Juxtaposition [Naga]

[Apple]

After having spent so many days sheltered in my own office from my own bidding, it was nice to be able to walk the streets of the village that I so boldly ruled. Having made my break from the Atrium itself and carefully locked my office from potential visitors, Kusagakure’s kage now made her way around the village as any other citizen, hair tumbling down well past the middle of my back as per usual, or perhaps now slightly longer. Taking in the morning air that surrounded us all on the fine, sunny day that was soon to bloom I’d continue to make my way down the various streets of Kusa, taking in the sights and the sounds of the bustling village. Perhaps it wasn’t as active as it had been during my youth, but it was a start of quite large expanse and that was more than I could have ever asked for. Weary eyes moving from house to house, I kept walking, various people who knew me as the Kusakage outside of my more formal attire of the traditional leader’s robes pausing for what appeared to be a few minutes only to grasp the beauty that they were so fortunate to be able to be witness to. A smirk drawing to my lips from this thought, I’d turn my own gaze back towards them, before continuing my pace.

When previously time had slowed so painfully, I now watched as people passed by me and life revolved around my very eyes. Black masses now were removed from my vision and I felt justified, liberated almost from the period of obscurity that I’d succumbed to. Perhaps the only good thing that had come from it was the understanding that I assumed, or, hoped that it wouldn’t relapse. ”……..” deciding to ponder less on the subject and instead focus my mind towards allowing my body enough fresh air to compensate for the last few days, I’d pick up my pace, passing through alleyways, streets and arches, drawing both attention and the audience of the sun itself as it inched out from the shadows of the clouds above and emblazoned Kusagakure with its warm glow.

I breathed.

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[marvolous.]

"You really seem to enjoy all this attention."

Almost like deja vu, Soratsu's voice manifested from behind Blanche. There was no indication of his arrival, he was quite literally just there. It was a useful ability, but one Blanche should have grown accustomed to over the many years; placing a Hiraishin seal upon her chin had proved far more beneficial than he had ever imagined. Even so, though they were allies he remained at a far enough distance for safety - you never know with someone as hot-headed as Blanche.

"How was your journey back to Kusakage?" He grinned, but due to the ANBU mask obscuring most of his countenance, only the seriousness of his eyes were visible. "I had planned to take you back myself, but something more pressing had come up. More importantly--"

He stopped moving. By now, if Blanche had turned to face him, he would have shifted his entire weight against the side of a building they were passing, leaning on it for support. There were not many people around, so his mask was quickly removed and ushered back onto it's clip on his belt.

"I've always been curious, but have never asked till now - how did you revived Kusagakure?"

Straight to business.

[Apple]

Somewhat hidden away on the western section of Kusagakure, things had seemed to bring along a calm to contrast with the busier lifestyle closer to the center of the village. As my feet took me further out to the outskirts of town, I searched for a place where I could simply take a break to for a meagre hour or two away from the active lifestyle that I now had as Kusakage. It wasn’t that I detested the job- if anything, I embraced it with arms wider than my own, but it was testing, and over the past few days I’d felt the brunt of overworking myself- Or at least, I figured that it was brought on by several sleepless nights. But now- What had previously meant to be a temporary escape to permit me only a fraction of time for my own privacy and peace of mind then came crashing down by the call of a voice all too familiar to my delicate ears. As that voice came to be in the air around us both, I halted my walking, and instead turned my head softly towards where the sound resonated from; Perhaps the most interesting thing about him this time was that he was masked. But all in all; I knew all too well what face lay behind it. Although I was unable to see through the porcelain of the mask and I was only able to loosely see his familiar grey eyes through what little openings there were in said mask for the wearer to see, I could tell it was him. Through the ability of his Hiraishin which a member of my own party had recently been able to harness was he able to transfer himself to my very location- An underlying weakness, it was neutralized due to the fact that I knew information that could very well lead for his downfall- the knowledge that he was even alive. An ancient figurehead from the second shinobi war, I was sure that several people were out for his blood, and I had a direct link to the very person himself. But as he made a passing remark on my own need for power, I couldn’t help but refer back to his own at that time. This however, was soon dismissed as he began to speak for the second time and I had to recall the journey I’d spent getting back to my home village- And becoming audience to the current Kazekage of that time. I was unknown of the state of the village at the moment, but as this memory came to mind, I found it only decent of me to tell him of the small meeting which I’d had, in which his own name had surfaced.

