Flames breaching the Heavens [P]

[Trigga]

Times had changed.

After some time marching through the populated streets of the Hidden Leaf, Ryūsuke and his associate had arrived at the ostentatious entrance into the Residence of the Fire Shadow. A fine, and faultless balance of robust oak and steel configuration forged the outer structure and provided a rather chic emergence as opposed to the gloom, military-oriented compound that most would assume inhabited a society built on the foundation of machines molded for death and wide-spread brutality. The royal household for not only the political head of the Hidden Leaf, but the heart of thousands that inhabited its walls. This was the ideal location to hold the audience of Kages.

Stepping through the doors, several individuals, including the young, voluptuous receptionist bowed in grace of the two, opening the conduit to the stairwell with a bow. “I’ll cancel all engagements for the day, Lord Hokage-sama,” she announced with a cute giggle following, noticing her emerald green hues settled upon two of the more attractive men who had strolled through the lobby today. Knowing full well this meeting between the Fire and Lightning Shadow was of the most substance, terminating any formerly arranged endeavors was the most feasible, and convenient initiative for the two.

Stepping up the numerous concrete blocks that compiled the stairs themselves, the Hokage flanked off gradually into one large corridor, and from there proceeded towards a door on the right side. “This is my office. We can converse business here.” And with that and a turn of a knob, the Uchiha opened the door, and walked in. The grand window that rested behind his large, oak desk allowed liberal light to break into the room through its translucent guard and soon Ryūsuke sighed. “Take a seat,” he gestured towards the chair in front of his desk and without much of a hassle, he positioned himself in his chair behind the stilted obstruction.

“So how can I help you?”

[Estilo]

Healthy green foliage everywhere, as attractive as flowers. Exquisite.

I gazed about at the colorful scenery of Konohagakure as we walked its paved and decorated streets. Very bountiful with its fauna, very bright with its architecture. The weather here was warm and inviting, though I preferred the weather of my homeland still. The people, as I passed them, looked fairly content and friendly- something I had been hoping to take notice of upon entering this vibrant and lively village. I remembered the sight I'd come across at Iwagakure. The destruction, the raggedy vagabonds encamped around its perimeter, the scar that the war left behind, and was clearly there still. It was a sad state of affairs indeed, but Konohagakure had so far proved that they had the might to recover from such an unfortunate event. How enlightening, the will of this resplendent village.

Following the Hokage diligently, almost side by side, we eventually reached a modish, architecturally refined compound. What I was sure was some sort of residence for the Hokage himself, and perhaps even a meeting place of sorts for his delegates. I smiled. It almost held as much debonair as I did. Our forms entered through the front doors, to be greeted with the utmost respect and hospitality by the individuals inside. I continued to follow the Uchiha from there, but not before casting a sly glance at the young man's receptionist and giving her a blithe wink. I couldn't ignore that giggle, could I? Swiftly, I strode up the stairs that would lead me to the young Kage's office, walking in after he'd opened the door and entered himself.

The office was very... open. Sunlight filtered through the mirror clearly, cast upon the desk, wares and furniture in the room. I couldn't say it resembled my own work space very much, but we did share the affinity for a king-sized window. Mine, however, was located above the office space- a circular glass that gave me clear view of Kumogakure's gunmetal gray skies. Yes, in terms of climate and atmosphere, Konohagakure and Kumogakure no Sato were almost polar opposites. I wondered whether trivial little things like that had fueled the warlike tendencies of our previous Kages. Back in a time where petty insults led to bloodshed, where greed dominated over honor, pride and respect. Even I hadn't known the degree of corruption that was occurring during those times- yet I had so foolishly fought a war that I would never actually win. I ignored the thought. These were new times. Mistakes could be corrected, we could learn from out darkened past and prevail.

