Talk With The Chief

The next day finds Azuki standing before the Kage's office, a place that symbolizes the heart of the village's leadership and decision-making. With a brief knock, a courtesy that bridges respect and protocol, he steps inside. "Chancellor Shinoda," he announces himself, his voice carrying an unfamiliar timbre of life, an odd sensation for someone who's spent much of his life in the shadows of formality and solitude.

As he enters, there's a momentary tightness in his demeanor. Formalities, the structured dance of titles and honors, sit uneasily with him. It's not so much the concept he despises but the constraint they impose on genuine interaction. Yet, recognizing his role within the village, a prominent figure who's seen as much a leader as a warrior, he concedes internally that adopting a more polished exterior is a small price to pay for the greater good. "But screw it," he thinks, a silent rebellion against the stiffness of protocol, even as he's willing to make this minor concession for the sake of his responsibilities.

Junko's summons had brought him here, marking the first time they would be face-to-face since their shared visions for the village had begun to materialize into reality. The anticipation of this meeting adds a layer of complexity to his emotions—pride in their accomplishments, curiosity about what comes next, and an underlying current of respect and camaraderie for the person who had been a constant through his transformation.

Seeing Junko now, in the context of their dreams turned tangible, is a moment Azuki had looked forward to. It's an acknowledgment of the journey they've embarked on together, from idealization to execution, and a testament to their shared commitment to the village's future. This meeting, though formal in nature, represents a confluence of past efforts and future aspirations, set against the backdrop of their evolving roles within the community they've helped shape.

WC: 312 [Enter]

Junko had been spending most of her time at the Kage Tower, taking advantage of the bedroom she had installed above the office. Though it hurt her to not return to her cherished home with the others, the view from the top of the Kage tower almost made it worth it. Most nights were spent on her balcony, wrapped in just a black robe, staring out at her beautiful village while she contemplated the various things that captured her attention. On one of those nights, she realized that her dear brother Azuki hadn’t been the appropriate rank within the village. As she poured over the paperwork, she noticed this mistake and sought to rectify it immediately.

Early the next morning, Junko would reach out telepathically to Ren to have him inform Azuki that she wished to meet with him. Also recently she picked up a technique that allowed her to create a contract with another person in order to summon them as she saw fit. She figured that her darling brother would be open to creating such a bond with her, so she wished to speak with him about that as well. She’d begin her morning routine and then tend to some paperwork before she heard a knock at the door, along with Azuki announcing his presence in a formal matter.

”Please come in my dear”

A smile would creep across her face as she shook her head slightly and stood from her desk. She was getting sick of these formalities already but knew that it was a bit necessary, at least to the public eye. As he entered, Junko would walk out from behind the desk and approach him. If he allowed she’d greet him with a loving and tender hug. After pulling away from him she’d speak first if he didn’t. Her voice would be its normal upbeat but alluring tone as she excitedly spoke.

”Good morning Azuki, I appreciate you meeting with me on such short notice. Relax a little bit, it’s just me so there’s no need to be so formal with me. Please, darling, take a seat”

She motioned for him to take a seat in one of the comfortable-looking chairs in front of her desk as she walked to her chair. She’d let out a content sigh as she examined the paperwork lying in front of her, and then her gaze would fall on him once more.

”There has been a mess up with the paperwork, and you have been instead assigned one not quite fitting your importance. I’ve already filled out the paperwork to get you to your correct position, I just need you to sign a few of the documents before I can approve it.”

Junko would sift through some of the papers on her desk, before gathering a few and presenting them to him along with a pen. If he accepted she’d guide him through it, telling him which parts required his attention. She’d inform him that he’d be officially ranked as a Tokubetsu Jounin from now on, instead of just a Chunin.

WC:520

As Azuki embraces Junko, the moment is filled with a warmth and affection that transcends the formalities of their roles within the village. The hug, gentle yet filled with meaning, speaks volumes of the bond they share—a connection forged in the fires of shared dreams and battles fought side by side. Junko's smile, radiant and infectious, brings a rare joy to Azuki's soul, a simple yet profound happiness that he finds in her presence.

"Your infectious and I love it," he whispers, his voice soft, the words floating between them like a secret. The smirk that curves his lips, edging closer to a full smile than usual, reveals a side of him that few have seen. It's a glimpse of the man beneath the warrior's exterior, touched by the light of genuine affection and camaraderie.

