Medical Sennin - Interview 2 [Kahako]

[Junan]

After he'd finished interviewing Junko he was onto the next interview. Kahako was the other option, and preferred option by Kitsune. Unfortunately the mother daughter relationship meant that Akira had to discount that preference, and most of what was said by Kitsune. She was someone who could have been well respected, and perhaps Shin would have simply taken her for her word, but Akira wasn't Shin. Shin had spent his time trying to help everyone, did very few missions, spent very little time outside the village, and was almost naive in his own way. Akira doubted too much, and he knew that it was both a good and bad thing.

In this case he hoped it would let him reach a more objective decision, as he didn't doubt Kahako was a capable shinobi, he just needed to interview her and see for himself what her plans would be for the branch.

He was the leader of the village, and he needed to know which candidate would be most in line with what he wanted to achieve.

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

The last weary sigh left her as she opened the main door to the Torre. Her shoulders squared as she stepped through. She was quick in making her way to the receptionist, speaking only when needed as she conserved her strength. For when one is summoned by the Raikage, haste, poise, and a good deal of confidence was needed. Especially when it was your first meeting with the Raikage… who also happened to be the student of the great Shinbatsu.. and the very one who would decide the next Sennin of the Medical Branch.

Kahako would be lying if she claimed this meeting did not make her nervous. During Shin’s reign, the second-in-command assumed the title of Sennin with his or her predecessor's blessing. The fact that this summon was requested meant that either there was cause to hesitate, or that Saito went through great lengths to ensure the correct individual was placed at the helm of leadership. It was her intention today to both squash the first, and prove herself to the latter.

So when Saito’s secretary escorted Kahako to the conference room, she entered with a conviction within her that would have made even her Higa family proud. “Saito-sama,” Kahako said with a respectful bow, “I am Shinrya Kahako, you have requested my presence?”

Kahako would not move to sit until given his motion to do so. Once he did, she would gracefully take the seat across from him, tucking her legs gently to the side as she met man’s stoic gaze with one of her own.

Raiden-sama, he was a giant of a man. And not one to treat lightly by the judge of his expression.

 

[Junan]

As she entered she introduced herself, Akira rose as she did so, bowed his head in kind to her own bow.

Yes, I have, please sit. He said gesturing to the seat on the other side of the table.

Kahako, as you must know you are the person chosen by Kitsune to take her position. However due to the circumstances surrounding how it was that Kitsune made Sennin I have had to ignore this decision and make my own choice, hence the interviews. It's not that I don't trust that she acted in the best interests of the branch with her decision, but more because I can't based on her previous actions.

He knew that this would probably be doubly hard to hear, he not only was criticizing someone who had spoken well of Kahako and probably tutored her, but her adoptive mother as well.

In saying that, I have looked at your records and they are impressive, but still I need to make sure that the person taking the position of Sennin is someone who will lead the branch in the way that I think would be best. Whoever is chosen I don't want the other candidates to do anything other than support them in their leadership, to do otherwise is to doubt my decision, to doubt my leadership. Do I have your cooperation?

He would wait for her reply before continuing or ending the interview. Ending would happen if it seemed like she wouldn't give her support, he had no place for anyone who wouldn't work well due to disappointment. If it seemed as though she would work well with whoever was chosen he would continue and ask a question. It was going to be his standard starting point, after all it was a linchpin to the position.

Can you give me details on how you have shown your leadership as a member of the medical branch?

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

As she sat, Saito was clear in expressing why she was brought here. Just as she thought, her capabilities to lead as Sennin were brought into question because of Kitsune’s actions. She felt a stinging pain in her chest not only at that reality, but also at his verbal confirmation of how much trust her mother lost from the village leadership, even if it wasn’t from Saito. “I understand,” she said calmly as the pain manifested itself in a flash in her eyes before being buried.

