Uncle Dragon's Tea Shop

Hello Raleth! It’s good to see you sir. I see you’ve been a bit more active in running the shop recently. What’s that all about?” Musu would ask the older ninja. The last time Musu was here with Raleth he was just a customer but at least for the time being he was the one barking orders around to an unfamiliar face on the opposite side of the counter.

“I was told that there was something spicy but also sweet available on special right now. I’d like to try it if you still have the ability to make some!” Musu would yell out to the man behind the counter. Taking a seat at one of the empty tables Musu would wait quietly for his tea to arrive.

While Musu was the first to walk into the building, it appeared as though Asahi had not joined him, and after a few minutes of waiting Musu assumed that the man had just left his company.

“How Rude that man was.” Musu would say under his breath. This certainly did not bode well for the future relationship of the two ninja but alas, not everyone is meant to be Musu’s friend.

It appeared that Raleth was having a conversation with another man on the other side of the restaurant. Rather than butt in, Musu would decide to keep to himself, and waited for his warm kettle of tea to arrive. In the time the two were seated they both had locked eyes a few times but only for a second. It was clear that the two of them were sizing each other up.

[270/477]

The gentle giant eyes the whelp as he trudges upstairs.

Glad he's got some sense...

Katsuragi, wearing his white apron, comes back downstairs with a bin in hand. He goes to each table, and begrudgingly busses them. The site makes Raleth chuckle, the hate and frustration he feels makes each table shine like new. The Sarutobi walks to one of the tables he's cleaned, and places 500 ryo on it: to motivate the boy.



As Raleth Sarutobi deals with his customers, a rotund man rolls into the Uncle Dragon's tea shop. He bounces his stubby feet to a lone table, and plops down in his seat. He would turn his head to look for assistance, and happen upon Katsuragi. He would raise one sausage finger, to alert the bus-boy to his presence.

"Excuse me," squeaks the rotund man, "do you work here? I've nought been to this establishment! Do you know a drink that could satiate my delicate pallet?"

If katsuragi would look at the squeaking customer, he would notice something startling. Though he couldn't place why, the man looked as if he wore money. His clothes were bright, his watches were sparkling, and he had a gold tooth.

The rotund man would wait for a response.



--------

A bellowing Ha! would escape the immense Sarutobi as he stood near the table of the black-clad figure, "No friend," he would say to Musu, "Just doing a favor for a dear neighbor. If sweet and spicy is what you want, I know what you need."

Raleth sees Katsuragi dealing with a rotund customer, and offers to help him discreetly.

"Try our red-fire berry, it's exactly what you need."

Seeing the situation he's in, Raleth has no choice. He bows his head to Aokidanza.

"Forgive me, I mean no harm."

Raleth forms the clone handseal, smoke bursts beside him, and forms into a Raleth Sarutobi. Both Raleth's bring their fists together, and bump them. One Raleth goes in the back, to prepare the tea and work the kitchen. He puts on the red-fire berry brew, a concoction of strawberry, cocoa dust, and pepper. The flavor would start as a smooth, rich, and sweet taste, with a sudden burning of spice. The tea would make one thankful for what got them to taste such a thing, and cause one to look forward, in hopes of experiences like the tea. He places two cups on the table, and rings the bell: signifying Katsuragi to grab the order for the customers.

The Raleth that stayed on the floor would again bow to Aokidanza, to convey that he meant no hostility. He would pull out a chair, and the Gentle Giant, Raleth "Summit-Cleaver" Sarutobi, would sit in front of the golden-eyed Demon, Aokidanza.

To his surprise, Aokidanza seemed verse in the etiquette of Ceremony. He would grab the kettle, and pours the tea in both cups. As the Demon sips his tea, so does the Gentle Giant.

The Demon speaks of his differing opinion, how his life and experience molded his view. He then speaks on how this is something seen in humanity, though, he muses on how a commoner lives their life. Though one may think they are in control of their life, their actions and circumstance are merely reactions to a life they have already lived. Their past molds their present, and they, ignorant, live a life not knowing this. As such, speaks the Demon, trying to place meaning in a life where one is destined to die is pitiful. Trying to fight the inevitable would only lead to despair, accepting this would be akin to salvation, and save one the pain of meeting it head on. In his words, life and death, love and hate, are the same concept on a meaningless journey. 

