Where to begin

"Bah, the whelp's a whelp, but I'm glad she's okay!" laughed Raleth at Gurens informing of the antics of Ganki in his tea shop.

Raleth smile changes to a touching look as Guren explained his wishes. The sarutobi, though drunk, could understand his Lord's reason for wanting to keep both he and Zaine in the village, as both of them left without a world, in a manner that left their home without guidance. And, if the old war master knew the second kazekage as well as he thought, the attack on kiri would have been a political disaster. Thinking over their current assets and weighing them against possible opponents, sunagkure is in a disadvantageous position. Owing to his lack of training, Raleth also acknowledges that, even after accounting for the loss of the three powerful shinobi, the village isn't at its full power. Yet, Guren wanting Souji to retrieve Mizu came to a surprise to the Sarutobi.

Zaine acknowledged the idea first, sitting down and addressing the two shinobi. Seeing this, Raleth opens up, so that Zaine can address both him and Guren easier. After making his points, the Sarutobi speaks.

"If I may weigh in, though I see the hope that, through their shared bond Souji's presence may convince Mizu to return without a fight, one must take into account how Souji will act and how mizuki will react to a sungakure shinobi trying to force her to return to the village. I had the privilege of being his proctor in the Chuunin Exams and I intentionally pushed him to his breaking point." Raleth rubs his forearms instinctively, the boy's unchained destruction palm still causes the healed fractures to ache, "he was never in any real danger but I did see what he would do when faced with death. What I saw was raw, unfiltered, destruction. Powerful indeed. But unfocused and, like Zaine said, chaotic. The boy needs to be tempered, lest he misfire at the wrong time. These are only my thoughts though, Kazekage, The decision is ultimately yours."

Unlike Zaine, Raleth felt no qualms of staying in the village for the time being. He looked forward to seeing the next generation of shinobi. And, perhaps, he could re-learn a thing. Or two.


[[WC:375/2226]]

Guren, still leaning against the wall, folded his arms and placed his right hands index and middle fingers upon his temple. Having cast out his thoughts on the matter, Zaine and Raleth would both offer their responses. Guren welcomed their opinions on the topics at hand, it was important to consider various perspectives when facing situations like the one at hand. Understandably, Guren's decision on having Souji as a key part in pursuing Mizuki would be the topic of debate. When both men concluded their commentary on the Third's thought process, Guren would add his closing remarks.

"You both make valuable points, but I never said I would send Souji and Souji alone after Mizuki. I wouldn't send any single shinobi to track down the second Kazekage, save for myself. Otherwise it could be a death sentence. What I'm saying is, I need to consider the boy's opinion and include him on the decision making process. And considering he has been away from the village for a long time, he has probably matured quite a bit. He has witnessed the deliberation between multiple kage in the Summit, engaged in a battle with the Mizukage, and was captured. If I can speculate on the matter, he was likely held as a prisoner by Kirigakure's forces. Though his safety was assured, I can almost guarantee that he has come out hardened and with a different level of perspective on life. Of course I plan on speaking to him thoroughly about everything that's happened, before I even allude to pursuing Mizuki."

Upon concluding his clarification, the conversation would digress into speaking on Guren's proposal of Raleth and Zaine mentoring genin. Zaine seemed willing, and though Raleth did not initially comment, his silence was taken as agreement. This was comforting to hear, "I appreciate your willingness to train them. They seem to be ambitious, but not have a great degree of focus. Some guidance will likely go a long way. Now then, is there anything else either of you wish to discuss?"

WC = 338. TWC = 3091

Seeing as neither man seemed to delay his departure, Guren assumed that today's meeting would be concluded. As he'd depart from the room, he'd nod at each man and proceed past them towards the door. Finally, he'd offer each a final remark. "While I understand this situation isn't optimal, we need to maneuver cautiously. I have a feeling that our future will be filled with just as much difficulties as we've seen recently. Stay strong, and once again I am glad to see you both alive and well. Let's try to stay in touch"

With that, the Third would depart from the room and continue out of the building.

- Exit -
WC = 109. TWC = 3200

25% Discount Claims:
1500 WC towards memorizing Raleth Sarutobi's Signature
1250 WC towards Blood Dragon: Ascension (S Rank, 3750/3750); A Rank learned here
450 WC towards Damage Reduction Shield (S Rank, 3200/3750) - Already had A rank, recently mastered A Rank version

I cannot approve Blood Dragon Ascension as it is under review, the others are approved

Approved for Blood Dragon Ascension now that its been approved and no longer under review