Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 15, 2005 7:17:57 GMT -5
It was not yet even sunrise, and the deep peace of early morning lay over the sleepy village of Konoha. But not everyone was sound asleep in their beds.
Tensei Kaori was already wide awake, had already eaten breakfast, and was just about to leave for the day. As always, she checked the poison in her hairsticks - everything was just as it should be, as always - and entwined them through her hair, in, out, in, out, before securing them into place, forming her usual figure-eight twist. She put on her jacket, stepped into her shoes, and left.
Like every morning, she stopped at the Memorial stone for quiet thought. She looked at every single one of the names on that stone, even the ones that hurt her the most, remembering their sacrifice and the village, the dream for which they had so readily given their lives. She felt sure that she, too, would be on that stone someday, but as for today, it was given to her to protect that village and nurture it back to full health, to watch it grow beyond that as a new generation rose up. She remained there until the sky had lightened to the point where the morning's mist could easily be seen, plucked a fresh wildflower, removed the one she had set there the day before, and lay the new one on the stone where the old one had been. Only then did she turn her eyes from the sky and head to the Ninja Administration building.
The sky was a violent shade of red when she arrived; it would be a beautiful sunrise. She would have to watch it through the windows of her office. The key turned with a sharp -click- in the lock, and she was in. Without unlocking anything or turning any lights on - that was someone else's job and leaving the lights on all day would use too much energy anyway - she went straight to her office. It was time to start the day's work.
|
|
|
Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Mar 15, 2005 21:12:49 GMT -5
"Time to get to work then."
* * * * * * *
He remembered her words from the day before. "Unless you have something to do tomorrow, you can start first thing in the morning."
So he did. Here he was, outside the Ninja Administration Building just before sunrise... although any normal person would've walked past him and not noticed: he sat there, in his shadow form. This was the best time for Maz to travel; with the village lying in darkness. It was indeed first thing in the morning; Maz had only a light breakfast (although after the grand dinner his father had shouted him last night, it seemed more than enough), before realising that if he was to get to work quickly, he'd have to leave before the sun came up.
But here he was, just as the sun crept up, outside the building.
The thought had crossed his mind that she may already be in the building... she may already be hard at work, while the village slowly began to awaken. However, the idea was soon dispelled as a familiar figure made her way to the Ninja Administration Building: it was Hokage.
Kaori approached the building, and unlocked the entrance. Maz waited to the side and watched her go in. He waited a few seconds, before he thought to himself...
"Time to get to work then."
* * * * * * *
He decided to release his shadow form; he'd promised Kaori he wouldn't sneak into the building today. "I'm sure she wouldn't be very happy if I were waiting for her in her own office uninvited and before she even arrived anyway."
He knelt down and placed his finger at the base of the doorway, on the crack which separated it from the floor. He paused for a sec, and remembered "No sneaking around." He chuckled silently... Old habits die hard. He stood up, grabbed the doorknob, turned the handle and walked in: "the old fashioned way", Maz thought to himself. It had been a while since he'd actually used a door handle to go through a door.
The foyer looked so different this early in the day; no-one was around. No receptionist, no busy people working, nothing. In the darkness, Maz stood just inside the doorway, alone.
"Hokage-sama! Mazrakiel here... ready to work." He called out, hoping there would be a voice to respond.
|
|
Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 15, 2005 21:42:18 GMT -5
She had just stepped into her office when she heard a voice from downstairs. "Hokage-sama! Mazrakiel here... ready to work." She chuckled. "Well, don't just stand down there, come on up!" she called back as she slung off her jacket and hung it off the back of her chair. Stretching, she crossed the room to open the windows, being careful to first "unlock" the alert jutsu that immediately notified the ANBU if they were opened by any unauthorized persons. She was immediately greeted by a fresh morning breeze that stirred her hair and made her long earrings chime delicately. She smiled at the inviting sunset; it was a good omen to have such a beautiful start to the day. It was only after she had stood there a moment that she was aware of another presence in the room.
"Ah! Come in, come in," she said to the young man standing in the doorway to her office. She wondered how long he had been standing there, and how she had let her mind wander off like that. She was growing complacent, and that wasn't good. If this kept up, someone could easily catch her off guard. Well, such thoughts weren't really appropriate right now, and she had business to attend to.
|
|
|
Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Mar 15, 2005 22:24:35 GMT -5
She had just urged him into her office, and careful not to annoy her by lounging about, he quickly shuffled in.
Now that he was here, what was he to say? The day before, at Ichiraku, he was talking to Kaori, conversing with her as if she were a friend. As if he were getting to know a stranger. Today was different, though. She was his boss today. Of course they were going to be friendly... but she was his superior. He had to be professional. He had to show respect.
