[Graded]After Party

[Niro]

3rd Day of the Week

The last several days of the international Heiji day celebration had been fierce but, in the late evening, people now began to retreat to private parties and the like. Festivals and parties had lined the streets during the days since the entourage from Iwagakure no Sato had first stepped foot into the city proper on the second day. Usually a more reserved people, several of the older members of the Tsuchikage's guard regarded the spectacles in distaste as festivals were much more rare within Earth Country and had a sort of organized chaos to them; the wanton celebrations lining the streets seemed anything but organized at first. Luckily for them, their heavy cloaks hid their mouths and the majority of their features as they went about official events and meetings during the day.

The Tsuchikage walked in the middle of the gaggle of guards, the stark white of the kimono and haori clashing against the drab earth color of their cloaks. Lifting a hand up, he adjusted the traditional white and brown hat with the kanji for 'Tsuchi' to better block the light rain fall as they continued through the darkening streets. The meeting and offering with Steam Country officials had been earlier in the day and all the man wanted to do was get a stiff drink. It was asinine to him the Great Five were forced to give tribute to such a place making it almost impossible to give their offering with a sincere smile. He wanted to roll his eyes at the other leaders who okay'd such an idea. All it did was show the minor countries they could be bullied and pushed around. It did not bode well for them.

The guards finally came to a stop at an inn in the center of the village. They had been given the information for the lodging beforehand by Country officials but weren't afraid to sweep the building to make sure there would be no surprises. A quick trio of knocks by the lead guard led to the door swinging open and the bar keep welcoming them in with a smile. The brown cloaked figures filtered throughout the parlor and took their own seats as the Tsuchikage took a seat at a larger table in the center of it. Raising his hand to his head, the man removed the traditional cap and placed in front of him on the table as the bar keep came over before scurrying off with a drink order.

Tatsuo leaned back in the chair and waited, wondering whether what would happen first. Someone would enter or the bar keep would return.

[Taiga]

Pulling his long white scarf tighter around his face and tipping his kasa down over his brow, the Raikage made his way through the streets of steam. He was decked out in a simple black outfit similar to the one he had worn while in exile as a missing ninja. Despite the rain, a thin layer of fuuton hardly visible to the naked eye created an impermeable layer of wind around him protecting him from the elements. He had managed to ditch his guard and dump his Raikage Haori and hat in a safe spot. He was sure they'd eventually find him again. As his eyes scanned for a nice place to lie low his mind wandered.

He had worn many titles in his long career; shinobi, teacher, exile, noble's end, war hero... Emperor. The fame and notoriety that surrounded him put many targets on his back. Despite his actions and reasons being more than noble, his status as a man who had assassinated most the nobles of Lightning Country, started a revolution and civil war, and then went on to conqueror and annex foreign lands into a new empire meant that he had racked up a good amount of enemies... and that wasn't even considering the now defunct Black Ops organization which still had loyalists hiding out in caves in genma knows where. He let out a sigh as he continued onward before his eyes caught something peculiar.

A wait haori marked with 土, surrounded by guards. The guards did their work as they secured and checked the location and before long the entire group seemed to enter the bar. Beneath his scarf a joyful smile rose on Hayate- the kind childhood rivals got when they saw each other. Tonight had just become interesting and he had just found his destination. The Raikage tipped his hat down further as he approached the bar and would enter through the door in his rather unassuming clothing.

If only the Hokage was here; it'd be a little reunion from their time in Soul Country oh so many years ago.

As he crossed the threshold he would move to the center table where the Tsuchikage was sitting, his hands up, and gently sit down across from him at the central table, and not to stir the guards he would keep his movements calm and simple. Finally he would tilt his hat upwards at the Tsuchikage before shooting a glance at him.

[Izanagi]

An industrial country that seemed to have sprung up overnight, to many it represented peace. A token of cooperation and reparations from the five great nations. But to Takeo it was a bitter reminder of defeat and now a constant pit to sink funds into. He had only agreed to the concessions of this land due to heavy pressure from the new Fire country Daimyo; a shrewd man of the Toshikane family that sought a swift end to the war, having no stomach for losses and war like the previous Daimyo of the Harukatsu family did. Still, reluctant as he had been Takeo could at least live with knowing that Fire country prospered regardless. Their lands had tripled since before the war, even with the region given up to create Steam country. To think he stood in lands that were once under his protection, now as a supervised guest rather than an honored protector. Well, that called for a drink especially after spending three days acting like he was happy to support the nation.

It was rare for Takeo to wear his Hokage robes outside of Konoha and even then, they were typically reserved for formal occasions only. Yet if there was a time for putting on a bit of a show it was during this festival. He hadn’t even had time to change into something more comfortable before slipping away from his Anbu guards. Despite not being the strongest Kage by any means Takeo wasn’t fearful of combat. He didn’t feel the need for any additional protection in a place such as this. If someone attempted to assassinate him he would revel in the distraction and the chance to let loose a little.

Takeo had been made aware of a centrally located inn that was reserved for high end clients. Normally he would dress in a travelling cloak and visit the seedier bars to keep a low profile when moving through foreign countries. But here most would already know who he was even without the robes, best to go somewhere reliable that wouldn’t be filled with anyone that would either harass him or dote on him. It was hard to say the reception given the largely varied influx of refugees that now inhabited this land. It would be a bad look to get in a bar fight with common folk, at least a proper assassination attempt he could justify getting some blood on his hands.

Entering the building he instantly took in every detail, huffing in amusement as he noticed two fellow Kage sitting at a table. And it wasn’t two that he would have expected to be mingling. Perhaps this evening might be somewhat interesting after all. “Where’s the whiskey at?” he called out with a grin. It had been some years since he had seen Hayate but in their previous encounters they had been quite amiable. The Tsuchikage however, now that was a man he was interested in meeting. He had heard many tales of his fearsome strength and the two had even skirmished briefly in Soul country but there had hardly been time to have much of a conversation or even really get into it with each other. Keenly aware of the surrounding guards it was apparent to him by their body language, attire and scent that they were all with the Tsuchikage. It was enough to keep him on guard though Takeo had fought alongside Hayate several times and truthfully he felt comfortable with their odds if the Tsuchikage and his companions were bold enough to threaten them. Approaching the table casually he took a seat and placed his own hat in front of him. The bearded warrior grinned and leaned back in his chair. “It’s been some time Hayate” he greeted. “And you…” he turned his attention to the imposing young man. Such power at that age, he hardly looked older than his eldest son, Yozei. “I suppose it’s about time we meet face to face, wouldn’t you say?” his piercing blue eyes met Tatsuo’s. Despite being twice his age, Takeo could feel the intensity from the Tsuchikage’s gaze.

[Golnax]

Three leaders had entered the inn thus far, two bereft of escort and one keeping them close by in what some might call a paranoid fashion, while a forth stepped out of the rain and left his detail outside.

Walking into the inn, Aimi Kaguya had absolutely no idea who was inside waiting for him. He'd picked this place out of a whim with no particular want or plan in mind and made absolutely no effort to conceal his presence. Subsequently, as Takeo was taking his place among the other two Kage, the golden haired Kaguya would step in through the doors, his gold and white attire soaked from the rain and his wide brimmed roningasa dripping with it like a localized rain cloud above his head. With a tiny sigh he would reach up and pluck the hat from his head, letting his damp gold-blond hair get some exposure to fresh air, and tap it a few times to remove the rain water from the grass hat, depositing the surplus of droplets onto the floor as he walked forward, leaving muddy bare foot prints in his wake.

That was when he looked up and noticed the three Kage at their table, though he only recognized two as Kage because of the hats and coats they wore. The other one, though he might have met them a life time ago, he did not recognize, but that brown and red front with the kanji was a dead give away for the Tsuchikage and Hokage respectively. Normally Aimi would have avoided such personas, but this was Heiji day! They were all of them three days into celebrating the end of the Great War. There were no enemies here on this day - at least there shouldn't have been - and it wasn't as if any of them were from Kirigakure that he could see. Thus he showed no fear as he left his muddy trail from the door over towards the table.

"Lord Tsuchikage, Lord Hokage, might I intrude?" he inquried. "I am Aimi Kaguya, Daimyo of Gold Country, and I wish you and your company a happy Heiji Day celebration!" He smiled warmly after making his greeting, curious how a Kage of all people would take his being there. He'd performed this little 'test' of his when he first arrived with a young shinobi, but they were just rank and file at the end of the day. How would the head of a ninja village react to the most infamous man in the world?

[Niro]

The door to the inn began to creak open and the gentle sound of rainfall filled the inn. The heads of the guards swiveled quickly at the action, their hands finding the hilts of their weapons as they tensed up. Although the man wore no official clothing, it would be hard for any shinobi over the course of the last 20 years to not know the face of the Raikage, Hayate. Between the infamy gained during his period as a missing ninja, to the civil war within the borders of Lightning Country, to the Great War in the recent past, it would be hard for anyone to not have an idea of what he looked like. Tatsuo's left hand came up in a signal for the guards to lower their weapons and calm themselves before using it to offer the older Kage a seat.

"Please, join me. The barkeep will be back soon if you'd like a drink." The younger Kage offered, a small smile on his face as his eyes drank in the sight of the Raikage. Like most shinobi, the man's body was made of tightly corded muscles that were easy for anyone with a trained eye to see. "It's not everyda-"

Once more the door opened, this time cutting Tatsuo off as he attempted to be friendly with the Raikage. Once more, the guards turned on a dime to face the door and their hands were placed as to be on guard. The newest guest was even easier to recognize by the custom Kage hat bearing the kanji for 'Fire' on it. Was the universe messing with him today? Tatsuo's eyes traveled from Hayate to Takeo in a moment of puzzlement before he shook his head with a slight laugh and invited Takeo to also take a seat at the table with them while giving the guards another sign to stand down. Tatsuo wasn't too worried, even with two Kage from formerly hostile nations sitting across from him, due to the rules of Steam Country. The two across from him also knew this, all but sealing that there would be little to no fuss between them.

Tatsuo's eyes watched as the two Kage greeted each other while keeping the small smile on his face. He had expected the Kages of the other villages to know each other as such due to previous tales of their escapades. His smile turned into a full blown grin as Takeo zeroed in on him, the Hokage's blue eyes locking with his royal purple ones.

"I would agree, it's definitely past due." Keeping himself in check, Tatsuo's grin fell back to a smile as once more the door creaked open. His eyes shifted to the door and the newcomer and he couldn't help but let loose a genuine laugh at how the situation was unfolding. It truly did seem that fate had some sort of plan for all of them to gather in the same spot. "The universe truly seems to want us all to meet. I wonder who else will come through that door?"

The question was more rhetorical than something to be answered as Aimi made his own way to the table where the three Kages were gathered. Once more Tatsuo hand motioned for his guest to sit and join them as the barkeep finally came back. "Happy Heiji Day to you as well, Lord Aimi. Please, join us. It's not every day I get to drink with the gathered company and I'm quite fond to learn of any who keeps Kasai on his toes." The last line was said with a chuckle and a smile as the innkeeper placed down a decanter of whiskey and a bottle of sake along with several saucers, glasses, and a small bucket of ice for those who liked.

"So, who prefers what?"

[TheLacarix]

As though fate had timed it perfectly, as the new Tsuchikage said ‘I wonder who else will come through that door?’ the pale soft hand of Aizawa, Yoru pushed open the door to the bar and slowly walked in. His single hazel eye met that of Tatsuo's immediately, he hadn’t seen the man since long before the war when Yoru wasn’t a member of Konoha anymore.

He owed the man a lot, the secret beneath his eyepatch was placed within him due to his favour. Though Yoru had fought against his own village alongside Tatsuo as payment, though not many people knew that as it was completed under Yoru’s alias. Daremo. Though Yoru and Takeo hadn’t spoke about it, he assumed Takeo had received intel on it by now and was fully aware. He wasn’t sure how Tatuso and Yoru’s relationship would fare now, though either way it didn’t matter to the Bannin.

