Not exactly a tea party[closed.]

Tomoe recently distributed invitations, notifying recipients of their mandatory presence. Most called for confidential meetings; sign this, sign that. Yes -- the Tsuchikage herself was also frequently tormented by a repetitious cycle. One meeting was scheduled up next, not one where she signed documents with careful, graceful strokes, but for tea; tea with an academy graduate of all people. Tomoe's intentions however were not to formally praise the adolescent, despite it seeming so. Typically when non-political figures were summoned to her work quarters it definitely wasn't for tea.

During her time as Tsuchikage, Tomoe garnered an unfavorable reputation. Unlike some of her counterparts she's never reached a celebrity-like status; while gaining supporters, the notoriety of her decisions will live on in infamy. A sad reality, but perhaps it was a suitable price to pay for shielding them from the evils of the world.

With an aging hand, the woman personally prepared different flavors of tea, some of the more exquisite variety. Gyokuro, Genmaichi, and Ichi Kariben. They were prepared with etiquette. She aligned needed utensils nigh of perfection, with only the most careful touch and attention to detail. A gentle aura clogged her offices' atmosphere; Gentle, yes. Intimidating, no.

"Please, come in!"

Her rosy cheeks pulled at the soft flesh of her margins. The raven-haired girl was welcomed with nothing less of a genuine and gentle smile. "Please, Shinobu-san." Palm up, limb extended slightly, Tomoe's elegantly fluid motions welcomed the girl to sit. A decorative stone chair awaited, cushioned by soft fabric, like that of a pillow. She lowered herself, finding a comfortable spot on the furniture. Prior to their meeting she had the granite table positioned near her offices' window, overlooking Iwagakure. A breathtaking view. During the current time of day, the sun above blessed each lusterless structure with beauty; contrast to its' usually depressing tone. Surely Shinobu had a myriad of questions and concerns about her summoning, albeit that would have to wait.  

"Gyokuro." Gyokuro is green tea, its contents shaded from the sun as well grown in approximately three weeks. Her hand hovered above a steaming tea pot, and she'd follow a similar pattern: "Genmaicha." A green tea, combined with popped brown rice. "Ichi Kariben." Lastly, the herbal tea. Every aroma was equally as inviting, further accentuating her polite demeanor. She'd pour the flavor Shinobu chose, if she picked one that is. 

"You're not here to get scolded, Shinobu-san." Though, she wasn't ignorant of the teen avoiding curfew, how often she wasn't sure. Contradictory of her usual description. Ruthless, blackhearted, cold -- she's heard it all. Possibly a misconception, though judging from her cover alone happened to be quite difficult.

"You're most welcome." Tomoe slightly bowed as well in response to her guest expressing gratitude. She'd often share aromatic beverages, or other commodities to ease tension. "Hmmm!" Delighted, she carefully scanned the trio of available flavors with her dark orbs; settling on Genmaicha. Taking her time to pour her own even. She aligned the cup with her lips, silently sipping its contents. Reflecting upon the adolescent's inquisitive nature. Tomoe rested the cup, uncoiling her slender digits from its circumference. "It's quite alright, Shinobu-san." She understood the girl was excited, which bred her hasty questions, truthfully, Tomoe did not mind. Respectfully, she did not break eye contact; like that of conducting business with officials. 


Why was someone so humble as Shinobu sharing tea with the Tsuchikage -- "I thank you for finding Ishigame." She'd eventually call upon the other as she preferred meetings on a personal level. She hadn't had time to think of a suitable payment, so, why not let Shinobu choose? She thought the mission was quite befitting to a fresh graduate, and remained anonymous intentionally; it doubled as an assessment. "I'm only a fraction of that turtle's age, and Ishigame-sama is quite the prideful one -- he can be a handful at times." Typically nin-animal contracts were unwaveringly loyal to their contractees, but ironically, Ishigame was quite the opposite. 


"Hopefully he didn't cause you too much trouble, Shinobu-san." She'd pause, taking a moment to sip more of her tea. "I wanted to personally reward you. Please, name your price." 

"That he does." She'd almost mumble to herself and pause momentarily. She couldn't help but replay memories with Ishigame in her mind, dating back to her youthful years. They were much simpler times. She'd break her train of thought shortly after enjoying the clay cup's contents. "I'm glad he didn't stir up any trouble." Tomoe selected a random genin with no prior knowledge of skills nor scores from their academy years.


Tomoe began digging through a small flora-patterned pouch, fully prepared to remunerate the genin for a job-well-done. Shifts of coin and paper alike created subtle noises. Music to those blinded by its monetary worth. With peripheral vision she'd count every one of Shibobu's extended digits; one, two, three, four, five thousand - "Oh?" Truth be told, she was taken aback by instead a handshake and deal. "Hm?" She'd take her hand, lightly shaking it, thus finalizing their mutual agreement. "That speaks volumes about your character, Shinobu-san, consider it done." Loosening her grip, her hand disappeared under their shared table again. "And come as you please, I insist." Truthfully, Tomoe could use the company. She grew used to those whom only acted out of fear; attempting to gratify their leader, their actions dictated by her common descriptions. Shinobu seemed different. Albeit, why only tea? Most avoided her presence if it all possible. The Tsuchikage grew curious. At times she acted with extreme prejudice to those deemed enemies of the regime, so she understood the circulated fear. While Iwagakure's government is undoubtedly authoritarian, the citizens are always its focus -- protect them at all costs.


In their brief interactions, she's grown fond of the girl as well. She'd steer their conversation in a different direction, to tame her own curiosity. "I'd like to know more about you, Shinobu-san, if that's alright?" Tomoe would only depart her margins again, depending on Shinobu's answer. "What are your aspirations? Hobbies?" Her green hues locked with the girl's own orbs. Tomoe understand her gaze at times could be fierce if inconvenienced, though Shinobu would only know one contradictory of that.