Woodland Rendezvouz [P]

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ENTER KAGE BUNSHIN
[FLASHBACK]

And here I was- I was aware that there was a possible risk that the Tsuchikage had decided not to come alone and instead had brought trouble in line with her own presence, but to be honest, I couldn’t give a fuck because if she did try anything, I had my own ways of controlling the situation. But who was she? I’d met with the last Tsuchikage, an eccentric Coco, and I was due to bring this meeting up in order to try and create links with our two villages- But it all depended how this woman, Anemone as far as I’d learned, would take my words. Of course, I was one of those with a tongue that could charm and twist even the roughest of men, and thus I was an excellent speaker, but I would utilize my talents in this meeting in order to win her over. With Kusgakure only a minor power in the political world at the moment, it would be very much beneficial for it to have some kind of collaborator with a larger power in the shinobi world. But as we’d gain allies, that’s where Kusagakure would slowly rise up from the grave that it had been placed in and ascend to the same level as any other major village. They didn’t know it yet that we were all destined for greatness, but steps had to be taken.

And now I waited so patiently for her to turn up. I had no qualm with waiting and as far as I’d noticed a few moments ago, it was at least ten minutes before we would have to meet, giving myself enough time to walk about a little with my arms crossed, as I took in the scenery. I’d always thought that Kusa no kuni was quite dense with woodland, but this specific part of it- I was unable to fathom exactly how much there was here. ”..Shi no mori..” I’d murmur to myself as I gazed at the endless forestry that surrounded me, causing the place to live up to its name quite well. The exact location which we were to meet at had been explained to the best of my ability, although I could only hope that the Tsuchikage was proficient in reading maps and navigating. I know I was, but then again living in a country dominated by mazes of trees, it was strictly necessary.

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[Jun]

Enter.

Shi no Mori. . .

The map provided to me on behalf of the Kusakage had been an easy study. Its location was no hidden village, nor was it forbidden so I hastened through its olive wilderness without delay. The timber here was substantial, and each branch was accounted for as precise feet breezed from one wooden platform to the next. A dusk kimono graced my body, as did the scarlet katana, Masanori, which was fastened vertically to my rear. Dragonflies meddled around nearby, and as a refined sensor I was in tune with the life around me. Besides the passing of emerald scenery on both my sides, I could only muse over what type of person I was destined to meet alone out in the deepest parts of Grass country. I had good intentions for our future; I only wondered if they felt the same way.

It was with a curious maroon gaze that my eyes fell upon the first human contact I had crossed paths with for miles. It was no coincidence ~ this woman

[/u] had to be the esteemed leader that thought to summon me here. So Kusa had taken on a female Kage as well? I professionally halted my stride, standing a comfortable fifteen meters from her own position. She was blonde ~ a color well known for their faults more so their assets. However I wouldn't be the one to judge so suddenly; besides she had an aura about her that made me feel as if she too was performing on a higher level. With the sun set high in the sky a monarch descended and landed timidly on my stream of raven hair. Then, with a gentle flap of its wings the creature fluttered away into the foliage ~ nature's sign of good fortune. I glimpsed over at the foreign kunoichi bearing as much of a friendly look as I could muster. "You have a beautiful country, you know."


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It wasn’t that I hadn’t heard her coming. The forestry having previously been still and soundless bar from my own breathing and the occasional crunching of the earth shifting gently beneath my feet, like a knife through butter the sound of footsteps echoed thorouought the area as bark, leaves and what have you begun to get trodden on by their feet. Of course, I wasn’t doubting that it was her due to the fact that the location was almost classified due to how deep within Shi no Mori it was, and as far as I’d expected, only the Tsuchikage would be able to know exactly when to be here and where to turn up. Expecting her entrance soon, I’d turn my figure towards where the sound would seem to come from, soon seeing the lithe figure of what appeared to be a girl much younger than myself, although I couldn’t have said that she was more beautiful than I. Although she did bear legs longer than anyone else I’d seen, there were little who would triumph above my own beauty.

"You have a beautiful country, you know."

