Unknown vagabound at the gate

The train was full of passengers heading to various destinations. Yoto found an empty seat by the window and watched the scenery change. He saw the snow-capped peaks gradually disappear into the distance, replaced by green plains, forests and rivers. Occasionally he would catch a glimpse of an animal or a village. He felt like he was in another world, full of life and colour. After several hours of travel, the train approached Kumogakure. Yoto noticed as the clouds began to cover the sky and heard the first rumble of thunder. He knew he was approaching the land of lightning. He wondered what it would be like to live in such an environment.

When the train stopped at the station, Yoto got off and looked around. He saw many people rushing to and fro, some with suitcases, others with weapons or tools. He also noticed several ninjas wearing headbands with the Kumogakure emblem. Yoto decided to check into a hostel first and then look around the village. He grabbed his backpack and headed out of the station. He had to weave through the crowd, which was thick and noisy. He felt a little lost and confused, but excited and curious at the same time. After a while, he reached the main road that led to the Kumogakure gate. It was a wide and long road, lined with shops, restaurants, houses and other buildings. Yoto could see people talking, trading, working, or training.

It seemed to him that the surrounding village was full of energy and life. Yoto stayed in one of the hostels that was close to the gate. It was a modest but clean and comfortable room where he could rest and organize his thoughts. He unpacked his backpack and checked what he had. Most of the things he had taken from his village, but he needed something else that was not available there. It was specialized equipment that would help him in his journey. He knew he should find a shop in Kumogakure that sold the equipment he was looking for, but he didn't know where to look.

Yoto had two faces: one of a traveller seeking adventure and knowledge, and the other of a hired shinobi willing to undertake secret and dangerous tasks for enough money. For his work, he needed the best equipment to ensure his success and survival. He looked for hidden weapons such as needles, hooks, darts, knives, bullets or combat equipment in which he could easily hide and use everything. He looked for poisons, such as poisons of all kinds that caused drowsiness, hallucinations, paralysis, or death. Poisons he could apply to his weapons or to his food and drink. These weapons and poisons were very rare and expensive in neighboring countries where they were banned or controlled by villages or organizations. Yoto knew that the only place he could buy them freely was Kumogakure. Kumogakure was renowned for its production and trade of hidden and high quality weapons and poisons of the highest quality. Yoto wanted to acquire these weapons and poisons to help him in his missions.

He decided to ask someone who could advise him. He walked out of the hostel and headed for the gate. Along the way, he took in the village and its inhabitants. He was fascinated by their culture, customs and skills.  When he reached the gate, he stopped and looked at the perzonal standing at the entrance.  He was a little nervous and shy, but he overcame himself and approached them to enter the village.

________
WC: 590

Hibiki had been posted on guard duty for the day, a vital if less exciting job that came with an incredible view. He looked out from the gigantic walls of the village and the gates, artificial cliffs created to stop invading forces that were foolish enough to try and test the might of Kumogakure. Either side of the large circular platform that served as the entrance to the gateway were carved the great bird statues that looked on at the platform and its sole connecting skybridge as though daring visitors to approach. The bridge itself was another impressive marvel  and something of an attraction in its own right as it spanned the great chasm that separated the village from the surrounding land that had been excavated to remove the rot that once blighted the land. At ten meters wide the bridge itself was easily defendable with smaller numbers if required and helped give the entrance to Kumogakure its striking and singular appearance.

On the other side of the walls Hibiki sat in one of the two guardhouses watching as ninja departed for missions or merchants entered and exited, showing their temporary passes as they went. Hibiki touched his heart through his clothing for a moment, the precise location where his Raijin’s Rage tattoo had been applied to skin, allowing him to pass safely and dwell within Kumogakure without needing to fear the wrath of Raijins Rolling Thunder, the ever present storm that protected Kumogakure and made finding the location of the village so treacherous. Anyone without the correct tattoo or pass would find the village difficult to find with many being lost for a day or more before they located the gates. Even when they had located the gates they will have been pummelled by the ever present rain that seemed to sap the very strengh and vigour from their bodies, making even simple movements or techniques more tiring. So great was the storm that it was said it could be heard throughout the entirety of the land of lightning. At least Hibiki had been told that many times, personally he had yet to ever truly leave the 5km radius that Raijin’s Rolling thunder preceded over outside the village.

