To Guard a God Among Men

Mamoru stood quietly outside Okane's room waiting for her master to start making his morning rounds. She had been here since before the rising of the sun as were his wishes. He wanted her watching his back from the moment he stepped foot from his room to the moment these same doors closed. She stood unwavering two steel hooked swords strapped to her back. A black tank top exposing her muscular blue arms. She still wore the headband of the hidden Mist and though not a rogue ninja she carved a line through it all the same. Her loyalty was to the man who had taken her off the streets.

She was no child when Okane had found her one day on the side of the road. However one would not be able to tell just by looking with how emaciated she had been. A small smirk found the corner of her lips when she recalled him reaching out to her. The Tiger Shark he had named her for she tried to take his hand. Her fingers ran through her hair knowing at any moment he would be stepping through those doors and her job began.

A few members of staff walked past her some sneering and whispering. She knew what they were saying, the rumors of her feelings for Mr Okane were so far from the truth she never entertained them. He had saved her, gave her a purpose, a roof over her head. He was the father she never had and would give her life if it meant protecting his. She reached back adjusting her blades, Okane had promised new ones. She cared not if he gave her anything but accepted every gift all the same.

Okane would rise from his slumber. Another day with him no longer running things. One may consider it retirement but the truth was he was still the CEO. His purple silk sheets shifted as he rose. The curtains blocking the light from breaking through into his room. Though hanging lights lit dimly as he sat up. His hand going to brush his hair back out of his face as his naked form rose. The curtains around his bed were thin but held a decorative effect he liked. He would step out of bed and walk to his shower. A large one with streams for soap and water from every direction. Washing was quick this way. For now he found a pair of polished black tailored shoes and black socks to go with them. a pair of grey slacks with a black leather belt and a white button up finished the outfit. The sleeves were long though to hide his scars. The buttons done all the way up to the neck with a silver tie. His hair he would tie into a top knot before finding a pair of silver aviators. A silver watch and a silver insignia ring for his name. His fathers ring...He would slip that over his middle finger on his right hand. It was made of Tetsudashi steel.

With that he would pick a white suit coat with bright silver lining on the inside. He looked as if he was going on vacation. In a way he was. Still he would move to the door as he shifted his chakra control. Where he walked now silver feathers seemed to fall from his back instead of gold today. Turning to nothing as they touched anything. His hand shifted to open the door before he would let his emerald green eyes gaze out through silver tinted lenses. Mamoru was at full attention as usual. Though she had been on her own for two years that he was missing she had protected his assets as best she could in sky. Now she virtually refused to leave his side should someone attempt to capture him again. She wasn't necessarily strong but her sheer capability for violence made up for it. Plus she had room for growth. Still he would step out and close his door behind him. A slight smile and the scent of cherry blossoms falling off him. No attention paid to the other staff.

"I hope you haven't been waiting long Ms. Hoshigaki. I have only just begun my morning. That said I feel like going out for breakfast. Somewhere in the city instead of the chef. Since you will be following me anyway...why not join me?"

As the door opened behind her with Okane walking through she found her self in step behind him. "That sounds like an nice change of plans Sir. I walked the streets before the shops opened this morning. Everything looks clear with no signs of disturbance." She pulled a list out of her shirt pocket going off a check list she had made herself. Mamoru had failed her Master once and he was taken prisoner for two years. He never blamed her of course she would not have been able to stop the "Others" from taking him even if she wanted to. She watched the feathers "fall" taking note of their silver color.

Winding through the halls she stepped in front of Okane as they reached the front door. Without losing a step she opened the the gateway to Soragakure. This place always made her heart skip from the pure beauty, it was no where near as depressing as the Mist village. She followed her master through the streets watching villagers wave and bow to him. Some of the kids when shifting their eyes to her would slink back. She had a reputation here of a silent monster always by Okane's side but never speaking unless spoken to. He blue skin and sharp teeth made many steer clear of her. Up ahead at the cafe they were headed to a nice villager opened the door for them as a hostess quickly found them a table.

