Meeting the man of Tommorow (Open)

"Your idea is genius, Puppet King. Using a secret formula of water that Big Water does not know of, as well as steam, allows me to sneak once more." Suguru praised the "invention" of Kiyoshi, which had been nothing more than water dyed red and steam. "I have had serious trouble doing my shinobi duties as my smell was allowing the wome-, I mean, enemies of Konoha, to detect me. Yet now, by smelling of nothing, I can peak on anyone!"

His clothes had undergone the same process, yet as they were still drying, Suguru bought a new set from a travelling merchant they met on their way to the destination, a pair of near exact black trousers and a shirt which had an explosion on it.

As the trio reached their journey's end, Suguru stopped for a moment, and took it all in.

"I saved this place, you know. Me, Drakon, the Hokage and the Raikage. Big Water wanted the whole place destroyed, but we managed to protect it." Suguru said with total conviction, yet any basic knowledge of history would show this statement to be gross reduction of the facts. "It used to float, but now it doesn't; Hokage knows why it doesn't anymore. Probably Big Water took all the pipes and so it could not float anymore."

After a few more moments of reminiscing, the chuunin was back to business. On the way, Kiyoshi had explained that he would be doing a business deal with someone. While Suguru was to accompany him, he was to keep his mouth totally shut, as there was a risk that if they hear him talking, they would know he was the Fist of Konoha, and thus, would be too afraid to do a deal with them. Rather, he was to stand behind the King of Puppets, look cool and menacing, and if anyone tried to attack him, he had permission to go all out.

"Let's do some business, King of Puppets Style, with just a dash of the Fist of Konoha." Suguru cheered, to his companion, with a raised fist.

[1]

Kiyoshi would do his best to hide his smile at Suguru's statement, he had no idea when he put the red food coloring in the shower head and told Suguru that it was called Small Water, that the man would believe him. It didn't take too much convincing either, just the fact of him say that using small water weakened big water seemed to be enough and low and behold a Hot shower later and the man no longer stunk to high heaven. The trip went off without a hitch, no trouble at all, at least until they boarded the Corvette. There were of course other passengers on the ship that didn't appreciate the smell of Kiyoshi's companion and so the busy body that Kiyoshi was sought to rectify it with a little trickery on his part. Though he had planned a much more convincing argument, when he had started to explain it looked as though everything that he was saying was going over the other man's head. So that lead to the simple statement of him creating Small Water as a way to fight back against the supposed Big Water that Suguru was always going on about, and it seemed to work, one nice long hot shower and the other man almost looked presentable.

He had planned on departing from Suguru when they arrived, feeling that the metropolis' guards would be efficient enough for his protection in the meeting as he didn't think Okane the type to invite people here to kill them. Though that didn't go over so well with Suguru, who insisted that he was there to be Kiyoshi's bodyguard and that was what he was going to do. So, Kiyoshi would give him some fresh clothing and explaining in the politest way he could about Suguru remaining quiet during the meeting as the last thing Kiyoshi needed on this trip was a diplomatic incident. Suguru seemed to take this news fairly well, especially when Kiyoshi had stated that if anyone did try to attack him, that Suguru was free to put the hurt on them.

As they departed the ship and Suguru explained that him and his friend had defended the city before, Kiyoshi would nod knowingly. "You did well then, the city still stands, so it means I picked my bodyguard correctly." As they entered the Tower, Kiyoshi would instantly recognize the former Raikage Ryuko already at the front desk. She was well known even in Konoha, so it wasn't hard. Moving to the front desk as well, Kiyoshi's puppet armor helmet would retract to reveal his face and spikey red hair. "Hello, Lady Ryuko." Kiyoshi stated with a slight bow, "I am Kiyoshi a Crafter from the Leaf, and this is my friend Suguru. Are you here to see Lord Okane as well?" Kiyoshi would not address the woman behind the desk just yet, though he had no doubt that the woman would here him talking to Ryuko, so she would likely know he was there to see her boss.

---

Puppet Armor Appearance:

Uniforms:

The tower was bustling with activity. Uniforms were back in style with black and gold trim. The temperature in sky was mild which provided for a lot of plant growth and on the coast it was a slight bit colder. Even in the summer on the floating city of the heavenly emporium there was a brisk breeze in the streets. Still it was nothing that the city didn't prepare for. People were bundled up nicely and there was rarely cloud cover sporadically in this part of the world. So the wind felt good to most. Still there were employees who went about cleaning up any ice or trash in the city. Salting the streets and the sidewalks at night to be safe. On one side of the emporium was the nearby coastline of the land of sky. Where a dock was set for arriving ships and a special dock for the skyship that ferried people back and forth to the island twelve times a day. Every two hours. Carrying shipments of supplies for the guests and population. Though the people working in the tower were not from the land of sky...but rather from the original crew of the emporium. Assigned to either the tower or the engines. Trusted with keeping and maintaining flight and order. What set them aside were their eyes. The whites had turned black and most had a single blue slit for an iris.

The people entering would be greeted at the door and offered a bottle of water should they be thirsty at the end of their journey. They were polite and meeting them all with a smile while blending back into the background quickly. They seemed happy with their work and no one even had a button missing from their uniforms. A long way from the way they had survived while Okane was gone. With him back however they lived comfortable lives. All their needs tended to and life to the fullest. None of them were forced to remain on the emporium but chose to. Their families joining in the benefits of being a part of the emporium. Still it was a pair of those black and blue eyes that would lift to see Ryuko when she spoke. A blonde girl with fair light skin and a uniform that seemed to hug her bosom tightly. She would smile before blinking a moment. It was close to the auction so they were expecting dignitaries but to have one show up unannounced in front of her. Her eyes would widen before she would exclaim out loud.

"L....Lady Ryuko! I ...um...Please hold a moment."

She would quickly shift to the phone and begin dialing furiously. So much so that she messed up twice before she punched in the correct line. Covering her mouth and the receiver she would whisper. Trying to get through to their own lord. Others around the area would begin to whisper. The priestess of hope....the walking fortress...was it really her? They had heard legends of a priestess in holy armor with a commanding presence and immovable might. The lightning empress who could toss lightning from her hands and wipe out entire armies. Some said there was no one who was better with the raiton element. Still it was a nice reprieve when two others would approach her. Introducing themselves to her while the attendant continued to speak. Finally she would look up as she set down the phone. Clearly nervous.

"Prince Okane is wrapping up a meeting now and will see to you shortly. There is a waiting room up the elevator to the left. A guard will take you to the top floor and you will be seen Shortly lady Ryuko....will you....be joined by these gentlemen?"

Suguru nodded with a cool nod as lit yet another cigarette, and blew it slowly as he looked up in the sky, just as he had seen Drakon do when complimented. Yet another part of him did not want to look too closely at the Emperoium he had saved, fearful it might bring forth the tormenting nightmares into his woken reality, the whispering voice awakening and defeating him.

The chuunin was going to correct his friend, as he had avoided mentioning Suguru's title, when his eyes fell on her and the smoke he was given dropped to the ground.

Lady Ryuko Shizu Von Rose, Raikge and Lightning Empress. She was not simply the only head of state, apart from the Hokage, that Suguru knew the name of, but also the only woman he respected and foreigner held equal to a Konohagakure native.

Their foray into the Big Water Bijuu was the respite that had held those ever-present nightmares at bay, and the near-constant bravado and machoism that powered Suguru evaporated instantly the moment he laid eyes on her.

The image of her clad in armour, with angelic wings, was one burned into his mind, and seeing her outside of it, which gave a better view of her body and even accentuated her assets, caused Suguru to quickly put on the cloak that Kiyoshi had given him and tried to find a hood.

He had longed to meet her since the movement she had left him, yet now that she was a few meters away, he realized he was not ready.

"Yes...Lady...Ryuko." Suguru was able to stammer, with a voice sounding like a broken bell, as he did a mix of bow and curtsy, his eyes boring a hole in the ground.

