Meeting the Kazakage (Guren)

Travin awoke on his not so new mattress that he had gotten from a friend for cheep. He wasn’t making a lot of money as a new genin with no team to take on any better paying missions with, and his fridge was starting to look barren, as were his cabinets. What he did have in abundance, however, was a strong will and a give them hell attitude that hadn't led him wrong so far. He was proud of that fact, at least he never backed down from anyone. Of course there was a difference in backing down and showing respect for one's superiors, that much he did know, but in a fight or an augment he never backed down and came out swinging, so to speak anyway as he was not that strong but his jutsu was and that he was told on more than one occasion. Grabbing his jacket off the old couch he had in the living room of his apartment. Sliding it on as he walked out the door, he was off to meet someone of great import in the village. While it was customary at least with the current that the Kazakage meet with most of the genin at least once. Travin couldn’t help but to think that maybe his would be different. Just maybe he could impress on the man and somehow show his potential. He knew that he was destined to be one of the most powerful people in the village. What he didn’t know is how long it would take him to get to that point, or just how many bodies he would have to leave laying first, but nothing would stop him from rising to where he needed to be. 

While his eyes wasn’t on the Kazakage’s hat or position. It was on power and recognition within the village, as well as outside of it. He craved that one day his name would strike fear into peoples hearts and minds, just like Kenshins did. That day was far in the future, he knew, but one day he would reach that point. Travin stepped off of his small porch and blinked the sun out of his eyes it was getting close to noon, and Travin was hoping that his meeting was not taking place during the Kazakage’s lunch, as he made his way through the village. Waving at a few people that knew him from the few missions he had taken and the stores that he normally shopped at. Travin arrived at the spire, only living a few blocks away at the corner of the residential area. 

The spire was cooled as the air conditioner was blowing cold air out. Travin took a deep breath, enjoying the cool air for a second before walking on into the building and up to the desk. A woman sitting behind the desk looked up at him as he approached, expecting him to say something. “I’m here to see the Kazakage” Travin would tell the one. His tone firm yet not demanding. The women would motion for Travin to take a seat. He overheard her talking to someone as he walked away towards the seat. He was hoping that he wouldn’t have to wait too long, but even if he did, it would be worth it for the chance. He would lean back in the seat and get comfortable while he waited, looking around the building. It was a lot nicer than the little apartment that he had been living in, and part of him wondered if the Kazakage lived in the spire or if he had another house somewhere else in the village. After all, he didn’t really make it over all too much. 

WC-619

Working her regular shift, Jasmine would sit quietly at the receptionist desk and conduct her typical assignments. She'd file papers, schedule meetings for the Third, and handle the incoming requests from those who wanted a presence with Guren. Although she wasn't the Kazekage, she was just as busy as him. And today would be no different. But her efficient system of handling the Spire's traffic would mean that she kept the wait times short and people were consistently dealt with. In any case, as she worked at her desk she heard the approaching sounds of footsteps. Raising her eyes to meet those of the stranger, she'd offer her normal and courteous smile and inquire, "How can I help you today?" She was met with a simple request from the young man, who stated he wished to speak with the Kazekage. But unfortunately the request alone wasn't enough information at face value. Sure Guren's schedule was relatively clear for the day, but she at least required some basic information from the boy. "Well that's fine and all, but you won't be meeting him until I have your name and status within Sunagakure. He may know who you are, but I don't." Her tone was informative, and not rude in the slightest. But after dealing with hundreds of requests a week, the process was like clockwork to her. 

In the meanwhile, Guren would sit behind his large and wooden desk. Seated within the leather chair, he'd finish up the paperwork he had on hand and would look at the time. It was almost time for him to go to lunch, and so he'd put a pause on his work and rise from his desk. Grabbing ahold of his floral yukata from the corner of the room, he'd drape it across his body and slide his arms into its sleeves. Following this he'd proceed towards the exit of his office and place his hand firmly upon the transport seal on the wall. Within a moment's notice, he'd teleport down onto the first floor of the spire where the receptionist desk was. At first he was shocked that there was no one in the waiting room, save for Jasmine and a boy bearing a Sunagakure headband. Walking up to Jasmine's desk, Guren would interrupt the dialogue between the two right after the genin would give his name and status to Jasmine. Assuming the genin did indeed give his name, Guren would think momentarily on it and try to recall if he had read up on his file or not. Truthfully there had been an influx of shinobi lately and so names and faces were beginning to elude him. In any case, he'd embrace the moment and look to familiarize himself with this genin like he did with all the rest.

