A Night Out

It had been a long and exhausting journey from the land of hot springs to the Tanbogakure, and sorting out a place to stay and a location for their grocery store had taken a lot of energy out of the two Hashimoto brothers. They’d found a two bedroom apartment close to the military district in the nice part of town, and Shinji the eldest of the brothers had decided that he’d done enough for the day and it was time to call it a night.

Shichiro on the other hand was a man on a mission. He wanted to make more progress on their tasks at hand before he allowed himself to rest. The Zukumiki had settled in the land of hot springs, and posed a serious threat to the status of his family. It was not something he was planning to take lightly. The boy’s father had sent them here with two goals, the first of which was to establish opium distribution that infringed on the Zukumikis operations, the second was to take out their lieutenants.

Both of these goals, required investigating the local scene, Shichiro realized that he was going to have to investigate the local scumbags without looking like one himself. It was vitally important that he maintain the cover of the grocery store. That business would be essential for cleaning the money they’d make from their operations.

He’d think as he staired at the peeling paint of a bar called Shimitas, inside he could hear the muffled sound of music, and smell the aroma of cigar smoke. He smiled at the sense of it all, as he patted the dust off his suit jacket and walked into what felt like a peace of home.

It was true one could say, that he was mixing business with a little bit of pleasure, the bar was similar to one he and his brother had frequented back home, and Shichiro had always been a little to fond of the drinks. But it was equally true that the best way to meet people in a business like himself, was to go where people like himself would spend their free time.

“A bottle of junmai for me”

He’d say catching the bartender as he finished with another patron. The bartender, who was a large man himself nodded and went to grab a bottle from the shelves.

The young Hashimoto in turn would take a seat as he waited for his drink, turning on the stool to face the rest of the bar. There was a band in the far left corner, clearly made up of underpaid amateurs, but they provided a good enough ambiance to the establishment. On the right, the wall was plastered with targets and kunai, and there were a few drunken men attempting to hit the bullseye.

Then he noticed the man sitting beside him, staring daggers in his direction. Shichiro looked confused at the man, “Can I help you? He’d ask passive aggressively, without a moment of hesitation.

The man, who was bald and sporting a poorly kempt goatee would respond “You’re not from around here” He’d pause as if he was making some kind of point. To which Shichiro would stare blankly, clearly not registering. “This bar is for locals only. You shouldn’t be here unless you know somebody!”  He’d shout pointedly.

Around this time the bartender would arrive with the bottle of Junmai, which Shichiro would reach for with his right hand casually, gripping it tightly as he mentally prepared to crack it over the counter if he had to.

“Huh, then they should really put that on a sign somewhere don’t you think” He’d say before laughing, in a half assed attempt to de-escalate the situation.

WC: 622

The dirt and….icky stuff infected the bar as though it lived and breathed as did the patrons.  This was not…..Asahi’s ideal place to be.  Still though, the bar did a fair amount of business with the tea shop he was working at.  They’d buy their unsold baked goods from the day at a discount and then resell them to drunkards for a price that exceeded their original.  Capitalism, a grand thing indeed, perpetuating the shinobi dream and all that.  Regardless, it was business for what would otherwise be a waste, even if it did bring him to this unsavory place.

Taking the bag of ryo from the owner he’d have a seat at the bar and order a sake at the same time as a rather large, road traveled man walked into the room.  Not giving the newcomer much thought Asahi would busy himself with trying to clean the Small glass his drink was in before placing it between his lips.  The task was not going well, but alas what could one do.

Asahi currently had his king blonde hair tied up in chopsticks, making a messy bun of sorts, a sunflower pinned to accentuate the look.  His kimono returned to its former glory thanks to the ministrations of a local maid was clean and shining once again.  A pale pink, with embroidered Sakura blossoms flowing across the crisp fabric, only slightly worn from his attempts to clean the glass.  Wooden clogs completed the outfit, having lost many of his other personal vanity items in the many moves since vacating the Yagami compound.  Still, perhaps after a few more shifts this could be remedied as well.  Despite an outward look of vanity, Asahi had little concern for material goods.  Within the kimono was a variety of fine linen wraps that his most of his torso and extended down mid forearm, shown only when his king sleeves where disturbed.

It was always a challenge for new comers to know if Asahi was male or female.  Something he gave little thought towards, instead simply pursuing his own desires.  Still, his elder cousin had oft warned him of this should he visit such establishments as this one, a warning that had fallen on deaf ears.  He’d had just enough time to take a half drink from the sake before the drunkard two stools down had initiated hostilities towards the new comer.  Maybe it was the warmth of the sake, or the boredom of being in a village again, or the nudges of the spirits around him, but he found himself standing then.

