Meeting the Outsider

After having basically a tea party with one of the outsiders that stopped him at the gates but allowed him entry into the village. Shinji had been shown where to go to meet with the village’s leader. A woman though her name was unknown to Shinji at the moment, the one with braids and white hair. That one seemed to understand why Shinji was here most likely due to others having come for the same reason as he had. Regardless, Shinji had to have his answers and while he could not force them from anyone he could certainly get them one way or another.
 
The place he had been directed to was a large tower in the village. There was many people there but like anywhere else as long as you acted like you belonged most wouldn’t bother you. That isn’t to say he was able to just stroll in and do whatever he wished but that air of he was supposed to be there helped grease the wheels a bit. After some more interactions both with Outsiders and some locals that lived there he was shown to the office of the leader and with it he would enter the office. He waited by the door with his arms crossed looking at the place in front of him and taking in the office, making notes of what was presented there and entry and exit points.
 
The person who had allowed him in had announced who he was to whoever was in the room and now it was simply time to wait for them to address him. While he did wish he could simply kick these people out and bring down the whole occupation it wasn’t something in his abilities quite yet and he had so far seen what looked to be peaceful co-existence between the outsiders and his fellow locals. This is what allowed him to give a big of respect for the outsiders rules and protocols.

WC: 327

Junko had just finished her meeting with her dear brother Azuki when she heard a knocking at her door, followed by her secretary announcing the presence of a young man named Shinji Nara. She knew a bit about the man from the small amount of information Kitsu had gleaned from him at the gates. Something about him being a native who wished to speak with her? She was sure she had talked with most of the community elders to help assimilate them into the village should they wish, so she was curious as to what else this man could say to her now.

As he entered Junko would rise to greet him, and offer a sweet, yet enticing smile. Her crimson eyes would look him up and down slightly as she tried to assess him. If he examined her, she’d look to be wearing comfortable but well-made attire. A rather short black dress clung to her body and hugged her curves perfectly. The top of the dress was strapless and the bottom stopped about halfway down her thighs. Over the dress, she wore an ornate, crimson-red kimono that was open in the front, revealing the dress underneath. Various silver and red jewelry could be seen decorating her neck, ears, hands, and wrists. Her thick, curly black hair cascaded down her back with some strands resting on her shoulders. Short bangs seemingly framed her slender face perfectly, and her eyes looked like that of a siren.

She’d offer him a polite bow as he entered before motioning to a comfortable-looking chair in front of her desk. Junko seemingly had a very warm, yet confident aura surrounding her that often drew people close to her. After sitting down herself and informing her secretary that it was okay to leave, Junko would turn her attention to the man sitting in front of her once more. She’d begin to speak once they were alone, her voice was melodic and inviting without a single hint of malice.

”It’s lovely to meet you Shinji, my name is Junko Tsukiko. Let me be the first to fully welcome you to Tsukigakure, I do hope you find it up to your standards. Tell me if I’m wrong, but you’re native to the island, correct? It’s unfortunate that we seemingly missed each other before now, but I’m excited to speak with you regardless. I was told you wished to speak with me about something, so please darling, ask anything you’d like”

Junko would sit back in her chair, crossing her right leg over her left, then place her hands gently in her lap. She’d maintain a pleasant demeanor as she waited patiently for his response.

WC:449

A small woman who barely came up to Shinji’s chest was the apparent leader of these outsiders who have taken to make their home in his people’s land, she wore a black dress with a red kimono over top of it, her eyes crimson like blood it made Shinji think of the stories of unholy demons from his people’s stories.
 
There was this air or presence of likeability? Friendliness? It was offputting to say the least for the young man. Why did he this feeling meeting someone who he actively hates? Was it some jutsu? Some kind of innate ability of the woman in front of him? He made a mental note to figure out more about this woman and her abilities.
 
