[Takeuchi Rentaro]

It has been a while since Rentaro has done a mission that involved the protection and escorting of someone. It brought him back to the days he was a Chuunin where he did a lot of missions. The moment he became the assistant for Lady Takara, the number of missions he took out of the village had decreased. However, he was still bound to do some in the event he was assigned to do so. This time the leader of Tsuruoka's had requested for a bodyguard to protect her daughter and accompany her to date with the new daimyo, it was a young man that had attained the position after the death of his father, the son took the mantle. There was a plot to attempt to murder her. It seems like some people didn't like the idea of their relationship going to the next level, as that would mean Tsuruoka's leader's daughter could potentially marry the young daimyo and result in her obtaining power and influence. Typical politicians.

Rentaro had requested some information beforehand, such as the place where the date would take place. So he could check the area ahead before the actual date took place. In order to take into consideration any potential escape routes and places where somebody could easily sneak in and attack their target. There was a need to be proactive so he knows what to do in the event something goes wrong, of course, he hoped that it wasn't the case. But, being realistic he wouldn't have been assigned to the mission if it wasn't for the fact that there was a high chance for an assassination to occur.

In any way, he made his way down the point where he was supposed to meet the daughter of the Tsuruoka's leader. The job was fairly simple but could get a lot more complex depending on the circumstances that occur. So he was on the lookout for any suspicious people that could potentially be the thread. He wore his typical clothes, Iwagakure's flak jacket, standard uniform, and a black overcoat over it. So he was clearly visible to the female that he would be protected today.

[Yutakako Takara]

Yamanashi would be the city in which the date would occur, it'd specifically happen at a very high class restaurant. The restaurants outside had a trabeated architecture to it, the whole structure appearing to be stone and more specifically a nice marble. It's standing uplifted a couple feet from the street, but the building was otherwise open floored. Meaning there were plenty of exits and entrances, it stood roughly four stories high. However there'd only be two real floors, the first floor ball room and visible kitchen in the center. A small basement which was sat almost solely under the center kitchen of the building. There were rafters hanging from the roof, so the lighting could be easily accessed and changed on special customers immediate request.

A very expensive and exquisite place, to which if this was a mission tasked by the Daiymo, then full access and search of these areas would be allowed. Rentaro wasn't on a mission for the Daiymo though, so he'd have no such access and the place. It'd look bad for the client too, as his preparation to avoid trouble could look like an attempt to cause trouble. The shinobi world was full of distrust and Yamanashi was the capital. Home to the Daiymo and Capital to the country. It had it's well fitted set of shinobi. The fact the first date would be here was likely out of the new Daiymo's paranoia, as the restaurant sat directly next to a high tower used to keep watch over the city. Seat reservations closes to that side of the building too.

As Takara's assistant, this information would be possible, but only in the form of informants advice and vault of varying blueprints. Many of the stone masons and steel smiths would of had a hand in the construction of many of Tsuchi no Kuni's present impressive or noteworthy structures.

The point of meeting would be highly inconvenient for the Iwagakure shinobi, as it'd be the residence of the leader to Tsuruoka's. Which would be right outside Tsuruoka and thus an almost half day trip. Especially for a non-shinobi like the girl Rentaro would be accompanying. The residence for the client would be quite the nice river front mansion. It was walled in for security and even had a closed in docking yard. Nice would be the appropriate term for the address, as it seemed almost standard. The cost of luxury clearly supplemented for 'security'. The guards posted at this place were clearly shinobi.

Approaching the residence Rentaro would see within the compound or walls of the mansion was a carriage lead by four majestic looking steed. Outside that wall at a closed gate was a very attractive woman dressed in elegant silk and smoking from a fine thin pipe.

