Mikey Seeing the Sights [Village Entry]

Manjiro got off the carriage and there he was, in the land of Haven and at the gates of Hoshigakure. This would be the first Major Village that Manjiro has ever been to. He wondered how things would turn out but he lined up with the others around him some giving him a strange look for his young age but beyond that just another day. Whenever it was his turn he would give his actual name and say he was from Hotsprings if asked.

WC: 84

As Harold Graymane stood watch at the imposing gates of Hoshi, his firm, muscular frame made him an intimidating figure. His beard, neatly groomed, added an air of ruggedness to his appearance. The village gates were a hub of activity, with people from all walks of life queuing up, eager to enter the hidden village. 

Among the diverse crowd, the presence of a particular blond ninja piqued Harold's interest. This ninja at 15 meters away seemed to stand out, not just because of his hair but also because of the air of mystery surrounding him. Harold had seen that face before, in the newly updated bingo books. The ninja in question had recently been elevated in the ranks of missing ninja. He went by the alias "Mikey," though his real name and abilities were a mystery to the Snow Native.

As the crowd bustled around him, Harold couldn't ignore that Mikey's arrival was significant. Hoshi had a reputation for being a haven for shinobi of all backgrounds, but this blond visitor's presence raised questions. Harold's voice, deep and commanding, cut through the noise as he addressed the stranger.

"Hey, you there!" he called out, echoing through the gate area. His gaze bore into the Nukenin, assessing him carefully. "Mikey. What's your business in Hoshi?" His posture remained firm, a silent declaration that he was ready for any response. In Hoshi, safety and vigilance went hand in hand, and Harold Graymane embodied both.

[WC: 257]

It seemed that he had been spotted though at first he wasn’t sure he had been the one the Guard was talking to. That got thrown out the window when the guard addressed him as Mikey, an alias that he was known for more on the Missing-Ninja side of things. It seemed that his information was being spread around with the usage of the Bingo Books. Manjiro was more surprised that the dispatching of other Missing-nin had gotten him into the books but he did give the bounties up to those who paid for it so it wasn’t to surprising.

The guard was alert and cautious and asked simple question. So Manjiro responded with a simple answer as he made himself plenty visible to the guard to show he had nothing but what he wore on him. “I’m simply traveling the world and wanted to see the sights, After all when in Haven it would be a regret not to see what Hoshigakure was all about.” He replied with a smile on his face. He didn’t have any hidden intentions and had no desire to start any fights, if he was turned away he would simply leave.

WC: 197
TWC: 281

Harold observed the stranger's reaction keenly, taking note of the initial uncertainty that washed over the man's features. Clearly, the Nukenin had recognized his alias, Mikey, being spoken aloud, a name that had undoubtedly earned a place in bingo books across the lands. In a world where information traveled as swiftly as the wind, it was no surprise that his notoriety had preceded him.

The guard had been trained to approach every situation cautiously, and his vigilance remained unwavering. Manjiro's response, however, seemed genuine enough. His admission of simply wanting to explore the world and experience what Hoshigakure had to offer rang true.

Harold nodded, his stern expression softening slightly. "Well, Mikey," he said, acknowledging the man by his alias once more, "Hoshigakure is indeed a place of unique beauty and culture. We're open to visitors who come in peace and harbor no ill intentions. I'll need to verify some information, but if everything checks out, you're welcome to enter."

With that, Harold stepped forward, maintaining a cautious yet respectful distance. "I'll need your name for our records, as well as any belongings or weapons you may be carrying," he requested politely. "It's all just a formality, you understand. We take the safety of our village very seriously."

[WC: 208]

The response of the guard was a positive one though now he wasn't sure if he wanted to give up his actual name, "I do not mind handing over what is needed though would I be able to simply leave my name as Mikey for your records? It seems to have sufficed so far." He would ask more then willing to give on the point but if his alias is already known in the books might as well just stick with it going forward. "If not that is fine I do not mind."

If the guard pressed that it had to be his actual name he would give Manjiro but if he was allowed to simply put down Mikey instead he would do so that way. Regardless he would comply.

WC: 130
TWC: 411

Weathered by years of guarding the gates and witnessing countless travelers, Harold's eyes held a glint of understanding. He had met all sorts - from those seeking shelter and new beginnings to fugitives on the run. The Nukenin's request was not the first time someone had wished to keep their identity hidden, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

He admired Mikey's straightforwardness. In this line of duty, people often tried to outwit him with elaborate stories or false identities. Mikey's candid approach was refreshing.

Harold adjusted his stance slightly, relaxing just a touch. "Mikey it is, then," he affirmed, and he reached for a parchment and a quill. He'd jot down the alias, ensuring that Mikey's wishes were honored.

