Welcome to Hokage Rock

Night was full of stars, each in their own little unique clusters arranged in different formations. It was a good time to be out this late, the cool air rode in from the west, kissing all the star gazers who occupied the newly constructed lawn area for the villagers. It was a nice little edition thrown in by the higher ups. After the reconstruction of the Hokage rock, the money used to build the open lawen area could have been put towards anything else. Towards a particular shinobi budget, bonuses for the office folk, or even a restoration project towards an old buildings in one of the well known districts. With many of the old districts, like the Uchiha, Senja, and Hyuuga being gentrified, that many would have really helped. But, in this circumstance, the Higher ups gain not only Okisho's respect, but many others too for this beautiful edition to the village.

Okisho, was seen walking up the stone craved steps, leading up to the open lawn area over looking the village. He takes a glance to his left, looking out past the staircase rails, admiring the many lights and buildings below. Even at this angle, it was still a good view. Which meant, the view from the open lawn would be even grander.

He needed the break from all the missions he undertook these past couple of days. Plus, what he discovered in the lower projects of the village, he was in for a rough ride down the road. His own clan Council, selling their kin's future for coin. He wish it wasn't so, but he had no choice but to investigate it. His whole clan was at stake.

As for attire, Okisho is a minimalist, nothing too flashy and void of any logos. He is seen wearing a simple all light grey shirt, and a pair of dark navy-blue slacks which stop at the top of his ankles. A single ninja pouch concealed underneath his black shirt. The pouch his attached to his black leather belt, fastened on the back right side of his waist. His shoes are standard issued shinobi editions, revealing his toes and back ankles. His shinobi headband is tied tight against his forehead, but not so much to cause any discomfort. Along with his attire, he carried a thick rolled up blanket in his left arm.

One he reached the top, he takes in the open lawn scenery,

It was a large open patio, with synthetic grass. It was large enough to fit 100 people. But, there were only about, 20 figures present. it was surrounded by a cement sidewalk that encompassed the whole lawn. And to the north of the lawn, just after the pavement, was a stone built railing to which when Okisho stepped towards it he could see it all.

The stars, the buildings, the lights, the landmarks, parks, all of it. The wind even brushed against hi once more, a reminder from up above that he was leaning against the rails. It was a long way down, to which he he could even see the top of the two previous Hokage heads.

"This is nice, I should bring the rest Tenshi, Himari, and Onabi up here one night", he said after smirking. There he stood, with the rest of the stargazers behind him, just taking in the moment. No stress, or work, just here in the now.
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TWC/ 568

underneath the stars and the pale hue of the moon, Nokino decided to relax, setting up for a walk outside, up the hokage stone monument, to see the sights of the city. She just had an evening at the Yakiniku Q barbeque restaurant with her fellow teachers, and the other two of them got home already. But for her, the evening was olny starting. She wanted to relax and take in the beauty of her home village, just take some time off the stress of managing kids and the academy, as would be head of the school program and of the academy itself. Her efforts were great, but also tiring. As she got up the long stone stairs, the patio and grassy balcony atop the monument was barely busy, with only a few couples hanging out and some friends, young ones playing late in the evening. The view was stunning: From here, one could see the whole village hidden in the leaves, the hospital, the arena, the academy where she worked, the Hokage Estate, the Root HQ, everything. She could even distinguish the market place, and the little Ichiraku plaza, with her house right in front of the age old Ichiraku ramen shop, a signature establishment for any foodie in Konoha. 

As she looked over the stone railing, she saw someone, about her age, unusual. He seemed to be relaxing too, but he was still dressed in his ninja attire, all the way up to his headband across his forehead, tight and proudly adorning the symbol of the hidden leaf. He seemed quite tall, and his skin was fairly pale. His hair were short and black. Hmmm, if Nokino trusted her gut, this one was clearly an Uchiha. Maybe a friend of Xena? Or a relative of Zain or Tatsuo? Better go introduce herself, as she never met this shinobi yet.