"Well, I'm guessing this is another meeting for me huh?" he'd inquire while visually inspecting the genin before him. "I can't say I've met you before. But you caught me right on my lunch break. What say we go grab a bite to eat together, and discuss whatever you wanted to talk about over lunch?"

WC = 521

As Guren inspected the genin before him known as Travin, he tried to take particular note of his build. Since he did not have the opportunity to review Travin's file, the Third was unsure of what Travin was capable of and proficient in. And considering the setting of their meeting, lunch, he'd be unable to gauge this further. Visually Guren's first thought was that the genin was tall. Taller than the other genin in the village, and than Guren himself. Yet he didn't seem to be too stocky. He was relatively slender, so he likely wasn't proficient in either bukijtusu or taijutsu. Guren could infer that Travin was a disciple of more chakra based specialties, and if that was the case then maybe he could teach the genin a thing or two. He deduced all of that in just a moment's glance. And when he finished, Travin would accept his offer for lunch.

Guren offered a slight smile and a head nod. He'd direct his attention back over towards Jasmine and offer her some instructions upon his departure. "Hey Jasmine, push off my next meeting thirty minutes. I'll take a slightly longer lunch today." The woman would nod in response and scribble in her notepad that sat upon her desk. Following this, Guren would return his gaze back towards Travin and approach him and place his hand lightly upon his shoulder. "Have you ever been to Oasis? It's become my favorite place in the village to eat.  I've been meaning to try their onigri and chicken katsu. Let's get a move on."

Guren would remove his hand from the shoulder of Travin and proceed towards the exit of the Spire. He'd lead the way towards the restaurant, assuming Travin would keep up. It wasn't very far, being only three blocks away. All it took was walking through the Grove, into the market square, and down the street. And as the pair walked, Guren would take the opportunity to try to get to know Travin a bit better. 

"So Travin, what made you become a ninja?"

WC = 345. TWC = 866

It was interesting to hear Travin's background. His family seemed to be committed to the upkeep of Sunagakure, which was always admirable. Those stories were never heard too often anymore, as most people seemed to flee to Sunagakure as some sort of haven. But hearing that his parents had contributed to possible the rebuild of the village along with its upkeep was inspiring. The loyalty that took was tremendous and Guren would commend Travin's late parents for that. In any case, Travin's own story was interesting too. He seemed to have some type of chip on his shoulder, and that's what motivated him to become stronger. That along with the fact that he wanted to protect those he loved. The second motive was a reason Guren could sympathize with, as a father he desired to do the same. His third part to the answer was focused on protecting the village. Interesting. Self, loved ones, and village. Those had been Travin's priorities, likely in order. Guren reflected on this silently as Travin spoke and the pair walked towards Oasis. When Travin finished speaking, Guren offered him a slight nod. "Interesting Travin. Would you say that's your order of priorities? Yourself, your family, then your village?"

There was no right or wrong answer to this, yet the timing of Guren posing the question would be perfectly aligned with when the two would arrive at Oasis. Upon seeing its entrance, Guren would add another comment before Travin would be able to respond. "Hold that thought, think on it a bit and get back to me later. For now, there it is. Oasis in all its glory." Guren would say with a slight wave of his hand towards the direction of the restaurant. It had originally been some dingy hole in a wall place, but after donations and visits from Guren himself the place had renovated itself nicely. Now its exterior was sleek, modern, yet still characteristic of Sunagakure culture.

"Let's go in, I'm starving."

Guren would lead the way and once he entered the building, he'd be readily greeted by the waitstaff. They'd show him to his table in the rear of the building, and seat both men at it. Upon the table were two menus, closed and awaiting to be opened. Guren however had been here so many times he had the menu memorized. Plus he already knew what he wanted: onigri and chicken katsu. Nevertheless he'd allow Travin several minutes to look over the menu before he'd wave towards the wait staff. "I'll have the onigri and chicken katsu. And whatever the boy is having." The waitress would listen for Travin's order and once she received it, she'd scribble down in her notepad the orders of the two. She'd offer a curtesy to Guren out of respect and then head off to the kitchen. Following this, Guren would fold his arms and lean back in his chair.

