New World Kage Summit

The new Kazekage sat in her office with a pensive look on her face as she stared down at the map spread over the desk - it had been in this position since she came to power and it seemed the time for an international meeting was approaching quickly. Taking a few slips from the stack of parchment on her left she penned out a general invitation to the Kage of the respective villages she knew of; Hoshigakure, Kirigakure, and Kumogakure, while personalizing the Hokage invitation for the man she had met in person - Wan Senju. Each letter came written with the following: 




Placing the pen down she would roll each letter and tie it closed with their respective colored ribbons and sealing them closed with a wax stamp emblazoned with the new symbol of Sunagakure; the impossible triangle. Walking over to the window she would attach the scrolls to the legs of messenger falcons that sat on perches waiting for their release, once attached the birds would head in their respective directions. She would stare after the birds until they were out of her line of sight - time to ready the chamber.


The summit was to be held in a secure room on floor 78 of the Kage tower, as each group entered the entry way on floor 1 all they would need to do is touch the seal on the wall to be transported to the proper floor. Once transported the large double doors to the chambers would stand wide open - dark stained oak with gold handles, inside the room sat a large round table stained the same color with 5 tall backed chairs spread evenly with an accompanying shorter backed chair placed a few paces diagonally back from the initial; paired up. Mizuki would be standing at the only window in the room, a horizontal strip of glass that ran across the furthest wall, there she stood with her back to the open doors as she stared out at her village - with her for this momentous occasion would be Zaine as her body guard and the former Kage Kenshin as meeting moderator. She would turn from her view to welcome anyone who entered the room, eager to get this conversation underway.

WC 519

"*Mumbling of words being read from the letter.*...A Summit?"
"*More mumbling of words continues as Wan reads over the last of the letter* I am looking forward to this long-overdue meeting. Signed Lord Kazekage."

A sigh of breath erupts from the mouth of the Senju, the slight gust of air passing up from his lips as it causes the hair hanging gently past his eyebrows to ruffle in its breeze. The letter in his hand was crumpled tightly in the spot his thumb secured on it, the document gently fluttering to the ground once he released his grasp of it as Wan continued to sit on the side of his bed. He looked down at the letter as it laid on the floor, re-reading it over as if he needed more time to fully grasp what was written. "A summit." he would repeat to himself, the words being all but common to the young boy. never in a million years would he have thought he'd be summoned for such an important meeting, or at least it seemed important by what he knew of them. He could remember in the past that Kages would attend these on a scheduled basis, mostly yearly, but recently the shift in the shinobi world has caused the lack of such meetings to be held. He folded his arms across one another as he hunched his body over, placing his arms on his lap as his gaze was still on the letter at his feet. His eyes shifted towards the top of the letter, focusing on two words that began to resonate deep within the heart and mind of the young lord:

"Lord Hokage." he would think.

"That's me..." he would say, but the words still held little meaning to the Wayfarer. A title was exactly what it sounded like to Wan: a title and nothing more than that to him. Wan felt as if ranks were nothing more than a way to flaunt your feats of life. True skill and power are never fully determined by title alone. If such was the case then defeating the previous Hokage would set Wan next to the throne of God himself, but the Senju knew how easy the fight was against the man he had slain. The title is what came with those actions he had made on that day, the day he usurped Konohagakure from its previous leader. However, Konohagakure was not the paradise preached about in the legends and tales of the world, at least not anymore. His own goals have always been placed before anything, and although he at one point did see himself as a leader to a nation who would one day become a dominating factor in the Shinobi world, he had lost fate in Konohagakure being the target of his dream after witnessing its state. There was so much that needed to be done, much of wish would put his own goals on pause to risk everything he worked for just to pull Konoha from the darkness. That was something he could not afford to do at the moment. If anything War would be the only viable solution for gaining Konohagakure Independence. He was not yet a one-man army, and as such he would need a population of shinobi capable of taking back what belonged to them and this was something the Senju did not yet have.

While caught up in thoughts revolving around him being the Hokage and the summit Wan was suddenly cut of all thought as a 'call' was being made towards him in the form of Telepathy.

"WAN!", the voice would say, turning out to be none other than Kamari, the creation serving as his Baby's Mother who was both currently still in Konohagakure.

"Yes." he would 'say' back, sure that he was about to be lectured on how long he's been gone from the village, his promise to return quickly being broken. "I'm sorry it's taking me so long. I've just finished meeting with the Kazekage, so I will be coming home within the next-"

His sentence was cut short. "There is something wrong in Konohagakure right now! People were running about earlier saying that there are dead bodies at the gates."

"What?" he would say, the words causing him to lean up straight, fixing his posture on the bed as his face began to squint in confusion. "People are showing up dead or being killed?"

"I don't know. There was a spike in chakra coming from the gates before people began to scream about the corpses. I think someone is killing villagers at the gates."