When the red-haired Hokage asked me to take a seat, I simply turned to him with a raised eyebrow. My temporary state of thought had led me into an involuntary meditation. I had only been half aware of his actions up until then. Before I could gather the thought to take him up on that offer, however, he moved on to inquiring after what I sought to talk about. Straight to business. Neat. "Help, huh?” I'd reply, taking a few paced steps towards the large window beyond. The view outside was exceptional, the skies uncluttered by clouds. I turned to the youth with a beaming smile as I continued with my dialogue. "I don't necessarily need your help... for now. More so your ears, amigo. And an open mind, if you will." My gaze turned back to the scenery on the other side of the window. "Our times are filled with strife, you see. No one knows where anyone is anymore, where our villages stand. In this time of turmoil, when the human spirit should be able to blossom to its full potential, we have unfortunately stumbled back into the ways of violence and backdoor schemes. I've seen it with my own eyes, heard about it in reports. Slowly, but surely, it seems history is bound to repeat itself. I was hoping, as the leaders of our respective homes, that we could possibly break the mold. To start a new chapter, in this wild world.”

I paused, momentarily, my words having been spoken in an urbane manner.

-- Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone)

[Trigga]

Enter, Kage Bunshin

War was the insidious monster that swept across the land—the angel of death that dictated its will not upon a single nation, but the world in whole. Swallowing the pure and giving birth to the progeny of evil itself. Hearts of gold quickly corroding, only to lose its luster and deformed into a sicklier tinge of crimson. A tint analogous to the liquids that stained the topography of the terra firma and held no regards for the cleansing of its effluence. And while the beast of warfare had retreated and ridded the planet of its stench, the most devastating element of its wake still dwindled; the aftermath of it all.

Many areas of land, including Konohagakure had attempted to reverse the hardship placed upon its soil, “returning things to the way they were,” or so one would unceremoniously refer to such a commitment. However while this dream held importance, the sheer reality was that such an endeavor would take an enormously longer period then what it took to obliterate. Lives were lost and the Hidden Leaf felt one of the larger death tolls in comparison to her brother and sister villages. The cherishing of life losing all value when the instilment of war and potential extinction daggered the hearts of many and forced all who were once naïve to expand their instinctive natures; the animal within.

Mothers and fathers forced to defend their purpose in life—children trained to taint their souls with bereavement. Homes ravaged and entire civilizations wiped from the very face of the earth—nothing would truly be the same. However emerging even from the deepest point of darkness, a glimmer of light would blossom. Though a frail seed planted into the loam of corruption, it fed on the hopes and dreams of those who cared. Steadily growing and allowing its roots to extend outwards into the very heart of calamity itself. This fated seed would ultimately sprout into a grand oak which would not only purge the skies of contamination, but usher in a new era. The nutrition that would support its life was the New Generation. The initiation to this process commencing on this fated autumn afternoon.

(“My ear?”) Itrigue had settled without a doubt.

Looking on with eyes lit a deep sensation of lavender evident in his irises; the younger Kage peered upwards into the soul of his counterpart. Atlas was a rather intelligent man, and intentionally or otherwise blending a splendid vocabulary with a poetic undertone. A true testimony to the years of experience his emerald oculars had taken in over the course of his mature, though even now maturing life. As he continued on, Ryūsuke couldn’t help to find his own interest perking in expectation as each of the masked man’s words flowed into the next creating the spectrum of verbal illustration—allowing what his mind thought to find substance in the physical world.

(“Breaking the mold, severing ties to the past and ushering in a new era? Is he speaking to peace? It has to be. A past filled with melancholy and bloodshed of the most callous and aimless variety, could he—the Raikage actually help me in what I’ve wanted for so long? True Peace?”)

A pause would rightly ensue as the Hokage digested the words of Atlas and soon his eyelids lowered, concealing the splendor of his gaze. Hands moving from his side and pressing against the hard oak of his table, the Uchiha elevated himself and soon transitioned back towards the grand barrier that rested behind him—peering out through the transparent viel and into the Hidden Leaf. The rays of orange and yellow breaking through and augmenting the youth’s shine as he smiled—though not visible to the older man behind him. “Burabiya-senpai….Though my eyes are ignorant to what you may have experienced, my ears don’t have such a luxury. Throughout the entirety of my life, I was forced to listen to stories and tales of the former Shinobi world—forced to take in the depression. And while my experience in war is little to none, the avenue I wish to pursue will hopefully not lead to a repeat… If you feel this could help bridge ambitions… then I’m all ears..” He uttered with a calm and intelligent tone which normally was only warranted to those years beyond his own. This itself only demonstrated not the corporal strength of the newer generation, but the mental fortitude that shaped a true leader.

