“Ugh….why must I be here…?” She was unhappy. The self-proclaimed princess, at the very height of her ego, was most definitely NOT happy with being shunted off to Konoha with her foolish and useless cousin. Hmp. She realised he had his duties as a member of the Harukatsu but why did SHE have to go along with him?! She was not a diplomat or some silver tongued speaker, replete with sauve and charm yet here she was, in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, this crude dump of a village filled with muscle headed shinobi. God. She bet they didn’t even have red bean paste mochi….
“Now where is my escort…?” From beneath her parasol, the pastel coloured flower patterned accessory, her eyes had twisted into a frustrated scowl. She was not important enough, it seemed, to be assigned a proper samurai escort and so, here she was, waiting within the Hokage’s compound. She was awaiting the arrival of a Shinobi by the name of Hyuuga Takeshi for they, apparently, had been entrusted with a duty as glorious and important as escorting Ichika; not that she had been given any say in her choice of escort.
Yet, just what was she supposed to do with her time? Ichika had been brought here along with her cousin and then simply told to find a way to fill her time? This was such a farce! She should have just been left at the palace! Her foolish and empty brained cousin may have said some prattle about exploring the village and getting some exposure to it but that was, to be frank, moronic. Why should she, a princess and obviously a person vastly superior to this village’s inhabitants, waste time getting exposure to them? They should get exposure to HER. They should learn about HER wants.
A heavy sigh escaped Ichika’s lips as she took a seat upon a nearby bench, scowling at the door to the room, impatiently tapping her right foot against the ground. He was late. He should have already been here, with a full escort, a wide array of sweets and a litter ready to transport her. The very idea she had to walk, on her own feet, through this village of peasants and muscle heads was quite simply an insult! This Hyuuga had best show up with a suitable gift as an apology for him being so very late.
Meeting the people. (Hyuuga, Takeshi.)
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LunarCataphract
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Meeting the people. (Hyuuga, Takeshi.)
Takeshi wasn’t quite sure how he ended up being assigned to escort the princess around Konoha. It wasn’t often royalty came to visit the shinobi village, and certainly the average citizen couldn’t keep track of the various members of the royal families of Fire country. Most Fire country citizens, even shinobi, would never have any dealings with royalty. Typically, it was only elite squads that were assigned to them as guards and escorts, though occasionally a Genin team under a particularly skilled Jounin might find themselves tasked with such an important mission. But Takeshi was just one Genin, a Hyuuga from a branch family no less. He kept his cursed seal covered under a forehead protector and dressed well, a white kimono with a teal trim. His raven black hair was tied in a ponytail hanging to his mid-back and adorned with a silver hair clasp. Long bangs framed his face, handsome and fair skinned with a strong jawline and the trademark pale eyes of the Hyuuga, only the slightest tint of purple to the eyes hue.
He carried a black bow and a quiver across his back and an ancient-looking sword of foreign design at his hip as well as a thigh holster for standard shuriken and kunai, but of course, he had no expectation of needing to use weaponry. But nonetheless he was a shinobi, and a rather promising one at that. Despite being a branch member, his parents were each rather skilled and noteworthy. And as a ROOT trainee of the shadow organization of Konoha he received additional elite training. Truly the princess would be in good hands. It was unfortunate however that he arrived several minutes late and made the mistake of not considering brining anything as a token of apology. After all, while he was used to being formal and respectful to the main members of the Hyuuga clan, he had never been around a truly pampered and elite individual.
Making his way through the Hokage building he bowed deeply to the woman once he came within about 5 meters. Rising he kept his gaze level and even. “My sincerest apologies for my lateness, Harukatsu Ichika-hime. My name is Hyuuga Takeshi. Please allow me to escort you through the village. I will guide you wherever you please” he introduced, keeping a formal and respectful air about him. Though internally he had only begrudging accepted the task, and would have much rather have seen the other Harukatsu that he heard had arrived; Yozei.
He carried a black bow and a quiver across his back and an ancient-looking sword of foreign design at his hip as well as a thigh holster for standard shuriken and kunai, but of course, he had no expectation of needing to use weaponry. But nonetheless he was a shinobi, and a rather promising one at that. Despite being a branch member, his parents were each rather skilled and noteworthy. And as a ROOT trainee of the shadow organization of Konoha he received additional elite training. Truly the princess would be in good hands. It was unfortunate however that he arrived several minutes late and made the mistake of not considering brining anything as a token of apology. After all, while he was used to being formal and respectful to the main members of the Hyuuga clan, he had never been around a truly pampered and elite individual.
