Operation Smile: SWAT Team

It is a calm morning with clear skies in Kumogakure. Dressed in a black cloak, black pants, and black shinobi sandals, the green-eyed male would head out to start his day.  The street seemed less crowded as the day was still young. Jinroku had quite a couple of things to do today, one of which was the missions he had been chosen for, which seemed to be the most important task at hand right now.  The missions he had undertaken since he got into the village not only gave him monetary rewards, which of course would help pay his bill, but these missions would also come with valuable experiences. There are two missions he would possibly be taking this time. Possibly, because the second mission needs the village kage’s permission. Jinroku never met the Raikage, so before today, he had asked villagers around for directions to reach the Kage’s office building.

Sooner or later, the green-eyed male would reach the Kage’s building. The building seems to be heavily guarded. Moreso, being his first time around this location, he is an unfamiliar face, and entering the Kage building for the first time might mean that he has to go through security checks, or answer some questions or so. The young Aranha had only his ninja bags containing some equipment and dietary pills.     “I am here to see Raikage-sama. I have been assigned to a mission and I would love to meet the Raikage about it”, Jinroku would say to the guard at the building once he’s at a reasonably respectful talking range. He was smart enough to know what title the village kage bears, having heard from the villagers around. Being a person of few words and always straight to the point, he wasted no time making his intentions for coming here known.    Possibly, the guard might choose to ask follow-up questions or go ask the Raikage if he intends to see the aranha or something else entirely, but the decision is up to the guard to decide. With two pairs of arms concealed and one exposed, as usual,  Jinroku stood there awaiting the guard’s response.


WC: 355

Before the sun rose over the beautiful village of Kumogakure, Asuka climbed out of bed and began her morning routine. She had been quite busy as of late due to volunteering at the hospital, picking up a few shifts at The Drunken Kage Bar, and spending her mornings at her parent's bakery. Thankfully, she only needed to stop by the bakery today, so she had the rest of the afternoon off. As she got dressed, she wondered what she should do for the rest of the day. She could go out looking for Akira again, though she was sure if he wanted to see her she would pop up again. Unsure of what would become of her day, she finished her morning routine and headed out of her home.

Walking through the bustling streets of the village, she finally came upon the bakery. Once inside, she’d greet her parents before quickly getting to work preparing the various pastries. As she baked, she attempted to figure out what to do for the rest of her day, though soon a thought came to mind. She recently had met Lord Raikage at the training grounds and felt as if she hadn’t been able to thank him. Asuka decided to put together a small “thank you” package made of some of the pastries he had ordered when she first met him. A few hours passed, then once she was finished with her shift she grabbed a few pastries and headed home.

Arriving back at her house, Asuka carefully placed the pastries in an intricately woven basket before getting changed. When they had met at the training grounds, she admittedly looked a mess. This time, however, she could make herself look presentable. She’d pull on a beautifully made white, long-sleeved, wrap dress that hugged her form and stopped around her ankles. Slits could be seen up the side of the fabric, allowing her thighs to peek through slightly as she walks. Tightly wrapped around her waist, a thick, dark blue band of fabric held the dress securely in place. At the bottom and down the sleeves, flowers embroidered in golden thread could be seen intricately placed. Lastly, around her waist, she’d secure her shinobi “headband” snuggly.

Pulling half of her snow-white hair up into a ponytail and pinning it in place with a golden pin, she briefly checked herself over once more before grabbing the basket of goodies and heading toward the Kage Tower. She hoped he didn’t mind her suddenly popping in to simply say thank you, though she figured it’d give him a break from his various tasks. Soon she’d find her way to the entrance, where a conversation had caught her attention. The man was speaking with one of the guards, requesting a meeting with the Raikage about some mission. Though she was normally not the one to butt into other people's business, she saw this as an opportunity to potentially make a new friend.

She’d give the guard a moment to respond if he wished, though if they were giving the man a hard time she’d step in earlier. A light smile crossed her face as she approached the two of them and waved before speaking. Though she seemed a bit shy, her words were warm and welcoming.