Ryūsuke personified that which guided his home. The ‘Will of Fire’ flourished.

[Estilo]

A forgotten past, as hazy and heady as lilac wine.

It was strange, pondering the future when I had yet to discover the enigma of my past- all lost to me in a casualty that had occurred during the Great Flash. Though I was certain I still held those memories intact, somewhere- deep inside. The predicament here was trying to retrieve those memories and later hold on to them. That was the core of the mishap, the reason why I found it difficult to continue on with my goals. This hiccup in my life, however, I would not let get in the way of this bond between Konohagakure, as cutting-edge and newborn as it was. And while I had decided to put all this behind me for the time being, the back of my mind tickled with a nagging sensation. I was missing something, something important.

I brushed it all off. I needed to concentrate on bigger things, wondrous prospects. I could do so much, not only for my village, but for the world as a whole. And if I ever hoped to achieve all these tasks and trials I had in mind, I would need to be on the top of my game. Standing towards the window, I turned my attention to the actions and words of the young Hokage. He was an interesting fellow, no doubt about that. But could he open his mind to the same marvelous prospects I had in mind? And no, not just an alliance. Not just something built on words that promised peace, but something that showed results. For the better of the people of this land, and lands everywhere, he hoped Ryusuke would understand and go along.

The scenery outside continued to exist with an animated, vibrant passion as the red-haired Kage continued to speak, and as I continued to listen. My ears took in every sentence, my thoughts processed them through my mind, analyzed the vision and reason behind each and every one. He spoke honestly, he spoke truth. I could find myself to trust this man in due time- as a diplomat, as a comrade, and perhaps even as a friend. Who knows? The future proved to be a mysterious and unpredictable thing, always in flux- always changing. The possibilities were almost endless, the end results of my ambitions and actions currently up in the air. But from what I surmised from our conversation so far was that Ryusuke Uchiha was a youth I was currently comfortable discussing these sort of things with. In a way, I was putting the hopeful prospect of the country's future in his hands.

"That's quite reassuring,” I would reply, watching as a small flock of blue swallows flew through the sky like fish in a bright blue sea. I turned to a bookshelf nearby, raised a single hand tentatively. Then I ran a finger down the side of one of the tightly bound publications there. William Tebb and Edward Perry, "Premature Burial, And How It May Be Prevented: With Special Reference To Trance, Catalepsy And Other Forms Of Suspended Animation" (1905). Definitely not something I had in my own library, but a book I had indeed come across before- noteworthy of being on any shinobi's list of must-read literature. My finger trailed through the selection of volumes afterwards, as my mind drifted off elsewhere- namely, to the conversation at hand. "It is delightful to know that such Kage like you exist in this world still. I was half-expecting to find a bitter tyrant here to be honest. But of course, I really had no idea who I would find. I'm glad it was you.” I paused from my book searching, lowered my hand and glanced towards the bright window to my left. "I've come here seeking one objective, Hokage-sama. And that objective, as unreachable as it might seem-"

I half-turned towards Ryusuke, with a crack of a smile. "-is peace."

-- Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone)

[Trigga]

A world that didn't welcome the thought of peace only invited the inevitability of pain and suffering. Blood and life weren't the only defence that one exchanged when ignorantly accepting that which wasn't healthy. Happiness, wealth, state of affairs, and one's values were all but more forms of debt one cashed to the reaper himself. Acting as a loan which would at length be paid in full with death, a person unconsciously signed their existence away in the name of power, avarice, and ignorance. A true discontenting piece in this chessboard of reality. However with all bearish liabilities, there was always an tantamount positive. The shape and size it was presented in mattered not; all that was important was that one found it.

Peering out the window, allowing his back to face the paired standing Raikage, Ryūsuke simply sighed with a content exhale. The world in which he lived in only rejected that which would balance the lives of all on a libra scale. If the entirety of on community agreed to peace, at least one person would contend it. That person's dubiety or false deterrence would only draw in another, and that person found someone to persuade. This endless cycle of recruiting against a cause stirred many of problems, from civil to global warfare. The difficulty wasn't in creating the objective, but rather enforcing it in such a manner that it would cancel the possibility of a rebellion. However, such a task was inaccessible when the human soul naturally held such a impurity that was only overcome by few in history.

