[Okami Shizuka]

Wolf of the Infinite Okada Tetsuo

To call what Shizuka had been doing this day 'chasing squirrels' might have ben an actual, literal term. Ever since he had been released back to his family, the grayscale world that the boy knew started to show signs of color again. Like a still frame starting to move, things began to appear more vibrant, interesting. His purpose for going on might be different than what he set out with before, but by no means was his change in priorities any less than before. If anything, it felt like his inner world began to stir ever stronger. He would find is sister again, he would bring her back, convince her that things could be different. Just.. not now. There were other things to focus on. At least....

At least that was what he had been thinking lately, but this scroll wasn't doing what he wanted it to do! Was it the fact he needed to go pee? He had been rubbing his temples for several minutes now, staring at blank parchment. It just didn't make any sense. How did people even study this stupid art?! Angry cat sounds filled the corner of the common square he was sitting in.

Fuinjutsu. The act of creating, and releasing seals. But it was so much more, too. It was words given power. There was almost no limit on what one could do with the art, provided they had a way with words. Ironic, considering the boy was mute. The best he could manage was the stock sound for angry cats. Needless to say, to save him the embarrassment, no one has ever heard the boy's voice. Well... to everyone else he was a girl. That was his life for the last year. Ever since his sister left. His name had been branded a missing-nin and he took on the name of the person who actually ditched. It was a demand by his father, the stand-in lead of the Okami family and one of the most prominent figures in the Nekomata clan conglomerate.

Rubbing his eyes, he decided to go to the restroom and figure it out in a minute. Perhaps he'd get some post WC clarity.

Without thinking that hard about it, he entered the boys WC to do his business. As distracted as he was, he didn't even notice the public space wasn't even empty!

Right next to him, on the other side of the border he could sense a shadow. Which... is when it clicked.

He had a secret that no one was supposed to know! Yet here he was, standing next to someone who will absolutely, undeniably look over and see the visage of a girl. Then their going to realize that they are absolutely, definitely not that!

How could he put himself in such a corner?! The vulnerability?! The incatmanity!!

Trembling, he did his best to play it cool. Maybe they wouldn't know, wouldn't glance. Wide-eyed he stared straight ahead at the wall, focusing super hard on the wallpaper until he was finished before washing his hands and dipping.

He had to admit, the compulsion to use a substitution jutsu was so great that he had to resist it with every fiber of his being! But.. it was already a done deal, so he just hoped he wasn't recognized.

The Okami family was familiar enough in the village of Iwa. People knew them for their white hair, lithe builds and similar to other nekomata, feline properties. Shizuka being the descendant of one of the more powerful members of the clan meant they were known by people who haven't necessarily met them before. So it'd be pretty believable if someone approached him that he never saw and recognize him as Shizuka, the female air to the Okami. Which is why this whole thing was a problem...


Once washed up, he returned to his table he was sitting at, hastily scooping up his scrolls and making like an tree and leaf... leave? What was that saying? He was too nervous and anxious to think straight, attempting a beeline into obscurity!

OWL

[Okada Tetsuo]

Okada Tetsuo

As an Okada, Tetsuo was genetically predisposed to not giving a shit about many things. As an ex-Warden and one of the officers of the Blasting Corps, that predisposition had blossomed into a very distinctive personality trait of actively antagonising people who gave a shit about things he considered stupid. Which is why he bothered to use a public restroom at all, considering his small size and effeminate features it was always amusing to see if anyone would try and harass him so he could show them why people called him 'Ironfist' nowadays.

Someone walked in and immediately broke ettiquette by chosing the space right next to him, which was just totally against the man code, and Tetsuo couldn't help but glance to the side to see who dared infringe on the sacred compact, only to be surprised by the Okami that stood beside him. Okada were pretty infamous for their blond hair, accent, and general demeanour, and equally the Okami were for the colourless hair, small builds, and... oh yeah, the feline features. On top of that, Tetsuo was ex-ANBU, which meant he knew just who it was that was right next to him...

...having a panic attack it seemed?

It was subtle, but Tetsuo was good at seeing subtle, for all that he was no longer one that really practiced such things. Well, this wouldn't do, he could feel something plucking at the heartstrings he insisted weren't actually there, and so instead of just going about his day he first stepped away from his spot and casually washed his hands before walking out of the bathroom, casually 'tripping' into a guy that was about walk in himself and starting a brief argument about watching where the man was going. He made sure that the other guy's back was to the entranceway as he did, only ending the argument once he watched the white haired kid dart out to safety.

Dismissively walking away from the argument that he'd started with all the haughtiness of an Okada, Tetsuo made his way over to the table the catgir...catboy was currently trying to clear up, a vaguely amused expression on his face.

