[POI] Old Administrative Complex.

[King]

Like most villages, the Hidden Sand’s administrative building is located at its center. Built over the ruins of the previous structure, this massive obelisk towers head and shoulder above any other building within the village. While there are five known levels that define its being, the administrative building is a complex assembly of several sub-levels (classified) and lesser structures that form a single, enormous compound known as the administrative complex.

These buildings are generally separated by high rising walls, guarded by patrolling sentries and tight passageways, maneuvering those seeking to pass between buildings into specific, carefully monitored checkpoints.

At its most basic and fundamental level, the administrative building serves as the working place for the Hidden Sand’s politicians and bureaucrats. Countless wings of the palatial, fortress-like monolith are dedicated to storing files, filing paper work, and chronicling the village’s history. It also serves as the official meeting place for foreign diplomats, including country leaders and neighboring Kages. The administrative complex is also home to the ANBU headquarters. On a more social aspect, the complex also hosts the village’s official arena (where glorious events such as the combative Chuunin Exams are held) known simply as the Pit.

---

[/b][/i]
[Floor 5] – Kage Office
[Floor 4] – Conference Rooms, Advisors Offices
[Floor 3] – Filing, Processing
[Floor 2] – Security Personnel Quarters, Head Quarters, and Check point.
[Floor 1] – General Administration
[Sub-Floor 1] – CLASSIFIED.
[Sub-Floor 2] – CLASSIFIED.
[Sub-Floor 3] – CLASSIFIED.

ANBU Headquarters
[Floor 3] ANBU Leader Office.
[Floor 2] ANBU armory.
[Floor 1] ANBU Administration.
[Sub-Floor 1] ANBU Interrogation and holding chambers.

The Pit
[Posterior] – Inside arena.
[Anterior] – Outside arena.[/font][/ul]

While roleplaying in this thread, please make sure to note where you are, especially in relation to others, before you finalize any post.

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[daisy]

cowgirl in the sand ♥

How unlike me, to find myself intimidated, yet this enormous building was imposing, if nothing else. I stepped gracefully through the doors, approaching what appeared to be a reception of some kind. Though I had been given a thorough history and documentation to prove it, there was still the matter of my face being an unfamiliar one in the Sand, and an unknown jounin was an unusual sight.
"Mai Akira, I have a report for the Kazekage. I was told to brief him personally," Even my typical irreverent attitude was faltering here, as I tried to remain unobtrusive. It was an unfamiliar experience - so used as I was to being known. And to go through the formal process to reach him, how demeaning!

Still, I could not complain. Safety was far more important than respect, and he had done so much for me already. Truly, I despised imposing on him. I knew as well as he how much effort running a village required, and for him to have to spare energy on my behalf, it made me feel... dependent. But I could not retake Iwagakure alone. I had been running through half a dozen plans since I arrived in Sunagakure, and none seemed reasonable.

I bowed lightly to the attendant, and slipped onto a nearby bench to await the Lord Kazekage's pleasure. The problem was, Iwagakure and Sunagakure were now official allies, and I would risk nothing that might jeopardize that agreement. It had taken a lot to achieve it. So that meant I would have to seek my strength elsewhere - Likely from the Mist, Leaf or Cloud. The problem was, I had no way to contact these villages, nor any way to know if they would allow me to hire them. I could pay well, certainly, but the mission had far more political impact than that.

I sighed, toying with a strand of hair. Perhaps he would have an idea. And if it came down to it, I would storm the village - me and my spiders alone against the world. I could not hide here forever.

[King]

The receptionist smiled. "Ah, Ms. Akira. The Kazekage has been expecting you. He's in a meeting at the moment, but I'll let him know that you're here. Your escort will be here shortly."

Without a doubt the most important establishment in all the village, security was understandably tight. Visitors were not allowed to simply wander the halls unsupervised, no matter their rank. It was only a handful of moments before two shinobi appeared before the awaiting Mia, their robes black and masks porcelain. "Ms. Akira," one said. "This way, please."

The Tsuchikage found herself guided through a series of maze-like halls, and several flights of stairs, each floor drawing her closer to the Kazekage's chambers. After nearly fifteen minutes of travel, her escorts stopped before two imposing mahogany doors. "Lord Kazekage awaits."

The doors parted, revealing a rambling office teeming with simple furnishings. Kouketsu sat behind a broad desk, dressed not in his armor (visibly at least), but instead the luxurious traditional robes of his position. "Thank you, gentlemen. That will be all." With a nod, the two shinobi at the Tsuchikage's sides vanished with a soft plume of smoke. "Please, come in."

As the doors closed behind her, she would note the handles formed a unique seal with united. There was a soft hum as the fuuinjutsu activated, sound-proofing the room. Eavesdropping was clearly frowned upon in the Hidden Sand.

"It looks like you've adjusted rather well, Lady Tsuchikage," he cooed. "I'd expected you to visit much sooner than this. Surprising me, even now. I imagine you would like to discuss our options in returning you to your proper post?" He gestured to one of the comfortably sized chairs opposite from him. "I've been doing some... reconnaissance. Have you heard about the incident between the Hidden Leaf and Hidden Mist?"

