their First Date.

[Nujabes]

I'd received the Tsuchikage's message earlier that day, but waited before goin' after her. With the stress of her little interrogation (which I found rather tactful), I figured it would be best to give her a little breathing room before she and I began our little endeavor. Besides, it wasn't like either of us were going anywhere -- unless it was an emergency, I imagined she'd be in Mizu no Kuni for at least another day before returning to her own country.

Regardless, it wasn't hard to find the inn she was staying at, or her room. Only the most lavish of establishments would be suitable for such a fine woman, and being as all her costs were paid for by my nation, I wasn't surprised to find her in one of the more luxurious and well-polished chambers.

Top floor suite, of course.

Opposed to my typical leather attire, deeming this one of the more "formal" occasional, I decided it would be better to actually dress to impress. The suit I wore was rather simple in design, plain and egg-white, crisp and pressed, but the fabric is what mattered; hand-made by the finest seamstresses Mizu no Kuni had to offer, it complemented my dark leather shoes and deep velvet tie perfectly (which was tucked against a stark white button-up). No glasses, and my hair was actually brushed and tamed, framing my chiseled face more so than it naturally did.

I'm not very vain, but I was must that I looked sharper than a fuckin' tack. Knock, knock - I patted gently against the door.

[daisy]

"One moment dear!" I called. Probably room service? I didn't know who'd be bothering me, nor who knew i was here at all! But regardless, i wasn't about to answer the door when i was halfway through finishing my face. Pouting in the mirror, i carefully contoured my cheekbones. A flash of red lipstick, my trademark shade, and i was quite presentable. Dressed in one of the complimentary robes, terribly comfortable, i strode to the door and pulled it open.

"Lord Mizukage! My, my, my, you do look handsome. Come in, come in!" I cooed, opening the door wider and gesturing to the room. It was luxurious, and wonderfully catered. I'd been charmed to find such a hotel in his capital. But just what was he doing here? Perhaps following up on my note? It was a welcome surprise.
"Do take a seat, i'll just be a second." I said sweetly, before grabbing a few items from my handbag and darting into the bathroom. I quickly stripped my robe, and slipped into a simple black dress, the lack of embellishment made up for by the perfect tailoring, as if my figure needed even more complimenting.

A pair of matte black heels, one of my very highest pairs, a gleaming silver chain necklace, and a few statement rings were my only accessories. It was such a treat to wear the shoes, as usually i was altogether too tall in them, coupled with my initial height. But in the company of the handsome fellow out there, no matter what i wore, i'd be dwarfed. It was an unfamiliar, but pleasant experience. I swung open the door, leaning against the frame. I contrasted perfectly with his white ensemble.

"I almost preferred the leather, darling." I joked, taking in his outfit. He was striking. His dark skin highlighted my porcelain appearance, and his outfit was perfectly co-ordinated.
"To what do i owe this pleasure?"

[Nujabes]

I sat while she tended to herself, crossing one leg over the other as I leaned back in the comfortable, borderline over-pillowed chair. "I'm a man of my word, Lady Tsuchikage. I did say that I would entertain you after the exams, didn't I? Besides, only a fool would pass up the chance of seeing such a beautiful woman twice in the same day."

I'd wait for her to make her way over to her seat, whichever she chose, watching each and every smooth step that her long, slender legs produced. So graceful for wearing such high heels, I couldn't deny it. "I'd be lying if I said that I didn't find your interest with Kouketsu intriguing. It actually provoked me to do a bit of digging, myself." I paused, only to reach into the breast pocket of my suit to retrieve an envelope.

"If there is any information pertaining to Kouketsu Uchiha, it's in this envelope right there. All records of his activities from childhood to his disappearance at the end of the Second War." My tone was flat and straight to the point; it was my business demeanor, more or less." Placing the parcel on the glass table between us, I slid it toward her. "But, I must ask something of you--

You said that you and the Kusakage nominee are close, yes?" It was rhetorical. "I need you to speak with her, as a friend and soon-to-be-fellow Kage. She has something of mine - something that belongs to my people. Samehada, as you may have heard. I want you to talk to her and see if she will return it to Kirigakure as an act of good faith." My head tilted slightly to the side. "I'm sure that you can appreciate how important a symbol, like that sword, can be to people. Naturally, I would much rather settle this without resorting to violence, and I have a feeling that you might be able to better convey that than I would. However-- presuming she refuses, well, lets just say there is no length I won't go to in order to ensure that every single one of the Seven Swordsmens' blades have been returned to their rightful home."

