In search of a Master Craftsmen...

Tsukiyo had made her way to the floating city known as the Heavenly Emporium, and upon arrival she'd needed to take care of her financial issues...which was easy for the intelligent Jounin. Now...she seeked the one behind the floating city. Okane. The woman brushed her bangs out of her face as she took in a quiet but deep breath, letting it out slowly through her nose. "...If I was a rich guy who literally owns this floating city...where would I be..." she'd ponder...this would be so much easier with Tengoku's sensory abilities and her mind linking with him. But he had to remain in Konoha to take care of his duties as Hokage.

With another annoyed sigh she'd press on...she didn't really wanna speak to anyone, Tsukyio was being a bit anti-social today...not to big of a surprise for those that know her. But still. It maybe made this just a bit more difficult then it needed to be. But she'd find him, or find out how to find him eventually. She had the man's face in mind, and couldn't miss him if she happened to come across him somewhere random.

The heavenly Emporium was bustling with crowds of people buying and selling and some who even lived there. Choosing to work and live on the floating city. And a floating city it was. Every bit as big as a major nations village soaring through the clouds. Yet peace settled there and no one was wielding weapons like a fool or launching jutsu at each other. People laughed and drank and genuinely enjoyed themselves. A variety of types from the grungy folks playing dice in an alley to people in the fanciest suits and kimonos. Never really intermingling but mere streets apart. The massive land was so large it didn't even feel like it was moving but having approached it from some distance it was clear that the roaming city was doing just that. An airship shuttling people too and from the city. Here and there were people wearing black military like uniforms with gold trim and a stag symbol with a halo over it on their left breast pocket. Signifying they were employees directly of the Stag emporium. The corporation that made it all happen. People paid them little mind though as they moved about observing and listening. Until one overheard her question and bowed low before speaking in return.

"If The young miss is seeking the Iron Prince....Look no further than the tallest point in the city. When he is here the grand merchant can be found in his abode above all others at the Stag tower."

With a white gloved hand raised he would direct it to a tower that towered over everything else and well into the clouds above. Clearly Okane liked to be noticed and placed himself above others. A man of luxury and power filled with pride. Still the man would remain bowed until such a time as she excused him or went about her way. Assuming she didn't ask him anything else. He was formal and groomed for his customer service position well. Still the tower itself would be bustling just as much as the streets. Though everyone there was either in a Stag uniform or considerably well dressed. The only ones who were not were shinobi or samurai like herself seeking improvements to their gear or repairs. Most of which was being handled by the staff instead of Okane himself. The front of the building had an advertisement simply showing off the revitalization project of Suna and how it was no longer a desert village but a paradise. Good publicity for the Stag.

inside people were coming and going but there was a reception desk with four people working behind it and a short line. Most of the people there were being directed to specific shops or scoffing at the price for gear made by Okane himself. No one seemed to actually be getting a meeting with him when the cost of two hundred and fifty thousand for a single piece of equipment. Still by the time she made it there a position at the desk would open up placing her in front of another woman in the same uniform. Bright but tired eyes would look up as the woman smiled and folded her hands in front of herself.

"Hello and Welcome to the Stag Emporium. How can we make your dreams a reality today?"

The atmosphere here was very different then the young silver haired woman was used to, throngs of people going about their days, from all over the world--and no one was fighting...last she had known, the world had fallen into war--yet Tsukiyo awoke to her brother being Hokage, and places like this existing...if it wasn't for the fact she knew of this place beforehand, she might've thought she was still in a coma--and simply dreaming of this place. The old her would've probably been window shopping, but she came with a goal in mind--and that took priority...besides--she'd have time to window shop some other time. Tsukiyo had pondered out-loud and seemed to have been overheard, out of the corner of her eye she'd see a guard bow his head towards her before speaking.