As he mentions a gruesome loss, something aches inside the aged Sarutobi. A memory, newly healed, still pains in his mind and heart. 

Golden eyes dart to the red-haired Uzumaki, calculating, black-sclera linger on Musu. Fiendish thoughts shine in the Demon's lingering stare, that same gaze meets the ashen-haired Sarutobi. Raleth's nostrils flare, a slumbering beast stirs in its sleep.

"An animal that accepts its lot in life will die." thrums the voice of the Gentle Giant "The deer that knows itself as prey will be the first to be pounced on, only those that kick back grow their antlers. What peace do they know, that humans do not? Their struggle is akin to ours."

Raleth takes another sip of green-honey tea.


"And, much like the deer that was born as prey, a human who refuses to overcome despair, the fear of the inevitable death, will never prosper."

Raleth stops, and thinks a moment.

"Though, I do see your point. It is up to the individual to choose how they live, and to question the circumstances that brought them there. We are all faced with the same obstacle, and it is up to us to clear it. Should we pity those who can't figure it out for themselves? No. But.."

Raleth turns to the young Katsuragi, and sees the boy working hard for his future.

"It would be best to help those who don't know its there yet, to make it easier for them to overcome their obstacle, and to ensure the success of humanity. And, a sweet idea spreads better than a bitter one, you're negative approach could only help a singular person."

Raleth returns his gaze back to Aokidanza, The Gentle Giant Stares down the Demon as he pours another cup of tea.

"Though, who could blame one for making sure they stayed on top, above the mass of 'others' who blindly follow their fate?"

[[946/2256]]

The Summit talks have been exhausting on Tsubaki. With the drama and the high steaks, it was a lot for the first-timer. She needed a break, perhaps some tea or a massage. Luckily, she had some time to enjoy herself and Sunagakure. Ayato was fine with Tsubaki going as he had his other guard with him. But she was warned that she didn't have all day. 

Even though it was the middle of winter, Sunakagure's market seemed untouched by the natural weather. That was because there was a dome surrounding the village that allowed it to remain consistent. It was one of the many marvels Tsubaki had come across. The market was busy as most major villages are at this time. People buying products and groceries, accessories, retail, and other variety of services unique to the village scattered everywhere. It was comforting as the bustle reminder her of Hoshi's own busy market. 

Tsubaki realized as she was getting some looks from other citizens that she was still wearing her combat uniform that she brought with her during her guard mission. She was going to want to change if she didn't want to continue getting some strange looks. So the Senju entered a retail store that sold many Sunagakure clothing items.

Tsubaki looked at all the items and started to collect some in a pile to try on. After collecting all the items, she retreated to a changing room. She dressed in: a black skirt that hugged her thighs, a sand-colored overcoat that buttoned on the right side of her bosom, a light tan scarf that she wrapped around her neck and shoulders, a red patterned headband that she would wrap around her head, and some high socks with some open-toed sandals. She looked into the mirror placed in the dressing room. "Nailed it!" She smiled to herself, agreeing with the outfit while also boosting her confidence.

picture for reference:

After she dressed in her new wear, she bought the items and wrapped her shinobi headband around her neck. Now she felt more in place and she felt like she could experience the true Sunagakure with the new set of clothes.

-----
After traveling the village for a while, she found herself thirsty. Tsubaki was still not used to the dry area of the desert, even if it was protected by a weather dome. Her home was a lot damper than this. Fortunately for her, she was right next to a tea shop called "Uncle Dragon's Tea Shop." "Yes! I could really go for some tea!" Tsubaki narrated out loud. She entered the shop to find an older looking man seated with a younger man, the same looking older man running around in the kitchen, and a couple of other costumes in the shop. Seeing that this place was extremely interesting, Tsubaki decided to stay. She did recognize someone in the shop, the guard man that was on duty that accepted her and the Hogokage into the village. Musu Uzumaki. Tsubaki gave a friendly smile and a short wave. "Hello again." She sat across from Musu where ever he was seated. She wouldn't ask for anything from the old man running the shop, she would just wait and enjoy a conversation with Musu at the moment. 

