Just Chunin Things

Three people, walking alongside one another, were making there way through the rocky roads in the village of Kumogakure. Heading up it's many slopes and peaks, climbing ever upward until one would reach it's summit, coalescing at the Kage's chambers. That location would be the intended final destination for the group. Leading this small pack was none other than Roki, wearing a simple black denim jacket with splashes of white paint, no shirt, black denim pants with the same additions of it's complimentary color. His hair would be a mullet, parted in the center; curled to add some volume. Giving it some life and a pop of something that wasn't a neutral shade; the left half of his hair would be a fiery red shade. To the Dragon Slayer's immediate left hand side, taking relatively large and confident strides would be Hiro Shimada. A Living Clone, recently made by the previously named Kumo nin. He'd be drapped in all black, the only thing besides that was a brown, felt trench coat. Because black on black often didn't read well, it needed some texture, so to add to that several belts would be strapped around the mans torso; the jeans in which he was wearing seemingly stitched together at certain places. Next to his predecessor, the Wolf of the Dawn was standing about a foot above him. The third member of this little band was the littlest of them all. Being carried on top of the giant's left shoulder, was Ki Shimada. Not only was he the smallest, but also the youngest. To match, the air around him, while emblazoned with energy, was chaotic. He'd currently be dressed in a plain white tee and shorts, his pastel blue hair flowing well below the arm that was currently holding him up. The most curious thing about this one, was the mask in which he currently had strapped to the back of his head. It's pattern was all white, but white black tendrils stretching inwards.

It was good for them to get out and come with; also Hiroki had deemed it best that the Kage meet these two asap. There was a plan to send them somewhere, but it would need to be run by the man running the show first. What better time to do that when being called to meet by him in the first place? All that was known to what was going to be discussed was simply detailed as being related to their time in Suna and Ketsu. So, he'd reach the Kage's chambers at the exact time that he was scheduled to be there. Not a minute sooner, but not one minute later, either. Walking into the building, clones in tow, Roki would greet whoever was the current desk clerk. Hopefully, they were already informed on things, but if not, he'd state "I'm here to see Lord Ichigo, he sent for me." And then promptly wait until he would be directed to head on up to Ichi's office.

WC: 500

Ichigo Sato was a simple man, he punished those who asked for it and rewarded those that deserved it. He didn't rule the country with an iron fist, nor did he allow anyone to run free. Perfectly balanced, as all things should be. The contrast between the son of a blacksmith and the Raikage could be no bigger, but he believed to be doing a good job so far. Regardless of what people said, no one was born a leader. That being said, the Drunken Storm had been the first to lead his forces into battle, standing at the front of the battlefield. 

Reminiscing about the past events in Sunagakure and the place formerly known as Ketsuekigakure, his thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice coming through the intercom. "Ah yes, send him my way". No longer donning his armor but the Raikage cloak instead, the black swordsman made himself look presentable, the Kage hat on the right side of his desk. Perfectly placed in the middle of the table were a couple of glasses, paired with a bottle of finest sake in Lightning, should any guest fancy a drink whenever they would visit him. Even though he was far from a man of fashion or style, Ichigo knew how to treat others.

Assuming the visitor arrived at the Raikage Chambers they would notice the door of his office being wide open, a testament of Ichigo's availability for those who wished or needed to see him. "Ah, Hiroki. Come in" he greeted the young Shimada who seemed to be accompanied by two other individuals. "Please, have a seat" the Kage offered the three of them. Pouring everyone a drink, some water for the youngest, he then toasted to Kumogakure's success in both Wind and Volcano. After raising his glass and taking a sip, he would then take the word. "Before we move on to business, I didn't have the pleasure of meeting these two yet?" the Drunken Storm referred to the duo that came with Hiroki.  

(WC: 336)

WC: 338

And, once told to, all three of them would head up.

Hiroki would come round the bend and into the open doorframe first, shortly followed by both Hiro and Ki. Even before being offered to, ever so curiously and almost mischievously, the kid would enter the room, set in amazement by the many shiny objects that were all decorated throughout. The taller one for a second looked like he was about to stop this from happening, but his gaze was too hung up on the gym that was also within the office. Meanwhile, the Chunin would just place one finger on his eyebrow in a half-baked attempt to keep his eye from twitching while witnessing this. Within a second though, once sighing to gain some composure and Lord Ichigo would say so, he’d enter the chambers; laughing reluctantly and awkwardly while simultaneously ushering Ki into one of the seats offered with a gesture of the Kage’s hand and offering a head nod as a silent greeting to the leader. For formality's sake, he’d offer a proper ”Good afternoon, Lord Raikage, it’s a pleasure as always.”

