Iwagakure Council Chambers [DESTROYED]

[daisy]

IWAGAKURE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

An austere, imposing hall, carved almost entirely from stone, these chambers serve as both the seat of the Iwagakure Council, and as the heart of Iwagakure, where lofty decisions and integral discussions take place. The stone dais set before the rest of the hall seats the five council members, and at times the Tsuchikage, while carved stone benches fill the remainder of the hall, for participants or observers.

Any matter of village wide importance is typically discussed here, with citizens and high ranking officials able to air their views alike, though naturally, final decisions rest entirely with the council.

♥ Whenever the Iwagakure Council is [in session] any Iwagakure shinobi may enter to listen and participate in the current discussion. Simply enter and take a seat on one of the numerous stone benches. Please do not attempt to speak until the council is taking speakers from the floor.

♥ Please only rp your own character at all times, any npcs or officials will be written by the Tsuchikage.

♥ The Iwagakure Council would like to remind all shinobi to remain courteous and respectful at all times, as guards will be present throughout any proceedings.

[daisy]

IWAGAKURE COUNCIL

"I am afraid we do not see eye to eye on this matter, Lady Tsuchikage," Councilman Honda was saying, in a deep, gravelly tone,
"shinobi are raised from a very young age in this manner. Were you not educated by the great Iwagakure Academy? Do you not owe all your own prowess to this institution?" While not quite a glare, the look he fixed the woman standing before them with was none the less severe. The current topic was one that had been broached a number of times recently, but the subject of the harsh training methods and, in her words, the 'grueling' hours young shinobi were expected to dedicate to their work, was not a subject any of the council would change their views on.

Councilwoman Baba cleared her throat, before adding her voice,
"What you propose is nothing short of dangerous. You would choose to weaken Iwagakure and her shinobi? Not only is it ridiculous, but were you to ask the academy students their views, they too would protest your proposal. With respect, Lady Tsuchikage, none in Iwagakure support your views," She adjusted her robes, bony fingers tightening their grip on the ornate fan in her lap. It was perhaps the councilwoman who took the greatest issue with their new 'leader'. The men of the council had chosen Mitzy Valentine in part because she was one of the only women qualified. They believed it easier to... control a woman, to sway her views and assuage her tempers. But councilwoman Baba saw the threat, the very real threat to Iwagakure's stability.

If they could only do away with the tradition of a village leader, of a Kage, and rule the village as the united council they were... But the people expected a leader, a figure head. In their more advanced age, the Iwagakure Council may have remained powerful and imposing, but they would not lead their shinobi in battle, nor inspire courage and patriotism. No, there had to be a Tsuchikage. Yet why did it have to be one so difficult?

"If that is all on the subject, shall we move on?" Honda, the unofficial head of the council, strictly business, as always. Councilwoman Baba sighed, inaudibly. She feared this was just the beginning of a terrible upheaval.

[daisy]

♥ it's like a ball and chain

Oh these brutes! Such a collection of wizened relics, carved from the very stone they claim to so esteem! I kept my expression carefully neutral, it wouldn't serve me to rage at such statues. Yet I could see diplomacy would get me nowhere. They no more remembered their youth than I knew what it was like to have a creaking back and greying hair, empathy would achieve nothing here. I had, of course, considered their point, as they had not mine, and I simply could not accept that my views were futile! There was simply no benefit to the extreme conditions such young shinobi were subjected to, and the subject matter in their teaching was the most narrow minded, one track drivel I had ever encountered. Of course I understood it necessary to instill bravery and a willingness to fight in shinobi, but not that alone! And certainly not this 'death before failure' mentality they were so proud of.

A dead shinobi was rather less useful than one who failed a mission.
"Dear council, while I understand your position," I paused. As a fledgling Tsuchikage, giving in so easily in front of my village would only demonstrate weakness, yet advertising the divide between myself and the Iwagakure Council could only sew discontent... Oh, what a boorish situation! Should I stand firm and let it be known that I opposed them? Perhaps the damage was already done in that department. Live to fight another day, Mitzy dear! It is only the first of many obstacles.
"I respectfully disagree with your decision. I hope this does not cause a divide between us, and that we may come to some agreement in the future. We both have Iwagakure's best interests at heart, I'm quite sure," I couldn't help teasing the last words, I was sure they would hear the slight in my tone.