It was never difficult for the guards to spot which visitors had temporary passes and who did not as the trek to the village gates was made arduous and dangerous by the powerful technique put in place to protect it. Hibiki was personally reassured with the knowledge that Raijin had allowed the village to be blessed so and this conviction granted him greater resolve when in its presence. He spotted a newcomer Hibiki had never seen before enter through the Heavenly Gates and gaze at the beginnings of the village beyond. Hibiki supposed that the sight of the hidden villages would be impressive to anyone unfamiliar with them. He noted the way the man moved, careful and well balanced and Hibiki grew curious, clearly this man had been trained as a ninja or was at least a capable combatant. Hibiki had been about to approach when the stranger stepped forward of his own volition.
Hibiki stood and gave a curt nod but was prepared for action if needs be, one could never be to cautious when on gate duty and he knew that the punishments for letting in dangerous folk untested were legendary. Even more so if the visitor decided to cause trouble and Hibiki knew his fate would only be marginally better if this stranger was allowed in and caused trouble.  

Hibiki closed the gap leaving a small distance between them. “You have braved Raijins storm and crossed through the Heavenly Gates of Kumogakure. The way you carry yourself makes it clear you are no mere tourist and you seem a little lost so this is obviously your first time here. Would you mind stepping over to the guardhouse? We will need to ask you some questions and if we are satisfied with your answers you will be allowed to visit our esteemed village. We thank you for your understanding and advise that should any subterfuge or deception be attempted, you will be removed from the village, if necessary, with deadly force.” Hibiki kept one hand resting lightly on the pommel of his katana, not gripping it but clearly within easy reach. With his other hand he gestured towards the guard house where Hibiki could ask what questions were required and decide if it was safe to allow entry to the stranger.

Hibiki reflected that he might look rather ridiculous to some, a 12 year old ninja wearing a katana and giving orders, yet he knew his duty well and would do all in his power to cut down any intruders or interlopers that would threaten his village.

WC: 714

It was the first time a serious mission was given to Zansu since she was now a genin of the land of lightning. Guard duty could be boring, but at the very least, perched atop the gargantuan heavenly gates of Kumogakure, the view could be enjoyed, breath taking and deeply connected to Zansu's own heritage. Indeed, as she could see and almost feel the roaring thunder and lightning storm of Raijin all the way in the outskirts of the village walls, the woman felt deeply entranced by it, her eyes gleaming as she was looking toward the sky. The day was a relaxing and calm one, with only merchants going in and out, regulars of the gate and crossing almost every day, with their pass in one hand and the reins of their caravan livestock carrying their goods in the other. There were also a few ninjas and travelers, going in and out to accomplish missions. Zansu herself tho, was pretty excited to be assigned to the gate, given a chance to sharpen her social skills wich where lacking, while also potentially meet other shinobi of the village hidden in the clouds. The white haired woman wore her usual attire, but this time took pride in the task given, and wore her headband around her head, revealing its unique form to her outfit. Indeed, the purple headband that she wore was like a bandana, covering the whole top of her head, and proudly showing the symbol of Kumogakure on her forehead. The guardhouse of her side of the gate was pretty lonely, as she didnt knew any of the other guards assigned there, and was just looking over at the road and the passing people, as well as the weather, impressive and mesmerizing lightning in perpetual motion. On the other side of the gate, there was another ninja who stood out of the lot of usual guards, and Zansu was curious of who he was. 

After waiting quite a while, a man drapped into a large cloak arrived on the road upwards, leading to the heavenly gates. Of course as it was their duty, Zansu and the other guards analyzed the situation and looked over at the man, noticing every single details about him and his ways. After he got closer, the other ninja in the other side guardhouse approached him and decided to introduce himself, being the first contact toward the traveler who clearly had the demeanor of a ninja or at least somoeone who knew what was the world of shinobi and their harduous lives.

