The Wanderer [OPEN]

[Hae Kyohaku]

Before Hae could speak for herself, Yuudai vouched for her. She looked at him, her eyes slightly widened, and her jaw dropped a small bit. Though it wasnt 100% unexpected, she hadnt exactly expected him to vouch so quickly and...thoroughly after she hadnt told him about her lack of appropriate passport. She glanced to the shadowy figure that stopped them in their activities. Her jaw closed as her eyes re-focused on this character. She didnt like him at all. He was demeaning, and he had an air about him that signified bad news. Her jaw clenched tighter as he kept his cold gaze glued to them, as though he was a hawk watching its prey. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Yuudai gesture for her to follow him after he gave a few dismissing words to the new arrival.

She was ready to follow, but only got a few steps before this shadowy figure moved down to them...just four feet away. She paused in mid step, and froze with her left foot flat on the ground, and her right toes on the ground. His voice had a certain chill to it that Hae didnt like at all. It gave her the impression that he felt like he thought he was the boss of her...when, even though she was in a foreign village, he was far from that. She was starting to grow a dark pit in her stomach because of how much she was starting to dislike this guy. He placed a finger on the ground and there was an audible snap. She didnt give him the satisfaction of looking down to see what it was, but she kept her eyes locked on his face...particularly his cold eyes.

He spoke of her violation of the treaty between your villages. She stiffened, feeling her hair bristle with her growing agitation with this guy. He said that, had she seen the Hokage, the Jounin would all be talking about her. Hae was about ready to say something. "Well..." she began, letting her agitation seep into her voice, making it sharp and tense. "I meant not to trespass. And please, Yuudai was only trying to give me a good first view of the village. Also, might I add that we only recently got here. Even in the time we spent walking here, we wouldnt have been able to get to the Hokage's office. Besides, Im pretty sure she's incredibly busy at the moment. Didnt mean to 'violate'" she put a bit more emphasis on that last word "any treaties that we have established. I was unaware of this. It wasnt required in any other village..."

What irked her even more was when he suggested that they could 'pay him off'. She knew she was going to be striking a hard & dangerous note here. "An exchange? Beg your pardon...are you talking about a bribe?" Her voice peaked a bit as it changed from being nicer and more respectful to harsher and more independent, defending herself and Yuudai. "But, wouldnt bribe be avoiding your duty to your village? That would be rather disrespectful, would it not? Not to mention neglectful..." she gave him a hard look. She didnt care what she did...she was quite put up with him. However, inside of her head, she felt like her second personality was starting to quell up from this guy. If he kept pressing her, it would probably become more prominent...not what she wanted.

[Katsu Katakuzure]

Yuudai noted Kai’s speed as he . He was fast, Yuudai could give him that, but he didn’t expect any less from a Jounin. He didn’t let the older, more experienced ninja’s demeanor bother him at all, he was more confident than that. By the end of this, there would be no trouble, and Hae would get to see the top of Hokage mountain, he just knew it.

“On the contrary,” Yuudai began his reply quickly and smoothly, “it much better to view this city from at night. Only then can you see the windows light up like candles and study the beautiful architecture without it getting lost in the crowds of people. And I have heard if you can catch that magical moment of sunrise, well, that there is nothing more beautiful in the entire Land of Fire.” Yuudai stifled a cough as Kai tried to extort money from them. Was he for real? If anyone was the traitor here, it was clearly him. The mere fact that he would let something go for a little money… he had to be faking. There is no way the Hokage would keep have him be a Jounin otherwise. “I believe your tax is what they call extortion, and I am sure the Hokage doesn’t look to kindly towards that. In fact, I am sure none of the other Jounin would like someone of supposedly higher standings to stoop to levels so low. Why, I know dogs with more honor.”

“Indeed, I don’t recall having to drag guest to Lady Tsunade in order to show them around. That would be just plain silly. All she would need is a passport, and since she clearly is here, she clearly must have one. Therefore, she has done nothing wrong by not informing you or anyone of her present,” Yuudai followed Hae’s point of not knowing she had to report to the Godaime Hokage. As far as he knew, she didn’t. Besides, what threat did Hidden in Star pose? They were a tiny village from what Yuudai was told, they weren’t going to be staging some kind of attack. That would be paranoid.