She had called him by his title. She remembered him. And she said he looked stronger. Happiness, fear, lust, pride filled him, being the nearly emotions the chuunin was smart enough to feel.

Then she mentioned his part in saving the Emporium. Suguru told a variety of tall tales, some born out of pure fantasy, others great exaggerations, drunken tales or simply an idiotic misconception of reality. Yet the one tale he kept telling, which was true, was never believed. Yet here was the Raikage, confirming it.

[2]

As Ryuko greeted Suguru as an old friend, Kiyoshi would be shocked. Not from the fact that the Raikage knew the other man, Suguru had told Kiyoshi the story many times and had mentioned his knowing of the former Raikage before a fact that Kiyoshi never doubted as since he had met Suguru he had seen nothing but an honest man with no reason to lie, did he exaggerate occasionally sure but who didn't, what shocked him was Suguru's response to it. Gone was the talkative man the Kiyoshi had come to know, and replacing him was what appeared to be a shy boy with a crush. Kiyoshi couldn't help but wonder if Lady Ryuko was Suguru's Kryptonite, the chink in his armor that would lead to his downfall. Or if this silence was due to Kiyoshi's request that he be silent during the meeting, but of course this was not a meeting setting and the way Suguru was attempting to hide his face made it seem to be more than that. However, for now Kiyoshi would not push the matter, it was something he could talk to Suguru about later.

"Indeed it is" Kiyoshi would reply to Ryuko's remark of it be fortuitous that they both be here to see Okane. "Officially, I am here as a representative of Konohagakure during the proceedings of the Auction, and Suguru is here to ensure that I remain unharmed. However since we arrived early I thought I would attempt a meeting with the prince in hopes that he might be able to assist me with one of my own business goals." Kiyoshi stated, it wasn't like he was giving away secrets or anything and besides she and Suguru were friends so that made her trustworthy in his book.

"Also may I add my sincerest condolences for the recent events that have transpired in your homeland, if you need anything I would be happy to help if I can." Between the dragons destroying part of the village and the Kirigakure coming and taking the village over, Kiyoshi could only imagine the trouble that was befalling the people of the land of lightning, having met some refugees himself he knew that many were seeking new homes while others were attempting to accept their new rulers, it was a change that Kiyoshi hoped he would never have to experience first hand himself.

As the secretary asked if him and Suguru would be joining Ryuko, Kiyoshi was about to say no as he didn't wish to intrude on the meeting. Ryuko however would speak before he got the chance stating it would be more efficient before giving the woman a small scolding about it considering Suguru's part in defending the metropolis when it was under attack. That comment alone made Kiyoshi thankful that Suguru was with him as it had the potential to open doors for them. Kiyoshi however would lean slightly closer to Ryuko and whisper, "Really, my Lady. There is no need for that, we can always come back later. I don't wish to intrude on your own meeting with the prince."

For a moment shock registered on the girls face. Her eyes widened as she listened to Ryuko lecture her. She was stunned for a moment before her teeth would grit and tears would form at the corners of her eyes. The kind of rage that comes from your trauma being reduced to some comment. Her fingers would grip the arms of her chair as she virtually snarled up at the woman. A pressure filling the room as the room seemed to halt. A series of seals forming around her eyes as she stood up. It was a miniscule amount of power. An emotional response instead of actual training. Flashes of her brothers looking after her when the city crashed...the pirates showing up and her sweet brothers standing up to them...and how they hung from chains around their necks from the tower along with anyone else who resisted the pirates. She would tremble as she stood up and placed both hands on the counter. Righteous fury forcing out thoughts of proper or survival against someone so potent. Her customer service voice was gone as she spoke up. The other two and everyone forgotten as she spoke her mind. She could not let the comment go.

"His HELP?! Let me ask you lot somethin. What happened to us after? The people left on the emporium as we kept it from crashing and were left out at sea? Did any of you spare us a second thought? For two years we were tormented by pirates! Two years I watched people I loved die! Where was your righteous savior asses then? Where were you when my brothers hung?! Where..."

The girl was cut off as a man seemed to step in between them. He was older and clearly a higher up position. A man with white hair and a neatly trimmed beard and mustache. He would stand with his hands behind his straight back almost in the appearance of a butler. She would flinch back as she looked up at him. Trembling still as she seemed to find herself again. "Excuse yourself to the back Ms. Tuli. We will have words in a moment. Now go." Tuli would bite her bottom lip as the tears began to stream forth. Sobbing she would turn and run away before the man would turn to the guests. Speaking to them now as he bowed his head. The pressure was gone and the atmosphere began to settle. Something about the man being present urged onlookers to return to work. "I humbly apologize for that emotional outburst. There is no excuse and I will personally see to her punishment. I am Mr. Hemsworth and I serve as one of Okane's attendants. Please...allow me to escort all of you straight to Lord Okane. Lunch will be served shortly in way of another apology."

Mr. Hemsworth would remain bowed a few moments longer. His head hung low to show utmost respect before rising. Unless there was protest he would lead them to the elevator. A guard attending it would wait until they were all aboard before swiping a card on his person. Allowing the elevator access to the top floor. Unless addressed Hemsworth would participate in the escort in silence with stern eyes staring straight ahead. Only bowing once more as the doors would open. Revealing a hallway that led three paths. To the left, the right and straight ahead. The serving staff was already bustling to the right. Where the group would be directed. All in uniform an putting together a new dining set in the dining room to the right. A pearl white room with pillars lined along either side with what appeared to be a climbing flower garden on either side of a marble square floor. The green marble rising up into chairs and a long square table all made of marble too. Though the arrangments were being decorated with comfortable looking pillows Designed to look like sitting upon flowers that almost appeared to grow out of the chair while the table cloth could almost be made of flower petals. The lighting above a golden colored chandelier that slowly spun and cast a bright glow over the whole room. Hemsworth would bow as he raised an arm indicating for them to enter.

"Lord Okane will join you shortly. Please tell the staff whatever dish you desire and our chefs will make it."

Ryuko tilted her head slightly in confusion at her friend's retenant reaction to her greeting.  Well maybe calling him a friend was a bit strong.  It wasn’t like she knew him well, They had only gone on one mission together so she’d hardly had the chance.  That said they had accomplished a great feat together which meant they were buddies in her book, hopefully he felt the same way.  


He seemed like a really nice person after all with a  smile that was bold and efficacious.  She wanted to be close to him not because he offered any particular advantage but simply because he seemed fun to hang out with.   She liked to think she was a good judge of character after all.  
Sure he was a little rough around the edges but that only added to his character.   While he was already fairly strong he still had a lot of potential left untapped.  

Not just as a ninja but as a human being in general.  He was more than just a fist, She could see him becoming a dignitary in the future or perhaps taking on some other important role.   Either way he wouldn’t be someone that languished in obscurity which meant she could look forward to his continued growth.   Perhaps she could even ask him to join the project she was working on so that she could see that growth up close. 

She paused for a second as she thought about what to say to him.  Should she ask him if he was feeling alright or tell him to relax?   For someone who was supposed to be so wise she wasn’t always the best at navigating the complexities of the human heart.  Right now she was utterly clueless that Suguru had feelings towards her that went beyond simple friendship. 

Considering he was on a mission to guard Kiyoshi right now he was probably simply focusing on his task. Maybe it would be better if she didn’t bother him too much while he was on duty.   She knew how being distracted during a mission could prove fatal. If not for the ninja themselves then to the person they were supposed to be protecting.   

“Keep up the good work. Maybe once you’re off duty we could catch a drink together if you’re up for it?” she asked, trying to sound encouraging.  Considering that Kiyoshi was one of the people on her list she wanted him to be well protected which meant she could rest a little easier as long as Surugu was on the job and motivated. 

She was doing her best to keep a poker face as Kiyoshi spoke with her, but she couldn’t help but crack a slight but bit warmly at the words he had to say.  He seemed like such a sweet and honest boy which was a refreshing change of pace from the more stern bureaucratic types she usually had to deal with. 

