An unlikely tourist

[CDF]

Feeling a distant pang of what he recognized as anxiety, Hito's inner spirit gave a slight annoyed sigh and a subprogram quickly kicked into action in his brain. After a moment of hesitation as it started to give itself the function of subduing the anxiety, Hito stopped it and let the emotion rise. He was starting to realize that it was important to keep annoying his inner spirit and resisting its natural tendencies, lest he want to become as apathetic and bored with existence as it was.

He felt the thousands upon thousands of reactions that the rising emotions caused throughout his body. The exact amount of chemicals and transmitters activated, the increased flow of blood and exchange of nutrients and micromolecules; all things Hito understood intrinsically but did not yet have the vocabulary and academic knowledge of. He needed to fix that soon, and there was a version of himself back in suna working on just that.

Today, he was here in his real body, standing in front of an impressive looking gate into Lightning Empire. With all the options avilable to him, including testing the nations defenses by sneaking in, Hito chose walking in through the front door. It still served to collect some information about their defenses, both in case it was needed in the future and for personal inspiration, but perdominantly it was just the most polite thing to do.

That said, he couldn't exactly be so polite as to be completely honest and arrive as himself. Instead, he had used the transformation technique and was covered with suspiciously concealing garbs that made it clear he was from the sand covered nations, though not exactly which one. Underneath, he wore a common nomadic trader's outfit and most importantly, an official letter from the kazekage's office.

Upon being question, he would find a subtle way to tell officials that he was actually using a transformation technique and here for important but classified and covert business with the Raikage, asking that a communication be sent to him. They'd take it from there.

[Taiga]

Immigration had been uneventful that day. Stamp after stamp- fuuin installations on the immigrants and more. It was the typical humdrum. Sometimes, though it was a good thing, Tarou hoped for something a little more exciting. Wishful thinking for a barely-Chuunin assigned to a boring job.

As he pantomimed to a man who barely spoke their tongue, Tarou's eyes caught a suspicious figure next in line from the corner of his eyes. He was wrapped in concealing garb head to to reminiscent of a desert trader. With a sigh, he let the current man go and waved for the next one. The hairs on his back stood up as his heart filled with excitement and adrenaline went through his body. He could tell something was off- his sensory knew this man was garbed in chakra, likely a sign he was using the transformation jutsu.

Under his desk his hand was ready to reach for the red button- to finally have some excitement... but the man spoke too quickly in revealing all his secrets and handing him a letter from the office of the Kazekage. All his joy faded quickly as he gulped and waved over someone else to confirm things.

A few minutes later two men emerged from a room and signaled to Tarou. His dreams completely smashed, he pointed to the two well dressed men and ushered Hito to in that direction.

---

The two men would take Hito towards a small isolated room for some standard procedures, then questioning. They were dressed in full military uniform and members of the Imperial Security Bureau.

"Ouji Hito- you must understand directly speaking to the Emperor is not an easy task, even for you." one of the men spoke as the other stood up and exited the room. Hours would pass before the other man would return, and once again, Hito would be ushered somewhere else- to the rooftop of a nearby building.

A large eagle laid quietly, a young man dressed in a ceremonial white military uniform nearby leaned against it, while a young woman with a clipboard stood at his side.

"Commodore of the sky guards- Ikarasu." he said as he whistled, causing the eagle to stir and perch. He snapped his fingers indicating for Hito to come that way.

"You'll be flying VIP to the capital of the empire today. The weather is a nice cool 10C, and theres not a rain cloud in sight. We expect little turbulence." he said winking, all the while his assistant got on the eagle and took hold of some reins.

There would be a large saddle like thing on it's back- but with individual seats. A pair of goggles were hanging from each seat.

"Well, come on then. The Emperor is a busy man and we got to time this right."

[CDF]

It was clear his recent meditation sessions and all the mental programs he had put in place were working. He knew that his older, jaded spirit within was constantly pulling him to find life boring for being so predictable and understandable. There was nothing new under the sun, not even the sun, so whatever. It was a sentiment he's understood since he was a child, a pull that most humans face at some point. For the majority of his life, duty and empathy drove past that sensation and kept him anchored. Now, however, he needed to actively tie himself to the version of Hito that he truly felt he was and wanted to be, and that version was amused and impressed.

