The Hoshikage Arrives! [PotK] [Hikari, Zaku, or both]

[Takaki Saeko]

Preceding thread: http://www.ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?f=319&t=5901 for context. Ie why are Masao and Kitsune in the slammer?

Also, some people raised a question over timing: This takes place AFTER the team from that prior mission (Do Natsu, Kahako, Daisuke) got back. They have yet to re-enter, so some of the confusion.

The Red Palace, Private Audience Chamber of the Shogun
Raiden no Me, Kaminari no Kuni
…1000 hours

Despite the great effort to present the diplomats of the Serene Kingdom of Bear with the utmost hospitality and indulge them in the niceties of state, no one sitting at the table had touched their wineglasses. The elegant appetizers sitting on the table, fit for an imperial banquet, also sat uneaten on the elegant white tablecloth. No, the Bears had come for business only.

“Our Liege Lord, King Haninozuka Nikolai the Fourth, is dead – the result of an unprovoked attack by Cloud village shinobi while he traveled to see your nobles under the flag of peace. Sennin Takaki Masao and Mednin Shinrya Kitsune were legally arrested for this crime. May I remind you that they both surrendered voluntarily of their own free will. None of these facts are in dispute, Shogun-sama!” barked the chief Bear diplomat, an obese man with red, flushed cheeks who ejected a fair amount of saliva with every syllable.

“I will demand a full investigation, Ambassador Kang,” began Shiranai. “You can be assured that we and Kumogakure will cooperate with all of our power to get to the bottom of the matter. In the meantime-“

“In the meantime, we expect Lightning Country to abide by the articles of the Kagetsu Treaty, which you claim to cherish. Takaki-san and Shinrya-hakase WILL stand trial for the assassination of His Majesty!”

“That is simply out of the question,” objected Shiranai. “Chancellor Tachibana, surely there must be some way to extradite them-“

“Shogun-sama, I share a measure of personal responsibility in this matter, but I am obliged to confirm Diplomat Kang’s legal interpretation. Takaki-san and Shinrya-hakase were properly arrested, and the Serene Kingdom is within its rights to try them,” sighed Ami, heavily.

“What is the position of the People’s Republic of Marsh, Ambassador Sumihara?” asked Shiranai.

“In the absence of specific instructions from the Dear Leader, I must concur with Ambassador Kang,” replied Kaede, her face revealing no emotion.

“But surely you cannot believe that Takaki Masao ordered the assassination of the King of Bear Country!” exclaimed Shiranai, throwing his hands up.

“Shogun-sama, I don’t know what to believe,” shrugged Kaede.

“I am waiting for your answer, Shogun-sama,” responded Kang, crossing his arms.

“I am not above the law,” said Shiranai, miserably. With that, the Bear ambassador rose, and bowed in satisfaction.

Three days later...​

The Temple of Judgment, Courtroom 1
Sagishi-Souru, Serene Kingdom of Bear
…0900 hours

Masao and Kitsune stood uncomfortably under a glaring spotlight directed downwards form a high ceiling and onto their heads, at the bottom of a chamber that was more of a pit-lined-with-stadium-seating than any sort of traditional courtroom one could expect from the Lightning Country judicial system. The place reeked of savage and awesome beauty – a cross between a circus and a cathedral, and packed to the brim with hundreds, if not thousands, of Bear Country citizens all clamoring for blood. His and Kitsune’s blood.

Today, was the last day of the proceedings, and there was no doubt in the old Sennin’s mind about what the final verdict would be. Still, he was determined to represent Cloud in the best possible light. There would be no escape attempt, no breakout, even if he were to be led to the gallows. If anything, he would trade his life to ensure Kitsune’s, but he would accept what punishment he was given.

The audience today was restive – the royal court of Bear had dressed as if this were a festive occasion, and were clearly enjoying the spectacle. No doubt many of them had sought to profit from the King’s death with all matter of backroom dealings that tended to blossom in the wake of a leader’s death. Only the Crown Princess, and soon to be new Queen of Bear, Haninozuka Ekaterina, looked anything but delighted at the proceedings down in the pit where Masao and Kitsune stood in their cage. Dressed in a somber black mourning outfit, she regarded the pair with cold eyes. Notably absent was the Hoshikage. Regardless, many other shinobi of Star were present, from the guards who trained their weapons on the defendants to the higher-ranked jounin in the audience seats.

“The State will show that two squads of Cloud shinobi infiltrated a private diplomatic meeting between His Majesty and three Lightning Country nobility, in concert with the known terrorist Yukimura Enishi. Do you deny any of this?” asked Sennin Kaibutsu Kuro to Masao. The massive individual had been chosen to act as prosecutor for this trial, and paced around the defendants’ docket like a predator on the prowl. Interestingly enough, it had been decided by the Bear Royals that shinobi should be tried by shinobi, even if the final verdict was up to a non-shinobi judge.

“We did not work in concert with former ANBU Captain Yukimura. He is a traitor to Cloud and our most wanted suspect. Kumo Shinobi are to terminate him on sight-“ began Masao.

“You, along with former Captain Yukimura, as well as Vice Commander Takayama, were all ANBU, correct?” asked Kuro, cutting him off.

“…Yes,” said Masao.

“And you still maintain that you did not work in concert to kill our liege lord in cold blood when he was at his most vulnerable?!”

“Objection!” shouted another shinobi who stood next to the witness box. He was their court-appointed defense attorney, who Masao had expected to be entirely ineffectual, but was actually the only pleasant surprise of the entire week. His name was Saito Dosan, and was a shinobi who had fought in the Bear-Marsh conflict but had taken up the practice of law for a variety of reasons. The name was no coincidence either – he shared the same blood as Saito Akira of Cloud. The man had even managed to have some of the more ridiculous charges against Masao and Kitsune thrown out entirely (for example, the charge of medical experimentation without consent leveled against Kitsune and the charge of attempted assassination of the Hoshikage leveled against Masao).

“Sustained,” intoned the white-cloaked judge who sat high over the proceedings.

“We did not!” snarled Masao.

“Who killed King Haninozuka Nikolai the Fourth?” asked Kuro.

“It was…Vice Commander Takayama Shimada. Under the influe-“ started Masao, before he was drowned out by an undulating chorus of shouts from the audience.

