Inka only hummed in acknowledgement of Kagerou's compliment and choice to soon call an end to her training session with him. He kept rapt attention of the female Kiri-nin as she continued her attempts to get used to and learn the Juurai Toorima, the plumes of smoke swallowing her fully. He didn't move even after hearing the less-experienced shinobi begin coughing, knowing how quickly the smoke would disperse, freeing Kagerou (and her lungs) from its heavy presence. The Anbu at his back stepped up, leaning close to whisper into the Hizara's ear, before stepping back to their previous spot. As its last remaining wisps faded away, a small smirk could be seen on the Mizukage's thin lips, Amber eyes deliberately focused only on the shorter of the two medics now standing before him. "Tolerance, Kagerou." He repeated. "You'll pick it up soon enough." With that his face fell into a calmer expression as he turned to regard Severin instead. "Apologies." He tilted his head in greeting. "If you'd prefer a warning, I will ensure you're notified beforehand next time. Otherwise, Kagerou is done here for the day so," he pauses, amber eyes unwavering. "Do not feel the need to apologise." His eyes flicker down briefly and then off to the side, his focus apparently on the dozens of foreign and Konoha shinobi forces training under his apparent tutelage, though the two medics remained in his peripherals.
ch 1,100 // 1,100 | 940 // 940 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
T e c h n i q u e s :
Torture Me Softly
HeadlessKoko
Posted: Wed Aug 19, 2020 11:15 pm
Saving to return to later. . . Mission given: Clinic Duty Rank: C Information: There are speciality clinics dotted throughout the village, and the recent upheaval has had medical staff relocated to more serious responsibilities and some have been moved to temporary structures. After seeing the Hokage about these projects, the Shinobi must head out to the designated area and help the staff there. Solo or Squad: Variable. Minimum Posts: 5 posts. Note: Must be given by the Hokage or Advisors to be redeemed for Credit. There are not always clinic jobs available.
Counts towards Medical Profession missions. [Emergency]
From the ragged Severin to the composed Mizukage, Kagerou scrutinized each of the two men. When addressed, she'd pay her whole attention. To Severin, an inquisitive but also somewhat pleasantly surprised smile, his presence welcome as ever. Though, as soon as she recognized the state he was in, a flicker of worry could be seen in the way she flicked her gaze over and through him. To Inka, who addressed her before she could muster the strength to reply to Severin through the grainy feeling in her lungs, Kagerou nodded in appreciation for believing in her. Of course, the change in demeanor as Inka addressed Severin did not escape her. Her gaze wandering between the two parties, the reactions of each to the other was noted and, silently, fussed over.
Her first, then Severin. It could have simply been out of courtesy, Inka acknowledging that he had business with Kagerou before Severin arrived. It could also be out of convenience if, for instance, the lord Mizukage hoped for a chance to speak with Severin after Kagerou left. Normally, she'd put her all into helping Severin with such an opportunity, no matter how unlikely it may have seemed. However, with the dead eyes he exhibited now, she could only worry and ask... Well...
"There's so much wrong with his state right now that there's no point in me asking if he's okay."
Sighing, Kagerou stepped forwards. She couldn't exactly give Severin a full makeover right here and now in front of the person of interest, and no matter how dead inside Severin might claim to be with his eyes, that pause in his thoughts told her all she needed to know about the affections he still held for the older man. Reaching up, the green haired kunoichi with zero sense of personal space started fiddling with the taller male's tie. "You look like a mess, Severin," she chided, hiding her concern behind a light-hearted tone as her fingers slipped through the knots of the fabric, "If you're going to run yourself this tired, you might as well just take off the tie altogether." The slender fingers of the performer untied and slipped off Severin's tie with little ado, even grabbing the binder out of his hands when she pulled back.
She was still worried, but this would have to do for now. Giving a smile so big that the scarlet eyes squinted and a thumbs up, Kagerou spoke with enough enthusiasm to make up for Severin's lack of it, "I need to get back to the nurse's office for my shift, so I'll read this there, just give me a bit of time and I'll be caught up." A surreptitious glance at Inka, who she couldn't help but notice was still able to see them, albeit at the edges of his vision. "Hm... If you haven't eaten, you should grab a few bites and bring me something when you're done, but otherwise, I'll see you in a few. After all, I've got your precious research and tie now~". Ever so playfully, the tie was waved in replacement of a "good bye" wave as Kagerou turned around.
Though, before she really left, she of course addressed the Mizukage. With the standard bow, she bid farewell, "Thank you for today, Inka-sama. I'll come by tomorrow at the same time to continue." The teen's smile still energetic from the effort she put in earlier, the young one gave one last grin before leaving the adults to do their adult things.
Severin watched Kagerou leave, a dumbfounded expression on his face. In his mind he was screaming for hee not to leave him in his current situation, but outwardly he only slightly outstretched a hand aftet her as if to stop her. But he was too late, and too slow, so he just dropped the hand back to his side. He sighed softly, then turned back to Inka.
It would be rude to just leave, but he didn't have anything to talk about with the man. Sev crossed his arms, then looked off in the direction of the other shinobi training some distance away. He was quiet for a moment, trying to think of something, anything, to say.