WC: 541

"1,2,3,4,5,6,7...", he counts the seconds in his head while cleaning the table he currently leans over, his face was stern with a drop of annoyance. The day just couldn't get anymore worse than it already had, he scrubbing got harder and harder. He even found himself giving a couple of glances towards Raleth from the side. Eventually, the gentle giant responds from his seat, alerting him of the new guests. He sucks his teeth while placing the white towel back into the brown bin. 'my gawd...,', loathing each second of the day seemed to be today's forecast. The new customers however weren't exactly your average day folks. he felt the same feeling he got whenever he was in the presence of two dime witty suckers. Payday.  They were elegantly dressed with designer clothing, shit Ganki Sakura wear. ((Yeah, that's right! I still reference Ganki.))

"Wats gud yall, come over this way um...oh", he spots a table with money on top of it, which he immediately scurries over to in a heart beat, completely forgetting the two patrons. It was about time he was getting his due, all five hundred of them. he stuffs them deep within his right pant's pocket with his right arm, the bin with secured to his body with his left arm. "Oh yeah, this way! come come", he said rushing the two rather confused folks. The thrill he got was now gone, he got what he wanted. No need to play the role.

As the two heavy weight rich plops went down the menus that were hanging on the wall, Katsuragi's senses were alerted by a foreign accent by the entrance of the shop. It was rather..., pleasant to hear. The way her Rs  and vowels were spoken took his mind right off the two right next to him. "oh snap...", he now sees a raven haired girl saunter into the shop with a walk...and what a walk it was. His eyes drop downwards slowly, taking in every detail of her attire and curvy thick hips. Even with the overcoat he could still seem the outlining shape.

"Dayum..."

They definitely don't make em like that in the wind country. at least from what he'd seen. 'Wait..., there was dat one female but she seemed to be too by the books and no play. Had potential but just couldn't produce.' Regardless, it was time for the young hustler from quarter town to take things more seriously.

He continues to watch her mosey over to a booth to join a red haired individual. He didn't know, or quite care for the other one. He smiles after looking back towards the exit, still ignoring the two rant on about their order. Something about sweet rolls and mochi this and bonbon that. This summit might just actually benefit Katsuragi after all. All the foreigners, all the new prospects just waiting to be hit up. Maybe today wasn't going to be that bad. He finally tunes back in to the customers in front of him, "right... I'll get those out right away!"

Katsuragi is seen running into the kitchen.

As the talking continued on the other side of the tea shop Musu would still patiently wait for his tea another lady would sit near the Uzumaki and begin to make conversation with him. Musu recognized the maiden from his guard duty shift the other day and Musu perked up a bit as she grabbed his attention. This could be an opportunity to possibly learn more about the other villages and the Jounin wasn't about to let up on that chance.

“Hello there, you are from the Hogokages entourage, right? It’s good to see you again and I expect that the summit went well?” Musu would ask the lady attempting to add to the conversation. He tried to articulate his words a bit and show a bit of a higher standard than what he would have done had be just been having a conversation with Raleth or some of his other acquaintances in the sand village.

While Musu was now engaged with Tsubaki the Uzumaki couldn’t help but feel as though he was still being watched by the other lad at the other corner of the shop now occupying Raleths time. While still paying the boy no attention the Uzumaki would try to grab Raleths. It had now been a long while since Musu had put in the order for his tea and his mouth was now parched in anticipation.

“Hey Raleth, Um… I know that you are busy and all but do you know when my tea is going to get here. I’ve never had to wait this long before?” Musu would ask the ashen haired man. Trying not to be rude Musu wanted to at least make it clear to Raleth that he had not been served.

[289/766]

"You're words do not plant without probable buds of veracity. That much is certain, my friend." Heavy grim eyes would take notice of the woman, that entered. He would also take note of the young child with the obvious tantrum of a temperament. That one had an appeal that the demon rather enjoyed. He would then look to the red-haired one as he spoken with Raleth. Observing the two, Aokidanza found even him to have a certain air that was of interest. But perhaps the two of them could exchange words on another hour.  