I smirked. "But, please forgive me for being so forward. I simply wanted to get the business portion of this meeting out of the way, so that we have the rest of the night to enjoy the pleasure of it."

[daisy]

Truly a charmer. I smiled as i made my way over to him, choosing one of the comfortable armchairs opposite the man, across the glass coffee table. He was straight to the point, a man after my own heart. Although i did so enjoy social games, between the two of us, we seemed to have an understanding. An open borders policy, that although our villages had no official connection, we, personally, i liked to think we were on the same wavelength. I gasped at his gift. It was more than i could've hoped for, and would no doubt make intensely interesting reading.

Plucking the parcel delicately from the table top, i slipped it into my handbag, hanging from the arm of my chair. He then, however, pursued a train of conversation i had not expected. I knew, of course, of Lady Blanche's possession of the weapon, but hadn't stopped to consider its origins. Naturally, i'd heard of the order of swordsmen in Mist. This was interesting. Just how had she come into owning the item? I doubted she'd be willing to part with such a valuable trinket, but i'd discuss it with her. It was opportunistic, to say the least, that currently two of my shinobi were delivering her an invitation to meet. Initially, i'd just wanted to see the woman, after so long, and discuss our village's relationships, now that hers was established. It appeared we had more to talk about than i'd thought.

"It shall be done. Lady Blanche, however, doesn't seem one to take too kindly to such a request. I can't make any guarantees, darling, but i would hate for it to become a less than civil issue." Truly, in his words, i couldn't help but get the idea he'd kill for these weapons to return to Mist. I understood his sentiments, but just hoped it could be resolved with class. He proceeded to talk about us spending the rest of the night together, though! How fabulous. I was eager to see what his lands offered. Fine dining, copious amounts of wine, it was just what i needed.

I was interested in this 'hearing' concerning Grass, but i supposed details of where, and when it was occurring would be provided nearer to the time. It was strange, actually. Although we were on even footing, he seemed to be a step ahead of the other kages. I'd never have thought to organise such a thing.
"I am so looking forward to exploring your city's nightlife. Would you care to join me for dinner?" I said with a laugh, rising gracefully from my chair. I swung my handbag onto my elbow, then took down a gauzey black shawl from a peg. With that, i gave him one last coy glance, then left the room. Business was all well and good, but i was looking forward to spending time with this man.

[Nujabes]

"Mm, I imagine so. But, I can't fault you should she decline. All I can be is truly, and genuinely, grateful you will have tried." I rose as I spoke, taking a single step toward Coco as she made her move to leave. It was, of course, faster than one naturally should have been able to cross the distance; however, that was something you grew accustomed to when you dedicated yourself to the refined arts of taijutsu.

Towering over her as I was, I paid excruciating attention to the details. When my hand reached for her arm, it was firm -- a signal that walking by my side was what I intended for her -- but incredibly gentle, much like one would (or should, I'll say) handle such a fine woman. It was a caring grasp, one that was perhaps a stark contrast to my appearance.

"If you don't mind, Lady Tsuchikage," I'd say quickly after holding her at bay for but a moment. "But it would be a great honor if you would allow me to escort you." Releasing her, I would crook out my elbow for her to loop her arm around. Presuming she did as I expected, we would leave together.

Strolling through the hotel on our way out, I instinctively sparked a conversation. "Being such a special occasion, I took the liberty of deciding our venue - we will be dining at Mount Youbu. Wonderful food, and the finest white whine Mizu no Kuni has within its borders. I had it imported from the coast after the Exams. You do have a liking for it, yes?"

Stepping outside, she'd find the night air crisp and cool, more so than the gentle breezes that rolled over the arena earlier that day. Naturally, I'd humbly erase a little bit of the distance between us (presuming she'd taken the offer of my arm), to spread some of the unnatural warmth that defined my body's temperature. The Yonbi was more useful than I gave him credit for, it seems.