But just as quickly as he leveled the hard truth to her, Saito smoothed it over with a positive. He did look at her track record, and seemed impressed. It helped a little. At the very least, it showed that he wasn’t going to discredit Kahako completely. “Of course, Saito-sama, I would provide nothing less,” she said with confidence in regards to her cooperation should she not be named. Kahako did not believe for a second that she would ever doubt his decision after he went through such lengths to come to it.

And so the questioning began with direct examples of her contributions to the branch. She only allowed a moment’s breath before she answered. “As you already know, I have been the leader of the Sentou Henkan division for quite a while. Even before Daisuke-sama promoted me to medical chief and head of medical combat, He gave me the position of division leader among the Sentou shortly after his own promotion to Sennin. During his reign, the division leaders did not necessarily have to be medical chief, as the divisions were not considered true vocations... Harvesters were under Kinjutsu Surgery, the Sentou under Medical Combat, et cetera... This is why he granted me the title.”

Kahako traced the arm of her chair as she recalled everything she did for the branch in the past, “As far as direct examples of leadership, I would say that I have provided examples going back as far as Kushin-sama’s leadership. Shortly after my promotion to mednin rank, I established a psychiatric clinic specifically for the members of the ANBU within the division of the Sentou.” Kahako remembered that meeting both fondly, and not so much. Kushin had accepted her proposal after modifications (glaring at her the entire time he did it), but he still accepted it.

“More recently, I met with Matsuura-sama to both understand his leadership style and modify the Sentou to further be of assistance to the members of his branch. I am in no way speaking lightly of Ayumu-sama’s requirements of his men, but--as I learned--Matsuura-sama has a very high expectation, and I went to him to ensure that the mednin that are working in these conditions are doing so in a way that was both safe to the members of the ANBU and to the members of my division.” Kahako's eyes ventured back to Saito's. She didn't miss a beat as she moved onto her next point.

“During my time as division leader, I maintained relations not only with the ANBU Branch, but also to the Main Branch. I have continued a presence in both the clinic and the ER, treating both citizen and shinobi during the entirety of my career. I have, on occasion, been called to the gates to assist with medical expertise in settling threats to the village. To a greater note, I taught students at the Academy to examine for any who would be exceptionally beneficial to the branch and I will continue to do so now that the direct issues with my division have been settled.”

At this Kahako laced her hands together at her waist. “With my most recent promotion to second-in-command, I do not intend to stop there, as these are only some of the more notable accomplishments I have done with my leadership.” Kahako paused for just a second before continuing, “Although some of these contributions may not seem to directly benefit the Medical branch, I believe they are just as important. We are the third pillar of this village, meant to support the other two with our specialties just as they support us with theirs. To neglect relations with the two weakens the entire foundation of our strength.” Kahako eyes darkened a little, “If we continue to doubt another leader’s leadership style, we will show a weakness to those outside our country who would be more than happy to take advantage of our in-fighting.”

[MFT]

 

[Junan]

Akira sat there making notes, making sure that he would have what he needed to make the decision and also to delve into the details which might have been missing from the points made, or rather to make more detailed notes when he felt that they were needed.

• Establishment of the Psych clinic for ANBU in the Sentou
• Recent collaboration with Nobuyuki on improvements
• Settling threats to the village at the gates
• Teaching Academy Students

He listened to her as she spoke, meeting her gaze, and although his expression was hard she would probably notice that it wasn't as cold as some, a general warmth in what otherwise was a stony expression.

I agree. He said as she finished on her final note.

I have found that there are many strengths and weaknesses in the village and though Shin made many steps towards a unified village he didn't quite achieve it from what I can tell. He began the process of having the Sennin take part in decisions, what I need in this position is someone who will have a voice as strong as mine. As Raikage I can only be as strong a leader as my Sennin allow me to be. Each Sennin looks after a particular branch, they are the leaders who people look to for answers, not the Raikage, and so they are very important positions. If Cloud is to rise up once more renewed and powerful then it will be through the Sennin that this will happen, if my presence is enough to then bind that together then my job is done.

