A Report from the North [Private]

[Okada Kaji]

A Report from the North
Continued from “The Wild Eyes of a Beast”

The sun was making a steady drop along the horizon, slowly falling behind the monument of Hokage Rock. The golden glow of dusk lined the halls of the library, where The Hidden Leaf’s top brass worked from day to day since the Hokage’s tower was destroyed by some shinobi’s loss of control. As dinner and closing times collided, the usually busy building became a quiet setting with just a few clerks and staffers roaming about. Those who still remained despite the day’s closing were the true heart of the village— they were the dedicated kind who never stopped until their work was finished. Of course, shinobi simply worked the late shift, such as a courier who came hurrying through the halls with an urgent message in hand.

He was a middle-height lad with a gymnasts’ frame, who wore the standard chuunin uniform, even a brass plated Leaf head protector worn centered on his forehead. The only modification to his apparel were low cuts to the arm-holes of his jacket, which wouldn’t bear much meaning to onlookers. His name was Jomei Koyanagi; the same one raised as a native of The Hidden Stone with earthy, tamed auburn curls, and vermilion eyes which viewed the world with a pedigree of insight and intellect behind them. Where he came from, Jomei had a bit of regard for his explorations into the depths of Arcadia, but here he was in Konoha, modestly running scrolls as a courier for the Aviary. He had taken up a residence at the Leaf for some time now, living the simple (boring) life behind this new identity for nearly two long years.

In fact, he had been here for so long that he began to neglect the past, and thoughtlessly in the door frame of the Hokage’s temporary arrangements with the scroll in hand. “Lord Hokage?” Jomei’s arrival came with a greeting which fell into a confused sound, as he had forgotten that the Hokage was in fact, a former sennin from stone, well acquainted to Jomei and even an ally on the field of battle before. “Good evening, Lord Hokage… a message has just come in via carrier bird from our diplomat stationed in the Hidden Cloud— Kaji Okada.” Jomei then raised the scroll into an upright presentation, noting the official wax seal of the Land of Lightning, which authorized the transmission.

Jomei Koyanagi has entered the thread.
Requesting Umashi only.

 

[Seijin]

Having decided to take a break from doing his medical rounds, Umashi was sitting in the library enjoying some quiet time when soon found himself looking at a face that he hadn't seen in quite some time. Though he was clearly reading a book, Umashi stood up and extended his hand in greeting as he welcomed the old Stoner. "Ah Jomei, long time no see. Please, grab a seat, any news from the likes of Kaji is bound to be worth it." Waving in the general direction of the plethora of seats around them, Umashi went back to sitting at the long wooden table as he moved a small mountain of books out of the way and made room for the two to be able to talk face to face. "I trust that there's news about Tatsuo as well. The little Genin ought to be about Chunnin rank now . . . right?" Umashi was about to go further when he realized that Jomei hadn't exactly said the magic words yet. Holding a hand up to stop him from speaking, Umashi looked around to make sure that there were no eavesdroppers before he spoke in a low tone. "Did he remember to deliver a certain bottle of ever clear liquid?" Indeed, as much as Umashi was an important figurehead . . . he also enjoyed the finer things in life as a man fully of aware of what he wanted in life.

 

[Okada Kaji]

While he wanted nothing more than to escape the attention of his old ally, Jomei gave a nod and slowly complied with Umashi’s request. He sat the wax-encrusted scroll on the table Umashi was seated at and sat on the wide arm of a round, cushy chair just a few paces backward. “Sure, I’m game I guess” Jomei answered, stuttering over a few of his consonants and seeming sheepish towards the request. The mere thought of lending an ear to talks of international intrigue reminded Jomei of the days of his youth, eavesdropping, and perching on window sills just to witness the Tsuchikage’s diplomatic meetings. Perhaps part of him even missed those days. However, so much time on the run, and now his quiet life spent keeping a low profile in the Leaf left Jomei out of touch with things. He did not know anyone by the name of Tatsuo, gave an unaware shrug, and ran a hand through his hair.

Snapping the wax seal and unfurling the green parchment would reveal a plain white canvas covered with cryptic instructions— the scroll was no letter, just a sealing jutsu with an elemental clone of its creator inscribed. Finely inscribed ink glyphs made a swirling pattern which aimed towards the center. Any shinobi the caliber of Umashi knew how to release this seal with ease; it was a fact Kaji counted on. All it took was chakra molded with a simple hijutsu (ram) seal, and a flat palm pressed upon the center of the seal.

