Let them rest. Now is the time for action. [Koga]

[Hoshirei]

Nari sneaked back into her compound and knew that it was time. This was going to be it. She heard commotion coming from her parent's wing. Running as fast as she could, she came up to where the noise was coming from. Her father was standing over the form of her injured mother, a kunai threatening some of the guard. His eyes were wild, sharingan active and blaring red. Nari eased her way into the room, hand close to her holster.

"Father, I am home. I can help. Please put your kunai down."

He looked at her, meeting her own sharingan. The purple almost glowing in the dim light of the room. "There is no help for me, daughter. My anchor is gone. Your mother is dead."

"I can still help you."

He shook his head, "No, I do not desire help!" His eyes flickered to the guards that were moving toward her. Nari waved them away. "Go, I will be with you shortly." They left the room with a nod, knowing what was coming next.

"What do you wish, father? Do you wish to join her?" She felt her heart wanting to tear in two, she did not want to do this. She knew she needed to, but she most certainly did not want to follow through on what he wanted.

Without answering, he charged, kunai high in the air. "How could you understand what I want? You have no one close enough that you would follow! I could never live without her. She saved me." With every sentence, he swung at her, and she dodged. She let him expend energy, trying to steel herself to what she must do.

He let off a fire jutsu, which she countered with one of her own. He started getting more and more hysterical, causing him to shoot off random jutsu. She eventually got close enough to pin a senbon right in a paralysis point. Nari lowered her father to the floor. His sharingan were off, his black eyes pleading with her to end it. She picked him up and laid him beside her mother. The future clan head maneuvered them so that their hands were joined. Another senbon was pulled from her pouch and poised over a kill point. With a purposeful strike, he was gone.

"Mother Suna, you who have kept us safe for many years. Watch over these my parents as they depart this life and return to thee. First men, our ancestors, accept these, thy descendents as they join you in the afterlife. Mother Suna, grant me strength to lead this clan through these dark times." As her prayer came to a close, she felt a few tears escape her eyes.

Ten minutes later, she had their bodies prepared for burial, and she left the room, calling for the elders to gather in the meeting room. She allowed time enough for them to settle and begin chatting before she walked in, her head held high, her sharingan active.

"It is with regret that I must report the death of my honored mother and my honored father. My mother proceeded my father, who pleaded to follow her into the beyond. Mother Suna has welcomed them into her arms. As such, I am the new clan head. Father proved my claim before he passed. This is a time of chaos, but our compound will be a haven for any that need help or protection. Am I clear?" The elders nodded. "Good. Now, I will be going through the paperwork for the remainder of the day, making sure our supplies are ready. I expect everyone to ration their food. We have no idea how long this chaos will last, and I will not have anyone in this clan believing that they deserve more than anyone else because of some supposed position. With that, take your leave."

She watched as they left the room before sinking down onto the tatami and leaning against a wall. "Time to be the leader he always knew you were, Nari." Silent tears tracked down her face, allowing her to grieve. How was she to tell her brother what happened? She would just have to find out.

[MFT; WC: 714)

 

[Enatsu]

Gohma | Koga | Inu​

The trio walked, Inu holding the arm of Koga as they proceeded to the fabled Uchiha Complex. Though he was without sight, and turned away from the help he so desperately wanted there was still the fact he caused this upon himself. Call it a lapse in sanity or judgement, ushered by the lust of power. This was the result of his actions but be that as it may Koga had not given up. His resolve was hardened and it was time he show what he was truly made of. It didn't take long for Mayuri to find the complex the woman was truly an good asset.

The plan was to meet with Shiba Nari, the Uchiha woman he met at the blast site. He hoped she had not fallen to death from the chaos in the streets, but the woman was strong and had great power within her. Even from the way she interacted with her brother it seemed as though she was respected an important person. Even more so she was the only link Koga truly had to get in bed with the Uchiha Clan. If the Uchiha and the Ikoji could form an alliance than other clans could see them as a beacon. They would join as well making an alliance stronger. However this was a double edged sword making things a bit more difficult if the clan heads were found out by the Cabal. Koga surmised that the best bet would be to keep his coronation as head of his clan more personal than public knowledge. However as the clan head he could not shy away from responsibilities or give his father more ammunition to target him with. While he did not want exposure he had to solidify himself as the true Clan Head of the Ikoji. Yet this did not concern Nari's clan unless they needed to know who was the true ruler.