What he said was unsurprising, in fact, she'd already figured as much. Why not the tallest nicest building here. It only made sense. The man pointed her in a direction, not that he really needed to, she'd done spotted the towering...well, tower, when she got here. She'd frankly been making her way over there. He may not had seen it but she nodded in thanks and headed towards the Stag Emporium. The Iron Prince...Okane was pretty full of himself. Then again, he may have been the most famous person in the world, and the name to call for when it comes to the best of the best equipment. So...he at least backed up some of that arrogance she could already feel even before meeting him face to face. Not that she could talk, she'd gotten better, but her even a couple years ago was a bit more arrogant and hot headed.

Tsukiyo pressed on, making her way to the tallest building of the floating city, barely able to even see the top through the clouds above. Inside, the place was bustling with activity, even the reception desk was fairly crowded. But luck struck Tsukiyo as she walked up, one of the four working the desk had their last customer walk off--open for Tsukiyo to approach without any hassle of waiting...this likely annoyed some who picked a slower line. Not that she cared. She'd be welcomed by a woman behind the desk, Tsukiyo looking into the bright but tired eyes of the receptionist.

"I need a meeting with Okane Tomi. I need custom equipment that only he can provide...My name is Tsukiyo Shinku." she'd go on to say. While maybe her name was not nearly as well known as others, a few who overheard had some shocked reactions. Whispers among themselves. 'Shinku? As in the Hokage's sister?' ', 'Konoha no Shinku Tsuki...I heard she was gone for a while but recently has been seen again.' a couple would whisper between each other in the line nearby. Seems even if she wasn't so well known, being the twin sister of the Hokage sometimes came with its own recognition.

This would work out for her, even if normally most didn't get to see Okane face to face, a receptionist who'd turn away the sister of a Kage was likely to be fired, and Tsukiyo was directed to an elevator. With that, she made her way towards the top of the building, literally in the clouds. She'd find herself in a sort of waiting room, surely fancy as they come, where she'd go ahead and lean up against a wall instead of taking a seat, the young woman folding her arms in front of her, just under her bust for comfort, as she awaited to see Okane.

Okane was having a small glass of medicinal tea from a chardonnay cup. The crystal glistening in the light as he looked out through his office windows to the clouds below. Occasionally breaking to reveal the city he had built. However for the moment it was almost a sea of white below him and the bright blue skies above. The windows were tinted in such a way as to prevent the light from glaring through while still giving the appearance of clarity as if they weren't even there. His glowing green eyes would look over his kingdom as he smiled. He was one of the richest men in the world now. Some even compared him to the major nations. He had surpassed everyone except perhaps Kara herself. However she was his business partner to begin with so that hardly irked him. If anything he felt it was a healthy competition. Each of them masters of their house and each of them master craftsmen. Her late husband was the last of those who could keep up with them. He mourned the man of course but never really knew him. Simply mourning the loss of any mind and hands as great as his own. How the world could have changed.

The elevator could be heard distantly by him as his attention shifted from the view. His perception was on par with most shinobi these days so even the near silent whir of all those motors was a distinct change for him. As if heralding her arrival his intercom on his desk would blink red with a beep before a womans voice could be heard. Simply informing him that a Jounin from Konoha who claimed to be the hokages sister was on her way up to meet with him. Then it would click silent and he would smile to himself. Sipping the last of the medicine for his head ache before turning and gently setting the tiny crystal glass down on the corner of his desk. A kingdom that attracted all kinds of warriors and other types as well. He wasn't surprised she had come to him though he had never heard rumors of her using weapons before. Tsukiyo wasn't it? She was famous by her own right aside from her brother. They said she didn't have to use seals for genjutsu....a true witch of the wilds. That she was coming to him peaked his interest he had to admit.