Mamoru waited until Okane was seated and the hostess stepped away before taking her place across from one of the most powerful men on the planet. She knew him better than that and knew he had nothing but good intentions for those he could help. "Sir i appreciate the change of view this morning." Her eyes darted back and forth as she spoke always taking in the faces of those around.

Mamoru would give him a quick summary of her patrol before he woke and he felt exhausted just listening to it. How early did people normally wake up? Perhaps he was too spoiled in his wealth. Most of his meetings never happened until afternoon whenever he made himself available. Actually being up in the morning was a delight for him. Still he would nod his appreciation as she walked with him. Making sure to get ahead of him and open the door to the building. They were on vacation from the Emporium so the people here felt less indebted to Okane. Though they understood he was a lord who had built an outpost into a metropolis. Despite the towering buildings the land was beautiful. The skies were bright blue with rolling white clouds and the grass was a stunning green. The breeze was cool while the sun was warm. He didn't pay to much mind to those who bowed their head to him as they walked. The children who evaded her would come out after they had passed. Trying to capture the slow falling silver feathers to no avail. It was peaceful here with the guards mostly at the gate. Virtually no crime to speak of. \

He was quiet as he seemed to be reflecting in his thoughts as they were welcomed into the cafe. He was careful though to walk passed the table they were directed to. His back to a wall and able to see everything in the cafe. The hostess was confused for a moment but adjusted quickly. Bringing them waters and a menu each. His eyes scanned the room as he took in everything. A reflection of post traumatic stress disorder where he wanted to know everything going on in a room with him. This was his attempt to step out into public for the first time beyond the emporium. Beyond hiding in his tower away from people. He wanted to break away from his paranoia but it was proving difficult. He had hired one of the worlds strongest women and given decision making capabilities away to another capable crafter. All in the interest of being more of a hermit. Still his eyes would snap to her as he blinked in surprise as she spoke once more. Drawn out of his thoughts he would smile warmly before picking up the menu and glancing over the breakfast options.

"We can't always delve in luxury Ms. Hoshigaki. Lest we lose our perception of the norm."

Mamoru was happy for a moment until Okane walked straight past the table to another where he could sit with his back to a wall. His ordeal with the "Others" held a grip on his mind that she could not for the life of her break. Today it did not matter, he was outside of the tower and among the people. The progress was slow but she would accept any progress at all. She gave a rare smile just to him hearing him talk about trying to be normal as if someone of his renown was normal. Mamoru reached over grabbing her glass of water taking a moderate sip.

She sat there quietly after placing her order of mostly meat with a small side of potatoes. A few of the villagers would slink up and ask for Okane to sign this or sign that. If a few to many would gather she made sure they did not to crowd him. One child walked up to her and smiled just a little to young to be afraid of her more shark like details. All she could do was give a weak sharp toothed grin back. She made sure to shoo away the customers as the wait staff came out with their food so Okane could eat in peace.

"Sir we have a full day today." Reaching into her top she would pull out a small piece of folded paper. "A few of the merchants have requested audience with you. They are having issues with the placements of their outside carts and it is starting to cause trouble between them." She listed off a few more topics all of which like the first could have easily been handled by herself or anyone else. However she figured it would be good for Okane to get out and revisit the people.

Okane had ordered a tomato and basil omelet with onions. No meat on his plate for breakfast to keep his form sturdy. Starting off the day with eggs and vegetables with a supply of water to remain hydrated. He however did not comment on meat and potatoes as an order. Of course they assumed she meant bacon and sausage with hashbrowns. He would see people coming to him though. Hesitantly as if nervous. He would smile but his body would clearly tense. His emerald eyes analyzing anyone who got remotely close to them. Making notes for possible weapons. Still he would put on a mask as he would sign a few autographs. Shake a couple of hands and remain the image of the peoples person he used to be. It was a relief to him however when Mamoru would finally shoo them away. Picking up his glass of water and drinking it to about the halfway point. Being crowded had left his mouth dry and his throat scratchy. He had fought off being nervous visually but the physical effects of his fear had still taken a particular hold. Still he would set it down and collect a fork and butter knife as Mamoru began.