Upon getting to the compound Gohma would seek out the nearest guard. They did not want to invite themselves seeing that as truly rude behavior. When the younger Ikoji could find the guard he'd speak to him calmly and respectfully. "Greetings Uchiha clansmen, I am Ikoji Gohma of House Ikoji. I am here at the aide of Ikoji Koga who wishes to speak with one of yours by the name of Shiba Nari. He would like her to be aware that this is important business dealing with the destruction of the Kazekage Tower and for her ears only." Gohma would stand in front of the guards holding his position and waiting for their response. Koga and Inu however would still be standing a distance from the clan's sanctuary awaiting Gohma's return. They were in eyesight view but not close enough to hear the words being exchanged.

"How do you think he's doing?" Inu would ask Koga in a curious tone. "I'm sure he's doing fine. I have complete faith in his ability for the art of speaking. It's why I sent him and not you.... What no laugh?" The sarcastic tone would get him slapped on the head, clearly abuse of the blind. Gohma would trot back casually his steps being soft on the ground. "You seem calm, how'd everything go?" The other Ikoji would look at Koga oddly wondering where his comment came from. Koga was utilizing the Harmonization Jutsu trying to expand his hearing capacity. It was only a theory but if he was to live blind, and retain the life of a warrior he'd need to be able to fight again.

"Right... Everything went well Koga. They're actually letting in people who need help so they told me not to worry so much, nicer than the stories I've heard about Uchiha. Anyways I asked if they could bring Nari here, and they insisted they would bring us to her. Apparently in this short amount of time you're not the only one to become a clan head. So come on, we're being led in." Koga would turn off the jutsu not wanting to unsettle the guards who may or may not have their Sharingan activated by witnessing a fluctuation in his chakra. With a nod of approval Inu would lead Koga to the gate as Gohma trailed at their rear. The Uchiha greeted them, eyeing Koga oddly as his eyes were blindfolded. They would be led into the complex, by someone other than the guards. Eventually they'd be brought to the room Shiba Nari was in.

The guide would open the door and motion for them to enter. Inu would lead Koga in while Gohma waited outside. She would gently close the door and bring Koga before Nari. "Hello Nari, interesting things have been going on no? It's a wonder what can happen in the short matter of hours. I've come to speak on something more solid since we last met. I was hoping to speak with the clan head about our business at the tower. To my surprise you've become such. I can sympathize as I'm now the head of my clan as well. I'm sure the crowning came with hardships as all rulers do, are you alright?" He would await her response before proceeding to speak on the matter of their defense against the Cabal and the survival of their clans.

[MFT]

 

[Hoshirei]

Nari sat there crying silently for some time before one of the guards told her that one Ikoji Koga had arrived at the compound and was seeking an audience with her. She waved them in, wiping her eyes and rising from her seated position. She cleared her throat softly making sure that her speech would be unhindered.

When she saw Koga, she was mildly surprised. His eyes were blindfolded and looked to have minute traces of blood- She turned off her sharingan, amazed that they were still activated. "Yes, it was quite the hurried process. My mother was killed and father lost himself in grief. He gave the headship to me before he passed."

Her last sentence caught in her throat and she had to pause and wipe her eyes once more. Uchiha are not supposed to cry, dammit! Ugh, where is that little brother of mine!<i></i> "I assume my brother and clansmen were of some help at the tower, they have yet to report."

Just then, a knock at the door was heard and her brother walked into the room. He bowed to her and Koga. "Sister, I am glad to see you whole. Our clansmen told me of the transfer. Should you need anything, let me know. Everyone from my party has returned, let our safety rest more easily in your mind."

She smiled softly at him and he left with another bow first to his clan head and then to Koga. "I am glad that he has grown up some in the past few months. There was a time when he would dispute my claim. What is it you would like to do, Ikoji Koga? Let us plan" With that, she waved him over to the low table where they could sit and talk more privately.