"You alrigh' there kiddo?"

Word Count: 364
Tags: Okami Shizuka

[Okami Shizuka]

Wolf of the Infinite

It was a curious feeling. Being so nervous that you can't even seem to pick up the most basic of tools. Shaky, sweaty hands. Lungs that seemingly forgot how to function. It was bad. It was all bad. Scrolls, brushes, all fumbling through his hands only for him to try and scoop it back up again with minimal success. It was about that time that he heard a voice literally right behind him!

With a dramatic gasp, the most unusual squeal briefly escaping the boy's lips as his entire body froze up, tail stiff as a rod. He didn't need to see the man to know who it was. It was, of course, the okada from the stall! He's been had! It was all over! He would be found, ousted, pitched, crucified! Exiled! How horrible! Teary-eyed, having to strike through his ninja band, wandering the wastes between villages with no purpose, no clan, no village! He'll have to go to the bathroom with all the criminals! They'll take his onigiri at lunch time! This was nothing short of a cat-tastrophe...

Trembling slightly, trying to keep his cool after his ugly display of fear and panic he would turn around to face the voice.

It was surprising that they were relatively the same height. Normally he was used to looking up to people due to his stunted stature. It did mean that his glacial blue eyes met the Okada's, at least for a few moments before Shizuka meekly looked away, nervously pulling his face mask up a little more, ensuring it was well covering his mouth and nose. He felt maybe he had stared at the man a little longer than normal. Objectively, he was cute. He didn't look macho at all, something you would almost come to expect from the clan. Elegant features belied his likely crass and unapologetic behavior known to them. He was kind of glad in that moment since his mask was hiding most of his bright red face, a contrast to the usual pale, fair skin.

Slowly drawing out a scroll, he opened it up and quickly scribbled a greeting.

Hello Oniisan... The scroll started, Is... there something Shizuka can help you with? Does Oniisan need something? He held up his scroll for the man to read, partially obscuring his face behind the parchment as his lithe body squirmed ever so slightly, his nerves going haywire.

His scroll spoke in the traditional roundabout way traditional to Japanese. It was how he learned to write and it remained since even when he was young. What was written on it was very vague, hoping beyond hope the Okada either didn't know, didn't recognize or otherwise care about what transpired in the WC. So to that end, he left his greeting extremely neutral.

OWL

[Okada Tetsuo]

Okada Tetsuo

Having managed to startle the catboy, even without actually trying to sneak up on him, Tetsuo couldn't help feeling sorry for the guy, the sounds and movements resembling nothing less than a startled and scared kitten, which was odd to see from another person, but then he'd not interacted much with the Nekomata clans before. He also wasn't expecting the writing that was scribbled out rather than a verbal response. If it wasn't for the fact that the situation was more tense than he would like he might have made a joke about a cat having the boy's tongue, but now didn't really seem the time for it.

Instead he simply read what was written before looking towards this kid, Shizuka, with a raised eyebrow. "Well, figured I'd make sure your heart didn't explode or somethin', all things considered," he remarked, arms crossed over his chest with a head tilt towards the direction they'd both come. He wasn't going to outright say it, but he made his intent perfectly clear. He wasn't going to just ignore what had happened, "shall we go somewhere less open to have a little conversation?"

It was kind of odd, to be talking to someone his own height like this, usually he was looking up, sometimes looking down, but straight ahead... well, that was a novelty. It was kind of odd, to be talking to someone his own height like this, usually he was looking up, sometimes looking down, but straight ahead... well, that was a novelty.

He wasn't entirely sure why he even cared to be honest, he coulda just let it go and gone about his day, but... well, he'd have to blame his family, giving him a soft heart for those that looked like they needed help. And based on this boy's reactions, he definitely needed help.

Word Count: 305
Tags: Okami Shizuka

[Okami Shizuka]

Posting Template

Wolf of the Infinite

For what seemed like an agonizingly long time, the boy stood there letting him read his scroll. If it wasn't for the situation he would have simply rolled it up and put it away. It wasn't hit fault if someone was a slow reader, but this time it was different and Oh so more important that he did. Judging by the look on the blonde's face, he was definitely here for that. No doubt about it.

His inner panic was only confirmed and reinforced when he opened his mouth and began to utter words. The nekoshounen just stood there and looked, like, at him? But not at him. He was looking but unfocused. Oh no, he's talking about it, isn't he?

shall we go somewhere less open to have a little conversation?

Yes. Yes he would.

Nodding shyly, the boy put his scroll away and finished collecting his things before straightening his outfit out and looking level at him expectantly. He would very much love it if the blonde would lead the way to a better spot for them to talk. Or well, for him to talk and for Shizuka to write.

