[Closed] Finally Meeting

[Willoria]

Mika was more than happy to follow her newfound brother to where she would finally meet her real father. Setsuko on the other hand felt on edge, though her body language hardly shifted. She still walked with one hand tucked into her clothing and the other relaxed though on the hilt of her sword. It was simply how she walked. Setsuko watched as they approached one of the large industrial looking buildings, and was surprised when the double doors opened into an oddly nice looking lobby. It seemed to be a hotel where several people were staying for the event, and looked oddly homey compared to the outside. The inside had a lovely wood floor with bamboo walls and some beautiful decorations. There was a bar off to the side that also seemed to serve hot tea and a variety of snacks and food. Setsuko's eyes still scanned the place as the two siblings made their way over to a corner.

Setsuko eventually followed at a distance. Though as the two younger ones got closer to what seemed to be their destination, Setsuko would resume her duties with less distance, coming up behind Mika and keeping a hand on her shoulder. Of course, Mika shot a look and a frown up at Setsuko. "I'm fine." she whispered up at her.

[Izanagi]

Takeshi felt a growing sense of apprehension as he led Mika and Setsuko through the lobby of the hotel. Was this really the most appropriate time to spring such a surprise on his father? But if not now, then when? Was there ever a good time to introduce the man to one of his children that he didn't even know existed.

He had tried to dry his clothes as best as he could before entering, using his wind style ninjutsu as he had done before but he was still rather damp and felt a chill run through him. A change of clothes would be preferable but first he had to make sure his dad was even in the building at all. Activating his Byakugan his eyes bulged again as he searched through walls, scanning chakra signatures and catching several people in acts that made him blush and even do a double take to make sure none of them were his dad.

After a few minutes however he was able to hone in on the largest chakra signature in the building, accompanied by two others of notable potency. "The pool, of course" he noted, before going to a counter and confriming his identification and room number to get a bracelet granting him access. After some insistence, the guests were provided permission as well. Leading the way, Takeshi passed one of the hotel security guards who checked their bands but insisted on them leaving their weapons in the change room even if they didn't intend on actually swimming. Takeshi looked over at the swordswoman. "You can wait here if you're not comfortable giving up your sword" he suggested. He could also try to encourage Takeo to come out but when he was able to relax the man tended to enjoy his down time. Within the change rooms were several fresh sets of bathing robes and appropriate sandals in case anyone wanted to get out of their wet outside clothes.

[Willoria]

Naturally when the time came to give up her sword and Takeshi made his remarks, Setsuko raised an eyebrow at the boy. "She's not going in a room full of strangers without me... especially not when I'm guessing at least one of them if quite powerful." she told him with a heavy sigh. "Even if I do have to leave the equivalent of my soul behind..." she grumbled before guiding Mika into the women's changing room with her. In spite of her wet clothes, Setsuko was hesitant to actually change, especially into bathing wear. But after Mika insisted she finally caved with a heavy sigh. She found a deep green bathing robe that suited her with matching sandals while Mika got a light blue of course.

Moments later both women emerged into the pool area, immediately looking for Takeshi. Once they'd find him they'd naturally follow him. Though as Setsuko looked about it was only natural her eyes were drawn to three men in particular together and the woman immediately blushed. In her time among the Titans she had grown accustomed to being around Mika and the Titans themselves, spending almost no time with anyone else. Silently she hoped none of the three men she had just spied were the one they were looking for. 'Fuhen-Sama and now this... do I just have a thing for older men now or something?' she quickly buried her thoughts and kept her attention on her young ward.

Of course Mika was practically giddy as she clung to her newly-discovered brother, having to resist the urge to literally jump up and down as they were in a wet pool area while they were led along. She was desperate to meet her father, her real father, for the first time in her life.

[Izanagi]

Takeshi showered quickly, rinsing himself off and placing his belongings in one of the larger storage lockers. Fortunately there were not only Yukata for a more traditional feel and traveling between the warmer pools simulating proper hotspwings but heated by steam vents, but also more modern swimwear for the larger pools fed by rainwater. Truly a blending of cultures and a representation of the diversity and innovation of this new nation.

