Chuunin Exams - Side Lines!

[daisy]

He seemed to be having fun. Admittedly, i was missing out on conversation with the other kages, just to speak with a chuunin of my village, but it was a comfort. Apparently, however, he was not the only person originally hailing from Iwagakure.
"Why yes, it's been rather enlightening so far!" I cooed in answer to Jin, before turning to his new companions.
"Charmed, i'm sure." I said, inclining my head to the both of them, apparently a couple.
"And that's terrible to hear! You weren't happy living in the village?" I asked with concern. It would be awful to know that something about dear Iwagakure hadn't satisfied the girl. The only people who tended to leave were traders and merchants, and, of course, missing ninja. I hadn't had to deal with one of those in a long time, thankfully.

I tousled my blonde hair, looking back over the exam arena. I was being terribly negligent in my observations. Although none of my own shinobi were participating, it was important to know the potential of the other villages. That was, after all, the original purpose of the chuunin exams. To gauge the strength of each village, in a much more civilised manner than war. I turned back to the three ninja. I was still intrigued by the girl. Although i'd been away for a while, before that, i'd been in the village for much longer than she could've been alive. Since the Shodaime, and i couldn't place her. I supposed the real question was, civilian or shinobi?

"Jun darling, travelling the world is a rather hazardous occupation, i wonder, could you be a shinobi yourself?" I asked kindly, one hand on my hip while the other held my cigarette. They were smoking something themselves, but it didn't smell familiar. Of course, even should she turn out to be a shinobi, i supposed there were other explanations than being a nuke from my village. I couldn't see a headband on her person, so i was most likely mistaken. It was just an odd sight, a regular person travelling such a dangerous world. Oh, but of course, her boyfriend could be serving as sort of a body guard. What a sweet notion.

[Apple]

The movement of the blonde was captured within my gaze as I watched him shuffle a little bit from his position. From my elevated position I looked down upon him as he’d move but the Mizukage? His gargantuan frame meant that I’d have to make considerable effort just to speak to him. The difference however was no problem but it made things slightly trickier. The appearance of a cigarette from the blonde’s arsenal wasn’t exactly an inviting one. I’d never understood the stuff and being a dedicated medical shinobi as well, I knew the dangers that it posed. Of course given the abilities that we had it made the effects much weaker if the correct techniques were used on smokers, but I still didn’t understand the allure that such items gave off. If anything, the smell was off-putting enough. Turning my attention away from that and back towards my audience of the Mizukage and his companion, I’d listen to the spectacled man as he introduced himself- Munashi Eiichiro, huh?. I’d remember that. Shaking my head softly after his comment about the chuunin exams and the competitors which Kusagakure had churned out, I’d express what sense of disappointment I’d gathered in that simple action, but I was proud of whoever had chosen to submit themselves in to the games. ”I’d hoped for more, but any chuunin Kusagakure gan gain from these games, the better.” Of course, as it seemed from the Mizukage’s comment on one of my shinobi having been eliminated, if the games went the way that I’d expected, then I’d only be given one more chance of gaining a chuunin. It was a dismal thought, but nonetheless a promising one, I’d guess.

"Pray tell; what village will you be supporting in these trials?"

Like a game of cat and mouse, I was out to find out exactly what village he was affiliated with, and spoken in perhaps a more alluringly teasing voice than I'd initially meant, I made my interest clear.

As I made myself familiar to the two of them, my hands dropped on to both of my hips, a stance that I usually took when standing. Both my arms framing my figure perfectly, I’d turn my gaze towards the Mizukage of whom had began to speak- He was familiar somehow, but I was unsure exactly where I'd seem him before. Regarding Munashi, I hadn’t been told of his profession or his title within whatever village that he belonged to, but I’d find out soon enough. However what interested me most at this particular moment was not the questionable identity of the man with eccentric trousers, but instead the words that my newest acquaintance, Kushinada, Namistuki had spoken. A hearing? Of course, seeing as he himself had spoken of the idea it only allowed me to gather the concept that he was one of the most defined leaders within the circle of kage from the major villages. Was I meant to know of this meeting prior to this? I wasn’t sure- But to say the least it was something that interested me as one of my main aims was to finally instigate Kusagakure as a power on the same level as other existing villages. I’d reply, my tone enthusiastic and interested by what he’d said.

”..Oh?
I hadn’t been told of any kind of hearing-”

pause.

”..But this is incredibly inviting news.”

