A Puppeteer and A Samurai walk into a Tea shop

Kiyoshi would sit at small table near the window of the tea shop, idlily writing within his notebook as he waited for anyone else that was interested in being a hired muscle, a small cup of Tamaryokucha tea sitting on the table in front of him. Wearing his puppet armor as he always did, the only exception being that his helmet was retracted so that his face was visible. Next to him drooped over slightly would be a small puppet that was idle due to Kiyoshi not having his chakra strings attached to it at the moment, the small puppet had an appearance similar to Kiyoshi himself if he was made out of wood and only three feet tall. Amply named Mini-Mi, due to its appearance, it was by far one of Kiyoshi's favorite puppet, it is also one of his strongest despite the size of it. Having used the puppet earlier during his walk around the emporium, he even performed a small show for those gathered when he first arrived at the tea shop, however now it just stood by in a dormant state waiting for a command from the man's chakra's strings.

He had been given permission from Okane to place flyers around the emporium, it was a simple flyer asking for bodyguard for his travels. While he already had Suguru and Akimitsu, there was always the possibility that Suguru would need to leave his service for that of the village, which was understandable considering the man's love for the village. Kiyoshi too loved Konoha, but his love for information was greater. Of course, if Suguru remained in his service all the better, Kiyoshi has always liked numbers, especially when they were in his favor. A larger party would bring more attention of course but at the same time if they were capable souls, it brought safety as well. Kiyoshi would take a handful of hired shinobi over an army of armed guards, shinobi at least stood a chance against other shinobi. Though he had been in the shop for most of the morning, he had only had one person show up with any interest in the job so far, a man by the name of Enmei. Kiyoshi did not think much of the man, but he was also smart enough to know that looks could be deceiving, so Kiyoshi decided to test the man. For the time being however, considering the man offered to work for free until he proved worth the money for the job, Kiyoshi would hire the man sending him off with Akimitsu for some testing of the Aburame's design while Kiyoshi waited for any others that might be interested in traveling with him as well as providing him with protection.

The tea shop was one ran by one of the inhabitants of the flying island. As Kiyoshi would have discovered many of the shops were there. It was as if they had been given priority and so it was. After all they were natives to this city now where as the others were mostly traders from the surrounding countries. Kiyoshi himself was a rarity with his shop on the emporium. Yet he was the CFO so he was shown respect everywhere he went. Some regarded him with caution as an outsider but most believed in their leader...their human god Okane. Blind faith in the man who had raised them from perdition. He had made this city fly again as it had fallen without him. It was as if he was the soul of this place. Still if Kiyoshi allowed it his drinks and meals were free of charge. People would bow when he entered and raise their heads when he told them to. Even some visitors would see this and bow in case he was someone important they should bow to. Still most visitors still walked with an escort. However the next person to enter the establishment had no guard and did not wear the uniform of the emporium.

A man who wasn't very tall and barely an adult in appearance would enter the establishment. His white robes rustled over the black gi underneath. He had no headband on his person but his white and red hair would almost appear as fire over his pearl white eyes. Over his chest, shins and forearms were plain black ebony armor pieces with some marks across them. They had been cared for regularly but had seen battle. However the back of his coat read Hinode in Kanji and had an impressive Odachi strapped over his left shoulder. One made by the legendary crafter Kara. The man would enter the establishment cooled by AC only for the AC to be immediately overwhelmed. The sheer amount of katon energy radiating off the man would bring it up to a comfortable eighty degrees Fahrenheit within the establishment. As if summer went with him. Yet it was a gentle warmth instead of a violent one. A smile on his face met his eyes and one might feel at ease around him. However the woman running the shop would smile with glee and come around. Collecting a satchel that smelled of tea herbs and move swiftly up to him. Like a mother hugging her child she would embrace him. Hugging him tightly.

