Just Another Kumo Bar Topic [Open]

Things were getting quite lively within Kumogakure. What once seemed like almost a barren wasteland, was starting to come back into it’s own again. Such was the same thing pretty much every year around this time. It was almost a normality with the passing of the seasons. Winters weren’t exactly the most welcoming of seasons when it came to living within such a mountainous village. Snow and bitingly cold weather was almost certainly a definitive thing to happen during the bleak time of year. But, since spring was now long past it’s full effect, people were finally starting to come out from hibernation; citizens could now be seen merrily strolling through the streets just because they could; no real rhyme or reason to it. A mere walk in enjoying the pleasantries which had been occurring.

One of the other things in which this past winter had brought to the lovely village of Kumo, was Hiroki’s 18th birthday. So what better way to celebrate, now that he actually had some free time, than to go out to the bar for a drink and a good time. So, the genin did exactly that. He’d stride his way over to The Drunken Kage for the first time, and sauntered on into the door preening like a peacock. The place was just like that of the current state outside, extremely happy and full of joyous laughter, love, and life. Overall, the vibe’s were high and moods were most certainly elated.

The first thing in which he would do upon arrival, was immediately go over to the actual bar itself. Not even bothering to take a seat there, he’d simply wave the bartender down. The bartender, a small and stout fellow, would then in turn make his way over to where Hiroki had nestled himself, and with a smile said ”What can I get for ya?” To which the Kumogakuren would then beam a smile back towards the man, replying ”Why I’ll take a bottle of the Jack Daniels Tiger Blend. No need for a glass or chaser.” And would place 350 Ryo onto the bar counter. In seconds, a fresh bottle of the alcohol would be produced from behind the bar and placed in front of the teen. Nodding, the black and white haired prankster would say ”Thank ya very much.” and went to a nearby empty table. Perhaps, since it was such a glorious day out, someone else might stumble into the bar.

WC: 410

Yagi had come down from the Raiten'nō compound in the mountains to learn more about the village his family had long since sworn to protect. The youth was about to celebrate his 19th birthday and as such he knew there would soon be a rite…the Ritual of Raiden. A test of sorts that is designed for the Raiten'nō youths at the cusp of adulthood. If they passed they would be recognized as a PROPER warrior of their clan, not just a warrior of their village. Yagi was a prodigy and wanted to learn about the world, something the Yagami clan, his father’s name sake…took pride in, but for his mother’s clan…his home. He did not dare to leave the compound until he was sixteen.

Two years had passed and he had become adept to the ways of the village and looked to make a name for himself in the annals of history.

Now he found himself in a place of great stories, beautiful women, longing eyes, and deep pockets. The “Lightning God’s Feast” a rather nice looking bar in the village and the Raiten'nō noble walked in and looked around, he was a “frequent offender” here, not trying to take away from his studies…but to enjoy the life and hear the stories of travelers and shinobi alike. He took a seat at the bar and ordered a cup of rice wine and just laid his eyes upon the crowd. His eyes would meet various beauties, giving them winks, and then he would hear the musings of bards…but one person stood out, having an “odd” aura about him…The fellow two stools down, He ordered a drink and then began to talk about naming the drink and he looked over at the man. “Bad day I take it?” He asked with a sly smirk on his face.

WC:305

The man was definitely one of the more…odd finds he had been able to find here in the village so far, but he was not one to really outwardly judge as he was trying to see life from all angles. As the man drank, he was soon interrupted by Yagi and as if this was some book or fashioned comic…the man turned to him and spoke in a very slurred tone that reminded him of the drunken fist practitioners in the mountains. Yagi watched as the man grabbed the bottle of liquor and began to drink as it seemed he needed to ponder the question that was asked of him so Yagi took a drink from his cup and waited patiently as he still carried that smirk on his face, the alcohol he drank showed no visible signs of irritation of his throat. The answer was obvious and of course Saturn repeated the question that was asked and Yagi sighed as he sat his cup down. Before he could say a word, Saturn went on the defensive and swiped back verbally as if trying to sober up quickly so that no cracks could be seen in the false wall he had erected.

By the time Saturn told the false story, Yagi was drinking from his own cup again and just listening to the absurd short tail. He finally finished by saying that was life, and then soon after poured him a drink…from a glass he had no idea where he grabbed it from. “You are by far the most random person I have met here that is for sure, maybe next time…be sure to treat the ostrich right and you won’t have the same issues. As for your liquor…sure I will take a drink from the cup.” He looked at the cup and then sat down the rice wine before picking up the cup that was poured for him. “To the many fights we may find, and to those we cherish…whether they be dead, alive, lost, or on the straight and narrow. May we find glory and honor.” He said as he downed the cup in one go, the familiar burning throat sensation from the whiskey made Yagi sigh as he took it all in and soon felt the warmth circulate through his entire body. “So…where the hell did you fight an ostrich?” He asked with a chuckle.

