「Smell that air!」 Ah, the hidden rain. Sky-reaching towers everywhere, a pungent smell of iron that no nostrils could escape, and tight streets busy with people aplenty. Out of all hidden villages, it was perhaps the only one that managed to evoke such a bittersweet blend of love and hate on herself. On one hand she loathed how crowded it usually was, but on the other she was often far too intrigued by the technological advancements they made. She’d lose herselft in the multiple avenues of entertainment every time her travels required a stop by this metal jungle — today was a little different, however.
Why? She had an entire week to spend here thanks to her hard work! Truth be told, despite her fancy clothing and sometimes intentionally pompous behavior, Suguha was a rather hardworking individual… As long as no physically straining activities were involved, that is. In any case, there was clearly no better way to spend her free time than absolutely wasting herself on the finest drinks. As unfortunate as it was, the world could not know of such vulgar activities from the one and only Ink-black Fox. A member of the Utsunomiya clan had to carry themselves with poise and dignity no matter the situation. Just like a legitimate fox, though, Suguha was a rather cunning woman.
Which leads us to a rather hidden alley. From her position, Suguha had a decent view of a large bar on the other side of the busy market street. Her obsidian hues, sharp as that of a kunoichi seizing their target, watched on as the people went by their business under a clear sky and sweltering sun. On each of her shoulders were two tiny pitch black little creatures akin to mice, sniffing at the air for no particular reason.
“Listen well, all of you. This is an important mission and failure is not an option.” she reaches for the inside of her kimono, pulling out a small leather pouch from within the valley of her bosom, and the the coins within jingled in response. Meanwhile, a fifth little mouse arrived from the other side, promptly scaling up her clothes and onto her shoulders. Her head bobbed along as the tiny creature squeaked to relay all the information she needed. “Ah, what a wonderful price! As expected of Amegakure, I love these friendly costs!” her stony visage at long last shifted into a soft smile.
“I'm counting on you. Do not disappoint me.” The mice trembled in response, knowing what would transpire soon enough, “Are we clear?” her friendly syllables soon shifted into a threatening tone. Before she could even finish her threat properly, the tiny little blobs of ink were off on their way, one of them carrying the small leather pouch. It doesn’t take long until a high pitched scream pierces the busy air and people rush to smash the tiny creatures. A couple of minutes later, her blobs of ink arrived from the other side carrying a large ornamental bottle with gold patterns. Out of five, only two had survived the ordeal. The ink black-fox, a giant in their own point of view, glared down at them as she inspected the bottle, the shade in her eyes darker than the path many Uchiha had taken in an alternate universe.
Suddenly, her lips curl into a smile and she beams up like a flower in the morning — her faux-ears twitch, a testament of her satisfaction. “I appreciate your effort…!~” She pats each of them on their head before they run up her arm and disappear within her clothes. “Ah, this is going to be a wonderful day!” And just like that, a noblewoman had concluded a needlessly complex mission to acquire a bottle of booze. With her indirectly bought source of alcohol on hands, she just needed to follow the alley around the corner and enter the carriage waiting for her and leave.
The hustle and bustle of Amegakure was always a welcome symphony through the day. It spoke of import, export, the constant rotation of technology's cogs. Steam and smoke alike rose toward the heavens like welcome signs, a plethora of aromas inviting its inhabitants to eat and socialize amidst towers of iron that jut forth from the earth like serrated blades. Clouds loomed like watchful guardians, slowly crossing the endless sky that lay separated by a beautiful skyline. The almost perpetual rain was missing today, granting Uchiha Anotsu an even greater vantage point than usual. [break][break] A set of luminescent purple hues gazed out and over the blanket of body and building alike. Half-lidded, almond-shaped eyes regarded the scene with little more than the usual vigilance, eyebrows furrowed just slightly in the occasional focus to the edifices below. Anotsu stood at the edge of one of the highest perches in the sector, the pristine white of his garb dancing behind him when nature sought to exhale. Toned arms, covered by the long sleeves of his coat, rest idly at his sides. He watched the small spectacle unfold beneath him. Surely, the Jounin's intervention would have prevented the woman from pilfering her quarry and making off with the spoils of deception. As with all things, however, there was a certain leeway in each circumstance. [break][break] A single handseal allowed Anotsu to vanish from his position, an untraceable speed seeing him south and into the alley in which she attempted to make her escape. With no weapons drawn, the Uchiha manifest directly across from the long-eared stranger's means of transportation. Casually, the Jounin leaned back against the wall of one of the alley's large buildings. A piercing gaze slid from the ground until meeting her visage, his head tilted just slightly. [break][break] "Let me guess: You were going to taste test and bring it back for a review?" [break][break] [11:05AM]
Eager to enjoy the drink, the fox’s steps teetered between a graceful dance and a hurried gait. It had been a while since she last had a chance to enjoy a drink this way, so there was no shortage of anticipation on her part. Needless to say, as the heiress to a noble family, the faux-eared maiden had no way to detect the watchful eyes of a shinobi, much less his subtle arrival. When his voice rings, she’s startled; visible arcs on her eyes suddenly turn into wide-eyed obsidians instead. It takes her no longer than a second for her visage to become neutral; an additional one, and she already had a diminutive smile on her face.
