A Forecast of Sunny Weather Amidst Darkened Skies

WC: 373

It had been a long time since Jun had seen any kind of civilization.

After his disappointing experience at the Warmonger's Arena, where the young Shibasaki was expecting his first real fight, one where his life would actually be at risk, the young Shinobi had gone deep into the mountains of Lightning Country in a kind of self-exile.

During those months that he was living in the wild, Jun dedicated himself to training harder and harder, even though the young man didn't really have a clear objective in mind. After all, what would be his goals going forward? Nothing seemed to make sense to him, and the young Genin was in a kind of limbo, not knowing how to progress in his journey as Shinobi. But he still had a promise to fufill, so he kept training and training.

However, after a training session near a waterfall the day before, the young Shibasaki was preparing a fire in a nearby cave when an official Kumogakure raven arrived with a message to the shinobi: Jun should report to the Raikage the day after at his chambers. Why was he being summoned at that point? He had absolutely no clue. "How the hell they even found where I was" wondered the young Shibasaki clansman.

Any ways, Jun was still a cloud Shinobi and when summoned by his Kage, he should obey and show up. So the next day, before the very first light, Jun left his cave and went to the rendezvous spot pointed in the scroll he received. Even though only a few months passed, the young ninja seemed very different from the last time he was at the village: his blond hair growed a lot and was now almost at his shoulders; his expression was much more serious and his face had some spots covered with tufts of a thin, blond beard, something typical of teenagers who went months withouth shaving.

After a few hours of walking, the young ninja finally approached the meeting point, when he saw a familiar figure in the distance, with his blond locks and his traditional cyan outfit: Jun's longtime friend and Chuunin Exam partner, Saturn Sentobi. The view of such familiar face made Jun smirk, the first time in month his expression changed for a while.

"I see that you arrived first as usual, old friend... - said Jun as he approached - So, shall we? - Jun asked, pointing towards the Raikage's Chamber.

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WC: 410

Thunder and lightning raged in Kumogakure, almost as if Raijin himself was closely looking over the village. "Perfect weather for a drink" Ichigo thought out loud, grabbing a bottle of sake and pouring himself a glass of fine liquor. However, if you'd ask him, there was never a wrong time for alcohol. The last couple of days were spent catching up to the latest news, meeting with people who informed him of everything that happened while the Raikage was out on business. Not a lot had changed, but the Drunken Storm was pleased to hear about the progress some of his shinobi had made.

Relaxing in his chair, taking a sip of the golden drink, Ichigo sensed the presence of two of his people the moment they entered within twenty meters of his chambers. "Let's see how long it takes them to enter" the Raikage spoke under his breath, visibly amused by the entire situation. He had found out about their successful completion of Warmongers, and even though the opponent didn't quite give them the challenge they were looking for, the Genin were still able to deal with it accordingly. "It's only fair to reward those who deserve it". Punishment for those who failed to walk in line, decoration for those who followed it. 

He would place two additional glasses on the table, perfectly in the middle of his desk. "Oh how lonely I am sitting here alone with these drinks" the Raikage suddenly shouted rather dramatically, an acting career something he missed out on. "If only there were others around to keep me company, like the ones standing ten meters from my Chambers" Ichigo called out to both Saturn and Jun. 

(WC: 282)

"Well, you're looking like always my friend" said Jun, teasing Saturn as he told (accurately) that Jun looked like shit. The long period in the mountains, without access to basic hygiene items, was taking its toll after all. But while his appearance wasn't at its best, Jun was at his absolute physical and technical peak, having spent the last few months under harsh training in the mountains.

Before the two genins could continue their friendly banter, a loud voice came from inside the Raikage's chamber, surprising Jun as it changed to a rather dramatic tone, pretty much inviting the pair inside for a drink. Saturn, who was way more familiar at that evironment, knocked the door twice and swinging it wide open. He quickly entered the chambers as mimas turned from a knit cap into a blacked hooded robe, fully cloaking the flmaboyant Shinobi. 

Jun didn't prepare a elaborate entrance as Saturn did, and he wasn't quite sure on how to behave on that environment, as he only met the Raikage once, during a snowstorm at the Winter Wonderlands, so the formal rites were abandoned on that occasion. This was Jun first time reporting personally to the Raikage, at his chambers, so he was naturally a bit nervous.

The young Shibasaki clansman instinctively followed Saturn's actions, also taking a knee besides Saturn as he greeted his Kage:

"Raikage-sama, It's an honor. I'm at your service". Jun noticed that indeed there were two additional glasses on Ichigo's desk. Was he actually being serious about the drinks? Was Jun actually about to share a drink with the mighty Raikage? 

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WC: 265
TWC: 675