Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

Thu Aug 13, 2020 8:05 pm

Mission:

She read over the mission request once more - a wrinkle in her nose as she huffed over the note at the bottom: ‘The client requests strongly that his protectors dress with a high modicum of style so as not to frighten his wife who is none the wiser of the threats being received. Discretion is expected.’ She and another male shinobi had been hired to act as an accompanying couple - her male counterpart having been given the fake backstory of working with the client and bring along his wife, Mizuki, to enjoy a shopping excursion together - all for the sake of growing company ties and loyalty. It was a flimsy cover at best but she figured the wife wasn’t bright to begin with so it should be easy enough to pull off, trouble being who she had to pretend to be married to- and convincingly at that. Letting out a sigh she would rub her fingers against her forehead and temples, setting aside the unknowns of this mission and resigning herself to do the best - and that started with looking the part.

After having picked up her first kimono in the hospital after the marked day of The Wraith’s meeting, she had gone and had a few others created for her from the town’s seamstress. She couldn’t walk around in the same black one that had seen at least some combat at this point so she had a few in varying shades fitted to her. Running her hands over the silken fabrics - a deep emerald green with a lighter green pattern of Hemlock flowers that fell to the floor, a shorter midnight blue one that faded seamlessly into white near the shoulders with lace lilies adorning the sleeves that fell like water, and lastly a blood red one that was battle ready unlike the other two ornamental ones. She pulled the red one free and held it out at arms length to admire it again - White as snow trim and bodice that was well fitted with white rope braided thrice over the waist, the fabric flowed down in a way that left her legs free for motion albeit exposed… it was an outfit fit for war. She placed it back on the rack with a final fleeting touch and instead grabbed the midnight blue option, sliding it over her shoulders and tying it at her waist with a simple black ribbon. The very one Kenshin had tied around her waist to begin with.

She then adorned her hair with a pearl and sapphire hair piece that sat to the right side of her face ,situated there by a discreetly placed senbon, thus completing the look. beautifully on the backdrop of the black depths her hair provided - she was picturesque… and she felt ridiculous. A part was a part though, and while the kimono itself was impractical the black bodysuit with her weapons pouches attached discreetly under the flowing fabric - all in the name of being able to rip off the cumbersome garment and having perfect mobility. Finally, she pulled the length of her silken hair over one shoulder and left her home, the meeting place assigned was a particularly gorgeous tree in the Grove - as the two were expected to show up to the clients together it made the most sense for this spot to be chosen. The grove held so many species of flora and fauna that it was impossible to pinpoint the region it was supposed to be based around - but there was this stunning pure white weeping willow that had captured her from the moment she laid eyes on it. Low and behold it was the tree she was to find her mission partner today, she stood with her back to the path as she gazed up with adoring eyes at the long tendrils that fell around her like dripping snow, and waited.

WC 646 [x2 wc for event 1292]

Tue Aug 18, 2020 9:22 am

Kenshin would look at his new form with a proud smirk on his face… oh yes, this was a good one, and it was certainly one that he knew would take Mizuki, his unknowing partner in this mission, by surprise. He stood just taller than Stark at 5’11, with silver hair a few shades lighter than his own natural hair, but it was around the same length as the form of Stark, however it was less spiked and unkempt than in that form, if anything appearing as though it had been styled in a way that was attempting to look messy but failing. That was not the only change though, and he knew that in the end that was not what would surprise his chosen… that would be the clothing that he had chosen. The outfit itself consisted of lighter black suit that was left undone to show off the deep green, buttoned vest that he was wearing beneath, and a somewhat lighter green cowl around his neck. All in all it was more formal than what he wore when he was Kenshin, yet it still managed to look somewhat casual and fit his current look in a way that almost made people let down their guard, the man himself looking rather… well, he wouldn’t say feminine, but disarming.

He knew full well that Mizuki was not expecting her partner in this mission to be him, but he wasn’t going to allow just anyone to pretend to be the other half of his beloved… he would sooner march into the streets and butcher whoever was threatening the clients in full view of the mans wife than allow that to happen. Yet, he could not do that as it would result in the mission being deemed a failure… so, he had been forced to improvise… and somewhere along the way he had actually started to like both the idea itself and the persona that he had concocted to pull it off. After this mission was over and done with he would need to start using it in the same way that he used the Stark persona.

Well, now that he was ready it was time for him to meet with Mizuki, and he knew exactly where they were to meet… he had been the one to choose it and he had chosen it because he knew that the woman loved that particular tree. Mere moments later the man was merged with the ground, his Mayfly allowing him to rapidly leave The Spire and approach the spot where he knew the woman would be waiting. He reached the area moments after she did, and after quickly ensuring that she would not see him reforming behind a tree that her back was facing, he would allow himself to reform. When this was done he would step onto the path, purposely stepping on a twig as he did so, his position just over 5m behind the woman.