Yuudai could tell Hae’s uneasiness about Kei, and he couldn’t blame her. However, it was much more important that she wasn’t provoked into anything, as that would immediately remove any slight leverage he had. If she blurted out her lack of passport, or that the guards had let her in because they trusted Yuudai’s judgment, then Yuudai and Hae were going to be in trouble. He glanced towards her, nervous looks thankfully hidden by his mask. No need to draw any unnecessary suspicion.

[steeltouch]

Kai paused for a moment, then started a light laugh. "Now...you see that? That disgusted feeling ive created within both of you?", he said as he stood to his two feet. His arms casually lifted and tucked his hands behind his head, head tilting lazily back as he watched the two. "Theres a lesson to be learned in this encounter. You wont allow yourself to bribe me due to common moral code and honor, a sense of respect for the rules.", his eyes moved specificly to Yuudai, "That same disgust that you've felt is the same way I felt when you disregarded my words and chose to continue through.", he explained calmly but his tone was different as if indicating that his previous actions were intent on making them think he was seriously scum.

"No, I will not allow you to bribe me and it still quite solid that beyond this road is trespassing even to you Yuudai without the proper reasoning.", he purposely avoided using the term invasion or need to hide. "And it seems that you are unaware so I will educate you BOTH.", he said as his eyes sharply turned to Hae. "Here in Konoha, even an allied village is not permitted in without the proper cause or visitation passport cleared upon by the Hokage on first entry. An acception to said permission is the Chuunin Exam. Need I remind you both of the incident years ago involving Orochimaru's invasion? Now it is more inforced than ever."

"I intend for this first impression to be a lesson, im a great friend to have but I also stand for order. I will give you the benefit of the doubt and ask you for your passport. If you do not have one I will take you there now and forgive your unintentional crime against Konoha.", he said with a calmer tone hoping she'd understand.

[Hae Kyohaku]

Hae listened to Yuudai as he spoke up. He was firm in his words. He explained that he was just giving them a "lesson" of sorts. How he had felt just as disgusted as we currently do..what? Hae had to admit she was confused, but she wouldnt give him the satisfaction of knowing that. She was more concerned with the drastic change in his voice.

He assumed a calmer disposition as he spoke to them, explaining to them what rules were in effect and why. She couldnt help but nod a little as she saw sense in his words. She had heard about Orochimaru's invasion of Konoha years back. But what kind of help would a tiny village like Hoshigakure be in that? Sure, they had unique techniques, but other than that they werent much of a fighting force.

Her ears pricked up a bit at the mention of a passport. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, but she kept her face an expressionless mask. This was bad...really bad. This guy seemed like he could be some kind of trouble, and she definitely had a feeling she'd be in trouble if he found out about her lack of correct documentation. She held her breath for a few seconds, trying to think of something to say rather than just stay silent for too long.

Inhaling, she responded "Well..I wouldnt have called myself disgusted so much as I was affronted...and do you need my passport in the core of the village? I was cleared by the two..." she paused for a moment, glancing at Yuudai for support...hoping she'd catch her gesture for help. "...what were they...Chuunin? The ones posted at the entrance as guards for whomever comes in or out, escorted or no..."

She knew she was beating around the bush, but it was necessary to save her & Yuudai's neck...

[Katsu Katakuzure]

“It has nothing to do with a respect of rules, it is the willingness to sell out those around you, though I am sure you would argue the two are one in the same,” replied Yuudai, not to bothered in being caught in what he was sure Kai saw as hypocritical. Yuudai always find himself on the weird side of moral questions, and this was no exception. How else could he explain his acceptance of the consuming of meat, while simultaneously disapproving of the use of animals? Besides, if he went further down this road, he knew it would end up in the argument of what happens when two sides think they are absolutely right. It would be pointless, those before them could only answer with fighting and war, and that would end poorly for everyone.

Yuudai stifled a scoff at the mention of needing to clear passports through the Hokage. It would be completely unnecessary if it was true, those close to the Hokage were notified the second anyone entered the village, as well as a team being sent to intercept them. Orochimaru’s invasion bypassed that somehow. Even the Yodaime was fooled until the invasion started, it wouldn’t have made a difference if he were to meet with those involved or not. “I am afraid I don’t believe you there. Those kind of security measures would be unnecessary, as the Hokage should already be alerted of any… visitors,” he responded. Yuudai was careful in his language, as he had no problem talking about the barrier, but talking so opening about it to a Hae in front of Kai could only lead to trouble.