He began by asking the usual introductory questions. Things like "How are you, Hokage-sama?"... as well as telling her he was looking forward to today. And he was, really: he wondered what sorts of errands Hokage-sama would have him run, what places he might end up going to, how he was going to get there...
But more than anything, he was looking forward to just doing as she requested; more than what the requests would involve. The chance to work for Kaori... for Hokage-sama. That was why he'd accepted in the first place.
Speaking of working, Maz thought... it was time to get down to business.
"So, then... where do I start?"
|
|
Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 15, 2005 22:41:23 GMT -5
Kaori grinned. "Eager, aren't we? I didn't mean for you to arrive this early; I'm the only one who ever actually shows up at this hour." She chuckled. "Well, Akina and I, that is. I'm actually surprised she isn't here yet." The morning breeze swished lazily through the office, stirring clothing and the few loose papers still lying about from the day before. Her earring, also roused into gentle motion, did not jingle as one would expect jewelry to, but rather emitted a single, crystal-clear chime, delicate as spun glass yet strong as steel. For the brief time that its song was sung, time seemed suspended; a single moment suspended in an etheral eternity. Then the breeze faded, and the illusion passed, evaporated as by the morning sun that was steadily streaming into the office. Signs of life were beginning to be heard all over the village and around the building. Konoha would open its eyes to a new day soon.
"This," she said, placing her hands on a piece of furniture that hadn't been there the day before, "will be where you may keep your things and relax when you aren't doing anything." It was a simple table and chair, much like the set Akina had set up for her own use on the opposite side of the room, but the table was somewhat smaller. "These books around you are what contain the living past of Konoha - records, histories, lists of jutsu and geneaologies, anything you could imagine - all copies, of course. The originals are much to valuable to be kept out in the open like this. If you wish to see something among them, you may, but ask Akina or myself first. Some reading may not be for your eyes quite yet." She surveyed the neatly organized office - from her desk to the portraits of the previous nine Hokage above it, to the open windows, to the multitudes of bookshelves, everything was exactly in its place. That would change soon enough.
"While we wait for this place to wake up a little more, is there anything you'd like to ask me, or talk about?"
|
|
|
Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Mar 18, 2005 12:04:08 GMT -5
He thought for a second. He tried to think of something to ask her.
But nothing came to mind. He was just happy to be there, and it was still sinking in that he now had his own desk. He replied, "No, nothing I can think of... Hokage-sama."
The books held his interest somewhat. It felt like a mini-library. Slightly distracted, he turned his head to the side, and ran his eyes along the spines of the books. He noticed quite a few of them with the Buyo surname written down the side. Several titles struck his interest: Konoha: A History (written by the Buyo Clan)... and The HitchHiker's Guide to Konoha were but some of them.
Maybe later, he thought. He noticed the sun through the window, and stared at it for a second before turning back to Hokage, and smiled; it indeed was a beautiful start to the day. The moment in front of her felt almost.. magical, and he was happy in the knowledge he was working for her today.
And he wouldn't have traded this for anything.
|
|
Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 21, 2005 19:07:10 GMT -5
Kaori nodded. "Well, I'm just surprised you got here before Akina. She's usually right on my heels in the morning." * * * * * * * * * * * Tokoharu Akina walked at a rapid pace through the quiet streets of the sleeping village, wondering where the time had gone. Of all the days to possibly be late, I had to choose this one.... She mentally scolded herself as the sharp clicks of her high heels echoed down the empty road before her. If she ran, she might just make it, but it wouldn't do for her to be seen running like a madwoman through the streets of Konoha. No, she would be dignified and calm as always, even if she was walking faster than some people could jog. She carried with her a folder of documents she had brought home last night and a mug full of hot tea - just the thing to wake up to in the morning - and she was determined to make it to Kaori-sama's office on time without spilling or dropping anything. At last she marched briskly into the sunny room and went immediately to her writing table. "Aaaah, here at last!" she announced with a sigh as she half-dropped the folder onto the table before running a hand through her slightly disheveled hair and drinking deeply from her mug of tea. "Good morning, Kaori-sama!" she said cheerfully when she had set it down again. "It's going to be hot again today, isn't it?" * * * * * * * * * * * As if summoned by her voice, a shightly ruffled-looking Akina marched into the office, just like always. You could set your clock by the woman's punctuality. "Yes, I think it will," Kaori replied once Akina had recovered her normal breathing pattern. "Are you all right? What happened on the way here?" Akina blinked. "Oh, nothing," she said casually. "I was just running a little behind." Now it was Kaori's turn to do a double take - though nothing showed on her face other than a slightly raised eyebrow. Akina? Running late? It was impossible! "Well, anyways," she continued, "You remember Mazrakiel, from yesterday. It seems he's as eager to work in the mornings as we are." "Of course I do," Akina replied with a smile as she left her desk to join them on the other side of the room. "Makrakiel-kun," Kaori explained, "this is Tokoharu Akina. She works as my asistant, among other things." (OOC: Had to mispell "assistant" so proboards wouldn't censor it. Gar.)
