A Grim Future ensured. [P/ Gene | Keith]

[Trigga]

Worried eyes saw without clarity.

This singular statement wouldn't be proven any truer then on such an episodic day. The subtle, deep tone exhibited by the Feline-oriented Anbu who quietly fled the ambit of the Hokage's inner chambers. Though his escape into the expansive facility of the Manor wasn't without a single conviction of guidance. “Konoha Shinobi have returned from Iwagakure, my lord. However their condition is far from settling.” A dominant sensation of stillness roamed through the space, falling not to inattentive ears. A window to the young leader's rear closed, allowing every word to be heard with the ut-most clarity. Regardless, as beatific as their return was, little could shake the feeling of grim news reaching his majesty.

A mere shadow of the true Leader, this wraith of identical appeal and joint judgement would instantly convey the news to his benefactor. Surely on his journey to Tetsu no kuni, information as delicate and damaging as this would impede his ability to continue with his meeting. Regardless with the clone in his steed, he could continue on without worry, Knowing his citizens were safe, and at least his shinobi returned home in one piece-- or so he assumed. “Bring them in.” Was the only command given to the royal guard before he fled to venture out and retrieve the genin. The Chūnin exams were meant to test the merit of each village, and the strength of their prosperous youth; not for the bloodshed that quickly reached the oak ears of the fire country- and ultimately the Hidden Leaf.

(“Who could have done this? Maybe the Shinobi will inform me further. Nonetheless, it seems I'll have to take the initiative and do what should have been done.”) Cupped hands and fingers interlocked, the Nidaime Hokage, Uchiha Ryūsuke rested comfortably in his large, cushioned chair. Nonetheless, his conduct was far from relaxed. Information was required and with two free seats positioned to the forefronts of his desk, and two respective shinobi entering soon, light would be shed upon the situation. They would be handsomely rewarded for their efforts, nonetheless. Long, flowing crimson locks falling to his back, and almond purple orbs—clear and beguiling peering towards the closed oak ahead, awaiting his breach and the guest that would produce such a transaction.

Enter, Kage Bunshin ¹

[Messatsu!]

There was nothing like feeling at home, taking those first steps across Konoha's thriving settlement was a feeling of happiness uncontested. The whispering pulls of wind and smell of fresh oak was like a rejuvenating elixir, especially from having his first taste of true war couple with witnessing first hand the massacre of innocent civilians by the hands of Kirigakure dogs. It was a mental image that weighed heavily still upon Ue's mind - even more so the death of Bit Uchiha, haunted as some would say. Limping into the Hokage's office, his wounds had ample time to heal from the journey itself that allowed returning home possible, but even still it would require some medical attention, so visiting the local hospital was a necessity after this meeting.

("How will I explain everything to the Hokage, it'll be difficult, but it must be done.")

After waiting for ANBU and guards to clear the area and check Ue's credentials, he march on into Ryusuke's office, meeting gaze with him instantly with a pressure of guild coalescing within his chest. Quickly he seated himself, though tattered, damaged, and peppered with dirt and charred debris from builings, his crimson armour still symbolized the fire within Konohagakure. And without further ado, his explanation on recent events would be most shocking to Ryu if anything.

"Hokage-sama, there is no easy way to explain all of this so brace yourself. . .During the chuunin examinations we were attacked, all of us. But this 'attack' was nothing on a small scale, it was quite the opposite. The city was left utterly destroyed and ruined, engulfed in flames with women and children screaming for their lives all at the hands of. . .Kirigakure. I myself managed to escape, but as shameful as it is to say, I was force to use Bit Uchiha's unconscious and half dead body to ensure my own survival. We undoubtedly fought side by side, however, we were overwhelmed by their numbers, and some of us critically injured."

A curled fist hammered down upon the table that separated Ue from the hokage, it tightened with raw anger, so much so that trickles of blood began to pour from his palm. He felt shameful, powerless, and weak, never before had he been to completely out matched to where he needed to retreat while losing a comrade in the process. It was a unpalatable feeling, one familiar to him by the death of his late master Genryu Uchiha.

"Funny, I'm pretty sure if Genryu were here now he'd be disappointed in his only student."

