Office of The Tsuchikage, Birth of The Winter Lotus (Flashback/Invite Only)

The Obelisks stood tall and unwavering despite the strong winds that day.  Ren stood at the entrance to the Tsuchikage's building.  He looked down at his hand which was holding the shogi piece from their first practice.  Ren looked unsure of himself as he studied the piece.  He wanted to make some extra money and see what being a real shinobi is like but he doubted himself.

I don't know why I'm here.  That last time was probably a fluke.  I know he played up at least one hit.  What's to say he didn't just let me get a couple of hits in?  Maybe he just wants me on a mission as bait.

Ren's hair and shirt whipped around violently due to the strong gusts.  He looked around and back at the piece in his hand.

I'll let fate decide this one.  I'll throw it in the air and if it returns to my hand I go in.  If it falls then I'll go back home.

Ren waited for the wind to die down so his chances could be somewhat balanced.  Once the wind had died down Ren slung the piece into the air and closed his eyes.  The shogi piece soared upward away from Ren's open hand.  It began to drift away from it's original trajectory and was now on a course to land in front of Ren's feet.

Please.

A gust of wind suddenly came from behind Ren.  Ren exhaled a sigh of relief because he knew the gust had taken the piece away from him.  Up in the air the shogi piece had just been hit by the gust.  The piece was launched forward into the exterior wall of the Obelisk.  The shogi piece clacked as it hit the stone wall and bounced off.  It started its decent back down to the floor.  Ren was still holding his open hand up when he opened his eyes to search the floor for the piece.

It must have blown away-

Before Ren could finish his thought he felt a small tap of pressure on his hand.  His eyes widened.  He brought his hand down to reveal the shogi piece with its character facing upward.

The Knight. Let's see what you had in mind, Rivu.

Ren lifted his head and, with a face of determination, entered the building.

Rivu waited in his office as he sensed a familiar chakra entering The Obelisks below. Ren Hyuga. He thought as a smile crept across his face. It wasn't a creepy smile,  he was genuinely pleased to know that the young one was coming to see him. Suddenly, he remembered what he said to Ren last time they saw each other. Ah, a mission! That must be why he's here! He hummed slightly in thought as he looked around his desk.

He reached out and selected a pile of papers for B rank missions. Let's see, what can we have him do today. He thought, licking his finger as he flicked through the pages. One caught his eye immediately. Shino Jori. His daughter was recently kidnapped... He looked up as Ren made his way through the building. Alright it is decided, then; the two of us will go help her out.

Ren looked around at the inside of the Obelisk.  Although the exterior had an oblong shape the interior had many connecting rectangular hallways.

This place is like a labyrinth.  Hopefully there's something to help me find the Tsuchikage's office.  A directory maybe.  I still want to rest my byakugan.

Ren looked at the end of the hall and noticed a small sign.  He walked up and read.


Ren turned and walked to the staircase.  He ran up the steps eager to see what his assignment would be.  Upon arriving at the seventh floor Ren regained his composure and walked toward the Tsuchikage's door.

Gotta stay cool.  Act casual.

Ren calmed his breathing and slowly opened the door.  He saw the Tsuchikage sitting at his desk with a smile on his face and approached him.

"Well, Rivu-" Ren placed the shogi piece on the table and smirked. "what kind of job do you have for me?"

[OOC: That's not my floor, but still, tenattaten]

Rivu welcomed Ren in. He didn't knock and await a response, but it didn't bother him any. After all, he did invite him over. Ren was a refugee in this village and Rivu imagined that, like anyone else, he could use some cash. Now, while the Tsuchikage was a charitable sort, given his upbringing, he also so potential in this one. In the same way that his sensei, Akemiro, took him on and trained him in the way of the shinobi. Indeed, he took pity on the young street urchin, but the best thing he ever did for him was teach him discipline.

"We've got a situation. A Chuunin from the village was kidnapped." He said in a serious tone as he handed the mission details to Ren.

Mission Details:

"I'll be going with you, but I want you to take the lead on this one. You make the decisions, I follow orders. Interested?"

Ren's eyes widened a little upon hearing his mission.

A missing ninja?  A Chuunin at that.  Whoever did this must be pretty good to take a Chuunin away.

Ren looked at the mission details closely.

It was two genin level shinobi?  A master of genjutsu.  This is definitely going to require my byakugan.  Base of Mt. Shumisen find camp-175,000 Yen!  Why am I still reading this?

Rivu told Ren that he would be the leader on this mission.  Ren was to make the big decisions and Rivu would follow orders.  Ren rolled up the scroll and placed it in a pocket.

"Yes.  The paper says that the two genin were last seen near the base of Mt. Shumisen so they shouldn't be that far depending on how old that sighting is."

Ren walked over to the window and looked outside to see the day nearing sunset.

"After sunset meet me at the tree where we met last time.  We'll get her tonight.  I gotta go get ready."

Ren perched himself on the windowsill and looked back at Rivu.

"Hey Rivu.  Thanks."

Ren leaned back and dove out the window.

[Exit to Mt. Shumien]

Rivu watched as Ren jumped from his balcony. Hmph, that's supposed to be my thing. He thought. He laughed at himself as he crossed his arms. His thoughts moved to the mission that he and Ren were about to set out on. A Chuunin, Aruta Jori, was kidnapped and the shinobi offenders had not even bothered to give a ransom.

Putting Ren in charge was a bold move, but it was in an attempt to gauge his abilities. If he were to be an asset for Rivu, for Heiwa and for Iwagakure, he would first have to be useful. The byakugan was a powerful weapon, but it was just that, a weapon. Rivu sighed and lounged back in his chair, his gaze reaching the ceiling of his office. And a weapon is only as good as the person wielding it. His face still fixed upwards, he ran his finger along the stone-like bracers wrapped around his wrists. Ren might be in charge, but I will not allow Aruta to come to harm.

[end flashback]