Out from the Weeds come the Vermin

How long has it been? Since Kotsuzui had contact with more than the same few faces over and over? Since he had left the village and seen what the world had in store for him? Since he had done more than go from the bar to his house and back again? It was impossible to tell for the Kaguya, but not for the barmaid who saw him every night. She knew exactly how many times he had been to her establishment. He had become more than a simple "regular". It had essentially become his home. On some occasions he even spent the night there, being too out of it to make the trek back to his actual house. So the only contact he had was with the regulars and occasional newcomers who entered the bar. As a result, any and all news he received he got from the locals who frequented the bar. Albeit most of what he heard were likely rumors. Most of what he heard was the squabbles of lesser mean who had nothing better to do but talk about the meaningless shortcomings of their pathetic lives. But who was Kotsuzui to judge? After all he was just a pink haired drunk.

What seemed to be factual and not a rumor was that there was a new Mizukage running things. It didn't surprise the Kaguya considering how the attempt they made at running the village as a council fell apart rather quickly. Was that even a fair assessment? Could something fall apart if it was never made? Regardless of the details, all that matter was there was someone new running the show. Based on the chatter going around, the kid was just a Genin before claiming the empty mantle of Mizukage. Kotsuzui had been in disbelief when he heard the news that a Genin was running the village. He had called the news out as a lie, which did not go off well with the others and ended up causing a bar fight. Lo and behold, it was the truth.

Kotsuzui couldn't decide whether it was a good thing. In the one hand, it was a smear to the very name and image of Xyxer Gyojin. To have a Genin replace him suit as the Kazekage. It was a pitiful joke and showed just how far down the village was falling. In the other hand, it showed that the kid had courage. Courage no one else in the village was willing to show. Perhaps he really had what it took to do the job and fill the Leviathan's shoes. Although he highly doubted it, it wasn't fair to pass judgment before even meeting the person.

So here he sat, at the bar yet again with a bottle of sake in his hand. The night had just begun so Kotsuzui had not yet reached the point of incoherence. But it was coming one way or another. Tonight would be the last night of self indulgence. Starting tomorrow Kotsuzui planned to break his routine of being a low life. It was time to see what was in store for him outside of this bar.

Sitting in a bar, recounting her abrupt exit from the council meeting Yasha took a long swig of alcohol, she couldn’t believe how long it had been since that time. The four of them literally got so busy that some random child came and usurped the throne from them. Luckily nothing bad has happened during his tenure however it was still greatly jarring that someone who didn’t prove his worth became leader. “So you, pink one, what’s new?” She asked somewhat rhetorically of the male sitting at her side. This might be the first time she could actually recall running into anyone that was there that day.

WC: 107

Words were spoken throughout the bar. So much so that it was like white noise to the Kaguya. In one ear, out the other. He had learned to tune it out and to only pick up on what he wanted to hear. Call it selective hearing. But it was how he picked out the rumors from the truth in the many conversations that went on around him. So it almost hadn't registered that someone at the bar, sitting a seat or two away from him, was speaking directly to him. Almost. But the words "Pink one" caught him off guard. As far as he knew, there was on one in the bar wearing anything remotely close to pink. As far as he knew, the only pink thing on anyone he had seen in this village, was his hair. But there was only one person that ever interacted with Kotsuzui during his many stays at this fine establishment and that was the barmaid. So who was it now, on what Kotsuzui was planning on making his last night at this bar for a while, decided to ruin it by speaking to him?

After taking another swig from his sake, he slowly placed the bottle back onto the bar as he turned his view to face the female. He wasn't yet drunk, no where close to it as a matter of fact. So the moment his eyes fell upon the female beside him, he knew who she was. "Yashakure, was it?" Kotsuzui asked with a grin on his face. She was one of the Chuunin present during the meeting to have a council run the village. Perhaps she too was wasting her time spent at bars like Kotsuzui since that meeting, which would explain how a Genin took the throne with no resistance. But where were the other two? Where was Hikari? "The name's Kotsuzui" he added before taking another swig "in case you've forgotten." His tone was very lighthearted so the kunoichi would be able to tell there was no hard feelings. He also noticed this time she had her own drink. The last time Kotsuzui had shared with her. At least he could enjoy the whole of his sake this time.