|
|
|
Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Mar 21, 2005 20:49:21 GMT -5
"I'm surprised you got here before Akina. She's usually right on my heels in the morning."
Maz smiled. He wasn't sure whether to be worried, or whether to take what she said as a compliment. Mind you, he HAD been looking forward to this since the night before.
* * * * * * *
"Aaah, here at last!"
Before he knew it, a young female made her way into the room... looking a little ruffled. She was shorter than Maz... had red hair... and seemed little over 18. And he didn't even notice her enter the room. But, how?
'When did she get in? That's Hokage-level sneakiness...' he thought to himself. What... was she...?
He dismissed all thoughts and doubts as the young female made her way over to them, and began conversing with Kaori-sama. Maz was still slightly staring at this new girl as she talked. The two talked amongst themselves for a little bit, before Maz heard his name...
"You remember Mazrakiel, from yesterday. It seems he's as eager to work in the mornings as we are."
Maz smiled. Of course he was. He felt quite flattered, actually. He blushed, and decided not to say he'd actually arrived at the building first.
Kaori turned to Maz. "This is Tokoharu Akina. She works as my... assistant... among other things."
...her assistant...
In that second, everything hit him, square in the face.
...so THIS was her assistant!
...but how! She was little older than Maz! And she was so...
...SHE was the assistant I was jealous of?!
He tried not to be hostile. He tried to hide all feelings of jealousy. Why had he not seen it before? He'd seen her yesterday in the office... why hadn't it occurred to him? Was it because she was so young? Because she didn't look the part of a ninja?
"So... you're her assistant."
He didn't even realise how he'd said it... he didn't even mean for it to sound so condescending... but he felt...so betrayed... so wronged... Did it not make sense? The way she managed to get into the office without Maz even noticing. She must have some real skill if she can do that... without making noise, or anything. How could she be... better... than Maz?
"But you're so young! You're not even older than me! How can you... be...?"
|
|
Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 21, 2005 21:29:10 GMT -5
She could see it all on his face, practically as soon as Kaori-sama had said the "a" word. So, he thought he was better than she, did he? * * * * * Kaori wanted to sigh and shake her head, but chose not to. Akina, normally as sweet and cheerful as anyone could possibly be, was pretty scary when she got worked up. And being treated in certain ways because of her looks - especially her size - was definitely high on the list of things that got her worked up. Better brace myself for impact...* * * * * So much for a nice morning, Akina thought to herself as she watched this young man's expressions change. And what she saw didn't make her too happy. She was willing to let it slide, though, until he spoke... "So... you're her assistant."
Yes, I am, she thought, raising an eyebrow at him. Is there anything wrong with that?
"But you're so young! You're not even older than me! How can you... be...?"That did it. She wouldn't take this kind of treatment from anyone, no matter who they were. She crossed her arms casually and looked the young Genin up and down. "According to Konoha's records," she said at last, and quite calmly, "you are nineteen years old, correct?" When he nodded, she did too. "I thought so." Suddenly she put one hand firmly on her hip and used the other to jab a finger straight into his chest. She looked him dead in the eye, her emerald gaze blazing in a total contrast to what she had been a moment before. "Listen. A nice young man such as yourself should know very well how to and how not to address his superiors, and if you can't do any better than that to me, you'll be eaten alive when it comes to the real sticklers about that kind of thing. So I look more like a cute little doll than a shinobi, do I? Let me tell you: looks aren't everything. You should know that by now." She shook her head and stepped away from him, crossing her arms and taping one foot irritably. "So," she said calmly, looking at him with a raised eyebrow and an inquisitive gaze, "let's get this over with. Just what rank did you think I was? Go on, be honest." * * * * * This time Kaori really did sigh. Hoping not to disturb them, she discreetly slipped back to her desk for a drink of water and a look at some personal documents she had been preparing.
|
|
|
Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Mar 21, 2005 22:31:41 GMT -5
All of a sudden, up and out of nowhere, Akina was right in his face, talking him down. She jabbed him harshly in his chest... and he was surprised to find himself slightly winded. She began talking down to him, and it felt like Akina were taller than even Hokage. In Maz's eyes, none were so high as Kaori-sama.... but for this moment, Maz felt like an ant, under the foot of a lion. And this lion was poised to strike.
