golden [apple + spade]

[BLKND]

黄金

This was truly an uncanny sight. The visible presence of the Raikage was a treat that many were afforded. The idea of ones leader, looking one in the eye to commend their hard work, dedication, stamina- it was a treat that no one could deny that they appreciated. However, this sentiment seemed to have waned as of late. Heihachi had yet to accrue the same presence as the three Raikage before him. Perhaps it had been the condition of his appointment, or even just his lack of identity beforehand. There was no real way to figure it out. He had been a man behind a mask for a good portion of his life, and while he had been known as a friend of the Sandaime, it didn't accrue him much clout. For now, he was just a man. So as he walked through these streets, the endless towers of mountainous terrain surrounding him and his party, the glances that he would gain from his villagers was something to be desired.

He had gained the company of three foreign ninja, one of which in a similar role as to himself. Kusagakure had been treated far worse than Kumogakure ever had, and yet here she stood, a beacon of power and ability. She was someone to be admired. He would glance back at her to ensure that she would be accompanying him, her height being an indication that her stride would be almost the exact same as his. She would need his stride given the terrain. The mountain in which they stood being one of many, which would be clearly visible from their position slightly past the Kumogakure gate. The buildings laced the mountains, along with walkways, bridges and a number of other common architectural means of existence. The majority of the village had escaped the ruin caused by the masked trio- which all were thankful for, but nothing can replace what was lost. Not even two blonde kages making their way through a village of defeated people.

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[Apple]

Led away from the village gates and deeper in to the village, I gazed around as I picked up on the sights. I'd been here before with Eiichiro, of whom had taken me to a beautiful tea house for our meeting. It merely made me wonder where Ishitsuru, the newest Raikage, would choose to host our first conversation. As my own group closed in on his, allowing me to walk close to the Raikage, our figures seemed to stand out amongst the villagers who moved around us who looked at myself and their leader, surely in concern of what we were doing here. I'd made myself known to several villagers in the past during my arrival to Kumogakure when Eiichiro was present as leader, but with so much at stake with the village so vulnerable, I understood fully the unsure glints in their eyes, and didn't take offense from them, although I was wary of the extents people would take in times of hardship. Whilst I didn't think that any of them would chance an attack at this time, especially towards what they believed to be strangers, beneath my cloak my hand nonetheless cradled my stomach protectively. I understood that it didn't do much, but it helped to reassure me, in some strange, obscure way. Gazing up at the sight of the Raikage's own blonde hair glistening in what sun descended upon the village, I began to speak, addressing him. "..I truly apologize for the damage that your village was dealt from the attack.. I merely hope that your people can bear through this hard time." I spoke, looking around at the broken buildings which littered the area. Whilst I could clearly see some more pristine homes elsewhere, it seemed as if certain sections had been targeted, and those targeted in paticular had been hit hard. I'd been through similar devestation before in my own life after Kusagakure had been destroyed - but, although it sounded grim, we had all been expecting it to happen given the way that the village had been going back then. There had been little to no reason and no forewarning at all of the attack Kumogakure had recently suffered - and whilst Kusagakure's own losses was greater, such a violent act in a time of peace was.. disturbing.

Continuing to follow him, large strides taking me up the slope that he was taking us up, I could feel my breathing grow slightly more strained, and as a response, I slowed slightly in order to give myself a break, but nonetheless kept walking. The higher that we went, buildings to the left and to the right of us, through the gaps between each one I could see the village from a higher ground - and it only made me wonder how beautiful it could possibly look from the utmost top, even with all of the damage. "..Your representative who came to my village explained that you were unaware of the true identities of the aggressors - have you come to a conclusion as to what village they were from?" I inquired. perhaps it was a slighly insensitive question, but I was just as curious as the rest of the village as to who was to blame for all of this. Whilst I had my own ideas, I wanted to hear what he had to say. Surely he had some kind of inside intel? Or would he be hesitant at revealing the answers that I wanted? I wasn't too sure, but narrowing my eyes sightly, I kept up my steady pace, looking up at the form of the Raikage as he preceded myself, his assistant and my own team of shinobi. My tone displayed my shortness of breath, although - I held back slightly to regulate my breathing.

"..Or is it .. still unknown?"

It was a simple question - although at the same time, a necessary one.
Whilst I didn't think they were in any state to retaliate at the moment, I was sure that this was a matter that would take a long while to settle.

