We're Riding in a Wonderland of Snow [Open]

Taking a few puffs from the kiseru the smells of holiday spices and other herbs of relaxation would slowly begin to waft out with Asahi in their center. He’d take a deep breath, and then exhale three perfect smoke rings to gently float above the water, the heat causing them to rise and then dissipate into the steam that surrounded them, “she’s fine”. He would say waving his hand about, indicating Saya’s floating cider bar, that was quickly spreading out across the large area. “Here, this one’s for you…..wanted you to have it.” He’d grab a bottle and had it over to her, the attendants after finishing their duty leaving them room. The trio being the only ones within this pool. “It’s the finest sake Tanbogakure produces, sampled them myself.” He’d smile sending off another ring.

He only mildly listened to the scolding Saya received. His interest laid outside of such things. Feedback was good, she’d received positive and negative, probably a bit of management advice in there as well. Mizu was a sassy one he thought. The gold comment he let go, and the blood pumping comment…..well he wasn’t sure what to make of that yet, but alas when you don’t know what to do, the best course of action is just to stay on course.

He eyed Mizu a little more closely however during Saya’s……fangirling, there was no other term for it. Kage, that was the same title that Yasahiro held for their small town. He couldn’t say he knew much about the world political shinobi scene. He knew enough the kage were supposed to be powerful if they were one of the great nations. Smaller settlements, they’d apperantly let anyone run those, his cousin a fine example. Still as she reached over him, his mind wasn’t nearly as interested in her title as other things. Once everyone had gained a drink, the apologies and compliments where over, the kage asked where they were all from.

“Well, originally the Land of Iron, but more recently a small little place by the name of Tanbogakure. Not a big place, but we do sake and rice right, so…”. He’d give a little shrug, “Can’t really complain about that to much. I guess that makes us neighbors ayy?” He’d finish his sentence with a look towards Mikki. He had no idea if she would want to hide here origin village, or not from the revelation that a kage was in the bath, but……politics how boring. How could one possibly use up precarious brain waves on international affairs when there was good drink, hot water, and other things to keep one’s mind occupied. “She owns a brothel you know.” He’d say looking back towards Mizu, “I bet that’s like running a village. Constantly dealing with foreign “invaders”” he’d place emphasis on the last word giving Mikki a wink, “right Mighty Mik?”

“Never been to a brothel myself, you Mizu?” He’d take another drag before moving closer to the kage. Smiling he’d offer the pipe out to her, he’d gesture for Mikki to come closer if she’d like to partake, as for Saya he’d make sure she did not. Deviant maybe, but there were limits……plus it would be wasted on her.

TWC - 1770

At the attempted insult Asahi would smile and adopt a puzzled expression.  One finger on his temple and his lips resting on the mouth piece of his pipe.  “My dearest cousin?  Tall dark and surly, no I’m afraid I doubt he’d darken a brothels doorstep.  The ancestors know it would do the man good to……get some stress release.  He lacks my stunning disposition you see.”  He’d give Mizuki a wink with that.  “I’d be more than happy to give you a tour.  Show you all the best places to relax, drink…”. He’d take a long puff from the kiseru before exhaling the smoke moving down to mingle with the water, “let your hair down….whatever tickles your fancy really.”  He’d give her a mischievous smile, one of those that is full of meaning and has no meaning all at the same time.  

“Never felt the need to cheat myself.  I like to keep a happy customer you see.”  The same smile would still be upon his lips as Mikki began going into more details of her life.  Now, to take a brief interlude to the story.  Asahi did not find the next several moments even remotely interesting.  Clans of old wiped out, not to worry about it’s over.  Counties imprisoned, wasn’t his so no big deal.  Tension in the room?  What tension, he hadn’t felt any.  No no no, he let his mind wander to other details.  He watched Mizuki as she discussed the joy of konoha finding freedom and her assurances she was on vacation, but his eyes had taken more of a far away look.  Looking past the conversation, and wondering what kinds of food the hotspring might be able to order for the group if he asked politely enough.  

The item that really brought his attention to some modicum of focus was the clunking of an empty bottle, a sacrilegious sound indeed.  Reaching back he rummaged in the basket finding the exact bottle he was looking for.  Shorter than the king necks and pitch black.  Made of clay with a stopper, gold kanji scraped across it.  The bottle was a fine black sugar umeshu.  The sweetness of the black sugar and plums creating the most divine of combinations.  Traditionally a desert drink, he found that it had its place at all times.  Three little glasses where tied to the bottle in a rough hewn chord.  Undoing the chord he’d pour the liqueur into the glasses, sliding one to Mikki, and one to Mizuki.  The third he kept for himself.  The bottle resting on the ledge by his left shoulder, ensuring if someone needed more they’d have to come back towards him.  