"Where's my brother. Does Ghost not know of this?" he would say, the words being spoken as he took a stand from the bed, a clear sign of the situation being a rather serious one as it has now caused the Senju to begin analyzing every single detail given by Kamari. "Where are you right now? Is Haicha okay?"

"We are fine, we've been in the house all day after grocery shopping in the district. I haven't heard from Ghost since your departure. You helped me memorize his chakra signature and it wasn't the one I felt earlier, so I don't think he's the cause of what's going on."

"I know he isn't the cause, Kamari. I want to know why he isn't doing anything about it. This isn't normal, something wrong is occurring over there right now."

"What do you mean? You think we're being attacked?" Kamari would say with slight panic in her voice. "Wan the village's Shinobi Force is non-existent right now. There is nobody here to defend against it if so."

"I know, woman, I know damn!" he would say in frustration, anger at the fact that such a situation would be occurring during his absence. "Whoever it has waited well until I was out of the country to plot. This type of shit would happen while I'm away on business. Fuck!"

He began to pace around the room, anger building up more and more in the young lord's body until he eventually spaces out and punches the wall, causing a slight dent in its structure. "FUCK!" he would repeat, pulling back his fist from the dent as he continued to pace around at a set speed.

"Wan...what do we do?" Kamari would ask.

"You need to get out of there." Wan would say to Kamari. "You need to find Ghost and have him escort you and Haicha out of the village. There's some type of summit going on here, they want me present as issues within the shinobi world are to be addressed. I need you and Haicha safe until I can return to protect you."

"I can protect Haicha myself. But you are the Hokage. What about the village? You want us to just abandon our home?"

The brief pause following was an indicator that those words held some form of truth behind them. Kamari and Haicha had both been programed with memories of living a peaceful and prosperous life in Konoha, with Wan serving as Hokage for as long as they could 'remember'. To them, he was their leader for as long as they've known him, although Wan knew the truth was he had only conquered Konohagakure on the whims of a bet placed between him and his brother to see who was strong enough to lead a nation. Wan stopped his pacing around the room and sat on the bed, his hands clutching the hair on his head tightly as he tries his hardest to decide what to do.

"Wan..." Kamari would say in the softest tone. Wan would not reply.
"WAN!" she would say again, her voice raised as to catch the needed attention of her lover.
"Yes, Kamari, YES!" he would bark back, frustrated, and fluttered with thoughts as he picks the invitation to the summit up from the ground. He scanned over it fast, faster than he did before for no apparent reason, the young lord caught with so many mixed thoughts and emotion currently his actions are becoming autonomous.

"We need you." Kamari would say, Wan's heart dropping as he hears the words spoke to him. At the same time, his eyes would lock back with the words at the top of the letter, the ones that spelled out 'Lord Hokage' in bold print. It seemed to him as if they would echo as well with the words spoken by his love, feeling as if reality would suddenly just pool itself back into the body of the young man. He realized at that point that he no longer could place his own goals above any and everything else. He had given creation to beings that were now dependent on him, and there was a village that needed a leader and he was already the one seen as that. Wan's pride was boasted at that moment, the will to take initiative arriving in his soul as the words 'I am Hokage.' would repeat multiple times in his head.

"Kamari. I need you to locate Ghost as soon as possible. Find out what he is doing and if he isn't already alert of the dangers in the village tell him. This is my last day within the walls of Sunagakure, I will visit the summit as fast as I can and book it back to you and Haicha. Just protect yourself and our daughter while you can, just long enough for me to return."

"I love you." the woman would speak to her creator, "I'm going to go find Ghost now. I'll let you know if I learn anything else about what's happening as soon as I learn about it."

"I love you as well. I promise that the universe will favor us in times like these. Tell Haicha I'll be home tomorrow."

Wan and Kamari would end the telepathy between each other, Wan taking the letter he now held in his hand and rolled it back up the same way it was delivered to him. He would place it on a small nightstand and leave it there, taking to the closet of his room to find a fresh change of clothes. He switched into the proper attire for the summit as best he could: The Hokage Robes bearing the emblem of The Hidden Leaf as well as the hat to match. He wore brand new all-white Sandals that had a rather nice grip on the bottom of them as well as a solid gold chain around his neck. Normally he would smoke a blunt before any activity he performed, but after learning about the potential attack on the leaf his nerves were in such a shock he didn't feel like it. He dressed for the summit and readied himself for it, taking his leave from the inn as he headed to the destination given to him.


Wan was told that the summit would be held at the Kage Tower, a location he had visited once before when he was inquiring about a mission within the village. It was such a marvelous building to him, the height of it being its prime beauty as one would need to look to the skies to see the top of the tower. He was still on edge about the current situation going on in Konohagakure, but he didn't want to let these emotions he felt get to him in such an important meeting. Wan would be meeting with the other Kages of the village, something he had never expected he'd do. The Wayfarer was fairly interested in getting his first look at the person who had doomed Konohagakure to hell, the Mizukage, just to get an idea of the villain starving a nation for their wealth.