He would set about cutting his omelet into perfect grid pattern small portions before using the fork to begin eating it one square at a time. His eyes shifting up to her as he thought the issue over. He would shake his head before taking a smaller sip to clear his pallet of egg before replying. Setting his silverware down and the glass before speaking in return. "They squabble over such small things. In the end in order to save themselves from confrontation they turn to a higher power. It is the common thought process of common merchants. That said there will be no need for a meeting. The solution is simple. I will have one of my subordinates begin to offer them sealing services. Merchandise is bulky and difficult to move but ultimately less expensive to move when sealed in a scroll. A large scroll could seal the cart whole with all their merchandise. Thus solving space issues. It also will preserve the integrity of their goods and make them easier to transport. Was there anything else?" He had come up with a virtually revolutionary concept for the merchants before returning to his eggs. They certainly were well done. Did they whisk the eggs before making the omelet? A mixture of butter added by the taste.

As Okane spoke she made sure to write down his solution, the note would be swiftly sent to the correct offices and sealing specialists as soon as she closed her notebook. It was a gift from Okane, it would take any messages sent to him straight to her. It is how she had chosen which tasks would be presented to him each day. After writing the response and closing the book the message would be sent to whomever to would need to be sent to.

"There has been a rash of thefts lately, during my morning patrols i have noticed nothing. However that does not mean much, the areas affected have been the Crafting district and the Storage houses have been hit as well. I have already doubled the guard but still..." Her nose wrinkled she hated giving him bad news. "There are still reports of unconscious guards found the next morning. I'd like permission to hand pick a team for a weeks worth of surveillance." She waited till his eyes darted across the room before snatching a bite from her plate. She had a habit of never letting him see her eat. It was a strange game she played with herself, of course she did not know if it was working or not, but it made her happy.

"There is one more thing Sir" She had an idea to try and calm his nerves, hopefully the few secret plans she had put in place had gone unnoticed. "I have found a small tavern in the middle of the village. They play live music and it seems to be a popular place for the villagers to gather and have fun." A rare smile crossed her face before fading back to her natural scowl. She had visited the owners of the tavern proposing a business opportunity. For weeks they had prepared a surprise party for Okane, Mamoru had overseen everything while Okane had been asleep or at least locked in his room. "Maybe we could stop by, as a show of good will. Let the villagers see you and you get to make your presence known. That all is well and we are all strong." She was nervous of his answer, by no means did she expect him to say yes nor would she blame him if he said no.

Okane would take another square of egg to consume. His mannerism polite and proper as he ate. Each bit taken in small portions and fully chewed before the next was collected. Patient and precise in even how he ate. Still he would listen to the concerns once the sound of her scribbling notes was finished. So it appeared they had someone attempting to take advantage of their new riches in the city. It was a pity that people would rather steal than to work for it. He was familiar with the thought process though. He would shake his head no however at her request. Taking a sip of water quietly as he cleared his pallet. No need to have bits of egg or tomato on his teeth when he spoke.

"There are proper channels to go through for such things Ms. Hoshigaki. Shift the report up the ladder to the head of security. They will post it on the mission board and then if you wish to take it you may put together a team. However your position isn't to solve every issue in the village. It is solely to protect me. If there is a thief then a mission board is appropriate."

He would consider the matter settled. With half his omelet gone he set his fork down and seemed finished with his meal. He hadn't eaten much but he rarely did anymore. Part of the torture had been slicing open his stomach repeatedly and healing it wrong. So he didn't have much of a stomach left. So he rarely ate very much. Still he would settle back into his seat and emerald eyes would take the girl in. He was too observant to miss her eating but mentioned nothing of it. Instead he would frown at the suggestion of going out to a more crowded location. His shoulders tensing as if he were clearly getting defensive.