What I am trying to say is that I will be relying on my Sennin to lead the village.

My question then is this. Of the leaders you have served under, what strengths and weaknesses do you see in their style, and what do you think you would bring that is different?

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

When she came off her little soap box, Kahako felt somewhat surprised to find that the Raikage agreed with her off topic assessment. Not once did he look away from her, nor did he give off the feeling of being better than her. He was simply being serious.

Yet the most surprising facet of all, was that he asked her the question she hoped he would. Kahako believed, more than likely, that Junko was one of the individuals who competed against her. Should that be the case, they were almost evenly matched in terms of accomplishments towards the branch. As such, she loaded her answer in such a way that Saito would question her less on her past accomplishments and more on her opinions. It was a very long shot to get the response she hoped for, but it worked.

“Hnn... “ Kahako started, as she thought momentarily. “In terms of unity and good leadership within the branch, I believe Kushin-sama was the best. His accomplishments commanded respect from everyone within and without. However, he also placed a deep sense of fear in all those who worked under him. That helped greatly in his leadership, but it was a double-edge sword to the branch. There were those under him who were more so loyal to him than to the village, and it created an invisible rift between those under him, and the rest of the village. I believe that some individuals remained subservient simply because Kushin-sama was loyal to Shin-sama. This presented itself most after his reign when there was an assassination attempt at Daisuke-sama’s life.” Kahako chuckled a little to ease the tension of such a deep thought, “Though, I was a trainee for a good majority of his time as Sennin, so I was much younger and easily impressionable. I cannot say with complete confidence that my memory of him doesn’t come with a possible pair of rose colored glasses.”

Kahako closed her eyes for a moment as she remembered her next leader. “Daisuke-sama I knew a lot more. He was a calm man and wise beyond his years. He wanted nothing more than to see the branch grow, and it showed in his actions. But he could not invoke the same amount of loyalty from his men like Kushin-sama could. Public displays of discontent with his leadership lead to more displays. In some ways, I felt he was more forgiving than he should have been.”

At this point, Kahako grew a little more solemn. She still struggled with what happened with Kitsune, and to talk about it this soon was a difficult task. “My mother… I feel... had the greatest difficulty with leading. It wasn’t because she didn’t have enough experience, nor was she ill equipped. She is headstrong and innovative with a good heart and a mad amount of intelligence. Her heart is always in the right place but... she couldn't care less about the opinions of those who are not close to her, and that is what cost her her position. I’ve also known for a long time that she does not think long on the negative consequences her actions bring.”

Kahako sighed before steeling herself. “Which leads to the second part of your question. Whether it is I or someone else to take the position of Medical Sennin, they should… no need to be able understand the weight their power carries. Every move they make will alter both the loyalty of those under them, and the opinion of those who hold the same power. They must contain just enough doubt within themselves to ensure they are coming to the best possible conclusion, and hold themselves accountable to the repercussions their decisions make. Above all, it is imperative they not only think for the good of their branch, but all citizens and shinobi in this country,” Kahako held her seated stance as she returned Saito’s gaze with a fiery one of her own. “This is the type of leader I aim to be.”

 

[Junan]

Her first sentence had Akira sit back a bit, his pen down he listened. In his time back in the village he had heard much about Kushin, both positive and negative. The two had met once and barely passed a word between them, both weighing each other up, judging one another, giving each other the message that the other needed.

Akira took the meeting as Kushin showing Akira that he wasn't the strongest power in Lightning Country, that he was a had been, a man who lived in a gods shadow and was no longer worthy of the station of living legend. Yet at the same time there was something else there in that meeting, as though Akira was being judged but not for himself. In return Akira made two weapons, which would tell Kushin what he thought of the man, as dangerous, sharp, deadly, but that should he make the wrong move he could create pain in Kumogakure for decades following, yet if he chose to remain strong then he could be great.