"So what's your answer? And would you be willing to sacrifice any one for the other two?"

WC = 503. TWC = 1369

As the waitress took the two's order back towards the kitchen, Guren's question was well received by Travin. As a proper shinobi, he admitted that he'd lay down his own life for the village and his family. He stated he'd kill for not only Sunagakure, but Guren himself. And lastly, the honesty he showed when answering the question regarding how he'd handle his own family was commendable. Truthfully it was a part of the question which Guren didn't even think was necessary for the genin to answer, but nonetheless interesting. And Guren himself knew his own answer, frankly put he would not kill his family for his village. He had already lost his loved ones once, that was something he would not allow a second time. Especially not at his own hands. But fate and the future had a funny way of presenting themselves, so it was difficult for anyone to answer a question like that. Regardless, Guren nodded in acknowledgement of the truth that Travin offered. 

"Thank you for your honest and your for your honesty and your commitment to Sunagakure, Travin. Questioning the mental and morals of our shinobi is something that historically hasn't been done enough. As the Third Kazekage, I am looking at implementing different policies and holding our shinobi to standards that haven't been done before. In any case though, rest easy. I won't be expecting you to kill your family."

Guren's response was blunt and straightforward, while his tone was stoic and composed. In any case he'd offer a small smile towards Travin before asking his next question. "And now that I know what you would do for Sunagakure, what do you hope Sunagakure will do for you?"

The genin would have just enough time to answer before the food got delivered to their table. And when it would Guren would nod at the server and look firmly at Travin. Ironically he'd refrain from commenting on Travin's response, and instead would put the topic on a hold. "Excellent, let's eat shall we?"

WC = 338. TWC = 1707

Guren would take the time to display his professionalism, unfolding his napkin and placing it upon his lap and firmly grasping his utensils in hand. His plate was sat right in front of him, in between his arms, and its aromatic scent would grace his nostrils. Resultantly his stomach softly rumbled, indicating that he had been even hungrier than what he had initially thought. He'd quickly cut up his katsu, and sink his teeth into it. Following this would come a bite from the onigiri. The combination of the two had been like yin and yang on a plate. Contrasting, yet completely complementary. Truly beautiful, and yet another reason that this was in fact his favorite restaurant. As he worked his way through his course, he pondered on the goals and motivations which Travin revealed. He desired to be a powerful protector, in a nutshell. Considering his comments from earlier, he sought to be what Guren considered as the will of the kazekage. It was interesting, and quite ambitious to say the least. Especially for a genin. 

Upon finishing his food, Guren would retrieve his wallet and offer an ample amount of ryo to account for the bill and tip. He'd leave it on the table, and tuck his wallet back into his possession. Following this he'd offer a glance towards Travin, and a half smirk. "Interesting indeed. I hope you can train as much as you eat." Guren would say in a jocular tone with a slight scoff added into his dialogue. Standing from the table, Guren would fold his napkin and place it adjacent to his pile of payment. "Walk with me, I've got something on my mind." Guren would command the genin as the two prepared to depart from the restaurant. It was about time for him to return to his work, and he wanted to offer one last piece of instruction before he'd send Travin on his way. When the two exited from the restaurant, Guren would stop momentarily and stuff one hands into his pocket. The other would raise up to his forehead, softly positioning his index and middle fingers upon his temple. "Travin, I'd like to see you prove your ability to me. Train hard, and learn harder. And when you're ready, test yourself in the Bloodworks. Should you make it out alive, come and see me. I'll have an offer for you."

With the conclusion of his closing comments, Guren would expel a surge of space time chakra which would instantly teleport him from outside of Oasis and into the chair of his office. He'd leave Travin without the opportunity to comment further, but with just enough guidance to know how to progress himself. It had been a meeting of good fortune indeed, as long as the genin was motivated. 

-Exit-

WC = 466. TWC = 2173
25% Max Stat Discounts:
Memorizing Travin Wraith' chakra signature
1193.5 WC Towards Devouring Sphere (B Rank, 1875/1875); rest trained here
750 WC towards Spine Chill (C Rank, 750/750)
187.5 WC towards Sensory Deprivation (187.5/187.5)