Sound Village Sounds [Flashback, Invite Only]

Fill those plots of land in with some nice green grass and throw some sunlight over it k.

There he lied basking in the sunlight that blessed the Land of the Sound or newly dubbed Otogakure. It was an ancient name, that Junpei had brought back after solidifying the villages will power and remolding them back into a ninja village. Not only was it good for village funds, but it would also increase village population in the long run and help the place expand. His official Daimyo Haori lied out carefully on the soft emerald grass, it worked to separate his frame and the grass from one another. The two of his blades Sakana and Kiga also rested next to their owner in a calm state reflecting his state of being, as his eyes were closed thinking about the events that had unfolded in the last couple of months.

From high class wanted around the world rogue ninja, to an incognito ruler of a village that some don't even know has been brought back. He wondered when he should make his debut to the other land rulers. Would they see him as their equal or simply laugh at his brutish ways of acquiring leadership . . . he wasn't sure, but their laughter would do him no harm. Now all that was left to figure out was where to visit first. There was Konoha and if the Hokage was the same, then him and Junpei had already met, but as enemies on the battle field for a brief moment. That was back in the Land of Rivers though and long ago, the old geezer probably didn't even remember Junpei. Next there was Kirigakure and their Mizukage was no longer Neru whom he had 'relations' with, he only wondered where the crazy broad had gone. Then there were the remaining three villages, each of their Kage's unknown to him. He mentally shrugged and sat up from his position.

The broken river continued to stream and intertwine in between the plots of earth and off to his right side, still in front of him was the beautiful cherry blossom tree. If only he had artistic prowess, he could paint such a vivid and exuberant image. Even with village in the background, he could see the peek of the Daimyo's Quarters from his position. It was an out of body experience to wonder what the citizens were doing at this moment as he was escaping from the stresses of his title.

A residing crack graced the young genin's room. Having moved out from Sunagakure made it an interesting life experience for herself. She left home in hopes to learn more of the other villages that lied scattered about this crazy world, but little did she know that Otogakure would quickly become her new home. Being the eldest of the family, it wasn't much of a surprise that she would be the first to leave the nest, but at such a young age was. Mother always threw a conniption fit when Talim went wandering off by herself and the day she told her that she was going to Oto. Fireworks must have riddled the surrounding space about her as she couldn't tell just how upset she was. She quite literally believed that her mother was secretly part of clan that related to a dragon when it happened, I swore she was going to roast me alive. Hopping up from her room she learned finally over the years that if you ware going to sleep with your puppet attached you have to loosen the slack upon it. Numerous times Talim has hopped up entangling herself in various poses which were unfitting of a lady or young girl as she still was. Mara twitched about the floor ever so slightly as she stood up on her bedroll   stretching down to touch her toes as a normal routine.

The genin didn't have the luxury to buy a wardrobes supply of clothes yet, plus she already had three kimono's of the exact same material and looks. Her mother probably was considering it punishment by only leaving her with three sets of clothes and no money to speak of. Looking into the bundle of clothes however she noticed a few bills of ryo, undoubtedly left behind by her father. I love you daddy. Snapping once again to life Mara dragged across the floor with her to the bundle of clothes. Untying the cloth wrapped around waist she would recline her shoulders which allowed the clothes to quickly flop to the ground quickly revealing herself to be fitted once again with a similar kimono although it's shad was more green then anything. In do time her body was once again clothed and finishing up her dressing as the band of cloth once again tightened about her waist. “Hmm where should I go first today. I suppose I should ought to fine some source of water where I could wash my clothes at, perhaps a nearby stream?” Shrugging she then raced over to Mara remembering before she did anything to set up the strings so she could manipulate it once again, because caring the large beast was never a good option and she refused to let it out of her site … unless she was ordered to.

As the strings about her fingers finished tightening Mara rose up above her head the long coiling snake now slithering about her like a great wooden guardian to scare off those who may wish her harm. Sadly she wasn't skilled enough though for some who would call her bluff. The giant cobra's head would bank to the side of Talim as she slithered it across the ground toward the door. Walking along side it as she went to help open it. Having slithered out the giant puppet she then had the brilliant idea that she forgot her clothes. “I monkey's I forgot them,” quickly and unthinkingly she raced back in to collapse upon the ground as the snake was now outside and being pulled against the wooden frame of her house. Her klutzy side extremely apparent or perhaps just ignorant as she lied their uncomfortably collecting the clothes. Outside the puppet would appear to be seizure against the wall, many of her neighbors were use to this by now although this scene proved quite amusing to them. It wouldn't be long for her to be back on the streets figuring out if anyone had watched her catastrophic failure.