The othe ninja of Kumo seemed really young, yet quite experienced. He knew with assurance what to say, and seemed even to be ready, with a hand on his katana handle should the situation escalate. Zansu too wanted to act on that situation, and wanted to meet too the other ninja. As she walked with her assured and imposing demeanor, showing her muscular and brutish nature, the white haired woman covered in scars stood super tall over the young 12 years old shinobi on her side. As she looked toward him and smiled with her sharp teeths and jagged smile, the woman turned rapidly toward the traveler, asking him another question in concordance with what the young one asked already.

''Hello there! I'll follow you both to the guardhouse and help. Sir, you will need to tell us the reason of your visit and demand of entry as soon as possible.'' Said in her deep voice the tall woman, looking intimidating but also trying her best to stay polite and professionnal. Zansu looked more experienced than the young one, but in truth, it was only in appearance. She would follow the lead of the kid, asking questions later.

He decided to ask someone who could advise him. He walked out of the hostel and headed for the gate. Along the way, he took in the village and its inhabitants. He was fascinated by their culture, customs and skills.

Forgotten memories :

When he reached the gate, he stopped and looked at the perzonal standing at the entrance. Yoto had schizophrenia, a multiple personality disorder followed by forgetfulness, which made him unable to recall events that happened during his "absence". Therefore, it felt like a moment to him and he didn't even properly notice the storm around the village. This illness made him forget the entire 24 hour journey he would have to make to get to the gate.  Yoto quietly approached the little boy. His eyes were still alert, but something in him had changed. The boy was brave, and despite his small size, he had a strength that would surprise even an experienced shinobi.


Beneath the storm clouds, a different reality was unfolding. A child soldier, this was something Yoto had thought no longer existed. But apparently here in Kumogakure they still used children for such responsible and dangerous jobs.  Anyone who entered here had obviously had to go through some sort of storm, anger, or both, in the boy's words. Yoto didn't know what the boy was talking about, but he pretended to know exactly what he was talking about. Yes, it's my first time here. I'll answer all your questions when we get to the guardhouse. I hope it's quick, because I'm only coming to your village for a turn, and I don't plan on staying long.

Yoto stood at the gate with the little boy and watched as the woman approached them. He immediately noticed that she had many scars, indicative of her struggles and injuries. Yoto thought to himself that she was most likely his superior. Even though she was tall, the height difference between the boy and her wasn't as drastic as he would have expected. The boy was definitely tall enough for his age. Sure, I've already been informed by your colleague he says dryly and heads towards the guardhouse the young boy pointed to, hoping it will be as quick as possible. The idea of spending more time outside the gate than in the village itself didn't sit well with him. But if there was no other option, he would have to endure it. In any case, he was prepared to answer any questions the boy and woman might ask.

________
WC: 713
TWC: 1303
Text in italics in this post does not count towards the WC count.

Hibiki looked the stranger up and down again and noted his willingness to cooperate as well as his very lackadaisical approach, if anything it seemed like a bother to be questioned by the pair. Hibiki had never met his colleague that was on gate duty with him but was impressed by her scars, they mad her look tough and he bet she had some great stories about them, unlike his own. He touched the small scar on his cheek and took a controlling breath to prevent himself from blushing at the embarrassment of the memory. Focus Hibiki, you are a guard, strong and stern but also friendly and relaxed. Hibiki put on his best smile which was a toothy childlike grin as he accompanied the stranger to the guardhouse. Once inside he gestured to a more private room with three chairs and a table. The room was secure enough with thick metal bars on the only outside window and the furniture was robust and plain. Hibiki removed the Katana from his hip and leaned it against the table so he could sit down properly but still be within in reach and easy access. He pulled out a clipboard and pen and waited to see if Zansu wanted to sit or stand before beginning.

“The speed at which you are processed will be decided by your answers to our questions, so I thank you on behalf of the village for your patience. We are sure you understand that we cannot simply allow strangers to come and go as they please without some detailed screening. Provided we are satisfied with your questions and you stick to the rules and cause no trouble, you will likely find entrance to our esteemed village a little smoother next time. So first, we will require a few basic details. Let's start with your name, country of origin and any ninja village affiliations you may have, including any you hold with Kumogakure. Once you have answered those, please, can you advise on the precise purpose of your visit to our village and what you plan on doing whilst here?”

