The Kazeraikou mansion [NDE]

[JiMmIyZ - Hel]

It appeared as though the game was still being played, Layla had not been taken in by Amarante's efforts so she'd have to try harder if she wanted to get the reaction she desired but patience was a virtue of course, she'd have to wait for the right moment to strike so to speak. "Paperwork is just that, paper work. Get it done quickly enough and you don't have to worry about it to much. Plus the use of clones helps the process move faster" Amarante couldn't help but snicker. It was an advantage to be able to split into more than five people in order to do your job. Things got done much faster and Amarante was sure Gosei was also one to use this method. As layla moved to set the table Amarante took it upon herself to fulfill the task which she was given as to stirring the, pot or whatever. "Are you to mean that I am indeed a bad girl Lord Hokage?" the blonde couldn't help but then chime in a devious delight. "That cannot be, can it?" without realizing it herself she was bringing the Hokage into this game of hers. Not that it bothered her too much, fun was fun and she had originally came to this place to mess around with Gosei a bit anyway.

[Solus]

There they went off again, name calling and snide remarks. And inevitably they would of course drag Gosei along into their verbal mud. The newest attempt of this nature would come from Amaranthe, who seemed to confide in the task set to her by Layla. "Well... This is the first time ever I see evidence that seems to contradict the 'bad girl'-theory." He uttered with a smile, nodding to the girl who was poking her spoon in the pot.

A sudden sound of fluttering wings however would sound through the kitchen. A messenger eagle had arrived, hopping around on the wind. It bore little note which Gosei would take from it's paw and unravel, slowly reading it's contents. It was almost unreal... He read the note a second time, in the knowledge that this would not change the message. "So it has come to this..." he muttered. A spark of electricity between his fingers would ignite the paper, which would then be quickly thrown into the sink to safely burn out to ashes.

The world around the Godaime seemed to shrink, until there was nothing left but him, leaning against the kitchen counter. "You two are witness to a historic moment. Acta est fabula." Strange... That exactly the day he had chosen not to show up would be the day that this was to occur. "This is the day that the village council approved my retirement as Hokage. Not sure if this is a day to lay down depressed or to celebrate. I do have champagne though, good for both options." He crossed his fingers and a perfect version of himself would appear: A Kage Bunshin clone. Ìt would depart through the front door for the tower, just as any normal person would whilst the eagle would fly off.

[/blockquote]

[Layla]

Layla set the table as the other woman was stirring the pot of pudding. Her hands would move quickly at her task. Her eyes turned to the man as a bird came into the room, somehow. Her feet took her close to her love, her heart watched as he read the note. With a snap he had lit the note on fire, and tossed it into the sink. He spoke and would then create a double of himself and his double would head out of the tower. Her hands would reach out the man and her hands would fold the man into a hug as she spoke,

A celebration sounds better then being depressed, Love.

Her hands would move up to stroke his cheeks, her mind had forgot the guest as she would show her love that she still felt the same for him even when he was no longer on the top. Her body pressed its self to his, as she would whisper to his ear alone,

I still love you, Gosei.

Her body would move back slightly as she would speak again, her voice was still soft, as she would speak,

I am sure you would still have work to do around the village, Love.

[JiMmIyZ - Hel]

The words that slipped from Gosei's mouth couldn't help but blister up a small giggle from the Chief of Police. It seemed as though her actions were giving him reason to believe that she was indeed a good girl though it wasn't true but she wasn't bad either, she was just herself. A being in existence that was neither good nor evil, just in existence, acting in relation to the cards that she was dealt, those shitty cards. It appeared as though not everyone was dealt such rotten hands as a retirement for Gosei was permitted. "I didn't know the Godaime was so interested in theater nor about your plan to retire" Amarante sighed as she continued to stir the pot, not knowing when the item was cooked properly or not, or if she was even cooking it. She was sure one of her companions would tell her if something was array. A touchy, loving scene then unfolded as Miss Layla embraced the former kage in an amorous hug. Not one to let a moment like this be interrupted Amarante continued to stir at the pot until it was over, even she would not like a footnote of mischievousness in the marks of history.

