Rekindling Embers [P, Mitsukai (M) and Co]

[Natsy]

..Entering from this thread..

…My gaze shifted around in a full circle before a small hut-like house appeared in view. It was not overly grand, and obviously appeared abandoned. Curious, I approach it, drawing out one hand axe and positioning myself into a stance as I moved toward the nearest window. It was broken and mould crusted the pane. The bones of said window were rotted and one had a crack running through it. The interior from my point of view appeared dark and empty. But I move around to the door anyway.

I use the blade of my axe to push the door open. The sound creaking loudly. Ears straining for any hidden sounds, heard thumping like a drum within my chest I peer into the hut as light spilled into the doorway. Fortunately for me, the hut was empty except for a few rotted chairs and a table. A fruit bowel sat in the middle of the table, consisting of what appeared to be a rotten apple and shrived grapes. A spoon sat at the edge of the table while a shelf holding various pots and plates sat at the far back of this little shack. Two windows adorned the building, one on the right and one on the left.

I stop at the doorway and drew a single kunai from my cloak and hurled it across the room aimlessly to see should any traps were present. The metallic projectile strikes the wall and simply falls to the ground beside the table, thus triggering no traps. When I feel safe enough, I gingerly enter the hut and pick up one of the over turned chairs before moving around the table to pick up my kunai. I left the door open so that the Amekage may see my position…

Sporting my Godaime Outfit hidden beneath a black cloak concealing a map of the known world, thirty kunai (well twenty nine since I was holding one), forty five bo-shuriken, and two scalpel. My long strapless dress, reaching to my mid-calves peeked through the opening of my cloak, while one foot covered in knee high boots bobbed up and down gently upon my right thigh as I leaned back in the chair assuming a more comfortable position. But my butt bag consisting of ten kunai and thirty bloodclot pills and my ceremonial Takikage hat remained attached around my waist resting against the right side of my backside.

Two hand axes remained attached to both sides of my hips, all weaponry hidden beneath the cloak as I sat there. But before I reach into the bag for my hat, I weave through a short series of handseals before sucking in a deep lungful of air and standing. Moments later, I regurgitate a pile of mud onto the table beside me. My fingers yet again, drive through another series of handseals before the mud upon the table suddenly takes form of a small rabbit. A small smile forms across my face as I gently pick up the rabbit and place it upon the wooden floor. I then give it a simple instruction to hop outside to keep watch.

---

Jutsu:

SPOILER: Click to show

Tsuchi funshutsu no Jutsu (Earth spewing Technique) [30][70]
Rank: “C” “B” “A” “S”
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: A technique where the user takes a deep breath then spits out earth from his/her body, this can be used as a source for other jutsu or it can be used as a projectile.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: N/A
Description: The user holds the dragon seal and takes a deep breath expanding his rib cage but instead of oxygen, earth is exhaled. He will only spit out half his body weight of earth then the chakra from his body will then increase the mass according to the level of the jutsu. For a reason it is generally used to create earth where there is none, to allow the ninja to use other earth based jutsu. The earth is in a form of liquefied mud though after a few seconds of being in the open atmosphere it will harden into a natural, solid soil. The radius, speed and the amount of damage of earth varies at each rank. C rank = 5 meters. B = 10 meters. A rank = 20 meters. S rank = 40meters
Limit: Needs the Earth Release

Deido Soushi no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Mud Creations) [10][10]
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates animals out of mud.
Special: "Handseals"
Drawback: The animals can be destroyed with attacks that are one rank lower than their rank or higher
Description: Once the handseals are finished three animals will be created out of the mud around the user. The type of animals depends on the technique's rank. The D version lets the user to create Rabbits or animals of similar size. The C version lets the user to create Dogs or animals of similar size. The B version lets the user to create Lions or animals of similar size. The A version lets the user to create Bears or animals of similar size. The S version lets the user to create Elephants or animals of similar size. One can only create one animal at a time. The animals can only travel up to ten meters away from the user. This technique can only be used once each two turns.
Limit: Must know Earth Release. Must have mud around. Must know Doton: Deido Bunshin no Jutsu (Earth Release: Mud Clone Technique)

[-Angel of Ame-]

Angel of Rain

The Amekage entered the clearing without making too much time. Her two followers would come quite soon thereafter, or so she hoped. Most of Mitsukai's body was hidden behind a cloak, but she moved her arms out of the opening to expose the clothing she had beneath. A short dark as night kimono that revealed her long smooth legs. Her black locks were worked into a braid, as it always was. And her eyes surveyed the small cabin from behind black rimmed glasses. In the butt bag above her backside she held six shuriken, 1 windmill shuriken, eight exploding tags, six smoke grenades and twelve feet of silk rope. Like a reflex, her hand rested upon the hilt of her nodachi blade that was sheathed upon her hip. The door to the cabin had been left open to reveal its interior. And what was more peculiar was the rabbit that stood vigil. It did not look like a regular rabbit though. It looked made of earth.