[KEITH]

Finally, they were able to return to the village that they had called their home. It had felt like it has been many months or years even since they had left. Though, it technically was just a few hours. Even though Ue's wounds had healed up more of the long journey they had, he continued to help him get to the Hokage's Manor. So, that they could report what happened in Iwagakure, when Kirigakure had attacked them. He was still greatly saddened by the lost of Uchiha Bit, but no more tears had fallen from his eyes. During the entire journey back, he had thought of ways to improve himself as a shinobi, so that he would one day be able to avenge Bit. This feel for vengeance had fueled his will of fire. He hoped that one day that he would really be able to get that chance to do so. Or at least be able to pass upon his will of fire to someone else that will. Though he was thirteen years-old, he was already thrown into the adult world and was expected to do adult things.

The Chuunin Examinations had taught him that, he couldn't just be a kid anymore. He had to stand up and fight with the rest of the adults, and as an equal to them, not anything lower, ever. Once they reached the manor, the guards and the ANBU had let them in after a quick evaluation. The young shinobi had still possessed an expression of sorrow, that would seem that it could never be wiped from his face. He wanted to go home, he had wanted to see his parents and tell them how sorry he was for disobeying. For if he had obeyed, he had probably wouldn't have seen anything like that for years to come, like when he is older and more mature. He also wanted to tell them that the old Isshin was gone, he was drowned out by the bloodshed that had flooded Iwagakure, by the hands of Kirigakure.

Even though he was so young, hatred had gotten a chance to breath in his heart, and that hatred was all shot towards Kirigakure. He wanted to know who was behind the plans, so one day he could probably get a shot at them, or at least a shot at something that would devastate Kirigakure greatly, and make them feel the pain that Isshin had felt, and the village in general. They stepped into the Hokage's office and had taken their seats. Isshin didn't have anything to say, just listening to what Ue had said to the Hokage. It was obvious that Isshin wasn't as badly damaged or looking as Ue, since he didn't engage in any real conflict, though, Ue didn't know that. Nor was it an important fact to state. The only thing that was important was making it back to the Hokage and report what had happened in Iwagakure. Isshin had surely hoped that the Hokage would bring hell upon the entire village of Kirigakure, and burn them down to the ground. Burn away everything - their bones and even their souls, with the hellish will of fire that would now rise in Konohagakure.

[Trigga]

The door, after moments of anticipation had finally sprung open. Anxious hues, flooded with the tense amethyst that masked the calmness of the Hokage glaring towards the shadows that seemingly slipped through the chink, and entered into his room.

A soft sigh expelled into the open as Ryūsuke looked on at two of his own emerging from the doubt his generally sanguine mind had formulated. Tattered clothing, and injures evident, the Uchiha couldn’t help but feel they were in one piece. Wounds healed with time and attention and clothes could always be repaired and, or replaced; lives however weren’t as expendable and with the loss of those who helped empower his soul, the scarlet-hair’s fortification would deteriorate. His two seats to his front now occupied, Ryūsuke spent a brief moment of his time analyzing their exterior, taking in all that they brought to the table, literally. This alone was enough elucidation to validate the transgressions in Iwagakure no Sato.

Without hesitation and leaving little room to greet them, Ue decided to cut the small talk and motioned straight into dialogue. The student of his mentor, and the last person to see the late, though not forgotten Genryū, this Ue was held in high regards when it came to Ryūsuke. Regardless of his own affiliation with the man, knowing that his uncle only dealt with the most reliable of individuals, he could he trusted without question. This alone would only fuel his anger considering the information he was told, coupled with the single person who wouldn’t be returning from the city bathing in amber flames. Another one his uncle showed interest in. A stigma halting the bequeathing of his will of fire. Nonetheless, all he could do was grimace with a head held low.

“Bit… You won’t be forgotten, and your death won’t be in vain.” He murmured.

Such a low monotone with such a powerful connotation; only the most attentive ears would permit the full understanding of what the dispirited Leader felt as he soon stood, and faced the grand mirror to his rear. Time to mourn would manifest soon enough. However this assault against the Hidden Stone, and the death of a Konoha beloved wouldn’t go unanswered. Ryūsuke was but only human, nonetheless his title demanded a demeanor of strength and a will forged from steel unsurpassed if he wanted to protect anyone else from the grasp of death. “If what you’re saying is indeed true…. This sudden act of aggression against Iwagakure won’t end there. Such an effective assault couldn’t have been spontaneous— Ue, Uneri, could you two tell me anything about the enemies besides them being Kirigakure affiliated? Facial descriptions, assessment of talents, names, anything?” The Hokage inquired, soon turning around and bending over on his desk.