"I should meet with the new Hokage soon, my position as police chief demands it" she'd then chime in hoping to pick up the mood somewhat. "Tell me Gosei, what will you do now? Live your life peacefully in retirement or perhaps continue working for the ideals of the Leaf?" her question was open ended, she was looking to trap him with his words. There were still somethings she needed him for, still somethings she had for him to do. She needed his strength to remain active within the village else he'd be wasted.

[Solus]

S

he wrapped herself around, warming not only his body but also his very soul. And not a second later followed that whisper in his ear, emphasizing her love for just his person. "I love you too." Her fingers trailed over his left cheek, setting him ablaze. Softly Gosei placed his lips upon Layla's brow and kissed her there. It was however almost disappointing when she stepped back. "Well, it means I have far more time for you now."

Of course romance was short to last in the presence of Amaranthe. "But of course. I like comedy. That's why I'm always nice to you, I have seen Thesmophoriazusae." Of course the comedy was far from the actual reason why the Godaime was nice to people, but if she knew the play the joke would not be lost on her. It was true though, Gosei did like theatre, nothing special about that.

And then came of course the inevitable question: What to do now? The answer was easy, there were things that he had wanted to do for a long time, such as learning more about the potions and poisons that could be drawn from animals. There was an entire empty research centre out there that needed to be stocked with all kinds of animals. It was time to get that done. "I have some plans... Don't worry about that. Maybe I'm going to form a team too, kick some Genin around until they won't need me any more. Don't worry, I won't go bored soon."

Opening a nearby cabinet Gosei would place three long thing champaign glasses on the counter, before striding to the fridge. From there he would produce a bottle of champagne. Seconds later the wrapper around the top of the bottle would be tossed into the bin and the cork flew through the kitchen. It landed somewhere out of sight, but the Kazeraikou could not be bothered to chase it at this moment. Filling each of the glasses to the brim they would be distributed among the three of them. "Let us then toast to freedom I guess." He spoke, handing out the glasses.

[Layla]

Layla almost melted as she was held his lips moving to speak words of love. Her eyes closing for a brief second before he kissed her. His love always made her love all the more real, and her lips moved to smile slightly before she would step away from his person. Of course the whole romance would be fast flushed away as the other would speak. Her head merely tilted slightly, never been to see a play or the like of this comedy. But she did not let this on, her eyes merely softly chuckled. He then went on to speak of not getting bored, which is what she half expected to happen, as much as she had heard of the man, it would make sense.

He moved to get the glasses, her own feet would move over to the other female before she would speak softly,

let me see it, to make sure its not burnt.

Gosei would in turn be filling up the glasses as Layla would if she was allowed to make sure the food was not burnt. Her eyes would watch Gosei softly before she would turn and take a glass, her eyes watching him as he spoke, she would speak softly,

Freedom is what you make of it.

[JiMmIyZ - Hel]

Gosei assured Amarante that he was going to remain busy in some way though he had not fully elaborated on just how he was going to do that. A hint that he may decide to take charge of a team of Genin and begin his own squad was the only clue he gave Amarante on just what he was going to do next and while it wasn't exactly the most dignified of positions considering his previous title it was something she was sure would keep him mildly entertained. Layla then took command of the food preparation ensuring that it was not burned by the blondes inexperience in cooking. A toast was then to be made, a toast to the freedom that came with no responsibilities. The notion of such a thing as freedom beckoned a smile upon the young girls face.

"No one on this is free. We are all slaves in one way or another. To our job, our past, our own fears. Freedom is just a novel concept but I digress..." she trailed off. SHe spoke out of turn. She was to bear witness to this historic occasion, not make it herself. "Usually I would not partake in the drinking of alcohol, being underage and all, though I suppose I should make an exception here. I don't want to offend the occasion so I will make an exception this once time." So long as no one else objected she would take her glass and drink along with a toast like everyone else. If she did she would cough just a little bit, the taste of alcohol too strong for her, it was her first time drinking after all. Collecting herself she would lose interest in her game with Layla and instead shift her focus to Gosei. She was wondering about something in particular and she opened her mouth to ask him something very important.

