Welcome to the MN Club

If it weren't for the fact that he was trying his best to be polite, Kozai would have laughed in victory. Yes! Here was one who had learned...
Salzem only had one goal now, and to pursue that goal, he had cast aside sentimentality, at least when it came to protecting others. Instead, his smile became a little more friendly and amiable. Salzem understood, then, what it meant to leave his village behind... Kozai hadn't had as traumatic of an experience, as his village had merely been blown up, but he could understand for the boy. His hand would cease fidgeting with his coat as it gracefully dropped to his side once again.

He sighed a little.
"I understand. Well, you've provided me with the best conversation I've had in a while. In return, I'll tell you anything you need to know, provided that I've got information on it. Even if I don't, I can hopefully point you in the right direction."

At this point, his eye would narrow slightly, as his sensories continued to scan the area. "This village, for example, has quite a few experienced ninja, one of whom I am acquainted with. If I'm not able to tell you anything, you could seek help from them."

He had briefly considered giving Salzem a bloodline as well, potentially the Senju's wood release like he had done with Kyofu, but quickly thought better of it. It seemed that information was something that the boy wanted more than anything else...

Salzem saw Kozai's face break into a small smile, one of warmth. A smile that held no menace, nor cold fury. Salzem returned the expression as best he could, saying nothing until Kozai spoke. He had offered him a gift of knowledge. One he would not squander. Perhaps he knows where the murderer is! Salzem looked at Kozai, dead in the eyes, and asked his question.

"Do you know where this man is...? Salzem asked, describing Adam Taurus in exact detail, as the appearance of the man had been burned into his mind. If Kozai could point him in the general direction, then he would set about arranging passage there immediately, but if not, Salzem would look a bit disappointed, and would slouch down on his rock before proposing another question, one he loathed, but one that needed to be asked nonetheless.

"Uh..." Salzem sighed deeply, trying to muster his courage to ask. "Would you happen to have a sharingan..? I need to get as powerful as possible and don't want to take any unnessisary risks with this man..." His voice would trail off into silence, leaving Salzem with a face crossed between disgust and determination.

Listening to Salzem's description, Kozai closed his eyes... and thought. Well, throughout his entire life, he had never seen a person of that description. However, he.... hadn't? Impossible, he thought. Well... then again, he couldn't have claimed to see everyone. Nevertheless, this was a rather disturbing result. Not only were his memories lacking, so were those of Mitsui, which he had acquired recently. Hmph. Well, Mitsui had never really kept the best of company, so it was to be expected that his memories would have some kind of shortcoming. Nevertheless, it was time to resort to something else, and that was to actually think.
"Hm... oddly enough, I don't think I've ever seen anyone like that before. Even if I have, it wasn't at a time where he would have been important or significant in any way... however, assuming he was last seen in Konoha, there's a group that might be able to help you."
At this point, the tips of his mouth would turn downwards in disapproval.
"They aren't the most practical of people, but at least one of them should have the information you need. They frequently associate with the missing nin in all areas, especially Konoha. They call themselves 'Koukan'. If you recall the gate incident in which I was involved, several members were present at that time."
It was then that he would address the boy's other question.
"Sadly, I don't have any spare sharingan... I was only able to acquire this one through pure coincidence. I happened to... stop a fight. Long story."

Salzem frowned slightly when Kozai said he had nothing for him, neither information, nor sharingan. His frown only deepened when he referred to the 'Koukan.' If mentioned the little fiasco at Konoha's gates, and that crazy lady trying to keep everyone inside. If that's who he has to turn to for aid, he'd sooner gouge out his own eyes to see where he needed to go. Salzem opened his mouth to yell in frustration. He thought he was this close to finding his location. Every single time he thinks he has a lead, it turns out to end precisely one step away from his target. But instead of yelling. Salzem takes a deep breath in, then out. His frown faded, the tension in his muscles relaxed, the flame in his eyes extinguished, replaced with the cool calm of a hearth's ashes. Salzem smiled politely at Kozai, nodding his head in thanks.

"I see. I appreciate what you've shared with me, and I'll take it all under consideration." Salzem stood from his seat, dusting his legs off with his hands. "I'm going to be heading back now." Salzem looked up into the sky. It looked to be about 5:00 am now. "I have to get back to looking." Salzem turned his back and headed in the direction of Haven. Even though he kept his composure reasonably well, his blood boiled, his breath became hot, it was almost like his was igniting from within. If it were not for the physical impossibility of such an event, he might have right there. That, and the fact that he was trying to keep up illusion of calm.

(exit, if allowed)

WC: 2920

Claiming: 1400 ryo

Approved for ole Sal if exit went through l.

As Salzem left, Kozai smiled slightly. Hmph. What a person. He stood slowly and face the night air, a rather wondering look on his face. Human beings bound for revenge.... they rarely ended up well on that path. He knew he'd most likely see this one again, especially with the way his plans were going. Well, time to get going. He slowly walked toward the east, around another section of the forest. Mostly, he was just waiting... waiting for an opportunity to arrive that would allow him access to the resources he needed. Once that was accomplished, he'd be able to take action.

[EXIT, CLOSED]

Approved