Chilling like a Villain

Time. Time is the great equalizer for all things, with enough of it all things will succumb to it. It is the one resource that feels infinite till its not, the passage of it silent and continuous. Time was something people didn’t notice was passing them till it was much to late.

So where was Uta at in this moment of time? He wasn’t in any trouble, that he knew of. He wasn’t being chased or hunted or on the downhill slope of depression. Uta was in a small meager town that he had come upon during his travels around Key Country. This continent across the sea from the Mainland that was barely thought about by those of the Major Shinobi Villages, after all they had each other and all the mainland to pay attention too. Who cared about possible threats or alliances with the land across the way, it had been silent and uneventful for many of years, decades maybe even centuries of nothing but the stray wanderer migrating to the mainland to do there business positive or negative.

In this small town there was maybe 30 people, most of them family, relatives and the stray couple or two that had jumped ship from their hometown to move slightly down the trail then the others. Those types of couples that feel like they have truly grown up and did something with their lives by moving out of their hometown but not willing to go further then a day’s trip back to their birthplace. Uta had an annoyance with those types, it seemed like a false accomplishment to be happy about. Even baby birds spread their wings and flew great distances to find their new home.

Uta himself had left the mainland having been marked as a criminal by Kirigakure and decided that staying there on that island mash up wasn’t worth the time of being hunted to actively as Kirigakure didn’t take well to Missing-Ninjas from their village roaming freely unless they were harassing one of the other villages. So Uta had decided to check out the other land across the sea, see what fresh and new interactions and places he could claim or ruin or enjoy there. A short boat trip and he arrived in Key Country almost as far away from the mainland distance wise as he could get. Though easily accessible thanks to it being on the coast as it seemed that all countries here on this land seemed to be.

Today’s adventure if anyone could call it that was to simply enjoy the time, see Uta had been working quite a bit, coming up with plans and theories and completing tasks for some of that much needed Ryo. He needed to slow down for a bit to get himself centered once more. A moment of respite to the hustle as some would say, so that was the adventure. Relaxation.

Now the kicker for such a seemingly simple activity was how did Uta relax? Everyone tended to have some similar ways to relax and destress and Uta’s way that didn’t involve sipping down some fresh and warm A Negative Blood was enjoying sipping some rum from a cold glass within a tavern or under some shade.

Luckily for Uta Key country was a coastal country so taverns were aplenty and shade was even more so, these locals feeling the similar way of relaxing to work for them as well. So there wasn’t much walking that needed to be done to find a place that would suit his desire, that’s why he was now nursing an enjoyable cold glass inside the tavern. He might even move to the outdoor patio that had shade and chairs out there for patrons to enjoy.

For now he needed a refill and with a raised glass towards the barkeep he awaited his new glass.

WC: 643

Akaime sighed, the rain fell softly as he looked ahead into the harbor. His time within this region continued; it was different and made him miss home. He certainly missed his parents, and the decency of the drink within his own village. Yet, here he was. A choice he made to leave his home.

The pitter-patter of rain upon his umbrella gave him a sense of equanimity. He didn't know what it was, but it was almost as if it was washing away all the tribulations that he had gone through. To start anew. However, this time it was almost as if the skies were warning him about the mission ahead. He couldn't shake this ominous feeling of dread. Even though there was the sound of rainfall and the push and pull of waves. Something fell over them that made it seem silent.

Sometimes when it’s unsettlingly quiet in a space that is usually characterized by disorderly noise and movement, Akaime’s hands itch. It’s a feeling not unlike the tightness in his chest before his body’s ready to go to battle with an uncertain demon that could go anyway. That feeling is one he’s well acquainted with, but it’s no less nagging despite its persistence. Today is no different.

He’s always found silence uneasy, discomforted by the uncertainty of no voices to echo thoughts other than his own. Sound, regardless of whether it is rough or near deafening, is a sign of life, a sign of movement at the very least. If he had been lucky enough in life to choose between dying in eerie silence while restricted to a sickbed or dying to the pained cries of battle, he’d have chosen the latter without a second thought. However, he’s been particularly lucky, though, but thinking too hard on it just makes his restlessness worsen.

Focusing on the skies ahead, it seems there is a breakthrough in the clouds as the shining sun’s rays come through, enveloping the lands around him. A small smile fell upon his lips as he turned around. Still holding his umbrella he moved forward.

Remnants of a spoken conversation. Footprints. Mere remains and vestiges. Akaime followed one fragment after another, trying to grasp at these illusory shadows that were brought on by the broken beams that fell upon the land from the moonlight. For a time, he felt like he was chasing ghosts. Few wanted anything to do with such a cursed, foolhardy endeavor. It'd been difficult to continue tracing the lines on to the next point.

The cool breeze whisked upon his cheeks, giving a subtle reminder of the attractions of spring. The renewal season. Where everything came back to a state of rejuvenation. Just like the sun shining through the storm. If only humanity could reach that state.

From the distance, he could see his path split off into a fork. One trail led into the heart of the town, while the other paved its way around to a small tavern. Taking the turn, he journeyed forth in the direction of the building. 

