Ye Blacke Kawhe

Early mornings weren't exactly his thing. He preferred regular mornings, like waking up around eight in the mid-morning part of the sequence. Not a whole lot of people were up super early aside from fanatics. People who wanted to maximize all parts of their day and were the first in line to get things started. That form of enthusiasm wasn't in Kye's blood. He preferred a time of morning where businesses were already open and most people were up aside from the hardcore party folk. That being said he had a bit of trouble sleeping the other night, and instead of crumbling his sleep schedule he figured he would just tolerate it for the rest of the day, taking it easy, and go to bed an hour earlier to make up for it. But this meant that Kye needed an extra boost to start his day. Coffee was something he enjoyed taking it in all different forms depending on his tastes, but it was a drink he rarely got to have. Yea was lighter in caffeine and overall provided better health benefits. So it was a no-brainer to always roll with it. But in the end coffee has more flavor and more variety.

Unfamiliar with the city he chose the nearest and most established coffee shop he could set his eye on. Entering the establishment he saw a few other patrons in the room, a lot of them fairly generic aside from...one particular individual. An untamed white mane cascaded down the back of a petite frame, one he could assume was female. But the most pronounce feature about her were the two jet black horns which rose vertically from her forehead. From behind he was uncertain what they were exactly, or what the girl's deal was. But human instinct prevailed. Seeing something so honed and shiny, they were almost irresistible to touch.

The girl placed her order and Kye was up next, he head partially following her leave the front counter before fixing his attention at the barista. "I'll have a...medium black coffee. An order of eggs and rice, too." The breakfast was light and efficient. Something easy to start his day. But breakfast was the least of his concerns. He needed to sate his curiosity. The woman from earlier rested on the couch. It would be too bold to sit next to her, especially with the abundance of seating in the cafe. He needed to- now's his chance! The woman momentarily distracted herself with her own reflecting in the window pane, though Kye suspected she was just gazing outside and busying herself with nature. He'd casually stroll over until he was within arm's reach of the Tengu where he would slow himself down. Kye extended a cautious hand and if luck served in his favor, he'd rub one horn between a thumb and two fingers.

In the event of success if his guile prevailed he'd enjoyed a smooth, glassy texture. Much like obsidian with a bit of awe on his face. The thumb would then get a feel for the needle-like tip, which would cause his hand to retract instinctively. Kye would take a seat at the far end of the couch after his experiment acting casual as if nothing happened. Those horns are like ebony swords...and they're grown into her head. I wonder if she gets tired of them...

What he had hoped to be a harmless gesture triggered the yokai's unforgiving wrath. He wanted to believe this wasn't the first time. He could not have been the first man alive to be tempted to touch the horns. He hoped there was some sort of tolerance the yokai practiced, and what he had just committed was not the equivalent of a grope. Kye was aware of the presence of demons in the Land of Lightning but never met one firsthand. Although he did have brief contact with Andariel and Hua Li on the ship to the Land of Water, it was very brief and not memorable. Those two were two among dozens boarding the ship. If only he had better acquainted himself with one or another before his stunt there would be little need to harass the onis.

Hua's store was something else. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he had this perpetual feeling of wanting to flinch. The anxiety caused his balance to falter and legs become more stiff than usual. No way...what is this feeling? This isn't normal. For a moment Kye thought she had cast some form of Genjutsu. He didn't want to believe he was stricken with fear. Although fear was a natural response when faced with a great threat it generally didn't take such control over his motor skills. Kye staggered back away from Hua Li and raise his hands to his chest, palms forward, taking a defensive posture.

"Take it easy, girl. I didn't think your kind was so guarded with your horns. They just seemed so...glossy. I couldn't resist. How did you notice, anyways? Can you feel with them?" Kye said quickly trying to start a conversation and express interest towards the girl's heritage. She didn't seem overly aggressive so he figured she didn't plan on butchering him where he stood. He'd continue to back up before taking a seat on the far end of the couch as initially anticipated.

What a day it was to have the Chunin Exams underway, yet still have the time to spare for self indulgence. For what Inarie remembers that while it is good to prepare for every test and obstacle to overcome them. Sometimes it is best to take a breather and relax a little. Inarie dons a beautiful kimono, perhaps one of the best kimono she owns. It is blue silk with excellent designs of floral from the thigh down to the feet. Each flower were of different color, some were recognized as roses, and some were lilies. Her extended sleeves also had the floral design with stems acting like vines that connects to each flower. The sleeves also faded into a sky blue as well. Inarie's sash that is firmly secured around her waist is a lighter blue with some jewelry of brass attached to the sash.

