Political Endeavor (Saiyuki + Invite only)

[Father 'Suke]

Walking with his Kyuushi at his hip, the assorted weapons across his body, and the flask at his hip that held nine swigs Sadhilla within, he moved with a steady walk. Already past that of what was the grounds of his new home and back to the old. This household he locked under lock and key and moved further, continuing onwards until he needed to find a way to get out if any at all were to present themselves. However, he was not one to judge such things and only rather approved them of which he moved onwards in his normal attire, the black shihakushō and hakama attire. Under the shihakushō was the kunai holster that hosted his ten kunai, each hidden proportionally.

Outside of this he had 41 senbon, 80 locking and 160 exploding tags, a single prismatic compass with a map to go with it, ten smoke grenades, two wireless radios, and upon his face still lied the sniper mono-goggle with its anti-flash lenses, condition viewing, thermal, and x-ray visions. Such was what he possesses on his person assorted in the shihakushō and the haori he wore. “So, with this travel back to the village you are going to ask me different questions of strategy? I’m assuming not all of it will be political either so you are challenging more than just my wit I take it.” He questioned, walking calmly through the terrain that was mountainous and at the same time serene as well.

[Saiyuki]

Now that he was finally out of the city, Sai was able to relax a little. There was still the possibility of something going wrong but it was much less likely now. As always, he had his Rumble Regalia on him, along with his long time katana by his side. In his tactical vest and utility belt, he also had 3 blood clot pills, 1 soldier pill, 16 kunai, 10 hira-shuriken, 10 exploding tags, 3 lightning tags, 3 ice tags, a smoke pouch, an incendiary grenade, a compass and a wireless radio. He scanned the area, both with his 5 senses and his 6th to check that they were still alone.

"Well then, if you're so curious, we may as well start now. There is a saying. Do not employ the questionable and do not question the employed. I will now give you the first part of a teaching I learned from a wise man. Listen closely."

Sai paused, reaching into the far depths of his memory.

"Nothing is harder to see into people’s natures. Though good and bad are different, their conditions and appearances are not always uniform.
There are some people who are nice enough but steal.
Some people are outwardly respectful while inwardly making fools of everyone.
Some people are brave on the outside yet cowardly on the inside.
Some people do their best but are not loyal.
Hard though it be to know people, there are ways."

Sai then turned to Suke after he finished reciting the teaching.

"What are these ways?"

[Father 'Suke]

With what Sai had spoken, the leading interpretation of which old teachings were imparted and now spoken up, he listened to them and found them most foreign to him. His own teachings however seemed to run similarly, very different but similar all the same. The question was that though there are ways to know people, what are those ways? In his mind eh immediately had an idea of how to answer it and he looked to Sai with a steady glance. “I understand that this is a way for what you ask. There are those who are pure in heart and single in purpose that understand the most supreme ways.

“However it is like polishing a mirror, which becomes bright when the dust is removed. Remove your passions, and have no hankering, and the past will be revealed to you. It is by this learning that you can achieve knowledge of the people.” A mantra from an old manuscript, reworded slightly to fit the context better but its meaning were all the more relevant. Remove desire and you see the nature for what it is, his stern gaze did that only in terms of seeing past lies to see the truth, the same method but at the same time different results. Perhaps just one of many ways to utilize what one knows.

[Saiyuki]

Sai quietly listened to Suke recite his answer, taken from a canon he too had read in the past on his travels. It was an interesting answer to his question, answering the abstract with the abstract. However the next part of Sai's recitation had been more practical, which was what he sought from Suke. Still, in the Chuunin's eyes, this answer helped to paint a clearer picture of what kind of man that was walking side by side with him. It was befitting the few statements Sai had heard the future Amekage state about himself. And if Sai's memory served him right, his new travel companion was also a practitioner of the medical arts. He decided to delve deeper.

"Your answer comes from one who practices peace and virtue. Living the life you had before, that may have just been fine. But now you are to captain the most advanced form of violence that has developed of our era. How are you to reconcile that?"

Sai paused for a bit, scanning the horizon. They had taken a higher path on their way back so there was a view for them to look out towards.

"Let me give you this scenario. In a time of warring states, not unlike our situation now, feudal lords command their generals to compete for dominion. There is no ruling power and the warlords answer to no one but themselves. You have two paths before you. One is to lead virtuously, gaining the respect and admiration of the people that you lead. The other is to an anti-hero, one who is not afraid of bloodying their hands and using the darker tactics."