Lightning Empire was a completely new concept to the former Kazekage. There was only Lightning Country when he was around, and it wasn't known for being so ... modern. The gears around him turned efficiently, or at least efficiently enough. This government clearly had a well-executed bureaucracy and from the little he knew of the man, Hito sensed the Raikage's direct hand in the structure.

Even the over-eager government agent who seemed about ready to burst at the prospect of an intruder was an excellent symptom of a well-tuned bureaucratic machine. In the back of his mind, an image of what his past self would have done flashed and Hito seized on it, deciding then and there that this was an aspect of his personality he wanted to maintain: he grinned at the disappointed agent and gave him a wink as he was escorted away. It would have been rather shocking, considering how placidly and quietly he had been waiting without moving during the whole process.

There was never even a hint of annoyance or impatience in his disguised form, which he also never made any indication to drop until he was in clear view of the Raikage or somebody that was his within his trusted network and requested it of Hito. He was no longer a man that was capable of boredom, nor of feeling like his time was being wasted. There were a dozen versions of him all around the world right now, and at any moment they could check in with each other and sync up. Time has never been more of a construct.

With this eternal patience, Hito let himself be shepherded all the way to what was immediately his favorite experience since returning to the real world. His processes whirred with interesting responses and Hito was able to suddenly know and identify what "awe" now felt like to him. Part of his mind was predicting the soon-to-come future of all he was about to see on this flight, and he was pre-emptively struck by it. Labeling the sensation and creating subsystems for measurement and manipulation later, Hito interacted with his impressive escort. The man was clearly overflowing with charisma, but it had all the effect of a large ocean wave splashing onto a cliff's shore, which isn't to say it wasn't welcome.

Devoid of his past careful nuances of tone modulation, he spoke while moving to mount the peculiar mode of transportation that he had to admit he immediately wanted for his own village, regardless of all the reasons why it wouldn't work. "I find the speed and efficiency with which I've been processed so far beyond adequate and even into admirable." Making all the calculations for his body before he arrived, Hito shifted himself into position and placed the goggles with a speed, ease, and practiced familiarity that would have seemed like he'd ridden this exact eagle a thousand times before. "Thank you for this escort, I've never been to your great nation before and I can't think of a better way to be introduced to it."

While his voice was devoid of most emotion, it would likely be clear that he was being genuine. Within him, another flash of emotion and memory sprang to the surface, bringing a whole constellation of sensations. It was a little overwhelming, but he knew he'd have time to dissect it as they flew. So far, he could tell it was something to do with another trait he wanted to make sure to enshrine and maintain within his ego.

[Taiga]

Ikarasu nodded to the man as he made sure everyone was clicked in before taking off.

The mighty eagle stood tall on it's legs and leaned back onto it's butt, it's legs forming a spring, as it unfurled and stretched it's mighty wings. The act alone was enough to knock the hat of the immigration agents off, who hurriedly ran after their hates to catch them before turning back to watch the departure. One of them made a small click of his tongue- the Sky Guards were always far too flashy for his taste- the ISB preferred to be more to the ground in their operations.

We could of just put him on the mag-trains... like every other dirty immigrant... he thought to himself. Perhaps his shift had been too long that day.

With gentle power the mighty eagle fluttered it's wings a little and rocked forward and backwards, as if going through the motions of a lunge as Ikarusu took hold of the reigns with one handed and waved back to the immigration officers. Ikarusu tugged on it's reigns, and finally, it lunged from the roof pushing with it's legs only for it's mighty wings to take over, pulling it high into the sky. When they finally reached a suitable altitude, the fast-paced beating of the wings would slow as it became more of a glide with only the occasional flaps to keep it's height.


Letting out a sigh of pure amusement despite the thousands of times he'd done it, Ikarusu let go of his reigns and stretched his arms out wide, then turned around to face his passengers behind him.

