A Request

Upon flying towards the direction of what he presumed to be Hoshigakure, Guren would begin his descent on Shoka once the pair were roughly 100m from the grand walls of the village. They'd land nearly 75 meters from the village, and when they'd do so Guren would dispel his summon. The third kazekage did not want to come across as a threat to any gate guards that would see a newcomer approaching, and he figured the sight of a demonic vulture wouldn't contribute to his cause. And so for his last leg of travel, he'd simply walk to the gates. In the couple of minutes it took to near the gate, the man would reflect on the history between Sunagakure and Hoshigakure that he was privy to. Though Kenshin had left from the Star village on less than friendly terms, during the majority of Guren's time as a Sunagakure shinobi the interaction between the villages seemed neutral. It was until he took office and his colleagues began to either die or depart from Sunagakure that the relationship soured. Internally he'd sigh, thinking on how this could be perceived as a reflection of his policies. But this couldn't be further from the truth. The third had always been more interested in a life of isolation while the village internally developed its technology and shinobi. But all it took to misconstrue those principles were a pair of sand shinobi acting independently. 

Nevertheless as he walked towards the gates he'd pay close attention to any sign of chakra sources, sudden sounds, or movement near him. If Hoshigakure were anything like Sunagakure, he was certain that his person was already being tracked and his presence was already being monitored. It didn't bother him though, as it was protocol for efficient security. Still though, it was important for him to be perceptive of those around him. 

With the hood from his crimson red yukata draped over the crown of his head, his locks of hair remained hidden. Though his aged and scarred, melanin rich skin could easily be observed by any with sight of him. Guren wasn't sure how well his physical appearance was known throughout the shinobi world, but he made no attempt to hide it. Aside from his face, he displayed no physical signs of his identity nor his allegiance. Underneath the yukata were his typical black pinstriped shinobi fatigues, underneath a layer of relic anbu equipment. The man wasn't keen on wearing armor, but when on business outside of his village he made sure to equip it. And it wasn't the worst thing, hell at least it was lightweight. Although he could never get used to how much the damn metal made him uncomfortable. 

Finally he'd reach around 25 meters away from what appeared to be the guard posts. Being early morning, it seemed as if had been a slow time in gate activity. Luckily for him, that would mean no lines to stand in. He'd continue his pace towards the (presumably) occupied guard post on the left side of the gate until he either reached 5 meters from it, or was interrupted prematurely. And once he arrived, with a stoic expression he'd call out to the person inside.

"Good morning. I am Guren Chinoike, and I'd request to speak with your Hogokage or whomever is present at the moment."

He was forthcoming with his identity, and straight forward with his intentions. In his experience, being direct was always the best approach.

WC = 580

Today was pretty boring, to say the least.

Enishi truly believed that his life now that he entered the esteemed troupe of Nova Corps and had also risen to a higher echelon of status in the military world of Hoshigakure would finally become more interesting. Alas, the disillusionment of realizing that it was more or less the same menial tasks as being a Chuunin for a large part was absolutely depressing. It wasn't necessarily that his life before his promotion was dull - as most normal people in his shoes would be content with living off the funds and status of being one of the most valuable shinobi in a military village, but it should be common knowledge that the Sage was the furthest from "normal." He yearned for motivation. He hungered for conflict, or rather, something intense enough to draw his attention. He wished for a scenario where his abilities would have to be put to the test and his village could be put in danger to ultimately prevail as victorious. However, The Sage of Pleiades recognized how twisted that mindset was, appearing more to be a constructed power fantasy than anything else. He refused to feed into that side of himself, shoving his bizarre fabrication deep within the catacombs of his mind. It couldn't be ruined. After all, everything was going so well...this is what he wanted right? A world without major conflict and wars? A world where Hoshigakure thrived? If this was the case...

Why did he feel so empty?

He didn't have the answer to the question that gaped through his soul like a harrowing void and simultaneously festered like a wound left untreated. Time continued to progress regardless of his mental warfare, so in the meantime, he would try to focus on what was at hand. The Sword Saint was on guard duty today, but there were no travelers to help enter Hoshigakure presently. For the whole day, business was going at a snail's pace which led Enishi to daydream a bit - which was quite a terrible habit for him. Since the job was understaffed today, they needed someone reliable enough so they chose Enishi. Adorning his typical Nova Outfit, the Cloak of Prodigy with some personal alterations to it: a black that he also wears as part of his uniform, white trousers with lilac cuffs, black shoes, black gloves, and a double-breasted white long coat with a cutaway front, rolled cuffs, lapels, and lilac lining. The crest of the Hoshigakure could be seen proudly pictured on the upper part of his left sleeve, and a black belt was fastened tightly around his waist. It carried a sense of casualty but also of one that possessed a commanding position. Sighing immensely, he'd made himself comfortable once more...before nearly falling out of his chair at once he saw next.