As he walked into the tower he entered floor 1 of the building, the Senju now calm enough to not give off any indications of worry or strife using looks or body language. Someone who worked the tower noticed his robes and knew exactly why he was there, greeting the Hokage and thanking him for attending the Summit. They told him that he would be able to reach the meeting area by simply placing his hand on the seal that rested on the wall, afterward in which he'd be teleported to the correct floor and would simply need to make his way through the double doors. Following all the directions given to him, he would take his hand and place it on the seal, arriving on the 78th floor of the Kage Tower finding himself in front of a set of large double doors. He could see the table lined with chairs in front of him, Wan being able to count 5 seats in total. "So there's only 5 of us." he would think, walking into the room while already having sensed the chakra of Mizuki coming from inside, Wan sure to himself that she had already known he had arrived as well. Her back was to the doors before he had made his way through the doors, but once he entered the room she turned around and greeted him, Wan paying his respects to her by bowing and greeting as well. "It's nice to meet you again, Mizuki, and thank you for welcoming me." He looked around at the chairs again and decided to take a seat in one, sitting on the far side of the table that was closest to the window Mizuki was looking out from, that way he would have a clear vision of the door in front of him and anyone who entered the room. "I guess I'm early, but that's not a bad thing. First time doing something like this, so I do look forward to it." He would wait for the rest of those who were to attend to arrive, exchanging dialogue back and forth with Mizuki as the two awaited the others.
[WC: 2,321]

" This village definitely looks livelier than what I've read... What are your thoughts Noboru?," he'd ask his partner a simple question as they continued to head toward the Kage tower. The village was definitely cooler than the outside which perplexed the male a great amount, but it was a marvel none the less. Removing the cloak from his body he would return to wearing his normal clothing of a black Cheonsung under a vest and a black pair of pants with his shinobi tabs.

His sword would remain clasped on his back as he sat the Kage's hat on his head and continued onward. Once he had entered the building he would begin to gather where he would need to go before heading over to the seal and touch it. For him it was as simple as a blink before he was on a different floor and he smiled," Quite an efficient way of getting somewhere...," as mused to himself he slowly walked into the room.

His eyes went from left to right until he caught sight of two people. Knowing that this could be two of the Kage, he brought his two hands up, one open palmer and the other into a fist as he bowed," Greetings....I see that there are only three of us here so far. " Looking at the seating arrangement, he would go for the seat that would be near the middle where he would sit, his sword sitting across his lap as he waited.

Stepping out of his carriage, the Mizukage began to straighten the folds of his robes as they had been creased from sitting in it for a set amount of time. Straightening his armored hat disguised as a Kage hat with some white and blue fabrics, a veil hung from it concealing his face, revealing on his eyes, alongside the black, metal mouth mask of his armor. Arriving at the Kage's tower, he lifted his head to look at how tall it was in comparison. The first thought that ran through his head was, 'clearly compensating for something' before walking towards the structure. With Keita accompanying him as his one and only bodyguard and his companion, Ram, he made his way inside of the tower, the rustling and clanking of his armor underneath his robes giving off the notion he was indeed heavily armored. He had a katana fastened to the left side of his hip, weapon pouches situated behind his hips on top of his robes with his ninja tools and consumables stored inside. Should anything go array, he'd be prepared to take action immediately but he hoped it didn't come down to that. Entering the first floor of the building, the Mizukage looked around a bit. 

Admittedly, he was quite puzzled on where he should go. Before he attempted to 'feel his way through the dark', a person working the door had introduced themself and ushered him to the transport seal that was supposed to take him to his destination. Placing his hand on the seal, he was instantly transported into the seventy-eighth floor of the tower he was currently in alongside Keita and Ram. He hoped this would go quickly as this was the least of his concerns and frankly, he had nothing to discuss with the other leaders of the nations at the time but apparently, this was supposed to be important. Staring in front of him, were a pair of double doors that  were wide open for anybody to walk in. Doing exactly that, the Mizukage entered the room to see who all had arrived here. From what he could tell, there were currently six people in this room of what he assumed where the Kages and their guards. Not saying a word, decided to take a seat furthest away from the rest of them in order to wait until he was addressed. He wouldn't speak first as he's learned not to reveal his hand so easily. 

While sitting down, there was one thing that caught his interest in the room. A peculiar weapon that sat in the lap of a gentleman over yonder from him. He'd make full note of that as he's currently been searching for certain weapons of old and wanted to inquire about it later. For now, he'd wait and see if there were anymore people showing up to this fancy meeting or if the one who had summoned them here would begin to speak. His companion, Ram climbed onto his lap and attempted to nibble on his robes. The Mizukage sat his companion still and gently rubbed the top of his shell with his right hand, lulling him into a state of complacency. This would get him to sit still long enough to get on with this farce.