And, once it was offered, all three of them would drink; in their own way.

Holding the cup in his right hand, giving cheers before taking a sip, the Dragon Slayer would be seated rather casually. He would go on to say ”No, why, I don’t believe you have. These two are recent additions to the family after our recent endeavors. You now have the pleasure of meeting Ki, who-“ And upon pointing to his left where Ki would be sitting, Hiroki would come to the realization of how…he would be sitting and drinking. The Beast of Mercy would be chaotically kicking their legs back and forth in the chair while swishing the water back and forth in their mouth before actually drinking it. After the second time, Ki would realize the spotlight was currently on him, and he’d just happily smile and wave. Gleefully innocent. ”-as you can tell, is the more- erm. Outgoing one of us three. Then, on the other hand, you have Hiro over here. A man of few words at first, but can speak loudly when needed.” Hiro would be standing opposite Ki, next to his chair with a hand behind his back and one hand holding the cup. He’d offer a ”Hmmph. Hi, Lord Raikage.” but that was all.

”By the way, if you haven’t already sensed, Lord Twelfth…you’ll be needing more alcohol than that.”

And when the black and red-haired lad had finished speaking that sentence, in would walk. The man. The myth. The legend. ”Well, well. If it isn’t the former Lord Raikage himself.” And he’d say that without turning around to even look at who it was after the voice would be heard coming from behind to confirm that someone was indeed walking towards, and entered into the room; picked up via chakra sensory and previously memorizing his signature. Now he would turn to greet his fellow Kumo lad. ”It’s been a while, still hitting the gym though from the looks of things.”

WC: 533
TWC: 1053[/b]

Amused, the Raikage would watch and observe the playful and stoic behavior of the two strange individuals who entered the office with Hiroki. "Yes, quite the interesting pair" Ichigo smiled in return. Once indulging in the fine liquor Kumogakure had to offer, he listened as the young Shimada explained how the child and warrior were both additions to the family. "Then they will be treated as such" the Drunken Storm would voice, raising his glass as he gave Ki and Hiro a nod. Just how their territory expanded, so did their forces. Emptying the sake in one swig, he then spoke up once more. "Now I take it you came to introduce these gentlemen for a reason?". Whatever the case, Ichigo would listen attentively.

However, before Hiroki could do so, the Raikage sensed another presence approaching the Chambers. "Of course, how could I not" he replied, a pleasant smirk covering his face from mouth to ear. And there, in all his glory, Noboru Kaito would enter and take the stage. "If it isn't my husband, I mean good friend" he greeted his predecessor and man who started Kumogakure's new era. Ichigo would stand up and walk up to the red haired specimen. "How's the family life treating you? I hope all is well?" he inquired, extending his arm towards Kaito. Assuming his friend replied, he then grabbed another chair for Lord Eleventh to sit in before returning to his desk where he would pour him a drink. "So, to what do I owe this pleasure?". It was a nice, surprise visit and one that was long overdue. 

(WC: 267, TWC: 603)

Upon the former Lord Raikage Nobo entering the room, the atmosphere would certainly change further. What would go from a more relaxed 'business' meeting so to speak turned into a mini-reunion. It was good to see him around after so long, at this point, it had been about a year since their last venture together. Back then was a much different time as well, everyone present was much younger, and some who were here weren't even entirely in existence yet. Unlike that of the last little endeavor though, the one from that time was a specific hunt. One after a former shinobi of Kumogakure and rogue nin, Elias Uchiha. It was the reasoning as to why someone managed to walk away from the situation with a Sharingan, and said person has been using it wisely ever since. Hiroki might've taken the other man who was with him that day for dead, but, then again, that would then be an underestimation of the eleventh; the man certainly had the strength to hold back even death, that was for damn sure. To put it to simpler terms, you could keep the former Raikage out of the Kage Gym; but you couldn't keep the Kage Gym out of the former Raikage. "Well, look who finally decided to come out retirement...It's good to see you too Lord Noboru, even better now that you're putting money in my hand." He'd initially respond, the first part upon the Avatar of Fuijin making his way over to the desk; the second half after Nobo greeted Roki and set the bag with Ryo on the table.


"Cheers to that, and this upcoming attempt to not spend all the ryo on sake."  The Dragon Slayer would offer back to what was said in toast, raising his cup as well before taking a sip. Hiro and Ki would silently do the same.


There would be the moment of pause as they all took their sip, and the Chunin would be the first amongst them to speak afterwards, stating "Speaking of babies and children Lord Noboru, these are mine. As just introduced to Lord Twelfth, this is Hiro and Ki; y'all meet the predecessor of the former and equally as honorable, Lord Noboru Kaito." Hiro would nod, while Ki waving gleefully. "They came to be after me and Lord Ichigo's last trek, I decided it was time to finally start making some change in the world. And so, here they are now."


