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Post by Hitora Shinjin on Dec 19, 2013 22:18:56 GMT -5
Sunagakure
Market Overlook
The sound of sake pouring into a cup broke the relative silence of the overlook upon which Hitora Shinjin sat. Next to him, observant as always, Ōshidora sat regally posed and gazing into the bustling market below. The chatter and movement of below was muted but still audible. Shinjin did not mind though, for to him it wasn't just noise.
It was the sound of peace.
He knew that soon enough something, or someone, would put the world, a village, or a group of innocent lives at risk for one reason or another, but for now he was content to drink sake and watch the people below go about on their day-to-day life. He spared a glance to Kokiba, resting at his side with it's nine rings silent for now.
Shinjin raised the cup of sake he had poured to his lips as Ōshidora's ears flicked, the giant tiger turning to look behind Shinjin and his tail then flicking idly.
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Post by Danjo on Dec 20, 2013 21:41:37 GMT -5
Nanadaime Kazekage Danjo 
The tall Kazekage adorned in his hat could be seen walking through the market place, gentle smiles and conversations shared with different passing people while they greeted him. His smile was genuine and deeply seated in his demeanor. As he made his way through the streets small gifts had started to pile up in his arms from those who owned the shops and trading tables he passed by.
Him and his assistant Nobuko's arms were full of the simple gifts of anything from flowers, bread, and candies to small bags of tobacco and other popular commodities of the marketplace. It eventually got to where Danjo would have to refuse the gifts momentarily telling them to send it to the office if they wished for him to have it.
A familiar form adorned from the days light hide silently on a nearby rooftop, Danjo's senses where not anything to brag about compared to a sensors but his capability was enough to notice the Shinobi above.
He made no motion other then gently peering up towards the man unable to make out exactly who it was, but judging by the relative location it was obviously a place only a shinobi could easily tread.
Nobuko turned to Danjo whispering something into his ear then quickly tried to gather as much of the gifts as she could from Danjo's hands. With a stifled nod she headed off in the direction of the Village headquarters most notably where the Kazekage's office and the council chambers where as well.
Danjo now more freed from the hefted weight jumped effortlessly between buildings until he stood on a rooftop across the market place from where Shinjin stood.
Who is that i see? Danjo said with a smile and a slight chuckle, is that the feared Hitora Shinjin? To what do i owe the honor old friend?
He said in an obviously over the top and joking manner reminiscent of when they were young genin together speaking heroically of the grand feats they would accomplish together one day.
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Post by Hitora Shinjin on Dec 21, 2013 5:17:41 GMT -5
"Kazekage-dono, a pleasure as always."
Ōshidora's gaze turned to the Kazekage and then back down to the market below as Shinjin greeted the Kazekage. The shinobi raised his jug in offering, indicating that the Kazekage should join him on the overlook upon which he sat.
"Merely enjoying the view."
He took another sip of sake, gazing down into the populace below. "It's good to reflect on the people we protect, remind ourselves that we fight not for ourselves, but for the people." He stated, his thoughts momentarily going to his children for whom he also fights. He briefly wondered what the three of them were doing at that moment before redirecting his gaze to the Kazekage.
"And you, Kazekage-dono?"
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Post by Danjo on Dec 21, 2013 18:12:32 GMT -5
Nanadaime Kazekage Danjo
Listening to the words of his former squad mate from all those years ago Danjo couldn't help but continue smiling. Shinjin had become in many ways a more dedicated shinobi then even Danjo, always reminding himself what the purpose of all his years of service to the village was for.
It was the quality that Danjo respected most in the man, though his qualities were numerous, it was definitely something that kept Danjo within Shinjins council. Needing a patient ear to remind Danjo what the fruit of his own sacrifices had been as well.
Peering over the space between them Danjo with ease leaped the great distance using the incredible strength he had been known for. Landing at the edge of the overlook in front of Shinjin with a thud as his feet hit the earth.
Smiling toward Shinjin Danjo began to speak.
I had been cramped up in the Headquarters building for the last few weeks i needed to get out. Though i have realized that it is now impossible to walk the streets without being strong armed into excepting gifts.
Danjo said with a slight chuckle.
