Taiko
Jōnin - 上忍
Posts: 20
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Post by Taiko on Nov 25, 2008 0:46:54 GMT -5
Sitting on the top of the tallest building in Tsukigakure no Sato -- the Midnight Clocktower -- was one of the Taiinmusha. His dark hair billowed gently in the breeze as he looked down at the village below. A reddish-purple glow overtook the entire scene as the sun slowly began to disappear behind the mountains.
It was a peaceful time.
Taking a deep breath Taiko looked up into the sky to see the moon gracefuly making its appearance. A cloak of blue trailing lightly behind it. A beautiful sight if there ever was one. He watched as the people went about their daily routines, seemingly without a care in the world. He let out a deep sigh as he looked over at the Gesshoku's Mansion. He was in there. The man that he once used to idolize. The man that had come to be his hero.
But that was a long time ago.
Being abandoned and practically left for dead helps a kid put things into perspective. The man he once revered and worshipped...he now hated. The mere thought of him was enough to get his blood boiling. However, with today's events Taiko had come to realize that this wasn't just about him. No, not anymore.
As he watched the mansion he could see people moving about and preparing. Kyoushi was preparing a grand event for the arrival of the Tsuchikage. It was supposed to be a joyous event. But how could you really celebrate someone who abandoned his own flesh and blood for five years? A man that'd let his child grow up without seeing him even once. Was that really someone'd you call a hero?
He had been invited. Personally invited by the Gessoku and the heir to her throne. His new family. How could one turn down something like that?
Actually, it was surprisingly easy...
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Kyōshi-hime
Jōnin - 上忍
Lady Of Tsukigakure no Sato
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...
Posts: 26
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Post by Kyōshi-hime on Nov 28, 2008 11:36:12 GMT -5
Kyoshi sat in her room in front of her massive vanity and peered into the mirror as the put her small pearl earrings into her earlobes. Her hair was pinned up the way Shingai's had been before, in a traditional bun with jade pins holding it securely in place. Her skin seemed to glow like porcelain in candle light, her lips were softer red that before, more of a deep subtle wine color, and her features looked much more delicate than when she'd first seen him. It was as if the first layer of her frigid heart had begun to melt away, but there were still many layers of dry ice to break through.
As she finished the last detail to her outer preparation, there came a gentle knock on her bedroom door. "Kyoshi-hime."
"Enter." The woman responded, watching the door from her mirror. A small, traditionally dressed woman entered and bowed. "Shingai-sama and Akihiko-sama are dressed and ready." Kyoshi knew that meant that the guests were probably waiting in the foyer for her and her children to be seated first. She stood from her vanity's chair and smoothed out her black and jade trimmed kimono before nodding to the woman, who then went to retrieve Kyoshi's children.
- - -
Finally, the guests were allowed to enter the dining hall. It was massive. The floor was of the same black marble, but the walls were white marble tinged with gold. The table was also made with decorative gold legs, wooden top, and intricate gold awnings. It was long enough to seat twenty guests, (since this was the more personal dining room table, and the larger one could fit more) small enough for the few nobles she would invite.
The guest list for this personal dinner was as such:
- The Shokujin* (8) - The Tsukinowa - The Tsuchikage - Aizawa Meru - Takehara Taiko
So far everyone had arrived, save the Tsuchikage and Taiko, but there was no time to wait. Kyoshi, Shingai and Akihiko were ready to enter...
...When they were announced, the guests who had been seated at the table stood and bowed in unison, and then she took her place at the head of the table. Akihiko sat to her right, and Shingai to her left. Beside Akihiko was Isu's empty seat and beside Shingai, Takio's. Kyoshi did not fret nor fuss. They'd be there. She had enough faith in them both to know Taiko was loyal to her wishes and that even though Isu had be gone for five years, he wouldn't leave it all behind now.
He had better not.
On the opposite side of Taiko would be the space for her Tsukinowa, Aoshi and beside Isu is where Meru would be seated. The rest of the seats were filled with the Shokujin.
"Welcome. You all may be seated." Kyoshi cooed, sitting in her own chair.
*There are normally 12 members of The Shokujin, but with the passing of the four eldest members, their number is down to eight until four new members are chosen.
