The Drunk & The Devil

His return was one of victory, his time after mostly spent with meetings between higher ups and others that wished to see him. Safe to say, Ichigo couldn't think of relaxing just yet. History had been written, an important footnote added to Kumogakure. Nevertheless, the Raikage knew they weren't allowed to take things easy. There was a lot to discuss, plans needed to be made. If they wanted to continue to improve and make progress in the right direction, they had to proceed in the same vein. "We can rest another day". No need to take things slow after all.

For now, Ichigo found himself sitting behind his desk in the Raikage Chambers, writing down a couple of things he wished to see implemented in the village. A couple of people already came to see and inform him of the current state of affairs in Kumogakure. Not much had changed, which he considered a good thing. However, that didn't mean there was no room for improvement. In order to maintain the balance he himself created, the Drunken Storm was aware he would have to come up with certain measures. As their territory grew and with it their influence expanded, so should their forces. Perhaps something he could discuss with some of his most trusted individuals. 

(WC: 215)

*Tap! Tap! Tap!*

Stern taps at the doors of the chamber, not long after the doors opened. The knocks were a curtesy, to prepare for her visit. If it was someone else they wouldn’t have been extended the same kindness. As the doors opened in full the smirk and intense gaze of Ayuna would meet with that powerful glare of the Raikage. She would shudder from it, something about Ichigo has always made her feel challenged in some odd way, even before his ascension to the throne.

“My, it is so good to see you, Ichi-Ichi.”

She said, making her way into the chambers as the doors closed firmly behind her. Her stride was confident, powerful, seductive. Her red hair swayed from each step she took as her smile grew slightly more. Was she feeling some form of attraction, or was this just another one of her games that she like to play with the male species? It was difficult to say, but then again Ayuna was never a clear book. Stopping before the desk of the Raikage, the woman would extend her hand hold a black folder with a blood red lock-tie.

“My report on my observations and experiences during the mission the old man assigned to me last year. You’ll find that I didn’t let my intrusive thoughts get the best of me this time.”

She giggled, setting the documents before him, helping herself to a seat. Crossing her right leg over her left and resting both her arms on the arm rests. Her demeanor shifted from playful seductress to composed coldness.

“You’ve been busy, or so I’ve heard. This assimilation of Ketsuekigakure, what prompted it?”

The tapping sounds coming from behind the door would inform the Raikage of a visitor, the noise breaking his concentration. "At last, someone who knows how to knock" the Drunken Storm voiced as one of his most loyal friends, Ayuna Chinoike, entered the room and set foot inside his office. "Damn woman, that hair of yours keeps blinding me" the black swordsman said jokingly, referring to her red colored locks that reminded him of the blood he spilled. Memories and reminiscing aside, he would watch as the kunoichi took a seat in front of the desk, a signal for him to pour her a drink. Never say Ichigo didn't know how to treat his guests.

Doing so, the head of the village reached for a bottle of sake, simultaneously grabbing two cups which he then filled with the finest liquor around. "It's no Bloody Mary but it'll do the trick". Placing both glasses perfectly in the middle for Ayuna and himself to reach, the Raikage then accepted the Chinoike's report she handed to him earlier. "Very well, I'm sure I'll find everything I need to know inside". He then indulged in the alcohol, slowly taking a sip to truly savor its taste. Was there anything better than a drink from the glorious Kumogakure? Surely not.

Slightly leaning back in his chair, Ichigo listened as the kunoichi inquired about recent events taking place in and around Volcano Country, more specifically the assimilation of Ketsuekigakure. "I do not scheme or plot, I'm simply a man who follows his gut" the black swordsman began to speak. There wasn't a big plan or strategy involved, nor did he prepare or had anything in the works a long time before finally arriving and conquering. "It appeared the Chikage tried to make a deal with the leader of Tanbogakure behind our backs, and that after inviting us to a summit". The absense of any news regarding said invitation only added to the suspicions he already had.