"Do not approach." She instructed her followed as she pushed her cloak off of her body, white wings folding out behind her in case she needed to take flight. Her hand tightened around the hilt of her sword.

"Takikage-sama?" She called out, wondering if Rosalie Salt would come out and meet them.

[Saiyuki]

[Enter]

As they reached their destination, Sai fell back a little and let the Amekage take the lead, though he was still as on guard as he was before. If there was a trap, it could be a fatal one and one that Ame could not afford to take given that the village had just gotten a new leader. He was wearing his AT Regalia along with his Tactical Vest and Utility Belt, which contained a complete Lock Pick Set, also 20 of each specialized type of lock pick, 16 Kunai, 10 Hira Shuriken, 10 Explosion Tags, 3 Lightning Explosion Tags, a Wireless Radio, his World Map, a Gas Mask (overview), a Soldier Pill and 3 Blood Clot Pills. On his side was also an Tower Upgraded Umbrella, which was fully loaded with senbon.

He saw a rabbit, seemingly made from a jutsu. Unless it was a double layered trap, it seemed that there was no trap with so obvious a sign. The Chuunin quietly watched the surroundings as the Amekage called out to the house. Hopefully it was only the company they were expecting.

[💀]

[Enter]

So this was the meeting place? Not bad all things considered, and with this new land Hecate was hungry to explore. The Amekage quickly squashed this dream though, ordering her to stay back. She neatly rolled her eyes and continued but following Sai's line of sight pointed out a bunny. "Hungry..." they hadnt eaten in quite some time...

Reaching beneath her clock she had her double bladed scythe, a rapier, gas mask with a single filter, the C filter already installed, and A filter in wait. Anti flash lenses wee built into it. beside those wee 6 small scrolls, 2 multi tools, 1 flashlight and 2 meters of silk and wire.

[Natsy]

At the light sound of the earth crunching, the small brown head of the rabbit raised a few notches, its small nose jittering around as it scented the air. Chocolate coloured eyes scanned the area thoughtfully, a cautious movement that clearly showed its unease. Or was it mine? Seeing a male and two females approaching the hut startled the rabbit and thus, alerting me in the process. They’re here.. Raising from my seat, I place upon my ceremonial hat and scurry over toward the wall beside the opened door.

My cloak fluttered around me like a superhero’s cape at the movement. My slender body pressed up against the rotting walls of the hut. Spider webs attached itself to my cloak, sticking it against the crevice of the wall until I shifted and pulled it away. The birds chirping nearby scattered upon the arrival of the newcomers, the sound of flapping wings echoing through the air. At the sound of my title, I peek out the side of the threshold to see that a woman wielding glasses was the one addressing me. Could it be that this woman already knew who I was? Or was she the Amekage? 

“Lady Amekage?” I reply, my voice betraying me by quivering ever so lightly. It was the company in which she had bought along with her that caused my unease. “I am Rosalie Salt,” I say behind the wall, “Godaime Takikage. I am going to step out into the open, so please do not attack me.” I give out the warning, ensuring that my voice remained strong and confident despite what I truly felt inside. The rabbit had long since erupted into a puddle of mud. Its location right beside the door should I require it for battle. Fortunately for me, the hut had been surrounded by a lot of dampened mud so therefore, the battleground was in the favour for Doton users.

I cautiously step out into the doorway, raising my chin as I did so. The defiance in my gaze peeked through the hat’s coverage as I greet Amegakure’s villagers with a smile.

[-Angel of Ame-]

Angel of Rain

With Mitsukai's mastery of Mokuton, Busosen and Soul Caster techniques, she was rarely at a disadvantage when it came to arenas. The Amekage lifted her head up slightly, dark eyes studying the beautiful Takikage that had made her presence known by stepping out of the cabin, the small rabbit returning to a puddle of mud almost instantly once Rosalie had joined them. "I am indeed the Amekage, Mitsukai Roze Odayaka the Third." She said in her usual passive, stable voice. There was something soothing about the constant calm that spilled out from the leader's lips. The confidence to back it up was also quite impressive, she did not falter before the fellow Kage that was more than likely much more experienced that Mitsukai herself. Mitsukai did not see the Takikage's two guards, had she come alone?

"My followers are Sai and Hecate, both from my village, a Chuunin and Genin respectively." The Rain Shadow explained calmly. Having been bred for all things political by an influential family, Mitsukai spoke with utmost respect and politeness. Between each sentence she took a pause to make sure that Rosalie was following, and to give enough time for her fellow Kage to speak if need be.

