Sometimes ya just gotta unwind

"For the last time, I am in fact a man despite my name. Now please move before I actually need to use my rank to extend your probation."

Chika had been having a day. His order for a new shipment of parts was denied; his tea had been scalding hot to the point of burning the assistant's hands; and worst of all his puppets (sans Yuru thank the Sage) were mysteriously missing, and he was pretty sure his sister was behind that last one. And then there was the hot springs. Someone had busted up the springs a few days ago, and as such now that they were open they were being temporarily watched over by some Chunin who had broken some rule and had unpaid guard duty as punishment. Probably not the worst thing seeing as death was always a rare but possible option.

However, these two had been keeping him out as he had made the mistake of mentioning his name, and had been barred from entering the Hot spring, at least until he reminded them he was in fact a clan leader. That shut them up quickly and he entered the men's side of the spring and changed into proper hotsprings attire. Given the training he had been doing as well as the rough day, he deserved this small gift.

"I swear, doesn't matter what rank you are you will always find people who disrespect you for the dumbest of reasons."

Tengoku would be standing in a stall washing himself as was proper before entering into the hotsprings. After all they were pure and relaxing waters not a bath. For the sake of others after it was customary to clean any filth before entering the waters. The stall basically was a square box that covered from the top of his knee's to just about halfway up his back. To anyone who noticed him Tengoku was anything but a slouch. His once frail body from before when he had been a genin was faded away to make way for sheer muscles. It was as if his body was built like stacked bricks while somehow remaining lean. Certainly not something that was an easily obtained body. The series of scars along his back and arms as well as one across his torso and one down his right eye which remained closed suggested he had seen his fair share of battle. His silver hair was matted down under the water and steam for once from the shower head above him but his wolf like ears twitched whenever the water hit them. Still he could hear the conversation outside even through the walls thanks to them.

He would continue washing himself thoroughly for now as the other individual was finally allowed in and began to change before Tengoku would smile at the words the person spoke to themselves without intending to speak to anyone in the room. For Chika the tall tale signs of silver hair and wolf ears would easily give away who Tengoku was. One of the wolf twin special jounin of the village. Promoted within the last year but the two of them were considered fairly potent. Especially as a team named the wolf pack. He was famous as the front line fighter of the two. Engaging in close combat at speeds even some of the Uchiha couldn't match. His sister was known as the brains of the operation though. Her mastery of genjutsu and ninjutsu could stop people in their tracks and mind blank them in nearly an instant. However she hadn't been seen as much as of late and there was little information on that. Tengoku had been doubling down on the work load to cover for her but hadn't really answered any inquiries as to why. Today he was just taking a relaxation day to ease his muscles from constant training and working. Still he would speak up in a pleasant tone all the same. He was widely known as the Paladin of Konoha as of late after all.

"Now now at least they are attempting to do their jobs. Most people would sulk after being punished and not put forth the effort."

Stepping into the prep/changing area he probably should have expected...yanno, other people in the hot springs, but with those guards outside he had assumed that one one bothered to get past them, and he payed the price by jumping a little when he managed to not notice the signs of the silver-haired shinobi inside of the same area getting ready to go in just like himself. It was a real blessing that no Hyuga were in here with him, as that would've been a fun paperwork and social nightmare to deal with for a few days. While it wasn't as bad anymore, some people couldn't let one of their own with an all-seeing eye live being spooked down.

"True, though I don't understand why they thought antagonizing a clan leader was a smart idea at all. Sure I don't like to pull rank, but I doubt an elder would be as lenient with them and try to get them into more trouble."

He wouldn't admit it out loud, but he was stalling a little bit as he got ready to rinse off for the hotspring, as while the Konoha paladin was famous and he knew about him thanks to some paperwork that had been passed through his direction, Chika was struggling a little to recall anything else about him other then his Shinobi rank. Stepping into a stall himself he'd quickly activate his eyes to get a good idea of who he was talking to, before shutting them off right after as he just wanted a face.

