Of Sand and Stone. [P]

[King]

It had been a mutual agreement to continue further from the god's birthplace in pursuit of the conversation the young woman requested. In spite of the creature's disappearance, its presence could still be felt in great magnitudes. The atmosphere was heavy with its influence, and like the crushing depths of the sea, its weight was far too much to remain comfortable-- even for a Kage. And with so much to consider, the boisterous rustling of a few dewy leaves did nothing to assist the situation.

They'd walked in relative silence for quite some time, until well beyond the view and earshot of the other ninjas that had witnessed the event. Now among a field of tall, flowing rice plants, Kouketsu stopped. The clouds had still yet to fully disperse, and through their overcast sheets, a pale, haunting moonlight shone through.

"You wanted to speak with me, Lady Tsuchikage?" Kouketsu's demeanor was, as it had been, lackluster. Had he always known? "Back there you spoke of your village's relations with the Hidden Leaf as if you held intimate knowledge concerning the matter. Far more than a mere genin, chuunin, and even most jounin would know. Which means you're either the Tsuchikage, or a shinobi directly beneath him or her - perhaps an assist. But it wouldn't make sense for a Kage to send one of their most treasured assets, most likely a friend, on an unknown scouting mission."

Kouketsu faced her, locking their gazes. "And judging from your attitude in regards to those... children, it would seem that you aren't used to dealing with the immaturity of the lower castes. Which leads me to believe you're as reckless and determined a leader as I am, not content to merely bow to tradition and become a figurehead of the village's council. That's why you're here, isn't it? To show them -- and perhaps yourself -- that you aren't just some matriarch doll, bred to deliver orders and pull strings from the shadows?"

Indeed, he was not like the others she'd met mere moments ago. Vigilant, calculating, with a hint of coldness beneath it all. Kouketsu had claimed the mantle of Kazekage for a reason. "So, how may I be of service to you?"

[daisy]

oh sinnerman, where you gonna run to? ♥

I was content to follow him, eyes narrowed at the mane of dark hair before me. Though departing alone to investigate the disturbance had been foolhardy, holding court alone with another kage was perhaps even more so. Amid the namesake of this land he stopped, and I could scarcely suppress a smile at the words that followed. I let him continue, his assessment startlingly accurate, and only a raised eyebrow betrayed my emotions as he saw through my impromptu ruse.

"You don't waste any time, do you darling?" I felt my typical charm would ill serve me here, but I spoke with utter confidence. After all, we were on equal footing, were we not?
"Mitzy Valentine, Shodaime Tsuchikage, the pleasure is all mine," Still, he was a strange one. There was quite the foreboding feel to him, an inherent... distance? Perhaps something colder. But then, it was possible it was I who was the exception, as far as Kages went. Perhaps this sharpness was common in leaders, even desired.

I did not look away from his gaze, however.

"I shall be blunt, Lord Kazekage. This isolationism does not serve. There is no more war, yet our villages operate solely on suspicion and self-interest. I understand that as shinobi, we are raised to distrust and serve only our villages, but... it needn't be that way. Perhaps you will think me a fool, but I believe that in co-operating, we could ensure future peace and prosperity far beyond any we are capable of achieving now," I paused. Was this wise? He seemed to understand my disposition, from his earlier assessment of character, but I doubted he had expected such a... liberal outlook.

I turned from him, looking back in the direction we had come. That being, those behind it, and their future intentions... It all served only to harden my conviction.

"You saw it too, this Manji. Can you fight a god alone, Lord Kazekage?"

[King]

"Can you fight a god alone, Lord Kazekage?" she asked.

No, not anymore.

The mention of the group, and the creature, once again brought his gaze down to his right hand. It was as if every time they were mentioned, the tattoo began to itch -- burn even, as if answering the call. How would this strange marking play into their future? Did Kouketsu even have a future in this strange new world? This was not his home, so why should he bother protecting it? An honorable death was all he could ask for in the end -- to be free, truly free, of this mortal coil to join those he'd lost so long ago.

"There is nothing foolish about wanting to co-operate with your neighbors, Lady Tsuchikage," he finally replied. Though they seemed to be of similar disposition, Kouketsu kept his distance, if only out of respect. Intimidating the young woman, or making her feel uncomfortable, was the furthest of his intention. "It's a rather progressive inclined mindset and I imagine the world would benefit from having more leaders like yourself, especially going in to such an uncertain future."

The power of five nations would always be far greater than that of a single village; the fist would always be greater than the individual finger. "However, we live in a world ruled by man, and surely, as you have seen, there are those incapable of breaking away from their inherited distrust. The Hidden Leaf demonstrated that perfectly." Much to his dismay, of course. "Furthermore, Manji is not our only concern. Greed, a lust for power - these will all amalgamate into a much bigger issue over time. I'm afraid that your hopes will remain just that."

Kouketsu's steely gaze softened. "I'm unsure whether or not I will remain Kazekage for much longer, as it was not a position I took willingly, but rather out of necessity to stabilize the Hidden Sand and protect it. However, so long as I shoulder this mantle, you may consider me and my people an ally in your endeavors. Even if the remaining nations stay isolated and self-absorbed, the Hidden Sand and Hidden Stone will stand united if that is truly your desire."