Taking a pair of purple and black shorts from pile of folded, clean clothes he similarly picked out a Yukata, more or a teal color as he couldn't quite find a matching set. No matter, it would do. This was a rather unique experience after all, and it was evidently difficult to blend such differences seemlessly.

When he emerged from the change room he quickly found Mika and Setsuko. His black hair hung down across his back. Typically in onsen and even swimming pools it was customary to keep your hair tied up and kept out of the water but the signs in the room insisted that was not the case here. Quite unusual but he supposed he was willing to give it a go. Without his forehead protector the green tattoo on his forehead was visible, the X mark and lines extending toward his temples. As a half-breed he was a member of a branch family and would have his Byakugan sealed away if he died. He still felt self-conscious about it and outside of the shinobi world tattoos were often seen as a sign of being a criminal or a vagabond of some kind but he hoped he wouldn't startle his sister with it.

He smiled as she held his arm, walking forth with her as they approached one of the larger pools where three men quickly became the most prominent feature. The most muscular by far wore navy blue shorts, his body chiseled to perfection and adorned with several notable scars and a pair of swirling marks tattood on his left shoulder. He was ruggedly handsome with piercing blue eyes, short chestnut brown hair and a matching beard. Then there was another, leaner but still quite fit and very defined with deep red hair that hung down to his neck, red eyes and the same tattoo as the first man but red and on his right shoulder. Fitting his apparent color scheme his shorts too were a dark red. And the last man seemed the most average in appearance, undeniably handsome with hazel eyes and wisps of grey in his short brown hair he possessed a more aged and wise demeanor, his body lean with some traces of muscle but not nearly the athlete the others were. His shorts were a forest green and he too had an Anbu tattoo, black and on his left shoulder.

The largest man was the first to notice them, grinning as he waved in familiarity. Then the red-haired man looked over, being the first to make his voice known. "Your son takes after you after all. Went for a walk and came back with a girlfriend...and one to share. He's got good taste" he noted eagerly, eying up both of the women but especially the one that clung to Takeshi's arm. A resounding smack echoed through the room as Toshiaki cuffed him across the back of the head. "Keep your eyes up. She's too young for you" he reprimented, noticing where his eyes had gone. Though a cursory glance at the older one and he noted that she at least seemed more acceptable. Takeo only chuckled, well used to the antics of his close friend. He was harmless enough but his eyes tended to decieve him. "Welcome back son, I see you made some friends" he noted as he emerged from the pool and approached closer to greet them. Meanwhile Masuru and Toshiaki moved to sit on the edge and it seemed the older man was continuing to have a few words with his former student. Takeshi approached with the young woman attached to his arm. He looked up at his father, pale eyes apprehensive but quickly he found his resolve. "Dad...this is someone you should meet. Her name is Mika" he started off, looking to her and silently encouraging her to explain the rest. He wasn't sure there was any better way than to just come right out and say it but it was ultimately up to her if she wanted to go through with her decision to properly meet her father.

[Willoria]

Mika noticed the mark on her brother's forehead, but she immediately thought nothing of it. Growing up with her mother and then with the Titans, tattoos weren't that odd. If anything she found it quite pretty and even smiled when she saw it, settling against her brother as she walked with him to meet her father. Though as they drew closer and the men started talking she was immediately confused by their remarks. Before she could speak though and one man struck another on the back of the head, she immediately started giggling.

Even Setsuko started snickering, sparing a glance at the oldest of the group with a light blush before quickly turning her attention back to Mika. Mika herself looked at the man her brother was addressing as their father and blinked a moment. His eyes were what she noticed immediately, recognizing them almost as her own, before looking at Takeshi and seeing his silent encouragement. But she glanced back at Setsuko as well. Setsuko simply nodded to her. "Go ahead, Mika." For the moment the woman herself didn't bother introducing herself, not wanting to take attention away from the girl.