W.C 547

The thrumming of the two familiar hearts of Zaine and Kenshin had come to be so constant in her life as of late that any new additions to their cacophony was quickly noted and analyzed - Wan Senju was first to enter the room and the familiar face of the Hokage was a welcome first sight to what was sure to be a tension filled day. Having turned to face him her clothing was more clearly visible - unlike Wan and all the following Kage that were making their way into the room, she was not dressed in formal Kage Attire; when the village was destroyed by Kenshin and then rebuilt he felt no need to have the traditional garb remade. Thus it resulted in Mizuki adorned with her clans’ formal wear taken from the Tomb of the Kyuektsuki - a deep blue cloak that framed her shoulders and tapered at the waist with a red wine colored lining and a short hood, the cloak brushed the back of her mid calf, adorned with dull leather cut outs of owls on the shoulder caps and a button that held it fastened at her collar bone - underneath was a simple short sleeved black bodysuit and the usual weapons pouches on her upper right thigh and left hip all paired fingerless black gloves and a simple twin braid that split the long black hair that framed a curious set of two toned colored eyes; crimson irises taking over a piercing violet hue and driving it to the edges. 


Be it from nerves or simply from the weight of the importance of first impressions she maintained a reserved demeanor, her placement by the window not moving as she spoke to Wan who was now seated at the closest chair. She couldn’t help but give a small knowing smile to herself and the other two Suna Shinobi who were watching and with an inclining nod she would agree, “It’s lovely to see you again Wan. It’s going to be an interesting afternoon to say the least.” Her tone of voice was also carefully maintained with a calming cadence. Wan was dependable and consistent - his heartbeat steady as his intentions. I wonder… do you know this summit was called with you in mind? The thought was barely formed when the second pair of members entered the chambers; Two tall men, one dressed in Kumogakure colored Kage robes with long black hair and the other a near featureless figure that followed like a shadow at his heels the pair were an interesting thing to watch. The Raikage would politely form a palm fisted bow of which Mizuki would return in kind - his heartbeat was as calm and at ease as Wan’s - speaking in the same tone as before, “Punctuality isn’t something most people hold with any importance, but I assume they will be here shortly.” Once she finished speaking she allowed her eyes to drift over the outfit of the guard accompanying him, taking in every detail of the full body armor in quick succession before flitting her eyes back to Kenshin and Zaine to gauge their reactions - Curious amount of protection worn by a known ally.. Who among us today do they fear retribution from. The two took their respective places in the middle of the circle - Wan taking up the first, leaving an open seat next to him on his left before the Raikage’s chosen spot. Respectfully she noticed that his guard refused the offered seat and stood as imposing sentinel behind his Kage with as much strain on his muscles as one could impose; his heartbeat was higher than calm but otherwise collected. 


With a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ entrance a dark skinned figure wearing the telltale Mizukage robes would swiftly enter the room - joined with the traitorous heartbeat of an anxious man, not fearful but so clearly reluctant to sit inside these four walls. Mizu’s eyes would trace his path to his seat which was closest to the door and furthest from the others as he could get - there were plenty of other seats available but this choice made it clear how he felt about those assembled and the possible contents of the meeting. The addition of the armadillo-like creature placed upon his lap and idly stroked only spoke further volumes how disinterested this man was - Pity, you’ll be integral to this meeting regardless of how removed you’d like to be. The room became quiet again as she turned to give one last look at the streets of Sunagakure, which at this height resemble veins more than streets, when the last grouping of heartbeats would enter her field of hearing and cause her to turn to greet their respective owners. A tall figure swathed in black and white swept into the room with a curious looking woman following closely at his left - her eyes darted around the room with the usual ticks of raise in heart tempo accompanying each new thing her eyes landed on; while the pair of familiar white pupiled Hyuuga eyes would catch on her before pulling away suddenly with a formal nod - and the fast paced heartbeat giving away more than he knew. With no warmer a welcome than the ones before them she would nod in respectful acknowledgement and watch as the man took the seat between the Mizukage and the Raikage - leaving the seat between Wan and the Raikage for her to fill. 


Before taking a step she pulled her hands behind her back and turned her attention to Kenshin, the porcelain mask of calm set smooth over her features - as she was announced her eyes would flit back over the group she was stood in front of, gauging their reaction; some would know of Kenshin and might have expected him to have called them all here today, or perhaps they would simply be thrown off by her refusal to adhere to “Lady Kazekage” as tradition would dictate. Personally Mizuki believed that the term Lady in the title automatically placed her below any Lord who held the same responsibility of leading a village - so as is custom of the New Sunagakure, she did away with tradition and chose to forge a new path; and it began here in this room. 


