Waterlogged

[notveryspecial]

Where: Amegakure
When: January 20th - March 3rd
Notes: catch all post for Sakura's trip to Ame, so theoretically open to anyone in Ame during her time there.

[Top level comments hold openers]

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[teachingpeace]

She wasn't met by the man she was familiar with, not exactly. Instead she was met by one of his other faces, bright orange and familiar eyes peering at her critically for a moment. "You arrived safely Haruno-san?

He waved, and the gates opened to allow her within the confines of the village after the question, his black and red robe swishing around him as he turned to lead her inside.

[notveryspecial]

She recognized his eyes, at least. It was somewhat impossible to forget those. She had heard before of the 'god of Ame' using avatars or incarnations of some sort, though she never really understood what that meant. Presumably, this had something to do with that.

As for what exactly it was, though...she really wasn't certain. Henge of himself or another? A trick by close servants of him to make him appear beyond the level of one person? It was probably something Konoha would want to know...but she was aware at least that openly interrogating the person she was supposed to be representing Konoha to was the opposite of the kind of behavior expected of her.

Still, despite her curious expression, she didn't hesitate to follow him once the gate was open. "I didn't encounter any problems on my way through your country."

[teachingpeace]

"I thought not, but better to be sure that there was no... points of darkness on your way." He didn't hesitate to wait for her, back straight and head held high. Unlike what she'd seen of him in his natural form, this body held an unmistakably commanding presence with every movement.

[notveryspecial]

The difference was...interesting. Although...it was possible the one she's spoken to before was simply a messenger or emissary for the real Nagato, and that explained his unusual demeanor. While she was aware other Konoha nin had been employed in this position previous to her, neither of them were in any way close enough to her to tell her something like that even if it weren't a matter of security.

"If there were...such points...there would be no need for concern. Jounin of Konoha are fully capable of dealing with such hazards." If the person that Konoha sent to represent itself had to be protected or rescued on their first day...that was not a political mystery to her.

[teachingpeace]

"You misunderstand. If there was anything of the kind once you entered my country that you did not see, it would be entirely unacceptable." Not because of her. No, it would be entirely a fault in his own perception that would need to be fixed.

[notveryspecial]

Ah...she supposed, thinking about it that way, it did mean a matter of national pride to ensure an envoy wasn't assaulted on their way into the country. Or...really, at all during their stay.

"In that case, there was nothing of concern. The people I encountered were all...civil...and kind." It would be a bit much to characterize the few people she'd met on her way in as 'friendly'...but there wasn't anything negative to say about them, and it seemed like leaving it off at 'civil' would imply there was.

[teachingpeace]

He examined her carefully, then gave a brisk nod, apparently willing to go with that point. "Good, then we have nothing to be concerned about on that matter." He headed into a building, all of which were rather dramatically tall, a moment later. "Would you prefer supplies or housing first?"

[notveryspecial]

She hesitated a moment at his question. Curious as she might have been about where she would be expected to stay (or what the living conditions were for the people of Ame) there didn't seem to be any reason to address it first.

"If it's alright, supplies seems more appropriate?"

[teachingpeace]

He studied her in a glance that by no means conveyed the full sweep he made, then headed up the stairs quickly. "Very well."

[notveryspecial]

The facial piercings were...strange. It made her wonder if it was an indication that this one had a greater position of authority than the one she'd interacted with previously. Or, perhaps, the opposite.

The former seemed more likely, though, as this one hadn't been wandering around the borders of the country.

As she followed after him, she watched him thoughtfully for a few moments. Personal questions weren't really appropriate, and most especially the sort that would answer questions about the nature of his different avatars...but then surely one reason she was sent to Ame was to gather information.

Ultimately, when she chose to speak it was in a quiet question. Either he could take it to mean she was asking it discreetly, or he could miss the question entirely. The latter was probably better. "...Do you also like stew?"

[teachingpeace]

"Unlike the Outer Path, I do not eat." He paused a moment, lifting his chin regally as his steps slowed. "But yes. It is a trait shared."

[notveryspecial]

His answer made her watch him curiously for a few more moments. Partly it was because he hadn't corrected her for asking a personal question while on a diplomatic mission, but it was also because his answer was confusing. Someone had a jutsu that allowed them not to eat?

Useful as it would be to know...it wasn't likely he would share it.

"The...Outer Path?"

[teachingpeace]

"He's the part of me you know as Nagato." He glanced over his shoulder them. "He is the origin of all like me that you see."

[notveryspecial]

The origin? Even if he'd provided her with some form of explanation for what she'd heard of multiple forms (apparently like this one), it didn't make the concept completely clear.

She studied him for a moment, curiosity still getting the better of her. "Then you are...some kind of a puppet?"

[teachingpeace]

"Not exactly. I am the Deva path. I am distinct, as we all are." But they were not separate either, and he really had no way, or inclination, to further unmuddy the waters.

[notveryspecial]

She studied him a moment longer. Puppets could be distinct, after all. It did rule out clones, though. "But you're not a separate person."

[teachingpeace]

"Not anymore, no." He slowed, looking back to her. "But this is as it is and shall be. I am not the only one like myself you will see while you are here... but I am the most loved."