A springy-autumnal-hued canvas stretched along the horizon, evident of sunrise. The hustle and bustle of Kugane had yet to erupt and the lone officer relished in leaning against the gargantuan bridge to witness the unraveling of day betwixt the serene ocean. In fact, the bridge was right along the seaport, allowing his currently-crimson oculars both visual patrol and observation of this daily spectacle. Nothing suspicious would escape his cautious gaze...

As he fixated himself along the wooden railing of the bridge, his elbows were propped on the top to allow his hands to holster his habitual vice: green tea. Frequently, the Kugane soldier entered the various cafes and shops, his sweet tooth unfulfilled, insatiable. Itashui, a highly-regarded member of the Kugane police, was a frequent flyer in those “institutions” — despite his cold and standoffish ways, the young male couldn’t resist a delicacy if an opportunity presented itself. The steam of his piping green tea rolled like waves into the gentle air, catching his agape lips occasionally. Oh, it was truly delicious.

Enjoying the calm before the storm was a treasure in its own right — the possible looming threat of the Empire knocking on Kugane’s doorstep was steadily approaching. Eventually, Kugane would face imperial scrutiny... but only if the Garlean Empire wanted to violate any sense of peace. Truthfully, Kugane was pictured as a melting pot; a conglomeration of foreign and civilian individuals, friend and foe, peacefully conducting various business in this large port town — All in respect of the police and their hard work, of course; otherwise the town would have suffered with violence long ago. Itashui was grateful and determined to keep Kugane the sole free port in Hingashi that would resume to allow foreign vessels to trade. His service kept scum and villainy away and at bay! Doma, however, was not as fortunate in abstaining from imperial control.

Sighing soothingly, the man pondered whilst drinking his tea and observed the making of a new day. There were also talks of a new recruit within the police establishment. Personally he wasn’t disclosed information about what department the newcomer would land in, but he hoped that whoever it was, they were prepared for ritual hazing — well, the Uchiha family’s royal treatment of those outside of family line within their dominated workforce. They were top dog contenders, after all — and perhaps these canines would eat their young, if they hadn’t yet, anyway. He couldn’t fathom this police officer being female, either. Realistically, his family viewed it irregular for a woman to take on such a stressful and risky job.

Time would only tell.

---

prippy

The very same newcomer, unbeknownst to him, happened to be burning daylight as early as he was. With the sunrise facing her back, the young woman continued her run, finding exercise to be her productive means of fighting back the fluttering butterflies in her stomach. The cooler temperatures of day-break prevented the perspiration from settling and forming beads on her skin, the swinging of her hair fashioned in a ponytail swiping against her back’s bare skin exposed by the open scoop of her tank top. The butterflies were because she was made very aware of her disadvantage of being a female and still having wanted to join the police force. Her family wasn’t a part of the faction that she was attempting to enter, but nonetheless, through perseverance, determination, and hard work, she managed to have been granted – she always rolled her eyes at the word – the privilege – another eye roll – to join the Kugane Police Force.



To any onlooker, they would’ve just guessed that perhaps she liked fitness. After all, there were no weapons equipped on her person and she was dressed rather plainly: a black tank top paired with a pair of black tights that ended a few inches above her knee, though the fabric of the tights were met closely with the height of the boots adorned on her feet. The all black ensemble only highlighted further the alabaster complexion that was flushed rosy for however long she had been exercising for. Her feet lightly padded against the bridge’s floor, almost leaping from her toes the moment she landed, before she finally slowed to a halt once she made it to the other end. Having not noted Itashui’s presence, for the simple fact that a part of her training was mostly mental strengthening coupled with physical exhaustion, she allowed herself to place her hands on her hips, still forcing herself to not relax too much.


The reason why she was doing this so early? Very few instances of running into someone that she recognized. With today especially being her introduction and essentially first day at the police force, she needed to clear her mind, have a moment of peace, which she felt this was what she felt would’ve given that to her: early morning scenery. Unbeknownst to her, her back was directly against a person that she could’ve probably easily annoyed with just her presence, especially if he had the intention of looking forward and out at the scenery since her person would be blocking some of it.