“Can you prove that Takayama-taichou was under any sort of undue influence when he killed the King, or that you did not directly speak to him ordering him to do so?” asked Kuro, smirking.

“…I cannot.”

“The witness is excused for the time being,” said Kuro, provoking another explosion of shouting and hooting from the audience.

“Order in the Court!” barked the hooded judge, rapping the iron gavel hard enough for sparks to fly. “We will now proceed with final questioning and cross-examination. The Prosecution has the floor.”

“Thank you, your Honor,” grunted Kuro, as he paced around Masao and Kitsune. “My first question is to Doctor Shinrya Kitsune,” he said, staring at Kitsune with his hands behind his back. “Doctor, how many years have you been in practice?”

“Thirty-one as an attending physician,” replied Kitsune, her tone icy.

“In that time, have you dealt with major trauma such as that which our late King suffered?”

“Yes, I have.”

“In your medical opinion, do you believe that the wounds inflicted by Vice Commander Takayama Shimada were fatal?”

“My patient sustained major trauma to the circulatory system, resulting in anoxic brain injury and cerebral edema incompatible with life.”

“Is it true that you attempted to turn our King into a Lich and failed? Was it due to incompetence or were you attempting to harvest him as a human puppet?”

“Objection!” shouted Saito.

“Sustained,” responded the judge. Kuro shook his head.

“I tried to save him! No one wanted this to happen!” shouted Kitsune, balling her fists.

“No further questions, Doctor. My next question is for the Sennin,” he said, sidling over to Masao. “And now we come to the architect of this tragic affair. Takaki Masao. I will put it to you, sir, that you were seeking to incite war between Lightning and Bear.”

“That isn’t true,” said Masao.

“That you, now blessed with a stable Shogunate, a benevolent, peace-loving Raikage, and worst of all, the prospect of no more battle in your life, deliberately sought to inflame hostilities between two great nations using your former subordinate Takayama Shimada and the terrorist Yukimura Enishi. And that you and Doctor Shinrya were on scene to make sure the job had been finished. This could be construed as treason against your own Raikage, could it not?”

“Objection! Sennin Takaki never touched the King!” shouted Saito.

“Sustained,” said the judge.

“That is completely untrue! I have never wished harm on Bear Country! I am a loyal servant of the Raikage of Cloud!” said Masao, fuming.

“Are you aware, that as the Sennin of your village you are responsible for the conduct of those shinobi under your command?” asked Kuro in his gravely voice, tendrils of steam issuing from his wide-brimmed nose.

“I am,” replied Masao, stone-faced.

“And if it should be proved that shinobi did in fact carry out the assassination of our King…”

“Do not answer that!” bellowed Saito.

“Sennin Takaki, you WILL answer the question,” intoned the hooded judge to a mixture of shouting and hooting which was quickly silenced by another two raps of the iron gavel.

“As Sennin of the Main Branch of Kumogakure, I am responsible for the actions of those under my command,” he sighed.

“Your Honor, the State rests,” intoned Kuro, to the approving shouts of the audience.

“Is it our turn now?” asked Kitsune, sucking her teeth.

“According to hanguk law, both sides present their cases at the same time. We’ve HAD our turn,” said Saito, shaking his head. The judge’s gavel now slammed against its iron strikeplate three times, silencing the room.

“It is the determination of this court, that the prisoners are guilty as charged!”

The court again erupted into chaos that defied even more gavel strikes. A chant began to arise from the audience, a foreign chant that sounded much like: “Ju-geum!”*

“I wish to note for the record that the evidence against my clients is entirely circumstantial! I beg the court to take this into consideration when determining its sentence!” shouted Saito to the judge.

“Sennin Takaki Masao. Doctor Shinrya Kitsune. In the interest of fostering amity between the nations of Lightning and Bear, and in recognition of the upcoming Hayata Shin Peace Conference, the sentence of Death is hereby commuted. It is the judgment of this court that without possibility of reprieve or parole, you will be remanded to the platinum mines in the penal colony of Naraka where you will spend the rest of your natural lives…”

</B>

<B>Meanwhile…​

​

Gate of the Dragon Tooth Pass
Kumogakure no Sato, Kaminari no Kuni
…1000 hours

A lone figure, a woman who looked to be in her late twenties and clad in a leather duster, walked up to the entryway of the village of Cloud. She was not a Cloud shinobi, and did not seek to pretend that she was. She smirked as she regarded the high gates that gave off the aura of a prison more than a fortress. Signaling to the Deathwatch above, she pressed an intercom button.

“This is the Hoshikage of Star Village. I wish to speak with the Raikage.”

*: "Ju-geum" is hangul for "Death" or "Die" [used an as an epithet]

 

[Morishige]

[Captain] | [Advisor]
Ishikawa Zaku - Fuyuri Katsu​

"And that will be the rotation for next week. With the news from Do-san, I figured we need to bolster our defenses." I said with a concerned smirk as my eyes looked up to Katsu.

He seemed to approve gruffly. "Indeed. Hopefully people are eager to take up the extra work so we don't have to look like the bad guys." he added, to which I couldn't help but laughed, despite the situation.

"Aren't we already the bad guys? I made the majority of our units go through 'sensitivity' training after all." I replied. Needless to say we both had a good chuckle before the ping of the intercom ceased our noise so we could listen. Things got serious fast...

“This is the Hoshikage of Star Village. I wish to speak with the Raikage.”

[Captain] | [Advisor]
Ishikawa Zaku - Fuyuri Katsu​

For a moment, my eyes squinted and took the words in with skepticism. I looked up to the cameras focused on the outside of the gates. "The Hoshikage, travelling alone? Impossible... Even with the intel our acting sennin provided, I expected any possible confrontation to be much more...large" My suspicions were greatly increased, and this was the only reason I needed to take action against this individual. "Come on." I directed. Together with Katsu, we made our way up the stairs to the top of the wall to get a better look of the situation.

On the way to our destination, I reached my hand up to my headset and switched over to the general frequency. "This is Captain Ishikawa Zaku at the Gates. We have an individual claiming to be the Hoshikage requesting the Raikage. Any ANBU or high ranking main branch shinobi that are not currently preoccupied are requested to report to the gates. I will keep you all posted. Also, Acting Sennin Do Natsu is requested specifically to confirm or deny her identity." I concluded before reaching the top of the gates and looking over with Katsu.