Once triggered, a burst of interplanar steam erupted just from across the table from Umashi, and from it emerged the uncanny image of a raven-haired shinobi with a slim yet battle-honed design, sculpted by the Five Old Gods: it was indeed Kaji Okada. For an illusion, he couldn’t have looked more real, and even came with the mild scent of citrus, leather, and iron. All things considered, he was a perfect duplicate. “Uhm, doing a bit of light reading Umashi?” Kaji wafted the steam from around him and took in his surroundings, surprised to be somewhere other than the Hokage’s prestigious office. “No matter, I suppose the library is just as fine a setting as anywhere.” His flatly olive toned eyes scanned the room and paid little mind to the present company. “I have news, but most of it’s not the sensitive kind, m’lord. It makes me proud to inform you that the railway project is just about complete. Connections have been made in the Valley of the End near Fire’s border, through the Land of Bears to Lightning, as planned. Lord Kogami and Lady Kagetsu said the negotiations with Bear and Lightning’s Council of Eleven Moons were like pulling teeth, but we got the job done.”

If Umashi continued unfurling the scroll, he would find a number things: first, a detailed map of the rail system established between the three nations, and the mind-dulling monetary figures that it cost to make it all happen. But that was of little importance to their meeting; no, there was much more to discuss. What followed was an illustration of a portrait of a male with the distinct features of the Uchiha bloodline and a printed report of the last several encounters had with a nukenin Uchiha. “It seems like this alliance is really going place; we’re getting things done and creating an age of prosperity like never before. But as always, there are others who fear progress; an ill-informed sort who’d rather see the alliance crumble and have our villages recede into the dark ages— senseless chaos, really. I encountered this one myself on a snowy pass in Momento Deo: a rogue I’ve confirmed to be Anatsu Uchiha… he was aiming for Kumogakure until I deterred him, and when he confused me for a cloud shinobi, claimed that The Leaf was preparing for an imminent attack on The Cloud. Of course, he couldn’t have been more wrong and fled once he realized I saw through his scheming. I don’t mean to filibuster, but the actions of those who wish to negatively impact the alliance are growing in frequency.”

- An Elemental Clone of Kaji Okada has been unsealed.

 

[Seijin]

Shrugging, Umashi gave a reply to the cloned shinobi. "You know me, always trying to stay a step ahead!" Unable to keep from smiling, Umashi grinned as he heard about the progress that was being made concerning the railroad. Unfortuntately he couldn't exactly give quite the same update as Kaji had though, as the politicians in the Fire Country had initially done everything in their power to block him from being able to accomplish anything in a timely manner. Thankfully he was able to eventually get the mission to help secure nuclear power for the project but they were still behind schedule in terms of actually being able to power the thing on. Letting his eyes wander across the meticulous plans, Umashi was happy to have this news to take to the village council. Hopefully then they could speed up the permit process and get it out of bureaucratic hell. Umashi had had to consort with the Black Scorpion just to even remotely get the railroad project fully funded and the last thing that he was going to do was squander an opportunity to complete it. Speaking up, Umashi nodded his head, further showing his approval of the process thus far with the railroad. "Amazing work, do send my regards to the lady and the Raikage. Hopefully we can have this thing operational before the next Spring."

As much as Umashi appreciated hearing good news, he was disappointed to hear that there was this Anatsu individual running around impersonating good Konoha folk. Umashi was so angered in fact that he started to stand up in alarm but realized where he was and sat down. Counting to ten in his head, he audibly sighed and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms and tapping his foot. "I'll have Uchiha Takeshi the clan head give me a report on who this Anatsu guy is and I'll dispatch the ANBU to gather intel from any Fire Country sources that we may have. We cannot allow such rouge agents to internally or internationally harm us or our allies, much less our image. Speaking of which . . . " Umashi shifted in his seat and leaned forward as he looked around, noting that they were alone in the back corner of the library. "Masaru Yuuto has gone rogue after killing a Konoha Sennin. Due to the Alliance I have ordered him to not be killed by Konoha hands unless he's directly trying to harm the village but I'll leave the matter in Kumogakure hands to handle. Please inform the Raikage of this development, what I don't want is an international incident the likes of which would ruin all of our hard work at "Peace in the East"." Shaking his head, Umashi sighed once more. The entire Yuuto incident depressed him greatly.

 

[Okada Kaji]

With a concerned, slow nod, Kaji was full of contemplation before acknowledging the plan to send one Uchiha to potentially police another. “While a bit of a hunt is in order, make sure your guy knows to expect the unexpected with Anatsu… apparently, we’ve dealt with him before in cloud, attempting forceful intrusions repeatedly. Lord Kogami took him down personally: the guy is a known nut job but he’s supposedly formidable.”

