Thawing an Icy Heart

The Hokage's Offer

After a long and quiet journey from the now called Great Naruto Bridge, Team 7 as Taka found out they were called arrived back safely at the village Hidden on the Leaves. Or Konoha, as Kakashi had also called it. He said nothing on their journey back, despite Naruto's and Sakura's best efforts both of whom, were talking to him but he was refusing to speak, much Naruto's annoyance and Sakura's almost sympathetic look. Sasuke though, stayed away from him and Naruto, still coming to terms with what the two boys had done in Team 7's previous mission.

When they reached the gate they were greeted not by any Anbu, or the Konoha police or investigatory squad. No instead an old man was waiting for the five of them to return, of course when the others stopped Taka did too, and took in the sight of the old man before. He could just tell this man had seen some battles in his time, he looked battle tested and weary. But he shook his head clear, as the old man approached him, after sending Kakashi and his team away. Telling him he'll receive his report later.

"So." The old man began, a twinkle in his eye. This man had an air of authority about him, that you couldn't help but respect. "Kakashi tells me you're quite the impressive individual....Ahh but where are my manners? I am Hiruzen, Hokage of the village hidden in the leaves." That got Taka's attention, the Hokage had personally come to see him? Now he was feeling slightly nervous, does that mean they had something bad for him planned? Seeing the panic in the boys eyes, Hiruzen couldn't help but chuckle. "You needn't worry, you aren't going to be punished. Firstly, I wished to extend my condolences for the loss of your family. Losing any member of ones family is hard to take, so I can only imagine what you're going through."

He placed a hand on Taka's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Taka's gorgeous orbs began filling up with tears once more, as Hiruzen comforted him. "Secondly, with your strength I think you'd make a valuable asset to this village. I wanted to formerly offer you, the opportunity to rebuild your clan, here in the village. We can supply you with a home, and some money to help you get started. However, I do have one request. While it is clear to me, you are far beyond the abilities of the school where we trained our Genin, I would like you to join a team. Though, the team you'll be in hasn't been decided yet, I must discuss with my Jonin on where to best put you. So for now, as a sign of good faith I will instil upon you the rank of Genin. Should you accept my offer. Now, while I don't need your answer right away, I would like it by the end of the day. For now go, explore the village and see what it has to offer."

With that Hiruzen soon headed back to the Hokage's office, leaving Taka to explore the village freely. Though, he knew he was being watched. He'd already noticed the Anbu watching his and Hiruzen's conversation, something he'd have to look into at a later date. But for now, let's see what the village had to offer him!

With the freedom to explore the village, he wasn't exactly sure where to go first. He tried asking the villagers, but they weren't exactly....receptive to him. With him being an outsider, he could see why they'd be hostile. He did manage to stumble across some people, that had a similar way about them to Kakashi. He figured that'd be as good a place to start. "Excuse me?" He muttered almost incoherently to the people sitting having a meal, though luckily for him they had heard his voice, and were now looking at him expectantly. "You're the kid the Hokage said would be looking around right?" The man with a cigarette in his mouth spoke, he was similar to the Hokage....at least that's how his presence felt. "I'm Asuma, that's Kurenai and the other one their is Guy."

He took in the others presence, quickly giving them a glance over. Kurenai was distinctive in the fact she had piercing red eyes, which looked like you could get lost in...Genjutsu then. He thought to himself, then he turned the wilder of the three. Who himself was giving Taka a once over, and it looked like he was nodding his head in approval at Taka. While Taka couldn't really see any distinctive characteristic on Guy's style, he got a glimpse of his personality instead and boy, was he a handful.

"Sensei Asuma, Sensei Kurenai and Sensei Guy. Pleasure to meet you all, I'm Taka Yuki. I was hoping you could point me to places of interest, that you think could help me decide whether to accept the Hokage's offer or not." He stated matter of factly, as the three shared a look with one another, before smiling broadly. "Well." Asuma started, as he finished off his cigarette and put out in the ashtray on his table. "We were about to head to a bbq place in the centre of the village with our teams. If you wanted to join us, you're more than welcome too. Help you get to know the people you could be teaming up with, and build up some bonds while you're at it."