The crimson color of cherries began to light up in her face as she noticed that their was a small crowd amusing themselves at the show she had just put on for them. Not her usual marionette show she had to admit. Raising hands up the head of Mara would rise an then the frill's upon it exploded forth with the movement of her pinkies. Must get out, must get out, must get out. So embarrassing. The snakes head would lower to the ground as the crowd laughed it's frills now stretching down over her face and most upper torso. She could only hear one comment as she raced out of the city. “Look guys snakes to have feet!” Another burst of laughter accompanied it as she continued sprinting out. As if you weren't the outsider already I had to go and do that. She sighed not caring to much as she realized  how amusing she must have been. Talim took most things in stride probably would amuse herself when she went back home and talked with them as they probably would enjoy reminiscing in that fond memory. As she sprinted through the city she eventually would close the frills, reverting her pinkies back to the side of her hand. Blurting out various apologies as she ran along, Mara's tail being one of the few things she lacked complete control of. It whipped back and forth tripping one or two unexperienced villagers which she only responded to with, “So sorry!” As she finally made it out of the village to the grassy nulls. Taking in a deep breath she would sigh with pleasure. She sprinted off toward a grassy knoll that she commonly went to not paying attention to anything but her path in front of her. Surely something she would have to work on if she ever wanted to be a master at puppetry. Observation helps in a lot of ways.

Having not paid much attention to the rest of the world around her it wouldn't surprise her if when she flopped over in the grass that Mara might have been careening down toward the kage's location. Depending upon their positioning.

A gentle giggle would escape the girls pierced lips, a laughter which would quickly stop as she realized she wasn't alone. Trying to revert back to a less giggling state, Talim was finding it quite difficult, “Sorry I'm just having fun with Mara. I hope I didn't interrupt anything?” Her cheerful tone would change to one of concern, as she didn't really check to make sure if anything was happening. For all she knew she could have just trudged through a waked in the most disrespectful manner. The snake laid flat against the ground coiled in an s-shaped strand it's head in the location where the man once was, she didn't realize he was their of course and wouldn't have the sense to apologize since he seemed to squirm out from underneath Mara in a quick manner. It would be clear that despite being a genin in training, that lived on her own Talim still appreciated living out her more childish piece when few people were around. She also had no idea of the man's status before her, if she knew who the kage was she surely would have been balling at his feet for interrupting his presence. Straighting up she brushed off her kimono and looked about, “I apologize, I'm fine.” A innocent smile crossed her face as she squinted pleased with herself. “My name is Talim. What's yours?”

“Junpei Hozuki?” Allowing the words to mull over in her mouth as if she had heard it before, “Oh that name is so familiar it's on the tip of my tongue.” As she spoke her tongue slipped out much like that of a serpents slipping it back and forth between her teeth as if trying peel off the recognition of his name. It was of no use though, Talim was a bit to addle-minded to care why and wasn't inquisitive enough to question why. “Yep I'm a genin of Oto. Moved here from Suna to make my own away from my family.” At the mention of her family her face churned over into a less pleasant fashion. Quickly snapping out from it the same quirky smile was offered back, “Are you a genin too?” She questioned still not competent with the world about her. She believed keeping up a smile would help lift the hearts of those around her, but this Junpei fellow seemed a bit more like blank slate in comparison to her vibrant self. A bit hypers she would stand back up the serpant trailing about in a path toward herself from behind the man quickly stopping it with her hands outstretched so she wouldn't accidently hit the two of them. Raised her hands could have been mistaken as menacing but it was merely to catch the great snake. "Sorry sometimes I think Mara as a mind of it's own."

She contemplated the easiest way of getting Mara from behind the man and back behind her. Thinking through the movements necessary she smiled realizing a good way to do it. Twirling about on her left foot, she stamped back down after doing a full three hundred and sixty degree turn. Then throwing her arms down to her sides allowing Mara to slither about them both until it was now behind her and laid it's head down in the grass to the right of her hand. “Yep all the way from Suna. I intend to visit back when I'm stronger show my little brother a few things. Maybe talk with Pa again. I recommend visiting at the beginning of the year though. When it is at it's prettiest.” She smiled forgetting that he didn't even answer whether he was another genin in Otogakure. It didn't register in her mind as anyone to high up and he didn't seem to ask her for some respect so she felt like it was safe to be wear a content smile.

