Mizukage Tower.

[Nujabes]

As she shifted and spoke, idly toying with her jewelry and trinkets, I sat and listened. It wasn't that I didn't have anything to say to her; I simply forgot how much I enjoyed hearing her voice. Strange, I know. But I did. Maybe it was simply because I realized that I wasn't the only person who'd had their hearts ripped out, and I could relate to her on that topic in more ways than one. I don't know, and I don't really care. She was a good friend, and even though she'd made her mistakes, I wasn't going to shun her. What kind of man would I be?

I sat a little straighter as she stood and began pacing toward me. The hesitation was obvious, even with one eye covered in bandages. I knew how she felt. Back when I was a shinobi of the Leaf, I'd done some pretty stupid shit. Coming back home and confessing to everyone, namely Ruru, was probably the most terrifying thing I'd done. But, she showed me compassion; she didn't mock or ridicule, and it's from that that I found the strength to share the same light with Coco.

When her hand found my chest, I placed my own, much larger, over hers. "You don't have to apologize or explain anything to me, Coco." I looked up at her, smiling. "We live in a crazy, chaotic world. It's hard to handle sometimes. I know I've wanted to just disappear-- I'm actually envious you have the strength to put yourself before others, occasionally. I wish I could." With a very low grunt, I stood, still holding her hand, thumbing the back of it. "So, as long as you're all right and you've been fine, that's all I really need to know."

Giving her hand a tender squeeze, I released it. "What do you plan on doing now? Iwagakure has been a mess since you left."

[daisy]

It was more than I could have ever hoped for. I smiled, truly and honestly, for the first time in so long. Things weren't irreparable. And with Akira's words, I felt like I had used to feel, I felt like I could take on the world. After he released my hand, I raised it briefly to his cheek, feeling that familiar warmth, before placing my hands on my hips.
"Thank you. Truly. I thought about you a great deal while I was gone, but in my head you were never as understanding as this. I may not deserve your kindness, but I shan't take it for granted. I owe you a great deal, and perhaps, someday, that will be of use to you."

It may have sounded empty, I could tell, but I was sincere. My power was limited, but I was not an ally to be so easily dismissed. I turned from him, stepping lightly across the room.
"I shall return, of course. Do you know anything of their current leader? I fear I won't find them welcoming, yet I have little choice. Despite all I've done, Iwagakure is my village. Then there is Sunagakure. Can you tell me anything about its current status? I left so much unfinished... I saw Blanche on my way up here. The look she gave me, it could have frozen my very blood! And she's pregnant?" The questions and concerns came one after another, as it dawned on my just how long I'd been gone.

I sighed, turning back to face him.
"I simply didn't know who else to turn to. I couldn't bear the thought of returning to Iwagakure, not without at least seeing you. I have... very few allies left." But my tone wasn't of self pity. I was thoughtful, piecing together information, reweaving my threads. I was very much back.

[Nujabes]

The feeling of her hand against my face was strangely wonderful. I found myself leaning into the depths of her palm, though briefly, as she was strutting her usual swagger seconds later. Again, I merely nodded and listened as she spoke.

"I couldn't have said it better, myself." There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Coco was probably the most power-- not necessarily in terms of strength --Tsuchikage that Iwagakure had seen since the Shodaime. While there had been many others that followed his footsteps, very few had managed to truly represent the Hidden Stone as it should have been. It was tragic, really -- yet they endured. Their foundations were, quite literally, the strongest in the ninja world. I admired them, to a degree.

I smiled, full and genuine. "Well, you already know that you have the full support of both Kirigakure and I. There isn't anyone else I believe can truly harness Iwagakure's potential than yourself, Coco. And, even if your allies have shrunk, I dare say that we are more than enough." It was no secret that there was very little that could stand against the full ferocity of Kirigakure. "So, where do you want to begin?"

[daisy]

The full support of Akira, and Kirigakure, was it? My, I felt rather mighty already. There was little question as to Akira's position in the shinobi world. He and his village truly boasted strength that no other village could contest. That had been the case for a long time now, and it was a great asset to have his friendship. Of course, I would cherish our relationship even should Akira be a mere genin, in charge of nothing and nobody. But I couldn't deny how grateful it made me to have his support.