Next the man known as Aimi, his eye shifted suspiciously at him hoping the Daiymo of Gold would be subtle about them knowing one another. One only need glance through a Bingo book he was probably the most wanted man alive and proved subtleness wasn’t his strong point. To walk around so brazenly was shocking, though perhaps if Yoru had of stayed a rogue shinobi perhaps he’d be in the same position as Aimi. If the rumours we’re correct the man had clutched at power during the great war.

His sensei had already arrived, the Lord Hokage himself Yoru was dealing with some business that needed to be attended but he had already agreed to accompany Takeo. Though violence had being prohibited whilst they we’re all here, it was better to be safe than sorry. Though if Yoru was honest, if things turned sour he didn’t truly know Takeo and Yoru could take them all on.

Finally, the Raikage himself Lord Hayate. Somewhat an ideal of Yoru’s they had met once before but the Raikage couldn’t even remember his name and Yoru had no intention of putting himself through it again. Perhaps the saying was true, don’t meet your heroes. He pondered if it was true, that Hayate was the fastest man alive? It had always being the rumour and no one had contested that, though many said Yoru was the fastest man in all of the Fire Country, though many seemed to be attempting to claim the title now.

“Hello, for those who don’t me I am Aizawa, Yoru of the leaf.” He said with a nod as he drifted through the bar, almost as though he floating his long red hair flowing behind him, his fitted haori clung to his skin as he moved towards his Sensei "Lord Hokage." he said, in a somewhat ironic tone. He could never quite get used to his sensei being the Hokage. “Happy Heji day to you all.” he said to everyone in the bar, a smile poured across his face as the tsuchikage hand’s we’re filled with drinks “A whiskey for me, ice if they have it.”

[Golnax]

Ah, Kasai. That name hadn't crossed Aimi's mind in decades, but even now he still recalled the Reaper of Kirigakure. His smile faltered only a little at the name. Moving over to an unoccupied seat between the Hokage and Tsuchikage, Aimi sat down and said, "Kept." It was at that point that Yoru made his entrance, the Kaguya looking over to the redhaired man with an eyepatch and a lingering gaze on the Hokage. By this point he knew Yoru as one of his own... sort of. Having met Yoru when he was in Iron with Shio and learning that he was a member of Kishakisei like himself, as well as subsequently learning that they had actually encountered one another once before during his invasion of Kirigakure, the golden Kaguya's smile lifted at his increasingly familiar face, as if to say "Fancy meeting you here!"

"Happy Heiji Day to you, too, Yoru," Aimi replied with a warm smile, happy to hear someone besides him saying it for a change! Turning to the Tsuchikage as he asked what everyone would have, then to Yoru as he ordered an alcoholic beverage and finally to the bartender, the golden haired Kaguya would raise his hand casually.

"Just a hot tea for me, and a warm towel for my feet," he ordered, his tone making it sound very much like a request or he was asking permission. Very antithetical to the image of a Daimyo that most of them people there, no doubt. No alcohol for him, though he did hope that the others ordered alcohol as well. Hard drinks tended to make men loose lipped and stupid. Even a little bit could prove to be corrupting. Sitting at a table with two kage (for he still had no idea who the third man sitting was (or really who the two kage were! It was just the hats that gave their position away for him)), one could never learn too much...

[Izanagi]

Immediately Takeo felt the desire to spar with this man. He had heard stories of Tatsuo’s unstobable prowess in Taijutsu, he was an overwhelming close quarters force that also had a supposedly impervious armor. While the other Kage, Hayate was known for his shocktrooper tactics and deadly use of elements particularly Suiton and Raiton. Takeo already knew he couldn’t compete against the specialized skill set of the Raikage, he could exploit each of his numerous weaknesses with ease. But there was something about fighting in Taijutsu that excited Takeo, made him want to test himself against all odds. The fact was it wasn’t even his strongest area, he was a tag-team fighter by nature. Able to adapt to keep himself and his allies alive and pick apart an enemy’s weakness with the help of his allies. Without Yoru at his side he was easily overwhelmed by the upper echelon of shinobi, the dozen or so strongest in the world.

It seemed many of those such individuals were destined to gather tonight. While Takeo was thinking about exchanging blows with Tatsuo two more S-rank shinobi entered the bar. The most famous rogue shinobi in the world followed by another who could have easily gained such a reputation if he hadn’t been captured and rehabilitated, now to serve better through more subtle means. Takeo’s piercing gaze fell upon the golden-haired Kaguya. Whereas when he looked at Tatsuo he felt a competitive spirit, a calling to reach a mutual respect through combat, when he gazed upon Aimi he felt scrutiny and skepticism. This man was an unknown. His agenda was uncertain and his power and ambition noted. But when he had captured his eldest son years ago he had made a personal distate towards him. Though they had crossed paths before during that situation he still had felt no closer to understanding the man. And now, something about him felt different. A changed aura and scent. His mannerisms felt somewhat off as well from what he recalled and his hair notably golden instead of white. Curious. “Daimyo of Gold eh? I was wondering if you would show up here” he stated simply before a lackluster, “Happy Heiji day” he greeted, gesturing to the open seat between himself and the Tsuchikage. Yoru soon sat down to Takeo’s other side and the man’s now stern face softened, nodding to his friend and grateful that he had come. There was nobody else he was more confident in to watch his back. Perhaps it was unhealthy even how comfortable he felt in dangerous situations with that man at his side. “The same” he said when Yoru ordered his drink. The two had grown quite similar tastes over the years. He poured his own drink when the decanter arrived, passively smelling the subtle aromas. He could typically smell when something was poisoned but nonetheless, he would wait for Yoru to drink some first, he was aware he had developed his own means to overcome such things if needed.

In this situation, he knew he and Yoru were likely the most disadvantaged by being in close quarters. There was no telling what capabilities the Tsuchikage’s guards possessed but they carried an aura of strength. Though as long as the Raikage remained loyal to Konoha they were in a strong position in case tensions grew. If only Takeo had some time to prepare, he could have used Genjutsu to ensure a truly peaceful medium for conversation, one where he was in complete control. But alas he had agreed to uphold the policies of Steam country and so he would play nice.

[Taiga]

The Raikage had mostly been quiet after taking his seat relying only on respectful nods to each figure as they joined the table. For the Hokage, he would give him a friendly pat on the shoulder to affirm that he had Takeo's back no matter what, before withdrawing back to his own mind and observing.

His mind wondered from thought to thought with no real sense of focus, first considering over the amount of guards in the room. Their count had seemed excessive but after some reflection he assumed the still relatively green and young Tsuchikage hadn't yet tired of being followed everywhere by an entourage. Much like his two senior, Takeo and Hayate, he someday would get the knack for slipping away from his guards in times like these. Alternatively, he pondered, the Tsuchikage might have just really liked his guards. Band of brothers. As Aimi and now the red-haired beauty entered the room, Hayate's mind changed to something else.

The room was filled with shinobi above Jounin level- assumedly that was the average of the guards at least. On top of that, three Kage of legendary strength and two S-rank combatants known to be equally capable. His senses were going wild- the hair on the back of his neck stood up straight like a porcupine. So much power tended to be overwhelming to his senses. It wasn't like it hurt him, but without a little bit of foucs it was hard to tell the chakra signatures apart and gleam meaningful information. Never the less, doing so was by now second-nature and not difficult. He relaxed his senses as he fanned out to feel each guest. It truly was delightful to be enjoying such a rare occurrence of so much power being in one small concentrated space. As the red hair beauty spoke, Hayate was snapped back to the conversation and out of his own head.

Oh... that's a man. Well... that's weird...

"Tis a pleasure to see so much talent concentrated in one room." he would say as he made eye-contact one-by-one with each person at the table before his gaze finally stopped at Aimi. He raised his hand, revealing a small ball of swirling wind.

"I can dry you off, if you'd like..." he said pointing it at Aimi, before turning his gaze back to the table.

"It's quite marvelous to see what Steam's done with the place in a relative short amount of time with our... generous investments. It may very well become the economical trade hub that ties everyone."

[Niro]

Tatsuo waited patiently as the other powerful figures in the room got themselves situated at the table in a comfortable manner. Just as he thought, fate had more ideas for them. A very familiar face walked through the door and in from the rain. The urge for a wicked grin to spread across his face was strong as 'Daremo' entered. The Tsuchikage's gaze wandered for just a moment to look upon the others as Yoru joined them and had to stickle a serious chuckle as he realized the Raikage had fallen victim to the man's otherworldly beauty. The want grew even stronger as he realized the Raikage realized the figured who had just joined them was, in fact, a man.

"Please, sit, my friend." Tatsuo once more offered a seat, this time to the auburn haired man with a now-small smile gracing his lips. His eyes were alight with glee as they met Yoru's own.

The innkeeper paused for a moment as the Hokage handled the decanter by itself. By the smallest of margin, his eyes narrowed at his duty being interrupted. Instead of focusing on it, he cleared his throat and left to bring the Daimyo's requested items. He was back quickly to place the hot towel and left once more to bring his requested beverage, as soon as the tea could be brewed.

Tatsuo wasn't oblivious to the secondary nature of Takeo's sniff while at the same time noticing as Hayate offered to dry off Aimi. Not only was it to enjoy the fragrances but also to check for any sort of poison. He, too, had been wary at first and it grew moreso with every great figure who joined them. Either Fate or someone within Steam had directed them all here. If it was indeed the latter, it would be a keen opportunity to remove the heads of every problem government in the eyes of the minor countries. Seeing Takeo accept the drink, Tatsuo's own unseen worry was assuaged, and let loose a small laugh at the minor yet oh-so blatant disrespect of Steam Country's rules on 'shinobi activities.'

"Some sake, please." Tatsuo requested of the innkeeper once he was done with Aimi. For most people, it would be hard to see the slight annoyance of the innkeeper earlier but for them, it would be nothing but child's play, so he allowed him to pour a saucer and shrugged at the mention of generous investments. "With such sums of materials and wealth, it worries me. Humans are by nature greedy, are they not? This greed breeds corruption. I worry they'll be used but not to their fullest as some siphon off their own bits where they can use it for their own means. Will our...charity eventually cause more harm than help if they become dependent on it? Will they, or rather their government, become weak and easily influenced? All babes are eventually weened, are they not?" Tatsuo finished as he brought his sake saucer to his lips and enjoyed a drink.

[TheLacarix]

As Yoru walked through the bar he noticed the strange lingering look coming from the Raikage, he was puzzled why he was looking at him in such a way. Though Yoru didn’t care, perhaps he’d get some free drinks out of it. Speaking of drinks, a drink was poured for both he and the hokage. Yoru channelled a blip of chakra in his throat, a thin layer of suiton would appear like a filter within his throat. it was so minute unless someone was using a sensory ability of some kind, they we’re bound to not even notice. Taking a sip of the whiskey, it became clear that drink was safe. He nodded to Takeo, to make it clear he could drink the whiskey. He imagined most of the other men in the room had some similar method to him. He dispelled the jutsu and continued to drink.

Narrowing his gaze as Tatsuo called him friend. He had never considered the Tsuchikage a friend, they had used one another to get what they wanted. Though Yoru had always considered that there we’re no sides, just people who help you and people who don’t, and Tatsuo certainly helped him. Having the Tsuchikage on Yoru’s good side as never a bad option “It’s good to see you Lord Tsuchikage.” He said, with a slight bow. He didn’t wish to announce his relationship with the kage to the rest of the group, though Takeo would of course know all of Yoru’s crimes during his time as a missing ninja. But he’d still rather keep it quiet.

Yoru didn’t agree with the sentiments of the two kage discussing the charitable nature that had gone into steam country, he had hated the fact the war had happened in the first place and how desperate nations had grabbed at land and even more so the loss of land mass from his homeland. Though had of coursed gained more land than they had lossed, but it was still an annoyance none the less.