[daisy]

the rock cried out, i can't hide you ♥

I kept my back to him as he spoke, his words a heavy weight on my shoulders. Of course I knew my ideals were unrealistic, and I knew too that so many would rather watch the world burn than relinquish their wealth and their power, but it didn't get any easier to hear. I was far from faint of heart, but the inherent selfishness, the power hungry corruption that so dictated our world, it was difficult to bear. His confirmation that such a change was unlikely to come only made it harder.

Still, his final words lined the dark clouds with silver, and I turned back to him. It was quite unexpected, truly. I had earned an alliance with a moment's conversation? Perhaps we really could understand one another? But my expression darkened. Even while preaching openness and acceptance, I could feel the suspicion at my core. He was the Kazekage, and likely an incredibly powerful shinobi. I could not let my guard down around him. Was it truly instilled so deeply in us, as ninja? Or was it simply a survival mechanism, present in all humans?

"Thank you, Lord Kazekage," But the pledge seemed more melancholy than certain. Of course, he carried his own weight. Being a kage was far from an easy task, and I knew nothing of his circumstances. Offering support, or even sympathy seemed shallow, but I truly appreciated his compassion.

"It's tough, isn't it? But, I am sure Sunagakure would be that much lesser without you," Of course, I could be sure of no such thing, but... Well, it was silly. Feeling understood for the first time in this world of ours, it was a new experience. The Iwagakure Council seemed rather far away, in the face of this man.

[King]

"Perhaps," he replied dryly.

Truth be told, Kouketsu hadn't the slightest clue why he took up the mantle of Kazekage. What memories he possessed of Sunagakure -- from his past life -- were not fond ones. It had been a village riddle with crime and poverty, held steady only by the hand of his brother. Even then, where their clash had reached its apex, Sunagakure had been reduced to nothing more than a smoldering heap of death and debris. Perhaps, subconsciously, it was his way of honoring Nagato? To show love for his brother's people, even if they were only related by some invisible thread of fate and spirit?

"In the interest of honoring this allegiance of ours, perhaps a more formal meeting between our villages might be beneficial?" No matter how much they desired to be free of the archaic rules and traditions of their villages, there were certain procedures that could not be foregone. "I'm sure it would be more reassuring to others if the unity of our villages were put on paper, opposed to simply being the late-night conversation of two wayward leaders."

In spite of her need to feel on guard, Kouketsu brandished no ill will toward the woman. His posture was lax, his demeanor even moreso. If anything, he seemed far more interested in the swaying rice plants that danced all around them. Constantly running his gloved hands through their stocks, weaving them between his fingers. "I would be more than happy to arrange a meeting wherever you feel most comfortable, for an official "treaty" signing."

"Also, Lady Tsuchikage, I would keep this--" he raised his right hand, gesturing to the hidden tattoo with a nod "--to yourself for the moment. At least until we figure out what it does, that is. I'm sure you're very aware how easily panic can spread."

[daisy]

i run to the sea, it was boiling ♥

How strange it was. This man seemed the last person to need my compassion, yet I felt for him regardless. There were times when the burden of my position was most unwelcome, and I sensed he felt the same. But perhaps, in co-operating, my ideals could be realised, in one small way. Perhaps they could become more than just hope.

But yes, he was correct, of course. This would need to be done by the books. I watched him toying with the plants around us as he spoke, a strange gentleness it seemed to me, rather incongruous with his presence. I wondered about this man. We all had our story, our triumphs and our regrets, how had his unfolded? What had led us both here, to this point in our lives? And was this a turning point? The beginning of a new chapter, penned by our own hands, and not the whimsy of fate?

"A week from now," it was time I stepped forward, having allowed him to dictate our conversation thus far,
"Somebody will meet you - and whomever you care to bring - here, in this spot, a week from now, and lead you to Iwagakure. If we are to truly be allies, trust must begin somewhere, non?" The council would riot. But perhaps it was just what was needed? I strongly believed in this co-operation, and I would risk their ire to see it through.

I nodded at his advice on the tattoo. We knew not what it meant, and having been marked by a god was not a story likely to fit comfortably into conversation.
"Astute, I agree. Are we in accord then, Lord Kazekage?" It was exhilarating, truth be told. This was far beyond petty revenge on the council, this had the potential to bring a new era, a new dawn upon not only Iwagakure, but the shinobi world. Perhaps leading by example could truly spur the other hidden villages to open their eyes?

If not, I feared only ruin awaited us all.

[King]

"It will only be me and the council's chosen representatives," Kouketsu assured her. "Just as you show your faith in this treaty, so too shall I show mine. I suspect that Iwagakure's elite will provide ample protection for me and thus will bring no guards of my own." It was a bold maneuver to counter her openness - perhaps too bold. However, if the Tsuchikage was willing to put her neck on the line, so to speak, for a half-baked plan concocted in the heat of a lukewarm conversation, the Kazekage saw no reason not to meet her half way.

He hardly seemed worried about the possible bandit encounter.

"But yes, Lady Tsuchikage. We are in accord."

Turning from her then, he started on his way once more. "I'll see you in a week."

- Exit

[daisy]

don't you know i need you lord ♥

Then it was truly settled. A chaotic encounter of otherworldly proportions had led me here, to a very real conversation with the Kazekage. With the tumultuous events that had built up to this, was the future to follow its example? Would our small words here shape more than we could know? I couldn't know, and that was what excited me most.

"Au revoir, ma cherie,"

/exit~

[addy-hime ♥]

King, 34 exp.
daisy, 32 exp.