A sweet, feminine smile on my face to accompany my words, I’d allow Munashi a glimpse of my entrancing blue eyes as I seemed to muse for a moment, before my attention turned to Namistuki. "The village has come a long way since the events of the first shinobi war." it had been merely rubble, charcoal and destroyed buildings when I'd visited it shortly after I'd left nine years ago, a stark contrast to the hanging baskets and family homes which now covered the expanse of the village. It hadn't had much involvement during the second- I'd known that the Yonbi had roamed Kusa no Kuni, but it had left the village untouched as far as I could tell. But- Simply remembering the events from this time drove memories and images to the forefront of my mind, as soon, the Mizukage became much more familiar than I'd once imagined. I flickered back to that time. A man and the yonbi, he approaching the beast unlike any other that had been on the field, or at least, not one that I'd taken notice to.

Several months ago..

From the figures that I was seeing on my tracker, it didn’t seem as if it placed everybody off making sure that the bijuu didn’t leave Kusa no kuni alive- Or at least, not with the power that it held upon entering the country at least. In particular- A white haired male bearing a very interesting sword seemed to be up to something- Although then again, there were several of us on this battlefield with interesting weaponry.

My eyes flashed to the white-haired kage as I twigged.

"..I thought you were familiar.
I'm sure I'd seen you all those months ago during the Yonbi attack.

I'm hoping you hadn't been injured too greatly.
Because if I can recall correctly; You got quite close."

I did play the sweet girl card, but it was all in good reason. I hadn't heard anything from anyone after that day in regards to what had happened to the Yonbi. Black had enveloped me and I found myself in the company of those who I wished I'd never met. ..What had happened to him?

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[KEITH]

Jun had taken his attention back to her, by hitting him softly upon his arm, and telling him that he shouldn't run off again, pouting, and then following up with words from her that he didn't believe that she had said. She missed him? Of course he had missed her as well, it had been so long since he had last seen her, and a long time since they had last slept together. The last time being within that cave in Kaminari, the night before they had planned to attack Kumogakure, until other people and things had gotten in the way. Though, Kouetsu couldn't get the words out to say that he had missed her as well, but the look he had given her would explain it all.

He had missed her, very much. Jin's words had made Kouetsu respond immediately, common courtesy was all it was. It would seem that the Jin had known who the lady was who would've tapped upon his shoulder, apparently, based on upon what white-hair was saying to her, she had appeared to be of the same village. Though, a bit higher in power, some sort of leader, for Jin to say something she had come down to greet one of her shinobi.

As he would continue on to speak, he would introduce the lady to both the kunoichi and I, as if we cared who she had really been in the first place. Surely Kouetsu didn't, he had just came to enjoy the exams, and even though it would have been nice to have a conversation about them with one person, it would seem that he was slowly getting caught up in the mix of something else. It had also appeared that the lady who had started talking to white-hair had ignored Kouetsu's greeting, but that was fine, he couldn't bring himself to drag upon something trivial like that anyway.

"It's nice to meet you too, Jin."

It would seem as if Jin was trying to throw Jun under the bus, giving it away that she was formally from Iwagakure, meaning that he would have been from the same place, Kouetsu didn't take any notice of the white-haired males headband if he hadn't noticed it before. He wondered how Jun would respond to what Jin had said; hopefully the kunoichi wouldn't try to last out and attack him or the lady. Before he had known it, an arm would wrap around his body, pulling him back in toward the direction of Jun, his body slowly beginning to turn warm from her touch. From the lovely lips of the kunoichi, she had spoken lies, telling the two that she was given up the life of a shinobi, and decided to live life traveling the world with the shinobi.

If only that was the truth, the shinobi had thought. He had never seen her smile, despite it being just a fake one at that, he didn't want to blow her cover, deciding to play along with her, resting back against her, and placing his hand upon hers that wrapped around him, smiling back at them playfully.

"Yeah, how we met is quite a story, you guys should hear it one day. But, Jun and I have been together for a while, traveling across the world and seeing new and interesting things in this world."

He had wondered how the white-haired shinobi and the lady would respond to them, but it would seem as if the lady didn't back off any. But, with them being from the same village, it was justified why she had wondered why the kunoichi had left Iwagakure.

[Jun]

"And that's terrible to hear! You weren't happy living in the village?"

