[attr="class","texty"]“Now see her little bunny,” The woman would dangle the Kiseru between her fingers as she paused between her speech. With a gentle puff of the smoke, she would roll her eyes. A mixture of momentary reprieve of her annoyance, “If you had the faintest notion of what it means to be a rabbit, I would not be standing here professing to you how you can make yourself useful. Hell on this wretched Earth, the least you could do was get me a great grandchild and then go drown yourself in the nearest river afterwards. But here we are!~”
She sang that part with such delight.
That was just how Lady Usagi was when it came to her children: tough was an understatement. Degrading one of her young grandsons on the outskirts of the village gates in front of their kin was not a surprise. A cart with a clothed load sat beneath her rear that was moving about like it was her throne. Her white silken robe had spilled about her body up until her lower thighs that were exposed. It might as well be the default show of the woman who acted so high and mighty. Her raspy voice cracking as she would make a few more inaudible complaints.
“So tell me little bunny,” The woman would take another puff of her pipe, “Tell me another story! One about you being a ninja that is…ya’ know…just as funny!”
Usagi Hikari had not been anything beyond the family disgrace now. A shinobi’s first mission, and in the honor of their clan at that, should have been a shinobi’s pride! However, the client that requested the escort was none other than one of the several Matriarchs that he dreaded seeing. Her eyes were condescending, and her posture suggested that of someone looking so far down one’s existence, they were largely like a single germ cell thinking the sun was a snot bubble.
Even with Hikari being blind, he could feel within his chest how he did not matter.
“W-well I-I-“ Hikari would begin. “I do-“
“Save your breath!” The woman would say, holding up her palm. “Lest I tolerate the useless breath spilling from your lungs. I fear that my patience will not last the day’s long.” The usual musical tone of her voice flowing with her words. The momentary chime of the pipe that slipped between her lips would echo about the village and its spiraling mountain peaks. Within the wilds just beyond the fortress gates of the village, they waited patiently.
“Compose yourself! Do me at least that justice!” She would beckon gesturing to his peach colored kimono. The young boy’s hands going to his clothing as he would slide his thumb along the collar to the breast of his clothing, “Perhaps a female shinobi will show, and I can marry you off. The highest bidder will benefit us!”
Great! His face tightening with a frown as he turned away from the woman. Not only was he less than dust, he had just as much value as the merchandise she sat her hind on!
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[attr="class","yuki-notes"] The Enemy of my Enemy.
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Far be it from the Uchiha to interfere in the social matters of others. The conversation had been more than audible as the Jounin approached from the main road leading to his intended destination, his casual stride accentuated by hands pushed deep into the pockets of his pristine white attire. Thankfully, a reprieve from the nearly perpetual rain of Amegakure had given Anotsu one less reason for regret to have settled in. Almond-shaped eyes watched as the pair conversed, arched eyebrows furrowing just slightly in response to the ramblings of a condescending patron. Despite this, the calm and collected air about him remained unchanged. It was important to maintain character, his position and reputation demanding that he give the utmost respect - worthy or not they were. Such a thought at the forefront of his focus, Anotsu's hand relinquished its comfort from within the confines of his garb to loft and wave slightly. Doubtless, reservations had been had with the prospect of assisting a representative from Iwagakure with a mission of this magnitude. [break][break] "A pleasure," the Uchiha said. He had already been informed of the assignment. There was an amount of Ryo to be had for the mission's completion. In that regard, he could bear the occupation of performing as a hired service without treason waiting upon return. Necessity had provoked his assistance. Perhaps fortunately, his long-eared companion could benefit from a third party cutting through the tension with his presence alone. [break][break] "Uchiha, Anotsu. At your service," the Jounin continued. The natural, protective aura of his character began to filter out and toward the small boy. As such, he spoke again before interruption could take place. "If we're to arrive on time and without interception, we should focus our efforts on leaving immediately." The Uchiha stood partially in front of Hikari, hoping to steal the attention long enough for him to collect himself. The hitai ate dangling from his neck displaying the pride of Amegakure, Anotsu offered a forced grin to the client with little authenticity behind it. [break][break] An insufferable client and the fact that he was, essentially, within enemy territory. This would certainly be one for the annals of history. [break][break] [12:29PM]
[attr="class","texty"]With time and a few more barrages from the impatient matriarch, there was finally an approaching sound that would come forth. The young rabbit, Usagi Hikari, would spin on his heel as he would note the sound of the approaching footsteps. The figure’s hand would come up, fetching from his pocket, as he would wave to the two of them. While Hikari was more than enthusiastic to see another fellow shinobi, even if not from Iwagakure, the color draining from his face would be very apparent. His fingers curling and his smile becoming ever so weak as his foggy eyes had horror in them: horror that even would be apparent for a blind individual to show.