Hibiki continued to smile but watched the stranger with a keen eye, especially his hands and though he seemed cheerful and relaxed was ready to spring into action at any sign of danger or sudden movements from the stranger. As the stranger answered he would note the answers down, building up a profile to work on before allowing Zansu to ask any questions she felt were appropriate. Hibiki was glad for Zansu’s presence in the room, her physique and figure was likely to easily distract and appear as much ore formidable than Hibiki himself which might just give him an edge if combat began. Hibiki was confident that he could de-escalate the situation rapidly and at the very least buy enough time for more capable shinobi to attend. He also felt responsible for the academy student with him and would do his best to protect her from any undue harm. It seemed that his list of kohai in the village was slowly growing and he knew he would have to step up and be more reliable and dependable just like his mother told him to do!

WC: 539  TWC: 1253

As the man with the cloak followed and cooperated with the other younger gate guard, Zansu followed too. Even if she appeared more intimidating and strong than the young shinobi that was Sato Hibiki, Zansu was but a beguiner at this job, even if she indeed was older and experienced in brawling. As they all went into the guard house quickly, Yoto sat down in as small room with a table in the center, and Sato sat in front of him, putting his katana on the table to sit confortably but also to keep it at easy reach should the need arise. As soon as both entered, Zansu closed the door loudly, not slaming it but closing it hard, a sign of her large strength, proof that her musculature and big arms where only for show. As Hibiki started to ask questions, Zansu listened and smiled, seeing that the younger ninja had taken control of the interogation, and asked the good questions, clever, and in charge. This was good! Zansu was clever sure, but her thing was always more akin to snaping arms in half, not talking. She was a hit first ask later type of person, and she understood easily her assignement in this situation. 

As they were now all locked into the room, Zansu positionned herself behind the sitting Yoto, and stood in the most intimidating post possible. She didnt need to speak to convey her stance and intimiating personna. Her face was more than enough, her brown frowning and serious, her mouth still, and her gaze unblinking and intense. To add even more effect to it, Zansu made a point of flexing her muscle, to make the bulge even more as she stood there like a guarding dog. The plan to do a ''good guard and bad guard' seemed to work well, as she made the bad one, and he made the good one, asking questions with a smile. After a few seconds of the young one asking questions, Zansu smiled to Hibiki, and winked at him, showing to him that she was in on the plan and the way to interogate him, all without getting noticed by Yoto who was turning his back (as he is sitting) to Zansu. 

Before the vagabond could answer, the white haired intimidating woman cracked her knuckles in the loudest way possible, making the popping sound of muscular and tough as steel hands appear as if she was litteraly breaking trees down with her bare hands. Right after the cracking of her knuckles, Zansu would put both of her hands on the shoulders of the sitting Yoto, squeezing just a bit and tapping on his shoulder in a usually friendly way, but in this context, it was more menacing than friendly. She wanted to scare him, to see the fear in his eyes and demeanor, and to make him jumpscare. While she squeezed with strength his shoulders, Zansu leaned toward the head of the man and said the following in a faint tone while smiling with her shark-like teeths, her whole expression giving a menacing and savage aura of enjoyment in the fear of others.

''Answer the questions. Please.'' said calmly Zansu, her tone being one of obvious fake friendliness.

Yoto didn't resist when Hibiki and the woman led him to the guardhouse. Unlike some foreigners who would be afraid or upset, Yoto was rather curious and calm. He knew he had nothing to hide, and hoped that his situation would soon become clear. As he walked from the front gate to the guardhouse, he carefully memorized the path he took in case he had to turn back. Behind him, he could hear the footsteps of the woman who was still suspicious of him. Along the way, he noticed the large number of guards that patrolled the entrances, streets, and buildings. It was obvious that Kumogakure was a village that prided itself on its military strength and security. Yoto noticed that the guards at the gate looked rather proud and obviously had a great deal of discipline.  

When they arrived at the room, Yoto inspected its interior. It was a small and narrow room that served as an office for interrogations and records. On the desk was a clipboard and a pen, which Hibiki was obviously going to use to write his name and other information on the form. Yota's curiosity would have him wanting to look into that box, which might contain interesting information about the village and its inhabitants.  Hibiki was already disarmed and sitting across from Yoto. Hibiki looked at him with his childish, toothy grin and began to ask him questions. Yoto braced himself for what was to come. After a long and arduous journey he no longer remembered, Yoto slumped wearily into the chair opposite the petite guard. The latter began to ask him various questions about his origins, purpose, and intentions, while explaining how easily and quickly he could reach the village if he cooperated.