[/right]

Inwardly I wanted to sneer; of course I hadn't been happy, every new age it seemed Iwa was crushed by another nation, only to rebuild and have the cycle repeated. It had been nearly a year since I renounced my loyalty, and for the better, I'd gained more power in that time than all my life back home. I was far better off with Kota-san it seemed. "Aw, it's not that. . .I just wanted a new beginning, that's all." I'd shrug, my face giving off a look that conveyed guilt for ever leaving. But if only she knew ~ I would never atone for going missing, not as long as I drew breath. Sea toned eyes watched the mistress in all of her glamour, what was with all of the questions? Hadn't she come to see the white topped youth?

"Jun darling, travelling the world is a rather hazardous occupation, i wonder, could you be a shinobi yourself?"

[/right]

I felt Senju-san's hand grasp my own ~ somehow a pleasant feeling over-came me. What was this strange emotion I felt? "A kunoichi? Aha, of course not," I replied, thoroughly satisfied with how adept I was in the art of deception. "My father was a merchant back in Iwagakure. He was against me leaving with Kota, but I knew from that start that we were meant for each other." My ally too spoke up, delivering a story I was sure not even a skilled sensor could see through. Our tale was believable, that I was certain of. Though we weren't in the clear yet; the amber headed woman retrieved a cigarette and placed it softly between sanguine lips. We ourselves had been enjoying a bit of reefer, but I'd never found cigarettes all that appealing. Certainly it would catch her in old age but that I kept to myself. "How about yourself, miss? What ties do you have to Iwagakure?" In all my time in Tsuchi no Kuni, her face I'd never come across; yet, she did appear to be an important figurehead. Maybe not the Tsuchikage, but I was confident ~ my intuition was second to none, after all.

Good thing she didn't recognize me.












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[spade]

This entire conversation had me cracking up from laughter, they were trying so hard to get out of this situation but had they forgotten one thing; I knew who she was. However I wasn't going to blurt it all out in one shot, I wanted to have some fun with this. Watching the two pretend to be lovers almost made me throw up what I had for lunch that day. "You guys plan on getting married anytime soon?"

I joked around. This situation was going no where and now that my Tsuchikage was involved I couldn't just keep this information to myself. I turned my attention to Jun, bright blue oculars staring at her, almost as if I was looking deep into her soul. Sure I didn't have the Sharingan but I did get some complaints from many of the women I dated in the past that my glare felt like I was piercing them in the chest. "But wait! If you weren't a shinobi then how did you have that scratched up Iwagakure head-band?" I asked her with a rather curious tone, how would this play out now?

[Mad-Rock]

A shadowed face was kept within the confines of a sleek white, almost leather like, cloak. Long sleeved it did well to hide his four extra arms, two crossed behind his back, two crossed at his front, while his two dominant ones found themselves in sleeves for normality. Eyes scanned the crowd, though were wise to bounce from their entirety, to the arena as well, monitors showing various progress of those in the exams. Kusagakure had two in the games, but one was already knocked unconscious and just moments ago the other had his throat slit. Tsk! The annoyed voice echoed throughout his mind as all six of his fists clenched tightly. How had their only prospects done so poorly? The surviving one, though unconscious, was being used as bait even. Disgusted with the show thus far, he'd find his way away from his seat. Stepping through the crowd he'd find himself walking through a small "conversation" in the works. One was the Tsuchikage herself...Stuck up cunt.

"Good day Tsuchikage..."

[/color]

He may have disapproved of her ways, but she was of his bloodline. Nodding to her as he gave her a certain..."I'd kill you" look via his eyes alone he'd continue on. He had wanted to follow the Kusakage into the Kage Room, but she had refused him as a personal guard this time around. Scoffing at the remembrance of the rejection he'd continue on. His back against a wall now he'd begin to watch the others in the crowd. Choosing to relax a bit he'd unzip a portion of his cloak, up until just below his chest, unfolding his crossed arms, the four extra limbs would flex and rotate to loosen up. "Tch, boring as fuck...And with a no alcohol rule. Ugh![/color]

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[aramlyis]

Kaku had been content to stand amongst the crowd within the room, his features hiding him from notice to the eye that didn't know what it was looking for. However, he was still close enough to catch glimpses of the conversation that was going on beside him, albeit removed by a couple of feet.
And what he heard didn't bode well at all.