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Post by Isu on Nov 29, 2008 15:44:52 GMT -5
His head rested on the edge of the wooden bath. Steaming waters flowed around him as he soaked within it. His hair hung down, flocking together in tendrils as water clung to it. His facial hair was glistening with the water. He sighed, taking in the comforts of the water against his skin. This sort of comfort was a luxury he didn't come by often on his travels. This was, in-fact, the first time he bathed in a few weeks.
His lungs filled with the steam, pushing his chest out as far as it could go. He pushed out an invisible puff of breath. His hazel eyes stared up at the water-resistant mural on the ceiling above him. Despite what he'd said earlier, Tsuki was a decent village. The bath houses and the Gesshoku's palace were at least. Two hours the man had just been sitting there. His skin was far beyond pruned. But he couldn't stop thinking about--no, playing scenes from some alternate universe in which he was there for the five years he was absent. Smiles and frowns appeared on his face in rapid succession.
Creeeeeeeeeeak
"Sorry to bother you, Tsuchikage-sama... but we have other custom--"
"Don't worry, Ueda-sama. I'll leave now... I don't want to be later than I am already." he said as he stood from the waters, climbing over the rim of the bath and placing his moistened hands onto a towel to dry himself. Ueda raised his brow in shock to the Tsuchikage's low level shame... or lack thereof.
"Sorry to intrude, Tsuchikage-sama."
"Is that the Tsuchikage?!"
"Omg... he's just walking around in his towel like he owns the place!"
"... I KNO-- Wait... did you just say "O-M-G"?"
"... He's sexy... I'd jump his bones if Kyoshi didn't call dibs."
"Has that ever stopped you before?"
"Tsuchikage-sama... would you like to actually do something with that hair of yours?" interrogated a spunky woman who attended to the man while he stayed in the hotel.
Isu peeked over his shoulder in a smirk as he continued to dry himself (... Stop being dirty-minded, ho). "Um... I never do anything with my hair. It doesn't like being in knots and things like that. But you can try if you like."
"HOLD STILL!"
"OW! OOOOOW!"
DO DO DO
"HURRY UP SO WE CAN FINISH THIS!"
"JEEZ! I'M COMING!"
"SHUT UP, TSUCHIKAGE-SAN! THE NEIGHBOR WILL HEAR US!"
"... That's the Tsuchikage in there?"
The Tsuchikage emerged in a formal get-up. These people knew how to show a nga some hospitality. The man was literally pushed out his room looking completely different than before. His feet, which if not bare were in Geta, were now donning straw zōri over white tabi. A black silk kimono decorated with small golden diamonds in various places was placed delicately over his skin. On his lower section was covered by a gray hakama. While that in itself was unusual, his hair was a complete problem of its own. His salt-and peppery hair was shining from the copious amounts of grease that was rubbed onto it. Tight cornrows spanned the entirety of his head.
"These huuuuurt." he moaned as he sat in a rickshaw aside the woman.
"Well that's too bad. The Tsuchikage must look his best when before the Gesshoku."
"B--But cornrows?! Shouldn't I have a topknot or something?"
"That was one option, but that wouldn't contain that jungle you call hair. Do you know how hard it was to comb through those naps?"
"I'm going to take these out."
"Um... no?"
The Tsuchikage wrestled with his braids as to ANBU walked beside him, escorting him to the Dining Hall. He grunted as he pulled a knot from his hair, a result of his inability to take out the braids. He sighed as he recalled Kyoshi taking out the braids Shingai put in his hair all those years ago.
"We've arrived, Tsuchikage-sama."
"Yeahyeah. Thanks. You don't have to call me that... my name is Isu."
"No... we have to call you that, Is--Tsuchikage-sama."
"... Alright. If you insist~" he trailed off as he slipped past the door, continuing to wrestle his hair.
Eyes shifted to the Tsuchikage, appalled with his uncontrolled hair. One of the Shokujin cleared his throat as a substitute to laughing. Isu brushed it off as he took his seat next to Akihiko, smirking slightly as he successfully freed a braid. Seventeen more to go.
His tongue rested atop his upper lip, his eyebrows inclined as he attempted to see on top of his head and take out the braids. He blinking, returning his eyes to the people around the table. His head turned side-to-side, allowing him to see everyone. He let out a nervous chuckle as he wrestled his hair.