”I’d bumped in to the Kazekage.

..He claimed to be a brother of yours – Etsuko, Rekka.”

A pause- at the time I’d been doubtful of the truth behind this name, and as I spoke it now with such clear mistrust, I’d continue my short tale.

”..Naturally, I told him nothing as I was doubtful of his heritage. He did however resemble-” a pause, as I’d be reminded by changes that he’d gone through, from the grey hue of his eyes to the equally silver threads of hair on his head. ”..A younger version of yourself.” Recalling the dark locks of hair which had previously hung from his head, all of the change was clearly visible although I hadn’t really given two thoughts as to why. As far as I was concerned, I hadn’t changed all that much, and I was rightfully glad because of that. I looked younger than my age, and I was quite content with that in itself. Drawing away from the topic of my own feminine beauty and back towards the words that had escaped from the Kazekage’s mouth, I’d prepare to respond to them, having stopped in my tracks to look back at the man as he’d carefully removed his mask, taking a much more casual stance against one of my buildings. ”….” Such a question about how Kusagakure had risen from the ashes sent a shiver down my very spine- In truth, I had no fucking clue about how it had, and that’s what scared me most. The idea that the orange-haired brothers were looking at my every move even now made me uneasy, and that was a feat. Leaving a moment or so between his words and mine, I’d bring myself several steps closer, stopping at the pleasant distance of five meters to face him. Eyes covered my being and when I had in the past relished attention and the viewing eyes of others on my body, I now stood uncomfortable, paranoid of the potential that the two could be watching me right now. I continued, careful of my words, soft, subtle perspiration delicately being released upon my forehead, whilst my expression gained a much more sombre look to comply with the tone of seriousness that followed. The fear of darkness enveloped me once more and the sheer idea that they were close drove me to insanity, nails digging themselves in to the soft flesh of my hands as I continued to muse over the possibility of their existence and the inferiority I'd felt.

“..how did you revive Kusagakure?"



”..The village slowly revived itself over the time I'd been gone - as far as I could tell upon my arrival, that is. The place was alive."

A pause.

"I'd just arrived at an opportune moment.”

Despite the fact that I shrouded things with my sweet lies, my words did have some degree of truth to them. I did arrive to the village only to find that it was strangely populated, and in some ways I had come at an opportune moment if you could call it that. The meeting which had left me doubtful of the world itself had happened solely as far as I could tell between a select few- and he hadn't been part of it, as far as I'd known. But what if he had? What if at the moment he was currently testing me? The skin which I had known to be Soratsu's tearing to give way to the monstrous beings that I'd been victim to so many months previous to this meeting- How was I to know that I wasn't speaking to the same people who terrified me each time nightfall came to play, that he wasn't truly who I thought he was? As my left leg instinctively moved backwards and I carefully controlled my breaths, I waited for his response, my insomnia-tainted eyes wildly following his own in a search for the truth. This- It couldn't be a lie.

I was sure that he was the Soratsu who I'd known for years now.
But even then I felt everything slipping away from me.

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[marvolous.]

Actually, remaining "dead" to everyone meant far more than just keeping those who bear ill-will towards me and my family at bay. I wasn't afraid of anyone trying to attack me, for they would surely fail each time; nor was I in any such way worried that my family would be attacked, either. Beppin, especially when angry, was far more of a threat than even I was; if anyone was to attack her, well - that would be the end of their story.

The reason - the sole reason - I wanted to keep my existence from the world was quite literally just the luxury that came with it. With Hiraishin, I could very much travel the world without a single soul knowing; it made being a ghost that much easier, and allowed me to do what I pleased - to take the law into my own hands, for instance. If I was "alive" and still very much the Kazekage, doing this would not only be difficult, but also nearly impossible.

"You were smart not to trust him." I smiled. It was genuine, almost as if there was a hidden joke behind my words. "We are not blood-kin, but he is very much family. Even if he is the Kazekage right now, I haven't spoken to him in years - I'm not sure where his allegiance is." Rekka was, afterall, very much like myself. Like me, he has an eye for power, and most importantly, would do anything to bring his endeavors into fruition. Quite like me, indeed.