He never again would meet the man who sent such a shudder down his spine. Instead he found himself wishing that he'd not left the village to his own ends, wishing he had been there instead of Daisuke. Would that fight have even happened if Kushin had been there? If it had would the result have been the same or would Akira's judgment on the man be correct, and he could have shown just how strong he was, taking out a man who fancied himself a god, another who took down that man, and a third who manipulated both of them.

Still it was Kahako saying that his leadership was the best. He nodded as she described what he did, how he did it. Though it was also interesting to see her observation on this perhaps being something of the cause of the deaths. Then her assessment of Daisuke's leadership was interesting. So Daisuke had struggled to tame the branch after Kushin had left. Internal conflict was nothing Akira hadn't experienced, but he was so separated from the medical branch he'd been unaware of how it operated. Then she went to Kitsune. This was perhaps the most important insight Akira had. This girl was her adoptive daughter, her insight would be more than that of a simple shinobi working under her.

If the branch works the way that you have described then how do you intend to negotiate the difficulties that Daisuke faced? Kushin might have been capable of inspiring fear in others, I would lie if I didn't feel at least a little of his intimidation myself, but I don't think you could lead that way. He could because there was something about him which you couldn't help but think that he would kill you on the spot, not that he would try to, but that he would. There was no doubt in that feeling, that aura he seemed to carry with him simply with his presence.

I can't lead like that, it isn't who I am, nor would I want to. So what is it that you think will work for you?

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

“hn...” Kahako hummed in agreement. She did not have it in her heart to strike down a comrade simply because he refused to listen to an order. Constantly her nature to heal clashed with her militant lifestyle, and to intimidate others did not come to her easily. In the end Kahako wasn’t even certain Kushin’s leadership was the best. It was simply the most efficient out of the three.

“I guess the best way I want to describe my leadership is to see myself as a communicator. To be able to influence others has always come easily. To inspire a feeling that mednin can trust each other, even in moments of disagreement, creates a bond between colleagues that is as strong as if they were in the same family.” Kahako laced together her fingers as she deepened her thoughts. “However, every type of leadership style has flaws. I am no fool to that understanding. Sometimes action is needed more than words. Or there is not enough time for words at all.” Kahako closed her eyes then in contemplation. “That may very well be my struggle as a leader,” she murmured more to herself, but loud enough for Saito to hear. She opened her eyes again and gave a small smirk. “But no one ever said leading was easy. I’m sure you can agree to that. And despite the flaws in my ideals, I know I can never stray from them.”

With that, she straightened her posture again. “If I may be so bold as to ask, Saito-sama, what type of leader are to looking for? You’ve already expressed that you are looking for someone have a voice as strong as yours, to be a key component in having this village rise. But to rise into what? What do you consider as a powerful village?” Kahako did not waver in her questions to the man. She asked this, not only to know exactly what would be expected of the Sennin, but also to understand what type of leader he was. It was clear that the only thing Shin wanted, even to his dying breath, was peace. What did Saito want? Unification, yes, but how? What measures would he take to get it? What measures did he expect?

And the answer from the stoic man who was the student of Shinbatsu, yet a close friend to Hayata Shin, intrigued Kahako to no end.

 

[Junan]

He nodded. This would be interesting.

On one hand he had Junko, a man who wanted to lead by example, on the other Kahako who wanted to lead with communication.

Still she then asked him a question. A small smile on his face he looked at the desk as he gave himself a moment to think about how to respond.

When I was young our village responded to threats with numbers. Someone would approach our gate with a couple of friends and a dozen powerful Cloud shinobi would be there waiting to greet them. Someone would attempt to betray the village and a dozen powerful Cloud shinobi would be waiting. We all had individual strength, you could see that in individuals like Masao, Rin, Ryuuto, Ryuujin, Karubin, Aion, Shinbatsu, but it wasn't that they were strong as individuals which made the village strong, it was that everyone in the village wanted the best for the village. Everyone wanted to let everyone else in the shinobi world understand that if you came to Cloud and sought trouble, then come prepared for your own funeral. It was said as a matter of fact, calm, relaxed. Simply a memory of a time past. He continued, his gaze rising from the desk to meet Kahako's, the small but friendly smile still on his face.