As soon as the speech ended, there was a loud sound of cracking knuckles from the corner of the room. Before Yoto could turn properly to see what had happened, the woman's hands were on his shoulders, gripping him forcefully. If the artificial Zansu could read minds, she would probably be very surprised because Yoto had read the situation very badly. She wanted her to cause fear, but instead Yoto was enjoying the massage from the white-haired woman who had just demonstrated her strength by cracking her knuckles. His eyes were touched by the excellent service for the traveler, easing the tension in his muscles and shoulders. Her strong grip really loosened the muscles in his shoulder area. In a friendly tone she reminded him to answer the questions and even used the word please. Yoto tapped her hand lightly on their arms. Her grip was strong, but not enough to be uncomfortable. Strong, but still feminine, and Yoto was the last man who would mind a woman's touch.

Hmmm, where did he start. My name is Yoto Hisashiburi and I come from the land of rain. I was born in a small insignificant village surrounded by swamps. I am a vagabond and have never worked with or served any village. So I have no affiliation with any of the large or small villages and that includes your Kumogakure. I have come to your village to visit some of your shops, which are renowned for their quality and variety. I would like to taste some of your bridge variations of traditional dishes. Like the local version of Ramen and Oden. I would also like to have something refreshing to drink, like sake or something stronger. In addition, I'd also like to check out your gun shops, as I'm looking for one special piece of equipment that can't be bought anywhere else. Specifically a tactical glove and a poisonous plant concentrate. I've been looking for it for a long time, and you're the only village that sells it.

Yoto finished giving his reasons for visiting the village. He looked calm and innocent, as if he wasn't about to do anything dangerous. Slowly and carefully, he reached into his cloak that was draped over his shoulders. He tried not to let his movement arouse any attention or suspicion. The cloak lifted momentarily, revealing to the small boy standing in front of him and the woman standing behind him the three scrolls tied around his waist. Nothing special could be seen on the first two scrolls and they looked empty. But on the last and most hidden scroll was written a large character 刺(thorn). Only those who were very quick and sharp would notice it. And even if they didn't notice it, it wasn't very important and it was a piece of equipment. By the time the cloak came down again and covered the scrolls, Yoto already had a wad of money in his hand. At first glance, it looked to be around 20,000 ryou. "Here's proof that I have enough funds to buy the goods I was talking about," Yoto said informatively, as if it was just additional information the boy hadn't asked about. He "I have no intention of staying here in the village for more than three days," he added.

WC: 841
TWC: 2144

Hibiki listened to his answer and focused in on several key points during the vagabonds speech, he wrote down the information, allowing one page of the clipboard to obscure what he was writing. As he wrote with his right hand his whilst his left was in easy reach of his sword if it was required. Not that he actually required the sword, in truth it was more of a display piece until he had invested more time in the training grounds and learned to use proper techniques. The sword did serve as an adequate distraction however and would serve to make potential visitors see it as a more immediate threat.

Hibiki was not certain quite what his colleague was trying to do but from the strangers he appeared to be enjoying himself so Hibiki considered it was perhaps some advanced method to relax them and put them at ease. The again Hibiki was not particularly practised in interrogation or at being particularly threatening. He supposed that also worked in his favour as a guard in some ways.

Hibiki focused in on the two topics that raised his suspicions and asked his first question. “What exactly are guns? Is it a code word for something? We will require you to explain this point fully to ensure we understand your meaning.” Hibiki watched the vagabond more closely and eased his sword out of its sheathe a small fraction with his thumb and removing his left hand again but leaving a tiny sliver of the blade visible and enabling the sword to be drawn faster if required. The talk of something called a gun was highly suspicious, he considered it might be some kind of technique scroll or tome the vagabond was looking to purchase but this in of itself was suspicious and worth noting. He glanced to his companion in case she showed some sign of recognition at the word.