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[spade]

This guy looked so young, but looks could be deceiving. Blanche looked like she was in her twenties, when in reality she was like thirty years old. It's mind blowing what sucking some chakra, and drinking a ton of tea does for the body. I walked behind both of the blonde individuals taking my time and enjoying the scenery. Kumogakure wasn't all bad, all these mountains would prove to be a good place to relax and take some time off if I ever went on vacation. As we walked throughout the village I couldn't help but notice all the stares we were getting from all the civilians, some were positive others felt as if they were killing us in their minds. It didn't seem like Kumogakure really suffered from the attack they received, besides the fact that their leader was murdered, everything else seemed well.

I managed to listen in on the conversation Blanche and Ishitsuru were having. It didn't look like the village knew anything about the masked assailants that came and attacked their village and raikage. What information could you really gather in the midst of the night, while an encounter began and ended so fast. I didn't want them to know who did it, because if they did and Blanche found out then I'd be dragged along to another village. Blanche had a hot temper when it came to her comrades, and if she found out what village did such a deed she'd waste no time in hunting down the suspects, something that I feared dearly.

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[BLKND]

黄金

A saddened expression would cross the frame of the Raikage as the words from his newest guest would make their way into his ears. Her voice had faded slightly, and he could tell that she had begun to fall behind from her tone. For that reason, he would begin to slow down himself, turning to check on her status from the corner of his eye. The expression would fade quickly however, as he begun to remember his role. There was no time for sadness. Lifting his head up, and straightening his back, his posture would instantly correct itself as they continued to conquer this incline. He would take her comment at an arms pace. Of course, she had to have meant it. The idea that she would be remorseful for the loss of a known comrade, and the senseless loss of lives- while here to pay her respects, it was impossible.

It wouldn't be long for them to reach the destination that Heihachi had arranged for them all to meet. Here, etched into the side of this alabaster mountain, would rest a substantial nook, the label "Nouma" resting above it in a cloudy text that would appear to pop out at the reader. It was a deep red text that would really make the reader question what this place was, but all the more inclined to investigate the contents of the nook. A long, dark hallway would reveal two glass paned doors that had been defeated by the shadows of the mountain. However, from outside of the nook, small specks of light- akin to starlight- would float from within. It would be this light that would offer the only real explanation as to where this man had been leading this party. The hall itself had no lighting, and the cobblestone that would lead to the doors had been made into an array of small horse figures, which had always appealed to the young adults of Kumogakure. While visitors would often frequent this place after midnight, the atmosphere of even this drab hallway transforming into something much more vivacious, for now it was quite reserved. Benkai would come scuttling up the street in order to prevent any of the party from wandering off, while Heihachi would stand at the entrance of this caved hallway, his eyes instantly meeting the Kusakage.

"There is a wealth of intel to be desired surrounding that night." He would say gently, but obviously frustrated as to the contents of her question.

He would take another glance on her body. She was breathing awkwardly, and the pattern of her speech had altered. She was a beautiful woman. He didn't want her to believe him to be inconsiderate of the altitude of these mountains. It was rare that a visitor was unaccustomed to the power of these mountains, their might being an additional defense for this village. He would begin to walk slowly down the hall, in hopes of her matching his pace this time and that they would walk side by side.

"My objectives however do not currently revolve around revenge. The death of three men will not bring back the lives of the ninja that lost their lives- or my best friend." His eyes would beginning to be distracted by the image of the stone horses at his feet. "We have a long road to walk down until we are financially stable."

Heihachi's hand would remove itself from his pocket as they would reach the middle of the hallway- the doors growing visible larger the closer they got to them.

"With that being said- all of Kumogakure no Sato needs closure..."