"... Yo!"
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Taiko
Jōnin - 上忍
Posts: 20
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Post by Taiko on Nov 30, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -5
During all this time Taiko would have remained in his little spot on the Midnight Clocktower. This was the place that he came to think and contemplate, and he had a lot to think about. With a clear view of the Gesshoku's Mansion he knew well enough that the dinner had already started. It was roughly thirty minutes in at this point. Still, things seemed to be going just fine over at the little dinner party.
They didn't need him there...
"--you should come back tonight to dine with us." Everything was just fine...
"I'd like it very much if you'd oblige me that honor."
Right?
"Yeah, Taiko-kuuun! Come eat with us!"
The voice of Akihiko echoed through Taiko's mind. Growling to himself he shook his head, but the scene would continue to replay itself in his mind. "Fuck...," he muttered to himself as he scratched the back of his head. What the hell kind of power did that kid have over him? Letting out a sigh Taiko stood up, and dusted himself off. "Guess that it's time to make my grand appearance," he said before jumping off of the edge of the clocktower.
Fifteen minutes later... Stepping through front doors of the Gesshoku's Mansion was none other than Taiko. Decked out in one of his finest black silk kimonos he went all out for this event. A golden dragon design was laced into the black cloth, he was wearing black hakama pants with the same design. He had on black tabi socks with some zōri sandals. His normally wild hair was even tied into a topknot with a little gold-plated binding. He spared no expense. At the moment, he was dressed to impress.
Some of the servants gave him a soft glare as he walked in, knowing full well that he was one of the invited guests. He'd simply give them a little smile and shrug as he was escorted to the dining area.
"Just walk up there...," one of the servants told him, and then pushed him in from a back entrance. Nearly stumbling over his own feet Taiko quickly caught himself. Walking behind the small table that would be for the personal guests Taiko quickly found his seat next to Shingai.
"Sorry. You wouldn't believe the traffic," he said jokingly as he leaned forward and looked at Kyoushi and then offered Akihiko a little smile. Was this the time to be joking? Probably not. Especially with all the sudden commotion that his arrival had brought. But, forget them. He was here for Akihiko.
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Kyōshi-hime
Jōnin - 上忍
Lady Of Tsukigakure no Sato
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...
Posts: 26
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Post by Kyōshi-hime on Dec 5, 2008 16:10:28 GMT -5
Kyoshi's eyes shot to Isu's form as he entered looking as he once had in his earlier daddy days when he was in Iwa. The Shokujin watched him with piercing glances, not so much in disdain but in utter confusion. Was this the grand Tsuchikage that their beloved Kyoshi had made into a legend in their village? Was this the former crowned jewel of Iwagakure no Sato? Many of them had expected a grand entrance with a sage of a man in fine embroidered robes with a traditional flare that accentuated his infinite wisdom. This was once the guardian of an entire village!? The Shokujin whispered among themselves as the music played lowly in the background. And before they could even finish their gossip, Taiko entered and sat next to Shingai.
Shingai looked at Akihiko sitting across from her, who in turn looked back at her. They both looked at the late guests. It looked as if the two could read each others mind as their eyes slowly drifted up to their mother. But their gaze was met with Kyoshi's head lowered, her hand was over her mouth, and her shoulders were bouncing in a chuckle.
She was laughing.
It was pretty funny. When it came to timing, like father, like son. But when it came to fashion, it seemed none of Isu's children got it from him.
Her laugh became audible, and as it did, Shingai and Akihiko returned their gazes to each other and began to giggle, causing the Shokujin to stare in astonishment at the scene. It had been years since anyone outside of Kyoshi's children had heard or seen her laugh. It even brought amused grins to the Shokujin's stone sour faces.
"...ahaha. Well," she began, wiping a tear from her bottom lashes. "Welcome, the great Tsuchikage-sama, to Tsuki no Kuni." She was not trying to be rude, but the statuesque image of Isu had been broken in her closest inner circle of allies. He wasn't a larger than life legend to them in this feast. He was just Isu in this moment.