"Tell me something Gosei; did you accomplish what you set out to do? And what of your plans concerning Ashi?" Her predecessor has caused a lot of concern for Gosei during his reign as Kage and still caused concern for Amarante herself as her new stint as Police Chief. She was constantly suspicious of her own employees, unsure if they had any intentions of killing her. She had no proof but she believed that some had already tried.

[Solus]

A

nd once again the conversation turned to the nature of freedom. It seemed to be a subject that Gosei had encountered a numerous amount of times. One of the conversation partners pulled to the most positive side of the spectrum, whereas the other would remain in the darkest opinion fo the subject. "My late brother always spoke about caged birds and finding the cage that would fit, that kind of rubbish. But he was right about one thing, a bird may be caged, but a dragon cannot be caged. A dragon is truly free. Don't be a bird, be a dragon."

And then came back the other subject that had started to bore Gosei to death over the years: The age of the police chief. To this his answer would be short and to the point. "If you are old enough to be the chief of police you are old enough to drink." The girl started to cough after the first sip, causing a chuckle to emanate from Gosei, an experienced drinking heavy weight. "Cheers!" And with that he took his sip of the drink of victory.

The question that followed was to be expected, and it was something that Gosei needed to ask himself. "Uchiha Ashi has not shown herself after having been banished, her secret base destroyed and her finances cut off. I secretly hope that she has committed suicide, but apart from that she might as well be dead. The village treasury has been fully stocked and the Hidden Leaf is wealthier than ever. Apart from that single bloody rebellion we have been quite safe in the last years. I may not be content, but I am satisfied. It may be time for a new and energetic Hokage. This one is spent." The Godaime took another sip, times for both him and Konoha would change. For now he would keep his actual plans to himself. His time at the frontline was over, now it was time to reach that which he could not reach whilst restrained in his high position. First, he would subdue that elusive family of summons he had been chasing for a year now. After that, Sannin. And after that, who knows how much power a single person can gather?

SPOILER: Click to show

Sorry for the slowness, been moving and such.

[Layla]

Layla's inexperience with anything stronger then milk would show its colors as she softly coughed, as she slipped the drink thoughtfully for a first taste. Her face did not change as she turned to set the glass on the counter and her hand would move to stir the pudding as she did so, she could see that it was done. Her hand would move to find a hot pad to grab the handle and move the hot pan off the burner. Her other hand would move to leave the spoon in the pot as her hand would move to turn off the burner. They had been speaking of some person that she had no interest in or knew of. Her hand would let go of the pot and then turned to move gracefully to look though one or two drawers looking for another pot holder.

She was golden when she found it in the second drawer she pulled. The Japanese bamboo hot holders were made of hard wood that was not really burnable for some reason. She would turn to place one on the table before she would turn to get the pot with the cloth pot holder in her hand to keep it from burning her. She would then place three spoonfuls in each of the bowls she had placed on the table. Her hand let go of the pot once it was on the wooden pot holder. Her feet would then move her from her spot to go get the spoons for this. Her pose was thoughtful, her eyes were bright as she would turn to look at them finally once Gosei finished speaking.

Love, the pudding is done.

[JiMmIyZ - Hel]

It appeared as though Gosei was finished, tired from his years of work though Amarante couldn't help but feel as though he was just quitting in the middle. She finished her drink, toasting to the career of her senior before setting the glass down and making preparations to leave. "It's true, the Leaf is well financially though the notion that it is safe..." she trailed off. It was such a farfetched concept that the Leaf could ever be safe. Not in this life time, not this century. This village was never safe. It still isn't. Rather than go into details of this however Amarante decided that her time her had been well spent, she had become a part of history and in the process messed with Gosei a little, which was fun but it was time for her to be off so dusting herself down she started for the door. "Well it's a soothing thought, no need to dish out any food for me, it's high time I get going." Step by step she swiftly made her way to the exit but as she reached the exit to the kitchen she paused for just a moment and spoke her parting words.