"Lord Oda....do you really have to leave?" She would sigh out. Not having referred to any customers by lord since Kiyoshi had arrived. He was certainly an oddity with no guard and genuinely loved here. "I have stayed too long as it is Eva. I am on my pilgrimage as you know. I must visit the other countries and see the state of the world. I do thank you for preparing my tea parcel though. " Oda would gently pat her on the arm and she would release him. Handing him the leather satchel and sniffing before drying her eyes. She would take a deep breath before smiling and speaking again. "Do take care of yourself Lord Oda. We can never truly repay you. But I will say this...the gentleman sitting there next to the puppet....he is looking for an escort for his travels....perhaps you can make some coin on your way?"

Oda would thank her as she bowed to him in reverences. He would blush but pat her shoulder before his pearl gaze fell upon Kiyoshi. There was such immense warmth there with a smile that met those eyes. He was perhaps the most gentle Samurai in the world. Still he would approach and nod his head. Respect being shown but as equals at best. No groveling from a samurai to a shinobi. When he spoke the warmth of his words soothed. "Hello my friend. I am Oda of the Hinode clan. I understand you need an escort for your travels? Might I offer my services?"

Even from where Kiyoshi sat, he could feel the heat when the man entered the tea shop. It was the equivalent of a warm summer morning in Konoha, but it was enough to draw his attention from his notebook towards the door. He wasn't sure what exactly he was expecting to see, but what he saw wasn't anything that he expected. A young-looking man, he did not look like an employee of the emporium despite the fact that he didn't have a guard with him like everyone else that was visiting did. It wasn't until Kiyoshi heard the shopkeeper call the man Lord Oda that he realized who the man was, surprised that the man did not look how he had envisioned the man.

He only knew of the man through the stories he had heard from those of the emporium, all of them referring to him as a hero. The samurai who freed them from pirates with the help of Iwagakure, though it was he that stayed and protected them until Okane returned and lifted them back into the sky. Kiyoshi thought of the man as older than him, perhaps with a scruffy beard or something, yet this man looks much closer to his own age if not younger. A local legend as it were, if the rumors were to be fully believed then Oda was as they say unkillable. Kiyoshi would return his attention to his notebook, though he doubted the truth in someone being unkillable, it did give him some thoughts about different things.

Feeling the heat increase ever so slightly more as the samurai approached would cause Kiyoshi to look up once more from his notebook, with a small smile as the other man introduced himself and offered his services, Kiyoshi would motion to the seat across from him. "I must say Lord Hinode, your reputation proceeds you. There is not a place within the emporium that I can go where I do not hear the stories of how you and Iwagakure helped save these people. I would be foolish to turn down such an offer from a well known warrior, however I must ask. Why do you wish to sell your services to me? Surely there are better things a man of your talent could spend your time doing, rather than acting as a glorified babysitter for myself." Kiyoshi's voice would remain calm and collective, his tone calculative despite the fact that on the inside he was doing flips that someone as strong as the samurai would be willing to be his bodyguard.

Oda would smile as he seemed to be invited to sit. Not that he had ever experienced weariness. Likely he could run across the continent and still be ready to go in a fight. With regeneration constantly kicking in and his sheer chakra levels his muscles would hardly experience any falter. Still he would shift his sword off his back by lifting the strap over his own head. The Odachi almost as tall as him to begin with. He would set it against the table before he settled in the seat across from Kiyoshi. He seemed to radiate a calm joy that almost brought peace to those around him. Even his natural aroma seemed like a warm breeze through cherry trees. After all he did not break a sweat often. Pearl white eyes did not waver from direct eye contact and seemed to see more than just the present picture. Already a jasmine sweet tea was being brought out for him and placed for him. The teahouses owner had a young daughter. A sweet girl who would help about the shop. He would pat her head before she giggled and ran off to her chores. Before picking up his tea and sipping it. Ahh what peace surrounded him.

Still he would set the tea cup and chuckle a moment at Kiyoshi's apparent suspicion. He supposed it was a normal part of their daily lives. Having to suspect those around themselves. He knew most people were fragile. Fearing pain and injury as much as death. Often for them it led to death. Though that armor the man was wearing...it would take some time to work through such craftsmanship. Perhaps he was more suspicious than most given how much he protected himself. Still Oda would sit back and fold his hands. Wisdom beyond his apparent years in those eyes.