After the jovial, unridiculing laughter had broken the ice, Kyoshi grabbed her glass and raised it to the guest of honor. "I want to take this moment to toast our man of the hour. My love, Ryota Isu." A couple of 'here-here''s could be heard here and there, and nods of acknowledgment were bowed in his favor. "And to our children, including his son, Taiko."
Kyoshi's eyes cut over to the boy's immediately. All of the guests' eyes were now on him. Their very own elite was the son of Isu? There was a confused mumble, but it was quickly cut off with Kyoshi's glance , and replaced with nods of approval and agreement.
Akihiko's eyes widened as he across the table at Taiko. "You're my big brother? Cooooool!" Shingai simply looked up at him in shock and blushed. Who knew that hottie was her stepbrother?
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Post by Isu on Dec 5, 2008 23:54:30 GMT -5
Isu smirked at the muttering Shokujin. He already knew what they were talking about. People often had this reaction to the "Great" Sandaime Tsuchikage. He didn't carry himself as if he were some great shinobi. In all honesty, he didn't think he was some spectacular shinobi... But of course that was just modesty. :] We all know this nga owns. But anyway, back to the point, people usually thought less of Isu after seeing him in person. So them muttering and whatnot didn't bother in him the least. Apparently, Kyoshi knew this herself. He could remember how she looked at him when she arrived at his place and he was all- "Hey! I'm Tsuchikage~"
He was glad to see she could still laugh with (at) him. But that still didn't change much. As she stood, he continued to wrestle with his hair, not saying anything as she toasted to him. He wasn't deserving of it. The real Isu, over there in the corner, could accept this toast. But this guy here would simply compliment that man alongside the rest of the diners. He muttered curse words as he continued to fidget, pulling apart his hair from their difficult pattern.
He, however, stopped the battle of Chuck Norris proportions when she even uttered Taiko's name. Hazel eyes wandered and fell from him, shamed with himself. As I already said, homeboy in the corner can run around and hug Taiko. This man here doesn't have that right. Not right now. He cleared his throat, trying to cut through the tension within himself. But, yeah, in formal situations, that means you have something to say, right? Well, fuck. That sucks because Isu doesn't have anything to say. But, he couldn't embarrass himself now.
He looked around frantically, his half-braided, half-wild hair slung about. He half stood from his chair, raising his glass.
"Um... Thank you, Kyoshi-sama." he gulped nervously before sitting back down.
"Why is he so weird?"
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Taiko
Jōnin - 上忍
Posts: 20
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Post by Taiko on Dec 7, 2008 12:58:21 GMT -5
Hearing Kyoushi laugh after his little excuse relieved him a little. Perhaps she wasn't so uptight and bitter as he had originally pegged her for. As the whole room seemed to lighten up a waiter placed a tray of assorted food in front of Taiko. Nice spread, Taiko thought to himself as a pleased grin crossed his face as he rubbed his hands together and picked up a knife and fork.
When the whole hall erupted in laughter Taiko would join in. However, his laugh was not like the others. Unridiculing of the so called 'Great Tsuchikage.' No, he was laughing at how misguided these people were. Had they known the type of person that he really was this little feast wouldn't even be happening. Though, as the toast was proposed Taiko would simply lift up his glass, and then went back to his food. Perhaps coming to this wasn't such a bad idea.
"And to our children, including his son, Taiko."
Well, damn.
Taiko's normally squinted eyes were now wide open. His already open mouth seemed to drop even further, and his fork remained suspended in front of his face. His eyes shot over to Kyoushi with utter shock, then to Isu, and then to everyone else in the room. What the hell was this? How could she just put him on the spot like that? He wasn't even sure if he wanted people to know about it yet.
Was he mad? Hell yeah.
Would he ruin this by copping an attitude? No.
Letting out a deep sigh Taiko's eyes returned to their normal squint, and a smirk crossed his face as he looked down at Shingai and then to Akihiko. "Isn't it?" he asked the younger boy, and then looked around at everyone else. "But enough about me. This feast is about Isu," he said as he looked over at the man. "Why don't you tell us all about your little...adventures?"
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Kyōshi-hime
Jōnin - 上忍
Lady Of Tsukigakure no Sato
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...