“And she has no need to show her passport. The Hokage would have known if we forced our way through the gates and already had us stopped. Clearly we went through the front gates, which means she would have had to have a passport. Asking to see one now would be foolish and an invasion of privacy. If you really wish to know if she passed through without trouble, you may check with the guards,” replied Yuudai to the question of her passport.

Suddenly, an idea dawned upon Yuudai, almost filling him with glee. “If you wish, we could wait for you in the Konoha library, I am sure my guest would love to read up on village history,” Yuudai added. Kai really had no ground to stand on here, as the library was open to ninjas, and was within the walls of the Hokage Mountain. Yes, his intentions were clear, but couldn’t truly be refused.

[steeltouch]

"Excuse me?", Kai said with a raised brow. His tone shifted quickly as Yuudai managed to strike a nerve with his retort. Without much mention, Kai was very sharp to know when he was being lied to and this only further pissed him off. It seemed that they were trying to talk him out of Konoha's customs to protect the trespass of a mere stranger. Whether or not they agreed with it or shared an opinion of how things SHOULD run, the solid fact was that even allied villages were not permitted within Konoha without permission from the Hokage....and the passports that the Hokage issues are always worn visibly so that it is clear that they have permission to be within the walls of the Leaf Village.

"It seems that in a mere nights walk you have forgotten your place in the ranks. You dont tell me about procedure....in fact its quite the opposite. I tire of playing your intellectual game of warfare and it falls to the ground that you are very ill informed of how we handle visitors, CHUUNIN!", his tone was very sharp and authoritative this time around. It was mostly the stifled scoff that set Kai off, he picked up on things like that because he was training himself to be an ANBU Black Op. "Even if the Hokage is aware of your friend it is still left to the TRUST that any ally still follow Konoha's procedure out of respect of the treaties at hand. And im afraid that is an affair that doesnt call for the opinion of a Chuunin."

His eyes slid to Hae and his eyes reverted to a neutral glare that indicated a trained killer, something that couldnt be emulated by someone with lack of field experience. "I was trying to be polite, even though you were lying to me, hoping that you would come clean and just take the offer I laid clearly before you to have you escorted to the Hokage for a pass. Now that I see that both of you have something to hide im going to ask you no more than once to provide your passport....or else im placing you under arrest for violation of the treaty and Yuudai as well for aiding a spy and failure to comply with his superiors.", His hands lowered from their place against the back of his head and held together the hand seal for dragon.

[Hae Kyohaku]

Hae automatically shrank back a little when she noticed the immediate change in this other guys voice. She didnt like it...it was getting edgy and this time it had a real perception of danger to it. He seemed to tense up, and add an edge of authority to his voice that wasnt there before. She cringed internally as she heard his voice escalate into scolding and disciplining Yuudai. He was clearly asserting his authority, and she didnt like it. It was rather awkward for someone she'd recently met and began to trust get scolded and...abrasively disciplined. It was rather unnerving, and it made her feel even more like a stranger in this new village.

When he requested a passport again, she tensed defensively and bit her lip. She couldnt let this guy find out anything...it would be very bad. However, if they continued on this road, she wouldnt have her secret much longer. And on top of that, he was threatening to arrest the both of them. She moved her stance a bit and made it a bit stronger. It wasnt to prepare her for anything, but it was just what she did when she got in bad situations like this.

Frankly, she only had the skill level of what was like a Chuunin, and this guy was clearly more than that. However, she was going to defend herself with words. She wouldnt dare do anything to attack...she didnt want to heighten the suspicion that was around her already. Frowning, she left her stance and stepped forward keeping the cold eye contact that swept across her face and stared at her.

"Please, Sir." she began, keeping her voice level as not to indicate anything. However, it had a darker edge to it, a calmer one, one that was asserting herself as well as defending. She knew that her slightly darker personality was making a clear appearance, and its presence known. Her voice got a bit sharper, and colder. She hated being accused unfairly. Sure, life wasnt fair, but she at least wanted a bit of just views from him, not just accusations.