"I need to go back. I have heard little of their current leader, and that tells me something. I do not wish to fight, but I will retake my village. I don't believe it is an entirely selfish campaign, you know? My old threads still carry me information, as shortly as I have been back. I do not think the current rule is entirely supported by the people." I could hear myself, so formal and so composed. Perhaps my typically lavish style had ebbed, in favour of cold determination.

"Oh darling, everything seems so terribly serious already! Truly, I just need to go home." I raised my hand,
"That's it! I'm returning to Iwagakure! I don't know what I'll find, but I'm more than ready to face it." I smiled, crimson lips touched by hope and decision for the first time in ages.

"Akira! Come with me! For all we shared in the past, and for what may await us in the future... Come home with me!" I threw back my head and cackled, strutting for the door. It was illmannered, of course, to expect him to accompany me after all he'd already done for me, but I knew the man. I knew who he was, and I knew his heart. I hoped he could see what this meant to me.

/exit!

[Nujabes]

I just lofted a curious brow. "Hutora." With a whisper of wind, the Jounin appeared kneeling beside me. "I'm going to escort the Yondaime home to Iwagakure. You are in charge until I return." She nodded, and then vanished. Snapping my fingers, Samehada slithered from his room. "Looks like we're going on a vacation."

/exit

[shunsui]

The raven-haired shinobi was long lost in what he wanted out of this life anymore. He sought control over his own destiny, but even at that time he sought guidance. He wanted something that would push him along, not for the fame or the glory, but merely for himself. All this time had passed and he was still without answers. The Uchiha was still lost in this world and he was beginning to wander around the area as his eyes fell on impressive tower in the backdrop. Shinsui began to make his trek towards the tower as he sought to find answers and what better place to get those answers than from the leader of the village, the Mizukage.

“I’ve been lost for far too long. So many questions and no answers,” cooed the Uchiha as he made his way up to the doors before him. He’ll begin to walk in with his onyx orbs taking in all around him. The navigation of the Uchiha was without problems through the building as he’ll reach the upper floor. He’ll start towards the door and he’ll pause for a second. He had to think about how he wanted to present himself as well. The air seems to get heavy as this would be his first time meeting the person whom leads the great village of Kirigakure. Shinsui wasn’t quite sure what to expect when he reached up towards the door.

He’ll slowly bring his hand up to eye level and then knock on the door. He’ll wait a second as he would most likely be addressed, but from that point it would be him meeting the Mizukage, the man that could possibly answer all his questions. Shinsui stepped forth and looked around the room. He’ll look towards the center of the room to spot the Mizukage. Hopefully, he would be there so he could begin to address the man.

“I seek guidance.”

[Nujabes]

"Guidance?" I couldn't help but chuckle as I repeated the word, thinking back to all the people who had come before this man now. I'd had many pupils, and unfortunately, only one of them ever became worth a damn. It certainly took Chae a good bit of time, but he did it - I was proud of him.

Letting the inhumanly heavy weights drop from my hands, rattling the reinforced flooring beneath us like an earthquake with a thunderous roar, I curled my hands into fists several time. "I'm not sure this is the best place to get that," he admitted, shamelessly. "Even though I might be the Mizukage, that doesn't mean I'm the greatest teacher."

Neither a frown nor smile creased his lips. "But, I'll see what I can do for you." He watched the boy with a single eye, scarlet and glistening with interest. Several layers of bandages covered his other, secured about his head. "What's got you down?"

[shunsui]

The Uchiha looked at the man before him as the weightsdropped to the ground after he repeated Shinsui’s question as if it was one ofthe dumbest things he heard.  The maneven had chuckled at his proposed question, but the Genin held his tongue andwaited to hear the man out.  He wasn’tsure of this man’s strength.  However,judging by the amount of force that followed that weight when it crashed to thefloor, he was definitely not no slouch.  The raven-haired shinobi started to walk forward a bit and then stoppedplacing five meters between the two. 