”Sorry to interrupt, but I was planning on seeing the Raikage if he was available as well. I could escort this man up to his office if there’s a security concern. Well, that’s if it’s alright with you.”

As she finished speaking she’d glance over at the man and offer him a reassuring smile before looking to the guard once more. Should her offer be accepted, she’d thank the guard before motioning for the man to follow her. As they walked away, she’d turn to him and speak up once more.

”I’m Asuka, it’s great to meet you!”

Should her offer be rejected, she’d simply offer the two of them a bow before heading towards the entrance of the tower. Since she was a village shinobi she didn’t run into any issue entering. Regardless, once inside she’d attempt to find the nearest employee who could help her. She’d explain that she was simply here to drop off a gift and allowed Jinroku to speak of his reasoning for being here if he had come with her. After a few moments of back-and-forth conversation, finally, they were able to set up a meeting with the Raikage.

As she awaited the audience with the man she looked up to, Asuka would anxiously play with the handle of the basket she carried. She hoped he appreciated her sentiment, though briefly, she feared that he’d hate the baked goods.

WC: 790

Enjoying the food he just ordered from the Kumogakure Fried Chicken, the Raikage took a moment for himself amidst otherwise hectic times. Devouring the piece of meat with one hand while writing down some notes using the other, who said men can't multitask? Fine cuisine aside, there was something else worth remembering. "Moon Country, I wonder how credible the Otokage's information is". Dead men tell no tales, meaning Ichigo might have been one of the few possessing said knowledge. Nevertheless, the entire situation could be considered quite strange. A man, a Kage no less, suddenly showing up, traveling on his own and without any guards.

Whether truth had been spoken or lies were spilled would be something for the future to unfold, however, it was still a matter that could turn out quite important further down the line. "Worst case, these secrets will be buried together with the man who spread them". Speaking of, Ichigo would finish his meal, throwing one of the chicken bones at the Otokage's canine companion that was now without owner. "Don't worry boy, we'll find you a new home". He couldn't remember the last time a dog or any other animal became part of their household, but perhaps that time had arrived, leaving the Raikage with much to think about.

Those thoughts quickly changed directions as he could sense two chakra signatures the moment they entered within twenty meters of his chambers. "I smell visitors, and pastries". Cleaning up his desk and opening one of the windows behind, the Raikage removed any traces of chicken fragrance lingering around the office. The perfect host he was, Ichigo prepared a couple of glasses and one of the finest sake in Lightning Country before placing it in the middle of the table. Let it be heard that the Drunken Storm knew how to treat guests. Now ready to receive visitors, he would call out and allow them entrance. "Enter". Assuming their nerves didn't stop them from setting foot inside, the black swordsman decided to listen to any potential requests.

(WC: 341)

Jinroku’s gaze would shift toward the new figure, the snow-white hair lady with a graceful presence. Her offer to escort him to the Raikage’s office was unexpected, but it made things smoother than he had anticipated. The aranha had presumed that the guard would thoroughly vet him before allowing him into the kage tower, especially since his face was unfamiliar. Still, with the arrival of this elegant lady, it seemed the process would be expedited.

The corners of Jinroku's lips curved into a warm smile. The lady's offer to escort him seemed to smooth over any hesitations by the guard. The guard gave his nod of approval. Jinroku thought for a moment that she must be a well-known citizen of Kumogakure, someone with enough standing to bypass the usual formalities.

“Thank you for offering to escort me,” the green-eyed would say as the two walked away from the guard's watchful eyes. “I’m Jinroku.” His green eyes briefly met hers.

“It’s my first time here in the Kage Tower. Judging by how smoothly the guard let us through, I take it you’re a citizen of Kumogakure?” He would ask out of curiosity and would listen to her response. No doubt, walking alongside Asuka made his entrance into Kage Tower easier.

