stated that she needed help, due to past mistakes. So with the order of operations playing its part is pretty obvious that Gwyn is looking forward to getting through this mission without many hiccups. Something this serious requires decent planning and leadership let alone solid teamwork. That kind of thing Kahimi can surely do, but...history gives being the one to lead a pack a bittersweet taste.

Her choices in her younger years left some nasty scars mentally more than anything. Though sitting her twiddling her thumbs about it wasn't going to get her anywhere. She knew that better than anyone could possibly tell her. That still didn't keep her trying to tidy up more while sitting on the storage box waiting for Gwyn to show up at anytime.

Simple things like marking sure her hair looked nice, nails were clean, and yes even hoping her outfit made her look cute. Out of all things the stoic, rebellious woman known as Kahimi could begin to give thought. A cute outfit is one of the last. For that reason alone she would blame her mother despite not knowing her at all really. Mainly because her father often liked to compare Kahimi's lack of self care to the very quotable description of a: Strong, gorgeous, and outrageously well mannered woman with hair from the heavens. often. The Yukikage's dad really was a slick guy with words sometimes. She had to develop her sassy quips from someone...

All of that aside the time finally came for both Kahimi and Gwynevir to reunite. The verbal announcement Gwyn made easily caught the Inuzuka's attention. Her eyes immediately fixating on the woman's face as she showed up in what Kahimi could only assume is a good mood. Nevertheless Kahimi could internally acknowledge Gwyn's own attractiveness this time.

She didn't notice it much before because of where he mind was at, but now that she didn't have such distractions she couldn't help herself from getting excited to see her. She was very pretty and that smile could probably kill a man if she wanted to. With all that considered Kahimi is now afraid to see how attractive Gwynevir is in something much more...revealing to put it simply.


Curious fantasies aside, Kahimi greeted her friend kindly. Now sharing the space on top of the box with her partner whom definitely seemed as ready to go as she claims to be. That level of confidence is something Kahimi has not problems enviously wishing she could have more often, but for now she could settle with letting Gwyn be confident on her behalf. With these ideas finalized there was nothing left, but to get things going forward with their mission.

"Sounds great to me." she would say before smoothly pushing herself off the box, naturally landing on her feet. With a calm pivot of her body she'd raise her right hand openly towards Gwyn; kindly offering it as of means of helping her down even though she knew she didn't need it. Once her partner came back down with her whether she took her hand or not, Kahimi would smile in her usual cute and reassuring way before speaking again.

"Right we have a bit or travelling to do before we reach Yomazu so we should get ahead of time while we can. We wanna be ready for that meeting before it starts. We won't have the luxury of transportation so we will need to use some fast routes. I'll lead from here. I know a few shortcuts too so stay on my tail." she'd explain before pausing to get Gwyn's take on the subject. Though once everything was for sure set to go, Kahimi would take it upon herself to initiate he first move in walking towards the big gate.

Once the two of them were clear of the village gate, the guards would close it up again. From here onward the two women were on their own. Kahimi had enough faith to believe they could get this done, so she would make it her personal mission to see to it that they do. With Gwyn accompanying her this was going to be fun along the way too.

[Claws of the Tundra]

The trail up ahead, didn't have too much in the way of the two ninja passing through. Numerous trails were carved into the blank canvas of land that they all have learned to respect, and know to pay attention to for one reason or another.

With Kahimi leading their trip, she aimed to make sure she and Gwyn arrive at Yomazu with time to spare, and while undetected. This is a spy mission so she anticipated loud options to be futile in this case. At least by means of NOT drawing attention. Now wasn't the time for pondering about plans though. Instead it was time to keep focus on the path ahead.

Kahimi would keep a steady yet quick pace while the duo's taken path leads into a nearby setting of a pine forest. Her strong legs constantly moving with precise movements to avoid having to fight the packed weight of the snow on the ground. This strength shown more so by her calves, rear, and thighs which were one of the most shapely and firm things on the Inuzuka's figure besides her biceps.