The Bannin of Konoha, didn’t think it was ideal to speak too much. He’d get involved in the conversation unless a moment presented itself, it seemed to be mostly a meeting of leaders. He didn’t wish to step on Takeo’s toes, too much.

[Golnax]

Aimi raised his own hand, almost a mirror to Hayate's, and lightly shook his head. "No need. I'll dry off on my own in no time," he politely declined, well aware himself of the rules that were in place for this event there in Amegakure. He'd already inadvertently slipped up once since arriving. The Kaguya now more than ever tried to learn from his mistakes.

As the innkeeper returned with his hot towel Aimi would look up and smile at the man. "Thank you very much," he said, taking the warm cloth. "I'm sorry about the mess that I made coming in, I'll clean it myself when I have a moment to spare," he offered, his tone sounding more like a fact rather than a suggestion despite the gentleness on the ears. For the moment, though, he got to work on cleaning his feet and by extension the lower portion of his clothes, wiping them down, folding the towel over and wiping them down again, getting a reasonable amount of the mud off of his feet before folding the towel once more before setting it down and placing his now clean feet onto the final clean side.

Like Yoru, Aimi simply listened to the exchange between the Raikage and the Tsuchikage while he was tending to his dirty feet. However, unlike Yoru, he had absolutely no reservations on butting in when the moment presented itself. After all he was the leader of a nation, was he not? His word should have just as much weight as anyone there! Even Yoru, though he might pretend otherwise.

"You are wrong, Lord Tsuchikage," Aimi spoke up. "Greed is not intrinsic to human nature - it is taught. Whether directly or through environmental necessity, greed itself is the corruption. One of many plaguing the human condition."

That was all he would say on the matter. For now. If prompted he could continue on but, really, his point could not be summed up more succinctly than that. Whether his wisdom was accepted or challenged was up to the men in power sitting at the table with him. Either way, he leaned back from the table and ceded his turn to speak to someone else. So far, everyone present had ordered alcohol and that was telling about all of them in their own way; what more would they reveal simply by responding to his philosophical statment?

[Taiga]

The Raikage would withdraw his offer to dry off the leader of Gold, bowing his head slightly. Once everyone had their seat at the table the conversation had started with the Tsuchikage picking off where Hayate's addressment of the elephant in the room began.

Hayate had to bite his tongue at the Tsuchikage's comment. He had quite the urge to talk about the pot calling the kettle black when a man whose country was built on slavery talked about greed. This would be a rather hard task so instead, the Raikage would go for the alcohol right away... he'd raise the cup to his lips and occupy them so they couldn't cause any political strife. Unlike the others at the table he was not at all worried about poison or such things. He'd been poisoned dozens of times and his regeneration always held through the severe organ damage and other effects. Before long, the alcohol was in his stomach. Regeneration also meant he likely wouldn't be the slightest buzzed from the drink he had just guzzled.

Instead of addressing the topic of greed Hayate's eyes stayed fixed on the red-haired bannin. Why had the Tsuchikage addressed him, and only him, as a friend. His eyes narrowed to slits as he looked between the two.

"Interesting- friend, you say?" he said as his eyes did the pointing for him to the two figures. "I would have thought you were enemies in War at best... he said before quickly changing the topic with a more jovial tune.

He'd go back to the elephant in the room anyways.

"Well, interestingly enough the greed exhibited by Kirigakure and Iwagakure was what led us all to this outcome." he said as he waved down the bar keep for a stout. "But hey, who's keeping track. We're post-war and I think we can focus on more fruitful topics for all of our countries by channeling whatever greed it is we fear to humanitarian progress... but I doubt any of you came here today to talk about that in-depth, so instead I ask you all one question. the raikage said as he emphatically gestured to the room.

"What's you dream for the new era of peace?"

[Ace Trainer]

It was hard to ignore. The enormous presence of chakra radiating from one place. After a certain point - or perhaps after a certain level of strength - you became attuned to things like this. The rain had been steadily falling at a soft pace onto Shio's shoulders, he had business to attend to during this auspicious holiday, but it was impossible not to feel the draw of it. Something was happening. Tucking his cap closer to his forehead and pulling the cloak onto his shoulders proper, Shio would push into the building and pause with a small smile on his lips.

Some of the faces were impossible not to recognize, Yoru, Aimi, the Tsuchikage, the Hokage and the Raikage. Faces among the pages of the bingo book that Shio was all too familiar with. His timing couldn't have been better, because the question from the Raikage was an interesting one. There were a number of guards and otherwise less important people that Shio wouldn't immediately recognize. Surely their entourages.

"Perhaps one where men on thrones don't assume the right to their dream.", he pushed his glasses up, removing the straw kasa with the Iron symbol on it and performing a deep bow. "A happy Heiji Day to you all, especially our benefactors.", he would give a coy smile and nod in the direction of the kage themselves. "Daimyo-sama.", he'd be intentional in giving a respectful acknowledgement to Aimi as well. While Yoru had been engaging, it was difficult for Shio to establish what role he was playing here, and Shio wasn't going to advertise they were familiar.

With everyone gathered, Shio wasn't sure if this was an invite only event, "Am I intruding? Or do you mind if I join?", he asked politely. This was a rare opportunity indeed.

[Niro]

Tatsuo relished in the subtle look Yoru gave him in reply. For what little it offered to undermine whoever's trust, it was worth it to the Kage. Any little wedge he could drive between the Suna-Kumo-Konoha Alliance was a positive for him; the look shot at both of them by the Raikage was enough proof the most miniscule of seeds had been planted. A perfect reward. His gaze shifted to the Daimyo of Gold and a wry smile overcame his lips. "Agree to disagree." As of now, Gold was a neutral nation to Earth, and Iwa by extension, as far as he was aware and wasn't keen to kill any chance of negotiations or alliances with such a small dispute.

"That's unfortunately not my story to tell but it is interesting you mention our greed and fail to mention the greed of yourself and others. A year before, Fire annexes quite a large island in the Southern Sea, equivalent in size to some countries prior to the War, and Wind follows suit by forcing a surrender of Gold's sister, Silver. Not long after that, we receive reports of Kumo also extending their reach. Then, Konoha again, but this time annexing an entire country, not an island.

We see everyone else on the continent greedy for land and successfully taking it, we think begin to panic and feel a need for our own influence to expand. Unfortunately, the powder keg happened to be bolstered by another of the Great Five, unlike yourselves who found no such resistance to the lands you stole." Tatsuo laid out his rebuttal, a scoff escaping his lips at the end. Once more the door swung open and Tatsuo found himself wondering for the briefest moment who else was joining them.

The kasa with the symbol for Iron was enough of a signifier for him to realize it was Mistaki, Shio, the Daimyo of Iron. Fate truly did seem to have an interesting show to play tonight.

"Happy Heiji Day to you as well. Please, join us." From the head of the table sat Tatsuo with Takeo and Hayate to his left, Yoru directly across from him, and Aimi on Yoru's left. The remaining seats counted two in between Aimi and Tatsuo.

[Taiga]

As Shio entered and said a line in response to his own, Hayate could not help but roll his eyes.

"Perhaps one where men on thrones don't assume the right to their dream." It sounded exactly like the edgy cringe he expected from a child, and Shio was a child at best. Powerful, but still a kid who was multiple lifetimes junior to the Raikage and his experiences. He quickly retorted- "Everyone has a right to their dream if they put in the hard work to make it come to fruition. And Happy Heiji-day to you as-well." What was the point of living if people could not have dreams and pursue them? And just how did one achieve world-level change without achieving some position of power? There was a touch of irony too, given the boy had usurped and taken over Iron Country.

As for the Tsuchikage, well, that was something else. He could sympathize and understand Tsuchikage's position. It was indeed Kirigakure and his allies that threw the first stones, and more than anyone, Iwagakure and Kumogakure were dragged into a World War they never intended to be a part of... but his inferences at Lightning Empire's involvement were incorrect.

"Kumo didn't participate in any of the "wars" the others did. We didn't steal anything, because there was no need to. The first substantial growth to our empire was through a peaceful and very wanted annexation of a long-time ally, Tree Country. In the northern continent, we sought to take defensive positions against an active Kirigakue navy by conquering a barren wasteland with horrendous demons that ensured there were no inhabitants before us. As we went out into the continent more we sought to minimize any damage to the natives and now live peacefully in harmony in the lands we took- with most of the natives remaining in their caves and us on the mountains and outlands. Until the fall of Konohagakure we never even fought an opposing military force. We had to step in at that point..." the Emperor said as his eyes locked on the Tsuchikage and stared deeply into him.

"The only atrocity that occurred was an unsanctioned act of Banri in Soul- one that he paid for with his life and I will spend 1000 lifetimes trying to right...The outcome of our actions in the war has for the most part increased the average life span and quality of life on this globe. Our presence was a gift to the places we went." The Raikage leaned back into his chair, raising his glass and taking a sip. His eyes, in an act of theatre, now moved throughout the room and established contact with each person at the table before he said his next line.

"Consider first why we volunteered to pay reparations while the rest of you were required, then think about greed once more boy." he said, taking another swig. "But I do understand Iwagakure, much like Kumogakure, had no real desire to be in war. We just were positioned in a better place on the map to keep our heads down- and I hope that what's happening here in Steam and show what the Great Five nations can achieve if we put our resources into developing minor countries rather than fighting over them."

[Izanagi]

Takeo listened intently to the Tsuchikage’s point about greed. He was curious what kind of person this new Kage was. He seemed conservative, powerful. What he would expect from Iwa. “The minor nations can certainly benefit from our assistance, but naturally they should use our resources and knowledge to learn to sustain themselves and contribute back to us. Such innovation and industry could prove useful” he assessed pragmatically. Despite feeling bitter about the land itself being formerly Fire country territory, the idea of Steam, of creating safe havens for refugees was something he supported. Especially so if they could prove their worth. “Just look at Whirlpool Country” he offered, the nation Konoha had liberated and helped to stand on its own once more.

The Hokage gave thought to Hayate’s question. He believed he and the Raikage shared similar ambitions in improving infrastructure, transit, and quality of life throughout their allied nations. Though widespread use of chakra admittedly gave Takeo pause. He was curious however to hear Aimi and Tasuo’s vision. The Tsuchikage at least seemed the type to want to seek to destroy the progress of other nations if it means more for themselves and the Daimyo of Gold seemed a man of contradictions. A sudden newcomer however had Takeo stroking his beard in consideration. He recognized the teenager of course, he was familiar with all the names of each of the S-rank shinobi on the bingo book and especially ones that were leaders. He had never had the pleasure of meeting the young Taicho. Takeo’s eyes flitted about the room, quite the assortment indeed. There were many alliances and enemies in mixed proportions. In this room contained the majority of men that would dictate the fate of the continent in the years to come, as they had done already during the recent war. “After Kiri’s attack on Soul, staging outposts on a mostly uninhabited island was the least we could do. Let’s not forget it was Iwa and Kiri that attacked other shinobi defended lands first. And at least the nations we absorbed have benefited form our resources and technologies while Iwa and Kiri strip every land the touch of their resources and their very people.” He countered to the Tsuchikage. The war wasn’t purely about land, in some part, it was about the people. At least that was what the Konoha alliance would continue to claim.

Takeo fell quiet as Hayate defended Kumo’s position as well. His statements were true, despite being an ally of Konoha, Hayate had kept his forces in reserve under mutual agreement. And in the end their forces had been invaluable in securing a defense of Fire country while Konoha fought a vicious war on three fronts. If not for them the losses would have been much greater. And for that Hayate had earned a lifelong ally. “Well said” he agreed at Hayate’s closing statements. “I admit Fire country expanded aggressively throughout the war, but it was done in the name of unity, overthrowing countries ruled by criminal organizations or lords that would exploit their citizens. Within Fire country children do not starve, and slavers do not trespass” he practically growled. Tatsuo would know the lengths Takeo had went to in order to secure slavers' ravine. His forces had dealt a heavy blow to the slave trade in that region and they would continue to heavily patrol the lands they had seized and slaughter any slavers they came across without question.