“Excuse me, might you be Mizuki? If so, I am your partner for today. Just call me Oz.” The extremely smooth and somewhat deep voice would say without missing a beat, a charming smile on his face as he gave the woman a light bow, a familiar smirk forming on his face as he gave the lightest of winks to the woman. The voice was… very similar to his original voice, but it was missing a lot of his signature deepness, and the ways that he pronounced things was quite different… yet, the way that his words seemed to flow together like honey was also reminiscent of his original form.

In essence… he was just different enough that only she would be able to guess who he truly was, and even that was with his assistance with the wink and smirk.

WC: 634

Tue Aug 18, 2020 6:36 pm

The twig snap alerted her almost at the same instant that the heartbeat came within her range and she resisted the urge to jump - having been so entranced by the snow white tendrils weeping around her. Instead she held her motion in a controller manner and turned her slender neck to meet the man of whom she was to pretend with today. He was introducing himself with a slightly deep yet smooth voice, one that moved like the finest grit of sandpaper over a finished wood carving - paired with a charming smile and bow that would make more weak-kneed women swoon but that smirk… Her eyes narrowed lightly as she looked him over with more scrutiny. His attire was appropriate for the desired aesthetic their client had all but demanded of them - dapper in fact with charcoal black suit that was just off from pure black, left undone to show off the deep emerald green vest that was buttoned and fitted perfectly to his chest, all adorned with a lighter leaf green cowl scarf that had a small broach of sorts pinned to its center. The outfit was something even she could appreciate but that wasn’t where it ended, no not at all, he was taller than she but really who wasn’t Mizuki wasn’t known for being all that tall - his snow white hair was the same color as the Weeping Willow she adored so much and unlike another familiar face his hair was styled to look effortlessly messy; though she would wager it took some doing. He was handsome in the most obvious of ways but there was something else … something in his speech, in the pronunciation of her name and some telling mannerisms - Oz wasn’t Oz at all.

He was her beloved… the only one that she would never have to pretend to be in love with, Kenshin. Heh, that was the first time she was able to admit it even to herself, perhaps that day of interrogation had opened new doors that she had boarded up years ago. Her face had softened a little, enough for the watchful man to notice of course. After he straightened from his bow she would gracefully bring her form closer to his, raising both of her slender hands to straighten out the cowl scarf that had moved due to his respectful bow to his lady - the cloth was very soft and light so as not to overheat him around his neck, a fitting choice for the season the dome was imposing on them. Almost completely to herself she would smirk and say, “Should have gone with the green one.” The emerald kimono she had been so tempted to wear would have paired beautifully with him… but the blue was still complimentary, similar in color family but shades apart. The two were always so close to being identical, and the instances of this always seemed to be so glaringly obvious to her. Without any explanation she would simply slip her arm around his left one and allow Oz to take the lead into town where they would meet up with the man who was responsible for this day - and the smirk of pleasure that would not leave Mizuki’s lips.

WC 538 [x2 wc for event 1076]

Fri Aug 21, 2020 8:55 pm

The Reaper had indeed noticed the face of the woman softening, which in turn told him that she had indeed seen through his little ruse just as he knew she would. Without a word the woman would close the distance between them and reach out to lightly grab the cowl around his neck, the emerald fabric both extremely soft and light upon her hands. Her words would earn a small smirk from the man, but he could see that the shade of blue she had chosen still matched with his own outfit quite well… well enough for them to look as though the two had coordinated their outfits, something that only helped to sell the fact that they were a couple. He wouldn’t say a word as the woman looped her arm through his, only allowing his small smile to widen minutely as he turned and began to lead his chosen to the location that they were set to meet with the client and his wife, a small cafe located in the heart of the villages market district… a very public spot that made spotting them quite easy. But that was the point of this meeting place, it was so that the client could be spotted by those that were to attack him, and unknowingly to them, allow Mizuki and ‘Oz’ to mark them.

The two travelled slowly through the grove, not speeding up even a little as they walked through the sandstone streets, keeping a slow and steady pace so as to better play the part of a couple that was simply enjoying each others company… and really, that is exactly what The Halfblood was doing right now, enjoying the company of his beloved. There was no need for words, and truth be told he didn’t really wish to speak now anyways… he was content to simply enjoy her company, in fact, he was so content right now that he was humming to himself lightly. The Kazekage knew that Mizuki would be able to hear the humming, and he knew that if people knew exactly who was humming right now they would be gawking in disbelief, but The Vampiress was the only person that he was comfortable with seeing this side of him… and, ya know, the only one who could actually bring it out. A small smirk would form on the mans face, and without a word he would lean over and give Mizuki a light kiss on her beautifully pale cheek. He would say absolutely nothing as he pulled away either, he would simply keep walking arm and arm with her.

