Asgard "King's Court"

[Yahiko]

Stupid.

It was all stupid, she thought, as she reluctantly marched toward her destination. Honoka had received the summons for this meeting, this so-called gathering of commanders, and very nearly did she choose to ignore it. It was only after a long winded argument with her father that she decided to suit up and rush to the designated place. In the time since Mitzy Valentine's disappearance a great deal had changed in Iwagakure; most noticeably, however, was the election of one mysterious outsider as Commander in Chief. Honoka had encountered the man before while defending lady Mitzy's mansion -- which he buried single-handedly. She felt... uneasy around him, to say the least. Regardless, and as her father had so annoyingly pointed out, she was a shinobi of the stone, and she had to do her job.

Honoka arrived at a checkpoint of sorts where she was asked to relinquish all of her weaponry. An understandable precaution, she supposed, considering how fresh all of the changes within the village were. Who was to say that one of the 'commanders' that had been sought out still harbored deeply rooted loyalty to lady Mitzy and viewed this meeting as an opportunity to assassinate the newly appointed Tsuchikage. She removed her weapons and cloak and immediately felt smaller, as though her lack of tools weakened her. Such was not the case. Clad in only a basic, black jumpsuit, Honoka entered the room. It was mostly empty, aside from the few people sitting at what appeared to be the main table. The Tsuchikage stood out immediately, but the others were people who she hadn't ever seen before, except maybe in passing.

"You'll..." she started, but then paused nervously. Honoka could feel the attention in the room descend upon her with an unsettling weight. She'd entered the room with a sense of confidence, but now that certainty was challenged by a room full of strangers. She cleared her throat. "You'll have to excuse my tardiness, Tsuchikage-sama," she said, swiftly recomposing herself as she strutted across the room. There were a few empty seats on either side of the table, but Honoka simply stood at the end opposite of the Tsuchikage himself. "It w-won't happen again."

[Kousuke]

♔ walk away

The posturing and speech making again. Kou started to feel agitated. Did this person really need to make such grandiose speeches for simple matters? He had simply asked for a reaffirmation that he would not be asked to blindly lead his men to their deaths. The Tsuchikage gave a half answer. He spoke of being untouchable, of building an empire and stomping out anyone who would oppose them. 


Nai spoke first, and echoed Kouske's concerns. He felt a kinship for a moment with the man whom he just earlier had dismissed. Kou took another drink of Sake, straight from the bottle. He had hoped this meeting would go better, but it seems they would hit a stone wall (no pun intended) before reaching an agreement. Then he thought for a minute and before he spoke a young female entered the room. He fell silent as the girl stuttered introducing himself. 


He had seen her on occasion trailing behind the previous Tsuchikage. Perhaps a former subordinate. Never matter. The fact that she was here, meant her loyalty lied with Iwa. Despite his tenuous feelings on the subject he remained quiet for a moment before turning his attention back to the Tsuchikage. 


"I trust that if we are to be commanders of Iwa's expansion that we will have semi-autonomy, I can agree to this plan only if I am able to do things my way. I will not lead Iwa's shinobi to die in a foreign land. I would prefer that if there is to be fighting, I am sent alone or with a small and capable entourage. Hopefully diplomacy will work in our favor and unnecessary blood will not be spilled" Kou spoke at last. 

" I understand the misfortunes that have befallen Kiri and Konoha. However, we must do all we can to not follow their bloody path. If the lesser nations ally with us out of choice, rather than force, we have their allegiance for life. Brutality simply breeds hatred, which turns mens convictions from justice to vengeance" He continues. He had hoped he voiced his concern. He waited for the others to continue, and hopefully the meeting would soon end. Kou was growing restless. 

[☆ F ☆]

☆

A New commander arrives!

Their apprehension was understandable, though F hoped not to play too long into the game of doubt and demands for explanation. Much needed to be done, and while this meeting was meant to be brief but concise, it was beginning to carry on into more chapters than initially anticipated. Still, it wasn't like the Uchiha could blame them; after all, he WAS a foreigner that had just assumed the position of leader. Still. Since his reign, a sense of peace and stability the council could nerve yield was being experienced widespread across the village. Solid plans for the future were laid out. What more could they want…? Regardless of frustration, he'd be patient with these affairs. As much a leader as he was, he was also here to serve these people. Attending to their concerns, though repetitive as it may be, was a necessary approach towards gaining their trust.

