When Worlds Collide (RP, O)

[Claws of the Tundra]

[Enter, as a continuation from the scenarios brought from the Festungstadt embassy)
Y

The Date

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(Part 1 of 4)

The hours were only moving by at a steady, & average pace. The city bustling in small droves within certain high traffic areas. The two individuals would find themselves in the quieter parts. Just the two of them, and this diner up ahead. Everything else was secondary. The snow-white Inuzuka passively kept most of her attention on her current traveling companion. Her spurts of expressiveness have only been within intervals at best.

From the introduction to the initial travel the Yukikage, has shown great deals of occasional emotionlessness. Only for her to suddenly decide to be more open and lively; seemingly whenever she sees fit within the moments at hand. Her general personality is sporadic at best. Whatever it is her companion understood from her, is of their own accord. Her mind runs a mile a minute. Her body not entirely traveling on that same path, however. Yet somehow, she is all put together in a way. Let alone secured a position of leadership.

With all of that aside, the young Yukikage found herself engaged in hearing the man's answer to her latest question. Her ears remained completely tuned in to draw in the sound of his voice more than anything. Background noise or mental distractions just wouldn't do. As he spoke her general intrigue in learning about the man increased. Something about his cadence, and of course the content of the answer pleased her. A small smile would carve its way on to her face as she tilted her head a bit. Thinking to herself now.

Eating wherever you stay huh? she'd question to herself rather inquisitively.

No taste for fine dining, either? Restaurants are a luxury for an Uchiha? You are either a very mysterious being, or you enjoy the more generalized commodities in life Mr. Ayumu. Or both~ she would conclude to herself after thinking on it some more. Only a few seconds had passed in total.

"That is understandable. One can only enjoy so much." responding with a friendly coo in her voice still. She seemed invested thus far.

Moving on from that, Kahimi would charmingly thank Ayumu for her kindness in opening the door. Her body now moving with a more natural sway than before. Her stiffness from earlier had all but seemingly disappeared. One could be excused for thinking this is a different woman altogether. Her incredibly long hair, bouncing lightly from her steps. Her pace noticeably slowed as they were now entering an established, despite her natural pace being rather fast.

[Claws of the Tundra]

(Part 2 of 4)

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[Within the Diner]

Lady Kahimi made sure she didn't leave Ayumu at the door once they had entered the diner. There would only be a short period of chill, outside air before the broad aroma of both greasy and sweet diner food took over. Kahimi's reaction gave a mix of enjoying a familiar scent, but also recognizing the discomfort of having so many sudden strong smells fighting for space. Her hands gently rested on her hips as she shook her head a little. The expression on her face giving a sense of expected disappointment. All wrapped up behind the pretty presentation of a small smile.

"This damn place never changes..." she said in the form of a half-joke muttered underneath her breath.

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Reference Image:

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With Kahimi's genuine discomfort aside, the place looked rather above average to a minor degree. Now it was hardly anything close to new; that much is obvious. Although it clearly was meant to last. Anyone with an average amount of diner/restaurant experience could decipher & know the place is kept up to date in terms of some innovations.

Basic improvements such as seating, and lighting. Everything else being regular upkeep to stay on top of maintenance. It was nice, but not too nice. As if the establishment itself has since gone into its mid-life phase, and simply isn't trying to impress anyone anymore. What you see is what you get.

It was quiet and yet busy at the same time. Beyond the kitchen staff, and such the lively hood seemingly carried on from the years & years of service this building has seen over the decades of being here. One good look at the outdated decorations and imperfections would tell you that. The only thing relatively new looking here? Are some of the staff...and well Ayumu. As a first-timer, regardless of how much attention he was actually paying to the surroundings. This diner has a history. The spirit of all the good & bad times that happened within these walls carried weight and gave the place life. Almost shiver-inducing.

Or maybe it was just a little chilly...

[Claws of the Tundra]

(Part 3 of 4)

Kahimi & Ayumu would have a good amount of time to adjust while they stood within the diner. Only about six feet away from the entrance doors they had walked through. The perfect kind of time that Kahimi could spend reminiscing on some things; yet also the time she spent waiting on...something.

Or perhaps she was giving Ayumu time to enjoy the décor for himself? It wouldn't be exactly clear as her head turned from direction to direction randomly as she looked around. She looked to be getting familiar with her surroundings to be exact. As if now, checking if everything is how she remembers it despite complaining about the look a moment ago.

Although after some time if Ayumu hadn't said anything in that half an hour, Kahimi would look to have remembered what was going on before she got here. Her train of thought no longer taking her out of reality, as she would suddenly tilt herself in whatever direction the man was in. Her demeanor openly expressing a new brewing thought had arrived, as she had a certain look in her eyes. Let alone a cute little smile as she folded her arms underneath her chest getting ready to speak. In short...she had another question for him.

"So? What do ya think? A little different right?" She would ask clearly wanting his opinion. Although the wording, clearing showing that she wasn't factoring any ideas towards whether or not there might be another place in the world that looks just like this one. One Ayumu may have been to. That perhaps, somehow in some otherworldly way THIS place is special in its own regard. This goes to question if the Yukikage actually likes it here, or is only nostalgic all of a sudden. None of which would be clear, but she seemed eager to know his answer regardless.

[Claws of the Tundra]

(Part 4 of 4)

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Once it was given, a man dressed in a waiter's uniform walked up to the two of them. Standing a little off to the left side in front of the two, with his body only half blocked by the pedestal in front of the entrance walkway. He was tall, clean shaven, and had short blondeish hair in a pompadour hairstyle. Looked to be thirty-five or so. He'd also have a small & old notepad in his right hand, and a pen in his left. His stance gave him an impatient sort of look as he stared directly at the back of Kahimi's head for second or two before speaking. His tone being less than friendly.

"Hey, broad you gonna turn around so I can seat you or what?" he'd snap at her unpleasantly.

The pale Inuzuka understandably jerked a tad from the sudden, & loud voice speaking from behind her. She seemed genuinely startled at first before slowly turning around to see who was even talking at her so abrasively. Only to then smile and then wave at the man in a friendly manner. "Oh its only you Clouse. Its nice to see you are still alive, not to mention recognizably grouchy." she'd greet with a short laugh near the end. Completely ignoring his rudeness it seems.