He didn't really want to argue with her. It's just that he'd always seen age as a sign of experience and superiority. He'd felt this idea begin to crumble the day before, with Nadameru being promoted to Jounin.
Akina's tone of voice intimidated Maz. She challenged him... asked him what rank he thought she was. He was now on the defensive... a situation he didn't want to be. Now, he actually regretted getting into this situation.
"I... I don't know..." he replied, weakly.
|
|
Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 21, 2005 22:38:52 GMT -5
Akina didn't budge. She was surprised to see him wilt under her stare like that - most Genin would snap right back, in her experience - but she didn't let it show. "A safe answer," she said, "but you must have had some idea. Genin, right? Maybe a young Chuunin at the most?" She paused and shook her head, running a hand through her coppery hair. "Well, most people think that. I get it alot because apparently your looks determine your rank and your ability in the world of Shinobi nowadays. Well, I'll tell you. I am one of the elite Special Jounin of Hidden Leaf Village."
|
|
|
Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Mar 21, 2005 22:51:27 GMT -5
A Jounin?!
...another one?!
"...never saw that one coming, I.... have to admit... gomen."
That came as, quite a shock to the young Adarakis.
He now identified her as his superior. It didn't help that she was smaller than him... nor did it help that she held the position he coveted. But... Kaori must have chosen her for a specific reason. If Hokage trusts her enough... then maybe she does deserve it... even if she was younger than him...
|
|
Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 21, 2005 22:54:31 GMT -5
Akina smirked. "I thought so," she said simply. "You're just like everyone else. Oh," she added, "and I'm 26, just so you know." With that she winked and turned sharply on her heel and strode back to her desk to begin her day's work.
|
|
|
Post by SeraphMazrakiel on Mar 21, 2005 23:44:35 GMT -5
26?
...that would've explained it.
Suddenly, a different feeling came over him.
He didn't mind those who were younger than him. He just really didn't like it when those who were younger than him surpassed him. It made him feel like that even though he'd been around longer, he was no match.
But... to find out she was older than him... was a relief indeed.
It was true that she looked a lot younger than she was. He wasn't sure if that was a compliment or not... but whatever the case... even though he didn't like the fact that she was better than him 'coz she was smaller... she was older.
As she turned around, he felt his throat lock up.... as it did, the first day he went to see Hokage.
...and once again, the voice of reason kept his mouth closed.
Don't, Maz... she'll think you're weak...
...but I... it's the right thing to do...
...she'll think worse of you... she'll laugh at you...
While he heard the voice of reason echo throughout his head... the voice that gave him shame, that held him back... he did not notice that the other two had heard his voice. He didn't notice that he'd actually said something: the words that the voice of reason were trying to stop.
"...Tokoharu-sama..."
...he'd almost done it...
"...hajimemasu."
|
|
Tensei Kaori
Hokage
Konoha's #1 Henge Master
Taking over the world, one bishie at a time...
Posts: 7,888
|
Post by Tensei Kaori on Mar 22, 2005 0:07:49 GMT -5
Akina turned around when she heard her name. What was he going to say now? His voice certainly carried a different tone than it had a few minutes ago. "...hajimemasu."Akina smiled. "....yeah," she said, and went back to her desk. * * * * * Kaori sighed. It looked like she would have to explain things a little. She cleared her throat, and when Mazrakiel looked her way, she beckoned him over with a wave of her hand. "Listen," she said in soft tones, "she doesn't hate you or anything. But imagine being stereotyped as something you're not, something less than what you are, just because of the way you look. She's had to deal with that her whole life, and it only gets worse as she gets older. I'm sure you can understand that, yes?" When he replied, she continued. "Also, there's one other thing you need to know." She looked over at Akina, who was already immersed in what they had both come to know as the Paper Wasteland. "She's not only my assistant. Remember that, and treat her with the same respect you would give me. "Now then," she said in her normal voice. "We can't have you running errands for me if you don't know your way around. Akina?" "Yes?""Will you please show Makrakiel-kun around the building so he's familiar with it and the people here?" Akina nodded and stood. "Of course. Come on, I'll show you everything you need to know," she said with a wink and a grin. And just like that, she was no longer standing at her writing table, she was casually leaning against the doorframe. Kaori just shook her head and took a sip of water before going back to work. Let's see....how should I word this....?
|
|