Tengoku would seem to be content to finish cleaning himself in the stall before glancing over to the other man when he spoke. A clan leader huh? He had his own expectations since meeting so many Uchiha but the Hyuga seemed different. A quick glance over suggested the young man was more on the frail side. He could see how the guards would mistake him with clothes on for the wrong gender. He had fairly feminine features. Still Tengoku was considerably more perceptive than the average ninja out there. He hadn't been promoted to Jounin because of his looks alone. Rumor had it he was an expert tracker and even ran with his own pack of wolves. They never fought but they helped him track. His sister was the one rumored to be a genius and perhaps it was mostly due to her efforts they had been promoted but no one had seen her in some time. Not since the wars started anyway. Still Tengoku had been out and about patrolling and doing his duty to the village. He was a Jounin after all and had to keep up his end of that promotion. No slacking off for him. Some said he even lived in the new training grounds.

His silver eyes would blink as they didn't miss the brief activation of the Byakugan. His chakra wasn't impressive. About average for a Jounin if he was being honest. However his eyes seemed to almost glow as did his ears. His perceptive abilities were impressive and his chakra system seemed to flow easily into his muscles. Which by the looks of it he could probably crush rocks with his bare hands. Still to the Byakugan one slight flash of something may catch an interest. Was that just a hint of nature chakra? Like there was something else there but not yet trained enough to utilize. A part of that raiton infused chakra system that just for a second promised something greater. Still Tengoku would speak once it ended.

"The Byakugan huh? First time I've ever seen a dojutsu outside of the sharingan. To be honest the Uchiha scare me. I've only ever managed to beat one of them in a spar. But even that took my strongest technique. Their veins around their eyes don't bunch up like that though...if it's okay for me to ask, does it hurt?"

Tengoku would wait for an answer one way or another before turning off his water and wrapping a towel around his waist. There were a couple scars along his body but nothing too major. He looked physically capable enough. Still he would step out of his stall and look back to Chika.

"See you out in the hot springs."

He would exit through a cloth and find himself next to a large open pool of green tinted water surrounded by rocks and a Japanese style garden. High bamboo walls seemed to separate the two sides of the hot springs. The pool itself had steam rising off of it due to the cold air outside of it. Still he would walk forward and step off the edge to slowly sink into the water and sit down. Leaning back against the pools edge to rest his arms on the side walls. Sighing in relief.

He'd give a small nod to the wolf-man as he mentioned his Dojutsu to confirm the name. Not many had brought up it's unique effect around the eyes, and even less asked about it's physical effects it had on the user's nerves. It was...nice. "It hurt at first, but like any untrained muscle that's to be expected. Now it tingles a little, like when you stretch your fingers. I have wondered why the veins expand myself, but I have yet to get an answer."

He'd turn slightly to get a better, non-dojutsu look at Tengoku, noting the scares and muscles. The paladin really did look the part of a grizzled warrior who had many battles. If one were to have a poster child for the Strong Fist fighting style, Tengoku could probably fit the bill, even if he didn't know the style, he just had the body type. As said paladin stepped out into the hotsprings proper, he'd give a small wave to acknowledge him departing into the other room, then continue readying himself, letting the shower's white noise help clear his mind a little. Eventually he'd have to step out though for the hotsprings itself.

Towel and glasses on, with his contacts removed revealing his natural cream eyes properly now, he felt a little naked but overall he could live with it as he sat a reasonable distance from the Special Jounin. "Your fears in the Uchiha are warranted though, at least from my viewpoint. Personally I think they've become to strong physically and politically, and many of my clansmen fear the same thing. Add that the balancing factor of the Senju Clan not being able to keep up with them and overall that doesn't make for a pleasant work environment. Add that to other things and you can take a guess as to why I'm here.."