Even so, there was something almost... different about Blanche. I trusted her, yes - but there hadn't been a single meeting between the two of us that I hadn't watched her with a keen eye, trying to gauge her thoughts. She was good at shielding her emotions from people, far better than most in the shinobi world, but this was different. She was different.

"Blanche..." I began, narrowing the distance between us with a single stride. My hand raised to her face with the movement, lightly touching it with the ends of my fingers should she not have moved. "You seem almost... out of touch today." My face neared her own, almost as if to kiss her; I meant nothing by it, but rather, wanted to shield my lips just in case anyone was watching. I was, afteralll, dead, and she was still the Kusakage.

"Call me crazy, but you look almost... terrified right now. Why is that?"

[Apple]

From what frightening doubt cloaked me, it at least gave me the prompt to bring myself together and concentrate on reality- The person who stood before me was undoubtedly Soratsu, and I had nothing to worry about. The sun of day beamed down on the area and yet due to the tall buildings that surrounded the both of us, was prevented from leaking in to the alleyway in which we were situated. Shadows covered both of our forms and harboured several twitches within the darkest corners which caused my subtlety gaze to move from position to position. Primarily however I was focused on the male in front of me who had almost instantly appeared before me within my home village. Such was the drawback of being sealed by a Hiraishin user, but I was sure that whatever bond we both had at the current time would be of some use in the future for me – At the moment however, I stood watching, simply wondering why he’d come such a long distance to speak to me. His initial question seemed to give reason but I knew that wasn’t enough. He wouldn’t simply come to see me on a whim to ask exactly how the village had risen from the ashes, I was sure of it. I knew him better than that. As my hands continued to subconsciously tear at each other, I listened to his response in regards to the Etsuko of whom I’d been audience to only months previously, perhaps he’d been an adopted brother of sorts? Perhaps had it been another person I’d have pried in to the subject but unlike many others, Sora was one of the few I believed to be on the same level as myself. That or; I had some respect for him. Regardless; It was a subject that I had no interest in, nor was it one that would bring me any personal gain, and thus, it was dismissed.

"You seem almost... out of touch today."

As he neared me, I hadn’t the urge to back away simply because I was too absorbed in watching as the darkness unfolded between us both each moment that passed and each meter that he grew closer, sending me far back to what god-forbidden room they’d kept me in for who knows how long all those months ago. No matter what abilities lurked beneath the surface of my skin and no matter the secrets that the gargantuan sword tied upon my back had, I found myself unnaturally disturbed by the oncoming darkness to such an extent that I tilted my head slightly, if only to be covered in a small amount of light.

”I’m unwell.”

I admitted.

In a tone honest enough to fit his questioning, the soft smirk on my face attempting to bring some kind of ill-thought humour to the table perked up. Of course, it could have meant several things. In reality I’d again been claimed by the same problems which I’d had since the first shinobi war, only it had left me subdued for a week beneath the cautious eyes of the office’s ANBU and even now I felt my senses firing up with all of the activity around me, my mind having been painfully provoked by the words that he’d past spoken about Kusagakure and its revival. Blue eyed vision blurred every eight minutes or so and I found it slightly hard to concentrate but- My consciousness fought against any other influences and I remained in enough control. Days prior to this very meeting I’d been sat in a corner of my office, knees held tightly to my chin as I prayed for sleep away from the living hell that I was suffering, a pitiful shell of who I was- Who I stood for. There was little good that I remembered from such an episode, but from what did; All I could recall was black, everywhere. Having deemed myself much better than I’d been previously I’d allowed my exit of the office but seeing how wild I’d reacted to a simple question, I began to doubt my own sanity at the current time, let alone Soratsu’s own from even setting foot in Kusagakure after leaving me in Suna.

