[Mission] Cane and Abbel

[Quinton Rizzer]

South of Kumogakure, the village hidden in the clouds, was another hidden village. The village, of course, was not a hidden village in the same sense as Kumo, but a literal hidden village. When the people first settled there, hoping to prosper, they gave it a hope filled name; Eden. They hoped that with hard work and dedication, they might create a home, safe from outside attacks, with the shinobi village just north of them, as well as safe fro famine. Surely, their neighbors to the north were friendly and offered them protection when needed, but food was still hard to come by after a century of hard work.

Eden was situated at the base of two mountains, often called the village hidden in the valley. Outside the village were two typed of area; rice fields and goat herds. To the west, large tracts of land were dedicated to the production of rice. The nutrients in the ground were few, so the crops only grew to be about half the size of a normal harvest. On top of that, there was not proper tools to remove weeds which were also stealing nutrients from the ground. skilled farmers, though they were, they were unable to produce an abundance of food as they had hoped to do.

To the East, goats owned the land. Actually, goats just lived there, it was the Cane family who owned them and the land. The trading of the goats was the main source of income for the village, with the rice not growing so well, and this made the Cane family the richest in the village. Though, that really meant nothing, since they ended up having to pay most of that back to the village to keep ownership of the land for their goats.

Sadly, things could not stay the same, and for the past few months, crops and goats have been coming up missing. The Abbel family, the ones who hold the largest stake in the rice crop, and the Cane family have been accusing each other of guilt, and the village elder has been fearing that because of a rivalry between the families, the peaceful village might not remain peaceful for long unless the mystery is solved. This is why a lone shinobi, one of adequate talent for the situation, has been dispatched to the location to meet with said elder to receive the remaining details.

[Satorose]

Genkaku was summoned to come to the Raikage's Tower. Once there he was told that he was being assigned on a lone C-Rank Mission. Genkaku didn't mind for he knew he had plenty of talent to take on a simple C-Rank Mission alone. Taking the papers with the information about what he was to do in said mission, Genkaku departed back to his house.

Once there he read the papers, and gathered his normal equipment. Outside it was a decently warm day so Genkaku decided he'd go with a sleeveless shirt. He wore long baggy pants, and his head band underneath his dreadlocks. With his normal weapons pouch on his leg, and his sword across his back, Genkaku set off departing from the village's gates.

After walking for a decent ways Genkaku reached the little hidden village, and once he was there he searched the town until he found the old man. "Hello, I'm the shinobi that this village has sent for, I'm here to help as best as I can!" Genkaku had a smile on his face the entire time, he enjoyed helping, and it only made it better to be helping someone he had never met before. Maybe this village had new knowledge for him to learn, who knew, most defidently not Genkaku.

[Quinton Rizzer]

The old man, withered and bent by time, looked up from whatever he was doing wearing a smile that appeared to have been there for centuries. His dark skin matched that with the rest of those in the area, and extended to his bald head, which had brazened in the sun. He stood, clapping dirt off of his hands to greet the young man.

Oh, hello. It's nice to meet you. I'm Irzut, village elder and the man who sent for you. It appears that you might be perfect for this job. Here follow me.

The old man turned toward a house and walked extremely slowly, almost as though some force repelled him from his destination. He steps were labored, though he seemed to glide in a particular direction, millimeter by millimeter. About Fifteen minutes later, they would arrive at the house that was fifty feet away from where the two had met.

Phew... That was a lot of work. Haven't moved that fast in ages.

He reached inside his sleeve, which extended wide, in the fashion of a monk's robe, much like the rest of his clothing. For awhile, it seemed he was searching for something. While he searched, he spoke.

So... This is my first time requesting a mission, so I'm not sure how it all works. What all did they tell you about the- ahh there it is...

He pulled out a key and unlocked his door and gestured for the man to enter before him. Inside, the Genkaku would find the home of a humble man. No pictures or ornaments. Only a table, chairs, and a bed. It was almost as though no one lived there.