Finally his kind was forced to slide back into the conversation by the prattling on of Saya.  Or was it one of the puppets…….was that an otter?  The girl confused him a great deal.  He couldn’t decide if she was mad, or some kind of host of the bizarre.  He felt no spiritual sensitivity  from her so he doubted she was haunted or possessed…….but still.  Also he wasn’t sure how old she was, he thought her in her teenage years but the way she spoke he’d place her barely more than a child.  Her knowledge of her own village seemed odd as well.  He may not be versed well in shinobi society, but still…….if he was in a village where no one knew the ruler even he as out of touch as he tried to be, might at least think it odd.  

“You my dear Saya……are very weird.  Not in a bad way, but, still……strange.”  He’d eye her for a moment before taking another sip.  “But my family said the same about me and I’m obviously so very normal.  So different strokes, different folks.”  His eyes would go wide before turning to Mikki.  “You know, that would be the perfect slogan for your brothel!  I must insist on some royalties though if you choose to use it.”  He’d smile at her, pleased with his own jest.  

He’d let the conversation roll on for a little bit.  Before asking the group what they’d like to eat, as he did so he would hoist himself out of the spring.  He’d stand there letting himself drip dry for a few moments as hopefully they’d give some sort of direction that their stomachs where looking.  Assuming he receive some semblance of an order, he’d walk barefoot from the spring to talk to the attendants.  Giving the girls several Asahi free moments, tragic for them true, but a man has needs, and often those needs involve food….among other things. 

TWC - 2537

The Kiri girl was strange as ever.  The connection with the puppets, he still couldn’t put his finger one what exactly was happening there.  Maybe it was one thing possessing all of them?  It was hard to say, and when it really boiled down to it…..he didn’t care enough to figure it all out.  Instead he’d nod at the thanks and call a spade a spade.  He smiled at Mikki’s nod for her approval of his slogan.  He was confident she enjoyed it more than she let on, but professionalism dictated not being too excited, which he would respect, and call a brothel a brothel.  It wasn’t until the Kage’s words that he felt a genuine reaction.  

He’d laugh lightly.  Even going so far as to splash some water towards her.  Nothing malicious, and likely just enough to spread the lighted of water droplets across her.  “Don’t tempt with honest work.  But no, never have I found myself at this point in my life needing to place a donation for intimacy.  I am though confident, my time is worth charging for, but…..I’m a generous man, happy to donate my time to any lady in need whatever they may need.”  He’d give her a wink, and it would be at this point he’d hoist himself from the water.  

No one had interacted with him regarding food except Mikki who had waved him off.  Which, was fair.  He’d heard you shouldn’t eat and swim, though to also be fair this was hardly swimming.  Call a spa a spa and all that.  Padding his way out of the spring he would miss Mizu’s tragic backstory, probably would have been important to know some day….alas what could one do?  He placed an order with the attendants for some pork belly ramen, 4 bowls.  The others hadn’t been interested so he ordered them to go.  Ever since he’d arrived in Tanbogakure he’d done something he had never done anywhere else, actually train.  He’d grown stronger and leaned of body, his spiritual abilities growing as evidence by the ease of his practice.  In doing so his appetite for many things had only increased.  

Sliding back into the water, he’d let himself submerge for a moment before coming back up.  He’d have his arms up, tying his hair to stay out of his face.  He heard some words about a Murata whatever that was.  Then the comment of Tanbogakure being a nice place.  “It’s very lovely, coming along too I’d say.  Small maybe, but culturally rich.  Many beautiful fields, temples, people, and sake.”  He’d finish and point towards some of the bottles.  “However, like all good things, they must come to an end.”  He’d splash some of the mineral water into his face, giving it a shake.  With a deep breath he’d hoist himself back out to sit on the side for a moment, legs dangling in the water.  “I’ll leave you ladies, so that in my absence you can remember me fondly.”  He’d smile again, standing the rest of the way up.  He’d give a small bow before grabbing a towel and placing it on his head.  Walking towards the exit he’d look back at the kage, “O and if you ever want to discuss donating time in my depth….I’m sure you can find me.”  He’d give another smile ear to ear before exiting into the locker room.

He’d get dressed, in a kimono that wasn’t his.  Looking around his own was no where to be found.  Shrugging in the to small garment he’d exit, grab the hot food and make his way back towards the little village where he was staying.  It had been an interesting experience, but as he hit the air he gave a little shake and convulsion……the hangover had rapidly caught back up.

Exit unless interrupted

TWC - 3168

Claims (can wait until everyone exits for ease)

Chakra memorized of Mizu, Mikki, Saya
62ap
2500 towards Eye mind reading
250 towards Temple style Bark

Rest of the words to the winds. I care about even numbers more than efficiency