Hand outstretched to the back of the stool occupied by Shichiro, he’d spin, plopping into the bigger man’s lap, legs crossed and blue eyes twinkling catching the light in an exceedingly feminine way, even more so for the ones in the thralls of drink.  Reaching inward he’d pull out his kiseru, still packed with the sweet herbs he’d gotten off those traveling monks.  “But he knows me darling?  Doesn’t that make everything ok?”  He’d say smiling at the now confused man.  Lighting his pipe he’d blow a soft flowery smelling smoke ring at the more angry of the duo.  “Isn’t that right……ummmm Yagamichi…”, his voice hesitated only for a moment while making up a fake name for the man.  

Still not completely sure why he was involving himself, he opted to just trust his senses.  They’d never lead him to far astray, and after all…..consequences were future Asahi’s problem, present Asahi merely needed to enjoy life.  

This was all of course relaying on several factors.  Chief among them Shichiro playing along and not wanting to get into a full bar brawl, and likely the newcomer to not realize Asahi was a man.  Still though, you didn’t meet new people everyday, and what an interesting first meeting this was already becoming.  As he took another puff from the pipe however, his senses seemed to tingle, and the realization that blowing the smoke ring towards the local may have been A bit to much…..

TWC - 672

Just as he was going to swing on the belligerent drunk with his sake, an even odder circumstance arose then the one he’d been expecting. A stranger wrapped in a kimono with blonde hair twirled into his lap before goading on the man that had clearly had far too much to drink. In the next few moments Shichiro would go through a whirlwind of emotions in such a way it could give a man whiplash.

The first was shock, after all who the hell just plops into someone’s lap like that, it was strange to say the least. The shock was immediately followed by confusion, because unlike the man in front of them Shichiro hadn’t started to drink yet, and he couldn’t tell if the person in his lap was man or woman, after shock, then came rage. Shichiro had never been a fan of being touched, much less by a stranger.

But lastly came acceptance, as awkward as the situation was Shichiro was smart enough to know that getting in a bar fight his first night in the town would be sure to raise suspicion on the content of his character. And he could not afford to have people poking around his business, especially this early into the operation. Reluctantly the young Hashimoto released his grip while staring daggers at the man in front of him.

It was around then that the stranger made up a name for him, the pause before the name would be enough to let most people know it was a lie, but luckily the drunk was far too gone to make such an observation.

Holding back rage that could pop a blood vessel Shichiro managed to acknowledge the strangers bluff through gritted teeth.

“Yes dear…”

It was hardly convincing, but Shichiro was pretty sure he didn’t really have to be at this point. The man, who seemed to be embarrassed now turned his head back to the barkeep. “Whatever man” He’d say tossing a few bills in the direction of the bartender to cover his drinks.
As his arm reached forward the sleeve of his shirt revealed a tattoo hidden on his forearm. A red hand, with fingers and thumbs spread. The red mark of the Zukumiki. Exactly the kind of man that Shichiro had been sent here to find, he cursed himself inside as he watched the man leave, wanting nothing more then to follow him.

But to leave now would cause a scene, the stranger in his lap had to be dealt with first, he could find the dunce another day. After the Zukumiki left the bar and was well out of eyesight and earshot the young Hashimoto dropped the charade. “Alright, you can get the hell off me now” He’d say rising off the barstool and onto his feet.

The person would either willingly get off or the motion would force him off. “Who even are you anyways”, he’d say before finally taking a swig from his sake

Although the words sounded irritated, they weren’t necessarily unfriendly. Shichiro did appreciate the help, despite his disapproval of the strangers chosen method.

WC: 519
TWC: 1141

The next several moments would pass painfully slow, Asahi could feel the muscles in his cheeks tightening up from the forced smile they kept. Alas, all things come to an end and the abr fight was put off for a different day. Any stranger who found themselves almost in a fight day one, was surely to end up in a fight sooner or later. A twinkling giggle would break through his lips as the stranger gave a little shove to dislodge him from his lap. Acquiring his drink, and the fresh free one the bartender had left him with a wink he'd finally let the laughter subside. The free drink was appreciated, after all it was a lot cheaper than the broken furniture, spilled drink and blood that could have been. The welfare of the stranger was of little concern, but the welfare of a customer for his current employer wasn't so bad. Maybe he had had a reason all along, or it had just occurred to him. it was hard to say.