Mika nodded and turned to look at Takeo again with a nervous smile on her face. "Y-you're Natsuki Takeo, right?" she asked quietly. "I'm not sure if you remember Senkensha Yuka, a dragon priestess in Frost Country..." she added, still clinging to Takeshi nervously as she found herself shaking slightly. "She was my mother... she told me about you... she always told me that you were my father..."

[Izanagi]

The Hokage’s piercing blue eyes were as perceptive as ever, noticing every subtle shift in movement and facial expression. He was an expert on being able to assess his surroundings and perceive subtle tells that might indicate danger. And in this case, he could observe that this girl had something important to tell him. But more than that, there was a certain longing for acceptance that seemed to emanate from her. One look at her eyes and the nervous flutter in her voice when she spoke to him, and his thoughts were already swimming with the possibility. Was this one of his children? It had been a long while since he had been confronted with a surprise child.

He only nodded slowly in confirmation when she affirmed his name. And when she mentioned the name Senkensha Yuka he smiled softly as the nostalgia set in. “Oh yes. I remember. She was very hospitable…and memorable” he admitted, smirking wolfishly. But then the relevance of such an inquiry came to light and his expression became heavier, a sadness to his eyes. ‘Was’ he repeated in his mind, his heart aching at the thought of her passing. Those who believed destinies were intertwined tended to leave their mark. Takeo had spent months in Frost Country on a very long mission. Yuka had made all that cold worth it and though he had never kept in touch with her or returned she had crossed his mind many times over the years, though seldom recently with how much had happened.

But to think he had fathered another child with another remarkable woman and only just now was learning of it. That thought filled him with conflicting emotions, naturally he wished to care for his children, to provide. And so too for the various women he had romances with over the years, it was difficult to stop caring. But he had his own life to consider, a wife and family that were his priority and he couldn’t keep bringing Aina pain with his past, even if she had eventually come to accept Yozei. Takeo looked to Takeshi first, seeing his acceptance of the girl. Meanwhile, he ignored the sudden silence and palpable fear coming from Masuru as he realized the comments and looks he had been giving towards Mika.

Then he looked back to Mika, “Is that right? If that’s really true, then I’m sorry that I was never there. I didn’t know” he said, looking the girl in the eye as he spoke slowly. His own crisp, blue eyes spoke volumes of his compassion, they seemed to convey a deep sadness and understanding. He still had his mother, but he had recently lost his father as well as several friends. The years had taken their toll on him, he was tired and greatly burdened. But in Mika he saw that glimmer of hope and innocence that he strived so hard to protect in the youth of Fire country. “We should talk alone, I’m sure you have questions” he said suddenly, looking around briefly before forming a quick set of handseals. Masuru and Toshiaki suddenly sprang up, “Easy now” Toshiaki attempted to calm of the woman who was surely at least on edge about the seals. “He won’t harm her” Masuru similarly ensured, though his own hands were at the ready to perform seals if he needed to intervene. And then Takeo would place his hand on Mika’s shoulder. To everyone else nothing would change but to Mika she would feel as if she was teleported into another world.

Suddenly the two would be surrounded in lush green fields accented by various patches of flowers, a gentle spring breeze flowing through the air. Though what was most peculiar was the sky, split between day and night, the vibrant black night sky shimmering with stars and the full moon. But there too was brightness, the warmth and glow of the sun basking them in its rays. The two blended and swirled together at various points. Mika would also find that Takeo suddenly was dressed properly, wearing a simply blue shirt with brown pants and the white cloak of the Hokage with the red Kanji for 17th Hokage written down the back. “It’s just us now. You’re safe here with me. Please, sit. Tell me anything, we have a lot to catch up on” he said with a gentle smile, placing his hand lightly on her head. If she hugged him, he would embrace her tightly, though he wouldn’t be able to squeeze her hard enough to hurt her even if he tried. Not here anyway.

Jutsu UsedShow

*[Genjutsu • Communicate]
B-Ranked Overlay Genjutsu
After performing the necessary hand seals, the user will place a hand on their target, initiating this overlay. The overlay lasts for 4 posts, transporting them to an open field. The sky is a mix between day and night, with both the sun, and stars visible in the sky. The user and his target will be sitting in the field, cross legged, where they can talk. Jutsu will fail, they have no weapons on their person, and all their physical stats are set to 5, making combat nearly impossible.