[Satorose]

Genkaku nodded his head, as the man introduced himself, and Genkaku replied by introducing himself, Hello, Irzut, my name is Genkaku Hanappari, and I'm glad that you think I'm the perfect help for this job.

Walking ahead of the old man for a moment, Genkaku opened the door for the man, before following the man outside. Once outside the man walked at an extremely slow pace, but Genkaku didn't mind he had been taught patience, and plus as he walked behind the man he was able to observe any "scenery" or anything that was within' eye-sight that he wouldn't normally be able to if someone of normal speed was escorting him.

Once the two men reached the house, Irzut asked Genkaku what he had been told, so Genkaku took a few moments as he headed inside the house, and began telling the man everything he had already been told about the mission, from the Cain Family to the Abbel Family, and how they were disagreeing, and how things had been stolen.

Genkaku said all of this as he stood, he didn't sit down in any of the chairs or on the bed or anything, he thought it would be rude to sit either before the man or before the man had given him permission to sit.

[Quinton Rizzer]

The old man sat on the floor and waved for the shinobi to join across from him. He had a kind spirit about him, which was obviously the reason he was the leader of this village, though so physically declined.

Ahh, I see. Well, then yes, that is all the information that was given to them. But what you do not know is that the two families descend from two brothers, one a farmer, the other a herder. Most say that is when the rivalry began between the two. Out of jealousy, one brother killed the other and their family was left without a head. Dependant upon which family you ask now, it was the other brother who betrayed theirs. Either way, there is a hatred here between the two that has been simmering for a couple of centuries, and seems like it might lead to war between the houses soon, because of this incident.

As the two chatted, the elder poured two cups of tea, offering one to the shinobi. The aroma of the tea was something soothing and added to the relaxing feeling of the home.

What I need from you is to solve this crime and keep the peace in doing so. If it was actually a member of either family, inform me and they will be dealt with quietly, as well as I will personally replace the stolen goods. The best case scenario, however, would be if it were an outside source to be the cause of this whole problem. I cannot ask you to bend facts to help our village, but if you do find that it was one of our people, simply inform me quietly, so this thing does not escalate any further.

[Satorose]

Genkaku sat across from the man once he had so been offered to do so. Genkaku nodded showing his thanks and listened to everything the man had to say. The old man explained how the families had started to hate each other, after one brother had killed another, leaving one family alone without a "head".

Then the old man offered, Genkaku some tea, and Genkaku accepted it happily. Taking the tea he sipped it slowly listening to the rest of the man's story.

Alright, Izrut, I believe I can do some good for both families. They seem to both be debating on a thing of the past, but for the sake of the families, I hope that it was an outsider that did the damage to the other family. Because if it was family members then the families will continue hating each other no matter what I say to them. However I have one request of you Izrut. Actually not really even a request, just something I'd like to happen if you think you can handle it. I'd like to have all of the Abbel family, and all of the Cane family in the same room together, anyone that could be guilty of the charges, I want in the room. I don't want to interview them one at a time, that would take terribly too long, however I think I can get anyone who is guilty of the charges to own up, if they're all together much faster then if they were separate. So, Izrut, do you think you can do this favor for me?

Who knew what Genkaku was thinking, nobody, but he was a genius and he obviously had something up his sleeve, the real question was whether or not the old man could succeed in the task that Genkaku had asked of him.

[Quinton Rizzer]

Irzut cocked an eyebrow at the request. He was not only skeptical about the shinobi being able to get someone to fess up in front of the entirety of both families, but he was also not sure that that is what he wanted. If one side was proved to be the culprit, there would definitely be bloodshed, especially in such a small area.

Forgive me, I do not believe I could do such a thing. That is, unless I have your word that the culprit would not be called out in front of the two families. I really would like to not have the blood of either side paint the town.