 

The teenager looked on as he began to question a multitudeof things in his head.  Like, was thisall he would get for an answer, or was this the end of his questioning?  Will he be given a answer in due time?  He was a lost warrior with no path that hadpresented itself to him.  That was why hecame to the only person he figured could answer his question.  The leader of the village, but was hemistaken.    Then, the words thatfollowed the man whose face was decorated with wraps rocked Shin on hisheels.  He was appalled at this man’schoice of words, but he listened closely for he wasn’t done. 

 

The man seems to want to help the young Genin, but he wasn’tsure how to go about answering that question. He decided to test his luck with slowly thinking on the subject beforeresponding.  There was never a foolishquestion, but in response to the situation one could present himself as a merefool in general.  That would nothappen.  Not on this day to say the leastas Shin stepped forth and looked the man right in the eye.  He wasted no time in speaking as his lipsparted and words flowed freely. 

 

“I’ve been lost for a long time, in mind, body, andsoul.  There is so much I yet tounderstand and so much I seek to learn, but the most nagging thought thatbrings me from my contemplations is the truth I seek within my own heart.   I understand that that’s an answer that onlyI can answer, but in this darkness I found myself waking from.  I have no collection of where I was headedtowards and what I am seeking.  Tell mewhat is my purpose here in this world of chaos,” Shinsui asked with adetermined look on his face, but one that held a troubled expression behindthat façade.  He was not determined, buthe was desperate for truth and he needed to know his purpose.  Was he just an instrument in this big gamethey played around him?  These areanswers he sought.

[NARRATOR²]

SWOOP!

Flying through the thick mists of Kirigakure, a strange creative moves, almost hidden by the weather that it seems to be so unfamiliar to. Unknowing citizens gazing at it may inquire its origins when the mists part to show enough of it for them to wonder as to whether or not it is truly a bird as its appearance seems to suggest. However, they, the people of the village would need to keep their eyes closely peeled on it if they wish to inspect it much longer, as it soared quickly through the air as if trying to find a single destination. And finding a destination it was, gallantly swooping down between the various buildings before it came to the kage tower within the land. And finally, it stops; landing on a windowsill belonging to that of the kage office itself, perching neatly on its edge, its darkly colored beak tapping against the pristine glass in some attempt to call someone to its aid. Around its form was a gentle contraption used to tie messages to, and slotted carefully in place was a message, sealed with pure white wax. And just what kind of bird it was? A snowy owl, originally familiar to Yuki no Kuni.

Dear lord Mizukage;

As you read this letter, I hope that all is well within your home country following the closure of the shinobi villages within our fellow nations. However, although I do wish you peace, I cannot draw away from the purpose of this letter sent to you. My land is under threat; a threat that I cannot truly measure at this point in time, although I and my people fear the worst for our home. Sighted within my country is a member of the organization Kataki, he having given away his identity to one of the many citizens of our small nation, only to disappear shortly thereafter. I'm sure that you're aware of the destruction that seems to follow its members and the steps that they choose to take. Like a beacon of ill intent, he roams this place beneath our very eyes, and I cannot beseech to you enough the emphasis that I place on the danger that he could possibly bring. I'm sure that you remember the release of the Yonbi wherein they too were sighted. ..The bijuu are something of a legend now, having not been sighted for years, and if one was to appear; I doubt that my people alone will be able to dispose of one, or combat anything else that they may have in mind. Perhaps.. perhaps I am merely being paranoid. I'm not sure - but with your own people being your main priority, mine are my own, and it worries me to think of what things they'll be audience to if Kataki has its way.

I request for your shinobi to come to our aid, if at all possible. No activity has been referred back to me or any further information on his location, but with no shinobi further living in our lands who are capable of handling such a threat if it comes to bloom, I fear that Yuki no kuni will become a battleground full of unnecessary bloodshed should he reveal himself in some violent display. For not my own sake; but the sake of my people and their safety please send some of your capable shinobi to help track down this threat before anything happens. Please don't think that we wish to prey on your pity or empathy; Upon successful capture of the member, I will make sure that your village is handsomely rewarded for its work and effort.