"Sooo... uh... this weather is kinda crud, huh? Probably nothing compared to Kirigakure right now though... How's Minowa doing? .... getting any good missions? Being safe?"
"Of course you will." Inka responded to Kagerou's promise to return, but otherwise appeared to remain unaffected by her words and deliberately quick departure. He made no comment to Severin, partly expecting the medic to make his own hasty retreat as well, having many valid excuses at his disposal, assuredly. And yet the blue-eyed man had remained - hesitant, of course, but he was still here. Even before the former(?) Kiri nin spoke, Inka couldn't help the small smile, relieved that his presence wasn't so intolerable to the other man for him to flee at the first opportunity. The smile thinned out and lifted up on one side, head shifting so both amber eyes could look at the obviously distressed Raigyo, the small talk having instilled some humour into the previously (strict) professional atmosphere Kagerou had just had to endure. "No mist, dry air, a constant breeze and pure sunlight?" The Kage spoke, amusement colouring his tone. "You're right. For a Kiri nin this weather is definitely uncomfortable. But most that have taken shelter here seem to have adapted. Though Minowa says he misses the trees the most." He pauses, fully turns his body to properly face Severin rather than just side-talking him. "He'll say hello if you see him here. It isn't safe for a Kage's son to be doing much out-of-village missions just yet so he's taken to exploring the village. I assume his restless legs are my influence." He pauses, the smile softening, eyes dropping to the ground for a brief moment. "Thank you, Severin. But if talking to me is too much, I understand."
ch 1,100 // 1,100 | 940 // 940 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
Another hum escaped Severin, however it was unlike thevprevious one. This one had a slight tone of amusement. Much of his memories of Kiri were still blank, including the small day-to-day things such as weather. He remembered the smell though, which wasn't entirely unpleasant. That sort of boggy, earthly smell with a tint of salt and sea air. He remember tgat scent vividly.
"There's still so much I don't remember...." He mumbled wistfully, his eyes still looking out over the training bodies. "So many of my memories are still blank, like pages with water damage..." Suddenly, he seemed yanked back to reality, and turned his attention back to Inka.
"I can assure you, any difficulty is of my own creation. I... had an idea of what my life was like before. Or a dream, maybe. Learning that your hopes dont live up to reality is... hard. But it is life, and I am coping." He paused, shifting his weight so that it settled on his other hip, his arms still crossed. "It's good to hear that Minowa is doing well, despite his confinement. The leaf is not a boring village, that is for sure."
Inka listened with rapt attention and soft eyes to Severin's wistful murmurs, wishing (not for the first, nor definitely the last time) that he knew how to help. Even if it was just what not to do. "Your medical records were transferred to Konoha, but, if you wished," He hesitated briefly, wondering if this was too much. "I could see about getting some of your mission reports handed to you?" He questioned - unsure if it was for himself or Severin that he made this offer. "Nothing classified, I have to say." Those would have to remain in Kiri, but he left that part out, not wanting to imply he was trying to force the Raigyo back.
"Reality..." Inka muses. "I think you are handling this situation far better than I would have." He stated, sourness coating his tongue as he briefly looked out over the training shinobi. Seeming to forcefully kick himself out of a line of thought, he returns his full attention to the blue-eyed medic with a more relaxed expression. "Yes. And Minowa has enjoyed being able to walk around in public and not be immediately known who he is." Suddenly, a look of guilt and shame smothers Inka's face, one corner of his lip pulling back, revealing the white of his teeth. "I'm sorry. That was in bad taste." He rushes his apology, a hand coming up to rub itself over his mouth, as if wanting to erase those words from existence. "Seems I'm always putting my foot in my mouth, isn't it..."
ch 1,100 // 1,100 | 940 // 940 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
"It mudt be hard." Severin's eyes seemed to regain a bit of life, dethawing from the cold dead blue hues they were before. Those sympathetic eyes were focused on Inka, frowning softly. If it weren't for the short hair, it was almost identical to the Severin of the past. Always a little sad, always a little out of place, always with his heart on his sleeve. "To know everyone's watching. To know your every move, your every word, your every thought is scrutinized and reflects on those you care about... it must be very hard. For you, for Minowa. I'm glad he is finding some respite here. I hope that you find a minute or two of it yourself. " Sev paused, offering a soft smile. it was small, fragile, and crooked. Unsure, just like him."I like that you speak your mind, I am not a man who enjoys facades. You can speak freely around me... of course, when it's not a detriment to you."
Clearing hids throat, Severin dropped his arms to his side. The moment of softness had past, and he turned away from Inka towards the others. "As for the mission reports... that sounds like a good idea. Hopefully, it'll help me regain a part of myself. Make me feel less like I have something to prove."