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[Apple]

The path that the Raikage chose to lead us upon seemed unrelenting, although I managed to push myself forwards to meet with a pace similar to his own as we scaled the slope that led us up one of Kumogakure's more mountainous sides. It was quite different to Kusagakure in the way that the terrain seemed to be incredibly rocky and mismatched, whilst my own land's area was mostly flat, with a few hills that were relatively easy to walk up. The Atrium was positioned on one of the few small hills within the village - and even then, walking up its path was simple. However, despite the fact that this was slightly difficult given my current physical state, it soon seemed as if the blonde-haired Raikage was intent on turning elsewhere, signifying that we'd reached at least somewhere. Gazing up as he then ceased to walk, moving in to the side along some opening that I could distinguish clearly from the rest of the area we were walking upon, it wasn't long until my feet soon met on similar ground to his own, as I waited for him to lead us further to wherever he was hoping to have us meet. And I followed him, past the intricacies that surrounded our short jouruney, gazing at everything that caught my eye within the interesting hallway that he led us to. He was correct - that there was a lot to do with the night that people wanted to find out about - myself and his village alike, of course. But he seemed not moved the question - but perhaps somewhat irritated. Although, given the nature of his promotion to leader of the village, I figured as much that everyone had been untiringly been asking him the same question day and night given the conspicuous end of the attack. And then I gazed at both Esei and the ANBU who were accompanying me, watching as they too came up and followed myself I releasing a single long exhalation from the relief that my body felt upon being situated on relatively flat ground now. Finally releasing my hand from my middle, I drew it away, and instead allowed it to hang lifelessly to my side, its tips just slightly visible.

And now it seemed we were walking down an age-old corridor, as I gazed around at the strange images carved in to the stone. Whilst we traversed this area, I listened to the Raikage explain as he claimed that Kumogakure didn't want revenge - which, was fair enough given its state, although I had doubts. "I don't expect for you to unleash an attack of equal or more size on whomever called the attack - I merely expect you to be wary of the anonymity of the attackers." I spoke. I'd often thought of Iwagakure as an ally of my village; and whilst its actions didn't directly effect Sunagakure, seeing as how ruthless it had been in wanting to rid Soratsu from the earth - his wounds having been dire - It did make me wonder whether or not by the time that word of Kouketsu being accomodated within Kusagakure would bring them to attack once more, for the same reasons that they ravagaed Sunagkaure. "Whilst I agree that revealing to your people just who tore apart your village won't be the best of options given the ferocity they may show in response.." I pausesd, a soft sigh escaping my lips. .."I implore you to keep both eyes open at all times. As far as we know; the attackers could hail from one of our fellow great nations." The only difference between the Sunagakure attack and the one upon Kumogakure was that the latter was attacked by masked men - whilst the attack on Suna had been more.. flamboyant, in a way, despite the losses both sides were dealt. Perhaps it was merely the work of missing shinobi - or maybe there was something more at work. Where I stood at the moment, I wasn't aware of the answer to these questions, but I hoped to find out later on in time - not for only the purposes of planning revenge if it be needed, but in order to be aware of the people who had taken place, and, if it's true, the village, as well. The last thing I wanted for my son was for him to be born during wartime - I couldn't bear for him to loose the childhood that he so deserved given the prejudice that had already formed against his existence. A normal life was the least that I owed him.

My warning was understandable enough. Gazing at where we were due to walk to, large doors bequeathing the wall furthest away to us which we were currently walking towards, I could only wonder how long the formation had been here for. Undoubtedly a location passed down throughout the ages, the detailed carvings in stone and the various images that littered the walls and floor were beautiful, but even that couldn't draw away my attention from the words that the blonde haired kage was speaking, my blue eyes positioned on him. The tiredness that had past plagued my limbs had left, although the fatigue from the entire journey still rested strong in my expression - moreso than my two companions to either side of me, but it was understandable.

"Those who wish to make their identities unknown surely aren't man enough to face up to what they've done in fear of the repercussions that may come upon identifying."

"So they launch an attack - masked and in the dead of night - whilst the village was at its most vulnerable."

"If you ask me, they sound like cowards."


I paused, my tone quiet as I spoke my next few choices of words.

"..I'm merely.."

"..Concerned with the state of our world, Ishitsuru."
"..I'm sure you're aware of the recent events between Iwa and Suna.."

Perhaps I was allowing my flux in emotions to guide me through this current conversation, but I believed strongly in my words. Unlike Iwa who had professed their dislike for Suna through making themselves known as the enemy, it seemed as if the plot against Kumogakure had been made with dirty tactics, and I that was one aspect of the attack that I didn't agree with. Had the people been identified by location it would have been fair game - but the sheer fact that they hid whilst they slaughtered not only people, but my friend disgusted me. My tone was almost like venom as I spoke of my own dislike for what had happened, eyes momentarily glaring elsewhere. Despite my tiresome expression, I still managed to cut an imposing figure when presenting myself - even in the eyes of allies. But - if he'd heard anything about me, then my somewhat intimidating nature was only to be expected. The politics of the world was a delicate thing, and whilst perhaps it was better that the criminals were left unknown for the sake of stability, I wanted to know just who was behind this, and the reasons, as well. Continuing to cross the hallway, I paid another gaze to make sure that both of my shinobi were following me, before turning back to Ishitsuru before me.

