Social | An elephant in a porcelain room.

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374

No matter the time of day or night, if there was one constant in the Land of Water, it is the fact that the market district would always be swarming with activity. Varying merchants and craftsmen, displaying their wares, hoping to catch the attention of any future customer. Many of the wares on display were put there simply to catch the attention of others - nothing more nor less. And, the sight of the wares, rather it was clothing, jewelry, armor, weapons, etc. seemingly did the trick of piquing the curiosity of fellow passerbyers who stopped at the varying shops.

Mamoru, himself, was also in the shopping district. He has been giving a list by his father of items that needed to be picked up. The man having ordered some chemicals for the clinic, along with other personal items, but, due to his current workload, did not have time to pick up the items himself. Thus, the responsibility fell on Mamoru’s shoulders; though, the teenager did not mind it at all. It gave him a chance to get out of the house for a bit and wander the streets for a bit.

Dressed in a black kimono with a silver snowflake motif, his cream-white hair was in a low-hanging ponytail. The Kiri headband was wrapped around his forehead, and his shinobi id was on his person as well. The sounds of the market district drowned out his black wooden geta hitting the ground with each step. With most of the items accounted for, glacier blue eyes landed on an anomaly. Walking amongst the crowd of people was someone wearing a hooded cloak, and it stood out, somewhat. Normally, he would not approach an individual, but curiosity got the best of him, and he walked over

“I couldn’t help but notice you seemed to be lost a little. May I be of assistance of any kind.”, he spoke. Might not have been the best way to start a conversation, but that what he thought of on the spot; he just hoped the person did not snub him. Realization dawned on his face about the lack of introduction, something he rectified immediately. “My name is Mamoru”

There were a few places in the world that Zaylee considered her favorites: the little window seat with the under the cushion storage for one, the clinic her father owned for another, and the marketplace. Oh sure, the hustle and bustle of the constant busy streets could certainly get overwhelming at times, but for an artist like herself it just drew her in and captivated her. Okay, sure, the abundance of art shops selling quality merchandise certainly helped too. So there was that.

Zaylee had left the house well over an hour ago, taking one of her usual trips to a nearby cafe that she favored in order to do some drawing and have a few cups of her favorite chai tea with milk. She had spent quite a while comfortably seated in a corner, her sketchbook out, and her pencil making soft scratching noises across the once blank page as she added more and more to the basic building blocks of the drawing that slowly began to transform into something more. She ended up having three and a half cups of tea, and it was only because the forth was spilled by a bump to the table by a passerby that she ended up packing up her stuff and heading back out into the busy street.

As per usual the young lady who stood an even five-foot tall was dressed in a silverish white kimono that matched her long hair, the material made out of a hardy silk, with a blue pattern on the fabric of snowflakes. Socks that went past her knees, visible do to the knee length of the kimono, were the same white coloration as her kimono itself, down to the shoes upon her feet. Her silverish white hair, spun up into an elegant bun at the top of her head, shined as the various lamps and lights hit it. Thankfully, none of the aforementioned tea that had been spilled had touched her sketchbook nor her clothing, so she wasn't worried about being seen. With her canvas bag of her sketchbook and art supplies over her shoulder, she was preparing to head home when a familiar sight caught her attention and held it: her twin brother, older by less than a minute, Mamoru.

Stepping around people, and avoiding a push cart, Zaylee made her way over to her twin and poked him gently between the shoulder blades. “Hey, who’s your friend?”, she would inquire curiously. Her gaze would then shift over to the individual whose name she didn’t know, politeness and manners immediately making themselves known, “Hi there, I’m Zaylee.”

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597

Stat Trade: Eye of the Perpetually Scrutinising Tengu
None becomes a master craftsman without a keen eye to spot microscopic flaws within the crafts, constructions and defences of other works. Along with a cunning mind, it is the master's way to drive all other merchants out of business. Unfortunately, that impeccable perfectionist's bird eye requires intense focus and more often than not makes Tengu sluggish to react during their overzealous eyeing. Gain Perception (+++) but lose Speed (- - -).

Feeling someone poke him on the shoulder, Mamoru glanced to the side and spotted Zaylee. His initial response was surprise and an eyebrow was raised in an unspoken question before realization dawned on him. If his memory served him correctly, there was a tea shop located somewhere around here that she visited often. And considering she was carrying her canvas bag, probably full with her art supplies, Mamoru could only assume she had spent a considerable amount of time at the establishment - enjoying her tea and drawing. Although he did not know for certain, he assumed she was either on her way home, or off to another destination, only stopping upon spotting him talking to a stranger.