The man would squint his eyes, and crane his neck forward. His face contorting in an uncouth way as he looks to be trying to better look at Kahimi's face. Only to then scoff and roll his eyes.

"Oh for fucks sake. Kahimi is that you? Ugh, figures... That long-ass hair of yours should have been a dead giveaway.

The hell are you doing all the way over here? Aren't you some sort of leader now? You ain't gettin' any kind of special home-cooked meals out there or somethin?" he'd say with a less than pleased tone. Generally giving off every intention to show that he doesn't really care to be seeing her again. Just out of general lack of interest.

Kahimi would only chuckle softly. Clearly, his attitude didn't bother her. And as she did this, she'd just shrug her shoulders and shake her head. "Things are different, but none of that matters now does it, Clouse? We just came here to eat so no need to be so pushy, blondie." she'd answer back while intentionally meaning to poke at him. A slight show of her mischievous side.

The man would only raise a brow in response at first. "We?-" he'd question, sounding almost surprised. Turning his gaze over towards Ayumu. Looking him over without any subtlety. As if trying to make sure he does or doesn't recognize Ayumu first, before then speaking towards Kahimi again. "Who's the dude?" he'd then question.

The Yukikage almost as if expecting that response would then, walk over towards Ayumu. Her attention still on Clouse as she did. "He, is my date. His name is Ayumu, and we both would like a booth for two please."

She'd say this while gently attempting to hook her arms around one of Ayumu's. Bringing herself close enough to press into his side as if one would do a significant other they are about to walk with. Her voice had a sense of spite in it. As if trying to stick it to Clouse for some reason. But also be giving a full course meal of flirtatious antics to openly put Ayumu in the spotlight with her.

Clouse would only look at the display, and roll his eyes. Writing something down in his notepad, before saying. "You two can have the booths in the back. I'll get the menus." he'd state before walking off towards the counter to register it all in.

Which prompted Kahimi to giggle and laugh a little afterward. She looked to be enjoying herself despite the blatantly awkward situation that just occurred. Her arms still hooked on to Ayumu for a moment before she would gently let go, however, both of her hands would still be touching him. Her head now tilted up to look at him. Her expression being openly playful.

"Well then, that was fun. Come on Ayumu we let's go on our date." she'd say putting heavy emphasis on the word date with heavy sarcasm to imply it was all harmless banter. Hoping he wasn't upset with her little stunt.

[Y]

Things turn quickly from a conference into a foreigner following a townie through the old stamping grounds. Ayumu would muse and grumble to himself as they crossed the threshold. He was, after all, amused by this. But his eyes were wide open, as he tried to take it all in precisely.

The lady Yukikage quipped at him, concerning food, and his clan. The ancestral pride of Uchiha flared up briefly within him. He did not, however, show this outwardly. Instead he would smile. Internally. Ayumu watched that internalized sense of Uchiha ego wash over him the way one might watch the tide settle over a sandy beach. As a natural phenomena. He marveled at it. Then, Ayumu chuckled a bit. 

Standing, he saw the interior of this place. Right as he was trying to come up with some conclusion, something quippy to say to endear himself to this woman, she would say exactly what he needed to hear. ""This damn place never changes..." In this moment, Ayumu felt he got a glimpse at the lady he was wandering the streets with. She wanted to see place which never changes. 

Ayumu had once hear a wise sage in Cha no Kuni say that, in his language, the word for mirror came from the word 'unchanging.' Because, to them, a mirror was anything that remained unchanged, so you could measure your own growth against this. Confronted with a new stranger, a new opportunity, this woman wants to see herself. Perhaps she isn't sure what she's become. Maybe she's afraid of losing herself. Regardless, she craves reflection as she takes steps. Steps forward, like we were saying.

The young Elder of Uchiha would glance over at her face, and try to see her with an even sharper eye. Even if she can't see herself here, well, certainly, she'll be seen.

So caught up in thought was he in observation, that when she spoke again, Ayumu would stand in stunned silence, looking at her lips for a second as they settled back into place, before he would finally speak.

"So? What do ya think? A little different right?" she inquired.

"Different from some things, similar to others. To be honest, I'd say this is a touch more familiar than that fortress you call 'embassy.' A good place for business." 

Then, as he watched her carefully, the woman would become totally enraptured in her own past. This was entertaining for the illusionist. She would get into a small verbal spar with the waiter. As a half resolution to this, she would jokingly push herself into his side and wrap an arm around her. There was a childishness in this... playful attitude. Befitting of a Yukikage? Perhaps not. But he got a kick out of it. Further, he picked up her name. 

Ayumu was something of an accomplished actor, reader of people, and deceiver. Reading the cue instantly, he would allow the girl to grab his arm. He would further reach his hand towards her back and gently press on her. Then, with some contrived bravado, he would tilt his head at Clouse, as if sizing him up. Of course, Ayumu would size him up, very briefly. It was easy to conclude that he could take him, and that this game was perfectly safe to play.

He'd be a little disappointed that the ploy wasn't shaping up to be more convincing. He would look down at her. He left just his single, left hand placed on her back, while she had two on him. Nonetheless, she hammed it up with the word 'date' repeated twice. Making intense eye contact again, he would do his best to take in the whole of her playful demeanor. Play, for Ayumu, might've looked like a fully convincing charade. Communicating through doublespeak, riddled with messages only they could comprehend. 

But, there was still fun to be had the invention of their imaginary backstory.

Ayumu would walk as if pressing her forward to their booth. Realizing that her little stunt had probably already earned him some spit in his food, he decided to join in on the rudeness. "Man, how many dates does one have to take the god-damned Yukikage on before they take 'em to a real restaurant." The Uchiha knew, of course, that Khamimi would hear the message hidden in his words. She knew he had no taste for fine dining. This was the game at foot. 

This was natural. He smiled at her with wide eyes. He took his winter hat off and slid it into his coat pocket. In a way, she's as far away from her duty as you are. His ears felt plenty warm, even without the hat. Not so chilly, after all.

[Claws of the Tundra]

(Part 1 of 2)

Lady Kahimi was in an active ploy to see what more she could learn from Ayumu. Deceitful, but still generally harmless. After all it would be a little uncouth for a kage to not take steps towards protecting others in their care. Finding out more information about a foreign asset, that could potentially become real close with such people, is a necessary step. However with Kahimi's unorthodox methods, she had no issue with making things interesting in the process. Even if she technically had a home advantage.