Kaku had a theory regarding the Chunin Exams. They were a political neutral zone, all the countries had committed various war crimes against each other. These were oh, so subtly ignored by the festivities of watching a group of hopeful Genin face of against each other. Simply put, under ordinary circumstances, having this sort of greeting was bound to be fraught with long held grudges by older codgers whose memory was far too long.
Allowing himself a weary sigh, the boy reflected that neither party was evidently making it easy to co-exist in this temporary peace.
"Aha, and what are you gonna do. . .snitch?"
Someone really knew how to get on the bad side of people at a rate that was alarming as it was amusing to watch. Still, he would have been content to stand there and quietly chuckle at the childish bickering of the duo until a certain event occurred. This event would not take place for a while yet, and for the purposes of appropriate chronological sequencing, it will be cemented in the right time frame when the internal debate comes to it.

His auditory functions were momentarily blocked as the buzz of conversation drifted over from afar, obscuring his sensory perceptions.
When his ears finally lent themselves to him once again, it was an entirely different series of interchanges that greeted him.
"Haha yes! Nice to see you come down and greet one of your ninja."
Your? Well that might denote a certain degree of ownership, and unless the current speaker was a practitioner of supreme Dominant/Submissive Roles in which you gave up any right to call yourself, you, but theirs- whomever it may be that had gained that level of control over you. Presuming that this was the case, Kaku relaxed, at which point he zoned out of the conversation for the most part. He kept track of the general direction, number of people speaking, and so on. Or at least, a portion of his mind did so. The Elder Farseer was usually assigned these tasks and today proved no different from the traditional modus operandi.

"Good day Tsuchikage..."
Oh no.
Perhaps this thought had already been shared by some of the parties involved, but he had now gathered enough to know a few things about the conversation at hand.
Firstly, at least one of the participants in this conversation was a Missing Nin. It was the Chunin Exams though, so as long as they didn't try anything fishy, it was all good. It was something of an assumption, but he was guessing that whoever the afflicted party was, that they had come from Iwagakure no Sato.

Secondly, the Kage of their country had just popped up. And someone had just thrown them under the proverbial.
Was nothing in life ever simple? Wait no, stupid question, of course it wasn't. That was part of his curse charm.
What part of him felt obliged to come to the assistance of the interrogated behind him? Was it because of his presumed interpretation of a rule that might not actually exist in the first place? Maybe because Kaku felt that every dog had to have his day. Of course, these were perhaps the interpretations of the Primarch and the Farseer, this was one of those rare times when the two could be mixed together. The Warboss had no interest in the activity unless it had something to do with copulation, fighting, or performing one activity or another which involved his sphere of influence.
The Chaos Prince 'harrumphed' and gave off the impression that all he wished to do was watch the fights, at this moment Kaku was observing the final one of his Village-mates engaging in what appeared to be a potentially fatal fight, neither of them were playing with the gloves on any more. Swords and everything.

Tearing his optical receivers away from the screens (some people said it was bad for you anyway) Kaku strode purposefully towards the small congregation of people.
As he quickly approached his destination, Kaku pondered how to go about resolving this situation. It would be best to remove the evidence from suspicion, so he'd go about this in the same fashion one might expect someone who looked his age to do such a thing. His face easily fell into the blissful smile of childhood, an expression both serene and innocent.
Inserting himself brusquely into a slight pause in the conversation (after a certain multi-armed figure said his part) the young child addressed the couple, who did appear to have had some history in the past.

"THERE YOU ARE!" Maybe he had been a little heavy with the schoolboy persona, that sounded like something a groupy would say. Shuddering at the thought(internally) the brunette ploughed on. Still, he had managed to place the right amount of relief in his tone. Surprise as well, after all, if someone had noticed he had been standing nearby, he needed a legit excuse.
"My apologies Madam Tsuchikage," the young boy accompanied the statement with a momentary inclination at the hips.
Gotta play it like an overly enthusiastic school-child.
Turning his focus back to the couple, he opened his mouth again, this time hoping to have found himself the right niche to speak without being ousted from the group. Maybe no physically, but being mentally acknowledged was something that he could easily be barred from.

"I'm glad that you two are okay, I thought that the Shinobi had got you?" Turning his eyes to the headband in question, he answered his own question, attempting to sound reflective while he did so.
"I guess you took a trophy for your troubles?" Gesturing to the item that was the linchpin of this whole fiasco.
Goodness gracious, he was just worried that he'd make it all that much worse.