Inarie's platinum hair is pulled up into a fluffy side tail that has a blue lily brooch of silver on the left side of her head. Allowing her curls to bounce lightly over her shoulders. Patches of metallic blue scales can be seen on the cheeks of her face. Seemingly shaped like bat wings that stretches up to her piercing rose pink eyes. Even the back of her hands to her forearm hold patches of scales, and the exposed skin of her shin seems to suggest that scales are on her legs as well. On her sash is the Kirigakure headband that bounces with each step she makes. On her feet is a pair of clogs and thin yet soft white socks.

Feeling much like herself, Inarie felt herself relax as she was walking down the streets of Kirigakure. The Market always have some kind of new food, drink, or even souvenirs. Competing other companies and whatnot. However there is one place that Inarie loves to go to. The Hot Harvest Café. So Inarie walks into the establishment as she was kind of a regular here. Inarie approached the counter with a small smile on her lips.

"Excuse me, do you have any vanilla cream in stock today by any chance?" Inarie asked the barmaid behind the bar, and the clerk seems to recognize Inarie immediately and a bright smile flashed across the barmaid's face.

"Yes, actually we just got our shipment yesterday. The usual hon?" To which Inarie nods her head acknowledging her.

"Yes please, and thank you." Leaving it at that, Inarie turns on her heel as her eyes scan the lobby for an empty seat. That's when Inarie noticed two individuals in particular that she didn't recognize. Granted there has been a number of faces of late that Inarie doesn't recognize, and that was because of the Chunin Exams. Inarie presented her small smile once again before approaching the pair. They seem to be conversating, but it also seems like the frizzy hair one is agitated for some reason.

"Pardon for my intrusion, but would you two are here for the Chunin Exams correct? In the hidden village I mean." Inarie briefly asked as she kept her distance from their table/seats. About Icebreaker distance if one was to call it that. Her eyes shift from the petite female to the tall man as Inarie awaits for their answer.

Kye was taken back a bit by the girl's hostility. He imagined she would have been a bit more tolerant, but her passive aggressive response made the young man hold his tongue. There was something about her gaze that made him feel uneasy. Oddly enough he only felt that way when situations were tense. He was emasculated by a single stare from this creature. But that made him even more intrigued about their abilities. Kye was not super green when it came to the different clans that dotted the land of Kishin. There were clans guarding secret technique, and other clans being a band of what some would say genetically superior beings. Some DNA allowed for the combination of two or more elements while others were not even considered quite human. The Yokai were an example of the latter. Although they were bipedal and looked just like humans, aside from minor characteristic differences such as horns or other rare genetic abilities, a lot of their unique abilities were within. Their chakra nature was different and each possessed different abilities. Though his general knowledge ended there.

Looking past the horns, though, this girl was just a regular person. Her behavior suggested she was fairly young. Fortunately for Kye he was saved by the waitress bringing their goods. A medium coffee and a bowl of rice with soft scrambled eggs on top for Kye, and an Oni-sized coffee mug with toast and eggs for her. Kye was astounded by the sheer volume of coffee she ordered, which could easily fill a pot and serve a small group. But what was even more astounding was her fortitude when courageously downing the entire mug's worth. It appeared the heat didn't bother her, nor did the caffeine apparently as Hua Li ordered another mug of the good stuff. Kye realized he was staring and shifted his attention towards his own serving quickly before he was given another glare, grabbing his cup and blowing the surface of the liquid gently before raising it to his lips and taking a slow draw of the coffee. The hot coffee soothed his soul and immediately hit him with energy.

When Hua Li started her explanation he tuned in, the girl arguably in a better mood after her first dram of coffee. Though Kye could tell that she generally disliked him for his stunt earlier. She was playing Kye as some sort of moron, condescendingly mentioning her use of window reflections. He'd force an eye roll. "Tch, don't get me wrong. It was a courtesy touch. You're acting like I robbed you of your innocence." Kye said, glaring at Hua Li through the corner of his eye. If you even have innocence left... But shortly after came the nutcracker. Hua Li was gungho about her own clan, and took exceedingly great pride in her horns. He had to admit they were probably the nicest pair of horns he has seen. As previously mentioned they were glassy and black like ebony and looked rather intimidating. HL tried to sell her kind off as one of the breadwinners of Kumogakure. Who exactly was she trying to fool?