However, my eyes picking up on a single movement that drew him closer to myself, the shifting of his hand to reach my cheek, my right hand almost with a lift of its own rose and would catch his own by the wrist should I have caught it in time. I understood the need to stay on the lowdown but I still felt too exposed for him to try anything like that. Hands which had the ability to crush bones instead gripped on with enough strength to prevent him moving it further, and I instead backtracked it, gently bringing his arm down before releasing my grip. ”I’m better than I was.” having added this in, my usual more confident tone reappearing as I strengthened the alibi which I'd given him, I’d then nod a single time as I turned my gaze from the shadows that lurked in each crevice around us back towards Soratsu. Intent on changing the subject to both preserve my own dignity from the disorientated moment that I’d just had, and to find out exactly why he’d come to see me, I began to speak, my own eyes looking back at his own as my hands instead removed themselves from each other, one being placed on my hip whilst the other moved through my long blonde hair.

"But it's none of your concern. On the contrary-
..What brings you here? I doubt the question of village revival was your main motive..
Given your current position, that is."

And I now stood after speaking those soft yet at the same time wary words, my mind and eyes struggled to fight against the oncoming shadows that danced in the alleyway, black, inky masses stretching and bubbling beneath brick and tile. I awaited an answer from the silver-haired male- It wasn't as if I wanted to cut our meeting short- It was simply that I've had rather known why he was here rather than delve in to matters that didn't involve him.

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[marvolous.]

It was always interesting being around Blanche. There was never a dull moment, even when we were forced to talk about such mundane issues. Even though we had known each other for years now, I could very well see that some part of her still did not trust me. It wasn't her rather quick reaction to stopping my hand from touching her that make me think this way, but instead the way she gazed at me. Through those deep blue eyes, it almost looked like she was still trying to uncover some hidden true about me.

Truthfully... it was funny. And to show just how funny I thought it was, I laughed; a cool, genuine, laugh. You see, I expected her to react the way she did - I knew she would. However, I never quite expected her to take me for a fool. It used to be my job to gauge and analyze people's emotions, did she really think this fake front - this facade, even - would fool me? I knew there was something more to her words, but out of respect I dropped the issue - that, and well, she was right. I had an ulterior motive.

"You're very keen, you know that right?" I grinned. "I've been keeping to the shadows, gathering intel about Sunagakure and it's status amongst the other nations. What I've gathered from all my sources is my village is in a state of decline, and has been since my reign ended many years ago." I leaned back against the wall again, allowing my eyes to wander as I paused and took in the scene. Even though she had forced my hand away, we were still only inches apart so my voice lowered into the whisper again.

"You mentioned Rekka earlier. Well, rumor has it that he retired from office quite a while ago. If that's true, good. If not, thats unfortunate because I plan to take back control of my village. As Sunagakure's sole ally, I felt it was only right to tell you beforehand, as well as to ensure that you don't interfere."

I wasn't finished, but decided to stop myself and allow her to soak up all the information.

[Apple]

"You're very keen, you know that right?"

”I’d think you’re the keen one spending that much chakra to see me.”

It was a fair point, but I meant no maliciousness through my words, moreso I was simply playing whilst also drawing the attention away from myself and back towards his own being. I knew several secrets and one of them were on the same par as Soratsu’s Hiraishin, and I knew the toll that it took on my own body from using it, it simply led me to wonder exactly how much chakra the technique required in order for one to move from place to place. It couldn’t be a meagre amount, I was sure of it- But even then I was sure that in order to keep his status as dead a bit more safe, it was the only tool that allowed him to move about as he pleased without being easily detected. I did enjoy seeing him, but the only drawback was I had no idea of when he would appear, which was an irritating concept. But, dampening my own views on his use of the ability and becoming audience to his explanation for coming to the village, I’d listen keenly at our short distance apart, his silent words feeding in to my ears and giving me the information that I’d asked for. So Sunagakure is waning? it was interesting to say the least. As a major village I’d never anticipated for the village to have problems, let alone fail. During the first shinobi war it had always seemed as if they had the upper hand at all times with the sizes of their villages and the larger populace – But hearing otherwise now, it surprised me to some degree. I wouldn’t have expected it. But what did he have planned to alleviate the problem? Watching on with the same interested and yet at the same time, callous expression, the topic seemed ease the previous distractions in the darkness quite successfully.

