[fieldbox="Operation Winter Hunters - Hanaguro Team, Orange"]Yamada Suzu "Rabbit" & Namikaze Ino "Panther" | Akinian Empire, Nish District of Hanaguro
A collaboration between
@FrostedCaramel and
@Nim
Part I
Part II -
[spoili]
The sunlight was slowly setting down on the streets, but neither of them would see it. Ino had managed to find an apartment that appeared completely abandoned, yet from not too long ago, she figured it was three days at best. Either the previous occupants were scared, got lucky to escape the poor district or something much worse. She didn't care, as it seemed that none of the gangs or any other major player in the district had picked up on it yet.
Sitting against a wall and taking a bite from a ration, she glanced in the direction of Rabbit
"So, to sum it up, we heard talks of people worried about the monks, and there are, potentially, so called recruiters, but no confirmed sightings and those we questioned aren't sure for what exactly." Ino said after swallowing the bite of the ration. Dry, but fulfilling.
As Ino spoke Suzu munched on a ration, slowly chewing through the tough food while listening,
"I've had a run in with recruiters before," she said, remembering the bar fight that her and a certain Chuunin had been involved in,
"If the recruiters here are anything like the ones from Konoha… Well it's going to be a bloody recruiting session whether or not we find it." she said quietly, half her mouth full of food. She swallowed the rest of the ration and took a look toward Ino,
"Say we somehow manage to find the recruiters, it may not be days until they act, or weeks even. It could have been months in Konoha before they got together and we don't have that kind of time here."
"Considering these recruiters reputation of being unknown, I think they seek out people in a very discreet way. I know that in the past it wasn't too hard to move around without being detected, but with the increase in patrols it would've become harder for anyone without experience. So they must look for people with those type of qualities. Which could mean we might be on a recruiters radar already, it is just a matter of what exactly they are looking for." Ino said and looked in the direction of the window. It had been covered with many papers as a way of granting privacy, but she assumed shadows could still be seen to some degree from the other side.
"We could look at the monks. I used to know a monk who tried convincing me to come under him, but he...passed away. From what I know of them, these monks are the ones who help people stop worry, not worry themselves. Which could mean if there is something that worries them." Ino stopped mid sentence and took another bite from the ration.
She looked at the covered window as Ino did then back to the Panther,
"So it goes, the Priests are supposed to be rather open to all. It does seem odd they seem to be paranoid and shutting themselves in, I think they're a good place to look. If they're not against us, then they likely have some sort of information we'll find useful which would explain why they seem so tense to the people of this city." she leaned back against the wall and rubbed the side of her face where she had taken the punch, it was tender but hadn't bruised quite yet,
"Although we may have to force our way in if they turn us away." she said as she looked back to the window, the light of day now almost completely faded against the papers that covered it to make way for the dark. The dark was good, made for great cover to do their work, but at the same time it also aided their enemies. Darkness makes no distinction.
"For the Temple then?" she asked as she rose to her feet.
Ino still wasn't entirely sure if that was the right course of action. Something that worried the monks was worth investigating, of course, but it felt somewhat off to her at the same time. It was diverting the attention towards the monks and away from people giving more thoughts to the recruiters
"No. While there may be something with the monks, I'm getting the feeling it may be a distraction. Everyone worries about the monks, and people would rather not think about people that are mere rumours. And that's an excellent way for the so called recruiters to keep operating while keeping minimal to no attention to themselves." She said and looked towards the window once more. With the darkness looming outside now, it was clear that no one could see from either side as long as there was no light from either side.
Suzu stood right where she had risen up, looking at Ino with a blank expression,
"I don't think you're right." she said blankly, pointing at the darkening papers of the window,
"These recruiters. If they're trained to look for people like us, then they've likely already made us, and that will just make it all the more difficult to even catch a glimpse of them." she paused and knelt down once more, she could tell it may be a long exchange before a decision was reached.
"The ones in Konoha were not nearly as subtle as the ones that are operating here, and I didn't see a single one until the day of the actual recruiting meeting." she sighed,
"They tried to convert people to their faith, their 'One True Path', I understand your concern, but if the Priests are concerned, I wouldn't doubt that they were approached about this. Invited to the meeting to learn more and possibly convert."