Though i appreciate the kindness of the people of the village i must say it probably won't be anything i get used to soon.
Danjo scanned Shinjin quickly, noticing the bottle.
I thought you had said something about giving up the drink, Danjo asked inquisitively. I remember some words from a very wise man once saying to much drink will guide you nowhere you wish to be.
Danjo stated referencing the conversation from years before, in which Shinjin had helped Danjo out of a late twenties alcoholic spiral. The death of his own wife Kajin had caused Danjo to fall into a state of depression, only living for the next mission. In between missions drinking his money away in brothels with "hired" company.
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Post by Hitora Shinjin on Dec 21, 2013 19:10:01 GMT -5
"I said cutting back, not giving up." Shinjin replied with a laugh. "Besides, this is a special occasion. My little Kaju turned 18 today." He continued to smile, but he knew that Danjo would realize the importance of that statement. It was an anniversary of two life events; the birth of his daughter and the death of his wife.
He rolled a shoulder to loosen the muscle, and continued. "My sons are taking her around the town for her birthday. I can only hope they're not causing trouble more than treating their sister." He laughed at that thought. His eldest, Kishin, took after him more than the other two and was more likely to be neck deep in trouble - dragging his siblings with him.
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Post by Danjo on Dec 21, 2013 22:48:11 GMT -5
Rokudaime Kazekage Danjo
Danjo smiled at Shinjins words realizing how quickly time had passed.
Well such a birthday deserves a marvelous gift, Danjo said while obviously deeply pondering something.
But what to get her, Danjo spoke while turning and staring back towards the marketplace.
Is there something you think her uncle Danjo would be able to get her? Or maybe help his old friend purchase for her birthday?
Danjo stated as he turned back towards Shinjin with a puzzled look, Danjo knew he had always been bad with gifts for Shinjin's children.
One time in fact he had given them a pet that apparently did nothing but eat all their shoes and break things in there home. He had made a promise from then forward to always consult Shinjin before he brought his children a gift.
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Post by Hitora Shinjin on Dec 21, 2013 22:55:32 GMT -5
"I don't even know what I'm going to get her." Shinjin declared, standing up. He grasped the hilt of Kokiba and slung it into it's leather strap on the back of his belt, which was covered by the shaggy white hood of his ANBU mask, given to him by the man standing next to him. You couldn't tell it was a mask, of course, since the actual mask part of it was concealed by the hood as well.
Ōshidora stretched and stood up, the giant tiger towering over both men. Shinjin placed a hand on he great cat's muscled leg. "I'm thinking of commissioning a weapon for her - something special and unique. If you cared to put in a good word I might get some of the good steel for it." By which he meant chakra reactive steel. His own blade, armor, and cloak were made with the stuff but those had been made generations back, and it was an expensive material to purchase.
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Post by Danjo on Dec 21, 2013 23:21:48 GMT -5
Rokudaime Kazekage Danjo
Danjo thought for a moment about the request doing the simple math of how much it would cost based on the size of the desired weapon.
I could probably find some, somewhere...
Danjo said with a cracked smile looking towards Shinjin, then looking back down towards the market he spoke again.
But for now...
He said as he kicked a foot to the earth. A slow vibration emanating below the men until a strange outcropping of stone from the very earth below them. A boulder about the size of a dog jutted its toothy form out of the earth towards Danjo.
Turning he set his hand upon it as the sound of splitting rock could be heard, then slowly shards of rock fell away one by one until what was left was a thick crystalline stone.
Grabbing the glimmering stone in an iron grip he closed his fist splitting the stone underneath it further. He pulled his hand away from where the stone outcropping had been a moment before as the shards of stone fell to the earth in a pile like thick gravel.
Holding the glimmering stone he pressed his hands together rubbing them around the stone with powerful wrenching motions as though he was twisting a jar.
Then gently he pulled his hands apart and grabbed the shards of the broken shimmering crystals. Delicately now he slowly one by one placed a finger between each shard until what was left was a necklace sized lace of raw diamonds.
Then with a final few moments of focusing his chakra into the string of raw diamonds, the diamonds outer layer fell away revealing a beautiful diamond necklace. It was pristine as though it had been expertly crafted by a man whom had spent his life making such wonders.