[Willoria]

Naturally the moment Takeo started forming hand seals, Setsuko tensed visibly. "Now just a minute-" Her eyes turned warily to the other two men as they spoke up. She suddenly had a feeling that if she came or not, it didn't matter. If these men had ill intentions there'd hardly be anything she could do about it. But still she looked to Takeshi for a moment for some sort of silent reassurance instead. Of those that were there, he was the only one she actually knew at all, if only marginally more.

Mika meanwhile looked at Takeo oddly as he reached out to touch her on the shoulder. She had learned the basics of ninjutsu from the Titans and, though she had been told about Genjutsu, the lessons had been so long ago now she hardly remembered them. She had certainly never really experienced a significant one. The sudden change in scenery took her breath away. For a moment she looked around wildly, only realizing how crazy she must have looked when he put a hand on her head and she suddenly hugged him. She buried her face against him, sniffling after a moment as she realized she was starting to cry a bit. But after a moment she released him and took a step back, lifting a hand to wipe her eyes when she noticed a shimmer across the back of it. "Oh..." She took another step back as her change took over, the silver scales spreading across her skin in several areas such as her hands and her cheeks. Horns formed from her head and gliding back across the shape of her head. Her wings formed from her back and the tail from her lower back.

The young woman couldn't help a deep blush as she looked down at the ground and rubbed the back of her neck almost sheepishly. "I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to show you that yet." she said quietly. "This is how I was actually born. When I was younger I was taught chakra control to hide it, for my own safety. It's... it's why mother died... after I was born the people were afraid of me, and her. When I was eleven they came for me and she wouldn't let them... she got me out but..." She didn't want to finish the story. Though she had managed to tell the story without tears in the past, somehow in this moment, faced with her real father, it felt different. For the first time in awhile she felt tears running down her face as she recounted the story again.

[Izanagi]

Takeo hugged his newfound daughter tightly. He was still processing that he had another child he hadn't known about. Though by now he had come to terms with the fact that there were surely others out there as well. He wasn't exactly careful about trying to prevent such things and part of him truly enjoyed knowing he had children spread across the world. He hoped they could each become strong like him and find the drive to change the world for the better. And any that sought him out he would welcome with open arms and accept no matter their circumstances.

The Hokage's piercing blue eyes shone with curiosity as Mika's form suddenly began to change. Within his genjutsu ninja arts were rendered innefective, which meant that she had been using a transformation to maintain her pevious appearance. He was surprised he hadn't noticed that right away. He took a step back to admire her appearance properly. "Just as beautiful as your mother" he commented, smiling proudly at the child he had produced.

He nodded in understanding, listening with a compassionate gaze as Mika explained the troubles her appearance had caused in the past. Takeo felt the pain in the young woman's words. He had recently lost a parent himself, it wasn't as impactful as losing one when you were young but it left an emptiness all the same. Reaching out, he pulled her back into a tight hug. "People are cruel. The uneducated fear what they dont understand..." he started softly after simply hugging her for several long moments. "Do you want revenge?" He wondered. He would understand if she did. It was a feeling he struggled with himself, being responsible in a way for his fathers death but knowing the cost of revenge would demand countless others sacrfice. For some that is what they wanted, but as a leader he had to make the best choices he could. For him revenge was not what Konoha needed right now. But for Mika, perhaps it was an option.

[Willoria]

Mika was blushing furiously as he looked at her, suddenly wishing she had her cloak to hide within again. But his comment about her mother's beauty caught her by surprise. She finally looked up at him again, tears glistening in the corners of her eyes as he pulled her into another hug and the girl sniffled again. He asked about revenge and the girl shook her head slowly and very carefully. She was well aware of her horns in this form and was cautious of the movement to ensure she didn't accidentally hurt him, having no idea that hurting him was impossible under the influence of the Genjutsu. "No." she whispered quietly. "Revenge... the way the Titans always spoke of it, it was as if they wished the horrible things they had been through upon others. I can't imagine wishing that on someone." she said, remembering the way Katsu used to rant about the wrongs she had been through in her life. "My mother was burned alive in our home... I could never wish a death like that on anyone, no matter what they did to me or those I love."