Returning his eyes over to the Sarutobi, while finishing his fruit and drink, he would stand to his feet, sliding his chair in subtly. "I'm afraid that we will have to continue our barter some other time. I've nearly lost track of the day and I must take my leave. Until we meet again, remember me, Aokidanza. Farewell..." He would lightly bow. Motioning pass the other's, he would give two a look, one of weight - Tsubaki and Katsuragi. What did that mean, it was unclear, but they managed to capture his eye.  

Aokidanza would exit the shop and make his way through the village streets as he found his new destination.

[Exit]
[WC: 206]
[Total WC: 1,631]
32 AP
Flying Swallow v7 - 1,000 
Block v7 - 631 [631/1000]

Approved

A raven-haired girl walks into the shop, wearing the latest in suna youth-wear. She announces her wish for tea, the accent of her land plays around with her words. Raleth notices Katsuragi snap his head toward the entrance, his expression makes the aged Sarutobi chuckle and groan.

Hope that's not a weakness of his....thinks the ashen-haired man as the boy rushes to the kitchen.

The raven-haired girl looks to the table of the red-haired jounin, the girl waves to Musu, greeting him like a friend. Recognizing her, the Uzumaki offers her a seat at his table: looking eager for the conversation he will soon have. 

The Demon's voice rumbles, the golden-eyed man gives his leave and reveals his name. "Raleth." thrums the basso voice of the ashen-haired Sarutobi, concluding the tea ceremony and standing as Aokidanza did. "If you find yourself in wind country, feel free to visit. Should have some brews that will interest you." As he leaves, Aokidanza's eyes linger on Katsuragi and Tsubaki, calculated malice flashes in his look.

It seems he'll will our paths to cross, thinks Raleth as he cleans up his table. He walks in the back and places the dirty dishes in the sink for katsuragi to clean, he goes back on the floor and checks in on the customers, asking if anything else is needed, water or desert. He stays on the floor, service the patrons of the Uncle's Dragon.

------------------

The shadow clone of Raleth Sarutobi works in the back kitchen, the steam and heat of ovens, stoves, and tea kettles makes sweat bead on his brows and drips down his arms. Katsuragi walks in, his head in the clouds, and hands the ashen-haired man two orders of beef-curry dumplings, 2 orders of sticky-chicken-rice, and three orders of red-pepper tea. 

Raleth goes to the pot of rice and chicken, and uses a wooden spoon to fill two sizeable bowls of sweet-sauced, chicken in rice. He goes to a pan and grabs three large, dragon branded dumplings and places the steaming meat-and-flour on a plate with white rice. He goes to the large clay pots of steaming tea, and uses the spout to pour three kettles of chocolate-rose and red-pepper tea. He goes to the fruit table and fills four bowls with juciy slices of orange, lemon, peach, and mango. He placed a carrot-peel and ginger garnish of a dragon on the side of the bowl and sprinkles a dash of sugar and salt on the fruit. 

Raleth places the food on the order tray, he places two fruit bowls, one order of dumplings and one order of rice on two trays.

One tray would go to the rotund indiduvidual, another tray would go to Musu and Tsubaki. And, one kettle would go to the wealthy, gold toothed man, while two would go to Musu and Tsubaki. As raleth places the kettles down, he motions for Katsuragi to walk out and serve the food. As he left, Raleth would wash his hands and wait for more orders.

[[505/2761]]

When Tsubaki entered the local tea shop it seemed she gathered a lot of attention from locals and workers alike. She knew it wasn't because she was a Hoshi shinobi or it was a new outfit. Tsubaki's looks have always gathered the attention of many when she entered anything unannounced. Her beauty was a blessing from her mother, another beautiful yet crazy maiden. One of the workers audibly started whispering to himself about her. Even the inaudible praises were noticed by Tsubaki. She enjoyed it in this case because these people seemed to be respectful. She nodded to the man who was leaving the shop in respect before looking a Kats and giving him a cheeky smile. 