She wouldn't have to wait a full minute in the waiting room before the assistant would move to the doors as a light blinked on at their computer. It was Okane signaling he was ready for his guest in a way that was supposed to hide any notice being given. As if the attendant simply responded automatically. Like a well oiled machine. The woman would open the door for her and bow her head before closing it behind Tsukiyo if she entered. The office itself was expansive. A crackling fireplace with a glass front and gold gilded grill would cast off a perfumed scent on the wood while giving a warmth to the massive office. There was a white leather couch opposite it on the other side of a large glass table with black metal decorated in metal flowers and vines. A white leather loveseat on either its left and its right. All settled upon a large white polar bear fur rug. Tall windows nearly transparent would stretch all the way around the office to the view outside making this appear as if one may literally be in heaven. A step up on hardwood polished floors would reveal a long walk on a red carpet to a redwood desk covered in designs carved into it of a battlefield. Next to it was a cabinet with several bottles of assorted liquor, ice and cups. Two chairs would sit on this side of the desk and one large red leather chair behind it.

Okane was standing next to the chair with his right hand resting on top of the back as he stood looking out over his heaven. He was in a white suit with a black shirt and crimson tie. His dark hair hung loose over his shoulders but was beaded with jewels and a mixture of silver and gold beads. His skin was perfect as porcelain and when he turned his smile was charming as well as his voice...as a practitioner of genjutsu she would likely suspect he had a latent ability for it. His voice was like silk on the ears. Hypnotic and comforting.

"My my this is a pleasure. One of the two great Shinku. They say your brother is the new Hokage but you run the village every bit as much as he does. Tell me...you didn't come here to me on vacation did you? No...you are much too intelligent for that. I suppose the superior question is...what kind of power are you after?"

Tsukiyo being not the most social person, only really when she needed to be, didn't even address the assistant behind the desk of the waiting room. She'd not have to wait long though, as the assistant came from their desk, over to the door, Tsukiyo glancing from the side of her eyes to watch the woman. The door would be opened, the long silver haired woman pushing herself away from the wall gently, and stepping over towards the door. The assistant gave a bow as Tsukiyo approached, and would pass through the door into Okane's office, it being shut behind her after she entered. Tsukiyo's eyes took in the room quickly, lavish, clearly no expense spared, fitting for one of the richest in the world. A fireplace crackled and burned with warmth, the sound likewise burning her sensitive ears--But she wouldn't linger on it, no, her pink hues fell on a lone figure in the room. Okane Tomi. This drew a faint smirk tugging at the edge of the woman's lips as she'd move to step further into the office.

Her footsteps was light on the red carpet leading up to the ornate desk, even if under it was hardwood. Tsukiyo's height forced her to look up just a bit as she got closer, the woman stopping a few feet away from the desk Okane was behind. She'd take in the man's appearance, eyes of emerald, skin without blemish or scar--a white suit capped off by a crimson tie, with a black undershirt. The man knew how to dress sharp, she'd give him that. Tsukiyo had her own elegance to her appearance, but clearly not as formal, some even found her outfit a bit revealing...but what Kunoichi would she be if she didn't know how to use her appearance to her advantage over the weaker minded.

The craftsman would be the first to speak, his silky voice crossing Tsukiyo's ears as Okane spoke to her. The mention of her running the village just as much as her brother did brought a quick 'Heh' laugh and a small smile upon her lips, but she'd respond by shaking her head. "Quick to flatter me, but no--Tengoku runs the village just fine without my help." she'd respond to the first half of what Okane said, her eyes looking to meet with his as she'd follow up that with her reasoning for being here.

"The power your handywork yields is alluring...I figured if I was going to get myself some new equipment, why not from maybe the most famous man in the world. Nothing but the best will do." she'd go on to say, voice soft and almost seductive--almost matching Okane's on silky tone, going ahead and taking a couple steps closer, now up to the desk--and having to look just a bit more up. The woman was short, but dangerous...easy to underestimate. She casted the man a smile from across the desk, her hand coming up to trace her fingers across the desk, glancing down a moment to look to the design. "A man of your status could surely help a girl out, am I right? Of course, I'm not coming with empty pockets." she'd look back up to him, giving a slight smirk as she looked into his eyes.