The subject then shifted— while it kept the tone, another shinobi became the focus of conspiracy; former cloud shinobi, Yuuto Masaru. A wrinkle in Kaji’s brow depicted his frustration at the poor news… it would complicate his own plans given the Leaf was losing a shinobi, while another one was murdered. “He murdered a Sennin?” It was strange news, hitting Kaji with a combination of peculiar developments he wasn’t expecting.

“Lady Hakuren of the Main Branch,” Jomei said, reluctantly explaining as that news shook the village to its foundation when it happened. It was a peculiar development, to say the least... Before the untimely journey to Kumogakure, Kaji was in the middle of an ongoing investigation with Hakuren doing her damned worst to worm her way into the Black Scorpions. She supposedly aimed to serve the Leaf as a spy, which was enough for her to avoid action on Kaji's part. She was a power-hungry ANBU Captain in competition with Taro Tama, who shared political goals of taking over as ANBU Sennin. Somehow, she became a Sennin in the Main Branch instead before an untimely death at the hands of… Yuuto, of all people. It all seemed rotten, but Kaji was too distant and too late to do anything about it now.

“I see” Kaji confirmed in a sulky tone. “Absolute power corrupts absolutetly. If possible, I’d appreciate it if a copy of the full report on that incident were sent to us in Kumogakure… any enemy of The Leaf has made an enemy of The Cloud as well, but a full understanding of what happened will come in handy if we manage to pin down Masaru… there is a chance he might return to Kumogakure; if so, he will be detained for due process. I agree that the alliance must be protected with as much priority as the villages themselves. He will be recognized as a criminal to the Land of Lightning.” That kind of upheval truly was a disappointment, but how they responded and moved forward would determine a lot in terms of the future. "I suppose while we're on the subject, are there any other nukes we should keep an eye out for? Leaf rogues won't find a hostel on Cloud turf... Leaf hunters shouldn't even be concerned with hunting beyond Lightning borders."

 

[Seijin]

Nodding, Umashi quickly found a pen and began to scribble down down a number of resources that Jomei could use to access the high level files concerning Konoha's Bingo Book. Fortunately, everything up until Baba had been filed in the library for back up before the Hokage Mansion was destroyed. "We've a recent nuke-nin going by the name of Baba. Our medical Sennin wants him back alive but even with a clear command to the ANBU to bring him back alive . . . I've little doubt that some ANBU have itchy trigger fingers. If you catch any of mine around your parts and they start acting funny, they're to be considered disavowed because I'm not sticking my neck out for idiots." Continuing to write down the information that Jomei would need for Kaji, Umashi finally finished and leaned back in his chair. Reflecting for a moment to make sure that he'd included everything, her leaned forward to scribble down where Jomei could also find a copy of Yuuto's Law.

"That should be about everything on our current nuke-nin. Unfortunately I'll have to back track and regather the intel on a few of our newer ones because the Hokage Mansion was destroyed." Handing the document to Jomei, Umashi fully leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands together. Thinking about the Yuuto incident, he shook his head. "Concerning Yuuto, I've little doubt that he's just a bit misunderstood in his ways and that's how he ended up in this mess but the man is dangerous. Please do not take his skills lightly as a few on our side of the map have." Nodding, he mentally replayed the day that Yuuto and Takeshi clashed. He should have figured then that Yuuto was going to make his exit soon. Remembering that there was brighter news though, Umashi did perk up a bit and speak on that. "Ah yes, in more brighter news, we have moved to a more tradditional Sennin model. Uchiha Takeshi is our ANBU Sennin and Yomi is our Medical Sennin. Both of them are doing quite well all things considered . . . we just still need to find a capable Main Branch Sennin to help things along. Which speaking of, I need to work on those exam request too . . ." Umashi felt some sort of pride about progressing Konoha in a new direction but didn't want to come across as the kid that was late to the party.

OOC: Jomei given access to all the generic Konoha Bingo book as well as files on Baba and Yuuto and in the case of Yuuto, even secret files (records) of meetings that transpired between Yuuto and Umashi. This is to be delivered back to Kumogakure.

 

[Kairyuu]

Kuno steps into the library, escorted by two guards. She felt it somewhat foolish that a guard would be escorted by even more of the same, but considering he was here to give a message to the Hokage, she could see the need for such security measures. Her bow had been confiscated, even the arrows. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to show up armed and declare ‘I am looking for the Hokage!’ to a group of guards.

