The "King" & The Raven (Natsuru)

Among the common rabble passing through the promenade there was a distinctive figure, a woman, making her status known. Cascading lavender hair in a stylish himecut which screamed wealth and royalty. Although Natsuru came from wealth, she herself was not nearly as successful as her parents and she was not at all royalty. Her neglected ninja duties were not out of sheer laziness, but instead due to investment in other fields. Namely her primary focus as a business venture. With each step she took the tall black high heels she wore stamped into the cobblestone pathway. She practically screamed 'value' without saying a single word or passing so much as a sideways glance. Most people turned their heads and made way, but the minority that didn't make way were merely shoulder-checked and would experience the unnatural physical energy masked behind her feminine frame, often stumbling to keep their balance or totally falling over.

But with his high energy strut she was not sad or angry. Instead she bore a wide grin on her face like a child's first day of school. Within her arms she held a black three-ring binder containing valuable information about her product as well as term sheets and other business related papers. They were neatly organized and well rehearsed mentally by the Senou for her presentation. But of course, this was a business lunch and not a presentation. She came with an appetite and a desire to learn more about her business partner. She arrived at the destination, which was an upscale restaurant serving a lot of classic Japanese dishes. The statuesque was standing a tall 5'11 naturally, but given her high heels she was well past 6'. She scanned the room and saw her potential partner seated alone, the blonde man among the commoners.

Natsuru strutted her way to the table with confident. She wore her knee-high black stockings which were transparent in design providing very light see through qualities. This was paired with a black short skirt— fairly narrow to cling to her frame —and a white buttoned shirt. She wore a red bowtie as the collar and a black cloak over her affair. It was simple, yet business casual. Though what stayed from the dress code just slightly was the matching red ribbon she wore in her hair. She'd place the binder on her seat before retiring her body on top of it. It was a good way to keep it secure, but also prevented her from getting the urge to eagerly reveal its contents.

With a couple thrusts she scooting her chair up to the table until her ribs were nearly against its edge while her breasts hovered over her side of the table. Clasping her hands together she rested them on just before her chest taking on a good posture. With her widen grin she looked into the eyes of man seated before her. "Good afternoon, Simon. I hope you had no trouble making this appointment. Does a Pinot Noir sound adequate? Or do would you prefer anything else to get started?" Wines were an important part of any meal. Since she was twelve she was allowed wine at the dinner table. A small amount, obviously, but as she matured and developed more and more it became a lunch and dinner thing. Though she would never overdrink, the aristocratic ritual of alcohol consumption became a part of her ordinary life. "Though, on the topic of getting started, I wouldn't mind beginning to promote the benefits of my proposal. With the funds at our disposal we would invest in lavish penthouse in the Nihonbashi Sector. This will serve as a secondary residence as well as a corporate headquarters for now until we expand. I have already scoped out an excellent place and secured a fantastic deal with the real estate agent. I told her I would give a decision by the end of today. No pressure, of course, but this accommodation will be bundled with the acceptance of my proposal. So if you are interested of hearing more, we can continue." This was, of course, just a singular perk. She did not even begin to talk about the terms of their partnership as well as the product.

Natsuru's politeness was met with an equally brief, cordial greeting from the man as he offered an open hand. She extended her own as their flesh met with soft clasp, Natsuru's weak wrist shaking up and down to exchange their condolences. His hand was soft yet rough taking on an interesting contrast. Something she could get used to feeling against her supple, pampered mitts. The Raven smirked widely. So far so good! Although she had just met this man she got a decent read given the tone of voice and his body language. Nothing seemed forced and his intentions were genuine. A sweet young boy, who unlike her previous attempts as setting up a business deal, was true to his goal. Often times she found herself in a pickle between two bad deals, either trying to negotiate with a veteran white collar attempting to absorb her assets with a poorly manufactured deal with the odds against her, or being turned down by VCs who discriminate her due to her age and, inevitably, inexperience.

A young businesswoman was left with two choices, and that was knowing somebody on the inside or performing nefarious favors to powerful businessman in hopes of one day finding success of their own. But Natsuru was different. While not exactly a 'feminist' (she actually hates that title and women who associate with it) she seeks to change the business standards for herself and find her own success in the market. She had good vibes about this man. Simon... The smug would stay on her face where it belonged. Although young men didn't have it as harsh as women, there was still a bottleneck. Together they could overcome the ancient business standards and start a new era of their own. That was of course possible as long as they were both confident in their abilities as businessmen and women.