She introduced herself as Junko Tsukiko with a slight bow, nothing to infer she thought herself as less, just enough to show a politeness to a stranger. They took their seats though Shinji would have rather stayed standing he figured to keep with the outsiders way of doing things. She welcomed him to Tsukigakure, the name that had been chosen for this village. She was curious as to why he was here.
 
“Greetings Junko Tsukiko, Yes I am a native of these lands unlike so many of the ones I see roaming about.” Shinji would say as he wore his face of contained annoyance, not to the point of being seen as being hostile but enough to be visible that the gathering of so many outsiders was something that did not set well with the native.

“While I understand you position within this village is one of respect, I would ask you do not call me by these honey-coated names like darling. I hope this is simply something you have grown accustomed to saying to those you meet, possibly second nature habit out of upbringing but coming from a woman who looks to be close to my age and one who is not from these lands or my people it has the opposite intended effect.” Shinji would say as the usage of darling made him think of a person who thought themselves older and more mature than who they were speaking to or an adult speaking to a child.

“I am here because of your occupation of these lands Tsukiko, There have been many rumors of the takeover and not all of this island are keen of another round of rulers and masters.” Shinji said in a stern voice one of seriousness and judgement. “I have seen there seems to be a co-existence between your people and mine here, at least on the surface.” He would say looking around the office, “I come to investigate if you are an ally or another set of shackles to throw off.” He put it bluntly. Could he have come here under guise and spied in secret to find these things out? Of Course he could have played to their emotions and knowledge of those they had already gotten in touch with but Shinji could not expect honesty from someone if he would not give it himself.

While he could not personally enforce anything quite yet if he were to disappear those of his own people would know what happened to him and it would only solidify their own beliefs of the outsiders. A small sacrifice to allow a chance for others to know who they were dealing with in the smallest capability.

WC: 571
TWC: 898

She’d maintain a pleasant demeanor as he began speaking, though he seemingly was annoyed with her before even stepping into her office. Regardless, she wanted to at least hear him out, if he was truly a native then whatever concerns he had should be taken seriously. He would begin by affirming that yes, he was a native. Continuing on he’d request that she refrain from calling him “honey-coated” names, which of course she would agree to. She’d simply give him an affirming nod since she didn’t wish to interrupt him. Though she had just grown accustomed to her, she could understand why somebody wouldn’t like it and didn’t want to make him uncomfortable.

His voice would then become stern as he explained that not all on the island were keen on her “takeover.” She’d frown slightly at his comment and look full of concern. Though this wasn’t really a takeover, she had gotten permission and made deals with the tribes who used the land that was now encased within the village walls. She also didn’t force anyone to join or bend the knee to her. During its construction, she had spent countless hours discussing with various tribal leaders to ensure that its construction would have minimal impact. Every step of the way she attempted to keep the balance of things, however, she could understand why somebody in his position could be upset.

He then would explain that it seemed like his people and hers were getting along, at least on the surface. Continuing on, he’d inform her that he had come to investigate her to determine how his people should view her moving forward. She’d smile slightly as she took in his words, seemingly he was only there seeking reassurance. After he finished she’d let his word linger in the air for a moment as she pondered her response for a moment. As she spoke she’d match his serious tone, but yet remain open and inviting.

”I hear your concerns, Shinji. My dream for this village was to facilitate a place where the natural beauty of the island could flourish. Where locals and travelers can coexist, both uplifting each other and enhancing their lifestyles. Upon my arrival on the island, I fell in love with the various cultures that speckled throughout the land and the natural beauty that painted its beaches. I intend to be far different from Tenga if that’s what you’re concerned with.”

She had visited the ruins frequently while dealing with the various bandits and pirates and hated the way they looked. Thankfully Mother Nature had already begun to reclaim it, though its progress was slow. She’d watch him closely with a now relaxed demeanor, as she gauged his emotions.

