Zen and the Art of Sand Castles [Open]

[FluffyGinja]

Aroma Country. Before he got there, he had tried to find out any information about it but there was somewhat of a lack of it, at least under the specific name Aroma Country. Oasis Country, it's former name, had more on it. It wasn't what he expected based on the name at all, far more diverse... and he had expected it to be a place where perfume was the major export. Not the textiles used to make some of the standard Shinobi equipment. Regardless, he had heard about the thriving beaches and the fact that it almost seemed like they were hoping to invite Shinobi specifically to come see their new scenery. Ibuku might have had to beg Fanho slightly for a chance to go but in the end, he was given the freedom, thanks to both the escort that was currently walking behind him, a powerful looking woman, as well as the fact that Aroma Country had hired a retinue of Samurai that were going to be working in the capacity of peacekeeping, officially speaking.

The travel there was relatively short all thing considered, a cart or two and he was there within short order. All the more better as, with the passing of winter, spring had come up in full force. Crisper mornings, warm afternoons, and mild evenings made for an easy transition. The antlers on his head showed signs of life anew, small bunches of these aetherial peonies, azaleas, and marigolds sprouting across his each antler, shifting occasionally to a different flower. The closer he got to the beach, the faster his footsteps went, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Woah..." Ibuku was staring at the beach that he had finally arrived to with an amazement and wonder that had him stock still for a time. He hadn't made the transition from the grass to the sand yet, his eyes scanning the entire stretch that he could see. Vibrant golden sands that were the perfect contrast to waters so blue that he swore it was a new color to him. The sounds, smells, and the way that the air blew across his skin... It was all so impressive. His escort had began to walk past him, touching him to get him out of his daze and guide him along. Before they had got there, they had changed into different clothing, something very foreign to Ibuku as he doesn't remember swimming ever, his particular ensemble adorned with flowers as it is what seemed to look best to him.

The first steps onto the sand was such a different feeling than he expected. Warmth followed by a coolness as it went below the surface. It was a lot to take in all at once and he'd have plenty of time to do it. So for now, taking the time to get a singular focus, he looked around himself and saw someone molding the sand into what looked like a crude structure... and a smirk caught his face as he knelt down and began the same, his mind able to wander as he did his best to mold small shapes from the oddly fluid and yet solid sand, listening to the sounds and feeling the warmth.

'You seem eager...' His constant companion. A voice that didn't speak up often as it was more usually felt as emotions more than words. 'Should you not be attempting to learn something here?' Ibuku paused briefly before getting back to work on trying to build more. 'Aren't I supposed to enjoy nature and all it has to offer? I am learning though, even now, you should know that better than anyone...' Ibuku could feel a slight chuckle in his brain, mirth at how much more he was willing to speak his mind after his time with Taiga. 'Do not shirk your duties... As you well know' and with that, he was left with his thoughts, working on building up a sand castle.

[Drak]

Jirou’s journey from Xincha to Aroma Country had been a strenuous one. Roku, his sensei, had insisted on rowing there, so row they had. Jirou had spent his first day there recovering, venturing out just long enough to buy himself some beach clothes: white trunks with a sick flame pattern at the bottom and an orange linen shirt. Now, it was time to enjoy the beach!

Jirou threw on his new clothes (along with a small bag) and charged out of the inn. Hell yeah! This is gonna be great! I get to enjoy the beach, drink some booze, and most importantly, find some babes!

The inn was right near the beach, but on a slightly more secluded spot near the entrance to town. Maybe it was a less popular spot, or maybe Jirou was there at the wrong time, but the beach was relatively empty. Jirou could see a few couples and families set up on the sand. He squinted and looked around some more.

“Where are all the babes?” he shouted, startling some passerby. Scowling, Jirou picked his way down to where the rock made way to sand and started walking along. If there were no babes here, he would have to keep walking until he found some. As he went, he noticed, not a babe, but a boy around his age kneeling in the sand, apparently building a sand castle.