"Aye- we've been quite big on speed and efficiency. The Emperor is... somewhat obsessive with his pursuit of using fuuinjutsu and other technology to better things beyond war... though all the same keen to give us weapons unthinkable." he put his hand on his chin.

"I couldnae been more excited to get the call. While not everyone in the empire is so hospitable to foreigners, we take a keen interest to how we can better ourselves and ye out there in the world- take the Akino Canal for example... built out of the ashes of the World War- during the war itself. While others focused on destroying each other we built a canal to make it possible to sail to the other side of the content weeks quicker." he said as he moved his hand elegantly, signaling to the earth below them.

Hito had entered the country through the immigration port of Akino Canal, which sat between Fire Country and Lightning Country- and what was once Tree Country. If he knew the war well he knew Tree Country willingly joined the Empire as their first willing annexation.

The Canal was a beautiful sight. Bustling with ships coming through. Customs agents. Inspections and tax agents. A true sign of modernity in a now global society. From the Canal also was a mighty train line- several that spanned all the way from Heart and Fire Country up to the capital with only occasional long-stops at border control points in each respective country.

"I'll tellye more about the empire, but first, Ouji Hito, explain to me why you seek audience with the Emperor. Not whatever the letter said, but what is it you actually want to say to the man?" Ikarusu calmly asked.

"He's a little more than upset with Sunagakure right now- so you coulnae guess my surprise at your visit."

[CDF]

Nothing was missed to Hito's gaze and it might even seem strange how he routinely he'd give his head the slightest of tilts and turns to either side, always looking ahead but using these movements to have a near perfect mental construction of the sights around him. His brain slowing down and processing a split-second's vision into a perfect simulation that let him notice even the minute details of how the immigration agents bodies and faces reacted to their departure, thinking they weren't being watched. Another interesting symptom of a powerful bureaucracy: tribalism and cultural differences between departments of the same organization.

His escort was certainly a character and a vital though irritating part of any powerful system. The genuinely talented, prodigious middle management type that's only limited in growth by their ego and limited imagination for the grand scheme of things. This archetype of human could be recognized by this unique mixture of confidence, authority and intellect while also being surprisingly abrasive and even insubordinate. If this kind of person is found in a position of authority under somebody capable and intelligent, it can only mean they're extremely good at what they do. Noted, Marine Fleet Admiral Hayabusa.

The Admiral was clearly adept at whiplashing people with his charisma and casual demeanor, Hito suspected it even gave him great pleasure to do so and not just that it was a strategic tactic. But Hito was unrufflable and nearly impossible to overwhelm through personality. So as calmly and comfortably as he had been thus far, except maybe even more relaxed to match his escort, he replied while ignoring the little dig at his own Raikage. Hito would not take the bait by either agreeing or defending.

"You've answered your quesiton for me," His smile was warmer now, and while Ikarasu could probably tell it was for his benefit, body language was a crucial part of communication. Hito's gaze returned and lingered to where the admiral had gestured, speaking almost a little dreamily. "In part I'm here to learn. This innovation, prosperity and even happiness... these are all very foreign things to my people." Deep from the layers of his carefully-constructed conscience, emotions shook violently as pride, anger and connection reminded him of his humanity and gave more strength to his words. "We have all we need to achieve these same results, and I, too, am exhausted of humans only thinking of war"

Turning his gaze back to the pilot, his face looked irritated and was a natural response, granted it was one he could have immediately disguised but chose not to. "It's clear to me that your pioneering Raikage shares some of my visions and philosophies. Admittedly, however, education is just an optimistic side goal. I'm really here to address the massive debt we owe Raikage Nakajima, Hayate and add onto it even further while also relaying a warning of impending danger from what I belive to be a mutual enemy."

It was wordy and yet vague at the same time. Hito respected this representative's authority enough to be honest, but he was not the Raikage and Hito suspected he didn't even have the authority to be asking the questions he was asking now. He made no effort to add further context or pleasantry to end the statement naturally, he just let it end once his information had been delivered.