Posts: 26
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Post by Kyōshi-hime on Dec 8, 2008 22:51:55 GMT -5
Everyone was seated and sipping their drinks, the Shokujin watching in a bewildered amusement at the scene, and Meru simply looked across at Aoshi and shrugged. Shingai looked to Isu with bright eyes, something she hadn't done in a long time, and Akihiko went from fawning over Taiko to smiling widely at his father.
"Yeeeaah! Daddy! Tell us a story!"
About that time, more of the servants began bringing out large dishes of delicacies, placing them on the table and serving everyone. Kyoshi wanted to hear how Isu got out of this one, but she wouldn't put him on the spot like that. No, she'd save him from the spotlight this time.
"There will be time for stories after dinner, Akihiko. It's not polite to talk with food in your mouth, and I'm sure your father is very hungry after traveling such a long way to get here." Right then, a maid placed a plate in front on Isu. As she did, Kyoshi took a drink of her sparkling sake in it's flute glass, and shot Taiko yet another glance. He needed to behave tonight. At least, just until the guests were gone. He and Isu could have at it on their own time. This time was Akihiko and Shingai's time with their father.
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Post by Isu on Dec 9, 2008 22:14:11 GMT -5
"Um... a story?!" Isu sounded in a bewildered fashion. Gulping on a copious quantity of air alone, he widened his eyes. Wtf was he playing at? Hell... did he even have any stories he could tell here? Most stories that came to mind weren't very... PG-Rated. He felt even more uncomfortable when Akihiko urged him to oblige to his elder son, and give them a story. Man... none of Isu's stories were like the ones you see in the movies. Where the father is some stupid archeologist coming back from a dig. His stories weren't interesting to him. He didn't like talking about how he was literally forced to murder. Ninja stories weren't for kids unlike archeology stories. But how would he build up the nerve to say no? That would be like slapping the kid in the f--
"There will be time for stories after dinner, Akihiko. It's not polite to talk with food in your mouth, and I'm sure your father is very hungry after traveling such a long way to get here."
Isu turned in hidden shock to Kyoshi. Thankfully, she just saved his ass. As if he hadn't made a terrible impression as it was, he would have to expose himself as a murderous baboon. He nodded to the woman, showing his thanks as he wrapped his thick fingers around the warm sake. Taking a swig, he placed it down, sighing lightly. He moved his hands to the elegant chopsticks, as his free hand cupping the side of the bowl of rice before him. He pulled it to his face, and devoured the bowl before him.
He placed it down before him within moments, leaning back as he patted his stomach. He restricted the need to belch. He couldn't embarrass himself anymore. He looked down at Akihiko, smirking.
"Don't eat like Daddy does."
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Kyōshi-hime
Jōnin - 上忍
Lady Of Tsukigakure no Sato
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...
Posts: 26
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Post by Kyōshi-hime on Dec 16, 2008 12:32:06 GMT -5
Akihiko giggled again, just happy in general to see his father.
"Well, let us all eat and make merry, hm?" Meru, the older man across from Kyoshi, said with a hearty chuckle. Kyoshi nodded in agreement, and everyone began to eat, chatting gently in between bites. Music began to play, resounding from the small band in the far corner of the room. It was lovely. Kyoshi had put all of this together for a man who she never thought she'd see again after this day, but mainly for the sake of her son. Although she wanted to ask him, she would not do it now. It was grossly inappropriate.
[After the dinner...]
The guests were talking and chuckling heartily, full of food and sake. No one was drunk, because that was a sign of disrespect in Lady Kyoshi's presence, but it was apparent they'd had enough. The low rumble of distant conversations intertwined with the music, innocent laughter spewed forth from Akihiko as Shingai tried to make him laugh without their mother noticing, and the grunts of men telling war stories across from each other.
Kyoshi's eyes sat up on Taiko, trying to gauge his reaction to his father. She had hoped that this would bring them closer. But maybe her efforts were for naught.
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Taiko
Jōnin - 上忍
Posts: 20
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Post by Taiko on Dec 25, 2008 22:14:18 GMT -5
As Isu barbaricly scarfed down his food Taiko watched with a look of disgust and disbelief. Was he that much of an ingrate? Did he have no class at all? Kyoushi had gone through all the trouble of setting up this big ol' feast in his honor. Yet, what does he do? He takes it and practically spits it back in her face. First he comes in looking like some half-crazed simpleton, and now he can't even show enough respect to the woman to show some proper etiquette. What the fuck is wrong with this man? was all Taiko could think to himself as he quickly fixed his face.