For a moment I looked at her, then at the surrounding area. "No leader of a village comes alone." I thought. In a soft tone I turned to Katsu. "Find out if we have an ANBU on duty at the gates. If we do, inform them of the situation if they don't know about it already, and then tell them I need a perimeter search around the target. Search for potential hostiles and traps. They are not to engage if they find something, only to report back to me." I ordered and looked back down at the woman. I needed to figure out why she was here.

I was hesitant to go down and meet her face to face because the entire situation was incredibly shady. For the safety of myself and the village, I remained on the wall and used the nearby intercom to speak with her. "Considering recent events, you must understand why it's necessary for us to speak like this. Your arrival is most unorthodox for a shinobi of your standing, especially with things the way they are in our rather tense situation. I cannot comply with your wishes without further proof of who you are and knowledge of why you have come to Kumogakure." I said while thinking of how I might do this.

With a smirk, I conjured up a small raven that I could control. "I am sending down a raven to retrieve documentation to prove you are who you say you are; if you would provide it, and tell me your intentions here today, we can get under way." I concluded and the raven began its trip down to the 'Hoshikage' to retrieve whatever she decided to give.

If she had nothing to give, nor anything to say, this would be an intense day for foreign policy. Hopefully she was who she said she was and would comply.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Ai smirked at Zaku’s greeting – it had been along the lines of what she had expected, and actually a lot warmer in comparison to the one she thought she might receive. After all, it had been she who had ordered their Sennin and one of their mednin imprisoned, and now that the two had been sentenced to death (life imprisonment in Naraka was essentially death drawn out over a day to a few years), things could only get a lot frostier between the two shinobi villages.

“Well-done, guardsman,” she chuckled. “You would have been a fool to simply grant me entrance based on a claim and nothing more. However, I am the Hoshikage of Star, and not an impostor. My proof, should your creature be able to carry it, is this,” she said, unsheathing her sword and holding it out for the large raven nearby. “It is the Muyeonggeom, forged from meteoric steel and passed from one Hoshikage to the next as a sign of our loyalty to the Haninozuka line. Also, if you should happen to have one who calls himself...‘Donuts’... in the village, he can identify me as well.

“And as far as my reasons for coming here unescorted, it is because this is by no means a visit I wish to publicize. Neither to the terrorists who were involved in the death of my King, nor to other individuals back in the Serene Kingdom. I made this trek in secret, at great risk to myself and knowing full well that you Cloud shinobi might turn me away.

“I come to offer cooperation between our villages in the matter of hunting down Yukimura Enishi. He and his ilk are just as much of a threat to my country as yours. I also bring an offer of potentially freeing your Sennin and his companion from their sentences. So what is your response, adept guardsman? Every second we delay is another opportunity for the trollish to inflict a griefing upon us all through the moderation of battle.”

 

[Yukari]

Hikari had just returned to her small apartment- provided generously by the Main branch- yes this is where your tax yen are going- having had a rather strange encounter with the youths from the market. It’d been an odd day, but a good meal. That said, rice, pork and maniacal laughter generally sat strangely in the stomach.

Just as she closed her door, a voice in her ear sounded off an alarm. "This is Captain Ishikawa Zaku at the Gates. We have an individual claiming to be the Hoshikage requesting the Raikage. Any ANBU or high ranking main branch shinobi that are not currently preoccupied are requested to report to the gates. I will keep you all posted. Also, Acting Sennin Do Natsu is requested specifically to confirm or deny her identity."

She stopped and tapped the receiving piece on her headset. “Chief Ambassador Hikari here: Does she have identification? I’ll be there in ten.” She looked around her flat and sighed. She was wearing every-day garb, nothing to indicate her office. She dressed in green. A short skirt-like belt- to fulfill the requirement for a mini-skirt, then long form-fitting black pants, and a moderately low cut shirt. She placed her forehead protector around her neck, then reequipped her weapons, and left via the window. Rooftops were faster than stairs.

Before Hikari reached the gates, she dismounted the rooftops, and stepped lightly toward one guard. “Where is your Captain?”

“Identify yourself.” He said staring just a bit.

“I am Chief Ambassador Tanaka Hikari.” She told him with a smile, “Here at the behest of your Guard Captain.”
The guard nodded, “Ambassador Tanaka-Dono.. Captain Ishikawa is up those stairs.” The man said, bowing respectfully.

“Upstairs you say? Where?”

“Overlooking the visitor on the other side of the gates.”

“Thank you.” She said, striding up the cold gray stonework. “Hello Guard Captain.” She winked, as she reached the ramparts. “Have we confirmed her identity?” She asked looking down. “And is there any word on why she’s here?” She stifled her nervous energy by squeezing her hands behind her back and trying to stand still. “I have no doubt this is gonna be awkward…” She looked over the side carefully, and noticed something strange. “That’s the Hoshikage? Where’s her entourage?” She asked aloud. “Seems a bit fishy.” She looked toward her friend.

At this time, the so-called Kage began speaking. “A sword can be stolen from a corpse as well as an imposter can mimic a face.” Hikari said quietly. “What properties has this sword- forged from stardust- that would prevent that?” She spoke the words just loud enough for Zaku to hear. “If Do-san identifies her… Perhaps it will be enough to assuage my doubts.” In any case, this was Zaku’s turf. The final decision as to whether she entered or was turned away lay at his feet.

[mft 416]

 

[Hameru Ren]

"S-Sir?" Came the stuttering voice of Ryushin, causing Natsu to look up from the thick book he had been buried in for the past three hours. "No, I still do not require sleep. Not until I find an answer is this damned book, Ryushin!" He replied, angrily. The office which had once seemed cramped now held an eerie vastness even if there never had been as many books and scrolls lying around. The messenger appointed to the Spymaster was the only one who dared come in, even though it seemed forced. The Chunin hadn't left the room since his return, scouring book after book for previous scenarios such as this one. They, along with his food and drinks, had all been delivered by the boy.