”The last I’d heard of him was from that meeting, so I can’t give you any additional information.” I’d say. I had hoped to conclude various things with Sunagakure and its kage but over time the communication had faltered- I was unsure whether or not he had left office, but it was clear that whomever chose to step up after Rekka’s retirement wasn’t too keen on keeping allies, or at least, showed no interest as far as I could tell. Soratsu’s plan of course, interested me and I made it clear, my arms crossing across my chest and my head tilting if but only a little to the side, a satisfactory smirk still plastered to my mouth. ”You plan to take over?” I’d ask, my tone still hushed. ”Not that I doubt you, but make sure you know who you’re going up against.” I had no idea exactly who the new Kazekage was, and because of that, I was unaware of his abilities. As far as I knew, he could be several times stronger than Soratsu and myself put together. ”I’d rather not be the one healing your sorry ass if you end up getting hurt.” I joked; but I stressed for him to gather more information on who the current village leader was before going ahead. I trusted him enough not to run in blindly, so that eased my concern somewhat.

”..So what do you plan on doing, exactly?
If the village is deteriorating, I doubt there'll be much of a fight.”

I figured that he’d be doing the job alone, but with this information now on my side and with the relationship between both villages now at stake, I easily went towards Soratsu’s side of things. I wasn’t weak minded nor was I swayed easily by such things, but I believed that if he was to gain leadership of his village in some way or form, then it would open new options for both myself and my village. The relationship between Sunagakure and Kusagakure at the moment existed in harmony, yet anything could easily change that. The idea of change and possibility however, enthralled me. Before becoming Kusakage I’d lead a relatively busy life, and now although I had work to do, I missed the lifestyle that I’d once had. I figured that it was already clear to Soratsu that I would aid him in his attempt should he need it, so I chose not to delve deeper in to it, and instead focused myself on listening to whatever plans that he had- Did he plan on making a show out of it, or was he going to attack from the shadows themselves? I’d had two versions of him in my mind. The careless, black haired boy who had something say about everything, and the silver-haired man who perhaps had relinquished what recklessness he’d previously harboured. He’d changed, that was for sure, but to what extent I had no idea of gauging yet- Time changed people more than anything and I was still unaware of what had caused the dramatic change in his appearance.

But, back on topic.

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[marvolous.]

I had almost forgotten just how inquisitive she was. Rightly so, I was wasting a large amount of chakra Hiraishin'ing from my home in Sunagakure to here. At first, doing what seemed to be such a small feat used to drain me completely. Now, however, I barely even felt the consumption; years of vigorous training allowed me such a right.

Even so, warping here was worth it every single time, and served a far bigger purpose than just our talks. By appearing at her side, uninvited and randomly, not only was I using the opportunity to spread information, but I was also using it to serve as a reminder for her. A reminder, that is, that demonstrated just how easily I could find her and her village if she ever tried to betray me. Essentially, I was killing two birds with one stone.

"Did I just hear you right?" I mused, grinning once more - like I said, never a dull moment. "It almost sounds like you're actually worried about my safety. You're right, you really must not be feeling well." It was a joke, clearly. Knowing Blanche, however, I knew she was just expressing concern over her village. We were, afterall, allies; by starting something as dangerous as a coup d'état, I was not only endangering Sunagakure, but also her own village. She did not need to worry, though.

"You are forgetting that I used to run the village for several years. Not only do I know all of its secrets, but as a former ANBU I know how to exploit it's holes. There won't be a need to fight, for no one will know I took over." With a single handseal, I birthed a single Shadow Clone from thin-air. It resembled me for a moment, but quickly changed it's appearance with a Henge.

"The man my clone is impersonating was killed by me a couple days ago. He had tried to flee my village and was promptly executed for it. Now--" I looked at my clone. "He's the new Kazekage of Sunagakure."

[Apple]

"It almost sounds like you're actually worried about my safety. You're right, you really must not be feeling well."

”To have you die would be .. unfortunate.



..You may be of use to me some day.“

It was on the fence whether I was joking or not.

