The Humblest Abode [Kazuki]

[Senju Kazuki]

People being ungrateful? Where did he heard that before. It wasn't that hard to believe though. Kazuki himself had learned humility very recently. He had been forced to swallow a huge amount of humbleness. Although hard to swallow, the Overlord of the Senju Clan now saw its usefulness. If there was one flaw his clan could have, that was pride. They had their reasons to be prideful, but pride is a major flaw, one that usually leads to death. Luckily, after that shower of modesty every Senju was forced to go through, they had grown for the better. The White Wolf nodded as he began his reply. "What can I say Steward? Not long ago I was one of those men that rarely thanks another individual. I was filled with pride as any other member of my clan. But recent events forced us to evaluate ourselves. We were forced to assess if our behavior was the best one. And after the gifts we received, it was either change or die. And we changed. We are no longer the same as we were. Perhaps we should be thankful for that and perhaps this evolution was for the better. Time will answer. But for now, it is as I said. We are thankful for your help.".

And so the privileges of the Jounin status were displayed for the former ANBU Sennin. It would seem that little inside the village would off limits to him, which pleased Reaper. But privileges always carried duties. One could not exist without the other. "I see. It seems I'm allowed pretty much everywhere. What about my duties?" the Dread Lord inquired. It was better to know it all before departing from Sousuke's company. The more he knew about this newfound position the better. "The climate is vastly different from what I am accustomed to, but I've had no issues in adjusting to it." Kazuki noted. He had forgot to mention the simple fact that he was not entirely human and as such he fared batter than other people, even under extreme conditions. "Although I find it very ironic that I came to the Hidden Sand Village only to live underground. One would assume Sand was surrounded by it. I believe you were forced underground by an event you had no control over it, but it is still a good ploy for our enemies." the White Wolf commented. "This won't be as effective was Project Rebirth is over, but I am certain we will be able to defend ourselves."

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"Pride is a very dangerous thing. I have tried very hard to be mindful of it, even in my own attempts of being a superior version of myself."<i></i> He listened to Kazuki outlining how his clan mates had to change their attitudes. It was referred to as evolution. A curious term. It was a term Sousuke would ... not have used when it came to discussing changes. For all intents and purposes they were still humans, granted they still had great abilities, they still ate, slept, drank, procreated, and were creatures of habits. Evolution was a massive change. It permitted men to fear each other. That fear led to armament. Armament led to war. War led to corpses. For the pessimistic mind of Takahashi Sousuke evolution was forward one step, but then two steps backwards.

Duty. "You duties will include some construction, missions, gate patrol, VIP protection and production of goods. That is to say, we may need you to manifest chakra creations to aid in our structures. I respect you in keeping your secrets. Given your dual citizenship, I would not have you deal with international affairs. Internal affairs within Wind Country, yes ... I may need to have some involvement."<i></i> He spoke clarifying the two. Visitors outside of Wind was rare. Sousuke had met some earlier in the year with Mist's destruction. The final turn of the conversation would come to the nature of the village and Project Rebirth. "One would be right to assume that, and they would be right. It's a matter of perspective... in the sense it is above us. Control over it is another matter entirely different now. One that I'm ... still puzzled by. Diamond sand, you will find, is quite exceptional. While we may have a harder time, in the sense we're more open on the surface, we too will adapt to our new surroundings and tools."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

"Change leads to evolution, although not always. And evolutions leads to superior beings. Superiority leads to pride. These are concepts hard to juggle without leading to a serious flaw that may lead to our deaths. We are in constant pressure to getting better and stronger every single day, but this drive can also lead to our untimely demise. " Kazuki shared with the Steward. The White Wolf shrugged as he continued. "This may be even more critical to the Senju Clan. Our own nature drives us to grow stronger, we are constantly forced to seek power or else we can become insane. But the very might we seek can also drive us insane. And if we don't become crazy, if we survive unscathed through this perilous journey, what we have gained may become our main flaw." After a momentary pause to catch his breath, the Silvery Haired Man continued. "So now you see that being a Senju does not lead to an easy life. At any time we can become what we hate the most. It is a constant struggle but one that leads to high levels of determination."