With smooth steps she would move to her space at the table, the pale fingers sliding along the edge of the chair’s back before pausing a moment to formally greet them with a soft yet imposing voice, “Welcome to Sunagakure. I want to thank you all for graciously accepting my invitation to join me here today. My name is Mizuki Ohta and our goal here is to try to mediate a glaring issue that has settled onto the landscape of our world and gone unchecked for so long that I fear we have become complacent to it. I will be direct in my intentions and words in hopes you choose to reciprocate the sentiment and allow us to dust our hands clean of this meeting sooner rather than later.” As she spoke she ensured each Kage was looked at until finally ending on the Mizukage who was perfectly sat directly across from her. With these initial words out of the way she would take her seat, leaning forward and placing her elbows on the table with her fingers laced together. Taking a breath in she began the verbal fencing match, “Mizukage, this unfortunately is an issue that has your name deeply entrenched in all aspects, except the conception. In the last year I have had the pleasure of meeting a great variety of shinobi hailing from all walks of life, some even from the village you command, but none of higher volume than those fleeing from Konohagakure. Your initial first thought might be, ‘If this has to do with Konohagakure then why is the Kazekage speaking instead of the Hokage.’ To which you raise a fine point, but I would like to counter this possible argument by explaining to those seating around us that, as stated in my invitation, our world is a blood filled one and the feigned title of power and choice you allow the ‘Hokage of Konoha’, is nothing more than a farce. You have trapped a village not for the benefit of expanding the land of Kirigakure but instead to suffocate an entire nation slowly.” 

She had not removed her piercing eyes from the Mizukage, not a glare but a calm analytical gaze as she was finally able to put a face to the name of the man that headed so many stories of poverty and mistreatment, all for what, a few measly Ryo. Finally she broke her gaze from the mans face and turned to the two men on her left who were not directly entangled in this affair, “I can only assume your Lordships are wondering why you should care about any of what I just said, simply we all have our own agendas and our beliefs about what is right and what is wrong but I do think in this case we can at least agree to the fact that the people of Konoha have paid their dues thrice over and that even those of us who are blood soaked in our histories would find this to be an overreach of power.” She would end her speech by looking over to the Hokage sat on her right and leaning back in her seat - metaphorically passing the floor over to him if he chose to add anything of his own to the argument.

Was this Summit going to be successful in restoring Konoha to it’s own diplomacy and control?  If the Kazekage was honest with herself there was little reason to believe it would, but the foundation of diplomacy demands attempts to be made for peaceful resolution.

WC 1635

And so it began.

The first thing to catch Wan's attention after Kenshin's welcoming was some of the words given by the Ragdoll. He implied to them that the Kazekage would now be speaking, the Senju at first taken by confusion as he was under the assumption that Kenshin was indeed the Kazekage. Wan would turn his gaze from Kenshin and place it back onto Mizuki as he would hear her beginning her pace towards the table, instantly realizing the shift in power that now made the woman he was greeted into the village by now Lord Kazekage of Wind. His face would begin to light up with joy, the young lord happy and surprised that Mizuki was now the Kazekage, however, the tone of his face would soon revert to what it once was, a more relaxed and reserved look to fit the overall mood of the meeting. Leaning back more into his chair he would listen in on Mizu as she spoke, being welcomed again as Lord Kazekage begins to tell the goal of the meeting.

As Mizuki spoke Wan would take another look around the room, the Senju being sat between the Raikage and Mizuki as soon as she would take her seat. He had already begun to make mental notes of those attending, both Kenshin and Mizuki not drawing much interest as he was already known of them. The biggest 'gem' in the room to him was the man who sat across from him, the one bearing the crest of the Mizukage who seemed less concerned about the summit and more concerned about properly grooming that rat on his lap.

Wan's Stare:

The Wayfarer would rest his gaze upon the man, cycling through various images in his head as the previously defected villager from Kirigakure was trying his hardest to remember the looks of the previous Mizukage, Xyxer. During Wan's time as an academy student in Kirigakure, the lands were ruled by a tyrannical leader, one whose name was earned more through fear and toxicity rather than heroism and praise. It had been many years since Wan abandoned the Mist, unsure whereas the man he stared at was Xyxer or not since he was so young. He wanted the man to notice him staring, however, hoping to get the man to look directly at him so he could get a good look at his face. Wan would less concerned about being noticed for his actions, the Senju scoffing to himself as he rests his index finger on his cheek, allowing his thumb and middle finger to support his chin as he continued to stare into the soul of the Mizukage. "I wonder if he was expecting Yensung." Wan would think to himself.

The first topic addressed at the summit was none other than one which Wan had hoped to address. It was befitted to him that the Kazekage addressed it as this was both her summit call and village, the Hokage surprised that the issue seemed to be bigger than he could see. Although he was still recently made Hokage the issues within the village were well-known, but it seemed as if the flux in defected Konohagakure Shinobi before Wan's liberation had added to the reasoning in why the problem should be addressed. Everything Mizuki said was true in the ears of Wan, Wan keeping his gaze upon the Mizukage during the entirety of Lord Kazekage's talk as he would wait to notice any facial expressions given off by the man, hoping to use those as clues as to how the Mist Lord felt on the topic. Wan would notice the pause following the words of Mizuki, indicating that she was now done with what she had to say as of now, the two of them looking at each other as she would take her seat next to him. Although it meant no more than a 'thank you' Wan would nod at the Kazekage, placing both hands upon the table as he pushed up from it with the weight of his body, his chair scooting back some to clear the area in which he would stand.