As allies, he had the upper hand over me with the hiraishin seal which he’d placed on me. However- I knew that one day the time would come where I could convince him to help me in some way or other which would justify the mark that he’d placed on me- I was sure of it. Sure enough the both of us were wary of our positions but it would be a lie to say that there wasn’t some, small sense of respect between the both of us. Of course- I couldn’t speak for Soratsu himself but since he’d undergone the transformation which life had bequeathed him, I enjoyed this man’s company much more than the bratty black haired boy who had breathed power itself during the second shinobi war. My tone very much entertained as I spoke those words, I made my intent quite clear. He wasn’t part of any of my plans as the time stood but if the time came one day where I’d need his assistance then I fully expected him to aid me, regardless of his position. As he spoke of his own endeavours with Sunagakure it was clear that I was to play a part in ignoring what would go on for the sake of his success. Flicking my blonde hair back, I’d keep listening.

From his own source of chakra soon came a clone, undoubtedly kage bunshin given his skill. However what grey haired creation soon turned and shifted in to another figure, one of whom I hadn’t met before- A total stranger, however as he continued with his words it seemed as if he was anything but that to Soratsu. An alleged victim, it seemed as if he was intent on using him as a marionette to bring his ideas to the front. So he wasn’t intent on showing his face, but instead to control things from the sidelines? It was an interesting concept, and one that captivated me to no end. ”How exciting!” I’d say, genuine interest in my voice as I studied the clone. I hadn’t heard of this happening before. Cold, callous memories of the orange haired shinobi came to mind and their own involvement with my village and the potential that they could too be at the sidelines slowly plucking the strings, but with what energy I had in my mind, I’d manage to push such thoughts back to concentrate on Soratsu’s own endeavours with his village. ”And will this new Kazekage be interested in upholding an alliance with Kusagakure?“ Playfulness seeping from the words that I spoke, it was, nonetheless, a serious question. I was sure that he wished to continue them as there was no reason to break connections, but it was hard to tell exactly what he had planned for the village. It was understandable to not lead the village from his own person, but what else did he have in store? I hadn’t much belief in Rekka, but I was sure this would be something.

”..Or holding good intent towards anything?
Or will he be the gallant knight out to highlight the village’s drive and reputation?

I'm interested to see where you'll take this, Soratsu.”

In the past I’d known Soratsu as the boy who wouldn’t think twice about cutting my own throat if he had the chance, but now that he’d mature significantly as far as I could tell, was he intent on stirring up trouble, or were his intentions purely innocent and to simply try and instigate his influence in his village again to make it prosper? I figured that his goal was to indeed bring his village back to the forefront of things given the apparent decline that it had been victim to, but what else were his motives? It was a strange concept, playing a character as so to say instead of ruling by his own hand. Personally, I relished in the attention that leadership brought me, as it.. clarified my being, I guessed. From compliments to screams merely hearing my name spoken by other people relinquished my need for attention but it wasn’t enough. I wouldn’t stop until the whole world knew of my name. However, I hadn’t involved myself in the second shinobi war in the same way that Soratsu had- I hadn’t made such a name for myself. I’d instead been the victim of several experiments and tests and I’d come from it the bearer of a power best forgotten, but that was classified information. I felt shame from it. The slightest of twitches erupting from my body, I'd stand.

As I waited for my response, I could only think of a question that I'd planned to ask him moments before- I'd ask him in a few minutes time but, it could only give me time to gauge his response for the proposition that I had in mind. Depending on how he answered the the questions I'd just asked, I'd decide whether or not to bring the proposal to the table. The sun above shifting somewhat and coating the alley in darkness once more, my blue eyes nonetheless cut through it like a knife through butter to view his countenance.

What would he think of my next offer?

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[marvolous.]

"You may be of use to me some day."

Again, I laughed. This was exactly why we worked so well together. Our relationship wasn't casual, it was all business; I needed her to fulfill my many goals, and she needed me - nothing more, nothing less. It had worked flawlessly up until now, and truthfully, I did not want anything to change.

"Of course. The alliance between our two villages will only strengthen by me taking an active role in controlling the village." I looked at my clone for a second, but quickly found my gaze once again falling on Blanche. "Both, actually. I have many ideas that I want implemented in my village to restore the drive and reputation we had when I ruled the village. This could be as easily as just giving my people something to strive for much like I did when I scapegoated Iwagakure."