A man, seeming to be a foreigner of exotic descent, made his way to the guard post on the left side of the gate - which coincidentally enough, would be where Enishi was located. Since it was early in the morning, the auburn-scarlet-haired Jugo was the only person besides the foreigner to be in the general area. The man would soon stop around five meters away from the Understudy's booth, adorning a unique type of yukata with black pinstriped shinobi fatigues, underneath a layer of relic shinobi equipment resembling that of what Anbu or Nova equivalents tended to wear. If that wasn't evidence enough that he was a shinobi, then it would be his potent and dense chakra that Enishi immediately picked up on. Before he could think any longer, the man spoke - stating that went by "Guren Chinoike" and requested an audience with the Hogokage or whoever was close to his status.

An unreadable countenance appeared on the Sage of Pleiades' expression - but only for a moment before switching back to impassivity - stepping out of his booth and facing the man as a five-meter distance separated the two. A foreigner with powerful chakra, and remnants of shinobi clothing requesting an audience with Ayato Hyuuga? Either he was smoking crack or he was some sort of diplomat from another village...Enishi wagered that the latter would be true despite his proclivities to label many things as "crack behavior." "Sir Guren Chinoike," He spoke firmly, wanting to see how his name rolled off of his tongue. It did, very well. His typical serene smile appeared in response. 

"I am sure you are not unfamiliar with the general procedures of village entrances. I will need ID or any sort of verifiable identification on you and your status. While it is not necessary to know the exact time you will stay in Hoshigakure, it would be nice to comprehend a rough estimate and if meeting the Kage is your only intention so you will be treated as a guest of honor for the duration of your stay. Furthermore, it is imperative to know from what village you hail - if you are affiliated with any - and your current position within that village to be requesting an audience with Lord Hogokage. Diplomat? Master? It will make the process of seeking an audience all the easier. General reasoning for an audience would be greatly appreciated as well. Now, may I see any form of identification for you, Sir Chinoike?"

WC: 883

As the boy had exited the confines of the guard tower, Guren was able to get a better look at him. At this point he had already been able to assess the potent chakra reserves the adolescent emitted, and so now he could match a frame to it. In the time it took to blink, Guren's eyes shiftily looked over the shinobi before him. Clearly he had been younger than Guren, given by the tone of his voice coupled with the youthful complexion of his face. And through the outline of his well fitting, silken robe Guren could distinguish that the boy boasted a lighter and more nimble frame than his own. Presumably the boy was fast, judging by his build as well as the blade attached to his hip; and without a doubt he was capable, given by his assignment on guard duty. Spending another fraction of a section to examine his equipment, Guren could perceive that the shinobi before him was a proud one. Not only of his position itself but of his village as well, evident by how he bore his village's insignia throughout his outfit. Even though Guren had only seen him for a few seconds, it was still refreshing and admirable to see how he carried himself. Mature, prompt, and pertinent.

Without much facial expression, Guren would abide by the instructions from the gate guard. He'd slip his offhand into his thigh pouch and retrieve his shinobi identification. Funny enough it hadn't been updated in more than a decade, and so his appearance on the card would hardly resemble the aged face he now had. Nevertheless with the card retrieved from his pocket, he'd walk over to the guard until he was within arm's length of him and offer him the ID. And as he'd approach the young man, Guren would verbally acknowledge the protocol that was outlined to him.

"Of course," he began while handing over the ID. After doing so, he'd fold his arms across his chest and offer a subtle smile of cordiality. "It would be a shame if I wasn't familiar with proper gate proceedings seeing as I've overseen them for quite some time in Sunagakure. In regards to my status, I am the Third Kazekage. Perhaps that itself explains a bit more of my intent. But without divulging too much details, I'd like to discuss the relationship between our villages with your village head. It's uncharacteristic of me to show up unannounced, but I personally felt this was of critical importance. I apologize for the informality."

He'd pause for a brief moment to carefully analyze the body language from the guard, as he supposed just the mentioning of Sunagakure could cause unease and distrust among Hoshigakure shinobi. But assuming all was well, he'd respond to the only unanswered question that the guard had issued to him.

"I don't intend to overstay my... welcome, if you can call it that. Perhaps no longer than a day or two at the most depending on the Hogokage's availability."

WC = 505. TWC = 1085

The exotic man seemed to have a relatively calm disposition, not reacting much nor letting possible inclinations of unnecessary details or emotions expose themselves to the boy. The shrewd Sage picked up on the man's astuteness which only added to his suspicions that this guy wasn't some ordinary traveler; his purpose for coming to Hoshigakure on this very day had to be some sort of premonition - dare he say, an event fated to occur. As much as he hated to admit it, this guy was an unreadable man with intentions greater than what a mere fresh Nova Corps member like Enishi could possibly understand. It was quite humbling since over the past few months, Enishi was the shinobi on top - an exemplary benchmark for excellence within the confines of Hoshigakure. Even with self-esteem and self-worth less than that of cattle, the Sage of Pleiades did have somewhat of a confidence boost after being praised so much for his efforts in being a part of the military elite in his village. He was powerful for the standards of Hoshigakure, yes, but what about the outside world? Enishi had never seen, much less traveled throughout the outside world. It was still an enigma, just how the man was to him at that very moment. Were they really that mysterious? Were they really that strong? 