Yet despite her abrasive nature this is the most "graceful" and "effortless" time she could be. Reason being her body had been sculpted to be able to handle nature's terrain in almost anyway it needs to thanks to her father's strict training. None of it was built just for show, although admittedly the work did do a good job in making Kahimi look good which some seem so open to notice these days.

Beyond that the atmosphere also seemed calm and graceful so far. By the looks of it the sky daytime sun wouldn't last long by the time they get to Yomazu so depending future events the two women may need to acquire some sort of shelter. For now though they should be clear to do as they please. Right now the Inuzuka didn't want to worry about what they'd have to do. Instead she wanted to enjoy the freedom of free space, and nobody trying to tug her around simply because she is the kage. Her demeanor may not be showing it yet, but she was just as excited as Gwynevir. Being out in nature again does that to her...

The thin wooded pine tress reached up tall, and in a plethora of numbers all around them. If they weren't knowledgeable it could be easy to run in circles around here. Knowing this Kahimi would keep her senses focused in on the background noises all around her. Particularly for the sound of Gwyn's feet crunching in on the snow from each step.

Her chakra always flourishing to let the winds even if they remain still guide her intuition. Something Scirocco tend to do when they are worried, seeking guidance, or in this case both. The forest can be scary for some people who aren't familiar with such surroundings especially out in cold weather. Kahimi knows that fear all too well. Not anymore though.

This is why at some point during their trip so far she'd look at Gwyn, and smile genuinely as she was glad to have her here. Hoping that she was feeling okay still. Within an hour they'd exit the forest grounds and reach the mountain section of their trip. Its here that Kahimi would pause for a moment to speak if Gwyn hadn't already sparked conversation already.

"This will be where we take some shortcuts. The mountain pass is naturally a little troublesome, but if we play out cards right then we can get through this section just as quickly as the forest. After that its a practically a straight shot to Yomazu. Do you have any questions or anything you'd like to talk about?" she'd ask kindly while tilting her head to the side with her hands on her hips a little curious as to what might be going through Gwynevir's mind at the moment.

[Defiant]

Gwyn took Kahimi's hand and gracefully leaped down next to her. The woman nodded along with Kahimi's explanation of their travel plans, and she tried not to let her smile slip as she heard the fact that they were to be traveling to Yozamu on foot. Gwyn did not like the 'Great Outdoors'. She was a city girl born and raised, and definitely fared best in urban environments. "Fast routes, eh? Well the faster the better," she chuckled. Internally, however, she was once again cursing her luck; of course they'd have to go on foot. Once they departed, Gwyn was mostly silent for the trip. She let out the occasional grunt from the exertion of energy, but she did her best to not start whining about the length of their trip. Her best, however, wasn't good enough. It wasn't long into their journey that Gwyn's face was a full on scowl and she was thankful to be behind Kahimi. She cursed under her breath when her errant movements knocked snow from a branch onto her head, or when she found herself stumbling over objects hidden from sight. She was envious of how surely Kahimi's footing was, and how easily she made moving through this country was to her. "Ugh, god damn it," Gwyn would mutter under her breath as they traveled, probably not loud enough for Kahimi to hear. As they traveled though, Gwyn's efforts to hide her disdain for the outdoors began to waver. "This is such a... Ugh I just want to..." Gwyn was really not used to being out in the wilds. She knew her country just as well as any other Yuki native, knew how hostile and unforgiving it was, and knew that she never liked any of it's blistering cold or unrelenting dangers. She was on edge while she was so out in the open, and even though she knew that there was no one following them, her eyes kept darting around from shadow to shadow, seeking out hidden enemies. Everywhere to her was a prime place to be ambushed, and she hated feeling so out of her element. "Probably not much more troublesome than the rest of this God-forsaken country," she grumbled sourly in response to Kahimi's statement once they reached the mountain pass, irritation obvious in her voice and on her face. "Let's take a carriage back, yea? Yea." Gwyn would sigh deeply and shake her head before issuing an apology. "Sorry. I just...I'm not really 'outdoorsy'. I'm a city girl and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Yozamu, born and raised, " she regarded her companion with a suddenly curious expression. "You though, you're a natural. Where'd you grow up?"