"Nothing" he said, replying to her question as blunt as could be. He tried to think of something else to add. But there literally wasn't anything to add. Everything Kotsuzui knew about the events of the village, Yashakure likely already knew. And if she was asking about new events in the Kaguya's life, there was simply nothing there. So 'nothing' was all he had to say. "What have you been up to since our failed attempt at a Council?" he asked, returning the favor of continuing their small talk. Even though Kotsuzui both hated small talk and sucked at it. But maybe it would so him some good to converse with another human being for once.

Hearing the male respond to her with her name Yasha matched his grin. “I’m surprised you remembered me, Kotsuzui.” She said his name with a tone to let him know she’d remember it from now on. After reintroducing himself he’d answer her question in one simple word, “nothing”. She could tell that he was searching for more words and being that it was far too early in the evening for him to be too drunk to remember she knew that he’d truly meant what he said. Such a shame, it would seem that without their fearless leader the military forces of Kirigakure were truly lost. Not that she was judging as she had little room of her own to criticize, perhaps this was the real reason none before them had attempted a council. Its members either got so caught up in their own shit or simply slacked off because they lacked sole accountability. For the sake of small talk, the Kaguya redirected the question back to Yasha. With a sigh and a sip, she replied, “Same as you.” I mean what else could she say? Sure Kiri had beaches and resorts but she hadn’t become a ninja to enjoy civilian pleasantries, especially when they hadn’t been earned. “Genin work to keep the lights on while running on a liquid diet.” She continued, raising her glass with the last bit. It was truly pathetic, she of all people had even neglected her training, not that she would admit it out loud of course. “Have you run into any of the others?” She asked inching the conversation forward, though she held some curiosity about why he was drinking alone and not with the other Konoha ninja. He didn't seem the type to drink alone given the generosity displayed during their meeting.

WC: 299

"I'm surprised myself" Kotsuzui replied to Yashakure's comment, noting the obvious emphasis on his own name as she spoke it. Whether it was to show the Kaguya that she had in fact not forgotten his name, or if it was a method she used to ensure she would not forget it, Kotsuzui did not know. It did not really matter for at the end of the day, it meant she knew his name. He continued to takes sips from his sake bottle here and there while he awaited the kunoichi's reply to the question returned to her. Just has Kotsuzui had returned her question, she returned his answer. How uncanny. So it seems Kotsuzui was not the only one wasting his life away doing nothing. He had a partner in crime. Did she choose to drown everything away with alcohol like the former Konoha nin? Or did she simply seclude herself from the rest of society? The latter would have been the wiser choice as the former kills you quicker.

The Kaguya couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. It was quite accurate. A sad truth. Perhaps that is why it made Kotsuzui laugh. A sense of dark humor was always nice every once in a while.  To that, he simply raised his bottle. Her next question was expected as she inquired about the others who had been at the first and last Council gathering. Hikari and Mitako. Perhaps she was asking about Hayate as well, but he thought it unlikely. He stormed in and out like the wind that day and has not been seen since the day. "I don't think either of them are big on drinking" Kotsuzui began, right off the bat informing her that he had not seen anyone since. "Unless they've been frequenting other establishments... no I have no seen any of the others." He did not much care for Mitako. He knew absolutely nothing about the Chuunin. As to Hikari, that was another story. She may be his only and last friend alive yet he knew nothing of her whereabouts or what she was up to. Perhaps his first action when leaving this bar would be to seek her out. Or perhaps it would be to take a look at those running the village.

He refrained from returning the question back at her again. He assumed if she was asking, then she had not seen them either. Had the idea of forming a Council been so bad it sent all four of them running? Did they all hate the idea of running a village as much as the next? Whatever it was it brought Kotsuzui to his question. "Have you met our brave new Genin Mizukage?" he would ask with a grin as he turned to observe her face. He wanted to get a look at her reaction of the situation. See how she truly felt, if she allowed such emotion to be displayed. Kotsuzui was slightly hoping she knew something about the Mizukage. It could very well save him a trip to the chambers.