Turning her glance to Rabbit, she listened as she made the case for going to the temple. It had a good point, but something Suzu said bothered her
"They were not subtle in Konoha and tried converting people. While it is wise to try and convert the people with the highest levels of faith, as people would follow those, I'm not certain if they would want to cause concern among the monks, not in this type of manner. These people managed to infiltrate the Empire's villages and cities, only to go around and cause a riot that attracts all the attention to them? That just seems a bit too blunt of an action." Ino said.
"However," She said as she placed her hand on her chin
"It is very true that the recruiters most likely made us by now. I was thinking the exact same thing, but just because they made us does not mean it is against us. It is possible they are still considering us as potential candidates. We don't know how they think when it comes to recruitment, so I think that lead is still open. Let us go look into the monks first to find out if it is indeed a diversion of sorts or if it is an actual threat." Ino said as she motioned for Suzu to lead the way.
Suzu stood up as Ino motioned for her to lead them on,
"If it leads to nothing, then we'll be back to nothing just like with the recruiters." she said as she passed Ino and opened the door to the apartment. As she went down the stairs and into the streets she pulled the jacket around her shoulders a bit closer as the cold night air nipped at her. Turning back to Ino she nodded and began to make her way toward the Fire Temple of Hanaguro.
A short walk later they had arrived in front of the front entrance of the Way of Fire Temple that was within the confines of Hanaguro itself. The Temple was surrounded by a tall wooden wall, painted a deep brown and adorned at even intervals with wooden cutouts of the symbols of the Way of Fire painted over in gold. The entrance to the temple itself was shut, the large nearly six meter tall swinging doors that made the gate sealed tight. Suzu stared for a moment, debating if they should just hop the wall, but decided against it when she noticed the small slit built into the door on the right to allow someone to look out from the inside. She made her way to the slit and knocked five times loud enough that some passersby gave her odd looks, and then she waited.
It took a few seconds before some sounds resonated. Slowly but surely the slit would be shoved open and the face of a bald and elderly man would be shown, dressed in the garbs of a monk. The rimples together with his sad looking eyes made the man appear almost ancient and mourning the loss of his favourite pet.
"Yes? Can I help you?" He asked in a soft voice, that seemed closer to a whisper.
"If you want entrance to the Temple, I fear that this isn't a good time. We are currently busy with some maintenance." The monk added, an apologizing smile following his words.
Suzu gave the Priest a warm smile from her side of the Temple gates,
"Hello." she said softly, not trying to come off as hostile anyway,
"I'm sorry to hear that…" she said feigning disappointment as the Priest told her of construction,
"I hate to bother, but my friend and I ran into some trouble on the way into the city, and we were robbed of all our belongings, they even roughed us up… We don't have anywhere else to go and I've heard that a temple of the Way of Fire is always willing to help those in need…" she said, her words beginning to trail of as she clutched at the dirty clothes around her chest and her face began to twist in to that of a broken human being.
The expression on the monk's face shifted as his left hand traveled to his lips. A frown formed, as good as the wrinkles allowed it, on his brow. For a second, the old man didn't say a word in return. Only for the slid to be closed and some faint sounds resonating from the door. Opening the door, the monk would appear in full sight as he beckoned both Suzu and Ino to enter the temple's large courtyard.
"Please, come in. I thought you two desired to lay out a sacrifice or prayer. But if you are without any shelter, then I can arrange something." His tone had turned more friendly as he would close and seal the door behind them.
"I do dread that the kitchen has been cleaned up but I might be able to gain you ladies something to drink and eat. I am so sorry to hear what happened to you. You two aren't in need of any medical help? I can wake one of my brothers to aid any pain or worse." The monk already eyed them with a worry that was more befitting to a grandfather than to a monk.
As they were let inside, Ino was hugging herself, clearly cold from the chilly night and the poor condition of the clothes
"The shelter alone is already so much. Thank you." She said in a weak voice, and offered a small smile of gratitude
"Thank you, thank-" Before she finished thanking him once more, Ino collapsed into her knees and hugged herself even tighter while also shivering.
As if surprised by the Priests offer of help, Suzu graciously thanked the Priest as she walked inside and turned to Ino offering a small smile as if to say that they were finally safe. The Priest offered them shelter and food, even medical assistance although that would mean waking more of the priests. Before Suzu could reply Ino did, before promplty falling to her knees,
"Mizuki!" she cried as she dropped next to her friend,
"Mizuki, come on we can get you help here…" she turned to the Priest, offering a look of concern,
"I think Mizuki could use someone with medical knowledge, and someplace warm too." she asked as she began to help Ino to her feet.