Still they took her to the man, which was good enough. Her eyes pass over the other one present, those dark green orbs falling on the leader of her nation. With a bow, the woman procures the note handed to her at the gates. ”Hokage, sir. One of the three men you released from the village requested I bring this to your attention. Normally I wouldn’t bother you, but since you showed up and gave them some orders, I felt it prudent to do so.” With that she hands the note over and waits to be dismissed, though the guards escorting her had no such desire and immediately began to see her out.

Spoiler

Sir, while we are out looking for the people you’ve requested we track down, I feel it might be a good idea to prove to our allies our faith in the alliances we hold with them. To this end, I think it might be best to alert Kumo and possibly Iwa about a dangerous rogue shinobi who fled our village and to keep an alert out for him. I think the odds of them seeing this as a weakness might be overcome by the truth this shows we have in them. It will also make the job of tracking him easier if we have their cooperation when we or if we arrive there.

Maki

(Topic entered/left)

 

[Okada Kaji]

In a natural order, the conversation between Umashi and Kaji proceeded like the steps of a gourmet meal preparation. They went from subject to subject, sometimes slowing to focus on the fine details. It seemed as if the talk of missing ninja became a thick cut of mean in need of chopping into thin slices, shinobi after shinobi. Yuuto, another named Baba, and finally, the shinobi chose to chase him like dogs through the marsh. And as the two seniors held their discussion, young Jomei was quietly tasked with administering the delivery of that sensitive information via returning a message scroll. Kaji contemplated briefly but offered an appropriate response, saying “I’ll open an investigation on Masaru; any attempt to handle him will be treated with the utmost care… he kept numerous connections in the Lightning region before he left; I’m sure he’ll try to tap into them if he returns. As for Baba: I’ll see to it that every ANBU bingo book is updated with the info from that report once it reaches the Cloud.” The fact that the medics of Leaf had a special interest in Baba did not fly over Kaji; while it didn’t intrigue him, he’d have to be careful to not let that info reach the wrong hands in his new home.


Umashi went on to inform Kaji of some changes to the leadership in Leaf. The matters of bureaucracy seemed so distant yet coincidental to Kaji now; he never aspired for such a role in his time among the Leaf, yet he was in the running before his departure, and again in a similar position in the Cloud. You could say some things were just inevitable. A talk about rank and responsibilities was actually something Kaji meant to bring up next in the laundry list of topics to discuss; he had news about his Leaf pupil Tatsuo, and even more about himself, but a sudden arrival broke the train of thought.

Kaji’s doppelgänger didn’t seem all too impressed with the procession of guards sandwiching into the space surrounding the quiet section where their meeting occurred. What had happened to the village for the shinobi to be incapable of trusting one another— or trust that their Hokage couldn’t handle himself against whoever dared to betray the Leaf? The changing times in the Leaf felt too strange to Kaji, but he kept his opinion to himself, not even casting a side-eyed glance at the new face and her escorts. Apparently, the interruption had to do with the previously mentioned hounds in the marsh. “A lot of new faces ‘round here” said the ambassador, wrapping his sentiments into one sentence as the three guards exited the floor.

“I believe we were talking about some promotions before the company came.” Just like that, Kaji set the conversation back on track. “Speaking of exams, part of the reason I rolled up the thick scroll was that I recently ran Tatsuo Ranna through an examination for Chuunin; the kid has come a long way. Despite the loss of his mother and other changes he’s gone through, he continues to walk in the light as a shinobi— and he has as much potential as we could hope for. As his sensei, I would like to officially recommend him for the promotion.”

 

[Seijin]

Partially annoyed that the woman had interrupted his meeting, Umashi nodded and assured her that he'd make sure to send word abroad. To Umashi it just seemed a bit much considering that they were in a library. One guard would have been enough, but if this was what people assumed that the Hokage needed, then so be it. Fling the information away mentally, Umashi knew that if he ever needed to get away from it all that he'd have to pick a much better spot to find a quiet place to think and reflect. Scribbling down a note to look up who the kunoichi was, just to be sure of things, Umashi would get back speaking to Kaji and continuing on with the impromptu meeting of sorts.

Fortunately for all parties, he was well ahead of them as he'd been able to speak to Kaji about it right before she had approached. "Yes . . . about him . . . I trust your judgement. If you believe that he's ready then I'll have his passport officially updated in our records and I'll send his standard issued Chunnin gear. I'm rather pleased that you've been able to work with him. He was such the eager beaver before that I feared that he might quickly fizzle out in terms of desire to be a shinobi due to all the regulations." Picking up his writing utensil once more, Umashi scribbled down a note about Tatsuo and suddenly remembered something that he'd been wanting to speak to Kaji about.