In one fluid sequence of actions, the drawer built into his desk opened with a tug on the handle, and with a ramble and retrieve, a sheet of clean paper was brought to the table. Reaching to the corral quell and dabbing it into the ink, the Uchiha immediately transitioned into conveying words onto the parchment. Neat and legible, this message would concern the two in front of him little and what it disclosed wasn’t important at the moment—it was something meant for their allied state. Meanwhile, as he wrote, the art of multitasking would present itself as eyes peering downward would compliment a projecting voice, calm, though signs of lament flooding his tone; directed to the two ahead.

“I know under normal circumstances, this would be frowned upon. Nonetheless with the events that had transpired in Iwagakure, I’m taking the initiative and promoting you two to the rank of Chūnin. I’m afraid during this time of distress, all able hands will be needed- especially you two.”

[Messatsu!]

With furor, Ue's are virulently shook in anger, almost as if his guilt and hatred had been slowly - but progressively- leeching off of Isshin's own. Needless to say, Ue had his fill of war for now, that is, until Kirigakure decides to show themselves at the doorstep of the hellish fires that Konohagakure thrived off of. Finally, his metameric adrenaline kicks began to subside as Ue's heart rate came to a calm as well, a sure sign that the essence of Konohagakure was surely soothing Ue's soul, calming the spirits within. His hand uplifted from the table, removing it before any cells of bloods could taint the hokage's 'royal' table, and as he had done so, Ryusuke came to a quick stand before swiveling upon his heels to face a mirror.

“If what you’re saying is indeed true…. This sudden act of aggression against Iwagakure won’t end there. Such an effective assault couldn’t have been spontaneous— Ue, Uneri, could you two tell me anything about the enemies besides them being Kirigakure affiliated? Facial descriptions, assessment of talents, names, anything?”

Reflexively Ue's attention momentarily shifted over to Isshin, who, still seemed to have this entire thing weigh heavily upon his mind. Who could blame him, even as a shinobi one would easily agree that a war- no, a massacre is a sight that a childs mind cannot free themselves of after witnessing it firsthand. Ue's respective, blood-free hand slowly and genteelly placed itself upon his shoulder, patting it as a big brother would to his younger sibling, or an uncle to his nephew. He couldn't have possibly began to fathom what was running through this young boys mind after the events that happened, but if he got anything from this, is the strengthening of his sense of justice.

The lines between good and evil finally drew themselves for the upcoming war. Ue's riposte was swift to say the least as his words began to flow forth from his tongue in a more stable, and gentle fashion.

"Truthfully Hokage-sama, we could not gather much information. They came in swiftly and quickly. Only thing I can effectively tell you is that it was undoubtedly Kirigakure who carried out the assualt. We had no time to futher assess the situation at hand, it was as if being hunted through Hi no kuni's forest with dull senses, so I apologize for the lack of information."

And finally, Ryusuke took over the light of the conversation some time after re-seating himself back at the meeting table. Having been told he was going to be promoted to chuunin was a damn good and much needed breath of fresh air, especially after all of the things that transpired within the last couple of days. With a simple, yet, respective nod, Ue acknowledged Ryu's plea, accepting it without question.

[KEITH]

The young boy was still unable to talk, believing that the conversation should just remain between the two. As Ue had way more knowledge of what had gone on for being out there way longer than he was. He remained secluded to himself, unless he was asked a question directly. Though, he couldn't help but get over the fact that he should have followed Bit the entire way out of the school, instead of helping the other students escape. Maybe if he would have, he could have protected Bit, or at least lost his life instead. Though, while he had thought this, Ue had rested his hand upon his shoulder to comfort him. He had known the Isshin wouldn't be able to get at the trauma he had faced, at least, not so easily.

When the Hokage asked if they had any information on them, the young boy had slowly shook his head, as Ue had given a speech on why he didn't. When the Hokage began talking about a promotion to the higher rank, instantly, Isshin had felt that he was unworthy of it, and someone more worthy of the rank would have been Bit. He couldn't let that stop him, though. Bit would have wanted him to advance on, and become a higher ranking shinobi. And to surpass him. He believed that would have been his wish, and he wouldn't deny him that wish. It was time for the young boy to go on a rampage in the next confrontation. Kirigakure no Sato was going to burn in the crimson flames of his will of fire.