[Satorose]

Oh, yes I can give you my word that the culprit will not be harmed in anyway by the families, if it so happens to be a member of one of them. However, I believe you misunderstood me, I meant have the families seperated, but have all of one family in one location, instead of me talking to the dad per say, and then mom, and then son, etc, etc. I would like to talk to the whole Abbel family at once. Then once I am done with them talk to the whole Cane family at once. However if you cannot do that, and you can only get both families in the room at once, that too would actually work now that I think about it. I think that might even be better I could kill two birds with one stone that way. Not only could I figure out the culprit, but I could also ease the tension between both families. Well, so long as no-one from the families is guilty of the crimes that is.

Genkaku pondered what he had said, in his a head for a moment before picking back up, However, either way will work. Whether I see one family at a time, or well one WHOLE family at a time, or both WHOLE families at the same time, is fine with me. Both will make this go by much quicker, and probably smoother for us all.

[Quinton Rizzer]

I believe that can be done. If you will come back in the morning, I will have the families assembled in the village dining hall. One will be here in the morning, and the other later on in the day. Is there anything else I can do to help your investigation, young man?

The elder seemed tired and ready for his afternoon nap. Years of life must have finally drawn his energies to a low reserve, causing the slightest excitement to tire him out quickly. Yawning, he waited for the man's reply, after which he intended to show the shinobi out.

[Satorose]

OOC: Sorry it took so long to post, I was on departure.



IC: Genkaku nodded, showing the old man that it all was well. No, I'm sure I can find a place to stay for the night, but I'll be at the dining hall early tomorrow morning waiting for everyone, in the first family. Thank you for everything, and the tea was wonderful. See you in the morning, Izrut.

Heading towards the door, Genkaku finished his tea and handed the old man his cup, thanking him, and then exiting.

As Genkaku walked into the small village he found a small inn and stayed there the night, and since he was doing a mission to help the small village, the owner decided to let him stay for free.

Genkaku then awoke early the next morning, he ate breakfast, then left the inn, but not before thanking the owner for his hospitality.

Once Genkaku reached the dining hall he awaited outside, ready to greet everyone from the first family.

[Quinton Rizzer]

Dressed well, though with the distinct smell of goats, the Cane family filed past the shinobi, a look of contempt upon each of their faces. Each one either looked over or past the ninja as though he was a lesser being, a trait of pride that was shared through the entire family. Even the children were present, ready for the free breakfast promised them by the Irzut. With the elder in tow, finally everyone had filed into the room, finding a place so that the forty plus people were not too cramped together too closely. Though they were family, they were extended family and did not always care for each other much. It would not be surprising if the shinobi had to quiet them down repeatedly throughout whatever he planned.

In the five minutes that it took Irzut to make it from the front door to the front of the crowd, people were already starting to grumble about what was taking the food so long. When the man finally reached his post, everyone quieted, though it seemed to be a hesitant silence, only needing the slightest thing to break it.

As promised, food will be administered momentarily. While you wait, this is Gen-.... umm.... Jen... uhh.., a shinbi from the hidden village, and he's come to ask you all a few questions regarding the recent troubles. Please give him your full cooperation.

With that, the old man floated toward his seat in the back, which would take forever if Genkaku decided to wait for him to be seated before he began. Right now, the shinobi was left to make his case at the front of the room.

[Satorose]

Genkaku smiled and nodded his head in respect to everyone from the young to the old of the family. He knew they wouldn't mind spitting in his face if they could get away with it, but that didn't mean he would treat them that way. Shaking as many hands as he could, not for lack of his trying to shake everyone's hand, but because most of the family seemed to walk right past him ignoring his greetings.

Genkaku followed in behind Irzut telling him good morning then walking to the front of the room. Irzut took a few moments of time to tell them that the food would be available shortly, but until then to focus in on Genkaku. Drawing his sword Genkaku banged it on the table 3 times, so that all the attention would be on him. Once everyone was looking, Irzut included, Genkaku started making hand signs. First, his sword became engulfed by fire, and then his Genjutsu activated, as he turned his sword upright. Anyone that had noticed the sword ignite on fire would be caught in this trance. And considering none of the people as far as Genkaku knew at least, where Shinobi here, it wasn't likely that they wouldn't look at a sword that was on fire, or that they'd be able to get out of this high ranked Genjutsu.