And so,...

While only half expecting him to react a little differently; her body quickly adjusted to the feeling of his hand finding a place along her back. Her posture now developing a naturally flirtatious arch, as she settled into the sensation. Using his sturdiness as a support, and then getting into the mindset of confidently playing the teasing eye candy along his arm as she set herself up to be. Villain or Hero? Which side of the coin would they be on? It was a silly, but also an important question.

She was...impressed by Ayumu's quick & highly convincing response. Finding it fun in linking up with a stranger to create a dangerous persona between the two of them. The powerful village leader, and the mysteriously unknown face. The waiter before them, wouldn't even think to question a damn thing about the two of them from there. Especially not after being awkwardly shunted into third-wheel territory. Understandably moving along accordingly to handle his work. Figuring that would be the best option, especially with Ayumu having sized him up.

Thus Kahimi's sudden move in making things out to be a date would seem to be progressing more than just well. She was genuinely intrigued by seeing where things go from here. Her smirk would tell Ayumu that outright, when they made eye contact. She was pleased and excited from anticipation. As if her mind was moving a mile a minute, coming up with more lines to use to continue their fun. She was diving headfirst into this game without any hesitation...

Still, it was a severely reckless gamble; although the stakes were high enough to warrant participation. The deceiving hand being dealt by the Yukikage had many cards. Most of which would look to be quite ordinary, and or useless. However, only a true master of making something grand out of a few hidden gems would shine with it.

The scenario they found themselves in was full of risks, and awkward bad endings waiting to happen. Which is entirely the point. She had planned it all up, only a couple of minutes after they had initially left Festungstadt. This was just as much of a test, as it is was a shameless excuse to force them into revealing more information about themselves. However, the risk falls on the Yukikage to play along with the undefined rules along with the man. As far as he knows, Ayumu has the full range to play his role however he sees fit. So does the Yukikage of course. The only question is...how far are both of them willing to go to make steps towards figuring the other one out more?

Will a true bond be created? Will there be early strife to unwind? Will any business be made at all? All of these questions could be taken into consideration. Only time will tell the true results of the game the two of them could now play...

[Claws of the Tundra]

(Part 2 of 2)

And so the Game Begins...

With Ayumu's physical lead, supported by Kahimi in tow the Yukikage would happily move along with him. Being taken to the booth, that was now set up for their "date". Her presence remained within his personal space in an endearing way. She wouldn't be confused by the statement that he made out loud while they walked. Her smirk remained whole even then, as she silently took it all in. Finding it amusing how this man, seemed to adapt so quickly.

He is good,... really good. she'd thing to herself.

She'd give him a playfully flirtatious glance. Her half lidded eyes channeling genuine charm, as she prepared to speak from smiling lips. "Oh calm down babe, its not that bad here. We'll go somewhere fun after we are done here." she'd answer in a relaxed fashion. Similarly layering the double meaning in her sentence with the words she used and how she'd say them. Leaving it all at that.

Once the two of them were at their booth, the Yukikage would slowly detach herself from Ayumu. Still upholding the act as she would gently begin to slide the prestigious robes off of her frame. The soft fabric simply slipping off rather angelically smooth. She was doing this with obvious intention in purposely announcing that she was getting ready to for him. Throwing extra chips into the purse per say...

Her outfit underneath hugged her figure well and left hardly anything baggy or out of place. Clearly fit for serving the purpose of providing mobility and yet alluring features in case seduction needs to be an option for survival. Typical for general kunoichi gear and attire. Despite showing her midriff unapologetically, Kahimi's style of dressing was very intricate but somehow relaxed. She was very comfortable, and fearless in showing herself in a different light. One without the kage robes graced on her.

This was just a pale, long-haired woman looking for a good time now. This was just Kahimi Inuzuka.

She silently scooted her way into her side of the booth. Crossing one leg over the other, and using her left hand to gently push strands of hair behind her ear. Opening up more space to see her features, let alone the black triple striped birthmark that took up the majority of that side of her face. Her lips would be relaxed and curled into a very faint smile on the ends. Her mismatched eyes slowly training on to Ayumu directly now that they were seated. The bright sky blue left eye shimmered with calm vibrancy. While the silvery-white right eye was like a portal into a deep veil of near-nothingness. Something to be curious about, and possibly get lost in. Beautiful in a cold & dark way.

With that said, the booth & the entire space that came with it was all theirs to use now. Kahimi eventually spoke to carry on with things, so they didn't waste any of the time they had. Her voice tone now having switched a calm, flirtatious, and gentle frequency.

"Mm~ I hope that new seat is comfortable. And I thank you for coming with me here. I hope you'll find this fun Ayumu. Although I should warn you, that it is actually apart of the theme for the staff to be rude and abrasive to the customers here.

It's an odd, & old style choice, that's grown on the people of Yomazu that recognize the place.

None of the staff means any real harm. Well...all except Clouse. He is genuinely an asshole. But that's okay. He won't do anything bad. Not so long as he wants to keep the job he's held on to for so long..." she would explain clearly and openly. Not afraid to show that she knows the ins & outs.

And once that was all said, she would adjust herself only slightly. Her eyes suddenly getting a very intrigued light mixed with a natural coating of sultry gazes.

"So? Lets start with the small talk. What's made you come here besides work?"

[Y]

Ayumu would continue in playing along with the Yukikage, following her, half-guiding her, really, to the booth. He wondered how much she would learn from watching his contrived actions.

He would flex his nostrils slightly as she promised to take him somewhere fun after this. He wondered if she had any sort of idea yet what fun was for him.

The lady would peel back a layer as she slid into the booth. Ayumu would simply unzip his jacket as he sat opposite her, looking at her carefully. He had to take in the details of what she was wearing – this was obviously important to
her. She would have less to see. His unzipped jacket would reveal more dark winter clothing he had bough to endure this harsh countryside.

As he sat, he would maneuveur carefully. An uncautious diner eating in a small place like this might accidentally kick their dining partner. Ayumu had reasonably good control of his body and would assume a comfortable position without
so much as grazing her.