As he scribbled the name onto the parchment, he couldn't help but wonder about the stories hidden behind the aliases, the reasons people chose to become someone else, even if only for a moment. He knew, however, that those stories were often closely guarded secrets, divulged only to those who had earned trust.

With the record updated, he nodded in acknowledgment."Before you enter, record your weapons and belongings for security purposes. " He gestured to a nearby table where a guard checked and stored other travelers' belongings. "Just head over there, and they'll take care of it. You'll get everything back when you leave."

Harold remained patient, understanding that this was often a concern for visitors. He had seen his fair share of unique weapons and items during his time as a gatekeeper, and they all had stories to tell.

[WC: 267]

Manjiro nodded and was thankful to the guard, seemed that not everyone was so against Missing nin. Though he was sure it was more due to his own calm and willing nature in this interaction that helped as well. Manjiro went ahead and went to the table and produced the things he had on him which was 1x Missing-Nin Headband, 5x Kunai, 5x Shuriken, 2x Explosive Tag, 2x Smoke bomb, 10x Senbon, 1x Chakra bonded katana, 4x Military ration pills and 1x Corpse Scrolls. Nothing to out of the ordinary as he had started using his dimension for storage for those who fell to him in battle then the scrolls he had on him still. Convenience of having your own dimension. 

Once he had done that he did produce one more Corpse Scroll but this one had the body of one of the people he had dispatched, he wanted to keep it on him in case he found someone who wished to purchase it for one reason or another. "I hope I can keep this one on me as it holds the body of a Missing-nin that I dispatched in Hotspring and I am looking for someone to purchase it." Granted they could force the issue but with how understanding they had been so far he felt they could come to another compromise on this subject as well, after all he had given them everything else.

WC: 257
TWC: 668

Harold observed as Manjiro presented his belongings, items that were relatively standard for a traveling ninja, missing-nin or not. The guard had seen his fair share of those who strayed from the righteous path, and this encounter was heading in an unexpectedly cooperative direction.

"I must admit, when I saw you, I took you for a swordsman. But your belongings are more in line with basic shinobi gear."

As Manjiro produced another Corpse Scroll, Harold's brows slightly furrowed. This one, however, carried more than the typical load of kunai or shuriken; it held the remains of someone the traveler had dispatched. The explanation followed, with the man expressing his intention to sell it. Harold's expression remained thoughtful, his gaze briefly shifting to the scroll as he considered the request.

"Mikey, you've been cooperative so far, and I appreciate that," he began. "However, rules are rules, and we like to keep the peace around here. The trade of human remains within Hoshigakure is not allowed even for those purposes.." His eyes conveyed the importance of adhering to the village's regulations as he spoke. "You've already handed over your weapons and gear, which is the most we can accept for now. Anything else should be disposed of properly or elsewhere outside the village."

With a nod of finality, Harold resumed his post, ready to address the next traveler who sought passage through the village gates.

[WC:233]

"Hmm" Manjiro mused as he flipped the scroll over and over, then he had an idea. He could just act like he got rid of it by disposing of it in his dimension but he would need to be smart about it. "Very well, a loss for me but rules are rules." He would say as he went far enough away to not be seen well enough to know what he was doing and deposited the scroll into his dimension. To go a step further he did dig a hole and cover it up to help his deceit. Coming back he showed his empty hands and allowed a pat down to confirm he no longer had the scroll on him. With that he should be all done with the procedures put in front of him. 

"Is it safe to assume that I'm clear for entry now?" Manjiro would ask.

[-25 AP to put Corpse Scroll in Dimension]

WC: 149
TWC: 817

Harold watched Mikey's actions with a keen, practiced eye, much like a grizzled guard stationed on the snow-covered border of Snow. This traveler's approach to the situation piqued his interest; he showed a resourcefulness and quick thinking that reminded Harold of the hardy Nords of his homeland.

"Aye, that's a clever move," Harold grunted with a nod, a grudging respect in his voice. Such adaptability was valuable in this world, where survival often depended on one's wits. "We've got our rules, but ain't no harm in a bit of caution."

With a subtle shift of his fur-lined cloak, Harold gestured towards the towering gates of Hoshigakure, which loomed like the imposing entrance to an ancient ruin. "You're clear to enter," he declared, stepping aside as the gates slowly creaked, revealing the mystical village beyond. "Remember, Heaven's got its laws and customs. Keep your nose clean, and you'll find it a fine place to lay your head."

Harold couldn't help but feel curious as the gate opened fully. With his unconventional approach, Mikey intensified the air of mystery about him. Harold wondered what adventures this stranger might get to their village as he wished him well and watched him step into the mystical realm of Hoshigakure.

[WC: 208]
[TWC: 1173]

---

Allowing Mikey's entrance to Hoshigakure


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