new reign.

[marvolous.]

My departure from the Mizukage's office was quick and unhindered, allowing me to transcend the land surrounding it's roots without the need of Masumi's assistant. This land was still as foreign to me as it was to Beppin, so that very serious facade - albeit, reserved in the same aspect - remained plastered upon my countenance.

It hadn't dawned on me during my quick decision to leave what state of mind Beppin was currently in, so I found myself slowing my movement until it finally ceased completely; the area around us, though still within the center of Kirigakure, secluded and obscured - it was the perfect place to speak without worrying about being followed.

"I'm sorry, Beppin." I stood close to her, allowing the small space that separated the two of us to be diminished with a simple shift in my footing. My face was so close to hers that I could feel her breath upon my skin; it felt cool upon my face, almost quite refreshing. "Once we reach the gates I'll take you to my home."

[Ichi]

Even though we'd reached the village safely, I'd kept my byakugan enabled for the sake of exploring. Considering the fact that I was essentially just following Sora, there wasn't too much time for me to go and see things for myself. Thankfully, my eyes compensated a great deal; I'd almost seen all of the village from the tower itself, which was thankfully situated at the heart of the Hidden Mist.

Moving with Sora to some obscured location only increased my in-take, and I saw how very different and similar this place was to Konohagakure. It was strange, yet exciting.

And speaking of exciting:

Sora almost snapped me out of my comatose-like state, my Byakugan snappin' off, as the space between us was erased. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck and traced my lips along his collar bone, soaking in his scent and the warmth of his touch. It was a delicious sensation that washed over me, one that I absolutely enjoyed bathing in.

"Take your time, love." I lulled my head to his shoulder, waiting for whatever we were here for. "I'm not in a rush."

[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Kouketsu's arrival was silent as usual, simply appearing from within the veil of mist that saturated the village the honorable guests wandered through. Rather than clad in his typical armor or ANBU-style outfit, he boasted regular attire; an ebony kimono and egg-white sash and scarf to match. His long, raven-black hair flowed down his back like an untamed river. It was almost reminiscent of his days as the revered Oyabun of Mizu no Kuni. Vibrant red eyes cut through the veil of mist, falling first on Nagato and then the woman tangled with him. It only took several seconds to summarize her unique characteristics - a hyuuga, he mused. "A friend, Nagato?" His answer to the question was irrelevant, for the most part. It wasn't as if she, or anyone for that matter, could put a halt to the machinations Kouketsu had set in motion. Change was coming on the wings of the black-winged angel, and his shadow had already been cast upon this ninja world. "Everything is going according to plan," he continued. "Sunagakure is yours. You're return shall not be contested by any of the survivors. I've left several of my men in place for your protection, or for you to use however you see fit."

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[marvolous.]

With her touch my arms found their way around her waist, holding her tight against my body as if she would be lost if my hold on her loosened. I allowed her to do what she willed with me, the soft caress her lips had upon my skin too powerful to pass up.

It was only after what seemed like a sixth sense appeared - that innate ability to know when danger was around - that I too was forced out of my state of reverie. My eyes fell on the silouhette as it bounced around the shadows, the littlest of thoughts bringing me into a visage that only accompanied the most gifted of Uchiha.

"Nothing escapes you, Kou'." I lightly humored, though the emotion remained missing from my face. Much like when we first arrived here, I held Beppin's hand tightly within my own; my instincts as a male bringing me in front of her as if she needed protection. "That's good to hear. How bad did you leave it?"

Despite the fact that I had just heard news of my former home having been destroyed, I remained completely indifferent; any sentimental value I had for that village had been discarded along with my allegiance for it. Still, though, something still remained underneath my surface.

"Also," My eyes narrowed on him. "What did you do with Youka?"

[Ichi]

Sora's senses were a lot sharper than mine, that was for sure. Well, at least when I felt so safe; I didn't even feel the other man stumble across or. Had he not said anything, I probably wouldn't have ever known he was there. It was dangerous how easily I could lose myself in Sora, especially when he was holding me. I was living in a fantasy with him, a fairy tale I was sure I'd been read when I was just a little girl sitting in my mother's lap.

I'd only known him for several days, but I'd found everything I could ever possibly want inside of him.

Instinctively, my grip tightened on Sora when the words made their way to my ears. I was happy that he stepped in front of me, because to be honest, whoever this was. . . sent chills down my spine. I leaned against Sora's back, my eyes barely loomin' over his shoulder as I analyzed him the long-haired man further.

Kouketsu, I whispered in my mind. I'd heard the name several times years ago, when my grandparents were talking. They spoke of a young man, and Uchiha, from the Leaf that had made a name for himself in the Great War. I couldn't remember how many people they said he'd killed (he was young, too), but it was some ridiculous numbers. Rumors were he'd erased entire battlefields with a single jutsu, and as I gazed into those bright crimson eyes, I found myself believing the stories even more than I would've liked.

I wasn't sure if it was a genjutsu or something, or if his presence was really that heavy, but I found myself leaning against Sora's strong back even more so than I intended. I slowly buried my face into my lover's shirt, attempting to hide from this very real boogie man.

Their conversation was lost on me - Sora would just have to fill me in later.