[daisy]

a different web ♥

This all seemed rather... excessive. While perhaps I had been lax in security measures back home, this was rather too much, in my opinion. Of course shinobi villages were effectively military operations, but was such a show of might truly necessary? I was quite wondering whether I'd ever reach the Kazekage, who seemed to hide himself away at the top of the proverbial ivory tower, when I was finally taken through a set of doors and into what must have been his office. He was more welcoming than his sprawling headquarters, at least, and I stepped forwards, pausing behind the chair with a hand on my hip.

I felt uncomfortably... outranked. Though, truly, we were equals only in name now. Where was my might? Where was my great fortress? I had no choice but to rely on him, for the moment.
"Yes, I do hope you'll forgive me. I was reluctant to demand more attention than you had given me. But it is rather unbecoming for a Kage to ignore her village, and I cannot bear my inaction any longer," I sighed, and slipped into the chair, crossing one long leg.

The Leaf and the Mist? I was rather out of touch cut off from my information network.
"No, not a thing. I've been rather distracted, I'm afraid," I suspected he had some sort of plan concerning this, and wasn't simply sharing intrigue in the chance I might be interested.
"Ah, but before we begin," It simply wouldn't do to forget, and I rummaged in my handbag for a slip of paper, before placing it upon his desk. It was a mission slip, concerning the spiders of the forest.

"I hope you won't think me foolish, but I have taken care of your spider problem, and I would humbly request you no longer send shinobi to hunt them," He did not know of my bloodline, none but my Spider ANBU did, but perhaps he would accept this on face value. I would rather not have to explain that I considered it cold blooded murder.

SPOILER: Click to show

{mission slip}name; Arachnophobia
rank; c
description; This battle will pit you against the giant arachnid queen of the nearby forests. While not that difficult for a superior ninja, her web and ability to breed smaller spiders to attack could overwealm you quickly. At ten meters tall and 5 meters across she’s no joke but I’m sure you can handle it.
reward; 50 experience, 1,000 ryo
minimum shinobi; one
mission status; interminable

[King]

The Kazekage eyed the mission slip for but a moment before tucking it away. “Consider it done,” he replied with the faintest hint of a smile. “I’ll contact the receptionist as soon as we’re finished here and have the mission stricken from the listing.” Interesting. Of all the creatures, I hadn’t suspected her to take to spiders. Summons? Or… perhaps… It wasn’t until then that he realized he’d done so much, taken so many risks, for a woman he barely knew. “Either way, thank you for your service to Sunagakure, Lady Tsuchikage.”

Procuring a file from his desk, he slid it toward Mitzy. “There isn’t much, but from what my scouts were able to gather—from both witnessing it themselves and probing the locals—it would appear that Konohagakure has sent a small force to invade the Mist.” Kouketsu brought both hands together, fingers together in a steeple that rested over his mouth. “Given the latest regime changes within each village, I don’t suspect the Mist to win this small demonstration of war.”

There was a strange sympathy in the Kazekage’s voice, the strum of a melancholic cord in his handsome baritone. What could a Sunagakure shinobi feel for a nation, literally, on the opposite side of the world. “That being said, regardless of the victor, we stand to gain a substantial amount from this encounter. Assuming that Kirigakure is devastated in the aftermath of this event, likely as it will be, there will be an entire village of shinobi looking for work.”

He spoke as though he’d seen it before.

“Surely, you understand that at this point in time the only way you will reclaim Iwagakure is by force—and with the death of the current council.” The warmth vanished from his voice. “The shinobi of Kirigakure will be able to provide you with a strong enough force to storm the village, for the right price, I’m sure. Coupled with your elite team, it should be more than enough to reclaim that which is rightfully yours. Thoughts?”

[daisy]

carrion ♥

I was truly relieved, and he had not pressed the issue, demanding to know why I cared about his shinobi killing spiders. This man had been nothing but gracious with me, and there was so little I could do to repay him... I flipped through the file, a scant report indeed, but all we really needed to know was that they were at war. The motives intrigued me, but there would be time enough for that later. It was strange however, did I catch a touch of regret? Was the Mist's defeat something that affected him? I couldn't possibly know.

His plan was clear, however. Naturally my thoughts too had rested upon hiring shinobi. As Sunagakure and Iwagakure were officially allies, he could not be seen to help me, so naturally purchasing aid from another hidden village was the safest political option, and yet...
"Still, hiring a defeated nation? Does it not make more sense to request aid from Konoha, given they clearly have the military edge? And for that matter, I am hesitant to involve any of the other hidden villages. I am aware my options are limited, but... Should I fail, it will be the catalyst for war between whoever aided me and Iwagakure. I am loathe to cause a war, Lord Kazekage,"

I frowned, staring down at the file without reading it. No, this had gone on long enough. I had chosen not to fight the Council before, and that had gotten me nowhere. I was a shinobi, not a diplomat, and the Tsuchikage to boot! I pushed away the document then stretched my arms above my head, breathing out.