And she spoke- In such a tone that it was perhaps only audible for a moment or so before fading. It wasn’t as if she seemed unconfident in her abilities orherself, but moreso that it was within her nature to be soft-spoken. Of course, usually I’d look down on those people and label them as prissy-tongued pansies, but this was the Tsuchikage, and I didn’t want to jeopardize any sort of hope of having a relationship with Iwagakure. A small grin spreading to my face after she spoke, complimenting the place, I’d nod my head agreeingly- Not to sound big headed, but it was true. Kusa no kuni was one of the most beautiful countries that I knew of, and it wasn’t simply because I hailed from there. Miles upon miles of forestry existed and so many different birds and animals lived within them, whilst flowers of all different shades went as far as the eye could see. It was densely populated with this sense of wildlife, despite the fact that the human population of it had been weaning after the two shinobi wars, both of which I’d lived and fought through, and both of which I hoped wouldn’t resurface again and rear its ugly head. All I asked for was a small phase of peace- Was that all too much to ask for?

”During my days travelling I’ve several times visited Tsuchi no kuni, although I digress that it isn't one of my favourite surroundings.

..I'm more of a forest person.”

It was perhaps a cheeky comment, maybe a tiny bit outspoken, but it was all opinion. If she’d get upset because I didn’t like her mountainous country because of its rocks and scarce plant life, then that was her own fault.

However, with all of this talk about the environment and the differences between both of our countries, I couldn’t help but begin to draw the conversation back to the real reason why I’d come here in the first place- To speak to her regarding both of our villages, although to begin this side of the conversation I’d open my mouth, my bold, confident voice speaking; ”I’d met your previous Tsuchikage a while back- Coco Alexandria, I believe? She was.. interesting.” That was the only way that I could possibly describe her. It wasn’t as if she wasn’t a friendly woman- I’d gotten along with her, that was for sure and it wasn’t her eccentric attitude either, she was simply perhaps one of the most unique people I’d met in my lifetime. Despite this we’d formed a bond, and we’d made agreements which I wondered whether the current Tsuchikage would be interested in continuing the links which we’d made so long ago. ”…My name is Kikkawa, Blanche, by the way.”. It had only occurred to me then that I had her own name and yet I hadn’t revealed to her mine- With my sweet words having exited my mouth, I’d leave space for her to respond to my comments with my name now in her mind, I’d cross my arms and watch on at her at the fifteen meter mark that she’d left between us- If she wanted to near me, that was of her own choice, but I was content at the moment basked in sunlight as my blonde hair shone very much alike the great sun in the sky itself. Shaking my head, waves of blonde errupting and flowing about the place, I'd stay silent.

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[Jun]

Our gap remained, for she was likely to be busy creating her first impressions just as I had done. The woman with golden hair smirked, clearly complying with my admiration of her homeland.

"..I'm more of a forest person.”

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It couldn't be denied that her province held more energy than my own, however I still had much appreciation for my own beige outback and all of its emptiness. Rather than plant life my country boasted the top natural defense in its high set mountains. I didn't need to worry ~ the Iwa estate would flourish soon enough. In the meantime I'd need to establish ties to the rival nations and hopefully ally with some of the more talented ones. Pale lips remained silent throughout her explanations; instead each of her words were absorbed with delicate consideration. And between each of our feminine frames came the chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves. Agile feet remained firm on a burly branch posted way above ground level. Whether or not the amber headed lass would cut straight to the main subject mattered very little now ~ I was far too impressed with how fresh the oxygen was here. Plenty of time was allotted for the serious matters, so I remained content with becoming familiar with the Kusakage until then.

As a matter of fact, she spoke of the previous Tsuchikage ~ a miss Coco Alexandria? That name hadn't struck gold in any of my old memories, and probably because I hadn't been around during her reign. While still in the era of the Great War and even shortly after I had been in hiding with my former master, Masanori. Back then he had been a wanted man, traveling under a false alias. However, I digressed ~ the past wasn't something I was fond of mentioning. It was with a casual tone that the blonde introduced herself to me. Blanche. I'd repeat the name in a whisper, quietly committing it to memory. I had a feeling it would be an important one later on down the road. "Umeko, Anemone." The reply came simple, as I knew that she had already read my signature once before. Still, it was only appropriate to give it to her in person, and I even added a humble bow after telling her my name. "Sorry, the name Coco doesn't ring a bell. But tell me, did you create any pacts with her that I need to know of? It sounds to me like you're already on pretty good terms with my people." Both hair and dress continued to mingle with the airflow. For now my ears were open.