Keeping the sword upright Genkaku walked over to Irzut, and used Kai on him freeing him from the Genjutsu. Now watch and listen sir, this is how you create order in a family of chaos. All your questions will soon be answered and then you shall find your thief.

Changing his attention from Irzut to the family, Genkaku questioned them all at once. Does ANYONE, young or old, KNOW, not assume, but KNOW who the thief is whom has stolen the crops from your family, and the livestock from the Abel's family? I would also like everyone here to answer one at a time, and not only that, but if you have no valuable information I would like there to be NO statements from you at all.

Genkaku's Genjutsu was activated, nobody in the room, but Irzut and Genkaku, would remember anyone's answers, nor would they remember even confessing to anything, assuming everyone was in-fact caught in the Genjutsu. Whether it was a confession about someone else or a confession about them self, no one would remember. Which is why Genkaku knew, this wouldn't create chaos amongst the family like Irzut thought it would, this would keep the peace, and point out the traitor.

JutsuShow

Danbouken (Heating Sword)
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
The Heating Sword Ninjutsu was created by Genkaku Hanappari, and it allows him to run Katon chakra through his sword (or other blades, like kunai’s etc) to make them warm up to extreme temperatures or even catch on fire. The object heats up to extreme temperatures or becomes engulfed in flames, which can either cause burns on the person it touches, or it can be used to activate some of Genkaku's Genjutsu.

Hypnosis Flame
A-Ranked Genjutsu
Prerequisite: Sword must be on fire.
Genkaku makes the correct hand-signs then ignites his sword on fire, and if the enemy sees the ignited sword the Genjutsu is activated. As long as Genkaku holds his sword upright and it’s on fire, the sword becomes hypnotically beautiful to the enemy. Then Genkaku can question the enemy in order to find out any information about them that he wants to know and they will answer, subconsciously, correctly. The Genjutsu is canceled out if Genkaku attacks or as said before doesn’t have his sword on-fire or upright anymore. This Genjutsu can only stay activated for a max of 3 posts.

[Quinton Rizzer]

The entire room remained silent. and Irzut looked at the shinobi, realizing what he was doing. He had never actually seen a ninja's abilities like that before. He had actually, never seen any kind of jutsu before, having lived his whole life in the quiet of the peaceful village.

Ahh, I see that is why they sent you to help. That trick must come in handy for finding out the truth. Though I'm not sure it works right... Either no one here knows who the culprit is, or you're not asking the right questions to find out. Then again, I'm a simple old man, and ninja tricks are not my area of expertise.

The room remained silent, as though everyone were mindless zombies waiting for permission to devour the brains of those around them. Not really the greatest visual, but it is the best way to describe the silence.

[Satorose]

Genkaku continued to have his Genjutsu activated, the spell cast over all in the room, the silence proved that. Then the old man responded to the silence, I think you're right Irzut, and don't call yourself but an old man, with old age comes more wisdom something you have more of then everyone in this room, probably including myself. Turning his attention from Irzut to the family he worded his question different.

Does ANYONE, young or old, have any valid leads as to who the thief is whom has stolen the crops from your family, and the livestock from the Abel's family? I would also like everyone here to answer one at a time, and not only that, but if you have no valuable information I would like there to be NO statements from you at all. I don't want just facts any valid leads are fine with me, any little clues. Whether it is someone of this family, the Abel family, or even an outsider from both families, maybe even from the village altogether!

Genkaku hoped his wording was better and if not, well he would soon find out, prepared to ask more questions yet again.