They were approaching the cafe, and he could see the client and his wife through the front window, their table in full view of the streets. That position was perfect, and it allowed the two of them to properly observe anyone that could be watching the pair and waiting for an opportunity. There was not a better team for this mission either, as both he and Mizuki were beyond experts at reading people… heh, these fools were truly screwed, and that client had been extremely lucky to receive the two of them… and on top of it all, he had absolutely no idea that the Kazekage himself was one of his protectors.

WC: 546

Sat Aug 22, 2020 8:45 pm

The two walked arm in arm, the gentle breeze pushing the tendrils of her hair back while the warmth of his body pressed against her side kept her mood bright and her temper even- as only his presence could soothe the beast that reared up in her especially now that her need to feed was nearing again. The brush of the silk as she walked seemed to be the only noise between the couple making their way into town then just as she was about to say something to him she heard the soft humming coming from him and she wouldn’t dare to interrupt such a sweet sound. It seemed to seep into her soul and soothe her further - it seemed in this body he was more willing to show his outward contentment and … She hadn’t even seen it coming until the faintest blush touched the porcelain cheek that his lips had just kissed. They continued on their way without comment… though her grip on his arm tightened and she began stroking his arm absentmindedly - had this really been all she craved? A day pretending that they weren’t as high ranking as they were? A day of just… being together? That was silly… he was just playing his part convincingly of course. Wasn’t he? There were no real witnesses around, and really they looked the part well enough .. was this a side she had never seen before, or simpler … was this a side that had never come forth before?

She had to refocus herself on the task at hand as they approached the cafe they were to meet the actual couple at - how that distinction stung a little.. The man in question looked slightly worried and glanced around the public space far too often for her liking, making it obvious to her at least he was nervous, while his wife simply glanced over the cafe’s menu with her forefinger tapping on her chin thoughtfully - completely engrossed. As they reached the table the man stood up abruptly and clasped Kenshins hand in a quick handshake of a greeting while Mizuki gave a short bow of her head to both halves of the couple, and the two took their seats. They were sat on the outside of the table so as to make it easier to move in an instant once the culprit had been detected.

About a half an hour had passed, they had ordered some light fare to keep the rouse going before they headed out to some shops for the day - Mizu was already wearing of the couple, the woman's high pitch voice was grating to her sensitive ears and the man was so panicky it was pathetic to watch, it took everything in her to keep her facade going and to not fidget in impatience in her seat. Finally, as if her prayers were answered, she noticed two men who had surreptitiously sat themselves across the square and had glanced directly at the man four times and counting - she had observed further they had shooed away any service that the establishment offered them; they simply chose that spot for the vantage point on the man. Child's play, the men hired had to be the worst at their jobs making themselves so obvious. She would catch the eyes of her beloved - noticing she preferred the shade of his original form over this ones’, once she had gotten his attention she would tap her nail on the table twice and flash her eyes to the side - indicating the two men observing them.

How they proceeded was up to him as she was his ‘wife’ today, wouldn’t it be apt for her to follow his lead?

wc 617 [x2 1234]

Tue Aug 25, 2020 11:02 am

As the clammy hands of the man clasped his Kenshin resisted the urge to both tear his hand away and stab the man… he knew he should have worn the gloves, but he had hoped this fool wouldn’t have touched him without his consent… ugh. It was even worse that he had to play the part of this fools friend… perhaps this one wasn’t one that he would keep after-all. He and Mizuki had chosen to take the seats on the outside of the table, allowing them to keep a good eye on the street through the window behind them. The time passed far too slowly for his liking, disliking the company of these two brainless fools just as much as Mizuki was, the man a simpering little coward and the woman oblivious to almost everything. At the very least he was able to pass the time with some business related conversations with the man, although it had become clear quickly that he was not exactly someone who had built everything himself… he was a man that was only successful because of his name and roots.