"The Leaf is far from safe Gosei, I doubt that Ashi would just up and kill herself, the threat she poses is still very real though that's not even the half of it. If there's any part of you wishing to still protect the village then you'll come and see me. There is much to discuss, much still left to do" and with those final words she was gone, vanishing in a flash, reappearing by the door and walking out before disappearing again.

[Exit - Sorry for the hold up and thanks for the RP]

[Solus]

T

he police chief was right about one thing, Konoha was not safe, it never was truly safe. At the moment however, it seemed to be relatively safe, unless there was something that Amaranthe had not told the Dragon of Konoha. Casting off these dark clouds Gosei would state his goodbyes to the woman, who had so rudely interrupted his time with Layla. "Then I will see you another day to discuss this."

And just like that he was alone with Layla again, who announced that the cooking was done. This meant that he could once again turn all of his attention to her. "Ah, terrific, just along with the disappearance of that temporary nuisance. Thank you love." Taking a seat at the table Gosei would pick up a spoon. "Itadakimasu."

[Layla]

Layla smiled gently as she put away the bowl and spoon before she would turn and sit next to Gosei as she would then move to dish out the food to themselves as he spoke. It was at the end that he said something that did not make sense really, her face tipped slowly before she would speak in a questioning tone of voice, and in a sense not being able to speak the word correctly at all.

Itadakimasu? …. what does that mean love?

Her face was one of slight confusion as she would watch her love as she waited for her answer.

[Solus]

T

he traditional start of a meal seemed to baffle the young woman, as had other quite common things. ”It means that this is going to be delicious.” They would then both eat, discussing merely small talk over the course of the meal. Including that Gosei would start to look for a team this very day. When they were finished out of nowhere James appeared again, who started to clear the table as a part of his daily routine to clean the house. ”I will need to run by the store and the tower to grab some files from the archives, darling, so I will be out for a bit. Just make yourself comfortable, if you need anything you can just ask James. And with that he would disappear upstairs to put on some street clothes, since he couldn’t walk out in what was essentially a bathrobe, and leave.

[Exit!]

[Solus]

[Enter!]

W

hen the Godaime returned home his tread was not as light as it had been when he left. Not only the acquisition of new apparel and weaponry, but also a stack of papers he now carried from the archives weighed down upon his blue shinobi sandal covered feet. ”James, could you please bring some tea to the patio?” The Dragon of Konoha inquired his butler as he passed through the living room on his way to the garden, picking up some writing gear on the way. On the patio behind the mansion Gosei would sit at the oaken table there, resting in one of the woven reed chairs that surrounded the furniture. It was time to pick out a team. Spreading the files from the archives across the black lacquered surface of the tabletop he would start to organize the files in those of people who were suitable and those who were not.

It would not be a long job since had only taken those who had favourable character traits and abilities, meaning that Gosei would be done before James would show up with a pot of tea. Taking three pieces of paper and a calligraphy pen the Dragon of Konoha would quickly write three separate invitations, folding them up and sealing them with a blue wax seal.

It was time to get a team together. Gosei had already prepared for this, by dressing up in full battle attire. Due to his expertise and storage methods the Hokage's impressive arsenal -14 kunai, 4 smoke and 4 stun grenades and 20 senbon -of which ten had explosive tags wrapped around them- did not make a single sound. The entire arsenal had been spread between two pouches and several pockets in his cobalt blue, gold trimmed haori, each laminated on the inside with pockets and soft fur, dampening all sounds. Moreover he also carried his fan tucked in his obi on the left side, a huge scroll, a comm device, 3 blood clot pills, 2 soldier pills, 2 small scrolls and a world map. Prepared for everything Gosei had hidden his gas mask, fitted with a strong filter underneath his haoiri, also tucked inside the obi, but on the right side. Finally, the ornate bracelet he wore on his left wrist was loaded with 57 senbon, cleverly hidden in the designs of the accessory. He was ready for however this meeting would turn out to be.

