Introductions and Interactions

The exploration of the world and the things in it was something was constantly interesting to Manjiro even now while inside this dark and hidden temple of Lord Jashin. Where you could learn to survive death and become as undying as their Lord. Not many ever accomplished the tasks required to do so but it was something that was there for anyone brave, reckless and interested in doing so.
 
What did Manjiro do at this time? He had done some jobs in the area to show he wasn’t some freeloader and could pull his weight when needed, but what else did he do? Does he stay locked up in the archives pouring over ever tome and grimoire barely let with candles to learn and memorize every piece of information about Lord Jashin and the teachings he has passed on? He does, but only at night when he doesn’t sleep till his body forces him too, otherwise he experiences the world Lord Jashin has gifted to them. One where the only thing keeping you from what you use to have or do is yourself, your weakness, your hesitation and laziness. So here he was out and about exploring the nearby area around the temple as he explored looking for secrets and discoveries. After all he couldn’t exactly grow better if he didn’t learn more, as the old saying goes, “The Application of Knowledge is Power.” Meaning that its not the knowledge you have that gives you power but knowing how to apply it in the appropriate situation is what gives you power.
 
Tactics, strategies, and negotiation so many things that you needed to learn to make sure no one could take you for a ride that you didn’t agree to join on. Manjiro’s incessant desire to know more and be more drove him to memorize the plants in the area, the birds, the wildlife as a whole as he soaked in the information for possible use in the future. Maybe during a fight, or sleeping, or foraging, or simply to remember later.

WC: 341

Meditation was always a part of her training when she was younger, but finding the tranquility of her mind had become a taxing trial since the events of her last Summit. That event had cracked a vital part of her psyche in a way that she feared could never be broken, only held together with willpower. Thus when word of stirrings in the temple greeted her by way of one of the servants that morning she was more than willing to move into action - anything to get away from the trembling that those memories brought to her should-be still figure.

The news was sparse, just some mild activity around the temple that suggested someone was snooping around - the length of their presence wasn’t documented well either. Internally groaning she resigned herself to setting up some type of patrol to better watch the temple in the future. While Yugure was hidden close by it wasn’t enough to catch every wandering nomad it seemed. Moving through the home she gathered her hair in her hands, securing it into a top knot as she walked to the hallway that held all their rooms. Hands still fastening the bundle she tapped doors with her foot a few times - calling through the closed doors - ]b]“Be ready to move in the next five minutes, we have a passerby at the Temple. Just want to go … check them out.”[/b]

With that she would sweep into her room, to quickly change into a sleeveless version of her usual outfit, though instead of black it was deep red with lace-like interweaving upper arm adornments. Taking a last glance at her reflection, she would move to the front door where she expected those coming along to be ready. With a nod to those assembled, they would move out, headed through the veil with ease and made their way to the outer area of the Temple - eyes scanning her surroundings to see any hint of disturbance.

It was only when she stilled herself, standing on a limb and activating the Byakugan, that she found the wandering figure some 30 yards away studying something on the ground. With hushed tones to the group at her back she spoke, “Let me approach first but stay close.” With her command given she stepped as if on air through the trees until she was above him, close enough that his heartbeat was in range - before dropping from the height and landing with a slight bend to her legs to absorb the sound. Her chakra signature suppressed from habit, she stood at the figures back. Blonde hair was the only notable feature she could see from this vantage point, eyes roaming his back for a moment more she pulled her arms behind her back - a way to communicate to her family when to approach - before clearing her throat.

“Something interesting on the ground there?”, voice steady she raised an eyebrow in a questioning expression as she waited for the response. Her sudden appearance at his back wouldn’t be greeted with ease but she was overly cautious since Tanbogakure - and any advantage over an unknown was welcome.

AP use
10 for Byakugan

Yazui was a man of rituals. Especially when it came to food. Every morning he would get up and enjoy himself a good, freshly maked, warm breakfast to provide his body with the nutrients he needed for the rest of the day. The ingredients varied, although he was always sure to include a proper mix of carbs, protein and vitamins. Today, he was preparing a freshly baked omelet with added cream -for the fluffy texture-, bacon and fresh spring onion and bell peper on two buttered slices of wholegrain bread. He even added some freshly grated red pepper to give it that spicy kick he needed to kickstart his day.

His Kyuketsuki friends had ritualistic burails, he had eggs.

He had just added the mix of whipped-up egg, cream and finely diced vegetables to his frying pan when Mizuki came rapping on his door. Yazui sighed. Why now? Could the commotion not wait for thirty minutes? Still, if Mizuki gave a summon than Yugure would answer. And so Yazui would throw on his pants, shirt and red travel coat while keeping a watchful eye on his breakfast. Careful not to let it burn and hopeful that it would be done in five minutes.