"Master Kiyoshi, allow me to start answering that by stating this. My abilities have a tendency to stunt growth and age me at a slower rate. I appear almost twenty or so....but I am closer to forty. I have many years to my way of life. While I am on my pilgrimage I am studying the world around me. A very broad goal which requires travel. As such I choose to go where fate seems to guide. You see no real purpose to it but I am open to what purpose it may uncover. I went to an outpost, met a man who would become my shogun and became his left hand. I was posted as a guard at a bridge into my country. I met a man there who helped repel enemies on sheer chance of the day. That man became a connection to our nearby major nation neighbors and ensures our safety. I watched a summit between world leaders I had never before seen....and watched treasures and retribution returned to my people. I arrived on this island simply by wishing to stop here to learn a truth....and freed a people. Where ever I go I will find purpose. So why not get paid?"

Listening to Oda speak about his travel so far, it seemed that he never really cared where he traveled, as if he simply went with the flow of things. Needless to say, that was not something Kiyoshi ever considered, his brain wouldn't allow him to operate that way. Everything had to be planned, everything he did had to have a purpose. It might be nice for him to have someone around him that was more of a free spirit as it were, however, it also raised the issue that the man might leave his service on the whim of the universe calling him, not to mention his already sworn commitment to the Shogun. Still, as he said he would be foolish to turn down the offer from the samurai even if it would only be for a short time. Kiyoshi would smile to the samurai as he took a small sip of his tea before sitting the cup down and looking over his notebook as though he was considering something, or maybe reviewing what was written.

"Your honesty is appreciated, Lord Hinode. As far as pay, I am afraid that I cannot offer you much, but I can give you 2 choices. The first choice is the payment of 100k Ryo per month that you are within my service, the second choice you have is that I can provide you with Weapons, armor, and other gear if you desire, the cost of which would come out of that Ryo payment and you would get what was left." Kiyoshi would let the offer linger in the air for Oda to contemplate on, "My first stop is that of Kirigakure, after that I will be returning briefly to Konohagakure. Once that is done I will likely be returning here to report back to Prince Okane before he sends me on other travels, perhaps your pilgrimage will see you part from my service before then, however if not I would be honored to have you travel with me on my journey as I am sure your protection will be paramount." Kiyoshi would end with picking up his tea cup once more, taking another small sip of it as he waited for Oda's answer.

Oda would listen as he smiled and breathed in his tea. He was a warm man. Kind hearted and gentle whenever he could be. It was rumored that he had achieved enlightenment but he did not believe that was true. Honestly anyone who claimed as much was likely speaking from hubris. Still his passion was tea and he enjoyed the tea here greatly. However the offer of pay or gear was a tempting one. He was developing a sword draw technique involving sensory so perhaps he could expand his limited range with some help. However he had not had the funds to do more than travel until now. It seemed fate had a great deal in store for him. He would drink his tea as his lips turned red from the heat for just a moment. Fading back to normal rapidly in front of Kiyoshi. His regeneration automatic. He would set the cup down before running a hand along the polished but damaged left ebony bracer. There were small nicks and burn marks here and there that he couldn't polish out. They had seen a great deal of battle. Perhaps it was time to retire them. Still he would smile at them fondly.