She dresses meticulously. Ayumu didn't have much care for dress. But he did know that, for a woman who cares about clothing, a wardrobe is a tool of communication. The tight fit of her clothing, he reasoned, suggests some confidence. And here, she has shed her robes, in favor of a more personal appearance. I wonder if she genuinely intends to strip herself bare. But this musings were mostly philisophical to him.

The Uchiha would scan her face and note her birthmark, but settle quickly on eye contact. It was in appearance a slight hint of the affection of a cold lover on a romantic outing, true. But to the Lady Yukikage, there might be a touch more intensity. He had trained long and hard with his eyes. He could glare well, if he chose to. He hoped to project an unspoken world of seeing and being seen that existed only in their locked eyes. Hers were unusual, although perhaps not as much so as his. While his eyes possessed a hidden power, hers had an immediately apparent appeal.

Ayumu ran his hands over the tabletop, as if trying to signal that he was awaiting a menu. He didn't need it right away, per se, but he wanted to at least acknowledge it. To make sure it would come.

"Mm~ I hope that new seat is comfortable. And I thank you for coming with me here. I hope you'll find this fun Ayumu. Although I should warn you, that it is actually apart of the theme for the staff to be rude and abrasive to the customers here.

It's an odd, & old style choice, that's grown on the people of Yomazu that recognize the place.

None of the staff means any real harm. Well...all except Clouse. He is genuinely an asshole. But that's okay. He won't do anything bad. Not so long as he wants to keep the job he's held on to for so long..." 

He listened to her as she spoke. If there was a place where she couldn't be hiding, this was it. Her knowledge of this place was more that contrived. Her desire to come here, and use this venue for this undressing observation was telling.

"Huh?" He would ask, genuinely. But his tone would hardly inflect from where it was before, the charade suriving on. "You got some kind of fetish?" He would jeer at her. He was genuinely surprised by the existence of a place like this. His face would turn ever so slightly sour after he spoke, as he realized he might have verbally hit a bit too hard for his audience.

It was against normal custom, of course. But he was, in the end, comfortable with it. Ayumu would smile at the woman. All the niceties of dining were purely cultural, purely constructed...

And once that was all said, she would adjust herself only slightly. Her eyes suddenly getting a very intrigued light mixed with a natural coating of sultry gazes.

"So? Lets start with the small talk. What's made you come here besides work?"

"Frankly, I came here to see snow."  Ayumu said, warmly sinking into the charade of a date. But to him, most things were charade-like. He relished in the double, if not triple meaning snow. He hoped she was thinking about words and meaning as hard as he was now. His head titled gently as he looked for some response.

"In the city where I've been living, the seasons are essentially meaningless. There is no way to mark the passing of the days. I wanted to come to a place where winter meant something.

"Plus, this is a part of the world I've never seen..." Here, he would hesitate, looking away for a moment. He wanted to say that he had no priors, that this country was a blank slate for him. It was consistent with the act of the date, but there was something holding him back. In truth, he had many conceptions about this place. He had envisioned snow and mountaintops and lovely country cabins heated by wood fire. 

"So I guess I had a bit of a romantic image to it. New places to go, new scenes to see. Mountains, snowfall, the frozen coast line. Cabins and wood burning stoves.

"You seem like you understand what goes on around here. What to do you think somebody ought to get up to in the Land of Snow?"

[Claws of the Tundra]

(Part 1 of 3)

And so now that the two of them were once again situated, the time for talk and conversation could pick back up where it left off from. A momentary transfer of thoughts came into the Yukikage's mind as she looked the situation over. The need to make some sort of pseudo-relationship between herself and this man was unnecessary. However, done for a very particular reason. Something she was willing to continue until its uses are depleted completely.

Kahimi silently took note of Ayumu's clothing choices. The black on black layers made her almost want to roll her eyes. It was so typical, but sadly an understandable preference. Which is why she hates it so much. Intentionally becoming more of a shadow seems like a boring way to live. The only benefit is people not knowing you enough to make things super personal, let alone remember whatever messed up things you might have done while in this line of work. That's at least how she sees it. Especially since despite her color, she is just about a shadow as anyone else. After all...that IS what the title of kage means...

Flipping the switchback towards the more present events, however, Kahimi would be letting herself settle in the seating of the booth periodically. Letting just enough of the formalities slip to feel more comfortable in her own skin. The jeer made at her would catch her completely off guard, as signified by the look of surprise on her face. A soft tint of red slowly crept up to the surface as well, before she would break into a slight giggle. This Ayumu guy, says some pretty funny things.

Playing off of her laughter, she would hold her sultry gazes to further look the part of a woman finding her date intriguing. Valiantly listening to his words as he spoke. Taking in any and all information he cared to give while deciphering any stacked meanings she could manage to catch on to. His use of the word snow in particular for instance. There was a lot of things to pick apart from that one. Besides the literal meaning which has some humor behind it, there were practically two others. Such as seeing the hidden village, and witnessing the island's culture as a whole. However, there could also be a fourth meaning... Perhaps more so a person? One named snow to be exact. However that is only a minor inquiry compared to the other three.

[Claws of the Tundra]

[Post 2 of 3]

All in all, the young Inuzuka woman found herself, genuinely interested in their conversation. All games aside, there was something charming about the way he talked. Most likely the annoying power of being mysterious in some way. Either way, she'd let him hold that advantage over her for now. Whatever keeps things from stepping on anyone's toes. That wouldn't be any fun at all.

Kahimi's full attention was locked in on his words. The topic at hand, being of great interest to the Yukikage for many reasons. Beyond the standard use of knowing the intentions of those in her turf. A driving force for her cryptic communication games.

Like a small test of one's character. Almost every Yuki native who cares about such things has one. Is practically an unwritten tradition that is used to keep unwanted guests on the outside. And protect oneself from dangerous people, who don't have hope in life. Such an effort is filled with irony, considering the radical ideas the population comes up with sometimes.

But still...

Wanting to go somewhere, where Winter means something huh? she'd ponder in her mind. Out of all seasons to want to understand the most...why that one? she questioned right after.

Thinking on that brought her curiosity towards this unnamed city where seasons and days apparently drag on by soullessly. To consider living in such a place, brought an unnerving chill of concern down her spine. She didn't like the thought one bit. She listened further with a silently imperturbable look on her face after that. Taking in the last bit of his explanation, only to then be met with a question of her own.

