OOC: Forgot to mention, this is Part 5 of my S-Rank SSMM, continuing from
here.
IC:
Tatsuya and Houjyou took their seats, understanding that this was when negotiations will officially begin. Both took on a more serious veneer to clearly project their intentions of rectifying the situation and ensuring that at least no serious harm will befall the citizens of Kumogakure. Like Kumogakure, Konohagakure was a superpower amongst the many Shinobi nations of this world. But, truth be told, the previous situation in Kumogakure had significantly weakened its standing. Thus, it was absolutely crucial that if Tatsuya and Houjyou could not mend the alliance Kumogakure and Konohagakure previously had, then they must at least leave the relationship in at least a neutral position.
As a show of confirmation, Takeshi had confirmed his chakra seal upon a parchment that was drawn out and placed in front of the pair, showing to them that it was indeed written by the man himself. That was when he provided the instructions necessary to the pair, along with a brief explanation of what he was expecting out of it. Tatsuya was glad to hear that while Konohagakure was pushing for some of the points written in the paper, not all of them they were looking to fully enforce, as it stands. That was a good indication, showing that Konohagakure was interested in fixing the relationship, potentially. A more belligerent group of people might have asserted all the points they wanted, with no leeway. While they had the right to do so, such a show of aggression would indicate that such a diplomatic meeting taking place would just be for show, to shine legitimacy to their claim to righteous fury.
Of course, Tatsuya had yet to read the drafted agreement yet, nor did he know what terms Konohagakure would actually be steadfast on. Before either Tatsuya or Houjyou could read the document though, Asuka had chimed in, and the two shifted their attention towards her. While she explained the situation, Rayne had left the room and came back with two letters, pushing them each towards Tatsuya and Houjyou in turn, while Asuka described the situations surrounding each letter. While it was only brief moments, each letter was short and to the point enough, that both Tatsuya and Houjyou were able to read them in full and get what was going on.
The situation was solemn, and it was clear why Konohagakure would have ended up distrusting Kumogakure by the end of it. Too much had happened for such a feeling to not have resulted from.
Once all has been said and done by the Konoha-nin, a moment of silence ensued as Tatsuya grappled with the situation, for a moment struggling to keep up. Luckily, Houjyou came to the rescue.
"Thank you for explaining your point of view. Thank you Hokage-sama specifically, for having laid out the terms of a treaty going on from here." Houjyou turned towards Tatsuya briefly while addressing him, before turning back towards the Shinobi from Konohagakure.
"While Zentaru-san here has been charged with representing Kumogakure, its people, and its interests in the treaty going forward, I am here to explain what had transpired. Thus, while Zentaru-san peruses the document, I shall be progressing with my explanation."
That was the cue Tatsuya needed, without realizing. He reached forwards and politely took the treaty draft, opened it, and began reading through the terms. Meanwhiles, Houjyou continued.
"As explained in the first letter written by the then Interim Raikage of Kumogakure, Shinrya Kitsune; the Juudaime Raikage, Kogami Ayumu; along with Sennin of all three Shinobi branches, along with a number of powerful officials had mysteriously vanished almost simultaneously. The disappearance of both the primary and secondary levels of Shinobi governance, along with the gaps left in various other branches of our Shinobi corp deeply impacted the village. Our Kumogakurian Shinobi corp, loyal and unrelenting, had engaged in investigations of their disappearances that spanned months on end. Unfortunately, it was unavoidable for there to be some voices of dissent, whom wished to see the demise of the current system, or simply aspired too deeply for seats of power. They had taken the opportunity to try their hands at capitalizing upon the unrest, one of them being this Otani Akira that you had received a letter from. I am here, as an official representative of the council of Kumogakure, to affirm that the Juudaime Raikage was Kogami Ayumu, and the Juuichidaime Raikage is Shinrya Kitsune. There had not been any other Raikage in between. Otani Akira, whoever the person is, was an imposter." Once again, he procured the official documentation from his pocket, detailing the council's vote for Shinrya Kitsune to be the Juuichidaime Raikage.
"I am willing to take a truth test, if necessary and possible, to affirm this reality."
Houjyou sighed, before continuing.
"While much of the negative situations that your Shinobi faced during their various visits to Kumogakure or their conversations with Kumo-nin, cannot be excused on our part. We admit that during the unrest, seeds of anarchy had sprouted, and with some of the most loyal of our Shinobi out in the field searching for clues to the whereabouts of our leaders, destructive elements within the village could not be contained." A pause, before continuance.