Hiroki would then shortly after be the first one to start the business off;


"Speaking of, and this does tie into your question from earlier Lord Raikage, I brought these two because our last world tour as I mentioned, inspired me; you should've been there by the way Lord Noboru, you would have had a blast." The Avatar of Raijin would take a more formal position in his seat now upon saying this, going on to further say with "I was thinking of having these two start a hideout in the name of Kumogakure somewhere. Or, if you'd like, to position them within Ketsuekigakure. As for myself, well you know my strengths Lord Ichigo, so I'd ask what would want me to do? Where will I best be able to help the village?"



WC: 532
TWC: 1585

Memories rushed through Ichigo's mind similar to how Noboru's presence filled the room, the redhead as impressive and intimidating as in the good old days. Although he was never a man to remain cooped up inside an office, the current situation might have been able to inflict a certain nostalgia upon Kaito, perhaps even to the point where he would start and reminisce about the past. Not much had changed as far as interior design went, the dumbells and weights remained, as did the alcohol, only did they increase in number over time. Who needed a protein shake when sake would do the same but better?

Perhaps it was by chance or coincidence, but maybe, just maybe, it was fate that brought them together, underneath the watchful eye of Raijin and Fujin where some of the pillars of Kumogakure had gathered in one and the same place. Whether or not that would be the case, Ichigo decided to believe the higher powers played their part in the reunion. After all, the gods had never disappointed him so far, his faith in them allowing him to rise to power and increase their village's influence in the shinobi world. And he had no plans to change it anytime soon.

With the warm greetings exchanged and out of the way, Ichigo returned to his desk as Noboru took a seat in turn. His friend and predecessor took the time to greet both Hiroki and the new additions that recently joined the family before sharing some joyful news. Accompanied by this sudden revelation were a intriguing gourd as well as a bag of money, both of which were placed on the table, the ethereal weapon of wonder finding its way to the Raikage while the hefty amount of coin ended up in the hands of the young Shimada. "Always bearing gifts, some things never change". Once a Mad Lad, always a Mad Lad.

Aware alcohol should always be drunk in good company, Noboru retrieved a box and revealed a couple of cigars, determined to add even more flavor to the already rich sake. Graciously accepting one of those beauties the black swordsman would light them bad boys up, engaging in a toast among everyone present. "To the baby, to Kumogakure, and to us". Raising his glass, Ichigo then emptied it in one go, taking a big drag of the cigar and blowing away the smoke as he could feel the liquor making its way down. The atmosphere was great, and the boys were back together once more.

Continuing their reunion in style, it would be Hiroki who spoke up, officially introducing his family to the Eleventh. Briefly explaining how they came to be, the Dragon Slayer of Kumogakure mentioned their little adventure, referring to the events taking place in Volcano Country. "Ah yes, blood was spilled and .. well that's about it" the Drunken Storm laughed out loud. Now that they were back on the topic of Hiroki's babies as he called them, the young Shimada would inquire about what Ichigo had in mind for their future. "First, congratulations and thank you for everything, Noboru. I doubt it needs to be said but your name will forever be written down in the history books of our village. Therefore, I would like to officially offer you the title of Master of Kumogakure". Even though his friend deserved much more and a six letter word would never be enough to repay what he meant for both Ichigo and the village, it was still the first step in honoring Kaito's name. 

Having said that, the Raikage then directed himself at Hiroki, Hiro and Ki. "Speaking of titles and whatnot, you have indeed proven yourself and your loyalty to Kumogakure once again. It is for that reason that I wish to promote you to Jounin". Whether or not the Chuunin accepted would be entirely up to him, but the Drunken Storm hoped for and expected a positive reply. Assuming he received an answer, the black swordsman then moved on to the Shimada's original question. "You have long earned the right to express your wishes, be that aiding your family with the hideout or leading your own division, the choice is yours". Both Hiro and Ki were welcome to build something in the name of Kumogakure as well as serving the village in the place that once used to be Ketsuekigakure.

Taking another sip, Ichigo made sure to consider every option to guide Hiroki in the desired direction. "Alternatively, with how much you enjoyed our latest journey, you could always embark on a travel of your own, and once you have made certain these two are ready". Apparently there was a village somewhere out there starting to make a name for themselves, something always worth checking out, which is what he told those in the room with him.

(WC: 808, TWC: 1411)

Mid-thread claim:
- Sakegari no Tachi
- appointing Noboru Kaito as Master
- promoting Hiroki Shimada to Jounin