Wan would now glare over the entirety of the room, looking back and forth at those who sat in the room as he gave off a slight sigh. "Forgive my expressions, as it would seem that this was a prepared meeting in which I was slightly unprepared for. Everything I'm about to state is merely what I know, and should not serve as a basis on how the world might view me and Konohagakure." After shaking his head to clear the strands of his hair he would pull his head back, letting the locks of his hair flow freely down to his shoulders as he held his head high, clearing his throat as he would continue to speak to the Kages. "My name is Wan Senju, Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato, Wayfarer of the Wind. My title of Hokage was recently obtained, and as such the problems within the village itself were recently made aware to me. As Lord Kazekage stated there is a great issue which the Leaf faces, as the subjugation to Kirigakure is no longer viewed as a 'prize of war' but an act of tyranny. Although the walls of the village stand high and fortified the Will of Fire has long since died, village culture and population nearing extinction as they grow weary of inhumane taxation. With no means to fill neither their stomach nor their families most shinobi of the leaf has long since defected, with those who have chosen to stay only remaining because not all rely on money to thrive. The leaf is no longer the great village it once was, simply a shadow cast by its previous reputation. If this is not resolved, then the leaf will cease to exist in entirety."

Briefly pausing in his speech he would glance over the faces in the room again before continuing. "To let the truth be told, my lifestyle before becoming Hokage is what makes me a better candidate than the last. Although I did not know him personally Hokage Yensung was a man who did in fact care for the village, but didn't have the will, courage or might to stand up to a bully. It's one thing to be titled as a leader, but it's completely different from someone who can lead. From my records, Konoha had sent a shinobi to the Mist in regards to the current subjugation. That shinobi has yet to return, and as every month passes we grow heavier to the thought that they will never be returning. The reasons in which a single Shinobi was sent alone is still a question I ask myself, especially because if the Leaf were to dispatch a proper team back then...then the outcome might've been different. So, tell me Mizukage." Wan would look ahead and directly at the Mizukage, addressing his next question for him. "What is the fate of that Shinobi who was sent? Did they arrive at the Mist in one piece? If so, why have they not returned?" The Senju figured a response to it would not be given immediately, composing himself as to continue with his speech as he released his gaze on the Mizukage. "Fellow Kage, Konohagakure's subjugation was the prize for Kirigakure winning the war, it's vassalization now being viewed as an act of tyranny by my villagers and the world as they slowly begin to open their eyes. They grow weary of being taxed nearly their entire income, along with the fact that nobody chooses to participate and interact with a village that is a puppet to another. This summit was a blessing due to the offering of a peaceful solution, and I do hope that negotiation can be made between us to free The Leaf from Kirigakure. Under my leadership, however, stands those who could care less about peaceful solutions, and have been war-hungered since the day they were vassalized. Please note, as I'm sure we are all aware, that if an agreement cannot be made within this summit and this summit alone...then we must return to the ways of our ancestors and fight for what we believe is right and wrong, as the Will of Fire begins to re-ignite itself within the walls of Konohagakure."

Wan would exhale a gust of wind from his mouth, taking a seat back in his chair as he grabs his Hokage hat and places it back on, waiting for whoever would speak next.

[WC: 1400]

As the rest trickled in, Kiseragi had simply looked around at those coming in. He had briefly noticed the look the Mizukage had been giving him, moreso something that was with him. The look warranted a response but it wasn't something he would be bring up here and now. Looking back to his guard a wry chuckle would leave his lips as he looked at the other guards," Loosen your stance my friend... People are going to think you are a darkened statue," he knew all too well that a stiff stance meant he wouldn't be able to respond as fast to things...if anything happened during this summit. Removing the hat from his head, Kiseragi would let his long hair flow to his back as his amber eyes began to settle on the mediator of this meeting. He had honestly heard many things about the man known as the Ragdoll, some good and some bad yet he had a sense of respect for the man as he spoke to initiate the summit. Once the Kazekage stood to speak, Kiseragi became physically still but mentally aware of what was about to be said. He was always taught that one always listens to something said so that nothing was cross-wired or mistaken. As a mere by-stander at the current moment he simply listened to the humbled greeting until one of the main points were addressed. His eyes slowly moved over to the Mizukage to see how exactly he would react to the statement made by the Kazekage. While the attack made by one of Kumo's turned Kiri's ninja had still been fresh on his mind, this was of course now about the liberation of Konohagakure so that it stood on its own...not as a slave of another nation.