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As the both of us stood in the forest, it was obvious that the two of us couldn’t have been more different, and through the tiny movements that she made and the slivers of whispers that her breath gave the air, I soon became apparent of this, although I wouldn’t judge seeing as she was representing Iwagakure, which in itself had the potential to become of Kusagakure’s first allies. I knew well that in the past the village had problems with Iwa due to the brutal attacks which had happened, but I was sure that there was room for a new dawn- A new age where Kusa could slowly rise to power amongst the greater nations and have them bow down beneath its feet at some point. Perhaps I’d be dead by then, but as long as that goal was attained, I didn’t mind. Despite being a minor village in the shinobi world, I was determined to make it have one of the biggest influences on the globe itself. Listening as what sounded like my name rolled off her tongue, her words were quite spaced out and almost reserved in nature, the complete opposite of how I brought my points across with. However, despite her quiet nature, I didn’t doubt her ability as a competent leader as I was sure that Umeko Anemone was more than the soundless whisper upon the wind. Of course- I was sure she wasn’t as powerful as myself, but, there was surely more than met the eye when it came to her. She seemed.. more silent than her predecessor.

Of course, I didn’t go against her for not knowing the first name of her kage- It was purely formal for people to address her as the Tsuchikage, and perhaps she’d only been in office for a short time before leaving the position for some unknown reason. I wasn’t too sure, but as the raven haired girl expressed her curiosity on the pacts and ideas which we’d formed, to be honest, I couldn’t respond with all that much since we hadn’t mused on dozens of ideas, but I revealed to her what I could remember us talking about- It hadn’t been that long before, only a few months in the past, I was sure, seeing as I could remember her speaking about the rumours that the Yonbi was on the loose in Kusa no kuni, and that I could remember well. Their faces, the crop of ginger hair on their heads, it was something that I hated looking back to. ”During the time that the Yonbi had been found in Kusa no kuni I’d met with her. Of course; She’d proposed to help my village if the situation began to go out of hand, and I’d said that I’d offer my own help if the time came where Kusagakure had a strong enough force of people to finally re-enter conflict. She’d left me with the directions to her tower, so I can only assume that we’d planned to continue our talks, however..” a pause, as I’d shake my head solemnly.

”..I’d become involved with the attack, and I’d been unable to return to Tsuchi to meet with her.”

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[Jun]

”..I’d become involved with the attack, and I’d been unable to return to Tsuchi to meet with her.”

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I raised an eyebrow at her speech; the Bijuu were a common folklore among even the most innocent of villages. Fabled beasts of pure chakra ~ that was a subject bound to be high on any shinobi's list on interests. To hear of their existence from the Kusagake herself had to mean that they weren't just old and forgotten legends. I readjusted the deep wine colored katana on my back and tossed Blanche a look that meant that I was tuned in. Despite the arrogant vibe that I got from her, I figured she was indeed a high class woman; and as such, the title of Grass Shadow was only befitting. A willowy cloud passed by overhead, temporarily blocking out passage of the sun. Under dense trees and shade I pondered my next words. Like myself, she too was holding back a part of her true persona ~ a logical defense against newly met strangers. We'd warm up to each other in enough time, but diplomacy had a way of slowing that up. She talked seriously of the Yonbi, a creature I had heard myths of here and there from various sources. Apparently it had enough power in its step to shake the Earth for miles. That was strength I wouldn't have minded obtaining, but it was a treasure reserved for only the most adept of shinobi.

"Is that so? And what of the Yonbi? How was it able to be contained?" I questioned, voice holding a lot more inquisition than before. Smoothly I fished a hand through starless hair, eyes remaining hawkish on the lass in front of me. "I only ask because the power of a Bijuu is most desirable. Isn't that right, Lady Kusakage?" Not that I wanted her to reveal some secret sealing Ninjutsu of sorts, but knowing how one was slain could only serve as a hint to their overall weakness. I needed to attain at least one of them if the Akegarasu hoped to have a chance at contending with the rest of the ninja world. But ah, my clan ~ I wouldn't tell her about any of that, she didn't need to know just yet. "I can't blame you for wanting to substantiate your minor village. I too want what's best for my people." And by 'people' I meant my brethren; fellow members of the murder. We shared somewhat similar goals, that much was certain. "However, let's just get the big question out of the way, shall we? War or peace; what's your take?" Depending on her insight I'd determine if our villages were compatible or not. Meanwhile, the entire time an unnoticed kunai lie in wait within a loose kimono sleeve. It was merely a precaution I had made a habit of taking, hopefully she wouldn't try something thoughtless.