[Golnax]

Aimi Kaguya closed his eyes and scoffed. 'Agree to disagree'. Such a noncommittal response! The conversational equivalent of 'I'm not listening to a word you said'. The Tsuchikage was already showing his lack of wisdom for being unable or unwilling to indulge the golden haired Kaguya into more of a discussion about the nature of human greed than that - 'I'm right, you're wrong and that's that' is what it boiled down to. How very much like someone so young. Of course the Raikage (as he was able to figure out from conversational context clues) was no better, shifting blame onto others for the reason the war started as if he and his had absolutely nothing to do with any of it, as if the balance of power between the Great Five hadn't been tenuous for years and balancing back and forth on the edge of a kunai as ninja from Kumogakure had encounters with other nations. He should know, he hunted down one of them that crossed into Water borders and tried to force them to leave so very long ago! Lightning was no more innocent in the war than any of the others, and to shift blame was simply intellectually dishonest as far as the Kaguya was concerned.

Then things continued to get interesting as Shio walked through the doors out from the night. The sound of the young Taichou calling out in response to the Raikage and stepping out from the rain drew his gaze upwards and a smile on his face. With Shio there, the scales were balanced... so to speak. Almost, anyways. Three Kage, three members of Kishakisei all under one roof. It was only a shame that, should push come to shove, Yoru, who was still keeping to himself, would doubtless choose to protect the Hokage. The scales weren't entirely balanced after all. "Taichou-sama," he responded to Shio in kind, acknowledging his adjacent ally as he was welcomed to the table by the Tsuchikage.

The Tsuchikage who, speaking of, was playing the blame game along with the Raikage and pointing out how Fire and Lightning made plays for land during and before the war as well. Hypocrites that they were, Aimi saw right through them. They would go around and around, saying 'you stole this' or 'you started that', all the while trying to champion themselves for what they've done and for what reasons. It was difficult for the Kaguya to not look at this group as a bunch of children put into positions of power - a bad habit he'd picked up with his age and subsequent return to the Real. Never the less he tried to do just that, seeing these people as men of power and worthy of respect just like he was. To that end he kept his mouth shut. Watching. Listening.

The Hokage, it seemed, was just as bad as the other two Kage when it came to shifting blame and championing themselves and their deeds, although the leader of Konohagakure was certainly a level lower in arrogance as compared to the Raikage, loudly and proudly declaring how they've done good by the minor nations, championing a vague but nuanced notion of supporting the "little people", so to speak, if only the "great five" would come together. Aimi saw through this, too, and saw fit then to cease holding his tongue.

"You offer nothing to the minor nations that would truly help them," Aimi said bluntly after blowing on and taking a sip of his tea. "Whatever 'humanitarian' ideas of 'unity' you might have are a sham, because you do not give those less fortunate to have not been born in five specific portions of the world that which they need to truly advance. If you were really wanting to be humanitarian, you'd give people knowledge of chakra - without first making them a part of you." A controversial statement that was sure to cause immediate friction. Aimi knew this. The Daimyo of Gold wanted to know what these leaders of ninja nations would do with the accusation pushed directly into their faces. Would they try to deny what they couldn't? Try to justify it? Whatever their response it would greatly reflect their character.

[TyDie]

Another figure walked into the building, black hair falling ever so slightly around the right side of her head, her tan skin darkened further by a myriad of thick black lines crisscrossing her skin. Though her skin was lightly dampened by the outside rains, her body seemed to already be drying slowly, as if she exuded a warmth from within her. Her tattoos, under the faint light above, seemed to glow ever so slightly on their own. While her clothing was a bit more revealing than most, her stomach and arms exposed as she wore little more than a sports bra, her baggy white and black pants fell down to her bare feet. And from her neck dangled a single necklace, with a pendant in the shape of a flame carved out of ruby.

The former Kazekage had entered the bar, and before her sat some of the strongest, most influential leaders in the modern world.

"A Happy Heiji day to you all, I apologize for being late. Henrin, Kiyori, a pleasure to meet you all. May I take part in this meeting of brilliant minds?" Kiyori spoke warmly, walking over to the table where the group was gathered. Her eyes fell on each of them, one by one. Her friend and ally, Natsuki Takeo, was present, as was the ally he had introduced her to briefly in the past - The infamous Nakajima Hayate. The Tsuchikage was present as well, and though their countries were bitter rivals, Kiyori would give a bow and smile to Akari Tatsuo. Off to the side, she of course recognized the face of Aizawa Yoru; The Hokage's right hand, and a good friend to herself as well. Then there were the other two, of which she had heard of by reputation alone. Kaguya, Aimi was a man who had lead Gold Country during the war, raising a substantial effort to claim lands for his own ideals. Then there was Mistaki Shio, the Taichou of Iron Country, a mysterious young boy who had immense power and influence throughout his newly obtained lands.

Kiyori had entered barely in time to hear the mention of war, from a few of the different leaders, including her ally Takeo. "Please, that's enough of that talk... From all of you." The woman's stance against the war, against violence in general, was no secret. "Does it truly matter, in the end, what started all of this? Finger pointing gets us nowhere, none of us are without blame. Do not forget the spirit of this festival, my friends - This is a place of peace, a time of growth and understanding. In the spirit of that, I implore you to look beyond the past, for the sake of the future." Ever the diplomat, the former Kazekage would always strive for peaceful resolution, leaving violence as a last resort and one that she hated to employ. However, having only just come into the conversation, she would refrain from further comments until she was addressed.

[TheLacarix]

Yoru turned his head and smiled a narrow quaint smile at the Raikage as he questioned being called a friend, it was true it was a suspicious phrase from Tatsuo to use and it was clear he was trying to ruffle some feathers. Though the Bannin wouldn’t rise to it he was simply here to guard Takeo “I’m a very friendly person you see Lord Raikage, when I was on my sabbatical I had some run in’s with Lord Tsuchikage fighting off some slavers, though he didn’t have that noble title at that point.” It was clear that everyone knew he had lived some time as a missing ninja, anyone who had skimmed through a bingo book would have access to this information and the term sabbatical was more of a light-hearted joke.

The Bannin of Konoha had no interest in ruffling any feathers, he’d rather stay friendly with everyone to some point and had no intention of cutting Tatsuo down, he had no idea what the future would hold and how allegiances would form. He was attempting to play all sides at once yet it was coming increasingly harder and he was very close to being outed. To make things worse young Shio entered, luckily he was intelligent and subtle enough not to make their relationship obvious to everyone, that was one he’d certainly rather keep secret, though he imagined Shio would like the same. Having the Anbu Commander in your pocket and the Hokage’s closest confidant was always a good thing to have though Yoru would raise his glass and mutter the phrase “Happy Heiji day.” None the less and did the same as the woman from sand entered, from what he knew she was the Kazekage before the war though no longer, he didn’t have enough information to know why that had happened, nor did it really matter to him.

A smirk spread across Yoru’s face as the most powerful men and women engaged in a debate of how the minor countries were structed and each countries relationship with them. He was not fond of the war, that was clear but he wasn’t interested in pushing his own political opinion on them nor was he interested in hearing theirs. For now, he’d simply continue sipping his whiskey and leave the politics to Takeo, espionage was more Yoru’s game.

[Niro]

"Lord Aimi isn't wrong but giving them chakra is against my...well, all of our, interests whether you admit it or not. Imagine some sixteen year old without discipline instilled in him cratering his entire village because he got told no. It's too dangerous with the lack of knowledge and training." Tatsuo replied after the two other Kage and Daimyo replied to him. Of course they saw themselves as righteous and as heroes but anyone who'd seen the destruction their fighting had caused knew deep down they were anything but.

"Yes, you did. Have you ever stopped to consider the peoples in those lands? People who may not want it but are powerless to stop it?

Preaching unity and it's for their good is so...disingenuous. What you think is good for them is more than likely not what they think is best for themselves, positing yourself as saviors...hah!" Tatsuo had to restrain himself from laughing too hard once again at their absurdity, wiping a single tear from his eye as he came back around and leaned his cheek against a rested fist. His eyes drifted to the door way as another person entered and he fought the urge to snarl at the woman. Dirty Suna shinobi. The Tsuchikage rolled his eyes at former Kazekage. For someone so smart, he had hoped she'd realized understanding the past was key to the future.

"At least we're honest in our intentions. More land, more resources, more security for our people. Whether indigenous or conquered. Acting as if every person in every country we touch is enslaved is quite naïve and frankly, I'm not sure if broaching the subject of your perceived notions is worth the breath. My shinobi don't enslave peoples we conquer; Rock Country tribes do that too damn well without our aide.

"I've even fought my own share of slavers, as Yoru-chan freely tells. We've come to terms and accepted they're a necessary evil who need to be regulated and as much as I'd like to move away from the practice, it's slow moving." He lifted his saucer in a minor toast towards Daremo before polishing it off and pouring another serving.

[Ace Trainer]

As the responses rolled in and the argument over land and honor and whatever else these men needed for their egos continued, Shio would gesture towards one of the workers who would quickly bring him a small kettle and a cup of tea. Seemingly assuming he was too young to drink - not that they were wrong. He'd give a polite nod and pour the tea himself, bringing the cup to his lips. The back and forth would make Shio give out an audible laugh, it was loud and child-like, a stark contrast to the room of adults he was in, which likely made it stand out all the more. He'd retain a humored smile, "I apologize", is all he would say, continuing a light giggle before returning the cup to his lips.

The arrival of the Kazekage came with an attempt to distract from the topic, but Shio saw more value in the bickering, and wasn't going to let that happen too easily. It seemed the Tsuchikage agreed, because he all but ignored her request. He would interject, still a humored giggle escaping his lips, "Its unlikely that will happen, Kazekage.", a smirk on his face, "The Raikage just said it himself, they're entitled to their dreams because they're men of power, the people affected by it be damned.", he'd throw one arm up in the air in dramatic fashion. It was a bit out of character for Shio, but there were two possible outcomes in this great meeting of leaders, some sort of mutual understanding of each others perspectives could come, or the status quo could remain. Shio had a vested interest in seeing the latter. "I think the war was representative of that certainly. Even Iron Country has had a long history of intervening in issues it has no stake in, in spite of concerns by citizens, in order to reign in the 'dreams and desires' of ambitious shinobi leaders. Thats what this war was all about regardless of who started it. Wasn't it? You all did what you pleased.", Shio would bring the cup back to his lips taking another sip.

"At least the Tsuchikage is honest in his selfish intent...", he said with another giggle. Shio wasn't one to talk, he was happy to manipulate Iron Country to his own devices, though he was at least being intentional in the wellbeing of his people that he'd come into. This was all a game though, every single one of them were playing it, so Shio would too. He was glad the former Kazekage arrived though, given his position geographically, a relationship with Suna was a necessarily consideration.

[Taiga]

While the Raikage had previously nodded along to the Hokage, and even the Kazekage's words upon her entrance, he hadn't agreed with everything they said. They were allies, Suna kind of... and short of genocide or slavery, two topics he'd be interested to talk about if the Mizukage happened to show up, he would support them. The others though... Were these really the people in charge of nations? Everyone seemed so isolated in their understanding of the war and the events that had transpired as if there were not already textbooks on the topic and scholars wet with ecstasy for all the material the war had given them to write about. Hayate wasn't here to play games: he wouldn't mask any of his emotions really, the annoyance in his expression shifting to eventual pity as more people spoke.

The best way he could describe it was the edgy nonsense and accusations he expected from a group of fresh chuunin sitting around a campfire on guard duty who hardly had a single chest hair between them. If this was who this world was left to, they were bound for very rough times. He would address Aimi- the blond one first. It was clear he hadn't done a lick of research, and like the others, had lots of unfounded opinions. As if slipping into the role he once played for nearly a decade as an academy teacher and squad leader, the Raikage centered himself and spoke with an authoritative but inviting voice. A paradoxical tone.

The Raikage would also look at Shio first, who seemed to talk about honesty with a giggle. "Don't confuse your own paranoia with people acting with malintent, boy."

