The Stranger and the Forgemaster

Rokku ascended the Apex tower with the stranger in tow, level by level they climbed the tower nestled at the heart of the village and rising into the sky like a giant fang or artificial peak. A short time later they reached the top floors that served as the official office for the Genshokage of Kemonogakure no Sato. Upon arrival of the Kages office Rokku knocked several times and wait ed a few moments before opening the door and entering with the stranger following him in.

Rokku gave a polite bow and spoke up. "Sorry to disturb you Genshokage sama, I have brought a stranger who informed me this land was part of his home. He wished to speak with you personally and i considered it might be in the villages best interest to speak to any local civilians from the area. His name is Touma but did not provide many details really but has advised he wishes to be peaceful and that his intentions would de decided following a discussion with you." Rokku gestured to Touma and took a few steps to the side. Awaiting instructions to leave the office or otherwise watching the stranger, prepared to defend the Genshokage should the visitor  display violent or dangerous intentions.

WC:209

The wildling and his companion walked in silence through the village as they took in the ambiance and scenery. While they had been through the village of Yaeba many times to trade and gather information, the setting of a shinobi village was by far different. Seeing the many different people and the smells that came with it had confused Touma but not in a bad way. While out in the wilds, he had grown accustomed to the smells of the earth. The soft damp smell of dew on the leaves and foliage of the trees and grass. The smells of each of the different trees that adorned the forest as well as the unique scents of each animal that had lived within the lands. This however was an amalgamation of many new, and odd things that he truthfully did not know how to place. While he had been equally taken in by the sights, Kuro had begun to sniff everything that they had passed up until they had arrived at the tower. This was what he had heard someone call the "Apex Tower". The word itself was not lost on the male and he could see why it had been called that. One of the tallest structures that he had seen that was not natural to the world itself. The small adoration for it caused him to stop for a moment and look down to Kuro who had just looked up just in time to catch his gaze. As the trio walked into the doors of the structure, Touma would look down to Kuro for a moment sensing a familiar urge coming from the wolf," Kuro we are guests do not go marking your territory. We are civilized, save it for later," no words would utter from his mouth and instead the conversation would occur purely between the two mindscapes of the Wolf and the Wildling. Kuro himself would look up to Touma, half offended that he dared thought he would do such a thing and half in shame that he had been caught in his intrusive thoughts.

"I would never indulge in such...You're no fun brother."

The wolf simply retorted with his head held low. A small chuckle would soon escape the Wildlings lips as he continued onward. The trek up the stairs was not too bad from his own point of view. It allowed him time to take in some of the structural architecture of the spire. Many would have assumed Touma to be understudied due to living in the wilds and among nomads, but he was educated further than what most people would give him credit for. His hands would touch the inner wall of the spire for a moment before nodding in approval," It would seem great detail went into the formation of this...tower it is impressive. To build this so quickly without notice is almost impressive of shinobi," the words once again were directed only to Kuro mentally, who had been trotting beside Touma in silence. The wolf made a small nod before continuing onward showing some form of agreement with his brother. Once they had arrived at the top of the spire and at their destination, Touma would slide his hands into the subtle pockets of his Hakama and stand at the ready while Kuro had parked right beside him. Awaiting the directive to come in, both would come into the room once the door had been opened. Their first action was to look around the room, not moving around but using their eyes and senses to get a feel of the location. After a general assessment, the two would stand in the middle of the room, giving 10 meters of space between the Kage and themselves. When Rokku introduced him, stating that no name was given, Touma and Kuro both gave a very blunt "WTF" face as he did introduce himself. Though it would have appeared that both sets of ears had betrayed them and their features slowly returned back to normal.

From Touma's point of view as he observed the Genshokage, he could tell a few things just off the bat using a combination of his own intuition and years of observing people. From her stature he could tell that while she appeared feminine and slender, her body stature betrayed that assessment and she was probably stronger than most. If anything she could rival him in speed and strength alone. Something about her had been different though. While from the other male he could sense no form of Nature Chakra from, there was a faint if not barely traceable amount coming from her but it felt off. Something he would mentally note for a later question, the Jugo would continue his silent assessment for a moment. It took him only a few moments to get a feel for the one in front of him, and as he finished he would give a side glance to the wolf who had only nodded and stepped to the right 5 meters from Touma to give him space to speak but to also watch the other person in the room. While the odds were not great for it, if a fight were to occur, the wolf would be at the ready. For the moment however, he would sit and then lay down. Without hesitation Touma would speak without any form of tact as he would assume the Kage in front of him would show the same respect and be to the point," I have come today simply to assess the new...structure that has appeared within the forest and ascertain what this could mean for the Land at large. I do not know you or your scent for it is foreign, but for one to understand he must witness for himself. You give off a...similar feeling to those of the wild lands, but at the same time you stand different. What brings you to these lands?," he would not ask for a name just yet but his question would determine where he would want this to go. At the moment he simply wanted to gauge the intent and actions of the one in front of him.
Familiar: Kuro
WC: 1,035