The room is filled with Junko's laughter as Azuki, in a display of strength and tenderness, spins her around before setting her down with the care one would use to handle something precious. His actions, playful yet respectful, underscore the depth of their connection.

As Azuki takes his seat, he ensures that Junko is seated first, a gesture of respect that speaks of his regard for her. The question of whether his face is flushed crosses his mind, prompted by the thought of how adorable she is. The internal chuckle, his half-smirk still in place, is a silent acknowledgment of the affection he feels, a sentiment that brings a lightness to his heart.

The playful scooting of his chair, a small act of goofiness, belies the gravity of his role within the village. It's a reminder that beneath the titles and responsibilities, there's room for moments of light-heartedness and joy. Azuki's actions, stopping and starting as he moves closer to the desk, are an attempt to bridge the gap between formality and friendship, his laughter barely contained.

Placing the envelope with 50,000 ryo on Junko's desk, Azuki's gesture is one of generosity, not just towards the village but as a tribute to their shared past. "My donation for the village by the way. It's from the people of the village where we first met. I had been protecting them this entire time," he explains, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and somberness.

The mention of protection, however, brings a shadow across his expression, a fleeting reminder of past battles and the cost they've exacted. The memory of Junko, injured and bloodied, flashes through his mind, a stark contrast to the moment of warmth they share now. The pain that flickers across his face is quickly masked, a silent vow not to burden her with the weight of his concerns.

In this exchange, Azuki reveals the layers of his character—strength, tenderness, generosity, and a protective instinct that defines his actions. The meeting in the Kage's office becomes more than a formal gathering; it's a reaffirmation of their bond, a moment of shared history and hope for the future, framed by the laughter, respect, and mutual support that characterizes their relationship.

WC:508 TWC :820

After the paperwork had been completed Junko would gaze them over with a bit of a grin as she felt content with her choice. Azuki had been there since she even had the idea of the village, he was the first shinobi that she had interacted with on the island and she couldn’t be happier to have him by her side. She felt at ease whenever she found herself by his side, she adored his dedication to her cause and dedication to her. Though he often said very little, she felt connected to him and through his actions, he’s proven to be a very valuable friend.

She’d watch as he placed a rather large envelope on her desk and explained that it was a donation for the village. Junko placed both of her hands over her heart and looked at him lovingly. Most of the money for the village had come from out of her pocket, so she was relieved that he was pitching in too. He’d continue to explain that it was from one of the smaller villages that dotted the island, that he had been protecting since his arrival. She couldn’t help but wonder why he had never asked for her assistance, though she knew he was rather stubborn. After he finished speaking, she’d place her hands in her lap once more and begin talking in her normal sweet voice.

”My dear sweet Azuki, this will help tremendously! Truly your generosity knows no limit, thank you so much love.”

Junko would bow her head to him slightly before grabbing the envelope and sliding it into her desk. She’d bob her head to the left and right slightly as she seemingly was thinking about something. After a moment, she’d speak up once more if he allowed.

”So, since you’ve got a bit of a promotion, you do get a bit of a raise as well. Did you want me to give you that money, or we could put it directly towards the village? I figured it’d be a little odd to give you payment from the donation you just made so I wanted to ask.”

If he decided to forgo his payment, and instead give it to the village, Junko would offer him another bow and thank him for his contribution once more. If he decided to take the money, Junko would hand him over a small pouch with the Ryo in it. Moving on to the next subject, Junko stood from her desk and made her way over to a locked display case. After producing a key that she had seemingly hidden in her chest, she’d open it and pull out a rather large scroll. She then would roll it out slightly on her desk, revealing what looked to be a contract. Once it was on display, she’d make eye contact with him and explain what it was for.

”Should you sign this, I’ll be able to beckon you to my side as I see fit. Of course, you can deny my call, but I’ll only be using it in dire situations. You can refuse this if you wish, but seeing as you’re my chancellor, I figured I’d give you the opportunity to make such a pact. Though it does need to be signed in blood…”

Upon examining the scroll, he’d see one other name signed at the bottom. It was her “sister” Jun, but other than that it was blank. If he agreed she’d offer him what looked to be an empty ink pot and a pen. She’d place a tanto on the desk, and allow him to sign as he wished. If he denied she’d completely understand, and assure him that it was no issue at all. Regardless, she’d eventually roll up the scroll, place it back in the cabinet, lock it once more, and return the key to where it was snuggly stored.

