Game of Scones: A Tale of Claw & Fang

Nestled along the edge of one of the remote fishing village within Claw Country, Makkari, lie a small building in the far north east corner of it. This building served as the small town’s local bakery, where all kinds of delicious treats were made and sold on the regular. These food goods where also a common commodity amongst those in the rest of the country, with the nearby major river also acting as a trade route to ship said sugary and other various baked delights. It’s exterior was well designed, sturdy, stable, and welcoming; being a whimsical palette of various pops of color speckled evenly throughout. Even from a few hundred paces away, one could catch the scent of it’s luxuries being wafted away upon a strong gust of wind. But, as most would say, don’t judge a book by it’s cover, for the cover is not the book.

Exteriors can be eluding and misleading most of the time, for this wasn’t just an average, run of the mill type bakery. It was actually the main front for the Akiyama’s family outreaching criminal enterprise. While the place wasn’t directly owned or operated by the members themselves just to keep things discreet, they did have a large stake into this growing operation. Certain clientele would ask for things typically found on the black market, and these goods would then be smuggled in with regular baked goods to the destination where they needed to go. The business has been run in this way for a long time, and the kunoichi in which they did have their trust in to run this was also someone in which the Akiyama’s relied on as an informant. They kept a watch for things within Claw Country and it’s borders, while the family would provide money and other resources to keep this thing afloat. A simple, symbiotic relationship between the two where both rely on one another.

A small group of 4 people would find themselves in front of this very place, at a very specific point in time; a meeting had been arranged between the main ‘baker’ and one Kin Akiyama, who was in the country on business which needed that special touch of secrets. His mission partner Daiki was the only other conscious one out of them all, the other 2 were the lackeys which they previously knocked out. A decision had been made to bring the would-be criminals here, since the contact in question had a good sway over the townsfolk, they’d be able to know what’s best to do with them. Since there was the necessity for being covert, and not just in the sense of the mission, but also for the sake of his family and their background, before knocking upon the door, the Sarutobi would remind the Senju ”You didn’t see anything that’s inside here, nor will you talk about the contact’s identity. Any information they give though is the sole thing in which we can take away from here.” After saying this and making sure that his partner wouldn’t snitch on the Akiyama’s trade secrets, Kin would knock 3 times on the front door which currently had a closed sign hung upon it. From within, a male voice would say ”Go away! Can’t you see we’re closed?!” To which, without skipping a beat, the genin would retort ”It’s me.”

There was a short period of time where nothing happened, no sound was heard inside the bakery, the person inside didn’t say anything back. But, with watchful eyes, anyone who looked to their left would see a set of 2 eyes peer out from the window there, before they would disappear back behind the curtain. After another brief delay from this moment, and several locks unlatching and clicking, the door would swing open, allowing for them to enter. Kin would be the first to do so, dragging in the limp body of one of the people who attempted to poison the river, and once inside would motion for Daiki to follow if he hasn’t done so already.

WC: 676

It had been a somewhat relaxing walk across the way that led to the "contact" that Kin had in these parts. Daiki, being that he was the stronger of the two, had decided to place upon himself the duty of carrying the unconscious individuals that he and his rather germophobic friend had knocked out earlier. It wasn't too hard to transport the two thugs; they each weighed less than 200 pounds and Daiki had left that weight class of lifting behind when it came to his bench presses. These days he was working more in the 800 lb. range for warm ups but this was a good way for him to exercise care when transporting important things, people especially, to his destinations. It wasn't that bad of a walk either as it gave Daiki time to reflect on what he would happen once him and Kin got back to the village. Would they both be given a job well done? Or would their higher ups possibly tell them that they could've done better? Thinking that he tried to think about what they could've done differently for the mission. He couldn't think of anything off the top of his head but he was sure he would be told about it from his superiors once they got back.

The four travelers would eventually reach what appeared to be a bakery which was... odd but if this was to be a secret location than Daiki figured a bread place would be a good place to trade information out of sight from prying eyes. Before Kin would knock, however, he would turn to Daiki and tell him to keep everything he was about to see and hear about his contact to himself. He would smile in response. "You know what I like about you, Kin?" he said in a jovial yet mocking tone. "The trust you have for your partner." He would give a laugh before getting more serious. "Don't worry. I wouldn't put you and the connection you have with your contact in jeopardy... Nor would I do anything to put the contact in jeopardy. I like myself a loaf of bread or two every now and then after all." He would then wait in either awkward silence or awkward agreement as Kin would knock upon the door before it opened welcoming the two in. He would step in sideways as not to bump into the doorframe with his two prisoners, possibly hurting them or breaking something, as the door would close behind them and he took a look around.