SPOILER: Click to show

1 Infuin pack gained.

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[BLKND]

黄金

And almost as soon as they had begun their conversation, it had grown sympathetic. That was what he had been worried about from the start. She was intelligent, that was to be assured. After all, he had heard exploits of her medical abilities, it would only make sense that she would have the intellect to present her opinion well. While appreciated, and clearly sympathetic, this opinion hurt to hear. Of course he knew that they were cowards. Of course he knew that if he had been a few seconds earlier, Eiichiro would still be alive- their friend would still be alive. This was a secret that few knew, the Kusakage definitely not being one of them. His face would remain solemn, and tired. It had grown this way just a few days earlier, and had remained this way since its occurrence. He had yet to break a natural smile to anyone since the day of the incident, and it was clear that he was weary of the pressure presented to him by his council. To the unwavering eye, it would appear that he was not cut out for a job such as this. Of course, he refused to reject his responsibilities. He had been raised an Ishitsuru, and would remain loyal to his village until the day that he died. Perhaps it was this unnerving sense of duty that conflicted him so much.

The shadows of the hallway would transform the lot of them into mere shadows. One could sympathize. The intoxication of power was something that had never touched Heihachi, and it was clear by his complete lack of the role in which he played. The Kusakage was cut from a different cloth. She exuded power. While far from arrogant, she seemed very down to earth, however, it was her tone- the regality and poise that showed that she was a woman that got what she wanted. How could she compare to someone that never wanted for anything? He was unaware of her history, or the depth of her village, but he was aware of its progress.

It would shock him almost that he would be brushing shoulders with someone with so much command. Pushing open one of the two doors that faced the party, he would heave the hefty wooden frame out of the way in order to reveal the place that he had set aside for this very meeting. It had been an immediate arrangement, so things were done in a hasty and unorganized manner. Luckily, the end product wasn't as bad as it could have been. A small hall would be revealed to the small party. Filled with a countless number of identical kneeling tables, the dark wooden surfaces of these tables would match the dim lit atmosphere created to make this place seem so calm. Often used as a halfway point between the work day and night life, the ambient sounds of a saxophone would play from the speakers placed around the magnificent hallway. The flooring would match the tables almost perfectly, and the warmth of the plush red seating pillows placed around the floor would fit in perfectly. Even the bright white paper lamps which sat on every table would appear to be overpowered by the mere idea of calm.

It was an indulgence to the senses. In the back of the hallway, the dim light of the kitchen would mesh with the silky tone of oil, spices and meat. Vegetables were a bit more expensive here in Kumogakure, though considering their guest, it had been assumed by Benkei and the chefs preparing the food, that Kusa-nin had their fill of greens. Instead, they would prepare a common Kaminari dish- roasted boar. Its thick scent would be almost distracting- enough at least to notice the lack of absolutely a single visible sole. Benkei would take the lead.

"This way, please." She would say curtly, taking a few steps in front of the small crowd to direct them towards one of the larger tables in the hall that had been placed near one of the few windows in the room.

Heihachi would allow his female guest to proceed before him, before continuing their conversation as it were. His face would remain unchanged as she mentioned the most recent philistine movement on their continent. He had heard the bare minimum of what had occurred to Sunagakure. What once stood as a fearsome symbol of courage was now nothing more than a portion of Iwagakure- its conqueror. His heart sank at the idea of Kumogakure falling under the same circumstances. He would respond to her question with a related statement.

"You plead an interesting case, Kusakage," He would finally say as they would reach the slightly elevated portion of the room, in which their table sat. "As ninja, we strike when the enemy expects it least- I know that, you know that- and Eiichiro knew it."

"What you should remember however, is that there is a difference between a ninja, and a thug." Making his way onto the elevated stage, he would walk closer to the window, his image being brightened by the specs of sun which bled through the clouds. "Our attackers were the latter. Powerful men to say the least, their motives were nothing more than that of simpletons. I could say the same for Iwakagure, or any other of these nations which have made attempts to destroy their peers. Kumogakure has suffered countless attacks from our four opposing nations."