As the narrative switched to the Hokage, Kiseragi slowly shifted his posture, removing the sword from his lap to sit to his right hand side in an non-aggressive manner so that no one took it the wrong way. He couldn't help but agree with the words of Wan and felt as if it was time that they were liberated, now that he knew the full story..at least from the position of the oppressed. The thoughts of another war brewing reminded him of the history of the war between the past Sky nation and Kumogakure. While he wasn't alive during this time, reports and stories remain about those troubled times over land and status. Did the world really need another war because something couldn't come into an accord? Who would take whose side in this whole ordeal that could further rift the elemental nations. Many thoughts flowed through his mind up until Wan had finished and sat down, leaving a small air of silence within the room. Looking around, Kiseragi would take in a deep breath before standing.

"Thank you for your insight into the situation of your home Hokage Wan. For those of you who do not know I am Kiseragi Onomori, Raikage of Kumogakure. Though I do not have such a fancy title like the Hokage here, I share his sentiment in releasing one's home from tyranny. To share, Kumogakure was once also ruled by a tyrant of its own making and through many years we have fought to make our home a semblance of what it used to be. We also know what its like to have another village come to our doorstep, threatening death if we do not bow to their will. It would seem that the Mist has had a hand in trying to subjugate many of the villages through its previous Kage and because of that I will honestly hold no ill-will toward the man currently leading its village...but on the other hand, I personally do not condone keeping other villages under one's thumb. It would be hypocritical of me to not admit that once upon a time, Kumogakure had set out to do the same in the past, but that was under the rule of a tyrant and a fool...We do not condone that sort of thinking or behavior anymore nor will we," his eyes moved toward Wan for a moment before looking back to the others," I would honestly prefer this come out as a peaceful solution so that no one has to go through another war of the nations like my home once did and I implore you Lord Mizukage to make the decision that is best not only for the people of Konoha, but also for the present and future of your own," he'd slowly sit back down into his seat, the hilt of the sword resting against his arm as he took in a deep breathe.

"That would be all from me."

WC: 794

Settling into one of the empty tall chairs he had chosen, a distance away from the seats that were filled by the Kazekage and the Hokage, the Mizukage took note of the final arrival of the Hogokage that came in with two escorts of his own. He kind of expected it to be a Tsuchikage of some kind but he remembered that village had perished when he was child. He assumed the one wearing robes similar to his own with a different color scheme was the leader of the fairly new, great nation known as Hoshigakure. Now that everything was in order and the five Kage had taken their seats, the Mizukage had found himself situated between the Raikage and the Hoshikage. He'd prefer not to be near other Kage right now but this meeting was inevitable so it was only right for him to take advantage of it and start collecting some information on what the other leaders of the nation are like. At first glance, he already couldn't take them very seriously. Two of them were in plain, common clothing instead of the attire that would let the world know of their status like some kind of commoners coming to a friend's party.

What was this, some kind of gathering between friends? Well, at least the rest of them had some sense to wear their village symbols proudly, even if the robes were a little stuffy. Even more so, considering what he was wearing underneath and attempting to sit down in it. Luckily the chair he sat in was rather large, giving him ample room to adjust as he saw fit. Now then, after all of the world's major leaders had been situated, a man he hadn't originally noticed had begun to clear his throat and started to address everybody in the room. He thanked everybody for coming to this 'meeting' and informed everybody of his role during the period of it. He was to play as the mediator, making sure yelling and posturing were kept to a minimal. he then claimed he would throw anybody out that were more than likely to cause issues. Depending on how it would go, the Mizukage couldn't keep any promises of holding in any outbursts depending on the future implications. After saying his piece, the man known as 'The Reaper' would hand over the floor to the current Kazekage. The Mizukage thought to himself, 'This should be good, I wonder what he wants from the rest of us.'

Resting his left hand onto the round table in front of him, the Mizukage began to listen to the concerns of the world. Like the Reaper had done, she thanked the rest of the world leaders for coming to the meeting before going into what she found concerning. According to her, she was concerned about 'the state of the world' and wanted to personally try and right those wrongs. Now came the part which made the Mizukage smile under his white veil, when she said she was concerned about the vassalization of Konoha despite it not being the nation she governed. h, now he knew what this was about and he must admit, he was impressed, being trapped this way. It was inevitable this would happen and one day he'd have to answer for the sins of his predecessor. However, this doesn't mean he'd give it up so easily. Now the next thought that would cross his mind, the Kazekage was perceptive enough to pick up the next thing he would think as to why she of all people would care. Once again, she had thrown out the notion of wanting a fair and just world. 

He wasn't sure if she was truly a naïve, self righteous person or if she was doing this at the behest of the current Hokage, which he hadn't taken much notice of until now. It seems he has found his voice now that somebody in the position of more political and potential military power is speaking on his behalf. Parroting something similar to what the Kazekage said on a somewhat more personal level, the current Hokage expressed his grievances as well. Now that he thinks about it, he instinctively knew this wasn't the same Hokage that signed the checks delivered to Kirigakure. The word was that a couple of upstarts had come in and slain the previous Hokage and now the little criminal was trying to sue for the freedom of Konoha. This was an amusing turn of events for him as he always wanted to know who could boldly do such a thing. he wasn't thinking of vengeance or anything of the sort since he's never personally met the previous Hokage but this still struck him as unpleasant that the rest of the leaders were ignoring this big fact. As he listened, something interesting came up in particular.