[daisy]

I was rather surprised at his advance, but it was welcome none the less. I flashed him a vivid smile, delicately linking my arm with his. Even through his suit, i could feel the heat of his arm on my bare flesh. As we left, he informed me of our dinner plans. What an enigmatic man! Appearing at the door of my hotel room, and inviting me out to somewhere he'd probably already made a reservation. Perhaps were it someone else, i'd be rather more contrary, declining such an invitation purely for the fact they expected me to accept. But as it was, his self assurance was attractive. I'd always been a fan of confidence.

"Nothing better than a crisp white wine, sweetie. Except perhaps champagne. The wine you provided at the exams was fabulous." I said thoughtfully, as we left the building. The night was a touch colder than i was used to. It made sense that a land with such affinity for water would be less temperate than my own, dusty home. I felt him edge ever so slightly closer, and stifled a giggle as i pressed into his side. We must've looked terribly odd to outsiders. He stood over seven feet, of course, and looked entirely dashing in his ensemble. I, glammed up as ever, was close to six and a half feet myself, and i felt that the glances i so often garnered in the street were something familiar to him to.

As we walked, i broached a subject i was curious about. Although business, i supposed, as two kages, there were some things i could talk to him about that i couldn't mention elsewhere.
"She's lovely, you know. Haughty, arrogant, perhaps even a tad deluded, but sweet. I don't know her as well as i'd like, but i do think she's deserving of her village. Do you think the summit will go smoothly?" I was talking about Blanche, of course. Honestly, i was less interested in the decision regarding her than i was in a meeting of all five kages. Just how would it go?

"When do you plan on having it? And will it be here? After the success of the exams, i doubt anyone would have qualms travelling here." I said, pondering. Perhaps i was being dull, discussing such things when i should be getting to know the man better. But i'd warned him before of my love for information.

[Nujabes]

"I met her, briefly; she sent a kage bunshin to the exams shortly after you took your leave to deal with that little bit of business." I walked slowly, enjoying the the Tsuchikage's company and the welcoming the fresh air. "She seemed rather well-mannered, but-- yes, I could tell she's a woman of ego; she was constantly looking down at the Raikage, opposed to looking at him. She will be an interesting ruler, to say the least."

I fell silent for a moment after that, turning my attention to the luminous Mizu no Miyako. The night had settled itself comfortably within the village, battled back by the countless lights upon each corner, and threads that loosely hung between multiple levels of each and every building. The city was a jewel of radiance, gently resting against the darkness of the sky's bosom; a rare, priceless piece of jewelry that could not rivaled no matter how one might try.

"The hearing is scheduled for next week, and it will be hosted in Tetsu no Kuni. It was decided that a neutral country would be more-- favorable, I'll say, for this. Somewhere where neither Kage has any real footing, and we will be able to speak our minds freely without the need to worry about how one ruler's people might feel." Rolling my gaze back to Coco, I flashed a vivid smile. "However, I don't think anything bad will happen. Like I told Blanche, I'm fairly certain the Kages won't have a problem accepting her into our folds. She's done well for herself."

Clearly, the issue of Samehada didn't weigh down on my conscious or decision. Whether or not she gave me the sword would not interfere with her rise to leadership. It would, however, determine how long she retained such a title.

---

The walk to Mount Youbu was a fair distance, but well worth the wait (and Coco's company was an added bonus). We were greeted by several hostesses, all of which gave deep bows as entered the exclusive establishment. "Lord Mizukage," one said. "Lady Tsuchikage." said another.

I nodded my head in the direction of the young woman who addressed me, and continued on to the table I'd reserved. Secluded from the rest of the restaurant in the "VIP" section, roughly one third of the restaurant was ours. Removing my arm from Coco's embrace to pull out her seat, I wouldn't sit, myself, until I was sure she was situated. Once I was, however, I addressed the server. "A bottle of white wine, please."

The server nodded, and then took his leave. He returned after several short minutes with a bottle and two glasses, popping the cork and filling both of the glasses and then setting them down. Coco received hers first, followed be me. "Feel free to order whatever your heart desires," I encouraged the Tsuchikage as I took a sip from my glass. "These are private chefs, and will prepare whatever dish you would like, hence the lack of a menu."