"You are a generous one. Of course I would happily accept that payment. That said gear is likely what I need to upgrade. My sword is of the highest quality but I have used this armor for years. I am fond of it because of who gave it to me...but it is worn and more of an accessory than armor now. They said these were A grade quality the last I looked. If you could make me something greater I would appreciate it...perhaps I can pass on these pieces to a student one day. Aside from that I have also developed what you Shinobi refer to as Sensory jutsu. For us it is just expanding our senses. I use it in combination with my swordsmanship...however if we could somehow expand that range I would appreciate it. As for now the only time I may leave you is if I am summoned home. Kirigakure interests me in particular due to our personal history between them and Iron....When they stormed us for our techniques and artifacts.....and when they returned them and a body. I hold no ill will towards them but I would like to see how they have progressed. "

Kiyoshi couldn't help but chuckle slightly at Oda's comment of him being generous, he had been called many things in his life but generous wasn't really one of them that he had often heard, and yet recently this was the type of compliment he had been getting. He didn't think much of it at first but now he was beginning to think that perhaps he was being too generous to people, he had been told before that he was too trusting. This might be an extension of that, he couldn't be sure, but it was something that he should likely look into. Kiyoshi would eye over the man's armor; it was clear it had seen its fair share of combat but other than a few scuffs and marks, it was a good piece of armor. Kiyoshi would quickly process the work of the armor with the meteor metal in place of the ebony, that would serve the samurai well. When Oda would mention his Sensory ability and wishing to expand it Kiyoshi's mind would shift to thoughts of that, he had something that he was working on for himself that would help him with unseen enemies, but it was nothing compared to the abilities one had with sensory. "I can supply you with armor fitting for a Shogun, as far as an item to help with your sensory I will see what I can do though it may take me some time. In the meantime, I would like to point out that I do not wish any past resentment to interfere with my negotiations with the village. I understand that you say you hold them no ill will, however I need you to promise me that you can maintain your composure should the villagers say something untoward. While under my employment you may deal with physical threats to myself or you however you feel necessary, however that still leaves verbal assaults that they might employ to get a rise out of us, I just want it to be clear that you are only approved to defend not attack or act as an aggressor." Kiyoshi wasn't sure about how Oda responded to those that might not revere him like those of this village did, though he could tell that Oda was more aware of social cues than Suguru so he doubted he would have to really keep an eye on the samurai as he had to with Suguru.

Oda would pause in his thoughts as some clarifications were made. He held no ill will outside of to one person. But he was not one for allowing injustice to slide either. He certainly hoped villages did not torment their civilians or enslave them. He had never heard of it from the major villages but it wasn't impossible. He would consider the warning given him and would nod slowly. He knew where the young man was coming from. He was essentially an ambassador and every action he or those under his employ took would have lasting effects on his business. It was rough to be a merchant.

Still he would smile softly. He remembered sharing tea with one Hozuki who had been left behind by the group who had returned the sword. They had attempted to broker peace. No alliances of course. The Samurai didn't ally themselves with Shinobi. Merely attempted to maintain prosperity and the ability to step in as needed. However among them Oda was perhaps the most peaceful. That wasn't to state he wouldn't or couldn't fight. Simply that he often preferred the choice not to. Still he would need to alleviate the worry troubling his new employers mind.

"I myself am left hand to the Shogun. I am practiced in diplomacy and do not act irrationally over mere taunts. Nor am I speaking on behalf of the shogun while I am with you. Merely on my pilgrimage and observing the world. There is only one man I will draw my blade against on sight. Chen is a cruel and wicked man responsible for many deaths. Should I spot him I will claim his head. Other than that I will remain civil as that is my preferred mood. Your business has nothing to fear of me. I assure you of that much."

Oda would finish his tea and set it to the side with a hum of satisfaction. Tea was a hobby of his and he adored the finer crafts of it. Much could be accomplished over tea. Still he would speak a little more as he folded his hands on the table in front of him and sat up straight. Pearl colored eyes shifting to look to the man across from him and make eye contact. There was such warmth in that smile and those eyes.

"I assume you wish to know of my abilities? First and foremost my body passively regenerates all damage it takes. It is incredibly difficult to put me down for good. I am skilled in the sword and in fire along with it and have a small sensory range. Finally I also have the ability to temporarily share that healing or shut down inherent abilities of bloodlines if I get in close."