He had many more questions about the way the country worked and it was likely this Admiral would be a surprisingly rich source of information, as he seemed like the type to talk to himself to death if given a captive audience. He did not want to give any impression of excessive recon or investigation, however, and chose instead to let his hosts decide how much to share. It was already a stunning show of trust giving him this aerial view of their land, an invader's ideal scenario of an escort.

[Taiga]

Coughing slightly to break the awkward silence he had created while thinking about this sand guy who was giving him the heebie-jeebies, Ikarasu pulled on the reins of the eagle soaring it higher and then locking in it's altitude before letting go of the reins and then standing to face his guest. His assistant, with a panicked look on her face unbuckled herself and quickly lept into his seat, taking control not seemingly really in belief that they weren't going to crash.

"It's an eagle- a living thing. Bugger's not going to face-bomb a mountain." he said with an exasperated tone as he rolled his eyes before turning back to Hito. He didn't really seem to care much about whatever body language or expressions were used. Perhaps this man wouldn't have so much to learn of Kumogakure and the Lightning Empire if his country and village hadn't been so cold to the Lightning Empire in the first place despite their attempts to always be a good friend.

"Aye well, not many-o-yer kind make it up here considering that frigid queen Kiyori wants pish all to do with us- couldnae even come here for a meeting herself." the Captian of the Sky Guards said as he crossed his arms, watching the gaze of Hito upon their land.

"I wouldn't say I disagree with focusing on things outside of war, but war tends to make things happen faster and well, sometimes we need a kick in the tush, donnae thinkye?" he said while reaching into his jacket and rummaging about it. He sat down in the saddle, on the ground and crossed his legs then leaned back against it's rim, his arms spreading wide around the edge like he was relaxing poolside.

"Warn us of impending danger aye? I'm sure there's nothing novel you'll be telling us that the sky guards or ISB or some form of our intelligence wouldnae be knowing..." the man said as he brought his hands together. "Anyways I'm just the messenger but if that's you're angle with the royal heinous good luck." Ikarausu said- purposely putting in a playful, and punny jab at Hayate. It wasn't in malice, but more of the fact that he was clearly very comfortable saying the Emperor and Raikage's name, and comfortable enough to joke at his expense. That or Kumo had a free enough society that speech like this had no repercussions.

"But alas, I'm just the guy flying you to see him so no need to jump into the world of politics with a military man such as meself." Ikarasu said as he leaned forward and clapped his hands together to signify "we're done with this". Some more time would pass, but nothing past a half hour before they'd emerge out the clouds into the glorious mountain tops that housed Kumogakure. Ikarasu would nod to his assistant who began asking for landing clearance, not before the man would nod, stand up, then leap of the bird disappearing into the clouds seemingly only to remerge moments later, floating in the sky.

"Roost 2 is open Yashiko- land er over there will you?" he said.

When all was said and done, Hito would find himself waiting at a seat in the Raikage's office, the Raikage not yet present.

[CDF]

Coughing slightly to break the awkward silence he had created while thinking about this sand guy who was giving him the heebie-jeebies, Ikarasu pulled on the reins of the eagle soaring it higher and then locking in it's altitude before letting go of the reins and then standing to face his guest. His assistant, with a panicked look on her face unbuckled herself and quickly lept into his seat, taking control not seemingly really in belief that they weren't going to crash.

Hito could feel his apathy and lack of charisma beginning to tire out the man before him. It wasn't so much that he won some battle of wills, it's that his personality was exhaustingly boring to such men. It was no surprise he felt the need to do something abrupt and dramatic before continuing their conversation. He'd once again be slightly disappointed to find Hito didn't react at all beyond casually shifting his weight along with the movement. As before, he seemed perfectly at home, a program once more considering the applications of living organisms in their nation.

Ikarasu was becoming more aggressive in a way and it was a good reminder of his standing here. While the continuous insubordination act was growing a little tired, the former kazekage was beginning to suspect his escort was chosen very carefully. He was being given somebody crass enough to prepare him for the mood his Raikage would be in.