SpoilerShow

Hypnosis Flame
A-Ranked Genjutsu
Prerequisite: Sword must be on fire.
Genkaku makes the correct hand-signs then ignites his sword on fire, and if the enemy sees the ignited sword the Genjutsu is activated. As long as Genkaku holds his sword upright and it’s on fire, the sword becomes hypnotically beautiful to the enemy. Then Genkaku can question the enemy in order to find out any information about them that he wants to know and they will answer, subconsciously, correctly. The Genjutsu is canceled out if Genkaku attacks or as said before doesn’t have his sword on-fire or upright anymore. This Genjutsu can only stay activated for a max of 3 posts.

[Quinton Rizzer]

A middle aged woman spoke up, her tranced voice creepy in the silence.

I saw a figure leaving the Abbel family complex the night of the first crime, and again three other times, all on nights of cirimes.

She spoke then became silent as the others.

Irzut spoke up to the shinobi.

That was Ulga Cane, she lives on the edge of the Cane family complex as we call it. It's actually a small huddle of houses where all the cane families live. The Abbel has the same kind of establishment accross from the canes, though worth much less. her house would be the only one of theirs who could see the main entrance to the housing group.

[Satorose]

Genkaku smiled at the ladies reply, he had gotten all the information from this group that he would probably get, that was valuable anyways. Genkaku unlit his sword and put it back onto his back. All the people caught in his Genjutsu where now free so he spoke to them all.

You have all been of great help simply by coming here today, thank you, and eat until your heart is content. Your food will be brought to you shortly. Genkaku signaled for the men to pass out the food that had been prepared then Genkaku walked over to Izrut.

Once next to Izrut Genkaku whispered in his ear, Once they're done send for the next family, I'll be waiting. If anyone asks how they were of help, just tell them that the shinobi, me, wished to see all the families faces and that they were all willing to cooperate.

[Quinton Rizzer]

The families ate queitly, though confused. They only remembered the man speaking a greeting before saying that they had been a great help. Of course, as human minds do, they confabulated various reasons as to why they had been a help simply by being there. Once the food was brought out, not a word was spoken about the incident and breakfast went quickly. Before long, the family had completely left and it would be minutes before the Abbel family would arrive. If Genkaku had anything to say to Irzut before this, now would be the time to do so.

[Satorose]

Genkaku watched as the first family exited, and he prepared himself for the second. Once they were all gone, Genkaku signaled to Irzut that he was ready for the next one, he had nothing to tell the old man for the old man had witnessed everything himself already.

[Quinton Rizzer]

In came the Abbel family, who were much more friendly. At the door, each smiled and nodded to the shinobi, as was their nature. Though they were dressed much more modestly, their clothes looking as though they had been sewn together by their owners, these people were proud to be part of this village, and they showed it.

When everyone was seated, they sat quietly and waited for the village elder to give the same introduction that the Cane family had received. Then, once again, things were turned over to the shinobi.

[Satorose]

Genkaku greeted all of the family warmly, then awaited until they all seated. The tip from the lady in the Cane Family, was obviously not false, because she had been under the Genjutsu so she couldn't lie. However that didn't mean the figure she saw coming from the Abbel family's astate was the an Abbel family member, it could have been someone else altogether, although it would make his job much harder for it to not be one of the Abbel family members, he almost hoped that these nice polite people were innocent.

Genkaku smiled at them all waving his hands getting everyones attention. Once everyone was looking, Irzut included, Genkaku started making hand signs. First, his sword became engulfed by fire, and then his Genjutsu activated, as he turned his sword upright. Anyone that had noticed the sword ignite on fire would be caught in this trance. And considering none of the people as far as Genkaku knew at least, where Shinobi here, it wasn't likely that they wouldn't look at a sword that was on fire, or that they'd be able to get out of this high ranked Genjutsu.

Keeping the sword upright Genkaku walked over to Irzut like the time before, and used Kai on him freeing him from the Genjutsu.