[daisy]

As much pleasure as i took in the man's company, i still felt a tad inadequate. I'd felt it at the exams, when it had been revealed that both him and the Raikage possessed bijuu within themselves. But this wasn't a matter of strength, or prowess in battle. This was more... it was difficult to say. Perhaps because he was the only man i'd met who i hadn't stood higher than in my heels? He seemed so terribly put together. So collected. So sure of himself and his actions. I liked to think i carried myself with the same assurance, but underneath it all? I was nowhere near as cool.
"The land of iron, hmm? I haven't been there before. At least after tonight, i shan't have to wait long to see you again." I said coyly.

Entrance into the restaurant was a charming affair. He really was giving me a fabulous impression of his city. I smiled at the women who greeted us, and then proceeded to clap my hands together in delight when our table was revealed. Of course he was something of a celebrity around here, but i hadn't expected such luxury treatment. I slipped gracefully into the seat he offered me, and giggled at his order of wine. Really, he was such a gentleman. I took a greedy sip as he informed me that i could order anything. Anything!

"My, my, my. Lord Mizukage, you excel yourself!" I said merrily, putting down my glass to consider what i'd like to eat. In all honesty, i'd have been more than content with the wine, but i supposed it would be rude not to have at least a salad or something. "In that case, i'll have another bottle of wine, darlings! I'm jesting, of course. Do you do pasta carbonara?" I assumed it was a reasonable request, and took another drink as i gave the Mizukage time to order.
"And i will take that wine, too." I added with a wink, as an afterthought. Why not indulge?

Assuming that was all out of the way, i lounged back in my chair, wine in hand, and observed my 'date'. He was terribly exotic, at least compared to the weathered men back home. I'd never craved companionship, had never been able to really, since it was stolen from me so long ago. But perhaps, after so many years, i could get used to his company. Only time could really tell, i supposed. One thing was for sure, if i had to choose somebody to confide in, to share with, i could do far worse than this man.
"Lord Mizukage, i'm afraid i haven't even asked for your name yet." I said casually, dark eyes still locked on his face.

[Nujabes]

"My full name is Namitsuki Kushinada," I said with a smooth reserve, quite content on feasting on the lovely Tsuchikage's features. "But please, feel free to call me Akira. It's more so my name than the one I was given at birth - I buried it, as well as everything that came with it, a long time ago." With that out of the way, I turned my attention to the server.

"I'll have a garden salad, please." I finally decided.

"With extra olives and tomatoes, as usual, Lord Mizukage?"

"Yes, please." The server smiled, and then nodded to us both before taking his leave. In his stead, a young woman appeared with another bottle of wine. Rather than opening it, however, she left it in the bucket of ice; she too vanished shortly after that.

Finally alone, I smiled. It was a michevious smile, perhaps more of a smirk, soft and alluring like the most clever of chester cats. "That does sound rather enticing, though - Tetsu no Kuni, I mean. I must say, I've seen quite a few wonderful ladies in my day," I paused, leaning forward in to set my elbows on the table top so that my hands could form a bridge for my chin to rest on, "but none of them hold even a flicker of competition to your wonderful physique."

Quite explicitly, my eyes dipped down, following the curves of her body until my vision was greeted by the pale white cloth of the table. "Forgive me for being forward, but are you seeing anyone? I only ask because, if you aren't, I would be honored to take you out for dinner after the hearing, as well."

[daisy]

Akira, hmm? It was a nice name. His given name rather suited his title more, but i could well understand choosing to go by something different. I wasn't born Coco, now was i? I continued to sip at my wine. Although i had a great tolerance for the drink, it wouldn't do to embarrass myself in front of the man. Particularly since he seemed to have taken it upon himself to embarrass me. Although flattered, i couldn't help analyse his compliment. The way he said it hinted at underlying meaning. I obviously lacked certain... womanly attributes, but the way i dressed and held myself often left men oblivious. There was a lot to be said for a beautiful face, after all.

"You're too kind. My body is merely a canvas, though. I take great pleasure in my art." I said ambiguously. Regardless of how much he knew, i was never one to give the game away. His interest was welcome, however. I couldn't remember the last time i'd felt so appreciated. Not that i needed such attention, of course. My previous life, with that previous man, had left me very self sufficient in that sense. I watched his gaze wander, and couldn't stop my smile widening. He was forward, and i liked that.