[Claws of the Tundra]

The tundra landscapes of Yuki no Kuni tend to not be the most forgiving of places to travel through, especially not on foot. As much as she can enjoy the outdoors, Kahimi definitely wouldn't recommend any field trips out in weather like this. So she could excuse Gwynevir for being somewhat fed up with the discomfort of treading through pathways they have taken so far. Kahimi couldn't keep a bit of a small smile from curling up upon her lips as she looked at Gwyn's facial expressions and heard her less than pleased tone. It reminded Kahimi of some distinct memories that she hasn't thought about in a while.

She didn't take any offense to Gwynevir's attitude towards the outdoors. In fact she entirely understood it even without being a 'city girl'. Which brings her to the question at hand. Kahimi didn't answer right away. Taking a moment to look away from Gwynevir and out towards the path ahead. Her mind moving along for a second or two before she turned her focus back towards the fellow kunoichi to answer her directly.

Her tone was calm, but a little soft. Almost as if talking about herself, brought a bit of discomfort to her. "I was more or less raised out here. Village streets and urban life isn't exactly foreign to me, but the lifestyle as well as structure of towns and cities makes me uncomfortable sometimes.

I don't like feeling railroaded into acting a certain way. I find its easier to get lost in time when everything is the same and routine oriented. So even though its not much, I do enjoy it out here.

Its not like this country has a whole lot of beauty to it, but...sometimes the snow grows on you when you clear your head from the drama of shinobi life. Or maybe thats just life in general you know? Eh...sorry...I'm rambling lets keep going. Yomazu isn't too far." After speaking she'd start making her way along the shortcut through the small mountain range. Her demeanor more or less becoming the same as earlier albeit she was moving quicker than before.

Kahimi would make sure to keep Gwyn nearby if need be. Taking the role of guide seriously until they exited the mountains within the next set of minutes. From where they were the forest they traveled through would be a thing of the past. Standing on top of a rocky hilltop which allowed for a clear view of the large city of Yomazu that was off in the distance. the terrain here was nothing, but smooth landscape of snow and some general hills here and there. Cutting through the main roads was the plan Kahimi had in mind. It may take some time, but they'd get their as promised. A straight shot. All they'd need is to endure the travel a little longer. That is if Gwynevir still had it in her to keep going...

[Timeskip Here]

With minimal struggle and toil during the rest of that tedious trip, the two women should manage reach the the border line of Yomazu. The many entry gates allowed for them to pick and choose where to come in from. Although with time in mind, it would be best to take a break before carrying on with this mission. Kahimi didn't want to push things further than she needed to honestly. So with that said she'd turn to face Gwynevir, wherever she may be and propose an idea.

"Hm..the winds are still quiet...lets find an inn to settle in, and plan our stake out. The sun is still hanging around, so luckily we won't have to act until it hits evening. On second thought...are you hungry? I brought some money with me so I'll buy." she'd say with a rather genuine look on her face, hoping Gwynevir didn't hate her for all the walking.

[Defiant]