I bowed gracefully, before stepping away from the stand, and slipping onto the end of a nearby stone bench, preferring to sit with the citizens to the council on their platform. What a rotten position to be in! While I had been rather flattered with the nomination for Kageship, I had my suspicions on the motives of their choice. I rather doubted they had elected me for my independence and good looks...

[daisy]

IWAGAKURE COUNCIL

"Very well, let us leave the matter for the nonce, and proceed with..." Councilman Honda intoned, looking over the papers in front of him. Councilwoman Baba's eyes narrowed, however, at the Tsuchikage's response. Naturally, she had not expected her to sway in her opinions, but the acquiescence smacked of irreverence. This disagreement was far from over. The old woman looked over at Councilman Adachi, the youngest of the five council members, and the one most vocally opposed to the new Tsuchikage, seeing her own dissatisfied expression mirrored in his face. They would discuss this later, in more depth, she was sure.

"The search for our fellow shinobi villages is not progressing at this time, and we are still waiting for reports from the currently dispatched units. We have discussed the matter, and have decided to send another ANBU squad, in agreement that this matter is of a high priority. Therefore, Gateway shinobi are to further their patrols by another league, as to be in no doubt of the safety of Iwagakure while -" Councilman Honda was interrupted by a colossal noise, a boom that seemed to erupt from the very sky.

Shinobi raised in consternation, guards appearing in an instant around the council platform.
"What on earth?" Councilwoman Baba's exclamation was met with many others, similar and some more fearful,
"Lady Tsuchikage, head out immediately and -" But the Tsuchikage was already gone, having dashed out of the building along with some other elite operatives.
"Captain Kyo, ANBU to the Gateway immediately, Osaki, we need a report, go!" Councilman Hanamura's booming voice, much more suited to orders than the businesslike Hondo.

As shinobi rushed out, and the council rose more sedately, flanked by masked ANBU, councilwoman Baba's hands twisted at her fan.
"This is most ominous..."

"Council adjourned!"

[daisy]

this iron sky ♥

Quite resigned to sitting through another council session in which any points I raised were decidedly overlooked, I was almost glad of the foreboding interruption. Without waiting for arbitrary instructions, I slipped out, motioning to some of my more loyal subordinates to accompany me. An attack? Surely not, yet what on earth could resonate so loudly...

/exit

[daisy]

fodder in her wings ♥

"Well, I rather think it a little too late for that!" I said, doing my best to keep my temper as I strode about the echoing stone hall. I hadn't spoken to any of the Iwagakure Council since disappearing from our previous council session, and running away to investigate that light on my own, and they were understandably annoyed. Perhaps that was an understatement. My disappearance, coupled with the news that the Kazekage himself was on his way here at this very moment had given most of them a minor stroke.

Hanamura and Adachi were both still shouting at me, while Baba's face was as white as a sheet, her lips pursed so tightly I was sure something had to give. Honda was shaking his head, rummaging amongst his papers, perhaps for my arrest warrant, and even Edo, who I could usually soothe, was visibly concerned.
"I understand I have acted irresponsibly, but you, all of you, chose me to lead this village. I am acting as a leader, and I am making decisions that will benefit us all!" That caused a fresh outcry, so I fled the building, almost running into little Lolita in the doorway.
"You're here! Ah, he's here then?!" I was flustered, I confess. It had taken all my willpower not to tie the entire council up in a web and leave them hanging from the roof, and the thought of the composed Kazekage seeing me and my village in such a state...

"Patrol, patrol immediately! I want no council ANBU on duty around the building, only spiders. Was he in a good mood? Oh, never mind that now darling, just go!" Lolita smiled at me, before disappearing. I could not believe I had had a week to prepare, this was simply chaotic.
"Where is Hotaru? And for that matter, didn't I send you to fetch wine? Well what are you waiting for?!" I released the shinobi I had grabbed at random and hurried back into the council chambers, threads darting around me, picking up bits and pieces as I ignored the council entirely.

"He will enter that door at any moment, and if you don't want to look like a pack of old fools..." I muttered darkly, clutching a sheaf of papers to my chest, and attempting to smooth my hair with the other hand. You have six arms, foolish woman, use them! I knew it was foolish, but there was no way I would let the Kazekage see me looking anything other than my best. Upon turning and seeing Dominatrix standing in the doorway, I hurled my papers onto the stone dais, along with the bottle of wine I had just been presented with.