[Takeuchi Rentaro]

Although there was an attempt, it was ultimately better off to rely on other methods of preparation and information. Due to his position as the Tsuchikage's Assistant, it wasn't hard to get his hand on some of those in order to know the layout of the place, to a certain degree at least. Rentaro was far away from his village, Iwagakure, although he was still inside the country itself the point of the meeting was right outside of Tsuruoka. As expected from the leader of Tsuruoka they lived in a big mansion that was guarded by a standard amount of shinobi. Although, with security like this is placed into question as to why they would bother to hire a personal guard for the daughter, as they could simply take one of the current guards from the mansion. Unless, they had an ulterior motive and believed that they didn't suffice, or perhaps they believed none of them were trustworthy enough for the job.

As he got closer to the compound, he spotted an elegant woman smoking a pipe behind the gate that lead to the entrance of the compound itself. He had a feeling that she was waiting for his arrival but considering her appearance, it was possible that it wasn't the person he was going to protect, but rather the mother. Now in front of that woman that awaited at the front of the gate, he decided to introduce himself. "Greetings, my name is Takeuchi Rentaro, Jounin from Iwagakure and Lady Takara's assistant." Rentaro had a feeling that the woman already had at least an idea of who he was, it was still a proper thing to introduce himself. Normally, he wasn't the type to be formal, but given he was on a mission and his client was a powerful and influential figure in Tsuchi no Kuni.

[Yutakako Takara]

Izanami Hatsumomo would be in fact the woman waiting outside the door of the mansion gate, she was the leader of Tsuruoka, as well as the appointed Head of Trade. It was fairly well known that she had no royal upbringing, she'd taken her position relatively by a storm through manipulation of the power systems put in the trading center of Tsuchi no Kuni. There's quite a few sour old hags and grumps who'd not speak trustingly of Hatsumomo, but she'd have an image which sold itself. Despite hitting that almost middle aged gap, she still had a youthful look on her face soft skin and a full body.

However a slight scowl would come to her face, as the jounin would introduce himself. "Sure, you're her assistant, but you'd think the blonde bombshell could afford more shinobi to a mission of this rank and cost. She couldn't even send one with both their eyes." Harshness was quickly spat from the woman's soul, but her words sounded almost frantic. Her voice cracking in almost distress, as she'd state the last part with a sudden hushing of her tone. Looking away from the man and taking a deep pull from her cigarette. Removing the item from her mouth she'd fume out a quick line of smoke, before giving a light sniffle.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean any of that Rentaro. I am Izanami Hatsumomo, the client whose hired you to this mission. It's to protect my daughter and only child, so it's really important to me. Can you promise you'll keep her safe?" The woman asked with a weathered look forecasting rain from her eyes if he wasn't prompt with a reply. There was in her mind a chance she could turn back on this mission herself. Offer a refund and tell her child to just go back into the home, this was presently the most risky venture she allowed her daughter. It was important, but it'd be meaningless if she died.

"MOM! ARE THEY HERE YET?! IT'S COLD AND I DON'T WANT TO BE LATE!" A voice called out from the carriage past the horses and over the wall to the jounin and his client. She'd put a hand over her heart and with the other hand regardless of if promises were made wave for the door to be opened. The large gates of the mansion perimeter wall would open, as set of four steeds pulled out a large luxurious carriage. A rather regal coach was accompanied by a guard in similarly fancy attire, it'd be tail gated by two individuals on horses with pikes. The uniforms making it hard to tell if they were shinobi capable or just hired hands with weapons.

Holding the carriages side door open with one hand and holding onto the carriage doorframe with another. A young female with black hair and pink eyes, would be leaning out the carriage. She'd gleam with joy that the carriage was moving, as she'd be pulled up to her mother and this shinobi. "Takeuchi Rentaro, Jounin assistant of the Tsuchikage, this is my daughter Izanami Ei." The mother would state rather formerly, the speed at which she'd recovered her tone and composure was amazing. As though she hid any such negative or anxiety ridden energy away from her daughter.

"Alas a sole shinobi arrives before the grace of Ei!" The girl would declare referring to herself in the third person before throwing her head back and placing a hand over her forehead dramatically. "This fair maiden waited long as she yearned to leave early. Ah~" She'd let out a groan as though poorly faking taking a wound, before returning to a more normal composure a bright smile upon her face. "But! Worry not, she welcomes her lone stone companion into her carriage, as she's sure he has much to discuss of her special occasion." She'd gleefully explain, before spinning around 180 degrees to march herself into the carriage awaiting for the shinobi to join her.