"Hecate, Sai, please secure the perimeter." She instructed. "We both are the leaders of our nation, Lady Salt. It would truly be a shame if ill would befall us." The Amekage spoke, her last few words had lost the serenity of her previous speaking. Though her voice had remained stable, there had been an edge to her words, a warning.

Mitsukai was not a woman to be trifled with.

"Please, enlighten me to the reasons why you wanted to meet." She asked, her voice not returning to its beautiful rhythm as she walked forward toward the orange haired kunoichi. She even dared to smile. Amegakure's Angel did have an idea of why Rosalie had called this meeting. The woman had more than likely not enjoyed her breaking ties between villages.

[Saiyuki]

Sai silently watched the exchange between the two leaders. They were both being very careful, for obvious reasons. Though it appeared that the Takikage had brought no one else but herself to this meeting. Quite a risk to take for such a prominent figure to leave her village unescorted. Still, the Chuunin had to make sure. Concentrating his focus to his surroundings, he expanded his focus to cover a large range. If there was anyone trying to ambush this party, he would find it.

"Hecate, Sai, please secure the perimeter."

Unknowingly, Sai had already fulfilled her order. There was no one else in the vicinity besides the four of them. Sai acknowledged the order and signaled for Hecate to take the area to the right of the house while he took the left. With his abilities, it did not matter where he was. Nothing would slip past him to disturb the two Kages meeting.

SPOILER: Click to show

Mind's Eye of the Kagura
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Skill: Passive
Effect: The basic technique needed in order to learn all Sensor Techniques.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: The basic yet complex ability that allows Sensor's to find, sense, and track individuals over a vast range. This ability is done by the user closing their eyes and opening their mind's eye in order to see the advanced chakra systems around them. At A rank and above, Sensors no longer need to close their eyes in order to access their mind's eye. The user of this jutsu can only sense those up to the equivalent class rank of the rank they know. (i.e. If the user knows up to B rank in this jutsu they can sense characters of all the way from D to B rank. The basic range of this technique is ten meters.
Limit: Must fulfill all requirements to become Sensor in order to learn this technique.

Mind’s Eye Extension
Rank: D, C, B, A
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to increase the range of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This technique is passively used to increase the distance of Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. At D rank this extends the maximum range of the technique to twenty-five. At every rank after D the distance will double until reaching a maximum range of two hundred meters.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

Advanced Chakra Sensing
Rank: D
Skill: Passive
Effect: A technique used to differentiate between chakra signatures.
Special: ---
Drawback: --
Description: This skill is used in conjunction with Mind’s Eye of the Kagura. This passive ability allows the user to differentiate between separate chakra signatures. A person will be able to tell if the chakra is that of a human or an animal. Also once the user sees an individual’s chakra signature once they will automatically recognize that persons chakra signature from then on.
Limit: Must know Mind’s Eye of Kagura.

[💀]

"Lady Takikage eh?" The green eyed demon mumbled to herself, only half listening to the warbles of this lonely woman who had come for a meeting. When she finally decided it was time to show her pretty little head, Hecate was already wondering on how nice she would be to just go ahead and surrender her head. Three Kage's heads had slipped through her fingers: Mizu, Ame and now Taki. Water seemed to be a big theme here as of late, but who knew what today held in store? With the Takikage all by her lonesome here anything could happen...

Ofcourse Mitsukai had to flex what little authority she did have, ordering her and the other named Sai to secure the perimeter. "Yeah, yeah.." No fun. Not unless there were two of her own guards whom were settled alongside her int he dense tangle and rot work of the hut she had stepped out of. If she had her own guards out, watching, waiting, this could get fun in an instant. Sai signaled her off, to which she responded with a sneer, brandishing her scythe and wading off into the distance, out of sight but within ear shot. She checked the ground for tracks, sniffing and pushing things around to make sure she had all the information she needed.

[Will totally track a bitch]

[Natsy]

My mind was a cauldron of emotions. Swirling around were emotions like fear, anger, frustration, excitement and perhaps a little bit of intimidation. Seeing the three Shinobi standing before me, leaving me outnumbered and horribly at a disadvantage had left me wondering if having come without company was such a good idea. With having Kaoru and Isabella out on a mission in tracking a threat inside the village and team Chimera Zero out in Hi no Kuni investigating a series of disappearances, I suddenly felt vulnerable and alone.

Already the meeting was underway. Mitsukai introduced herself along with the names of her accomplices. The area surrounding the hut was strangely silent, apart from the howling wind and the rustling of leaves and brush. I assume it was the wildlife, or perhaps Mitsukai had bought along more of her village for this meeting. I incline my head in greeting toward the kunoichi and young male standing alongside their kage but says nothing to or about them. It seemed as if Mitsukai was full or words for the time being.