WC 427

Walking into the small building that made up the bakery, a nod would be offered as a silent acknowledgement to what Daiki had said, but also the man that was standing inside. The first part, while largely left unsaid, there was still the lingering feeling of the necessity of trust. At the end of the day, this wasn’t something that could be risked going in alone. While they were a friend of the family, and if scorned, said friend would be hunted down, but there was still the uncertainty behind the specifications of that occurrence. So it was just one of those things where Kin had felt more comfortable with letting the med specialist tag a long. As for the latter, that was more self explanatory; a simple greeting to the burly man who would be standing in front of a small counter located along the left hand side of the room. Which was quite the contrast to see, one wouldn’t really take the beast of the man to be much of a baker, let alone looking like the sole one operating the joint.

The burly bouncer wouldn’t say any words to the two of them though, he’d stand there, waiting patiently and staring rather menacingly at both of them. As if expecting for them to do something. Seeing this awkward tension starting to form, Kin would attempt to cut it off before it could be fully formed, the pitch of his voice clearly just speaking to do that exact thing ”Bruno, it’s a pleasure to see you as always. This is an acquaintance from the village, and those two…well, I’ll spare the details and save them for the boss.” To which the lone stranger would only offer a grunt, his stare growing only more colder while the two eyes would narrow and hone in on Daiki. ”Oh, that’s right.” Kin would say after, taking a step forward and placing his arms out to the side. Upon doing so, Bruno would in turn step forward as well and give the Akiyama a thorough pat down, what was typically seen in these kinds of locations. After the man had ensured there was no hidden weaponry, his eyes would once again lock in on Daiki’s, and Kin would motion for him to follow suit. Once this would be done, the towering giant would go back behind the counter, and move around some things, and after some clicking noises from the wall towards the north, it would open up revealing a door that had a staircase leading downwards directly behind it.

On their way down, Kin would mention to his mission partner ”Don’t worry too much about Bruno, he’s not really much of a talker. Especially around strangers.” And then the pair would appear down into a basement area. It was clear that this was mainly used as a stock room of sorts. Crates and barrels had lined the walls, with some shelves also displaying various illicit items here and there. In the center of this room, was a long table stretching vertically. At the opposite end of the door, sitting in a chair, was a short haired, blonde woman. She was just there with her hands resting upon the table, fingers tapping away at it. ”Devonne, it’s been quite a while. I assume you’re holding up the business well enough seein-“ Kin would be cut off by the woman with a raised hand before he could actually get to finishing the sentence. ”Please, let us skip the pleasantries. You didn’t tell me that you would be bringing someone else, but. I guess I’ll overlook it this one time. But if he does any funny business, it’s on you kid.” To which, the puppeteer would nod, and walk over to one of the other chairs, before taking a seat.

”Well, if we’re here to strictly talk business then. We were hoping you could give us some information about the current state of affairs regarding the…tensions between Claw and Fang. As we were wandering the village, these two goons were trying to poison the river, but luckily enough we managed to stop them before they could. So, now, my question to you is if you know anything about them? Are they with a group that Suna should be worried about? Why exactly did they do this? That sort of thing. Oh, also, if you have any information about the Second Kage, and where exactly she went, we’re all ears.” Kin would say in his seated position, regardless of whether or not Daiki had also taken a seat at the table. This would be met with crossed hands from the kunoichi, elbows now being the ones propped up against the table. Her head would cock sideways with her hazel eyes fiercely scanning over the two. They would rest upon something that was still left unknown to the two guy’s, and for a second she just sat there, appearing to ponder over what to say.