Continuing, she drew a breath "I meant no disrespect towards yourself, Konohagakure's customs, any alliance between our village that I was unaware of, or the very grounds I walk on because of my unawares. I must object though that as far as I know, I didnt intend to lie to you in any way. I simply wanted to see the village from a higher-up view. I was not aware of any rules you had set in place about doing so for outsiders or yourselves."

She paused, taking another breath, and her eyes grew harder "I also swear that on the honor of Hoshigakure I would never intentionally disregard any treaty that was set in place. A tiny village such as Hoshigakure has no scuffle with Konoha. Hoshikage-sama is still eternally greatfull to the Hokage for how she aided us a few years ago when there was civil corruption within our village. He would never intentionally disrupt Konoha or place it in danger. In fact, part of the reason I wanted to come here was to carry a small message for the Hokage from him." She had totally forgotten about this until all the talk of the Hokage rose up, so she almost breathed a sigh of relief for recalling it. She knew Yuudai would probably wonder why she kept it from him...but the answer was simple: she had forgotten. Her eyes had lost a bit of their firm look as she had been talking, but then she stepped up to defend herself, and they gained the steely look they had before then.

"Also, I swear on my loyalty to Hoshigakure no Sato and the honor of Hoshigakure that I am not spy. I am not a corrupt person, despite what your first impression of me may be. I am no spy. I would rather kill myself before I did something as low as that for anyone. I gain no benefit for spying. If I were a spy, I would be nothing more than a pawn. My life has more meaning than to be a piece of some game that could easily be tossed aside and killed."

She lost a bit of her defensive edge as she added "I would actually like to deliver this message for the Hokage...and if it would be alright, I would appreciate it if you could escort me there. I actually have a letter here..." she reached in her pocket and withdrew a small, folded piece of parchment, offering it to him. "This is a letter from Hoshikage requesting a small audience for me with the Hokage as time allows...I would be rather greatfull, as would the Hoshikage, if I were allowed to complete this."

She didnt loose her tense posture though...if he insisted on arresting her, she knew that she would reflexively and instinctively protect herself using the Kujaku Myouhou: Su, to protect herself in a veil of the chakra. She knew that could be taken as a threat, but it was instinct, and she wouldnt be able to make it recede until she felt safer.

She had not intentionally changed the subject...again, from her passport, but it worked effectively...for now.

[Katsu Katakuzure]

Yuudai didn’t back down from the bigger man barking at him, he didn’t even move as if he acknowledge Kai’s anger. This entire conversation was sort of out of character for Yuudai, who in almost any other situation, would have backed down, put it up to a matter of disagreeing. Here though, he needed to do something, anything to save their tails. “You might want to try some of those night walks. They are quite lovely, and really let you clear your head of pent up anger. There is nothing quite like a walk out in the forest at night,” replied Yuudai, sounding as calm and respectful as he could. He then added, “However, I like to point out that that you tired to have us meet with the Hokage when we didn’t need too. Maybe both of us need to brush up on how things work around here.” He tried with every fiber of his being for that not to sound like a smart ass, but he knew it probably came off a little like that. Somewhat of a shame, since despite all that was said so far, he didn’t have an ill towards the Jounin.

“On the contrary, isn’t it the lowest of the low’s job to question their superiors? After all, how will they know if they are following a leader they agree with?” Yuudai continued, half to himself. “Of course, then you can get immoral people questioning good leaders, and agreeing with evil ones. Then there is the risk of nothing ever getting done. Where do we draw the line on this? Is it on affairs like this? Or bigger things? Or even smaller? I am not quite sure anyone knows the answer to that,” Yuudai finished thoughtfully. The affect he was hoping for was twofold. He was hoping that maybe everyone would calm down a little by his softer words, and maybe deflect some of the conversation away from the passport.

However, this was apparently unnecessary, as Hae produced her letter. Yuudai would be lying if he said he wasn’t slightly annoyed by this turn of events. He had asked her to tell him everything, and even then she had kept things from him. He doubted she was lying to Kai, and he was hoping it would get them out of this mess, but he still felt like she should have told him. Then again, maybe she just didn’t know. There was plenty of time to use it before, and it probably would have been far more effective then. However, he had no time to think about this, as he noticed Kai’s hand. “Relax,” he mentioned, “if we were looking to fight you, we would have long since attacked you.”