I wasn't sure just how much Blanche knew, but there was no point in keeping such unimportant information from her. Iwagakure had been attacked by a joint force of both Kirigakure and Sunagakure, under the assumption that the earthen village had been the one that had infiltrated and destroyed my village in the wake of my sister - the first Kazekage - betraying her home and fleeing. Even though the two Mizukages had been responsible for the damage, Iwa was still blamed - and then, well, it was destroyed.

"Or... it could be something as big as crippling another village to show our strength and determination. Either option is possible, but it's up to the world to decide just how much I need to interfere."

I wasn't afraid or even turned off at the idea of more bloodshed. It was needed in a world full of shinobi, there was no other way to co-exist together.

[Apple]

I had expected for the relationship between Kusagakure and Sunagakure to if anything, strengthen with Soratsu’s takeover. As allies we hadn’t been incredibly communicative, but I was sure that things would soon develop. If anything I was eager to see his rise to power again within the village, as the plan behind it was quite entertaining if anything. I was sure to those who were unknown to it it would seem as if nothing was out of place, but to those who knew- I, Soratsu and whomever else he chose to tell, it almost seemed like a gigantic game. Of course, all this talk reminded myself of the unsure foundations I was on with the red-haired brothers, but- I now chose to set my mind on other things- For the last few minutes, it had proved successful. My eyes now much more loosely covering his own as I felt my personality shifting to that of one much more playful, although I still stood taking in the information that he fed me with such an attention to detail in the way that I picked up things, my expression bore an amused grin. Perhaps it looked as if I wasn’t concentrating on what he was saying, but truly I simply couldn’t push the potential of this plan out of my mind- It was.. hilarious. I didn’t doubt the ability of the village itself but it would be interesting to see how they reacted to very fake kage which they’d hopefully soon find themselves ruled under. It was twisted- But I couldn’t falter the entertained look that befell me.

Of course- As he spoke of Iwagakure in such context, it was clear that I didn’t exactly agree with what he had done. It was simply because of my brothers involvement with the village, as I’d heard that he’d found solace in Iwagakure after the first shinobi war and the part that he’d played during the second- But everything else was unknown to me, and it pained me to know that. ”We may have something in common.” I’d tell him, my mind shifting to the goals that he’d spoken about his village, however- Although mine weren’t directly to do with decimating an entire village, it was close enough. Sunagakure had seemed to regress over the past few months from what he told me and Kusagakure had only now revealed itself from the shadows after having been destroyed during the first shinobi war. The only rumors which surrounded it was its misdeeds during the first and I was intent on changing that. Despite in size being a minor village, it was within my interest to bring it forwards to the same influential scale as the major villages. My shinobi had potential and I wanted to use that. I wouldn’t allow for other villages to think that they could tread over our homes, our families and our work again- it couldn’t happen.

”I’m going to increase Kusagakure’s authority in the world.



I’m not having my village fall behind again.”

A lack of communication with other villages had previously been its downfall.
Relapsing wasn't an option.

It was a simple goal, that was for sure- It wasn’t as if I was asking for world domination or anything.. right? Sunagakure too had left the world stage as far as I could tell- Or there wasn’t a world stage as I’d heard nothing from the other village leaders for so long now. I met more often wit Soratsu than I did with the other kage, and that was saying something. It just didn’t seem as if they wanted to converse with such a small village as Kusagakure, but I knew that one day they would be crawling at my feet for repentance, every last one of them. Perhaps it was old grudges still being unearthed from that day, but I wouldn’t have the village break at the hands of others again. If anything- We’d be doing the breaking. Whilst Sora’s own intents seemed to show that he didn’t mind delving in to more violent affairs in order to instigate his own influence, what good in me wished otherwise and to prevent any more lives being lost. But on another plane; I wanted everyone to understand what my village had been put through. What I’d been put through. Perhaps then war would be much more rare once everyone learned how fucking crushing it felt to loose everything. So that they could see the very people closest to you slipping to your fingers and to find what only hope available in the darkest of times to be dead and gone, suffocated in blood and torn apart limb by limb by cruel fate. How I felt when I’d had my world crash down on me in a matter of seconds and for little I'd asked for to be thrown in my face like a knife in the back.

I wasn’t thinking straight.

