They say dreamers never die

Deep breaths in, deep breaths out. His nervousness was palpable in the air, having rarely encountered a need for help. And yet, here he was, doing just that. He understood the human body, he understood chemistry and cooking and all manners of sciences. What he didn’t understand was business, and that was the purpose of today’s meeting. He’d chosen a simple, understated restaurant to meet Okane in, though the other man would probably be pleased to find this small family business had an extensive dessert menu. Perhaps it wasn’t the other man’s style, the businessman being nothing if not flashy; but it felt perfectly comfortable to Asuka.

He hadn’t initially wanted to ask for help, but working for Okane had perks, at times. If anybody could answer his questions on the best way to go about opening a business, it was the richest man in Sunagakure. Business was something way above his head, much of his life having revolved around helping others. Being raised in a cult that rarely purchased anything, instead resorting to petty theft, probably hadn’t helped either. If he were being honest, the concept of money was still something he had trouble with. It wasn’t like his mother had ever let him near his own earnings as a teenager after all.

He still disliked the man who’d hired him, of that there was no doubt. Very few people could pull such a strong adverse reaction out of him, Okane being at the top of the list. The man was heavily arrogant, which Asuka could deal with on his own. What he couldn’t deal with was Okane’s motivations for why he wanted to build up the village. It was almost like the other was treating the village as his personal playground, and him the king of the children. That was enough for Asuka to avoid him as much as possible, when he could afford to.

It was almost time for their meeting, but Okane wasn’t here yet. Rather than complain or get angry, Asuka instead tapped his foot on the floor.

Okane had received the request for a meeting outside of his tower. He wasn't certain he was a fan of the idea. Asuka despised him and had made it abundantly clear before. However that didn't mean the man didn't have his uses. Probably the most talented medic in all of Suna if Okane was being honest. Now that Kara was gone and not coming back. Still he thought the man was living in a world of fantasy. Thinking the village needed his protection while not actively being a combat type. It was pure silliness. Still people were protective of their home. All the same Okane enjoyed pestering the mans high horse values. As if poking at it subtly was a game. Still he wouldn't turn down the meeting nor would he ask for a change in location. He didn't mind smaller shops competing with him there. Nor did he think attending them would put him out of pocket. If anything he was curious about the menu there. Still there were preparations to be made. If he was going to irritate the young medic he needed to be showy. Not just fashionably late but to put on a bit of a spectacle.

It would be about five minutes after the meeting was supposed to take place when an all white carriage pulled by six pearl white horses with jeweled manes and tails pulled up out front. The driver pulling back on the reigns before another man hopped down. An attendant. The attendant would release a lever beneath the door and a red carpet with gold trim would roll out straight up to the door of the establishment. People were already gathering to watch as the attendant then opened the door. From within Okane emerged. Wearing all white robes with gold trim and a silver trimmed black fan to fan himself. His dark hair tied back with white gold flowers and red jewels decorating it. Even his sandal straps were made of white silk. He would smile as he stepped down and wave to those around with glee in his green eyes. There was a mixture of envy and love in those eyes all around him and he thrived on it. Still those glowing green eyes would shift to find the one he truly wanted to see the reaction of. Surely Asuka had wished this to be a private affair but Okane was just too dramatic.

Spotting him Okane would smile happily. He would virtually glide along the carpet into the restaurant. Nodding his head to the serving staff and greeting them first. They would direct him to Asuka but he already knew why he was there. As he moved towards the table golden flower petals would form in the air behind him and flutter to the floor before fading away. A product of his steel release he enjoyed. However he wouldn't take a seat just yet. Instead he would hand a little power over the situation to his host. A small bit of words that sounded hypnotizing with his voice. As if it were borderline a genjutsu.

"Good afternoon my dear Asuka. Do you mind if I have a seat? I apologize for being so terribly late."

Asuka had changed his look since the last time the two men had met. Where before traditional kimono of white and silver had been, instead there was vibrant red and black. His chest had been left exposed, revealing surprising amounts of muscle for someone so small. There were flowers and subtle patterns everywhere, little details that had previously been muted and small decorations on his clothes. Even his hair had been left down, rather than the delicate style kept partially pinned up. All in all, he looked far more confident, and slightly less feminine.

Okane’s lateness, as well as the flamboyance of his entrance, came as no real shock to the young medic. He’d come to expect a certain level of extravagance from the other man, and though he was annoyed by the whole deal, he showed no outward sign of it. He sat calmly at the table he’d chosen, mug of tea already set in front of him. He hadn’t gone so far as to order food without the other man, but he was certainly hungry enough to consider it. Really, what was the point to being “fashionably late?” It made no sense to him.

His eyes narrowed only slightly when the older man handed some control of the situation to him by asking to sit down, though he remained wary. What on earth was Okane doing dressing up so much for a simple business meeting at a family restaurant? It didn’t feel entirely right to him. “Okane, sit. We have much to discuss today, I feel,” was what eventually came out of his mouth, tone cool but polite. It wouldn’t do to be overly rude, he was asking a favor of Okane by asking for advice after all.