Tengoku would listen as he raised his arms on either side of him to rest on the edges of the pool of hot water. He could feel it soothing his muscles even if the heat was a little uncomfortable. The explanation of a trained muscle broke it down for him in a way he understood more easily. He was a bit of a work out fanatic though. Not in the sense of hitting up the gym three times a week. Tengoku took things more to the extreme. Working out his body between work and taking protein shakes for his meals. Vitamins as part of his daily and his work out was usually something that people who were actual weight lifters gawked at. This close with nothing else distracting them it was clear that his hands were callused both on the inside and out. He was a taijutsu specialist and a weapons specialist too it seemed. Still the man joined him nearby and Tengoku would reach to his side. Grabbing a white cloth and dipping it in the water before leaning his head back and putting the wet folded cloth over the eye with the scar over it. Still tender after all this time.

The mention of the Uchiha gaining power both physically and politically caused Tengoku to glance over to the head of the Hyuga clan. He mentioned how even the Senju were falling behind in comparison to the Uchiha and Tengoku had to smile. He had met the head of the Senju clan and while the kid was powerful he mostly was fueled by rage. Perhaps the Senju in charge wouldn't be any better for them. A leader driven by hate and anger...not even fully matured yet would lead them to war. Not that they weren't already in one despite an Uchiha being on the throne so to speak. Still he could understand how one faction might have major concerns over another gaining so much more power than them. Still Tengoku would reply.

"I know the head of the Senju clan and now I know the head of the Hyuga clan. Perhaps I should count myself fortunate to meet the heads of all these clans. However I dislike division among my allies. It seems aside from unique power all a bloodline does for someone is pit them against others from birth. Or make them targets to organ harvesters. People always seek power and power corrupts absolutely. So, who would you see lead us? A council of the clan heads instead of a Kage perhaps? Would you be a part of it?"

Chika mulled over what Tengoku had said for several seconds. It was good to know he had met Ashitaka, even if he himself didn't know how the meeting went, but he did have several good points. "Me? A part of a council? That's more my sister's thing. If it weren't for her I'd be overwhelmed with the paperwork, let alone the social events. I don't think having a council of clan heads without a Kage isn't a good idea. Sure it would make planning easier, but what about those without a proper bloodline?"

He'd shift how he sat slightly, moving up a little from his more relaxed position so he could think a little clearer. "No, I've had a lot of thoughts concerning who should be the next leader of the village, and while I do think the clan heads should have some more say in case we had another incident similar to the fourth, Having a Kage is a suitable system for now. However, I don't think any of the major bloodline clans should be in power next. Ashitaka for all of his power is still a child, the Amandi don't care much for Konoha's politics despite what has happen as of late, and even the quartet clans of Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Aburame don't have the strength they once did to be in power. No, if I had to choose someone right now...you are probably the best candidate out of everyone I know."

It was a little frustrating to him that he couldn't think of any stronger people that he knew that didn't have a bloodline on-hand, but his words were sincere. After all, one didn't get the title of 'Paladin of Konoha' without doing something noteworthy for the village. "As much as a bloodline does give a person more power, it takes time to cultivate it just like any other skill or muscle, but the same could be said for someone without one. After all, how did they rise to power despite having no outstanding legacy? No, I'm more concerned about outside influences, such as clan interests or political scheming, something I'm still dealing with in my own clan."

Tengoku would reach to his side and grab one of the folded cloths there. Dipping it in the water before folding it and resting it over his eyes. The warm cloth eased the ache of the old wound over his right eye some. It was a dull ache but it was ever present which made it irritating. Anything that was a constant usually was. Still he should be greatful he had an eye still that worked. Much less for surviving that ambush. Had Masaru not been there he may have died. As would his sister. Ahh damn. His thoughts were already drifting to her in a deep slumber in the east wing of their home. Sure there were servants to see to her needs but she never woke up anymore. Always she was trapped in her own mind. He wondered often if it was the result of some genjutsu experiment but no one could tell him. Sensory just said they couldn't find anything wrong nor could the doctors. It was depressing to think on so instead as the water would trickle down his face from the cloth he would simply listen to his relaxation partner. Divert his mind from what troubled it in the first place.