Kiyoshi was more than satisfied with the other man's answer, he could tell just by the way that the man spoke he meant what he said. Kiyoshi almost swore he remembered reading somewhere that Samurais didn't lie, of course since he had never met one he didn't know if that was true or not, but hearing this man speak he saw no reason to doubt him. "If our paths ever cross Chen's and you kill him, I will double the reward Prince Okane has offered on his head for you. Beyond a businessman, I am also a man of science, I would like to study the remains of such a wicked man. Perhaps it could hold clues as to why he did what he did, and then of course there is the potential to learn and understand more about him and his kind." The truth was that considering that Chen was an Otsutsuki, his body could hold clues as to how they could defeat the others. Of course, since that was a discussion that was held in secret, Kiyoshi would not divulge the true reason why he was offering to double the reward that Okane had just announced at the auction. He had his own reasons for wanting the body of Chen, but there was high value in such an object, such value that Kiyoshi could not ignore it if he ever had the opportunity.

The healing factor at first made him think of Zamasu, but when Oda mentioned sharing it and shutting down bloodlines that quickly shut that window. Zamasu could heal himself, but he never mentioned anything about being able to heal others so that means relations to the Senju clan was likely distant if at all. "Well, I would say with your abilities, I will have myself quite the entourage. I have another, just recently applied in fact, he is also a sensor like yourself, though from the way he talked it seemed he preferred the use of bows to a sword. There is also the two that accompanied me from Konoha Suguru and Akimitsu, one is a Taijutsu specialist and the other is an Aburame that deals with insects and the like. There is also of course Zamasu, though he is not around right now. He usually never leaves my side, always watching in the shadows. He is not much of a fighter but he does have some powerful defense capabilities. When Zamasu returns I would like all of you to meet, with the exception of Zamasu himself you will be in charge of the overall defensive needs of this travel pack. I should also tell you that we will be traveling to Kirigakure with Princess Kitsuki, I am unsure of her own personal protection, but it might elevate the risk factor if she is a target or anything. Do you have any questions about the role you will be taking on?" While he wanted to ask the man more about what he had meant about sharing his healing and shutting down bloodlines, Kiyoshi would not push it for now, instead putting that question on the back burner for the time being. It was a question one would ask after they got to know the person better, not for their first encounter any how.

Oda would listen to the mans words as he spoke. Science was often meant for the progress of mankind. However it was known to stumble along the way. The path lined with good intentions was also bathed in blood. He had known war. He had been educated on his clans history as they too had seen the darker side of humanity. Hunted for their blood and used to keep wicked men alive. Slavery was the cause of their fear and it had taken a great deal to ensure that they were safe interacting with other people again. Safe to emerge from hiding. However the idea of bringing back remains to be studied...to see what had led to such inhumanity was stirring thoughts of caution within him. Not to mention a price tag placed on his life. He would shake his head at the idea of bringing back a body. At the level the two would have to fight there would be little to no chance of remains to be had. For once he drew his blade the fire would light. The blaze would grow hotter and hotter until the battlefield would become molten in nature. So he would speak as such.

"I doubt there will even be enough left for proof if I am being candid. To fight such a being I will have to use all my strength. If I survive it and he does not, there will be nothing but ashes that remains. I can not take the chance of a regenerative ability. For instance if I were to be lit on fire...I would return from such an attack. I can not promise anything to study. Even if I am to be paid for this task..I would have the payment sent to my country. That they might find use for it."

He would settle back as the man would describe the rest of the party. A taijutsu specialist was an excellent rear guard. Hand to hand often was best for dealing with ambushes. Along with someone who couldn't be seen easily. A member of the party that could conceal themselves would counter an ambush nicely. An archer and a bug user. How unique in nature. Though depending on the control of bugs they could act as a scout without risking their person. The archer more capable of picking off anyone getting to close at a distance. Where as his position would be the forward guard. Anything attacking the front of the convoy to attempt to stop it would be met with something they could not kill. Also allowing his sensory range to increase substantially the chances of catching hidden enemies ahead. Still the mention of traveling with one of the leaders of Kirigakure did two things. One is it meant low tier bandits would avoid them. Such a heavy entourage would mean certain death. However anyone still willing to try with her present was either insane or insanely strong. He would need to be prepared to not hold back and give his all. Still the question would be posed and hanging in the air.