Oh man, I haven’t done that in ages. Could always help him out. He’s not a babe, but it’s always good to have some bros too. What is it the old guys at the restaurant are always saying? Bros before- wait, does he have… horns?

Jirou changed course, walking up behind the boy.

“Hey man!” he bellowed when he got a bit closer. “I’m Jirou! Building a sand castle?”

[Kabu]

Some days prior, much to her confusion Yoshiko had been practically strong armed into taking some time off from her work at the hospital and relax. She had been so busy that all the talk of a festival hadn't been of much concern to her but as she stepped on the beach clad in a simple one piece swimsuit she found herself feeling strangely at ease. She was admittedly annoyed and mildly upset about the forced vacation but still there was something about the sand beneath her bare feet and the waves of the sea.

Maybe this vacation isn't such a bad idea after all..." she thought to herself as she walked through the beach, eventually taking a seat not far off from a pair of boys.

For a moment she watched the pair one of whom was building a sand castle... a mix of nostalgia, sadness, and even loneliness creeping into her expression. Memories of dragging her brother into building snow sculptures when they were little bubbling to the surface of her mind.

After a moment she turned away, turning her gaze towards the waves but still watching the pair out of the corner of her eye. One of the boys was certainly quite excitable while the other seemed much more relaxed and down to earth. It was an amusing contrast to be sure, the woman finding herself cracking a smile at the thought.

This wasn't normally how she spent her time, in any sense really, but surely there would be no harm in watching over them and seeing how they got along was there?

[Nick]

In the midst of the beach party's facade, a pervasive sense of hollowness tainted the air, despite the ostensible revelry of spring. The festivities, like shadows cast by unseen forces, danced in a macabre pantomime of joy.

Resembling a twisted reflection of the Iron Banner festival's deceitful tranquility, this gathering too bore the mark of discord. As the specter of war loomed large on the horizon, the mingling of disparate souls seemed a cruel jest, their laughter drowned by the approaching storm. The puppeteers, masters of ancient grudges and wielders of unseen power, loomed over the revelry like malevolent titans. Their presence, a chill wind that whispered of impending doom, painted the festivities with a sinister hue.

Amidst the facade, a young observer glimpsed the truth veiled beneath the illusion. Each passing moment etched weariness upon their soul, a silent witness to the fading innocence of a world on the brink. The realization dawned like a blood-red sunset - the powers that be were not benevolent shepherds but malevolent phantoms, awaiting a reckoning from those brave enough to challenge their reign.

Ah, the joy of the beach.

Suzuko had struggled, having never really been to a beach for recreation before, this whole ordeal was quite new to her! Picking out a swimsuit had been one of the harder things she'd done in her life, with most of them feeling far too revealing, unsightly, or ugly, and finally settling on a nice one-piece with gentle usage of flower patterns, but mostly black. Those that knew her would likely note that this is the first time they'd seen her without chest bindings on, as they didn't survive water very well, either.

Really the whole thing was fairly overwhelming, and if there was one thing she felt like she needed right now, it was some friendly familiarity! Walking awkwardly down the beach by herself for a bit, it wouldn't be long before she found some of that familiarity in the form of two people she knew at least on an acquaintance level, Ibuku and Jirou, two people who couldn't possibly exacerbate her feelings of disillusionment in any way, probably!

As she approached, she saw they were working on... Sand castles? She rolled her eyes, and almost wanted to yell at them for such childish activities, but as she thought about it for a moment, maybe childish activities were what she needed? She made a face, before getting quite close finally, and wordlessly squatting down between the two, trying her best not to kill the vibe, but not really feeling it either, you know?