Yet Natsu treated him with plenty of annoyance and snide remarks. His dislike for Kitsune had faded, thinking about the whole situation by himself had made it clear she was not the culprit at all. She was quite possibly even helping his Sennin more than he himself at the very moment. However, his pent-up stress and frustration at not finding an answer needed a vent. And unfortunately for him, Ryushin was the new target. It was irrational, certainly with all of the help he had supplied so far, but the Spymaster didn't care. Heck, he was acting Sennin now. He didn't have to care.

"T-.. That's not i-it, sir." Came the reply, stuttered as Natsu had come to expect from the Genin. Awaiting further clarification, the Spymaster could smack the boy for making him ask for it. If there hadn't been a box of donuts, refilled at the slightest decrease, on his desk, he likely would've. The only thing keeping him sane and bearable were those delicious sugary treats. "W-.. Well, it's a me-message from the Gates. Apparently, t-the Hoshikage is here." Jerking his head towards the boy, eyes spread wide, he rushed up, smacking his knee against the corner of the table. Cursing and muttering under his breath, he asked for a coat, trying to straighten the creases in his shirt and wiping of the crumbs of donut.

Rushing over the rooftops to reach his destination quicker, box in hand and furiously munching on one as he moved, Natsu thought about the situation. They had come here, but with what intention? Combat seemed unlikely. After all, why not strike hard and unexpectedly but come knocking at the Gates? Surely they weren't that arrogant to think they could win outright? Or dumb enough to assume their military strength was in shambles with the absence of Masao? "Takeru, what's the situation?" He asked one of the guards on duty over his headset. He had a contact in just about every spot, the Deathwatch was no different. Whether or not Zaku was aware of it was irrelevant to Natsu.

"Captain Zaku asked for identification, the Hoshikage delivered her blade as proof. It appears she is here to offer cooperation regarding the Enishi case." Natsu nodded, though it was invisible to the other. "Good. Is a beast man, her Sennin, there?" The response came swiftly. "No sir." That made the Spymaster frown. "Who then? Describe them." The following reply made him nearly miss a step. "No one at all sir. She is alone." Is it a trick? But what kind of trap would involve the Stars biggest strength facing their entire might alone? And what would they have to gain? The Chunin's thought raced as he himself skidded to a halt at the gates, rushing up the stairs as motioned by one of the guards.

"Zaku, Hikari. Good to see you both. Can I see the blade, please?" He asked, only a slight irregularity in his breath revealing the fact that he had sprinted all the way. How he knew about the blade, or the fact that he had lacked any formalities was the least on his mind to explain to them. As Zaku handed him the weapon, it certainly looked familiar enough. He had been at the pointy end of the thing after all. And everyone's first sword lesson was to stick 'em with that pointy end so he was quite familiar with it. "Don't interrupt, please." He asked the two of them, before leaping off of the wall. As a child Natsu had always imagined how it'd be to do that, though he never quite imagined it'd be in such a situation. Nor did he have the precise chakra control to safely walk down from the wall to prevent breaking his neck.

"My lady," He greeted her as he plopped down onto the ground. How she'd interpret his entrance was anyone's guess. Not only had he come falling from the sky, but his appearance showed an exhausted man, a few years older in looks than the last time due to all-nighters and stress. Despite the bags under his eyes however, he was very much awake at the moment. Handing her back the sword, he had no need for it, he followed it up with the box of donuts. "Care for one?" Who knows, she might be a fan as much of it as he was. Though there were very few who could match him in that regard. "I apologize for my lateness, let's get straight to business."

"Forgive me the bluntness, as well as what I'm about to ask you, but I want to be certain it is you or at the very least someone very close to you. I'd hate for a surprise like last encounter to happen after all. To make sure of your identity, I'd like you to answer just one question. What did you do to our Med-Nin at our first encounter?" The question could either verify her identity or make her chop off his head. Actually, both might mark her as being the real Kage, as it was a rather embarrassing question. Regardless, the Spymaster and acting Sennin awaited the woman's answer eagerly. After all, if she was the real Hoshikage, this could prove for a very interesting relationship between the Villages.

[OoC: Apologies for the delay!]

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Ai barely raised an eyebrow as a familiar figure came plopped down to the ground from the top of the gate wall, bearing both her sword as well as…a box of donuts. What exactly was he planning? To run her through with her own blade? To trick her into eating poisoned pastries? Or were the donuts infused with some sort of freakish anabolic steroids that gave him super hentai powers so that he could violate her at the gates in revenge for the imprisonment of their Sennin? She drew in a breath and steeled herself for a fight – even if she were forced to retreat, she would take back the symbol of the Hoshikage’s office before she went anywhere…

“My Lady,” he said in greeting, almost nonchalantly. “Care for one?” he asked, proffering her the box of donuts.

“Er, I’ll pass for now, thank you …um, watching my figure…” she said in response to the offering of donuts. The sword, however, she did take back (it didn’t seem to be covered with any suspicious fluids, thank Shinbatsu).

"I apologize for my lateness, let's get straight to business," he said. It was a good sign – it meant he wanted to talk, rather than fight. She regarded him with somewhat less suspicion now that the initial worry was over. The man looked like he hadn’t slept in days. And to be fair, who would? His Sennin was on the way to a frozen hell of a gulag after a show-trial in a kangaroo court that had been broadcast in nearly every corner of the known world. Even Ai had not attended, feeling slightly sickened by the obvious railroading that had transpired. The nobles had wanted blood or war in exchange for King Haninozuka’s death. Kuro had made sure that they got the blood of two people instead of two nations. It still did not sit well with her how things had gone.

“I’m willing to do what’s needed to prove my identity,” she said, letting him know she was serious as well.

“…To make sure of your identity, I'd like you to answer just one question. What did you do to our Med-Nin at our first encounter?”

Ai gasped. The sheer impertinence of the man! First, he expected her to believe that his name was “Donuts,” second, he was trying to give her pastries full of date-rape drugs, and third, he was asking her to re-enact kinky girl-on-girl action for his enjoyment?! A true sicko, this one! She blushed deep red in embarrassment and anger. But unfortunately, yes, she had inadvertently groped the redhead’s breasts while in deep thought. The price of entry into the village kept climbing, and if their acting Sennin was such a pervert, then what kind of total sex-fiend would their Raikage be? Still, she needed to make things right, or she would never sleep soundly again. She sighed loudly, reached out, and started to grope Do Natsu’s chest.