Gesturing him with an OK hand, he was ready to leave this venue and hopefully that fumble behind him.

OWL

[Okada Tetsuo]

Okada Tetsuo

After a few moments thought, Tetsuo began to wander his way through the village, guiding the catboy in relative silence as he stalked along with one hand in his pocket, the other 'companionably' on the catboy's shoulder. It wouldn't take too long for them to reach the Bakuha Gundan headquarters, the blond casually striding in and past the various low ranking members, waving them away with a blase flick of his wrist as he took Shizuka into his office.

A few handseals and chakra pressed into a key spot in his door, and the room briefly flashed with a series of fuuinjutsu, preventing eavesdropping while also making sure the other youth couldn't just get away.

"Right, well, now no one can see or hear us, or get in without a lotta effort, so how bout we start with the basics. I'm Okada Tetsuo, Tokubetsu Jounin and Bakuha Gundan Lieutenant of Structures. I'm not goin' to get you into trouble, but you can't blame me fore bein'... intrigued by what just happened."

Perhaps a bit too blunt, but he didn't want the boy to try and twist around and try to avoid the conversation entirely, which was something he could easily see happening. He didn't want to scare the kid any more than he already had, but he wasn't about to let something like this go so easily.

Word Count: 227
Tags: Okami Shizuka

[Okami Shizuka]

Wolf of the Infinite tagged

Without much protest, the boy followed the similar height senpai through the village. Ordinarily it wouldn't have ben a big deal, although the blonde's hand on his shoulder did give rise to a few eyebrows of people who happened to know who the two of them were. He had to remember that to them, this was a kunoichi being lead by a jonin head of the explosion corps.

Eventually, they were in a room, isolated and cut off from the rest of the village. He felt a bit more comfortable now, being outside of the public eye. In this office, he observed a desk, some shelves, books littering the various static decor that populated the space. A calligraphic scroll behind the desk chair spelled out in an artsy style "explosion corps". The are was stoic, but quaint.

Waiting for his lead before he sat down on the client side of the desk, he would then spread out a small scroll, preparing to answer any questions he needed. The boy was nothing if not compliant. He held nothing but the upmost respect for his senpai in the village. The could eventually come back to bite him, should he place his trust in the wrong people, but he had yet to learn such a lesson.

It is very nice to meet you, Okada Oniisama. Before this one introduces themself, they must ask first what it is that you would like to know?

His nerves were definitely on edge. He felt like a wired cat who just buried it's face into a mountain of catnip. Every response his body was telling him to dart away, but he needed this.. incident, if it could be called that, to be explained properly so that their jonin senpai understood the importance of it being held to a certain degree of discretion.

OWL

[Okada Tetsuo]

Okada Tetsuo

Tetsuo's finger tapped against the desk in an idle staccato, considering the white haired boy across from him for a moment, "Kid you're givin' me high blood pressure just lookin' at you," he drawled, "calm down, before you have a heart attack." Running a finger over a seal on his desk, there was a puff of smoke and a pitcher with glasses appeared before them, the blonde casually pouring a glass of cool and refreshing juice for the two of them, sipping at his own first before continuing to speak.

Tetsuo didn't need to grab the scroll to read it, even sprawled where he was in his chair with it upside down it wasn't difficult for him to read what was written there. He wasn't quite sure why the boy wasn't speaking, but he wasn't exactly someone who could state anything about possible physical issues.

"I'd like to know the locations of every enemy bolt hole and hiding spot in Tsuchi no Kuni, the exact time to show up to a place for a free meal, and how to regrow missing body parts. You're not being very specific in your questions there Shironeko," he tutted with a huff, strands of blonde fluttering with his breath.

"You are the Okami heir, the Okami's female heir. But you are not. This has me curious, and I have been bored enough recently that this sort of intriguing situation bears further attention, especially for the implications," he stated, fingers of his right hand continuing to tap out ont he desk with absent and odly heavy 'thunks' with every movement of the slender digits.

He still hadn't outright asked a question, but he was sure that the younger boy would realise how little wiggle room there was on this.

Word Count: 294
Tags: Okami Shizuka

[Okami Shizuka]

Wolf of the Infinite tagged

Almost upon his request the boy straightened up in his chair and facing the Jonin with a very intent and high profile stare. He wanted to make sure Tetsuo knew that he was practicing that ‘active listening’ thing he had learned about in school. With his eyebrows furrowed down, he almost looked aggressively confused, but if you knew the context it was him just trying too hard to focus.

Don’t stare at the tapping. Don’t stare at the tapping!

It was getting increasingly hard not to stare at the tapping.