[HotelBravo]

Nakano was a curvy woman, and she was currently wearing a black Tanga Swimsuit. The perfect blend of sexy and comfortable. Only problem was, all the boys here seemed a bit young. Too bad. She was somewhat amused that all the boys seemed to be attracted to the building of a sand castle. Oh wait, that one was a girl. It was Suzuko. She was still too young, but it was good to see that she was doing well. Nakano found her eyes attracted to the curvy figure of Yoshiko. A gorgeous woman, if not a little bored looking. Nakano moved next to the woman, laying down a blanket and sitting down beside her. ”Oh I’m sorry - I didn’t see you there. I hope you don’t mind some company?” Nakano bowed her head apologetically. I’ll share my sunscreen with you. Nakano held up the bottle of lotion as a peace offering to the woman. Nakano squeeze some lotion into the palm of her hand, set the bottle down and rubbed her hands together. It’s important to take care of your skin, right? Oh, and yours is so pretty!

Nakano began to spread the lotion across her body. As she spread the lotion it was almost more like a show. Her hands displayed her best assets - the lines and curves that proved that she was a woman. She looked over at the young ones relaxing and building a sandcastle together. They were still distracted. Nakano continued with her little show for the other woman. In a way, it would be a test to see how open the woman was to the idea of a relationship with another woman. Nakano was careful but she was watching were Yoshiko’s eyes were being drawn to. The show lasted only for so long as it took to finish covering herself in sunscreen. ”Would you mind helping me with my back? I can’t reach it?” She gave a genuine smile to the other woman and held out the bottle, and rolling over so that she was laying on her stomach. Sure it was cliche, but son of a beach, that was what beach episodes were for!

[Tsedas]

It was certainly odd to see a robed figure on the beach, moving slowly and surely across the sands as he also seemed abnormally tall. As they moved further and further, a voice whispered hurriedly to itself from within the robe before there was a different voice chuckling. After arriving at the beach, the robe was quickly cast off, a pile of bags, buckets, a cooler of some kind, and an umbrella all fell out of the robe. Within the robe, a woman with fair skin, black hair, and a decent figure raised her arms to the skies to cheer. Beneath her was a young looking man with pale blonde hair and glowing green eyes. Isane had been riding on the shoulders of her husband Takamori Saigo as they emerged upon the beach with cheers and arms raised in victory.

Letting his wife down, the pair started to smooth out their blanket, weight down the corners, set up a large umbrella that covered most of the blanket and then arrange somethings. Once all was said and done, Saigo took a moment to admire his wife in her black bikini before tightening the waist band of his green and black swim trunks. Looking around, he saw a pair of people nearby, young boys from the looks of thing and a woman sitting by herself.

"Seems like we picked a less crowded portion of the beach, time to get to work!" Saigo announced triumphantly to Isane before she shook her head with a soft chuckle. "I'm surprised you have such youthful energy dear." "Only as young as you feel! Besides, we haven't been anywhere near a beach since before Jubei was born! Let's take this time to enjoy it like he is! He's never been to a beach and that's why we let him cut loose from his parents and live a little. Who knows, maybe he'll find a pretty young lady to enjoy fireworks with."

Isane threw a small wooden sand shovel at her husband as he dodged it while cackling foolish. Grabbing the shovel and a bucket, he started scooping up sand and packing it tight into the bucket. The people around him? He wasn't paying them much mind yet but he was sure he'd wind up having to defend the castle he built from the jealous or those from Iwa if they saw him.

[FluffyGinja]

Ibuku had been a little lost in thought when he heard a voice that caught his attention, mostly because it was directed at him. Boisterous, loud, and certainly full of life. "Oh uh... Yea... I saw people building one and I've... never been to the beach and it looks fun." He didn't really have any equipment, molding by hand more than anything else. Which was not an easy task but he was making decent progress at it for what it was worth. What Ibuku didn't realize until he properly looked up was just how many people had showed up around the area. Not many he recognized, one he did but not in an outfit like that, and one he had passingly heard of. There were a lot more faces here than he expected at this quieter part of the beach and he was... glad for it, honestly.

