Welcome to Gaia! ::

Y a m a t a n o H a t a k e
山田野 はたけ
White Fang of the Mist
Kirigakure no Sato || Suiton || Hatake Bloodline || White Chakra Manipulation|| Snake Summoner
Speed Shinobi Capabilities || Battle Support Specialist || Summoning Specialist

“Those who dare bring harm to my friends, my village, and my way of life…”

xxxxA smile spread across Yamatano's face as Kaizen led the way back into the crowd, rejoining just as Yamatano pulled the low cowl back over his face. He was overjoyed to see Kaizen finally, genuinely smiling. Of course, Yamatano still had a hundred questions: What caused this sudden shift in personality? Where had Kaizen been the past few weeks? Was this simply a facade for the festival? But Yamatano shrugged those questions off, allowing himself to just enjoy that, even if it was for only one night, his friend was himself again.

At the suggestion from Kaizen, a small grin began to play across his face, the old, prankster side of Yamatano coming back to light after being buried under a year of intense Oinin training. "Oh? I'm liking the way you think. How about we try the main stage?" He suggested, pointing Kaizen in the direction of the main stage from which the announcements were given. If the explosives were to be kept anywhere, it would make sense that they would be at the most heavily guarded part of the festival.

“…Must first find out how to get past me.”

Fiercely Loyal || Determined || Protective || Aspiring Oinin

"We are the culmination of every choice we have ever made..."

Smiling devilishly, Kaizen quickened his pace as he made his way towards the main stage, located near the heart of Kiri itself. Continuing to look forward, Kaizen said in a tone which spoke of efficiency, "We will need figure out a way to get past whoever is guarding the fire-works, no doubt they won't just let us through, even if we are shinobi. I suppose a simple Henge might do, perhaps we can simply tell them that we have come to cover them so they can enjoy the festival for a time. What do you think, any ideas?" Even as he spoke, Kaizen could see the main stage in the center of the courtyard, two guards watching either side of the stage to make sure no civilians wandered onto the platform.

Stopping Kaizen looked towards Yamatano, hoping the young Oinin might have some kind of idea how best to infiltrate a secure location. It had been years since he had done anything like this, and in all likelihood he would probably be reprimanded if they were caught now, but that was the furthest thing from his mind. He was simply happy to be with his friend once more, up to the same tricks they would try as children. For a moment at least, he didn't have to worry about Houkou, or his training, or the constant struggle that was the life of a shinobi.

"... but sometimes, the right choice isn't always clear."

[chakra: 66/68 ]

Masaki walked slowly into the festival, occasionally stumbling over his kimono. He had initially liked it, but it was becoming more and more of a nuisance, the longer he stayed in it the more he realized this wasn't where he belonged. Still, both Luo and Sarutobi had told him to be there, so he had little choice in the matter. He stopped at a sushi stand, and almost grabbed some before he noticed the prices. What little money he had needed to tide him over until he got a paying mission. His stomach grumbled loudly, but the party was louder. The boy continued his walk through the crowded street, until he finally reached a comfortable tree near the middle of the mess.

There was little reason to believe that he would find anything there for him, so he decided he might as well calm his nerves. He sat on a bench under the tree and watched the people scurry back and forth. Supposedly his "classmates" would be present, but he hadn't seen anyone familiar yet.

Masaki got bored, he had been sitting a while and finally built his nerves back up to explore some more. Slowly he wandered through the street, pushing through the crowds until he reached some of the lanterns. They appeared to be dying down a bit, as if they had been burning for a while, but occasionally someone else would show up and hang another lanterns.

He couldn't help but wonder what it was like to be hanging one of the lanterns. He had never personally been very close to anyone, certainly not to anyone who had died. Wasn't he supposed to find Sarutobi somewhere? He continued to wander the festival grounds before seeing a free ramen shop. There was no hesitation before stepping in, the boy needed food and ramen would do him a lot of good after his training. "one ramen please" he called out. It was probably only the basic ramen that was free. "is the tea free too?" the busy vendor nodded as he made some ramen and tea for the boy.

Masaki was startled for a moment as Sarutobi appeared beside him, he ordered something for the two of him as the vendor gave him some tea. He sipped at his tea, and chewed on his spring roll as Sarutobi talked. "I've never been to anything like it." he admitted between bites. "I don't understand it." He understood the gist of it, hanging lanterns for the dead, and having fun and all. It was difficult to explain why he was so unsettled by the whole thing. "Who are those for?" He asked in attempt to change the subject.