"That's...Hm." Gwyn thought about the young woman's words. They rolled around in her head, bouncing off of Gwyn's values, and she somehow found Kahimi's words both resonated with her, and completely baffled her simultaneously. To her, it suddenly seemed like the two women had more in common than just fabulous hair. 'Complementing morals, maybe?' Gwyn suddenly wanted to ask her about how she felt about ninjas as a whole. How she really felt about their work and how they were all forced to be this one thing and how it was, more often than not, for life. This suddenly turned into a cascade of novel thoughts of the two of them freeing ninjas from being bound to Kages and their dogmas. But that's all they were; just thoughts without lasting form or true substance. She closed her eyes and sighed the thoughts away then reopened them to regard the pristine snow that they were currently trudging through. She looked down the path that they were headed, looked behind her at the path they had come, and looked all around them at the blistering white, untouched snow; the only markings being the pairs footprints with one set very clearly made with far more confidence and practice. Then Gwyn's eyes moved to truly regard Kahimi. She took in this girl's strange, in Gwyn's mind, alternate route to the same conceptual destination. Gwyn was hardly a fan of being forced to do things as well, but while Gwyn would meet those challengers with open hostility, she knew in her heart that most would never dream of standing against someone above them. "It grows on you huh..." Gwyn had a hard time believing that, but she couldn't help a soft, genuinely optimistic smile. She followed the leader through the mountain pass while being careful to match her footfalls exactly. When they finally exited the path and found themselves on a beautiful overlook of the city of Yozamu, Gwyn unconsciously let out a great sigh of relief. "...Home." [Timeskip] Gwyn in the final stretch, kept up with ease, and even occasionally pulled ahead. It was hard to contain her excitement of seeing the streets she once called home. When they finally got to the main gates, she was practically bouncing on her toes. "Yes! Let's get some food and a few drinks while we plan. I know a great place, It's awesome and we can..." she paused, and then a somber realization came over her. Her expression dipped, ever so slightly as a clearly painful memory bubbled to the surface. "...We can go somewhere that's private and out of the way. There are a few pretty good dive bars Downtown if you know where to look." It was Gwyn's turn to lead, and she was quick to get in front of Kahimi so this girl couldn't see the unexpected and unintentional expression of sadness that had crept onto Gwyn's face. She repressed the thoughts of all she had abandoned here, and focused in only on the good feelings she had here in this moment, and not the memories that came with it. With a quick glance and a wink back to Kahimi, Gwyn was off, trying not to simply break out into a run. Maybe...he would be there. Maybe she would admit that she was wrong. 'Damn it Gwyn, stop that. Focus on the now.' It wouldn't take them long to get to their destination in the heart of Yozamu. In an unassuming alleyway, one that was almost too narrow for a single person to walk through without turning, there was a cellar door. She knelt down and pulled hard on the handles. The hinges screeched loudly, and the door once opened, slammed against the floor and let out such a thunderous retort that it made Gwyn's ears hurt. Beyond the now open portal, it looked to be utter blackness. It wasn't simply shadowed, but it was very clearly some sort of jutsu that stopped light from shining past the doorway. If Gwyn noticed it, she didn't act like it. "Guh, fuckin' hate this door..." she mumbled as she stepped through the doorway and began to descend and unseen flight of stairs into this void. "Oh yea, " she began, and stopped to turn back to Kahimi just before her head disappeared underneath the impenetrable sight line, "Don't draw any weapons in here," Gwyn's expression was grave, "Or it'll be the last thing you do. There are 10 steps down into the basement, try not to fall, as the steps are kinda shite. Once you're down ten steps, just keep walking forward until you can see again." She looked down at the literal nothing that her head appeared to simply be resting on top of. "They cast two genjutsu over this entrance a bunch of times a day: one to stop seeing, and one to stop hearing; hence why I'm telling you now. This is....an unofficial, unlicensed, B.I.N.G.O. Broker." Gwyn turned around and took another step downwards and vanished into the blackness. She went forward with an air of confidence; she'd been down here at least a hundred times, but it was a testament to the duo who cast the Genjutsu that it somehow without fail left her feeling unsettled every time she walked down those steps. A primeval fear of the dark and the unknown and a sense of dread coming from every direction. but that feeling was always lifted the second she entered the resturaunt itself. Though it's design was more like a lounge, with comfy, high backed chairs and couches positioned in such a way that it gave the immediate impression that all attention should be focused in the stage at the back. The entire establishment was so small that it mostlikely had a maximum capacity of 40 people, including the bar. But as it turned out, like it more often turned out than not, this entire floor seemed devoid of life. No one was eating, singing, pouring drinks. The only persons to be in the room would be Kahimi and Gwynevir. It was somehow quieter in this space than in the jutsu silenced hallway. Gwynevir took a seat at one of the three booths that lined the west wall, and she beckoned for her to come and join her. If Kahimi came to sit with her, Gwyn would ask, "So, what do you want to eat? Oh you did say you were buying, right?"