[Trigga]

It was as expected. Nonetheless even with expectations, maybe it would have been better if they weren’t met. With the lack of any useable information save for the aggressor’s origins, an effective strategy couldn’t be devised. As saddening and depressive as the loss of Uchiha Bit was, the possibility of more dying at the hands of greed and possible self-implicated justice was even more grievous. Once a passive village; secluded to itself and tucked away securely within the fastens of the Fire country countryside, it seemed the rains of war would soon pour onto the peaceful grounds of the Shinobi world. Konoha by default would instantly and grudgingly involve itself if such a future was to come to light.

A moment of silence dangled overhead as the Hokage took a moment, not to ignore his subordinates but to finish what he had started. A letter being composed, this much was obvious. However from a brief glimpse alone, it was obvious the Uchiha was struggling with what to place onto the parchment. Hesitant in what he wrote, and numerous halts to verse another sentence instead of a normal, confident prolongation, Ryūsuke forced his hand. Simply enough, a message intended for the Raikage—Altas was in the midst of completion. Knowing full well that the Hidden Cloud would perhaps be a target, given its closeness to Iwagakure’s homeland, the first fragment of trust the Hokage could forward would be to forewarn them of potential impending danger.

“Come in,” The Uchiha sounded. Nonetheless, would the two look on in confusion realizing they were there only three in the room? Before the thought of perplexity of delusion would surface however, a sudden creek resonated as the door crept opened, and entering into the room, discernible by his attire—A member of Anbu. “Make sure this letter reaches Kumogakure.” Ryūsuke commanded, though humbly as he rolled the document and placed it into a small container. Handing it over with the trust and faith of his leader, the Uchiha stepped back as the Anbu bowed, soon exiting swiftly to make prompt with his order. An assignment that would surely go without fail, at least if he could arrive before any threats, the Hidden Cloud would have a chance.

Meanwhile, in an almost effortless transition, the scarlet-haired Uchiha moved from behind his desk and out behind his two Shinobi with enough room from them to lift from their seats to turn and face him. “I hereby grant you Ue, and you Uneri the prestigious title of Chūnin of the Hidden Leaf. Times are grim and I will need both strong bodies and willing minds to help in dark times. Can I trust you?” He inquired. All the official documentation would be filled later that evening, but for now, this informal induction of their promotion would have to suffice. With that, he would extend his hand to their center, with expectations of respective shaking in acknowledgement of their achievement.

[Messatsu!]

Relaxed and his mind at ease, something about Ue changed, from the look in his eye and even the air that stirred ever so violently. His hatred was swelling and growing exponentially, enough so that his hatred seemingly manifested itself as distant heat waves found easily within a desolate desert. After apologize to Ryusuke for having a lack of information, he responded, but his riposte was confusing and vexing. There was no other within the room beside himself, the Hokage and Bit, but apparently Ryu's calm, velvety voice could slip through crevices and into the ears of those with peaked senses. Like a creaking flight of stairs complimented by a cold, ghostly wind, the door came open, and with it a member of ANBU.

“Make sure this letter reaches Kumogakure.”

("A letter for Kumogakure? It has to be a warning or some kind of note that will alarm the Raikage. Whatever it is its something that would not only benefit those within the Hidden cloud, but the forces here as well. But even so we can't just rely on the Hidden cloud, as far as I'm concerned I have heard anything special about them other than their Raikage. Needless to say, I'll do whatever it takes to mold myself into being Konohagakure's wall of impenetrable defense. I refuse to allow my home to be victimized.")

Keenly watching Ryusuke roll up the parchment and hand it off to the ANBU member before dismissing him. With the better moment of a full second coming to pass Ryu made his way to Ue and Uneri's flank, instinctively Ue had risen from his seat, just out of respect to properly face the Hokage.

"I hereby grant you Ue, and you Uneri the prestigious title of Chūnin of the Hidden Leaf. Times are grim and I will need both strong bodies and willing minds to help in dark times. Can I trust you?

"Yes, Hokage-sama, my loyalty for the hidden leaf village will remain steadfast - even in death."