Atlas continued to speak, and as his words produced a consciousness of thought and reflection, the passing chromatic birds were evident. The beauty of nature only augmented by the flood of values and beliefs that resembled, if not paralleled in whole what the Uchiha wanted. This horse-haired man, who willingly decided to shroud half of his face did little to nothing to mask what he spoke. A visual facade which abstractly complimented the openness of his heart. He desired what seemed impossible-- he wanted to scale an unsurmountable mountain. Surf a wave of impossibility only to find the truth at the end. Face the world and loosen the blindfold which clouded its perception. However he wouldn't do this alone, and every step he took, the Hokage would be dependably at his side.

A gradual spin on the heel and saunter would guide the scarlet-haired shinobi around the border of his expansive desk and soon directly in front of the Raikage. Looking upwards just slightly into the hues that spoke nothing but truth and devoid of falsity, he held a passive gaze. "Peace... was unattainable.." He uttered, as if daunting what he erstwhile spoke in such high regards to until suddenly... “But with your help-- we can reach what normally couldn't be attained.” And with that, his right arm extended slightly, closing the gap in space between the two's frames before halting in the middle. His hand opening as his palms was detectable, the gesture and physical seal of this accord manifested. If acknowledged in reciprocated, the commencement of a new era would find substance.

Kage Bunshin

[Estilo]

The smallest flicker of hope, can prove to ignite a revolution.

I had stated my purpose and my intentions blatantly. I sought peace and prosperity between our villages- to focus a single hope, only to have it spread like wildfire and consume the hearts and minds of those in power. Of course, there were plans I had in mind, objectives I needed to accomplish, people I needed to meet. This was not going to be easy in the slightest, and at some point, I figured, it might even prove to put a strain on our village's potentially established alliance. I had seen it happen before, when the world was on the brink of disaster- before humanity had nearly imploded in on itself. And while these pressures and sins had gotten to the previous generation, I was determined not to fall for the same vice. Peace was a fickle thing. What everyone considered peace was essentially different.

With this goal in mind, however- this desire to keep my people safe, to keep the people safe- I could help establish a peace that was on a majority of the people's minds. Anyone who got in the way of this aim would need to take it up with me, and any allies who fought for this cause. My mind was set on the future, gradually growing used to the past. I had chosen a life of suffering and worry, but I had done so with those I cared about most in my mind. My friends, my family, Yukiko Fuyumori. But... maybe I didn't have to give up living in the present. Perhaps, if I tried, I could do both. To balance the issues that came as Raikage, with my own personal life- my own personal happiness. Not that protecting and fighting for the interest of my country did not make me proud, but it did- at times- take me away from those I held dear. Just like it had when I had been fighting the Great War.

I turned when I saw the pony-tailed man approaching from behind his desk, the same young man who had been listening intently to what I had been saying previously. I gauged the expression on his face, the physical gestures- trying to figure out his thoughts on this proposition I had disclosed. Maybe he thought I was too much of a mad man for his taste, maybe he was just as dumb courageous as I was. Either way, I saw this going down in one of three ways- he was either an ally, a coward, or an unfortunate enemy. I waited for his mouth to release the next string of words on pins and needles. I needed to know whether he was on board or not, whether I had been wasting my time or putting it to good use. To my relief, he had proven to be just the brave, young man I had needed him to be. He had proven to become my diplomatic ally. I extended my own gloved paw in response to his gesture, and gave him a firm grip as we shook hands.