My moment of sheer anger distracted by my own control, I'd instead turn the fierce expression I'd adopted back towards Sora, as it had past been lingering on the wall behind him rather than directly towards his countenance. I resumed my speaking with a calm, collected tone of voice.

"I wish you good luck with your own endeavours.
Should you require any support, I'm at hand."

Of course- I keenly spoke of it as I- My village wasn't fit at the moment to help fight against whatever amount of people in Sunagakure who might object to the new reign, but personally I was more than ready and if anything I craved the thrill, the adrenaline that each hack brought me. Now more than ever. However- As a medic, I was required to stand back and let others play before me- But I understood that my temper sometimes got ahead of my composure.

[/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[marvolous.]

"I figured as much." I spoke instantly, responding to her comment about not having Kusagakure fall behind the other villages. I wasn't surprised by her statement, for I knew whatever many goals Blanche had, protecting and keeping her village safe was on the top of her list. The only way to do that effectively was to have the world recognize it's rising power; it'd be a difficult task, yes - but would be made all the easier with Sunagakure's official backing.

"Likewise, Blanche." I could see the strained emotion on her face, but ignored it for I knew it she didn't intend to direct it towards me. As strong and independent as she made herself out to be, she was still human; like myself, we all needed help from others sometimes. "If you ever require my assistance, don't be afraid to call. Afterall, you worth more to me alive than dead - and, well, I'm only a second away."

I shot a glance to the nape of her neck, reminding her - if it was even possible that she forgot - that she still had my mark etched into her flesh. All she needed to do was touch the seal and I would be there, instantly. Nevertheless, I turned into the shadows, my right hand grasping the shoulder of my Shadow Clone as we prepared to make our exit.

"Actually, there is something I need." I stopped myself short of warping away. Turning, I looked at her warily - I had almost forgotten. "I need a certain... procedure done, and you're the only one I know capable of such a thing. When you're free, touch my Hiraishin seal; this needs to be done sooner than later. Don't worry, you'll be paid rather generously." I smiled at her, a simple maneuver of my free arm bringing my hand upwards to wave goodbye.

"Farewell, Blanche."

-- And I was gone.

[Apple]

I knew full well that’s our meeting was beginning to dwindle on somewhat. I had things to do elsewhere in the village as I’d sacrificed a week of my work. Listening to his words, I’d nod in reply, although I hadn’t ever thought about calling him- I hadn’t even been aware that the process of hiraishin could work backwards as well, but then again I guessed that it would come handy some day should I require his assistance with something. As of now I couldn’t think of anything, but I was sure that as Kusagakure grew day by day and the village’s involvement with Sunagakure too grew, I figured that something would surely spring up in the future. With a smirk drawn on to my face after he spoke so, I guessed that at least it was some perk of having the technique ingrained in to my skin. Thankfully enough, despite the fact that I was sure Sora was after power as much or perhaps slightly less than myself, we had a mutual sense of understanding between us, and not that I gave my trust to him, but I trusted him not to cross me, and as long as that was respected, I wouldn’t do the same to him.

”Understood.”

And just when I expected the man to take his leave..

"Actually, there is something I need."

…What was this?

I wasn’t sure what to expect. His previous movement being backtracked as he soon came to view once more before speaking, I waited, curious of what he was about to ask, and whether I’d be happy enough to aid him in whatever assistance he required. As he continued, his words strung together on humid air, I’d show my interest in what he proposed by the fact that the smirk on my face had resurfaced. I could easily place a guess at what he meant. Being one of the finest medics within the shinobi world I’d learnt many different things, one of which especially I figured he had an interest in. But for what purpose? What did he want that technique for exactly? It was interesting, and despite the fact that I was a medic with several years of practice on my back, I was highly eager to perform it. With a soft nod of my head to signify my compliance, I’d then allow him to leave after giving me the knowledge I needed to call on him when I had enough time. Merely moments passed and he soon disappeared back in to the shadows that he’d come form, and I was rendered alone. With my hands lowering somewhat and almost dusting off the front of my skirt, I’d then reveal myself from the shadows and place myself back on to the dimly-lit streets of Kusagakure, pacing my way back towards the kage tower. He wouldn’t have to wait too long.

EXIT!

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[Jae]

• Apple: 70 EXP!
  
  
• Naga: 52 EXP!