His face would grow stern with feeling, his brow curling into a frown as he would spit his previous words. Turning towards Benkei, his expression would slowly dissolve into what it once was.

"I fear, however, that we cannot boast the same for long. Not as long as we are a target, so easily disassembled."

It was clear that he had grown frustrated by more than just the questions. The answer to a never-ending question, one that he thought about night and day, plagued him. Why had these attackers come, and how was it that he was going to protect this village if they were to come again? His secret bore heavy on his heart. He couldn't protect anyone last time... what would be different this time? He had come to terms with Eiichiro's death in his own way. It was the death of those who stood at the gates, the children that had no means of defense- they were the ones that haunted him the most. It was clear that he had assumed himself much more prepared for this meeting than what he actually was, but in the eyes of the only visible Kumo-nin, it was an admirable situation to be in. It was clear that he actually cared.

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[Apple]

The once seemingly endless hall seemed to steadily come to an end, the almost hypnotizing images bore in to the scene around us ending at perhaps what seemed like an abrupt halt. Despite long, it had been beautiful, and I was sure to study it again upon our leave within a few hours time. With no inclination of where he was taking us, I wasn't sure just how long we'd be spending speaking to him, but I figured at least an hour was a good estimate to base off. Or at least - given how long it had taken to get here, I didn't want it to last shorter than that. I needed to know everything - find all that I can and sort out the business between both Kumo and Kusa. I had the intention of continuing the alliance that I'd created with Eiichiro, and I merely hoped that his successor would be in agreement with me that it would benefit the both of us if we were to keep ahold of this blossoming legacy. I doubted that Kumogakure was in the position to call it off, even if he did want to break away from tradition. Of course, not to say that I was interested in destroying the village should he decline my offer - but I'd be disappointed, to say the least. However, he seemed as if he had a good head on his shoulders from the few words that he'd already told me, and I had hope that he'd live up to the name of Raikage and help bring his village back from the brink that it had been brought to as of late. Standing behind the Raikage and his assistant as he moved to open the doors of whatever establishment he was guiding us to, I was, of course, somewhat surprised with what I now saw between the barrier that had between us and them. It was nothing bad, of course - but I hadn't expected it from the winding hallway that we'd had to travel through. Perhaps the name bathed in red upon our entrance had been the name of the place - I wasn't sure, but it seemed all so..

foreign.

But the smell of food lured me in as any other starved traveler. Whilst we'd had food in the shape of food that we'd packed and whatever we could collect after traveling through the smaller towns and villages that we passed through on our way to Kumogakure, the entire journey had taken a lot out of me, and I didn't doubt that both the ANBU to my side and Esei felt as if they were in a similar position, too. And henceforth, I was sure that they were both comforted somewhat by the scent of such delicious food cooking elsewhere in the establishment that we'd been guided to. However - it wasn't just that which piqued my interest. As I'd entered, the other thing that I'd noticed was the beautiful decorum that could be found, from the soft red hues to peaceful cream. It was strange, almost - perhaps even disturbing how peaceful it seemed to be within here, to contrast with the reality that was burning away at the minds of Kumogakure's citizens. It was almost as if here, nothing had happened. As if all of the world's troubles had melted away in a pot of appetite-provoking broth.

Of course - I was very wary of what had happened to the village, and whilst I appreciated the notion of receiving food, and surely good food at that, I couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty, to know that there were others on the outside of the village who suffered, whilst we ate lavishly within one of the surely finest restaurants in the area. Of course, it was customary for guests to be treated as such, and so I tried to ignore the feeling. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded it if we'd stayed within his office and spoke about the issues that currently plagued Kumogakure, as long as I received some kind of sustenance. His assistant guided us along, and I watched as he politely stepped back in order to allow me to walk before him and follow the brown-haired woman as she kept moving until we seemed to move towards a spot that I could only assume had been reserved for us. Of course, as this all happened, I could hear the blonde-haired Raikage speak, responding to what I'd had to say to him previously. And of course, just as he'd replied to me, I continued this chain, awaiting for my time to speak my mind for what he had to say. His comment about the difference between true shinobi and thugs was taken onboard and I understood its sentiment fully. My body shrouded with the cloak that I chose to wore, I watched on, pausing in my own steps as we'd approached where we were to be seated, seeing him move towards one of the few windows in the place, gazing out at he sight that could be beheld from its glass pane.