Waving the still grumbling councilmembers into their seats, I took a deep breath, and walked gracefully to the doorway. Dominatrix stood aside, and I was all smiles.

"Lord Kazekage, you honour us with your presence. Esteemed officials of Sunagakure, I am the Tsuchikage, Mitzy Valentine. Such a pleasure, truly, will you come inside?"

[King]

Kouketsu regarded the Tsuchikage with a familiar disposition of somber delight; as if they childhood friends reuniting at the funeral of a beloved companion. He hardly looked the part of a man at the precipice of a great alliance, the start of something so great it could easily change the world they lived in. Forever calm and collected, he spear-headed the troupe of Suna Nin that now stood at the council building’s great maw.

“Tsuchikage-sama,” Kouketsu and his officials said together.

The Kazekage cast cursory glance about the building, and what pieces of its interior he could see from the current vantage point. “It is an honor to be here. The convoy you sent to escort us here were a rather spirited bunch of individuals. They reminded me of you, somewhat. I can only hope that all of Iwagakure’s shinobi capture their Kage’s light and reflect it in such a wonderful manner.” In spite of his kind words and the sincerity of his tone, the Kazekage’s expression had not shifted.

He gestured to his company, one after the other, with his left hand. “Gennosuke, Odama, and Miame. These three Jounin have been entrusted to represent the Hidden Sand’s elder council, their interests, and have been invested with the full authority to speak on behalf of the council.” In a single movement, each of the aforementioned shinobi presented a small scroll from beneath their cloaks bearing the Sunagakure Council’s official seal. Documentation had always been important in matters like this.

“You will find all of our paper work in order, Tsuchikage-sama,” Miame added as she collected the other two scrolls and then presented them to Dominatrix. “Each scroll is dated and signed by the councilor we represent.”

The Uchiha pressed forward, closer to the Tsuchikage, as he accepted her offer to come inside. The others followed, a comfortable distance behind their leader; forever the traditional sort. The Kazekage paused as he stood abreast the woman, looking upon her with something deeper in his eyes now. “There was a full moon three nights ago,” he mentioned off-handedly. “There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was truly beautiful. I thought of you.”

Kouketsu continued walking then, prepared to face the Council of Iwagakure.

[daisy]

hanging high ♥

As I listened, I was overcome with a deep sense of envy. He evidently commanded the total respect and obedience of these shinobi, representatives of Sunagakure's council. Whether he was the same way with the council themselves, I couldn't be sure, but it was difficult to imagine anybody shouting at Aka Mu-n, let alone a wizened old bag like Baba. Still, it was good to see him again. After that chaotic encounter, it had been hard to be sure if I had not dreamed our discussion, as fanciful as it seemed. But he was here, the Kazekage was here, and our alliance was to be set in stone.

As Dominatrix took their offered paperwork, I smiled, thanking her, and turned to lead them into the building, but not before the closeness of the Kazekage caught me off guard. Though I stood taller than him, it was due only to my heels, and I didn't feel particularly tall as he spoke to me thusly.
"My, even after travelling all that way with Succubus? You surprise me at every turn, Lord Kazekage," I could not fathom this man. Was he simply complimenting me? Or did he seek to disarm me? I tossed my hair and led the way into the council chambers. I needed my wits about me, and those unusual eyes and raven hair of his would be of no aid.

I strode gracefully across the stone hall, my heels echoing loudly, and gestured at a stone table to the side of the dais the council sat upon. Four seats had been placed at it for the Kazekage's party, and it was on the same raised platform as our own, a mark of respect the council had rather disagreed upon.
"Councilmen, I present the Lord Kazekage and representatives of the Sunagakure Council, here today to discuss the possibility of an alliance with our own Iwagakure. They have traveled far to come to us, and we owe them our gratitude," I said loudly, before slipping into my own seat beside Councilman Edo, the only one who didn't complain of sitting beside me.

Though I was, in some ways, the leader of Iwagakure, here in the council chambers, they ruled supreme, as I was so often reminded. To an extent, a lot of what would occur now was out of my hands... And I was finding it difficult to suppress my anxiety. Dominatrix had slipped into the shadows behind me, and I could see a flash of pink at the door that suggested Succubus' presence. I hoped all the pieces were in place.

The council chambers were empty but for the five councilmen, myself, and the Kazekage and his envoy, but in the shadows, along with Dominatrix, lurked other guards, and once Aka Mu-n was settled, the officials and high ranking of Iwagakure would be allowed to enter, for the discussion to begin in earnest.