“I would also like you to go into more detail about this tactical glove but more troubling is your mention of…” Hibiki paused and pretended to re-read his notes before continuing. “A poisonous plant concentrate that you seem to believe only exists in our village? This seems particularly troubling as I am not aware of any substance that precisely fits that description and I think you will agree that any strangers looking to purchase poisons, even potentially non-existent ones raises some suspicion and concerns as to why you would come to our village looking to buy such substances. Could you describe this odd sounding poison concentrate and the tactical glove you were looking to purchase? We do have a large selection of stores and no shortage of eating and drinking establishments. If you are interested in exquisite curios, rare items or a good deal on general weaponry then you cannot go wrong with a visit to Saturn’s Orbital Oddities and Palm Predictions. It is a fairly new establishment, but I have used them myself and the quality of the goods is impeccable.”

Hibiki watched curiously as to the vagabonds response, and maintained his smile and cheerful tone as he advised on Saturn’s new shop. Despite his smile, Hibiki was internally on a high alert and steeled himself to take drastic steps if required. Hibiki was a fairly studious medical nin and poison user, and so he was almost certain precisely what the vagabond was referencing by mentioning a ‘poisonous plant concentrate’. If the stranger was indeed, as Hibiki suspected, seeking Graven Rot poison then, a serious step would need to be taken. The Graven Rot poison itself was a very closely guarded secret of Kumogakure and knowledge of its existence and use was only permitted to Kumogakure ninja. Indeed Hibiki had several doses on his person at any time and prepared into his puppet the Jorogumo for use if required. The tactical glove could refer to any number of items but no restricted items leaped into his mind so he focused on the request for the poison, watching the vagabond closely. Hibiki would need to confirm what this vagabond knew and how he precisely had come to discover knowledge of the Graven Rot poison.

Hibiki’s hand inched closer to his sword steadily, he did not make direct contact though when the stranger slowly and steadily moved his cloak, revealing three scrolls at his hip. Hibiki lowered his left hand beneath the table from view and formed the seal of confrontation out of sight, subtly activating his chakra sensory skill as he watched the vagabond, allowing Hibiki to react in the event he detected a chakra technique was being used. Hibiki noted one of the scrolls had writing on it and with chakra sensory could notice the sealing jutsu on the scroll. Hibiki continued to smile though it was a little more strained than before and he nodded to the scroll that he sensed chakra from and that bore the word Thorn.

“Please can you confirm what has been stored within that scroll? We will be required to examine any tools or weapons brought into the village to ensure the safety of our civilians as well as prevent any illegal smuggling of illicit or forbidden goods. You understand that this is a reasonable precaution and we ask again for you compliance in this matter as with my afore mentioned request for you to provide more details on the items you are looking to procure in the village.” Hibiki maintained the seal of confrontation out of sight from the vagabond and his companion below the table, and he was ready to use several techniques if he sensed any threat or sign that the ninja before him posed any kind of threat to the village. Hibiki did not comment on the money though it was encouraging that the ninja was open about his intentions, if perhaps a little oblivious to the potential consequences of requesting restricted or forbidden items to outsiders.

WC: 982 TWC: 2,235

It seemed her gesture was taken in the wrong way, and by the time Zansu noticed, the man was already far into enjoyment of his 'massage'. In truth, Zansu didnt understood why and how he could be so clueless to intimidation, and after a while, before he started talking, the man who was being interogated softly carressed the hand and arm of the white haired woman who was tightly gripping him. Immediately to the contact of the skin by the stranger, Zansu froze out of sheer anger. Her whole body swelled under the emotion, fueling her inner rage until it couldnt be only contained inside, and couldnt only express with intimidation. No, agression would need to come next, to signal that he was doing a very serious mistake, with consequences. She would wait unti lhe have answered to act, not wanting to disrupt the flow of the interogation, nor to scrap the job of Hibiki. As his hand was gently caressing hers, Zansu backed up a few inches, and would revert back her hand to grab the hand of the man who was caressing her's. At the same time, her other hand would swing toward the man's head, slapping him strongly on the side of the head.