The monk was both surprised and his worry only grew more by the moment that Ino collapsed. Turning around, the old man grew silent for a moment as he nodded.
"Come. I will lead you both first where you can get somewhere warm. Then I will see if brother Iwane is awake." Leading them into the Temple quarters, the two operatives would be led further into what seemed a large hall. There were two fire pits that gave some warmth and light but due to the late hour it wouldn't be a surprise to see that they were barely lit.
"Stay here. I will make certain that brother Iwane comes soon. Then I will get you two some food. Poor things," the monk mumbled the last two words as he walked away, his head shaking lightly while more mumbled words poured from his lips. Likely a prayer.
Suzu smiled at the Priest as he set them down inside among two fire pits in a large hall. As the Priest stated that he would be back Suzu turned to Ino once she was sure they were alone, She let go of the Sworn Sword and looked around,
"If getting in told us anything it's that something is definitely up. Did you notice any construction? I saw nothing that leads me to believe there's any going on." she asked her. She turned to look around the hall, it was mostly empty and the fires were kept so low that it was hard to see the farther ends. She didn't know an extensive amount about the Way of Fire temples but she was sure that the amount of stuff in the room was about normal for a temple.
"I don;t think they've been robbed. At least not in the main hall. I stick to it they've been intimidated or threatened, I'm sure if we ask enough questions we'll get what we need…" she spoke.
After being brought into a warmer room and the priest walked away, Ino remained in the same spot that she was escorted to. While Suzu started talking, she kept quiet and tried to remember any differences from the last time she had been there, around 8 years ago. Her position was not the best to spot anything major, but Suzu was right, there was no indications of any clear construction
"These temples are always rather simplistic in how they look, with the focus being on fire. There should be a fire behind the temple that is kept lit at all times." She quickly said from what she recalled about this and another Fire Temple she had been to
"We need to look for the smaller details." Ino summarized before going back to appearing cold and weak, before the priests came back to the room.
Sounds of footsteps became louder as another monk entered the hall. There were a few rimples present on the man's face and he stood taller than the earlier monk, evidently giving away that he was younger of age. A serious expression was plastered on his face but a curious light seemed to be present within his eyes as he approached the two operatives in a cautious fashion.
"Good evening. I heard from brother Seiho that one of you required some medical attention?" The man would throw a look between Ino and Suzu, awaiting their answer.
Suzu looked up at the man as she held Ino,
"Yes, yes… Please my friend, we were robbed on the way into the city, I'm afraid we took a wrong turn and ended up in a bad area… They stole all our money, and beat us threatened to kill us if we told the authorities…" she began to shake and pulled Ino closer,
"They kicked us and hit us with rocks, I think Mizuki was kicked in her stomach more than once, and they weren't gentle…" Suzu began to rub her eyes and shoved her face into Ino's shoulder as she sobbed.
'Mizuki' just kept sitting in front of one of the dim fires, still shivering as her friend explained what happened and then shoved her face against her shoulder. It was a very odd sensation for her, but she turned to look at her friend
"I'm still here Raon." She spoke in a weak voice as she placed her head against the side of Suzu's head.
Approaching the two, the brother would place down two small pouches on the table. He would kneel first next to Suzu as he seemed to focus while closing his eyes for a second. A prayer would be whispered before the monk would begin his handiwork. He examined the woman with gentle care as if she was made of porcelain. Frowning slightly after he seemed to be done with his examination, he would nod towards Suzu.
"Seems that you just need some rest. No broken bones or other troubles that I could detect. I have one pouch here for you. It contains some of our own homemade salve. Apply it to the areas where pain might conjure and rest out." Standing up, he would proceed to repeat the same to Ino and point to the second pouch before flashing a smile to Ino.
"Same applies for you, miss. I am sorry about what occurred to you both, though," the man said with such regret, as if he had been able to prevent the misdeed to both women.
"I do believe that---"
The man couldn't finish his sentence as the monk of before walked into the room.