Speaking of the stranger, his full attention returned back to the individual in question. Something about them was unsettling to him. Returning the smile, the wiry smile of horned individuals reminded him of a cunning fox or some other predator. Did he had missed judge the situation? Was the person, if they could be called that considering the horns, bad news? Did he, unknowingly, stepped into the lion’s den? While he did not know for certain, he was too late to retreat now. Wherever this meeting went would be determined in the next few moments. And while it was unnerving to be around this person, Mamoru could not stop his eyes from returning glancing at their horns.

Looking at the documentation presented, Mamoru returned them back to the now identified Hua; a shinobi from a foreign country. He had a general idea of why she was here in the first place. Preparation for the Chuunin exams was occurring, and the Land of Water would be the host this time around. Thus, the number of foreign delegates, shinobi, and civilians had nearly tripled as of late. This was just an assumption though, for he had no proof if that why she was there. “Nice to meet you, Hua Li.”, he spoke, hoping he pronounced her name correctly. It would be embarrassing if he pronounced her name wrong.

With her intention being want to look at the arts and crafts, Mamoru spoke, inquiring on what exactly she meant by that, “You certainly came to the right place for that, though, it depends on the type of arts and crafts you seeking.” Her next statement hinted to Mamoru what exactly what she was looking to acquire. He did not know how it worked in other villages, but Kirigakure no Sato did not allow quality weapons, armor, or the likes, be sold to foreign shinobi. Sure there were stores that sold to outsiders, but, according to others, their quality was inferior, to say the least. A frown marred his features at the thought of her wishing to acquire such goods, and he pondered on for what reason.

Just as he was about to open his mouth to speak, he closed it as Hua spoke once more. She deducted the punishment associated with a genin buying weapons, armors, etc only to give it to a foreign shinobi. Shaking his head in a negative, Mamoru spoke, “No, neither of us are participating in the exams. We know that we aren’t ready for such fierce competition. While it would be nice to gain combat experience, the risk of serious injury is high, and that would be bad for our growth.” What was left unsaid was their parents' own thoughts on the exams. “Are you the sensei for a Kumo team?”, he inquired, completely skipping over her comment regarding the reason for the approach. For some reason, he did not bother asking her if she was a genin like them. . .something about her just did not feel like a genin.

Kye was the first to return to the hotel him and his team were to be staying at for the duration of the Chuunin Exams, the room and service provided by Kirigakure. The standards were fairly nice similar to the quality of life he had at his home. To think Kirigakure was able to foot such a bill for all participants was mind-boggling to say the least. The city was certainly a lot more well off than his own. But despite the wealth, the wares they offered were nearly identical. The quality is, so to speak. There were some slight design choices which were mostly due to culture but others practical. For instance, a sword's scabbard would be lacquered to be more water resistance versus just being treated with mineral oil. Of course these design choices would represent the majority, but not entirely. Kye was more than happy to purchase a katana with a black lacquered scabbard. It had wrappings on its handle of the sword and a golden ribbon tied around the base of the scabbard. Overall it was a pretty sword and it performed well. It would serve him for the Chuunin Exams.

The young man passed through the shop's door and out onto the streets. He'd turn his eye and scan the area trying to jog his memory of his next errand he needed to accomplish. Kye mindlessly looped his new katana through his belt where it suspended freely. Normally he'd mind his own business but out of the few stationary groups of people he was particularly interested in the one with the Oni. She was one of the few Jounin Kumogakure provided as escort. To see her among two identical Kirigakure civilians at least sparked an interest. Kye would beeline to the group as he tuned in catching the last bit of the male's exchange of dialogue.

"You don't have too much to worry about injury. It was advertised Kirigakure is offering their best medical technology to ensure the wellness of all participants. So whatever ails you would handled by this city's professionals." Following his comment she'd subtly fix his posture, straightening his back and slightly adjusting his shoulders to give a very military posture. Careening forward just a bit he'd follow his bow with a cordial introduction. "I am Kye Takamura, Genin of Kumogakure. It is a pleasure."

Everyone appeared to have lost interest in conversation when Kye showed it. He didn't want to make it seem awkward seeing as he was a stranger injecting himself in with another group of strangers. He'd shyly rub the back of his head before bowing and departing with his new sword. It was a cheap sword, but he felt it would come in handy for the exams.

[Exit]