[Festival] [Open] Festive Nights Under Lantern Lights

[Gara]

The night sky was clear, people rushing about from stall to stall, as they enjoyed the festival. Hatsuyuki walked slowly through the crowd, an Ikayaki skewer in his mouth. He was completely done up for the festival, make-up and all, and was even wearing a new Kimono he had bought at the festival. He happily, and delicately, ate the skewered squid as he wandered from stall to stall. He had spent the last few days training under the Iron Banner, learning the Zantou Kenjutsu style to compliment his Sekisetsu. While he perused the wares of the stall owners he kept an eye for anything unexpected, including attacks. He felt on edge knowing that anyone from any of the villages could be here.

HatsuShow

[Kabu]

Night had fallen upon the festival and Maho had once more separated from her parents to wander the festival grounds by herself. Mama had still been worried of course but over the last few days the little girl had more than shown that she could look after herself.

With that in mind she was currently walking through an area full of stalls, happily munching on a candy apple as she looked around. There were so many different kinds of people in the area. There were so many different walks of life, so many stories to tell. It was honestly quite exciting to think about the possibility of making new friends and hearing their stories. The only problem was that most of the crowd seemed to have come in groups and she didn't dare interrupt.

Before she could become too disappointed, a lone woman crossed her path. She was really quite pretty, almost as pretty as Mama! Surely such a pretty girl would have a lot of suitors so why was she by herself? She also looked incredibly nervous, or maybe on edge was a better way to put it... Maybe she was stood up or has been waiting for someone? "I'll just have to go and say hi! Maybe that'll cheer her up."

Making her up her mind she decided to approach Hatsu, approaching him not from behind but rather from the side. "Hi there!" she cheerfully chirped, a wide smile on her face. "You're very pretty, miss!"

[Gara]

Hatsuyuki was surprised when he heard such a young voice speaking to him, seemingly out of nowhere, before he realized it was girl shorter than him who had spoke. He wasn't used to people being shorter than him, but the one who spoke was clearly a child. He smiled as sweetly as he could and when he spoke he used the feminine voice that he had worked so hard to perfect. "Why hello there. Is there anything I can do for you young one?" Despite being as friendly as he could, Hatsu still maintained his vigil over their surroundings. He didn't bend down, as most do when speaking with someone shorter than themselves, and kept both of his hands palm down on the front of his kimono. This was to show the girl, and more importantly anyone else in the area, that he was unarmed. "Come, let us move out of this busy street. We wouldn't want to be in anyone's way." He gestured to the side of the road where, while they would be out of the way of the crowd, they would still be visible to the girl's parents, or secret guards.

[Kabu]

Maho tilted her head as she followed the lady towards the side of the road. Something seemed a bit strange but she couldn't really tell what it was so she elected to just ignore it. It didn't seem like a terribly big deal anyways. "Umm, I was walking nearby and you seemed a bit lonely and on edge. It didn't seem right so I wanted to come over and say hi." she spoke, explaining the circumstances behind her approach.

She wouldn't have to think long about what to say next as a sudden realization came to mind, the girl suddenly fidgeting in place with her hands laced together "Oh um, my name is Maho. Fukusha Maho, 10 year old Iwa Genin." she suddenly spoke up again, remembering what Mama had told her about introducing herself to people. Honestly she felt a bit ashamed of herself "Mama always tells me I should introduce myself right away when meeting brand new people."

[Gara]

Hatsu smiled brightly as the girl spoke. "Oh you sweet child. You mother has definitely done a good job in raising you. I am sure she is a wonderful woman. My name is Aisu Yuki, and I am a Chuunin from Kirigakure. It is a pleasure to meet you Maho." Children held a special place in Hatsu's heart. They had yet to experience the cruelty of their world, and they were completely innocent in the wars of their elders. "I apologize if I seem on edge though. It is simply my first time so far from home, and I find it difficult to fully relax. Even when at this wonderful festival." Turning to the stalls next to them, his eyes lit up when he saw one that was selling candies. he picked out a few that the stall owner had called rock candy, little crystals of sugar that were "growing" on the wooden skewer. "Which would you like Maho? Blue or purple?" Hatsu held the candies out for the Genin to choose from while he scanned the surroundings with his peripheral vision again. He was unable to shake the feeling that he was being watched. Though, like he had explained to Maho, it was probably that it was his first time so far from the village making him slightly paranoid.