SPOILER: Click to show

If there are inconsistancies in this post, my apologies. This week hasn't been a good one for sleeping a minim of six hours. As such, I was pretty much in a drunken daze when I typed out this.

[daisy]

I did so love a good love story. The rather cliche'd running away from home to be with your lover was a particular favourite of mine. I was right though, it appeared. We didn't know each other at all. She must've been around during my absence. I was about to reply with my title, when a passer-by provided it for me. Although he greeted me normally enough, the look in his eyes was rather unsettling to say the least. It was almost a grimace. Poor fellow must be suffering from indigestion, or some other ailment.
"As you may have just heard, yes, i'm the Tsuchikage." I admitted, fully aware that i rarely looked the part. I was about to wish them well on their journey together, keeping the envy from my voice of course, as i too used to travel with someone i loved dearly, when yet another unknown face appeared.

I simply raised a carefully arched eyebrow at his apologies, as he spoke to the young couple. I hadn't the slightest idea what he was speaking about. Could i be out of touch with the younger generation? I was far more at ease speaking with two intimidating men in the box over there than i was trying to keep pace with these people. I didn't have time to question his appearance, before my dear chunnin voiced a rather unexpected question.

"Excuse me? Jin darling, what are you talking about?" I asked, truly bewildered. He'd been sitting with them before i approached, could there have been some important exchange i wasn't privy to? I turned my eyes back to the girl, now a tad more alert than i had been. I really must stop taking people at face value. What they wear, how they speak and hold themselves, it's not exactly a foolproof gauge of character.

"An explanation?" I asked of her, tossing my burned down cigarette to the ground and stepping neatly on it in my extravagant heels. The little boy who'd just appeared, their love for one another, i cared for neither if Jin was correct. Both hands now on my hips, i awaited an answer. I must've seemed like some eccentric, overly friendly stranger, but perhaps i would need to act the Tsuchikage yet.

[vegapunk]

As Blanche began to speak Eiichiro would light his cigarette, his gaze firmly locked on the women, he would give the fullest amount of attention he could to her as she spoke. Inhaling, he would close his mouth ever so slightly, creating a cage for which the smoke struggled to escape from from. Lingering, it would soon expand in an outward plume before floating behind his head and disappearing. Playful, he sure was; but that did not mean he lacked the qualities of a true gentleman. As the veracious blonde proceeded to speak, her words would fall like liquid honey to Eiichiro's ears. However, as she shook her head ever-so-slightly at what Eiichiro presumed to be his comments, he would casually take another drag from his cigarette. But he knew what she wanted, and at the moment when that sentence was expressed a warm smile would form across the face of the golden-haired kage. Playful still, his tone would be much more elated and warm as he replied.

"I am the Sandaime Raikage Blanche-sama, so my support rests in my Kumo shinobi that are participating. Have you traveled through Kaminari no Kuni much in your time? I haven't been to Kusa since the battle with the Yonbi - but I must get down there. It is a truly beautiful and natural setting."

Waiting for his reply, and as the Mizukage began to speak to the Kusakage, Eiichiro would shift once again lounging backward into the chair that he sat on. God, these chairs are comfortable, I need to tell Benkei to get something similar for the Tower he thought to himself as his mind began to wander. It was hard for him at such formal occasions; Although he was far from out of practice, he always had to make a conscious effort to be formal, coming from a background of shadows and betrayal - the life of a spy compared to a kage were nearly polar-opposites. Truthfully, his ascension to Kage after Atlas-sama's death was fast-paced and overwhelming. The death of the Niidaime had been a shock to all, and during those times, it was of the utmost importance that a new leader was introduced quickly and efficiently, and that was Eiichiro. He was relatively knew to this gig, but he would never, ever let it show.

Sitting back in his chair he would wonder if any of the other village leaders would make an appearance. Blanche, the leader of a promising, but still minor village had the fortitude to make her way to the games. From what he knew currently, it was the Hokage and Kazekage that were missing. Analytical as always his mind would flicker backward to the past records and archives that his previous Kages had left. Both villages Kumogakure had forged alliances with, each coming with their own benefits and betrayals. However, as he sat, in that moment, a rush of energy would flow through his body for just a second giving him a flash of positiveness. He would keep an open mind with these leaders, listening and learning from them. He was still only young, in his kage infancy - and seemingly younger than the two Kage's that currently surrounded him. But, that would not deter him from showing the world Kumogakure's true strength and resolve. That the Iron Will of the Cloud can withstand any war or pain that is thrown at it.