The mans new outfit was befitting of how much he was being paid. Clearly he liked lavish things too even if he did originally come across as a bit of a prude. Of course Okane didn't expect to go drinking on a rooftop party with Asuka any time soon but it was a nice improvement. He enjoyed anyone who put effort into how they looked and the red against his pale hair and skin was a wonderful combination. Still the curt but polite insistence to sit so they could speak business would place an amused smile across his face. It must be some effort for Asuka to remain stone faced and polite with Okane. He had made it clear he didn't like or trust Okane after all. As if Okane were simply testing the limits of his patience from their first meeting. Still he would slightly bow his head before pulling his own seat out. He would settle into it with his right knee crossed over his left as he collected a menu. When the waitress came by immediately he would speak to her with a glint in his green eyes. At the very least Okane seemed rather jovial.

"An iced sweet tea my dear if you please. Two extra scoops of sugar."

Okane would smile to her as she took Asuka's order too if he ordered anything before Okane would return to looking directly at the desert menu and skipping any of the actual meals. He seemed to have no issue multi tasking as this was a meal they agreed to meet at after all. Why not take advantage of the moment and get some lunch in? Still it was early in the day so they virtually had the place to themselves. He would skim over the pie and the ice cream a moment before glancing over the menu at Asuka. He shouldn't push the mans patience much further and he had an idea of what he wanted anyway already. He would close the menu and set it to the side before he pushed Asuka too far. Instead he would fold his hands in his lap as he smiled. The man was being polite which earned him some brownie points. So Okane would be polite in return. As long as it remained comfortable between them at least.

"Thank you for inviting me here Mr. Shimizu. Or is it doctor? Either way I am interested in this business you wish to speak of. Please...continue."

Ordering a second cup of tea, Asuka took a moment to gather his thoughts. What was the best way to explain this, really? He needed to at least sound competent, explaining his situation and what he needed from Okane. This whole thing was more than a little stressful, between a new business and asking Okane of all people for advice. He was never fully comfortable around the other man, there was something utterly unsettling about him to Asuka. Maybe it was the weapons manufacturing. Maybe it was just Okane himself. He couldn’t be completely sure.

Finally, taking a calming breath, he moved to speak. “Shimizu is a name I will have to get used to hearing. If you don’t mind, I’d prefer my first name to be used, please. Now, I’m sure you’ve at least partially figured out why I’ve called you here. The answer is simple: advice. I’ve recently acquired a small building and a business and pharmaceutical license, but I’ve no idea how to run a business. How to run a successful shop isn’t exactly something you learn in shinobi training, you know.”

A pause was had, the young man taking a sip of his mostly empty first cup of tea. That pause took only a few short seconds, but to Asuka it seemed to stretch on and on. What would Okane’s reaction be? “I know nothing of hiring employees, of how the income works. Investment either. Truth be told, I’m utterly clueless when it comes to this sort of thing, Okane. That is why I’ve come to you today. Or you’ve come my aid, I suppose.”

Okane would quietly smile as his tea was brought out for him. His green eyes shifting to it as he collected it in his right hand and settled back into his seat. The condensation sliding down the side of the cold glass as he allowed himself to relax. Right leg crossing over his left knee. If nothing else Okane looked very comfortable while still exuding grace and confidence. He would sip his tea and listen to the med nin across from him. Allowing out a hum of approval at the taste while considering the words the one across from him was saying. Oh how amusing Asuka was for him. Someone to tease and watch their irritation build Still this one actually wanted to go out and make money. Which Okane would appreciate to say the least. Still he would sip his tea again before setting it down on a small coaster and folding his hands so the fingers interlaced on top of his right knee. Green eyes studying Asuka a moment before speaking in return. After all this was Okanes area of expertise. He was likely the highest level of expert on business within the village with Kara avoiding it at all costs.

Still the amusement was in his smile as well as his voice. He wasn't laughing at Asuka but rather simply enjoying how much effort had to go into just asking Okane for anything. Like others Asuka had been rather displeased with Okane up until now. Still..."Well that is an interesting dilemma. The first thing one usually does when starting a business you already have covered. The location is everything. Somewhere with plenty of traffic of the kind of customer you are seeking. Second is start up funds. You can sell your product at the Heavenly emporium for that. There is a trade center there which allows for the legal selling of poisons and other concoctions. After which is advertising. You yourself advertise what others can expect from working with you. Your upgraded wardrobe was an excellent first step. However you need to also work on charm. In your particular field I would suggest offering discretion as a part of your services. Of course you have to spend money to make money. Each of my shops started seeing a return after about five hundred thousand. As for hiring, well as competency test would likely be best in your field wouldn't you agree?"

Exit thread - 30 exp