"The former prolongs the fight with reform and righteous crusades. The latter uses power and betrayal to ends the chaos swiftly and thus save the people from suffering. How will you justify your path?"

[Father 'Suke]

His answer was subjective and indeed came from studies of peace and virtue, something Suke held troubles with many times in the past as he was prone to anger and even revenge in those days. Mellowing out so to speak by taking the mantle of a medic and following the path of an oath bound cruscader of lawful works. This old Amekage though, he spoke diligently and spoke with which drew on the strings that Ryosuke held inside for further time to speak of. He wasn’t going to let ‘that’ side out to have a field day with these types of questions. It would only lead to chaos and further disrespect for the respect already held.

He waited however after the reconcile question, knowing that there would be more to say as he paid attention and listened well. The scenario held a matter of which he understood all too well and could only nod his head with such understanding to the tactics that be held. His eyes watchful while the question was formed into the air and recited out in the boundless air. “If I may, I can recite another from that same style that practices peace and virtues as you mentioned. Modesty and Humility are most powerful, for they harbor no evil thoughts, and, moreover, they are restful and full of strength.

“As they are free from evils, the matter is sure to be honor bound by all. For which path I am to choose, I will wish to choose the median of the two. A leader is one who leads his people into a new age. For too long has the Land of Rain been in the dark and the tyrants overthrowing with more horrors than time has bound. So thereby an anti-hero may be necessary to rid ourselves of the bindings, yet the virtuous is also necessary to create apt conditions to make it look as though our oppressors still need us.” He spoke with a pleasant face, yet the evil eyes that were narrow and calculating already told a different story.

The narrowed eyes spoke of a man capable of going beyond the limits necessary, for manipulation was a political strength and a mind-numbing mobility to action. Take both paths and converge them to create the balance necessary. “I am merely a medicinal knight for our village, a holy armada under my goddess, and a friend to two close allies that I’ve fought beside in battle. Ten years ago I dare say we had our rough times, we both know that the bloodshed will be there but I will make it end as fast as it can with as little loss of our side.” It was his promise as a selected few can ever keep.

[Saiyuki]

Sai listened to his answer patiently as the two of them kept walking along their path back home. After his charge finished answering, Sai let the silence sit for a little while as he observed the surroundings, not for the purpose of looking for enemies, but simply because he liked doing so while he was pondering and listening to what ideas ruled the hearts of men that were not him. It was ever so interesting to him, wondering how other people's lives must have been for them to give the answer that they do. That aside, Sai thought the Amekage to be's answer was better than his first one. While it slightly worried him that he wanted to walk the middle path, at least he declared that he would end the internal strife within their land as fast as possible. That meant the ends would justify the means, at least for this part.

"I hope you know that those who walk along the middle will one day fall prey to one side or the other. The only people who can walk that path are recluses, people who do not care about others."

The Chuunin held a slight pause before continuing.

"But at least we see eye to eye regarding our situation. Philosophies aside, there are other things that one who rules over others must have. Besides having military prowess, a leader must also know how to play the political game. If utilized properly, these tactics can be equated to a deadly military weapon. So tell me, what are the methods for conducting a civil offensive?"

[Father 'Suke]

Brother ‘Suke gave Sai the time to use what he will on the knowledge of what he gave. He also paid heed to what the old Amekage said of the paths for those who walk the center. Suke knew all too well that one path led to his destruction while the other lead to his people, and ultimately he wouldn’t sacrifice his own to grow himself. It was a game, a very shadowy game at that. For now though they kept walking until finally the next question came to be. Having to do with politics and the political weapon itself and that brought an interest to him. He didn’t know much, but the basics were enough for his mindset.

“I’ll admit I do not have the strongest grasp on our countries politics, I imagine after almost a year out of the village it was bound to happen however, I do know the basics of what you asked. The methods I know are twelve in number: Censorship, Compromise, Discrediting, Fear mongering, Heroism, Lying, Obstructionism, Passing the buck, Placating, Plausible deniability, Religion-based strategies, and Smear campaign. All twelve can build a good civil offensive when used wisely, however there are some that invoke more pain to your own political career than others would.

“Censoring our people, or rather as it was done in many years, passing the buck from kage to kage. It has to end. The locking of our gates gave fear mongering world to our people from inside and out I imagine and only worsened the relations we had with other villages and our own nation, smearing our way of life. It’s a matter of wiping that smear though that will help us along our path. The cruelty of the fact is, most of our shinobi have fallen under the thirteenth of these methods, “creeping normality.” They’ve begun accepting the fact that there won’t be another true kage to take the helm of this political game of shadows that all the past have played.