Your assistance will place us forever in debt to your kindness;

Fubuki, Iryoku.
Daimyo of Yuki no Kuni.

[Nujabes]

I'd be lying if I said I couldn't feel, or relate, to the boy's admission. Growing up, there were plenty of days and nights I would spend questioning the purpose of my existence. Everyone had their own opinion, but I never could get behind anything they said; it just didn't seem right. Even now, in my age, and with all of the wisdom both I and the Hachibi shared, I couldn't tell you for sure what my -- or this poor kid's -- purpose was. I didn't even have an inkling, in all honesty.

"We're the military," I finally said, after several moments of silence. "Our purpose, as shinobi, is to protect the civilians of our nation. To fight for a world that will be better for them, and also for ourselves. We defend those who aren't capable of defending themselves." I know my expression was grim. "We are weapons, boy."

Tilting my head, my neck cracked. "However, we're also people. I don't believe in destiny or fate - you make your story. You find, or make, a purpose to live for. You define who you become, and no one else." My voice lacked the severity of a motivational speaker, but I'm sure I got the point across. "No one else is going to do it for--"

My words came to an abrupt halt as a bird landed within one of the few open windows. It'd been quite some time since I received a message, obviously from a foreign nation -- birds like this didn't exist in Kirigakure. I made my way over to the creature and plucked the note from the bird, reading it quickly. Business as usual, I mused to myself before rolling the parchment back into obscurity. "We also defend our friends in time of need."

[shunsui]

The lost warrior was alone with the Mizukage as he listened closely to his words. The leader of the village had stated that they were simply the military.  Shinsui knew this much, butfor some reason it didn't seem to hold him over as he listened intently to the Mizukage.  Shinsui had known there wasmore to what the man was saying.  He feltlike there had to be more to it. However, as the Uchiha listened carefully to the words of hisleader.  He had begun to go into detailof their purpose as a village.  Toprotect the civilians and those who can't defend themselves.  The last tid bit of information that the Mizukage departed on the young shinobi was one that popped his eyes open abit.  They were weapons. 

 

The man before him had begun to crackhis neck, and Shin was beginning to feel like he was just a pawn in a game of chess.  He heard the next set of word scarefully from his leader.  The head honcho held a sense of life over others, but he knew that some information wouldn't be as consistent as the other. Then the words that followed changed the Uchiha's view on everything ashe stepped forth towards Mizukage.  Hedidn't believe in a predetermined destiny or fate.  He believed in creating his own story and notbeing bound to the fate that others felt they should feel. 

 

"I define my purpose," his words trailed off as he looked at the man before him.  He seem to hold a strong case as Shin noddedin agreement.  That was something he didn'tthink about.  The man had awaken a flame that lied in dormant within the Uchiha. He noticed a small bird that found itself perched on one of the windowsin the room.  He paused as he looked atit and then began to contemplate what would happen next.  Lately, Shin had been all too alert about his surroundings since he wasn't sure what his next phase in life would belike.  Then, the Uchiha found himselflooking at the Mizukage who stated they also helped their friends.

 

"Friends...something I lack.  So, if you don't mind me inquiring a littlehere?  What exactly is it that ourfriends need," he asked curiously as he stepped towards the strong manbefore him.  Then, he'll get to thinking hard and long on how he would make his own story.  The lone Uchiha with no one to protect, buthe was sure the Mizukage would possibly have a idea of how to utilize his abilities. 

"Where do you think my talents are best suited, sir?  I've been alone forever and till this day.  Till this day I have been all on my own with no real purpose. Although your words today have given me a new insight on the situation.  I want to begin my story, but I feel as though my skills have deteriorated since my questioning of my purpose.  Would you take me as your personal protege and mold me into the perfect weapon to be used for the sake of Kirigakure," the Uchiha's words had conviction behind them.  He was now ready to take the next steps in his long awaited life.