"Asahi Yagami!" he'd say a little sing song with a small bow. Sitting back up, he'd lean back in his chair taking a swig of sake before returning the pipe to his lips. Dropping the act in earnest it was now possible to discern him as male, to someone who was very actively attempting to make such a determination anyway. "Simple tea house worker, trying to sell some wares," He'd gesticulate towards the owner putting away some of the day old bread, "and attempting to make sure no blood gets in the way." He'd laugh again just a little. No one found Asahi as funny as Asahi, no matter how deserved. "What about you lover, cause fights often?" He'd ask, in the same sing song yet nonchalant voice. Being forward had never been a problem for the younger cousin, though Yasahiro had often described this as his chief problem.

Assuming the newcomer would answer, Asahi would continue. A fake name, a real name, either was ambivalent. "What brings you to our..." a loud thud as the former barstool bully became the walking bully prior to being thrown out the front door, "quint.....little town?" He'd smile at the interjection that played perfect dichotomy with his words. "You don't seem fond of our friend, even with vague threats of violence. Did you actually know him?" He had noticed the lingering look that Shichiro had given the man. He wasn't in top form, but if there was one thing Asahi had pride in it was his observational skills. Tonight was shaping up to be quite fun.

TWC - 1108

Yagami…

The name sounded familiar, but Shichiro couldn’t for the life of him figure out why, after pondering on it for a moment he decided it mustn’t be all that important, or he would have remembered it. Instead electing to listen to the mans description of his apparent business practices. He, and Shichiro used that word loosely, was a tea house worker selling goods to the bar which meant he was here for business rather then pleasure. Although the earlier interaction could have fooled the young Hashimoto.

It seemed the two were here for similar purposes, not that Shichiro could reveal that to a stranger. Asahi then seemed to prod him about he altercation, asking if he started fights often. Shichiro turned his nose up at the accusation. “I didn’t start it, that guy was practically looking for a fight He’d complain between sips of his sake.

Didn’t seem to matter to the man however, as he seemed to astutely observe the fact that Shichiro had locked onto the Zukumiki member, as he made his way out the door, asking if he knew him.

Shit

Shichiro had to think up and excuse, his business here was not for others to know, and ties to the Zukumiki would be sure to attract unwanted attention. “Not really, was just making sure he was actually leaving, never know when someones gonna try a sucker punch” He’d say, thinking up what he thought was a passable excuse, after all the man had been angry at him. It seemed rational to keep an eye on him until he was safely out of the area.

“Seriously, thanks for the help. Wouldn’t have made a good impression to be getting into fights my first day in town” he’d pause before adding in a request. “But next time, a little less touching please” At this point, the young Hashimoto would have finished his first sake and would motion to the bartender for another before putting a few Ryo on the counter to pay for it.

“Now about this teahouse of yours, are you looking for new customers? Me and my brother will be opening a grocery store in the residential district in the coming weeks” He’d ask intently.

Perhaps some good would come from this frustrating interaction afterall.

WC: 380
TWC: 1529

"I suppose you may have a point there...." Asahi would say, letting the mans lingering eyes go. It made sense, and there was no real reason to guess that Shichiro was anymore than he said or did. Asahi would poor the sake into his small cup, touching the brim before taking a sip. Palatable he'd take another depleting the cup before refilling it. Drinking was an art, and he was an artist, only to be complimented by an occasional smoke. Taking a deep breath of the lavender smoke, he'd exhale, perfectly making several smoke rings that floated up towards the sky due to his upturned chin.

At request for less touching Asahi would smile before offering the pipe to his new friend. If he took it, he'd allow the man a smoke, and if he didn't he would merely replace the pipe between his lips as he continued their conversation. "No promises, but It'll be ever so on the forefront of my mind." He would give a light wink at this. Honestly he probably shouldn't tease the man, but the fact that it clearly made him uncomfortable only made it all the more fun. "not a great impression though no. The folks here are pretty back country." he would form a faux whisper as he said it, the sake now entering his bloodstream in earnest as he took another drink. "I used to live ina samurai compound and they'd have probably enjoyed a little rough and tumble, but here..." Giving a shrug, "Not so much, especially if business is on your brain."

Asahi had actually no authority at the tea shop. He was working his way up in the trust of the owner, but his position was still nothing more than server and errand runner, but still no reason to let that get in the way of a dealing. "We are always open to the idea......I hadn't heard of any new businesses coming along. Whats your favorite vegetable?" He would fix the man with a stern stare, as though this was a question of great importance. "My cousin does do some important things, village shinobi leader and all that. Maybe......maybe we can cut some deals?" He'd give a mischevous smile at that. It was likely he was cutting a check he couldn't cash, but if you didn't write a few bad checks where you even doing business?