"I'm being foolish, of course. If I am to lead Iwagakure, I must shed the blood of those that would stand in my way. I admit the Mist will likely be more willing to work, given their condition, and if you believe they will be able to offer me a strong enough force... Then my path seems clear," But the problem remained, how soon could I approach them with such an offer? If they were still embroiled in war, it would be weeks at the earliest before they would take on outside contracts - if they were even left with autonomy, and Konoha chose not to rule over them.

"How soon would be prudent? The Mist may not be in a state to accept such work for some time, and I simply cannot wait much longer,"

[King]

“Kirigakure’s defeat is exactly why they are the preferred choice,” he explained. “Mercenaries don’t work for knowledge, Lady Tsuchikage. They work for money. In all situations, they’re far less likely to pry about your motivations or your identity, and even less likely to hold their assistance over your head once you’ve returned to your post. They will kill who you need dead, and once you pay them, they will return to their shattered home to piece together what remains of their lives.”

The Kazekage leaned back in his seat, letting both hands fall to the top of his desk. “It shouldn’t be that long,” he continued with a nod. “My sources say that Konohagakure was swift and cruel in their execution. I wouldn’t be surprised if the war has already come to a close. This report is, admittedly, three days old at least.”

“It will take nearly a week to reach the island of Mizu no Kuni from here. If you leave tomorrow, the situation should have smoldered by then.” He was drumming the fingers of his left hand, eying the woman. “From there, you will be able to orchestrate your coup with little difficulty. I will send a personal escort to ensure you reach the shores of Mizu no Kuni unharmed, but from there, you will unfortunately have to go it alone, my dear Tsuchikage.”

[daisy]

flipside ♥

I couldn't help bristle. It was all very well assuming the easier co-operation of Kirigakure, but what use would that serve if they had just been razed, their strength torn asunder? What help would I find amongst ruins? We knew nothing of the state of the village, and assuming Konohagakure would indeed defeat them, what village would seek outside contracts while their own strength was spent? I understood his point, but staking Iwagakure upon it?

He proposed I locate and enter Kirigakure alone, to request aid from a village freshly defeated. The risks were... I shook my head.
"I appreciate your advice, and will think upon all you have said. If you'll excuse me..." I stood, turning on my heel and heading for the door. Truly, I couldn't be ungrateful, given my circumstance, but I had to take matters into my own hands. Whether I sought aid from the Mist, from Leaf, from any other source - I would still be relying on an outside source to deal with my village. This was ridiculous, all of it.

I frowned at the doors, tossing my hair impatiently.
"I assume I must be shepherded through this labyrinth once more," I felt monstrously stifled. It was all very well sitting here making plans based upon assumptions and likelihoods, but he had not been thrown from his village, discarded like an incapable genin. I could sit and plan no longer. I wanted to get out.

[King]

Kouketsu frowned. "Whatever your decision, be safe."

The doors opened as the Tsuchikage made her way to them, revealing two ebon-clad shinobi in its maw. Though the gesture went unnoticed, the Kazekage shook his head and they both stepped back in retreat. "Hanzou. The young lady does not have time for a guarded route. She'll be leaving the tower as quickly as she can," he explained with a wave of his hand. "Ensure that the others know not to bother her."

The shinobi to her left nodded before disappearing. The second, to her right, vanished soon after.

"You assume incorrect," he said more lightly. "Thank you for all that you've done during your short stay here. I'll send for a shinobi to collect your... personal affects in relation to the village before you depart."

As she ventured away and out of his company, Kouketsu took a moment to reflect on the situation. Indeed, there was much to consider. Slate eyes scanned the ceiling as he leaned back into his seat; thinking, imagining. I hope she keeps a clear head. While emotions were great fuel for determination, it too great an amount, they fogged the senses - led to individuals being irrational and foolish. Surely, the Tsuchikage was better than that. I would never forgive myself if...

He shook the thought away. "She'll be fine."

[daisy]

heartlines ♥

I didn't look back as he spoke, my body so tense it was all I could do to suppress the shaking. How could he thank me for what I'd done? I'd hidden here, hidden from my responsibilities, and taken advantage of his magnanimity. Whether it was sincere or not, it only served to drive home my frustrations. As I was authorised use of this quicker route, and strode from his office, his last words bothered me further.

Before my departure? He may simply have meant the plan for my journey to the Mist, but it sounded rather more final than that. Had I unknowingly burned a bridge? I prided myself on my impeccable manners, but had my tone been such as to offend him? It was frustration, inability to act and despair which had fueled me these past few days, had I let that spill over the top? I scolded myself, desperate to be out of this building and alone.

How could they understand how it felt? I wasn't wanted in Iwagakure. Though in my heart I believed I could truly help the village, perhaps they were better off without me? The council had ruled for many years, before I was even considered for the position of Tsuchikage - who was I, truly, to contest them? I shook my head, glaring furiously at the ground as I kept pace with my guide. I couldn't bear to dwell on this all now, not while I still walked these corridors.

Oh lord, please don't let me be misunderstood.

/exit

[vegapunk]

+45 EXP daisy

+40 EXP king

[lash]

A large sign has been placed in front of this building reading:

"No Entrance Without Permission by order of the Dominion."