All day he had been showing restraint. For the sake of both Akihiko and Kyoushi, he attended this dinner. Hell, he was even in his Sunday best and on his best behavior. All the while his so-called "father" takes it all for granted. A vein of annoyance could vaguely be seen forming on his forehead. To keep himself from blowing up he'd simply focus on his food for the time being...
『 ...After the dinner... 』 For the majority of the evening Taiko had attempted to ignore Isu. He conversed mostly with Akihiko, Shingai, Kyoushi, Meru, and...practically everybody that wasn't Isu. The young Jōnin offered plenty of jokes and witty remarks. He even managed to glamorize being a courier-nin. His squinted eyes would glance over at Kyoushi as she observed him in mid-laugh. He'd offer her a simple smirk before raising his half empty glass of sake.
"To Kyoushi-hime!" he proclaimed. "For throwing such a great dinner."
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Post by Isu on Dec 26, 2008 13:41:36 GMT -5
After Dinner
... Well, this turned out to be some dinner. Aside from talking to Shingai, Akihiko and eating food, he didn't feel as though he accomplished much. Despite any seemingly "friendly" conversations he might have had, he didn't feel as though he mended his relationships. He reflected on such a notion as he dug into a small bowl of ice cream. Mm-mm, pistachios.
He pulled the spoon from his mouth, savoring the flavor accompanied by nuts, glancing down at Akihiko who mimicked him perfectly. The two entered a staring contest, all-the-while chewing on the nuts within the ice cream. Isu quickly did his face into an awkward position, half-closing one of his eyes in a manual convulsion. His son's head shot backward in laughter, his arms wrapped around his belly... and--his eyes closed! Isu quickly took advantage of the time to gloat. He stood from his seat, pointing down in a great smile. "HAHAHA~ I WIN!"
Akihiko laughed louder as he took in his father's shenanigans. He shot up into Isu's ear as if telling him a secret. "Pipe down, daddy. Mommy's gonna beat you up!" Isu's hand rose to his mouth as he chuckled alongside Akihiko. He was careful to keep his eyes from Kyoshi, lest he desired her to find out what he was laughing about. Isu could damn well call himself a psychic at this point in time. He predicted two ass kickings he was about to receive within the night's hours. Why not start now, eh?
Taking the rest of his ice cream into his mouth and chewing on the nuts, he swallowed and entered a glum state. Not because he was about to have his ass handed to him, but because he just caught a brain-freeze. He groaned in agony as Akihiko and Shingai pointed and laughed. He chuckled back at his kids, as he held his head.
"Shingai-sama. Akihiko-sama. Be good, alright? I'll be back. Daddy had to do... stuff." he placed his hand onto his son's head, messing up the pretty hairstyle he had. "That's better. NOW, you can say you're Isu's child." he joked before stepping out of his spot and tucking the chair under the table.
"Iton-san" he coughed into his fist. "A word?" he didn't look to the youth. But... he was sure he had holes burned into the side of his face from Iton looking at him.
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Kyōshi-hime
Jōnin - 上忍
Lady Of Tsukigakure no Sato
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...
Posts: 26
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Post by Kyōshi-hime on Dec 27, 2008 11:56:01 GMT -5
It was a curious scene, but one Kyoshi had predicted. While everyone else was eating Imoyokan and Anko for dessert, she had made sure Isu had his favorite. Ice Cream. She had it imported every month. For certain, it hadn't taken long for his likes, dislikes, and habits to set into her system when she was with him, and when she returned to Tsuki, she brought all those things back home. Most of it was for Akihiko's sake as a way to be close to his father, but much of it was for Kyoshi.
It made her feel close to him no matter where he was.
When Isu brayed and bucked like the ass he was, Kyoshi smiled gently. She'd let the boys have their fun. I mean, at the risk of sounding pessimistic, she really didn't know when they would see him again.