Inka looked up, hand still covering the lower part of his face. An eyebrow cocked itself in curiosity at Severin's opening line, though most of his face remained obviously chastened from the Kage's own previous statement. Hearing the medic be so understanding, so aware and forthright with the knowledge of the societal pressure he felt himself firmly pressed under... Inka had to clear his own throat, hands dropping down to his sides and amber eyes dark with guilt. "Thank you, Severin." He had to force the words out. He wished he had put forward the same standard of understanding for the medic's own situation so long ago. Nearly said as much just then. But putting forward guilt felt far more selfish. He forced a thin smirk instead. "I dare you to say that again after you remember our history." He joked about Severin's approval of Inka's tendency to speak his mind. Though, a lot has changed since the Raigyo had left Kiri. "Minowa has never showed that he's cared about other people's opinions, more that he's frustrated with people only wanting to interact him for what he represents, not for himself as a person." Inka reveals, a lip curled in his own frustration, knowing how little control he had on the situation. He clicks his tongue and moves on worth the discussion.
"Of course. I'll send word to have what's available sent down from the archives." He bowed his head in a sign of acquiescence. "Though I hope you don't expect too much from them.
ch 1,100 // 1,100 | 940 // 940 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
Shikatsu arrived at tho dojo and looked around for anyone that he knew. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. He knew it had been some time since he tried to train with someone else, but most people he knew were in other villages or had moved on from this world. He saw some people in there, but he did not know them. Still, it was worth a shot to ask. He approached them slowly and watched to see if they were busy at the moment.
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"Your life is to short, so don't go throwing it away so easily."
Severin chuckled softly, before his eyes were drawn by an approaching student. The Raigyo gentle scratched at his scruff, letting out a soft sigh. As reluctant as he had been to stay at first, the conversation with Inka had been quite pleasant and he found himself no longer wanting to leave.
However, he needed to head back to the hospital and Kagerou would kill him if he didn't eat first.
"Well, Inka. It looks as if you have company, so I'll take my leave and stop consuming your time. If you find yourself hungry at some point in the next two hours or so, you're welcome to continue this conversation with me at the Ramen stand." He bowed to the Mizukage, the air about him more relaxed as he walked off, raising his hand in goodbye.
Amber eyes softened slightly at the sight and sound of Severin's laugh, reserved as it was. Inka gave a small smile in return, glad to see the air between them had lightened slightly. However, as Inka is all too familiar with, good things never last and the reality of their situation still existed. "I'll join you if I can." Was the best he could promise. Its one thing to abandon his duties for his son, but he could only relegate his duties to others for so many reasons and for so long. He gives a small bow to the Raigyo's departure and then turns his attention to the new arrival, straightening his posture and the black robe of his office, hanging from his shoulders. "Greetings, Leaf-Nin." Inka spoke, taking in the Nara's village insignia. "Inka Hizara, Mizukage Godaime of the Mist. Have you come to receive training in the ways of the Land of Water?" He inquired, his entire being suddenly radiating a far more professional air than what it was a moment ago with the med-nin who had just left.
ch 1,100 // 1,100 | 940 // 940 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
Shikatsu halted his advance and gave a small bow and rose before speaking. "Yes, Lord Mizukage, if you'll have me" He said, wondering if his tone was ok. He didn't want to seem to familiar with him just yet. His eyes had a fire in them, showing he was ready to learn, but there was also an emptiness in them, one that only those who have seen great loss in their lives would know.
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"Your life is to short, so don't go throwing it away so easily."
A curt nod, and a small hum, were given in return before amber eyes tried to take in what information he could from the young man. "Your name then? And what were you interested in learning?" The brunette asked, clasping his hands behind his back, pulling the robe of his office back a little in the process, inadvertently revealing a dagger and a strange instrument on his hip; the Bull Roarer. "Or were you simply wanting some practice combat experience? You wouldn't be the first to try their hand against a kage."
ch 1,100 // 1,100 | 940 // 940 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
He pondered the question for a moment before he found his answer. "I am Shikatsu Nara, Jounin of the Hidden Leaf. I would really appreciate learning some techniques from you sir, but I also wish to get stronger and test my mettle against one such as yourself. " He said with a bit of excitement in his voice.
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"Your life is to short, so don't go throwing it away so easily."
Inka tilts his head to the side, unsure how to take these vague assurances. Was the kid (kid? The Konoha nin was probably his own age, maybe older. But damn if Inka didn't feel older than he was) nervous about their rank difference? Inka took a few steps to the side, obviously taking in the medic-nin's physique. "Hm." Inka's amber eyes stopped in the dip of Shikatsu's waist, a hand pulling free his own dagger before looking into the Nara's eyes. "Your main weapon?" He inquired. "Perhaps I can teach you some things..." The hand holding the dagger flipped through different holding positions with an ease from heavy practice, but it was obviously done absentmindedly and not in any indication of a threat towards the Leaf nin. "You prefer subtlety or frontal attacks?" He asked, trying to narrow in on what he could possibly pass over to the other man.
ch 1,100 // 1,100 | 940 // 940 st ⧼ Father ⬘ Mizukage ⬘ Godaime ⬘ Bukijutsu ⬘ Performer ⧽
T e c h n i q u e s :
[ P a s s i v e ] • Offensive Style: Knife Stances The user becomes more accustomed to upward, downward, and sideways slashing motions. Speed of all Bukijutsu employing small arms is mildly increased.