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[Nujabes]

"I made it out quite fine," I replied smooth, patting my stomach. "I can't say the same for the Yonbi, though. I'm sure being outside on the continent was a lot more comfortable than being cramped up inside little ol' me." I finished saying with a laugh. Sure, there were some who viewed being a jinchuuriki as a curse -- others as a blight, and a threat. Honestly? I didn't see any problem with it. Sure, I'd struggled with the beast several times before gaining complete control. However, now that I was. . . well, things were just different.

I looked at him as a friend. I hoped he viewed me as the same.

It was a lot better, I heard him bark. You should let me out sometime, just to stretch my legs.

You're funny, I fired back. I'm not so sure you'd be willing to come back if I let you see even an ounce of sunshine, Son.

T'ch, are you calling me a liar?

You? A liar? No~ I'd never!

Redirecting my attention to Blanche, I lofted a brow. "I'm surprised you weren't informed." Kusagakure's approval as a "great nation," along with the nominee for Kusakage's possible promotion, had been the "buzz" of the streets for quite some time. "Regardless, your hearing is scheduled for next week - at your hidden village. The other four kages and I shall convene and decide whether or not you, and your village, shall take its place beside us as an official ninja village."

I lifted both arms high above my head, leaning back until several pops reverberated from my spine. "Either way, as I've said, I'm confident everything will go as I've predicted. Kusagakure has become far too powerful to be lumped in the category of a "lesser" nation any longer - too powerful to be ignored. I, for one, am anxious to have yet another powerful alley; of course, presuming the Kusakage wishes for such an alliance to form."

I didn't know Blanche personally, but she was fairly easy to read. Rumors had a way of mixing the truth with lies; she was a woman who craved power - a woman who craved to know she was above others. Humble as I was, I saw no reason not to oblige her cravings; she was cute, anyway. There wasn't any harm in a little admiring and ego-boosting, was there? Besides, she had something that belonged to me -- to my village.

I intended on getting it back, one way or another.

[KEITH]

Just as Kouetsu would think they were going to get off a bit easy, the white-haired shinobi would do nothing else but add on more pressure to the situation. Ever since Jun had appeared, it would seem as if Jin's own personality had begun to change. He first seemed like a calm and cool guy to know, now it seemed like he wanted nothing more for them than to be caught and possibly killed here today. Perhaps this Jin character was two-faced, and that he couldn't be trusted.

He would definitely have to be dealt with, but now wasn't the time for such a thing to happen, they would have to keep the Tsuchikage up off of them. The shinobi's joyful expression hadn't changed at all since the kunoichi had wrapped her arm would him, pulling him back into her, and holding his hand over hers. The Tsuchikage would begin to question Jin about what he had just said concerning the pretend couple, but no one would truly be able to tell if they were a couple or not, not knowing their history and their journey's. Before Kouetsu would explain what white-haired boy had meant, another had come out of nowhere, shouting as he would approach the group.

The shinobi had rose up from the kunoichi's arm, and turned his attention toward the boy, listening to the words he had spoken; it seemed as if he had come to help them out, saving them from what Jin was trying to do. The lips of Kouetsu had curled up into a smile, and he would quickly adapt to what the boy was saying, like as if he wasn't caught off guard by it by the slightest.

"Oh, there you are. Yeah, we're okay. It seems that we are the targets for Nukenin and bandits nowadays. So hard to live peacefully in this kind of world, luckily I learned how to fight."

The shinobi had said to the younger boy, and if he would say, he played it off well, letting it flow as naturally as he possibly could. To keep his act flowing as smoothly as it had been, he would have to play it smart and try to fool the Tsuchikage, and even Jin, since he wouldn't even know the full story. Kouetsu had reached into kimono, drawing the scarred headband he had taken from Jun earlier, and showing it to the boy, and ultimately, everyone else. He had known that the kunoichi had wanted her headband back, and he didn't know if the Tsuchikage would want to confiscate it or not, it would be her decision.

Turning toward her and holding out the headband to her.

"I had given it to Jun before we entered the building, but, I had taken it from her once she showed it to Jin. She was making it seem like she had did all the work, but I had to take back my reward. We like to play around in weird ways, claiming each other’s rewards for ourselves."

He tried to sell it off as best as he could, leaving himself in the same situation he was in before, waiting to see their responses to it. Whoever this boy was, he had to be rewarded after this if they would get out alive and safe.