Then, he finally said something that made her end of the table stop and look at him curiously. Shingai turned to look at Isu and Akihiko did as well, grabbing his dad buy his clothes and tugging. "Hey, daddy. Who's Iton?" Kyoshi did not look at Isu like the other two, but instead at Taiko. She wondered how he would handle hearing his old name from his 'father'.
"Okay everyone, I hope you had a lovely time, but the hour is late, and there is work to be done in the morning. I appreciate you all for coming," Kyoshi said suddenly, buffering the moment that was about to happen.
The guests murmured and nodded as they slowly rose from their seats conversing and chuckling about random things. Slowly they all exited the dinner hall, and Kyoshi stood from her seat. "Shingai, Take Akihiko up to his room to get ready for bed. I'll be up shortly." Shingai nodded and took Akihiko by the hand, leading him upstairs.
Well, someone had to ref this fight. It was only appropriate she do it because this was her dining room.
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Taiko
Jōnin - 上忍
Posts: 20
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Post by Taiko on Dec 27, 2008 13:59:18 GMT -5
"Nani1?"
Taiko's mouth was wide open as his squinted eyes locked onto Isu. There would be an awkward silence in the room as everyone looked around trying to figure out just who the man was talking to. Placing down the slice of imo-yokan that he was just about to consume a slight smirk slipped across his face. "Yarayara2...," he as leaned back into his chair and rested his hands behind his head. "The great Sandaime Tsuchikage-sama wishes to have a word with me?" Taiko's tone was whimsical and almost a little belittling. "To call me by that abandoned name...I almost feel as if I'm going to get a lecture." Paying no mind at Kyoushi's attempts to clear the room he would stand from his seat and stretch. He could hear the murmurs of the Shokujin as they were escorted out, and he watched at the curious Akihiko as Shingai took him away.
"That was fast," he would say idly to himself as he watched the the previously filled room dwindle down to three people. Glancing over at Kyoushi a feint smile formed. He had hoped that he'd get a chance to speak with Isu alone. Though, he knew her concerns were justified. She very well may be needed later, plus, she deserved to hear this too. "Oi," Taiko would say as he pointed a finger at Isu. "Do not call me by that name again. I've abandoned it just as you abandoned me," drawing back his hand he would cross his arms over his chest. "Besides, Taiko is a much better name. Don'tcha think?"
1Nani - What? 2Yarayara - Expression of strong emotion or surprise
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Post by Isu on Dec 27, 2008 15:36:06 GMT -5
Isu smiled sweetly at the leaving parties, even talking out the time to wave childishly at the children as they ran up the stairs. Kyoshi was a very wise woman. As much as he failed to care, she knew that he shouldn't tarnish his reputation as much as he already did do so. Isu turned his body to Iton/Taiko, whoever the fuck he was now. He quickly cleared his throat before stating his claim.
"Don't embarrass yourself, Iton." he said as he crossed his arms over his chest, placing a rock hard face onto himself. "No one abandoned you. I knew well that you would be able to survive in Ame. What I didn't know is that preserving your life would turn you into an asshole. I knew you'd hate me, but I didn't know that. I thought I raised you to be an understanding youth. I thought you would be able to understand that, should I have left you, which I did, that there would be a valid, and good explanation for it." His voice remained calm, but his eyes carried a certain fury of disappointment with them. "I left you because there was trouble in Iwa. Should I have knowingly stayed with you in Iwa, the turmoil would have grown to uncontrollable multitude, and spilled into Ame. By that point, I would have truly been able to do nothing to defend you. I left you to go to Iwa, and fend off the corrupt government. I rose to power for the people I cared about. Above all those people, I rose to power for you. Should I have brought you with me... you would have SURELY DIED."
"I'm sure the person I'm looking at now wouldn't have liked to have never been would he? You would have died Iton. This, Taiko person would have never seen the bliss of life." he took a deep breath before going on. "Now... should I still be shamed because you're living? Or should I be shamed for allowing you the luxury?" he extending his hands behind his neck, undoing the knot. "Stop acting like people owe you things, Taiko. I'm fine with Iton being gone. But at least he should be replaced with someone more than even he was. That's not what I'm looking at now." he threw the necklace to it's previous own, averting his eyes in disgust. "I won't father this mess, Taiko. As fucked up as we both are, you're better than this."
Well... let's see what he has to say.
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