"We'll be reaching for the stars with this effort,” I smiled gratuitously. "There will be many who seek to thwart our dreams of intercontinental peace. There always is. But I am confident our countries will hold strong- united.” With that said, I patted the man's shoulder and beamed. Then, that urge returned, as strong and near uncontrollable as times before. I suppressed it as much as I could, fortifying my willpower and fighting back, but to no avail. Today, at this very moment, an insurmountable amount of joy had struck me like a stray lighting bolt. I laughed, the cheery expression on my face abolishing any indication that I was dangerous or even smart. Just a plain old optimist, who might be a little too merry for his own good. "I guess it's settled then! I'll have my diplomats write up a treaty to present to Konohagakure in the coming days. After all the revisions and specifics are dealt with, we shall officially be countries in alliance, recognized and honored by creed.” Happy as can be, I let go of Ryusuke's shoulder and straightened the lapels on my jacket before continuing. "I know this might seem a little too sudden, but how do you feel about hosting a tournament between our respective homes? To honor and announce our treaty?”

I asked with anticipation, my customary simper bright and everlasting.

-- Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone)

[Trigga]

Enter, Kage Bunshin

Peace by definition was a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violence. Violence-- the stigma that tainted any expectation to craft that of true tranquility. The needle that ceaselessly nipped the finger of fate which spilled blood onto the surface-- the countries. The antichrist which only worked to further advance its grievous across a land that was already plagued with its mephistophelian relatives; death, poverty, depression, and solitude. Could those who were blind to what truly meant the longevity of the world actually see past their own ignorance? Could the sealed eyes of the blind really open and allow oculars of truth to impact their own realities? False hope was just that because those who couldn't see the light only assumed it to be fiction. However on such a day,folklore turned into prose.

The nations were once united under a single code of conduct-- harmony. The sky proportionated the sun as its rays of summer hues kissed that of the ocean tones that overtook the firmament. Clouds, transitional between that of a gloom gray and optimistic white delineated the emotional state of the higher province. The tears of the heavens, though depressing at times nurtured the land, as the husbandry prospered without the artificial assistance of modern civilization. Animals lived within a ecosystem of balance. The weak fed the strong, and the strong only nourished the stronger. And while animalistic at first glance, this deathly cycle was required to sustain the only genuine commodity worth preserving on this planet- Life. As nature started the balance, it was now the task of her mother's citizens to maintain it.

Today... her citizens would do as such...

As the gloved extension of the Raikage's hand reached out, meeting in the middle to accost that of the Hokage's, their physical bond initiated a new era. Ushering in not the thought of peace-- but the actuality. Breathtaking, and if an audience was present, cheers of the most consecrate felicity would flood the air and drown out all other oppositions of noise. A smile which matched that of his older counterpart was now evident-- the Uchiha's face blooming. With the same end, their handshake ceased and a firm plant on the boy's shoulder was the new resting place for Atlas’s palm. Statements of prospect and inevitability were expected, and as listened on, the mane of scarlet swayed which Ryūsuke's head as it gestured in acknowledgement.

(“A tournament!?”) The boy's face lit up-- though figuratively as the only glisten of light came from the Uchiha's pearly whites. This could just be the event that would truly countercheck the facilitation of war and archpriest the thoughts of competition, sport, and trust not to kill, but to instruct advance one's fellow ally. “You're right... Its hurried-- But I love the idea.” The Uchiha beckoned forth in a calm, though easily excitable tone as he peered upwards with cheerful hues of purple. The palm of his friend sliding from off his frame, Ryūsuke looked on, awaiting the punctual discussion of this major event to come.

[Estilo]

The birth of an idea, followed by its discussion, followed by its realization.

"That's great to hear.” I smiled, in response to the Hokage's reply. He had taken to the idea well, and I was more than glad we were on the same page. Not only would the tournament help connect our ninja- our people- as one, but it would also prove to enlighten each other in terms of strength and capability. What better opportunity to not only get to familiarize ourselves with each other, but also to sync together as compatible allies. I was ecstatic with the prospect, impatient with its arrival. If this tournament meant the advancement of Kumogakure as a world power- with Konohagakure as its ally- the Raikage would most definitely want to see this idea in action as soon as he possibly could. The thrill of combat had saved me many times before- from madness, depression, even death. But now I would utilize it to form bridges with our people, to create bonds. Change was coming.

