Event When shadows collide [Event: Shadow Stewards] [Req. Wei]

[Myakashi Migoya]

In diplomatic circles, when one party was intentionally late it was a clear display of strength. ‘I made you wait, so clearly I have control over you’. It was a tacky, unsubtle display indeed, but it appeared that this ‘Chikamatsu Wei’ had either learned it somewhere, or, more likely, just didn’t care too much about this meeting.

Myakashi Migoya paced around the carpeted floor on this, the sixth floor of the Kazekage tower in the ‘Stewards’ wing. Clearly this was set aside as the receiving area for international dignitaries rather than the war-room of a Kazekage, and as such the comfortable nature of the surroundings was evident. Various trinkets from far-off lands were displayed prominently around the room, and one such trinket from the former Kirigakure’ had taken the Yamikage’s eye. A crystal sculpture in the shape of a beating heart made of what appeared to be ice, but its not melting and the subtle thumping of it added to the masterpiece. A beating, ice, heart.

If Migoya had any emotion towards the art, his face certainly didn’t show it. Dressed in a fine black kimono over armour, Migoya would look rather different than his usual ‘shadowy’ persona. A pale figure, completely bald, he looked somewhat scrawny despite the form-fitting armour that was worn under the kimono. This was in fact a design of Akkuma’s, made from materials from fallen Kirigakure. Migoya was wearing it not only for protection, but as a nod of respect to his ally.

His blackened gaze looked around the room at the stewards desk, and the soft chairs in front of it where he presumed the steward would negotiate the terms of the Myakashi role. Since Shin’s disappearance, Migoya was rightly concerned about the promises that had been made to him and his clan in return for their support of Sunagakure. The longer the process took, the more likely things would turn sour - such as what had just happened at the gates. So what did the leader of the Myakashi want? It was simple. The acknowledgement of Yamigakure as a sovereign power, overriding the influence of the fools in Moon country. A simple thing indeed one would think, but one that would have very significant consequences. Even now Migoya had sent others to stir up animosity in Kumogakure - to what end, only his clan knew.

A worker had just offered him a cold beverage, but he no longer needed that sustenance. Part of him felt that refusing it would be considered rude, but then again it was his host that was keeping him waiting. And so he would remain standing, waiting for this Chikamasu Wei to eventually turn up.

 

[Sand Council]

It was amazing what had been recovered from the tower after its destruction. Takahashi Sousuke III, had probably “overdone” the security on the tower; but then again, he was probably tired of the damn thing being blown up.

A majority of the tower's second floor was already on its way with some specific remolding being put forward by Wei, himself. This reception room was one of those submitted ideas, as any guest of the Kazekage would have normally been received in their office; currently still ground zero of the 12th’s demise. The artifacts recovered where done so in pristine condition, protected by a special crystal barrier that solidified over multiple rooms at once. It seemed reminiscent of the same power that was used to seal away Barnyx, but could be removed with a simple coded chakra release; fortunately, the creator of the jutsu was still around to undo it. Sousuke had managed to not only save anyone inside of any of the side-rooms, but the entire village itself when the building was dropped on Old Suna to explode and save the village above. The ground panels were already rigged back up, and a new tower being built to replace the last was moving along at full steam. The first floor was already accessible with full air-conditioning and plumbing.

The new building’s interior was full of vibrant colors splashed against a terracotta coating, sanded down to a smooth finish. It was, so far, more or less replicating Soon’s style of architecture and was a sign of a future to come under Wei’s rule.
Giggling and a man’s rancorous laughter slowly began to echo louder and louder towards the room the Yamigake resided in. Chakra pulsed through the air, well trained and only recognizable via a stronger power, as a shinobi appeared before the laughing man.
“My lord, your meeting with-“
“Silence! I know exactly where I am going, worm! Begone, and stalk the shadows elsewhere, I go to rest before my meeting!”
“But Lord Wei, the Yamikage is already waiting for-” the voice of the man cut off once again as a tension rose suddenly in the hall, followed by the tale-tale sound of a gun’s hammer cocking.
“Lord, Steward. How many times must I remind you filth that I. Am. Your. LEADER, and you will call by my title, and title alone. Skulk, elsewhere.” A wave of chakra, far less reserved than it was before, flowed through the air upon the agent’s departure. The hammer clicked again, followed by mumbling; at least three women playfully complained.
“Begone! I have work that must be done, but await in my chambers…I will be along, shortly.”

A moment later the door leading into the meeting room was opened by Chikamatsu Wei dressed in full regalia. A waft of alcohol followed in behind as rosy cheeks gave away his clear inhibitions towards spirits. The Steward flopped into one of the chairs at the desk to belay the gracefulness in which he dressed before leaning back into the seat with a long sigh. He leaned so that his elbow and fist propped his head up on the arm of the chair; gazing long at the pale evil bastard that was ruining his good mood. Originally he had hoped that the Yamikage would have been eaten by a sandworm on the way in, but Wei had to suppose those things really were extinct, or missing, or whatever; because there he was! The paperwork on the whole thing had already been written up by Akkuma, and all that was needed really was signatures on both ends of the contract. The Sennin had been very, on Wei’s neck about assuring this alliance. It made no sense. He already had the oil twins at his back, all of their power and money. A shinobi army that was slowly decimating the locals who might be capable of stopping their ever growing empire.