“Many thanks for your consideration.  I admit that the situation with my homeland is a complicated one but Kirigakure has been surprisingly accommodating.  As long as my people are safe then I am content for now. Of course if they had pulled a Chen that would be another story….”  Ryuko chuckled with a dark laugh referring to the infamous incident where an Iwagakure ninja had committed Senicide upon taking control over Suna. It didn’t need to be stated that if Kiri had done something similar she would have rained hellfire down upon them consequences be damned.

“Pray allow me to reciprocate the offer of assistance.  Even if the prince should not dine to offer his I would be greatly interested in doing so myself.”  She said knowing what a great investment that would make for her.  She’d built the vast majority of her wealth that way and was always looking for ways to broaden her portfolio, especially since it would be more difficult for her to regain spent funds going forward without a village to back her.   Not that she’d ever really paid herself when she had been Raikage but Kumogakure had supported her endevors non the less in various other ways by paying for things like her x-rank sword and shield.  

She was thinking about telling him he didn’t need to be so reserved about joining her meeting with the prince when it happened.  While she wasn’t a sensor type, at her level she couldn’t fail to notice the change in the room from the secretary activating some kind of ability.    As the Queen Ryuko hadn’t taken part in the worst parts of the war but she’d experienced her fair share of it’s horrors.  The instincts she had cultivated on the field of battle were screaming at her to take care of the potential threat before it had a chance to take care of her.

Even as one hand reached for a weapon the other held it back, barely restrained by the force of her logic and wisdom.   The secretary was only a civilian while Ryuko was an X-rank Kinonchi.  No matter how much latent potential the Secretary might have it was farcical to classify this outburst as the kind of threat that Ryoku would need to use lethal force to contain.   Not when she had dozens if not hundreds of ways to diffuse the situation without anyone getting hurt. 

It was a shame really to see such a pretty face distorted with anger.  Ryuko had been under the impression that other than not flying anymore things had been more or less business as usual at the Emporium.   The idea that Pirates of all things had taken it over was so shocking it would have seemed like a bad joke if not for the woman’s raw pain making it all too real that the major powers… that Ryuko herself had failed them.

Not that she could be in every place at once but still. There was a time not long ago that   Kumogakure had been renowned for having one of the greatest naval fleets in the world.  They used to regularly patrol the waters under their control so the idea that ruffians had managed to slip under their nose and hide out so close to their territory was mortifying to say the least.   

As a priestess of Hakkin Ryuko despised the kind of people that lived such a lawless lifestyle as bandits or pirates did.   If she had known of their presence she would have matched out herself to eliminate them.    Sadly it was much too late to do anything about them now since it was obvious that Okane or someone else had already dealt with the issue.

Well damn she’d really put her foot in it now despite not meaning to offend anyone.  There were no words she could offer that could even begin to express how saddened she was at this turn of events but even as she opened her mouth to try anyhow someone stepped in that made that unnecessary.  The man known as Mr. Hemsworth seemed like a personal assistant cum butler.  As an attendant he seemed darn good at his job quickly diffusing the situation and offering an apology.  

“Please Mr. Hemsworth there’s no need to punish Ms. Tuli. Tis my fault for daring to utter such an insensitive remark.  I had no idea this place had undergone such hardships during my absence.”  she said not wanting the secretary to get in trouble just because she had been careless with her words.
 
“I won’t force you to come with me Kiyoshi but I strongly advise that you do.” she could have offered him no room to refuse but that simply wasn’t her style.  It was better in her opinion to give people a choice rather than force things.  “The things I wish to discuss with Prince Okane also involve a project I was hoping to recruit you for.  Your participation would be most appreciated.”  she added not specifying since she meant both the project in question and the discussion that was about to take place.

She couldn’t say more now… not in public where people might overhear them. The finer details were best spoken in a place where they could ensure privacy.   She didn’t care if Konoha or Kiri found out since she was attempting to work with both of them anyhow but there were other powers in the world such as the Society that were better off left in the dark. 

Once they made their way to the dining room she made herself home by sitting down in a chair as if it was the most natural thing in the world. As a queen she wasn’t the least phased by the amount of decadence on display because she was used to living in such high class conditions.  The fact that Okane could offer luxury comparable to her personal palace spoke well to the fact that he was a proper prince and not just one in name only. 

“Good timing, I am feeling rather famished after my recent travels.  I would rather like a large bowl of king of kings ramen with a spot of augustiner hell to drink please and thank you.”  She said placing a rather crude order for such a fancy establishment because she knew they would be used to catering to unusual requests. She’d felt it was better to satisfy the cravings for junk food she was experiencing rather than being pretentious and ordering something rare and expensive just for the sake of appearances.


[3]

"Ye-Yes. Of course. Thank you, Lady Raikage." The chunin let out, with an effort that would have not been out of place in lifting a Bijuu. A drink, with Lady Ryuko, the Raikage?! Suguru's heart jumped to his throat, visibly shocked at such a proposition. What would they talk about? Was this a date? It did not matter. It was with her. It would be good. His mind raced, or at least, moved at a glacial speed which far outsped his meagre intelligence, the rest of conversation between Kiyoshi and Ryuko coming to him like waves hitting a distant beach.

Yet, despite this all, for all his faults, Suguru was serving his duty as a sentry, and as a raised voice had broken the polite tones that had previously dominated the conversation, he snapped back to reality, and locked eyes with the perpetrator.  A fire seemed to have light in him, and those whose senses went beyond human could feel that, his aura taking the form of katon, yet such a change was largely superficial, the most visible change being a heated breath.

"WHAT HAPPENED AFTER? NO FUCKING BIJUU-" Suguru's demeanour changed completely. The chuunin had all this speech of rage ready, for this upstart who not only disrespected his service, and all the men who died in the pursuit of fighting Big Water, but also a disrespect to Lady Ryuko. Nobody could speak like that and get away with it. Not with him. He would protect his honour. And hers too. The fury was so great that even something beneath, something that was not truly Suguru, something which Lady Raikage would have recognised from their mission, seemed to wake.

Yet, Kyoshi, a man whose intelligence allowed him to predict what Suguru was going to do seemingly minutes before he done, had given a secret signal to his Aburame ally, who, with an innocuous lift of his sleeve, gave command to his insects, which had been conveniently just buzzing out of reach of the Chuunin, and made a kamikaze dive into his mouth. Albeit the first was easily crushed with a bite, to the surprise of the insect shinobi, he was quick to deploy more, the until enough managed to get into his windpipe, and whatever fiery speech he had said, and planned to say was masked by an uninterrupted cough, disconnecting Suguru from the rest of the conversation, and putting a damper on his fiery speech.

As they were escorted into the elevator, Suguru seemingly unsure if he wanted to get closer to Ryuko or stay as far away as possible, he would look at Mister Hemsworth bowing, and the Konoha shinobi would give a nod of his head too. Finally, someone who recognized him as the hero he was.

The mention of dinner helped ease whatever embers of anger were left, along with his realization that he was in the presence of Lady Ryuko. When they were set down, the chuunin, with a deep breath, summoned all his will, and found a place straight in front of the Raikage, and next to the man he was sworn to protect, Kiyoshi.

When it came to ordering food, Suguru was invigorated once more. He had lived teetering on poverty for months, a result only of his reckless gambling, ill-thought-out purchases and inhuman hunger. Now, he could eat enough so he would not have to eat for months, thus saving him money.

"I would like an Extra Large Leaf Ramen Special with Will of Fire Hot Sauce, the wolf yakiniku and large soda combo deal, a plate of glazed crispy pig cheek with the usual brown sauce on the side-" The Chuunin began, before realizing he had forgotten what the Raikage had ordered. Drakon had told him that to impress a classy woman like the Raikage, you should order the same dish as her to show her you have similar interests. Thankfully for the kitchen, this mental impasse was enough for Suguru to forget the rest of his own order and finish with a more simple request "And the dish the Lady is getting."