"On a similar note to the topic that we've been on . . . swapping bingo books and shinobi files is a great endeavor and all, but do you think that it would be possible to have a unified shinobi information network between Kumo and Konoha? Heck, I hear that Kumo has some of the most secure passport systems this side of the Rain Country! Now, I'm not saying that we have to share everything, but this whole back and forth running thing about bingo books and the like. We live in a quickly advancing world. A digital medium might be best for preserving the peace, wouldn't you say?" No doubt a mouthful and a lot to consider, Umashi knew all too well that this would definitely require talks between himself, the village council, as well as Ayumu and Kumo's leadership. "This definitely goes further into the leadership to leadership discussion but still. Like you said, we need to protect the alliance and in getting with the times, we need to be two steps ahead of our enemies.

 

[Okada Kaji]

The subject of his apprentice happened to be the easiest to discuss that day, or so it seemed to Kaji as the compliments just rolled off his tongue. Umashi also saw the potential in Tatsuo, so they reached a swift conclusion on the matter. “Aye, and he’ll only get better with time. I’ll continue looking after him so long as he is in the Hidden Cloud, though,” suddenly his voice lowered to a murmur, “we should probably discuss my time in Cloud, as well.” However, as Kaji hoped, the conversation glossed over the subject, at least for a little while longer.

It seemed as if Umashi had been working on an idea for a unified shinobi intel network for some time, though Kaji didn’t seem so confident in the idea as the Hokage shared it. There is so much so much secrecy in the Hidden Cloud’s security, Kaji knew. The chances of the Cloud sharing the identities and dealings of their shinobi in exchange for knowing the Leaf’s doings might have been more of a gamble than an opportunity, and a discussion way above Kaji’s pay-grade. “I’m not saying that’s a bad idea, but proposing it might shake the foundation of this shaky alliance. The railroad and trade agreement was reasonable but took a lot of convincing to get the Village Council and Shogun on board. I mean, it will take a lot of finagling, but I can bring the idea back to Cloud and see what happen.” With his fingers rubbing his chin, Kaji was contemplating things deeply. “If I’m going to manage this it’ll take some time; I’m sure you understand that diplomacy is a slow moving process…” Kaji’s eyes glancing around the room before focusing back on Umashi. “I think I’ll need an extension on my visa… about five... no, seven more years, this time.”

 

[Seijin]

Crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair, Umashi was rather saddened to hear that Kaji wanted to stay in Kumo longer. While he'd fully expected the guy to stay a while, the fact of the matter was that Umashi was having a hard time letting go. Kaji was one of the best, if not just that, the best. To be letting go of such a talented shinobi was the sort of thing that Umashi didn't want to do considering just what sort of issues he'd been recently facing in Konoha. However, Umashi was one to believe that it was pointless to lend something out if one was afraid of losing it and reflecting on that fact, he knew that he'd already given up Kaji the moment that he left him back in Kumo.

Moving uncomfortably in his chair, Umashi shifted his posture as he closed his eyes and thought long and hard concerning just what sort of decision he ought to be making. Without having to be told such, Umashi was pretty sure that this had more to do with that Kumo Sennin than it did about the alliance but Umashi couldn't exactly fault Kaji for that. There was also the fact that Umashi himself had managed to also find romance of his own there was the hypocritical aspect to take off of the table. However, despite knowing fully well that there was no way to force Kaji back, Umashi also didn't want to appear weak by just allowing the man to leave without paying either.

Stroking his chin, Umashi opened his eyes and bit into his lip, scrunching up his face. Speaking, he began to speak on the terms that would free Kaji of the Leaf. "Tell me honestly, does this have more to do with that one kunoichi?" Extending an olive branch, Umashi didn't want to leave Kaji too much on the spot so he shared news of his own. "I too have found myself in a bit of a love of my own. I'm getting married soon!" Smirking, Umashi could at least smile about that, although there was still the need to deal with the Kaji to Kumo situation. No amount of double dates was going to soon solve how to replace such an accomplished shinobi in the boardroom or the battlefield. Konoha would simply be at a loss.