One of the softest sighs perhaps known possible for the lad escaped his perked lips after sipping the delicacy in his fingertips. Before his busy and severely annoying day, he enjoyed the moment of solitude uninterrupted. Ah... all seemed tranquil and most of all... quiet. Until a jogger, as it were, disturbed his solace. Despite light footsteps against the planks of the wooden bridge, it was still audible considering the lack of noise conflicting with the oceanside. His eyes rolled disinterestedly whilst his pale lips released a low groan. He wondered if this small sign was an allusion to how the day would transpire. Just great. Itashui would do his best to ignore the insolent nuisance, knowing that he or she would jog away; but the person didn't... Sigh.

Pitter-patter of footsteps progressing ceased, indicating that they had stopped -- twas possible, as well, that Rinoa's breathing pattern was audible enough from his specific spot upon the bridge. Not only that, but aforementioned antagonist was slightly disrupting his view. Labored breathing, loitering around his premises... Why? He knew this day would be chaotic enough with a new recruit in the division... just why of all moments did someone have to make Itashui perturbed? A moment seemed drawn out, and his patience was steadily growing thin until he could ignore no longer. His visage pivoted to face the culprit, glare cold and icy, "Ms. Hatiri." Family friend? To his family, yes. The Uchiha and Hatiri were associates and friendly, but Itashui wasn't one to socialize leisurely or procure friendships. He considered her more of a routine associate during social gatherings that he was unfortunately forced to attend. Itashui was a little surprised, however, to find her outside this early, but his exterior didn't feign any emotional shock.

His posture arose from it's slouched and leaned position, rigidly straight and erect as he now stood, despite his body facing the portside, still. His tea still sat along the railing of the bridge, clasped firmly by his hands. "I don't usually see you out here this early." He flatly spoke, eyeing the woman. She had yet to notice him, but perhaps his break of silence would awaken her from her ignorant stupor?

---

prippy

At the sound of her surname spoken, she stiffened and returned to a proper, upright posture, before turning to face the owner of the voice. Her shock was evident on her features, a mixture of surprised and fear painting her expression as her alarmed eyes met his collected self, just as he noted her presence being an irregularity. So much for not running into someone she thought to herself, gnawing the inside of her cheek as she properly faced him, taking into consideration the fact that their families maintained a close relationship. "Itashui," she regarded, her tone reflecting her surprise and still warmer than his flat and distant manner of speaking.



Even his rigid posture, despite her now proper one, had her tensing up before him; the very anxiety that she had been trying to beat into submission with this early morning exercise bubbling back to the surface. Unintentionally, she nervously swallowed before attempting to answer him. "Y-yeah, it's a new routine...," her eyes nervously began to search his facial expression, and noting the lack of emotion present, it didn't quell the unease she had. "I'm sorry if I bothered you," she politely apologized, before moving from in front of his person to a safe distance off to the side of him, fearful that she interrupted his view. "It's a big day for me today," she carefully divulged. It would be rude to not have said anything at all and to just run off, as she didn't want to cause unnecessary tension between them or their families for her own stupidity. "Are you always out here?" again, tentative tone, inquiring. Depending on his answer, she might go out of her way to avoid this area if he seemed increasingly annoyed.

Unlike Itashui, Rinoa was very expressive outwardly of her emotions — shock and fear was plastered upon her alabaster visage. Alarmed to discover his presence out so early? His steel composure didn’t falter, apathetic gaze piercing into her complexion. Her voice was certainly smoother and smoother than his original response; that was certain.

Nonchalantly his hands arose to bring the cup to his lips once more, inhaling the delicacy. In an interestingly strange way, the smoke diluted and clouded his intimidating gaze, hazing briefly over his oculars. A period of respite was given to Rinoa, if only for a moment. His brow arched at her comment, his mind reeling. New routine? Was something in her life amiss, changing? Not that he cared much, but he was picking apart this newfound “habit”, as it were. She did seem heavily uneasy, that was certain. And she apologized for seeming to be a bother. Well, he had to keep peace betwixt the families — and he supposed Rinoa wasn’t much of a bother, “I could have worse.” He watched as she moved from his impeccable view. Then she raised an important statement. Big day? His head cocked to one side slightly, view rolling back toward the skyline, “Oh? What marks today?” He inquired rather dryly, wondering if she would exactly divulge the answer.

Then the conversation pointed in his direction. “Usually. The quiet before the storm.” Out of respect for their association, Itashui responded relatively in kind — perhaps not in a genuine or soft manner, but respectful, he supposed. What would that mean for this occasion? Time would tell.

---

prippy