When Yazui would arrive at the front gate five minutes later, his mouth was still stuffed with the final bite of food. Seeing Mizuki already there, he would give her a sort of salute out of respect before apoligetically gesturing to his still full mouth. He would follow Mizuki through the veil, staying diagonally behind her at a distance of two meters as she activated her Byakugan. He figured she was more than capable of dealing with any incoming threats head-on. Yazui had some offensive techniques, but in the presence of a powerhouse like Mizuki it made sense for him to sit back and stick to a more supportive role.

He nodded as Mizuki gave her order and let her take charge while making sure he stayed close. As Mizuki landed behind the individual, Yazui would remain on a sturdy branch in one of the trees at the edge of the treeline. From the shadow of the foilage he would lurk, ready to use the trunk of the tree as cover should danger arise. He was ten meters from Mizuki and the stranger, ready to react to whatever would happen.

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393

Pacing back a forth around the dorm like room, his speed was fluctuated from slow to fast, from halting to turning around. Kinko often found himself in conversation with himself, not between himselves. This usually was either an impromptu scenario like, give a toast, explain your strengths and weaknesses, or teach a five minute lesson. Kinko tried hard to be prepared for every moment. Despite this, Kinko is often not prepared for every moment. However, this time, Kinko was having the classic argument with himself regarding the best base for ramen, Shoyu, Miso, or Tonkotsu. Kinko evaluated the criteria to determine such a conclusion but also adopted arguments he has heard from others, including HOW they argued. He gives less points to good logic and reason if it is delivered poorly because he has to do the work to deliver the logic well...to himself. In his mind, a through mumbles, he debated himself. Often having counter arguments, explanations, and defenses to rationales, reasons, and preferences. It often can get out of hand because SOMEONE throws in the subjective and qualitative nature over the objective and quantitative analysis. As Kinko was starting to wonder...best for who...? Would it be based on who most enjoys the base or how many people most enjoy the base?

A startling kick knocked on his door. Kinko was not ready as his head beamed towards the door. It was Mizuki...interesting. Weird?...

She explained someone was here, an unexpected and uninvited guest. This could have meant anything and nothing. Regardless, Kinko took only a few moments to gather his belongings. His classic black overcoat and burgundy gloves and boots would soon march through his dorm. His turquoise eyes eventually would meet Yazui's while at the front gate. Kinko would shake his head in disappointment. As he was beat on his way to the gate, he could see Yazui only a few feet ahead of him, and offering a goofy salute to Mizuki.'This guy.' Kinko thought.

Kinko simply offered a bow before he followed. There were too many questions that did not have answer and Kinko was well aware that they were on the way to obtain the answers. Anything Kinko needed to know would he told to him. He trusted Mizuki in that regard. She was truly a professional.

The young Kyuketsuki more or less followed Yazui's lead. He knew he was going to have to take care of Yazui if anything happened. Kinko would remain on an adjacent tree to Yazui. One with a similar vantage point, but most importantly, one with enough cover to hide within. The distances were relatively the same as Yazui and Kinko kept a sharp eye out. He was not able to detect more from the man...or boy. Kinko could not really tell, the thing was small and thin. Kinko felt confident just by looking at him but you never know in this world. Kinko was too far to passively sense the things chakra and Kinko wanted to know, obtain some information. Kinko focused his chakra sensory skills and abilities to actively extend far enough to sense the chakra of the boy. Kinko gathered some information and smiled...he was right. Though, would not be arrogant or brash enough to jump out of the tree without Mizuki's call.

[WC:545]

Studying the places around the temple often lead to interesting discoveries, like the sudden appearance of someone behind Manjiro. A glance in their direction told Manjiro this was a woman of older age then himself with at least one or more people with her as he could see a person further back in what looked like full battle gear even with a weapon held at the ready.

“Plenty things are interesting here miss. Like the appearance of a woman with no significant chakra signature out of no where.” He would say as he continued to study the area in front of him not bothering to turn around to face the two people he could see.

Manjiro didn’t care if she harmed him or killed him he was more interested in learning the area, if this was to be his fate he simply chalked it up to what Lord Jashin had in mind.

“If you aren’t here to get some kind of revenge against people of the temple or myself then come closer and I can show you what I find.” He pointed out as he allowed a praying mantis to crawl upon his hand, "If that doesn't interest you then there isn't much I can do about that.” He finished as he brought the insect close to his face so he could study it in further detail, there was something fascinating about these bugs as they seemed unsuspecting but Manjiro had seen them snatch small birds and devour them whole.

A true predator in the grand scheme of things.

“Did you know that female praying mantises eat the head of their mate? Yet each male comes running when its time to procreate. This happens quite a lot within most animal and more so insect species the female is always the more deadly of the two options.”

WC: 308

The expression of mild curiosity doesn’t diminish as he becomes aware of her presence, his voice was calm and even toned which she internally approved of - it showed adaptability. The choice to remain turned away from her was another showing personality trait, an unwillingness to show open fear or be cowed by an unfamiliar presence. His words were objectively odd but she found his perseverance to be endearing in it’s own right - giving a command to come closer - even a suggested one was brave.