She took a deep breath as she turned her head to look up at him again finally, somehow managing to find a smile in it all as she looked at him. "I wanted to meet you all my life, I didn't think I'd be able to... Setsuko was the one who said now was the time. I don't know how she knew, but she did. She was right." She took a deep breath and let it out slow, content in the moment. "When I was wandering I met another dragon who took me in, raised me for a few years with the Titans and that has been home ever since... but I still held out hope that one day I might meet you."

[Izanagi]

Slowly Takeo was getting a sense of the kind of young woman Mika was. She seemed shy, meek even. Fearful. It was clear she was still rather weak and had already experienced the dangers of the world. But any child of his had to have a certain inner strength to them. He was curious what she would do when she finally found true power for herself. He nodded in approval as she denied the chance for revenge. It was the right choice, even if in a way it was the harder one to make. “You’re right. Revenge only continues the cycle of pain, passing it on to others so they can do the same. You’ll never make the world a brighter place that way. And you’ll never know true inner peace by seeking out harm unto others” he advised, smiling proudly as he ran a thumb and finger across her horn in the same manner he might lovingly caress his other daughters’ cheeks. “I’ve killed a lot of people. Most of them I’ve justified as being bad people that the world is better without. Everything I do is to protect my family, Fire country citizens and our allies. But even bad people have family and friends that they love and that rely on them. At the end of the day any time you kill someone you have to make that choice, that your life, your family matters more than theirs. It’s not an easy burden to live with” he elaborated. He had long ago chosen to walk that path and he would make that choice every time, but he also respected those who wished to truly make efforts to make the world a brighter place.

He moved his hand from her horn to her chin, cupping her gently as he looked into her bright blue eyes. His own piercing cobalt blue eyes stared back at her. The way he looked at her was if he was staring directly into her soul. “I’m glad you found me” he said simply, smiling warmly. His eyes lit up in recognition as she spoke of another Dragon and the Titans. To think she had been so close, he had met with them during the war and sent other shinobi there periodically to discuss trade and drop off supplies. But things had been so hectic then, and in the end, she had been safe there. “Everything we experience shapes us and guides us. You were where you needed to be. And now you’re here. The question is, what will you do next?” he wondered. What were the girl’s aspirations?

[Willoria]

Mika tilted her head as he touched one of her horns. It wasn't entirely a foreign touch, but an odd one that she wasn't entirely used to. Takeshi hadn't feared her form either and it was honestly welcome to see that both her brother and now her father seemed to accept who she was entirely. He left a smile on her face that remained even as he cupped her chin and looked her in the eyes. That smile only grew when he expressed his happiness in the fact that she had found him. He mentioned her plans and she sighed, still looking up at him as she thought it over and shrugged. "I don't know." she admitted quietly. "I felt safe with the Titans... they let me pick where to live, I had built my own home with my own two hands near a cliff's edge. I had a view into the valleys. I dreamed of learning to fly from those peaks. It was everything I dreamed of... but then a strange green hawk came with black legs..." her expression wavered for a moment as she looked away briefly and thought about the encounter. "I thought he was a spirit, he was so strong he could lift me and show me how to fly, he even taught me how to use the winds. He seemed so kind... but then he transformed into a man and told me he was an assassin, there to kill Katsu..." Her words trailed off as she shook her head. "When I told Setsuko, that was when she insisted she would begin guarding me. She said it wasn't safe for me to be alone on my mountain anymore..."

She took a deep breath and sighed heavily. "Then another man came, but he was kind and I served him dinner. Setsuko seemed to know him, said he was a Shogun. After he left she said it was time to travel, to find you..."

Mika shrugged again and looked up at Takeo for a moment. "All the visitors made it seem like it was time to travel I guess... but I'm not sure where to go next... and that assassin just... well it made it seem like my home just wasn't all that safe after all."