In which she lowered her head to let her hair fall forward in front of her face. Hiding the almost mocking smile formed by her lips. Of course, it wouldn't be clear if she was mocking Ayumu, or just something else vaguely undisclosed.

But when she lifted her head back up her expression would have reverted back to a more friendly one again. The calm, and deep stare she had before, now present again. Kahimi looked him in his eyes as she sipped the liquid from her refreshments, before finally answering him. Figuring the unintentional pause was probably far too dramatic for their lighthearted conversation.

[Claws of the Tundra]

[Post 3 of 3]

"Eh, just do what anyone else does. Make a snowball ." she'd say in an unapologetically serious yet somewhat uncaring tone. Purposefully pausing after to let her own wordplay sink into his thought process. She wouldn't hide the pity, annoyance, and minor disdain in her voice when voicing her opinion. But she didn't want to get worked up about her personal issues with the country. So she'd add more to the table, before moving on.

"I'm sorry. What I mean is, this place is unhinged and hanging on to whatever threads it has. You gotta find your own path around here most of the time. So whatever you do with that snowball, and how big you let it get is the main factor. It's best to keep up to date, and if you don't have a buddy around to guide ya.

I don't mean to make the mood tone deaf, but heed my warnings.

Because when Winter comes,... the avalanches and blizzards force changes to be made. You will adapt, or you get left behind.

And if you don't find your way back after that? You get buried alive in ways the Mainland could never even dream of doing. The kind that makes people forget what being alive feels like." she'd say with a cold...dark...and unrelenting tone. One that was speaking from experience.


Almost as if reaching beyond the grave to give advice to someone with hope in life. There was heavily suppressed pain in her voice. The kind she never intends to let slip during a conversation, but this time was the accidental exception. Someone who assumedly has yet to be socially buried before... Kahimi would then sigh and let her attention drift elsewhere for a moment before she'd continue even further.

"Other than that. This is a great place if you want an escape. Like an experience rich in deep-rooted culture, and maybe get in a few dumb fights.

You know what I mean right? Your typical hardass country knows a thing or two about earning its place through all the chaos, and covert antics going around in the world. There are plenty of jobs and tourist attractions to visit.

Just stay active if you want something better than snowflake observation. Of course... if your some sort of angsty hipster and nightlife is your thing. Then I suppose our underground scene is pretty good too." She'd go on to suggest.


Only to then abruptly lean forward, and roughly plant her hands on the table for leverage as she bent over it from her side of the booth. Her face taking on a challenging glare as she sized Ayumu up.

"But I'm warning you now. I ain't a punk. I know these streets, deeper than the foundation you're standing on.

So if I hear you're helping cause trouble with the wrong folk, I'll have no problem beating your annoyingly cute-ass face into the damn concrete. The Yuki people have had enough on their plate as it is. Me included. So don't go poking around anywhere that you shouldn't kay?" she'd aggressively lecture before somewhat calming down.

"We may not be Oto or Mizu, but we sure don't play nice, to our boat getting rocked catch what I'm saying? So do whatever you want, but keep it at least a little cordial." she'd half-seriously threaten.

Although by the time she finished unsure if she meant to compliment him or insult him halfway through her rant. Regardless of the matter Kahimi plopped back down in her seat and crossed her arms. Figuring she has said enough to give him a vivid picture of what he has gotten himself into.

[Y]

As the lady of the Hidden Snow looked over his outfit, Ayumu would feel a sort of increased awareness, if only for a fraction of a second. He would feel suddenly how the blood was returning to his face as he warmed up for real. He realized he had taken off his hat and had no idea how his hair would look. These thoughts trickled through his nervous system, down his limbs, until he almost felt his body tensing up to reach and touch his own hair and face. 

Of course, being the observant man he was, the Uchiha would notice his warped reflection in a napkin dispenser on the next table over. With a glance, he noted that his hair was fine, and quite symmetrical. Absolved of this moment of anxiety, Ayumu would return his soft gaze and attention to his companion.

He did so just in time to catch a hint of flush and a giggle. To him, the laughter read as an intersection of character and actor. She found this funny. And so did he, although he showed it with a tight grin, and a gentle shaking of his head instead.

But he could catch a hint of reservation, or at least analysis. As she thought for a while, she turned her face downward, away from him. As he was a touch taller, he would be looking at the top and back of her head for a moment. He'd use this moment to reach up and touch his neck, adjusting his color. His face would have returned entirely to calm neutrality when she looked back up.

She would momentarily be broken out of her character. Ayumu watched this carefully. As Kahimi walked him through his elaborate, and somewhat winding, analogy about snowballs and avalanches, Ayumu's mind would focus on her manner of speaking. He weighed the distance between Yuki and the continent in his mind. The folks-y way she tried to give him advice has such a remote sort of wisdom to it. Somehow, it felt even stranger coming from the warrior-kage of a ninja village than even the flirtations had.

At one point, she stopped to apologize and summarize what she was saying. This part grabbed his attention. He sat up slightly straighter and intensified his eye contact during it.

"I'm sorry. What I mean is, this place is unhinged and hanging on to whatever threads it has. You gotta find your own path around here most of the time. So whatever you do with that snowball, and how big you let it get is the main factor. It's best to keep up to date, and if you don't have a buddy around to guide ya."

As the tone got a bit more solemn, the young Uchiha would find himself lowering his head to match hers. He would tighten his jaw slightly as she shared her warning about being buried. He could feel the pain she was sharing, yet it did not hurt. He enjoyed the touch of whatever she was really feeling.

"Other than that. This is a great place if you want an escape. Like an experience rich in deep-rooted culture, and maybe get in a few dumb fights.

"Is there such a thing as a smart fight?" Ayumu would say, feeling her quip as extra light-hearted, considering the monologue it interrupted. He would smile again, slightly, and not with his eyes.

You know what I mean right? Your typical hardass country knows a thing or two about earning its place through all the chaos, and covert antics going around in the world. There are plenty of jobs and tourist attractions to visit.

When the Yukikage leaned forward to slam the table, Ayumu would feign surprise. He would pull back slightly, and slide his feet forward a little. Of course, the whole time he would smirk and look the Yukinin in the eye - lest she think she actually caught him off guard, and to let her know he got a kick out of it.