"Of course I was on that ship...I noticed a few people with horns but I thought they were just prop. You know, like something to intimidate opponents? It's kinda hard to recognize a 'great clan' when none of their members holds any position of significance in Kumogakure's military. Now, the Chinoike? There's a clan with some influence. I mean, I don't really care about the whole political scene in Kumogakure, but the Chinoike are people with influence." He said launching a very valid argument. What exactly did the Yokai offer to Kumogakure? They weren't leaders, and a lot of them weren't known heroes.

Inarie would make her appearance at the end of what Kye said, mindlessly interjecting into a somewhat heated debate between two acquaintances. But the cordial greeting of the Kaguya hybrid entered the fray he had his attention drawn to the woman. Kye mistook her for the coffee shop's staff seeing how well groomed she was. She asked if they were both participating for the Chuunin Exams giving Kye reasons to believe she was a staff worker making idol conversation, or a Genin competing herself. "Why yes, I am. My name is Kye Takamura, from Kumogakure." Normally he would stand up and greet the woman properly, but given the circumstances of his early morning he had forgotten some proper etiquette.

The fact that the horned one was an exam proctor immediately spoke of what she was capable of. As for the other, he confirms that the exams are the reason he's here. Which indicates that he's a Genin as well. With how heated their argument was, Inarie assumes that they are either student-sensei or the Genin wanted to spark an argument. Still, her expression doesn't change as Inarie shifted her eyes over to the window. Only because she saw movement, but it was only one of locals passing by outside. Redirecting her eyes back to the pair.

"I figured as such, but I wanted to confirm either way. There's so many new faces coming into Kirigakure that I never got a chance to sit down and talk with any of you." Granted there was a reason behind that as she was training with her sensei, sparring her cousin, and frankly just getting ready for the Chunin exams overall. Anything to polish her skills and abilities for the test.

"My name is Inarie Yoru-Kaguya, Genin of Kirigakure. Which nation are you from?" Inarie introduced and popped a question as to her it was simple small talk. Learning about the people who comes into her village is technically her job, but she was also curious as to what the other nations were really like. Depending on their answers, Inarie might get a hint of what their lifestyle was like. Than again, as she is well aware, it could be some kind of front they're putting up as well. Honestly she hopes that's not the case, but it happens and she understands the reasons some people do it. The waitress walks up to Inarie with a cup of coffee in hand that steam just climbing over the brim. The waitress flashed a smile, one that's genuine and not forced, as she hands the Kaguya her coffee.

"Your drink ma'am." Which even though Inarie heard the steps approaching her, she looks over at the waitress with the same expression. She reaches up to take the coffee into her hands which Inarie slightly bowed.

"Domo arigato." Inarie thanked the waitress before blowing the steam across the surface of her coffee. Inarie takes a sip out of her coffee not minding how hot it is. The sweet taste of vanilla with the roasted coffee was delightful as she can feel her body warming up thanks to the hot drink. Of course, she is still listening to what the pair are saying if they say anything to her at all.

What's her deal?

It was the only thing Kye could think of as she huffed and puffed over something he was quite sure he already apologized for. The Tengu was a vengeful sort, taking a mean bite of her toast. The action caused Kye to flinch a bit in his seat despite being on the other end of the sofa. Something about the girl emitted malice and aggression. Were all yokai like this? He would need to meet more.  But his quest of discovering and experiencing new cultures would continue with Inarie's presence. Hua Li mentioned the Tengu were fairly good craftsmen, though his personal experience with weaponry and armor was very limited. He didn't have the experience to appreciate true beauty in crafts. Kye offered his tidbit to Inarie when she asked for their purpose, taking the newly arriving person as a means to help deescalate the tension between him and the Tengu. But it appeared the demon girl didn't know when the let up.

"For a Jounin you're quite inattentive." Kye added, turning Hua Li's attempted insult back around at her. "Weren't you on the ship to Kirigakure?" With an eye roll he'd pick up his pair of chopsticks and shovel a mouthful of his dish in his mouth before chewing and finally washing it down with a dram of coffee. But he was done bickering. For now, at least. There was company before them and he felt it wouldn't be right to drag her into their petty argument.