With his words spoken, a quick bow would acknowledge Ryu and his rewards before Ue approached him with a hand of his own, shaking it for a ample amount of time. Upon doing so, he pivoted upon his heel, turning to take his leave, ready to set up a plan of his own.

[KEITH]

When he had seen the ANBU officer come into the room, his mind and attention had all sat upon him. ANBU were the type of shinobi that he had always wanted to be. He had looked up to them, because of his sensei who was of the Nara, who was also upon the ANBU. They are known for their bravery, courage, and skill. And he wanted to be just like them. When the Hokage had handed him the letter, he had known it was something important. When he had left, the young boy's expression had changed.

He had known what he wanted to do for the village, he had wanted to be an ANBU officer, and risk his life to bring honor to the village, getting information on things that would surely assist the village. He had listened to the Hokage and Ue speak about the village's, and Ue's loyalty to the village. This whole time, Isshin was unable to say anything, been when he was asked about the village, he just had to tell them how he felt out the village.

("I will do anything for my village! Konohagakure is my home! And, I will be damned if I let an invader into my village, without passing upon my blazing will of fire that will burn them away in a hellish fire! My lord, I accept this humble honor is placed upon me!") He had rose to his feet, and bowed, accepting the title that he was given, and shook his hand proudly, staring into his eyes, revealing his will of fire that was like an inferno. Then took his leave right after Ue.

/exit

[Katsumaru]

[/spoiler]

The last days had been imbued with chaos, death, and the flow of blood. The ambitious had decided to strike at Bakudon Gai, and Touketsu found himself in the heart of the city as the battle roared, yet, despite his training, his discipline, the man had not succeeding in overcoming the invaders. The return to Konohagakure had been a grievous one, for his body ached, and he had no effect, not even the slightest, in the engagement that roamed. None of the injuries were severe, but his tunic had been burned in entirety, leaving his bare, red-tinted skin revealed in full. The black trousers remained untouched aside from the grime and dirt that tainted the fabric.

Awaiting before the office, he stood with raised hands, breath heavy from the rushed step he had taken through the streets. Touketsu exchanged several words with the ANBU before stepping into Ryusuke’s office, crimson eyes shifting warily, drawing in the features of the attending. Several of these men he had seen in the Conference Room before the exams had began; quite fortunately, Leaf shinobi other than him had survived. A sense of relief had washed over Touketsu, but still he felt anticipation, anxiety, and dread, for he was uncertain of what future awaited the world. As he entered the office, Touketsu took no further steps, standing close to the door; the man had chosen to attend with the rather rough, battle worn demeanor, for there was no time to waste.

”Hokage…”Touketsu grumbled, back straightened and arms at the side. For several moments he paused before continuing, tone growing in volume considerably, no more a grumble.”The Chuunin exams were interrupted. I return from the attack on Bakudon Gai, a grievous experience. Do you require a report?” upon having come to an end of the rapid declaration, Touketsu fell silent, taking several steps towards the center of the office, still in the straightened, attentive stance. He had been blessed with life, and his very existence had undertaken a drastic shift. The time to linger around had come to an end.

[/ul][/font]

[Trigga]

Blast City had unfortunately lived up to its title in the recent hours since its untimely annihilation. Lives lost, and blood spilled in the name of whatever sense of justice the aggressors lingered to. Both inhumane and completely primordial, it seemed the balance of power had tipped and not in Konohagakure’s favor. So young, and still immature to his title, the Uchiha was indirectly plunged into the chaos that had damaged the world, all in the possibility that such a fate would easily creep onto the Hi no Kuni borders in due time. Saddening, and almost surreal, this was the reality the young Leader was forced to live with.

Remembering back to his time in Mizu no kuni, lost within the hazy forests of its maze, the scarlet-haired Hokage could recollect all that happened. It was dark and his life was threatened. Chased through the cold forest by a number of assailants, his life could have easily been warranted on that evening. Nonetheless, in the sheer favor of luck, or the congenial hands of fate, his savior surfaced. His Late Uncle, Uchiha Genryū protected him, and sheltered his existence with the awe-inspiring powers of the Sharigan’s true form, only to have it sealed upon that very night. It was also that night that he accepted the responsibility of Hokage. However now, tested by the belligerence and ignorance of others, could he live up to such a title?