If Rentaro wasn't quick to get into the carriage, then Hatsumomo would be the first to encourage him. "She's eccentric, but a good kid alright." As to assure him it'd be less painful than he probably started to realize it was going to be. Her tone of voice was kept notably down though, as to make it clear it was context purely for Rentaro and not her child.

Barely a few breaths after Hatsumomo spoke, so would Ei callout from within the courage. "Hurry up! Haven't I waited long enough?!" Clearly called out in frustration and with the tone of a slight tantrum. The girl seemingly capable of two fronts, one which she used from an impatient distance and the other was for close and comfortable overdramatization.

[Takeuchi Rentaro]

As expected from one of the elites from Tsuchi no Kuni, her appearance was neat and her choice of clothing was as well. It wasn't often that one of his clients was a member of the elite of the country, but it wasn't his first time having to do a mission that involved them.

Rentaro didn't seem to be offended by her comment, his facial expression didn't change at all. In fact, he was already used to that kind of comments made to him and he was not particularly the type of person to care much about them either way. He already knew that his appearance made people give him that impression, which is something he purposely did at times to make them underestimate his capabilities. Rentaro was able to deduce by the tone she used when she mentioned him made it seem anxious, in distress.

"No worries. People tend to get that impression of me most of the time... I understand how you must feel. I promise you I'll keep your daughter safe, I wouldn't hesitate to use my left eye if it comes to it." He reassured her with a nod as he removed his eyepatch that covered his left eye. After its removal, a crimson eye was revealed with three tomoes orbiting around its pupil, the Sharingan. Rentaro rarely willingly revealed his Sharingan to someone else, but it was just done for the sake of providing Hatsumomo some peace of mind. The shinobi that she had been provided with wasn't a single-eyed handicapped idiot. "The only thing I would like to ask in return is that you keep this a secret between the two of us." The man stated, before putting back on his eyepatch and covering his left eye once again. This was an exception, after all, he believed it wasn't easy for a mother to leave her daughter's life in the hands of a person she just met a few minutes.

His attention was later shifted to the voice that had called from the carriage past the horses and over the wall he was located in. A carriage would come out of the walls from the mansion, a young female with black hair and pink eyes showed up. He figured by now that it was his client's daughter and the one he would be protecting.

Rentaro smiled in amusement at her comments and the way she referred to herself in third person. She was a bit strange to be sure, but clearly not the impression he had of the female he would have to protect tonight. After she went back to her carriage he turned to look at Hatsumomo. "You're her mother, so I trust your words... I've already had my fair share of experiences with people of her age." He nodded and not long after Ei appeared seemingly in a rush now.

"Yeah, yeah... I don't think you'll like to be late for your date." He said, before stepping into the carriage as per Ei's request. Before they arrived it was for the best to take this time to talk with her about some things to make sure they are on the same page. "There are some things we have to discuss... Although things seemed peaceful, the threat of somebody potentially seeking to assassinate her was still lurking. If certain powerful people were plotting against her, they'll do it in a way that doesn't directly tie the assassination back to them.

[Yutakako Takara]

Hatsumomo hadn't really dealt with any shinobi of the konoha brand, her life put her more between Tsuchi no Kuni and Yuki no Kuni. Her knowledge of shinobi wasn't limited to those two, but she actually had no idea what the Sharingan meant. "Of course, I won't tell a soul." She'd reply confidently knowing she'd forget what the eye looked like anyways. It wasn't the best of light and they hadn't much time before her daughter would be off. She certainly couldn't risk upsetting or earning the distrust of the only person charged with her safety. Well only person with Iwagakure's name on the line.