[3]

Hearing Ryuko's offer of her own assistance, should Okane not be interested in his purposal was reassuring to say the least and would bring a smile to Kiyoshi's face. However, it would be short lived, as after that the situation would turn sour. Ryuko's remark to the secretary would be met with an outburst of emotion, that Kiyoshi could literally feel the pressure from. Even if he wanted to move he wouldn't have been able to, it was as if whatever energy the woman was emitting froze him in place under a crushing weight of the pressure. He seemed to be the only one effected by this, and he wouldn't say it hurt, but the lack of mobility scared him on the inside as it reminded him of his childhood.

Suguru had started to make an outburst back at the woman as she spoke, however luckily for Kiyoshi he had planned for such an event. There was no doubt in Kiyoshi's mind that Suguru was a man capable of amazing things in combat, however he also new that his friend sometimes lost himself in emotion as well, ready to speak his mind without fully thinking about what he was saying or who he was saying it to. Which is why he had taken the necessary precautions, having spoken with Akimitsu along the trip over Kiyoshi would have the man on Suguru babysitting duty. Though either of them would say that to Suguru, it was more just to ensure that Suguru did not start an international incident on Kiyoshi's first mission. In reality, Akimitsu was Suguru's Partner in this mission to ensure Kiyoshi's saftety, through they had very different approaches to their view of protection. While Suguru preferred to stay close to Kiyoshi, Akimitsu keep his distance. Observing from a range so that he could be alerted to potential threats, and there he would be in the far back of the lobby away from Suguru, Kiyoshi, Ryuko, and the secretary simply watching like a fly on the wall. The young Aburame was not at all surprise as just as Kiyoshi had predicted on the boat ride over here, Suguru began to make an outburst. Moving with a quick finesse that no one who wasn't looking at Akimitsu would notice, he would be able to silence Suguru before he got too many words out.

As Mr. Hemsworth intervened, Kiyoshi would feel the pressure lifting and that fear of being immobile with it as he felt his fingers twitch. After Mr. Hemsworth's apology and Ryuko's invitation, Kiyoshi would nod and move to follow the attendant to the elevator. Remaining quiet as he was still at a loss for words at what had just happened, contemplating on how this was going to affect negotiations with the Prince moving forward. Akimitsu would take his leave of the building, off to accomplish the second part of his task, finding them a room. As the Elevator would arrive on the new floor and the three of them would be directed into the dining room, Kiyoshi would marvel at the decadence of it all. He truly felt as though he was in the palace of a prince just from this one room, as the others ordered their food however Kiyoshi would decline. He was not all that hungry and did not eat that much to begin with so skipping this meal would be no big deal for him, instead he would pull out a small notebook from a pouch as well as a pen. Opening the notebook to a certain page, Kiyoshi would briefly press his finger to the paper unsealing the Arrow that Airi had given him with her seal upon it. Sitting it on the table off to the side, Kiyoshi would then turn the page of his notebook and begin feverishly writing and drawing within the pages as inspiration struck.

The suit:

The staff would take each of the orders without taking any notes. They were world tier staff up here and trained to be more efficient than that. With only two orders it wouldn't be difficult to accomplish. Though one of them used terminology as if he were still at his usual restaurant. Still they would collect the gist of it and bow before exiting. In the corner of the room music would begin to play lightly...loud enough to be clear if one were listening but not so loud that one had to raise their voice to be heard. The tables would begin to be set with the appropriate silverware or chopstick options if it were preferred before shifting the lighting to a slightly dimmer setting with a couple of claps. A more comfortable setting on the eyes. However the windows would shift and the blinds would raise to reveal the light of day before showing them all just where they sat. The view was spectacular. Through the break in the fluffy white clouds they could see the expanding sea on the left and the rolling hillsides of the land of sky on the right. The room they were dining in sitting above the clouds.

While their meals were being prepped Okane was finishing up a couple of touches. An assistant finishing covering his scars with professional level make up. No one under B rank perception should even be able to see he had them. A mark left to him for his hubris by those bastards who kidnapped him. There were many on his body but he wouldn't be showing off that. Not likely anyway. Still he would look over the scroll in his possession one more time. Paying no heed to the girl as his hand reached up to touch one of the worst scars he had...an ice burn where the man had frozen off a seal placed on him by his business partner. These were old scrolls of his study on the flying thunder god seal. Confident he understood its inner workings now he would place his hand on the wall. Chakra ink spiraling out to place a seal in his room. An escape route if his wished. Still he would place one more on a piece of paper and hand it to the assistant who had finished with his makeup.

"Take this down to the lobby and place it somewhere with plenty of space and accessible but hidden."

The girl would nod before exiting his room. He would take a moment to collect himself before he rubbed his shoulder again. Old aches from old wounds. With that done he would place on his suit coat. He was wearing black slacks and a silver belt buckle with shined, pointed black dress shoes. A silver button up shirt with a pitch black tie and a suit coat. The wrists buttons made of obsidian. His forked goatee trimmed and balanced while his wild mane of dark hair slicked back. A midnight ore pinky ring on his right finger with his family crest on it. Still he would let his emerald eyes glow a little with a touch of chakra before exiting the room. Heading down the hall. As he arrived servants would open the doors from him and he would focus a little more chakra on his back. Miniscule in nature but enough that his steel release would form golden petals that seemed to drift off him as he walked and fade to nothing when they touched the floor. A ready smile on his face as he approached the group. Greeting them each in turn. Having been filled in about the incident downstairs.

"Lady Ryuko, and Mr. Kiyoshi and Mr. Suguru. Welcome to my table. Please, take a seat. Our meals should arrive shortly. It is wonderful to meet you all. "

Okane would smile to each of them though he would offer Ryuko a subtle but respectful bow of his head. Royalty always greeted royalty properly. Still he would move to the head of the table and settle himself in his seat. Their food arriving almost as soon as he sat. Ryuko would be provided with her ramen of A rank quality and a freshly poured lager of her choosing into a wide brimmed glass with the fresh foam on top. Chilled to a perfect temperature. All of Suguru's order would be provided as well as a soda and a loger for him as well. Where as Kiyoshi would be poured a cup of fresh glacier water with a hint of lemon on it and cherry blossom petals mixed in. Okane would have a Chateau Cos d'Estournel poured for him with the bottle left next to him. A fine red wine. His dinner was a sliced pink steak with fried potatoes and green beans. All of it five star quality and plated wonderfully. Still he would smile before glancing to the arrow next to Kyoshi and tilting his head before lifting his drink in his right hand properly. Educated on etiquette.

"Should I be expecting someone else to join us Mr. Kiyoshi? I am all too familiar with the seal on that arrow after all."


800+ trained FTG

Suguru agreed to hang out and have a drink after his mission was over, a fact that made Ryuko immensely pleased.  What better way was there to get to know somebody?  Just because she batted for the other team as it were didn’t mean she found spending time with the opposite gender displeasing.  To be fair It wasn’t that she disliked men in particular either, she just leaned heavily towards other women, likely in at least part as result of her religious beliefs which forbid Vestals in engaging in fornicateion unless it was with another woman.

Still considering she was a queen the issue of succession was a tricky one.  Even if she wasn’t in control of her country anymore she was still its figurehead.  The fact that she didn’t have a proper heir could make things difficult in the event of her untimely death.  If she counted to play her cards right a child of hers would inherit her legacy and still likely be treated as a prince or princess.   Though the issue of how she was going to have said child and if it was worth giving up her esteemed position in the church still remained.

She was somewhat startled by Suguru’s outburst.  She hadn’t expected him to raise his voice like that, but then again she supposed he had the right to.    His tirade cut off as abruptly as he started but she understood the gist of what he had been trying to say.   He had a point they had dealt with a bijuu for the Emporium albeit an artificial one.  Having just dealt with Matatabi recently, Ryuko knew full well how difficult it was to contain such a creature.  Blaming them for not sticking around afterwards was sophistry.   They had their own lives to live and couldn’t be expected to hang around protecting the Emporium for the rest of eternity.  