Genkaku nodded his head to Irzut showing he was ready, when he asked not just the first question he had asked the other family, but both questions that he had asked the other family. Genkaku didn't want to use too much time on this family, he would get it all out of the way quickly so he could get on with how he would convict the criminal or find out if anyone from the families where even the culprits. Quickly thinking about something that came to mind, once Genkaku was done he added one last question, just in case the figure the lady had seen was just up to something else. Also, one last question, does anyone know who the person is coming and going from your families estate on different nights?

The three questions Genkaku wanted answered had been asked, only a few more moments and maybe, just maybe all the quesitons would be answered, and the culprit caught.

JutsuShow

Danbouken (Heating Sword)
C-Ranked Ninjutsu
The Heating Sword Ninjutsu was created by Genkaku Hanappari, and it allows him to run Katon chakra through his sword (or other blades, like kunai’s etc) to make them warm up to extreme temperatures or even catch on fire. The object heats up to extreme temperatures or becomes engulfed in flames, which can either cause burns on the person it touches, or it can be used to activate some of Genkaku's Genjutsu.

Hypnosis Flame
A-Ranked Genjutsu
Prerequisite: Sword must be on fire.
Genkaku makes the correct hand-signs then ignites his sword on fire, and if the enemy sees the ignited sword the Genjutsu is activated. As long as Genkaku holds his sword upright and it’s on fire, the sword becomes hypnotically beautiful to the enemy. Then Genkaku can question the enemy in order to find out any information about them that he wants to know and they will answer, subconsciously, correctly. The Genjutsu is canceled out if Genkaku attacks or as said before doesn’t have his sword on-fire or upright anymore. This Genjutsu can only stay activated for a max of 3 posts.

[Quinton Rizzer]

A boy of about twelve, near the front, another of about sixteen, near the back, and a girl of fourteen next to the first child, all responded in unision.

Yes

The questions were all three answered, though they all refrained from speaking further. This genjutsu was a tricky one to master for this situation. If one were not to ask the correct questions, they were likely to come away with nothing from an interrogation.

Irzut spoke up again, Identifying the oldest boy as one of the potential leaders of the village, once he matured a bit more. The other two were brother and sister, and they were his best friends. Anything that one of them knew, all of them knew.

[Satorose]

Genkaku smiled, he had found out who might have been the culprits. Genkaku walked up near the young boy and girl, keeping his sword upright and ignited as he did so. "Nobody else but the three children that replied to the last few questions reply to the following questions please." Genkaku spoke out first.

Looking both the boy and girl in the eye, then glanced up at the boy who was in the back before speaking up. "So, you all answered yes, would you mind explaining which question you answered yes to if not all of them? And then please explain what exactly is going on with all of this. I want the oldest boy to answer first, then the girl, then the youngest boy... GO!" Genkaku finished his sentence with almost a race scream of 'Go'.

[Quinton Rizzer]

The oldest boy in the back spoke up. His voice was hard and confident, yet gentle enough to soothe a crowd. His answer was simple enough.

I answered all three questions. I am guilty of the crimes. I stole the goats and took them to another location, and stole from our harvest of crops in order to feed the goats. This was done so that the village might prosper, rather than die.

When he stopped speaking the other two used the exact same words, each confessing only to their part of the crime, and not incriminating the two other accomplices. Were it not for them being trapped in a genjutsu, one might think that they were lying to cover for someone else. Still, the evidence was there, before Genkaku's own ears.

[Satorose]

Genkaku nodded to Irzut, the problem had been fixed, the culprit found. The question that would be on everyone's mind would be what would be their punishment? Yes, they stole but they were but children. The mission was a success, but that wasn't good enough for Genkaku. Letting his sword lower, and letting the flame burn out Genkaku put his sword back onto his back. Signaling towards the 16 year old boy, and the young girl and boy to come forward towards Genkaku, he smiled as he spoke to Irzut. "You would be wise to choose this boy as your village leader in the future, in my opinion." That statement might confuse Irzut for the moment, but it would be explained very soon.