Nokino walked toward the man with confidance in her steps, her walk full of strength but also feminine, sensual by nature. The tall Iburi girl stood above most of the masses, even much for a woman, who were normaly shorter than men. But not herself. She was muscular, built quite sturdy and curvy, even if she was athletic and thin. She had the shape of an athlete, put simply, but this very evening, she was dressed more chic, in her seductive outfit for nights at the restaurant, or occasions.

Kurai had found herself wandering the streets of Konohagakure. She was still stuck here longer than she anticipated but that was fine by her. She had met a handful of people so far that were welcoming and for the most part she stuck to the alleys and to the evening hours to make it less about her openly out and about. Her bow strapped to her back as she wandered, she found herself at a tall vantage point above the village. It was farther into the village than she had gone so far even during the incidents of involving Dreams and Nightmares. She wanted to see the stars as she had during her travels. The Phantom had a fondness of the night sky and found her way to the park portion above the cliff side.

She scurried up to a part away from the railing before laying back and looking upward. She unslung her bow and just held it up contrasting it to the stars above. “Hotaru…” she whispered to herself clutching at the bow tightly as her black threads reached towards the bow and covered her grip and her hand before receding back. She thought of herself and her journey so far before letting her body relax. Thankfully not many people were present as only a small classroom’s worth of individuals were lingering around this evening. She had most of her stitching covered by her garb and cloak but her head was uncovered at the moment. She looked at the constellations above and sighed as she picked her arms up and drew an arrow, letting her form help her sight stare at only a small section of the sky. She’s trained extensively to block out the bow from her vision when she drew her arrows and that stayed true currently. As she was laid on top a bush she was relaxed at this time and enjoyed the peace the space provided over the bustling village below during the sunlit hours.

Her focus drifted from one constellation to the next before her arrow found its way to aim towards the moon beyond the horizon and well above the limits of the shinobi arts. She lazed and let her bow slowly drop towards the horizon, opening her other eye after relaxing she accidentally lost focus on the bowstring before the arrow launched itself towards an unsuspecting duo at the railing. Thankfully the angle and wind had the arrow hit the railing in such a way that it deflected down in between the two before it skidded away. Apart after the arrow launched itself, Kurai quickly scurried her way towards the pair as the arrow found its way back towards her. Picking it up, her eyes flickered between the two like a deer in stuck in the light of a pair of hooded lanterns. “Ah… apologies.” She said before bowing between the two, hoping they would simply dismiss her and let her go, neither really looked like individuals who would start trouble.

WC: 500, TWC: 500

Continuing his gaze towards the elevated panoramic view of the Leaf village, his senses catch wind of a smokey scent from his left. From what he could guess, it was someone smoking near him. He himself never partook in such vice. Him coming from a military family, would never permit such. The wind carried the smell swiftly, as well as the sound of footsteps that grew louder with each advance. He sighs while dropping his head slightly. Of course who ever as smoking would chose to park themselves near him. Nobody else in the area to saunter towards. But something was different to this smell, a bit more spicier than what one would compare cigarette smoke too. His curiosity got the better of him, not knowing what it was. He involuntarily tilts his head towards the source, only to be greeted by a Valkyrie like being.

He gives pause at such a reveal, His eyes taking note of the light purple distracting eyes. He then drops down and eyes the cigarette in the towering woman's mouth as she weaved her words. He wasn't expected such, unique company. 'So that's how it feels...' It was normally, Okisho, who would look down up to those as he talked. His neck stiffen, adjusting himself shake the Amazon's hand. It was quite soft, despite what he was expecting, was he always this meticulous when meeting others? To a degree, perhaps. "Okisho... and no we haven't met.", he exhales before continuing. "I here because, this very spot makes life simple and bearable. It's just us and the stars. No congested streets, or any loud vendors trying to sell you a deal. And... whatever you're smoking. What is that?", his frame turns to her abruptly.

*Shape Cutting of the Wind*

The sound of sharp metal striking the stone railing before them, lucky a space as to where he nor his towering company didn't occupy with their form, much less their hands. It avoided hitting the two as it fell down to the ground, Okisho careful of is knees as the sharp object flew descended. Who was firing arrows in the middle of a village, an area filled with civilians? He traces the arrow's journey unknowingly back to its owner 2 meters away. His form now facing the red handed culprit with a menacing gaze, and a tired nerve. The one place to escape it all, was now no more.