Hopefully this will do for now.
Danjo said as he handed the necklace to Shinjin.
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Post by Hitora Shinjin on Dec 21, 2013 23:37:46 GMT -5
Shinjin reached out and took the necklace. "I'm sure she will love it." His hand began to glow brightly as he released some of his chakra in the form of his Asahi, the light of which caused the diamonds to sparkle like never before. "Especially when she can use it to dazzle an entire room like this." The light then faded, and Shinjin put the necklace in a pouch on his hip.
He patted the pouch and then crossed his arms. "So, where are you off to next, Kazekage-dono? To dazzle some foreign dignitary with those diamonds of yours?"
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Post by Danjo on Dec 22, 2013 1:58:01 GMT -5
Rokudaime Kazekage Danjo
Danjo laughed at the comment, the thought had crossed his mind before using his abilities to make wealth or as gifts. Yet he had promised to never use this power for such gains, this was a special occasion. There was only one other person that had received such a gift and it was Danjo's own deceased wife all those years ago.
Not today it seems, Danjo spoke with a smile. Today it seems there will be a grand celebration in the Hitora families honor, My treat.
Danjo quietly stood for a moment as he realized something.
Shinjin you can call me Danjo, nothing has changed he spoke. Yes i might be the Kazekage now but that does not mean your are not still in my eyes my own equal. Who had saved who's ass all those years ago on so many missions?
You... saved mine.
So lose the Kazekage bit, i totally understand it under official terms, missions, and things of that nature.
But if my oldest friend is unable to speak to me without reminding me the we have become old men, well i just don't know what i will do.
He said with a giant smile and a hearty laugh.
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Post by Hitora Shinjin on Dec 22, 2013 13:12:06 GMT -5
"Then you are missing the point, Kazekage-dono." Shinjin said. "That title carries with it all the hopes and dreams of our village. It's not about age, it's about that weight of responsibility." Shinjin clapped his right fist to his heart in salute. "I call you Kazekage-dono in acknowledgement of those dreams, and to let you know that so long as this heart beats blood you will have it's support. You do not carry that load alone."
Shinjin tilted his head and lowered his arm. "The Hitora family are yours. Now, if you'll excuse me - I've one more place I must go today." He leaped astride Ōshidora, sitting on the tiger as if it were a horse. Ōshidora turned his head in the direction of the Kazekage and allowed a loud rumble to escape it's throat - the tiger's equivalent of a purr. "Sounds like Ōshidora throws his weight in with you as well, Danjo." Shinjin said, grinning.
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Post by Danjo on Dec 22, 2013 14:09:31 GMT -5
Rokudaime Kazekage Danjo
Danjo continued listening to Shinjin while he spoke, the words were true times had changed. Danjo was no longer the young man he once was with his head in the clouds but now, he was kazekage. Something had changed in both of the men but it was not just their age, their experience as well.
They had become leaders of their village each in their own way.
Danjo refocused his mind as the tiger did his own form of speaking, then with Shinjins words Danjo nodded.
I will then meet you later this evening? Then your prized young lady can choose where she wishes to eat. As i had said my treat.
Danjo said with a gracious smile.
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Post by Hitora Shinjin on Dec 22, 2013 14:56:42 GMT -5
"We'll see you later then, Kazekage-dono."
Shinjin patted the tiger on the back and it whipped it's tail before leaping away from the outlook, traversing rooftops to it's next destination rapidly.
Sunagakure no Sato
Hitora family graveyard
Later
Shinjin stood before the grave of his wife, who had died giving birth to his daughter all those years ago. He did not blame his daughter - his wife had always been one of a frail constitution, and she had been proud to give her life for her child. .Still, he always felt that something had been wrong with that situation all those years ago. A woman who had given birth to two healthy boys in the years prior should have had no problem with the third birth.
He could never prove anything, of course, but he still to this day couldn't believe it.
He sat a cup on the gravestone and poured sake into it. "This drink is for you, my Moon." He then put the jug to his lips and tilted his head back. The great tiger that was his companion stared on silently, empathizing with his master.
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