“It is a pleasure,” I say softly, my genuine smile never faltering. “I would introduce my companions to you, if I had any to introduce.” I say, shrugging carelessly although my gaze constantly searched for reactions, no matter how small. No doubt I would get one for saying that. “Just didn’t see the reason for bringing any since we were allies at a time, and your removal from the alliance was not on ill terms.” I say, emphasizing the word ‘were’.

Mitsukai had asked her Shinobi to scout the area which left me smiling wider. I wanted this meeting to be conducted alone as business between kages of two different villages was strictly between the kage. And so when the kunoichi – who continued to give me the feeling she’d rather have my head than allegiance – and her male companion had left the area, I decided to get straight down to business.

“Now, before I begin my reason for calling you forward, I would like to warn you that I am very frank in my ways of handling situations so please do not judge me too quickly. I came here to rebuild an alliance or at least an understanding between our villages, and not a fight.” I said, my tone changing from polite and gentle to more assertive and direct within mere seconds. Should Mitsukai have anything to say to that, the pause I issued would be long enough for her to speak, if not then I continued without further ado.

“A few days ago, I was called to Mashimizu alongside Ace Debutler Onta, Hachidaime Yukikage, and Tsuyu Hoshigaki, now former Mizukage to discuss the alliances with our villages. Amegakure was supposed to be partaking in this meeting also, however a..” I trail off, reaching into my butt-bag to retrieve a slip of parchment and read out the name scribbled down, “Shugi Hyuuga had sent Emi Hoshigaki to inform us that Amegakure no longer wished to partake in an alliance with Yukigakure, and thus remain neutral with Kiri and Taki in the form of a messenger bird.”

At this, I hold out the letter that Tsuyu had left behind in Mashimizu. Should Mitsukai accept the parchment upon it would read:

Greetings kages of the waterbelt alliance
I regrettably must inform you that the young Lord Amekage Hyuuga Shugi has decided not to participate on the meeting. The reasoning behind this decision is because the village of snow will be a part of the alliance, which Lord Amekage refuses to ally with.
Good luck with the meeting, and we hope to have a continuous good relationship with you.


-Hoshigaki Emi of the Crimson rain

Should Mitsukai read the message I would continue speaking. “Shortly after that message was read out, the meeting was closed somewhat immediately which had left me wondering if Amegakure is still willing to maintain an alliance with my village. It seemed that the moment I had returned to my desk there was a message from Amegakure waiting for me which declared all ties cut,” I stopped speaking abruptly, anger raising swiftly as my plum gaze seized the woman before me.

“I am not into politics. They are a total waste of time in my opinion.” I say, my tone a little harsher than needed. “Should an ally of mine require assistance in battle and calls upon my village for said assistance, then Takigakure will respond without hesitation. I am a very kinetic young woman and has been Takikage since I was ten years old. Now, I don’t know what is going on inside your village and to be frank I don’t care. I just want to ensure that as long as Amegakure has no ill thoughts against my village then I am happy.

“But I must admit that I was pretty pissed with having arrived back from Mashimizu after being told that the alliance between Amegakure and Takigakure were still present, and that said alliance was dissolved due to a new Kage taking seat. I do not like to be messed around with and I am hoping that your message was a simple misunderstanding. So I am here to find out where our villages lie and wither we have an alliance or not.” I say, my tone bordering on a snap. My gaze softened slightly as I gave the woman before me enough time to take all of this in.

“I value the friendship and alliance between Amegakure and my village and would continue to value it even if you decline an alliance. I just want a straight answer and a reason why should that answer be a no.” And with that, I finish speaking altogether. With the ball now in Amegakure’s court, I folded my arms and awaited a reply.

[-Angel of Ame-]

Angel of Rain

Rosalie would be disappointed if she wanted to see Mitsukai react to her words. Bred to be a political animal, Amegakure's Angel made sure that her face was a constant mask that would betray no weakness nor emotion. If she did see any emotion, it would be amusement, but only slightly, a glint in her eye. The mention of her not bringing any companions did not affect the angel. She had mentioned being allowed to bring two, had she not taken the opportunity, it was her fault. One never knew what they would fall upon during their travels. Mistukai's wings slowly moved when Rosalie's tone became almost accusatory, demanding to know if the village of Rain would remain loyal to Waterfall, or at least remain neutral. When Rosalie claimed that she was not into politics, Mitsukai bit her lower lip, not wanting to laugh and seem impolite. If she did not like politics, she was not in the right career path. The different Kage needed to walk a political tightrope between alliances, hostility and neutrality. She seemed to like her alliances which let the kunoichi know that perhaps Rosalie enjoyed politics more than she claimed.