 

[Okada Kaji]

Kaji knew that Umashi could be insightful, but there was really very little that could slide by his awareness. Put on the spot, Kaji turned a bit red when Umashi called him on the long-standing affair he was having with Yuii Kagetsu, though he didn’t mention her by name. In order to disarm the situation as something understandable, Umashi shared the news of his own advancing relationship in return, as a tit for tat which put Kaji at ease. Kaji considered downplaying the accusation, but that would have been an insult to both his lover and the Hokage’s assessment, which couldn’t have been more accurate. It left him in contemplation though— was there more to Kaji’s anchor in the Hidden Cloud than his affinity for Yuii? Would he have sought to uproot her and bring her along with him back to the Leaf if she agreed to go? Of course, he had considered this before, but never during a conversation with anyone other than her. So far, the idea of asking her to leave her home for him simply never occurred.

“Ah congratulations,” Kaji said with an agreeable smile, “though whoever is marrying you ought to understand she might as well be marrying the entire village. It is a package deal.” Despite the room for jokes and laughter, Kaji was still in serious contemplation. He still had to answer the prior question and answered: “while I haven’t shirked my duties to the leaf— the alliance and all, but there is something special between her and I. We actually hit it off before the summit meeting, and have been seeing each other since.” For shinobi, relationships fostering beyond just a few late-night calls meant a real connection, as duty often meant sacrificing time for distractions like love. “Before Lady Kagetsu— Yuii, my Blue bird, I thought love was just some chemically-induced weakness. Just a means for some opponent to try taking a hostage to get to me, or even worse, harm her just to harm me. I’ve never kept enemies for long, and they’ve never been able to reach me without having Eelspine at their neck in-turn, but this changes things. Somehow, I’m okay with it… because that’s the price for love in a dangerous world.” His confession made his intentions clear, that he would put her first in his decisions for the future, though where he intended to land needed some clarification.

“As for the Leaf and my duty, I’ve never planned on abandoned it— or even the Stone, but I have been a lone wolf since I was a cub. Yuii is of noble lineage and high station in Cloud, so it practically goes without saying that she cannot leave.” No, she certainly wasn’t going to be able to leave hand in hand with the likes of Kaji Okada, a nobody, a dirty foreign commoner in the eyes of her Kagetsu family. The Okada were just rice farming serfs from the Land of Earth. Unlike Umashi with his betrothed, tying the knot with Yuii seemed like an impossibility for Kaji yet he was committed to their forbidden and secret love game. It was a petty world, indeed. “So I’d like to stay. Besides, I think she’s trying to hide something from me...” The last note sounded confusing, if not troubling, but Kaji didn’t look the least bit bothered. “She’s been eating more as of late, like a lot more. I haven’t said anything yet because, frankly, I’m probably as nervous about it as she is.” Not wanting to speak his suspicion, Kaji placed a hand on his stomach and moved it in a circular motion, signifying a womb. “So you see, I must stay in the Hidden Cloud.”

 

[Seijin]

Despite having a skin tone of fresh earth, Umashi was unable to hide blushing as Kaji spoke of Yuii. In fact, there were a rush of emotions that washed over Umashi as he heard Kaji speak of the woman that he loved. The more that Kaji spoke, the more that the room seemed to spin, and Umashi had to blink back the other emotions that threatened to overcome him. As a man who had lived many lifetimes, lives more engaging and fulfilling that many a man could hope to live in this age, he understood the power of love and all that it could accomplish. It was a beautiful, the feeling of love and being loved. To keep Kaji from that would be an unspeakable crimes, and yet Umashi knew that the business of their business was one that couldn't simply let one thing go for another. Like the laws penned by the greatest scientist, there had to be an equivalent exchange.

Regaining his composure, Umashi inhaled deeply and then exhaled slowly as he took a moment to collect his thoughts. "I wish you nothing but the best brother. I really do, and to hear of this love that you've found, and the prospect of having a child . . . why . . . I'd share a drink with you if you were here in the flesh. It's a joyous occasion." The words that Umashi spoke were truly from his heart, but as he spoke, his mind was quickly at work searching for some way to get Kaji out of his service to Iwa, as well as Konoha. Of all the instances that he could possibly think of, the greater bulk of them would involve lying about Kaji's whereabouts or continually keeping him on the books indefinitely. Either of which wouldn't work for the honorable Kaji, in fact, they wouldn't work for Umashi too because he wanted to afford Kaji one of the greatest honors for being one of the greatest.

