Nee-san walked through the streets with his hands clasped behind his back. The pedestrians gave their Kage a wide berth as was expected. Before he had even reached the door to Nippori's, there was a greeter posted in the front of the eatery to receive him. Nee-san preferred to take his meals in private but occasionally the need to eat out struck his fancy. He wasn't about to give Masuyo a salary just yet nor was he about to promote her but at the very least he felt obligated to take her to dinner. If she continued to serve him well then it was possible she'd receive far more than a dinner date for compensation. The Kage did not even turn around to see if she had followed him although he didn't need to have his eyes on her to know that she was following him in silence.
Nee-san stopped in front of the restaurant. A fat butler bowed profusely and spoke in a booming voice.
"Lord Tsuchikage! Sincerest apologies! We were not expecting to be blessed with such an high honor on this day. I will immediately announce your presence and clear out the entire restaurant!"
"You will do no such thing. I'm here to enjoy dinner in the company of a beautiful woman not to flatter your employer with my presence. Prepare a private booth for myself and Masuyo" he was obviously referring to the woman behind him. The butler was smart enough to take the hint that brazen flattery and grandiose pronouncements would only serve to ruin the restaurant's reputation in Nee-san's eyes. He would then lead them to their booth without a peep.
The door was opened for them and Nee-san would walk through as if he owned every square inch of land that his foot touched. The establishment was high end but not so high end as to sacrifice food quality for appearance. He had been told by Menza that Nippori struck an excellent balance between atmosphere and cuisine. The majority of the restaurant's money was invested in the cook's paycheck as opposed to expensive architecture and decorations. Nippori was known for its yakiniku and Menza had assured him that the meat was of the finest quality. He did not think or care to inquire what Masuyo thought of the cuisine as it really was of no consequence to him. They were led to a private booth towards the back of the restaurant in an area that was quiet and somewhat dark but somehow grander in appearance. The Tsuchikage gestured to her seat and would allow her to sit first. He then took his place in the seat opposite her and would begin speaking. If she looked like she was about to talk he'd hold up his hand to indicate that she should be silent. Nee-san despised women and their yammering but he found Masuyo's demeanor tolerable.
The waiter approached but a cursory glance from Nee-san told him to stay away. The man's eyes were hidden but his expression made it clear he wished for them to be alone.
"I am pleased with what you've done for Iwagakure so far in your career. I wanted you to know that your accomplishments have not escaped my attention" Nee-san did not feel the need to give a laundry lists of Masuyo's dedication to training the youth. His brother had been a noted instructor at one time and had spoken highly of the published Iwagakure Standardized Combat Manual. "You have also been helpful in certain sensitive matters" He was of course referring to keeping a watchful eye on Kameko Amandi. Nee-san folded his hands and placed them on the table. He looked at Masuyo for awhile before continuing. "I think your track record speaks for itself and its the reason that I've selected you for a very special mission".
"Not long from now I plan on moving on Sunagakure. I had an agreement with its Kazekage and I intend for him to keep that agreement. I fear he may be deceased and I have yet to receive a cogent response from whoever is leading the country. I need you lead a scouting party in to the desert to find the village."
Nee-san stopped in front of the restaurant. A fat butler bowed profusely and spoke in a booming voice.
"Lord Tsuchikage! Sincerest apologies! We were not expecting to be blessed with such an high honor on this day. I will immediately announce your presence and clear out the entire restaurant!"
"You will do no such thing. I'm here to enjoy dinner in the company of a beautiful woman not to flatter your employer with my presence. Prepare a private booth for myself and Masuyo" he was obviously referring to the woman behind him. The butler was smart enough to take the hint that brazen flattery and grandiose pronouncements would only serve to ruin the restaurant's reputation in Nee-san's eyes. He would then lead them to their booth without a peep.
The door was opened for them and Nee-san would walk through as if he owned every square inch of land that his foot touched. The establishment was high end but not so high end as to sacrifice food quality for appearance. He had been told by Menza that Nippori struck an excellent balance between atmosphere and cuisine. The majority of the restaurant's money was invested in the cook's paycheck as opposed to expensive architecture and decorations. Nippori was known for its yakiniku and Menza had assured him that the meat was of the finest quality. He did not think or care to inquire what Masuyo thought of the cuisine as it really was of no consequence to him. They were led to a private booth towards the back of the restaurant in an area that was quiet and somewhat dark but somehow grander in appearance. The Tsuchikage gestured to her seat and would allow her to sit first. He then took his place in the seat opposite her and would begin speaking. If she looked like she was about to talk he'd hold up his hand to indicate that she should be silent. Nee-san despised women and their yammering but he found Masuyo's demeanor tolerable.
The waiter approached but a cursory glance from Nee-san told him to stay away. The man's eyes were hidden but his expression made it clear he wished for them to be alone.
"I am pleased with what you've done for Iwagakure so far in your career. I wanted you to know that your accomplishments have not escaped my attention" Nee-san did not feel the need to give a laundry lists of Masuyo's dedication to training the youth. His brother had been a noted instructor at one time and had spoken highly of the published Iwagakure Standardized Combat Manual. "You have also been helpful in certain sensitive matters" He was of course referring to keeping a watchful eye on Kameko Amandi. Nee-san folded his hands and placed them on the table. He looked at Masuyo for awhile before continuing. "I think your track record speaks for itself and its the reason that I've selected you for a very special mission".
"Not long from now I plan on moving on Sunagakure. I had an agreement with its Kazekage and I intend for him to keep that agreement. I fear he may be deceased and I have yet to receive a cogent response from whoever is leading the country. I need you lead a scouting party in to the desert to find the village."