The villagers around them gasp at the striking of the arrow, all now facing the individual responsible. They all pointed, at the clocked armed figure. Some were even getting up from their spots and distancing themselves from the area in fright. There very fear stoked the assumption that they were under attack. A bit of shrieking filled the air.

Okisho blinked twice, realizing what has just happened really happened. "You wonder why I am dressed in uniform, Nokino? For reasons such as this. Are you alright, Nokino?", He asked. His gaze however was fixed on the the cloaked figure with direct eye contact, shaking his head in disbelief as to what just happened. He felt you can't trust anyone these days, doing things like this. "You fire an arrow, upwards among a crowd of civilians? You could have hurt someone.", a response struck towards the cloaked individual mid bow. His tone was stern, wondering just who this person was. The apology was a relief, lowering the chances of this actually being an attack on the village. Regardless, he keeps his guard up.
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TWC: 1,153

The man seemed suprised with the large and tall Iburi woman, himself being quite tall too. She understood the feeling, being taller than anyone, but this time it was him who felt destabilized by her presence, towering over him, albeit not that much. As he answered her question, Nokino took great attention. She wasnt normaly this calm and relaxed, but this was an off duty night, chill and without the need for a high degree of profesionnalism. It was a moment to let go of stress and enjoy the city, and its inhabitants.

''It does. And what a beautifull evening to watch the stars and gaze at the view of our village. I couldn't agree more, Okisho. This spot is great!... Oh. Ahaha. Its herbal cigarettes. Medicinal herbs to keep my reflex and health sharp. Smells good too, a bit of my signature if you will, the smell of dried rosemary and burnt matches. Plus, I love the smoke.'' Replied Nokino, a smile on her face as she was making a nice conversation with someone equaly nice to her. As this pleasant evening after a meal at the restaurant was getting even more pleasant, a shaft with a steel point grasped Nokino, pulling her out of her calm and relaxed behavior, as its head went flying into the stone railing, boucing everywhere after the fact. This was an arrow! Somebody just shot an arrow in their direction!

As they both turned toward the source of said arrow, there was a tall woman too, envelopped in a dark cloak, with a bow in her hand, the look on her face a bit dumbfounded, as if this was not voluntary, but more reckless or careless, a gesture of one deep into their own mind, forgeting the presence of plenty of other citizens around. As the villagers got scared away, most clearing off the incident and some even running, both looked toward the culprit with a face of anger. Nokino was pissed. Either this was voluntary and this person would pay for that crime, or it was simply without a single care for society, wich wasnt better. As the bow woman appologized, and Okisho blamed her for her poor gesture, Nokino decided to reply too, both to the appologies and to Okisho himself.

''Yeah now I get why you keep your headband.'' Replied swiftly Nokino, as she pulled out of her ninja pouch on her leg a similar one, tying it around her left arm.

''Its why I keep mine too.'' Added the girl with a smirk.

As she shifted her gaze toward archer girl, Nokino smirk vanished, leaving only her resting bitch face.

''Sheathe your bow miss. Thats a pretty bad aim ahah. Next time I suggest you don't miss. Some people end up in prison for less. Whats your name lady? And yes Okisho i'm fine.'' Asked aways Nokino, standing with her calm face, smoking her cigarette her arms crossed. She was angry, but didnt want to let it get the better of her. Either it was a stupid gesture and didnt merit the attention, or it was a mistake, and didnt deserve her to be angry. Either way, maintaining control as well as composure was essential. At the same time, as a safety mesure, Nokino placed her hand in her pocket, holding onto a kunai should the need arise. Hopefully she wouldnt have to use it!