“But I digress, I may have said too much already.” His words finished speaking and a calmness of mind washing over him as he followed calmly, wondering if what he said had made sense or not, and if it had not then there was already troubles enough as the day started off with a fight and was slowly ending with political talk, the matter of night coming upon them was a sure fire thing indeed.

[Saiyuki]

Sai nodded approvingly as he listened to Suke recall each method, one by one. While different words were being used to describe the civil offensives, they bespoke the same essence. It was good that he at least knew him. Many people only knew a few. Even fewer knew how to apply them effectively and had the resolve to do so. After all, playing a political game requires patience and planning. The constant pressure. Dealing with never ending problems. Few had the qualifications to be using these tactics. With time, he could only hope that Suke would develop to have those qualifications. Otherwise if Sai judged him to be a weak leader, he would have to use the civil offensive himself on the man.

Thankfully, he seems quite dedicated to reform.

"No, you speak the truth. It is true that things have been this way for too long. I myself am guilty of not stepping in sooner. But perhaps now, more than ever before, the timing is ripe for the gears to start moving again..."

Sai scanned the area once more with his Sensor abilities as the sun began to set. Darkness would soon follow. He started looking around.

"We should find a place for the night. Let's start looking for a cave; it should not be a difficult task given this region."

The Chuunin was a bit thankful for this area. He found an area where animals often traveled through, judging from the tracks. And soon enough, before night fell, Sai discovered a cave. As he began to set up camp, another question popped up into Sai's head. One that was very important and quite relevant to this situation.

"This reminded me of something else. When you are leading an army, what is the best way to assert your authority and gain the loyalty of your men so that they will be inspired to fight with all their might?"

[Father 'Suke]

‘Suke held little to no sensory capabilities, but his eyes did just fine with the coming of the night and its falling stars of sorts. He understood it all too well as he moved to follow Sai who seemed to be capable of finding things even he couldn’t. However given the lay of the land it was useful nonetheless. What was said earlier did strike a chord in him, that he was being asked these questions by someone who hadn’t stepped in and started to change things. It was difficult to comprehend what that exactly meant but he pushed it to the back of his mind, there were many things afterall that affect ones judgment in the seat of power.

He did remain silent during the search, finding a place soon enough and making camp as well. Forming a sleeping areas with some sand inside the cave, luckily enough there was a good method to the madness as sand was easier to sleep on than rock. The question was of inspiration, to inspire one’s own men even. He had two different answers he could give, one of which was the medic’s code but the other was as a leader. “Traditionally I would have to stay at the rear, lending aid to up one’s capabilities and heal the wounded as a medic. But now that I’m tasked to lead I would stand at the helm of that group.

“This meaning, I would take charge to motivate them through nine forms. First is rewarding good behaviors while punishing the poor choices. Second, teaching them the bigger picture, cause if they are in with my plan then everyone is on the same page. Never underestimate the power of thank you. Number four is to be a coach and not a dictator, no one wants to follow a tyrant and if they do, they should have kept the older kage I’m certain. Fifth and sixth go hand in hand, by setting a good example to know your people they also will do the same and that’ll create teamwork.”

He took a breather, looking into his bag and then with a drink of his flask he offered it to this man as well. “It’s a good drink, an herbal mixture I picked up somewhere rumored to have the capability to boost one’s energies. Figure it could come in handy in the future.” He would wait for his flask offer to be turned down or taken up on before continuing, “Helping one’s men advance their career is also a key method while allowing two-way communication inspires organization. The final way is to set high standards and be disciplined. I personally don’t enjoy short cuts and neither should our shinobi.

(Requesting Saddilia permanent roll 10%, vew spoiler for more info)

SPOILER: Click to show

Saddilia
Rank: Nearly Impossible, Colossal
Type: Herb, Grassland, Summer/Autumn, TaiJutsu Enhancement/Chakra Enhancement.
Effect: An herb capable of increasing the user's chakra levels as well as their movements.
Special: Preparation: 2 weeks ; Duration: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: This rare tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, and can become quite old. It has dark red wood, and equally dark blue leaves. The flowers, which grow in small bunches, are startling white, almost radiant. Its nuts have a very special property; each nut raises the user's chakra levels and increases their movements by 1 (Effects stack up to 3 times). The effect lasts for a 1 day, after which it fades again (minus 1 every days), although there is a 10% chance the effect is permanent. Around the tree there are often animals (squirrels, salmon) who eat the nuts on a regular basis, and are therefore quite nimble, quick, and rumor has it able to possess Chakra techniques. Herb consists 128 doses.
Limit: Must know Herbal Knowledge for Grassland Regions. 1% chance of finding.
Cost: 105,000 Ryo per herb. 808 Ryo per Dosage.