[Diatenshi]

A young woman in blossom hung on her partner's arm, a wide smile gracing her beautiful visage. There was a sense of barely contained energy radiating from her as if she was going to suddenly burst with excitement. It'd been almost a year since she left Kaisui's side to travel the world with Ichiro and gain experience. It'd been hard on her at first but she'd recover from her broken heart in time. The second most important man in her life was Ichiro, Kaisui's former 1st mate and the first person to join their little pirate crew. And he'd invited her to a festival. She felt like a young girl all over again and she could barely contain her nervous excitement.

"Ichiro this place is amazing. I never realized how fun dry land could be!" she beamed at him as she bounced in a sakura colored yukata. Her eyes were aglow as she took in the sights and scenery. For so long all she'd known was the open sea and the dingey bars at port. She couldn't even recall a time she'd worn clothing that was so beautiful and luxurious. Something this fine would cause the crew to treat her with less respect not to mention be ruined by working out at sea.

[Kabu]

"It's nice to meet you too!" Maho chirped, warmly smiling all the while. "This is my first time away from home too, though Mama and Papa are here with me. Right now I'm just exploring on my own. Mama was incredibly nervous about it but me and Papa managed to convince her I could take care of myself." she spoke in response to Yuki's apologies, not quite realizing that she had begun rambling in excitement.

She was soon however distracted as Yuki brought up the prospect of candy, her eyes lighting up childishly as she reached for the blue rock candy. Not wasting a moment she stuck it into her mouth, squealing in delight and breaking into a wide smile at the sudden burst of sweetness. "Ish sho good!" she proclaimed with her mouth full. Despite all her assertions of maturity she was ultimately still a small child with a killer sweet tooth, sugary snacks as a result being one of her greatest weaknesses.

Distracted as she was by the candy she didn't notice the current paranoia that her new friend was experiencing, though even if she had she wouldn't have known what to do. Instead she continued happily humming to herself as she enjoyed the candy.

[Izanagi]

A remarkably average looking man had the good fortune of having the young red-haired woman on his arm. One could describe Ichiro as roguish and handsome after having a few drinks. His wavy black hair was combed back, falling just past the nape of his neck and his dark moderate length beard, often scraggly had been trimmed up to something that seemed more distinguished. Worn skin, a deep tan and the slight sway to his step indicated the last decade of intermittent off sea-faring. But it was his eyes that were the most telling, icy blue they gleamed with intelligence and alertness, taking in the sights all around him, ever watching and learning as they absorbed all manner of small details.

When one had been in as many skirmishes as Ichiro it became second nature to know how to avoid confrontation and strike only on his terms and that was where he excelled. The man smirked playfully as Umiko commented on the fun that could be had on dry land. "Oh, you dont know the half of it, my dear" he assured, taking a moment to appreciate her happiness before looking off into the crowd as he recalled some of the places he had been in his travels. "There is so much beauty to explore. Mountains that reach to the top of world, forests you could get lost in for days with all many of secret treasures to discover. But the food, the people, the lights! There's something every ounce as magical about a festival that brings the world together as one. And so many opportunities" he said with a playful wink.

Between his years of sailing with the Black Wake and serving as Kaisui's 1st mate during the war, Ichiro had taken time off to see to his own ambitions. He had become quite wealthy and influencial in certain parts of the world and his connections spanned all manner of social circles. Knowledge had become his power. And smuggling magic mushrooms curtrsy of his companion, Sumire had become his riches. But for this night he has left the woman to her own devices, setting up new contacts for their every expanding business that naturally the Black Wake had its stake in. He would procure a small sample of his product and offer it to Umiko. She was a grown woman now and he would treat her as such. "We can make this a little more fun, if you care to partake?" He offered, grinning mischievously. He would only let her have enough to enhance the colours and sounds around them and make this a truly memorable and fun filled night indeed.