She took the message and read it, still lending an ear to Rosalie to listen to all that she had to say.

"If you are frank, then let me be frank as well, Lady Takikage." Mitsukai said once Rosalie had finished speaking and given her an appropriate amount of time to respond. Mitsukai's voice was still its serene self, but it was an icy cold to it. She would not play nice for the sake of the woman's heart. If Rosalie would be frank, so would Mitsukai.

"Your words have now cemented why I believe an alliance with you would be useless. You do not care about what goes on in my village. Why should I extend to you an olive branch and a promise of help, if you simply do not care about my people." The dark haired woman answered. Rosalie's resume was impressive, having been the Takikage since she had been ten. It meant that the village had voted her in without real thought of if she was a good leader, she probably never had the chance to lead, but due to her talents, a prodigy. Mitsukai had worked her whole life to be where she was, she had served directly two Amekage before her. Rosalie had undoubtedly proven herself in all her time, and Mitsukai had to respect her political opponent.

"Under my leadership, Amegakure will enter a new age. It is why I personally cut ties with all villages. Yes, the timing was not necessarily good on your end as you had just been told that Rain would remain loyal to you. But you must know how quick things change when there is a passing of titles between Kages." The brown haired kunoichi added.

"But you ask to have a reason, even if you do not care about my village, fair enough, you will have it." Mitsukai said, every word carefully chosen yet quickly used. "Amegakure no Sato will no longer be weighed down by alliances, by political games and false promises. Too long has my village been considered weak. We shall retreat ourselves from the weakness and corruption of the outside world and concentrate on ourselves." She answered, already she had given too much information. She would not see Rosalie or her village as an enemy, but she would not treat them as allies until they had proven themselves to her.

"You too should do the same Lady Takikage. Do not trust Yukigakure no Sato. It is corrupt, its Yukikage, rotten." Mitsukai explained. "Upon claiming our neutrality with them, the Lady Yukikage attempted to buy my village, as if we were some poor, destitute state." Mitsukai declared, it was only then that emotion finally betrayed the Amekage, but only subtle. A single line crossed her forehead, a crown that proved her discontentment with the Village Hidden in the Snow.

"I could potentially see an alliance between our two villages if it was just that, an alliance unique to us both. If you renounce your ties to all other villages but my own, I could accept, but those would be my only terms. Never could I ally with someone who has ties to that village." She admitted finally. And then the ball would be back in Rosalie's court.

OOC: The posting order is now no longer to be respected, considering this is a conversation between two Kage, we can post at anytime to move things along. Hecate and Sai can jump in if they want at anytime, but for now there is no posting order unless there is a change to the status quo.
Current Status Quo: Neutral

[Natsy]

When a person watches a cartoon and sees the wolf falling from the cliff after having misjudged the distance, the sound of whistling fading out before the final splatting noise sounding once the wolf hits the ground is kind of what sounded inside my head at this point. Mitsukai was not only frank, but she was fiery as well. My gaze betrayed my inner thoughts as she stated that being allied with Amegakure would be useless. I realized then that Mitsukai had totally misheard what point I was trying to get across. Immediately I bite my lower lip, regretting my choice of words.

“I am sorry, let me rephrase that: I do care a lot for Amegakure and has valued the alliance we shared prior to your withdrawal. When I said that I don’t care, I meant by the constant shifts of power within your village. That is none of my business as it is for Amegakure’s best interests. Although it is concerning despite the affect it will have on your shinobi. So I guess in a way, I do care.” What the hell was I doing?! Already I was wishing I could go back in time to remove that part from my speech. Those three words were costing me my chance at reforming an alliance with one of my most favourite villages.

But when Mitsukai continued speaking about her futures for her village, I could not help but to feel dazzled and awed by her new plans. But she did have a point about the way people think. Perhaps Mitsukai had not known of the Hyuuga’s wishes and had decided to drop ties with everyone to test wither which village would better benefit her. This did make sense to me, yet after what I had just said moments before, it appeared that Mitsukai had lost total interest in reuniting. “I can understand that. Shugi may not have spoken to you regarding this matter and had assumed you would continue with the alliance. But I can understand where you are coming from now.” I said, happy with her decision, yet it does not benefit me in the slightest.

“Allow me to tell you this,” I suddenly say, my gaze meeting hers directly. “When I was elected Takikage, my entire village rebounded against me, saying that I was far too young and inexperienced to wield such a responsibility. I absolutely hated my council members for having forced this responsibility upon me. Yet I had no choice. I spent the next six years trying to be a good leader, and by doing that I have kept all promises and ties to all the allies that my predecessors had made.