“A healthy appetite in a young man is a good thing to see.” She commented fondly upon hearing Suguru’s massive order.   His behavior reminded her of her student Tsumi so much that it was almost painful.  She couldn’t help but wonder what had happened to him.  Between Rajin’s destruction and Valen’s takeover a good chunk of the city's citizens had scattered.   The fate of some like the Twins she could make an educated guess at due to the reports that had remained but for the rest  was still a mystery.  She had nothing logical to back this but she had a sinking feeling that she was never going to see him again.

Kiyoshi on the other hand wasn’t eating enough and being oddly silent during this portion of the affairs.  When she was younger Ryuko had eaten much like Suguru and Tsumi.  She’d needed all the calories she could get due to her high energy training.  After her coma that hadn’t been the case anymore.  Ryuko had such an abundance of chakra in her body due to sharing it with Rafaela she didn’t need to eat as much, though that wasn’t to say she could go without entirely. 

She’d learned the hard way from experience during the war to get protein inside herself whenever she got the chance.  Right now she was oscillating between sharing that advice with Kiyoshi before he had to learn the hard way like she had or not saying anything.   After all, it was a good thing that the world had enough peace right now that he didn’t have to worry about such things.   This was another reminder that her main job now and purpose in life was to help maintain that peace.

Ryuko did not remain sitting when Okane entered since doing so could be seen as disrespectful. Some might say a Queen was ranked higher than a prince but as he was currently acting as her host she couldn’t afford that kind of laxness.  Since this was their first time meeting, a proper greeting was extra important, enough that even she was having a touch of trouble coming up with the right flowery words.    If she wasn’t careful she was going to put her foot in her mouth again like she had done with Ms. Tuli. 

Ryuko was somewhat used to parallel thinking when faced with tough challenges like this.  Sadly that extra brain power was currently being wasted on pointless thoughts that wandered through her head like why Okane was called the Iron prince when he didn’t own or control the land of iron and other such inane things.   

Part of her couldn’t help but wondered why he had gone to the trouble of concealing his scars but not removing them.  She could potentially remove them with her superior healing abilities but she strongly suspected he had his own methods of doing so which meant he hadn’t for his own reasons. 

“Glad greetings Prince Okane.  We are most pleased that Atia the goddess of time has chosen to weave our threads of fate together for this occasion. May I pray for a blessing in appreciation of this auspicious meeting?”  she asked as she used her right hand to pick up her skirt and curtsy while her left hand was crossed in front of her chest.   This was the most respect she could possibly show him, short of bowing at least.  Before becoming queen or becoming a ninja she was a priestess of Hakkin and it showed in her particular choice of greeting. 

It was only after the rest of the greeting was over that she would feel safe enough to sit down and try the food though she was quite sure it would be exquisite.    Once Okane was seated she followed his example and began to gracefully dig in.  Sure enough the Ramen was delicious with a depth of flavor that was hard to find at the common stall.  

“My compliments to the chief.” she exclaimed thrilled that it only had a touch of grease rather than being drenched with the stuff.  Just enough to make the sip of beer she was drinking with it taste extra refreshing.   As she was eating she glanced at the arrow Kiyoshi had placed upon the table, curious about the tag that was attached to it and what its function might be, there was no way it was purely decorative.   She couldn’t make Fuuinjutsu but she could still decipher them to an extent given enough time.  

Oh shit. She thought to herself after hearing Okanes words about someone else joining them. She’d studied a ton about time space jutsu looking for a way to teleport herself around and get to the moon. She’d heard about stuff like the Flying Thunder god technique but she’d never seen an example of one of the tags before now.

Jumping from her seat she placed herself between the tag and Okane while glaring at the tag as if it was something radioactive.   She’d already lost Damian and she’d be damned if she lost him as well. As far as she was concerned it might as well be given she was well aware of what could be done with such a thing.  

After all, by now she’d heard at least some of the details about how Raijin had been dealt with.   The man was strong enough to best her in battle on at least one occasion which made him a total pain in the neck and yet even he’d been quickly taken down in a surprise attack all too easily. 

Before the war one of the ninja she’d least wanted to battle had been Uchiha Akihiro because his ability to teleport around made him almost impossible to pin down.  A large part of why she herself wanted to be able to teleport was because theoretically it would make her near untouchable.    

Technically she could use heavenly transport to get around but with the platform it required it was hardly easy to use in the middle of battle.   True teleportation was another level entirely.   Anyone who could manage it was not to be taken lightly. 

“Who does that tag belong to?” Ryuko asked sternly.  Given that Kiyoshi was from Konoha the most likely answer that Ryuko knew of was Kimiko but that wasn’t a guarantee.   For all she knew someone extremely dangerous like Rajin was about to pop into the room from out of nowhere.    Oh sure he’d supposedly been decapitated but he was also supposed to have some form of immortality thanks to worshiping Jashin.   Considering the stuff Shimiko had been able to pull off because of worshiping the same god she wouldn’t put it past the villain to find some way to make a comeback even if he had been reduced to just a head. 

[4]

A new man approached, and for a moment, Suguru thought this man to be another waiter, yet due to his mind needing visible seconds before it could comprehend asking for more food, an introduction was made and any faux pas was side-stepped.

This was the host, the provider of all the free food, and most importantly, the man who Kiyoshi was to meet. His comrade had made sure that Suguru was aware to treat this man with the greatest respect, keeping silent regardless of what was said or what offence was made, only stepping in if a clear and manifest danger was present. The last part the chuunin was unsure what it meant, but Kiyoshi told him a signal would be given in that case.

"Thank you, Host, for welcoming us so warmly to your establishment. You have my eternal gratitudes." Suguru would say, and only that, a rehearsed line was given to him by the master crafter to say, learned with such great difficulty that the Prince's name was a bridge too far for the muscle-headed chuunin.

After the order was given another comment by Lady Ryuko landed on the lap of Suguru. He had never been complimented, let alone in such volumes, by a woman, whom he liked, causing visible embarrassment and distress once more.

He was certain he was a man, but was he young? The chuunin's mind moved back in the years with the swiftness of a frozen river. The realization dawned onto him that after a while, it seemed his birthdays stopped. That was not to say that his childhood was full of festivities, being an orphan of the lowest class, yet after entering his late teens, he simply stopped growing. Days came, and days went, and apart from building his insanely cool physique to attract all the women, nothing about him changed. His hair did not grow, no facial hair, no warts, nothing.

This disorderly line of thinking crashed as Suguru realized he had not replied to Lady Ryuko's compliment. Inhumanly swallowing what was easily half a steak in his mouth with one gulp, the chunnin muttered a shakey "Thank you, Lady Ryuko."

The conversation between the Lady and the host revealed a new piece of information, that the latter was a prince, despite Kiyoshi having told Suguru multiple times this information, and more. This worried the chuunin, as according to him, princes married ladies. It did not help that the words used by Lady Ryuko sounded to him like the scribbling they put on the special scrolls, further muddying the situation.

Whatever the answer to that thought was, it was cut short by Lady Ryuko jumping out of her seat, in what Suguru perceived to be a sign of danger to come. He had paid little attention to his friend, despite being set directly next to him, putting down whatever he was doing as mid-dinner tinkering, since the crafter was a man who spent as much time in his work as Suguru did looking at breasts.

The chuunin tensed his body with inhuman might, a jutsu that was a staple second nature to him, but for anyone with a passing knowledge of Taijutsu, would realize to be something used near exclusively by smart academy students.  

His eyes darted around for the danger that had put the fear in such a great woman like the Raikage. Fear spread into his mind too; if she could was afraid, shouldn't he be too? What chance did he stand against something that Lady Ryuko was not confident in fighting?

He was a man. That answer was enough to quell whatever fears he had in his mind, just in time as Ryuko pointed towards the source; the tinkering of Kiyoshi.