The current Hokage seems to have gotten information of events that were before his time. Something about a young Chuunin going to negotiate for peace or something like that. He recalls having his gatekeeper report about some kid attempting to be the diplomat of Konoha or something but things went sour when he told him the Mizukage never informed him of any diplomat coming and was informed he should leave. Some say the chuunin had attempted to engage the gatekeeper which prompted him to dispatch the poor child. it was an unfortunate loss to somebody out there but the child should have known better. it must be the corpse he had taken his current eyes from. Well, he had no reason to lie about this situation so he figured he'd tell them the truth when he decided to address each of them in order. Lastly, the Raikage also had chimed into the situation, sympathizing with Konoha's plight but not exactly willing to go the route that could potentially lead to war. It was a smart choice as he assumed nobody wanted to go to war but the Mizukage did not mind if push comes to shove. 

He figured the Hogokage would like to chime in but he figured he'd address the current concerns of the three Kage and by address, he means antagonize. Starting with the Lady Kage, he shifted his gaze towards her with a rather cynical look before responding. "Well, it seems you've taken the initiative in answering my question of, 'why the leader of the wind nation would care about a land governed by another.' Yes, it's true, I've taxed my vassal country for as much as I can bleed out of it for the good of my own country and I don't exactly intend to give up what my predecessor has captured through great strife so easily. If I recall, Konoha were the aggressors way back when, doing as they please and not paying the consequences for it until now. Why should I simply let them go for no reason at all, at the whims of leaders who have nothing to do with this matter. You want to settle this matter peacefully, fine, I'm not completely unreasonable. If you all want the freedom of the fire nation, I shall demand a secret technique from your villages respectively from each of you suing for peace, of my choice of course. That seems like a fair trade for the release of an entire country. Although for you Raikage," the Mizukage said abruptly shifting his gaze towards Kiseragi, "I wouldn't mind having that blade resting at the side of your person. It looks something similar to a design from the Kiri of old and I'd very much like to have it. 'Peacefully', of course," the Mizukage had chuckled connivingly.

Of course, anybody having something like that of value wouldn't just willingly give it up and now that he knew where it currently was, he could take his time in dealing with that matter at a later point in time. For now though, he'd turn his attention back to the situation at hand. He'd then turned his gaze towards the current Hokage. "Ah, look at you, how adorable. Trying hard to stare me down earlier without a voice to back it up. Had to wait for the grownups to speak on your behalf, eh? Well, that is fine. Maybe you'll be more competent than the previous Hokage that used to sign my checks since you know your place and asked for help instead of coming directly to me by yourself. It seems you're privy to events that have happened before your time as Kage and are concerned for their well being despite not ever meeting them personally. Well, I'll tell you the story, I guess since we're here. Yes, a Chuunin had come to our gates wanting to negotiate for peace but he couldn't even convince the guard to let him in. So, he threw a tantrum like any other child would and tried to strike somebody far more experienced than he was like some kind of hero. He was taken care of shortly and laid to rest in a cemetery somewhere in Kiri," he had said rather coldly.

Closely his eyes a bit longer than a blink, the Mizukage opened them revealing a matured, three Tomoe Sharingan before closing them, having them revert to his natural hue. "I must say, I know I'm one for cruel acts towards other human beings but even I couldn't send one of my villagers out on a suicide mission in good faith. You have to be truly messed up in the head in order to do so, especially one so young. Well, at least I got a nifty new ability out of it, wouldn't you say? Now I have a matter to address myself, now that we've established the 'Hokage' here is the one that has slain the previous one, are we just gonna let him sit here and pretend he actually cares for the people in the fire nation? Kazekage, you say you care for world peace yet you have essentially broke bread with a man that potentially broke the previous Hokage's neck, should he actually be here scot-free and not be rotting in a jail cell for that or is this gonna be swept under the rug and treated as a 'grey zone' because of his talks of freedom?  Regardless of what the answer is, my offer is on the table, take it or leave it. I already have all the money in the world so I needn't any more of it so I'd like to say this is non-negotiable." 

A sneer had crept on his face after he was done speaking his mind, although nobody could see it as it was concealed under his veil. Continuing to pet the top of Ram's shell, he looked around the room, more so at the Hogokage that has been quiet for the time being. Truthfully, he doesn't mind releasing the fire country back to whoever wanted to take it over however, he just didn't want to do it for free. He needed something to bring back to serve as spoils of a war long gone that he might be able to share with his villagers. He also didn't mind having a little extra something for himself as he was always interested in ways of strengthening his own, individual power.

W.C: 1,888