Jutsu UsedShow

Psychedelic
B-Rank Kinojutsu
The user gathers Mycorrhiza and sends it to a point within a number of meters equal to their Control stat in meters at a Speed of [Control]. From this point bright purple and blue mushrooms grow at a Speed of [Control], covering an area up to 1 meter in diameter in small mushrooms, no bigger than 4 inches in length. The spores created by these mushrooms create a sense of relaxation and peacefulness when inhaled and spread to a distance of [Control]/2 meters. When ingested however the effects are much stronger, on the second post after consumption those affected will experience euphoria, greatly lowered inhibitions and possibly even hallucinations that vary widely depending on the person though usually involve sensory changes such as distorted shapes, colours and auditory changes. The greater ones Endurance the less severe the effects and after 5 posts experiencing these changes the individual will regain their normal perception.

[Trusted Grader]

The air was cool, kissing the sweats away from the hard working folks that were out late at night, the lights danced and lit up the beautiful village they had all found themselves in, festivals were a time where most people spent their money enjoying themselves, basking in sin and glory. Chikara wasn't any different, he too loved to enjoy festivities whenever he wasn't working, today he had chosen to wander off and drink with strangers until the sun was going to set but mid through it he changed the plans.

The fun he had with his new friends ended up with him drunk flying on Shiryoku's back, "Fuck yeah!!!" The drunk shouted as he took a sip of his sake, Shiryoku controlled to fly faster would keep up with his masters demand, stopping only to catch it's breath and giving Chikara time to switch bottle. It was during one of the switches that he spotted Ichiro with what appeared to be a redheaded woman in his hand, causing his mind to snap as he wasn't sure if it was who he thought it was. You fucking weasel, I knew it, ever since the day you laid eyes on her beautiful red hair! A wave of jealousy hit the man as he forced Shiyoku to swoop down, flying dangerously close to the ground, causing the crowd to disperse until the massive eagle panicked and landed hard, causing the drunk to fly off the eagles back.

The drunk crash landed on the ground and slid next to Ichiro, once the pain of embarrassment had settled the man realised that the woman in his partners hands wasn't Wakana, but instead some other woman, caused the mercenary to question himself. "Tell me that looked cooler than it felt..." He said laying with his back on the ground staring up into the night sky.

[Diatenshi]

Umi hadn't truly experienced being on dryland since she left pebble country right after Kaisui had freed her. Since that moment ing her life she'd been traveling along the coast visiting various port towns or sailing on the open sea. She had few memories of festivals even when she was a child. She was an orphan, she hadn't been welcome to those events. As such when she first joined up with Ichiro she felt a little loss and out of place. The land didn't move the way a ship did on the water. She spent a long time missing the smell of salt in the air and the feel of an ocean breeze on her face.

Ichiro had done much to help her settle into life on land. She'd been exposed to so many different and exciting things. Umi had started to see her best friend in a new light. There'd never been any pressure for her, being around Ichiro unlike Kaisui. He was dependable and supporting. And he had acknowledged her growing up where Kaisui had never seen her as anything other than a little sister. And so it was Umiko, hanging on Ichiro's every word when he spoke about the outside world, her ears listening closely to the sound of his voice.

Her pale emerald eyes darted around taking in all the sights whilst profiling every person she saw. With a glance she'd determine how easy a mark they'd be if she chose to steal. The way their clothes rested against their body's and where their coin purse sat on their person. A festival like this would be an excellent time to earn money through snagging a few purses of drunken party-goers.

When Ichiro offered a mushroom she made a funny face. She wasn't a fan of mushrooms, they tasted funny. Still trusting Ichiro she picks it up and sniffs it before looking up at Ichi. "What's so special about this mush... eh?" As she was speaking a man clearly deep in his cups came tumbling towards them falling off a giant bird.