[steeltouch]

Kai was damn near ready to blow a fuze, Yuudai just would not stop. Each word in retort of back-talk was only digging Yuudai further down the road of punishment. "Me? Worried about you two attacking me? Thats not my concern at all. Frankly if you two attacked me together you still wouldnt be a match for me, no, thats not the issue at all.", he said with a slight glance in Yuudai's direction. "If you're wondering why im holding up this seal, its because I've already channeled the needed amount of chakra through my system to physically move fast enough to subdue you both in one pass.", his hand casually lowered to his sides.

"But all of that is irrelivant now, her note is a valid reason to be within these walls as she carries a messenger's purpose. I will now personally escort her to the Hokage and get her the passport she does not have.", His right hand lifted and an over the shoulder gesture to follow him was made for Hae. "I really apologize to you for possibly embarrassing you in front of your new friend, Yuudai, but your team captain will be notified and I will request to take you away for punishment tomorrow. Until then, enjoy your night walk....you're dismissed."

[Hae Kyohaku]

Hae paled a bit as this guy revealed a hand seal that was behind his head. He commented that he could have taken them both out in one pass after he scoffed at Yuudai's note that both she and Yuudai might have attacked him. Was he crazy? The last thing she wanted to was provoke this guy any further. The only thing she was prepared to do was defend herself. She was about to say something before he interjected. At the mention of her messenger's purpose, she glanced at Yuudai. He didnt show much of a reaction to this news, but she was willing to bet that he was thuroughly annoyed. She flashed him a slightly pleading look to understand, and hopefully, if he was good at reading facial expressions, he wouldnt say anything and let her explain next time they met up...which would hopefully be later that day or tomorrow.

Her gaze snapped back to the other guy as he mentioned a passport that she didnt have. She knew it wouldnt be wise, but it would be at least for her benefit to point out that she did have a passport, but not the correct kind. He then proceeded to dismiss Yuudai and mention that he would ask that Yuudai's sensei appropriately punish him.

She flinched a little...she didnt want him punished at all...getting a look around the village had been her idea. The other guy gestured to her to follow him. She was clearly reluctant to go without Yuudai. She didnt know what it was, probably just the first impression that was cast upon her from him, but she didnt want Yuudai to leave, especially with this other guy.

"B-but..." she stuttered. She didnt want Yuudai to leave, let alone be punished. She didnt know Konoha's customs of punishment on Genin & Chuunin, but at Hoshigakure it was bad enough. She didnt want to think of possibilities of Konoha's punishment methods. However, she gave a hesitant step forward and glanced from Yuudai to the other guy and back again. "Uh...alright...Yuudai...I'll see you later...I guess? Or..tomorrow? We could maybe meet in that food district we passed earlier..."

She took a few more steps forward before she dared to ask "I understand that your customs of punishment to be dealt must be carried out, but would it be alright Yuudai came with us? I'm sure he would be rather unfufilling as an escort if he were to depart early from this, he wouldnt be fulfilling the role of an escort. I fully understand if he must leave though." She figured that it would not have much effect on this guy, but she gave him a slightly pleading look as she slowly walked towards him.

[Katsu Katakuzure]

Punishment huh? Yuudai wasn’t really worried by punishment. If they wanted him to clean up or do some other manual labor, he would just view it as another one of his walks. If they wanted to inflict pain, Yuudai knew he had survived worse. Yes, it wouldn’t be fun, but he would make it through, and only be stronger for it. If anything, Yuudai viewed this punishment threat as a growing experience. The only question was on whether Kai would be the one administrating the punishment. If his team leader insisted on doing the punishment himself, in which case Yuudai wouldn’t get much of a punishment.

The dismissal, however, did annoy Yuudai a little. He didn’t make a move to fight it, it was the Jounin’s right to dismiss him as he so pleased. Yuudai figured he would just go home and eat, incase he was in store for some kind of solitary confinement. He doubted it, that would be a crazy harsh punishment, but he might as well, just incase.