“Satisfied?” she asked, rolling her eyes.

Oh Amida-butsu, I already hate this place…

 

[Junan]

Walking past the small group Kushin was unaware that the woman he was passing was the Hoshikage. His mind was focused on what needed to be done, not who was in front of him.

Pulling out his passport, the passport of a Sennin, he showed it to one of the ANBU nearby and continued on his way.

There was a court case going on at this moment. A court case where shinobi of Cloud were being tried and judged by their lessors. It was because of this fact that they couldn't trial them properly, they didn't understand the capabilities of a shinobi, and because of this inability Kushin was going to give them some lessons.

Lesson 1: A shinobi could kill without letting anyone know where they were from.
Lesson 2: If you do find out where they're from chances are that's a lie.

Now all that needed to be decided was who he was going to kill in that courtroom, and then who he was going to place the blame on.

If asked about where he was going he would answer simply I'm going for a walk. with a look which would tell that person to not ask any more stupid questions. Or decisions might be made sooner rather than later.

[topic left once allowed out]

 

[Hameru Ren]

It'd happen any moment now. His head would be sliced clean off, separated by the blade he had just returned to the woman. Ever since he had come up with the method for the Kage to identify herself Natsu had wondered if it crossed any boundaries. It was the only thing he presumed conclusive evidence however. After all, the only witnesses had been her Sennin and the Bear soldiers. Based on the scarlet flush adorning her face at the moment, it was unlikely those last would run their mouths. Crossing such a scary lady was foolishness, as they no doubt knew. And if it was in fact her Sennin posing as her.. Well, he wouldn't mind bartering with that man either.

So, would his head be parted from his body, as the woman scorned him for such an outrageous request or would he live? As she sighed, and reached out, Natsu had to resist grabbing for his weapons first. After all, she wasn't reaching for the blade so it needn't be a hostile gesture. A sudden squeeze at his chest made him yelp in surprise however, as he stared wide-eyed at the woman, at her hand on his chest and back to her. "Satisfied?" Natsu was at a loss for words for a moment, before quickly explaining. "Words would have sufficed, Nanasaki-Sama. However, the result is the same. Please, enter Kumogakure so we can talk actual business. I have no doubt the Raikage and our Ambassador Tanaka will join us."

Just as he was about to contact Zaku via the intercom, the Gates crept open already. Did they hear us somehow? I came down here just because of the.. peculiar nature of the identification process and it remaining a secret. Regardless, a green-haired figure came out andd walked straight past, face emotionless yet smehow radiating a lust for blood. Even despite not having met the man in person, the Green Boogeyman was a hushed whisper around Kumogakure. "Kushin-Sama. Where are you going?" He asked, respectfully considering the man's rank. Technically they held the same equivalent of position, yet it didn't feel like that.

"I'm going for a walk." The man responded dryly, causing Natsu to raise an eyebrow. There was plenty of road inside of the city walls to provide for him. The Sennin was clearly up to something. And Natsu didn't like that one bit. After all, unless the Raikage had issued a secret mission, the man had not much business outside at all. Natsu could know, he approval-stamped most of the missions as acting Sennin. Even as Spymaster he did. "Try not to be gone too long, if you would. After all, I'm certain a man of your expertise will want to join in on the discussion of how the Hoshikage", Natsu indicated the woman, "can cooperate in the hunt for Yukimura Enishi and co." And possibly try to coax a helping hand in Bear court for Masao and Kitsune from the woman as part of the deal.

[Word Count: 535]
[Marked for Training]

 

[Junan]

His pupils dilated. A chill ran through him and he could feel a power surge through him as his subconscious reacted.

As he turned his head towards the woman, the Hoshikage, he regained control of his senses. He needed to make a decision on what to do. He knew what part of him wanted to do. Her head would look good on that silver platter he'd been thinking about just now. Yet she also had information he needed, Masao and Kitsune had been taken to a location that he was unaware of.

She still had her uses.

Anyone looking at him in the moment he'd turned his head would have seen his eyes. The whites had turned almost silvery, and the pupils from their circular green to a cats eye shape and yellow. Yet shortly after, as Kushin had regained control, they returned to normal.

Hoshikage... he said, the disdain not hidden ... where exactly are Masao and Kitsune at this time? With Kushin's reputation for his lack of friendliness, as well as the rumors which were likely to be known by the Cloud Shinobi for his reaching to the conclusion that taking someone's bloodline was the ideal solution to every situation, this was not a good sign.

Depending on her answer could very well decide his response. Then his response could very well have those Cloud Shinobi around him needing to make very difficult decisions. Those very difficult decisions could very well decide how long different people were going to live for.

So what would her answer be.

 

[Morishige]

The raven took the weapon in claw, and through might of the mystical chakra carried it up to me. Of course, a weapon such as this, one that was supposed to signify something was beyond my authority. I knew nothing about our neighbors in fact aside from what was in the history books. If the sword was ever mentioned I must have forgotten.

Her information seemed logical, but one could never really trust a shinobi. Things that made logic could be just as dangerous as the insane ideals of a quiet psychopath. "My response..." I thought to myself, and opened my mouth to give her my answer, or rather, thoughts on how things were going to play. But Hikari arrived and added her words regarding the situation. They seemed to be in line with my own so I simply continued with what I was going to say.

"Natsu-san has already been called. When he arrives we will... Oh speak of the devil." I emoted before turning to meet the acting sennin.

He got straight to business, requesting the blade that had been brought to us. "Of course." I responded and quickly gave it to him to inspect. In just a few moments, he directed us to let him proceed with what he planned. As acting sennin, we had no true power to stop him but I could feel there was a chance of danger involved. So, I glanced to Hikari with a look of worry. Of course he would hop off...

Whatever they were speaking of ending with one of the weirdest sites I had ever seen. "Did she really just...grope him?" I questioned aloud, no really to anyone in particular.

That was when the unthinkable occurred: The gate was actually opening!

"Who the fuck authorized that!?" I shouted, uncaring of what the Hoshikage would hear. By this point, Katsu had returned with the short words. "ANBU I believe."