[King]

“Councilmen and councilwomen,” Kouketsu said with a nod of his raven-haired crown. He and his entourage followed the Tsuchikage to a point, however, when she gestured to the table, they continued away from it. Instead, the four foreign ninja took their places directly before the council’s table—the Kazekage at the forefront of their group, the three advisors on his heels. Like the shifting sand dunes of their home, they moved together; seamless, flowing. The group lowered to their knees, hands resting on their thighs, as they bowed their heads. “It is a tremendous honor to have been given the chance at this great opportunity. I speak for the entire nation of Kaze no Kuni when I say that we are grateful.”

It was, perhaps, the strangest gesture any foreign force had demonstrated in quite some time. However, under Kouketsu’s leadership, hand in hand with their unwavering loyalty, he had taught the people of Sunagakure humility. Rather than drape themselves in the haughtiness and hubris of their neighboring nations, the shinobi of the Hidden Sand would let their actions speak for them.

Lifting his head, Kouketsu met the council’s gaze. “Judging from your expressions, our arrival was not expected or simply ill-received. Whatever your worries, I assure you that my every intention is to further strengthen both of our villages, and nation, through a clandestine alliance. While the history of our world has been founded on war and violence, I believe the same impact can be made through unity.”

“That being said, I am willing to be as agreeable to your terms and conditions as my duties to the people of the Hidden Sand will allow me.” Slate eyes scanned their reactions. “To that end, I ask that you speak both plainly and candidly. Though I am well-versed in the intimacies of political banter, I feel as though it might benefit all those involved if we were to simply state our fears and desires as they are.” The Kazekage allowed his audience a moment to absorb his words, until finally, he said: “Shall we proceed?”

[daisy]

IWAGAKURE COUNCIL

They had remained silent throughout, all five of them. Despite the rage a few felt, Adachi and Baba in particular, they knew, of course, the prudence of respecting this man, even if they did not welcome his presence. Even when he, and his companions, knelt before the council dais, and he offered such honours, only a raised eyebrow or two betrayed their emotions. They would wait, the five stony faces of the stone council, until he was finished, and had taken his seat, before speaking.

"Lord Kazekage, Iwagakure was not expecting you. Iwagakure did not make this offer of an alliance, nor does it mirror our Tsuchikage's feelings. However," It was Honda speaking for them, naturally, his deep, gravelly monotone all business,
"We appreciate your efforts, and your words. The wish to strengthen our villages is one we can both understand, and yet..." He paused, and Councilwoman Baba took up his train of thought, her voice sharp,
"And yet we are in a position of great unknowns. We have no knowledge of Sunagakure's strength, Sunagakure's assets, nor, indeed, do we know who you are. Even if we accept you are the Kazekage, willing to travel with a small escort to a foreign village, we cannot know your true intentions. Unfortunately, you now know the location of our village, and this puts us at a disadvantage,"

Councilman Edo coughed, and ventured to speak,
"Councilwoman Baba, with respect, that the Lord Kazekage made this journey, and so sparsely protected, is perhaps a testament to his good intentions. I agree we cannot commit to such an alliance while knowing nothing of what Sunagakure can bring to the table, but the man before us seems worthy of, if not our trust, then our respect," The black haired man beside him, Adachi, made a dismissive noise.
"This is foolery. Both the Tsuchikage and the Kazekage are making a mockery of Iwagakure," his tone was venomous, Councilwoman Baba nodded gravely at this.

"We shall hear from Iwagakure, as we have always done. Lord Kazekage, if you would please remain seated while we allow our shinobi within, we will begin the council." With that, the doors opened once again, and guards parted to allow the officials of Iwagakure, and those shinobi of high enough rank, to enter and fill the stone benches.

Things would be settled, one way or another.

[daisy]

heart of glass ♥

I stared straight ahead, refusing to look at the people I shared a table with as they spoke. It was, perhaps, not as bad as I had feared. Nobody was shouting, though Adachi clearly wanted to. But how would he react, the Kazekage? Though, to some extent, the council remained respectful, it was still more than I could take, let alone a foreign kage! But I would let them say their piece, my sharpened nails almost drawing blood as they dug into my fist beneath the table.

