Here there be dragons. (Entry)

Benjiro walked through the forested lowlands that comprised the Land of Lightning, enjoying the singing of the birds as they flitted by. He paused to watch two birds flit back and forth, fighting in the air over some imperceivable border that only they knew. He would have made it to the borders much quicker if not for that interlude, and he spent the next few hours watching the birds and their epic battle. He wrote some, in his journal.



He looked up at the large mountain range looming over this land like a stern and judgemental father.



With a flourish, Benjiro signed his name at the bottom of the page and dated it. He stared back towards the tree line once more, admiring the beauty of the old growth wood once more before turning and starting his trek into the mountain range, already the sweat was forming as Benjiro could feel the elevation rise.

He finally reached the village of Kumogakure, pausing to both catch his breath and admire the grandeur of the gate before him, which loomed above him like a tidal wave of stone. He took a breath again, composing himself, before walking closer and hailing whatever Guards this village had.

He spoke loud but gently so as not to appear aggressive. The little he had learned about the Land of Lightning was that they had a militaristic philosophy, and he didn’t want anything to lead to confrontation.  

“Hello! I seek entry into this grand village, is anyone there?”

He said confidently, looking up and around the gates for whomever might be in charge. the stone began to feel claustrophobic as it towered over him

Working at a constant pace, people really hated waiting and would become restless if he worked to slowly. Checking Identification cards and inspecting suspicious individuals wasn’t a hard job, but it was an honest one. Herozen was diligent and quick, the line of farmers, shopkeepers, children entering the village was a long one with new additions frequently. This would mean Herozen would get everyone checked in and then twenty more people would arrive which mean Herozen hardly caught a break. Finally, Herozen caught a break when he had no one else to check in. He pulled out a cigarette and smoked on it, waiting for new people to enter the line. There were more shinobi on the gate, but Herozen had pulled the straw to do check ins. Herozen peered down the path and saw a man making his way through the forest and approach the gate, good news to Herozen he was alone.

The six foot, large bamboo steeple hat wearing man called to the gate, Herozen would advance on the man whose black robes were still clean even after a journey to Kumogakure. “Hang on, friend, I’m smoking.” Herozen would say close enough he could act, far enough away the cigarette smoke shouldn’t be offensive. “We can start the interview now. Who are you, and what brings you to my lovely village?” Herozen asked looking the new guy directly in the eye, smoke streaming off of his cigarette.

At the shinobi's request for some time, Benjiro bowed his head gracefully in acquiescence and simply stood there for a moment as the shinobi collected himself. Benjiro took the time to examine the shinobi across from him. He was of average height, barely shorter than Benjiro, with long dark hair, what piqued his interest the most was the Uchiha clan symbol. Even in Benjiros small neck of the woods the tales of the Uchiha clan had reached his ears. He wished he could interview the man right then and there but he tempered his curiosity as the shinobi spoke up once more.

“We can start the interview now. Who are you, and what brings you to my lovely village?” Benjiro was slightly taken aback, was this young man really the Kage of the whole village? He bowed his head gracefully once more wanting to give an air of calm and peace.

“My name is Benjiro, it is a lovely village indeed.” He looked up and around at the stone briefly. “As for why I am here” He held up a nondescript leather bound notebook. “I am on a journey so to say, to visit every major and minor village in our lands.” He opened the book and went to the page with Kumogakure written at the top. “Your village is awfully blank with information, I seek entry so that I may catalog and interview the people of this powerful and formidable village” He humbly bowed his head again at the end of his mission statement and paused to wait for a response.

“Uh huh, so you’re just wandering around the world?” Herozen asked, not sure if he was catching a spy, or if he might have misunderstood, but why would someone admit to stealing secrets? Herozen locked eyes with the man, he gave him a curt nod. “I’ll allow you access, I just have to run your identification card, make sure you’re not causing trouble.” Herozen would put his cigarette out and make his way over to the vagabond to inspect his gear. “I expect you won’t make trouble for us, welcome to Kumogakure.”

WC:92
TWC: 332

Luckily, Benjiro had been to other villages requiring an ID card, and he produced one from his robes with fluidity. He sensed a suspicion in the young man and his words confirmed that. He handed over his ID, and briefly allowed the man to check his sparse belongings.

"Wouldn't dream of it sir." He bowed his head again, and received his ID and belongings. With that, he walked forward into the town of Kumogakure, the tall buildings taking his breath away.

TWC: 738
[Exit and entry into Kumogakure]

Claims:

Benjiro Senju wrote:Luckily, Benjiro had been to other villages requiring an ID card, and he produced one from his robes with fluidity. He sensed a suspicion in the young man and his words confirmed that. He handed over his ID, and briefly allowed the man to check his sparse belongings.

"Wouldn't dream of it sir." He bowed his head again, and received his ID and belongings. With that, he walked forward into the town of Kumogakure, the tall buildings taking his breath away.

TWC: 738
[Exit and entry into Kumogakure]

Claims:

Approved