As much as I wanted to rush things, to jump into the fervor of this moment and make something happen, I held back the urge with a dedicated thought. Planning this tournament of ours out required at least a little planning on our part, the rest- such as locale, advertisement and funding- left to those who aided us in our respective departments. "Oh-kay, then.” I muttered, my jovial emerald gaze turning to a few sheets of blank paper on the young Hokage's desk, then shifting towards the black ballpoint pen in the metal cup. I strode towards said items without warning, reaching that designated area in a matter of steps. Plucking the pen from the cup, and leaning over the desk to scrawl upon the blank sheet of paper there, I started writing.

Rules, regulations, guidelines, details, a time and a date. The black ink of the pen I held transcribed each and every idea that went through my mind, neat handwriting paired beside careful organization. "If we're going to get this event started, I figured I could lend you my ideas now- for you to review later.” I glanced up at the youth for a moment before continuing to write. "Whether the tournament is held here in Hi no Kuni, or in my own country, is still up in the air. I'll leave that decision to your own discretion. But personally, I feel Hi no Kuni would be a great setting for the birth of our alliance. I extend my endorsement of this idea.” Done with the scrawling, I quickly revised the now cluttered sheet of paper I had finished working on. I had rushed it, but not without reason. The click of my pen declared it closed, and I dropped it back into the metal cup where it had come from.

Straightening from my crouch over the desk, I tapped the fingers on my right hand over the completed sheet- to indicate to the red-haired youth that it was ready to be reviewed. "I've had my fill of war,” I smiled, gazing out the window once more. "This is going to be a nice change of pace.” Finally, I had reached one of the first phases towards the peace and stability I sought to bless Kumogakure with. I had done many things since my promotion to Raikage, deeds I hoped had made an impact in some way, but nothing on the same caliber as this. Gradually, my hopes and dreams as Kumogakure's Lightning Shadow were coming into manifestation. With the help of people like Ryusuke- of my very own ninja- I could take strides towards the effort I believed would aid, not just a single village, but the world overall.

Sleep in peace when day is done, this old world is a new world.

-- Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone)

[Trigga]

Enter, Kage Bunshin

They had taken the first step towards achieving something greater then themselves, and even their own villages for that matter. Nothing exclusively internal and working with the concerns of one infrastructure. This occasion spanned further then just the Hidden Leaf, or Kumogakure-- it took in the interest of many and would work to please a large portion of the world itself. Craftsmen of concordance, who forged not weapons, but ailments that cured the disease of war and depression, Altas and Ryūsuke mastered their own art of tranquility. Beauteous as it was peremptory, the world could begin its reconstruction, and it seemed both the Fire and Lightning provinces would commence this delicate, thorough procedure. Lead by example, and learn from the misapprehensions of others.

Standing over, looming with nothing more then his keen eyes alone, the Uchiha watched with orbital perception as the man took to his desk, bending over its wooden construct and taking to the utensils he had at his disposal. Without a physical denotation to contest, the lambent purple of his oculars had amended, and soon took on a more cerise transcendence. The Sharingan had manifested and once a fabled legend, the young man would apply its ubiquitous perfectionist optics to spy on the information being dotted with the ink quail. Fortunately for him, the extent of his abilities were both unknown, and undesired by his new ally. Making this feat rather simplistic in the long run.

Guiding over the surface of the once untainted parchment, the ink injector stained its facade with neatly written calligraphy-- easily documented by the optical prowess the young Hokage possessed. Taking in each sweep, analyzing the very words that were running across the paper to absolute perfection, before his counterpart had even turned around, the document itself was already processed and ariled briefly within his mind. Following suit itself, his chestnut-haired familiar had turned to face Ryūsuke-- his eyes a shade of purple once more as his sharingan fell dormant once more. Smiling, taking the paper into his custody, the scarlet-haired Shinobi skimmed its surface concisely, though exhaustively, making sure he knew all that it intel. Needless to say, his abbreviated period of espionage had proven successful and with this, the first question probed his curiosity.

“Hi No kuni will be fine with me. I'll discuss the concept with the Daiymo promptly--- Nonetheless, a time is imperative. Shall we wait till after the upcoming Chūnin exams?” He inquired with a casual glare. Being the Hokage, or leader of any of the countries forwarded information sagaciously; the period in which the exams that would dictate much of their military power was one of them. Regardless if he answered punctually or took his time, the man's following state eased all doubts in the Hokage's soul. He spoke of his life consumed in war, and the change of pace would b refreshing-- this could be comprehended by any Shinobi who was affected.