As more eyes lurched onto Kurai the more it appeared she shulked further into the hood of her outfit, her features becoming a bit harder to see. Although this likely added more to the distress of the people around the area, the two in front of her were likely less perturbed by such an action and likely saw it as her hiding away from the almost full crime she just committed. However, her actions remained silent as she nodded slowly, the hood remaining in place as she returned the arrow to its quiver and strapped the bow across her body giving some form to the woman before the two genin of Konohagakure. Remaining silent as the two had been interrupted, her gloves hand moved and gripped at her arm hidden by the cloak, her eyes from behind the brow of the hood piercing outward.

Two colors present of gold and purple seemed to pierce the veil as this phantom of a person stood before the two only a couple of meters apart. Her lips silhouetted by the moonlight present against the side of her hood opened as if to speak but instead, she bit her lip. It was obvious this was not intentional and it appeared she was having some difficulty in how to best approach and handle the situation from her side of things. She apologized and processed the initial questioning but the fear of saying the wrong thing or mentioning the wrong thought at hearing the word 'prison' was a wild concern to handle and deal with. She had been able to escape previously from other encounters but that was not in the middle of a village let alone on top of a major monument within it.

Still biting her lip, she held onto it long enough that a small trickle of what appeared to be brackish-looking blood came out before she finally spoke, "I traveled very far..." Kurai began to speak, her voice a wisp and soft as a new dawn pillow. In another world, if she had been like her sister, her voice would have likely been regaled like that of celestial beings for her family. That was not the case for the Koutaishi who was cursed, however, that was not the case in this reality. "I am sorry. I draw my arrows to look better at the sky... It's very pretty here." She finally came to the conclusion that there was not much more to be said about what transpired. "I won't do it again within the village. I just have... a lot on my mind and this place seemed to be a good place to let it wander... Contemplate... consider..." She articulated well enough to be heard but her voice maxed out it appeared at a soft 4 out of 10 when it came to speaking. Her grip on her other arm firming up a bit unsure where this encounter was going to go, she promised she was not trouble to Goto after all.

WC: 500, TWC: 1,000

There were so many red flags, the Uchiha remained on guard. To let a clumsy outsider, who was armed armed, roam about the village with that mentality would be dangerous. Including the fact that she failed to state her name when asked to do do raised even higher brows. Of course it would be an outsider causing more trouble. Okisho had a longing distaste for foreigners ever since the ongoing incident with Uchiha district take over started.

Kurai: "I won't do it again within the village. I just have... a lot on my mind and this place seemed to be a good place to let it wander... Contemplate... consider..."

Okisho Uchiha noticed how you avoided stating your name

His eyes narrow before speaking, making direct eye contact with the hooded figure. The sheathing of her bow eased the tension slightly, but never fully relinquished the doubt that she still posed a potential threat. "You're speaking in vague sentences, and you failed to state your name upon request. Have you considered the fact that makes you look very suspicious?", he finishes with a barely noticeable smirk. If someone like this happened to successfully sneak into village with actual intent to do harm to it's citizens, then perhaps it is the village itself who would need to contemplate on a few changes that needed to be made.

"Just, who are you?", an honest question from a rather somewhat honestly confused individual.

The moon light revealed the somewhat same features his fellow kunochi possessed. Both were tall, meeting the Uchiha eye to eye. Perhaps he needed to get out more?  
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TWC/ 1419

[Swapping posting order with Nokino for this round of posts. Will return to Okisho -> Nokino -> Kurai after this round of posts.]

Kurai blinked rapidly as her brain racketed against itself, "Ah..." Her voice came out quietly and eyes showing a sense of recognition of what she failed to do. "My name is Kurai Koutaishi." She said quickly after the Uchiha reasked who she was. It was indeed suspicious of her and her own head was not on right with her own thoughts clouding her responses. "I am an huntress currently finding refuge in Tanzaku Town. I wandered here while looking for game when I ran into Goto-sama who granted me access to visit for the time being. I haven't left due to the circumstances regarding the rifts." She said with a significant amount of clarity in compared to her previous statements so far. She heaved a heavy sigh before her voice came back to the duo who were standing before her. "I am sorry... I've been lost in my own thoughts more recently. I've been searching for my sister for years now as we are native to the Land of Demons. I am not here to stir trouble. I can apologize and make amends if needed." She spoke with a sadness and a sense of solitude from the path she had traveled so far.