He'd then start his lecture.

"A word of advice to you young leaders from a more seasoned leader. Find good men you trust and task them with collecting information so that when you make a statement, you can be damn sure it's correct." he said as he motioned towards Aimi. "You all have valid concerns about giving anyone chakra." The Raikage said as his hands motioned to the Tsuchikage and even Takeo. "But you misunderstand the plan. It is not to teach anyone chakra or make everyone and anyone a ninja. It is however to give controlled chakra technology to people. Things engineered with advanced fuuinjutsu to ensure safety yet raise the quality of life for those who come into possession of it. These are not weapons but things of the future such as trains or even the contraptions to keep food safely cold." the Raikage said with a glimmer... or spark... in his eyes. "I'd invite you all to join in this venture too." He said, his tone softening to something more a kin to a nutty scientist.

"After all, there's no reason people should be dying of dysentery in some minor country when our chakra, a renewable resource, can produce medicines. Or for people to lose all their crops in bad weather when or chakra, a renewable resource, could also provide wind shields to protect the crop or water tanks to irrigate the fields."

He'd turn to face Aimi and the Tsuchikage directly now.

"You all seem to make accusations of anyone not you at this table being performative or having hidden intentions. I won't comment on the irony of it all further, but I will ask you to change your perceptions about my mission. Aimi, perhaps you should speak with Fuhen. His people were once sheltered by us during the war. We gave them what we could; they have their own empire I heard. Heart they call it. They didn't have to join us and it cost them nothing." the Raikage said as he stared more intensely towards Aimi. "Good will goes further than anything else. If people choose to join us following that, we won't say no but it is by no means required. You can look no further than our rails program for more proof of that." The Raikage said as he now fervently laid out all of his plans on the table.

This was a rare opportunity to grow his network in one go.

"You see, these trains carry food, wood, precious metals, and skilled labor at high speeds between every country that joins the rails network. And, Aimi, no one is forced to join our empire or be a military ally to do so. Free of charge they get our designs, resources, and even our labor to help build it. When it's done, they assume full control of their rails. The host country gets all fares generated by the transport of anything on the rales." He hoped he didn't have to mention the jobs this created in local economies either... hopefully it was easy enough to imagine.

"This also means the little shopkeeper making dumplings in Heart can now ship and sell his goods all over the world. And during all of this, Lightning Empire doesn't receive a single dime unless the goods pass over our rails, the same as it is for every host country. That desert village west of Wind Country can now get wood and water en masse from another minor country, which makes all the economic profit. When a new plague breaks out in Dragon Country, the rails can ship medicine and medical personnel." The Raikage cleared his throat.

"In the end, we're not building just a train, we're building a supply chain for the world and way of making it so all of our economies are interlocked- cause only then will we prevent another war." Hayate said as he raised his glass to his mouth, taking a nice sip before continuing. Maybe he'd get a few more on board for the grand network they were building. Unfortunately, other people tended to just see the small pictures. They thought of their country or their village. But, Hayate had been thinking of the world all along as one giant network- and his dream saw something greater in that big picture. Shared economic dependency.

He would make war too expensive to ever be considered again.

"So, who here among us is actually being honest and trying to fix this shattered world? And do you want to give things a try?" he said directly addressing the Tsuchikage, who accused everyone of dishonesty.

Though he understood the Tsuchikage had made attempts to better the slavery situation until it was eradicated he would never be able to say anything. After all, his ancestors and most of Kumogakure came from the slave huts of Iwgakure and Kirigakure.

[Nick]

Sometimes, when the wind blows just right and the moon shines down, when the streets quiet up after a long day of hard work or exhausting play, a sound can be heard. This is a sound that not all would recognize, despite the fact that they may hear it often. It's a simple sound, one that raises the hair on the back of your neck, and sends shivers down your spine. Evil has a sound.

Fuhen had just finished rallying people in the festival, giving grand speeches about the state of the world and enjoying what they had, his natural renjutsu affecting the people in ways unbeknownst to him. After each day of the festival he tried to visit a new restaurant or bar, and something, somehow, was dragging him across the ground towards one in particular. He wasn't a sensor nin, but boy, fate sure had Fuhen by the balls all the time. As he walked up to the door, he did feel something on the other side, something tugging... He pushed open the door dramatically, the moonlight shining behind him spectacularly...

"So, who here among us is actually being honest and trying to fix this shattered world? And do you want to give things a try?"
The Shogun sneezed loudly, the door swinging back to slam into him. He didn't flinch, but the sneeze seemed to have rattled him something fierce, a disgusting glob of his sticky saliva slapping against the wall. Slowly pushing the door back open, he wandered in with a hand up against his nose, sniffling a bit as he walked straight past the table full of people, incredibly preoccupied with trying to contain the snot fountain. "Och, a napkin, please!" He asked the bartender, who quickly obliged, dropping it on the bar in front of him, allowing the man to loudly blow his nose.

"Aye, many thanks! I'm nae allergic tae much, except anger an' hostility..." He shook his head, wiping the last of the snot off of his nose. "Sake! Whatever's local and new!" He said, before turning around to look for a seat, finally noticing... Aimi? What was he doing here? "Aimi! What are you doing here?" And Takeo? Were the two acquainted? "And Takeo! Are ye two familiar already?" And who were these other angry people? "An' who are these other grumps?"

[Izanagi]

Takeo’s piercing blue eyes shot back defiantly as Aimi made his claim. Taking a deep sip of whiskey he firmly placed the cup on the table. It was clear the Daimyo of Gold country was quite isolated from the rest of the world. “Your ignorance is showing, Lord Daimyo. We build hospitals, railways, libraries, and offer aid in the form of food and building of infrastructure wherever we can, even those only on neutral footing, but of course our resources aren’t unlimited. We do what we can. As far as chakra…” he paused as Kiyori entered the room. Takeo sat back in his chair and smiled warmly. It was always a pleasure to see his close friend, a bond formed before either of them were Kage. He trusted Kiyori with his life and considered her an honorary member of Konoha. And so too did he believe in many of their shared goals to help the people. “Always a pleasure Kiyori” he greeted, gesturing her to the empty seat on the other side of the Tsuchikage.

The Hokage caught the eye of the bartender, nodding to his drink as the man gave him a refill. He seemed proud of his job, and Takeo had caught his dissatisfaction at so many of them taking matters into their own hands. He would allow him his dignity and pride in his work. “Excellent whiskey” he commented, nodding his thanks to the man as he listened to Shio’s childish interjections and Tatsuo’s rebuttal. The Tsuchikage was showing his true colours plain as day. It was clear that land and power were what mattered most to him and he assumed the others were equally as selfish. But that was not true. Takeo did look after his allies first and foremost but it was never about himself, only about the people. And of course, he understood such things came at a cost, many lives were lost and there would be those unhappy with Fire country's rule of their lands. And yet, those were sacrifices he was willing to make for the greater good. Takeo was not a perfect man by any mean’s but he was acutely aware of the consequences of his actions. He had only one immediate comment to make of Tatsuo’s defense. “Iwa has been putting on the front of regulating slavers, even working with us on occassion for well over a decade. And yet it was Konoha that had to step in to finally put an end to the use of Slavers Ravine. Perhaps one day Iwa really will be able to sustain themselves without the need for slave labor and human trafficking. On that day you can finally be considered an equal” he challenged, smirking wolfishly. He had noticed Tatsuo trying to provoke Hayate and now it was his turn to twist the knife on what seemed like a sensitive topic for the young Kage. While his efforts were admirable and certainly showed promise that didn’t mean he wouldn’t hold it over his head until then. The way of Iwa always seemed slow to change. So stubborn and fixed in their ways. If Tatsuo was serious, he would find a way during his tenure as Kage and it would be well overdo.

He would listen without interruption as Hayate spoke. The Raikage was the longest-serving Kage of the group of them with Takeo being a close second. Though he didn’t agree completely with all of Hayate’s policies he did hold a great deal of respect for the man and certainly in this case it was important to show unity among his allies. His eyes warmed as Hayate spoke of a dream that he shared, sometimes he thought the Raikage might push too far with his ambitions, but the general principle remained the same. Improving the quality of life of the average citizen and creating a connected world. This was precisely the reason Takeo had encouraged the Fire country Daimyo to invade Dragon country, he wanted the opportunity to expand their railways across the entire continent and create a new era of possibilities. Some saw Fire country as a nation separated, but Takeo saw a united front, Fire, Wind and Lightning all as one. Together, they could make true lasting change. With or without the support of Iwa, Kiri and these newly lead smaller nations.

The Hokage nodded to Hayate. “Lord Raikage, as you know you have my full support in the extension of our railways, and so long as chakra devices are regulated and installed by appropriately certified individuals then I absolutely encourage anything we can share that will increase the quality of life of the average citizen without handing over easily weaponized secrets. That being said I will prioritize those that are part of our trade and railway network. After all benevolence can only go so far, our resources are not unlimited after all.” He clarified his stance on the matter and further stressed the importance of accepting the railways. As Takeo was speaking Fuhen had entered the room, causing the bearded warrior to raise an eyebrow and chuckle lightly. Now it truly seemed all the important world leaders, short only the Mizukage, were all here. Takeo gave Aimi a guarded gaze as Fuhen asked about their acquaintance. “I’m afraid we’ve only just met, and for as much of a storyteller you are Fuhen, I’m surprised your friend is so ill-informed. Perhaps Aimi you’d like to know that the generosity of Konoha does extend beyond its formal allies. Even after the Grand Shogun here declared independence, revoking its vassal state to Fire country, I personally helped build infrastructure and gladly allowed our country's railways to extend into their borders. Because at the end of the day it is the people that matter the most, not our own ego’s” he clarified. There had also been the matter of assisting the people of river country and waterfall though seeing as they had no representatives to confirm it felt frivolous to add to the conversation.

[Golnax]

This bar was truly beginning to get crowded. Even someone as socially inept as the Kaguya at the table could understand that as Kiyori stepped in and introduced herself. Her name meant nothing to him but he looked up to the black haired woman all the same as she entered and asked to be a part of the conversation. Her words came off to him as though she believed she belonged... another leader of a country? A Daimyo like himself? Maybe a high ranking shinobi like Yoru? He was in the middle of looking at others for their reactions on her entrance to get some idea of who she was when Shio was gracious enough to fill in the gap in his knowledge for him. So! Now they were joined by the Kazekage, which left only the Mizukage left to show. Somehow he doubted that would happen, though.

Kiyori's words brought a smile to his face. Her sentiment, on the surface, was the same as his. However, from her gentle tone and demeanor, he could feel that what she meant by peace and what he meant were two entirely different things. The Kaguya could sense a fundamental difference in their ideals, but never the less he found himself softly chuckling and leaning back in his chair as he gave the Kazekage a second look. "I like this one," he said out loud to no one in particular, reciprocating the warmth that the only woman of power at this gathering was giving off with his own.

As for the other three Kage present, well, they fell right for his ruse. Whether it was their pride or the alcohol that all of them had been consuming that was making them so willing to lionize themselves, all three of the male Kage did exactly as he expected and surprised him simultaneously. The Tsuchikage insinuated that giving minor nations knowledge of chakra - specifically weaponized chakra, a common theme among the kage who responded to his claim - would result in wanton destruction; the implication being that the Tsuchikage assumed Aimi had meant to simply hand over the knowledge that chakra existed as well as a scroll detailing how to harness it for power. The way in which the leader of the Earth shinobi said this also implied that every other nation might well do the same, rather than also impart individuals that could teach and direct those in the minor countries on how to properly use chakra without blowing up the world, instilling that discipline that the Tsuchikage prejudicially declared that those not within the umbrella of the Great Five lacked.

Of course what Shio said did not go unnoticed by the Daimyo. But then again, Shio had a slightly better idea than anyone else there of what his own reasons for doing what he had done during the Great War was for. Slightly, anyways. At the very least he felt comfortably that the Taichou of Iron was not referring to his own honesty, for when had he ever lied to the young man?