I watched as the doors opened, and the usual collection of suspects entered. I was annoyed to see it was council shinobi ushering them in, I thought Succubus had been guarding the door? Where was she? Though they served the council, I still led the shinobi of the village, and upon a direct command to leave their post in favour of my own ninja, they would be forced to obey, yet there they were... Was it a sign? Perhaps Lolita had not gotten to all of them? Perhaps they had ignored her, given her youth, though they knew she spoke for me...

One hand behind my back, I made a quick sign, and felt a tiny pebble hit the back of my neck. Dominatrix remained in position, at least. I looked over at the Kazekage, attempting to convey my irritation and apologies in an expression. This was embarrassing, for me, and for Iwagakure, and he had handled it so beautifully thus far.

Still, something about this whole thing bothered me. If the council were so set in their rejection, why go through this whole facade? They wouldn't allow the village to speak unless they knew they would receive their support, so was it just a show for the Kazekage? Perhaps to impress upon him the strength and 'unity' of Iwagakure? Or was this meant to cow my actions? It didn't add up, darling!

[King]

Kouketsu was unsurprised by the council’s words. Did they ever change, these decrepit relics from the past? They spoke so highly of their city’s defense, yet many had never even walked the path of a shinobi. What did they know of sacrifice, of pain and loss? Their presumptuous tone and demeaning behavior was exactly what he expected, having taken the Tsuchikage’s words to heart, and had thus came more than prepared for it.

“There is nothing foolish about the pursuit of unity,” the Kazekage replied. “It is this deep-seated mistrust of one’s neighbors that leads to wars and pointless conflict. I kneel here before you an unguarded, unarmed leader of a fellow nation. You say that you do not know me, yet in the same breath dismiss any chance of getting to know me.”

He half-closed his eyes. “I, for one, dislike living in ignorance.”

Letting more of the city’s official pour into the room, Kouketsu removed a small scroll from the band about his left side. “I had suspected that you might raise these inquiries as a mean to dissuade our alliance and, fortunately, came well prepared. Inside this scroll you will find Sunagakure’s exact location, along with the location of all of our outposts within the Kaze Desert. Included will be a complete list of our resources, militant and otherwise, along with this year’s completed sensus.” He placed the scroll before him, seal facing the council. “As I have no intention of making your village feel inferior or at a disadvantage, I will happily turn this scroll over into your custody should we reach a satisfactory conclusion to this discussion.”

“The Council of Sunagakure has agreed to offer you substantial land holdings in the northern regions of the Kaze Desert, closest to your borders,” Miame added. “Inside the Kazekage’s scroll, we have taken the time to mark several large oasis ripe with natural resources. Excellent places for outposts.”

“You would likewise be able to rely on our great military force in times of war, or in the pursuit of mutually beneficial agendas,” Gennosuke commented. “A generosity we would expect returned, of course.”

“The Hidden Sand’s treasury would also become available to you, in times of crisis and/or war, with a far more lenient expectancy of return. Three-quarters of the borrowed amount with zero interest, rather than the whole sum,” Odama explained. “This is a kindness we would not expect to be returned, however. Consider it… part of the Hidden Sand’s hospitality.”

Pleased with their deliverance, Kouketsu spoke once more. “As you can see, the Hidden Sand can offer your village and nation considerable benefits across all fronts. We seek to hide no information from you, council, for our intentions are pure and our words genuine. You need only look past your own prejudice and ask. I assure you, we are quite eager to ask.”

[Hotaru]

As the doors slammed open to the council chambers, Hotaru, who had been asleep under one of the benches facing the council's table, awoke with a start. Having sneaked into the then abandoned cloister to relax and catch up on a new book, the Iwagakure Chuunin had slept through the entire exchange up to this point. Watching pairs of feet shuffle into the room with her face still resting on the floor, she saw this as an opportune time to assimilate into the crowd unnoticed. Slowly sliding up off the ground and taking a seat, Hotaru let out a quiet yawn and cleared her eyes.

Analyzing the room, it appeared the council was in the middle of a session, and the Tsuchikage stood front and center with who Hotaru could only guess was someone of great significance. She hadnt seen the Tsuchikage since the sky tore open and spilled light over a far off place. They had made plans to investigate together, however, her partner simply vanished and left Hotaru in the dark to her plans and intentions.

Perhaps I will get some sort of explanation

She thought, settling in among other select members of Iwagakure as they filled the chambers.