Making his way through the Hokage building he bowed deeply to the woman once he came within about 5 meters. Rising he kept his gaze level and even. “My sincerest apologies for my lateness, Harukatsu Ichika-hime. My name is Hyuuga Takeshi. Please allow me to escort you through the village. I will guide you wherever you please” he introduced, keeping a formal and respectful air about him. Though internally he had only begrudging accepted the task, and would have much rather have seen the other Harukatsu that he heard had arrived; Yozei.
Karagata Shinjiro - Kiri Bannin; Jinchuuriki, Overseer of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, Kintsugi
Haziwara Youji- Iwagakure Chunin
Takeda Ichiro - A-Rank Waterfall Country; Black Wake, Chishiki, Setsuzoku
Hyuuga Takeshi - Konoha Special Jounin; Anbu
Jouchaku Shigeko - Kiri Genin; HHD
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LunarCataphract
- Posts: 108
- Joined: Sun Jan 16, 2022 7:05 pm
Meeting the people. (Hyuuga, Takeshi.)
“Hmp…I suppose you are not entirely unsalvageable.” The lack of a suitable offering as an apology for being late caused the Hyuuga to lose a lot of points but he was, in part, redeemed by the generally polite and deferential attitude, as well as how he bowed and used the proper honourific. She was a little irked by the usage of her full name but she supposed it was…tolerable. At least it was a name that came with a certain degree of pedigree, even if she was a thin blood from a distant branch of the family. Tch…damn main family….
“Hmp…no apology gift? No litter? An escort of only yourself…? You had best work harder from here on. I have high expectations and you barely meet the minimum.” She scoffed, an arrogant sound, dismissive of the reality that this Hyuuga was an actual person and not merely some overly lively servant. At least he was suitably armed to protect and defend her, that was another one of the silver linings in this otherwise lacklustre showing. It was insulting. That much was clear but if this Hyuuga was going to be Ichika’s servant…well she may as well try and polish him.
“No matter. I will polish you up or simply discard you. Try not to disappoint me.” For the first time that day, Ichika’s expression changed from the annoyed scowl it had been. In its place was a sadistic and malicious grin, darkened by the shade of her parasol, gaining an additional level of malicious intent. Ahhh but still, where exactly should they go?...Ichika knew little of the village Hidden in the Leaves and even less about what was worth doing here.
“Sweets. Show me what passes for sweets in your backwater.” She commanded, her voice cold and apathetic, placid and detached, bored and uninterested all at the same time. Of course, it need not be said that she would not paying for any of these sweets. This was an opportunity for this Hyuuga servant to impress her, to get into her good books, to charm her. Only a supremely foolish fool would consider that less valuable than their own money.
“Hmp…no apology gift? No litter? An escort of only yourself…? You had best work harder from here on. I have high expectations and you barely meet the minimum.” She scoffed, an arrogant sound, dismissive of the reality that this Hyuuga was an actual person and not merely some overly lively servant. At least he was suitably armed to protect and defend her, that was another one of the silver linings in this otherwise lacklustre showing. It was insulting. That much was clear but if this Hyuuga was going to be Ichika’s servant…well she may as well try and polish him.
“No matter. I will polish you up or simply discard you. Try not to disappoint me.” For the first time that day, Ichika’s expression changed from the annoyed scowl it had been. In its place was a sadistic and malicious grin, darkened by the shade of her parasol, gaining an additional level of malicious intent. Ahhh but still, where exactly should they go?...Ichika knew little of the village Hidden in the Leaves and even less about what was worth doing here.
“Sweets. Show me what passes for sweets in your backwater.” She commanded, her voice cold and apathetic, placid and detached, bored and uninterested all at the same time. Of course, it need not be said that she would not paying for any of these sweets. This was an opportunity for this Hyuuga servant to impress her, to get into her good books, to charm her. Only a supremely foolish fool would consider that less valuable than their own money.
Meeting the people. (Hyuuga, Takeshi.)
Takeshi kept a neutral expression in the face of Ichika’s haughtiness. He had never met a princess before but the Hyuuga were the closest thing to a noble family within the clans of Konoha. They were wealthy and carried a great deal of influence in the village, rivaled only by the Senju and the Yamanaka; the latter of which were their bitter rivals. While the Senju were centuries-old allies of the Harukatsu and the Yamanaka were deeply connected to Fire country’s other royal family; the Toshikane, the Hyuuga were somewhat more neutral, joining Konoha after the two factions set aside their differences and united. However, old grudges with the Yamanaka clan naturally led to stronger ties with the Harukatsu family as the generations went by.