Yuudai looked over at Hae, noting that she took the news kind of hard, at least, in his eyes. “Of course, after my punishment, I would be glad to meet you for some lunch… or dinner, pending on the time,” he replied. He assumed it would only be one day of punishment, though if it ended up as more, he would be more than glad to reschedule. After all, what was the worth they could do to him?

Yuudai then turned towards Kai, and gave him a little bow. Whether or not the Jounin had any form of tolerance left towards Yuudai, it didn’t matter, Yuudai held no ill will towards him. “I shall await my punishment tomorrow. I shall see you then.” Yuudai turned to walk back towards his house, but overheard Hae’s asking if Yuudai could come along. He staid still as he waited for an answer.

[steeltouch]

"Hm?", Kai stopped in his tracks and casually looked over his shoulder at Hae. He listened to her request and paused just to give the air that awkward silence for a moment. His eyes slowly panned over to Yuudai before his eyes closed into a smile when he spoke. "Well, I suppose if it makes you feel that much more comfortable then I suppose he can come along too. I just figured he might wanna go get some rest before his big punishment tomorrow. After all..."

[]Anime eye close-up highlight[]

"...He'll be needing all the energy he can get.", he said as he opened his eyes in an almost lazy glare. Kai then placed his hands behind his head and turned back to his casual walk as if he didnt expect and answer. Kai had just the punishment for the young Chuunin, and in the end there would be a harsh lesson learned, but that wasnt until tomorrow so for now he would smile.

[Hae Kyohaku]

She waited nervously as she listened to each of them talk. She hoped that Yuudai would be allowed to come with her...she would feel sort of awkward without him around there. "Well...um.." she said in a small voice. In all honesty, she didnt think that anything else she could say would help Yuudai, but she only waited until the other person responded. She would have crossed her fingers, but hoped that she would not seem all too eager, that could be a downfall. Finally, after a silence and a rather long look, her heartbeat quickened.

Hae smiled as the older shinobi granted a bit of permission for Yuudai to come with them. "Thank you, sir! Yuudai...!" she gestured to him to come over "Come on!" It was just then that she had no idea where they were going. She knew they were going to the Hokage's office, but she had no idea where that was. She automatically dropped back to Yuudai and said "I didnt think it would be very fulfilling if you were to leave now. An escort should always see their duty through. But I do hope that you arent punished too severely tomorrow."

She gave him a concerned look with round, violet eyes, before turning a stronger look to the Jounin. "Okay...Lets go...?"

[Katsu Katakuzure]

“It would be my pleasure to continue accompanying you,” replied Yuudai to Hae, ignoring the mention of his punishment. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t at all pleased with these turn of events. Sure, he was getting punished if things worked out like there were suppose too, but that could wait. “And I promise, I can take the punishment. Remember my chakra almost consumed me as a child, and if I could survive that, then I can survive a punishment,” added Yuudai, trying to be comforting. He doubted it worked, so he removed his mask a little in an attempt to flash Hae a smile. There was no doubt that some of his face had take damage in his birth, with scaring appearing in several places. However, much was his face appeared almost untouched, due impart to medical ninjutsu and his seals.

It had been awhile since Yuudai had been to the Hokage’s office, as he got most of his missions through his group leader. It would have been her first arrival when he had last seen her, and even then he didn’t talk to her. Yuudai did want to meet the Hokage, at least set up some sort of understanding between him and her so she could understand his meditations and such… and why he kept going missing for days after missions. Yuudai had been told that talk had been taken care of, but he was never too sure with his sensei. It wouldn’t hurt to confirm.

Yuudai glanced over to the Jounin, readjusting his mask to make sure it was covering his face once more. “Do you want to lead the way,? or should I?” he asked.

[steeltouch]

Why that snide little crap...Kai had half the nerve to re-stimulate that effect and see if he survives twice. But of course this wasnt about killing him, it was about punishing Yuudai for his negligence. Instead Kai would give him a deadly glare the moment he uttered that he could take any punishment and clenched his fist tight enough to make the skin in his palm break and bleed through his fingers. That rage swelled within him but he just exhaled slowly and the sensation passed. "Do not think for a moment that I do not have a suitable punishment for you, Yuudai.", he said in pure warning before turning again and leading the way down the mountain away from the restricted zone. Tsunade was going to get an ear full of chaos when he got to her office.