WC:400
TWC:705

 

Not too long after taking a seat at one of the tables located within the tavern, Hiroki would crack open his bottle and take a swig from it. Even though this was supposed to be a celebratory time, the mood within the teen shifted with the sound of the song being sung in the background. While it still was indeed one of a celebration, it’s tempo slowed and notched down the pace, to that of a more solemn and somber tune. One of remembrance of those who’s passed. Remembrance for the history which has previously unfolded, leaving people behind in it’s wake; then in turn more people would be left behind because of this, but left behind here in the present. An ode to those who’s lives were spent fulfilling the void now created within the hearts of brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, the mourners and widowers. Friends and families alike. Roki, feeling moved and comforted by the soft spoken melodic sounds of rhythmic hummings and lyrical verses, would pour a few drops onto the floor beneath him, uttering the words beneath his breath. ”Father, mother. Brother. This one’s for you.”

As these drops were begin to flow forth from the bottle of whiskey, time around him would seem to slow down immensely within his vision. Everything all going out. The droplets, pouring out like the negative emotions accumulated through the many lonesome years spent in primarily solidarity, now finally leaving his body. One would splash onto the floor, a picture forming from it’s reverberation and splash against the floor; one of when he younger. Four people, standing together smiling, all happy and proud. The second, coming down washing away the first, bringing in a sight of overhearing a conversation from his parents, worry and doubt seemingly taking over his mind like a tide crashing against the shore. Leading into the final little bit, were it would smoothly transition into the last moment where he saw his brother resting his eyes for what would be the last time. This feeling remained for a lingering moment which felt like minutes being transmuted and morphed into an expanse of hours, as the picture would fade out from sight, the song which once played now coming to an end.

Like that, the time for grieving…was over. As the next song would play, the world around him would start to pick back up again; the mood returning back to it’s original place. The lad must’ve gotten lost within his own thinking, for when he was snapped back to the present moment, he could overhear two men at the bar talking about fighting. Not necessarily fighting with each other, but that was the general gist of the topic as a whole. Taking another swig from his seated position, Hiroki would then rise from his chair. Standing at his full height, 5’8”, the black and white haired genin would merrily make his way back on over to the bar. As the one on his left hand side would cease his talking, ending with the particular inquiry into the other’s last brawl, young Roki would interject said other man could speak ”Come now, my friends. Enough talk of battles and fighting. It’s a time for celebration! If not to our victories, than the victories of Kumogakure all together. We’re coming back into our own as a powerful village, but save the war time talk. Those days for us will certainly come eventually, but until then, let us drink!” Promptly, the fair skinned misfit would pour some of his whiskey into the glasses of the two sitting before him.

WC: 604
TWC: 1014

He listened to the banter for a moment as the random man decided to finally divulge just a bit of information. He understood where he was coming from with that single sentence; ”Well, it is in my head, but, It is not what you think.” Yagi smirked as he knew what it was like to fight one's battles inside of their own head. The next few words stated that Yagi did not believe him…well he had his doubts for sure, but to just outright say that was a bit insulting…the shinobi world was vast after all. The final question to him was about his last fight and Yagi would look at the man as he poured another glass, which Yagi drank without a second thought just as he was about to answer he had an honest smirk. The next moment a man walked up and interjected himself within the conversation as if it was natural, pouring them a drink from his own bottle before speaking about the glory of the village and how they should wait for the talk of war and Yagi honestly let out a laugh.

“So you decided that it was time to join in the moment did you? What brings you to the bar then? Woman troubles, did you lose a bet…got stood up? We are all friends here after all aren't we?” He poked fun before drinking his rice wine and then the next drink that was given to him by the new man. This was starting to take a new turn and Yagi was quite pleased so far with it all. New people meant new experiences, meant new insights…it meant there was much more to learn in the world as long as he was still listening and watching it all. He looked at Saturn, there was definitely something going on but he as not going to pry.

WC:300
TWC:1,005

As Roki was standing there, he would take another swig from the bottle of whiskey within his hand, listening and watching as the two fellow shinobi would greet him upon arrival. Luckily, there wasn’t any form of tense moment between them all, otherwise the greetings would have just become awkward and stale; which was far from how the man would describe himself. His icy blue eyes looking onward, first to the still unnamed man on his left, before shifting to the left side where the guy sitting there had introduced himself as Saturn. A simple name, one that was easy to remember at least.

None of the comments made had dug under his skin, even the assumption from the one who had made a guess as to why he was hear. Instead, making the decision to keep spirits high and glasses full, Hiroki Shimada would reply while beaming down on the lad ”If only those were true. But I’m here simply just because, why not enjoy the day and meet new folks such as yourselves.” The tone of voice was filled with fun and nothing serious which would put a damper onto things. After saying this, he’d continue with a response to what Saturn had went on to say ”The name’s Hiroki Shimada. You might’ve heard of me, The Dragon Slayer, The Raiju of Kumogakure if either of those name’s rang a bell.” While one of those said names were actually bestowed to him, the other was just completely made up by himself.

Still in the end, regardless of whether or not they had heard of him, the deviant would pour some more of the alcohol into each of their glasses seeing as how both had downed the previous shot given. With a raised bottle and bright smile, Hiroki would go on saying ”To keep spirits high and glasses full, I propose a toast. To new friends and to old!” Then his right hand would extend forward for the cheers, and would allow either to make an addition to this.

WC: 344
TWC: 1358