"Not particularly, no. I am, however, continuing a rather secretive relationship with a mirror back home. There's a beautiful woman waiting for me within, and i'd hate to see her jealous." I said, my smile as prominent as before. I'd been so invested in myself for so long. I truly had no idea if i could pay enough attention to anybody else to constitute a form of relationship.

"Am i to take it you're looking for... companionship, Lord Mizukage?"

[Nujabes]

"Unfortunately for us, my dear, as talented as I am, I do not possess the fabled Sharingan - predicting the future escapes me." I hadn't thought about a relationship, let alone with a woman like Coco. Indeed, she was rather unique -- but what I found more interesting was the fact that I wasn't bothered by it. I enjoyed her company, and what she represented, more than any overly deep emotional attachment. I would be lying if I said it wasn't an intriguing prospect, though. "I do, however, know that I enjoy your company. And being a man that prefers to proceed based on facts, I think that is the safer option for both of us. Should companionship come out of it from our continuous company and time spent together, then that would be quite wonderful."

Simply testing the waters, in short.

I matched her lovely smile, letting my head sway off to the side. "But, I'm not the kind of gentleman to step on another person's toes, which is why I asked. So please, if you will, give my regards to that lucky lady in the mirror. The heavens have blessed her quite well, to have walked a woman like you into her life. Truth be told, I'm quite jealous."

My flattery all but halted as a pair of servers entered the room, carrying with them our meals. Coco's plate was set down first (naturally), followed by mine. Skewering several vegetables, along with a mesh of lettuce, I took my first bite. Even though I'd eaten there several times since my promotion to Water Shadow, the excellent taste always surprised me. I often forgot how delicious food could truly be.

"However, should you and your mirror lover ever part ways," I spoke between another bite. "You know where to find me."

I smirked.

[daisy]

I listened, amused, as he retorted. He played along with my little joke, but i couldn't quite fathom him. Initially, he'd been very forward about what he wanted, but i seemed to sense a small step backwards. It was much more my style. I did so hate labeling things, having fought all my life to avoid it. But simply spending more time with him? That i couldn't fault. Nor his flattery. Our meals arrived then, and i clapped my bejeweled hands together in delight. It looked fabulous.

Daintily, i picked up a fork and tasted the pasta.
"Oh! My, my, my! Lord Mizukage, would i incur the Mist's wrath should i kidnap your chefs?" I cried, hand to my mouth. It was truly delicious. I ate well in Iwa, of course, but i hadn't had a taste of true fine dining in quite some time. I devoured a little more, trying to maintain some form of dignity, and resisting the urge to stuff my face. Dabbing my scarlet lips with a napkin, i retrieved my glass, and drank a little more wine.

"Do you eat here often? If this is daily life for you, i fear i shall be breaking my mirror-companion's heart very soon. I'd gladly give seven years bad luck for this!" I cooed, draining my glass and reaching to pour another. I was enjoying myself greatly. It had rather been all business since my return to the title, and dining at such a stylish joint with such a stylish man was a much needed treat.

I continued sipping wine between bites, so as not to consume the entire dish at once. Akira had opted for a salad, and i already felt rather presumptuous going for a main course to begin with.
"So tell me about yourself, Lord Mizukage. You goals, your ambitions, your dreams~ And you must tell me where you shop!" I wasn't worried about being too direct. He seemed to be comfortable enough in my company.

[Nujabes]

"I do," I admitted after setting my fork down. Unfortunately, I hadn't been able to balance my eating with drinking as well as Coco; more than half of my salad had vanished before she'd finished her soliloquy. I blame not having eaten since breakfast (which really wasn't good for me, considering my demanding training regiment), but that day had been unique. No harm ever came from bending the rules just a little bit, every once in a while. "This is the only place that knows how to make the salads I like, as stingy as that might sound. They use a very specific set of spices and vinegar in their dressing. But, I tend to eat alone. So, feel free to accompany me as often as you'd like."

My smile was wide and bright, cutting across my face like a knife glistening in the afternoon sun. "As for my clothes, I don't shop. Every piece of clothing and accessory I own are custom made."