Her response would go as follows ”First, this conflict has been going on since the split of Claw and Fang. The two used to be one under the same regime, but due to internal strife they had split. Claw has felt for hundreds of years since that this divide of land was unfair on their end of things. The people residing within Claw were much more known for their non combat skills, particularly crafting and fishing. But, since a large sum of the river is on the Fang side of the borders, fisherman oftentimes encounter trouble when trying to actually reach there. As for them, I took notice of a particular tattoo that both have on their right arm, peaking out beneath the sleeves. If that’s the insignia that I’m thinking it is, it belongs to a group of anarchists here within the country. This town’s sect specifically. They’re not but average farmers, I can inform you on that much as well. This group is nothing more than mere rabblerousers trying to go about taking back what was stolen from them, and well to be honest. Can any of us here say they’re wrong in doing so? Maybe the means of poisoning the river itself was wrong and rises concern because it also poisons there own water and Sunagakure’s main supply. But, if you leave the two of them here, I’ll see to it that they get their just desserts. Most of the villagers are in agreeance that their group is too radical anyways, so they shouldn’t have any problem with getting I situated. As for the Kage, I haven’t personally seen or heard anything of her whereabouts, except for the fact that shortly after she left, a woman of her stature was seen traveling somewhere north. That’s all I can share however.”

After her long winded reply, the Akiyama would smile, being pleased enough with the answer. Turning to face the Senju, wherever he had found himself situated, he’d leave the door open for him to ask any potential questions in which he may have for Devonne. Once that end had all been sorted out, and after any questions that he might have had would be answered, Kin would look back to the lady of the bakery, before telling her [b]”Well, I think that just about suits things here then. As always, your information is accepted with gratitude, and I’ll make sure my parents fairly compensate you for this. Thanks again.” And with that, the two could be back on their way to the sands. Hopefully, Daiki would remember to leave the two people they caught here with her, and would follow suit in leaving the basement, and then the bakery in it’s entirety.

[Thread Exit]

WC: 1284
TWC: 1962

Claims:

Misc-
Thread Exit
38 AP from max stats

Skills/Techs-
222 words to Space Time Art: Mass Pull, completing it from here
500 words to Great Fireball, completing it for B Rank
1000 words to Summoning Technique
Dropping the remaining 240 WC

As Daiki entered the bakery with the two prisoners either hanging from one of his arms or slung over his shoulder he looked around the rather comfortable looking place as the sweet smell of baking bread reached his nose and filled his senses. It wasn't until he saw the big dude that he realized that they must have been expected as he didn't look a single bit like a baker nor someone looking to give quality customer service. It would be confirmed that this guy wasn't there to give service but was rather there to cop a feel as he would start feeling around Kin for... something. "Dude... We're ninja." Daiki would say with a laugh. "We're going to have weapons on us in some kind of way." The man said nothing as his hands were full. But then he finally stopped feeling around Kin before turning to Daiki expecting him to comply to the search. With a sigh of indifference to the situation Daiki would put down the two dudes he'd been carrying for a while as he submitted to the search due to not wanting to cause any trouble to the situation. After being felt around, weapons being found in his freaking weapon pouch he had tied to his thigh, he would be allowed in. Just before then he would point to the two prisoners. "If I were you I'd keep an eye on those two. Even unconscious they're more dangerous than I am."

With that said he would follow behind Kin as he would be told about Bruno the bouncer... clever name. "I guess less talking more action is in the repertoire of bouncers. That's ok, though. We're almost done with this job." As he followed Kin he would come face to face with who he surmised was the true owner of the bakery as Kin gave her name as Devonne. She was a rather intense lady as he took a seat at the table as he was offered and relaxed himself even though he was in a setting that didn't exactly call for relaxation. The two would have a conversation as Daiki listened and tried to take in as much information for memory as he could. It was pretty valuable information as he laid back in the chair he was sitting in as she would finish her explanation and he sat there thinking for a moment. It was certainly a lot to take in but it was also very valuable and was certainly something to remember.

It was disturbing information indeed and Daiki felt that it would be very valuable information to take back to the village. "Thank you for the details and your time. Outside you'll find two people who we captured that was going to poison the river. I don't know what you intend to do with them but, regardless of how I feel, they are ultimately yours to deal with." After saying as such he would get up from his chair and leave with Kin out of the bakery and back outside to the bright and fresh air of outside. It wasn't as though the smell of the bread inside was overwhelming in some way but it was really refreshing walking back outside after not seeing a single loaf of bread anywhere in the bakery. After taking in the air he would follow Kin in the direction of the sand village as all finally seemed done and they could go back to the village and possibly into new ranks once they got back... 

OR WERE THEY DONE?! FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON NARUTO RPG.

{Thread Exit}

WC 601; TWC 1,028

Claiming Water Whip C rank and 20 AP

Approved