"She's from the great Yokai clan founded in Kumogakure." Holding his coffee mug he'd recline in his seat letting the comfy leather choice relieve himself of his tension. He didn't quite think straight when tired. He for sure knew he needed to calm down. Bringing the mug up to his mouth once more he steadily sipped the hot brew letting it soothe his soul. Much better. "Do you usually try to meet up with foreigners, Inarie? Personally I try not to form any foreign bonds. It's hard to keep up with long distance, and worst case scenario, if your village happens to go to war with another village where your friend lives, that leads to conflict. That's how Satomi Uchiha died. His circle got too close to foreigners and made him vulnurable." Kye spoke as if most people knew who Satomi was. He was the 2nd Hokage after all, and brutally murdered by Kirigakure's own. He was surprised how the two lands were still allied. Kage assassination with no explanation generally didn't go well.

Despite Inarie's attempts to ease the tension between them, they still went back and forth with the arguing. However, compared to how it was moments ago, Inarie feels like it has lessened into more of a banter. Perhaps they really are sensei and student? Either way, both answered to their end. Kye is a genin of Kumogakure, and passed it off to Hua Li. In a mocking tone of Yokai, which Inarie learns that's the clan that Hua Li is from.

Hua Li elaborated that Yokai thrive in war and conflict. Which Inarie can relate as lots of clans that exist today were recognized due to efforts of war. Inarie listened all the same as she occasionally sips on her coffee. Her rose pink eyes dance between the two as they speak. So far things were relatively tame for the most part. At least that's what Inarie likes to believe. She wasn't in the mood to stop fights, at least not while she's in this kimono.

Like they're in sync for once they turned the question onto Inarie. Inquiring if she often speaks with foreigners. Inarie nods her head in agreement.

"When I'm not in training, yes. The last time we had visitors from Kumogakure that I spoke with is named Shimiko Chinoike. Although I'm afraid it was brief, but I do try to at least greet people who aren't from here." Inarie paused as she brought the cup up to her lips. The warmth was refreshing even in this chilly atmosphere due to the mist keeping humidity on high.

"As for the other, if it comes down to it I personally don't care where you're from. If you become an enemy of Kirigakure I'll cut you down without hesitation." Inarie's voice grew firm and tense like a sharp blade cutting with her words. As quick as they came, Inarie's expression seemed to be restored with a smile on her lips and her eyes brightening from the gloom.

"But let's hope it doesn't come down to that point. Or at least I hope."

The look HL gave Kye was one of general confusion instead of pettiness which led Kye to believe she was genuinely confused with what he said. Birdbrain. He thought to himself, returning the same look she gave him. Fortunately with Inarie present the two had a reason to act civil. Kye found it a bit interesting that Inarie was actually thrilled about visitors. He was indifferent about visitors. Depending on who they were or where they came from he was a little more or less cautious. But he was never as invested as she was, and he figured he wasn't the only one in that department. Was she here to gather information? Should he be worried about giving her too much information regarding Kumogakure? She was apparently acquainted with Shimiko, a high ranking Jounin from Kumogakure. Kye discounted those claims feeling this girl tried to give herself too much credit.

And talk about credit, did she try to make a threat? It was hard to take her seriously in a casual kimono over a cup of coffee, but something about her confidence irked him. "Becoming an enemy of Kirigakure just seems all to easy these days. I'd keep your hopes fairly low for the time being." There was no suspense regarding Kirigakure's political standpoint with the rest of the world. Or for Kumogakure, at least. Konoha wasn't exactly clean following the Mizukage's broadcast.

"So you sound like you don't have many friends. Am I in the ballpark? When you threaten to cut down people you just met, I can't imagine you give the warmest hugs." Kye didn't really mean to antagonize Inarie, but instead challenge her morality. If what she said was how she really felt Kye had little reason to believe a lot of people warmed up to her. She was a tool. Something to be used by the village. And tools didn't usually last long and were easily replaceable.

It was true that Kirigakure has done some questionable things in the past. The massacre in the Land of Demons for one, and then the sacking on Land of Iron being the more recent. She can't deny those facts, and she is at no authority to dissuade those facts. Both of them took Inarie's answer quite strongly. She could have lied to them, but Inarie pictures that there was no need for lies. Again so long as they're not enemies then they have no fear. Inarie isn't the one to strike first.

"It's nothing personal, just business. Of course, it's not that I don't have friends. It's because I have friends and family to protect from harm." Questions on what if one of her friends or family went rouge came to mind. Inarie hates the idea, but it was a real possibility. Considering what she is hoping to get into, Inarie might have to face that one of these days. Regardless Inarie keeps her expression of a slight smile while holding onto her cup of coffee.