Thankfully, Tetsuo started to get to the point. Omitting his flippant confession of wanting to know of obviously unrelated things in an effort to play on a bit of sarcasm… or maybe there was another word for it. Shizuka’s vocabulary wasn’t the greatest. Ironic considering his main form of communication.

He did see the same look everyone else gave him though when he responded in text. It was exhausting, but this was one of those situations where he felt the next to explain himself a bit. He didn’t want him to think that he wasn’t talking simply because he refused to.

Greatest apologies, Onii-sama… Since birth, this one has been unable to speak. Shizuka has a voice, but is unable to form words like others can. It is… embarrassing, so they don’t talk about it much.

Their scroll read, filling up a fair bit of space, making him scroll it sideways, unveiling a new, blank canvas.

However, his finger, his ‘tongue’ in a lot of analogies was suspiciously still now, for the latter half of Tetsuo’s reply was very blunt and to the point. Without any fanfare or roundabout descriptions, he was clear what he wanted to talk about.

It also meant that he was recognized as the real Shizuka, his sister.

His finger trembled on the paper, a shadow cast on his face from his bangs. He had no reason to trust this ninja. Yes they were of the same village, but betrayals could be anywhere, and often were. Tetsuo had played his hand knowing it was a winning set. To deny it would be to question his own eyes. It could lead to Tetsuo leading his own investigation. To confess it would be proof, placing him in a state of vulnerability. Blackmail could be a very powerful weapon, if used in the right places. The nekomata were known to be matriarchal. Males simply did not have feline companions. What would happen to him, or to his Yukikaze if this got out? It could spell disaster not only for him, but his family. He had an obligation to lead it.

He didn’t know how he would, only that it was the expectation put upon him. He had been given a nigh impossible task, his mind sweating on this decision.

Closing his eyes and bowing his head ever so slightly, his finger began to move.

Okada Oniisama has the right of it…. This one is not Okami Shizuka.

The text was bold, sloppy, a font that often happened in moments where he was experiencing some sort of heightened emotional state. It was an indicator of where his heart was.

The truth is. Shizuka, my neesan, deserted Iwagakure. It is not known as to why, or to where, only that the one thing left was her companion: Yukikaze. In the midst of this, her brother was expected to assume the role of heir to the Okami family, or as Oniisama has put it, the heiress of the Okami family. Otousama has made it clear of this expectation… an order this one must obey.

My real name is Okami Shirayuki, son of Okami Ryuuno and Mugen Makato

OWL

[Okada Tetsuo]

Okada Tetsuo

At the mention of embarassment of the boy's impendiment, Tetsuo frowned slightly, the frown deepening even further at the feeling of irritation and dare he say it, outright fury began to build into him. Tetsuo had been ANBU, had access to the Iwagakure Bingo Book, and while the name he had given wasn't high up on the list it had been there. The anger didn't show on his face, and it wasn't even really about the fact that the boy's clan had lied to the village, it was the fact they had decided their son's reputation and life was less important than their daughter's, and so they protected her from the consequences of her own actions.

Only the fact that it probably granted this boy a better life for the time being stilled his tongue as he contemplated. If the girl decided to come back, what then? Would her brother be forced to flee? Unconscionable. He wouldn't allow it. But equally he couldn't just reveal the sham, because it would have the same sort of effect, harming the one he saw as the innocent in this scenario.

Disgusting.

None of this showed on his expression, or in his body language. Beyond his initial faint frown he remained almost overly relaxed, right hand no longer tapping but tracing the air absently as he thought.

"Clan politics, troublesome" he murmured with a huff, deciding for the moment that he would pocket this particular piece of information and chew on it for a bit. What he did know was that he wasn't interested in seeing the poor kid burn for this nonsense.

"Do you know they've started calling me Tetsuken around the village, Iron Fist Tetsuo," he said looking over at the catboy as he slid the scroll back over and got to his feet, "do you know why?" He didn't wait for an answer, pulling off his red coat and draping it over the back of his chair. Delicately, he plucked the glove on his right hand off of his fingers and pulled it off, followed by the black overshirt in a single swift motion. It would be at this point that Shizuka, or rather, Shirayuki, would be able to see the metal right arm that ended at his shoulder exposed as he stood before the boy in his sleeveless undershirt, fingers flexing slightly as though to draw attention to them.

The structure of the joint at the shoulder would make it clear this was no armoured glove, if the bolts in the steel near his collarbone wasn't enough of a giveaway.

"I know a little of what it's like to be 'broken', disregarded, talked down to, and ignored. To not be able to do as others do. I'm willin' to help you prove 'em all wrong, if you want" 

Word Count: 468
Tags: Okami Shizuka