The conversation then went to the former ANBU Sennin's future duties. It was not nothing he had never done before. "Very well. It seems most, if not all, of those duties have been performed by me, at some point in my life. As for the chakra contructs you have mentioned, that should not be problem. I have a small army at my disposal.". Kazuki then sent a mental suggestion to Sousuke. A brief image of rather large cast of characters would invade the Steward's mind for a few seconds, showing him what the Overlord of the Senju was talking about.

Spoiler

"If you wish, I may study Diamond Sand's properties over normal Sand and how people can control one and no the other. If that is the case" Reaper offered.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke sank into his chair. The Senju clan was complex. "Indeed."<i></i> It seemed that most noble houses of great power had difficulties in the extreme. House Senju and its changes. House Takahashi's claim to old history. "Our clan has always sought to be caretakers, or at its basest of natures, servants. We have always feared powered, and what it does. In our history only two Takahashi have ever been given power over the state. The first was Takahashi Shiro. He was Regent in a time when the Sunahoshi heiress was too young to take power. He hated it. He maintained the realm, and even during a Sunahoshi civil war he was forced to keep the peace when he had to put one to the sword who rebelled not once, but twice. The second..."<i></i> Sousuke pointed to himself with his metallic fingers. "Steward-Kazekage was the formal title I was given. To hold power until the rightful Kazekage returns. Here I am a Steward with no one to advise, merely myself. The one who is bound by blood and right does not wish to take the throne which leaves me with few options. It is a frustrating experience. I may have to become Takahashi Sousuke the First, Kazekage."<i></i> He explained. He did not like the words that rolled off the tongue. To him it was heresy. He then motioned to his surroundings. Saying the words alone brought grief and distress to the Steward's facial features, even with how subtle it was. "Like a good Takahashi, I will rise up and face the challenges placed before me, as it is expected of me to do so."<i></i> The Steward rarely fell short of their expectations.

Sousuke's mind reeled over a moment at the numbers Kazuki showed him. There were those that were mighty. Those that moved like lightning. Those that were fantastic. Those that were uncanny. A marvel to behold. "I have my wit and my metal. Good to know you are a host to such an expansive team of Avengers and Ultimates."<i></i> Sousuke would not want to be on the side opposing this man. No. Not with allies like his. Sousuke nodded his head. "Originally the Sunahoshi controlled the Diamond sands. The Sunaku clan seemed to have trouble using it during the time of the storm ... but now that it is gone their troubles have ... dissipated. Research is still ongoing."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

This was sharing time now. Kazuki had just shared with Sousuke a portion of the Senju's constant plight. In turn, the Steward shared his. If the Senju were bound to power, the Takahashi were bound to serve others. Either fate was terrible, but they did what they had to do to survive in an unfair world. "You have been conditioned to serve others. Led to believe you are unworthy of leading. Why don't you remove those shackles once and for all? Doesn't your clan deserve more after years of service? Maybe it is time you and your people receive some gratitude for a change." the White Wolf noted. Regardless of his many flaws, the Silvery Haired Man believed in fairness and had a particular dislike for injustice. Unfortunately he did not own the world nor had the capability to make wrongs, right again. "And you don't have to face those challenges alone as well. You have friends you can depend upon, I am sure. Toraono Kuro seems more than willing to help you." the former ANBU Sennin stated moments later. "And you don't always have to follow expectations, sometimes it is better to do the unexpected. War is deception, remember that." and that was all the advice Reaper could offer. The Purple Haired Man seemed wise, wiser than the Dread Lord. Everyone needed advices from time to time, even geniuses.