"If you want to assassinate someone, then sure. A swift, silent strike would be preferable. However things rarely go the way everyone wants." Inarie commented to Hua Li's remark. Inarie can see what Hua Li was saying, but frankly Inarie hasn't found one like that yet. It'll be an interesting experience sure, but Inarie doesn't have a clue really on what that's like. Inarie took this moment, as Hua Li was inquiring how Inarie met Shimiko, to drink the last of her coffee.

"Well I met her in the training grounds because I was on my way to train. She was… frustrated initially, and one of my cousins was talking with her too. We talked with her for a while and she calmed down from whatever was troubling her. Shimiko is to be a nice person who was just needing to vent." Inarie responded as she remembers that day. It was the last time she saw Calis Kaguya too, and he was the one who offered Shimiko to visit their clan district. From what Inarie heard however, Shimiko was ditched and nobody even came to greet her. The Yoru-Kaguya felt bad after hearing the news as she remembered how excited and full of smiles Shimiko was to be invited.

"Does all Yokai have horns by the way? I never seen anyone growing horns before." Inarie turned the question over to Hua Li. It was a unique characteristic that Inarie doesn't see everyday, or at least not in Kirigakure and they got people who look like bloodthirsty sharks.

Kye judged Inarie intently to see if she was sincere with what she said. Not that Kye was actually offended or intimidated, but the brash mannerisms Inarie had were rather brutish. He wondered if it was a cultural thing. There was much contrasting with her appearance with how she behaved. Being reserved and modest, yet giving off a killer's intent. She was one of a kind. HL on the other hand was more heavy-handed with her moodiness, but there was plenty to suggest she had greater plans. In the meantime he would busy himself with his eggs and rice. Eggs weren't particularly good cold, and neither was coffee unless it was iced. He would still listen in on their exchange of words during his chow time, and managed to finish the light breakfast in time. Grabbing his human-size cup of coffee he'd take a steady dram of the liquid before sighing.

"Shimiko being frustrated? That doesn't sound like her at all." He'd add in before patting his mouth down with a napkin. "Most of her kind have horns from what I found out. And they're very territorial over them, too." He added, a quick snicker coming from him. "But in all seriousness, I can't imagine getting used to them. They would seem burdensome in and out of combat. And I doubt a lot of people approve of them. Not to single the Yokai out, of course. The Hoshigaki also have some...unique features." Kye would finish off his mug in one final tilt before setting it down on the table.

Unlike HL he was conscious about his health and limiting his intake. Leaning back into the sofa he rested his arms on the arm rest and back of the sofa letting the food and coffee vitalize his spirit.

Kye was partially absorbed in HL's perspective of how the Yokai viewed their horns. She compared them akin to a blade master. A swordsman was often never seen without their blade. The Samurai in particular believed their sword was apart of them and their ancestors. It was something to always have with you as it was a sign of strength and protection. The Yokai had the same symbolism with their horns. It was apart of them, whether they liked it or not. Whether it was merely an aesthetic thing or something used in battle. They held them to high regards, and losing them was something shameful. Kye reached for his mug of coffee, though the feeling of emptiness was something he noticed immediately. He was out, and had nothing to wash down the deep thoughts with. The Tengu on the other hand looked like she had more than she needed. Her toast was partially eaten and she had already downed a mug full of the good stuff.

He watched HL carefully convinced that she was too absorbed in her horn talk before it had shifted to the Hoshigaki. With a sleight of hand he inconspicuously extended his arm and pulled her mug from the coffee table. He'd take a long drink, not worried about the mug running short anytime soon. It was hotter than his brew, most likely due to the amount of coffee she had in it. It tasted notably more bitter as the caffeine hit him in the face. He was certainly awake after that and a bit jittery. He'd swallow harshly, his curiosity backfiring setting it back on the table before she reached for it, which would happen very shortly after he placed it back down.

She'd take her sip and resume what she planned to say, Kye's leg bouncing as he tried to contain the caffeine rush. He imagined if he drank as much as HL did he would likely need to be rushed to the ER for an overdose. This girl was certainly addicted to the stuff and needed it to carry out her daily functions, vastly opposite of Kye who drank coffee once every blue moon. "The Hoshigaki are a good example of unique features gone bad. I mean the horns are pretty cool. And best of all you get the bonus of actually looking human. The Hoshigaki are a bit overdone. Too much fish and not enough human. They're just brutes made for war. Now I'm clearly not from Kirigakure, but I haven't seen one Hoshigaki in my time here. It's quite obvious the society doesn't accept them. You on the other hand were privileged to become a proctor. Just be glad humanity seems more willing and readily available to accept the Yokai."