[Saiyuki]

As the two settled in the for the night, Sai listened to Suke's answer once more. He had hit upon what the Chuunin was looking for in the first sentence but he kept going. And the rest of them were agreeable as well, though some of the ways would be more difficult to implement the bigger one's army got. After the answer was finished, Sai sat with his back against the wall, thinking about how to phrase his commentary. A moment later, he spoke.

"Correct again. I do want to emphasize the first part though. Handing out both punishments and rewards are extremely necessary to running an organization. It brings order and gives people incentive to do what needs to be done. That is why there should be no rank or hierarchy when it comes to this. Let the highest ranking noble die should he commit a capital offense and let the impoverished rural soldier be lavished with the greatest reward should he be the one to turn the tides of war. This was one of the first lessons I ever learned so I just wanted to point that out."

Upon saying that, he started to relax. He kept doing regular scans every now and then but he had not felt any one human for a long time. He looked over to his charge, who was offering him a drink. Sensing no ulterior motives in this, Sai nodded.

"Cheers."

After he took a swig, he gulped it down and handed it back, along with a wrapped package. It was just basic foodstuffs that Sai had cooked himself, preserved and meant to last for long trips. Biscuits, jerky and dried fruits were in it so he offered some to the future Amekage.

"Have some. I will take the first watch so you get some rest."

SPOILER: Click to show

Roll please.

[Father 'Suke]

‘Suke was pleased that he was having a good time with the questions, they were not that far different from his teachings from the Venator in many respects as well so it only emphasized the knowledge that much more. With keen eyes looking curiously at the individual though. He listened to the emphasis he stressed on the first point that was brought up. The ways of reward and penalty were dangerous tools if used incorrectly and yet when used the right way, they were beyond incredible. The results provided were always marvelous and miracles to behold afterall.

Suke understood the lesson quite well indeed, one of the few things that he was taught at the academy for those short months by chance of path as well. When looking upon the man, he smiled at the cheers and the food that was provided to him. His eyes looking keenly upon it as he took some of the dried fruit, popping a couple of the small bite size pieces in his mouth and letting the damp confines enlighten the flavor. It was a good way to slowly go to sleep as well as the flavor put him into rest as he nodded to Sai. “Just like the good ole’ days ain’t it?” He chuckled to himself, granted remembering those days probably differently than Sai.

Unless spoken to by some form of reaction, Suke would drift off to sleep until having to be woken for his shift of watch at the least. It was an innate thing after all, and having trust for his own fellow comrade he didn't fear for the night as he knew Sai was a capable shinobi after having to treat him those times way back when.

[I'm gonna go ahead and post while we're waiting on the rolls. May as well have this thread keep trucking after all LOL.]

[Tieren]

Neither receive the permanent effect

narutoforumrp.proboards.com/thread/16912/herb-dice-roll?page=65&scrollTo=979002

[Saiyuki]

Sai kept watch in the night, letting his thoughts keep him awake for once. There was not much to do besides that anyways. If they had been inside far enough to have a campfire that would not be visible, then he could have read. Instead he only had his mind to entertain him. And thus, he reflected on the day's events. The majority of it had been traveling, which was nothing new in his life. However witnessing the fight between the two other Amegakure shinobi was interesting in itself. He had a little inkling of some of their abilities but he knew that their hearts were not both in this. And then there was also the question of Emi. The thought still annoyed him. He hoped Emi was actually at the village by the time they got back. If he wasn't...well that meant Sai would be assigned to track him down since he was with him last.

And of course, there was this almost annoyingly good hearted future Amekage slumbering next to him. At least Sai was able to confirm that he was not just some naive priest who believed in the good of everyone. There was more there than what Suke let on, consciously or unconsciously. Sai could feel it. There was no logical justification in it besides his intuition, which often was just as good as logic, if not better. He made it a point to keep a close eye on him during his time as Amekage. Earlier in the past few years, shinobi had been rather apathetic, merely just focusing on themselves instead of caring for the greater cause. Now however, the pieces had finally been gathered. And if Sai guessed correctly, Suke would be the key that would start the engine of revival.