"Brother Iwane, come! Don't tarry too long here! If the head priest hears you're, again, out of bed then we both will be scolded. Shoo!" The elderly monk flashed a smile as he proceed to work brother Iwane away. Placing a plate on the table, the elderly monk nodded towards the two women before he spoke up.
"It isn't much but I believe that this bread is still somewhat fresh. Baked in the afternoon, so it won't be too hard. Couldn't find anything refreshing so I hope the slices of cheese and ham will make do." The monk's attention was caught as brother Iwane seemed to still wait at one of the entrances to hall.
"Excuse me, that stubborn mule." Walking to the younger monk, the two would engage into a whispering conversation.
Suzu smiled at Iwane as he seemed to run his hands over her looking for any injuries, she smiled and even forced herself to blush slightly as she smiled at the younger Priest as he diligently went about ensuring neither were badly injured. She took the small pouch reluctantly,
"Thank you so much Brother Iwane." she said softly as she took a small amount of the suave and rubbed it on her cheek where she had been hit earlier and even spread some on a few other random parts of her body to uphold the ruse. As the young Priest finished up he was rushed off by the older Priest Seiho, who had brought a small amount of food for Ino and herself. She offered a thanks and a smile before taking a small piece of bread and eating it. She chewed slowly while she intently listened to the hushed conversation between the two men, trying to garner anything she could.
Quietly thanking Iwane as he finished checking her for injuries, she slowly grabbed the suave and begun to rub it lightly, appearing as if it still hurt to touch the places she was kicked at earlier. While the priest that brought them in came to shoo Iwane away, Ino had also grabbed a piece of bread and eating it slowly. Brother Iwane certainly reminded her of him. Not wanting to go too deep into memory lane, she placed a hand on Suzu's shoulder and took a moment to try and listen in as well.
It took around a minute before brother Seisho returned. He seemed to ponder something. Taking a seat across the table, he eyed the two women who seemed to dig into the simple meal.
"A pair of beds have been arranged. You two can rest with the peace and comfort we can provide. Though," the eyebrows of Seisho perked up slightly.
"Brother Iwane didn't seem to find anything that could detail that you both had been treated with violence. If you two seek sanctuary, I would prefer if you stay honest. We treat everybody equal but would like to be treated fair as well."
So that's what Brother Seisho and Brother Iwane discussed. Letting go of Suzu's shoulder and looking down, Ino appeared to be apologetic
"We hadn't come here straight away. It has actually been over a week since we were robbed. But I can show that we did not go without injuries." She spoke weakly and rolled up her shirt, revealing a few scars, cuts and bruises across her stomach, some appearing much more fresh than others
"I'm sorry if we appeared not truthful because we did not have any broken bones or more severe injuries" She apologized as she let go of her shirt and then bowed her head towards Seisho
"We are both truly thankful for this." Ino finished speaking with a weak voice.
Monk Seisho shook his head lightly as his arms crossed out front of his chest.
"Your story makes less sense the more I hear of it. If you two think that I have no experience of the world outside of this temple, you will find yourself losing your place to stay." The monk answered with a sterner tone.
"I don't want to indulge too much into the history of you both but I take it that it is clear that we don't give either sanctuary or sympathy to criminals. For obvious reasons. So, the truth." He gave them both a glance, even though his sterner expression and composure didn't take away the frail appearance the monk had.
"Have either of you commited a crime? And please, do not lie."
Suzu glanced to Ino before letting go of her and standing to face Seisho,
"If you really want to hear the truth then sure." she sad plainly before motion to herself and Ino,
"We're Operatives of the Empire. We work under the Empress, and we've come here on rumors of odd happenings both within the city of Hanaguro as well as from this very Temple." she paused and looked around for no particular reason.
"We've heard many rumors of strange happenings from you and your Temple. We need to know what's going on, so that we can keep the Empire safe from those who seek to destabilize and destroy it from the inside." she said simply, looking the older Priest up and down to see how he'd react.
The answer of Suzu created a silence. Seisho just stared at the woman for a good twenty seconds before he frowned even more.
"Good God, now I wish it was the previous story." The man mumbled softly, barely audible for the other two. Rubbing his forehead for a moment, the man uttered softly a prayer before speaking up again.
"The rumours you hear might have some truth to them. Yet, I fear that I have sworn to not speak too much. As much as I would desire to recruit outside help, I am not in a position of power or freedom to do so. Then again," Seisho rubbed his chin for a moment.