But as greetings faded so did her smug as it relaxed to a soft smile, something more acceptable to have for prolonged periods of time. When the topic of wine was brought up it seemed Simon had no real preference. All in all Natsuru was the same as long as it came down to reds. She was never a fan of any other wines, whether they were whites, rice, or honey. Pinot Noir just happened to pair well with the food she planned to order.

Natsuru found great success in her 'hook', the starting proposal which listed the several amenities both her and Simon would benefit from by accepting the proposal. The idea of living in a penthouse was the most enticing since it was in the heart of the city, versus the Tomiko Heights she was very well used to. A change in atmosphere would do wonders, especially since she would continue to live in a similarly lavish lifestyle she was so used to. Since Simon was already encapsulated by the deal she was implored to continue. "I see, I see. Business first and then play. I like it." Natsuru leaned forward to take her butt off the binder before sliding it from beneath her and setting the warmed folder before the blond man. "Inside the folder you will see blueprints to some of the latest creations. In addition to what you see, I am fully capable of manufacturing weapons and armor. As for chemical product I primarily like to stay within the realm of poisons and drugs, as I find them to be in the hottest market for ninja abroad. But of course I am fully capable of manufacturing medicine and compounds, if it comes down to it."

The sounds of quickened footsteps followed behind Natsuru before stopping by her side. It was the waitress in good timing. She wanted to keep the waitress' visit brief while giving Simon the floor to speak without interruption. Popping open the menu she silently gestured to the Pinot Noir for drink and the chicken ravioli carbonara for her entrée. The waitress would move over to Simon and patiently wait to take his order when he was done saying what he had to say, if anything. When the waitress left to fulfil their orders, Natsuru continued with her pitch. "The plan is to invest in a storefront where we will keep a stock of both of our products. Following my calculations, after building the store and buying out the penthouse suite, we will both have roughly fifty-thousand ryo to invest
in our own product. I strongly recommend a small promotional event after we open. Essentially, we sample out some of our cheaper goods to ninja willing to participate. It's easier to get into something new when you don't have to spend a thing." While Natsuru was unaware of what product Simon specialized it, she was confident what she had to offer was compatible. "And it should go without saying that profits are split fifty-fifty. Our revenue from the store and commission with sales, that is."

Her expectations were held up when it came to dealing with another new entrepreneur. The proposal was a success and initiated a good response from Simon, even encouraging him to get equally invested in the organization. It was moments like these that sparked her kind of passion for the field she chose. Some people were difficult, and that much was inevitable. But once a blue moon a client as well mannered as Simon would come along. And from here on it was simply a matter of designing an action plan and enjoying a tasty lunch together. No hard negotiations or shady practices. At least, none she could observe at this point in their agreement.

The waitress returned with their bottle of wine in an ice bath along with two glasses fresh from the rack. And with the bottle uncorked she quickly filled both glasses to the recommended serving amount. Typically a little less was had with her meals, but today was a joyous occasion. Something that beckoned a bit of celebrating and disregard of routine. The bottle was returned to the ice bath where it would remain chilled for the course of the evening. It was during the filling process was she presented with his own blueprints. She was a bit surprised to see him well-organized. His readiness only confirmed that the two had the same feelings when organizing this event— no nonsense.

She would take a brief moment the eye down its content merely appraise his plans as opposed to checking it for accuracy and effectiveness. He was certainly a journeyman in his field of study which was something she could ascertain by a brief overview. He knew his compounds and essentials of alchemy. Something very valuable indeed. "I see. You are a very competent chemist, much like myself of course. I can tell just from what I've seen that you know your audience. It's easy to craft product tailored to a particular group, like ninja or civilian use. However, appealing to all audiences is the key. And that's where money is had. We are logical enough to see that now, which means given time we'll likely become some of the most successful business owners without a doubt." Natsuru raised her glass with a wink before passing it to her lips, the wine running down her throat in all of its sweetness.

Setting the drink vessel down upon the tabletop she clasped both hands together. "This is all very good, but before I can truly be comfortable I must know what you are about. Your business principles and motivation for seeking a partnership. We're all in it for money to some extent. So I don't want to hear any kind of response like that. I want to know your true values."