Kazuki nodded. "I have worked long and hard. Many sleepless nights, countless quests, all lead to having such a host at my command. It was not easy but I believe it will be worthy in the end. Fear not though, these men and women are entirely at my command. They are unable to escape my grasp, even those that will follow you now. And do not sell your self short, you're Steward and leader of the Takahashi clan for a reason. Remember that." the Overlord of the Senju Clan spoke. It was time to fill the Kazekage with confidence. But it was not now though. The Silvery Haired Man was about to start this epic speech when he was stopped. Not physical binds prevented him from speaking, but a powerful mental suggestion reached him. As an ANBU, Reaper had been trained to resist mental assaults, but despite his many years of training, his defenses easily fell against this invisible and superior foe. Mental walls crumbled as if they were made of Sand. The White Wolf was uncertain if this mental probe was affecting him alone, or everyone else in the vicinities. But he had figured out who the assailant was. The Phoenix Force. The Senju's ancestral foe, one they had fought and slain for untold millennia.

Spoiler

Kazuki was now kneeling while grabbing his head with both hands. His teeth were clenched and his face showed nothing but a deep struggle. But as soon as it started, it was gone. His mind free and that presence gone. From one enemy to another, the Senju were surrounded by threats. But they were survivors and they would survive again. "It is coming and we are not prepared." he muttered, clearly forgetting where and with whom he was.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke watched as Kazuki fell to the floor, he went to go help the man but before he knew it he seemed well. Something was lingering on him, and for the briefest of moments Sousuke sensed something destructive spiritually. He caught a glimpse of it. Fire. Death and Rebirth. A complete and utter reset of the entire world. True endgame cataclysm. For all his prepared and memorized tech, even his abilities and talents seemed unable to prevent this. For a moment he was dazed. Stunned. It seemed like time itself had frozen still. He snapped back as Kazuki spoke of how it was coming, and how the world was not ready for it. "No. We are not. This world will not unite under one banner to best that threat."<i></i> Sousuke's hands balled into fists. What was that? A vision? Daymare? Maddness? Vision seemed most likely.

Sousuke left the room for a moment, to return with a glass of water. Kazuki most likely needed something to ground himself. The natural opposite of fire was water. Yet... simple water alone would not stop this. No. To best this threat they would need a united world, and such a thing was beyond Sousuke's grasp. People had too many differences. People would either accept their fate. Others would ally themselves with such a force, thinking to save themselves. Sousuke merely would help up the silver haired man unto a chair, and then place the glass of water before him, for when he was ready. He would take a seat, and would give the man time to recover from this... this... moment. "A bird. Great and fiery. No. Not great. Destructive."<i></i> Sousuke corrected himself. There was nothing great here. There was only need for concern. "Sage Khan once went into a fevered fit of sorts. He wrote about it later. He wrote about something maddening that consumed his mind, and spoke of this entity. He called it 'The Phoenix'. Some people wanted it to happen to wash away... everything. Others fought it. Judging from your reaction, and the level of it... being that you fell... I am led to believe house Senju has taken up arms against it?"<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Kazuki's stupor continued on until he was snapped back into reality by Sousuke's words. The Silvery Haired Man raised his hazy eyes toward the Purple Haired Man, failing to recognize who that man was. But what was once unknown became rapidly known, as the White Wolf fully regained his senses. "I..." he mumbled again as the Steward left the room. It was clear the Overlord of the Senju Clan had just gone through something terrible, not easy to shake off. That was something noteworthy as the former ANBU Sennin was not easily disturbed. Sousuke would return only to find Reaper standing on his two feet. His balance was not perfect, but he had regained some of his natural color. Which was practically nothing since he was extremely pale. Despite hating weakness on others and especially on himself, Kazuki could not will himself to take a seat. He allowed, regretfully, the Takahashi clan leader to help him find a chair. Collapsing on said seat, the Silvery Haired Man grabbed the glass of water, while muttering his thanks. "Thank you. This was a terrible attack and shock, to say the least. I am having a hard time to recover." the Overlord noted.