Shin was a great friend of mine, and he wanted peace with our neighbors. He sought this through passivity, through forgiveness, to show that no harm would come to anyone and that in kind and over time people would respond in kind. Unfortunately this also meant he was unable to identify threats as they came about. In reading notes about Isaki Hoshikata and dealings between he and Shin it seems that your previous Sennin, Kushin, warned Shin against Hoshikata, and was quite willing to kill the man. A threat had been identified by Kushin, one who would eventually take part in the murder of Shin, but Shin ignored his Sennin's words and tried to achieve peace in other ways. The smile slipped slightly, his eye dropped for a moment as he thought about his friends death, a memory far too fresh for Akira. His eye returned to hers again, a sadness in them at the loss of a friend, but a resolve in them that this wouldn't happen again.

My master Shinbatsu was Raikage for a very short time, but he had a reputation for his savagery. This was formed from his time as an ANBU, the numbers of shinobi he killed in service to Kumogakure. I wonder what kind of a leader he would have been if he'd remained in this world for longer. The resolve began to show through the sadness as he spoke, though his voice was still quiet, a wonder in it as he questioned what Kumogakure would have been like under Shinbatsu's leadership over a longer period of time. But so far he'd not answered the question. He leaned forward a bit, his eye now clear, the edge which had been in it earlier in the interview returned, the resolution in his voice clear as he went on.

I want the village to be like how I imagine it could have been under Shinbatsu. One where people once more take a threat and lay it to waste, one where no-one threatens the Raikage, or anyone in Cloud for that matter, and not in fear of that person themselves but because they know that the time it would take them to kill them is too long to get the job done before their own life is forfeit. I want there to be a level of fear to those not of this village and to those who would betray it. Enough fear that when someone who might normally antagonize a situation meets someone of Cloud, they hold their actions. That simply by coming from Cloud diffuses a possible situation.

I want the people of Cloud to have pride in their village to the point where the idea of not joining combat simply doesn't happen. That without question or hesitation we enter a fight with the conviction that we are not alone, that by the time we get to that fight there is likely to be a dozen others as well, that whoever started the fight, whoever started trouble in this village, that they will be beaten, and bloody, and understand that compared with Cloud, they are nothing.

His eyes were sharp, strong, there was a level to his words which showed that this is how he felt already. If anyone in this village was in trouble, anyone at all, he would be the first one there and would be there without any hesitation. If someone wanted to start trouble here, under Akira's protection, they started a fight with Akira himself. If they wanted a fight with Akira, then they would have achieved that. But what Akira wanted to truly achieve was that by doing this it wasn't only Akira they had picked a fight with. He wanted it to be everyone. Behind Akira would be every single shinobi of the village. Every single shinobi taking it personally. If someone dared to mess with Kumogakure then they were calling all of them weak, not just the one they were causing trouble with, but everyone.

When that had been achieved.

When people understood that by being a Cloud shinobi meant that they were all brothers and sisters. That each and every one of them would die or kill for the other.

That is when Akira would feel the village was strong.



After a moment he broke his gaze, looking back at the papers before him.

Shall we continue? He asked, the conviction in his voice gone, the moment past, they were two people in a room again and in an interview situation. The friendliness in his eye returned as it looked back at Kahako. Waiting to see if at this stage she wanted to ask him anything else, or if they should get on with what they were doing.

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

In the preceding minutes, Kahako did what made her one of Kumogakure’s leading psychologists: she listened. She took in every word, every movement, every facial expression as she analyzed the man who was ‘Akira Saito’. His answer gave her insight as to what was expected of her, not only as the possible future Sennin, but also as a member of this village. By the end of his response, she had to unclench her fist and actively slow her racing heart.