"I guess I'll get to the point...I'm wanting something more protective, an outfit made of your Immortal Silk and Mountain Fur, designed a lot like my current outfit. Also would like a pair of your contacts...word spreads quick when you make some new tech. And well...how could I come all the way here and not walk away with one of your famous weapons. I have a design in mind, if you wanna take it and do your magic." she'd explain to him, laying out her reasons for being here on the table.

Okane would smile as she turned away his flattery. His white teeth showing ever so slightly through a smile that looked like Mischief. But the fun kind maybe? She would in turn flatter him as she spoke of needing equipment. Of course rumors had already reached him of Kara arming the ever loving shit out of Tengoku. For her to seek him out was only fitting. A duo full equipped with equipment made by the top two crafters in the world? Part of him was tempted to match Kara in making something legendary like that Wakizashi but he would refrain for the time being. Those resources had already been allotted to the festival coming up however and he wasn't one to break promises. His reputation meant a great deal to him. Still she spoke of his more recent products that had finished with product testing and he would allow the corners of his lips to twitch upwards. She was well informed. Of course the reputation that came along with her name suggested she was one of the greatest minds in all of Konoha. Which was saying something in a village stuffed full of that accursed Uchiha clan. Even if he did have one working for him he still found the nature of their power to be volatile.

He would smile as she traced her fingers along his desk just a little more. He enjoyed others who took the time to appreciate his art. The desk he had crafted himself for no other purpose than to look impressive. He wanted to invite her to the window. To show her how he looked down from above as if they truly stood in the heavens. As if he were a god. Of course he had placed himself there on purpose with that in mind. However too much boasting would be lost to greater minds. Asuka was the evidence of that. So instead he would move to the desk himself. She was much shorter than he had imagined but attractive all the same. He was amused at the thought of her in one of the chairs. Would her feet touch the floor? Doubtful. Still he wouldn't mention it as he himself took a seat. She was clearly here to talk more business than not. So he would address what she had gone over thus far. Her knowledge of his products would make this easier at least.

"Well I can certainly make an armor out of those materials for you in the tradition you prefer. It will be one of the stronger light armors in the world. Nearly impossible to cut or burn. I can even provide you with the night vision contacts though I am surprised you know of them. With them having just passed product testing. As for the weapon I could make you something both wonderous and terrible. Yet I am curious on what kind of weapon you had in mind. If I like it I may even send you home with another item on the house.....First though let us order something to eat. Do you have a preference? I am thinking Sake and Sushi."

Maybe the woman's knowledge of his product line may have surprised the man, she was quite informed on what he could do--of course, she'd effectively studied what she could on the man by this point. Plus, word spread quickly when someone as famous as Okane comes out with a new product. The Stag Emporium always had a reputation for the best, but its location originally in Sunagakure was rough--now, with the Heavenly Emporium, Okane was a bit easier for someone like her to get in contact with.

The man would eventually take a seat at his desk, which likely brought him to more eye-level with the short, standing woman. Tsukiyo remained standing for now, as Okane addressed what she came for. She'd keep her pink eyes looking to the man's emerald hues, as he spoke, saying that what she asked was doable--and explaining a bit about the armor, his surprise she'd heard of his contacts, and finally saying he could make something great and terrible all at once, quality craftsmanship, a terror to face. This was what she'd hoped for. But first, he'd offer dinner. Not being one to pass up a good meal, especially one likely as lavish as Okane could have brought to them, likely by some of the best cooks in the world, she'd give a smile and nod. "If dinner is on you, then some Unagi would be nice. Sake sounds fun...but I shouldn't drink while I am here on business." Tsukiyo would respond when it came to the offer for dinner.

After, she'd reach into her sleeve, and retrieve a folded paper, the woman quickly unfolding it. She'd slip the paper across his desk to Okane. On it was a fairly well designed, at least for a non-craftsmen, weapon. A double ended weapon, Kanabo one on end, blade on another--with details of the Kanabo end being on a chain to be used at range too. While nothing like he could do, being an engineer, her blueprints was a good skeleton to base his work off of, and was drawn fairly well. She wasn't a craftsman...but she was still smart. "I want a weapon like this...and well, I know you can do wonders with it beyond what I have here." she'd say, as she stepped back, and would finally take a seat across the desk from the dark haired man.