“Ooooh…no.” The young rabbit’s thought screamed. His ears almost knew what was to come next before he could even say anything to the arriving figure.
“A pleasure?” The crackling voice from atop of the crates changed from annoyed to suddenly…so charming. “Well…we shall see a pleasure for whom it will be!~”
How did these missions work again? Hikari had recalled specifically, even praying to the Gods, to send a female shinobi if possible! The boy would just smile and wave as he shut his foggy eyes and forced a smile. Even as the man introduced himself, he forced the words, “Usagi Hikari!” From his mouth as if part of it was screaming with pure horror of how this mission would go next to a silent get out of here while you can for the Uchiha to notice. Whether he heeded the warning or not, Hikari already weighted the options in his mind. Should he possibly wait an eternity here with his scolding grandmother or get this horrible experience on the road?
“L-Leaving? I-Immediately?” Hikari would echo Anotsu’s words. Sound reasoning that the rabbit could not agree with more. “S-sure! A-at once!”
The Uchiha had a point! The faster they took care of this, the faster they could leave, and the faster this nightmare that was his wicked grandmother’s perverse dream would end. The boy would almost quickly hurry, his hands going to the nearby horses that were secured by the cart and the leather reigns. “We will move a bit quicker using horses,” The boy noted once again his complaints, “Asking my sisters to pull would be…too much of a distraction, Grandmother.” A forced smile full of contempt to the woman who had shown a sour expression upon the cart. Her eyes sweeping from the young grandson to her new “toy” to safeguard her for the mission.
“My dear worrying Grandson who is a shinobi,” Her tone endlessly sarcastic, “So thoughtful you are…having the gull to call shots! I suppose next you will tell me where we will be positioned as we guard the precious cargo or should you yield and remember how the chain of command goes?”
Of course, he knew better than to entertain his grandmother when she was like this. But the worst part about this was that the woman was right. She may had been Usagi, but she knew well how the structure of shinobi works. The hazy eyes of the tormented rabbit would go to Anotsu although they made out nothing but that frame of his in a black world with depth and shape. “U-uh…well…Anotsu-san,” he would note, “S-she is right. You certainly seem more…e-experienced for me. I suppose you have been informed this is my first mission.” He would note to the Uchiha as he drew back his arm, securing the last leather strap.
He slowly approached the Uchiha with a curious face. “I suppose that means you are in charge, yes?” [attr="class","nightcred"]Table by Nightwing™
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It was odd to see the clear valley that separated Hikari from the matriarch that so blatantly attempted to lure him in. Almond-shaped orbs regarded her with little more than an imperceptible tolerance. Where his innermost thoughts desired to eviscerate her for the treatment of the Genin beside him, the Uchiha understood that necessity outweighed personal judgement. He turned his attention to Hikari in an attempt to greater canvas the mission and all that it encompassed. "It's for the best that I take the reins on this one. Agreed." He wondered if the small boy was allowed to laugh at his pun. Whatever the case, the Uchiha inspected the belongings with eyes alone. He dare not touch them, 'lest he receive a similar treatment as the Genin who had taken to action. [break][break] "We'll stick to the main road while there's sunlight left, away from any nooks and crannies that could host opposition. If you have a blanket of lesser value or a sheet to cover anything valuable, it'll draw the best outcome if we pass anyone in our journeys." Anotsu made his way around the cart to where the horses reside, lofting a hand and brushing it along the large animal's side. "I'll be needing your help, Hikari. If this is your first mission, let's make it one with a few objective lessons along the way." [break][break] It was the Jounin in him. It was strange to have motivated - attempted to, anyway - a Genin of the village directly opposite their alignment. But as Anotsu's eyebrows furrowed slightly, it was clear that Hikari was more his objective than the tension between Ame and Iwagakure. Digits took the reins as the last preparations were completed. Without delay, Anotsu's lips parted as he began their trek. "We're moving, miss. Hikari and I will be sure to keep our eyes on things. If he's any particular skills, they'll be invaluable to the mission's completion." [break][break] A clear attempt at opposing her will. Anotsu had endured the hardship of stern superiors - parents - at a young age. To the best of his ability, he'd combat such a fate for the young Genin. Maintaining a steady control over the horses whilst simultanteously observing Hikari's ministrations, the Jounin guided the trio to the first leg of their destination. [break][break] [3:37PM]
[attr="class","texty"] There was comfort in this man’s eloquence.