 

[Enatsu]

Both her parents were dead, the father surviving the mother for a period of time. Koga could only wonder the circumstances of her mother's death but focusing on that would only bring them more harm than focus. There was hesitation in her voice, and anyone could tell that she was still dealing with the traumatic events. Even though he could not share the same grief with her, he had lost his mother long before. Getting over it took time, as the woman was the parent he loved undoubtedly. Now all he was left with was a power hungry father who imposed his will on the son. Yet things would get better they always did. Nari would ask about her brother noting that they had not gotten back to the clan compound. "We lost a few of ours to the mass of prisoners. I pray for your brothers safe arrival." Koga would say calmly. It was then if not a stroke of luck that the boy came entering the room diligently and dutifully addressing his sister. He seemed to be caring it was nice to hear such things.

As the brother left Nari would speak up noting his growth. Her mind was probably more at ease now, and she moved straight to business. Koga would nod and clear his throat before speaking. "Well a lot has happened as you can tell. For one I've met with a few different individuals and have begun planting the seeds of rebellion where I can. For one let's talk about these explosives or bombs. The outsider whose forcibly taken control of the hospital, Shuu has the ability of the Byakugan. She informed me that there are bombs, but they aren't truly bombs. She explained they were more like jutsu. Now I honestly believe that if they are jutsu they retain some form of chakra or energy. With doujutsu such as the Byakugan or the Sharingan I believe we would have a good chance at pinpointing them and studying them. Shuu also mentioned an explosion expert by the name of Uri. I don't know him but if I have a good idea it's the guy who helped melt the face off of Magnetica. If he's the only demolitions expert in Suna we got then I say we get to know him. Tracking him down should be one of the top priorities." He would take a moment to allow Nari to place her comments before going onto the next topic of discussion.

"The next thing I'd like to discuss with you is the communications situation. My comrade whom I cannot name at this time, has explained to me the horrid complications of mental communication. It leaves us too wide, and too vulnerable. It seems like the mental connections should be solid enough to work in theory but the application leaves too many variables we can't control. So we have to get simpler but not completely off the track. Now it was interesting to know some of your kinsmen are Yamanaka. How many if you don't mind? The clan of mental infiltrators can still have it's purpose here for two things. The first being that they can infiltrate the enemy's mind if we capture any. I'm not sure how far the rabbit hole would go, but it has potential. The second being that they have skills to take over the mind of others correct? I assume this could work on animals as well. What I'm thinking is we utilize this to make animals our personal messengers. If nothing else I'm sure your clans Sharingan could accomplish this as well no?" He would let Nari have the floor as he would finish speaking leaving the other matters in his mind to brew more.

 

[Hoshirei]

When Nari heard that the bombs were more like a jutsu, her brow furrowed. They reminded her of blast seals, storing some chakra, and once triggered, could cause a good sized explosion. If there were many of them, especially if they were large, they could cause massive amounts of damage and could literally bury the entire village. Koga spoke of a mutual acquaintance by the name of Uri and it sent her into a pace, a habit picked up from her father when he was trying to untangle his puzzled thoughts.

"I doubt he would be in the place that I usually see him. Just in Chime was a usual hang out, but it is run by civilians and will certainly be close because of the chaos, if it has not been looted and burnt to the ground. The paper scorpion he gave me still exists, so there is hope that his chakra still exists on this plain."

More pacing helped her to process what Koga had said. He asked after her Yamanaka kinsmen, inquiring as to how many of them were of that particular bloodline. She already knew of their mind walking techniques, her mother and brother had described them enough. As for actually taking over the mind of an animal to be sent forth as messages? The very thought made her rather resistant to the very idea of allowing her fellows to do such. The Sharingan could do something similar, instead of occupying the body, the mind was giving a task to perform. The link could break after the task was done, or when the animal returned. However, there would be no certainty in either method.

"My brother and a small contingent of Yamanaka are all that are left. The contingent came with my mother when she married father, and decided to stay. As for them taking over the minds of animals in order to relay messages, that makes me very very wary. If their host were killed, their consciousness could be lost, not to mention what could happen if their body was somehow harmed. As for the Sharingan, that is a bit more plausible, but there are few with that ability, it is unusual for any of my clansmen to achieve that branch of the Sharingan. If someone killed the animal before it performed its task, then the messages would be as good as in the hands of those that hold our village hostage. As such, I am unsure as to how reliable either mode would be."