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[Apple]

With my blue eyes now turned towards Eiichiro, I waited for him to reveal to me exactly who he was, as he began to speak, a grin slowly began to unfurl itself on my face as I learned that I was speaking to none other than the Raikage. With his name and image now noted in my mind, it wouldn’t be too hard to pick up on him at a later date. The combination of red-tinted shades and floral trousers gave him away quite easily, and I was sure that on this particular occasion he hadn’t dressed to impress- Not saying that he didn’t look presentable, he did, but given the lax nature that radiated off him, I wouldn’t think that he’d bother all that much. ”Kaminari? Of course. I’ve been there several times, although I can’t say that I’m an admirer of the mountains that the country boasts.” Of course, given that Tsuchi no kuni had my least favourite landscape, with Kaminari bearing a similar rocky environment, it wasn’t one of my favourite places, but the people had always been pleasant. ”..But it’s an interesting place.” I added this, the same grin highlighted almost as I faced him, banter flying everywhere. if I could recall correctly I had been interested seeing the types of plants which withstood the changeable weather and the strong wind that the village constantly experienced. I’d found the village, but that was another story.

Turning my attention back towards the Mizukage, he divulged a very interesting fact about himself. Not only did I know that he was the leader of a hidden village, but he too had taken the being of the Yonbi and merged it with his own. A Jinchuuriki? I hadn’t heard of them for years now. Of course where bijuu were in the question, I’d managed to see one for myself, the Yonbi who was currently held captive within the man before me, and another I’d simply seen the devastating effects that it had on people. I’d met a konohagakure shinobi and having seen the state that he was in after having been victim to a bijuu attack, I’d brought ahead what good was within me and healed him. The damage had been devastating with his skin having been burnt and blistered, but with my abilities I’d brought him back to health from the brink of death. But where his wellbeing was concerned, I didn’t know what to think. Surely he’d have inherited the power of the Jinchuuriki alongside it but simply the knowledge that the bijuu was within him was somewhat disturbing as I knew full well the destruction that it could cause if released once more. But what else? Kirigakure was in possession of a bijuu through its kage’s involvement. What could come of this? Shifting my position a little bit so that both of my arms rose, I then crossing them across my chest as I watched on, I flickered my gaze momentarily to the various TV screens in the box which displayed close up images of the current area, before turning back to the two village leaders before me.

But now that he spoke of much closer topics, I stopped myself from thinking about what bad could come of the bijuu. Sure enough having it expelled from his body would spell dire problems for not simply whoever they’d target, but everyone. Placing what trust I had in humanity to this subject, I figured that he wouldn’t risk that. No-one in their right mind would unleash it. But now that he spoke again of the meeting that I was going to host within my own village for the other village leaders to see if Kusagakure broke the mould and could become a sixth great nation, I shrugged off the fact that I hadn’t heard. I’d quarantined myself to some degree a week ago from my duties because I wasn’t in the right mind to do anything and in that time that news had probably been sent. I’d sat in the corner of my office for days on end with my blonde hair covering my features, but now that I was better, fresh air had never felt so refreshing against my skin, even now. But- powerful nation? Perhaps I was one of the most egotistical people on the shinobi scene, but I knew where my village stood. We’d come a long way, but I was unsure of its power as of yet.

As I was currently taking part in two separate conversations, I made an attempt to mould them both in to one so that I wasn’t switching topics every few moments. Not that it was tedious to have to move my attention back and forth between the Raikage and the Mizukage, it was simply that I didn’t want either to think that I was giving more attention to the other. ”Hey. Eiichiro, it sounds like you’ll be able to revisit the country soon.” I spoke, inviting him in to the conversation that I and the Mizukage were having regarding the village’s hearing. I spoke such words in the same playful tone that I’d previously spoken to him with. He’d expressed his wish to visit the land again so with the meeting coming up soon, and with him being the leader of a major nation he’d been invited. But, with my attention now having been taken back to the white-haired male as he proposed an alliance between the both of our villages, I’d close my eyes for but a moment as the grin seeped back on to my face in response. I’d never met with the leader of the village hidden in the mist; so this would be interesting.

”..Perhaps we could have a meeting after the hearing?
I'm very interested in your proposition.”