Thankfully for the mother and her daughter Rentaro was quick to follow the objective, so Ei wouldn't need to demand anyone hurry. Instead she could make herself at home and try to maybe figure out this shinobi better. They'd have a whole road trip to sit through after all. The cabin of the carriage was quite spacious. One could easily sleep on either bench of the interior, three could comfortably sit next to each other. Ei would take a seat farthest from the door, as to give all the other spots as an option for Rentaro.

The interior wasn't vacant though there'd be a center table and bar, a Guzheng sat over the table top closest to Ei. It like the interior of the cabin was painted a very royal shade of purple. The seats leather had even been dyed a deep violet. The accents of the interior and the shade of the instruments strings were all gold. Beyond this layout there'd be perched in a small open window at the other side of the carriage, a raven with it's own with it's own custom Tiara stood. It'd look to Rentaro, then hop closer to the edge of the room farther from the shinobi.

Smiling brightly Ei would clap her wrists together hands spread out in a V shape, as she'd plant her chin between the palms of her hands. "Ei eagerly awaits her debriefing from the wise Iwagakure shinobi~ Hehe!" She'd flutter her eyes after her overly elaborate way to tell him to go on and that she'd be giving him her full attention.

[Takeuchi Rentaro]

The carriage was needless to say impressive, they were certainly a high-class family with a lot of resources at their disposal. If it wasn't evident enough to him that his client was held a lot of power, money, and influence, the carriage was proof of that. Rentaro took a few moments to look at the carriage before, then briefly stated at the Raven with its own custom tiara. A part of him believed that the daughter had a lot of influence in the design and appearance of the carriage, but decided not to comment on it.

Now it was time to get down to business as much as he sometimes hated that, but he wasn't responsible for his life today, but the life of a young lady. If they were such a high-class family then there was going to be a good amount of money for payment, so it was also a good motivation to make him do his best. "I'll be escorting you tonight and protect you from any potential dangers..." Even if it was already clear that he was going to be protecting her tonight, he decided to make it clear once again. "So if anything happens or if you need assistance, I'll be around. In the event that you need my help or you feel like you are in danger, but you are unable to verbally say it do this..." He placed his hand on the table and tapped in three consecutive times with his index finger. Rentaro hoped that she would understand what he was trying to do. "Tap your index finger three consecutive times and I'll get to you." Even if the scenario she could not verbally say something because it was dangerous, he could keep an eye out and do something about it without alerting anyone. It was something basic that he hoped she could understand.

At this point he was pretty used to assisting people, if his job position was something to go by, he was clearly experienced. For now, he waited to see if she had any comments or inquiries. Maybe she had something to tell him as well, so she had his full attention.

[Yutakako Takara]

Ei would look to her assigned guardian with a tilt of her head to his debriefing. She didn't know what she expected, perhaps at her age he didn't respect her with much deliberation. He had her back and she'd just need to trust him. WRONG! She'd raise her hand into a limp fist and with the tap of her index fingers knuckle three times she'd mimic the man. Closing her eyes with just the most joyous of fake smiles.

"Ei's amused at such a simple means of communication! However she wonders, when should she be knocking? Ei feels Iwagakure's best would spot trouble before her, so what other assistances should be relegated to him through this super subtle gesture!" Ei would ask genuinely despite her fake smile. She was possibly wound up as tightly, as her mother to some degree. Her life was on the line, but then again so could her future. An anxious but swift hand would grasp air a few times before nabbing a purse hidden by the table.

Ei pulled out a personal mirror and made sure once again she kempt. Her noses flaring with a deep breath, before closing the mirror and solidifying her joy more genuinely. "An occasion like this matters greatly to the young Izanami, Ei could be married to the head of this country~!" She'd utter with a sparkle in her eyes, as she'd clenched the closed mirror between both of hands. Eyes fluttering a bit in day dream she'd clarify her thought process. "I need to know everything! Are you taking lead, will you hover behind me, on my left or my right? If you startle me and the DAIYMO is displeased because of it... eh-hem... Ei simply must be aware of her surroundings! Surely Takeuchi Rentaro of Iwagakure understands the value of that." Again that subtle shift to a more normal dialect when she lost her 'cool', before ultimately forcing herself back into the third person.