Why did Shin set this up? Why did Akkuma push this so hard? Question not for him, he supposed as his left hand pulled open a drawer and put down a stack of papers and set them to the side near an ink well and a device used for amending documents written in said ink. He didn’t know why the two fools valued such evil, but Wei was a man of ever growing greed - he didn’t intend to just give Migoya what they wanted for what little Akkuma had already drawn up. Border protection, puh.

“Like that, do you?” he said to break the ice, gesturing to the frozen heart, “Too grisly for my tastes, but it’s amazing that the fire couldn’t destroy it. One of the few things that wasn’t protected when the tower fell, and yet - not a scratch. Undefeated, just as we are.
“So, you’ve come for our recognition of your village. A major player in the world powers that be recognizing a village full of mercenaries could be…problematic, but, I have been assured that it will be vital for the continuation for our country’s expansion beyond the borders of the desert - and believe me I do plan to expand.
“I, would like a little more than just this assurance. Something…to help spice up the deal and make sure your wayward ilk knows what loyalty is,” a man who still confused a single mercenary clan for the entirety of all rogues, he played his hand open.

“What else does the Myakashi have for the Chikamatsu?” Not Suna, his clan. Too long they had played the role of support, always on the back foot. No longer. Not while he reigned. They would finally get more recognition beyond the clan who simply healed…they, no, he, would be the man who finally brought Sunagakure out of the desert and into the world…

 

[Myakashi Migoya]

The pompous fool had arrived, late, and taken his spot on this stage acting as the leading man, when in truth he was simply the bumbling sidekick. Still, he was an important piece in the game of shogi before the Yamikage, and Migoya watched far more carefully than he let on as the man slumped into one of the overstuffed chairs. Not removing his view from the icy heart as he picked it up to examine it further, Migoya heard the Stewards words and their underlying meaning. So… this one sought to expand.

Perfect.

“There is beauty in survival, Lord Steward. Have you been to Kirigakure since the calamity? I witnessed it both in its heyday and afterwards. It gives one… perspective. They too thought themselves unbreakable.”

Placing the frozen heart back onto its shelf, Migoya listened carefully as the fool attempted to alter the agreement to add advantage to his own clan… or at least himself. Oh, this one thought he was in the stronger bargaining position, but what he failed to realise was a simple truth. Migoya did not need him. The Myakashi did not need Sunagakure to thrive. It was simply a smoother path to what they hoped to accomplish, and should this one fail to follow through with the agreed terms, Migoya was sure that Akkuma would be… looking for another Steward.

Migoya continued to look over at the various artefacts as he responded, his voice forever emotionless. “So you wish to alter the terms of our agreement, Lord Steward? I do not blame you - a wise man always takes advantage of the situation placed before him.”

For the first time Migoya would turn, his deathly white bone-thin face came into view, his eyes pools of darkness. Even a haughty fool like Wei would feel somewhat vulnerable under this darkest of gazes. Migoya’s voice was ice-cold, otherworldly, as he continued.

“You seek assurances. That is to be expected given we have not had… direct dealings in the past. The Chikamatsu clan is well known for their… medical speciality, both through official channels, and through… often morally challenged experimentation. Oh yes, I am aware of the dispositions of certain prominent members of your clan, and will happily continue our… pre-existing arrangements. Under the proverbial table of course. Call it a display of our… loyalty. It would be rather… difficult to explain to the wider population why the Steward of their village is part of a clan so in need of fresh cadavers and cloning vats would it not. No - pay it no mind, for it is in both of our benefit to continue to be… friends and colleagues.”

Whether or not Wei knew of his predecessors affinities and previous dealings with the Myakashi would not matter. The fact that Migoya knew the dirty little secrets of the self-righteous Chikamatsu clan would remind this little upstart wanna-be dictator that in fact his position was not so cemented in. Certainly he just put a target on his back, but when was that target ever removed?

That piercing, unemotional gaze continued, possibly making Wei wee a little bit.

“What is the adage… those who are not with me are against me? You may be asking yourself why Lord Akkuma enlisted us in the first place. It is a simple equation for one versed in business.”

“How much would it cost Sunagakure if we were against you?”

It was not a direct threat, but the words carried with it an obvious message.

“The acknowledgement of Yamigakure as a village proper is not only providing Sunagakure with a powerful ally, but one that, independently, can improve the interests of your Hidden Village in ways that would not necessarily be available to you. Your village is limited to what actions it can take on the world stage… a stage where we would help you take centre.”

A small hand movement of Migoya’s would cause a pocket void to appear, a whirling maelstrom of small size but a useful method of storing equipment. A single item fell from it into his outstretched, pale hand. It was a fist-sized ruby, cut to perfection. Turning, Migoya placed the priceless object on the Stewards desk. It was one of a bag-load collected by his friend, Mikki, on a recent adventure. The message was clear - money was not the motivator here.