"You are correct to feel apprehension. However, our colonization is not meant to be immediate."


"We must still grow from within, making our forces stronger and more intelligent, and our walls safe and secure."

"Only after our homes are safe shall we move on..."

Honoka entered the room shortly after he addressed some of their concerns, and although she apologized for her tardiness, for this occasion, F would not hold it against her. It was an open meeting held suddenly for those he deemed worthy, carrying the rank of experience needed to help carry on Iwa towards its next generation. As such, he anticipated a few to come and go at different times. Ironically enough, as skilled as she was, she was barely a child; she was truly the present and the future all together. And as a loyalist to the Valentine regime, she also stood testament of Iwa's acceptance and willingness to move on from its previous dark chapter. No more sides. No more divides. Just growth and progress. After nodding to the girl, he'd direct a hand to an empty chair where she could sit. Being of a younger age, drinking was out of the question - though for her commander toast, a sip had been deemed acceptable. F nodded towards the servant.

"Truer words could not be spoken, Kousuke. The fact I trust you to command means just that - you will be expected to do things your way."

"We have but one objective. And if we can make these people our allies without expending energy, even better! Meet the goal through your methods, though ensure Iwagakure's integrity remains untarnished in the process…"

"Nai, once our forces are ready to move out, I shall continue with my medical research, as well as seek out to expand our intelligence assets on the ground. While we have no intentions of being allies with other villages, we are not seeking war either; therefore, it's important to know if it ever seeks us."

"As I mentioned before, the development of an elite Iryou-nin corps is paramount to our plans. However, I shall have copies of myself alongside each of your campaigns - they shall be more than capable to survive on their own."

At this point, those that chose to toast would now be recognized as commanders. The clones to the side had been forging small stone medals this entire time, using their natural essence and strength to carve out the identifying markers of Iwa's Commanding Officers. Nai was their first. He presumed Kousuke was next, with Honoka soon to follow. A few nations remained for their choosing, and while they would not move out at that instant for invasion, he wanted each commander to be prepared for what was to come. The sooner they knew their goals, the sooner they can research, practice, and teach their followers. On top of this, the Earth Shadow's Officers would each be identified by the Nation they will be given control of. It was important to identify this early on, even if for the sake of ceremony; F was sappy like that.

"Honoka, we've been discussing out expansion plans, as well as certain plans for home. One thing I didn't mention, which is currently under way, is a troop-driven armory. Based on spoils from our travels, this armory will allow our troops to rent out certain weaponry, free of charge, to be used on official village missions."

"On top of this, an arena! Devoid of actual deadly combat, this arena is meant to pit the shinobi against a variety of situations that is aimed to hone their skills. Tournaments shall be held as well, with the winners awarded certain prizes and privileges for use within the village."

"Eventually, I will be spending time at the hospital myself, utilizing samples obtained from the field in order to provide free procedures for all Iwa-nin deemed worthy and able. These procedures will be natural and will enhance them in a variety of ways."

Having toasted to the others, he would take a seat.

"So, Kou, Hana - which nations shall you lead…?"

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[Yahiko]

Honoka gave a curt nod to the Tsuchikage and proceeded to her designated chair. Her eyes nervously scanned the room as she settled into her seat, only breaking gaze with her surrounding comrades as one of the servants handed her a drink. The most immediate and noticeable difference between the kunoichi and those with whom she shared this meeting was a jarring gap in age. While none of them were as old as, say, her grandparents, Honoka was significantly younger than the lot of them by at least a decade or so. Had so many perished during the the council's attempted takeover and the new Tsuchikage's purge that all that remained of the elite were present in the room? There was a sinking feeling in Honoka's stomach -- she felt overwhelmed and unworthy.

As the Tsuchikage spoke about expanding authority into other nations and implementing new things inside of Iwagakure as well, all that Honoka could think about was how out of place she felt. Doubt began to grow like wildfire within the girl; doubt both in her village's decision to promote her and doubt in her ability to live up to these expectations. Though unsure of a great deal, Honoka would put on a front like she always did. Her father told her to fake it til she made it, and it seemed to have worked so far. The kunoichi raised her glass as was the proper toasting procedure and proceeded to take a sip. It tasted like soap but she didn't cringe out of courtesy. On the topic of expansion and placing commanders in lesser nations, Honoka could speak.