 

[Enatsu]

After mentioning the explosives Nari began to pace back and forth. It seemed to help her calm herself down as she finally began to speak in response to the bomb threats. Koga would remember the name Just in Chime as it was going to be important for finding any trail of this Uri fellow. Apparently he gave Nari a paper scorpion once which could possibly hold his chakra inside of it. Koga began to think back more on this matter until something hit him in the head like a shock of memory. While forming an image in his head of this potential ally and trying to paint the name to the face at the gates it came back to him in full bloom. Kuroda Uri, was a man he had met in his first time to Sunagakure. They had a mission together and his bombs were animations of minerals although at the gates during the Magnetica battle they seemed to be on a whole new level now. Koga tapped his chin as he pondered on the different forms explosives could take. If Uri had advanced or even changed the way his explosives acted then there was a good chance that his expertise would be needed. "Hmm you seem to be more intimate with him than I. It'd probably do well for you people to do the looking with my new predicament I'm not sure how much use I will actually be."

Nari thought out the process that her clansmen could use to endure the task of messengers. "That's slightly troubling I was really hoping for that. It's fine though things seem to happen that way. I think the Uchiha's Sharingan would be the safest but there is no gurantee of any of this. I guess we might have to do things the good old fashioned way seeing as we have no other safer option. However if we use ourselves there needs to be a contingency. The message needs to break or be destroyed before the human runner would die if they were confronted with death. I was hoping to use the rats through the sewers but it may not be possible when you put it that way." Koga tapped his fingers on his thigh as he continued to ponder. When all was said and done he would leave that topic at a hang and move onto the next one.

"There is still the matter of a plan of action. I'm currently trying to recruit, villagers and stabilize what I can. If I can make strong alliances we can fortify ourselves once more. Beyond that it's training, taking the enemy's chaos away bit by bit and doing what we can to protect what we love. I'll be going to hunt soon and seek out food and medical supplies. We need to stay alert and find our leaders. Namely Toraono Kuro, Mikaboshi and Sousuke... Well no need to worry about him. Kuro's out surveying but I still haven't made real contact not that I feel I need to. Mikaboshi on the other hand is gone without a trace. I couldn't even sense his chakra out. So from my perspective it's up to us to take charge of things and progress forward. Any specific ideas on how we proceed or suggestions about what we do."

 

[Hoshirei]

Nari nodded in agreement to the fact that her people should be the ones to search for Uri, she did know him a little better, and her clansmen could find him rather easily, if he was still within the village. "It would be most prudent for my clansmen to search for him. I have used Sharingan around him, and as such am able to recreate a portrait of him if need be."

"While it is not something that I could require of my clansmen, there are some Yamanaka that may volunteer if I ask. However, the Sharingan does seem to be the best option. Perhaps we could make use of some codexes? The ones that you have to solve the puzzle a certain way or acid dissolves the message? We could perhaps do something similar with sealing scrolls. We could use a phrase in the ancient language. They would have to fill in the blank with a small bit of blood in order to unlock it. That way either rats or people could carry them."

She resumed her pacing as she listened to Koga's next remarks. She stayed silent for a few more moments, trying to collect her thoughts. "I believe that at the moment, that is all we can do. Protect the young, ensure their survival, live to fight another day. I will be instructing my stronger clansmen to help bring order to the streets. I am rather frustrated that the vast majority of the criminals have been released from the Palace. Of course, since they threaten the survival of this village, they will be under orders to kill any who are creating problems. I hope you do not mind this. It is not often that those of my clan can use a certain part of their personality in a productive manner. Bringing order is productive, especially if any of those criminals try to escape the village."

Her eyes, countenance, and body language exuded confidence and a hidden ferocity that longed to come forth. Hopefully, even without his vision, Koga could tell that she was serious. She and her clan would help to regain order in these parts, but it would be in their own way.