Ayumu pondered how she haphazardly interwove, a rather shallow compliment about his face with her assertion of her authority. He noted how she both fears the potential for chaos, but craves some sort of interaction with someone capable of bringing it. She'll entertain me, but only on her own turf. 

The Uchiha from the mainland would catch, in the mirrored top of a salt-shaker, the whole scene of the restaurant again. She wants me on her own turf... he though, shaking his head and smiling just a little more. How was it not obvious ten minutes ago?

If he was takin her any more serious, he would've felt a twinge of indignation at her lecture. As she sat back and crossed her arms at him, he felt a mix of emotions. There was an ancient distrust of ninja, and contempt for authority, that made him contemplate wanting to cause trouble.

But then again, she had disarmed him completely. How seriously could he take a great ninja leader, looking at him like a pouting date in diner? She looked more like she was asking him not to mention anything rude in front of her parents more than she looked like she was setting the terms of his visitation on her soil.

So he settled for teasing."You know, that really puts a squabash on my vacation plans." He said, looking slightly down. "No civil unrest?" He let the word sit for a second, his teeth just visible. "No acts of depravity?" 

Just as he was going through this list, a devious idea occurred to Ayumu. Perhaps the lady would catch him in the act, in which case, he may very well pay dearly for the idea. He would stretch his hands under the table, and in this motion he would hide the makings of a short, succinct series of handseals. After these were complete, when he spoke, his voice would be filled with emanations of chakra which embodied the very essence of his free spirit.

"Are you telling me you don't like to rock the boat at all, Lady Kahimi?" And by the time he finished the phrase, the enchantment would be finished. He would make wide, and joyful eye contact as he finished the Genjutsu. He wondered how she would move, if he was successful in sliding her off her normal footing. "Or is that privilege simply reserved for locals?"

Despite the mild aggression of casting a compulsion on a stranger, Ayumu looked at her with more joy than ever. He was more curious if he could see who she really was, without the bonds of law and order.

SPOILER: Click to show

OOC: I am not intending this as a particularly hostile action. We can void this if any way it makes you uncomfortable, and I will rewrite your post. If this isn't fun for you, I will find a different way to proceed! 

Acting Check to Hide Handseals: 125 + 30 [Skill Focus] + 35 [Charisma] = 185

10 [Base] + 10 [2 per Class] + 6 [Illusion Focus] + 4 [Jutsu Focus] + 67[Charisma] + 6 [Impeccable Will] = 43.

Kahimi gets -5 for being within my Aura of Misfortune

Voice of Chaos
Rank: "C"
Skill: GenJutsu
Effect: This Jutsu works just as Voice of Law, except that it changes the nearby listeners’ alignment to chaotic instead.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: ---
Description: A Mind-Affecting Technique. Affects 1 creature. The user is able to perform this technique at a distance of 30 meters plus 15 meters per class level. The duration of this technique lasts for 5 hours per class level. This technique may be negated. This Jutsu works just as Voice of Law, except that it changes the nearby listeners’ alignment to Chaotic instead.
Limit: Must know the Compulsion Perception.

[Claws of the Tundra]

[Post 1 of 2]

This was fun,

The Lady of the Tundra was genuinely enjoying herself which wasn't always the case these days with bandit crews, monsters, demons, and powerful people roaming around. Talking with Ayumu had a nice feel to it. Something far more interesting than the day-to-day dealings she's been accustomed to since taking office. The chaos in the world had no flavor to it. More so...was simply there.

After all of that minimal excitement during her theatrical rant. Kahimi was in the process of settling down when the Uchiha began to respond. His teasing sarcasm earning a smirk-like smile from the Inuzuka's lips. Her previously pouty visage returning into a far more normal look now, although her arms were still crossed.

Luckily enough for Ayumu he'd find that Kahimi was having too much fun playing verbal games, to be worried about observing for any serious danger. Perhaps deeming that it would ruin the whole point of acting like the two of them aren't possibly trained killers in disguise? A fatal gamble to play with someone who could have turned out to be out for her head no doubt, but it was still one she took anyway. No matter the reasoning, Kahimi's instincts were lower during this encounter.

This means his handseals remained 100% cryptic. Thus his compulsive words would be granted the chance to tickle her ears. His questions would hit a certain spot in her psyche that would trigger a part of her, that wasn't being given the front seat. At least not until now. As a result, something about what he said made Lady Kahimi begin to giggle before she began to laugh hysterically. The timing would be a little oddly...delayed however as she had eye contact with him for a few seconds beforehand.

Nevertheless, the volume of her voice eventually rose above inside voice levels as she laughed. Her very deadly fang teeth now shown off fully, which was a trademark of her bloodline. The young kage hugged her sides as she continued to laugh. And by now a few of the other patrons began to look over their way.

Almost instinctually realizing this, Kahimi gasped as she finally realized how loud she was being. In an effort to save face and embarrassment she quickly quieted down while putting her left hand over her lips. Although the Uchiha would find that it wouldn't be hard to notice an unapologetic smile was still on her face. Even as she looked at the other patrons to see if any of them were annoyed by her suddenly loud laughter. For one reason or another...

After the fact, she'd turn to look over at Ayumu. Lowering her hand, and revealing the small smile that was threatening to break through her poker face of embarrassment. And in that small moment, she'd eventually give him a threatening glare as if this was all his fault. But it was not because of her sudden awareness of the genjutsu.

It was just her unhinged personality bouncing through emotions enough to make her want to either crawl away and die in a corner. Or drag this beanie wearing man into the spotlight of shame with her, for no reason. He's not gonna just get to sit there and not get stared at too! We're both sitting in this booth ya'know! Why does it always has to be me who gets the looks?! she'd think to herself.

Granted she wasn't actually upset to be getting looked at. This would be made obvious by two clues. The blatant mischievously evil smirk appearing on her lips. And thinking this right as she stared at him with a gaze that revealed far too easily that she was up to no good. All in all, she was not being discreet in the slightest. As if any and all smoothness that she was displaying before flew right out of the window in an instant.

[Claws of the Tundra]

[Post 2 of 2]

This girl was a wildfire and a half when off her leash...

By this point, Kahimi would finally get a hold of herself enough to actually speak some damn words. Although that look in her eyes was still present. And not necessarily in a theatrical way this time.

"You make it sound like I'm some 35 year old housewife, wanting a little excitement that's away from her husband you jerk." she'd sudden say albeit in a friendly tone still.