Of course the Raikage remained as the worst offender of all, flaunting his own arrogance and moral superiority in the face of anyone he saw a chance to apparently. Particularly his penchant for calling people 'boy' was especially condescending and showed his lack of respect for anyone else there, as if the rest of his rebuttal needed any help with that! On and on he went about how well the things the Lightning Empire were doing to help people, making a point to address Aimi directly multiple times to try and point out the Daimyo's moral failings. Granted, the things he said were not necessarily incorrect - Gold could most certainly benefit from a network of information gathering the world over, but perhaps the Raikage could stand to improve his own information network! If he truly understood the situation in Gold, he might know that they were sprinting to get into the modern era as far as standards of living and governmental organization were concerned. Setting up a spy network the world over took a backseat to getting people out of living in grass huts.

Of course the Hokage wasn't wrong about Aimi's ignorance of the world stage either, but then again that statement also showed that apparently Konohagakure had around the same level of information about Gold as Kumogakure had. It was surprising to learn that both the Hokgae and Raikage were acquainted with Fuhen, though, but the surprise was minimal. That damn frog was so friendly he could hardly imagine a person he wouldn't get along with if they sat down and talked for long enough! He did wonder if Fire and Lightning were aware that Heart (formerly Tea, when he visisted) and Gold were more or less allies with one another or at the very least on friendly terms. The surprises didn't end there.

True to his ignorance, the Daimyo of Gold was indeed unaware of the benignant deeds that both Fire and Lightning apparently performed in the way of hospitals, refugee aid and such. While he had seen the rails that Fuhen had begun to lay and had briefly talked about the 'train system' (he still wasn't entirely sure what a train was, this new fangled machine!), he had no idea that they had come from Lightning originally. The plans that the Raikage had to build rails across the continent in order to transport goods and services; while he couldn't quite picture it in his head, he understood the intent in principle. Truly he had been proven wrong by these leaders from foreign nations in terms of their offering aid without having to absorb others before hand!

But then again, he had been proven right three times over about their unwillingness to give away the secrets of chakra.

Regardless of the hospitals and libraries, the railways promising food and labor to thousands, the fuuinjutsu they planned to or were already giving to people that they deemed worthy, the Tsuchikage, Hokage and Raikage's unwillingness to hand over the secrets to weaponizing chakra revealed their bias and their position of privileged authority. Their reasonings and fears of lack of discipline or a sudden attack meant nothing when all three of them, all four, really, with the addition of Kiyori into the mix (though purely from the stance of a Kage and historical president rather than her stances as an individual as she had elected to not give them, wisely) and by extension all five when one considered the Mizukage were willing, and had done several times in the past, to seal monsters inside of children to use as weapons against one another, deterrent or otherwise, in the name of power or 'keeping peace'. He knew for a fact that it would take but a single psychopath out of Kirigakure who accrued sufficient enough power to start another war that would engulf the entire world. The same could arguably be said for any of their villages. This was fact, indisputable.

Any excuse they used to justify the denial of freely used chakra to those from minor nations was just that - excuses, lies they told themselves in order to maintain power for themselves and keep the board of the Great Game skewed in their favor. If they wanted true equality, true unity, there was but one way forward. And all three of them had openly stated that they were unwilling to pursue this true path of peace and prosperity for all.

The whole thing left the golden haired Kaguya silent. And smiling. A wry, knowing smile that suggested nothing and gave no hint as to what he thought or what he felt (to anyone not wearing a certain crown, anyway). He would not dispute, argue or rebuke hypocrites and fools as he saw them. There was no need! He already knew that what he was doing was right, it was just a slow march to get there. He didn't even need to think about what it was. He'd had seventy years to figure it out. Compared to the bigger picture he saw? All of the men sitting at the table were displaying doodles. Why give them a glance at his grand design?

And then along came Fuhen!

The sound of the frog sneezing loudly drew Aimi's attention away from the table and upon seeing the taller, raven haired Shogun his entire demeanor would change! It was quite miraculous to behold, frankly; that expression of an old man keeping silent about a lesson a younger man had yet to learn vanished. His entire body, which could have previously been described as tense and at attention, practically went limp! The smile that had been was replaced by something so genuine and so bright that it was almost like looking at the sun. "Fuhen!" he cried, slapping the top of the table and pushing himself up from where he was sat. He marched across the bar towards the samurai so that he could throw his arms around him and embrace him tightly!

"I could ask you the same thing, you froggy bastard!" Aimi replied cheerfully, pulling back away from the Shogun and looking up at him with his hands on the mans' elbows. "Introductions, right," he said, half turning away from Fuhen and raising an arm to point out specific people. "I'm shy on some names but, this is the Tsuchikage, the Raikage, the Kazekage, and the Hokage. The little one is Shio, Taichou of Iron, and the red head sitting by the Hokage - did you call him Takeo? - anyway, that's Yoru. His uh... right hand man or something, I'm honestly not sure!"

Introductions made, Aimi would once more turn to Fuhen, smile and clap his upper arms in his hands. "It's so good to see you! Come! Pull up a chair, we're talking politics with one another," the Daimyo said, catching Fuhen up to speed on the broadest strokes possible before stepping away from the frog and moving to get him a chair, pulling it over to the table and positioning it in such a way that it would be beside his own. For his only friend in the room, he would have it no other way.

To everyone else witnessing this, they would surely feel a strangeness wash over them at the Daimyo's behavior. He was only being friendly but it was so much different from what he had been so far. It was almost as if the Daimyo was a different person all of the sudden. Shio in particular would likely feel some whiplash at this display, having only ever seen Aimi as either extremely paranoid or, more recently, focused and calm. If first impressions were anything to go on, everyone in the room, aside from Fuhen, would likely have been pressed to think that Aimi Kaguya, invader of Kirigakure, was even capable of expressing such jubilance.

[TyDie]

As all eyes turned on Kiyori, some happy and some upset, she did all she could to maintain her smile and positive demeanor. Of course there would be some among this table who did not see her as an ally - Disappointing as it was, it was to be expected. Ironically, the only open seat at the table for the moment was next to what many would consider to be her sworn enemy - Akari, Tatsuo, Tsuchikage of Iwa and bitter enemies of most Sunagakure shinobi. However, she was not most Sunagakure shinobi; she was a leader. A diplomat. And if winning the man over was impossible, at the very least she would maintain civility. "I thank you, Lord Hokage." Kiyori spoke sweetly as she took the seat next to Tatsuo, smiling at the man's snarl, 'killing him with kindness' as it were. It seemed the drink of choice was alcohol, which of course Kiyori would have to decline. "My religion forbids alcohol during all but a single week of the year, and even then I abstain. I'd love a glass of water though, if you please." The woman addressed the bar keep, who gave an odd stare at the woman for drinking such a bland liquid amidst these powerful leaders. If anything, it was an allegory in her eyes - as if the toxin of alcohol was representative of the malintent present at the table, which even her ally Takeo was not completely free from. Perhaps it was a flaw of her own, a sort of pride, but the water in her glass seemed symbolic of her own purity. Her naive heart that craved true peace amongst all peoples, without worrying about who owned what or who did what.

It was a fool's dream. But it was hers.

"The railways have indeed proven to be a wondrous success, both for our own people and the various towns and villages along the path of the rails. Many of the common folk have never seen such goods as have made their way along those titanic metal structures - Fish to land locked lands, spices and herbs grown only in the north to make medicines and season food to incredible effectiveness. The prosperity in lands near the train stations set up throughout the rails have increased dramatically, a total of 54%of economic growth over the course of the last few years, with the surrounding lands near enough for traditional transport growing by 21% at the least. The statistics are undeniable - the railway project has united folks that otherwise never would have known what existed beyond their small corner of the world. It's why me and my people have been supportive of it since Lord Hokage and Lord Raikage invited us to join them. And, if agreements can be reached, I believe it would be beneficial to all of you to join us in that endeavor, to bring the same prosperity to your lands."

It wasn't Kiyori's operation to spear head, but as a strong supporter of the project and a believer in world peace, she saw no reason why an invitation to join the rail system would be seen poorly by her allies. Surely they too wished for peace - At least, Hayate seemed to be done with wars after being in two in such a short time frame.

"Chakra knowledge is a stickier subject, but I suppose I'll comment. Not a single one of us can deny the nigh infinite uses of the mysterious power we call chakra. Almost all of our modern technology is powered by chakra in the form of Fuuinjutsu, and our medical facilities are far beyond the rest of the world as a result of Iijutsu. Sunagakure especially has benefitted from the power of chakra - Minor scale terraforming and greenhouses maintained by our infamous Naegi clan have allowed us a quality of life far beyond the rest of Wind Country. The benefits of widespread chakra knowledge... I can't even begin to touch on it." Her smile, as warm as ever, radiated throughout those present at the table. It was at that point that the frog man entered the room, and while Kiyori did not know Fuhen personally, she had heard of the man's reputation through others. He was a kind hearted man from what she could tell, one who abhorred taking life almost as much as she. The fatalities attributed to his movements during the war were minimal, and mostly unpreventable. Perhaps one day the two could sit and discuss the future of the world...

But for now, she would continue with her analysis of widespread chakra knowledge, her tone growing cautious and her smile fading for the first time since she arrived. "But no great gain comes without great risk. Picture us, in our prime, the strength of our military and the destruction we all sowed naught but a couple years ago. Now, realize that the shinobi population of the world is around 1% of the world population, and we at this table are less than .001% of that number. Those number seem small, but lets estimate the total world population at just one billion people. 1% of one billion is ten million shinobi, and .001% of ten million shinobi is one hundred shinobi around our level. Now imagine if the population of chakra knowledgeable humans... just doubled. two hundred of us. Two Takeos, Two Tatsuos, Two Shios, Two Aimis. Double the destructive potential... I shudder at the thought."

Taking a small drink of her water to pause and let the serious nature of her statistical analysis settle in, Kiyori would conclude with a small quote. "All knowledge, everything we learn, is a key that can open the gates of the heavens. But those same keys can open the gates to hell. We will never be free of our dependency on chakra as an energy source - it is simply too useful to ever part with. And if it meant keeping the world safe, I would gladly give up my ability to use chakra for the sake of combat or destruction ever again, without a second thought. But... that is not the case. And it will never be the case. Even if you simply taught someone to use Chakra for the sake of medical uses, it wouldn't be hard for that person to explore other, more dangerous uses of chakra. It is tragic, but... I do not believe we will ever reach a point where the world population can be completely trusted with such power. I wish it were otherwise, but even the idealist in me just can't see it. However... I would love to be proven wrong somehow. I would love nothing more than to be wrong in regards to my analysis."

Setting her cup down as punctuation to her words, she lifted her eyes from the table to observe each of the leader's expressions. "With a library of unerring knowledge at my disposal, however... I'm rarely wrong."

JutsuShow

Eideticism - Omniscience of Thoth
S-Rank Taijutsu Discipline
Prerequisite: [Perception]
The wealth of knowledge and information that Kiyori has learned, recorded and studied with her photographic memory has grown so large that, in combination with her ability to make immense leaps of logical analysis, there is very little the woman doesn't or can't know. Barring information that is obviously classified or kept secret, It is safe to say that the mind of Kiyori contains such a colossal wealth of information that there is very little that she does not know, enabling her to call forth information in the blink of an eye when necessary. This is the result of years of intense study amidst a vast amount of subjects recorded within the Scribes library, turning her into what is essentially a walking library of information.

[Niro]

Tatsuo's brows furrowed and he cocked his head in minor confusion at Shio's giggling. He appreciated the boys recognition of his honesty but the giggling was offputting. Where was this child's mother? His attention was more drawn in by the Raikage, Hokage, and Kazekage as the two of them directed words at himself and Aimi while Kiyori was more broad. As he went to reply to what had been said, however, the door once more flew open and he could have swore to hear the sound of wood blocks striking together in the background as another figure joined them. Fate was...very fickle tonight. Tatsuo wondered if even she was drinking as Aimi went about introducing the man to them and Tatsuo noted the near instant change in demeanor as he did so. He grabbed the recently renewed sake bottle and hoisted it high for the tall man to see before placing it down once more in front of him. Tatsuo made a hand motion and one of the hooded guards brought another chair over for Fuhen. He waited for everyone to be seated once more before he dared to reply to what had been said.