Flicking his hands out of his purple trimmed white Kosode, which happened to be the same colour as his pants, the Godaime would start on a flurry of handseals. When done, due to his expertise, not one, but two summons appeared. Both represented rainbow coloured winged serpents in their appearance, although one was relatively small and the other was several meters long. Respectively called Zewak and Tenskwatawa, these were the weakest mythical beasts in Gosei’s repertoire. For the task ahead however, they would more than suffice. ”Could you please do something for me? These letters need to be delivered to the following people...” The Summoner requested, pointing at the files and the associated invitations. With a hiss and a nod both creatures would grab a letter, Tenskwatawa taking two letters, since the litte Zewak could not hold more than one letter in his mouth, and fly off.

Leaning back in his chair Gosei would sip his tea and merely wait until everyone would show up.

[hagane]

[Deleted due to change. Exit.]

[A I R O N T O K U]

..Enter..

What a fucked up day! Fresh out of the Academy and already I am running into pathetic people and getting assigned to teams consisting of pathetic, dork – like people and a former Hokage. It seemed as if the universe just had it out for me. Despite the note was formally written, I didn't even bother heading home to change into my formal wear simply because I was going to go to this mansion and tell Gosei to shove his team where the sun don't shine. There was no fucking way was I going to join a team with Ryuichi, never!

However, locating the mansion was not a problem at all since most Hokage and their predecessors were rich bastards anyway, plus the Kazeraikou mansion in this district was the largest building aside from the Hokage Tower. My amber red eyes eyed the gate unenthusiastically before venturing deeper into the yard to the actual estate sitting square in the center. I must say that Gosei had taste because the house was gorgeous, far better than mine nonetheless. “Fucking rich people..”

I came sporting a red tank top which revealed my stomach and both arms. I had gold plated shackles covering certain areas on my upper forearms and both wrists, plus a matching necklace with five orange stones embedded within it hanging loosely around my neck. A dark red wrap-around skirt sat below my waist-line, rippling around my legs, forming an opening to allow movement. And black ninja sandals encased my feet as I stood at the gate.

My long jet black hair was left down and was flowing loosely in the breeze. While the top section of it was tied up upon my head, releasing two bags of my fringe which cupped my heart shaped face. Both my eyes were ringed with a medium shade of black eye-liner, and my full lips had a cherry-pink colored lip gloss which shone in the sunlight. Overall heightening my beauty as I studied the mansion before me. I walked in through the gates and began my way directly toward the front door before giving it three hard knocks.

[Hitora Ryunobu (Uchiha)]

[ENTER]

Shortly after leaving the restaurant where he and Kohaku had departed at separate intervals, he arrived at the mansion. Ryuichi was wearing his usual attire that consisted of primarily grey colors. On his pants were thick black lines in various patterns in addition to that on his right leg he had a thick red line going up the outside part of his pants leg from the bottom of the leg all the way up to his waist, curving slightly as it went up the leg.

On his torso he wore a primarily grey jacket with black lines that made an image that some could argue looked kind of like either a one or the vertical shape of a dogs head. On his right side he had a large red symbol that helped lend to the thought that the black lines made a vertical image of a dogs head. On both shoulders reaching down his sleeves he had red lines that reached all the way down to the wrist with a black outlining on them.

On the left shoulder of the jacket on the arm side, he wore the symbol of the Kasuta clan and on his back a small red flame. Under this was a simple red T-shirt that he wore in case he felt like opening the jacket up. As he approached he pulled out his pack of cigarettes and lighter, he then placed the small stick into his mouth and lit it before placing the lighter back in his pocket.

As he entered the grounds and looked around, Ryuichi let out a long whistle and said “Wow, so this is how the rich tend to live it up huh?” as he walked he soon found the main doorway and saw the figure of Kohaku standing by it as she knocked on it three times. “Hey Kohaku-chan!” Ryuichi would call out to the young woman, just to try and get a rise out of her.