"If you choose to continue your predecessor's alliance with my own village.."

"..Then I will extend our assistance to your struggling home."

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I had no qualms with pointing out the fact that Kumogakure was currently under pressure from the recent events that had shaken it to its core, as it was the truth. It was easy to be seen from not only the ruined buildings which lingered in the certain parts of the village, but the people themselves who had responded with such uncertainty and fear upon seeing myself and my aides approaching the village ages - almost like a mob in the way that they'd approached and viewed us as not representatives from an allied village, but as threats. It was natural for them to believe such things, but just like the Raikage himself, I didn't want the village to suffer too much from what had happened to it. Kumogakure would have to pick itself up from its feet, and if Ishitsuru chose to be a wise man and accept my offer of continuing our alliance, then he'd be allowed the strong grasp of Kusagakure to help bring his village back from the debris and paranoia that had taken over it. Seeing as we were by the table that was assumedly for us, and wishing to sit down, I carefully removed the cloak from my form, the soft chill of the room hitting me, but soon disappearing as I began to warm up. Carefully lowering myself to the cushion upon the ground, my hand held against my surprisingly large stomach as I did so, I was soon content in where I'd positioned myself, my legs crossed for comfort as I then placed my hands to either side, pushing back slightly to allow myself to lean back. My eyes were gazing up at the roof above our heads, but at the same time I monitored him from the corner of my eyes, picking up on the smallest of movements that that the Raikage would make. "..Should you agree, then I won't have any problem with sending a few of my shinobi over to help aid in the reconstruction of your vilage." a pause, as I gazing around again at the harmonious choice of decorating. "Given the trials and tribulations my own village has been through, I can promise you that my people are used to such tasks." It was true. The village had taken a while to complete and rebuild after the ruins that it had been rendered to, and despite that time being quite long, we were now given a place that we could proudly call home. If I was to send some of my own shinobi out to Kumogakure to aid in the rebuilding of the place, and to help spread the knowledge that we had gained in restoring buildings, then it would only benefit the relationship between both of our villages. "..I digress that despite the interaction we've already had between both of our villages, there could be more." I spoke, continuing on with my words after a brief pause, a single hand moving from my side and instead on to my stomach, holding it there peacefully as my voice again swept in to his ears. "..Although this is an unfortunate time for you and your people; I believe that through my proposition then our bond will only strengthen. Our shinobi require exposure to each other to keep the relationship between our villages strong." I mused. Although my tone was now hushed, it was still confidently firm. I truly believed in what I had to say, and that was clear in the way that I spoke.

Having finished proposing my ideas as I sat somewhat comfortably, I leaned forwards slightly to alleviate the pressure from my back, my knuckles raised and pressed against the side of my chin as I kept my gaze locked on the young Raikage.

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[spade]

Kumogakure had some spectacular sights, especially this little trail that we were currently walking. It was nice to witness with my own two eyes some of the different things that villages did compared to our own. Blanche didn't have the time to take a look at everything and study the halls we were currently walking in, but I did. I had nothing better to do but to look at everything that we passed by. I honestly couldn't complain, other then the fact that my legs were starting to ache everything was going the way I wanted it. No quarrels, no arguments, just easy work for me. This mission was basically a vacation, besides the fact that I could be called to join Blanche at anytime during this little venture.

As we got closer to our destination, the narrow hallway came to a halt as we paused at a pair of doors. Upon opening them, a luring smell came running through the air and hit me in the face. It might have been one of the best things I've ever smelled in my lifetime, just a little hint of it made my mouth water beyond imagination. Wiping away the extra saliva I followed the party into the room, where my eyes were met with luxurious furniture that looked so comfortable to sit on. Noticing a window on the far side I was a bit surprised, for some odd reason I thought we were underground. Branching off in my own direction I picked out a spot for me to sit on, but before doing so I also took off my cloak.

My raven hair perfectly falling into place while my onyx hues looked around the room. Folding my cloak I placed it aside next to the crimson cushion that I proceeded to sit on. "At least I get some food out of this." I thought to myself as I remained seated.