The biggest problem was that Kaji was quite technically one of the few who worked for both Iwa and Konoha, and as such, any stipulation that got him out of service to one, needed to be checked towards the other in this particular instance. Nodding his head, Umashi paused as he thought of a rather wild and crazy idea that would bring in a fourth party to get Kaji out of his debts. Rummaging through the books on the table and finding a stray memo that he'd almost forgotten about, Umashi pulled it out and presented it towards Kaji and Jomei. "That's an invite to a fighting tournament in the Tea country. Apparently all the notable nations are being invited and it'll basically be a stick measuring contest." As he spoke, Umashi thought of all the increased spying attempts that had been made against Konoha concerning who they were sending. He'd once or twice caught a paid informant trying to fish information out of him or Yomi concerning it.

"You're probably wondering what that has to do with anything but the way that I see it, it's actually the key to you being able to live your life with the misses." Pausing, Umashi looked around to doubly check for no more eavesdroppers before finally speaking in a plain tone. "The fact of the matter is that Iwagakure is a warrior society. They value strength, and they value character. In order to be honorably discharged from Iwa, you have to meet the standards of being a warrior worthy of fame. Fighting in this tournament will earn you just that, but naturally, you'd be fighting for Kumo . . . and considering that Konoha and Iwa are a allies, you'd have to also by extension prove yourself to be a warrior as far as Konoha is concerned as well in order for it to be valid in Iwa's eyes. Simply put . . . you'd have to enter the tournament as a triple banner wearing fighter, representing Iwa, Konoha and Kumo." Smiling like a well made bet on a prized fighter, Umashi chuckled.

Moving on though, Umashi quickly followed up with the requirements that would technically get Kaji out of his service to Konoha. "While that would clear away Iwa, concerning Konoha, you'd also have to either die, or suffer a debilitating injury in battle . . . that or get married." Holding up a hand to quickly excuse himself, Umashi didn't want to pry but he did have a spiel to make concerning the idea. "Normally marriages to foreigners doesn't relieve you of duty to Konoha, but Iwa and Kumo are allies and if you were to marry Yuii then you'd be marrying into an ally nation. Something that would earn you an honorable discharge as well as allowing us to provide you with a more than generous payout for your service for your last completed mission before you moved." Extending his arms to stretch, Umashi cocked his head one way and then the next in order to get his blood pumping normally again.

It felt good to be helping a friend, but it felt even better to be helping a good man to be a good father and provider for his family. The terms while a bit convoluted and extreme in a sense, were just that, but they allowed for Kaji to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that he wasn't simply trying to nuke to a new international power. If Kaji could agree to those terms, then Umashi could win the argument against any who opposed it, and Kaji would just be on record as a retired Iwa and Konoha shinobi. "You know . . . I would have had you pegged for Sennin as I stated before, but even beyond that, you could have very well have been the Hokage now, what with how I'm feeling these days. However, I now know that your biggest opportunity yet will be to be much bigger than even that. We don't often get these chances in life my friend, enjoy it and cherish it well."

Standing up and extending a hand towards the cloned Kaji, Umashi attempted ot end the meeting on good terms. "Oh well, I'll go back on the hunt for a suitable replacement so that I can retire in peace!" Laughing as he was, it was obvious that a chord had been struck in Umashi emotionally. However, the Hokage was determined not to make Kaji feel bad about things. "Take your time to give a good answer. Legally, both options will clear you of service and allow you an honorable discharge. Talk it over with Yuii. Talk it over with Ayumu. I plan to be present at the tournament, but I'll make sure that Jomei sees both directives written by my decree. I've another important meeting to get to now . . . I'll be seeing you soon I hope, and again, congratulations!" In actuality, Umashi had no other meeting to attend, but feeling as he did, Umashi knew that it was better if he excused himself than sat around much longer. Jomei would have the papers on the following morning. For now, the Hokage retired to his dwellings.

OOC: Topic Left unless stopped.

OOC #2: Kaji will be ICly honorably discharged by Iwa for Icly competing in the Sound Fighting Tournament while expressing in word or by dress that he represents the Iwa, Konoha and Kumo Alliance.
Kaji will be ICly honorably discharged by Konoha for getting married to Yuii.

 

[Okada Kaji]

And so, Kaji shared the secret of a supposed bun in the oven back in Cloud led to a proposition on the part of Umashi. Changes in Kaji’s life were requiring him to make decisions, and in this case, a deal in order to have something which seemed like a deserved right for every human being. “A tournament” Kaji repeated back, somewhat surprised that the discussion of his future and bringing a person into the world transitioned to talk of fighting for sport. “This isn’t a game— we’re discussing my rights... my life, lover, and child,” at least that is what he wanted to say but he bit his tongue long enough to consider the proposition. He knew first-hand how roughly the Stone treated their shinobi: often like weapons. Instead of outright refusing, he settled and said “no one supports the alliance more than me, but I have to admit that idea sounds ridiculous. ‘But if it will be a ticket to avoiding hardship over my life with my family I’ll see to it. ‘I will enter this tournament on behalf of Stone, Leaf, and Cloud… hell, maybe I’ll even try to with a couple matches for good measure.” The look on Kaji’s face made it clear that he wasn’t excited by this proposition at all; he wore a trademark frown. He would probably have the same expression chiseled in a bust and placed in some grand hall of fame back in Maruishi if he managed to take home the big win. He really didn’t have the aptitude for that, though.