He gave a slight, barely moving wave to Suzuko and was focusing on trying to make what was a simple structure, figuring he could do his best to work on its overall shape. He was quiet for a moment as he thought of what to say for a second or two. "I... didn't expect to see you here, Suzuko." He was still quiet like before as he was looking between Jirou and her, and then to Yoshiko, Nakano and Saigo. Part of him wondered why they had chosen this spot but coincidence was the most likely culprit and he was taking a silent, steadying breath as he kept trying to tell himself to relax.

As he was working on the structure, he let a little of his Raiton chakra flow through into the sand to basically create small flecks of glass and carefully, he prodded holes into the castle walls to stick these small shards of glass in, makeshift windows that were likely to harm the integrity but they had a certain beauty to them.

[Drak]

“You’ve never been to the beach?” Jirou blurted out, almost before Ibuku could finish his thought. As someone who had spent nearly all of his life within spitting distance of the ocean, Jirou couldn’t even remember the first time he had been on a beach. It was probably when he was so young as not to remember, so by the time he remembered a trip to the beach, it wasn’t a big deal. He thought back to the map of the world that adorned the back of his classroom back in school.

I suppose there are a lot of places that aren’t on the coast. Most of them in fact.

“Where are you from that you’ve never been to a beach? And what’s your name?”

As he asked his question, Suzuko came and sat between the two.

“Oh hell yeah, finally some b-” Jirou stopped talking suddenly when he recognized who was there with them. He switched course when Ibuku greeted Suzuko by name. “Oh, hey Suzuko. Do you two know each other?”

As he waited for an answer, Jirou dumped his bag at his feet and produced a bottle from it. He took a quick swig and placed it back down next to the bag. After a moment, Suzuko and Ibuku would see both of Jirou’s hands transform into brass trowels. With deft movements, he started to excavate a moat around the castle, freeing up tons of sand for further structural expansions or additional fortifications. As he worked, he carefully tried to avoid accidentally messing up the windows which Ibuku was installing (which, from the look on Jirou’s face, he thought were super cool).

As he worked his way around the castle grounds, Nakano and Yoshiko came into his field of view. Jirou’s work slowed to a stop as he stared at the pair. In his head, he was being discrete about it, admiring them subtly. In reality, he was a near-giant with two trowels for hands and brilliant red hair, crouched on the beach staring at the pair with wide open eyes and mouth agape.

Oh, wow...

[Kabu]

This once secluded area of the beach seemed to have some gravitational power as more and more people began tricking in, not that Yoshiko particularly minded. If anything it made her happy to have more people around even if they weren't directly interacting with her. But with that said there was one person vying for her attention, a fairly attractive young woman whom was dressed much more boldly than herself.

She had to admit that she found herself drawn to the sight of the other woman as she drew closer, sat down and even gave her a compliment. "Oh uh, thank you." she spoke, clearly feeling a tad shy. While she was often kept busy between her duties as a shinobi and her work at the hospital she did still try to be careful with her diet and occasionally indulge in self care routines. She knew she was being flirted with but even still it felt nice to have her efforts be recognized by someone that wasn't her parents or close friends.

Speaking of flirting, she couldn't help but let her eyes wander as she took in the sight of Nakano... quite sensually applying sunscreen. Yoshiko had known for some time that she was a lesbian but well, if she had held any doubts those were certainly gone now.

"Oh uh, okay." Needless to say she was secretly thrilled at Nakano's next act, though she did her best to not let her inner thoughts show. She had to wonder if this was really appropriate with the kids nearby. One of said kids was even not so discretely staring at the pair, Yoshiko giving him a small smile before turning her attention back to the woman before her. She was truly flattered but otherwise she paid no mind to it, instead setting about on rubbing lotion into Nakano's back.

"I must say, you really do take excellent care of yourself." she spoke as she worked, truly admiring Nakano's proportions and the softness of her skin, admittedly on both a personal and professional level. Even at a time like this she still couldn't quite shake her work instincts. It was something she needed to work on, she knew that. And perhaps this vacation would be the perfect opportunity.

With that said however... "Oh yes, we haven't yet introduced ourselves, have we? I am Yoshiko, of Iwagakure's Kamizuru clan."