Hikari could not help but to have a smile come over his face. It was lost whether the pun was actually captured as he made not a laugh. It was only himself at fault as he was not one to catch such clever wordplay. It persisted that he did not have his family’s gift for using such vernacular in social situations. Still, he was gifted in his generosity. His feet intuitively stepping forth as he would hear Anotsu’s elaborate plan to carry out their mission at hand. He himself hoping to be of some use and heeding his words.
“O-objective…lessons?” He would repeat. Much to his grandmother’s nearly quiet mirth as she looked on, leaning forth with her open hand nestling her chin.
“R-right!” He had continued to say. “I will do my best to be attentive.” He could have said to make a pun himself had he not known it. After all, being able to give such attention to detail was the specialty of the clan. He would be certain to stand beside the cart by the collection of horses. His hand gently stroking their mane showing his usual fondness of creatures. It would be a mystery beyond how such a fragile thing desired to be in such a life. It was the life of a shinobi that was certainly not meant for most.
With a cue from the man, the woman would sit on top of the cargo. Her body nestling there making it apparent that she was so casual with what was to take place. “Well, I will rest easy then, dear! I trust you will protect the precious cargo!” The woman’s smirk would widen, “My delivery included!” Her hand patting the squared and bound package that was covered. “Worry not! A clan of business, that does not mean the Usagi are not without their strengths when it comes to such things like this. My Grand Bun can do something as simple as scouting.”
Hikari’s face slightly twisting with indecision. Was she complimenting him or insulting him? It was never clear with the matriarch, but the young rabbit had not taken the time to consider it. Instead, he would listen for the audible backdrop of the cart’s melody as the wooden wheels churned on the gravel road. The high rise of the village’s fortress walls distancing from the delivery in mere seconds, and the open path that was riddled with twisted rock formation, stalagmites, and other earthen forms was guiding them from one area to the next.
This left so much time to pass as they had continued along going from one village to the next.
Between the lecherous gaze of the woman set on the Uchiha and the fear of saying anything born from impetuous thought, he had kept quiet. It was not until time elapsed that he would finally break the endless silence. “The depth and engraving on your plate,” The rabbit noted. “It is of Amegakure, yes? I have heard that it is a village that has endless rain. I have read about it from my family’s novels.” The young boy would inquire curiously. His inexperience with other villages apparent then and there.
“Is it…true?” The young rabbit's foggy eyes wide with curiosity as they stared forth to the path before them.
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The Matriarch was more than certain of herself. With every syllable, her bravado seemed to grow in layer. While more inclined to speak only to Hikari, there was little in the way of avoidance that Anotsu could deliver without the threat of the Usagi's reprimand. To that end, the Uchiha's eyes wandered as if keeping a watchful look while lips parted to reply. "Business, you say?" he replied. If he were fortunate, Hikari would intercept any conversation prompted before his "guardian" could speak. "I suspect that you've quite the network if transport of this importance requires a detail." The entirety of any silence had been spent pondering Hikari's relationship with his kin, or perhaps the lack thereof. There was a world that separated them. Though transport and protection were his primary objective, Anotsu's secondary was ensuring that the small boy found confidence in his place. [break][break] Amegakure was host to constant downpours. The Jounin nodded in response to Hikari's question, fingers lofting to brush absentmindedly along the hitai ate draped at his neck. "Amegakure is home to constant showers," he began. "There are days where we're spared from what some would call an inconvenience. But for the most part, the village is as you say." This much, Anotsu surmised, he could share about their village without the implication of treason. Undoubtedly, this wasn't new information. Still, there had to be a certain reservation. There was an innocence in Hikari that spoke no trouble. But they were shinobi, and that fact alone required a practiced caution. [break][break] Anotsu continued to keep watch over the twists and turns of the countryside. "Novels? Your family writes?" Literature had been a pastime of the Jounin's when he was younger. History, geography, they were all curriculum that he had studied outside of the rigors of physical training. An interest began to pique beneath the surface of his calm. "I suppose that it doesn't come as a surprise that your family's hand touches more than the import and export of fabrics and clothing." [break][break] Perhaps there was more to the young Genin than the veteran Jounin initially thought. A glance backward, and Anotsu silently hoped that the same wasn't going to be said of the Matriarch. Their escort continued, Anotsu expressing no particular concern about distant howls and snarls slowly increasing in volume. [break][break] [11:20AM]