The former ANBU Sennin sipped his water as the Purple Haired Man shared whatever knowledge he had about that psychic attack. It seemed that Sousuke knew about the Phoenix Force, or at least, had some details about it. It was a surprise, but not a complete one. That destructive entity was not a specific enemy of the Senju House, but of the entire universe. Reaper nodded upon the Steward's inquiry. "We call it the Phoenix Force. An entity ruling over death and rebirth. Of extreme and destructive power that cannot be killed. I know it. The Senju have tried it many times before. Perhaps we are now paying the price for our actions. Every time the Phoenix returns, it seems to target us first. We have been extremely lucky, but I believe our luck is running dry. We are at our weakest since the last encounter, 50 years according to our data logs. We cannot hope to defend our world with our meager might." the Dread Wolf explained. He finished his water and continued. "You may wonder how I know what its domains are if I have never fought it, but as I've noted, I have access to the Senju's data logs and every encounter has been aptly described. One of my ancestors saw the Phoenix killing a dog only to witness the animal's rebirth. It may not be malevolent in nature. It may just be obeying its instructions of cleansing the universe and allowing something better to rebirth. But we are not something to be culled or herded. We have to fight back." Kazuki stated as his right hand formed a fist and slammed the arm of the chair he sat on.

"I have a plan to counter it. I am not certain if it will work nor if it is a permanent solution. But I have to try it out. I will seal the Phoenix inside Nagato. I believe he alone has the necessary personal power to contain the Phoenix Force. And the end goal is for him to learn how to harness its powers. If we are successful, if he survives, if he can contain it, we may be rid of it. These are a lot of ifs, I know, but it is the best plan I have. I cannot do the sealing alone. I need help." the White Wolf shared his plan. It was a marvelously crazy plan, he had to admit, but it was their best shot so far. Placing the empty glass on the floor near the chair, the Silvery Haired Man brought forth a bubble of shadows upon his left hand. This shadowy orb mutated into what appeared to be a sealed scroll. "This scroll contains most of the knowledge we have about the Phoenix Force. Use it wisely." Reaper noted as he handed the scroll to Sousuke. Although very old, the parchment seemed to be in a good state, capable of being used plenty more times.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke listened to Kazuki detail his plan on how to deal with the phoenix as he very carefully went over the seal he provided. Sousuke wore gloves so as to not destroy the precious information. "I know you would hate the obvious being pointed out, and so would I."<i></i> He began to explain, "The idea you have is a two way door. The Phoenix could be ... expecting this? This plan must have been done before. Sealing entities within people is an old concept. Nagato is impressive, but bearing in mind what we know... wouldn't he be forced to live through the cycle of life and death, each time having to learn how to assert control? Do we even know if he will be subjected to such a thing, let alone ... inherited memories? Does the phoenix have inherited memories from its prior forms?"<i></i> Alot of questions were being asked. Cataclysmic End-Game this was called. Sousuke studied it. He prepared for it. Sousuke poured over the scroll more and more. Some it was a retelling of information Sage Khan had, but it was more so firsthand accounts. Sage Khan's stories and recordings were not so. This was proving to be most informational and educational. "It is ... comforting to some knowing that there is a cycle of death and rebirth... but..."<i></i> He hesitated looking up from the scroll. "I will agree with you. We are not to be herded, or culled. We Takahashi built the sword and armour of the One King, Primus, who slew the Ancients Fuujin and Homura. We are not strangers to fighting foes who surpass all qualities of man. Forgoing what I said earlier, we are not slaves to a higher power, we believe in Mother suna but we are not slaves to her. We serve at the leisure of men and women from an old household, but we never truly saw it as slavery. Advisors, smiths, consultants. We Takahashi are King's Men. Man can be king. Not otherworldly powers. A king is empowered by his men, and men are empowered by their king."<i></i> Sousuke did not realize it but he was on his feet by the end of his little monologue about the truer purpose of his clan... and even still there seemed to be some element of pride present. Takahashian loyalty, it was unbreakable like the steel they produced. "We need to cross reference the history. Something seems amiss... something not so bright or holy about The Phoenix seemed ... unchecked or unlooked."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Sousuke's points were valid. There was no argument there. Unfortunately, those questions had been raised by Kazuki many times before. In fact, a few of them had been vocalized by the Overlord as he presented his plan. Said plan was not bulletproof, bearing holes as big as the deepest chasms on the ocean. It was a theory and like most theories it required testing. But the fact was they had no way for prior testing. There was no facsimile of the Phoenix for them to seal on someone. There was only the real thing and that was out of their reach and was unwilling to cooperate. "Don't think I haven't posed those questions to myself and others before. The truth is I don't know. I don't have all the answers. And don't believe we will be able to learn the Phoenix's true nature unless we are able to seal it or tame it. Both are very difficult tasks, if not outright impossible. But unless we try it out, we won't know for sure. Nagato knows the potential risk, or what we think those risks are, and he willing to take his chances in this gamble. There might not be a higher purpose than protecting those we love and with his sacrifice he might be saving us all." the Overlord replied. His tone was uncertain but the White Wolf had a determined look on his face. "There is no better plan I believe, unless we can come up with one."