All Kahako ever knew was Shin’s peace-seeking philosophy. To empathize another’s position as best as one could, seek accomplishment through compromise, and avoid bloodshed whenever possible. It was how the man lead, and how he had hoped all those who followed would live by. This philosophy was always a part of her daily life, ingrained into her even as an academy student. As one who already held a small hesitation to take a life, she took it as the only way to live.

Because a part of her believed in the preciousness of life. As a doctor she had a responsibility to protect it. Because of that, she followed Shin’s philosophy with no objection. And her hesitation to strike--her will to heal--ruled over her. But as Saito continued--as his sadness grew to resolve, and that resolve turned to determined passion--Kahako felt suddenly pushed through the surface of an ocean she never knew she was drowning in. He took dreams she didn’t know she had and uttered them into reality. Shinrya Kahako never knew how dissatisfied she was with Shin’s peaceful approach to life and how the village responded to it. She never knew how much it influenced her gentleness to the point where she grew silently discontent.

For another part of Kahako would kill for the village, would die for its citizens, and refused to compromise their happiness and safety for the sake of peace. It wanted to lash out at those who harmed anyone who called themselves a Kumogakurian. It wanted to unleash a demon upon the village’s enemies. It was the part that held a profound respect for the intimidating Isaki Kushin. It was the part that drove her to worship Shinbatsu. It was a part of her she ignored. Part of her that had no place in Shin’s village. And in one brief moment of clarity, Saito’s sharp gaze met with a forgotten hope residing there. A hope that agreed to his ideal of a strong village. “Aaah-Hai,” Kahako responded when he asked if they could move on. She never knew the world he spoke of, and she found this lost part desperately wanting to.

“Before we do, I would like to expand upon the first question you asked, Saito-sama,” she said as she attempted to calm herself. “I would not doubt your decision of the next Sennin, not only because you--the Raikage--made the decision, but also because I have always supported my comrades with little hesitation. It is simply who I am.” Her eyes still continued to burn with this new found hope. She struggled to reign it in, and felt an urgency to make it known. “If they will help you in recreating the village you just described, I would support them to the best of my ability just to see it,” she finished, her voice slowly going quiet and clear like the calm after a storm. “I would go to hell and back just to see that type of village if only for a moment.” The mednin once again found herself clenching her fists, and had to actively loosen her fingers while she waited for his next question.

MFT

 

[Junan]

The small smile on his face and change in his eye would show her that he was amused. But at what... his words would explain.

I never wanted the reason to be because it was I who decided the position, that would be the worst reason, it should always be to support those beside us. The amusement left his face and returned to simply a smile as he continued I am glad you like what it is that I strive to create. I think that there has been too much focus on either stepping away from any conflict, or on Cloud shinobi being able to stand alone, that doing otherwise is cowardly. Although every Cloud shinobi should be able to stand alone, I do not believe that they should ever have to. We are a small village in a massive world, and if we allow others to tell us that by doing anything else than to face it as individuals we will fall. If we however band together, as you put it, as a family, then we will weather whatever storms face us. At least that is my belief, and my hope.

Looking at his paper he looked at some of the questions he didn't need to ask. Skipping over them he moved onto the next question that he wanted to understand.

What is something you would most like to change in the medical branch, the way it operates, or how it interacts with the other branches of the village? If you have some dream which seems impossible then feel free to voice it.

To Akira things seemed good for the village if his options in the medical branch were Kahako and Junko. Both were fiercely loyal to the village, both wanted something akin to what he dreamed of. With Ayumu and Nobuyuki as his other leaders it seemed that the village would be in good hands, it would allow him to focus on creating the atmosphere that he wanted to create. The bonds that seemed to have vanished over the decades. For the first time since Shin's death, he saw hope.

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

She blushed slightly at his amused response. It was silly of her to allow her passions to overcome her demeanor, but she felt as if she had to express herself. Saito's next question became yet another she expected and prepared for.