“Although all allies aside from Yukigakure had been severed, I continued to stay strong for my Shinobi knowing that without allies there is always the possibility of betrayal and war. I respect your judgement and is willing to accept the fact that your desire to not continue our alliance biased on what you believe. Yet never have I known Amegakure to be weak. Under Kireme’s reign he was a merciless leader and had bonded closely with myself and I was very sad to see him go.”

I stopped speaking for a few moments. The memories of Kireme spending time in Seisui attending a tournament I had conjured. Although I do not know why he stepped down as Amekage, I only hoped that it wasn’t due to death. “I will be more than happy to prove myself to Amegakure if that is your wish. I am not desperate for an alliance, I just simply enjoyed having contact and ties with Amegakure and knowing that they were always there when I needed them, and vise versa. But you ask that I drop alliances with Yukigakure?” My tone dropped several octaves as she stated ‘lady yukikage’ and not ‘lord’ was Ace not Yukikage anymore?

“Ace has never been a corrupted Shinobi. But since I have not had contact with him since the meeting in Mashimizu perhaps Yukigakure too, has had a shift in power.” immediately I felt a fool for siding with them. Had Ace’s quick retreat from the meeting been due to stepping down from his chair as well as the death of his wife? But having the news of the Yukikage’s attempts at buying Amegakure did send a pang of anger through me. I care for both Yukigakure and Amegakure deeply, but hearing so many different stories from all ends was a headache that I didn’t want.

But that alone was the decision that had officially ended the meeting. Amegakure’s terms were terms that I could not accept without first speaking to Yukigakure. I shook my head. “I am deeply sorry, Lady Amekage, but I cannot accept those terms. Ace and I have been very close throughout the years I have known him, and I know for a fact that he would not betray anyone,” I say, my voice strong and confident. I wanted to let this woman know that I was confident that Yukigakure was not all dark and doom as she had stated. Her past experiences with Yukigakure does not necessarily reflect the experiences that Amegakure may have with Takigakure.

“Although you may not like Yukigakure at all and possibly any village tied to them. Your experiences with Yukigakure may not be pleasant and I get that, but that doesn’t mean that Takigakure will not share the same feeling and ill intentions with Amegakure as Yukigakure may do. Please keep that in mind as you travel back to your village.” I say, my voice genuine and gentle. I wanted an alliance, but forcing it upon this woman was not going to get me anywhere, but it doesn’t mean that I won’t try to change her mind..

[-Angel of Ame-]

Angel of Rain

Mitsukai listened with interest to everything the Takikage had to say. She had been the leader of her nation for close to six years, the angel could learn a lot from listening to the woman who had much more experience when it came to alliances with the villages. When she had served Souzen, he had not truly been a fan of alliances with other missions, he had practised and isolation policy just as she was trying to do. This meeting was mostly a courtesy she extended to the Takikage due to her ties with Kireme. Mitsukai had to smile to herself when Rosalie mentioned that without alliances there was always the threat of betrayal and war. But that was not true. Without alliances, there could be no betrayal, it was another reason why she had decided to separate herself from all alliances. Shugi had been much too clement with all other villages, trying to extend an olive branch while most villages were probably hiding a dagger behind their backs. And these days no one dared going to war.

"No, the person who tried to buy my alliance was not this Ace you speak of. He has been replaced by a certain Pricilia Deus." Mitsukai stated confidently, knowing fully well that the person that had sent the letter with the Yukikage seal had definitely not been the Chivalrous Gambler. If Rosalie Salt would be playing the Game of Kages, there would need to be something made abundantly clear. "As Kages we must put the good of our village above everything else. Separating Rain from the corruption of all other nations to concentrate on herself is how I believe I can revive the Crimson Rain." She said. Rosalie had perhaps never heard of the term, but it was one that held a lot of meaning for those who had been within the village of Rain for a long time.

"I urge you to put your village above all else." She began anew. "You can not remain in an alliance because you had a friendship with its former Kage. I urge you to meet or at least contact this Lady Yukikage and see her corruption for your own eyes." Mitsukai suggested, perhaps by seeing Pricilia as Mitsukai had seen her through her letter, Rosalie would see the evil intent of this woman.

"You are right, I do not believe you to be corrupt like Yukigakure no Sato, but yoy must know what they say about rotten apples. Soon the rot will extend to the others in its basket." With that Amegakure's Angel readjusted the cloak around her shoulders. She had grown so accustomed to the eternal rains of her nation that being without rain was almost...uncomfortable. Behind her glasses she looked around the grounds surrounding the small cabin. Who did this cabin belong to? Was in in Rosalie's possession?