Her calm, friendly manner made everything about his visit easier, even as they reached the employee stationed in the building. Together, they gave their reasons for meeting the Raikage, and once again, Jinroku would marvel at how quickly they were allowed to proceed. The meeting was set and they were granted access to the Raikage’s office.

With the Raikage calling them in, Jinroku opened the door and stepped forward, allowing Asuka to enter first before he followed behind her. He entered the office with measured steps, his black cloak shifting slightly with his movements as he gently closed the door behind him.
Inside the office, his gaze quickly found the man he was there to meet. Even though the Raikage was seated, it was evident that he possessed a towering physique, his muscular frame that radiated raw power.

Jinroku would step closer and lower his head in a brief, respectful bow.

“Good morning, Raikage-sama,” Jinroku greeted, his voice steady and warm. He straightened his posture, wasting no time getting to the heart of his visit. “I’m Jinroku. I was informed that I’ve been assigned to a mission.”
He paused, his eyes flicking to Asuka for a moment. The snow-white-haired lady was here to make a delivery to the Raikage, at least, that was what Jinroku knew so far.

On the table between them, Jinroku noticed a set of glasses and a bottle of sake, subtly indicating that the Raikage might entertain them with a drink. It was a gesture of hospitality that Jinroku couldn’t overlook. Although he would typically refrain from such, he understood that refusing a drink in this context could be seen as being disrespectful. He would silently resolve to accept if it were offered.

For now, Jinroku would remain silent until he heard from either Asuka or the Raikage. Though his mission and the reason for his visit were paramount to him, he understood that there were formalities and unspoken rules to follow when dealing with someone of the Raikage’s caliber.


TWC: 892

Happy to see the guard allowed her to escort him in, Asuka motioned for him to follow her to the building. After introducing herself he’d thank her before returning the favor and mentioning his name. He then explained that this was his first time at the Kage Tower and noted that he assumed her to be a citizen. Offering him a nod and a light smile, Asuka would speak up once more.

”That’s correct, I was born and raised here. Though admittedly I haven’t visited the Raikage before so it’ll be a new experience for the both of us.”

Leading him inside, they would go through the normal procedures to request an audience with the Raikage and thankfully it went rather smoothly. A few inquires were made as to why, though it wasn’t too long before they were being escorted into his office. She was admittedly a bit anxious about seeing him again and was concerned about being potentially wrapped up in whatever her new companion needed. Though if that meant getting to spend a bit more time with the Raikage, she was alright with getting involved if needed.

Soon they were standing in front of his office and as Jinroku opened the door Asuka would thank him before entering first. A sweet smile along with a sheepish expression crossed her face as she walked in and stood before him. Regardless of his pose, he always seemed to have a somewhat imposing figure though Asuka didn’t find herself afraid of him. If anything she sought his approval and was afraid he’d see her as nothing more than a simple genin. Hopefully, this would be the first of many meetings with him, so she attempted to keep her anxieties at bay.

Once they both were inside the office, Asuka would offer the Raikage a polite curtsy as Jinroku bowed. She’d allow him to speak up first since she didn’t need to introduce herself to Ichigo. After informing him of the mission, Jinroku would pause allowing Asuka to chime in if she wished. Pausing for a moment, she’d wait to see if the Raikage wanted to address the outsider first before hearing what she had to say. Though if he allowed her to chime in first, she’d speak up in a soft, warm voice.

”A pleasure to see you as always Lord Raikage. I don’t believe I had the opportunity to properly thank you for assisting me at the training grounds the other day so I put together a gift to show my gratitude. Just a token of appreciation for all you do for the village”

If he allowed her to do so, she’d briefly step forward to place what looked to be a picnic basket on his desk. Should he look inside, he’d find a variety of freshly baked pastries that he had purchased during their first encounter. Stepping back and falling into line with Jinroku Asuka would bow her head to him once more as she awaited his words. She wondered if she should offer to aid in whatever mission her companion spoke of, though she thought it best to not invite herself.

WC: 529
Total WC: 1319