"That's fair to want to give those to people and I'll concede because nothing I say will matter to one such as yourself, I see that now. You speak from the perspective of someone who wants everyone to be too dependent on you to even threaten war again. However, war does have its uses. Without war and conflict, the power and influence the shinobi villages have on their home countries fades. Shinobi would become glorified batteries in a factory.

Do you know how many Tsuchikages before me attempted to change slavery within Rock Country? Four. Four of them tried during times of peace where they assumed they had the ear of the Daimyo and instead were assassinated by his very agents. Without the war, slavery would still be a forever sentence within Rock Country. Now those who have funds squirreled away can buy their own freedom no matter the point in their contract. Sometimes this shattered world needs to be broken even further to move things along. I'd think that's something you'd know very well, Lightning Emperor." Tatsuo lingered on the word for a moment, the insinuation of how Hayate had rebelled and caused a civil war in his prime more than enough for him before his attention turned to the Hokage with a sad look.

"Unfortunately, we've only so much man power in comparison to the Daimyo's own men and the barbarian clans they're close with. But, equal?" The sad look morphed into a grin and then Tatsuo let loose a short laugh. "Hah, equal. That's a laugh considering how Konoha has been invaded twice in the last twenty years, more than any other village. The first by your own former shinobi and the second by Kiri during the war. I wonder how much Kiri blood runs through the new sons of Konoha? I'm not quite sure I'd like to be equal to you." Tatsuo abandoned the sake saucer on the table and side eyed Kiyori as spoke on the dangers of chakra. What was the world coming to...

"Rarely do I agree with a Suna shinobi but I'm finding myself more and more shocked by the moment."

[Ace Trainer]

It felt a little out of character for him, but it benefitted Shio to be the child in the group. Typically, he tried to come off as mature, deserving of his station. But here, in this room of leaders and titans alike, it occurred to Shio that letting them underestimate him would likely be far more beneficial than anything else. A lot was happening in this room, it surprised Shio they hadn't set the building to rubble merely by being among each other. Nonetheless, he would be a little childlike, giving into his impulse, in order to benefit his people. Or at least to maintain a facade.

It was so serious here, too. And while it was tense, he found himself not very entertained by the topic. Dare he say even bored by it. This was more Kesu's realm, and while Shio did enjoy playing 'the game' so to speak, he did not always ant to do so. With the arrival of Fuhen, Shio found himself even more disappointed. Here he was in a room with three of the people he'd designated and recognized as his equals, people he even enjoyed the company of, and he had to pretend he was none-the-wiser to who they were. What a cruel world it was. He continued to sip on the tea while the kage opined in long monologues, as if they were in a play or something. It seemed the irony was lost on them that they were arguing about monopolizing the world, while monopolizing the conversation each time one of them opened their mouths. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. If he was honest, Shio mostly tuned out what the Raikage, Hokage, and Kazekage said. He'd not even flinched at the arrival of Fuhen, raising the glass towards him in respect and little else.

The disputing of the nature of slavery did appeal to Shio though. He was a Kirigakure shinobi, through and through. Slavery to him was not some evil practice, it was a natural order. People became slaves, people got their freedom, people lost their freedom, and some even earned their freedom. And really, to Shio, it seemed the issue of slavery was just a microcosm of the problem they were discussing anyways. As leaders, they presumed some authority to insert themselves into the lives and natures of other people and assert their views over others.

"Surely if they wanted to not be slaves they'd just free themselves.", Shio said out loud. Tossing it into the conversation like a grenade, "Who are we to prevent people from falling to where they belong naturally in the social heirarchy?", he brought the cup back to his lips, and said little more. It was a shame, but he knew he'd be the minority. But fundamentally, becoming Taishou had only reinforced what Shio had learned his entire life, strength begets strength, weakness begets weakness. If one was strong, such issues of slavery meant nothing to them. And if they were weak, being enslaved meant security and safety from all the things they weren't strong enough to protect themselves from.

Natural order.

[Taiga]

The Raikage took a sip of his drink as he listened to the room speak. He'd grin slightly and give a nod as one more figure joined the room in a grandiose way. Low and behold it was Fuhen- and while he likely had zero intention of being loud and drawing attention, that was just who he was. He'd never have expected anything more of the frog man and always managed to give him quite a good chuckle. It was interesting how tonight everyone had wound up in the same bar- it was also clear that extremely powerful people attracted others. The collective weight of their chakra systems probably easily matched a Genma.

Though he wished to give a hardy wave to the frog man, for now, he would ignore him and Aimi for now to pursue a more fruitful conversation. Likewise, he would have little need to address Takeo, who was already in alignment with him, and Shio was just there to cause discord and be "deep"- the usual quibbling of a child who hadn't lived enough to know better. Ignoring his grenade- the idea that slaves basically wanted to be slaves if they didn't fight to be, was foolish at best, especially when the people slaving you could spit fire or delete you from space-time but all you had was a shovel. Instead, Hayate would intently fix his gaze on the Tsuchikage and his ears on the Kazekage. The two had interested him greatly.

He'd start with the Kazekage, addressing her math.

"Lord Kazekage, I am ever impressed by the knowledge you possess. Your calculations certainly put the idea to the test, and it would seem that should the world have chakra it would be a world in duress-" he said pausing with a slight grin. He was rhyming unintentionally. "But, while a younger me once believed the same ideals as Aimi, older me knows the pain of war and agrees with you. That is why we are working to produce our technology as secure fuuinjutsu-powered things. To prevent harm and to avoid the need to teach anyone chakra directly. We do not seek to give every man, woman, and child in this world the ability to use chakra themselves, but rather the very controlled gift of chakra powered technologies." he said before pausing and taking another sip. In reality, he was fairly aligned with the Kazekage too, at least this conversation gave him that feeling.

He'd turn his attention to the Tsuchikage, who he didn't feel was so far off from his own thoughts or beliefs. They were close to alignment even if some degree of animosity existed between them and the Tsuchikages way of thinking and speaking always focused on you and your country, me and mine.

"Lord Tsuchikage- I don't want people to be too dependent on just us, Kumo, to start a war. I want them to be dependent and too afraid to start a war with you, Steam, or any country for that matter." he said as his eyes narrowed, his hands raising up into the air as he shrugged. "In one regard you aren't wrong that war has purposes and I do believe firmly there will always be war. I was forced into war I never wanted, as you clearly know, but a war that was ultimately necessary. But, I think you'd be a fool if you didn't think this would make large scale war several degrees harder to happen, and in the end, that's the goal. I want to make it so impossible that even as the last option, it's a hard one to make."

If going to war meant complete economic collapse, death of thousands of your people, angry citizens who wouldn't support the war, and more, it'd be that less likely to happen. It was all a game of numbers in the end anyways. The lower the chance, the better even if it meant knocking things down 5% at a time- plus his idea was a win-win given the economical growth it brought.

"As for your grand hypothesis about glorified batteries, I think it's strange you only find purpose in war and fear shinobi would be glorified batteries in a factory- ignoring the need for policing, combating natural disaster, spirit threats, or the hundreds of other things shinobi already do and provide services for outside of our man made wars." he said, as he leaned back and put his hands behind his head, elbows out, in a relaxed position.

He shot the Tsuchikage a look and, though it was an honest offer as he'd like nothing more to help, it was also a humorous joke given the man had made references to his past and his journey to lightning emperor.

"If you ever need help disposing of Daimyo's I know an entire empire of shinobi and soldiers that have some experience with that and would be more than happy to help you." he said shooting a wink at the Tsuchikage. He'd seriously mean it too. The sooner the feudal system got dumped in more places the better- and disposing of a Daimyo didn't have to be an all-out war. Just as the Daimyo assassinated the former Tsuchikage, it was easy to kill the feudal lords and win the hearts of the people through gifts, new found freedom, and prosperity.

Well, it wasn't easy, but there was totally a way to do it and if the Tsuchikage was the one bringing all these gifts and advancements to his supposed "enemies", they'd grow to love him more than any Daimyo who played with the lives of his people and citizens like toys. The Lightning Country Civil War had been proof of that, or this method of takeover at least. It was strange though to hear a shinobi be afraid of assassinations or taking out a target, especially one who ironically seemed to lust for war at the same itme.

[Nick]

"Och, politics." The Frog rolled his eyes, but took the chair offered, spinning it to sit on it backward like a totally cool kid, disregarding the social norm set before him. His duties as the Shogun were done for the day, and he was here to relax, after all, he wasn't so keen on playing this political game again in what he saw as his time off. Tea had its own individual Shogun for that, he was just a symbol, and part of that symbol was being one of the little people, whether Fuhen did it on purpose or not was another question entirely.

At least he was familiar with some of them, and even on friendly terms with Aimi, having happily returned his embrace and greeting, nodding to each of the world leaders in turn as they were introduced, his expression mostly neutral. He let everyone speak their piece without much interruption, but the Shogun couldn't hold his silence entirely, reacting quite noticeably to the Tsuchikage's claims of being put upon by his Daimyou, and perhaps even more so at Shio's claims about the slave's freedom's. His palm smashed flat on the table, making the whole thing shake even as the Raikage countered.

"Yer on borrowed time." He finally said, quite cryptically. Was it a threat? Such an odd thing to say to a group of world leaders. "The people will have chakra and steam in their hands, and then they'll have the power to choose their masters much more readily." His face was so serious, so angry, a face that most would never get to see with the Shogun's usual calm, carefree attitude. He wasn't speaking to anyone in particular, but his energy radiated off violently, a pressure filling the air, especially towards Shio and Tatsuo. The Raikage's words seemed to calm him a little bit, but his anger went from hot to icy in the moment.

"Ye take over land in a push fer yer own safety, never once considerin' what the little people want, if'n it's not given back t'let the people rule themselves again, even with yer kind words and aid, another war will brew without any outside influence." Finally, he turned to Shio specifically. "Give the slaves trainin' and weaponry beyond shovels and ah'm sure they'd be glad t'cut off the heads o' their oppressors. Even kind masters are still slave drivers. People needtae know they're not runnin' as pigs to the slaughter. Och, gimme time with yer own slaves, ah'm sure they'd be happy to prove me point."

And then Tatsuo. Was the man mad? Making such claims that he was oppressed, as a ninja village, especially in a room where three such world leaders had made themselves into their positions by taking it over from their former rulers by force. In many ways, Tatsuo was implying he was as helpless as the slaves he kept, his anger grew, and grew, and threatened to boil over... But something seemed to let the steam out. "Aye, difficult to usurp a throne if'n ye don't have the power." It might have been taken as an insult, but that wasn't the intention. "But if'n yer so willin' to tell people in such great power about it, but ye don't even have the power tae ask fer help?" He laughed, seemingly back into his carefree attitude. His hand raised up high above the table, and in a burst of chakra, his short wooden spear appeared in his hand, held high and proud.

"The fires o' rebellion will aid ye. Krag will hold no mercy for the Daimyou, and he will be struck down. Just hope the people respect ye enough to not do the same, for once the fire starts ragin', Krag will strike down any tyrant till a righteous ruler finds the throne." He was theatric as always, and slowly lowered the spear down until the butt of it was resting against the table. "This war all of ye 'ave started willnae be over any time soon, ye've left too many loose ends, the net will unravel. Don't be caught in it when they put it back together."

[TheLacarix]

The Bannin of Konoha said very little during the political conversations, the world leaders we’re getting no where just pushing their ideologies on one another and attempting to insult each-others cultures.