She shakes her head then glances at the shroom grimacing before popping it in her mouth. It certainly didn't taste the best but she trusted Ichi. As for the gentleman... "That depends... Do you want me to tell you the truth or flatter your ego?"

[Mre-face]

Later at night of the festival Enzaragi seemed to have lost track of his Shaggy haired overindulging friend. Wandering around the festival Enzaragi grew more and more annoyed with his friends disappearance Leading him to give up and instead focus on enjoying his night and hoping and praying to Jashin that Chikara won't strip up some trouble.

Then he happened to look towards the sky as he relaxed in the night drinking some fruit juices to replenish his thirst. That's was when he saw the giant eagle that he knew as Shiryoku with it's master upon it's back crash landing clumsily which made Enzaragi facepalm in disappointment before Enzaragi started making his way towards the landing site. "Tell this shadowy idiot the truth, that landing might have been your worst thus far Chikara." Said with a playful tone seeing as there have been far worse situations that they had found themselves in their mercenary careers.

Enzaragi shook his head before apologizing to the girl. "Sorry this drunkard is my friend Chikara and I am Enzaragi. I was looking for him and it appears as thought Jashin has dropped him be- Ichiro? Wait a minute you are Umiko!"

Enzaragi laughed at the humorous situation he had found himself in realizing that he had been united with a few of his allies in the most Chikara way possible. "What a coincidence or maybe it's the work of Jashin?! Regardless Setsuzoku and Blackwake reunited in this festival!" Suddenly most of his grievances with taking care of Chikara had disappeared and he relaxed once more.

The zealot smiled before he looked towards Ichiro, Umiko, Chikara rhythmically "So what are you ragtag swashbucklers up to eh? Where' the CAP'N?" The last part was said in a more rough "pirate" like voice to closer imitate Kaisui.

[HopeOfDamnation]

Hakumei wandered around, looking through the stalls with a look of slight boredom. He'd never been to a festival like this before, so he was at a loss on what to do. The boy carried with him some bought snacks, mostly sweets. The missing nin wasn't wearing his scratched out forehead protector our of some slight paranoia, but he was otherwise dressed as usual.

He smiled with relief when he saw Enzaragi and Chikara, though there was a slight chuckle at the latter's rather precarious situation. At least now the young Fukusha had some people he actually knew here. He hoped to whatever god there was that there wouldn't be any need to deal with other Iwa nin either.

"Hey idiots! Glad I stumbled up on ya." He approached the group, giving a wave. "Gods, never been to a place like this and I'm all worried someone from back "home" would spot me." Hakumei mumbled under his breath, perhaps not intending to say what he did out loud.

[Gara]

Paranoia gripped Hatsuyuki's senses only in the absence of genuine threats, but ironically, the festival grounds seemed to teem with potential dangers. Among the names whispered in ominous tones, he recognized only a couple, and their association sent a shiver down his spine, rendering his pallid visage even more spectral. Grateful for the earlier diversion he had crafted for the young Genin in the form of rock candy, he orchestrated a subtle shift, positioning himself strategically between her and the enigmatic newcomers.

With a grace that belied his anxiety, Hatsuyuki addressed the seniors with an eloquent, feminine voice that harmonized seamlessly with the meticulously chosen attire he donned. As he gracefully inclined in a respectful bow, he greeted them, "Good evening, esteemed seniors." The words flowed effortlessly, masking the trepidation coursing beneath the surface. "I trust you are all savoring the festivities as much as we have been." His voice resonated with confidence, a flawless smile gracing his lips, concealing the turbulent emotions roiling within.

[Trusted Grader]

Chikara struggled to get up on his feet, he spotted how Enzaragi had turned the corner and a bright smile crept on his face but it vanished just as fast as it had arrived. A sigh was instead released as he realized that his comrade would rather speak to their sober friends than the drunkard. Fine what... ever... Be like that! He pushed himself off the ground and dusted the dirt from his clothes, he strapped his pauldron harder in order to recover faster as he knew that Enzaragi was far stronger than he was, which would inevitably help him fight through the pain.