"I think with all recent events that you two aren't that far apart as the living flame that had been sent to us. How can you verify that the good Empress have sent you two here?"
"Eight years ago, an unspeakable act of evil was performed in the temple. The apparent culprit was supposedly upper handed, but there claims of his innocence. Ikue Masuzoe, a former priest, had been brutally murdered near the sacred fire that stands behind the temple. While the murder is public knowledge, the reason behind it remained under wraps as to not stir panic, for according to official records that are only accessible by higher rankings, Ikue Masuzoe had given refuge to the missing-nin Ino Namikaze, who at the time was hunted by a gang within Hanaguro.." She spoke in a calm manner as she turned to look at Brother Seisho
"This is a detail regarding this place I have learned through access to information many people do not have. Something the Empress had given me permission to access as part of our preparation to this mission." She said as she stood up as well. Ino was hoping she did not just give up a part of her past in vein, and that the monk would choose to believe them, as she had no other way she could think of to show what Suzu said was the truth.
Seisho stared at Ino for a moment.
"The Empress gave you access to such information in order to win our trust? Then why lie in first place?" The man asked, clearly not convinced at all.
"The Empress already had send us the living blue flame as herald of her good will some time ago. So, am I going to hear the truth or are we going to beat around the bush?" The old man asked, rising his chin slightly as there was no sign of fear present.
"Seriously, if this is a joke then it is poorly executed and in poor taste."
Ino shook her head
"This is no joke. The lies at the beginning were because we were given clear instructions to conceal our identities. It is a covert mission, we were instructed to go with light gear, so I requested access to all the information I could learn. If we couldn't have access to gear that helps us prove who we are, then I wanted to know something that could show we were not just saying things. And the case of a murder so close to the fire got hit close to me. I am a strong believer in the Way of Fire." She said, and bowed deeply once more
"So please, Brother Seisho, you must believe that all we want is for the good of the Temple. Help us ensure nothing like that dreadful act of the past happens again." Ino finished her plea with a couple of tears dropped from her eyes to the ground beneath her.
"A covert mission, by the Empress herself and you have no legitimate evidence other than bringing up some information. It is even sad that I must state that I don't even believe your words in that you're a strong believer of the Way of Fire." Seisho replied, a twinge of guilt evident in his tone.
"If you want to earn our trust, then you will make use of the two beds and not conduct any misdeeds until the next conversation. I will inform somebody who has to make this call as I am in no position to make a decision."
Suzu sighed as the monk gave them some rules to follow to possibly get what it was they were looking for,
"I honestly didn't expect you to be so reluctant…" she said as she stood from her spot next ot Ino and walked forward to Seisho,
"We need you to talk to us," she pressed a bit close to the Priest,
"You need our help with whatever it is that you're dealing with," she stopped relatively close to the man,
"If you can't do this, then I expect you to show us to the person who can." she paused for a moment and turned to Ino, then back to the Priest,
"You're not exactly in a position to deny us, if I'm to be blunt."
The threat was clear and yet no change in Seisho's composure. He simply stared back at Suzu while the frown on his rimpled brow perked even more up.
"I believe I was clear, child." The man said on a calm and serious tone. He was in no manner a match for Suzu from the looks of it and yet he wouldn't budge from the woman's threat.
"I hope you don't state those words with true malevolent intention in the Temple of the Lord. As it remains, you are our guests and rooms have been prepared. I will inform somebody who can make the call on if you two will be treated as her majesty's operatives or not." Still remaining where he was, only Seisho's left hand slightly trembled.
"I'm certain she did not speak with malevolent intent Brother." Ino quickly spoke up before Suzu could say something else that would get Brother Seisho to decide they need to leave immediately
"And while I understand you cannot make this choice, I hope you understand that I must try and request that you let us speak to the person who can make the choice. Let us present him the facts in a proper manner, unlike what has occured now." She requested in a polite tone.
Seisho didn't break his gaze from Suzu for a few seconds while Ino spoke.
"Good, then there is no harm in taking some rest in the prepared rooms. As for your request, that will have to wait till tomorrow." Slowly rising up from his seat, Seisho gave them both a stern gaze.