Despite only being 13 years old, Takeshi was attentive in history lessons taught within the Hyuuga compound. The ideas of honoring tradition and knowing one’s place in the village was constantly reiterated. However, as a member of one of the many branch families of the Hyuuga clan he was under a great deal more scrutiny than the main family members. Despite the fact that his mother and uncles were main family, his father being not of the Hyuuga had caused a new branch to be formed upon Takeshi’s birth. In order to one day lead the Hyuuga as was his mothers dream before him, he would have to tolerate being looked down upon and learn to be compliant. At least until he had the strength and influence to be more assertive.
The Genin escort took the Princess’s comments with stride. “I will do my best to please you, my lady” he assured, dipping his head again in deference. Instead of being offended, he looked at this as an opportunity to learn. To practice hiding his true feelings and knowing how to appease and charm those of great status. Though Takeshi had never been much of one for charm, but he was dutiful and a quick learner. His eyes widened slightly at Ichika’s malicious grin. ‘Just what kind of person is she?’ he wondered, somewhat worried suddenly. Though this only encouraged him to keep her content. It was likely too much to strive toward making her happy. He dipped his head again in acknowledgment of her demand. Truthfully, he had no idea what kind of palate for sweets a Princess would have. But he did know of quite a good mochi stand that his brother had praised. Takeshi didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as his brother, but even he could appreciate the Ichigo Daifuku in particular for its freshness and the quality of the locally grown strawberries.
He would lead the woman there, not speaking unless spoken to. Mid-morning the shop wouldn’t be too busy but there was always at least a handful of customers. Within the shop there were many varieties on display that had been made fresh that day as well as packaged boxes that were pre-made. Naturally he would politely ask the other patrons to step aside, stressing the importance of the guest he was serving. There would be some incredulous looks at such a notion but ultimately it was unlikely anyone would start a fight over such a small inconvenience. If Ichika had any specific requests he would buy them for her, within reason. Otherwise, he would simply order the freshest made Ichigo Daijuku, “I hope this is to your taste, my lady. The strawberries are grown locally and are especially sweet and flavorful” he explained. He didn’t have too much money of his own yet, but he knew well enough to know that one should treat a guest personally.
Despite only being 13 years old, Takeshi was attentive in history lessons taught within the Hyuuga compound. The ideas of honoring tradition and knowing one’s place in the village was constantly reiterated. However, as a member of one of the many branch families of the Hyuuga clan he was under a great deal more scrutiny than the main family members. Despite the fact that his mother and uncles were main family, his father being not of the Hyuuga had caused a new branch to be formed upon Takeshi’s birth. In order to one day lead the Hyuuga as was his mothers dream before him, he would have to tolerate being looked down upon and learn to be compliant. At least until he had the strength and influence to be more assertive.
The Genin escort took the Princess’s comments with stride. “I will do my best to please you, my lady” he assured, dipping his head again in deference. Instead of being offended, he looked at this as an opportunity to learn. To practice hiding his true feelings and knowing how to appease and charm those of great status. Though Takeshi had never been much of one for charm, but he was dutiful and a quick learner. His eyes widened slightly at Ichika’s malicious grin. ‘Just what kind of person is she?’ he wondered, somewhat worried suddenly. Though this only encouraged him to keep her content. It was likely too much to strive toward making her happy. He dipped his head again in acknowledgment of her demand. Truthfully, he had no idea what kind of palate for sweets a Princess would have. But he did know of quite a good mochi stand that his brother had praised. Takeshi didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as his brother, but even he could appreciate the Ichigo Daifuku in particular for its freshness and the quality of the locally grown strawberries.
He would lead the woman there, not speaking unless spoken to. Mid-morning the shop wouldn’t be too busy but there was always at least a handful of customers. Within the shop there were many varieties on display that had been made fresh that day as well as packaged boxes that were pre-made. Naturally he would politely ask the other patrons to step aside, stressing the importance of the guest he was serving. There would be some incredulous looks at such a notion but ultimately it was unlikely anyone would start a fight over such a small inconvenience. If Ichika had any specific requests he would buy them for her, within reason. Otherwise, he would simply order the freshest made Ichigo Daijuku, “I hope this is to your taste, my lady. The strawberries are grown locally and are especially sweet and flavorful” he explained. He didn’t have too much money of his own yet, but he knew well enough to know that one should treat a guest personally.