"Hey little bro, how are you doing? Nah man, you shouldn't worry, if anyone tries anything stupid then these god tier samurai will take care of it and if they are dumb enough to come after you post this event then we will take care of it, so relax and enjoy yourself." Chikara bumped Hakumei. "Besides, you should focus on finding yourself some fine bitc-" Chikara stopped once he saw a cute girl move towards them.

Ironically he hadn't studied upon the Aisu so he mistook Hatsuyuki for a girl, causing him to gently bump Hakumei then wiggle with his eyebrows. "You only live once, or someshit like that, don't tell Enzaragi, or he will start rambling about Jashin or some shit. Iunno, I'm fucked up." Chikara stumbled backwards, he "stopped" himself by bracing against the wall, then slid downwards before he pushed himself to stand up agian.

"Don't mind me, I believe it's best we all... Shit... I don't know. I think it's best we all come together eat something... Or I should eat... I don't know. Enza..." Chikara collapsed forwards, sliding on his face for a brief second before he realized what had happened.

[Diatenshi]

Umiko looked between the two strangers an amused expression on her face despite the twinge of pain she felt at being forced to spend time on dry land. Not enough life experience her ass. She'd had plenty of experience of life inland and she cared not one bit for it. Yes the festival was nice but port towns had their own festivals and there was no need to be so far from home in her mind. Besides last time she was in pebble had been when she was a slave being freed by Kaisui.

"Cap is round ere somewhere. Probably burying his stick in a cheap whore... or three the bloody lecher." Her sultry voice spat out, irritation seeping into her words towards the end at the thought of Kaisui and his inclinations. Adding fuel to the fire a young man with black hair spoke up. The lad was even girlier than her and was giving her a bit of a complex. If it wasn't for the fact she had a good rack on her chest she'd certainly be feeling some kinda way about being out girled by a boy.

Even more insulting was that Chikara mistook the young man for a woman and sent his apprentice to hit on him. Major blow to her confidence tits or not. "Ya know Enza, yer buddy seems to 'ave the right idea why don we all go to grab a bite eh? Before he jas a night that'll leave him wakin up with a sore arse?"

[Mre-face]

Like clockwork it appeared as if every other member appeared out of nowhere first it was Hakumei "Oh hi-kumei" Did ya follow the smell?" Enzaragi said with a smile as he did a funny face pointing his head towards Chikara before letting Chikara randomly babble on about girl or whatever. "I think rambling about Jashin in a place like this would get me in trouble" Enzaragi chuckled as Chikara rambled on about eating "I think you should get something to eat then some water to drink then sleep. That would work great for you!" Said in an overly jolly sarcastic tone as he was a bit tired of assisting his friend in his insanely long stupor.

He then lifted Chikara by the collar with one hand so that he would be back on his feet while responding to Umiko. The answer he got was that the captain was "busy" with normal captain depravity which didn't surprise Enzaragi in the slightest with "[color=#Firebrick]Standard Cap'n stuff then.[/color]" Enzaragi looked skeptically towards his nara in crime but he realized that one some level he was right. "Somehow this guy has the best ideas when he is drunk. It's uncanny let's see what we'll find lead the way!" It appears as though Enzaragi was forced to take care of his buddy a little while longer but he couldn't deny that the food here was truly amazing.

[HopeOfDamnation]

Hakumei was, for one, very glad that the three had managed to find each other because... He didn't really know anyone else. The young nin chuckled at Enzaragi and Chikara's antics. And man, that guy sure knew how to drink, because wow. "I think I kinda just stumbled upon you guys. And I'm glad for that, honestly." There was actual, palpable relief in his voice as he said that. "Don't tell Chikara that though." Hakumei added, brows furrowed as he quickly folded his arms and pretended to huff.

More giggling ensued, the sight of the whole thing too much not to elicit such a reaction from the bandit. "Gods above, I'm starving."