"Seeing the late hour, I believe it would be most out of place to wake up any of the priests. They need their rest as much as you do. So follow me to your room, please." With that having said, the old man would start to walk away without much concern.
Suzu held her tongue as Ino spoke, pushing back her lust to simply gleam the information from Seisho through force tp the back of her mind she would smile at the Priest,
"Of course, I meant no ill intent." she said as she would follow the priest to the rooms that had been prepared. As they walked she turned back to Ino, pulling the kunai from under her coat and shrugging nonchalantly before placing it back where it had been.
As she followed Brother Seisho alongside Suzu, Ino shook her head as she watched Rabbit reveal a kunai for a moment
Killing him could cause whatever goes on here to stop without us learning anything. She mouthed in silence as they kept walking. She also thought about the fact that unlike the rat and his goons they killed earlier, this time they had no way of diverting the attention to someone else, which could only attract much more unwanted attention than needed.
Leading them to a simple and small room where three beds were accompanied with a small closet, the quality was simple.
"You can rest here for the night. I hope you both have a splendid sleep and may the Lord bless you both," Seisho said as he nodded towards the room, waiting to close the door behind them.
With a nod toward the priest Suzu quickly pulled the dirty jacket off of herself and tossed it against the wall fo the room they had been given,
"Thank you very much, may He bless you as well." she said back to him as she turned to face him, not bothering to conceal her blood soaked clothes from earlier. She would take a seat on one of the beds and continue to watch the Priest as he stood in the doorway,
"Some privacy please? A lady can't well get comfortable with a man skulking around." she said quietly to the Priest.
Entering the room as well, Ino turned and gave Brother Seisho another bow
"Regardless of what the outcome may be, thank you for the hospitality, even when the place is undergoing construction." She told him and rose from the bow, offering a gentle smile
"May the Lord bless us all." She added before moving to take a seat on the second bed. She then watched as he closed the door before turning to look at Suzu.
"I take it you won't let me kill him at any point during this?" Suzu quietly asked Ino after she turned to look at her. She shrugged and pulled the blood soaked top off her chest and lay back on the bed,
"He's being unnecessarily cautious. He should just tell us what we need."
Ino shook her head lightly
"You did hear me say that there was a murder here eight years ago, right? It is more than understandable why he is being cautious, considering they did have a case that led to a murder of one of their brothers." Speaking quietly as well, she turned to look at the door
"Not to mention it is possible that he is involved in whatever goes on here. We will see with how we will be treated in the morning."
She pulled the kunai from behind her back as it dug slightly into her skin against the bed. She twirled it aimlessly above herself before raising an eyebrow as Ino spoke about the murder that had taken place, the one that had been caused because the Priests had harbored a certain now dead Nin.
"What exactly led a missing-nin to take refuge in a temple. Especially one located in such a large city. There are plenty of far more ideal places to hide under such circumstances." she said as she sat up on the bed,
"Makes me wonder whether or not you truly care about getting rid of the Priests if they give us trouble, seems you had no trouble endangering them in the past."
She shook her head lightly
"I never said I am against getting rid of the priests all together, only that this is a potential lead and that killing him now has a chance of making us lose this lead, for now." Ino kept speaking quietly as she moved to lay back
"As for taking a refuge in such a large city, sometimes being right under the noses of those who seek you is the best hiding spot. And sometimes attracting attention in one place can lead to a much quieter escape elsewhere. It all depends on the circumstances." Was the response for Suzu's inquiry regarding the past murder.
"As long as we still have our options open to us in how we deal with them," she pulled the kunai from behind her back and placed it on the small table by her bed,
"Then I'm comfortable with just about anything we have to do for now.". She stopped and moved forward a bit on the edge of the bed leaning toward Ino slightly,
"Hiding where they least expect it, it plain sight does tend to do the trick." she said as she remembered a few instances of her own that would fall under such tactics. She leaned back, looking toward the door for a moment,
"So what did you do that got you in so deep you had to leave a dead Priest in your wake?" she asked, cautiously prying into the subject.
Turning to look in Suzu's direction for a moment, Ino gave the fellow Sworn Sword a blank look before closing her eyes. There was so much she was willing to give out, but she was certain that somewhere, there was at least one other person who knew exactly what happened, not that she knew where that person was by now.