“A change of pace is always needed.”

[Estilo]

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

When the young man had mentioned the Chuunin Exams, I could not help but crack a small smile, reminiscing on those days like they had just occurred yesterday. It certainly felt that way. But with the exams restarting, I supposed it would be difficult to host a tournament in the midst of it all- what with most people's attention directed towards the gathering of competing genin. I supposed it could be held until after the exams were over and done with, and I was definitely in no rush. Besides the preparation stages of the tournament that needed to be taken into account, it would also give our respective shinobi a chance to gather their strength and prepare themselves to compete against each other with all the experience they will have attained at the Chuunin Exams. With this decision set in my mind, all I needed to do was voice my opinion to the junior and move on. "Of course. Hosting this tournament after the Chuunin Exams is ideal. We'll all have time to arrange all that needs to be geared up- including ourselves.”

Now, it seemed, our conversation was coming to its end. A treaty among us had been discussed- despite the fact that our two countries had been at a standstill since the Great Flash- and I could not help but feel like the future had grown a bit brighter because of it. There were many evils in this world, however, and neither of us could let our guard down. Society was not just a timeline of war after war. And if we had to be the light that balanced the darkness, so be it. I would carry that burden, I would die to protect this peace and I would kill just as easily, too. And although I imagined I would remain like this for the remainder of my years, I was aware that the future was in constant flux. I relied on my actions in the present to achieve my happiness down the path further on, and in turn I relied on my will.

Exactly what this pivotal point on the relationship between Kumogakure and Konohagakure meant was still up in the air for me. While I hoped it was an alliance that would transcend various obstacles that would come our way in the near future, I did not ignore the fact that things could go wrong- as they always seemed to go, in this crazy wild world. What our agenda has a unified power was would have to be discussed immediately after our treaty was completed. So much things to do, so much people to help. Missing-ninja, criminals running rampant, destroyed cities and civilizations right over the hills- away from our comfortable and secluded homes. To anyone else, these tasks would seem like a rebuilding effort of sorts. A self-gratifying need to get out there and help those in worst times. But to me, and perhaps a handful of others, this was more than just a repair job on the entire continent itself. This wasn't just a spectacle to obtain fame.

No, this was a revolution, to break the chains that prevent us from achieving true greatness, chains that have kept us suffering and in peril for so long now. And we- the ninja- were entrusted with the strength and capability to break those chains. After all, compared to the rest of the populace on this round rock we call a plant, we are but a handful of game-changers who have the ability to mold that power within and use it as chakra. It was up to us to make real change, to put all emotion that would otherwise hinder us behind. Done with my temporary musing, I sighed with a content look in my eyes, sliding my hands casually into the pockets of my black long coat. "Well, that seems to be about it for now, wouldn't you agree?” I smiled, leaning back as I shrugged the muscles on my shoulders into liveliness. "Though now that I think about it, Kumogakure has recently received an entire roster of missions our ninja could probably work together on. One, in particular, points to rumors of an invading force to the far west, crossing the desert. I'm not sure how comfortable you'd be with having our ninja work in unison together so early, but if you are not, then I won't push the matter any further. That is, until after our agenda and needs have become clear to each other.”

A revolution is a struggle to the death, between the future and the past.

-- Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone)

[Trigga]

“I believe so,”

This meeting, this fated juncture seemed to be nearing the end of its line, and while a thread composed of numerous segments, extensions, and possible creations, for the first installment, it seemed everything had went well. Nations naturally at the forefronts, yet oblivious to one another, the actuality of a coalition forming had bridged the shadows with the heavens, allowing enlighten to exude across the span of the two nations. Still in is fertile phrase, it could only develop, grow, and expand from this point on. If the developments were acceptable, or caustic depended on the willingness of the two villages to not only nurture, but respect the bond itself.