Was he just a mere goldfish in a sea of sharks?

Presently, it was his turn for his facial expressions to be read. Guren revealed his ID without much issue,, yet the words he said accompanying his seemingly innocent action nearly broke Enishi's mind from within. He's the Third Kazekage? The same man who authorized a raze on his own village? The same man whose village threatened the livelihood of Hoshigakure? Guren Chinoike - by textbook definition -  was a person that Enishi Kurosawa should hate from the very fiber of his being. The rationale was simple: he threatened the village that saved him, clothed him, and gave him purpose when he was just inches away from the rope. Now he dared to stand in front of the city he let his own shinobi attempt to destroy? The turbulent, emotional side of the Understudy wanted to choke the bastardization of a Kage dead for setting foot in his village and audaciously asking for an audience with the Hogokage, but the logical, sage side of him knew that there was something more at play. He wasn't entirely certain Guren was even the Kazekage when the Kirigakure and Sunagakure terrorists invaded, so it may not be fair to make judgments at first. In fact, there was no reason to act with emotions in this specific instance; these useless sentiments of hostility bred nothing but more prospects of bad blood in a strained relationship between Sunagakure and Hoshigakure. So for now, Enishi would keep quiet about his sentiments. He was a soldier. He was the Wraith. The Wraith is a shadow to make the light shine better. It shall not make unnecessary movements. While he remained quiet as Guren spoke further about his identity and his welcome, the Sage remained impassively noiseless.

But for a single instant, indiscernible and infinitesimal in junction - Enishi's chakra fluctuated. The ice within his eyes carried unbridled fury.

Ultimately, his serene smile returned.


"No worries, Lord Kazekage." The Sage of Pleiades bowed with one hand in front, akin to a military salute. "I'm not sure whether Lord Hogokage is free at this moment, but rest assured that your situation will be of utmost importance and be at the top of his priorities. Despite our relations, it is only correct to deal with them cordially and promptly. Now then...your information looks good so we will find you a great hotel, and uh..." From the corner of Enishi's eye, he could see the real gate guard come back to assume his position. It seemed that his job was done for today...thank god. He'd hand over Guren's ID and certifications at that time. "I suppose my shift is over with. Apologies for not introducing myself earlier, Lord Kazekage. I am Enishi Kurosawa, a member of Hoshigakure's Nova Corps which is analogous to what many villages call the 'ANBU.' It is part of our job to escort esteemed guests. Come, I will get you checked in to your auberge, serve as your guide around the village, and report to Lord Hogokage about your request for an audience." Smirking further, Enishi would take a few steps toward the gates, beckoning Guren to come with him so he would enter as well.

[POTENTIAL EXIT]
[Letting in Guren to Hoshigakure]

WC: 766 
TWC: 1646

Making claims later.

As Guren had anticipated, his ID and appearance alone were nothing to cause dismay onto the Hoshigakure shinobi before him. The young man maintained a respectable amount of composure for someone who had to deal with foreigners all day. And judging by his appearance, he wasn't just a gate guard. The elegance of his attire was proof of that. But Guren didn't know how Hoshigakure organized its shinobi hierarchy. For now, despite his age, Auron assumed the boy to belong to the ranks of jounin at the very least. 

Up until this point, the situation had been playing out decently enough. Yet as he described who he was along with his intentions, the well refined perception of his passive chakra sensory allowed him to detect the briefest blip of a chakra spike from the boy. Coincidentally enough, it had come nearing the end of his own dialogue. And if Guren hadn't been so deeply analyzing the shinobi before him he never would have caught it. Cleverly though, this anomaly was masked by a pleasant grin, akin to the one he had displayed before. Guren's own lips stretched into somewhat of a half smile. This shinobi was certainly mindful of his actions.

The words that followed weren't what Guren had expected, though he indubitably appreciated them. He would be allowed entrance into Hoshigakure, with none other than the shinobi before him as his guide. And this was perfectly timed, as it seemed to be time for a shift change. Grabbing ahold of his ID and belongings, he'd place them back in their original location and then stuff his hands into his pockets of his yukata. With a stern yet friendly tone, Guren would respond back to the Nova Corp member before him. "Enishi, pleasure to meet you. And thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to have you as my guide." Interestingly enough, Guren's intuition was right. The boy was at least a jounin, in fact he was on par with Sunagakure's own Black Guard. This was comforting, knowing that someone of this rank was aware of Guren's presence in the village. Now it should come to no surprise to the higher ups that the Third was here. And so he'd proceed further towards the gates with Enishi, maintaining his stoic behavior all while observing every meticulous aspect of the Nova Guard and his home. It was a wonder how two villages could be so different.

Exit & Entering Hoshigakure with Enishi

WC = 406. TWC = 1491
Claims: As far as what I will claim with this word count I will decide later