Early in the morning, somebody would knock on the door. A few seconds would pass before another series of knocks would resonate through the door from the other side. Slowly the door would be opened by a young man in the dull brown attire that designated him as a simple monk of the Temple. Holding a small plate with the same simple meal that Ino and Suzu had received yesterday, the young man would place it on the nearby small desk. Before taking his leave, the young bald man would state that priest Utemaro would be pleased to receive them later in one of the shrines.
Suzu had already been up for quite some time when the knocks resounded off the door. She waited, not saying a word before there was another set of knocks that the monk shortly followed by opening the door. She gave him ehr best smile and simply nodded at him as he lay down a plate of food and gave them the news of a "Priest Utemaro" who would receive them later in the day. Once he had left she took a piece of the bread and bit a small chunk off before turning to Ino,
"Can't help but think they're trying to figure out what to do with us.' she said softly.
Also being up long before the monks knocked on the door, Ino remained laying on the bed until the second set of knocks, at which point she moved to sit up. After the young monk came with the news and brought them yet another small meal, She gave him a polite nod before glancing in Suzu's direction
"They most likely already know what they want to do." She responded before grabbing a piece of bread as well and standing up
"I think it would be best if we go and seek out priest Utemaro instead of waiting around." She added before finally taking a bite from the bread.
"If you think that's the best course of action," Suzu stood as well and donned the dirty coat from the day before, slipping the kunai into the pocket of it once more,
"Then by all means, lead the way. I'll keep an eye out for anything interesting as we walk." she stated as they walked toward the door.
Looking at Suzu's back as she began walking towards the door, Ino took a moment before speaking
"If you have any ideas you can feel free to suggest them." She said as she started to walk towards Rabbit.
As the door would be opened, the two operatives would be met with Seisho standing in the hallway. Clearly waiting for somebody. Spotting the two women, Seisho walked towards them with a calm expression plastered over his features.
"If you two are ready to meet priest Utemaro, then please follow me." Gesturing in a polite manner for them to follow his lead, Seisho already turned around on his heels and started to walk down the hallway. Leading the duo through the Temple to one of the shrines, he would stop in front of a dark wooden door.
"Priest Utemaro is inside. I request that you both do give him some time to finish his prayer, might he still be praying." Seisho spoke in a hushed fashion to Ino and Suzu before he opened the door to the room. Allowing both Ino and Suzu to enter the room, Seisho would close the door behind them while mumbling something softly.
The shrine was one of simple nature to the Way of Fire. No rich decorations were hang at the walls or placed on the small altar. A small old, bald man was knelt in front of the altar as hushed whispers could be heard from the man. When the door closed, the small man would finish his whispering before rising up and turning around. A friendly smile grew on his lips as the man eyed the two women.
"Ah, the guests that brother Seisho spoke off! Welcome, welcome indeed." The man gave each of the woman a bow before placing his right hand on his chest.
"I am one of the priests of this temple. Please, do just call me Utemaro. Now, I believe that you two had a desire for help?"
As Seisho led them towards the temple, Ino made sure to keep an eye out for anything that could stand out. As they were let inside the room, She politely waited for priest Utemaro to finish. As he finished his prayer and then spoke to them, she nodded
"It is a desire to help you and your temple, priest Utemaro. We understood from Brother Seisho that he cannot make the call for us to provide any help and thus we requested to speak to the one who can allow us to do so." She explained in a polite manner.
Utemaro turned his attention to Ino as he listened to what she said. The priest folded his hands together in front of his red robe while he seemed to consider something.
"It gladdens my heart and soul to hear that the great Benevolence has sent aid. But why did you find it necessary to lie to my brothers?" Utemaro asked, no spite or negativity present in his voice.
"I apologized to Brother Seisho for this, and allow me to bring forward apologies on our behalf to the entire temple. We were under strict instructions to remain undercover." Ino explained with a serious tone
"We meant no ill intent towards the temple, you or your brothers." She finished speaking.
Suzu simply stood at the side of Ino, her mind running through a few different outlandish scenarios as she listened to them talk. As Ino apologized, Suzu bowed toward the Priest as apology, holding herself down for a few seconds before rising slowly,
"Had we been able to come out and say who we were right from the beginning, it would have been preferred over this route." she said sincerely to the Priest,
"I apologize for my behavior last night, it was unbecoming of an Agent of the Empire." she stated, bowing once more and holding herself there as she waited for Priest Utemaro's acceptance of her apology.