“There are other lands with untold riches. Lands that are currently… weakened. Lands that, say, a visionary leader could exploit if given the opportunity and the resources.”

The smallest smile would appear on his pallid face.

“Lands that, should we become the powerbase within Moon Country, would lay directly between us.”

Iwagakure….

Blacked eyes full of void material would gaze at the ridiculous creature before him, the very vision of the type of leader Migoya wanted the populus to despise and overthrow. He would throw his bait at the creature, hoping that he would bite. Poison wrapped up in candy, perfectly sweetened for someone who was clearly a gluttonous child.

“And I suppose you would fear retaliation from the lands of Cloud and Fire? Rest assured, they will have troubles of their own to deal with”.

Migoya would then turn his back to the Steward, stepping forward to look outside of the nearby window. He had presented a future prospect to a man he had little connection with, trusting not in the mans willingness to be an ally in this endeavour, rather he trusted in this man's greed and hubris. Oh he could call Migoya out as a traitor, a backstabber and a war-monger and he would not be wrong. In fact, that was exactly who Migoya was, no surprises there, but in doing so would cause... isses. But if he agreed and joined with the Myakashi...

He continued.

“That is, unless you wish to break Lord Akkuma’s agreement?”

 

[Sand Council]

Wei wasn’t paying much attention to the Yamigake. His entire attitude and focus right now belonged to the little brain in his pants, and this entire transaction would be over soon. The tyrannical Steward thought he had all the winning cards already in his hands, placed there by the Sennin, Akkuma. Since the hand was already a sure-fire win, why not ante up a bigger pot? There was always another coin to be taken, another promise to add to the layer of agreements that were already planned out.

It was when Migoya turned to face him, that Wei began to understand an inkling of his position. The bone white skin, the sunken eyes that made his face look like a skull more than human. Being in the man’s presence had not affected Wei, even in the carriage ride a few days ago, but then he supposed there wasn’t really a time he had given the kage a good look in the eye. Now he felt like he had to. As if he was drawn to the sensation, unable to turn away and run as the rest of his body commanded.

The king of mercenaries gently laid out a simple monologue, one Wei couldn’t interject to no matter how hard he tried; his mental will was simply not strong enough. The talk about the Chikamatsu’s darker secrets were supposed to be just that - secret. The Steward wanted to rail against the man for knowing, wanted to squeeze every last bit of information he could from the cold humanoid before him, releasing the skeletons…but the Steward couldn’t. He could only sit, and stare. All that could be done, was wonder who had parted lips.

A small bit of blood began to drip from his left nostril.

Then the threat came. Well, suppose it wasn’t as much of a threat as it was a reminder. A reminder that his little upheaval in the system via a well manicured take over had thrown the entire village’s defenses in no small disarray. Wei had the protection of Soon, such as it was, but most of the current army was out abroad in the desert doing what sand shinobi did best - kill. That said, the front against the Nomads had proven to be far more complex than simply sending chakra-powered soldiers to squash the opposition. Turned out, those who actually lived in, the desert knew how to better fight within the dunes. The entire thing was quagmiring, but he was assured that it wasn’t a problem…right?

The words Migoya spoke became a sound he could not unhear. They reverberated in his skull, molding the placid flesh of wrinkled gray mass that quivered inside of it. The words declared from the malevolent being were suddenly no longer filing Wei with fear for his life, but instead hope for the future power he could wield. With Yamigakure’s help, Suna could move their home out of this desolate country and into somewhere with a bit more vegetation. The loosened laws of the desert could move with the Twins and Wei was sure he could convince them to change their home base. All they needed was more mon-

Clunk. A fist-sized ruby was placed on Wei’s desk. Sheer greed was the only thing that broke the Steward from the trance the Yamikage’s eyes had put him under as they ripped away from the spiraling void to stare at the beautifully cut rock before him. Grubby little hands reached for it, and dragged it across the desk towards him that scrapped the precious wood beneath it as he did; it was heavy. So clearly given away without pause, a ruby worth twice as what he was putting into reforming the Kazekage Tower. The king’s mention of the land of Fire and Lightning were but whispers compared to the attention the gem was pulling. Only the mention of Akkuma’s name that made his head snap back up. Fear roiled in his belly when he realized he might meet the Boneman’s gaze again, but elation flowed when it met his back instead.

“You make a s-solid argument, and I may have s-spoken too s-soon,” the weak tyrant stuttered as he scooted the ruby closer, “Besides I…you are right, I should not waste the hard work my Sennin has preformed in writing up the contract! B-best to get it signed n-now, than, later…yes?”

The contract and pen didn’t move. The fool’s hands were clutched to the ruby as if it was all he had to keep his mortal form remaining in this realm. Not too far from the truth. He had known fear, perhaps. It was ingrained in every being. Yet for Wei, standing before this creature was something he never wanted to do again so long as it could be helped, and continuing to do so was a feat.