WC:456
Total WC: 905

This, Tsukiko, spoke of only wanting peace and co-existence between her people and Shinji’s own. Claims of not wanting to be another Tenga were made and an open display of trust was being given though it did little to satisfy Shinji’s worries. People can make claims all they wish but it was their actions that spoke the truth, it was another reason why he did not hide himself from these outsiders and followed their rules. There were times for subtle movements and plans and there were times for blunt interactions, this was a time for the latter.
 
“We will see Tsukiko, the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.” He would say his eyes watching her own. “As I wish to see the truth of these claims, I wish to stay in the village till I have the needed evidence of them, preferably joining to truly see. I know that I must seek that approval from you as you are the leader of this village.” He said as he sat there, even if she for some reason denied his request to remain in the village he would simply find another way to get the information needed whether it be good or bad.

WC: 204
TWC: 1102

She’d maintain a happy and confident demeanor as he expressed his concerns. Junko understood where he was coming from, so genuinely wasn’t upset by the man's perceived annoyance with her. He explained that he wished to remain in the village and even join if allowed. Though she wished she could welcome him with open arms, there were things he needed to do before he was able to officially join. If she allowed just anyone to join her ranks, there could be all kinds of issues, so there needed to be some screening process. She’d allow him to finish before speaking up once more.

”I understand your want to stay, and welcome you to do so. However, there’s a bit of paperwork and some requirements you need to do before officially becoming a member of the village. I ask that you take some time to get to know some of the others, familiarize yourself with the village, and then come back once you feel like you’re ready to decide if you’d like to join us. If you’d like some assistance traversing the village, I can have one of my sisters escort you around. Also if you need a place to stay, there are a few spare rooms within the tower that I can offer to you.”

Junko would offer him a smile and listen to his response. If he agreed to her terms, she would pull some paperwork from a few different files, and organize them before handing them to him across the desk. She would then explain the exam that he needed to go through to assess what rank he should be placed in within the village. After sitting back in her chair in a relaxed posture once again, she’d give him a quick smile before asking if there was anything else he needed from her.

WC:309
Total WC:1214

Junko would offer Shinji a place to stay and confirm he would be allowed to join the village but he would have to go through some paperwork and the likes to do so, which was a bit of a drag but wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for a situation like this one.
 
“Very well, I will follow these procedures as needed though I would rather find a place of residence near my people instead of this tower.” He would say as the idea of living in a tower over the others around him would feel like he was saying he was higher then them in the community. A leader should be on the same level as their community. That was the problem with outsiders, their way of thinking was simply ingrained into them to put themselves in places above those they are supposed to be leading.
 
Shinji would get up from his seat with the conversation completed and leave the office and building and go out into the village to find a home to stay at for the time period.
 
[Exit]
WC: 181
TWC: 1283
Claims:
Training 1200 wc for Bonus ap at a rate of 4 per 100.
+48 AP

Junko would give him an acknowledging nod as he expressed that he would be compliant with their procedures but wished to stay elsewhere. Thankfully the village was filled with various inns and most locals would open their homes to any who sought shelter so she was sure he’d find somewhere suitable to stay. As he stood to leave she’d offer him a warm smile and wave at him before speaking up again.

”Well, I hope to see you again soon, and please if you need anything my door is always open.”

She’d watch as he walked out of her office, and once he was finally out of the room and the door closed she’d let out a bit of a sigh. Junko wished to keep those within the village happy but knew that she couldn’t appease everyone. Though she saw potential in him, she was unsure if Shinji would ever truly respect her. She didn’t want him to respect her just for the title she held so she was happy that he had been open and honest with her. In all honesty, it was a bit refreshing to meet somebody who didn’t love her right off the bat so his animosity was welcome to an extent.

For the rest of the day, she would continue to attend meetings and work on whatever paperwork required her immediate attention.

(EXIT)

WC:229
Total WC:1443

Claims:
1443/ 1500 Demonic Illusion Flower Garden Mastery no handseals

Junko Tsukiko wrote:

(EXIT)

WC:229
Total WC:1443

Claims:
1443/ 1500 Demonic Illusion Flower Garden Mastery no handseals

Approved