[Claws of the Tundra]

She always wanted to speak with someone on the differences between city life, and rural outdoors life. The shinobi experience is one that can in a way present both, but never in the same way. Similar feelings and experiences can come about from different angles, but unless the paths are walked together, two shinobi are always set apart from each other, even with all the regulations that some countries and villages stand by. Yuki is an odd place in that regard. Life in Yuki is not for the faint of heart. However even with this lands ice cold temperatures it still holds the warmth of emotions that everyone living here feels no matter how stone cold their heart is.

Kahimi wouldn't press on about anything after moving on towards Yomazu. And once they had practically switched places it seemed things were looking up for them both. Gwynevir was certainly looking to be in a good mood now. Admittedly this similarly haired woman knows how to put on a great smile, and infect others with her bubbly energy. At least when that energy actually shows. Although she also notices the sudden changes. Kahimi stared silently in thought as she watched Gwyn go from a bright light to a flickering buzz in a matter of seconds as something crossed her mind. A bad memory obviously came up. She knows that feeling at least emotionally.

The Inuzuka was just about to see what was up, but Gwyn would change those plans by moving on and selecting their choice of venue. Kahimi wouldn't say anything really, and only followed closely behind her as they moved through the gates, and into the borders of Yomazu. Although that wink was only half as assuring as Gwyn may hope it is.

Still Kahimi didn't want to pry open locked doors. Not now anyway. Instead she'd follow the Gwynevir in her hometown of Yomazu, with keen precision. Winding streets like these would be a pain to get lost in, but with how Gwyn was moving it is highly doubtful that she'd be left behind. Although as they reached a narrow alleyway, Kahimi couldn't help herself from looking it over. This one view brought her back to a time she would rather not visit right now. The memories there, adds a lot of weight on her shoulders that she didn't care to carry anymore. Nevertheless, she'd take the time to scoot her way through this narrow passage, not really worried about anything touching her either. It was clear that this isn't the first time she has had to squeeze through an alleyway like this before, of course she would never match the fluidity of Gwynevir in an environment like this.

If anything the somewhat sketchy scenery was starting to grow on Kahimi, as made obvious by the smirk on her lips as she watched Gwynevir open up that terrible door that really shouldn't have been there in the first place in such conditions. Plenty of those around these parts probably. Taking note that her current guide knew what she was doing, it seems that there was some impromptu insight on some secrets Gwyn has under her belt about to be revealed to her. To think she'd be brought to something like this is almost flattering in a way.

Although of course a dangerous unlicensed B.I.N.G.O broker spot, is a bit of a big deal. Its practically rare to find these things and still being able to continue knowing about them unscathed. Which is something she'd keep to herself even though she is the Yukikage. "No light, ten steps, terrible landscape. Its all clear from here." she'd say rather confidently while showing off that dangerously playful expression of hers. A ray of confidence that is either worrying for some people, or inspiring for others, if not amusing. Either way once Gwyn went down the steps, she would too.

Although its as unnerving as she thought it would be. This level of pitch blackness was not to be trifled with, by foolish behavior, and Kahimi knew better than to try looking back up the steps. Not when she was already emerged in the darkness and feeling the dangerously wore down steps beneath her feet. She couldn't hear a damn thing, and it was almost uncomfortable to even think to herself because of that. By the time she actually got to see anything she was disoriented for a split second as her eyes adjusted feeling like she stepped back into reality in a weird way.

Once she managed to get herself together she'd take a moment to see what was around her. The severe lack of people throwing her for a huge curve ball right out the gate. But she wouldn't stress herself with questioning in, and would instead answer Gwyn's beckoning and join her in the selected booth out of the three available ones. Kahimi would scoot in, the available space across from Gwynevir directly, and once asked she'd first lean one elbow on the table resting her chin on her hand as she stared directly at the woman as she spoke after a small laugh.