Lost in his thoughts, the Chuunin lost track of time. He looked out into the night sky, observing the position the moon and the faintest tinges of color arising out of the blackness. It seemed that more than half the night was over. He gave a slight push to Suke's back to wake up.

"Your turn to keep watch. Nothing has happened. The sun will be up in a few hours. Report over."

And with that, Sai let his tiredness start to hit him.

[Father 'Suke]

Brother ‘Suke was awakened through his slumber by a slight push, his eyes opening with a slighted glance as he held a hold on his sword before hearing the voice. Taking his hand off his swords hilt he nodded as he stretched. His spine popping like a snare drum as he nodded, “Get some rest Sai, we’ll start our walk come morning.” It was a calming sensation as he stood where Sai had been before the sleep took hold of him. ‘Suke gazed out into the distance, the good nature of flat lands as they were only allowed for him to look out across that horizon and gaze with a subtle brilliance of the land that it held.

They would enter Ame no Kuni tomorrow, that was certain while he thought on that and chuckled to himself. It had been ten months since he last was in Ame, that was a scary thought indeed and while he thought on that he wondered still why he of all the other accomplished Ame shinobi were pouring out on the streets, why he was selected. It was a difficult thing to comprehend due to his nature but at the same time with the questions that Sai had been asking earlier it only seemed natural. The questions came to natural solutions and he wondered if this position was more so born to him.

With such thoughts swirling he looked at the slowly forming dawn, the sunlight painting pink and red hues across the clouds that supported such an ambient light in its very nature. He only smiled at such a push of natural wonder and gazed across the sunlight. The sun blazing its own light and he felt the light warming his skin as he smiled kept watch, letting Sai sleep a little longer. The sunlight never changed, the mornings were always this ambient of light and it held a captivating gaze across the land every time. It was one reason he settled in this country for his homestead.

Looking at Sai as the birds began to chirp more, he spoke up, “Not much to report, pretty calm day to boot and the birds be singing, so I’d assume no predators within our midst either.” It was survival training 101 afterall, if the smaller animals made noise, the larger predators weren’t around. If all was silent then the hunt was beginning. It was quite simple.

[Saiyuki]

Sai woke up with sunlight creeping into the cave. It seemed that his travel companion had let him sleep a bit more. It was a much needed rest since most of the past few weeks had been spent traveling. He nodded to Suke's reporting of what happened and a quick scan on the area around him confirmed it, just in case there was someone who animals happened to like, "hunters" particularly. Regardless, there was no one. He doubted someone was able to keep up their chakra suppression for so long and without any trace. As the two of them began to leave the cave, Sai turned to Suke.

"We should hurry to the Village soon. This mission has taken longer than I expected. And for now, since you've answered my questions just fine, I think you will not have any trouble with the higher-ups."

And so, another day of traveling began. However they were significantly closer to their home country than before. In the far distance, the reminiscent storm clouds of never ending rain were waiting to welcome the two back home.

[Father 'Suke]

Suke felt the rays of the sun, and as his travel companion rose up to the readiness of being awake they were to set out and make it back into Ame no Kuni now. Hurry back to the village as it were, Suke himself was pleased and would definitely reward Sai for his efforts. He called it a mission, no doubt the elders were going to be pleased with the outcome but at the same time he only wondered why his name was still up on the ballot. In any matter, he set foot and began to head into the endless rain landscape with the darkening clouds overhead. It was calming to be back home as he smiled and allowed the rain to wash down his face, his blond hair getting a slick pounding by it. “It’s good to be home.” He only smiled, moving with ease as his eyes were set to the horizon.

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

Moved to Ame no Kuni.

[Father 'Suke]

Now here in Ame Suke looked across the borders, it was a gentle day, the rain fell softly while he only brandished his gaze across the horizon. This was where he was going to lead the shinobi, this is where he now understood the ways of which he had to undergo the knowledge of all things once again. With ever so the calmness of his mind he breathed in and out with a fluid motion. Taking one step followed by another as he walked with purity of mind and body.

[exit, permission to skip Sai discussed between us via skype]

[Saiyuki]

As the two of them finally reached their homeland, Sai felt relief. They were not completely safe yet. Normally he would not be nervous but this man could possibly change the fate of the village. It was natural that the Chuunin would not want any possibility of hurting that future. The rain gently welcomed them back. Now that he was back on familiar lands, he picked up his pace.

[Exit]