Inoka’s sharp, discerning eyes never missed a detail, and today was no exception. He noted the subtle change in Yonrochi’s demeanor—no longer the curious, probing Amekage who was keen on uncovering the hidden aspects of Konohagakure's secrets and intentions. Instead, there was a sudden shift, as if Yonrochi had reached a conclusion or simply grown tired of the cat-and-mouse game Inoka had been playing. When the Amekage spoke, his voice lacked the sharpness and the probing questions that had characterized their previous exchanges. He had seemingly abandoned the pursuit of deeper knowledge and offered Inoka his hand in what appeared to be a gesture of peace.
Inoka’s eyes flickered, betraying the smallest hint of calculation as he looked at Yonrochi’s outstretched hand. With a practiced, serene smile, Inoka accepted the handshake, allowing his fingers to wrap around the Amekage’s hand. His grip was firm but not overpowering, a careful balance of politeness and power.
"A pleasure, Lord Yonrochi," he said, his voice as smooth as ever. To the onlooker, it would seem like nothing more than a cordial exchange. However, beneath the surface, Inoka’s mind raced with thoughts and contingencies. This moment, this handshake, was not a sign of genuine friendship—it was a tactic.
As Inoka’s hand shook Yonrochi’s, he smiled brightly, but inside, a cold, calculating awareness buzzed in his mind.
'Is he an ally? An enemy?' The question lingered, as it always did when dealing with those as enigmatic as the Amekage. There was something about Yonrochi that unsettled Inoka, something that screamed of layers yet to be uncovered, and that made the Yamanaka clan leader wary. He wasn’t the type to trust easily, not in a world of constantly shifting allegiances.
'For now, I will watch and wait. My true intentions, even if they’re only half-formed, must remain hidden.'
Yonrochi offered him Sake—an age-old sign of peace or at least a ceremonial token of goodwill in many lands. Inoka accepted the drink with a polite nod, even as his mind continued its quiet analysis. The alcohol would not affect him; his true form, impervious to intoxication or poisons, allowed him to observe and react freely without concern. The sake, however, would serve as a useful tool for observing Yonrochi’s intentions. The offer alone spoke volumes about the Amekage’s mindset, whether it was a sign of camaraderie, an attempt to disarm Inoka, or something more subtle. Inoka carefully took a sip, the act an exercise in maintaining appearances, before setting the cup down with a quiet clink.
"It would be rude of me if I didn’t present a gift as well, Lord Yonrochi," Inoka said, his voice soft but deliberate. His smile remained unchanged, charming in its politeness, as his hand reached into his robes. With practiced ease, he drew out a small, delicate object wrapped in dark cloth. Carefully, he placed the bundle into Yonrochi’s hands with both of his own, a calculated gesture that conveyed both reverence and authority. The bundle, when revealed, was a doll—a color-coated kunai with a ragdoll attached to the kunai. The doll was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and one that bore an uncanny resemblance to Inoka himself.
"Please accept this gift," Inoka said, his voice softening.
"It’s a small token of appreciation, though I’m sure you will find it… intriguing."
Inoka’s eyes met Yonrochi’s once more, watching carefully for his reaction. He wasn’t sure how the Amekage would interpret the gift, but to Inoka, it wasn’t just a kunai with a doll attached—it was a symbol. A way to cement his presence, his power, and his intricate involvement in this delicate dance. It was also a way of marking a potential future ally—or an enemy—making sure that Yonrochi understood the quiet weight of the exchange.
As he stood there, waiting for Yonrochi’s response, Inoka’s mind continued to turn over possibilities. Was Yonrochi truly what he seemed, or was this all part of a larger game? No matter what, Inoka was prepared. His thoughts danced between potential alliances and the calculating mindset of a master strategist, ready to adapt to whatever the Amekage might throw his way.
Location: Amegakure - Rain District
Posting Order: Inoka -> Yonrochi/Tokage/Rain-men
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II
