an audiance with the Hoshikage

Isomo was finally awarded entry into the village hidden amongst the stars. After days of waiting outside, sleeping in the dirt, and years of wandering the road of the ninja world, she could finally settle down and learn in a safe place, where nobody would want to kill her on sight. She wanted to become part of something greater, as she always yearned for belonging wherever she went. A village was also a pragmatic choice: there, she could learn and become strong without danger around, and she could access knowledges and teachings she couldnt get anywhere else.

As she was interogated and searched at the registration offices, nothing out of ordinary could be found on her, except an old and rustly heandband from the hidden rain village.

With this in mind and after she was released from the registration and the search, she immediately went to the Kage office, wanting to introduce herself and to try and get recruited in the village. She knew this time she needed to play it differently, and be as diplomatic and convincing as possible, selling herself as much as she could so that they would recruit her and give her the opportunity she so much desire. As she passed the security checks and reliquished her weapons, comming only with the clothes on her back, Isomo arrived to the office of the Hoshikage, in front of the door, waiting to get acces. She looked ragged, her clothes dirty and ripped in places, and her skin dusty and dry. Her long grey hairs where entangled, unkempt and ragged also. She was looking like she needed help, and clearly to get clean and civilized. She would wait to have access or to be denied by guards.

The yard outside the Kage's office in the Unseen University was a blend of serene beauty and formidable strength. Towering cherry blossom trees adorned the rounded edges of the fifty-meter radius circle, their delicate pink petals fluttering down like a gentle rain, lending an air of tranquility to the surroundings. Stone pathways crisscrossed the yard, leading to various areas of the village. Lanterns, intricately designed with celestial motifs, lined the paths, casting a soft, warm glow as the daylight began to fade.

The air was crisp and refreshing, a testament to the village's lofty elevation amongst the mountains. A faint scent of blooming flowers mingled with the earthiness of the ground beneath, creating a sensory experience that was both soothing and grounding.

In the center of the yard stood a grand fountain, its waters sparkling under the fading sunlight. The fountain's centerpiece depicted a constellation of stars, each carved with meticulous detail, paying homage to the village's celestial theme. Water flowed from the constellation's core, cascading down in gentle rivulets before disappearing into an ornate basin adorned with celestial symbols.

Despite its peaceful aesthetics, the yard also emanated an undercurrent of strength and readiness. Trained shinobi in their distinctive village attire moved purposefully about their duties. Some practiced their techniques in designated training areas; their movements were fluid and precise, while others engaged in quiet discussions, strategizing, and sharing knowledge.

Some did not belong. Toneri Hyuuga's stern gaze fell upon Isomo as he stood before the fountain clad in black armor. His cold eyes took in her unkempt appearance 10 meters away. He crossed his arms over his chest with a disapproving frown.

"You stand before the headquarters of Hoshigakure," Toneri's voice held a sharp edge, "And yet, you present yourself in such a state. What brings you here, looking like you've been dragged through the mud?"

[WC: 307]

As the tall guard stand before Isomo, looking at her with distrust and disdain, as she looked like a corpse dug out of its tomb, the young girl bowed in respect, and listened to what he had to say. She noticed his whites eyes, the legendary Byakugans, peering intensely at her, with a serious gaze. After the man had talked, she quickly answered:

''Yes, forgive me for my appearance, I'm worn down by the countless years I spent in the wilds and on the roads. Im here to seek recruitement, as i've heard from the borders that Hoshi was a welcoming place, were anyone could settle down, and learn the arts of the shinobi.'' said in a calm but shaky voice Isomo, stressed and intimidated by the man, knowing she was only but a fraction of the power and immortality she wanted to attain. She needed to move quickly in life, and if it wouldnt work in Hoshi, as it has been a real suprise to see how much weary of her the village gates guard was, and now this guard too, she would need to move on and hit the road back quickly.

She presented herself in a manner to not look menacing, only cooperative, and calm.

As Isomo stood before him, resembling a creature dragged from the depths of a crypt, Toneri's expression remained a blend of disdain and amusement. Her appearance was a far cry from what he expected of potential recruits. His Byakugan eye bore into her, analyzing every detail as she bowed and began to speak with a mixture of calm and uncertainty.

She responded that she understood her appearance did not inspire confidence, her voice quivering slightly. She explained her disheveled state, citing years spent wandering the wilds and roads. She voiced her desire for recruitment, citing the reputed openness of Hoshi as a haven for aspiring shinobi.

Toneri's lips curled into a wry smile, his amusement growing. The gall she had to present herself in such a state was almost admirable. His amusement escalated, culminating in unrestrained laughter that echoed through the air. 

"Forgive me, but I can't help but wonder if you stumbled into the wrong village. We are hidden amongst the stars, not the village beneath compost heaps." Toneri chuckled before continuing, "You see, it's not every day we have a walking cadaver apply for a shinobi position," he quipped, his tone still laced with dry humor. He couldn't help but toy with her, given the audacity of her request. In this world of shinobi, strength is earned, not granted. 

Toneri's smirk softened slightly. While he found her initial appearance far from convincing, her tenacity was intriguing. He mused, "You certainly have determination, if nothing else."  Toneri couldn't help but offer one final witty remark, "If my brother were here, he might have taken a liking to underdogs like you. But alas, he's off on some heroic mission, leaving me to handle these... unique cases." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle, then added with a hint of arrogance, "Should he ever fall, rest assured, I would make a much better Kage."

With a casual wave of his hand, Toneri dismissed her, his tone unapologetically curt. "Begone with you, Tau. "  A mixture of amusement and curiosity lingered in his Byakugan-empowered gaze as he watched her walk away, leaving him to contemplate the unexpected encounter.

[WC: 367]

completely disillusioned and shocked at the comments of the man toward Isomo, she finally understood what was obvious from the start, but that she denied with her willpower and devotion: She wasnt meant nor fit for Hoshigakure, far from it. They only saw her as a monster, a freak, a demon full of trash not worthy of their high and mighty stature, their noble traits and rich and manered culture. She was a missing ninja, worn down by the years, from a village in ruin that didnt exist anymore. As the man before her told her away, Isomo turned back, furious inside, only containing her rage and savagery by the cleverness of her brain knowning she wouldnt get out of here alive if she let the demon act instead of the clever side of herself.

She would stay in for a few days, as a tourist in the village to rest, heal her weariness of the road, eat, drink, but would leave soon afterwards to better horizons, knowing she isnt welcome here. She needed a place to accept her for who she was, and a place where she could still do what she wanted and needed for her lord Jashin, including sacrifices and murders.

[EXIT]

TWC: 701

stats= 7 stats going to strength (new total 74)

using 500 WC to learn Taijutsu Infusion D rank, 200 wc going toward Jotun Grip A ranked 378 WC/2500 (using 178 wc from this thread)