"Yes, I'll pay, and uh I am not too sure. I think I'll be eating light on this one. Maybe...Teriyaki chicken and uh, Yakisoba noodles? If they even have it here. Otherwise you can order for me."

[Defiant]

"Perrrfect~," Gwyn purred as she leaned back in the comfortable booth. She looked to her left, out across the small restaurant as she drummed her fingers on the table. From the only door, the door they came in from, entered a tall well dressed man with long, pitch black and well kept hair. He was dressed like a waiter, but he looked like someone who should have been some sort of performer. He carried himself with an endless confidence and poise that could only come with years of preformance practice. He regarded the two at the table with a welcoming smile and strolled over to the booth with two menus in hand. "Good afternoon, Ladies," the man spoke with a warm and musical voice voice and gently placed the closed menus before Gwyn and Kahimi. "Welcome to Remus' Rest. I apologize for my tardiness, but be sure ma'am, your order is on the way," he smiled wide at Kahimi and locked eyes with her for only a moment longer than polite, but an instant less than creepy; somewhere in that sweet spot of interest. "May I start you off with a few drinks first? We have an excellent selection of wines and liquors from a wide variety of locations and vintages, as well as many specialty cocktails. If this is your first time to Remus, and I do believe it is might I suggest- " "Oh my God, Vento, shut up," Gwyn cut him off with exasperation. His deep brown eyes immediately shot over to her, his expression a mask of abject horror at first. "Excuse me, ma'am! How dare..." he trailed off as he tried to recognize the girl he once knew. A smile, different from the one he had given them before crept onto his face. This smile was pure, wide mouthed and wider eyed, childish glee. "Gwynevir!? The little Spirit!? What's it been, five, maybe six years since you last came to visit? And what did you do to your beautiful face!? Oh my gosh," the man took a step back, placed a hand under his chin, and appraised Gwyn. "Vento..." "In fact, what did you do to yourself? Why are you such a mess you look like you've been running through the forests and mountains," Vento's eyes darted back to Kahimi and gave a sly grin, "Did this one manage to finally be the one to convince you to go out of your comfort zone?" "Vent-" He wasn't listening as he was fully caught up in reliving the past "Haha, I remember when Father took you out into the forest to hunt and you got scared of-" "VENTO!" Gwyn slammed her fist onto the table, and Vento's mouth snapped shut. "...We have business," Gwyn gestured to Kahimi without breaking eye contact with the waiter. He nodded curtly, trying to be careful in keeping his shame hidden, and doing everything in his power to stop himself from turning red with embarrassment. "Apologies, Ma'am." More silence. "...Well?" "...Ma'am?" She stared at him, into him, with intensity and a quiet rage that threatened to explode. She spoke her next words smoothly, coating every one in venom. "...So are you gonna just wait there until we've read the whole menu? Or would you like to read it out for us? Or maybe you're waiting for an invitation to sit? Or maybe you're waiting for me to ask how you've been? 'Cause none of that interests me." "I-I-I uh...I'll give you two a few minutes," His cheeks were a lovely shade of Vermilion as he spun on his heels and scurried back out the main door. "Sorry about that. The past, y'know how it is," she flipped her menu open and started lightly scanning it's contents as if nothing had happened. As if she hadn't been extremely rude to someone who was an old friend, because while Vento might have felt hurt by the exchange, Gwyn told herself that she hadn't been because he was not an old friend. Gwyn told herself that Vento was just a guy who worked here and someone who used to know who she was. "Anyway, let's talk business. Where's this meeting supposed to happen?" She closed the menu "Why'd I open that when I already know what I'm getting?"

[Claws of the Tundra]

This is the fourth time Kahimi has had someone accompany her in a restaurant of sorts, in what some people may confuse to be a date. The first time holds sweet memories she thinks about often, the second not so much. The third being the only one that adds to the list of better days within her current life thus far.

So what awaits her during this one? Across from her being another woman who doesn't even know she is dining with the relatively new kage of the village she works for. A small sense of nervousness began to build up within Kahimi as she kept her eyes on the young woman. Those glowing emeralds were rather easy to get lost in, so she had to fight to not get caught staring too long.