[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] "It's not like you to be so sensitive, Nagato," Kouketsu teased at his question. While their relationship wasn't nearly as close as their late mutual friend, the older of the two knew a great deal about his associate; the same could've been said in vice versa. While the circumstances had been favorable, and his sister hadn't been there, Nagato knew very well what would've happened had she been there and opposed him. Their mission came first and foremost; it was far more important than blood, than love, and Kouketsu would've gladly ended his own life had it furthered their goals in the long run. Nagato's determination easily rivaled his own, otherwise they wouldn't have been there talking in the first place. "The village is in tact, for the most part. Nothing is beyond repairable." Stout arms crossed over his chest, his very visible Sharingan locking with Nagato's own. "As for Youka, I presume she's well. She wasn't there." Their gaze would be broken for only a moment as Kouketsu surveyed the girl behind Nagato, watching her very visible display of cowardice with a silent sense of satisfaction. It'd been far too long since someone been capable of grasping the magnanimity of his existence, feeling the weight of simply being in his presence. However, there would be time for that later. "I've already begun shuttling a large sum of the money we'd taken from the vault, for safe keeping, back to the village. It should all be there by the time you arrive."

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[marvolous.]

Did I trust him? Absolutely not.

However, the respect I had for him, which was largely due to Shiro's closeness with him before his death, outweighed any desire to oppose him. Instead, even as he insulted me, I gazed at him without anger or fear; the same couldn't be said for Beppin, though. I could feel her using the broadness of my back to shield herself from Kouketsu's presence, and he too - unfortunately - noticed as well.

"Well? A seated Kazekage leaving her post when her village needs her the most doesn't sound well." I spoke uncontrollably, the slight - very slight - hint of disappointment reaching my features. It was pushed aside quickly, however; I didn't need my thoughts pondering such things. Not now, at least.

"Understood." I continued. "I haven't forgotten about our other plans. With Suna, it'll be that much easier; after that, war between the nations will be very much unavoidable." We still had much to discuss, but Beppin's current state wasn't going to be ignored, not even for Kouketsu. It was another weakness, like Youka, and would only be exploited if I stayed around here any longer.

[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] Kouketsu smirked. "Don't look so grim, Nagato. I mean what I said." The boy's further statements had been all but ignored as Kouketsu dove deeper into the subject, clearly amused by the sudden display of emotions. "I'd sent an operative to Sunagakure, when Youka was present, to sway her to see things our way; I wanted to form an alliance." The elder Uchiha's posture hadn't changed in the slightest; it was rigid and statue-esque, yet his expression calm and smooth. All except for those ruthless, piercing eyes. "I hadn't heard from him, so I contacted one of my informants within the village. Apparently, the two of them - Youka and Asato - abandoned Sunagakure some time ago." Naturally, he didn't have to share this information. However, he wanted it to be a sign of good faith. Whether he trusted Kouketsu or not, they were brothers of the same cause. Shiro had more than likely spilled everything about Kouketsu's philosophy and what his true goals were. Everything he did, and I mean everything, was for their people. "As for our other business, there isn't a rush. Once you've resurrected Sunagakure, the Hidden Leaf will be the only village left standing in our way." His tone, and expression, suddenly turned serious. "And we'll crush them." His next statement, however, wasn't directed at Nagato. "As for you, Beppin, you needn't worry. You'll be safe as long as you stay with Nagato." How he knew her name? It was one of the things that made him who he was.

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[marvolous.]

Even though I previously held one of the highest positions within the village except for Kage itself, this news of an alliance being proposed was news to me. Not only that, but the man that had been so close to her when I had returned to the village - her fiance, supposedly - wasn't who they told me he was. I hadn't thought much along the subject of who he was, not enough to question her, but Youka wasn't stupid enough to not know of his true allegiance.

She had lied, simple enough - this sensitivity I had for her, as Kouketsu put it, indeed was unbecoming of me; it was already dulling my senses. I hoped, prayed even, that Beppin wouldn't be the same. "If your sources are correct, that makes them a liability. I can't have a former Kage and a rogue shinobi running around together, especially if I'm going to revive Suna."

Though I had been granted immunity from being pursued by ANBU, I couldn't say the same could be granted to Youka. She had chosen to bring a rogue - this Asato man - into village affairs, and left the village when it needed her the most. If the village was to truly recover from how they left it, they're deaths would be only means.

"The only two people she has to fear are standing right infront of her." I mused at his statement, wary - but not all that concerned - that Kouketsu knew who she was. He was well connected, that was for sure. "The sooner we get to Suna, the better." I added, my free hand delving deep into my pouch before pulling out a kunai. My digits toyed with it slightly before they tossed it lightly in the air towards Kouketsu, the thin parchment that covered it's base becoming known as it danced through the air.

Surely, as knowledgeable as Kouketsu was, the sheer nature and power of such an item wouldn't be that mysterious.

"That'll be of use to you in the future."

[King]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 400, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background: #868e96; -moz-border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px; border-radius: 20px 0px 20px 0px][atrb=style,padding-top:15px;][atrb=align,left] "More so you, than I," he replied. It was a very cryptic message, this much was true; however, the time would come when Kouketsu needed to reveal just exactly what he was talking about. For now, though, he'd leave it as nothin' more than brain food. When the kunai was tossed in his direction, Kouketsu eyed it momentarily before it simply vanished. The only hint his arm had moved was the very faint ruffling of his kimono. "You've growing stronger by the second," he admitted. "I didn't even think this technique still existed." Turning on his heel, he'd make his exit. "I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon, Nagato. Oh, and it was a pleasure to meet you, Beppin."

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[marvolous.]

My eyes narrowed on cue with his words, the strength of my gaze increasing as if it were some means to decipher his words. My Sharingan was potent enough to never be deceived, but the sheer ambiguity of his words left much to be interpreted. However, Beppin was scared enough as it was, I wouldn't force her to sit through this anymore to appease my curiosity.

"Kouketsu," I spoke suddenly, speaking short of him actually leaving. "Keep your men away from Iwagakure for the time being. I'd hate to have to spill the blood of an ally." And with that Beppin and I vanished - nothing but the wind signaling our sudden departure.

exit.

[KEITH]

naga - +42
beppin - +14
genbu - +28