If he didnt find a way to evade the strong grip, her tight and way stronger hands would squeeze so hard the hand of the man as to hurt him, and she would bend his wrist to dislocate the hand completely, causing him much pain for his totally unnacceptable behavior, but no real wounds or damage long term. She would continue to hold the hand bent down to continue applying pressure and hurting the man by bending his dislocated wrist, until he appologized for his actions.

''Fuck around and find out!'' Said loudly Zansu, smiling in a creepy way with her menacing face and shark like teeths grinning, eager to bite and tear off flesh. 

Zansu was really furious, but also revelling in being able to display her more cruel side, in a setting that was appropriate for it even! As to help Hibiki in the interogation, the white haired muscular kunoichi had to ask questions too, to better know what he was up to.

''Now, you better answer, and stop your shenanigans of hidding stuff under your cloak. Whats that scroll?'' Asked again Zansu, direct and intense, not even caring with threats of violence, but rather showing it directly, not affraid to resort to gestures to make her game clear.

Yoto smiles slightly as he listens to the questions asked by the little guard. He can see that he hasn't understood his explanation, or that Yoto hasn't explained it enough. It wasn't anything that was specific to Kumo. It was just a common paralyzing poison that was sold in various places. Each village made it a little differently, depending on what plants or animals they had available. Yoto had heard that in the Land of Wind they used scorpions and snakes, in the Land of Rain they used lizards and frogs, in Kirigakure they used poisonous fish extracts, and in Kumo they used something else. So each poison was unique in its own way, but the effects were always the same. It paralyzed the nervous system and caused temporary loss of feeling and movement. Nothing lethal, just useful for defense or escape. Yoto wanted to buy the poison because he thought it was an interesting and valuable item. However, before he could explain it to the guard and follow up with answers to other questions, he was interrupted by a hard grab from his colleague and a subsequent if of a fist to the face.

The man narrowly avoided a fist strike that Zansu aimed at his head. He felt the air rush past his ear and heard the woman growl. Before he could recover, he felt Zansu's hand clench the one he was stroking. The force of her squeeze brought a sharp pain that spread up his arm. He tried to pull away from her, but she was too strong. Zansu bent his wrist to an unnatural angle and dislocated his arm. Yoto hissed in pain and looked towards the young man. Her appeal and question about the scroll didn't interest him at all in the onslaught of pain. If she didn't want to ruin his job, she didn't succeed. Many scenarios played through his mind, some diplomatic, some bloody, but in none of them did Yoto answer the young man's next questions unless the woman was within a few feet of him. Ideally far enough away that he couldn't even see her.

I voluntarily went with you to this guardhouse, I did nothing wrong, I didn't lie to you and I told you everything why I am here. I would like to answer everything and explain to you what I'm talking about, but with that woman here, there's no point in talking." He abruptly tells the young shinobi with a great deal of pain. He wasn't expecting some sort of Vagabound advocacy towards his own female colleague, but this conversation can be conducted calmly and smoothly. He himself had said before that if the conversation was conducted smoothly, it would be quick. Obviously it would have been smooth if it weren't for his colleague who is clearly quite mentally unbalanced and acting more like a bandit than a village ninja. Yoto didn't know if this was normal behavior and the little guy was used to it by now, but he had to see himself doing violence to someone who was responding politely.

Instead of answering your questions, I am subjected to open violence, which I am not afraid to call torture. Either calm her down somehow or send her away so I can have the peace of mind to answer questions here and you can get answers in the context of a polite and intelligent conversation. Otherwise, deny me entry because I'm not going to be tortured for soup and a few things from the Kumogakure ninja store. His voice was slowly changing, becoming almost devoid of intonation, with his voice rising slightly. When Yoto used to be in such crisis situations for him, his personality would change slightly. Yoto's hand was quite close to her body due to the position Zansu held him in. She was even physically touching him while intentionally causing him pain. On one hand, for him as a long range specialist, this position was bad enough, on the other hand, he already felt her speed which was comparable to Yota's as opposed to her many times higher strength. So it was clear to him that she would have almost no chance at this distance to avoid Yota's attack with which he would control her body. On his own, he would never hurt a fly, but in such emotionally draining situations, he was getting a second personality that had no such problem defending itself against torture other than with words.

WC: 746
TWC: 2981