Okane would smile as the woman took him up on an offer for a quick lunch. After all the Stag did have a cafeteria for employees but he had access to much more. While Okane enjoyed taste testing restaurants wherever he went, especially their sweets menu, he had a masterchef on the payroll for guests. Of course he would utilize it for a customer looking to spend a great deal with him. Seven hundred and fifty thousand was going to be the bill for three S rank items. For him it wasn't laughable but it wasn't a surprisingly massive amount either. However he understood how in the shinobi world this was a surprising amount. He paid handsomely after all and even then it would take eight months of payroll to be able to afford this. He wondered if she had acquired this money through her chemistry sales or partially from her access to Konohas funds. Of course he wouldn't miss the potent chemistry sales of someone like her. Still he would reach out to the device on his desk and his pale finger would tap a button. Static would be heard for a moment before it became clearer with a green light glowing over the kanji for three.

"Ahh Ikobu wonderful. I was concerned you were busy. Please prepare and have some Unagi with some of our finest sake brought up. Thank you."

With that he would press the button again without waiting for a response. The green light fading. Of course he had ignored her polite denial of Sake and ordered it anyway. Still she would pass him a diagram of her idea for a weapon and he would glance at it with a smile. Looking it over. Certainly a break from the katanas and smaller weapons people asked him for. It was going to be a heavy weapon but the transformative capabilities of it were interesting. He would pick up a pen and quietly jot down a couple of notes on it before tapping the pen to his chin. The retracting function was easy enough as well as the release. But the head of the weapon was large...it could be useful for..yes. He would draw on the head of the weapon what appeared to be holes. As for the chain...someone grabbing it was a weakness for the weapon. However if he were to run a current through it...no shocking wasn't enough...he would need more.

"I can make this but I can also improve on it. The head of the weapon is rather large and if hollowed and shaped just right...sounds can be utilized to damage the senses and affect the mind poorly. By working on the harmonics of it I can have the sound it produces cause nausea to anyone on the wrong end of it. Even if you miss you may still disable your opponent. As for the chain it has a glaring weakness to anyone attempting a tug of war. I could run a current within it to increase its temperature dramatically. Blades are not the only thing that can cut but they make it easier....a super heated chain would slice through a great deal of things. If I made it out of my midnight ore...there wouldn't be much it couldn't cut through. Of course this weapon would likely make you a primary target if you mastered it in any combat. As it is too dangerous to ignore with its wide range and destructive capabilities."

Tsu's pink orbs watched as the man smiled, and with the use of an intercom would speak to an assistant--putting in the request. She smiled at the thought of some fine cuisine, surely Okane didn't eat anything but the best. After she had passed him the weapon design idea, she'd eye Okane as he went over the idea. He seemed to snap into his work, the man plucking a pen from the desk, her watching him jot down some notes as he thought about the design she presented. She trusted his judgement on it, she wouldn't have sought him out to make such a weapon if she didn't.

She'd listen as the man would go on to explain his ideas to her. What he could do to improve the design, make it even more effective. Of course, she liked the sound of all of it--she wanted something that would be difficult to deal with, making her even that much more of a threat on the battlefield. "Those sound like great improvements to the design, should make it very effective in battle." she'd comment, glancing over the changes he'd penned across her original drawing. "I need it to be a weapon that will draw fear in those who face me...With Tengoku being Hokage, I need to be able to keep up, and help him protect the village." she'd go on to explain, letting out a soft sigh afterwards before glancing back up to Okane. "I feel this will fit the bill."