Like a child, this treaty was young, vivacious, and still in its early stages of maturity. Kumogakure would act as its father, instilling the lessons of strength and reinforcing its structure. Konohagakure—its mother would provide the element of both love and affection that would amalgamate with its vicars bequeath to formulate an essence of true beauty both unrivaled in strength, and unchallenged in strength. A process it would be, which could take months, or even years. However as vigilant as the two shadows spoke, it seemed both were willing to supplement the time and thoroughness to reach the end results. This was, in itself, enough to go off for now.

“A mission?” So Altas came prepared after all, and with their alliance legitimately fashioned, this would be the most opportune time to discuss such delicate matters. Taking back to the rear of the extroverted oak construct, the Hokage took a seat comfortably in the lavish softness of his chair. Expecting his senior to follow suit and use the chair to his forefront, the two could finally discuss this topic with little interruption from bodily discomfort. Hands cupped, and fingers interlocked, the Uchiha placed the surface of his hands just beneath his chin as he peered over with a curious glare through is amethyst optics.

“Invasion? Mind elaborating; how much do you know of this, and what do you propose we do as an initial move?”

[Estilo]

The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.

So the honorable young lad was on board with jumping into the action as soon as possible, it seemed. After all, he was already inquiring after our first initial move- something I had taken into consideration myself, during the long and harrowing journey from Kaminari to Hi no Kuni. In my mind, there was only one reasonable way to go about this, and the cooperation between both of our respective ninja would help substantially. Striding towards the empty chair across from the lad's desk, I took my seat and crossed my legs as I swung a single arm over the side of said chair. A relaxed position, I supposed, in response to the Hokage's own action. Turning my calm emerald gaze out the window, I would begin to divulge more information on the matter we were currently discussing. "According to certain reports, the army had breached the territory of Tsuchi no Kuni a little less than a week ago. Their appearance seem to suggest they've come from a different continent. And while one would hope to create a peaceful bond between these people, they have already started to invade small settlements in Tsuchi- colonizing, it would seem. Having seen the state of disarray Iwagakure was in the last time I'd visited, I'm willing to bet that a majority of its inhabitants are unaware of the impending doom lingering so close to their home.”

The report I had been given prior to creating this kage bunshin and leaving for Hi no Kuni had been detailed and vivid in its harrowing description. Villages had been burned, charred bodies found scattered among the wastes- men, women and children. It was unfortunate, and I could not help but wonder what I would have done if those people had belonged to the country I had sworn to protect. But the fact that they were not of Kaminari or Kumogakure did not mean I didn't care. These were still human beings, you see. Innocents who had been slaughtered by the corrupt dreams of power from some yet to be known force from the far west. It was unacceptable, and I could find no reasonable cause to justify this abrupt and horrendous massacre occurring far in that other country. It needed to be stopped.

I hoped- despite the potentially debatable reasoning behind my desire to help- that Ryusuke would understand and get to point. Sure, this was a different country, one that officially belonged to the hidden village known as Iwagakure, but what would happen if we didn't intervene? Could we really wait around and do nothing? Surely, doing so would only lead to having this mysterious army knocking at our doors at some point, starting with Hi no Kuni, then gradually moving westward towards Kaminari, devouring every land it came across in the struggle of war. The very prospect I sought to prevent. And as it conquered, I was sure it would grow stronger. Better to cut the head off the proverbial snake before it grew into a serpent of destruction that would ensnare us all in violent conflict.

I took in a deep breath, and sighed. "While many would suggest we strike fast and hard, I actually think going about this on a more secretive level would be ideal. That is, until we've acquired enough information to combat them properly and efficiently.” I turned to the young man's desk, closed my eyes, and rubbed the bridge of my nose with my unoccupied right hand- a brief but worn-out gesture, deep in thought. "I've heard they've got elephants." I chuckled momentarily, shaking my head at the thought of seeing myself combat one of these colossal creatures. "It's what they call a cavalry, apparently. They ride into a village with those things and simply trample and destroy whatever they come across before they start pillaging. It's a shame, using such beautiful animals for such a destructive cause.”

Having suggested a reconnaissance, I awaited an answer.

-- Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone)

[Shinryu]

Wow, you guys really went all out.

Ryu: +58 + bonus 18

Espada: +60 + bonus 20

[Apple]

[/b][/color] +76![/ul]