Just then, a new body entered the room within the underground establishment. A man that was dressed very cleanly, and held a demeanor that reflected a practiced sense of etiquette. Kahimi could respect that sort of class quietly. Something of this degree reminds her of Lana in a more pleasant way than what normally brings that woman into her mind. Afterall...sometimes you've got to show love for seeing a man in a good suit or similar attire. Its only fair.

Kahimi's mismatched eyes did not waver when they locked with the gentlemen's very own. In fact they stared quite prominently at him for as long as he wished to hold this gazing contest, in show of his sparked interest. As the waiter began to speak, the relaxed Inuzuka would gently lift her left leg and comfortably cross it over her right one. Remaining leaned forward with her right arm still acting as a perch for her chin as she kept her focus on him. Her mind beginning to run through any names of liquor that she could be bothered to remember having tasted and actually liked.

Back when she was a teen she had a rough lesson about being mischievous with liquor and well...it sort of killed all the interest in even tasting any of it at all. Then again that is most likely just her being too hard on herself to more or less drink responsibly. Although that thought process came to a halt as her partner suddenly spoke up and cut the man off. Even calling him by his name right out of the blue.

Vento.

A unique enough name for Kahimi to commit to her memory at least. Although throughout the not so direct exchange going on between the two, perhaps Gwyn would prefer if the Inuzuka didn't remember who Vento was, let alone herself. The two of them obvious share some fort of history that makes Gwyn uncomfortable as hinted by her more or less defensively aggressive burst of personality towards him. She shunted any possibility of him being able to lead the conversation and well..enjoy whatever it was he was trying to enjoy here. So much so he had no other option, except to submit and take a break from the ordeal. And there he went...in an admittedly unflattering fashion. Kahimi could only raise a brow and smirk a bit as her head would tilt over to focus on Gwyn not even going to bother asking what that was all about.

"Yeah...I know plenty of that you mean." she'd say almost teasingly towards Gwyn. Watching her try to pass off that everything that happened was to be considered normal for human behavior. Especially during a mission. This woman...was possibly one of the most amusing people she has met thus far. Upon being asked about details regarding their target, Lady Kahimi would take the time to reach into her top, her calculating glance peering off in case someone for some reason was actually here watching them. In which she would pretend to just be adjusting a layer of clothing such as a bra for instance.

As she did this, Kahimi would retrieve a small piece of paper that had been folded multiple times, handing that over casually to Gwynevir. If she could look over the fact that the paper was in her partner's cleavage the whole time and now rather warm, she'd find that once unfolded it held a mapped out look of Yomazu's Grand Hall building within the Main Square. That map held multiple angles and an printed out xray version of multiple layers of the building. There were marked edits made to the paper showing the meeting point of where their target was to be located at. Three small portrait papers were clipped to the map with specific faces. One of which was a rough looking male with black hair, and a menacing scowl on his face. He looked to be about thirty, and with a scar cut diagonally across his face, which was obviously from a blade wound some years ago.

That man has had his face posted in a lot of papers over the years. His name wasn't really to be spoken anymore. An weapons and armour smith that used to be a well respected man of Yomazu, has now been turned into a Black Market powerhouse that has recently been found out to be making side deals with the disgraced I.B.U Order. Even the most green of shinobi would know who he is if they payed attention to that sort of stuff. The B.I.N.G.O have had to make a lot of increasingly expensive bounties put on this man's head for the things he has done. To be spying on his business is deemed highly dangerous nowadays.

"Everything to answer your questions is right there. I swiped that off the kage's desk before I left. I guess it was supposed be apart of the kit we don't get to have, but that should be good enough to go on. The times were marked on there and everything. 7:00 PM exactly. We have about two hours to prepare. So we should get there early just in case. Knowing this guy, he will try to slip as many opportunities as he can to not be caught slipping." She'd say in a calm and lower voice tone. Whether it be confidence or arrogance, Kahimi looked very unmoved by the potential dangers of spying on a high-level street thug who has his fingertips in a lot of sources. She knew this life almost like the back of her hand. But that was something Gwyn didn't really need to know about...