It was a suggestion- Although it was an important thing to do to develop the relationships between our villages, I wanted to get the hearing sorted out first as it had just sprung on me. His compliments for the village interested me but being the queen of smooth-talking myself, I was on the fence about his true reasons for praising the village so. Perhaps it was simply that I was dubious of praise for a village that had only recently started to make its name in the shinobi world, or that I just wasn’t trusting. No matter; Improving relations with Kirigakure would only bring good, or so I assumed. I hadn’t managed to get in contact with the leaders in the past, and having heard that Kouketsu had reigned there at one point had put me off somewhat given his involvement with my brother. But now that the opportunity was there and there was a new leadership and I on par wanted to place my own village’s standing with others in stone, I anticipated both the hearing and the opportunities that would arise shortly thereafter. Lowering my arms again so that one dropped to my hip whilst the other hung by my side, I’d speak once more; ”I’m hoping that our addition to the world stage will be viewed in high esteem.” as it stood, I’d allied with Sunagakure and Iwagakure. Adding more villages on to the belt would be useful, so I was hoping that a relationship with Kirigakure would develop.

"..Assuring that all goes well."

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[Jun]

"An explanation?"

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Damn-it. That white haired weasel Jin had settled himself on trying to blow my cover. The Tsuchikage as she officially introduced upheld a cynical gaze. I sprouted a quirky look that only grew more upon my mate's divulging of the slashed Iwa headband he'd previously kept hidden in his apparel. "Kota - you sly dog." I jibed, his explanation of how it came to be in our possession rather interesting. In any case, things were getting to be a little too complicated for my tastes. Before another interjection could be made I rose from my seat, excuse at the ready. "Umm, sorry but I've gotta use the ladies room. Be right back." I quickly pardoned myself from their group and made haste toward the entrance of the ring-side avenue. Hopefully I'd rejoin with Senju-san there ~ we were an inseparable pair after all.

Exit.

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[spade]

This was getting out of hand. There was some random person coming into our conversation. I had no idea how this man even heard anything that we were talking about, as we weren't too loud with our conversation. I already knew that this lady was a Nuke-Nin and nothing was going to make me change my mind. "Oh? You know these two? What are their names then?" I knew for a fact that these individuals have never met each other, and I was going to make damn sure that they were apprehended, and this new man be charged for helping a Nuke-Nin.

You know what was suspect? That Jun immediately decided to use the women's restroom without even answering the Tsuchikage's question. "I'd suggest you stop right there... you're not going anywhere until you give us an explanation." I said as I immediately stood up and with a high speed movement¹ cut off her progress by stopping three meters in front of the broad. My hands rested by my sides while my bright blue oculars watched the situation as a whole, not just focusing on the female in front of me, but the other ninja that I deemed hostile.

"Now... turn around and explain yourself." I might have been younger than her by a year or two, but that didn't mean anything. Strength wasn't determined by age, and she should have learned that earlier in her life. I really didn't want to fight, but if it came down to it I wouldn't mind having my katana slice through some new flesh; it'd been far too long since the last time my blade cut someone.

SPOILER: Click to show

¹shunshin

[King]

NPC
Thankfully, the exams were coming to a close. It seemed that an event of this caliber simply wouldn't be worth a damn is there wasn't at least one hitch. It seemed that things were getting a bit rowdy in the stands, near where the Tsuchikage had taken her reprieve.

Hidden among the crowd, appearing no different than any of the other thousands of civilians, several blurs shifted. Appearing without so much as a sound, two figures, dressed in white robes and expressionless porcelain masks, now stood at the Tsuchikage's side. As a honored guest of the Mizukage, and Kage of a fellow nation, (s)he was their top priority. "Lord Tsuchikage, is everything alright?" the HYDRA shinobi to her left, a woman, inquired.

Simultaneously with their arrival, another pair of HYDRA arrived - one behind Jin, the other behind Jun. The distance, roughly a meter or two, was negligible. Their hands were already tucked behind them, buried in the utility pouches at the small of their back. They awaited orders.

---

"Mizukage-sama, we seem to have an issue."

Akira's attention shifted from the Kusakage to the ninja that had suddenly appeared, kneeling. "It appears that some trouble might be brewing near the Tsuchikage. What should we do?"

Akira offered a cursory glance over his shoulder in the direction Coco had wandered off in. "She's a big girl," he replied. "I'm sure she can handle herself. If she needs assistance, I'll step in."

"Hai!" The shinobi vanished thereafter.

Gazing at the screen now, Akira snapped his fingers. "It looks like both of your ninja have been eliminated, Blanche."