And while Kaji didn’t like the idea of fighting for sport, having a clean getaway from his commitments to Leaf and Stone in favor of a permanent residence in Cloud outweighed the burden. He sank into his chair, daring to feel comfortable and dream for a second of letting years play out in that small house on the forest’s edge. Growing old, being with Blue for years to come and watching their bun become a babe, and then grow to inherit Eelspine and Kaji’s role as a guardian. But then that illusion came to a sudden halt like a wax record screeching on an old gyrophone. Umashi always wanted more— just like the Kage Summit, he always had to throw in something extra. Kaji’s brows angled downward with frustration when Umashi included marriage to Yuii as a stipulation. Why couldn’t he just use his authority as Hokage to simply let Kaji live happily? “We have to get hitched?” Kaji knew this wasn’t true, it was just Umashi meddling. “I didn’t know the Leaf put such a high value on marriage… I figured the subject would come up eventually, but I didn’t intend on giving it a timetable. We’re pretty happy as-is.” The prior comfort vanished and was replaced by nervous squirming. “Forever doesn’t start feeling like such a long time until you put it in a contract.”
“Amen to that” chimed Jomei, who’d mostly kept quiet until then. He might have agreed, though he considered that ideal in a slightly different context than tying the knot.

With Kaji somewhat fuming, Umashi proceeded to say a few more kind things as he packed up his belongings and prepared to depart. He was suddenly in a hurry, but Kaji didn’t mind as much more conversation would have meant endangering their rapport by making off-color comments unbecoming and unexpected from him. “Aye, I’ll hang back and take care of things with the Spider. Be well Umashi; I suppose we’ll meet again next in the Land of Tea.” Kaji then gestured a casual salute and Umashi was gone.

Their corner of the room fell silent for a long moment as this mere clone of Kaji was left sitting there with his thoughts racing and one foot tapping anxiously. Out from the corner of his eye approached Jomei, he moved to the Hokage’s table and began recording everything meant to reach Kumogakure. The young spider ninja was intuitive as well, and let Kaji have a moment to think by himself as they absorbed the silence. But once it seemed like the clone wasn’t simply going to burst, Jomei saw fit to satisfy his own curiosity. “So, what are you going to do?”
“I DON’T KNOOOOW” Kaji answered abruptly with a rare panic of emotion and sporadic action. “I guess I’m going to fight a collection of the world’s mightiest meatheads and then submit to societal norms if I survive. I’ll have it all…” he then slumped down into that seat again, perhaps giving it the roughest treatment of all, that day. “Only thing missing will be the white picket fence.” As a sworn adventurer, Kaji did not spend many of his days dreaming of normalcy, in fact, he always desired the contrary. Jomei was also similar in that way, though his travels weren’t nearly as abundant as Kaji’s experiences. Nor was Jomei having such a reflective moment then, he was more or less just being observant. He prodded, choosing to ask the worst possible question, next, asking “and what if she takes your proposal as ingenuine and says no?”
The shadow cloned Kaji began to wonder what his chances were of getting a decent shot in on the dexterous spider lad before vanishing from reality, but he let the question go as a genuine inquiry, rather than a dig at the precarious circumstance. “Eh, I’ll figure that out when— if — that happens. I’m sorry kid, but could you just do your job or whatever? I don’t mean to be a jerk… this is just a shitty situation.”
“It’s ok Kaji-senpai, I get it,” answered the lad. “At least he didn’t tack on a demand that you must give your child a name that pays homage to Lord Umashiashikabihikoji.” Of course, the odd pair shared a laugh— partly from the clever joke, and partly from his effort at speaking the entire name in one try. With a little more small talk to burn some time, the replicated Kaji provided company and oversaw as Jomei completed the long scroll destined for delivery to Kumogakure. With a burst of chakra-based steam, the clone ceased to be, and Jomei carried on to see the delivery through.

- Kaji has exited the thread.
- So has Jomei Koyanagi.