The Steward's words pleased the former ANBU Sennin. The Sunan Majordomo was willing to fight. They would not go down without a fight. "Good. Cowering in fear does not fit us. We were not created to bow to threats. We were made to stand tall and face it and prevail. I won't accept defeat before I try everything I can." Reaper spoke accompanying the Purple Haired Man's ascent. "Leaf's library is gone. We can search for more information in your library. Otherwise we only have what that scroll contains." the Dread Lord noted as he sat down again.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"I figured as such. We're men of detail. Very rare do we ever seem to forget the smallest of facts. Though it seems like in this case we have to play as my grandmother would say, all in. It is a way to play, but it is something I would think... you're not comfortable with? I know I certainly am not."<i></i> When you throw down everything, you virtually are willing to walk away from the table losing everything, or so his grandmother once explained. Granted this was... very different from gambling. "The other alternative is to meet it on the frontline and to beat it into submission forcing itself to burn itself up... but we would have to battle it on lands that are very much vacant, empty and lacking in life. Forcing the creature to its own nature would give us more time to prepare it in time once. Give it a generation, but you always run the risk of the previous generation not properly inheriting a skill set... which is something I am in effect of with puppetry. Granted that too is placing several cards out and on the table, but it saves the trump for later. Not exactly the best of plans, but it is an alternative."<i></i> Either way the plan was slightly more suicidal than Kazuki's. "As it stands right now that is all I have to offer in terms of spurr of the moment things, which I will admit is something I loathe to do. Time is something that is... not refundable."<i></i>

With Leaf's library gone, not to mention inaccessible if it wasn't destroyed due to the cataclysm that befell those lands, the Sunan library was a host to some ancient texts. "We can do that. We mere would need to broaden the scope to include ... alternative words like Firebird, Returner Avian, and others. Language is not unified, but we do have a catalogue of past references. Sage Khan, who's work I am most adept in merely referred to it as The Phoenix, you of course refer to it as the Phoenix Force. Some may refer to it as the herald... but then you have several versions of the herald mythos. The Silver Herald. Doom Heralds. So on and so forth."<i></i> This was a tricky thing. It was something that had to be done though. The Steward shook his head though. Their initial conversation had drifted far and wide here. How things could change so very quickly on a mere ripple was ever something so.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Kazuki shook his head. "I never go all in. I always have a trump card stored somewhere. I am practically forced it since so much is upon my shoulders." the Overlord noted. The Leaf's Liberation effort was entirely his. The Senju relocation was entirely his. Saving their world from the Phoenix Force? Entirely his. How could one man survive with so much weighing him down? The answer? The Silvery Haired Man was not completely human anymore. "Waiting it out and facing it on the battlefield would be a good strategy given enough time. But time is something we don't seem to possess in abundance. I would not receive this psychic attack if the Phoenix Force's intent was not to attack and attack soon. My plan, however how incredibly difficult and with as much failing chances as it has, might be our best plan. As suicidal as this might be, me and Nagato are willing sacrifices." the White Wolf stated. Sousuke's plan was also a good one, but he feared they would not have enough time to prepare it.