Alas, in the moment his words registered into her mind, the subtle positivity on her features disappeared. Hidden away behind luscious lips, pearly whites gritted at the notion of having to bring back something she had bought. Sharp obsidians glare at him as her lips part, but no syllables are weaved; an intentional delay before she spoke up, “Giving back something I have rightfully purchased? Inane. You are not before some petty thief.”Indirectly was the proper term, but pride would never let her share the proper story behind her predicament. Suguha shifted her weight as she held the exotic bottle on her left arm,
“A rather bold and rude assumption. If I may say so, is that the assessment of a Jounin from Amegakure, Uchiha Anotsu-san? Disappointment is an understatement regarding my opinion of you, if so.” Truth be told, it was a gamble — she wasn’t sure of his identity just yet. Even so, a man garbed in flawless white and a hazel mane atop his visage were both strong indicators if the rumors and reports she had heard were anything to go by.
“My name is Suguha. Utsunomiya Suguha.” Her right reaches for the golden medallion in display around her neck, the symbol of her family. While she wasn’t well-known herself, her family’s always gave some credit to her words. “I have no need to test its taste when I can buy every single piece they have in store.” That, of course, was a lie. Maybe. Perhaps if she begged to her father a bit…
The faux-eared woman then raises her hand to obscure her lips as her eyes widen — an intentionally dramatic gesture. “Oh! Could it be that you want a taste yourself? If so, you should’ve been more honest from the start, Anotsu-kun.”
Beautiful and informed? A soft huff of a chuckle escaped from betwixt full lips, a shake of the head of incredulous proportion. It was evident that Utsunomiya Suguha was no ordinary patron. Anotsu dwelled somewhere between amused and impressed. The former, he surmised, would be the better approach. Coaxed to action, the Jounin stood to full height and allowed his chin to dip south as his eyes slid to a close - a respectful nod. "You've got the right of it. Uchiha Anotsu, one of the Jounin of Amegakure." He was familiar with such a regal air. Refreshing though it was, the matter of a pilfered bottle remained. Naturally arched eyebrows lofted just slightly as his head raised once more. [break][break] "A pleasure to meet you, Utsunomiya Suguha. My assessment?" Anotsu began, fishing into his pocket for an amount of Ryo. "You wanted a little excitement in your life, a contrast to your usual day to day. The carriage and clothing," Anotsu stated as he gave her a once over, "tell me that you have no need to steal. It's strange, then, that the bottle you purchased didn't come with the usual bag given to every customer." His words were accompanied with a grin, its intent to disarm any air of tension. She was neither a subordinate of his Platoon or bound by the rule of shinobi. There was little productivity in reprimand. [break][break] "Here." He held up the retrieved currency. "Let's tip the vendor for a job well done. It's the least we could do, mm?" Anotsu ask-told Suguha. "Afterward, we can see about that taste test." There was no pause in his ministrations, no loss of a beat in the ebb and flow of his intentions. The Uchiha ambled past Suguha, the end of his coat swaying gently alongside obsidian locks. There was a curiosity that clutched at his tongue. Were her ears real? [break][break] Perhaps a question better left asked when a more comfortable space existed for the pair. [break][break] [9:39AM]
“Tch…” A click of her tongue and her obsidian hues rolled in response to his assessment. Of course there had to be a weakened link in her plan; Suguha was no ninja. Subterfuge was, to a certain degree, one of the skills under her figurative arsenal, but such techniques were meant to fool noblemen and women alike — shinobi were a completely different matter. In any other situation, she would have displayed a far more dignified behavior, but she couldn’t help but feel sour after being caught red-handed. This was supposed to be her week of escapism, her time for devious little antics and no ducktailed, back-alley jounin had the right to ruin it!
As the Uchiha ambled past her, she glared daggers at him over the shoulder. She eventually gets over her minute mulling, releasing an audible sigh from her lips as she at long last decided to follow him, “For your perusal, Uchiha-san, your money is unrequired. I’m afraid I was quite clear on that front.” as they neared the end of the alley, she pulled her umbrella from her back, opening it to shield herself from the sun. Her ears twitched in response to the many eyes observing the two. After such a pointless blunder, word of her carrying a massive bottle of sake would surely reach the ears of her family — it might take a few weeks, but she definitely was not looking forward to it. And for that sin, he’d pay with his ears.
“Be that as it may, I find it humorous that you don yourself with such pristine white gear. It turns out the rumours were true. Are they perhaps a secret method of casting genjutsu? Surely an Uchiha clan member would come up with such a…” she eyed him over, “… Flamboyant method of casting their illusions.” her features soften, a subtle and satisfied smile threatening to morph into a smug soon.
After crossing the stream of people in the main road, they safely arrived on the small store. Four treads led them inside the comfortable and humble shop. Simple wooden flooring and walls were supported by metallic beams in crucial spots, there was a small counter in the center and many shelves lined with a multitude of drinks — and no shortage of vacant tables. One of the waitresses seemed to be working on cleaning three black splotches on the ground, while a small leather bag could be seen in a small box labeled ‘lost and found’ on top of the counter.
“Ah, welcome. How may I help you?” an old woman greeted them from the counter. Suguha's ears twitch as she instantly glanced to the many shelves around, avoiding eye contact with either Anotsu or the shopkeeper. What a stubborn woman…