[daisy]

IWAGAKURE COUNCIL

The Kazekage continued to speak as the citizens of Iwagakure began to enter, and Adachi glared at the man. Though he was undoubtedly offering terms which favoured Iwagakure, they could not take these at face value, as such would be expected in return. All five of them held off on answering the Kazekage until those entering had taken their seats, and black clad shinobi closed the doors once more.

"This man is the Lord Kazekage of Sunagakure, invited here by the Lady Tsuchikage in order to discuss a formal alliance between our two great villages," Honda began, his deep voice echoing about the halls.
"The Lady Tsuchikage offered this invitation, and this proposal, without knowledge of the Iwagakure Council. She also left the village without warning following the disturbance in the Land of Rice, and has had no contact with us until today. Despite our Tsuchikage's reckless and thoughtless actions, the Lord Kazekage offers Iwagakure favourable terms, and the opportunity to strengthen both of our villages,"

Honda paused, a look of uncertainty upon his lined face. None of the council spoke, each seeming to be in thought. Finally, Councilman Adachi stood, his face dark.
"The Iwagakure Council is prepared to accept this alliance," He began, to a buzz of murmurs throughout the crowd,
"But not with Mitzy Valentine leading us," There was an uproar, and council ANBU materialized throughout the hall. A pair of the black clad shinobi appeared behind the Tsuchikage, each seizing an arm and lifting her from her seat. Behind her, there was the sound of furious fighting, as a tall blonde woman and another ANBU battled hand to hand in the shadows.

Two council ANBU threw the doors open, stepping inside with a pink haired girl restrained between them, struggling furiously.
"This is the Iwagakure Council's final decision. The Tsuchikage has failed us in every regard, and has acted purely in self interest, without considering the village she is sworn to protect," Adachi's venomous words were shouted above the sounds of fighting and raised voices. A man in the benches stood up and bellowed;
"Lies! Long live the queen!" And he was instantly set upon by nearby shinobi.
"Enough!" Councilwoman Baba cried, but her words were drowned out by a small explosion in the wall of the chambers, causing rubble to tumble to the ground.

Through this hole, three women entered, and the chambers were suddenly filled with a thick smoke, eliciting more cries and screams from those assembled. Chaos had broken loose.

"Restore order!" Councilman Hanamura's voice boomed throughout the fighting, but for once, nobody was listening.

[daisy]

until we bleed ♥

The Kazekage continued with his terms, offering a treaty that anybody would be foolish not to accept. They were not fools, not entirely, the Iwagakure Council. Surely they would see the sense in this? I wanted to shake them, why did they insist on being so obtuse? Iwagakure could only prosper from such an alliance, it was exactly what we needed in this new age! Still, I could not abandon hope yet. Perhaps this would turn out well? As the citizens entered, I scanned the crowd, hoping to see a few allies. Though I had not seen her enter, I spotted Hotaru, looking rather unconcerned as per usual, and - yes, they had come, a few of my Spider ANBU in plain clothes, mingling.

As Honda addressed the assembly, I felt my nerves mounting. Please, for the sake of Iwagakure, embrace this change. There was a pause. What is this? This feeling of dread? When Adachi took the lead, my heart sank. Suddenly, I was yanked from my seat, and the hall erupted into madness. Their grip was rough, and my eyes desperately searched the hall. Should I fight? I heard Dominatrix behind me, of course she would fight. Then, before me, Succubus was caught and dragged into the hall -
"Lord Kazekage, this is not your concern! I will be fine, please forge this alliance!" I could not be sure he had heard me, however, as after a man in the crowd shouted my support, the wall was blown in, and a few familiar faces appeared.

That settled it. I raised my head and spat, silk shooting from my mouth and adhering to the roof as the hall filled with smoke, before I yanked myself upwards, and out of the grasp of one of the shinobi. The other held on, but with a hand now free, I unloaded a few senbon from my wrist into the poor thing's arm. Hanging now from the ceiling, I threw myself in the direction of the smoking hole in the wall.
"Lady Tsuchikage, quickly!" Lolita's voice.
"Make sure the others get out okay, take care of anybody watching the Mansion on the way back and I'll meet you all there. Tell the Kazekage too, if you can. Don't hurt them too much darling," and I was gone, slipping out of the hole and darting away through the village.

Oh, what a terrible mess! On the precipice of such prosperity! Still, if I could just lay low and avoid trouble, and if the Council and the Kazekage could go ahead with the treaty, all was not lost. Oh, what tangled webs, hmm?