Genkaku awaited for the boy and the other two children to come to the front of the room where he stood and waited.

[Quinton Rizzer]

The children made their way to the front, and the boy in the back was about half way there when there was a loud clatter outside the building. It sounded as though someone, in a big hurry, had knocked over the water barrel. Everyone looked in the direction for a moment, but quickly turned their attention back to the ninja.

Finally, the three stood before Genkaku, knowing that somehow this man knew their secret. They looked at each other and back to him, waiting for judgement to be passed

[Satorose]

Genkaku obviously heard the noise, which meant that there was either someone spying on them, or a misguided family member, either from the Cane's side of the family, or the Abbel's. That for now didn't matter, Genkaku needed to quickly explain the case to this part of the family before the other part showed up.

Genkaku raised his sword and waved it twice, avoiding the kids which now stood around him. He waited until everyone turned their attention towards him before speaking up.

“What I have to say is simple, the following three kids are the criminals, that everyone has been looking for. At least that’s what they have been labeled by everyone who has talked about the 'Criminals, hooligans, thieves' and many other names that no man or woman wish to ever be labeled. Before anyone gets mad at them for their behavior let me explain why they did it, and not only why they did it, but why they did it in secret, without telling any of you people. You, there own family members who they couldn't tell. The simple question here is 'Why?' Why would they bring this shame upon their family. When in reality I should ask you all the same question, Why? Why, do you all fight with the Cane family? For something that happened a long time ago. Something in the dear past. Does that mean we should continue to hate each other after so long?

The answer to that is no, we shouldn't. They stole the crops and they stole the goats because they knew that without the farming food the goats would become sick and die. And so they took it upon themselves to bring food to the animals. Why would they do such a thing is simple enough, you wouldn't sell your crops to their family, and well that didn't even matter anyways, because they wouldn't by crops from you anyways. The best crops in the land, and the best animals in the land, they haven't met for many years, until these young kids took the burden upon themselves to bring them both together. They brought together the best of both sides. I'm sure the brains behind this plan was in-fact the eldest boy here, and for that reason I give him my respect, and if anyone here believes he should be punished, shall state it now..."

Genkaku wanted to end this quickly the other family would be here soon, and he'd have to convince them as well that what had happened was the best thing for both families.

[Quinton Rizzer]

The shinobi spoke with authority, and while many would not admit it openly, they saw the logic in his words. Though they could not let the hatred go so easily. Already, in their minds, they were trying to twist what happened to move the blame from the children onto the other family. Some began to shout that it was the Canes' faults, because of their hoarding of wealth from the rest of the village. Others accepted that it was the children's fault, though because the shinobi had take the side of the children, they did not speak up.

All of these musings fell silent when the door crashed open an the Cane family burst in, seething. At the head was a boy, about the age of the oldest culprit. He pointed to the trio at the front and told the rest of his family that they were the ones.

A bald man with a thin mustache stepped forward, calmer than the rest, though nor by much. He looked directly at Irzut and spoke, ignoring the shinobi.

Irzut, I want the right hands of these three, as well as the goats returned. My son told me everything. Let us have justice and be done with this.

[Satorose]

Nodding his head at the young children showing them all it was going to be okay, he walked forwards towards the new man that had walked in. With a big smile across his face he stepped in-front of Irzut and spoke up to the man extending his hand. "Yes, hello, I am Genkaku Hanappari, from the Village Hidden in the Clouds itself. I overheard you say that you wanted justice for these three kids right? Genkaku looked over the entire Cane family seeing the nods and hearing the murmurs of agreement.

Keeping his bright smile across his face Genkaku walked over to the boy and told him to stand perfectly still while he back was to the Cane family. Moving behind the boy Genkaku looked at the Cane family as he spoke up. "You're very right, an eye for an eye, and a stolen goat for a life!" As fast as the eye could see Genkaku grabbed his sword and slashed it down in the direction of the boy's neck. Both families saw the flash of the sword, as light reflected off the blade. However Genkaku never took his eyes off of the Cane family members. *swoosh* The sword sailed through the air stopping right next to the boy's neck. Genkaku quickly sheathed his sword watching the reactions of the people. He didn't pay attention to the Abbel family much for they obviously would freak out and react to someone swinging a sword at one of their children, he wanted to see how the Cane family would react to witnessing a near death.