“Do I like it here in Otogakure?” she stopped a bit puzzled by the question as few other villagers tended to ask her such questions. A few ideas about this young man passed through her mind, Perhaps he isn't from around here? Although he must be welcome otherwise the Anbu would have collected him or possibly even their leader. “I don't have much of a reason to not like it here in Otogakure.” The same giddy smile shining through before she murmured adding in a large, “But! It's just kinda hard living alone here … I mean I do miss my family quite a bit, but the whole reason I left Sunagakure was to make my own way in life. So if this is how my life has to begin then I suppose being the outsider for a few months, or even years really is ok. Just have to stay positive is what dad always would say.” Her voice suddenly changing a bit as she tried to mimic in a lower gravely voice, “Remember Talim the best thing you have is you positive attitude so don't let anything take that away from you.” Finishing off she stopped trying to impersonate her father. “What about you Juni-chan.” She chirped.

Coming to a halt she grumbled at the question of whether she had anything to prove her her family. Knowing full well that if she wasn't strong enough to wander about on her own without fear of the other ninja's her mother would have a cow. Quite literally Talim imagined her mother just giving birth to yet another sibling which would be a cow. A funny mental image as she chuckled as this image seemed quite amusing. However the laughter would stop as she wiggled her fingers about till Mara was now sitting as if mounted upon her head it's mouth opening up and down as if laughing with her. “Sorry, I was imagining my mother ...” she stopped realizing that it wasn't as amusing as she had made it out to be. “Never mind,” Talim didn't quite have puppetry in her mind as well set as the rest of the people as she believed that her chakra strings were separate entities. Quite often causing herself some issue as she has thought she would tangle it up and instead crushing herself within Mara's embrace. She was told by people that they wouldn't, but everything she imagined about marionettes caused her distress. It was something she had to slowly lose with practice.

As he stated the manner she mentioned his name she frowned just for an instance, “I'm sorry do you not like being called Juni-chan? Because I can erm just call you … Jun?” She said a bit puzzled unsure if he wanted to keep being known as his full name. Listening to him she smiled and wondered why he wouldn't want to get to comfortable in this village. “Why are you so afraid of settling down? I would imagine it would be nice to settle down if you can, not having to worry about the world around you as long as it keeps you out from danger.” Shrugging she smiled. Crossing her arms without thinking of the chakra strings on Mara at all for once staying completely motionless.

Her face then grew quite flustered as he started hinting at more awkward reason why she would have been traveling out of the city let alone with her puppet. “I'm not doing anything that I shouldn't out here I walk out here all the time! Not that I have been doing anything of the sort out here. I mean I didn't do such things … err don't.” She didn't expect things to be turned quite so quickly back at her in such a questionable manner.

“Oh good sometimes people are offended by such childish names, but it helps me to remember people. I pretty bad with matching a face to a name so don't be surprised if I meet you tomorrow and ask for your name again.” She chuckled her kittenish charm accompanying it. As he began his profound rant of wisdom she would usually instinctively trail of into a daydream, as if it was some type of defense mechanism from keeping out boredom. Although the relatively youthful man seemed quite interesting unlike her parents when they went into these informative talks. Trying to make sense of what he was saying as well as keep herself awake she would piece it together as he said it. Apparently he has been quite bad in his life making settling down dangerous, interesting a man secrets I like it, please reveal them to me. Oh wait more, taken advantage of … that would be the reason I left Suna. And metaphor relating to a stream.Hearing him exhale she bet that he was bringing his saying to an end her own head tilting in the opposite direction as if an owl miming him. “I think so ...” she stated not sounding overwhelmingly confident in her understanding as she sorta got lost on the ideas of what his past might have been like and if he had any dark secrets to hid.

Her flustered air still was apparent though even with this nagging thought he posed for her that he seemed quite ominous and her parents didn't really tell her that strangers of such aura's weren't to be trusted and from all the books she read they always seemed like err. She stopped mid thought realizing where that type of person usually led to which only helped color her cheeks with embarrassment. Nope, no, not happening can't let yourself think like that what would daddy do if you started flirting with a stranger. Then he came back to answer her first question about rank which came to quite a bit of a shock to her, “Wait yo-o-u'r-re Daimyo.” She could feel her face growing ill from the thought that she even had remotely any of her thoughts. “I shouldn't you have an entourage or something or a little sign at least that warns us that you are the Kage. I'm so sorry for interrupting you if you were looking for some peace and quiet.” She sighed feeling like a fool as she watched his smiled turn to one that seeked redemption when she could only think she was at fault. “I'm very sorry sir. I mean Kage! I mean Daimyo …” She quickly rambled through all the respectful terms she could think of before ending with a sarcastic, “You can just kill me now.” Her head hanging in shame.