[/blockquote][/font][/size]

[hagane]

:Re-enter:

Hagane approached the estate of what was the rather annoyingly large establishment. He carried on him 4 Kunai, 2 Smoke Grenades, 1 Incendiary Grenade, His 2 Combat Trench knives, 2 Small Scrolls, 8 100ml vials, 2 100ml syringes, 30 Hira-Shuriken and 32 Makibishi Spikes. On his back was his trademark scythe, looking as if the shaft was placed in the curve of the letter S, with one blade curving up and an opposing blade curving down. His brown and green tactical vest worn over his black body suit. The place was quite large when he got there, it reminded him of the Hyuuga compound but as just one building. He understood it needed to house the whole clan but, it was always so extravagant. Hagane was more annoyed that the letter didn't say where in the estate to meet. However, it seemed others were here. His team perhaps? He shook his head as he observed them. Hopefully they weren't useless. He wondered about that before walking towards the two of them at the door.

"You are the other two he chose to be on the team? Hopefully you won't hold me back too much."

Hagane said in a matter of fact sort of manner, pausing for a moment before offering a smirk towards them, trying to size them up by their attire. He couldn't get a good read on them except they already knew each other. He paid a moment to the way he addressed her before he chuckled.

"Go figure, I'm put on a team with a pair of young lovers. Just be sure to keep your make out sessions to a private location, preferably were I don't have to watch."

Hagane said with a wicked grin, throwing that comment out there purely to see how they would react to it and more importantly, to get a better read on their personality traits. People were most honest when surprised by something outrageous. Hagane simply would observe the fruits of his actions and words now.

[Solus]

I

n response to the knocks on the door an older man, well in his fifties, dressed in a frock coat would open the door. This was clearly not the person any of you were looking for, but his butler. "Good afternoon, Master Kazeraikou is expecting you. If you would please follow me?" the man spoke eloquently with an archaic accent, beckoning as he already started to lead the way. It would not be a long walk, despite the size of the rooms. After the hallway you would directly go past the living room and outside through a glass door onto the patio behind the house.

On the patio the Godaime resided behind a square table, resting in a woven reed chair, enjoying a cup of tea. Three more chairs of the same type surrounded the table, on which three empty cups and a pot of tea stood, steam rising up from the tip indicating that there was still plenty to be drunk. The intention was clear. " Your guests have arrived sir." The Godaime nodded, waving his arms to the empty seats as he spoke. " Thank you James. Please everyone, have a seat, drink some tea, rest a bit before our first test commences." It was a nice place, beyond the patio the grounds stretched into the distance, with a meadow bordering the patio that was about fifty meters long and wide. Around it was a border of about ten meters, filled with all kinds of small flower gardens, mostly roses. Beyond that woods separated the gardens from spying eyes from the outside. It was high summer so everything flowered and the trees were green, filling the entire garden with an intoxicatingly good smell.

Without much ado the Dragon of Konoha would take another sip of tea, this was the part where those who wanted to make a statement remained standing, those who were paranoid would refuse to drink the tea and those who were too hasted or filled with rage would inquire why they should drink tea. The shenanigans were always the same. " If we are all to become acquainted then I think we should start with introductions. I am Kazeraikou Gosei, my rank is Godaime Hokage, which means I am retired from leadership of the village. And... I don't know what else to say, I like drinking tea and hate it when people walk just a bit slower in front of me than I want to go... What about you three?"

It was as cheesy as it could get; introduction rounds. Another way of measuring characters, not only the words themselves would tell something, but their reaction to the entire thing would say a lot more about the people Gosei had in front of him. So far he only knew them from files and paper could tell only so much.

When it came to first looks however the Godaime had already learned a lot. All three of them were still in their very early stages of development as a shinobi. With his sensor capabilities the Godaime could read out their chakra levels, determining that none of the three had exceeded D-class. And then there was how they came before him. One seemed to take this serious, the boy seemed to be in full mission gear and armed to the teeth. Then there was a person who had decided to put on something that was mission ready, but from the looks of it he had only brought a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, judging from the bulges in his pockets. Then there was the lady, she had stunning looks and easily showed it off in a quite classy way. That however meant that the Godaime could not spot a single weapon on her. Since there didn't seem to be any hiding spot for those either the Godaime could only assume that she had come unarmed. Out of the three, the last one would probably be the most problematic person on the team, at least she didn't seem to take this seriously.

[Battle Moderator 1]

I'll be overseeing this sparring session. Have fun.