[Takeuchi Rentaro]

"It can just about anything you believe is necessary, whether it's advice or a distraction... I'll have you covered in anything that you may need." Rentaro knew the gravity of the situation for Ei, even if she didn't show it. He could tell that she was anxious both due to the date and the chance of her getting assassinated. She had so many things to worry about that sometimes that it made it hard to think about things properly. Well, he couldn't relate fully to the whole date, since he had never found himself in such a situation before, and by that, it means he has never been on a proper date before.

"I understand... I'll hover behind you, towards your right. In the event, there's a danger I will get you out of harm's way or shield you with my body. I'll do my best to help you with the date and make sure you and the daimyo have a good time... However, your life is my top priority and I wouldn't hesitate to interrupt if it comes to it. Don't worry, I'll be mostly discrete about everything." His main mission and top priority was the life of Izanami Ei. Of course, the assassins are also sent with the purpose of potentially wrecking the date, so even if they fail to kill her. As long they manage to cause enough of a ruckus and disturb the daimyo enough for him to not want to date her anymore it will be considered a win for the ones that sent the assassins. "The stakes are high here, you and daimyo should not be disturbed... Because even if they fail to get you, I'm sure that having disturbed the daimyo to the point that he has no desire to be with you again will be considered to be a win for the ones that are targeting you." As the Assistant to Lady Takara, he managed to know a little about politics. It was a move to prevent her family from obtaining more power, the opposing side wants to maintain the status quo, even if that means having to kill Ei for it.

"Since this is important for you, will you prefer that I change my clothes, or do you believe my current outfit suffices?" He asked Ei if she had any suggestions or comments about his current outfit. It was the standard outfit for an Iwagakure shinobi, with the only difference being that he wore a black overcoat. Rentaro had no problem changing his outfit, it will only make it a little inconvenience. Although, he admitted that he would prefer to remain the way he is due to easiness it brought to carry his tools with him. He was willing to adapt for the sake of making things much more favorable for Ei, but a part of him also believed that there was no need to overthink such things.

[Yutakako Takara]

Anything still seemed unnervingly unimaginable, but maybe this guy could read her thoughts. She'd doubt it, but also doubt she'd see anything he couldn't. Even if she had an extra eye and a different perspective. Though she'd have to accept this explanation she'd suppose. He'd thankfully have more to debrief to her, knowing where the man stood would certainly help prevent her from being startled. Or perhaps to know when to be startled. The fact he'd state he'd put his life on the line basically, it was quite the relief granted she believed in it.

Trust wasn't the thing her mother instilled in her, but then again she wasn't her mother. A fact that remained very important to her for reasons she didn't even fully understand. He'd intrigue her further by stating he'd attempt to make sure their date went over well too. She didn't consider that he'd of been there for that purpose, but perhaps she really wasn't all she thought of herself. "Ah, has Ei been given tutor of dating too? Or does Rentaro know a trick or two to impress the Daiymo or find the Izanami heir more appealing?" Anything he could provide would be nice, so she'd make sure to speak in an earnest and curious tone.

Granted his next explanation and line of thought would sort of scare the girl. "Ei didn't consider such possibilities, she pouts in disdain..." The girl would state draping a wrist over her forehead and acting almost in a fainting manner. This was actually going to be hard? This was actually going to be dangerous. Hopefully though knowing the risks and being so verbally committed. She hoped though she wouldn't have to see him show it, perhaps he and her mother were wrong. It'd just be a fun occasion where she'd get to know the most important man and possibly become his lover.

"A change of apparel, she'd jest curiously. Perhaps. She'd consider. Ei certainly wouldn't mind her top protection fit her motif." She'd modestly as she could explain as she'd gesture around the inside of her carriage. His assumptions it was all in her design were more than correct. The bird looking to her, then him, then back to her before opening it's beak and letting out a, "Hi!" To which Ei would turn and retort. "Hi!" And the bird immediately repeating itself and her again. "Hi!".