"However, after the rain comes sunshine and rainbows, and we took upon this chance to thoroughly restructure and rejuvenate the village. It was a mistake for the dissidents to show their hands so brazenly, for we were able to quickly learn from having to deal with them, to how to prevent future unrest. In a sense, the past two years, while trying, was like a vaccine for Kumogakure. We opened up the village be struck at our weak points, so that we can clamp down on them, to pinpoint holes that we can fill up before they become larger cracks, to ensure the stability of the village into the future. Myself and the other members of the council for Kumogakure had came together, and after putting all potential candidates for Raikage-ship through a vigorous test, designed to root out unruly elements, in the end selecting Duchess Shinrya Kitsune as the Juuichidaime Raikage. In turn, she had selected our Main Branch Sennin, and have ensured that our next generation of Shinobi would be lead and taught by the best of us. My role today is to explain all of what had happened, especially from the perspective of a non-Shinobi of Kumogakure, and also to provide assurance for a future relationship, assurance that I am sure my friend here is right now ready to affirm." Houjyou concluded, turning towards Tatsuya, who had finished reading the proposed treaty terms, and now ready to play his part.
"Thank you, Kyouzou-san." Tatsuya said to the council member, before turning to address the Konoha-nin. He was nervous, but at the same time excited to now play his part. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Tatsuya began.
"There have been ten terms proposed by Konohagakure. I would like to refer to them as terms 1 to 10, to more easily keep track of them. Term 1, the exile of missing Shinobi from Konogakure, specifically Mikasa. Kumogakure agrees to this term, however requests a week from the date of ratification of this treaty for enactment, as there must be time for this to be communicated to the village. Upon notified, Kumogakure will immediately issue a notice of exile for Mikasa, and the missing Shinobi will be removed from Kumogakure upon sight. Term 2, the ratification of the current statuses of transferred Shinobi within their respective villages, specifically Umashiashikabihikoji, Maru, and Keiji. Kumogakure agrees. Term 3, the unharassed entrance to both Kumogakure and Konohagakure by their Shinobi. Kumogakure agrees, provided that the Shinobi provides sufficient proof of identity, specifically with a passport. Term 4, fugitives and missing Shinobi from Kumogakure and Konohagakure will be turned away by the other village, or killed on sight. Kumogakure agrees. Term 5, trade will resume in materials and supplies between Konohagakure and Kumogakure. Kumogakure agrees. Term 6, an annual Kage gathering to solidify the union, with the inclusion of Sunagakure, i.e. the Kazekage, if they agree. Kumogakure agrees, though suggests a neutral location for the first Kage gathering. Term 7, an annual fighting tournament to be held between Konohagakure and Kumogakure, with the inclusion of Sunagakure if they agree. Kumogakure rejects for the immediate future, as Kumogakure has gone through enough wars and currently would appreciate a more peaceful exchange if possible. Term 8, ambassadors from Konohagakure and Kumogakure to be stationed in the other village. Kumogakure agrees, subjected to specifics, i.e. terms of ambassadorship, and the proposal to allow immediate family members to accompany the ambassador. Term 9, medical research and knowledge to be traded freely between Konohagakure and Kumogakure. Kumogakure agrees, subjected to a restriction that no confidential patient information can be allowed to be transferred, unless under the explicit orders of the Kage of the village that the confidential patient information belongs to. The other village must not in anyway unduly pressure the other village for their private confidential patient knowledge. Term 10, one member of Cloud Council is to take living inside of Konohagakure for cultural sharing purposes. Kumogakure agrees, however Konohagakure must provide a duration of two months since the date of ratification of this treaty, for Kumogakure to agree on the Council member to be sent. Duration of stay must also be agreed upon by Konohagakure and Kumogakure, and Konohagakure must allow immediate family members of the Cloud Council member to accompany them during their assignment to Konohagakure. These are Kumogakure's official responses to the terms proposed. Thank you. Please let me know what you think."
That, was very lengthy. Luckily, Tatsuya had discussed in detail with Kitsune during their meeting, and he knew exactly how to respond to each point right away as he read them. He had considered asking the Hokage what are the concrete terms first, but decided that it was better to suggest their side first, as a show that Kumogakure was not afraid to put forth their thoughts. However, just as importantly, it was to give Konohagakure some breathing space if they so choose. By setting out what Kumogakure thought of each term, it gave Konohagakure a chance to change their minds if they so choose, on any of the terms, without having had reneged on anything they said beforehand. It was the best way to ensure no hostility while maneuvering through this treaty. Tatsuya thought of stating that his responses were not all set in stone, but thought better to not say it. It should be apparent anyway, and plus, needless to say, with Konohagakure currently having the high ground, it was not an issue for them to suggest modifications to Kumogakure's responses without being overtly aggressive.
OOC:
[MFT]
[WC: 1,794]
[Total mission WC: 4,134/1,500]