Standing outside the door, his gaze studied the woodwork and the layout of the building. It was old, but not too old. Splinters and fractures were very few and far between on this building, indicating it is only a couple decades old. He could hear the faint conversations from inside but nothing too serious. Clasping his umbrella closed, he gave a slight shove, and the door opened wide.

As he entered the tavern through the small, soft wooden door, he was welcomed by silence and a layer of smoke hanging below the ceiling. The bartender, who was most likely the owner, is pouring a drink for a customer and makes no effort to acknowledge Akaime's presence. It's as dull inside as it is on the outside. Wooden beams support the upper floor and the huge, dusty, candle-lit lamps attached to them. The walls are decorated with some sort of memorabilia that he couldn't decipher, though it looks like it hasn't been maintained for weeks.

The tavern itself is almost completely abandoned. The few people inside could be anybody really, but whoever they are, it really didn't matter to Akaime.

Walking forward, he positioned himself near the bar and waited to be attended to. He could hear the whispers around the room and began to pick up. All topics were yours truly, Akaime. They were mostly talking about his appearance. Something he experienced firsthand throughout his years. Although this town was a coastal one, it seems they didn’t have many travelers pass through; of course, foreigners would be the talk of the town. However, it seems to be that he wasn’t the only being whispered about.

"What are we having," the bartender finally approached the smaller male. His voice was gruff and rude, almost like he didn't want to have any customers. Or maybe customers that looked like him.

"I will have the yuzushu," Akaime requested to the much older bartender behind the counter. Giving a quick nod, he quickly made his drink. The citrus liquor is one of his favorites. While he fancied more traditional homebrewed sprites, this mixed one is in the top. A soft smile, and generous tip, the Chinoike took his drink. The liquid inside the glass was that of a faded yellow. Taking his straw, he swirled the ice cubes in a circular motion before taking a small sip. A warm sensation made its home into his abdomen as the sour flavor engulfed his taste buds. Giving a subtle moan, he turned his gaze back to the room before finding somewhere to sit.

“Ah,” Akaime’s eyes lit up with the sight of a familiar face. Uta. The tattooed man that he had the pleasure of working with on a mission a couple days before. A smile crept up on his face as he maneuvered over to the alabaster-skin individual.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Akaime said as he took a drink from her beverage. “Mind if I join you?” He asked but without waiting for a solid answer, he would take the seat across from him.

“So, how have you been, Uta?” He questioned as he placed his drink on the table in front of him, keeping his eyes locked on the gothic figure acrossed from him.

TWC: 1,050

Uta’s desire to relax seemed to be on similar wavelength of others as his former partners in crime seemingly appeared one after the other, if he didn’t know better someone put a tracker of some sort on him. Though he wasn’t particularly against these two joining him in this moment of relaxation as long as they didn’t ruin his enjoyment of said activity. The first to appear was his polar opposite in appearance, the blond haired blue eye smaller man, this was Akaime and something about him told Uta that he was similar to the blood drinker but not quite the same. It was just a gut feeling at this point as they hadn’t exchanged more information then the basics during their job.

The other individual that decided to join the two males at the table was the woman that had shown up to get Uta out of that mansion quicker with flight made of paper or parchment. Uta had been curious about that ability and still planned to gather information about what clan that belonged too. This woman as he assumed was similar in appearance to Akaime in the sense that she was also another bright looking individual, maybe it was the trend now a days for criminals to be colorful and bright in their appearance. Must be a trend that Uta wouldn’t be engaging in, he quite enjoyed his dark colors and appearance especially his tattooed eyes that were blacked out beyond his blood red irises.

“Why yes you both can join me in my relaxation,” He offered as neither waited for a response, that to be honest he didn’t plan to give anyways. “As long as neither of you ruin it that is.” He said with a hint of seriousness. Uta wanted to be able to enjoy his drink and the weather without worrying about being annoyed or bothered beyond simple talk, maybe some crime talk if it was interesting enough.

WC: 324
TWC: 967

A duo of blood users sat across from each other, one that donned black fabric and tainted eyes while the other was completely opposite. As Akaime was about to start conversing with the vampire, his introduction was interrupted by the arrival of another. The angelic origamer maker. Even though they were all missing-nin, something about her was warm. Kind of like the first glow of summer light. A feeling he hasn’t felt in quite a while. Giving Hotaru a bright smile, he welcomed her, “greetings.”

“Yes, while we are still standing, I can’t say about the few that aren’t.” Even though he spoke slightly above a whisper, a hint of evilness fell over his tone while he held his child-like expression. It was clear as day as to what he was talking about. Not only did Akaime kill the coach of the opposing team of the merchant, but he also killed one of the children from that team that stalked him in the alleyway. Perhaps he went a bit far with the kid that wasn’t much younger than him; but since his genjutsu did not work, he had to take the life of the boy. Ripping someone's head from their shoulders felt like ripping carpet up from the floor. 

Akaime grinned at the thought before continuing on. “No need to be so serious, Uta. I’m sure we could have a…bloody good time while we are all in each other's company. Don’t you think so?” Akaime turned his focus back to his look-alike before taking another sip from the alcoholic beverage. “So, besides petty theft, what other things are you both into?” Akaime said with mischievous yet seductive glance at both of his tablemates.

TWC: 1,332