It wasn't until her inquiries dug deeper that I paused my ravenous onslaught on the salad in front of me. Now, I took to sipping my wine. My gaze, for the first time since our dinner had begun, drifted away from Coco. Now, I casually glanced at the wine in my glass -- I slowly rolled the stem in my fingers, stirring the liquid, and remained silent for several moments. It'd been so long since I actually sat down and thought about what I wanted from this life. Many would simply spout one thing or another, but not I. This deserved more attention than a childish dream, to say the least.

"I hope to restore Kirigakure's reputation, and show the world that my people are not the bloodthirsty warmongers that they have been painted to be." My voice was deep, but tender. "We all have our mistakes -- our scars, yet it is ours, as the instigators of the Second Great War, who are not allowed to forget them. Not allowed to move on." I paused to sip my wine, but continued shortly after. "The Shodaime no longer rules Kirigakure - I do. I want the world to know that. That is my goal."

I took another sip. "However, my dream and ambitions are one in the same: peace. I dream that, in time, wars will no longer be fought against each other. . . but instead, side by side each other, against greater foes and enemies: poverty, hunger, tyranny. A world free of Nagato and Kouketsu Uchihas, and Uekyuuchi Kikkawas." Smiling, my eyes cut to Coco. "A world where a man might be able to ask such a gorgeous, lovely woman out to dinner, regardless of their village, and be declined not because of where he lives or what village he represents-- but instead, accepted or declined based on his character."

Setting my glass down, I returned to eating my salad. "Tonight gives me a strong feeling that we're almost there." Tilting my head to the side as I chewed, I nodded to Coco. "And you?"

Who was she really?

[daisy]

A remarkable man. Given his stature, and his composure, and not to mention his kageship, and possession of a bijuu, it was difficult not to imagine him a tyrant on the battlefield, an unrelenting force. And perhaps he was. Yet it wasn't his calling. I felt inadequate. I was a victim of great vanity, of pettiness. I held grudges, i indulged in gossip and rumour mongering. And yet, the Mizukage, ruler of the village that could've destroyed our shinobi world, desired peace. His monologue was almost too good to be true. Although, i supposed, i had asked for dreams, not for realities.

"A brave new world." I murmured, as he finished. It wasn't as if i too didn't desire peace. If only the intrigue of war didn't attract me so. I would always go when something was caught in my web. I was a slave to the vibrations. I picked at my pasta.
"Such noble sentiments." I said thoughtfully, swallowing and reaching again for my wine. There were depths to him. I wondered just what else laid beneath the surface?

"I have a few, petty dreams. I used to desire an end to prejudice, to discrimination. But i fear i've grown jaded. These days, i think little further beyond retiring to my chambers with a bottle of wine, come night." I said, finishing with a teasing smile to avoid my melancholy descending upon our date. I would say nothing more on the subject. A lot of my dreams died, a long time ago. But i wasn't the type to be dramatic. Not anymore.

I finished another glass. It was already late when he arrived at the hotel, i wondered what the time was? Not that i was quite ready to let this evening end yet.
"Do you believe it, darling? Your dream, i mean? Can we all really stop fighting?" I wasn't putting on any airs. He had surprised me with it. I was curious.

[Nujabes]

"Honestly? Yes, I do." While I was by no means a pacifist, I had come to realize this during the many confrontations I'd submerged myself in, both during and after the Second Great War. The truest communication was revealed when one's fist connected; when their swords clashed; when their blood was spilled and their life drifted off into the ether. I found that every man I'd ever killed. . . they all wished for the same thing: peace.

Straightening in my seat, I contently watched her. "Conflict is a ravenous fire, but without a fuel-- without us, the people, edging it on and feeding its need --it will simply smother itself out. Of course, erasing evil from the hearts of men and women is impossible. We all possess that primal, selfish instinct which drives us to do the things we do. However, it is necessary that we control and monitor it, for the sake of the world and her children."

I paused, finishing my wine and then refilling the glass. "Unfortunately, this task is not one that only a single man can do. It takes far more than one man's strength to unite a continent. Otherwise, catastrophes like the Second Great Shinobi War occur and it is all for naught." I remembered, quite well, what Kouketsu had told me when I asked his reasons for what he was doing. 'To unite the world,' he said. 'Ninja have polluted its course. Ninja should not rule the people -- people should rule the ninja.'

Even when he was gone, his dream still lived on.