Not that it mattered ~ I wasn't afraid of her.



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"Is that so? And what of the Yonbi? How was it able to be contained?"

From the onslaught of questions that soon rose from the very mentioning of the yonbi, I could easily gather that she’d been interested in it even without her explaining that she attempted to do soon thereafter. But why? Of course, I couldn’t draw away the fact that having a bijuu on a village’s side would make them.. nearly unstoppable, I was sure, unless there was someone powerful enough to take it down on this earth, or an army of equal power or more. Of course one could always try and look in to creating a jinchuuriki- I’d never met one myself but I’d heard rumours of people imbued with the power of the bijuu who bore strength unlike any other being, and for anyone I was sure that the mere idea of having such power was desirable, almost tantalizing, but there was something else behind her, I was sure. Merely the way she went ahead to address the matter of bijuu was almost as if she’d considered capturing it in the past- A hidden goal of Iwagakure? I’d remember to keep it in mind, as I was sure that the topic was bound to surface at some point in the near future if Kusgakure’s relations with the village began to blossom. I’d be a liar if I said that I wasn’t suspicious of her goals; but at the same time, I didn’t see her as a threat by herself.

”..How it was to be contained?
I hadn’t been around to see that far past its downfall, I’m afraid.

..The power of a bijuu is desirable.
But should one’s shinobi be competent enough then I’m sure there’ll be no need for one.

..Unless you doubt the ability of your people, that is.”

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It wasn’t as if I was pointing fingers at her in particular, but with the playful smirk on my face I was sure that she understood that I was simply playing about with her seemingly obsessive need for the great chakra beast that is a bijuu and almost turning the conversation on its head, as I delivered to the tsuchikage a respectable deal of banter. Of course, during the course of the yonbi attack, I was unsure of exactly what had happened. The world had turned black and for few moments I could recalling hanging in black, and nothing more, time and space warped around me, my awakening to the eyes of the two red-headed males, and nothing more regarding what happened after I was captured. I was sure that her own village had enough talent to compensate for not having a bijuu, but why did she want one? Her plan was carefully structured I’m sure. To gain a bijuu.. in order to enstill Iwagakure as one of the major powers and to place fear in the eyes of their enemies? And through that perhaps world domination. It was probably me looking over it with too much detail but there still wasn’t something quite right, although choosing to dismiss it for now, I’d go on to answering her presumably last question regarding the two of our villages

”..War or peace; what's your take?”

A smirk.

”Without doubt, peace would be my desired outcome of this meeting.

..But, pray tell Lady Tsuchikage, what's yours?”

Sparking her own response, I’d wait. Did she deem her village a worthy candidate to be allied with the flourishing Grass village? I strongly believed that our villages would simply prosper by becoming allied; And to say the least, I was sure that she did as well. With my baby blue eyes and such angelic features gazing down at her countenance in search for any kind of response to my question, I was interested to see what she had to say.

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[Jun]

"I hadn’t been around to see that far past its downfall, I’m afraid.

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She was way too cheeky, and as Blanche flashed me an analyzing grin I'd narrow a set of cherry eyes at her. It was obvious that she had begun to form theories around my Bijuu intentions, but unless she was a mind reader of some sort it would do her no good. It wasn't in my nature to spill out valuable secrets; especially during a first meeting. "What a shame. And my shinobi are quite capable, thank you, but an extra edge wouldn't hurt either." A Bijuu was plenty of leverage, no doubt. If only she had seen the downfall of the beast ~ that type of information I'd pay to receive. However, things were just fine for the time being. And besides, I had other sources, like Atlas-sama who could possibly give me more insight on the matter.

Extending a dainty limb, I'd reach out and pluck a healthy leaf from above as I listened in on her response to my second inquiry. She choose peace, as expected, then reflected the question back towards me. I still remained idle on the branch, arms now falling loosely on either side. "Peace as well, though I've been hearing some strange things out of Kirigakure lately. Mention of war. Which is why I asked ~ to make sure you weren't already allied with that bloodthirsty village." For a second my thoughts traced back to Masanori, for he had been among their already high list of victims. Regardless, I wouldn't mourn him so gloomily anymore ~ after all, he was still right there behind me, graceful as ever. "But if you'd accept, I myself would like to invite you to become a proper ally of Iwagakure." And before she knew it, I had already flash stepped twice (15 meters) in her direction, placing me well within arms reach. Yet, I held no hostility in my admittedly sudden movement. Instead a pale arm opened up to her and awaited a similar reply. A daring move towards a person I knew little of, however I felt sure that she was just as reasonable as I was. But would she shake my hand? "So, what do you say. . .Miss Blanche?"