Still comfortably at his desk the Raikage continued to explain how everything eventually led to Kumogakure taking over, Ketsuekigakire no longer existing and Volcano Country belonging to Lightning. "Needless to say, I repaid the lack of respect in kind". And so began the story of the humble blacksmith's son turned conqueror and the building of an empire ruled underneath the watchful eye of Raijin and Fujin. That being said, Ichigo filled their cups of sake once more, raising his glass to the future of their village. Emptying the liquor in one go, he then spoke up once more. "I'm aware of your past and perhaps sentiment with the place, whether it be good or bad, how do you feel about what happened?". For some people it used to be their home, all the more reason for the Raikage to develop it the best he could.

(WC: 475, TWC: 690)

Ichigo, those of principality exalt him, for he holds the title of The Raikage, but to Ayuna, he was a true companion, Ichi-Ichi. A cute little pet name was bequeathed to him, but only she dared to give him such an exasperating name. She never quite learned how he felt about the name, but in her defense, he never quite learned that taking jabs at her for her hair color would warrant her being just as childish. This was the foundation of their relationship. Flashing a smile at his comment as she poured her drink, the devotion lushes within its vessel, and her eyes scan him over.



“No? A pity.” She replied. Exchanging the report for the brew. Its aroma filled her with warmth before even making its way to her lips. The Chinoike would knock it back, planting the glass on the table. It was good; it was really good. She was taken back for a moment, subtly surprised by its smoothness. “ This takes me back. To a time where I wasn’t quite like myself now, a time of innocence.” He wanders to their youthful years, sneaking into the Old Man’s chambers to “sample” his drink. The constant looking over their shoulders out of fear of one day being caught... Ayuna giggles softly as she thinks back. That day never came.



The conversation shifted to what transpired in the volcano country. Ichigo responds to her inquiry, stating that he was just following his gut. Something that she knew about him all too well actually saved their lives more times than she could remember. He’s always been like that—a natural leader. Even back then, she could almost always tell he was destined for more than what he signed up for. Even if that meant that a wedge would fall between them, And yet, somehow, he’s prevented such a divide. Not many in his position are capable of such tactics, be they political or personal. But that doesn’t really apply to him, now does it?



So the Chikage chose to stain their reputation with such a shameful strategy. What was there for them to gain from it? Ayuna would have to deduce that seeing Ichigo before her and the assimilation of that village only meant that he stained the ground with her blood in response. “ Your concerns are misplaced, Ichi-Ichi. Wherever you are in this world is where my sentiment lies. Don’t forget that. ” She reached for her second glass, taking the drink back immediately as it was picked up.



But she must admit it. “ Your course of action was justified; I expect nothing less from my raid. But what’s more interesting is that whisper, repeating that you did not go this alone? There was another, someone, or something not quite human? I thought I was the only “Devil” that you knew. ” Her gaze became fixed on him. It was clear that she was interested in who the other mysterious figure was with him. Moreso, she wasn’t sure if they could trust this person or being.

Thankfully, what transpired in Volcano didn't appear to bother Ayuna too much. "I'm not proud of taking someone else's life, but they left me with no choice". He didn't go there to conquer, nor were there any plans of taking over, but given the situation Ichigo was presented with at the time, he simply decided to go with the best option. Even if it meant staining his sword with blood. "What's done is done". Taking another sip of his glass, the Raikage decided not to dwell on things too long, leaving what happened in the past and using it as a chance to better their future.

Still on the topic of what took place during the assimilation of Ketsuekigakure, the female Chinoike couldn't help but inquire a bit further, mentioning how she heard about another being's presence. "Well I suppose he wouldn't mind being described in such fashion" the Drunken Storm replied in turn, referring to the Hokage who he met in Wind Country and then traveled with to Volcano. It seemed whispers had already started to move, although it hardly came as a surprise that news of both Konohagakure and Kumogakure taking over two other villages eventually spread. "You heard correct, a man named Aokidanza joined me on this endeavor". Ichigo refused to call it a conquest, as was never his intention in the first place.

Ayuna suddenly bringing it up suddenly reminded him about the strange atmosphere and likewise behavior Mukuro displayed when the Mad Medic laid eyes on the Hokage's companion. "You wouldn't happen to know of a woman, I believe her name was Yachiru? Our good friend acted rather strangely upon meeting her even if it was only for a brief moment". After all, he remembered wanting to ask her about it whenever the chance presented itself.

(WC: 301, TWC: 991)