 

[Enatsu]

She agreed with Koga on the majority of what he spoke about. As a leader she was proving herself more and more to be competent. It was great being privy to such a development. Without treading too much there was one more thing Koga wished to discuss with Nari. "Wonderful, I'm glad you see everything as I do. So now Uchiha Nari there is but one question that remains, more of a request. I have realized that relying on others was the wrong route and being a lone wolf doesn't bear much reward. I've come to realize that you need to balance both. A leader who knows how to work with others and also follow their own path confidently. To believe the thing I had been lacking was confidence in my own abilities. The finest lesson I've learned is that healthy balance. So I stand before you proud leader of the Ikoji, not asking you what more to do but proposing a partnership. Uchiha and Ikoji working side by side coming to aid the village as a faction who dare stand against the Cabal. Your Yamanakan clansmen could provide us with intel by interrogating and infiltrating the mind of enemies. We may be able to find a group who got in direct connection with the Cabal or capture one of the bastards ourselves. My clansmen could help provide you with guards and when I can manage to gather the rest of them we'll have even more soldiers and healers. What Koga brought forward was a simple notion and there was only so much he could say. It was simple, their clans would form an alliance and fight the Cabal where they could while intelligently organizing their attacks. It was not a hard decision for Koga as he came prepared. A motion of his fingers would calmly bring forth a scroll hidden in his robes. He would hand it to Nari hoping she'd accept the offer.

This is a pact between the Uchiha Clan and the Ikoji Clan. These two clans agree to help eachother when in need, and forge a greater vanguard against the enemies of Sunagakure. This is simply a peaceful alliance not meant to give either clan power over the other. There are no specific demands that either clan must fulfill other than helping one another for the betterment of Sunagakure or whomever they fight against. While under this alliance both clans are meant to keep peace between one another and pure honesty.Breaking this treaty may be seen as an open act of war between the Ikoji and the Uchiha. Things that may break this treaty are such but not limiting to:

1. The Ikoji or Uchiha murdering the other. There shall be no bloodshed between these two clans.
2. Betraying the Ikoji or the Uchiha to their enemies. Traitors to this pact shall be put to death peacefully or forcibly.
3. Neither Clan will steal from one another.
4. An injustice against one of these clans is an injustice to both.
5. For in-alliance issues Diplomacy will always be primary rather than following violence. Unless there is a breach of violations.

We the Ikoji do not expect the Uchiha to give up everything they have nor should they expect that of us. This is simply an alliance to work together towards a greater goal of peace, not for one Clan to control the other. This treaty will be bound by blood and respected by all members of these clans. This alliance may only see an end if the leaders signing this either die or see fit to end it. The New Leaders of these clans would have to renew this treaty in order to continue it's agreement.

 

[Hoshirei]

Apparently, Ikoji Koga had another plan for this small meeting. A partnership did make sense, especially in these dark times. She took the scroll and read through the terms. Many of them were exactly what she would ask for, there were only a few things she needed to ask about.

"While I readily agree with the vast majority of these terms, I would like to point out that in these chaotic times, not even a small clan would be able to ensure the proper actions of all of its members. I understand a murder being cause for war, however, I would hope that some discussion would happen before any acts of retaliation would occur. Both ways, mind you, no matter which side breaks the treaty."

She took a moment's pause before continuing. "I would also like to ask for annual meetings to discuss the treaty, or at the very least if or when this all blows over. Otherwise, I readily agree to the terms you have set forth. They are fair and wise for one who has recently taken over his clan."

 

[Enatsu]

"I'm quite surprised you agree but happy all the same. I heard always heard bad things of the Uchiha and yet here we are ready to work together. I can come to agreement with that request, but we must put our foot down on in-clan murdering. It's an unacceptable example but none the less discussion will be made before action. Diplomacy and what not. An Annual meeting would be nice especially with the other clans of Sunagakure but I thank you for the compliments you have paid me. Since I'm rather handicapped at the moment Inu will be helping me sign." A metallic bone would extend from his insides ripping through his hand causing a tear where blood could flow freely. "Blood is the best sign of an agreement. I Ikoji Koga, Grand Lion of the Ikoji Clan give my testament with Ikoji Inu as my witness. I approve and agree to the terms of this treaty along with the proposed discussion before action posed by Uchiha Nari. Inu please guide my hand so I may seal my name on this alliance." She would grasp Koga's arm and firmly guide his hand as his fingers traced the scroll signing his name in large symbols at the bottom. The Alliance was becoming real and it would only be a matter of time before his dreams came to fruition. It was now Nari's turn to sign the alliance and he would happily await her participation.