Sorting through documents, Quinn stood behind a relatively tall desk that had a few items of note beside the papers sprawled across it. Scrolls were in a neat stack and a few others were next to the piles of paper they were reviewing. Hearing the knock, normally a seated kage would likely acknowledge the disturbance in some gruff manner but Quinn stood there, their weapon soundly strapped to their back as the simply condensed the stack of papers into a neat pile seeing Rokku come in with a new face. It was to be expected that many new faces would be seen but considering their founding was that of not too long ago, it was a curious matter to see the young genin come in, let alone with a companion that had a companion. Upon hearing the words from Rokku, Quinn gave a dismissing hand to the notion of disturbance. "Quinn is fine still. Not disturbing at all." They responded, listening to the rest of the Kemonogakuran Genin's statement.

It was to be expected that some folks from the land were going to want to see whose bright idea was to bring a shinobi village to the Land of Fang considering the recent troubles the southwestern side of the continent faced a year and some change ago. The room itself was in the process of being filled though one could argue it was already. An insignificant amount of boxes were tucked to the corners with odds and various things sticking out as the office itself was kept tidied and clean with a view overlooking the front gates of the village. The walls toward the internal structure of the tower had various landscape artwork of various skylines. From the Land of Wind, Sky, and to now Fang, The other side had various arts including one of a profile of Quinn with a mannequinn to the side that had the official robes on display including the Genshokage hat. Quinn wore what they standardly wore and moved out from behind the desk to the front, leaning on the front side of it with their hands sliding into their pockets.

Hearing the words Touma spoke, it was clear he was a native of the Land of Fang, and one that remained rather tucked away from some of the villages as the ongoing construction of Kemonogakure was speedy, it was something that Quinn had to coordinate with a few places, namely the original village of Raichō. Giving a nod of understanding, Quinn gestured behind them toward the gate, "First thoughts?" Quinn simply asked the Wilding before responding by bringing the gesturing hand back to their pocket. "Quinn Foster. Forgemaster. Business Owner. Genshokage. Land of Sky Native." They provided their usual spiel before giving a thought to the last statement before the question was poised to the room. With Rokku on standby, Quinn felt it would be a good time for the genin to see their leader's initial plan come to fruition, though there was surely something that they would be exasperated by. "To live," Quinn said plainly.

Quinn gauged the reaction of Touma and Kuro before proceeding. "Come from afar. Land of Sky if heard. Originally like you. A village popped up before me. No clue what to do. Business was good. Joined their military. Some time passed. Our leader disappeared. Fearing the worst, we had to act." They began to explain before pointing towards the art of the Land of Sky which had a small image of a floating island on it. "Built upon ideas. Harmony and community. Unity of the Land and Sky." They continued before looking towards Kuro giving the wolf a nod of acknowledgment, "We rose to the sky. Flew close to the sun. The dangers of unknown were strong. Thus to better forge a strong body. We left." They said directly, giving a light shrug with their hands in their pockets. "Now we aim to live. Survive and bond with the land. Ultimately, bring Fang and Claw to one." They stated in a way that seemed less of an idea and more of a reality they already set their mind to. It was clear that Quinn was not held back.

WC: 700, TWC: 700

Rokku hung back and listened to the conversation without comment, not wanting to disturb the apparent rapport that appeared to be developing between Touma and Quinn. Rokku knew Quinn could handle themselves perfectly well but he was still reluctant to leave the stranger alone with the head of their village with no back up at all.

The strangers abilities were largely unknown and Rokku had no wish to risk his friends and his Kage’s life by leaving them alone. Under Quinns leadership the newly created village perhaps had a chance of thriving. He remained vigilant but silent, interested to see how the meeting would play out and ready to intercede or assist if the kage appeared to be in any form of danger.

WC: 123 TWC: 332

Wildling.