"Once my clan arrives I can send them to Suna's Library at once and have them read all the scrolls related this mythos or whatever reference they find. But what if our search comes short? What if our library does not contain enough information? Do you believe the other village's libraries would be open to us? With so much distrust I have seen in our world, I don't think they will receive us with open arms once we request access to their information repositories. Regardless of how much fruits we can collect, I believe we need to create something that may help us out in the long run, both with his impending menace and with Suna's own enemies. While in Leaf I ran the Intelligence Gathering and Foreign Affairs Department, I know how to set up a network of information. Currently, I could create and extend such a network between the Wind, Earth and Fire countries. With that we would have eyes pretty much everywhere and would be able to react to threats much faster than ever before. I've been thinking about this for a while now. I will have my clan to form the core of this organization, but I want you to lead with me." the former ANBU Sennin declared. He was not done with disclosing his plans, but he wanted to give Sousoke some time to process what was being said.

"I would call it the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. That would be the main organization, but I believe smaller sub branches are also needed. Sentient World Observation and Response Department, Alternate Reality Monitoring and Operational Response Agency, Temporal Irregularity Management and Eradication and Wizardry Alchemy Necromancy Department. SHIELD, SWORD, ARMOR, TIME and WAND for short. The later four would be semi-independent but still under the leadership of the parent organization with us leading it all. I understand this is a grand undertaking, something that will take time to accomplish, but I believe it is necessary and it will work." Reaper continued after what time he felt was necessary.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

There was something else in play? Kazuki was not going all in? It seemed very much like that to the Steward, but that is what made Kazuki a very smart player in the larger 'game'. "Well, I would think The Phoenix would have to met in martial combat on some level."<i></i> Would such an entity willingly allow it to be sealed so easily? Maybe. Maybe not. It was a variable that would have to be accounted for. Kazuki had made the inquiry if other scholary sources would open up. "Soon's Sanctuary has a fairly large library, but the merchant lord in charge of that is about trading knowledge. The information and source is good, but Soon's relationship with us is slightly rocky right now."<i></i> He paused for a moment. "My allies the Kirishii may have some knowledge but their knowledge is an oral tradition. Prime Diamund is ... very old, and remembers the days of her father very well."<i></i> How old was the Matriach? Sousuke couldn't tell. The rockish primates were always so very difficult to age, and given that Prime Diamund was the eldest? A most tiring task. "Mist is in ruins. Nothing gained there, unfortunately, as their resources are encased in crystal."<i></i> There was also a mountainous state of Cloud. Sousuke had no dealings with them or knowledge of their workings either.

Sousuke listened quietly as Kazuki placed a new offer on the table. To form an organization of sorts to keep such threats being global or international under tabs. As a whole it seemed like it would work, and would keep tabs on people of interest such as the Daiymos. There was a small concern of it being that the core of it would be the Senju clan. Sousuke being given a leadership position seemed all and well, but it would be that he was odd man out as he was not a Senju. "My father back in his prime ran a subsection referred to as AIM, Advanced Idea Mechanics. Its intention was to push puppet manufacturing to a higher level without having to result to using human puppets, something my clan frowns upon. Unfortunately due to the storm he had to put the idea of it to rest as the Kazekage had died due to illness."<i></i> It truly did make Sousuke wonder though was the potential of AIM could have been if his father had not been disrupted and forced into an elevated form of leadership of the village.

"I accept your proposal with SHIELD, but I would like to include my father, Prime Diamund and Kuro into the core of SHIELD. At least with my father as an advisory position. We both know Kuro, and we know that he works towards a greater good like the two of us do."<i></i> It was time to see if Kazuki would be willing to compromise with him on this small item. It wasn't that he distrusted Kazuki, it was the fact that the two recommendations he was bringing to the table offered their own unique skillet and knowledge.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Kazuki's plan was grandiose. He had to admit that. Lots of problems, headaches were coming their way if SHIELD truly went through. But it really seemed their best option. The benefits they could gain from having such an organization seemed to outweigh whatever negatives sides it could have. The seeds had been planted, it was time to let them grow and sow the results. Sousuke seemed receptive, but he had a few requests of his own.The Overlord was guessing the reason for such petitions was certainly due to a certain distrust for having an entire clan running such an organization. It was most understandable. The Senju Clan was a new House to Sunagakure. Words could only serve to a certain point and trust had to be gained. The Silvery Haired Man nodded. "I would risk Kumogakure's library from the list. They are, or were, under a lockdown. No visitors are allowed. We will have to work with whatever libraries we can access. That means Sunagakure, your allies the Kirishii, Prime Diamund and Soon's Haven." the White Wolf said.