"Since our entire role is defense I suppose that makes me the squad leader as you shinobi put it? I have rarely worked with other shinobi before but if they are well trained as the team from Iwa was...I doubt we will have much difficulty coordinating. That said while I am the head of my clan and educated in tactics this will be the first time actively leading shinobi for me. However given your description I will have a formation on the ready for when you are prepared to travel. Placing you in the safest space."

Kiyoshi would sip his tea as Oda spoke of the doubt about remains being left if he were to kill Chen, though he would be extremely disappointed in the loss of the potential research data he could acquire from the corpse, he understood that in a battle against someone as powerful as Chen the chance of complete annihilation was a high probability considering the amount of power it would take to take the man down. "Well one can hope, either way. As far as the payment you would indeed be paid well for the elimination of the terrorist, and it is my understanding the Prince Okane has a strong relation with the Land of Iron. I am sure you and your country would be well compensated for your participation in his elimination." Kiyoshi would answer as he sat the cup upon the table.

Nodding as Oda posed the question of squad leader, "yes, for all intent and purposes you would be considered the squad leader. You would be in charge of charting our path as well as the formation of our party, you will have a few days of course to do so and if you need to meet with the team beforehand, in which case we can do so. With the exception of Zamasu, who is reporting to Konoha my progress and then will be meeting us in Kirigakure. As far as the competence between Iwa and our group, I would like to think we of the leaf are better in terms of teamwork. Of course, that would be biases of me so I will leave that assessment up to you. While you may not have past experience leading a group of shinobi, I am confident in your ability that you will not let me down." Kiyoshi would sit some ryo on the table to pay for his and Oda's tea before standing, "there are still more matters for me to attend to before we depart, please forgive my departure. You can reach me if you need me, if not I will send word when we are ready to leave." With that, unless stopped by Oda, Kiyoshi will take his leave from the tea shop to take care of the last-minute things that he needed to see to, now with even more on his mind.

{Exit Attempt}

Oda would listen to the details an opinions of the young man. Okane was indeed affiliated with his home but almost a mockery of how so. He was of an outside bloodline and had bought his way into lordship. However he seemed almost akin to friends with his Shogun. So he would not question such decisions. It wasn't as if he was likely to ever meet the man after all. He was surrounded with lavish things and Oda preferred a humble life style. His focus in tea keeping with his focus on the Odachi. He trained daily in both. Yet now he would have another task to continue with his pilgrimage. With such a party he was more likely to learn more than he would on his own. After all the samurai and Shinobi were more often at odds than not. Something was inherently different about them. Still for now he would consider this fate directing him. His pearl white eyes would shift as payment was placed on the table. The young man excusing himself for the business he needed to attend to. It seemed he had a few days to prepare. So he would rise from his seat as well and collect his sword in his hand. Giving a light bow of his head.

"I shall make sure to be prepared to travel of course. If any of the team wish to meet with me prior to the task at hand I do not mind it. However I am used to leading squads of Samurai. I am sure I can alter the experience as needed on the day of departure for your party. I bid you a good day for now."

Oda would slip the sword back onto his back at a comfortable pace as he watched the young man leave. The youth today were always in such a hurry. Still he didn't mind it. Their fates were intertwined now and he was curious on what lessons he would learn from this adventure. Still he would dig out a few coins and leave payment for his own drink plus a little more. Let the family running the establishment get a significant tip that way. Perhaps their daughter could get a new dress or books. After all it may be the last time he ever saw them. Still he would smile and be handed a bag of herbs for tea and a kiss on his cheek before he departed. Breathing in the air from so high up in the sky. It would be time to move on soon and to the biggest enemy in history to his village. Kirigakure of all places. He would need to remember to keep his cool if taunted.


exit thread
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