Location - Male Hotsprings
Submerged to his neck, Shiro leans back against a rock and
enjoys the nice cool evening air against his face. Looking up
he hums a lively jig for the fireflies dancing in the air above
his head.
Ichiro notices shiro resting in the springs as he enters.
Bowing nervously he says, "Tsurugami Shiro-sama, good evening.
I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here..."
Shiro, without bothering to look at the young man who just
spoke to him, continues to nonchalantly watch the dance of the
fireflies. "Good evening, perhaps you were hoping for a little
alone time here?"
Ichiro steps into the water with a slight hesitation, then
relaxes and lowers himself in all the way. "I don't mind
company, just a little surprised to find someone of your status
here...pardon me for not introducing myself, my name is Sasaki
Ichiro." Stirring the water slightly with his arms, Ichiro
says, "Well, you are the head of the Tsurugami clan, if I'm not
mistaken, Shiro-sama. I've also heard rumors of your power and
combat prowess."
"Well it seems my reputation proceeds me. Just remember rumors
can build up over time so that the smallest mole hill will
eventually become a mountain." Stretching his hands to the air
Shiro yawns, "Tell me about yourself, what village do you come
from?"
"I was born in Kirigakure, but my father sent me to train here
in Uchuugakure shortly before my eighth birthday." Producing a
bottle and two small cups, Ichiro offers one to Shiro, "Can I
interest you in some sake?"
Shiro smiles at Ichiro wryly, "You have good taste, I would be
glad to share sake with you." Saying this Shiro takes the cup
from Ichiro's outstretched hands.
Ichiro pours sake for Shiro and himself. "Tomorrow my team and
I are travelling to Hitokurou Village," Ichiro takes a sip of
sake and sighs as he relaxes further into the water, "so I
thought I'd come down the hotsprings and relax a bit while they
prepare."
Shiro nods, "I know that area rather well, I frequent that area
on Tsurugami business," Shiro stops speaking and takes a sip of
sake, "What is bringing you and your team there?"
Ichiro dips his head underwater, brings it back up, and runs
his hands through his hair. "I have some research I need to do
in the library there. The village library is quite nice; and,
aside from, and because of, the periodic attacks by the Riyoku
ninja clan, it's a relatively quiet place." Ichiro downs the
rest of his sake and pours a second cup.
Shiro downs his cup of sake in a single gulp. "Eventually I
will rid this country of those pests commonly known as the
Riyoku. Until then though we just have to make the best of
having them around." Shiro looks to the moonlit sky, "So what
will you be researching down there?"
Offering to pour a second cup for shiro, Ichiro says, "A bit of
this and that. I'm sure there are plenty of interesting things
to learn about hiding amongst the pages of those books."
Ichiro lowers his voice and says, "My primary reason for going
there, though, is that I would like to begin researching in
greater depth the jutsu I have already learned, as well as
several others I have seen."
Shiro nods and holds cup for Ichiro to pour him some more sake.
"You seem quite studious, how do your teammates feel about
being dragged down there just so you can study. Also," Shiro
lowers his voice "Are the jutsu you are researching forbidden
or frowned upon?"
In a low voice Ichiro says, "I don't think so, but I don't
exactly want the extent of my knowledge and abilities to be
commonly known. Not yet anyway." Pouring more sake for Shiro,
Ichiro says, "They don't really mind the trip, they're almost
like family. Also, Yama-kun really enjoys slaughtering those
Riyoku."
"That is rather wise of you, who knows when someday I might be
called upon to kill you, or for you to kill me. Before you
make a name for yourself set aside a few tricks and ninjutsu
that you call out as a last resort against a strong foe. Once
you use these tricks make sure you kill your foe and any
witnesses." Shiro sips his sake, "It sounds like you have a
rather interesting friend, let him know that Tsurugami family
is looking for talented young ninja who are willing to help us
in our noble quest to rid this land of the Riyoku scum."
Ichiro finishes his sake and sets the cup off to the side,
"I'll let him know. Perhaps he can arrange a meeting with you
when we return, if he's interested."
Shiro sips his sake "The offer is open to you as well, like I
said we are always in need of talented young ninja. Of course
there is the slight matter of passing an entrance test." Shiro
sips the last of his sake and makes as if to hand it back to
Ichiro.
Ichiro accepts the cup from shiro and says, "Well, I still have
a bit of preparation to do myself. It's been a pleasure making
your acquaintance, Tsurugami Shiro-sama." Ichiro gathers his
belongings and bows as he leaves.