A Little Change in the Notes

“Yes…….you see this line right here…”. He’d grip the soft white hand tightly, pulling it ever so gently towards himself. His delicate finger tracing over the skin lightly, just barely touching the woman’s. His blue eyes looked directly into the girls hazel ones. His voice was soft, with a slight ethereal tone. This was accented by the lights being dimmed, the smells of multiple types of burning incense, and a window he’d left open because the breeze caused a nice rustling affect on the table clothe. It all added to a very spooky or magical atmosphere depending on the questions asked. It was exactly what he had been going for. “It means…..love……….is…..close.” He’d whisper the last word, having moved even closer leaning over the table. The woman let out a sigh as if she’d been holding her breath the whole reading. He’d give a gentle squeeze before breaking contact and leaning back.

The woman still a little breathless, looked expectantly at Asahi who was scribbling down on paper. The kanji glowing over the paper, detailing every detail of the reading he had just performed. Sliding the paper across the table he would smile. In exchange the woman passed across a medium sized bag heavy with coin. “I do hope you’ll come back, maybe next time we can explore who this person might be.” He’d say with a wink. A short time later the woman had gone, and the blonde man was counting coins. His new business had experienced an influx if for anything from being new. It didn’t hurt that he was giving out discounts to the tea shop for new customers, which had increased traffic at his other job as well. It could have been considered double dipping, but no one seemed to mind so he didn’t bother giving it much though.

His office was the only nice room in the building. He’d been told that his new friend Schichro had purchased the majority of the building for his grocery business. However, the Yagami had been able to carve out a small place for his own functions. A way to explore his hobbies a little more closely. He didn’t give much stock to the tarot readings, or palmistry, but he found the rural folks ate it up. It made them happy, and he was happy to make them happy. Or at least have some spare change. It was a one room affair, made out of what must have been a foreman’s office when the building was still used as a warehouse. He’d had it doctored up, in no small part thanks to the noble who’s cat he had found. Burgundy plus carpet covered and ended abruptly at the entrance doorway. A large oak desk with Shawn of varying colors, a small overhead lamp with candle slats, another desk behind to hold documents, and shelves and shelves of incense pots and burners of all shapes and colors. He’d also sprinkled some crystals around for flavor. He didn’t do anything with them, but he felt that they helped get people in the mood.

He’d hoped to encourage more business in the spiritual, but….he prayed that would come later. Though at least in terms of just straight business he couldn’t complain. In truth he had more coin than he’d ever had. Not really have been one to want while growing up, he thought he had quite a bit more now than he did then. Between his relatively new consultation business, his job at the tea shop that he worked at full time, and the missions he’d been doing for his cousin, he hardly could want for anything. It was with this thought in his head that he walked out of the office. Turning to lock the door, and then exit the warehouse locking the outer door as well, construction had started to fix the facility up though it was still very early and he suspected the funds weren’t solidly in hand given the pace. It was late evening as he strolled through the street whistling tunelessly as he went.

Some shops were closing and those that specialized in night time escapes were opening up. The few bars that competed against the multipurpose tea house, several of the small restaurants….in truth much of the town was small. Not in a bad way, but it didn’t have the pull other places had. As he walked he noticed a new addition to the streets. Several posters insisting that the town folk reinvested into the village. A strange concept as…..just by being in town weren’t they contributing? Stopping he’d buy a small amount of kizumi, packing his pipe with it. He strolled on his afternoon walk for several more minutes before he spied another poster, and another, and another….whoever had done this was eager that was sure. Or at least had an obsessive mind. Hopefully they never sought political power because it seemed like the kind of person who would hand out pamphlets to perform some sort of coup de ta.

It was the sixth sign that he noticed the direction of where to place the money. The Komekage’ss office. Yasahiro’s office to be more specific. Scratching at his cheek as he blew smoke towards the sign he considered. Yasahiro wasn’t the kind of person to hang signs, the man barely knew how to ask for help. In truth if he’d been bitten on the heel by a viper, and a passerby had an antidote, Asahi still had doubts he’d willingly ask for help. So to see something like this…..he felt shocked. Taking a deep breath he’d exhale smoke leaving his nostrils, considering what to do. Though there was only one thing he could do in a case such as this.

He would finish his walk, ending at the tea house. Taking the back steps he’d go to the small apartment that he’d been living out of and gathered the finances he’d collected. Counting coins, and considering his living expenses, he would take a sizeable chunk and fill a leather bag that he had laying around. The sun of fifty thousand ryo weighed it down. He wasn’t sure how much his cousin needed, but certainly pride had prevented him from intreating his dearest cousin. Though why the man had believed asking strangers was ok, he would never understand . Still, family was everything. And one did everything for family.

He’d exit his apartment and make his way towards the castle. In no surprise he discovered that the main entrance into the offices was locked. He gathered his energies, and as if by the gust of wind all sight of Asahi was lost. A window opening for no reason and then the soft padding of foot steps down the hall heard by no one. He made his way to the office noticing a freshly installed box for collections. That sealed it, it must have been Yasahiro who wanted to have the finances collected. It was a little odd to see a guard several paces down from the box, sleeping gently in a chair, but maybe it was just an extra security precaution. The Yagami could be a paranoid bunch, so he opted to not give it much thought.

Taking out a small bit of parchment, he’d write a simple note .

“Dear Yasahiro,

Needing money isn’t a sin, I wish you would have just come to me. Here is some change I had laying about that I am giving to you so you can do your job better. Honestly, next time just ask me.

Love,
Asahi your beloved cousin

P.s. are we still on for shogi this Saturday at the tea shop? We finally received that imported tea from the land of tea, so it must be good. Let me know

Love,
Asahi your most beloved of cousins

P.s.s do you like the kimono I got you? I picked it especially for you I’m confident you will look fantastic and regal in it. Very leaderish

Love,
Your most humble and loving cousin Asahi”

The letter would go one until it’s ultimate conclusion at P.s.s.s.s.s.s in tiny cramped writing at the bottom of the page inquiring about sundials. Satisfied he would finish shoving the money through the slit, and the note beneath the kage’s door. He’d turn, draw a mustache on the sleeping man, and exit the building. As he stepped out of the window and hit the ground, his vanishing act would vanish, revealing him to what was now the night air. Clapping his hand at a job well done he went back towards his apartment……until he heard the faint sound of song. Patting his pockets he felt a little coin left that he’d been given for todays job. Shrugging he muttered to himself, “well can’t take it with me.” And with that made his way towards one of the bars. His mind already racing to think of what songs he could sing for karaoke tonight. The village of Tanbo was lucky to have a kage who was so interested in looking for assistance was his last thought on the matter.

- Exit

Claims
30ap for training with max stats
1500 towards https://www.narutoroleplaygame.com/t47220-birth-of-disgusting-sense-scent

Also donating 50k ryo to Tanbogakure. Will deduct upon approval. (68700-50k = 18700 remaining) (