[4]
Body of the Bear Activated [CON S -> S++]
CP: 259/260

Kiyoshi was so lost in his scribbling that he did not even realize that Okane had entered the room until the man spoke, even then he would finish the last line of the thought before truly looking up from the notebook to greet the other man. The legendary Tomi Okane, a man that Kiyoshi idolized, now standing before him and the young puppeteer was at a loss for words. Resolving to smiling and nodding at the man in a confusing fanboy stupor, as Okane moved to sit at the head of the table. He looked almost exactly like Kiyoshi had imagined the man would look with all the flare that came with being the best at something, the only difference that he could see was the scar on the man's face. It looked like it was covered by something, likely some kind of makeup in an attempt to hide it. It was obvious to Kiyoshi that he did not wish others to see it, so he wouldn't bring it up, though it would spark another idea in his mind returning his attention to the notebook as he began scribbling once more. As Okane sat, the others would be presented with their meals and Kiyoshi would receive a glass of water, but his attention wouldn't leave the notebook until Okane addressed him once more. As Kiyoshi looked up to Okane with a quizzical look on his face, he heard the rapid movements and then would see Lady Ryuko standing between him and Okane asking about the tag on the arrow. Kiyoshi would be perplexed by this reaction, though he had no reason to expect something nefarious from the seal. Taking a few seconds to ensure that he did not say something that would escalate the situation, Kiyoshi would take a slowly pick up the arrow off the table. "The seal belongs to Airi Ohara, she is another Shinobi and Crafter in the Hidden Leaf." Kiyoshi would stop himself as that statement was not particularly accurate anymore, at least not if the news report he had seen in the lobby before the situation with the secretary was to be believed. He was still processing the information himself, but according to the report Tengoku had stepped down and named Airi his successor. Kiyoshi would clear his throat, "that is she was another shinobi from the hidden leaf when she gave me this. Apparently since our departure of Konohagakure, Airi was named the Hokage." Kiyoshi began to wonder if that would change the deal that Tengoku had made with him and whether or not he was still supposed to be bidding or continuing on to Kiri after this. Though he would shake his head to rid himself of the thought, until he heard otherwise, he would continue on as planned. Flipping back through the pages of his notebook, Kiyoshi would quickly find the note he had written about his conversation with Airi about the arrow. "Ah, yes. It seemed she was unfortunately too busy to come herself for the auction, of course now I understand why." Kiyoshi stated as he looked up from his notebook as he closed it, "but she had hope for a meeting with you in the future as well as the ability to bring you future clientele, and so she asked me to give it to you since I was coming to the auction." Kiyoshi would then place the arrow back on the table and slide it over towards Okane at the head of the table, fully expecting Ryuko to take it first, judging by her reaction to it initially. After sliding it across the table, Kiyoshi would grab his water and take a drink, suddenly extremely thirsty.

At the sudden confrontation Okane would flinch. His hand snatching up a fork of all things in a tight grip. The abrupt movement reminded him of the violence...the torment. How often those men would slap him. For whatever reason they saw fit....because he made eye contact...because he hesitated....because he disobeyed....because he spoke. Torture if he defied them was worse so often he just took the humiliation. Still the sudden movements were all to common. Eventually he had been broken for a while. Eventually they believed him broken. Only when he was nothing to them did he escape. Did he turn their tools against them. For two years he faced that torment. For two years he endured and escaped. He wouldn't be captured again. If he had to go out clawing he would. For now though his emerald eyes would shift quietly to Kiyoshi from Ryuko. She was quick to his defense it would seem. A trait he would like to explore further in the future. However he was impressed more by the young man. The shinobi held their strongest as well known. Ryuko one of the most famous. He was holding his cool rather well. Thinking before reacting and remaining calm despite the impossible odds. That held value.

The young man would explain and Okane would quietly and slowly lessen his grip on his fork. His fingers were sore he realized. He had squeezed onto the nearest weapon and prayed to manage something with it....no matter what. Honestly he had to consider he would have accomplished little else than looking foolish. Instead he would smile sheepishly before setting the fork down. He had been that way once. As Kiyoshi was. Poised and confident. Now he had some part of him broken. He could put on faces but his reaction to sudden movement was to grab a weapon. He knew already if he thought about it objectively that he had post traumatic stress disorder. He could fake being alright but his business may need a new face in the near future. Someone who could negotiate under tremendous circumstances. His interest was peaked more than that the seal belonged to the new Hokage. Still his attention would return to Ryuko. She could help him in other ways. Some said she was a frequent instructor to young shinobi. He would smile before he cleared his throat. Indicating to her that he was fine. Still as the arrow left Kiyoshi's hand to slide across the table Mr. Hemsworth would fly through the room at A rank speed. Collecting the item before addressing Okane.

"I shall have it placed in one of the apartments in the tower lord. So the Hokage can come visit when they see fit."

Okane would smile a moment as he picked up his wine. cradling it in his hand as he seemed humored. Mr. Hemsworth would take his leave as Okane seemed to gesture his approval with a toast of his wine before taking a sip. "Good help can be found these days." He would a perfected harmony to his voice. It was soft and filled with amusement to alleviate the pressure in the room. Before he would take a sip of his wine and hum in approval. "I do thank you for rushing to my rescue however Lady Ryuko. I did enjoy playing the damsel in distress." He teased lightly. A light joke to alleviate any embarrassment. Despite his initial reaction Okane was the Grand merchant. His tone and aura felt welcoming as it had mere moments before. As if he had never shifted. Still he found it interesting to know she knew the seal as well. He would need to experiment later and see if he could teleport to the seal. Was it individually significant or if you knew a seal existed could you choose to travel to it? What fascinating thoughts. "Please, enjoy your meals to you both. Pray if you wish....The gods I met aren't so kind as to deserve prayer. So I will not be joining you. Share a meal with me and tell me... what is it you desire?"

"Yes, Lady Ryuko." The chuunin replied in a way that made seem the friendly, jovial request to be one of life and death, as he now was eating microscopic-sized portions of his great order, his eyes boring a hole in the table as his mind was working overtime.

Did she just call him Tiger? Was he the Tiger of Konohagakure now? Suguru realized he had never seen a tiger. What did Tigers do? Did they just run around the jungle and fight other tigers? Where they fast? Did they climb trees? Did they have spots or stripes? How many eyes did a tiger have? Were tigers real?

"Wait, my fath-, I mean Tengoku, who is not at all related to me in any way, is no longer Hokage?" Suguru asked quizzically. It took him a moment to realize that Airi was a woman, who he was going to protest against, before remembering she had breasts of incomparable size, and all was well. After all, who had better chance to go out with the Hokage than a Hokage's son? Well, Suguru didn't know, but he just decided that he would.

Having made peace with the new Hokage at breakneck speed, and the room found itself questioned on desire. Lady Ryuko had took to the question first. She described herself as an a-something woman, and Suguru filled the blanks as meaning very cool. It probably meant that. The Raikage then explained she wanted to be Utopia. Suguru did not know what that meant either, but he had been told he had xenophobia, so he nodded in agreement as much as he could to the sentiment.

It was then his turn.

"I want..."

Under the unflinching gaze of Okane, the answer he had prepared "What Lady Ryuko said." a safe bet to win points with her, turned into nothingness as his mind ran around in circles trying to come up with something cool, yet only the unfiltered truth came out, finding himself standing for some reason.

"...a log cabin. In the forest of Konoha. With a nice wife. We live together. Good cooking. Good...relationship" As he spoke about this, his eyes darted unconsciously to Ryuko, revealing more about that."-Be a strong shinobi. Defeat the enemies of the Hokage. Make my village proud. Have medals. Patriot written on my grave. Happiness." Suguru strung together, as he was sweating like a man in a furnace, the words coming out of him without his own volition, as if he they were pulled with the cold case of the merchant king.