That is the word that came to mind as he first heard Quinn speak. Given how she dressed and stood he imagined she might have been village borne, someone that had been born outside of the laws of nature and claw. Instead a small smile appeared on his face as he exchanged a small glance with his wolf companion. So far he did not mind this woman, and maybe this would go better than he originally thought. Her first question would cause him to look over her shoulder trying to figure out what she had been referring to until Kuro chimed up within the mental walls of his brother," She means the gate Touma. What do we think of the gate." Touma blinked for a moment before nodding in confirmation and giving a response," Odd.. Never seen such tall structures in these lands. Yaeba does not have the tallest structures but are pleasant. Maybe it will grow on me. Maybe," he did not have a real opinion since it was his first time seeing sucha structure. Since growing up he had moved all throughout the lands of Fang taking in its unique form in everyway, but a village was new. It was always going to be new for him to get adjusted to. The two sat in silence and listened to Quinn but did more than just listen. They adjusted their hearing to make sure they were taking in each word to understand their meaning and make a decision from there.

"It seems you two have a lot more in common than you think brother. Besides her becoming one with village you stayed one with the wilds. What do you think," Kuro shared this thought Touma as he turned back to face Quinn. Touma never took his eyes off of the female as she spoke and when she finished he stayed silent, option to answer Kuro first," I think we are going to find out what the future holds for the Fang. Should this be good then we will prosper...if not then we invite ruin to our haven," the wildling was always going to put the Land of Fang over anything because it was his home, but he did not detect a hint of dishonesty from her. That was good at least. Taking in a deep breathe he would finally grace the room with an answer that might have shown his intelligence," For one to fall and hope to rise anew in different land....Story of phoenix. To show your word is bond, Touma will be watching. Kuro will be watching. Fang is home and home is everything. Must protect what is ours no matter what. If you and your...shinobi can hold the promise you speak of then the Fang will stand with you. But if you break oath. Then Fang and Claw will come for you," the threat was not meant to be intimidating, but against anything that would harm these lands, Touma would not hesitate to strike against even if it meant him losing.

506 WC
1541 TWC

Hearing the words from Touma, Quinn gave a light nod to the commentary. “Fang’s peaks are great. Main reason to keep structures small. This tower as exception.” They retorted to his commentary. It was true that a village of this size overtaking another let alone the general size in comparison was an astonishing feat to say the least. Quinn studies Touma as their focus was that critical blacksmith look that they gave from time to time. The inspecting look that they had would be familiar to Rokku as Quinn’s attention turned to Kuro. The eye that remained visible kept a vigil on the two guests as it seemed that there was a considerable volume of thought that weighed on the Jugo’s mind. Once he began to speak again, the Forgemaster’s gaze led itself to match Touma’s vision as he spoke his words. It was a poetic expression to consider the rebirth of the village akin to the mythical creature of rebirth, perhaps there was some truth to the concept as their right hand reached up and ruffled their red hair.

In fact the motion was quite intentional and not one of habit or awkwardness due to the circumstances. Their hand undid the eyepatch, as they held it in their hand stuffing it back into their pocket. The curse mark revealing itself fully around their eye rather than peaking out. This was more a sign of respect towards Touma for speaking his truth and his mind to them. Around their eye a few burn scars dotted their otherwise flawless skin accented by the lone Primal’s mark. “Watchers to the beasts. Protector of these woods. Fangs of Fang.” Quinn began before returning to their casual stance, their eyes remaining on the duo. “I expect as much. These lands protect their own. Fend for themselves. Show who’s on top. I expect nothing less. This path is treacherous. We stand tall as a village. Should we expect visits?” The inquired before stepping off of the desk from their leaned position taking a single step towards Touma ”Or would you rather grow alongside?” Quinn’s tone shifted slightly at the remark, a voice that remained leveled and light began to take on more weight to its words.

Now it was Quinn testing the young pup of Fang as it was clear that the Genshokage expected many to question or even wish to dissuade the intention of joining two lands together. Quinn saw potential with the Jugo who stood before them. A companion and their other half joining forces with Kemonogakure would prove useful for representing the village to not only Fang but also to Claw. The value of even just one soul joining the harmony that Kemonogakure wished to will into the world was immense, having two, one of man, the other beast, weighed heavy. Their posture did not change as their hands remained in their pockets as they shifted a bit from no longer leaning their back and weapon against their desk, waiting intently for their answer.

WC: 500, TWC 1,200

"...This one seems to be smarter than we first gave credence to. To be of nature, and to see a picture beyond your own in curious. We've never met another human like you big brother, its almost frightening."

