Settling In Part 2

It was time to get this show on the road.

That was the only thing pacing back and forth right now within the mind of Hiko Shimada. The short miscreant of an unscrupulous nature was finally ready to actually get these laid out plans started. First on the long to do list was an easy and simple task, getting the place actually ready and set up. It was still short on defenses, but said problem would most certainly be fixed as soon as possible. Because as of right now, without any form of protection, the two would run a huge risk of getting caught. However, on the other side of that same exact coin, there was the blatant fact that currently the two had nothing to really hide besides themselves. And as far as the Tau knew, no one else was aware of their devious intentions, so that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. The worst thing that could happen theoretically was the stuff which the two carried on their persons specifically.

However, with all this being said, it was still enough to put the boy on a bit of an edge; paranoia leaking and dripping into he back of his head, churning slowly around and around like a witch’s brew. Being good with concealing his inner emotions though, this feeling didn’t really find a means to express itself physically or outwardly, instead he’d seem rather calm. A bit too calm almost, so that in and of itself could call for someone to question what was happening if they knew Hiko well enough at least.

As for the place itself, walking into it and beholding the way it looked had a sense of familiarity to the kid. After all, these were the exact kinds of places that he had taken to hiding in throughout these last few years. Which was quite on the contrary to his compatriot who had made it to the location before himself. He knew that Kat was a city slicker at heart, so this entire thing must’ve been extremely new to him. Hopefully over time though, his partner would become used to this for it was the safest option for the both of them. After all, if one of them were to potentially get caught, that would raise the chances exponentially of the other getting caught because of it. Hiko would do his best to ensure none of this would happen though.

After a moment of silence and taking in the view of the main hall, Hiko would cut the still silence with his voice; like a blade carving clean through a body, the words reverberating off the stone walls creating an echo of sorts. ”So. What do you think?” While saying that, he already could guess that the response would be at least somewhat that of displeasure, but that was life when you were practically living it on the run.

WC: 486

Hmph. And what was thought, had certainly come to pass. But, it wasn’t something which rained on the metaphorical parade within this instance. Instead it lead to a quick quip back at the initial reaction ”You’ve clearly never been to prison then.” The light hearted comment was clearly deigned that of a small joke, Hiko himself hasn’t been to jail either, but it was one of the first few things which had crossed his mind. As for what was being said next, the young lad would listen with close intent, making a particular note of the cadence and tone of Katsuragi’s own words. With this information gathered, it was now clear that the two were rather opposite of one another; while the one preferred things to be a bit on the down low, at least for now that is, the other wanted to get right into things. But, this wouldn’t be too much of an issue, so he wouldn’t interject on the matter.

Instead, Hiko would respond to the preposition of getting their start with one of the local crime families. Sounded simple and easy enough, plus it was a small start, but one in which they could easily reap from the planted seeds of potential notoriety to be gained from it. The reddish haired thief would nod in agreement at the mention of this, signaling that he was in on the idea. ”I don’t know much about them, but from what I do know from that brawl in the bar…the Zukumiki might not be our best bet. Their style is to out there and open towards the world for the current state of their family. I’d much prefer we’d take up the family which prefers to pull the strings instead of trying to outright cut them loose.” His words would glean on the predicament, noting that one family was a much better option given with how they work. While the Zukumiki seemed to be much more physical in prominence, the family itself was still somewhat small and with less connections. Whereas the Hoshimoto seemed to be weaving their web into the very fabric of the town, pulling on facades in the light of the day to make it so said web wouldn’t be seen; until someone were to get tangled within, that is.

WC: 386
TWC: 872

Ah yes, there was the eventual pang of certain comments that had been made. It was rather surprising that it hadn’t really occurred up until this point. There was a certain tendency when it came down to things, that butting heads with someone else almost seemed like it was bound to happen at some point. Normally, that happened rather quickly, within the first meeting. But there was a first for everything, albeit that still doesn’t change the mixed feelings of being both delighted and surprised. Part of the surprise was also from that nine times out of ten, whenever a disagreement or general antagonizing were to happen, it was because there was a meaning behind it. This time around, it was just poor word choice. Either way, Hiko finally seemed to have struck a nerve for Kat. Apparently something he said, or a mixture of things didn’t sit right with the other tall guy. Something about the vibe gotten off of him was off, more unsettled and irritated.