Karagata Shinjiro - Kiri Bannin; Jinchuuriki, Overseer of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, Kintsugi
Haziwara Youji- Iwagakure Chunin
Takeda Ichiro - A-Rank Waterfall Country; Black Wake, Chishiki, Setsuzoku
Hyuuga Takeshi - Konoha Special Jounin; Anbu
Jouchaku Shigeko - Kiri Genin; HHD
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LunarCataphract
- Posts: 108
- Joined: Sun Jan 16, 2022 7:05 pm
Meeting the people. (Hyuuga, Takeshi.)
“Your best. Hmp. Then I will be sorely disappointed if your best fails to meet my high standards then I will be demanding compensation.” And again, that malicious and almost sadistic grin flashed across her face, vanishing in the span of a few seconds. The Hokage only knows what dark thoughts could bring to the fore such a cruel and twisted expression. Still, that grin faded, the sadistic expression melting away into what could really only be described as boredom as she followed the Hyuga, being led to a store that could only really be described as….disappointing. It looked like a dump, the same kind of lacklustre construction devoid of any elegance the rest of this village suffered from.
“Is this it? I do hope the goods are better than the outside.” This place looked less like a high end storefront and more like a hovel peasants lived in, which was probably true now that Ichika thought about it. Still, the proof was in the pudding…or would that be in the Ichigo Daifuku? The deluded princess followed the Hyuga to the front of the queue, glad to see he had at least enough sense to usher the other customers out of the way and that the customers also had the good sense to comply. Ichika could not deny a sense of disappointment at how the Hyuga’s idea of a suitable venue had been some simple street stand but she was still yet to taste the food.
It need not be said that the one who should pay for these sweets was Takeshi. This place was his suggestion after all. The risk was entirely upon his shoulders but, of course, it did not mean there would be no recompensation in the future. As spoiled and selfish as she was, Ichika did at least know you needed to reward good service. The peasants were like dogs at the end of the day. You give them rewards when they behave themselves and they keep on doing that.
“Strawberries hm…” Ichika stared at the offered sweets for a few moments, wondering whether to simply take the plunge and take a bite or…if she should be a little bit more cautious. She was a princess after all, a member of one of the most important royal families within the Land of Fire. It only made sense to her that somebody would wish to do her harm by poisoning her food below her nose. Yes. That idea, now that it had spawned, was simply lodged in her mind. It was so firmly rooted that no logic would be able to defeat it.
“Taste it for me, bodyguard.” The sweet strawberry taste was immensely alluring and Ichika had to admit she wanted to simply devour the offered sweets but…no. She had to be patient. The risk of it being poisoned, especially by her supposed bodyguard, was simply too great to chance.
“Is this it? I do hope the goods are better than the outside.” This place looked less like a high end storefront and more like a hovel peasants lived in, which was probably true now that Ichika thought about it. Still, the proof was in the pudding…or would that be in the Ichigo Daifuku? The deluded princess followed the Hyuga to the front of the queue, glad to see he had at least enough sense to usher the other customers out of the way and that the customers also had the good sense to comply. Ichika could not deny a sense of disappointment at how the Hyuga’s idea of a suitable venue had been some simple street stand but she was still yet to taste the food.
It need not be said that the one who should pay for these sweets was Takeshi. This place was his suggestion after all. The risk was entirely upon his shoulders but, of course, it did not mean there would be no recompensation in the future. As spoiled and selfish as she was, Ichika did at least know you needed to reward good service. The peasants were like dogs at the end of the day. You give them rewards when they behave themselves and they keep on doing that.
“Strawberries hm…” Ichika stared at the offered sweets for a few moments, wondering whether to simply take the plunge and take a bite or…if she should be a little bit more cautious. She was a princess after all, a member of one of the most important royal families within the Land of Fire. It only made sense to her that somebody would wish to do her harm by poisoning her food below her nose. Yes. That idea, now that it had spawned, was simply lodged in her mind. It was so firmly rooted that no logic would be able to defeat it.
“Taste it for me, bodyguard.” The sweet strawberry taste was immensely alluring and Ichika had to admit she wanted to simply devour the offered sweets but…no. She had to be patient. The risk of it being poisoned, especially by her supposed bodyguard, was simply too great to chance.