[Takeuchi Rentaro]

This mission was different from the rest, escorting important people wasn't a new task for him. However, the circumstances behind it made it different. Rentaro had to accompany Ei on a date with the daimyo as her escort, all while she was being hunted down and ensuring that everything went well. A part of him wondered why they simply didn't call off the date until any threats to Ei were cleared. That's probably a decision her mom would've taken, knowing how protective parents can be. However, it would also be giving the enemies what they want. Surely, the daimyo would understand and wouldn't want to risk the life of his date either.

Rentaro wasn't a dating expert of sorts, he had never been in a relationship before and the dates he had gone through were purely business. But, he at least knew a thing or two that could potentially appeal to the daimyo. "I may know a thing or two that might help you appeal to the daimyo... The daimyo is around your age, yeah? I'm sure he'll appreciate being yourself, a lot of men like genuine women." He stated, advising the young girl to be herself on the date. Men preferred if the person they went out with was genuine, truthful, and themselves. After all, nobody would like to be with somebody that acts completely differently.

"That may be the case... But, you don't have to worry about those possibilities, that's why I'm here... I can tell you're a strong girl, dates are supposed to be fun, so try to have fun as well..." It was evident to him that she knew risks, she knew that there was a good chance she could die today, yet she was committed to coming to the date. Just like Ei's mother had said, she was a good kid. Although she had a strange personality, she had a lot of courage. A lot of rich kids that are usually spoiled by their parents would run away the moment they sensed danger, well a lot of people in general would.

"Alright... I'll see what I can do once we arrive." Rentaro nodded, well it would be a little better if he didn't look at a shinobi. If he doesn't wear anything that might signify he's a shinobi from Iwagakure it might make the enemy harder to tell who he really is if he played his right. There was definitely some benefit from doing that. He turned to look at Ei and the bird that she was talking to. "Hi." Rentaro replied once to the bird's greeting, before turning to look at the outside of the carriage.

[Yutakako Takara]

"Phew! Ei exhales." She'd lower her wrist back upon her lap and take a more relaxed stance. "Ei is as genuine as they come, so this should be easy for her." Her statement came with both a sense of relief and excitement, as the prospect ahead once again seemed more plausible. She'd quickly raise a fist in hoorah, as she'd consider the advice given. It was a bit different than what her mother had told her, but she typically had two modes herself presently and the way she is when fury takes forefront.

Her mother wanted her to be a delicate princess, to which Ei the spectacle was more than capable. Herself though, she didn't even know what to do on a date. She'd only had stories, after all her mother really didn't let her out. Her interactions were mostly with her mother or the mostly shifting staff who held guard over their abode. Staff weren't usually too personable with her, as to avoid any fear of the head mistress.

"Ei is pleased by your words of advice. She will approach this date with confidence now!" She'd speak in the way she felt appropriate. The way she sort of wanted to be, at least how she thought about it. This date was so important to her family, but more importantly. This was her chance to prove herself, she'd escape the grip of her overprotective mother.

The outside of the carriage had a relative full display of Izanami wealth, it had two drivers and three men stationed over the carriage. They'd all seem to be equipped with weaponry, however it was hard to say at a glance if any where skilled. The whole fancy motif meant most had a layer of formal wear which just blocked sight at ones true physical feats. This likely making non-shinobi's lacking less noticeable.

Everyone seemed alert and the trip to the capital itself would be relatively uneventful. It was pretty clear with the way the staff handled themselves they were professionals. Taking a less travelled, but still easily traversed path. Arriving to their destination in a timely fashion. Especially as there was a plan to be 'early', it was important that security assured the Daiymo's safety. Which meant even Ei and Rentaro to an extent needed to be treated like potential threats. It wasn't long since the last Daiymo was assassinated after all. The driver of the carriage would call out about a block before the destination they'd be coming up on it. As to let Rentaro advise on proceed, so he could scout the area, question staff or try to scout the inside. Perhaps he'd just boldly trust the restaurant and order them to the front. He was the shinobi expert for preventing assassination here.