Regardless, Hiko would simply shrug it off in the metaphorical sense, going on to respond ”More like…a scorpion. Hiding in the sands, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.” While saying this, due to the lack of bones within the lad’s body, his right hand would move about in a rather unorthodox finger. Each finger mimicking something like the very arachnid in which the auburn haired rogue was describing. He’d go on to continue then, ”I’m all for open chaos, but as you said so yourself, we need to train for the worst things to happen. I’m not 100 percent ready for those worst things to happen…just yet that is. It will all be in due time though.”

There would be a very slight pause, not of hesitation, but to allow for the information to sink in.

Hiko then going on ”But in regards to your second comment, I can do more than just utilize the black threads housed within me. Taijutsu, typically. But I also know a handful of ninjutsu, most of those I wouldn’t be able to use here however for how they change the environment. My chakra’s natural element is earth, and there’s one huge caveat in regards to my power. Naturally, unlike you, I can’t simply learn another element. I must assimilate one’s heart into my own body, gaining there element.” While saying this, his expression would remain completely blank, and devoid of any kind of emotion really. Something in which he was used to at this point, was being able to tell the darker sides of life, his in particular, without having any weight carried by it. Whether it was the weight of grief and distress or remorse and guilt, there was no tell tale signs of such things.

Judging from the direction of where this was headed, it would seem as if Kat wanted to spar at least, so the Tau would offer such a challenge with the simple phrase ”Shall I show you what I can do?”

WC: 506
TWC: 1378

Blue eyes would gaze upon the speechless face of the man before him. That was actually the best reaction received. Most people would flee, either out of fear for themselves or just general fear of the unknown, upon hearing those words and the brutal nature in which they theoretically carry. Yet there Kat was, just left looking towards the boy almost seemingly dazed by what was said. It also looked to improve the guy’s mood; the sigh sounding as if it was let out with reluctant relief therefore clearing the air.

Upon hearing the acceptation of the challenge, all Hiko could do in that moment was lightly smirk. There was a clear power difference between the two missing nin, with those numbers weighing in the favor of his comrade. But, what he didn’t necessarily have that was within the Tau’s advantage was a more flexible way of fighting; there was versatility in the fact that because of the inherent nature of the black threads, punches could be thrown from range. Had he really wanted to, the young 16 year old could have already started pulling a dirty trick by having the threads come out underneath his clothes, waiting there at the ready to strike. But, considering some things, that isn’t what occurred.

Instead, the auburn haired tai specialist would look over to his sparring partner, looking how they would stance themselves. In particular, the way both hands were positioned upwards and his head ducked down. A simple technique, often used by those who block or just have a good general sense of hand to hand combat. Keeping the areas which would have a more harmful impact if damaged tucked away. As easy as it was to perform, there were even more easier ways to counter it. Though, Hiko did decide to still be the one on the defensive, taking a liking to striking when there would be an actual, more opportune moment to strike. So, the brother would take up his own stance. Both feet positioned relatively close together, in a v formation to firmly plant an even distribution of his weight between the two. One hand would remain downwards, while his other would slowly move upwards to a point where it could also block any direct attacks to the head.

Offering a nod, he’d chime in ”Let’s do this.” And their spar would be underway.

WC: 400
TWC: 1778

With nothing but a light smile upon his face, Hiko would brace for the worst as his temporary opponent would start to make the first move to this test fight. There was a flash of purple would be seen flashing through Katsuragi’s arm, indicating that a strike was near. Within this time frame, as that same hand was making its way towards the young teen’s right eye, the Tau would simply duck out of the way from this fluid motion, evading the initial strike of the fist. Then, raising the left hand, Hiko Shimada would reach out with it attempting to grasp the hand which threw the punch. If this made contact with the ex prisoner, he’d find that the technique that was also utilized wouldn’t hit at the same level as it was before. Also during this motion, if contact was made, Kat’s punch would be directed upwards by the momentum of the opposing hand coming towards it; which would then in turn direct the blast of chakra upwards and away from the missing nin.

If this went as planned, after a grab would be confirmed, the green eyed shinobi formerly from Kumogakure would then proceed to use his fighting partner’s own weight as the basis for the follow up. A quick jerk towards the ground would then be made, the movement behind the money loving kitty working against himself. Had the prior things fallen within their place of the puzzle, if Hiko turned out to be the stronger of the two, the other rogue would then be thrown to the ground and left in a bit of a daze because of it.

WC: 278
TWC: 2056

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