Years ago, when Yoru was brasher and younger, he would have screamed and yelled specially at the man from Iwagakure who seemed hell bent on insulting his village. Though it was true Konoha had often being on the rough end of invasion but as one of the most powerful countries it was to be expected, there was too much of value.

What did Iwa have, some old rocks? No wonder no one wanted to invade.

For now though he’d simply continue to sip his whiskey in silence, watching over the Hokage and making sure he remained safe.

The only person he truly agreed with was the man known as Fuhen, the self-proclaimed Grand Shogun. He wouldn’t have quite put it into the same words or as brashly. But he grabbed Yoru’s attention none the less.

The Commander would need to arrange a meeting with him, Fuhen was someone he could use. Soon Yoru's plans would be coming together and Fuhen would be a great edition to the cause, hopefully a cause Fuhen would be willing to die for.

“Would you like another Lord Hokage, or will we be heading out soon?” he questioned hoping it would the latter, the whole affair was becoming frightfully boring.

[Golnax]

Make that four times he was proven right.

The Kazekage talked a big game with numbers and estimates, pervading the same "fear" that the other kage at the table shared. It couldn't possibly be the case that giving the rest of the world knowledge of how to weaponize chakra wasn't enough, no! It was completely unfathomable that on top of teaching people how to use chakra in such a way, you had to teach them when and why to do so. The Kaguya himself, as Fuhen could easily attest, was fully capable of reshaping the entire world one section of the map at a time if he so wished, but he wasn't a mindless body of destruction as Kiyori made him (by implication alone, of course) out to be! He hadn't yet taken out this entire building and everyone in it with a single punch, giving Amegakure a nice new little mountain in the process (nor had anyone else at the table for that matter). Why? Because they all knew not to, that's why! They had the power and the knowledge of the consequences of that power! To sit and pretend that in a world where said power was shared by all the knowledge and discipline that should rightly go along with it simply wouldn't be was laughable, and the Daimyo of Gold saw no reason to give her a response either. In this matter, she could join the other Kage in his silence until she wizened up and looked away from her theories and numbers and instead gazed upon a more practical truth.

And then there was Shio, sticking his nose in seemingly just to stir things up!

Tatsuo bringing up the slavery situation within Earth was one thing. He very clearly had stated that he was against the institution within his nation and had made strides to end it. It was admirable, frankly, and Aimi could find no fault in his claims - for a Kage to go against his Daimyo was an act of rebellion, and not everyone was wanting for such action - that weren't semantic (how difficult could it be, for example, for a set of Earth shinobi who were most likely versed in Doton of all chakra natures, to scout out where these slave-driving barbarian tribes the Daimyo employed lived, burrow under ground and plant explosive tags in such numbers that it left nothing behind?). Shio's statement, on the other hand, was flat out inflammatory under the best of circumstances, but considering that he was sitting at the table with not only Aimi Kaguya, who he had freely given an entourage of slave labor and gave no qualms in him freeing them on the spot and offering citizenship to Gold, but Fuhen Iyashi who he knew for a fact had loudly, openly and often decreed the economy of slavery on several occasions? The Daimyo couldn't help but turn his head to the young Taichou with a pair of raised eyebrows, a mouth pulled in a half-smile that made his entire expression say without words "What are you doing?" Without knowing exactly what Shio was thinking, he was for the first time and without knowing it in complete agreement with the Raikage!

Leave it to Fuhen, though, to speak his mind and let everyone know it! With a smack of the table he drew the Kaguya's attention away from his sometimes-edgy ally and gave his stance on... well, everything, really, in froggy fashion! His words were a breath of fresh, swampy, tea-scented air and once again his body language would visibly soften as his thick-accented friend laid it out plain and simple: He hated the Great Five hoarding chakra, he hated slavery, if the Tsuchikage needed help in starting a rebellion to end slavery he would be there. Simple as. Such was just part of the reason why he adored Fuhen so! He hadn't realized it until that moment, or perhaps he had simply been too busy to think about it, but perhaps it was time for the Grand Shogun to be privy to his plans for the world. After all, his words, more than even the Kazekage's, so lined up with his own without any sort of specifics. How difficult could it be to convince his friend to aid him when he was so frighteningly fired up at the mere mention of slavery and withholding power from those deserving?

It was inspiring enough to get the Daimyo to speak up once more. "It's as my friend, the Grand Shogun, has said - Lord Tsuchikage, if you require aid in toppling your daimyo in the name of ending slavery... well, I personally have gathered quite a lot of experience in rebelling," he said, raising his cup of tea up and smiling at the leader of the Earth shinobi. An open invitation to be indirectly part of something much larger. A test, so to speak, of his character and his worth...

"Back peddling the conversation for a minute, though," Aimi continued, setting his cup down and reaching out to clap Fuhen on the shoulder while turning to look at the Raikage and Hokage. "I confess my surprise at the humanitarian aid that you have granted to those less fortunate. What say you come and talk with me after this and we can set up dates, times and places to fully discuss the prospect of getting Gold up to speed fully with the modern world? Fuhen here is my neighbor, after all. I've seen the rails for these trains you speak of. It surely wouldn't be too much effort to extend them a bit further west, no? Perhaps the same could be said to the Kazekage, if she were amicable."

Another test for the leaders in the room. Just how willing would they be to help him, suspecting as they did that he would take the advancements he gave him and run with it? How charitable would they be then? Would they stick with their cover and offer him all the wonderful things they promised without him becoming beholden to any of them? Or would they instead reveal openly their true colors?

[Izanagi]

Takeo observed the interactions between Aimi and Fuhen. Konoha had a tentative alliance with the independent nation of New Tea but Gold country was a nation he had reservations about. While he had come to some terms with Katsu’s group, specifically her father the Mercenary King, he saw them only as a tool to utilize. He found it difficult to trust a shinobi of Kirigakure, former or not. Though there remained some room in his heart for redemption. Saigo, an infamous rogue shinobi of Iwagakure after all had proven himself a loyal and valuable friend. Perhaps he had misjudged Aimi, but more likely the man was simply too strong for his own good and strength did not always equate a mind fit for leadership.

The bearded warrior of Konoha would sip idly on his whiskey as he listened to the rather long-winded Kiyori. The woman was quite intelligent and lively, as always, but she did have a way to turn even a simple conversation into an essay. Takeo was no stranger to tactical analysis, but statistics and finer details of economic prosperity were what he had advisors for. Still, he would nod along, offering the occasional proud smile as he witnessed his friend come into the limelight once more. He had quite missed her and these types of meetings alongside such a trusted friend. “Well said” he agreed at last as she concluded. “It will require a delicate touch to enrich the lives of others without disrupting the balance of power” he concluded.

He didn’t want to admit it but the young Tsuchikage had a valid point about the use of war. Fire country's expansion had been aggressive to say the least and Takeo had certainly played a role in weighing in on tactical analysis and giving advice to the Daimyo. Takeo was a firm believer in helping others through unity and military occupation, creating strong borders and a protected trade network, tying in with the Raikage’s ideals about a connected economy. But not all minor countries would join willingly, some needed an authoritative push, driving out their leaders in order to truly instill change and increase the quality of life of the average citizen. Even if it might come at the cost of many lives and a few rough years of adjustment. “War will always be inevitable. We need it to keep our shinobi strong, but it doesn’t have to be against each other. There is no shortage of battles to be fought, minor nations to reign in and injustices to be rectified across the world” he said in regard to the Tsuchikage’s statement. He would rather avoid conflicts with Iwagakure if it meant he could focus elsewhere, so long as they proved themselves to not be a threat that needed to be urgently addressed.

He would simply observe the interaction between Tatsuo, Hayate and Fuhen. On this topic it was clear he was very much in agreement with the Raikage. There were better uses of their military power than senselessly tearing down each others progress. There was no end to the good they could do for the world if they worked together or at the very least simply stayed out of one another’s way. He smirked at the Raikage’s comments about helping Tatsuo overthrow the Daimyo. And then Takeo narrowed his eyes, assessing the teenager who had conquered Iron. Surely, this kid was simply trying to get a rise out of the others. His lack of involvement in the conversation made him dangerous, as it was difficult to get any true read on his thoughts. He seemed a snake laying in wait, someone that was unpredictable and could end up being problematic in the years to come. Fortunately, he already had a man undercover keeping an eye on Shio’s operations.

The Hokage’s attention shifted back to the Tsuchikage as he responded to his own quip. Takeo huffed in amusement, keeping a cool head as the young Akari brought up the Konoha invasions. It was a sore spot to be sure, but Takeo had not lived this long and survived as many battles as he had without developing a thick skin. He had no shortage of critics within Konoha and he shouldered the burden of his failures. But, like Tousha before him, he knew he had failed his village and the only honorable thing he could do was step down. But not until he was sure his alliances were strong and Konoha was on a path to success and prosperity. Then, when someone suitable came into place, he would gladly hand over the mantle of Hokage. “Yes, I suppose it’s easier to hide behind your walls, isn’t it? When I personally led the charge to sweep your allied nations out from under you, occupy Earth country lands and lay siege to Iwagakure, where were you again? Laid up in a hospital bed somewhere, was it? I’m sure your men took comfort in knowing you’d rather spend your time being spoon fed and receiving sponge baths instead of fighting for your lands and driving out Konoha invaders. It was clever timing, I’ll give Kirigakure that much. It seemed nobody wanted to meet us head on and when we returned, Kirigakure was driven back with ease and we still managed to keep the most valuable regions of your lands” the bearded man scowled, taking another deep sip of whiskey. Slavers Ravine and Grass country had been tremendous victories for Konoha and would continue to bolster their economy while delivering a heavy loss to Iwagakure for years to come.

The 17th Hokage listened as Fuhen addressed Shio’s comments about slavery. While it seemed Fuhen was not quite keen on Konoha’s aggression during the war and the occupation of so many countries, they could at least agree on their principals once they had the power over a nation to instill change. Listening to the people was important, and Takeo did try to live by that example and help lift others up, ridding whirlpool of crime lords, freeing Rice country of tyranny that exploited their farmers, donating food to the citizens of River and supporting the Realm of Titans only in humanitarian efforts. Other nations such as Grass and Fur had only been occupied in order to damage supply lines to Iwagakure, but their people had been taken care of to the best of their ability. However, there were loose ends and misteps too as Fuhen alluded too. Always there would be innocents that were displaced, shinobi within one’s ranks that were less than honorable and exploited their power despite what orders they were given. War always brought pain and suffering no matter how noble the intentions. And that too, Takeo knew and accepted the burden of.

Then, both Fuhen and Aimi joined Hayate in pledging their support to help Tatsuo overthrow the Earth country Daimyo. Even Takeo and his personal budding grudge against the Tsuchikage, felt he could agree on this one thing. “On that at least, it seems we have a majority. Our villages have worked together to combat slavery in the past. Konoha will always support such endeavors to grant freedom and equality” It seemed he had made a breakthrough with the sovereign nation of Gold country. Raising his glass to the golden-haired man, Takeo considered the potential for friendship with Aimi and his newfound nation. “I would be honored to visit the sovereign nation of Gold country and assist wherever I can” he agreed. Certainly, the alliance would have no issue extending their railways to Gold country and helping build infrastructure and more modern living standards. Yoru made his comment and Takeo nodded, “We’ll talk again soon” he said, specifically to Aimi and Fuhen whom he looked forward to working with more in the future. Or if not him, then perhaps his successor. After all, he was growing old and quite tired of these types of meetings. How he longed to the simple days of solving problems with his fists. “It was a pleasure to speak with you all” he said, rising from his seat and downing the rest of his drink. He would nod to Yoru and prepare to take their leave, clasping Hayate’s arm in a firm warrior shake and giving Kiyori a hug before he departed. Fuhen and Aimi he would bow slightly to, a sign of budding respect but not nearly the same level of familiarity and comradery of his true allies. As for Tatsuo and Shio, he regarded them with a stern gaze and only the slightest nod of his head, acknowledging their station if nothing else. And then he would be off, Yoru in tandem as they returned to their provided hotel.