[5]

The situation seemed to wind down, though it still puzzled him why they would react as such to a seal when he was literally a walking armory with his puppet armor, not to mention the other puppets he had sealed away in the rings on his hand. He knew the power and capabilities of the seal, but teleportation wasn't that great considering where the seal was would determine the place of teleportation, but he would not press the issue as everyone else seemed to calm down after his explanation. This was good for Kiyoshi considering he didn't know what to do if they didn't, it wasn't like him or Suguru stood a chance against Ryuko if she had come at them. Not that he doubted his bodyguard's abilities, but Ryuko is a powerful Kage even if she didn't hold the title of Kage any longer.

Kiyoshi was lost in his own thoughts about what was so special about Airi's seal that would make Ryuko act the way she had as Hemsworth appeared and took the arrow, though he would be brought back to the conversation when Okane asked all of them what it was that they desired and while Ryuko prayed Kiyoshi was thinking about his own desire. After her prayer, Ryuko would tell her desire. It was no surprise to Kiyoshi that the Queen hoped for peace or was willing to stand by Okane as Suguru currently did him in pursuit of that peace considering how quickly she went to protect him. However, what was surprised was the fact that Ryuko wished to travel to the moon and wanted not only Okane's help but his own as well. This would send Kiyoshi into a mental frenzy at the possibilities, as he had never considered space as a destination, and of course if he was to help Okane and Ryuko achieve this then it would in turn serve his own desire as well. "The Moon," was all he would mutter to this as his mind still formulating his thoughts to come together, it was actually more of a question as he did not think a portal like that would be possible.

While Suguru stated his desire, as simple as they may be, Kiyoshi would be writing in his notebook once more though, still paying attention to what was being said. It was simply hard for him to keep track of all of his thoughts, especially when they just wouldn't stop. It then came Kiyoshi's turn to state his own desire to Okane, he contemplated what was already said by the other two. On one side there was Ryuko, whose desire seemed selfless as it was for peace for all. Then there was Suguru, whose desire while simple was completely self-serving. Kiyoshi felt as though his would likely come off as self-serving as Suguru's desire was for him, in truth if he were to actually achieve his desire it would benefit more than himself, though perhaps that was his own arrogance trying to justify it to himself.

Closing his notebook and taking a breath, Kiyoshi would chuckle slightly, "Well, I would not claim that my desire is on as grand of a scale as Lady Ryuko's desire as I had not thought of space travel before, I will say that my desire coincides with the Queen. I have but one desire, and that is for my name to be known throughout the world as the Greatest Crafter this world has ever seen and to have a shop all over the world. Which is why I have come to see you, the current Greatest Crafter, I wish to open a shop here in the land of Sky within the Heavenly Emporium and learn from you if you would allow me to, hone my craft under your tutelage for a while. My desire requires getting my name out in the world, and while I am well known in Konoha, I am not ashamed to say that I am nothing compared to you. So, I have come to ask you for your assistance in that matter." Kiyoshi would pause for a moment to recollect his thoughts because he felt like he was rambling, briefly looking down at his closed notebook as he remembered where he was going. "My desire is to learn from you however, I will say that I do not come to you empty handed, nor am I looking for a handout. While my skills are still inferior to your own in crafting, I believe that I can offer you and your company more. I have designs for buildings that I hope could lead to the utopia that Lady Ryuko spoke of, as well as open your shops to something you did not have before, Puppets. I have many other ideas that are floating around either in my head or in my notebook. I am good with numbers, and my ideas never really stop." With that said, Kiyoshi would open his notebook to a certain page and slide it across the table towards Okane. The page was opened to his rough blueprint of the medical facility that he hoped to build in the future, and if Okane was so inclined to look through the other pages he would see many more blueprints of designs Kiyoshi had from buildings to his hoverboard and puppets, even the chemical compounds that he had written down.

Okane would listen to each of them in turn. His eyes traveling to each as they spoke. Though he would quietly eat a bite to himself of his steak while setting his wine down. He wouldn't insult the chef by letting the food turn cold. He didn't mind eating in front of others. After all he cherished the tender morsels provided for him. Better than the gruel they had fed him in captivity if they fed him at all. He still cherished lavish things but truth be told he had learned a great deal of humility and to cherish the small things. He understood suffering now when he had not before. So often he had just created weapons. Now he was interested in engineering and chemistry more. Thus Ryuko wanting a Utopia was aligning well with his efforts. Still he would only take the one bite. His fork reaching for another when she mentioned space travel. Surviving that would be impressive. But she did not know the danger of portal technology. Flight itself was limited at the moment so some sort of movement bending time and space would surely be preferred. Still he knew that a portal was all that stood between him and his enemies.

Suguru on the other hand was far more simple. Most of what he wished for could be accomplished on his own. To his Okane would mostly lose interest. Consuming another bite as he spoke. Power...reputation and his own life. Happiness as he put it. The steak in his mouth seemed to hold more depth in its flavor. Still he would nod quietly. It was only when Kiyoshi spoke up that he would smile. His emerald eyes focusing on him as he put down his fork and used a cloth to dab at his mouth. Catching the notebook slid over to him. Picking it up in one hand to flip through a couple of pages with the other. His ingenuity was creative. It was true the emporium didn't really deal in puppets. Though he had wanted to delve into that. His research and development had a puppetry division on hold for the time being. Those he had wished to appoint to lead the project had failed him spectacularly. Often employees growing ill or stopping communications and simply collecting a paycheck. As if he would continue paying them if they didn't accomplish anything. The head of his public relations Gyo was the exception since he had negotiated a tower in Kiri.

"Allow me to begin from the top. Lady Ryuko a Utopia is a fine idealism but altogether impossible. By all means I have strived to make living conditions superior for my citizens. No one goes hungry, No one is worked beyond their means....the cities grow and so does their happiness and comfort. However for every step forward I take there are those who envy it. Who would pry it from us. As you likely know the emporium has already acted as a mediator to draw up a peace treaty. The Farfour accords. I negotiated that myself. That said in order to create something similar to a Utopia you must be prepared to defend against those who would try and take it for themselves. I have hired and trained guards but world threats on the level of Raijin are beyond them. To that point, as you are a free agent at the moment from what I understand I would like to employ you and your skills Lady Ryuko. I want you to head up my security and would even enjoy some self defense training from you. As for your moon travel...I would cautious against the use of portals and I will explain why later after the auction.

As for you Mr. Suguru. You are by far the simplest person in the room. I do not mean this as an insult but rather that it is refreshing. You're goals are humble and can be mostly accomplished by your own hand. I can arm you and help assist with your power but in the end it will be up to you to find your happiness. If only all of us could be satisfied with so little. Thought I doubt patriot will be hard to accomplish given your impressive loyalty to your village.

Lastly I turn to you Mr. Kiyoshi. I had taken note of your impressive puppet armor. It does look highly durable and your schematics are a league above the rest. I will happily endorse a shop here and any other shops you choose to open. I even have need of someone to lead my puppet department and devise newer and even more impressive puppets than you now wear. That said good sir...to be the greatest you have to surpass the best. Often it is the goal of a teacher for the student to surpass them. However it will not be an easy road for you to surpass me. After all I am the closest thing to a mortal god that resides on the continent. No offense to your religion Lady Ryuko. I encourage you Kiyoshi to join my company. I would even find uses for your buildings in my towers. As I already have one commissioned by Kiri. I could use someone willing to travel and build my empire. If it helps yours, all the better."

After the truth came out, Suguru felt a great weight lifted off him. He had not said the whole truth, he did not ask for the voice in his head to be forever gone, and for that fear of falling asleep, that he might wake in a pool of blood in some alley, the bones of some small animals crunching under his teeth. Even the persuasive intimidation that lay in the eyes of the host was not enough for the chuunin to make those nightmares into a reality. So long as he did not speak about it, it was not real. That was his mantra.

This inner turmoil was broken by the voice of Ryuko, which injected both excitement and fear in equal measures into Suguru. The seconds between they were spoken and the chuunin understood them felt like an eternity. Would she laugh at him? Mock him, as all the women did?