"I think that would be a bit much. After all is that not what we are accomplishing now by going to breakfast in public? I see no need to go to a crowded tavern too. If anything we should be returning home shortly."

Mamoru nodded before writing her notes closing the book on the subject. She would make sure there were capable shinobi to guard the storage houses and crafters. She looked over at Okane's plate frowning, she had never asked him what had happened with the "others". She had just known that when he returned he was no longer the man she had first met. It gave her more of a reason to make sure he was safe. She would send a message to the tavern to have a gathering of villagers and all costs would be covered by her. She did not want their efforts to got to waste, maybe she would even stop by after he has closed himself in his room tonight.

"That seems to be the more pressing matters at hand, the rest is just.." She waved her hand as if to shoo away the rest of the requests. She looked around the cafe, the rest of the patrons had settled down a few looked their way before returning to their meals. She needed to use the bathroom but did not feel comfortable leaving him alone. He had suggested heading back to the tower soon and that seemed like the best choice. Mamoru stood adjusting the blades on her back giving one final stern look around the cafe.

"After you sir." She gave a slight bow to him with her arm motioning for the door. It might not have been the safest way with him always in front of her. However it made sure she never took her eyes off him. She opened the door before falling in line behind him. "Sir do you think things will ever be back to how they were?" The question was a loaded one and one of the first times she had brought up the incident.

Okane would nod as he wasn't surprised that she had little more to add. The sky village had only recently become a metropolis under his rule. Guards had been hired and trained. Though few in number he was certain Ryuko would make alterations to that. Still he would watch her idly wave and accept that the rest could be left to someone else. The majority of the day to day of the company he had left to his new CFO. A puppeteer from Konoha with a mind as brilliant as his own. With aspirations to overcome him. Okane knew he had set the bar fairly high but also knew he was broken now. What he could have achieved if not for this fear. Like a poison in his heart convincing him all around him were monsters. Which left him soundproofing his room so no one knew he woke screaming randomly in the night. He didn't feel like the god he had claimed to be. Gods did not know fear. Gods did not get kidnapped and tormented. He could not help but feel fear had stripped him of his spark. He could still make things but....he wasn't so sure he could surpass his limits again.

Still he was relieved when she mentioned for him to go first. Adjusting herself to prepare to leave. He wasn't aware of her other needs but he was happy to return home after such a short outing all the same. Still he would rise from his seat and place a hand on the table. When he lifted it there would be a more than generous amount for the meal. Likely triple what it would have actually cost. He hadn't bothered looking at prices after all. One with wealth like his didn't for these costs. With that he would exit with bows from the staff and waves from the people. A slight wave and a smile from himself. He could fake it at least...but he was different. Still as they walked he would hear her quiet question. An innocent thing to say. Still he would shift his hands into his pockets and remain quiet a moment. Finally speaking as they neared the tower.

"No Mamoru. But all things change with the passage of time. Metal rusts and food molds. Life ends and begins again as something new. What will become of us I do not know...but we can evolve. We can become greater than we were if we try. I just...I can't do more yet. That said I have a gift for you. I hope you will cherish it. "

As they entered the tower an attendant would step forward. A bundled up kimono and a small case on top were offered to Mamoru. With that they moved to the elevator and only once the doors closed and Okane and her were alone would he explain. A smile on his face as he spoke of his creations. "I give you two items I had previously crafted before the fall. I had them pulled up from storage. The first is a technology I call night vision contacts. No matter what time of day it is, how dark or how bright you will always see as if it is noon. Things like flash bombs will become ineffective against you. I suggest adding them to your arsenal too to give yourself an advantage. The second is called Jorōgumo. One of the strongest light armors I have ever produced. I made it from immortal silk and mountain fur. So it can not be cut by normal means and no matter the temperature your body will remain feeling at an ideal temp of around sixty degrees. And lastly,"