[Defiant]

Gwyn bit her bottom lip to try and hold back a smile as the paper slipped from betwixt her bosom. "Oh my... she thought to herself. It took her a moment to realize she was staring. Gwyn shook her head vigorously to bring her back to reality and gingerly took the paper from Kahimi. With more care than was necessary, she unfolded the map and spread it out between them. Her eyes rapidly flitted across the page for a few seconds, taking in the added details and descriptions of potential exists and escapee routes, before coming to a dead stop on the image of their target. They widened in recognition for the briefest moment before snapping shut. Her smile began to widen. Anyone who didn't know her would most likely question if she actually even looked at the information, but anyone who did would know that she had it better memorized now than any normal person could hope. With her eyes still closed and the smile still on, she folded up the paper. "I think..." she said slowly as she ran her fingers over the folds of the tight square that was now the map. "...I think that..." She chuckled, her eyes snapped open, and in those green hues was pure resolve. "We need to capture this guy."

[Claws of the Tundra]

After passing the information that the two of them would be using to scope out their target, Kahimi would cross her left leg over her right one in a relaxed manner. Very casually easing her chin into the palm of her right hand as her eyes watched Gwyn while they cycled through everything. It was a moment of research for the young Yukikage in disguise. Looking over her partner's demeanor, for a moment of connection. To feel...something. To remember what it was like back then to be a simple ninja trying to make it throughout the days.

Gwyn was different. Kahimi could tell based on the way she carried herself. Yet at the same time, it was almost...reminiscent of something. Something...lost to here. Her focus got tilted off course, from these thoughts. It wasn't until the warmth of Gwyn's flashing green eyes that she was able to recover. Hearing and seeing the sudden spark ignite from this woman gave her a small smile. A light chuckle followed after, before she would speak in her usual calm yet smoothly flirtatious tone.

"Alright then, looks like we have everything settled. Cheers then?" she'd propose while holding up the small glass of light alcohol she had in her left hand. Clearly offering some sort of toast.

[Defiant]

"Cheers!" Gwyn cried with exuberance and toasted Kahimi. She knocked back her shot like a pro and let out a satisfied sigh of contentment before slipping out of the booth and standing "I think you're right about getting there early. Let's skip the meal and head straight there now...I just have to make a quick stop at a store if you wouldn't mind." Gwyn was practically bouncing on her feet. This was a big mission, technically bigger than her rank would say she should be able to pull off, but if she managed it...if they managed it, they'd be famous. 'Wow Gwyn, you are amazing!' 'I'll never doubt you again!' 'You're even more impressive than I thought' words of praise and adoration rang in her mind and she spaced out for a moment, beaming to herself. "This is going to be great, trust me."

[Claws of the Tundra]

There was no more room left for rest. The opportunity that they had was going to be a one-time thing. Momentum was key. Kahimi watched as her green-eyed companion seemed to have quite the ray of excitement coming from her. It would be hard to not want to share that same level of confidence. People like this one are rare to find nowadays. Especially when everything else that exists around them seems to want to be so serious, and gloomy. Shinobi life tends to be that way...

Pushing that aside, however, Kahimi wouldn't fret about the extra details. Taking the time to down her shot, and make a decent attempt at hiding her mixed feelings on the taste. Then scooted her way towards the edge of the seat of her booth, until she could exit as well. Using her hands to adjust her top a little bit, before she'd turn her gaze towards Gwynevir.

"Lead on then. I'll just be making sure nobody gets in the way." she'd say in her usual tone of voice.

And while doing so would take the moment to stretch her arms almost as if she was expecting to have to beat up some purp fairly soon now. A little bit of her carefree confidence now shining through that emotionally mute exterior. Perhaps showing the old closed-in warrior Gwynevir believes herself to be? Or...showing the reckless brawler she has yet to showcase?

Only time will tell as they move forward towards completing their high-ranked mission. All under the nose of the Yukikage whom they took it from.