Thankfully Mizuki would garner his attention with her light taps, his eyes following hers and spotting the two men. They were facing them directly… perfect. When the woman lowered her head to eat Kenshin would activate his Sharingan for a brief moment, catching one of the men right as they peeked over again, and cast a rather vivid Sharingan Genjutsu upon him. The man stood upright almost instantly, screaming in terror as he threw his head back and forth, both hands coming to clutch at his hair. To say this caused a commotion was an understatement, and as the man's partner tried to grab him to force him to be silent the man seemingly snapped, quickly drawing a switchblade and sinking it into his partners stomach at least five times before he was tackled and apprehended by some nearby shinobi. Hmm, a slow response all things considered, perhaps he would need to have the training for the rank and file shinobi of the village upped. The commotion had, of course, garnered the attention of the couple, and to say they looked both shocked and horrified as they gawked out the window would again, be an understatement. The woman looked like she was about to throw up, while the man seemed to be a mixture of scared shitless and absolutely baffled… and for the entire time their backs were turned a dark smirk was firmly plastered on the form of Oz.

As they began to turn back the smirk faded and a genuinely horrified expression would plaster itself on his face, and without hesitation he would turn to Mizuki and grab her by the shoulders, hastily standing and pulling the woman up with him.

“Good god, I think it is safe to say that our business has concluded today Shimura. I’m sorry to cut such a pleasant meal short but after that I simply must get home, I cannot risk the safety of Yuki. It was a pleasure to meet you Tsubaki, and I apologise that out introduction was marred by that unfortunate ending. Please, contact me and my people whenever you have more work for us Shimura.” Oz would state with a small frown on his face, looking genuinely concerned and unsettled by the situation with every word. Thankfully the man seemed to realise what he was saying if the widening of his eyes was any indication, and with some stammered words both he and Mizuki would bid them farewell, leaving the Cafe and heading back towards the spire.

As they got out of the area Kenshin would slow down his pace quite a bit, take Mizuki by the arm, and simply start to hum as they lightly made their way back towards the building

“There’s no need to rush… why don't we just slow down a bit and enjoy the walk... it will be over far too quickly otherwise.”

WC: 666

Tue Aug 25, 2020 6:00 pm

Having pronounced their targets position to Kenshin she watched in growing interest as suddenly one of the targets stood and began screaming in terror, clutching and tearing at his hair as if he were in mental agony. Every face in the square turned instantly to the shrieking and were fixed on the man… all watched as the other man hurriedly tried to quell the screams of his partner… all watched as that man was stabbed several times consecutively before finally being tackled to the ground by much too slow shinobi. The faces of people around her were a blur of horror, disgust, fear and shock - some even were scrambling up and away as fast as their slow clumsy bodies would take them. While the citizens gawked, Mizuki simply turned her gaze to her partner, ‘Oz’, and gently shake her head in a ‘you cheeky bastard’ kind of way.

His expression would melt instantly into one of horror, mimicking the people around them, and hers did the same without hesitation - her eyebrows knitting together in faked fear while her mouth turned down in a whimper, her eyes growing in size as if she was worried for her safety. As Oz stood he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up from the table with him, she followed suit without prompt and clung to his side as if he were her only protector, she had to turn her face from the couple - not in fear or not wanting to see the bodies but to hide her expression… oh how she wanted to laugh. Mizu managed to compose herself enough to bid them farewell and hastily follow Oz out of the cafe and out toward the path leading to the Spire.

As they put some distance between the incident and themselves their pace slowed and their arms re linked in a casual closeness… the humming filling her ears again with contentment. Out of the corner of her eyes she stared at him, his expression of immense interest to her in this moment of calm… what was going on in his head? Her hand simply tightened around his bicep as she drew herself in closer, choosing then to tease him once - “I bet they didn’t see that coming.” It was subtle but she was letting him knew she knew… Genjutsu on top of everything else he was capable of, damn. It seemed he still refused to cease to amaze her; catching up to him would be a task for sure… but she loved the challenge.

They remained locked together as they slowly made their way back to the Spire… the whole day ahead of them if they wanted.

EXIT

WC 442 [x2 wc for event 884]
TWC 4486
CLAIMS: 88 AP + x2 Mission Rewards 4000 ryo, 10 AP
1999 towards 2nd Specialty Fuinjutsu 1999/2000 cant claim til C rank
2487 towards Five Elements Seal V7 2487/2500

Wed Aug 26, 2020 5:06 pm

Approvamundo!

Fri Sep 04, 2020 7:46 am

[Exit]

TWC: 2360 (1180 x2)

655 words torwards Great Fireball (A-rank), claiming. Other 470 words trained here

1705 words towards Water Dragon Bullet, 1050 words remaining.

+4,000 ryo. 264,000 + 4,000 = 268,000

Sat Nov 07, 2020 4:27 am

Kenshin's claims: Approved

Please make the necessary adjustments to your Stat page/Inventory.

Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

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Re: Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

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Re: Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

Re: Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

Re: Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

Re: Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu

Re: Under a Weeping Willow - Ken/Mizu