Like Kumogakure, I craved her trust.

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SPOILER: Click to show

- 2 shushin

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The way that she described her shinobi as being capable was believable due to the nature of the great village, even after Coco herself had described its power and populace as waning. Perhaps in the short gap there had been between me meeting her and the ascension of this dark haired female to the title of Tsuchikage, there had been some change? I couldn’t be sure but despite the fact that I was willing to exchange words of peace with her and commit the village to perhaps working side-by-side with Iwagakure, I couldn’t help but continue to be wary about the fact that her intentions with the bijuu were surely far from innocent. I knew the damage a bijuu could cause if unleashed upon a country, I’d been there and I’d personally seen the physical damage it could harm to people- There could only be one reason behind why she wanted it, but it was something to bring up in the future before it became too late. After all; I didn’t want another creature raging about the place. This time we’d managed to be lucky and have our asses saved by those strangers, the next time, perhaps we wouldn’t be as lucky and her greed would bring the demise of others.

..If it could be described as greed, of course.
There were several different ways her need for one could spurn from.

And with such tactful eyes I’d keep watch as she tore a leaf from the branches of the trees, before speaking of another threat that could befall us- ”..Kirigakure?” I’d ask, repeating the name of the village which she had claimed seemed to be up to something. Of course, it wasn’t all that unexpected seeing as after the shinobi wars, the villages were disorientated and perhaps the mist had received a ruler less intent on preserving the brief spell of peace that had fallen upon us, so it was believable- But interesting nonetheless. ”..I’ll keep that in mind.” my dismissal of her other comment about Kusagakure being allied with the miss would signify that I hadn’t planned anything with it, although now with this information in my hands, it was easy for me to become wary about the situation. Kirigakure had never really provoked my interest and it hadn’t really been a village which had been that notable to me, really- Or at least I hadn’t heard any news from the village in years. To hear that it could perhaps have been corrupt by the spoils and promises of war was disheartening, but not entirely shocking. I’d heard of more striking things happening elsewhere in the shinobi world.

"But if you'd accept, I myself would like to invite you to become a proper ally of Iwagakure."

And before she knew it, I had already flash stepped twice (15 meters) in her direction, placing me well within arms reach. Yet, I held no hostility in my admittedly sudden movement. Instead a pale arm opened up to her and awaited a similar reply

Had sudden movement had not caused me to stir, if anything, I’d only expected that an official signing of some kind of friendship was to be confirmed in closer distance than the one we two had previously been standing apart at. However- her reluctance to go forwards either meant that she was unaware of who exactly I was, or that she was simply enthusiastic to place the notion of the meeting in stone- But why? Of course, I was more than willing to ally my own village but with the idealistic craving for power that she’d already displayed- Was this agreement simply a tick-off feature in her own game, or was I just being paranoid?

A shake of the hands- For but a moment, before I pulled away, my own gloved hand making contact with her own, bare skin.

”..Of course.
I'm sure we'll be hearing from each other very soon.”

And just like that, perhaps slightly abrupt, my hand had been taken away and my words confident and strong as I spoke to her, returning her invite and confirming my own voice towards it- Iwagakure and Kusagakure would become allied.. and I became one step closer. Leaving a minute or so for my words to settle in her mind, I'd soon dissapear in to the woodland, my own familiarity with this place allowing me to weave in and out of the trees towards my desired destination without problem. Regarding our little deal, I was interested to see where it would take us.

-EXIT!

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[Jun]

”..Of course.
I'm sure we'll be hearing from each other very soon.”

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And that was enough. Her hand engaged mine with assurance, then she was gone ~ a forest savvy frame guided Blanche to what I assumed would be home. So we were officially allied now? Even without some form of documentation I sensed I could count on her. But just how far could we go? We were still distant, but our brief meeting had at least been a good first step at bridging the gap. "Until next time then." That said, I'd take my own leave. It was best to leave this talk short and sweet, on the unlikely chance that I was being followed. A turn in the opposite direction was made, along with one last gaze at the flashy sun ~ afterwards my motion became but a mere blur.

Exit~

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[~Kohana <3]

Apple- 50

Anemone- 46