Tengoku would grin and chuckle at the idea of someone like him becoming Hokage. The idea of a village breaking away from tradition as members of clan bloodlines already established for his own lack of clan history. His sister and him were raised in an orphanage and did not know their own parents to begin with. If they did not know their own history the clan leaders would likely take issue not knowing as well. After all knowledge is power. Still he would speak in turn to respond to the Hyuga on several points.

"Neither the blooded or the common gain power without struggle it seems. I only have the power I have achieved through constant vigilance in my training. While I can certainly appreciate your open mind as a clan leader to those less established. I suspect the other clans wouldn't be so open minded. Nyg only promoted my sister and I because when the rest of Konoha was evacuated we stayed and protected this place. We were here when Haku liberated it. We understood then when there was so few to protect so much that power was required to keep what you loved. So we strived for it. Achieved the rank of special jounin and I continued since. My sister was....well that is another matter. However as for the seat of Hokage, I fear it. A responsibility so great it encompasses everyone I know and more. Power corrupts and I fear most what it could turn me into. I prefer peace over war but I prepare for it constantly. However a Kage has advisors. Perhaps a council of the clan heads could advise the next Hokage, Should they be willing to listen. The combined knowledge and wisdom of many bloodlines built over generations should be considered strongly. Don't you agree?"

Chika would sink into the water a little bit more and set his glasses to the side. Sure he could get rid of the water easily if they got on the glasses, but he was trying to relax, and glasses were not a part of that process. "You aren't wrong, I doubt many of the clans would be happy if someone not a part of an established bloodline were to take the reigns, especially that of the Uchiha given the seat's history. I do agree that a council might be best to start off though. Hopefully some of those years of wisdom will actually surface from the petty squabbles. He'd chuckle a little. The comment was genuine, but the thought of him and Ashitaka advising Nyg was a hilarious thought.

Eyes closed and thoughts aplenty, the spa's more chill nature was interrupted by the sound of someone quickly walking in; a hyuga that Chikamatsu couldn't recall the name of, but recognized the uniform band to be that of higher rank in the clan. "I apologize Lord Chikamatsu, but your presence is required at the Clan Hall, and it's one that cannot be put on hold."

He'd groan, the fact reality had decided to come back at an inconvenient time like this frustrating him. "I hope it isn't Satowa this time." He'd turn to Tengoku and give a light smile as he got out. "Sorry I have to cut this sort, but duty calls. Give it some thought though, having a leader with a new background and perspective may be what Konoha needs." Once he was out of the water, he'd send a small amount of chakra through his tenketsu to quickly dry off, and then he'd head on back to change and deal with whoever was causing a ruckus.

{Exit}

Tengoku would nod slowly as the young lord of the Hyuga would speak plainly with him. Which he prefered. He liked the idea of the heads of the bloodlines major to Konoha getting behind one figure head. Advising him for the best interests of the village instead of for personal gains for their clan. However he knew that petty squabbling was always going to be a thing when it came to clan politics. Or politics in general. No one took a path of a politician anymore without seeking to gain something themselves. Power for themselves....influence for their clan....any number of reasons was what led to the infighting between clans. He would see a stop brought about to it. Even thinking that though he knew it was impossible. That didn't mean he would stop trying. People needed to be saved from the cruelty of the world. If he had to do the saving so be it. Still the interruption from someone fully dressed entering and bidding their lord to come with them for their time would cause amber eyes to glance to them before a sigh escaped his lips. He was rather enjoying the company. Still Chika would excuse himself with some parting words and Tengoku would smile and nod his head.

"I will think on it extensively lord Hyuga. Your support means a great deal to me. It is my hope that should I eventually become Hokage that I will have the Hyuga clans support. After all this conversation has already been enlightening. Do enjoy the rest of your day. After all duty calls."

After Chika left Tengoku would settle into the water alone for about an hour before feeling the aches all faded away. He was drowsy now so he would get out and dry off before dressing and heading back to the manor. A nap with the wolf pack would be lovely. Along with plenty from the conversation to reflect on.

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