The shinobi that Kurai was, was one that came from nothing, came from the need to learn, and devleoped her own strengths through what trials and tribulations she encountered. There were moments that she was not proud of but there were moments she knew she had to do what she did. Surviving in the world was the hardest thing one could do if they were all alone. Kurai being on the run for the last 5 years, she was primarily focused on trying to find her sister that she did not care too much of what was going on in the world. It was not until she entered the village of Konohagakure that she wound up in precarious situations involving a multitude of individuals so far. This being the latest conundrum that she found herself facing as she looked between Nokino and Okisho. She bowed again, "I am sorry, I'm not used to handling social situations." She added in before looking to see how the duo would react. Considering Nokino's outfit choice for the evening and Okisho's general demeanor, the Phantom was unsure if there was a good time to really broach any other subject. Along with the two of them being about her height normally, Nokino being taller in the moment, Kurai was unsure how best to really address the issue she had caused. It was a mistake and her demeanor was that of a young teen more than an older one that she was. The gentleness of her voice and genuine answer once she more mentally came to the situation more fully after the initial shock indicated that she was not malicious nor it was on purpose. It was just a matter if the two of them would believe her and what to do after.

WC: 500, TWC: 1,500

the young lady seemed pretty out of it, saying a few times that she was in her head and that this place helped her to focus and relax, as well as aiming at the moon to better admire the stars and night sky. In the end, she was confused, forgetting to tell them her name, but she didnt look menacing or dangerous. She looked more lost, and shy, almost sad? Nokino sheated her kunai, seeing Kurai for what she was: a girl just wandering, who didnt belong and was in search for her true purpose. Nokino already had her true purpose, so it was easy for her to take that kind of thing for granted, but it wasnt as easy for others, and she tried to remember that, giving a chance to Kurai, and giving her the benefit of the doubt with this awkward arrow misfire.

''Well I'm Nokino Iburi. Pleasure to meet you Kurai Koutaishi, altough I wish we could have met without that incident. Nonetheless, its fine, mistakes happens. A huntress you say? Interesting! And that explains the bow, uh!'' replied Nokino, her defense dropped, but a bit of the salty attitude remaining, a by product of the adrenaline from the arrow. As Kurai added more detail from her personnal story, Nokino replied with ease. ''As long as you dont get that bow out again, we accept that appology. You are quite far from home by the way! the Land of Demons isnt close. I hope you find your sister in any case. Family can be... a hard thing. No need for amends. How about you tell us of your voyage from demon country to here ? Must've been quite an adventure? What do you think Okisho ? I'll follow your lead on this one, you are the active and acting ninja authority right now since im not in uniform.'' Added Nokino, turning toward her shinobi collegue, the tall and handsome Uchiha.

Taking a split second glance towards the crowd behind the Archer as she breezed through her monologue, he notices the crowd somewhat distance from the lawn due to the sudden event. The archer, who was now known as, Kurai, displayed cooperative intentions that allowed Okisho to over look this mishap. However, so long as the foreigner remained in the village, Okisho would task it among himself to keep a watchful eye. Any other instances that would occur in a negative manner would lead back to Okisho entirely, should they happen that is. Whether he liked it or not, she was his problem now. In the split second his gaze returned to the Kurai, his eyes witnessing her bow.

Nokino: I hope you find your sister in any case. Family can be... a hard thing. No need for amends.

"That's, not our problem, Nokino.", his eyes narrow at the notion that her family problems could hold any weight to the villagers' safety. "These villagers are still on edge because this foreigner is still a mystery while under the guise of a hood. Please lower your hood, that should help ease the tension.", he said with a firm directive voice. The directions given, should they be followed allowed the villagers to calm down as return to their normal business. Enjoying the night with only the stars on their mind, instead of falling arrows.

"As long as she doesn't cause anymore trouble, you can listen to her story.", he said nonchalantly speaking his mind. as he wanders over towards the crowd of civilians out of ear shot. He aims to check on them to assure them that situation was handled and that all were safe. After all, Okisho was on the clock.
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TWC: 1,704