I made a fist and pounded it once on the ledge nearby. "I swear, the incompetence of the ANBU in this village is too damn high. Find them and see to it that they go through classes at the academy or something like that." I grunted.

Turning, I realized that the medical sennin was now turning to speak with the most controversial visitor the village had seen since Makoro. This was the exact thing I was hoping to avoid. I took it upon myself to drop down and join the conversation.

He wanted to know the location of our comrades. I had figured the leaders of the branches had at least been informed as much as I had. "Naraka, the platinum mines. If I have been informed with the most recent information." I said quickly to fill in Kushin with the information he seeked. It was on the television after all... Kushin must have been in surgery or something.

But there was something that needed to be said. "I would like to remind everyone here and whoever is listening on their headset, that under Kumogakurian Law, the Hoshikage is under acting sennin Do Natsu's protection as a guest." I said in an authoritative tone. "Also, Hoshikage-sama, under the laws of our village, you are not permitted to fight in Cloud. Even in self defense. Our sennin will accompany you where you need to go along with a small group of shinobi from the main branch. They will see to your safety." I concluded keeping my eyes on Kushin. The rumors about him were what kept me wary.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

She sighed in relief as the pervy Spymaster in front of her accepted her “reenactment” of events without attempting to cover her in donut glaze or something similarly perverted. Even if you must give yourself a ridiculous nickname, I’m glad you are at least reasonable, she thought as she nodded in acknowledgement of his grant of ingress. With this challenge over, the next point of contention would likely be to obtain Hayata Shin’s cooperation. All available reports about the man were complex at best and contradictory at worst. There were those who claimed that the Raikage was a bloodthirsty conqueror who could not achieve climax without fresh blood on his hands. There were also those who claimed that Shin was a man of peace who had voluntarily endured unspeakable tortures to ensure that his people would not suffer the wrath of Iyo Tsuki of Sand. She hoped that perhaps his desire to see Enishi dead would trump whatever bloodlust he harbored toward her or her people.

The gates now opened, and she thought that perhaps the Spymaster had signaled for them to do so. However instead of the adept guardsman who she expected on the other side, it was another who emerged, a man with green hair. The Spymaster turned and spoke to him – the two seemed to be on polite, if somewhat distant terms. Ai also regarded him, and what she saw she did not like at all.

Whoever this was, she knew him. Or rather, she knew his kind. The type of shinobi whose every decision was made with the same cold-blooded, fish-minded lack of conscience common to both elite soldiers and serial murderers. Compared to this horrifying specimen, she preferred the company of even an S-class sex pervert who called himself “Donuts.” Unfortunately, he was speaking to her.

"Hoshikage... where exactly are Masao and Kitsune at this time?"

Surprisingly, the other shinobi of Cloud seemed to be just as put-off by this one as she had been, for she barely had time to process the question when suddenly she heard the arrival of another shinobi, this time with the voice of the adept guardsman from before. She quickly took in his details – flowing blonde hair, a strong, aquiline face, and generous lips that made him look uncommonly handsome.

“Naraka, the platinum mines. If I have been informed with the most recent information,” said the guardsman, answering for her. “I would like to remind everyone here and whoever is listening on their headset, that under Kumogakurian Law, the Hoshikage is under acting sennin Do Natsu's protection as a guest,” he said as well. Ai raised an eyebrow. If she had not known any better, she would have sworn that this one was trying to protect her against the green-haired one. Clearly there were some fault lines in Cloud as well. "Also, Hoshikage-sama, under the laws of our village, you are not permitted to fight in Cloud. Even in self defense. Our sennin will accompany you where you need to go along with a small group of shinobi from the main branch. They will see to your safety."

Ai nodded. The restrictions he had bound her with were onerous indeed. No self-defense even if attacked? Was she simply to act like this were the nation of Britannia-across-the-sea, where bolters and knives were banned, and where the government directed its citizens to simply roll over and let an attacker have his way with their bodies? She would have refused, if not for the promise of an escort. There was no guarantee that her own escort would not plunge their knives into her back at the first opportunity, but it was better than absolutely nothing.

“Very well, I understand the terms. I see you were the one from before. I would have your name if I could, to commend you to your Raikage,” she said, bowing to Zaku, before facing Kushin. “I do not know your name, ser, but I know the desire for murder when I see it. I can assure you that if you harm me, your village will be no closer to stopping Yukimura Enishi and his group as a result. You will lose the war that he has declared on you, your village, and your country. And if Takaki-san is ever released or rescued from Naraka, he will wish he never left that frozen pit. The truth is that I do know the location of the place, and that I am the only one who does, as it is my judgment that sends my own shinobi there for unforgivable crimes. I am willing to share this, but I must speak first to the Raikage and obtain his cooperation personally.”

 

[Junan]

He frowned and breathed out his nose. He'd heard that Natsu had been given temporary Sennin powers by Masao. Yet what these shinobi needed to realize was that all that meant was granting him control over the branch. Masao was no the Raikage, he could not give someone the powers of Sennin, temporary or otherwise. Perhaps the idea had gone to these shinobi's heads, he would say children, but he was about the same age as these shinobi.

Still he knew where Masao and Kitsune were now, that was all he'd asked for. If he'd wanted more he would have asked for more. Temptation to put these lower ranked shinobi in their place did play in his mind. Yet what would be gained by doing so?

However then the Hoshikage spoke when really perhaps she might have been better off simply confirming the Cloud shinobi. Instead she threatened him and the village of Cloud. A single eyebrow raised and a slight shaking of his head.

Be thankful that I have a place to be where my abilities will be more useful, Hoshikage. After all from what I'm aware of you and your men, shinobi who I'd have thought would have been more knowledgeable on the abilities of shinobi, arrested Cloud's Sennin and a Mednin and have now apparently imprisoned them for something they clearly didn't do. I could take this as kidnapping. I could take this as an act of espionage on your part. After all you have weakened Cloud's leadership with your actions.

You speak of helping Cloud shinobi with hunting Enishi. Yet I personally would not trust you as far as your head would fall from your shoulders. For all we know you'll take a small group of elite shinobi from Cloud out on the hunt and then arrest them once more with superior numbers. How are we as shinobi to believe that you had nothing to do with Enishi's attack on your leadership? We can't.