"Hnn... I believe I would first change is how training is accomplished and accounted for. I would continue to influence individual and peer mentor study, but one aspect I feel our branch is lacking is that of team work. Both within and outside the branch. I can not recall an instance where the branch participated in maneuvers with members of Main or ANBU. Nobuyuki-sama and I have a project in the works for the ANBU and Sentou, so if I were chosen as Sennin, I would include the Main and the Yoritsu in my focus.

"As far as within the branch, It is uncommon for more than two mednin to be assigned to a mission. But we do work together in moments of national emergency. If plague or mass destruction were to occur, it is imperative the medical branch is a well-oiled machine. And, while I do not doubt my colleagues would perform at peak, we are only as strong as our weakest unit." Kahako paused for a second before nodding to her own thought. "Yes, I believe more can be done by my branch to prepare for such an instance."

"The largest aspect that needs changing is the kinjutsu divisions. Granted, I do not know a lot of the inner workings of the field, but from the outside looking in, I believe it can be restructured to work more efficiently. To make up for my lack of knowledge, I would, of course, bring in the leaders of the divisions to facilitate this change."

"Overall, I feel these changes are well within the realm of reason. Of course, more than likely we have issues I am not aware of simply because it is classified information," Kahako finished with a smirk, "But I believe a building full of the brightest minds in the country can handle it."

 

[Junan]

Akira nodded, then took some notes down.

Thank you for meeting me Kahako. I have already had an interview with Junko and will be interviewing the current head of the Takao Institution as well on this matter. I also want to inform you that I have enlisted myself in the medical branch. There are many skills that are taught there that I feel that I as the Raikage should be aware of to perform my duties to the best of my ability, and to better understand the medical branch itself. I have taken Junko on as my instructor for this purpose.

He wondered how she would take such news. Would she believe that Akira was showing Junko favour by taking him as his instructor, perhaps leading to an inevitable decision... or would she think something else was afoot.

So the medical branch will have another member amongst its number on who it can rely on. Once I learn the techniques and the protocols of course. He smiled a small smile, hoping she would take the news well. He would be the first Raikage trained in medical techniques. The first Raikage to cross all three branches.

That is all from my side. If you have any further questions then feel free to ask them, otherwise we can end this interview here.

 

[Shinrya Kahako]

What Saito told Kahako next came at a great surprise. The Raikage training in the medical branch? It took all of her power to not make a really weird face at the news. There was something… odd… about the Raikage being a trainee in your branch yet still above you in ranking. How does one even ‘school’ the Raikage should he get something incorrect? Would Junko have to fear being reprimanded for reprimanding his commander? In a less formal setting, the mednin would have found the dynamics of that situation highly amusing.

But Kahako had to wonder if there was an ulterior motive to him doing this. His smile showed no outward form of trickery, and underhanded scheming seemed far below his nature. The fact that he completely removed the Cloud Council because of their cover-up spoke volumes to how he chose to handle politics.

A surprised smile flashed across her face. “Well, that will be interesting,” she mused with a light lit in her voice. “Should you have any questions or need help with something, please feel free to ask. You couldn’t be in more capable hands, but my door is still open to anyone willing to learn.” Kahako nodded with a chuckle. “As far as more questions… I already asked what wanted to know. So, thank you for your time, Saito-sama.”

Upon his dismissal, Kahako would stand and bow before walking out the door. Once it shut, her eyes grew dark as she pondered the reasoning behind Saito’s wish to train within the medical branch. A myriad of ideas floated through her mind, some being thrown out as quickly as they were realized. One reason bothered her the most, however. There was a very real possibility that he was joining the branch to negate another unknown power from working within it. One that was not working towards his vision of Kumogakure and its citizens.

A soft ‘hnn..’ filled slipped through her lips as she walked down the hallway. Regardless, she would have to keep a closer eye to what was happening in the hospital. She could be very far off from that assumption, but it was better to be prepared.

[TL MFT]