The two of them would spend the next few hours just chatting about their lives, how things in the village had been going, and various other topics. Eventually, it was growing close to Junko’s next meeting so she’d apologize to him before asking that he leave for the time being. Though she wished to sit with her dear friend for hours and talk about everything under the sun, she unfortunately had other duties to attend to. Standing from her desk, she’d escort him out of her office. Before he left, Junko would offer him a hug once more, but before pulling away completely she’d give him a quick peck on the cheek if he allowed.

After goodbyes were exchanged Junko would return to her desk once more as she began to prepare for her next visitor.

(EXIT)

WC: 793
Total WC: 1313

Claims:
2116/3750 Sanguine Ichor Blood Armor S Rank Previous training here

+70,000 Ryo deposited in Tsukigakureno Sato (50k from initial donation, 20k from rank up)

Bestowing Rank of Tokubetsu Jounin to Azuki Shinoda

In the moment Azuki extends his hands, the interaction shifts from formal to deeply personal. His fingers gently cradle Junko's chin, a touch as light as a cloud, signaling a departure from the rigid structures of their roles. "Can you stop with the bowing? You're acting like you're a Kage... and," he begins, the seriousness of his tone undercut by the laughter that bubbles up, a sound so genuine that it forces him to momentarily close his eyes to maintain composure. "And I'm a general or some shit," he concludes, the laughter breaking through in short, hard bursts.

As he looks into Junko's eyes, his hands still gently framing her face, he can't resist the impulse to pinch her cheeks gently. "I detest formalities, you know," he admits, a soft smile unknowingly playing across his lips. For the first time in what feels like forever, Azuki feels a sense of relaxation, a testament to the comfort and ease he finds in Junko's presence. It's a realization that comes to him in waves—their interactions, their shared moments, are like a fever dream, surreal yet intensely real.

"The village can have my promotion money. I make it fairly easily, and what not," he declares, the decision made without hesitation. Pulling back, he bites his thumb, preparing to sign the contract before him. "Is that even a question? Like before, I won't ever hesitate to be at your side," he affirms, his commitment unwavering, underscored by a willingness to stand by Junko, come what may.

Azuki's signature on the scroll, sealed in blood, is more than a formality; it's a pledge, a promise to be there in times of need, to support not just in word but in action. It's a reflection of the depth of his dedication, a dedication that extends beyond the battlefield, beyond the confines of duty, into the realm of personal bond and loyalty.

The mention of Kurogane, though fleeting, is a reminder of the risks they face, the sacrifices made in the line of duty. Yet, Azuki's resolve is clear. They are shinobi, warriors destined to confront whatever challenges arise with strength and determination. His life, his very being, is committed to this path, to standing by Junko and the village they both hold dear.

Their final embrace, a hug that encapsulates all the shared experiences, struggles, and victories, is a moment of profound connection. It's an acknowledgment of the journey they've embarked on together, a journey that has transformed them both. This hug, simple yet filled with meaning, is a treasure Azuki holds close, a reminder of the bond that has grown between them, a bond he vows never to take for granted.

As they part ways, the significance of their meeting lingers, a beacon of light in the complex world they navigate. For Azuki, his interactions with Junko are not just moments in time but milestones in a journey that continues to unfold, a journey marked by challenges, yes, but also by moments of unmistakable warmth and connection.

WC:503  TWC:1,323 [Exit]

CLAIMS

50,000 [From Wallet] +  20,000[Spc Jonin Promotion]  = 70,000 ryo [To Village Treasury]

25% Discount
Hiding In The Water WC: 750 Seals x1
Hiding In The Water WC: 573/1000 Seals x2

Azuki Shinoda wrote:
WC:503  TWC:1,323 [Exit]

CLAIMS

50,000 [From Wallet] +  20,000[Spc Jonin Promotion]  = 70,000 ryo [To Village Treasury]

25% Discount
Hiding In The Water WC: 750 Seals x1
Hiding In The Water WC: 573/1000 Seals x2

Approved