Lost in thought, both mourning the deaths of his relatives, and all others, the entrance of Tōketsu went unchallenged, until he spoke. Head snapping up and eyes widened for only but a moment, the Hokage looked around almost aimlessly before turning his attention towards the older Shinobi; it was obvious he was lost in thought. As he spoke, and stood motionless, the Uchiha smiled, realizing that maybe this man had enough information to make up for what he lost with his last meeting. Just hopefully, and with that he shook off all nervousness and gestured him o take a seat.

“Y-yes…. Do you have anything to report back the attackers? Anything?”

[Katsumaru]

[/color][/i] he declared, leaning back in the chair, taking yet another deep breath. ”The first was an Airontoku, his affiliation to Kirigakure. He gave no name, but he seemed as if he were a man who simply fought because he was ordered to. An enemy nonetheless.”[/i] Fate, occassionaly, takes damned turns, and facing one with his own blood shall likely become inevitable as the conflict draws out. ”Further, there was a man without affiliation, a swordsman, who simply trotted into battle for the sheer joy of slaughter. Should Kirigakure chose us, next, to assault, then he will likely join their forces.”[/i] As Touketsu mentioned the swordsman, his features visibly changed, an impassionate gaze exchanged for narrowed eyes and gritted teeth. He held no favour for men who simply fought out of bloodlust, like the swordsman.

”A voice bellowed, threatening me with death, and making a proposition for the swordsman, to leave Bakudon Gai or to join the invading forces, so, I would presume, their leader. He stood with another man, but the two figures, standing eleveated, were so distant that I could not witness specific facial features.”[/i] With a final sigh, Touketsu’s gaze moved upwards to meet Ryusuke’s. ”What are your orders?”[/i] Touketsu inquired, falling silent immediately upon questioning. What would his fate be?
[/ul][/font]

[Trigga]

At least, the information that the Hokage had so deserpately needed turned out to be nothing more than filters of uncertainty. Bodies without names, faces without recognition. The assessment had narrowed down nothing, and the Uchiha was left with the difficult task of assigning precautions without the vital wherewithal required. Konohagakure had seen darker times, but Ryūsuke had the luxury of not being around for them. Now, however during his generation, during his sovereignty as Niidaime Hokage, he would be faced with the same catastrophe that almost destroyed the Shinobi world in the past. Pressured was quite the understatement—he was trampled with thoughts and decisive notions.

Fingers sooner than not interlocking, gracing a clasp with extensions of his hand loosely united, the Hokage looked on with detached, lavender eyes. More so disheartened than impassive, the young leader knew not of what to do next, and had little to work with. This made the difficult task of militarizing his forces that much more of a chore than a dispensation. Knowing little of his opposition’s strengths, weaknesses, or talents did little to devise a counter measure. Nonetheless, Tōketsu had come back with something and made the effort to risk his life to attain such. Knowing this, and the fact that he had granted a remuneration to the two prior Shinobi who came with literally nothing, this was the only highlight of his evening.

“I’ll begin consulting with the council and Daimyō in regards to where we should take this. Meanwhile you’re hereby promoted to the title of Chūnin. I’m proud of you, Tōketsu and I appreciate all you have done for not only me, but this village.”

As before, all the official procedures would be handled promptly upon his leave (a task he’d leave for his receptionist), in the meanwhile Ryūsuke knew advancing his worthy shinobi would be enough to ascend morale. A keen piece of mental fortification when faced with potiental warfare in the coming days, this would be enough to ease some tension. However something bothered the young Uchiha. Tōketsu had to have known more—his mind had to have collected more than what he distributed.

“Please… if you have anything else you can share, do so. You mentioned their leader… How did you come to such a conclusion? Did this person say something to you?”

[Katsumaru]

[/color][/i]

The images of the battle flashed in his mind vividly, the previous frown intensifying as his shoulders slumped. ”Two men stood high, above the rest. It was one of them who had given the swordsman rogue the choice to leave or join. He damned me with death. Told me that I will die, that was all. They joined battle elsewhere while I was preoccupied with the swordsman.”[/i] He paused shortly. I am a soldier, and never would I give such commands if I were not the commander. It is certaintly not different for others.”[/i]

Slowly, Touketsu returned to the chair, back still erect. A soldier was simply not trained to give other men propositions, so was the duty of an offier, not the common grunt. Men like he, Touketsu himself, simply followed orders with no questions asked. The greater sheme of things, that was none of their concern. Such a mindset must be drowned, for slowly the Airontoku began to understand that he was a man of his own choices, that as a chuunin, he had the privelege to lead. Or mayhap that had simply perpetuated his cycle as a soldier, but as a man who leads, rather than follows. The intricacies of life, so needlessly complex.