"For as long as you trust them, you can add anyone you want." the former ANBU Sennin noted. He was not going to close doors on anyone, as long as they could be trusted. Trust was not easily gained in Kazuki's eyes, but it was also something hard to lose with him.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke was about to open up his mouth so as to comment on the nature of Cloud. Unfortunately for him the phone rang. He sighed as he reached forward and picked up the phone. "Yes?"<i></i> Sousuke had a very good idea of who was calling him, and as usual he was right. "No. I have not. I did not file it yet. ... ... ... Yes. Yes I understand."<i></i> He had a bored expression on his face. "No. Don't do that. It's a ... ... ... yes. No. Call it."<i></i> His gaze shifted over to Kazuki. "Yes. I have company. ... ... ... No. I would rather not have to do that. No. Just... ... ... yes. Do that."<i></i> He hung up the phone, and proceeded to face palm. "There was a series of murders going on by a copy cat that I had to deal with a few years back. The case has been reopened. Unfortunately none of the Anbu have yet to uncover certain particulars. They wanted me to come in and have a look at the latest crime scene before the evidence is further tampered with."<i></i>

Sousuke shook his head. Time was working against the two. "I'll have an assistant of mine meet up with you to get you into the library. One of Kuro's brothers is a monk and is well invested this ancient texts."<i></i> The phoenix was the ultimate threat present, but only to those who knew about it. The trick about all of this would be to keep it mum, and prevent a panic. Sousuke rose from his chair. "I'm surprised Kumogakure was on lockdown. So were we but that was for different reasons being this Cabal invasion. Could be that they were suffering something similar."<i></i> Sousuke's ringed his metallic wrist as he was checking it. "Time is working against us in far too many ways. Sometimes I think time itself is partial to some force that we have yet to fully become aware of. Perhaps it is Death. Perhaps yet a foe who is courting time itself."<i></i>

(MFT)

 

[Senju Kazuki]

"I don't think Kumogakure's lockdown is the same as yours. There, only foreigners were barred entrance, in here, according to rumors I have heard, everyone was barred from entering." Kazuki noted as he shook his head. Although it was coincidental, the Overlord believed those lockdowns had different sources, he knew Sand's but he was not certain about Cloud's. "Sounds good to me. I'll ask Nagato to accompany you to the crime scene to see if his eyes can spot something others can't, if you allow it that is." the Silvery Haired Man stated, adding a clear reference to his cousin's Sharingan. "He has impressive Brawn, but he also needs to train his Brain, as your certainly might agree." the White Wolf added. Again, he had just referenced a millennium old tale of brawn versus brain and if the former ANBU Sennin had any saying in it, he would make sure Nagato was fully equipped with both.

"And yes, time is always against us, but even we, little men, have ways to tamper with it. Although I firmly doubt Death itself is involved with it." the Dread Lord noted. How could he be so certain? There were those that called him the Rider of Death, or put more simply, Death. Perhaps this was an exaggeration from those people, but Kazuki's grasp with the dark arts was only growing and it was clear that he had a deathly aura surrounding him. To those attuned to the supernatural occurrences, it was even possible to hear cries of the damned coming from within the Overlord's body. He could be Death or something akin to it, but one thing was clear, the White Wolf was not a normal human being, if human at all.

"I think I should hit the library as soon as possible and check whatever information I can find there. Time is fleeting and should not be wasted." Reaper declared as he rose from his chair and prepared himself to exit Sousuke's premises.

[Topic Left?]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke saw his companion out as was demanded of a host. He bore in mind everything that he said. This meeting brought with it confidence but also revealed unto the two of them a foe that was bigger than most things the two had ever fought. The phoenix would find upon itself a formidable foe in the form of the Senju Dreadlord and the Steward-Kazekage.

As the Senju exited the premise, the Steward himself prepared for work. While the phoenix had to be dealt with there was still the criminals in Sungakure that needed dealing with. Nagato would be greatfully appreciated in putting this murder situation to bed.

[Topic concluded and exited]