"I can go to Ame no Kuni," she spoke loudly enough to be heard, well aware of how she stumbled over her words before and trying to make up for it. "It's where grew up and I've still got some contacts there. I'm sure that I can convince them to... join our cause." She was precise and to the point, no dilly-dally.

[☆ F ☆]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Some OOC info!}It's time to wrap this up, boys and girls. In terms of posting and content, Kousule and Nai are done, though Kousuke needs to pick a Lower Nation for formalities sake. Jin got AFK'ed but can still come back and end this. Yahiko, two most posts and you should be good in terms of content and length (if you want to do the mission, if not, you can leave).

This mission is set to end on the last day of this month, September 30th.


J.I.N Kousuke Zoō Yahiko

Story Posting Order:

F
Yahiko
Jin

[everyone else is done and can post/exit at their leasure. IIC is 28 hours, let's go gogo!]

[☆ F ☆]

☆

"now, for dinner!"

It did not take long for Honoka to feel comfortable at the commander’s meeting currently being held once prompted to do so. Though young, she was more than likely quite able to defend herself, and perhaps only her tender age would hold her back from the true ferocity she was capable of. After all, F had been a personal witness. At that moment, a brief flashback to their skirmish at Valentine manor flashed before his very eyes. Those occurrences, it was as if it had just happened yesterday. He could see it now, Cain and himself approaching their target, war on their minds, while Honoka held her own in the name of Mitzy Valentine, caring not who had come to ring the bells of death and destruction.

You were brave then, and so you are now…

...do not be afraid - just be yourself.

Most would cower or run, much like the Spider ANBU had, but not Honoka. No…after the Uchiha blasted the building with a grandiose explosion of fire and began to commence preparations for the building’s burial, she RAN OUT. She charged him! Yelled at him! Challenged him to do his worst! And while the aspiring Tsuchikage was one that could easily spill blood without requiring hardly any motivation or reason, he was not walking the earth as a death singer that day. No; he was there to save. And in a sense, the village saved him. Honoka was part of that. And so, spitting petty squabbling over allegiances right in the face, F decided he would forgive the youth for her transgressions, and instead invited her to take a seat among his new coven. That sort of loyalty was hard to find these, after all.

“Etsuko Honoka, Commander of the Rain…”

“…or maybe, Baroness? They both roll off the tongue well!”

He ended his speech with a playful tone, a wink shot her way as he took yet another shot of sake. He was quite good still, but at this pace, a buzz would soon be in order; it was best to conclude business then as soon as possible, as the subsequent dinner and party would be a more adequate environment for any potential indiscretion alcohol consumption could bring. Most of the business was in order, though a commander or two remained to pledge. Still, what was most important had been discussed; Iwa took yet another step towards progress that day.

“It has been a pleasure and joy sharing this with you all. Bright minds and bodies, the lot of you...”

“Now, let us conclude. Dinner will come shortly after. Any final questions? Your packets have all the information discussed here in a summarized, concise form."  

"If not, you’re free to go, but you’re more than welcome to stay – after all, this dinner is in your honor, new Commanders of Earth!”

[ 400 / 400 ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[Yahiko]

"B-Baroness..?"

Honoka blinked at the sound of the voice which bore an odd familiarity that she could not pinpoint. Stranger still, as she scanned the room once more, she noted that she herself was the only girl in attendance, although the voice was most definitely a woman's. Puppets came to mind, as she'd always experience her own puppets speaking to her in the past, though no one in the room seemed to be a puppeteer. By this point the occurrence would normally have been dismissed as the kunoichi simply hearing things, but still the sound of the voice lingered in her head, tapping the back of her mind and presenting it with images -- smoke and screams, knives flying and explosions, legions of shinobi rushing into the fire, a single warrior fending them off, one by one, a maniacal laugh --

"I think Commander suits me just fine," Honoka sort of blurted out. "I suppose I should go prepare my things, then." The image of this... warmonger, and the piles of victims and the fire and all of it vanished then, the only thing left was the distant laugh, which echoed into obscurity. Honoka stood up from her chair and gave a short, curt nod to the Tsuchikage and her fellow commanders, then scanned the room one more time as she turned to leave. The laugh sounded like it came from the woman as well, she thought. Still, only men were in the war room, and the laughter was in her head -- it came from the warrior she'd seen. A vision, then? Honoka made her way to the exit and retrieved her things from the guard, still wondering about this mysterious woman.