Kuro turned his head to look to Touma who had been on his left as he panted idly, simply opting to keep his own opinions to himself. He could voice his opinions to the other male, but instead he remained neutral through it all only managing to chime in here and there to let Touma know he was still paying attention. Meanwhile, Touma had been paying close attention to Quinn and when she moved to take the eyepatch off, at first he was thinking he was going to see something deformed and maligned instead he found a perfectly normal eye only marred by a few burns and a symbol of some sort. That was the source of what he was sensing from her it would seem. The twist form of Sage Chakra and pulled at him and tried to entice him to correct it. Taking in a deep breath he would continue to listen to Quinn. Her movement did not scare or intimidate if anything it made him more curious. Kuro had looked from between the two and back to Touma knowing the wilding was probably getting riled up thinking it was a challenge of sorts. Moving over until he was a meter from the tall male, Kuro would sit and use his front right paw to tap the wrist of Touma, giving him the "calm down and relax" tone. Realizing he was letting his thirst for battle get to him, Touma took in a deep breath and allowed his more gentle nature to return.

"Question is difficult one to understand. Tou- I am used to nomadic life. Moving and being able to come and go as I please. Village life very unfamiliar to me," being cut off by the gruff bark and growl of Kuro, he would nod for a moment as he looked back to Quinn," Brother here makes good point. We want to see what goes on inside village, to grow so that home can grow. Hesitant we both are to commit to something that may change life for better or worse," he left it there for a moment, assessing her posture and words. If he knew any better she was turning the light onto him to see how he would respond. Would he join the village or return back to the world of forest and beast to let them know what they had found? For him, his life had been rooted in the nature of the world and taking care of his family. Now he had an opportunity to change all of that...but for what he pondered. Keeping his same stance, he would glance over to his brother while keeping Quinn in his peripheral to take his stance on it.

The wolf licked at his paws for a moment before reading the room and laid down," It is an opportunity we have never seen before brother. We could bring more home for family and better land. There could come a time where Fang is threatened...Would it not be better to stand with village against threat than to stand alone? One or two wolf a pack does not make," the younger wolf stood back up shortly after," But we must know what all we will be getting into beforehand." A very valid point. Giving his full attention back to Quinn he would pat his brother on the head, thankful for his council. Taking in a deep breath he would finally begin to speak," We want to take offer to join. But we must also protect interest of self. What can we hope to gain and obtain from joining your pack?," the question was straightforward at least to him, but he wanted to make sure that in the event that Kuro and himself joined, they would be able to continue taking care of themselves.

674 WC
2,215 TWC

3/6 NCP stacks

Studying the Jugo carefully, the Genshokage gauged the reaction and response. It was clear to Quinn that the prospective recruit had merit and weight behind his thoughts. Their focus shifted slightly to Kuro who moved closer to his companion. The bond between the two was clear and easily visible for Quinn to see. They were curious on what Rokku’s thoughts would be on the duo joining the village but that would be for another time to discuss. As Kuro brought Touma’s attention back to the conversation, Quinn moved very minimally to allow the two their space. It was clear the two had a lot to consider and converse before making a final decision on the matter.

Once Touma spoke again, it was clear to the Forgemaster that the decision was not to be taken lightly by the pair. They would likely grow to be a considerable force within the village and one that Quinn would welcome with their numbers dwindled. “Fair and reasonable. Decision is a big home. Such is leaving ‘home’.” They agreed with the Jugo. Quinn began to speak to hopefully alleviate some of the concerns of the pair. Quinn knew well the uncertainty of a village showing up out of nowhere and additive aspect of joining said village. Their circumstances were quite different than this Denizen of Fang’s though as Quinn was a business owner, not just a nomadic individual within the lands. “Hesitation dulls one’s senses. Keep in mind growth comes with pain.” Quinn stated as if it was simply matter of fact once Touma voiced concerns and inquired about what was to gain. “Offering? Shelter, food, comfort.” Quinn began before leaning back against the desk. “Village serves this land. Will protect what is asked of us. Will fight upon request. Our Shinobi however gain more.” The Forgemaster led the sales pitch into a rather almost boisterous manner while maintaining a monotones composure. The words would weigh heavy though their posture budged little.

“Our ranks will grow. Our strength will too. The pack we are today. Will not be the pack we are tomorrow. Our goals are large. Rather ambitious for most.” Quinn shifted their weight as ‘Senth’ was displaced off their back, allow Quinn to use their left hand to grip onto their weapon to let it extend towards their side, creating a strong stance before Touma and Kuro. This would likely be seen as an odd move for Rokku who likely had not seen the businesswoman side of Quinn. “Power, strength, opportunities. That is what we offer shinobi. The power to defy those who oppose. The strength to protect what we love. An plenty of opportunities. Opportunities to grow. To strive to new heights. To learn more than before.” They pitched to Touma and Kuro. Quinn was not as attuned to nature as others in the village, but they had a degree of mettle that could tell the wolf besides the Jugo was no ordinary beast of the land. “The same goes for you.” Quinn said directed to Kuro. “Our village grows with all. Man and beast alike. We welcome all who want. Our forces though..” Quinn trailed for a second before adjusting Senth to slam the tip against the floor.