Okane would smile as she seemed pleased with his additions to her designs before there would be a beeping noise. His attention would turn to what appeared to be just the desk but not to the part that held the phone. Instead it appeared to be a blank part of the desk that had beeped. With a sigh he would smile before glancing to Tsukiyo. "Excuse me for one moment please." He would say. His right hand going forward to the blank spot and pressing down on the wood. An outline appearing as he did so before it would pop down and with a click it would lift up. The wood parting to reveal a screen on the underside as it lifted itself vertical. Okane would glance at the screen before touching it to open an email. The Stocks attached to the name Nyguyen Uchiha had been returned to him as well as a resignation letter from the man or his secretary. It was difficult to tell. Still he would sigh as his retirement plans were not going well. He would accept the notification and look it over a moment before a thought occurred to him. His green eyes matching his smile as he considered her.

"My dear woman I do believe you have a good head on your shoulders. An eye for making money and a good information network. What would you say if I told you I could make you one of the most powerful people in the world? Wealth and influence at your beck and call?"

Of course she was ideal for this. She didn't have much experience running a village but she had her brothers ear. Besides that her intelligence was evident and if she had the kind of power she wanted in combat his investments would be all the more protected. Of course he would have prefered guards from the might of the Uchiha clan but they were proving unreliable. His attention would remain on her though. Kara had gotten far with her seductive technique as well and this Shinku woman was perhaps equally seductive. Of course Okane had little time or interest in bedding either woman. He liked his women far more submissive. But a great deal of his customers were....well they were simps. And one could always use more influence over the masses. He could use someone to distract simpletons. Some men liked women lording over them he supposed.

Tsukiyo's attention was momentarally drawn to the sound of beeping, which seemed to attract Okane's attention as well, prompting the man to excuse himself for a moment briefly. Pink orbs watched as Okane seemingly pressed a blank space on his desk, pushing a hidden button. With that, a screen popped up from his desk. Tsukiyo was amused slightly by the tech, not shabby at all. Sure beat the tech in most villages. Still, she would mind her own for now, let him handle his business, instead she focused on his expression...which after a moment to read, seemed to show disappointment.

This is when he'd address her--an offer put on the table, causing Tsukiyo to raise her head a bit more as she focused on Okane, taking in what he said for a moment. She'd keep a serious expression at this point, curious what he was offering. "Alright, I'm listening. What is it you had in mind?" she'd ask him, leaning a hint forward in her seat

Okane would smile as he sat back in his seat. He could tell he held her interest which was the point of opening his offer like that. He had a use for her but he wanted her to hear it expecting how it benefited her over how it would cause more work for her. She would be focusing on that hopefully over the actual implications of duty. Besides that she was known for her hyper intelligence. Bordering on some of the greatest minds in the world they said. Words they used to describe him fitted into her description as well. For him her reputation was her resume. Of course he had a use for her. His green eyes would glint with a touch of a broader smile on the corners of his lips. He loved negotiations with people who had a drive. People who actually desired something and held ambition. They could be bought out. Utilized as needed. Sadly he had found little of that in Sunagakure. Just people content to continue living and fighting. Even after he had improved life for them they had questioned his motives. No no this was a far better situation in his opinion. One he could utilize.

"For a time now I have been considering taking a less direct role with my company. Enjoying the fruits of my labor and allowing others to manage it. Even expand my company. I had one such possible hire from your previous and now retired Hokage. Nyguyen Uchiha. His duties would have included buying up land and building cities for profit. The bonus being is he would have negotiated trade and protection with Konoha for any territory purchased within or close to the borders of the fire country. Unfortunately he found our company doesn't suit his retirement life. I have grown tired of attempting to hire a new manager so I will simply have one of my other servants run the company in my place. That said I will still need a liaison with Konoha if I wish to continue my expansion plans. As such you would negotiate between Konoha and the Stag on our behalf for any land purchases and even for protection. The pay for this role would be one hundred thousand ryo a month and with our company at the helm I forsee Konoha growing its riches as I have. Of course you can think on it but I will need an answer when you return for your equipment. Along with the seven hundred and fifty thousand ryo for my personal services on the contacts, the armor and your weapon."

exit thread - 60 exp