___

Exit.

[Kousuke]

♔ walk away

Kou thought for a moment. He knew of the lesser nations and knew that the nation of Snow was a good distance of length between Tsuchi no Kuni and Kaminari no Kuni therefore was a prime location.

"I will travel to Yuki no Kuni. The cold seems to suit me" He jokes before standing. He didn't know much about the country or its current inhabbitants so would spend some time researching them. He would do what he could from here and then in a short time would depart Iwagakure on his long and arduous journey to the far north. He would have to remember to bring appropriate supplies, gifts to placate the locals and leadership and eventually establish a trading post where he would be able to hopefully build peaceful relations and if not would serve as a landing dock for Iwagakures forces if he needed to enforce his directives.

He would not be a tyrant, he would come with peaceful offerings and hopefully bring stability and security to the north.

He waited for the others to finish conversing before bowing slightly


"And With that Tsuchikage, I think I will take my leave. I have preparations that need be done. Thank you" He states before making his way outside of Asgard. He knew this journey would take him far from home, and he knew the strain it would put on his siblings and parents. But it was required of him, and his Duty to Iwa was absolute.

[exit]

[☆ F ☆]

☆

NPC - Seung-Bae

His voice would die down some now that the important information was concluded, and thus, ending the mission effectively. The feast to come was grand, and while he'd partake in it to some extent, there were more matters to take care of. Now that his legion of commanders was secured and drafted into effect, he'd need to reunite with his own strategists in order to prepare for the imminent invasions. The exportation of Iwa-sponsored might and power would not take place right away, as several preparations needed to occur before any mobilization was even remotely attempted. However, given he was a man of success and a fan of organization, he'd do his best to prepare for this movement as much as possible before actually giving the command.

"..."

It was a gamble begin taken by Iwa, the first one since his reign really, but it was a necessary one. Though the war between Kiri and Konoha had gone quiet, F was sure a victor had been decided between the two major villages, and it was in his best interest to find out who. As such, he'd need to form a reconnaissance team that would infiltrate the land of Water, remain hidden, and employ their investigative skills in order to uncover some truth. After this is discovered, and the location of Mitzy was confirmed, F would feel confident in the invasion of the Lower Nations. After all, his supper soldier formula was still incomplete. It would be foolish to step into conflict with incomplete powers at hand.

This will have to be carefully planned..

He stared hard at the map, quietly admiring everything that was coming together. By observing the geography of the lands around them, anyone wise enough at this meeting would see the obvious intention F had regarding these Lower Nations. He was not showing away from the bigger villages, nor was he hoping to spread terror uninterrupted. No, this was all about strategy. Every single Lower Nation he wished to take over bordered a major nation. Logically speaking, by controlling each of these nations, an invasion of any major country and its hidden village was a very realistic possibility. And if he was able to keep the reins of control firmly over each village over time, his forces would only grow. It was an obvious choice, and one F was glad to make.

...it's only a matter of time now.

He'd conclude his deep though in light of the food that arrived. A selection of his favorite picks, they lined the meeting table, several large plates with amazing delicacies for all to enjoy. As he gathered what he wished to eat quietly, he gave each commander once last look. Some prepared, while others chose to stay. It was their prerogative really, but F knew one thing - it was a long day, and he needed to eat.

[ EXIT @ Iwagakure "Asgard" ]

MADE BY ♔KOJIHIME

[lash]

Fina: +160 exp.
Nai: +40 exp. (You did not post 5 rounds, so are ineligible for Sept bonus).
Jin: +16 exp.
Kousuke: +100 exp.
Yahiko: +21 exp.

Just a moderator's note: This thread has been graded with September bonuses in mind. Any post from this point onward is not eligible for that bonus.