Keeping his cool, Genkaku walked back up to the man from the Cane family who was so brave before. "My good sir, let me tell you why this boy did what he did...." And so Genkaku related the events to the entire Cane family, maybe they'd accept what he said and maybe they wouldn't, Genkaku simply wanted to see what their 'leader' of a sort, would say. Maybe he'd accept it and the families would become friends, and maybe not, but just in case he didn't, a plan began to form in Genkaku's mind... yes, a back-up plan.

[Quinton Rizzer]

No one has demanded their heads, the man came back at the shinobi who was obviously trying to keep the children out of trouble.

The law states that a thief shall have their hand cleaved from their body, lest they be detered from such a habit again. That is the justice I seek. The law is clear what is to happen. Had you killed that boy, his blood would have been on your hand, not mine. Simply take his hand, and that of the other two, and return our goats, and our debt sill be satisfied.

By the law, the man was correct, but in the eyes of the Abbel family, he was still wrong. The law clearly backed this man on his claim, and he had every right to take the hand of the thieves, even if he did so on his own. It would take some convincing of this silver tongued ninja to keep that from happening.

[Satorose]

I see, so you object to the taking of his life, that is good as do I. As I already explained to you, this boy here has done something for the good of both families, but especially for the good of the goats. So while you say he stole your animals, what if I told you, you deserve the same if not worst punishment then him? You steal the best food from the goats, and not only that, but you steal the friendship your children could withhold with the Abbel's children. They are kin, blood relatives, as you also are to them. And yet you fight, argue, and bicker like a bunch of little girls. You steal things of much more importance then animals, plus these kids take better care of the animals then even yourself.

However, I'll stop pointing accusing fingers at you for a moment, and point out some things that might get your mind rolling. What about how this is a good thing for you? The animals, they got higher quality food, and not to mention more quantity of food. Which means your animals are probably bigger. The bigger the goat the better, no? Not to mention, it took off the man labor of working the cattle. Less cattle meant less work, and for a rich man like you what's a few goats going to do? And now you can get them back, bigger and better, with no questions asked. Maybe you could even let the Abbel's feed them sometime. I'm sure they get along just fine with the kids now a days! You could turn this thing into something big, get along with them, and that means more money in your pockets, cut their hands off and continue this meaningless war between kin. I'm not saying patch it all up right here and now, brush your shoulders off and be done with it, I'm saying let it start here. Let your children's children run free with the Abbel's children's children. So my good man, what do you say?

Throughout his speech Genkaku changed expressions, he started serious and ended serious, but his tone of seriousness changed. At point he was calm, at other times he was almost mad sounding. Never raising his voice to loud, he meant no offense, he simply was arguing his points, and showing that he backed up everything he said.

But that didn't really matter, no, what mattered to Genkaku was if the man would accept his deal, or if the fighting would continue for years to come....

[Quinton Rizzer]

Genkaku's words sat with the man, though not the ones of brotherhood or prosperity for his grandchildren. The idea that his pockets could be even more lined by way of a more healthy herd was one that could not be easily overlooked. He had to think of a way to convince the Abbel family to allow them use of crops. Then it dawned on him how to do so.

You're right. These kids should be exalted, rather than punished. They did a good thing indeed. Perhaps this is the start of mending the bonds between our families. What do you say Abbels? Should we continue in the way that the children have set forth? Or should the be punished for stealing from both sides?

Of course, all these flowery words were just a way to get at something he wanted, but in the end, chances are that the choice would open the door for both families to grow together. It seems that Making the Right choice for the wrong reason is still the right choice in the end.

[-fin]