A short and harmless giggle slipping through as she clearly must have thought of her own words in vivid picture right after saying it. Poor little 35 year old Kahimi. Needing a pick me up. It couldn't have felt any more pathetic to her at that moment. She'd shake her head to ignore that idea completely. Clearly not a fan of that idea. And so...to avoid it entirely she'd be sure to set herself apart from that image entirely. Perhaps it's the rebellious urge to refuse to sell out the privileges of her young age that drives such ambition.

"I can take a hint you know..." she'd add suddenly. This time seeming composed enough to guide her actions again.

Overall Kahimi's body language has now become even more expressive than before. A clear effect from the genjutsu. As if she was ignoring anything that would have told her otherwise. Now visibly crossing one leg over the other underneath the table, she'd lean her upper body forward. In a manner that was clearly only meant to help close the distance between the two of them.

Her normally piercing gaze now fully shifting into a heavily flirtatious yet dangerously mischevious look of curiosity as she made eye contact with him. Still watching...still craving to see what each moment held. Even if it disappointed her. The kage's lips now curled into a gentle, and welcoming smile as she rested her forearms on the table. Letting herself stare deep into the Uchiha's eyes. Clearly...nobody has ever told her how dangerous of a mistake that is. Or perhaps...she is just that foolishly daring and naive? Either way she obviously doesn't know a damn thing about the Uchiha clan and their powers.

Once comfortable in a near position. Letting her face and features remain in the lighting to show off their qualities better. She'd begin to speak and finish off where she left off. Her tone was...less reserved and much more direct now. At least in the form of keeping things personal.

"Is that it Ayumu? Are you finally being straightforward with me, and only to say that I'm boring you now? Damn thats cold..." she'd accuse in a way that almost sounded like she was serious. But that look in her eye would tell otherwise.

"Or... are you just looking for trouble out of a kage looking for a little free time? Which is it huh?~ I could be wrong, but it's worth asking with people like you." she'd say with an almost charming tone of voice. Letting her femininity drip through each syllable and sense of phrasing in her words. Leaving the context to be as openly accessible as possible. She wanted to know his honest answer here. And hoped that was clear enough.

---

Status Effects:

SPOILER: Click to show

[Insta failed against Ayuku's Genjutsu]
Effect? Alignment currently changed to: Chaotic.
Previous Alignment: Lawful, Evil

[Y]

The young Uchiha master's heart would swell in his chest briefly as he awaited the result of his maneuver. He didn't dare to even breathe heavy. Every ounce of nervous energy was fully masked as he watched. But he realized that the Lady Yukikage didn't catch a glimpse of his compulsion. She's got no clue what I did. But did I actually do anything?

His chakra had been molded carefully. He tried to encapsulate an intense memory of his. Once, he had gone away from the manor, allegedly for training under a sage. When he had ended up good and truly drunk on the floor of a cabin somewhere, half a continent from where he had been sent, he had felt dizzy for a second. All the weight of his obligations had come crashing down. But, as his senses came back to him, he realized that these were his problems to deal with. He would clean up his mess when he got to it. If he let fear of the future, and of the expectations and predictions of others govern him, his very existence would be dimmed. These thoughts, when he was just a teen, had cleared his brain of anxiety. So he channeled this refreshing burst of Chaos into his voice.

Only time would tell the result. He watched her with excitement to see if she was descending down this rabbit hole with him. Did his Voice of Chaos ricochet off the hardened edges of her will? She did not seem to be so bound by Law as to be immune, but he was uncertain.

But as her facade gave way to an out-of-character giggle, he realized that his spell had set in. He almost envier her. To lose oneself completely as they succumbed to the fervor of some strange moment was an experience he remembered fondly from his youth. Some ounce of the foreign non-ninja wanted to cast an enchantment on himself, then-and-there. Give in to uncertainly completely.

He resisted the urge.

If she gave in to this one, she might be susceptible to Genjutsu, he reasoned. Could be a fluke, he worried for a second, as the volume of her laughter rose. But if it isn't, I'm probably much safer. If things turn sour, I can twist them in a new direction. I can let her take the lead. If I need to, I can get it back.

Her laughter attracted attention. She didn't seem to like it. Ayumu shot a glance across the room. Clouse was staring, and Ayumu raised his chin slightly at him, to try to tell him to fuck off. It was clear that was what Lady Kahimi wanted. He then stretched out a little bit, winding his shoulder back, and extending his legs. 

When the immense moment of humor brought by her change of perspective was over, she finally spoke. "You make it sound like I'm some 35 year old housewife, wanting a little excitement that's away from her husband you jerk," she accused Ayumu playfully. 

He would smile, laugh, and tap the table gently as she said this.

"Is that it Ayumu? Are you finally being straightforward with me, and only to say that I'm boring you now? Damn thats cold..." she would say. He would shake his head with an almost silent chuckle. 

"If you were boring me, I'd find a way to entertain myself." He said, matter-of-factly. It was, of course, demonstrably true. But the Lady Yukikage wouldn't know the source of his entertainment.

"Or.." she would say, and as she paused, he would make eye contact with her. His eyes were entirely still, and his face oddly somber. She would let her words ooze out of her mouth with an attempt at charisma. She thinks she will play me. Why not? She's one illusion away from fucking off, anyways.

"Are you just looking for trouble out of a kage looking for a little free time? Which is it huh?~ I could be wrong, but it's worth asking with people like you" she would tease. As her voice lifted in an almost sing-song way, Ayumu would lean back in his chair and make deeper eye contact. She was more willing to preserve eye contact than most would be in such a situation. Perhaps she foolishly thought this was path to her dominance.

"I can't say I've got anything against trouble. Although a certain lovely 35 year old housewife warned me not to cause it with the wrong people." Here, the Genjutsu master would swallow, and trail off, lost in thought for a moment.

It's scary, working with ninja like this. Are you really going to follow her? But, Ayumu knew he had altered her mind already, and he could do it again. She was softened by Chaos. He'd make it out alive, if it came to it. She's got a lot of cards, let her play her hand.

