Two Manly Men Meet (IO)

Maku Walking through the door into his office nodded at his two ANBU guards who stood on either side of the door.  Neither wore masks of traditional ANBU, because in Yuki tradition wasn't always followed.  As he walked in, he would assume Kaede followed behind.  The two ANBU would nod as he passed, and even watch in the room until Maku turned around to not allow any harm to come to their leader.  Sitting at his desk, Maku continued to eat the orange flavored snow cone he had stopped to get on the way.  Tapping his scepter on the desk he would motion for Kaede to have a seat on the chair across from him.  The chair was of the finest quality upholstered with polar bear fur, just because it cost more.

The office was finally clean, and neat.  A roaring fire bellowed to the left of the room, and behind him a magnificent bookcase revealed a plethora of knowledge to any who would read them.  Most were Maku's own notes and concepts on genjutsu.  The right of the room had a sofa, infront of a large window, as well as a few tables with many glass bottles and crystal glasses.  All in all a very sophisticated room.  

Still tapping the scepter in a pleasant beat,  he looked at Kaede.  "So, what is this situation with your friend you need to speak of?"  He would ask.  Assuming of course Kaede had followed and sat in the chair provided.

Kaede followed into the office, still holding onto the blue snow cone he had picked up on the way. It was quite a strange thing, something Kaede had never experienced before. He had of course put his shirt back on by the time they had arrived. Even if he and Maku now shared a manly bond together, that did not mean he could just flaunt his physique for the duration of the visit. Taking a moment to examine the room he couldn't help but feel slightly jealous. When he got back he needed to make his office fancy. All his had right now was a chair and desk, although it did sport quite a lovely view.

Taking a seat he made himself comfortable, still eyeing up the office when Maku spoke to him. "Ah! Of course." He paused, thinking of his words carefully. "It's to do with an ally of mine. The leader of Takigakure." A quick inspection of Maku's face, searching for some sort of hint that he was in fact behind the attacks. "The village was attacked quite recently, and my friend informed me it was attacked by two cloaked men..or women. I was wondering if you had any information on the matter." Kaede's voice remained calm and level throughout, as did his expression. He felt no need to start throwing out accusations, especially after forming a manly bond.

Maku would take a bite as he heard the word Takigakure.  He would conceal his emotions, but it would bring back memories.  He had once lived there, so long ago.  He had been a genin, of little worth and no guidance at all.  He hadn't become a man until he left the shackles of the village and he spread his wings to find his own glory.  Now though, wasn't he once again shackled by the confines of a village.  It was an interesting turn in the end, and yet, none of it had to do with what this man mentioned.

"I can see why you are sucipcius my friend.  After all, we didn't necessarily meet on the best of circumstances did we"  He said giving a bit of a chuckle.  "No none under my employ initiated such an attack.  Takigakure is to my knowledge not even on the radar to us.  It is an intresting coincidence though.  Did your ally have any other descriptors?  Perhaps I can help out in that way."  Maku of course had no idea who could have initiated such an attack, and it had shocked him.  His home had been attacked, but what did he have there any more, nothing.  If others had their eyes on Taki however, it would be something to tell Youka about.  The man would be dissapointed.

Kaede listened to the response. Leaning to the right in his chair he rested his chin in his hand. "Alas that's all description we have. And it is quite the coincidence." Kaede naturally was not entirely settled by the answer Maku gave. After all, lying these days isn't all that hard. However he had no actual reason to suspect the man as of right now. He smiled despite the lack of information, "Hm, likely a group of rogue shinobi then." He said to no one in particular, simply thinking out loud. "I suppose this could serve as a warning to your village as well then. I believe Takigakure is not that far from here is it? The two could end up heading here eventually." With that said he absentmindedly turned his attention to the snow cone had had until now ignored. "If you don't mind Maku. I'd like to stay in Yukigakure for awhile. Seems like a nice place for a vacation, and lord knows I could use one." He cracked a smile towards the fellow manly man. A vacation would be nice. It's not like he was in a rush or anything, Shimagakure would be in safe hands with Chrollo and Naoki there.

Maku listened to him about the lack of descriptions and the lack of any real detail.  "Did you visit Takigakure, to see the damage yourself?  I only ask because, well I have had dealings with Takigakure when I was a younger man, and they seem to be a bit shady at times.  I don't know how your alliance stands with them though, perhaps things have changed, Chrollo must not be the leader any more, for things to be so much better."  Was it a lie, perhaps.  However, it rolled off so easily from Maku's tongue.  A master of genjutsu led one to be a master of deceit and politics.  This was Maku's specialties in life.  Youka was all brawn and could smash walls, but only could Maku simply unlock the door with a word to the guard.

"You say they are coming up here, to do what fight?  Taki is indeed my neighbor, and one I always try to watch.  I sometimes worry that they will try their hand at expansion one day if left to their own devices.  However, maybe I am just paranoid and over think.  I don't like those who take advantage of the ones beneath them.  Which is why I came to this chair.  The previous leader did a poor job, even led chunin to leave the village.  Now the people seem happier, and more ninja than ever are graduating from the academy, some with real skill and potential.  But enough, if you wish to stay here, I do not mind.  Here I would recommend staying here."  He would finish writing the address of the best inn in the vilalge on a scrap piece of paper.

He had dropped clues that Takigakure could not be trusted, but had also made sure to not over do it.  He simply wanted to trigger a thought of doubt in the man that sat across from him.  For if a simple seed of doubt could be planted, then Maku could possibly cultivate it to fruition, and gain an ally, while stripping Takigakure of one.  It was true, there was no immediate plans to take the village.  However, Maku wouldn't let a chance to gain power slip through his fingers.

"I have not visited Takigakure to inspect the damage." Kaede replied, then going silent as Maku went on with how Takigakure is apparently shady. Kaede smiled when the man talked, more amused by it than anything else. "Chrollo is still leading the village, he was the friend I was referring to." He said his attention on the snow cone in his hand, it really was a strange thing. "Who knows? They might come up here, they might not. Perhaps they simply have a vendetta against Takigakure or Chrollo. Not much is certain at this time." Taking the piece of paper Maku had written on he nodded his head in thanks. "Thank you for your time and hospitality Maku." With that he stood from the chair and turned to leave. "See ya around." The man said before exiting the office, unless of course he was stopped.

[Exit]

"Well maybe things have changed since I knew of Takigakure. Maybe Chrollo is not the man I thought he was, and I look forward to meeting him should he arrive." Was all Maku said as the man stood to leave. Watching he let the man leave the office unhindered, and didn't even have him folowed by the ANBU. The man ahd proved himself an equal and an ally in manlyness due to their interactions at the gates. This was turning into an interesting day, and hopefully more would follow.


(Exit, Topic closed.)