The reality, for once, was much sweeter, the encouraging words dripping through his whole being, and a visible, genuine smile, devoid of this usual cockiness, anger or perversion, beamed on his face. Everything up to this was all worth it. His dream might become reality, over the nightmare that he had endured for so long. Just a bit more training, another moment of heroism, maybe even during his training with her, and it would all come together.

"Thank you, Lady Ryuko." Suguru would say, before sitting down and continuing his meal.

He was shinobi carrying the blood of the Hokage, destined to be great by his birth, even if he had to work harder to for his lineage to be made public. Yet, he never wanted the seat of his father. Paperwork, numbers, decisions, formality; None of that was for him. He just wanted to beat the foes of Konoha; like a giant fist. A fist that did not think. A flaming fist would be cooler.

Suguru spent the whole speech of Kiyoshi thinking of how he could be a cooler fist. It was not meant as disrispect to his close friend, but many a time the Puppet King would speak, and not a single word would be understood by the Chuunin. Yet that was all okay, it was a dynamic of their relationship; the brawn and the brain. And the looks. They shared the last element in between them. Oh, and being cool. They shared that too.

His train of thought was curtailed as the voice of Okane cut through his mind like a heated blade through soft cheese. The chuunin found himself reluctant to chew, as the man began judging their desires. Albeit not understanding most what was said, even if he did, it mattered little as the anticipation for his own judgement rose with every word. Then, those cold eyes, two coals of burning intensity, lay on him, and the God Crafter gave his judgement.

Suguru puffed his chest as if ready to get a medal pinned on his chest, which didn't do much since despite his shortcomings, his stout chest was readily apparent regardless of how much layers of clothing he had on. Okane was a mystery to him, despite Kiyoshi having explained in granular detail the importance of Okane, but for Suguru, all that mattered was that he was the man who not only got him free dinner, with the Raikage, but also was praising him in front of her.

The chuunin gave a thankful smiling nod, before continuing to chewing the food he had in his mouth.

[6]

A smile formed on Kiyoshi's face as the Iron Prince agreed to endorse his future shops, but when the man mentioned running his company's puppet department Kiyoshi's eyes would grow large and glisten. He expected to have to start at the bottom and prove himself as he did in Konoha however, to be able to head his own department was something he could have only dreamed of. What better way for him to get his name out there than to be associated with Okane's Company, and with the Iron Prince's reach, Kiyoshi could have his designs spread across the world. He wondered how this would affect his life as a Konoha Shinobi, but considering he was sent here to build relations with the iron prince, Kiyoshi didn't really see any harm in being the man's employee as well.

"I must say that is a wonderful offer, Prince Okane. As far as the easy road, I guess you could say I have never known it. I have fought for everything I have achieved, you see I was born with a deficiency in my bones. I was bedridden for most of my life, the doctors said I would never be able to walk, I proved them wrong because I never gave up. I originally started messing with puppets as a way to dull the boredom of being alone inside all day, but then I discovered that there was a way for me to use it in other ways. I made my puppet armor, so that I could walk as well as defend myself against anyone that would try to take advantage of me. I have spent so much time working with puppets, that I don't think there is a person alive who could do better. I would be honored to head your Puppetry Division, as well as travel for you however, I am still on a task for Konoha and must complete it first. After the Auction, I am to travel to Kirigakure as a way to expand my business and try to build relations between Konoha and Kiri, then I must return to Konoha. Once that is done, I can ask for the leave to enter your service and do the traveling you need."

There was a little boastfulness in his voice as he mentioned the puppetry, but it was something that he prided himself on. He may not be good at jutsu like other shinobi, but nobody could out puppet him and he dared say that his ability with his puppets could outshine most shinobi in a battle as he could simply overwhelm them. Ryuko would mention something about the Konoha's raiton techniques with a look towards Kiyoshi, he could tell from her body language that she was hoping that he could help with that. To be honest, the most he could do was maybe introduce her, if she were to travel back with him to Konoha after he went to Kiri, but then she mentioned something that he would be able to help with. She asked Okane for a recommendation for a top surgeon, and while he had only begun his delve into Ijutsu, his instructors had always said he had the steadiest hands they had ever seen.

"Well, My Lady. If I may, that is." Kiyoshi would stumble over his words at first before quickly gathering his thoughts, "I am by no means a Top Surgeon, however I am licensed and I have steady hands. I would be happy to perform whatever surgery you may need, or assist another if there is a better option available for you. I have heard of a Surgeon in Iwagakure, a man by the name of Tadara Kamizuru. He is Iwagakure's Top Surgeon, and from what I heard one of the best in the field, if you are willing to travel." Kiyoshi would say with a smile, he didn't want to step on Okane's toes if the Iron Prince by interject himself as he did, but his ever-helpful nature would get the better of him. If there was a way for him to be helpful to the Queen he would, it was always a good idea to be friends with powerful people such as Ryuko, just as much as Okane.

Okane would settle as his plate was half eaten. He would leave it be for the time being before a servant would come along and start topping off their beverages with Okane's chilled wine. He would nod his appreciation. One thing that had certainly changed for him when it came to the staff was a dramatic shift from before. He would have only hired staff that blended into the background. Seen but never heard. Now he took time to acknowledge them...even if it was just a little he demonstrated empathy. Torture had a way of doing things for developing such talents. Still his eyes would settle on each of them when they spoke in turn. Suguru was the odd one here. His muscle structure certainly seemed capable. However he was quiet and the look in his eyes...the words he did speak...he wasn't bright. Kiyoshi seemed to trust him so he would leave interactions with the man to him. Okane wouldn't mind hiring him for missions of course but he needed to be certain those he hired were fully competent. There was a chance it was an act but....those eyes just seemed so empty. Oh well he would let the man be.

As for Ryuko she had some interests of her own and didn't mind training him. He had no doubt it would be out of his comfort zone but he needed to learn how to fight. However this details in privacy bit he would frown at. In some cases he understood but considering what he was after he didn't see the point given present company. Instead he would take a breath and let them speak among each other. Kiyoshi answering her regarding a surgeon in Iwa. Interesting but if Kiyoshi was licensed he had no need for someone he had never heard of in Iwa. Instead he would listen to Kiyoshi essentially give Okane his resume. A struggle from birth often made for capable people. He would wait until they all finished before taking a long sip of wine. Not caring to go through the motions of proper wine drinking. Instead enjoying the beverage as he let the cool liquid sooth his throat. For now he would shake his head and smile as if amused. His eyes shifting to glance at the clouds outside. A regular mount Olympus and he was zues.....No....he had no raiton so that didn't work...Maybe a titan? It didn't matter. Instead he would smile and turn back to them and speak. His voice always like a soothing melody. A man who had practiced his tone to be the pitch to sooth the mind the most.

"I am living my dream lady Ryuko. When I dream...I build it. When others dream and I appreciate it I build that too. One might even say I am the artisan of the dreamscape. What I fear however is the lack of ability to protect those dreams. I do not seek war but...should it come to my door I wish to be prepared as Kumo was. I wish to see my empire grow and do so from comfort and luxury. Running a company is a full time position. Running a multinational corporation is a lifestyle. I wish to be able to watch it grow and see it defendable. However I also enjoy research and crafting new dreams. As such Master Kiyoshi. I have an offer beyond simple employment for you. You said the next stop is in Kirigakure? I have a contract to build a Stag tower there. I intend to negotiate one in Konoha as well. These towers will be educations centers and shopping districts all within one place. Encouraging the growth of science in the community and free education. In order to do this I need a capable crafter to help build such a building. To oversee its construction. In return I will invest in any shops you have and encourage you to place your shop within the tower. A man named Gyo will take over the tower once it is built and act as the dean there. If you are successful with all of that and return to me...I will name you CFO of my company. Allowing me to live the life of retirement while seeing my empire grow. As for you Lady Ryuko....The finer details will be ironed out in a contract to your liking but for now I will be paying both you and Master Kiyoshi a starting salary of three hundred thousand ryo a month. Is that acceptable?"