“I see…” She started when the male began to reply. “That’s a shame.” She said with a pause, “Drinking’s better with friends right?” Usually a rhetorical but she was actually questioning it now. Normally she would’ve said that with a smile or at least some certainty but it had been quite some time since she just hung out with friends. She would take a few swigs of her drink as a silence fell between them until the Kaguya spoke again. The Terumi would scoff as he left in “genin” when mentioning the new kage. It seemed he had a pretty good sense of humor, turning to see what kind of expression he had while saying that she saw his grin. “That would’ve been my next question to you.” Yasha hadn’t done any examining of the new wave of shinobi but seeing as how he had yet to burn down the leader’s chamber had to mean that he was a least a little bit better than the one genin she had to train. The lack of respect either meant the liquor was getting to him or he hadn’t met the boy. The possibility that he’d met the male and he wasn’t worthy also stood but Yasha had a feeling that even Kotsuzui wouldn’t let him remain in power if that was the case. “Maybe we should do the proper thing and go show our faces?” She said with a raised eyebrow while still looking at him. If there weren’t any orders they could at least get into some mischief to keep themselves occupied.

WC: 262

Kotsuzui was never a great at judging the character of other people. So when Yashakure responded saying it was a shame the Kaguya had not see any of the others, he could not tell whether she was being sarcastic or not. Her comment about drinking with friends only made it that much more confusing. "Friends..." Kotsuzui thought as he stared forward at the row of drinks behind the bar. Where were his friends now? Did he even have any? His first friend, Kisuke Uchiha. He had no idea what had come of his first teammate and first rival. Last he saw the Uchiha was when he and Hikari were taken from the battlefield to join Xyxer. Then there was Hikari. Ever since they both joined the forces of Kirigakure their contact with one another only dwindled. So did Kotsuzui even have any friends? Could he consider Yashakure a friend even though they have only met once? Was having friends even worth the struggle...

He eventually cleared his head from such thoughts, a few blinks to display as much. "If they can handle their alcohol" Kotsuzui retorted with a joke. If you are unsure of someone being serious or joking, Kotsuzui found replying with a joke was always an appropriate response. It would seem the female had a sense of humor similar to the Kaguya, or close enough as she scoffed her drink. She replied both saying it was her next question while also proposing the idea of going and paying the new Mizukage a visit.  Evidently, she confirmed that she too had not met the kid yet. Her use of 'proper' got the Kaguya thinking. Did that mean it was improper of them to not have visited him yet? We're they slighting the Mizukage by their actions?

Kotsuzui had no doubt thought about paying the kid a visit before. Size him up, see what he was all about. Simply put, he was too lazy to do so. He also came to the conclusion that if the Kage had not summoned him for a visit then it was not a priority to him. And if it was no priority of the Kage, it was no priority of Kotsuzui's. But maybe it was time he show his face, as Yashakure put it. Maybe it was just time for Kotsuzui to do anything. "Sure" Kotsuzui replied, taking another swig. "It is past time this Boy Wonder finds out who I am" he said with a slight grin on his face. Should he be mocking his Mizukage such? "But... if we're going into the business of finding out who's who, I need to know who you are" he continued, glancing to the female. "I did not see you that night Kirigakure attacked, nor did I see you on that useless venture to Sunagakure. All I know about you is... you were keen on being a member to the Council. Even willing to fight for it." He stopped there, allowing for Yashakure to fill in the rest of the story. The only piece he had so far, was that she wasn't one to shy from a battle. That alone was enough to intrigue the Kaguya.

Yasha watched as the male’s mind worked after her statement, had he been thrown for just as much of a loop? Perhaps that’s why he needed to blink himself back, remembering that he needed to reply. “Amen to that.” She said back while downing the last of her cup and signaling for another. Looking from the barmaid back to the Kaguya she would see that he was deep in thought again, had her last comment really confused him? Although greeting him would be a show of respect and acceptance one could also simply go memorize the face they’d need to protect. Yasha just shrugged to herself when the male agreed to go with. Taking another swig he made another joke, this time the Terumi would smile. That smile would only grow, her teeth now showing, when the male questioned her and further her validity. Imagine a foreigner doubting her legitimacy, it was almost enough to have her let out a chuckle. “I assure you I was there for the siege of Konoha.” She started, pausing only to drink from her refill. “As for Sunagakure you’re right, I wasn’t there but then someone had to hold down the fort.” She said repositioning herself so that her body was facing him completely. Normally she would make a confusing comment that he probably saw three of her yet that night had been her first solo "mission". “And what of your life in the leaf? Who were you before coming here?” She asked with a focused gaze that was probably giving off intimidation vibes due to her black sclera. Not that she was intentionally challenging him, at this point the alcohol was probably making her voice raspy and she didn’t care to hide it. Assuming she could hear it, the bar had gotten rather loud in the minutes since they first started talking. It would seem that the occasional drinkers had finally arrived, thinking of her sisters made her wonder if they were here. She'd avoid glancing around the room though, if either of them was coming to the main island they'd let her know beforehand.

