Rkyo's Story

Zhiya smirked at Kyo's comment to Zhou. The girl always was a snarky one.

"I have seen one. After all, I've been here as long as you have. I just have not had the chance to engage one. Soon enough, however, that might no longer be true. Perhaps I am belittling their ferocity." And Kyo had been right. They weren't warriors. Perhaps, if they were a bit better with their weapons, the problem would have already been dealt with. At least, in a better fashion.

"You seem more concerned than I would expect from a stranger. What might it be that you are-" Before she was able to finish, a man had come right up to them and greeted them... keeping special attention to Samishii. Zhiya nodded in greeting, but narrowed her eyes. Who was this to just be running up to them from nowhere?

...how did he know that this man was a stranger...?

She kept quiet and acted nonchalant, but kept her suspicions.

Rkyo smiled graciously to the newcomer, bowing humbly. "The hospitality of Yosai is indeed well received. I'm surprised to see another traveler in the same town as myself, especially one as small as this!" He looked to Kyo, smiling. "It would seem as if your inn is about to receive some good business, that it is."

He did not regard Zhiya's question, though the suspicious young girl might have noticed, if only for a second, his eyes discretely surveying her once more. They passed once again over the ornate sword, circling up to her wrists and hands, examining the callouses across her palms and fingers...

Of course, he would be staring straight ahead should Zhiya give his eyes a closer look. Straight ahead at the man he was conversing with. Blinking occasionally. Beads of sweat rolling down the sides of his temples. The same honest (if doltish) smile spread over his face. Completely normal. Completely human.

Kyo inclined her head towards the Recruiter, though one eyebrow was raised. "Good morning to you," she said by way of greeting, "I have not seen you around the village till now. Have you also recently arrived?" Word of newcomers travelled quickly in the tiny village, and Kyo had to assume the man had arrived from the other side of town whilst she'd been out on the hill.

"A third, then. Another is staying with my father and myself, one of the Torajin. He has offered to help us build a fence along the roadside near the lake, to make it at least a measure safer for travellers at night."

The recruiter kept a friendly smile as the others acknowledged his presence. "Why it must be!" "For it to welcome even I so graciously!" The man spoke with cheerfulness. He then eyed Kyo as she spoke, "Why yes, I have just entered if not some mere minutes ago." The man spoke. "Yes traveling the roads for a time, I was anxious to enter a settlement." "For some much need R and R." The man spoke. He then perked up over what had been said earlier. "Oh did you say an Inn is here?" "I could much use a place of rest!" The man spoke with his continued cheeriness.

He would continue to put up this guise and later secure a meeting with his target. Possibly within this Inn that they are heading towards. All the while planning out how he could persuade the man.

Zhiya's lips thinned in a straight line as both men spoke. her fingers entwined with one another at her waist, one elbow resting between her sword hilt and her hip as they walked. She listened to them all, but refrained from speaking. Though there were times that Jhiya could not help but speak, there were times like this.

"...I wonder why we have so many visitors suddenly," she mumbled, trying to exchange glances with Kyo. That thin line that her lips made tilted up slightly, but it seemed dry. Strained. "I wonder how many others we'll be seeing. Perhaps we'll have a lot of help to rid the kappa of the lake, don't you think?"

Or they would be cannon fodder. Either way.

The young woman's dark eyes shifted between the two men, studying their behavior, their choice of wardrobe, and various other little things. She then turned her eyes to face ahead, thumbs tapping against one another.

As if speaking the devil's name summoned him, Zhiya paused as she heard footsteps behind them. This was a normal occurrence: they were in a village, after all, but she had not remembered someone being even close behind them the last time she looked. There were a few passing them now, however...

"Well, well. Look at that, Kyo. Another visitor."

"Yes indeed," Samishii smiled, "I'm eager to put my feet up after a long while on the road." He gestured towards one of the larger buildings on the road, a small sign hanging near the doorway. 'The Kappa's Cup', it read.

"That is the inn, is it not?" he inquired of his host, "a nice looking place, that it is. I bet they have some good food there..." He nodded, saliva flooding his mouth. He was absolutely famished...

Though she moved with a lazy motion, almost as if she wasn't aware of her surroundings, Luna was highly aware of everything around her. The people that went about their everyday life and those a ways ahead of her. Her arms were behind her back, grasping each other as she walked and head cocked ever so slightly as if listening. To what!? There was no idea. "*"Funny! Seems to have taken them a bit to realize I am here!"*" she thought grinning, though it didn't reach her eyes. Seconds later she sniffed and her grin became a smile when she caught the scent of food. "Thank the Goddess! I'm starved." she muttered as she picked up her pace and headed for the Inn ahead of her and those few before her.

"That it is," Kyo nodded her head, "You should go in there, get yourselves rooms. Nasane will be happy for the custom. I look forward to seeing you around the village more, all of you. But I have business to attend to by the lake, myself. I am sure you do not need my help arranging for bed and board."

The young woman bowed to the group of newcomers, "Until another time, then. Enjoy your stay in our village." she said, before moving off into the rest of the village towards the lake.

Luna didn't pause as she moved past those that had stop ahead of her and moved towards the door and entered pausing when she caught the scent that drifted from the kitchen and sighed as her tummy grumbled. She chuckled as she patted it. "Easy my friend, you'll be full soon." she stated as she moved towards a table and sat down, brushing her trench coat to the side and her hair back over the back of the chair so that she wouldn't sit on it, and looked about the place.

"Nice. Very nice." she said softly, her silver eyes taking in every detail of the inn. "I'll eat first than secure a room. Hmm...for how long I have no idea." she muttered frowning slightly.

Zhiya bowed, as well, to all of them. "My case is the same as Kyo's. Until next time. I hope your stay here at Yōsái Village is pleasant."

She then walked off after Kyo, her features darkening the moment she turned away.

Having ordered several plates of her favorite foods and sake, Luna sat back leaning against the wall which she had placed herself and watched those who came and went while sipping the sake she had ordered.

The Recruiter was quite pleased with the friendly reception. Even he found the smell of food, delightful. As they approached the Inn, he happened to notice a strange woman passed them. She was not from around here at all. Yet, there was something off about her. Something he would rather not find out. Perhaps she could be a useful asset. He has heard the leader has something of a soft spot for women. Or something like that. He wasn't sure, most low level guys don't even know who the boss is. Some big shot from Niihama they say.

Anything else about him is mysterious. As far as he should be concerned his boss is Ueda, and above him are the Vanguards. He has heard of the Vanguards. Four very powerful and dangerous men. Yet there are rumors of a higher position. Though nobody except the Vanguards know about it. As the women said their farewells and hopes of a pleasant stay, The Recruiter bowed his head. "Thank you!" "I shall!" He spoke with a smile as he saw them head off. He would enter the Inn as well. From there he can scope out his "talent" and converse with him over private matters.

Meanwhile the onlookers remained hidden and took notice the Recruiter entered the inn. They documented this. Soon they moved ever so silently into positions, where they gained better sight of the inn. More importantly kept surveillance of the Recruiter. Thanks to the tech, The Recruiter has on him. The Ninjas can keep records of his conversations, notice differences in heartbeat and body temperature, and hear everything he hears. So far they have no reason to intervene.