"You and I are both women in a man's world, thrust with political allegiances from a young age. It would be a shame for you to be manipulated by a she-devil." She finally added, it was only then that Mitsukai finally grinned. The Amekage herself travelled with a she-devil in the form of Hecate. But at least the stalwart Sai was here, she could trust him.

[💀]

Having swept her side of the boundaries, Hecate walked back into the clearing, scythe in hand and with her single filter gas mask in place. The C filter was already applied and the flash proof goggles made the area seem so much more crisp and clear than usual. She had been listening to as much as possible since her return, catching the denial of a severance of ties with Snow and the mentioning of several Kage names and instances in which they had met. Who wanted to lead a village anyways? If Hecate had decided to do so, she would have happily led them all into the glorious embrace of Jashin.

While she scuffed her tracks with her scythe, the emerald eyed demon stopped beside Mitsukai, Smiling at the looks of emotion that played across Rosalie's face. "If it's taken this long to decide on being an ally or not, I would say minds have already been made up." Interjecting, Hecate' sights turned predatory, glancing over the Takikage as if she were merely a piece of meat, a meal to be enjoyed by an animal much further up the food chain. "If she couldn't sway you to change your mind already woman, then I would say Waterfall has no more use to you, yeah?" Yeah she was sure Mitsukai would pipe up, something about watching her tongue or respecting a Kage or blah blah, but she should have known by now she had little care for self given titles, or those given by anyone other than Jashin.

With a little twist she leaned on her scythe, poking her head beneath the wicked blade and giving it a slightly tilt, much like a guillotine blade would fall to severe a neck. "I say we off her here and now. Not showing up with an escort means she clearly see's herself capable of handling anyone you brought with you, right?" She turned a bemused and accusatory eye towards Rosalie. "Besides, Ame has all the water it needs, why add to the deluge?" god she wanted her head, no, her whole body. Intact. Her duty to Jashin was paramount.

[-Angel of Ame-]

Angel of Rain

Mitsukai instantly rolled her eyes when she noticed that Hecate wished to participate in the conversation. "Thank you for your opinion Hecate. I believe I will be able to take it from here." She stated in her still pristinely serene yet stern tone. She would not admonish or even give a hint of punishment to the follower of Jaishin. Especially not in front of the Takikage. Rosalie would probably think that Mitsukai was unable to keep her own nin in order, which was technically true. A shadow war was slowly brewing in her own village and on top of that she travelled with a chaotic madwoman with emerald eyes.

"Please disregard the threats that Hecate is so fond of." Mitsukai said about how Hecate believed the Takikage believed she could take the three of them out. "There will be no fighting tonight unless you start it." She said still without emotion.

[Natsy]

The heat from the sun bore down upon the hut with visible waves. The area surrounding the hut, the Shinobi and the brush around gave the resemblance of a desert despite the country’s rivers, forests and reasonably moist landscape. My gaze shifted over Mitsukai’s as she spoke in such confidence. The birds almost seemed to know when the Amekage were to open her mouth as each time the other woman went to speak, they would silence themselves.

Relief flooded through me when Mitsukai had stated Ace was not responsible for the alleged buying of Amegakure. But who was this Pricillia Deus? Something tells me that shortly after this meeting, I will be paying a visit to Yukigakure to visit this new kage. Mitsukai however, continued to speak about severing ties with villages as well as putting the village above all else. I agreed wholeheartedly with this notion, although putting Takigakure first has always been first on my agenda. Was the younger woman hinting something?

But that question was answered almost as immediately as it was asked. My eyes narrowed slightly as her ‘urge’ as she put it. The majority of me wanted to tell this teenager to mind her own business, but I was trying to earn her trust, not her anger. “Thank you for the suggestion, Lady Amekage. However, I do not have an alliance with Yukigakure based on my friendship with Ace. But I will definitely be visiting this Pricillia you speak of. I cannot just assume she is a monster biased off someone else’s perspective of her.” I say, glancing over toward the other kunoichi whom had returned back from her scouting of the area.

Mitsukai continued to speak, and her words gave me light on her beliefs. But she was still understandably sceptical. Perhaps Mitsukai is exactly what Amegakure needs. But at her final remark on manipulation, I couldn’t help but to laugh. I realized then that I liked this young woman. “Very interesting term indeed. Although no one, and I repeat, no one will manipulate me. I have been in the seat of Kages for a very long time, and I usually do not involve myself with other villages unless needed. But I appreciate your concern,” I say, moments before the younger kunoichi began speaking.