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[BLKND]

黄金

Heihachi would listen to the Kusakage's words intently. With various blinks in between her words, it was clear that he was taking what he could in, and memorizing it. Benkei took shorthand notes not too far away on her clipboard. For the entirety of their meeting, he would continue to look in to her eyes. A magnificent crystalline, with small instances of sage. It was remarkable. The weight of her look showed something that he could admire, easily. However, her words were something that he couldn't bear to take without a grain of salt. She was being honest, which was something that any leader could expect to hear from another leader. However, what was honestly if not pertaining to its relevance? He grew uneasy listening to her. The idea of Kumogakure being a 'struggling home,' and Kusagakure being their better- the phrasing of the sentence would only make him relay to the history of his endeavors. Constant instances of combat, murder, espionage all done for the sake of his flourishing village, it was sickening to hear that it had all been for naught. The men that he had done them for were now gone, and the men that did the same for him would never be acknowledged. He felt remorse for all of the soldiers that lost their lives in combat, and for all of the soldiers that still did, because now their village was deemed an inadequate substance. Their persistence and power for decades had advanced to being nothing more than 'struggling.'

As the Kusakage continued to speak, he would hear more syntax that made him even more troubled with his situation. She was in a position of power- so much so that she was looking down on him. She had resources. He did not have resources. She had ninja, money and a kept home. He had a fraction of all three. As she finished her last words, he could no longer sustain his eye contact with her. His head swiveling to his right in order to view what he could out of the window. It would take mere moments for the clouds to shift, and to open up on a view of the village from this height. While they party had not ascended very high, the lower portion of the village, including where the gate once stood, was visible. He could see them clearly- the working bodies of his dedicated men, women and children. Lifting, cutting, nailing-- teaching, doing, being. It was his obligation to ensured that they could do so consistently... and safely. He would not falter where his predecessors had. Danger was not to pass these gates, and he would not allow any other village to look down on him.

As she finished her proposition, he would continue to stare out of the window, speaking clearly enough for anyone in the room to hear, however.

"Kusakage, your recommendation is well received. While you are correct that your assistance is far more beneficial than not- I believe you have the wrong grasp on what it is that Kumogakure needs right now.

"We have suffered from immense monetary damages, and apprehensible damages in the form of our gate, and a quadrant of our village. Repairs have begun and we will be completed in a short period of time. What we need the most- is revenue," His face would crease into a frown as he would begin to think of all of the possibilities that surrounded the village. They had been fortunate to not receive too many visitors during this time, the few that would traverse their gates being the typical merchants that would sell to the villagers. "Word has not escaped to the public, or to our government that we were attacked. I would like to keep it that way. We have capable shinobi, that upon request can be used on missions to assist our revenue."

He would finally turn his head from the window, his eyes shifting back to hers, before shifting once more to the ninja who had sat beside her. He was unsure of his rank, role or capabilities, but it was evident that he was a man that had skill- accompanying his Kage to a foreign land.

"That needs to be expedited. I feel that your village can assist us with that," Lifting his middle finger to his temple, he would curve the few strands of hair that had fallen in front of his face behind his ear, revealing his flamboyant golden earring. "I propose that our villages engage in shared business for the time being. Kusagakure will be open to Kumogakure clientèle, as will Kumogakure be open to Kusagakure clientèle. With both of our villages representing a client, I'm sure mission requests for both of our villages will increase as well."

His arms had crossed by then as he leaned against the window. He was eager to hear her response, ensuring his gaze upon her as he expected an immediate answer. It was an option that would truly benefit both villages, and the idea of being at the mercy of a foreign village who had nothing to gain from assisting Kumogakure made him sick. Eiichiro had begun this alliance with good intentions, but even he couldn't foresee the pain that the village would endure in this time of crisis. The Kusakage was an obviously smart woman, who he sure got what she wanted. For the sake of their alliance, and for Eiichiro's hard work, he hoped that she accepted his proposition.

SPOILER: Click to show

all weapons equipped
all armor equipped.

[Apple]

[/B] Due to your character having died in the yonbi thread, I'll exit this. But -- We can assume that everything went well and Kumogakure/Kusa's alliance has been reconfirmed.][/ul]

[BLKND]

OOC: swagalicious. 

[☆ F ☆]

BLKND ~ 40 EXP
Apples ~ 30 EXP
Spade ~ 20 EXP


I've added this into your old EXP code so that it can transfer smoothly once we get the new EXP pluggin added.