"Given what I came to this city to do," he said, alluding to the beginning of their meeting, before the game began. "Well, I suppose I'd be willing to take some direction. Is there any trouble you'd let me cause? Hell, is there anything you'd like me to do? For you?" He would say, a little spark of joy back in his eyes. Deep down, there were flecks of fear intermixed in his excitement, but he did his best to swallow these. He would attempt to radiate only confidence.

He dangled this bait with a smile. What would the Lady of the Snow, thinking only of her own desires and freedom, ask of a willing stranger?

"In the sense, of course, that you represent the Hidden Snow. Of course." He said, with a sarcastic smile.

8ccce2

[Claws of the Tundra]

The mischievous leader of snow village seemed to be rather amused by her company. Granted she was also hoping to be a decent hostess until further notice. Enough to at least feel like her time spent today was worth looking back on.

As such this brought her into the thoughts of taking an unofficial off day just to buy some time away from the office. Perhaps explore her current opportunities? Admittedly it was Ayumu's words that kept that part of her mind in the forefront enough to drive that sort of passion. Kahimi couldn't ignore the urge to give in to the desires of pushing boundaries. A personal bad habit just as much as it is a guilty pleasure...

And now that the script was flipped back on her, Kahimi was put in a corner of continuing her game or getting down to business. Only one of those things was probably gonna give her something interesting to do. Which left her with a few choices on how to progress this playdate of theirs.

Kahimi would think on the subject and would have to break eye contact as a result. The thought process eventually taking her down memory lane as she thought of what her old pleasures used to be. Something she could use to entertain her current self, yet also use to put Ayumu to work.

Such memories put a fuzzy feeling in her chest. Trusting this man would mean taking risks. Risks that could bite her right on the tush later. But in her mind...it was worth it. So with little hesitation, she'd give him her full attention. This time speaking her normal tone of voice. Calm, soft, and straightforward.

"I suppose if you truly enjoy keeping me company, I honestly would like to ditch the formal atmosphere for a little while, and stay out of the village for now. Shouldn't be too bad right?

You'd only be helping a young adventurous woman hide away from her office duties for a couple of days. I'm sure they'd understand. What kind of leader would I be if I didn't test my subordinates right?

Granted I'd hate to ruin your vacation by getting in a bind overseas. But I can't help myself from seeing an opportunity for a little playful anarchy. So what do ya say Ayumu? That enough troublemaking for ya?" she'd propose.

[chimecho]

Deep blacks and mottled scarfs dripped off of the shoulders of the Otokage as he and Surya stepped through the heavy snows of this foreign land. The rice fields of Oto had hardly ever seen a day of actual snow, as much of it had melted away at the border of Hotsprings had it ever dared push into the drier territories of Oto-kuni. Souma pushed forward coolly with Surya right at his heels. The second-in-command Li Hideki had remained in Otogakure to handle other affairs appointed to the assistant of the -kage. Here, Surya's expertise in science was the only thing required, along with that charming guile of Lord Sugoi.

As the men trekked through the night, two other bodies within close company had appeared before the travelers. Souma waved his hand to gather their attention as he and his henchman approached. As their body language gave no reason to raise suspicion, the two need not be afraid of these harbingers of a shimmering promise. In what light did that promise twinkle, however, was yet unknown, following the diabolical scheming of Sugoi-sama...

"Hail," the shorter figure stated as he and his company moved to within a meter of their peers; "We arrive from Otogakure..." he gestured an introduction custom amongst Liderens; "I am the Otokage of the Hidden Sound and have come looking for the embassy Festungstadt---I am certain either of you have heard of it?" He smiled and quickly, with a passive nod, flashed his Sharingan. His one-eyed visage had surely been known about and having hailed from so prestigious a clan as the Uchiha had already been common knowledge. This was good as any indication that indeed, the genuine article now stood before the two Snowmen.

On the off chance that a threat was imminent, the Otokage and his ANBU Captain would surely be enough to dispatch of those opposing forces.

SPOILER: Click to show

acids joins the chat

o. o

[random i just jumped in and have no prior knowledge of anything ic. lets get this shit]

[Y]

The young foreigner had set his trap, and set things up. Now, his heart just tried to spare him anxiety as he followed through with his plan. Although all he had to do was listen to this woman, this warrior ruler of tundra, his brain couldn’t quiet itself.

"I suppose if you truly enjoy keeping me company, I honestly would like to ditch the formal atmosphere for a little while, and stay out of the village for now. Shouldn't be too bad right?” she would say. His eyes would light up gently at the words, ‘formal atmosphere’ to describe their current setting, but he would listen without speaking.

"You'd only be helping a young adventurous woman hide away from her office duties for a couple of days. I'm sure they'd understand. What kind of leader would I be if I didn't test my subordinates right?"

She’s done mocking herself as an old housewife. She’s a ‘young woman’ now. Ayumu pondered each word as she said it. He tried, for a moment, to carefully analyze the Inuzukua’s position. But, as he tried to do so, he caught himself, and her, in an unusual moment of introspection. Running off, driven by anxiety for fading youth. He tried not to overthink.

"Granted I'd hate to ruin your vacation by getting in a bind overseas. But I can't help myself from seeing an opportunity for a little playful anarchy. So what do ya say Ayumu? That enough troublemaking for ya?" she'd propose. He would sit up straighter as she said his name, as if to answer, only to bite his tongue while she re-stated the question. This moment gave him the chance to catch his composure, and continue his stream of snarky remarks.

“Vacation is a state of mind, ya’ know? Only I can ruin my vacation. But it sounds like you’re tying to have a vacation of your own. I came to your embassy for work. Now you’re asking me for time off from your office duties?

“Can’t say helping a young lady like yourself get away from the stress of ruling a mighty order of ninja doesn’t sound better than most of the jobs I’ve done though. So consider me onboard,” he paused to take a sip “generally speaking.

“But you, Kahimi.” He looked very directly at her, his narrow eyes making up an intense gaze. “Have been speaking quite generally. Do you know what it is you want, in specific terms? Are you ready to tell me where and what? Or better yet, show me?” He paused just long enough for his words to have impact. He hoped they’d reach the chaos he’d awakened in her, if it existed.

In case it didn’t, though, he teased the latent law he had removed from her. “Or are you just asking my permission to follow me around?” He bit his tongue before he could add ‘like a puppy,’ as he noted her somewhat canine appearance. He was still slightly nervous to offend a warrior queen, even one who could be charmed, in more ways than one, by him.