A praying mantis was perched on his finger, and as she drew closer and bent forward at his right, tendrils of her hair swung forward - arms still at her back as she peered at the brilliant green insect. The words sparked a connection in her mind and she allowed the words to wander out before they fully formed thought. “If only the human species understood that sentiment more thoroughly, or at least appreciated it in its simplicity.” As she was much closer to him now she would turn her face slightly to take in his profile as she spoke, her eyes softening akin to the way a lion's gaze might relax when basking in the sun.

“Truthfully I am not here to revenge anything, my family and I were simply curious of those who wander so close to our home.” Straightening she would turn to locate the family she mentioned amongst the trees - noting their postures and differing levels of similar curiosity or reserved animosity in turn. “If you think this is the most interesting thing in the area then you are blinded by the trees my young friend. What brought you out to the temple of Jashin if you don’t mind my asking.”

The question rang less like a question and more like a gentle demand, close to his own command for her to come closer only moments ago. In her years she had come to know that matching the energy of new people got you further with them. Tilting her head to the side slightly as if the thought only occurred to her she spoke again, “Unless you are more formal than you let on and require formal introductions…”, her gaze would slide to his form in a quick assessment ,”- you don’t seem like the skittish type and as the trespassed upon allow me to extend the courtesy. Welcome to the Temple of Jashin, I am Mizuki Ohta-” as she spoke she unclasped her hands from behind her back and gave a small wave to encourage the others to come forward. “- and this is my family.”

As they would emerge of their own accord nothing about their looks would suggest a family resemblance - so the term family could easily be interpreted as a ‘found’ family. Giving the boy some room she would finally take a few steps back so he had time to adjust to the new scenario he found himself in. "And you are?"

wc 491

From his position, Yazui could overhear the conversation Mizuki had with the stranger. This unknown individual didn't seem hostile or even startled. His reaction and way of adressing Mizuki were very matter-of-fact, which Yazui found refreshing. Especially when compared to Kinko's judgemental sarcasm, Arantima's emotional outbursts and Kana Mi's brooding silence. Already Yazui felt that the two could perhaps get along. He even smirked at his story about the praying mantis. Whether he realized it or not, he was in the presence of a very deadly woman. And in the grand scheme of things, perhaps all of them were insects. Just of a species lucky enough not to have decapitation as a standard part of their mating ritual. For a moment, Yazui was glad he wasn't a praying mantis.

Then again, there were worse way to die than in a woman's embrace. So, so much worse...

Despite liking the stranger at first glance, Yazui wasn't going to let his guard down just yet. The stranger wasn't a direct threat, but he wasn't a friend either. He could still be an enemy. And an enemy that was able to hide his malice behind a non-threatening exterior was the most dangerous kind of enemy to have. When Mizuki gave her signal, Yazui would hop out of the treeline and land behind her at her right, about a meter behind her. He would seek eye-contact with the stranger -although his sunglasses would make it so that it wouldn't be instantly noticeable- and would give him a friendly nod should their eyes meet. As far as he was concerned, Mizuki could do the talking for now. It gave Yazui a better chance to read the stranger's reaction and get an idea of his overall personality.

And of the likeliness that he would try to kill them.

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302/695

Kinko’s eyebrow rose, not in surprise. ‘A sensory type?’ He wondered as he recognized that Manji was able to sense the lack of chakra from Mizuki. Though, Kinko was much more disturbed by the lack of courtesy and manners. Kinko found it utterly disrespectful and could not find the perspective that this person was a child. The lack of urgency, perhaps the boy did not realize what was happening. Maybe Kinko was being too harsh, maybe Kinko was the one who was not truly understanding of what is happening.

The man rolled his eyes. ‘OF COURSE! Why don’t you tell us something we don’t know?’ He thought as he let his ego cloud his perception. There was something strange with this boy, something weird about him. Clearly, the boy knows where he is and presumably, who Lord Jashin is. Kinko wondered if the boy knew who the Kyuketsuki were and if the boy knew who stood before him. Kinko clearly was not impressed with this boy, almost concerned. Something was off and Kinko was going to struggle trusting this boy. Why would this boy look at a creature in apparently know soooooo much about when he is standing in the lands where he knows so little?

Kinko would hear his call and conduct a front flip from the branch, following in the similar pace and cadence as Yazui. Kinko was only a step behind as he stood behind Mizuki, a little over a meter behind. Kinko crossed his arms, expressing his concerns and closed off approach of the boy. His face was blank with a ting of judgment. Most people were not able to make such a negative first impression but this boy was truly impressing. Kinko demanded respect and was insulted that this boy would not grant Mizuki the respect owed; Kinko struggled to recognize that not everyone knew as much as he did ! Him and his ego. Kinko knew it was better that he say nothing…

[WC:329/874]