Musu seemed to recognize Tsubaki as the woman from the Hogokage's entourage right away, a relief that she didn't have to reintroduce herself. He figured the summit went well. Obviously, Tsubaki couldn't tell people not in the summit the details. "It certainly was an...entertaining summit." Tsubaki chuckled to herself. She couldn't tell him that it might have sparked a dangerous enemy with the hidden mist village but also made plans for the chunin exams. 

Tsubaki wouldn't have to wait long to be taken care of by the giant owner of the tea shop. She took a sip of the tea. "Wow, that was amazing." She related this compliment to the tea shop caretaker, Raleth. There was a special taste that Suna's tea had that was different from Hoshi's. She figured it was due to the climate of both places. Hoshi had natural moist weather most of the year while Suna was immune to harsh changes due to their weather dome protecting them and allowing them to become an oasis for foreign plants. "Sunagakure is such an interesting village! I love it." She would tell Musu, trying to get some personal conversation out of him. "Tell me, have you been here your whole life?" She was curious because she was going to ask what old Suna was like as she never knew it before the whole revamp of the entire nation by the current administration. 

WC: 351
TWC: 892

Entering the Kitchen, He sees a copy of Raleth working the stove. Katsuragi was not very knowledgeable of the shinobi arts, just the surface stuff he'd picked up on while he was in prison. Besides, He'd seen much more stranger things, Like the ability to port one's own conscience into another's mind. The fundamentals were nothing of his concern right now were nothing of his concern right now. Although it did catch him off guard, he pressed on to his duties and hands him the orders; his main prerogative being that of the thick foreign beautiful that happened to stumble upon the teashop. Oh yes, Katsuragi would indeed play the attentive server. He smirks at the thought while began to shuffle through the bin as he cleared the dishes. He takes note of the other dishes that were in the sink before he got there and sucks his teeth.

'I know I didn't do this... uh uh this motherfucka..lazy ass fuck', he looks over towards the stove slowly, only to meet a hawk eyed glare towards him. he quickly snaps back towards the sink, realizing he caught looking. Was it watching Katsuragi this whole time? Nevertheless, it was too late to finesse the dishes into the trash bin with all the eyes on him. Taking the L, he scrubs and scrubs till all the dishes were clean. He mutters some remarks about not wanting to be here, but refocuses on his main priority.

Soon after, he was given the ray full of assorted orders to be delivered to the guests. He eyes the black circular tray up and down . It looked a bit heavy, plus, he wasn't exactly comfortable hauling around all this food on one side of his body. Katsuragi was by all mean not weak. his strength increased quite a bit during  his time here in the Sand. What caused him worry was knowing the fact that the game it would be over if the foreign broad saw Katsuragi drop the tray full of food on the ground, like some lame. He exhales heavily in place, staring at the tray of food before attempting to pick it up.

"Ok..., how am I gonna..."

Two rapid rings were made from the silver service desk ringer. *Ting Ting*

Katsuragi is now seen walking out the kitchen withy the tray centered, on top of his purple haired head. Both of his hands pressed underneath the tray to act as support to steady the tray as he went from table to table. His well defined arms, which were also riddled with tattoos he received mostly in the prison, gave hint to baring most of the work due to his veins popping out. He step he took was with great care, knowing that him being marked as a jester was quite possibly the outcome he would receive if he dropped but a single crumb.

'I got this shit I got this shit I swear to gawd ima fight this bitch if I fuck up....', he glances towards Raleth for only a nanoclick.

Surprisingly he makes his rounds with success. He reached the first table and bent his knee low to a point where half of the tray would make contact with the sturdy well balanced table. He maneuvers himself in such a way to now be standing up erect with one arm holding the other side of the tray. They black tray was stable. He did this at every table he went to  as he delivered the correct orders to customers. Not a bad job on his part, Katsuragi thought. He actually did it...

As he arrived to the table with the foreign beautiful and lil red, he places the orders on the table after doing the same ritual he did with the other tables. H was careful not to knock anything over, didn't want to spill scolding hot tea into anyone's lap that didn't ask for it.  His eyes locked on to the raven haired, checking her out so to speak. But of course, he spoke while doing this. "How you liking that tea, gorgeous? I bet they don't make em like that where you from..."

'Cause they sure don't make em like you around here..., that's for sure gawd damn!'