WC: 352

It was quite easy to notice the grin on Yashakure's face when it was as wide as he had seen it thus far. The response came as soon as Kotsuzui had mentioned the fact he didn't see her on the battle field the night Kirigakure came knocking. With such a response Kotsuzui could fairly easily guess what she was going to say next, which was that she in fact was there. It was easy to miss a single person between two armies, especially since the Kaguya was focused on protecting Risako and killing Xyxer. Both of which he had failed had doing. As a result the former Hokage ended up with a snapped spinal cord which he could only assume took some time to heal even with the best of medics. Judging from the grin Yashakure currently had, Kotsuzui could only wonder if it was because she had taken down a number of the Konoha shinobi that night or if it was simply because she and Kiri's forces had won the battle. Either way, she clearly enjoyed herself that night. She continued by stating she wasn't there the day they ventured to Suna. She was apart of the forces who remained in the village to safeguard it while the majority of the shinobi were away. Well she didn't miss much. One thing both those who remained and went to Suna all had in common, that was the last time they saw Xyxer Gyojin.

His mind nearly wondered off yet again, mere moments away from dwelling on the Mizukage. But the female turning in her chair to completely face the Kaguya drew his attention, preventing him from falling into the black hole of his own mind. She directed the inquisitive conversation towards Kotsuzui now, asking how his life was back in Konoha. Very rapidly a couple of words came to mind which he did not hold back and simply blurted them out. "A nobody" he said, before taking a pause and drinking once more. "I was just like everyone else, blindly loyal to their village. Willing to give my life for it simply because it was a place I could call home. Then Xyxer abruptly entered the picture. A man with true ideals and goals, albeit he had crude ways of obtaining them. But sometimes necessary. He was someone who could accomplish what was needed, not like most villages that live in a shell of their former selves. Much like this village now..." he added before looking around at the bar as if he were looking through its walls and out to the village itself. 

"One thing that's never changed about me... I'll always be the drunk looking for a fight" he added as he raised his bottle for a salute and chugged the rest of it. Savoring the last drop like it was his last, the Kaguya slowly placed the bottle back onto the counter top of the bar. More people started flooding into the establishment as it got louder and louder making it harder to converse. Normally that wasn't a problem for the Kaguya. He never had to converse with anyone before. "So..." he said before cracking his neck with a simple tilt of his head to the side. "Do you wanna finish that drink or should we pay Boy Wonder a visit now, while I'm still in the mood?"

While she smiled the male seemed to be washed over with negative emotions as they both thought back to the siege. As to be expected though that was his home for roughly twenty years, judging by his appearance. Luckily her movement grabbed him before he could sink. And he blurted out a response that sounded like it had bubbled and festered its way to the surface after being bottled. Well that was underwhelming. Yasha thought to herself as the male Kaguya began to answer her questions. Her smile had completely subsided by now and all that was left was the intensely focused stare. As he spoke his words spelled out just why he join Xyxer, not that he had much of a choice, but still. Yasha watched as he looked around the room as if it were hollow, this truly was a sad state for any village, not just Kiri. She then found herself raising her glass alongside him, not that she considered herself a drunk but she couldn't be mad at that sentiment. Though she didn't drink as much as him before sitting it back down well at least before he cracked his neck and propositioned her. There was still a fair amount in the glass but it was nothing to this pro, after standing she'd make a racket of her own and answering him by saying, "I love that sound." With a smirk, no reason why she couldn't do both. Quickly before she forgot the Terumi placed some bills on the counter right next to her glass, enough to pay for both of them although she probably guessed he already had a tab. "Lead the way, pretty boy." Tots not flirting but that's what she came up with because of his pink hair.

WC: 295 [Exit]
TWC: 1,315
Claiming: 13 stats; words to One handed seals