Touketsu feared not death that was a possibility with war, but the ruthless murder of comrades, and most vitally, citizen, those who could scarcely swing a blade. Children, women, casualties of war, simple statistics whose massacre served not as a necessity, but simply for logistical purposes, the damages to morale. He gritted his teeth, opening the mouth as if to speak, but no words were released. After a deep breath, the man finally uttered again.

”Your choice here is vital, Hokage-Sama, and truly, your thoughts, your beliefs more important than that of the council amd the Daimyo’s. They know little of the men you lead. You see us, your shinobi, every day. You are a father and a brother...Before we fought the bandits in these lands, I asked you what your dream was…”[/i]Touketsu’s gaze intensifies has his voice grew heavier. ”Your dream was peace. Keep that mighty ideal in mind as you make your choice.”[/i]

Yet again Touketsu fell silent for the slightest moment. That man had such a habit to come to a break in his speech rather awkardy. Standing at attention once again, the Airontoku continued. ”War is a terrible thing. Memories of the Great War still lunge at me. Keep in mind the possibility of negotiation, perhaps we can come to an agreement with Kirigakure before the fighting starts. But regardless of your choice, I will follow you to the very hells and back.”[/i]
[/ul][/font]

[Trigga]

Tōketsu’s loyalty was well appreciated, but hardly earned. Nothing till this point beckoned forth by the Hokage’s hand warranted such approbation. A man well beyond his years acknowledging such a youthful lad as his leader. Disregarding the clan from which he hailed and the credentials that allowed him such a seated position; but instead focusing on the moral values and beliefs that was instilled into him. This man—this Chūnin, newly appointed spoke with wisdom well beyond his years and with an allegiance that couldn’t be thwarted, even with the enclosure of death slowly clenching itself around his being. No, Ryūsuke hadn’t earned such an honor, but he was nonetheless flattered.

As he stood, a towering statue above the seated Hokage, the Uchiha did little to ruin the man’s moment with thoughts of failure of pessimistic thoughts. This was his moment, and considering what his eyes had seen, and his hands had touched within the last twenty-four hours, he deserved every second of it. Upon his seating however, their discussion would continue, and with words of apprehension and truth, flooded with notions summoned during their last conversation in the woods, Ryūsuke found himself in a struggle—in a conflict of interest. True enough, what he said however held truth, but could he truly allow such an idealistic fantasy to possibly damn his entire village?

(‘I was never one for intentional violence….Nor did I ever support bloodshed. Talents learned over the years that served for the tools of destruction found new meaning in my hands. I realized as a Shinobi, I’m not meant to take life, but preserve it. H-however, in the face of an opposition that finds such things amusing, could I possibly place my friends… my family—my home in danger? Better question… could I take the life of someone who tried taking such a gift away from me? If only uncle was here… he’d surely have an answer….. He was better suited for this position then I ever was….But I must defend my home… his will—his legacy… his love won’t die with him… Not as long as I draw air.”)

Moments upon moments had pasted surely, the Hokage suspended in thought as he dually mused over what Tōketsu had said, and what his mind developed on its own. True enough, the most diplomatic route would be to propose a negotiation and try to find the silver-lining in this time of darkness. Nonetheless, a counter argument was as quickly devised as the contemplation ended over what the lava wielder had suggested. A question answered with a question would only draw more inquires. However questions supplemented answers in time. Tōketsu’s experience in wartime applications would prove vital if war was to ever set foot on Konohgakure land. Now it was time to exchange rationales.

“More times than not would a negotiation prove fruitless… Considering you just arrived from Tsuchi no kuni, and I assumed the attackers were still in midst of their escapade, it would be farfetched to assume they had returned home so quickly. Secondly, would you even consider them the diplomatic type? They attacked a village without Shinobi reinforcement—during one of the most crucial events in the Shinobi world. They came with an objective, a purpose—and they were well organized, from what I’ve gathered. Surely they won’t stop because we asked….No, they came for something greater than blood, and more valuable then ryo… This is a deeper matter than I first anticipated.”