“Our forces are for those who seek harmony.” Quinn said stonefaced. The village was built quickly but that did not change the beliefs that originated from their original village or Otogakure. To find harmony within oneself, one’s surroundings, and with others was not lost. “I am no warmonger. I seek to defend my village. To protect those who cannot. To provide for them too.” They declared openly and without hesitation. “If you seek similar ideals. Welcome. If you need time. Welcome. If you wish to join.” Quinn led to a lot of open questions that were more qualifiers than questions with how they spoke. “Then I urge you. Pick the path. Even if unseen. The woods do not make them. We beasts do.” Quinn added in before standing up putting Senth back onto their back walking back behind the desk. Taking on a more serious demeanor at this point, Quinn pulled a headband from the desk and laid it before Touma, his choice.

WC: 700, TWC: 1,900

Touma was glad that she understood. It was a decision that he could not make lightly especially with Kuro being in the mix. If he was alone perhaps the decision would have been easier for him. His curiosity about shinobi's and their lifestyle had often plagued his mind since the traders of his old nomadic herd often painted such interesting pictures of them. For him to be able to finally be able to experience it for himself was a tempting ordeal, but he also knew Kuro did not want to necessarily pull away from the pack. As Touma continued to listen to the Kage, he watched her movements earnestly until she reached for the weapon. At first she had been in a relaxed state so the movement caused some form of concern. It was not until she had slammed it onto the ground that Touma, only out of instinct allowed his feral nature to seep out. While Nature Chakra was invisible to most, his body began to exude it in such a quantity that it became tangible. Flickers of green and silver chakra began to illuminate his body, but he did not appear scared. For him, Touma took it as a challenge that the Kage had been throwing down, yet Kuro only knew she was using it as a show of determination. Stepping in front of the Jugo, he would let out a few howls before pawing at the Jugo.

"Brother calm. Not challenge. Only showing truth behind conviction."

For a moment as his eyes shifted silver due to the influx of Senjutsu chakra, he realized his brothers voice and took in a deep breath allowing the display of chakra and calmed himself. his eyes would slowly return to their normal blue hues as he nodded to his wolf brother. They had brought him back to peace, a state he was often in. It was not a common occurrence that people pushed him to that side, but this one here....she was different. A smile appeared on his face as he began to pet Kuro who at this point remained at his brothers side as the weapon was put back. He had a lot to think about and for once a clear choice could be made here. His eyes moved from Quinn to the Headband for a moment then to Kuro, who had simply looked up to the human and waited for his answer. After a moment, Touma began to step forward placing his hand onto the headband and finally choosing his answer," It has been long time since someone pushed me to do that...You are different. Home may need our help. But this place...will make us stronger. You forgot one thing," his index finger would tap on the headband first and then point to Kuro," Brother need one as well. We are pack and we go together no matter what," the wolf itself would give a wide grin as he came up to the desk with his head on it patiently waiting.

505 WC
2,720 TWC

4/6 NCP Stacks

Seeing Touma rile and raise his 'fangs', Quinn gave an approving nod to this young man's actions. Being ready to prove oneself was not a trait many had within themselves. It was a treat to see that from a prospective shinobi. Many would balk at the show of strength or even meekly accept it. Seeing the duo respond as such was well-affirming and acceptable for the Forgemaster as enough merit to warrant acceptance into the village. From their position behind the desk, it came down to the call and decision from Touma. A returning smile came across the Genshokage's face. Pulling a second headband out and placing it beside the initial one. "Comrades in arms. Comrades in nature. We are together." They declared looking towards Touma and Kuro as two new members of their new harmony within the Land of Fang.

Their attention then turned to Rokku who had been standing vigil on the proceedings. "Rokku." They called out beckoning the present genin in the room to step forward. "Make sure taken care of." They said simply before pulling out a relatively large satchel from the desk. It was heavy as they let it drop onto the desk with a loud thud. "Help sort through the village. Give a tour. Help settle in. When and where possible." Then they turned to look at the Jugo before them. "Rokku will help. This should aid in settling. Living is costly. Resources are expensive. I can forge tools. I cannot forge homes. At least, not the same method." They stated knowing they recognized that they were building and forming one in a foreign land on their own. They waited to see what the two would do now with two headbands before them and with Rokku being designated as a guide for the duo.

[Giving Touma 80,000 from personal wallet, new ryo total: 215,840 - 80,000 = 135,840.]