Utemaro waited for a second as Ino and Suzu offered their apology.
"I will accept your apologies. We all make mistakes and we are taught to forgive those who are sincere with their apologies." The priest flashed a friendly smile to the two women.
"But it does confuse me why two operatives of Her Majesty don't say so right away. We are on no ill-footing with the Crown. Certainly not after receiving a divine visit from the Guardian of the Crown." The eyes of the priest seemed to gaze off, clearly remembering the visit that he spoke of.
"Then again, I am somewhat known that not all secrets should be uncovered. If you were sent by Her Majesty then you're both welcome to stay in this Temple. Would it be acceptable for me to try to contact Her Majesty in the meanwhile? Seeing certain recent events, I am forced to be somewhat cautious in what people tell me."
"You can reach out for Her Majesty, but I must ask that you do not. A part of a covert assignment is communication through only secure channels, predetermined by our superiors. Communications through any other method could lead to our discovery and the failure of the mission." Ino stated briefly
"I fully understand this is asking a lot, especially considering the current and past events." She finished speaking, hoping the man would understand the risks she presented.
Suzu rose from her bow and continued to watch and listen as Ino and the Priest spoke, only beginning to speak once she was sure Ino had finished for the moment,
"As it stands, we're already breaking quite a few of those rules with you to simply be honest. I hope you can understand how sensitive what we are doing is, we truly need your word that no one will speak of us being here, and that we will all act as if none of this ever happened." she said, giving a small nod as if to confirm for herself that the Priest would understand the need for secrecy.
The priest seemed to weigh his options as he remained quiet.
"Very well. I will respect your desires but I can't just share every sensitive detail with you until a good trust has been developed. Which won't be a problem if you two are what you say you are." Utemaro made a gesture to the altar behind himself.
"As I was informed, you two desired to help this Temple of the Lord? Might I inquire if you two had anything specific in mind?"
Ino nodded as the priest agreed to their request while letting them know his side of things
"It is more than understandable that mutual trust is needed first." She spoke up once more
"As for our desire to help, we have heard of multiple rumours that something is causing the members of the temple to be worried. Would you have any idea as to what that may be?"
"There are many reasons why my brothers are worried. News has spread fast from various unfortunate events in the realm. I take it that you both are aware of what events I might speak, considering those 'Zealots'. With some changes in Hanaguro, some of my brothers are worried that the same people are behind the rising tension." Utemaro replied back to Ino.
"There have been some people who proclaim that they saw this or that but every large city has its urban legends and myths."
"We've heard of the 'Zealots', yes." Suzu confirmed before continuing,
"We'd like to know if they have attempted to make contact with you, and what sort of things they may have said if they succeeded in speaking with any of the Temple, among other things…" she said. She couldn't help but feel they were being to forth coming with the man, even if they had both deemed it necessary to the mission, there was no guaranteeing that he wouldn't turn around and tell someone what had gone on, or worse, tell a Zealot informant of their talks.
The priest shook his head.
"No. We have only been contacted by simple and good folk. There have been some newcomers but nobody that came with any ill-intention. I am aware that some people think that we got a lot of political influence but we try to avoid getting mixed into politics. We are simply the servants of the Lord, nothing more." An apologising smile appeared on the priest's lips.
"I think that those zealots wouldn't really gain much with speaking to our brothers. Most men that have come to live here have done so in order to follow a simple life. One devoted to the true Lord. If you deem it necessary, I will allow you to speak with the brothers and other priests. But please, do not stir them up. Some do come from a troubled past and should deserve some peace here."
"It would be highly appreciated, and we can assure you that we do not wish to upset anyone." Ino said and gave priest Utemaro a bow of gratitude.
The priest flashed a smile as he inclined his head towards the two women.
"That warms the heart of this old man. Now, is there anything else you wish to ask of me?"
Suzu shook her head to the Priest,
"I believe that will be all Sir, thank you for your help." she said, bowing as well. She turned her head back to the door that they had been led through, and then back to Umetaro with a sorry smile,
"Although if you could tell Brother Seisho that we would like to talk to others in the Temple, it would help us immensely."
"I will pass on the word," the priest replied back to the women. As soon as they left, the man turned around and would kneel down in front of the altar to continue his prayers.
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