Okane would rapidly form several hand seals. Dragon, Tiger, Snake, Dog, Rabbit before holding out his hands as two Tetsudashi A rank steel hook swords with fine edges would form out of thin air into his hands. With that he would take the finished product and tuck them under his arms before preforming another set of seals. Monkey>Horse>Rat. With that he would touch the handles of each of the weapons. Using chakra ink to place a permanency seal on the weapons. Before handing them to her. "Those are grade A weapons. Use them in place of your steel swords. I suggest taking the wrappings from the old ones and placing them on the new ones. I made sure they should be about the same weight. However tomorrow when we visit the emporium I want you to leave it all behind for now. Until you are accustomed to all four items." With that the elevator would ding with her holding an armful of the most expensive gifts almost anyone could give her. He would step out as he breathed in the privacy and sighed happily. To him these were just items to preserve her. He felt nothing of the cost.

Jutsu used:

Items handed over:

Mamoru was caught slightly off guard when Okane said he had a gift for her. As they stepped back into the safety of the tower one of his many attendants stepped forward offering a beautiful blue kimono and small box. She thanked the woman stepping into the elevator behind Okane. He explained the items she had been handed making her feel unworthy of such things.

"Thank you master i accept these gifts and will use them to the best of my abilities."

She bowed the appreciation she felt showing with a rare smile. As she begun to wrap her head around the gifts he made a quick string of hand seals before two hooked blades appeared before him. He made another sign making a seal on each handle before handing them to her. They were a noticeable upgrade from her standard steel ones. She quickly gave another bow bending at the waist.

As they exited the elevator she stepped forward opening his door. This would be the last she would see of him for the rest of the day. It would give her time to go find a group of hand picked shinobi for the mission she posted earlier. She would also get a chance to practice with her new weapons and armor before the next day. She was a bit confused on why she would be leaving behind the things that would help her better protect him. She knew not to question his word taking them as gospel.

"Until tomorrow sir, rest well."

She closed the door behind him before making her way to her room. Later she would find herself standing in front of her long mirror. Her eyes a slightly darker hue due to the contacts. The kimono she now wore was soft and warm, like a hug from a loved one. She turned once examining how well it fit over her muscular frame. It was perfect in every way, she reached down grabbing her two new swords placing them in an cross shape across her back. She needed to practice with these before they went out any where. She did not want to be caught unprepared.

Receiving:

[OOC: Will post an app for the two A-Ranks weapons]

[Exit Post]

Okane felt mentally drained from going out into the public like that. His serving staff was one thing but being away from the emporium he felt more naked than before. Unsure of everyone around him and constantly on the defensive. In truth Mamoru was more of an emotional support guard than actually as capable as a lot of his enemies. He needed to prepare her for what was coming. He wanted her to survive the war after all. Still he would nod to her as she thanked him and excused herself. Off to go try her new equipment no doubt. Still he would silently enter his room and close the door before locking it three times over. He would scan the room before letting out a sigh. The staff had come through and cleaned up and changed his sheets so things had been moved but it appeared no one was there. At least he could be alone and recharge his social batteries. He was so frustrated at being paralyzed like this. He had a deep seeded hate for these aliens for breaking and humbling him like this. His own guard had asked if he could be fixed essentially. He was a legend to be forgotten he felt.

Still he would strip out of his suit into a pair of shorts and a tank top before going about stretching. He had a number of scars on his person to remind him of that time. A number of reasons to push him to work out every day. If he wasn't working on crafting something he was doing an assortment of pull ups, sit ups and push ups. He hadn't eaten much so he avoided cardio in favor of building muscle for the time being. He was doing all this in private in an attempt to get stronger. He had made up his mind that he wouldn't be captured alive again. He would fight tooth and nail no matter who showed up to take him. But he wanted to leave a wound at the very least. To tear them apart if he could for trying. After a hundred of each he would be worn out so he would settle into a nice warm bath. Circulating his chakra and refining it as he would a precious metal ore. Strengthening it and reaching for greater heights. By the time the sun set he was completely exhausted as he was every day and would go to sleep. Only to face the nightmares again.

exit thread
6 x 10 = 60 exp