Kushin smiled, the first that any of these shinobi would have seen him do so. The reason for it was because he knew exactly what it was that he was about to go out and do. The blood that was about to be spilt.

Now I'm going to go and do what I feel I need to do. All I want to leave you with is the knowledge that whenever anyone does anything untoward towards Cloud Shinobi then they will suffer tenfold. And if you think we would lose that war then clearly you are lacking intelligence on Cloud's strongest shinobi, shinobi who have yet to show any interest in this fight.

Kushin stepped back, bowed sarcastically, and then turned to leave.

With a single hand lifted in the air he didn't turn around but called to the Shinobi who had stood up for her and had stepped in in case of an attack by Kushin Your trust comes too easily!

And then he was off. Exactly where and why was unknown. What was known was that a shinobi who other shinobi were wary of was on the move into the country, and he was pissed off.

[topic left]

 

[Yukari]

Shortly after her arrival, Donut arrived as well. She bowed politely as Zaku handed him the blade. “And you as well, Do-san.” As the man took the blade, and hopped over the wall, Hikari’s mouth parted slightly. It was surprising that anyone might just vault a wall the size of Kumogakure’s main gate. Though she was not privy to the conversation that followed between the Hoshikage and the acting Sennin, Hikari did see the rather awkward verification of identification.

“Did she really just… grope him?” Zaku asked incredulously.

“That is what it looked like.” She said with a strange look.

Just as Kumo’s resident grim reaper appeared, having the gates opened for him- much to Zaku’s chagrin-
"Who the fuck authorized that!?" He shouted.

An older man Hikari had yet to become acquainted with returned the words, “ANBU I believe.”

At this, Zaku made a fist and pounded it once on the ledge nearby. "I swear, the incompetence of the ANBU in this village is too damn high. Find them and see to it that they go through classes at the academy or something like that."

Hikari couldn’t help the smirk at the thought of a classroom full of ANBU. “What would be the topic? Oh, you should see if our former etiquette sensei is available.” She joked, straight faced. “It seems they could benefit from lessons on obedience.”

At Isikai-sama’s arrival, Zaku took it upon himself to go and deal whatever information the medical sennin wanted. She figured it was well past time to introduce herself to the dignitary. It was her job, after all.

Hikari smoothed her hair, then trotted down the steps from the ramparts, and toward the rest of the party. She heard Zaku’s voice saying, that she should be treated as the a guest of Kumogakure, and then forbidding the woman from fighting within the village. She seemed to take that bit of information with some difficulty before turning it around in her mind and agreeing, then asking once more to see the Raikage. By the time she reached the group, Kushin had just about finished his tirade. “And if you think we would lose that war then clearly you are lacking intelligence on Cloud's strongest shinobi, shinobi who have yet to show any interest in this fight. “ He said as he stepped away, bowing sarcastically.

Hikari cringed inwardly, thinking You arrogant asshat! Why do you have to go and make my job look like shit? As the aforementioned asshat left, Hikari approached the Hoshikage with a bit of trepidation. Hey, our medical Sennin just basically told you he was going after your people- though he thinks he’s leaving us shrouded in mystery- but I’d like to offer you my hand in peace. Hopefully we can get my boss out of jail without anyone getting murdered! She thought facetiously before directing spoken words toward their visitor.

“Hello Hoshikage-sama. I am Chief Ambassador Tanaka Hikari.” She cursed herself for not having some small token to present as a gift in peace, but she’d not thought of it before leaving home. “I wish your arrival had come under better circumstances, but as things are, I welcome you. Once we are done here, I will accompany you to your meeting with our Raikage, and see to it you are appropriately furnished.” Perhaps at that time she could find an appropriate gift and try to smooth over some of the… tension created by an official of their village.

[mft-540]

 

[Morishige]

And with that, the sennin had left and Hikari had arrived. It was going to be hard for her to mend what brokenness had been caused by this meeting. Fortunately for me, I had a couple ANBU to go get verbal at so I could excuse myself. By this point every shinobi in the village was alerted to the Hoshikage's presence and not even she was good enough to fend off that kind of onslaught. I wouldn't be needed for a few moments would I? Mayhaps it was time for a walk of my own.

[Topic Left]

 

[Morishige]

Now that the ANBU had gotten a good scolding, I returned to the scene to make sure things went over swimmingly. My my I could understand how Kushin felt though. Going for a walk really clears the mind and senses and allows one to focus on their duties. So with a clear head and an alert mind. I prepared myself to do whatever the acting sennin required. Whether it be grope his chest, and scrubbing the poop deck.

[Topic Re-entered]

 

[Takaki Saeko]

Ai remained stone-faced as Kushin made his dread proclamation and vanished, leaving a black cloud of palpable malice in his wake. There was no doubt in her mind what he intended to do. After all, she knew his type well. But if he thought that her people would simply roll over and die for him without defending themselves, as if they were citizens of the country of Ausfailia-across-the-sea, he was in for a rude awakening. She would have to go back quickly and control the damage, which meant that an audience with the Raikage was ever more important, assuming that Hayata Shin had not just dispatched the green-haired man to go and attempt to wreak havoc in her nation.

She noticed another’s approach – this one with a thundercloud of hair the color of the sun’s death and wearing the illogical combination of a miniskirt and form-fitting pants, as if she were embarrassed to show what were otherwise shapely legs.

“Hello Hoshikage-sama. I am Chief Ambassador Tanaka Hikari,” said the redhead, clearly doing her best to attempt to smooth over the start of an international incident. “I wish your arrival had come under better circumstances, but as things are, I welcome you. Once we are done here, I will accompany you to your meeting with our Raikage, and see to it you are appropriately furnished.” Ah well, at least this one did not greet her with threats of harm and eyes devoid of a soul. Plus this one was hella kawaii.

“Ambassador, a pleasure,” she sighed. “I should hope that he who just left was not part of this village’s diplomatic corps, nor that his threats of imminent harm against my subordinates are your village’s official policy, for if he acts under Hayata-sama’s orders then we are done here and I have no cause to meet the Raikage,” she said, matter-of-factly. “If it is the case that your leader is willing to pursue peaceful negotiations and accept our cooperation, then I leave myself in your care.”