She wasn't bowing or anything mainly embarrassed by being so bashful in the presence of her kage. Also it wasn't her most appealing idea to go about bowing around to him whenever she passed by him, as a side note he was also rather interesting, with all cuteness aside. “Hey wait I'm not just some girl who is gonna flop over on the ground because...” Tripping she would land in the grass without even attempting to catch herself as she felt the blades clip against her face as well as the few strands which have seemingly found their way up her nose. A faint thump would be heard behind him followed up by a larger one as she accidentally caused the chakra strings to pull down the wooden cobra collapsing on her with all her klutziness appearing in a single minute. She would take the next few minute to let her nose bleed on the ground as Mara buried her face into the ground farther. A faint gasp or possibly squeal of pain would be heard from underneath her. “oww.”

As he began trailing away he stopped in his tracks as it seemed Talim was going to surprise him with some news, but as irony would have it she flopped. Then after she flopped, even her puppet flopped, face first in the grass and her companion didn't do much to help her, in fact it only crushed her more and shoved her face into the grass causing it to bleed. If he got anything from that display, it was that she was fairly clumsy seeing how this was the second time that puppet had caused mischief he had witnessed, but also that she wasn't going to flop like the others. At least that's what Junpei figured she was going to say. Turning around and smiling though she was in a bit of pain he walked over next to her and took a seat. Shoving the puppets frame off of hers, he would peer into her eyes and mentally give praise to the hidden deity. "Assuming you were going to say what I think you were, I appreciate that." Giving her a warm smile and an offering of a hand to help her recollect herself, he didn't really know what to do about the bleeding nose. He had the mind to tear some fabric from his Daimyo haori off, but that would probably be seen as disrespectful to the garment and the title. He figured he could get away with wiping the blood off though, so using the sleeve of the garment, if she allowed, he would wipe away the blood that leaked from her nose. "Are you good?" Acurious visage would be plastered on his face as he asked. "I'm just going to go now before I embarrass myself more than I already have."

Talim's face grew more flush as he wished to indulge himself with her presence a bit longer. Few actually asked for company such as hers, especially since she wasn't a local to Otogakure. She mustered over the invitation and nodded before recollecting her thoughts, “Sure?” Questioning if he truly wanted this, however his next sentence made her ears perk up. “Tea?” One of the few things she loved in the world was tea and the fact that he was willing to pay himself made it quite brilliant. Talim was pretty much dirt poor except the few bills and coins her dad hid in her clothes. “I would love to have some tea. It's been so long since I've been able to enjoy a cup since … well I got here I suppose.” Staring into his toothy smile she blinked a bit confused by the sharpened ivory teeth but that wouldn't put her off as she was quite thirsty and possibly hungry.

Talim watched as Junpei looked from her back to her puppet for a brief second her mostly covered hand pinning the gap of her nose so that the blood would drain onto her hand and not down her face. Both weren't liked but it was preferable for her not to look like some blood thirsty maniac when she entered the shop. Having completely disregarded his inquisitive stare, one that she wouldn't have put together that he thought it was strange for her to continuously carry about her puppet. She jubilantly answered his first with a "I'll follow you." Two possible connotations that she might just trust him already as her kage and that she was ready for tea. "How old am I? Seventeen. Why you ask? I'll be eighteen in a few months though."

Watching him rip part of his own garbs she felt sorry for making a big deal out of it but it was hurting still slightly. Graciously accepting the piece of cloth she would line her hand with it and hold it over her nose which was running itself dry relatively slowly probably in the next few moments it would almost be done. She continued to accompany the man trotting up till she was beside him and looking over the cloth still clasped to her nose which would make the next sentence sound a bit nasal-esk. "Oh no it isn't anything. I've had far worse." she smiled pinching her nose shut to let more blood ooze out till finally it came to an end. "See all better." A red ring would be present from crusted blood that had solidified at the rim of her nose as to be expected as well as some smudges. "Anyway how old are you?"

Talim’s face was shocked that he was only a year older than herself she felt quite ashamed of her accomplishments and only felt more awkward around him knowing that the age gap between them was more or less a year. “I couldn’t imagine having the responsibilities of kage at such a young age,” she said half exhausted thinking of how hard it would be. As he asked her hands seemingly stretched out with the cloth toward him which he then dampened with his chakra. As he complimented her upon her face and how she should wipe it clean of the blood she blushed slightly. Her hand felt the cold wet cloth against her skin feeling rather excited awkwardly as she shook her head slightly flush with compliment he gave her. “No I’m not really,” she murmured a bit modestly. Luckily he would change the topic away from her beauty in his eyes or his in hers. Puppets was a far simpler topic that wouldn’t result in her fawning over him accidentally. “Oba-chan? So it isn’t just me?” She smirked watching him as he became more gushy in the presence of the elderly lady.