TWC - 1505

The lie seemed to serve its purpose and allow the blonde man before him to put his suspicions to rest, conceding that Shichiro’s actions made sense, before pouring another round of Sake into his cup and taking a swig. He didn’t seem to flinch at the intake either, leading the young Hashimoto to believe he wasn’t exactly new to the concept of drinking. After the sip he seemed to pull out a pipe he was more than familiar with, and smoke what smelled like lavender.

Shichiro assumed it was some kind of scented tobacco, that lavender smell didn’t come from any drugs he knew of, and in a moment he’d be given the opportunity to test his hypothesis. Asahi extended the pipe in his direction, offering him a chance to smoke, one the young Hashimoto would not turn down. Shichiro frequently dabbled in his own product, but since arriving at the village he’d kept clean in an effort to maintain a dignified image.

Still going cold turkey was hard, and a puff of tobacco probably wouldn’t hurt. Shichiro obliged, and mimicked the smoke rings that Yagami had just produced with relative ease, not allowing the man to one up him, even while bumming his pipe. The blonde would then speak about impressions, implying that the village was a tad judgmental and he’d made the correct choice in avoiding the fight, especially in the sense of a business choice.

Shichiro seemed to make a sigh of relief following the statement. Their operation relied heavily on perception in the early stages, and it seemed he’d narrowly avoided total disaster. Tensions would lighten as they moved into talks about business rather then the earlier conflict. Asahi’s interest seemed to pique at the mention of a potential business deal. The blonde turned to Shichiro and mentioned that he hadn’t heard of any new business coming to town before asking a question with an intense stare.

“What’s your favorite vegetable”

Great, Another quiz

Shichiro would think to himself as he looked at the man in front of him. He could tell by the mans eyes that the question seemed to have weight, but at the same time he couldn’t think of a reason why it would.

“I’m fond of carrots myself, my father used to grow them on our farm back in the land of hotsprings. Me and my brother would pull them from the ground ourselves as kids”

It was a bullshit story, none of the Hashimoto family had ever done an honest days work in their lives, but it was just close enough to reality that it could be believable. One of the farmers that had owed their father a substantial debt used to grow carrots to sell, and his children used to uproot them for him. That is at least until Shichiro and his brother had destroyed his crops because he wouldn’t pay up.

Then Asahi mentioned something interesting, and it reminded Shichiro where he’d heard the name Yagami before. He was cousin to the komekage. “Your cousin is the Komekage?” He’d ask intrigued, continuing before the blonde had a chance to reply. “I just had a meeting with him earlier today. He helped me pick out a property for my grocery store. We’re getting that old warehouse down in the residential district, He told us it’s a pretty good location”

WC: 559
TWC: 2088

Making a face at the mention of carrots, he would listen as the newcomer perked up in the conversation. It was often times that Asahi forgot that his cousin held and importance to anyone in the world. A morbid thought potentially, after all he did mean something to him.....but others, it just didn't seem as likely. His off the cuff remark had breathed life into a conversation, that he was mostly having out of boredom. "Yep that's my cousin. Sometimes I forget he is important." He would say with a shrug. "We've been traveling together so long as just vagabonds that him having responsibilities seems.......strange. Ya know what I mean friend?" Asahi would take another long drink of the sake. While he was not unfamiliar with his brews.....He had not eaten much, and it was awfully good sake.

"Mmmmm you'll have to let me know when you open. I haven't been in town all that long myself. I have gotten to know some of the folks, but not the facilities....if you know what I mean!" He would laugh, punching Shichiro on the shoulder. The man's disdain for being touched already forgotten. "But yes business businesssssss busy busy business." his words would slur just a little at he tapped the table and the barmen placed a fresh bottle, this time of Awamori. A stronger drink than the sake, but just as delicious. Two glasses with ice in them where also placed by the bottle. "On me my new friend, a welcome, and perhaps to businesss."

He'd pour a generous helping into both glasses before retrieving his pipe from his new friend. Taking another long drag he'd breath out, sending lavender smoke to waft across the bar. "Perhaps we can work something out.......we buy some goods from you, you sell some for us?" With great focus he pulled himself together to ask what could be considered a legitimate question. Taking a drink from the new bottle he'd smile. He was starting to feel awfully good.