 

[Yukari]

“Ambassador, a pleasure,” The Hoshikage sighed then continued, “I should hope that he who just left was not part of this village’s diplomatic corps, nor that his threats of imminent harm against my subordinates are your village’s official policy, for if he acts under Hayata-sama’s orders then we are done here and I have no cause to meet the Raikage,” she said, matter-of-factly. Hikari once again cursed the green-haired Sennin for his ill timed idiocy. “If it is the case that your leader is willing to pursue peaceful negotiations and accept our cooperation, then I leave myself in your care.”

Hikari inclined her head at the greeting, then responded, "Isaki-sama is about as far from the diplomatic corps of my village, as one can get. I can assure you he does not speak for us, or our Kage." She gestured at those assembled, and indicated those who worked at the gates under Zaku. "Raikage-sama is a peaceful man. I can not imagine that he would order or sanction such harm against your people. Isaki sama is an unfortunate element in our village's leadership. Especially for those of us who have chosen a diplomatic path." With effort, she somehow kept the edge of bitterness from her voice. "Ah, but you must be tired of standing here. Perhaps we should move to a location less exposed to the baser elements. Unless there is some reason for us to linger?" She asked the last question of their Acting-Sennin, and Gate-Captain. "No need to tempt the trolls, eh?" She said, attempting to bring a bit of levity to the conversation.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

The Hoshikage could not help but feel a twinge of genuine sympathy for the ginger-haired ambassador. It seemed to be an unfortunate universal constant that the most reasonable and thus most put-upon member of any shinobi village was a young woman like Hikari. She had to suffer the chronic poor impulse control and pervasive horniness of much more powerful men around her while at the same time making sure that the same men who made her life hell did not actually harm themselves or anyone else with their idiocy. It was like attempting to be a nurse for Magoo-oji-san with an extra helping of Asperger’s syndrome. But not to fear, Tanaka-san, one day you will be vindicated, and all of these men will answer to you, thought Ai.

“Agreed. There is no need to risk being set upon by other unfortunate elements. I will abide by all of your village's rules, but I will keep my sword on my person. Ambassador, if you would please show me in…” she said, clasping the redhead’s hand.

[Topic Left with Hikari Unless Stopped/Village Entered Unless Stopped]

 

[Morishige]

As it turned out, the Hoshikage wasn't necessarily as scary as I had been lead to believe by her appearance. Her demeanor certainly was much better than I had expected. Of course, it could all just be a farce. A plan to kill the Raikage. But that was why she was being escorted by the elite of the main branch. Not even a leader of another village was skilled enough to fend off so many.

But Hikari did well enough to abate my worries. I turned my attention to duties that needed to be done before this little event took place.

[Topic Left]

 

[Hameru Ren]

Things happened quickly. Too quickly for Natsu's liking, as he almost was at a loss what to reply to, and in which order. It wasn't like had frozen up or spaced out during the whole display of the Medical Sennin or Hikari's smooth intervention, more like he had tried to contain himself. Speaking the wrong word or making the wrong decision could all too quickly lead to an international disaster. Replaying the events in his mind, he quickly made some short resolutions on how to handle them. After all, a Sennin couldn't linger too long without a sense of direction, Even if he was just an acting one.

Kushin's inquiry of the whereabouts. That was first on the chronological list. Natsu hadn't been able to prevent himself from frowning. Had the man no television? Or an assistant who would do it for him and debrief him on the latest changes? Regardless, Zaku stepped in at this point to inform the Sennin.

Not only did he do that, the Captain also informed everyone within hearing distance of the rulings regarding visitors. Natsu considered it for a moment, before nodding approvingly. It was a brisk reminder to everyone with similar sentiments like the Sennin that there was such a thing as the law. And not even a Kage should position herself above it. It proved to even be a good political move, as the Hoshikage herself commended the young man.

What happened next was the big worry Natsu had about all of this. Barely veiled threats as sharp as the blade in her hand were made by both the Hoshikage and their own Medical Sennin. That Ai spoke so bluntly despite being on the doorstep of the threatened Village showed her guts and probably concern for her own men. Something the Spymaster could understand. After all, the main reason he had come to hopefully let her enter the Village was for Masao and Kitsune. Enishi came second, even if out of a professional point of view those priorities should be switched around. He seemingly still had that softer side. Though if he wanted to harden even that part of himself was the big question.

Regardless of that, Kushin's reply managed to anger Natsu. He wasn't often angry, and many people assumed he was about as sweet as the pastry he was named after. Yet this man.. He spoke bluntly about a conspiracy from the Star Shinobi, though even Academy Students would know why a Kage doesn't overthrow the leadership of their country. Claiming that Cloud's strongest Shinobi hadn't entered the stage yet seemed like a thinly hidden taunt towards the Main Branch. Natsu would let it slide. After all, he himself did not know the strength of every Shinobi in Cloud and couldn't make an unbiased conclusion about it. However, that last sentence..

"Your trust comes too easily!"<i></i> Natsu considered drilling some bone bullets into the man. To think that he'd be accused of such an elementary mistake! To think that after all the scheming with politicians and nobles the Spymaster had not learned the most basic rule! Trust had nothing to do with this. The only thing that counted here was the balance of advantages versus disadvantages. That was what had kept Natsu sane in all his dealings since being promoted. So now to be lectured by this foolish man who thought himself so very smart and invincible.. He'd show him. Even if he was not yet the man's equal, someday he'd make the man realize his mistake of underestimating Do fuckin' Natsu.

Moving away from such foul thoughts and language, Natsu focused on Hikari who swiftly tried to smooth over the rips and bumps in the shaky relations. And she managed so with surprising ease. Truly she had earned that rank of Ambassador. Masao certainly seemed to have an eye for talent, both Hiakri and Zaku proving to be valuable assets. Nodding as the redhead suggested to move inside, he finally spoke up again. "A very good idea. After you, ladies." He spoke, gesturing inside, as he followed them into Kumogakure. The Medical Sennin had stalked off and was no concern for the moment. Zaku would return to his duties, and Natsu would escort the two women along with a few appointed Shinobi. Off to see the Raikage. Natsu simply hoped the man was home and not off attending a tea-tasting event.

[Word Count: 727]
[Marked for Training]
[Topic Left]
[OoC: Edits for fixin' grammar.]