Not only was I threatened by this companion, but I was extremely bothered by her tone. Although Mitsukai spoke to her, I could not shake the feeling that Hecate had every intention of disobeying her leader’s orders. My arms, folded as they were, resisted the urge to grasp one of the kunai hidden beneath the cloak that shrouded my entire body. “I’ll tell you what, I will visit Pricillia in Yukigakure and speak with her personally.” I pause, my gaze moving from Hecate to Mitsukai. “I want answers regarding to this shocking behaviour. I will not welcome a village with buying others out as their intentions, I will then..” I abruptly cut myself off.

‘Report to you what her side of the story is..’ Was what I was going to say. Would I go that far as to spy on my own ally? Yukigakure was the only village who did not sever ties with Takigakure. My gaze dropped to the ground for a few moments, inner thoughts clouding my vision for a brief moment. But something deep inside of me knew that what Mitsukai had said was the truth and that was the part that bothered me. Hearing that suddenly made me feel unsafe and insecure.

“I will travel to Yukigakure and speak with Pricillia and discuss her intentions toward Amegakure myself. I have always been fonder of Amegakure over Kiri and Yuki and is not happy about the outcome of this meeting. It seems as if I have been introduced to something that I have been left in the dark about and I don’t like it.” I say, my tone haughty, almost angry. This meeting was officially at a conclusion. “I will make my decision over the next few days and will contact Amegakure through messenger animal unless you would prefer another face-to-face meeting.

“At say, you’re Embassy?” I suggest, smiling. It was a small smile, a smile full with conflict and uncertainty. My attention then shifted to Hecate, although I say nothing. I didn’t like the kunoichi at all, my expression clearly said so, although my smile remained firmly in place. I even began to wonder should this kunoichi decide to ignore her leader’s orders and attack, that would Mitsukai or Sai step in to either stop the fight, or assist her.

[-Angel of Ame-]

Angel of Rain

It seemed as if Rosalie would be giving some thought to her allegiance with Yukigakure no Sato, and Mitsukai could not help but grin. Again, Mitsukai did not care about the alliances between other villages, she barely even cared about Yukigakure itself. Her predecessor, even if he had held temporary office had had quite the hateful opinion of the Snow. And the fact that Pricilia had attempted to buy her alliance, as if the Village Hidden in the Rain was a wanton prostitute had not helped the Amekage's own opinion of the white village. She sighed. "Yes, you may seek out an audience with me at my embassy, you will receive a welcome that is fitting to your rank of course." Mitsukai said, fighting off the urge to smile, perhaps this time the red haired kunoichi would bring along a protection detail, just in case. Of course, if Rosalie came to the embassy and was still allied with the Snow, Mitsukai would not be content and would perhaps to take matters into her own hands.

The letter she had received at the Amegakure gates returned to the forefront of her thoughts, fixating a serious gaze on Hecate and then Sai, she gave them a gentle wave of the head, letting them know that she was about to leave. "I bid you safe travels, Lady Takikage.

"Move out." Mitsukai called out to Hecate and Sai before she launched herself forward, tightening her cloak around her shoulders.

--Exit

[💀]

Dismissed for the most part, Hecate just watched the Takikage, licking her lips, the sinister glint of her eyes never leaving. Upon orders to move out she gave a grunt of disapproval but hooked her scythe to her back, giving Rosalie one last longing look. "We'll be meeting again, Lady Kage." The words held no respect and as she turned she made a slicing motion across her neck with her index finger, laughing as she followed Mitsukai.

[exit]

[Saiyuki]

As Sai came back from his rounds, he heard Hecate make a rather rude comment towards the other Kage. He sighed as he was about to open his mouth to shut the Genin up but Mitsukai had the pleasure of doing that. He wondered why she had let someone like her come along to a diplomatic mission. But it seemed that the two Kages were wrapping things up. He noted the exchanges regarding Yukigakure. Sai did not have any interactions with that village during any of his missions in the past but something told him that was going to change. Then the talk ended and it was time to go.

"Lady Takikage, it was a pleasure."

Sai followed after his leader. The riskiest part of the mission was over. Now they just had to get through the night.

[Exit]

[Natsy]

Well that was a huge disappointment. Mitsukai gracefully took her leave alongside her two companions. Although Hecate was surely someone I never wanted to meet again. But the thought of killing her did cross my mind, but was replaced with a horrid feeling considering I was a medic. But I was capable of killing her, or any of them in fact. “Pleasure is mine,” I reply to Sai with a smile. Him, I did like.

“I also bid you safe travels, Lady Amekage and will see you again soon.” I also say while they were still in earshot. However, as they left I remained standing where I was just outside the hut. Could it be that Ace’s new successor was corrupted as Mitsukai said? Or was I making a huge mistake dealing with Amegakure’s new leader? I raise my right hand to cup my chin thoughtfully, finally moving forward as I did so. But first things first; I needed to meet up with this Pricillia.

..Exit..