Party Precautions [P.IO]

Asuka would stifle a giggle as Zo chastised the teens for being late and she was happy to hear they took his jest as such, seemingly unbothered by his comment. The group then would follow the women towards a luxurious clothing store. Posting up on the other side of the door as Zokuro, Asuka happily answered his inquiry after thinking it over for a moment. Afterward, she proposed the question back to him. Before answering, he offered her a bit of advice, and Asuka nodded in agreement.

Admittedly she felt conflicted about what she truly wanted and her dreams. Most of her current aspirations and ambitions were due to some role others needed her to play a part in. Her parents wished to give her the bakery someday, though she was unsure if running a business was really her thing. She had only started learning the medical arts to help Akira, though now that he was gone she found herself now too involved with the hospital to simply quit her duties. From a young age, she had dreamed of joining the village formally and helping the community where she could, but she found herself too terrified to partake in the chunin exams.

Though her mind swarmed with thoughts, her expression remained neutral with a soft smile as she listened to Zo. He’d mention that he was primarily a worker a while back, doing things like farming, building, and tinkering. He didn’t seem that much older than Asuka, so she wondered just how long ago. However, she decided it was best to not press the topic and instead shifted her attention to the others in the group. After proposing the same question to them, she’d listen as Travin spoke up first. He explained that he simply had a gift and decided to use it, which Asuka respected. If she had started her training at his age, she would have been significantly stronger by now but unfortunately, other things had beckoned her attention.

Jinroku spoke up next, mentioning that he had been led there by his passions. Asuka related to him, seeing as that’s currently why she was pursuing this path. Akira had suggested doing some easy jobs together, and that snowballed into her now feeling obligated to continue tending to village duties. She knew her time was better spent at the hospital, tending to the sick or wounded within Kumogakure but instead, she was out acting as an escort for some rich people.

Before she could speak, Travin would momentarily rummage around in his pocket before pulling out what looked to be some hard candies. Though she was sure the candy and scone wouldn’t mix, Auska had a soft spot for sweet things. After plucking a blue one from his palm, she’d address Jinroku and Travin once more.

”I’m excited to see how you both progress! Maybe if everything works out tonight at the party, we could all pick up some more work together in the future.” Her gaze would shift to look at Zo before continuing happily. ”I’m sure you have others who would love to have you join them, but I’d like to extend the invitation to you as well. I’d be more than delighted to have somebody as seemingly experienced as you as a partner.”

Just from being able to see his chakra network, Asuka could tell he quite the shinobi though that isn’t why she asked him to work with her more. He had a great personality and seemed to be rather intelligent so she thought the two of them would get along swimmingly. As for why she asked Jinroku and Travin, well their aspirations reminded her of her friends when they were young. Akira and Zansu had both started their training before they were teens, but never got a formal teaching so they progressed quite slowly. Asuka thought she could help the two young men at least train a bit more and do some work around the village if nothing else.

Soon the women would exit the shop, only to bark instructions at the group once more. Asuka simply bowed towards them and walked roughly 5 meters behind them with her Byakugan still activated. Travin walked a bit in front of her with what she assumed to be a dojutsu activated. She hadn’t seen it before and wondered if it worked similarly to hers. If Zokuro walked beside her, Asuka would maintain a pleasant conversation as they moved towards the estate. Thankfully, without any issues, they made it to the home and were greeted by a handful of guards who escorted them to a guest house. Dropping her Byakugan, she’d follow the group quietly.

Upon entering the guest house they were instructed by some of the workers to get changed into whatever clothing they wished for the party. Should the others need it, there was an appropriate attire to change into but thankfully Asuka had some clothes sent by a few days prior. Finding a private place to change, she’d leave the group. After roughly 30 minutes, she’d return to the group, looking quite differently than before. Now adorned in a dress that clung tightly to her waist and torso, Asuka would stand a bit sheepishly among the group.

The dress itself had a sweetheart neckline that exposed her shoulders and collarbones. The color was black like the night sky with various golden stars embroidered around the base, waistline, and torso. Poofing out at the waist slightly, the front of it stopped roughly halfway down her thighs and the back hit her ankles as she moved. As she walked, the rhythmic sound of high heels clicking across the floor could be heard along with the light jingling of golden jewlery. Some strands of her snow-white hair had been braided and pulled into a loose ponytail that resembled a criclet. The rest of her hair remained straight and laid gently over her back and shoulders. Though she was never one for make up, she put a bit of mascara on and a pink lip gloss as final touches.

She felt like a fish out of water dressed in such a way and admittedly looked as if she felt a bit awkward though she attempted to hide her embarrassment. Once the others were finished, or if they were already done upon her arrival Asuka would offer them a slight wave as she rejoined them.

WC: 1072
Total WC: 3474