TWC - 1838

Shichiro listened to the blonde go on about his brother, somewhat interested in the topic. It seemed he’d accidently made friends with two powerful people in his first day at the village. Somewhat concerned he made a mental note that he had to be more careful about who he conversed with. Asahi was talking about how the cousins had been vagabonds for so long that picturing Yasahiro as the komekage, a man with responsibilities felt odd.

It was a sentiment the young Hashimoto could actually relate to, he and his brother had been debt collectors for years before their father had trusted them with an operation a level such as this. It was a lot of responsibility thrown upon them, but he felt confident that he was up to the task.

“Yea, I get it”

He’d say after finishing off his second bottle of sake, making a mental note of the fact that it seemed tanbogakure brewed stronger than any bar he’d ever been to in the land of hot springs. The young smuggler was certainly starting to feel the effects of the alcohol as well.

It was around here that Asahi expressed interest in seeing the store, and mentioned the fact that he hadn’t been in town all that long. A fact which surprised him, if the cousins hadn’t been in the town for a long period of time, how had they risen to power so fast. Were they stronger then they looked? Or was tanbogakure just that weak. Shichiro performed the mental equivalent of a shrug before deciding he’d just have to stick around and find out.

Besides, if they were weak, that just made his job all the less stressful in the end.

His new friend then appeared to buy them both drinks, slurring his words in the process. Instead of sake, they were no drinking Awamori, a drink which Shichiro had never tried before. He then proposed a toast, declaring it a welcome and to business. One which Shichiro would oblige, declaring “to new friends” echoing Asahi’s sentiment before clinking his glass against his tapping it against the counter and downing it in one go.

Oh god

Why’d I down it in one go

He’d think to himself as the burn of the drink radiated through his chest. He did his best do hide his discomfort but he’d inevitably make a face despite his best efforts. “I’ll be sure to let you know when we open. The place is a bit of a fixer upper so we’re planning some remodeling, but we hope to open within a month or so” He’d say while trying to stay upright on the barstool. The room was getting dizzy. Had he bitten off a little more than he could chew? It might be for the best to pace himself a little better.

Asahari then floated the idea of buying from eachothers businesses, a mutual relationship that would bring business to both enterprises. Shichiro shrugged, seeing nothing wrong with it conceptually. “S-sounds like a plan to meee” He’d say cheerfully, “shew godda deal buddy” Oh yea, he’d definitely bitten off more than he could chew.

WC: 524
TWC: 2612

"New friends!"  Asahi would match Shichiro's toast, their glasses clinking before both men threw back the drink.  "Ahhh well.....what in life.........issn't a but of ah......fimxer uperrrr."  He would say nodding sagely despite his broken speech.  He'd pour both men another glass.  "TOOOOO BUSYNESS!"  He would toast making sure to aggressively hand his new pal the refilled glass for another toast at the words of mutual work.  

What came next can only be described as classic bar antics.  Karaoke was soon started, and unless the Hashimoto decided to leave, Asahi would attempt to pull him out of his shell so that the party could continue.  In the event the Hashimoto did leave, well there was no reason a good time should be wasted.  There was song, there was dance, Asahi might have blown a considerable amount of his mission ryo rewards on a round of shots for the entire bar, but what was money between you and your 37 closest friends.  It would earn him some decent points with the working class of the village as well as the owner of the bar.  Though his cousin might not be as impressed if not unsurprised.  

Nightfall becoming morning rise, Asahi would finally make his way out of the bar.  Either arm in arm with the Hashimoto brother should he still be around and upright, or with another patron.  Regardless the bar tender had made it clear in classic fashion, they didn't have to go home, but they couldn't stay there.  In his addled mind he was able to make it to the public bath, and promptly fell asleep in the open steam room.  It had been a decently conceived plan, maybe sweat out the toxins and tackle the day, but in practice it ended up being a narrow call with not drowning in 2 inches of water.  Still, he had had worse nights, so really what was there to complain about.  He'd gently snore as early morning goers would make their way through the public bath, stepping over Asahi and anyone else that had been foolish enough to follow him.  Their faces showing some form of annoyance, but with quick shrugs that easily was readable as, not out problem.

- Exit
TWC - 2205

6 points towards Vigor
16 points towards speed

261 WC to Chakra Disguise to complete it
287 WC towards third eye to complete it
1666 remaining WC towards weaponry spec

https://www.narutoroleplaygame.com/t50930-minor-construction-help-open-d-rank-mission#385608 - prev trainings

https://www.narutoroleplaygame.com/t50916-a-restful-day-asahi - prev trainings

(103) Cool Cat (forumotion.com) - prev training