So again, he ignored the provocations completely. The blase and borderline offensive comment about Kiyori fell on deaf ears, and Hito didn't even attempt to act offended on behalf of his religion. This, in-and-of-itself was revelatory if they were well-versed on Suna politics and history, as it was the same as ignoring a direct affront to one's God. Whether his apathy was due to emotional control or a reflection of his faith, that would be for them to wonder.

"I have no doubt that the only true revelations I bring are insights into Suna's perspective. Lightning Empire's information collection abilities are world-renowned. Likewise, I know you are no mere military man. I'm grateful and honored to have been given such an esteemed escort on what is undoubtedly the most majestic trip I've ever experienced." His words conveyed an awe that his tone did not, but it was genuine. This literal bird's-eye-view was amazing and sparked a powerful sense of wonder that he was already investigating eagerly internally. He felt as childlike as he could remember feeling without being a child, and it was causing a bit of confusing discomfort within this new, mature mind he found himself with.

As he had done so far, Hito would watch quietly and politely while also dismounting as if he'd done so a million times before. He would be patiently allowed himself to be shepherded without so much as a tapping foot, no matter how long he was made to wait. Upon meeting the Raikage, he would stand with full deference and bow to him like a subordinate might bow to their leader, not how one Kage would usually half-bow to another.

"My great honor to share the Light of this day with you, Raikage Nakijama-sama. I am beyond grateful to have been given entry at all into your lands, much less with such a spectacular view and qualified escort." He would speak with head bowed, waiting for initiation of contact before permitting himself to stand once more as equals. His humility would still be there, but his spine was naturally straight. He was here to pay respects, not cower.

[Taiga]

Hito had been left alone to wait in the Raikage's office. At least tens of minutes would pass before finally a gentle knock would rattle the door giving way to the politest entry notice. Clearly in a hurry to make it back to his office from wherever he had been summoned, the Raikage bowed his head slightly as he made his way to his desk, walking past the former-Kazekage with little to no response until he took a seat in his chair and waved his hand to signal to Hito to sit.

The emperors light green eyes peered up at Hito and sharpened to thin slits as he looked the man before him up and down as if scanning him like some sort of machinery. After a moment, he made a soft smile then chuckled: "A qualified escort, eh?". As the Emperor let out his uncanny laugh, he leaned back in his seat and placed his hands under his chin, elbows on the desk, the chuckles ending suddenly and violently as his gaze sharpened once more upon Hito.

""I hope my tardiness has given you an appropriate amount of time to think about how your apology and ask for aid is going to work..." the Raikage said as he shot an ice-cold gaze right to Hito. The only reason the man sat across from his now was because somewhere deep in Hayate's mind, rather than his heart, he understood Iwa was enough of a threat to the world that he needed to at least attempt some form of cordial friendship towards the leaders of the Sand.

His mind wandered on Hito.

This was a man who had disappeared and been completely inconsequential in the past decade and even the most recent invasions. Hayate, his companions, Konoha, and many more had bled more for Sunagakure and Wind Country than Ouji Hito or any Sunagakure shinobi had- and there wasn't a day since Takeo's death that he wasn't reminded of his foolish decision to ignore his advisors and help a country that hadn't even been willing to ally with them; the trains the only thing even capable of tying them together.

""I'd prefer you to get straight to the point- running an Emprie is a busy job..."

[CDF]

Interestingly, the Raikage's arrival and cold demeanor left Hito feeling more comfortable than anything else so far. Since he'd arrived at the border of the empire, he'd found the response to be too cordial. Even setting aside their recent history, he would expect to be treated as more of a potential threat than he had been so far. This response from the Raikage balanced it all out, they had left the true feelings to be represented by him.

The former kage elegantly slipped into his gestured chair and looked to the emperor with his usual unresponsive look of patience, waiting for the most appropriate time to speak while his mind whirred. The billions of minute details before him were all collated and assigned to their respective data and related thoughts, swirling together in an inconceivably fast torrent that somehow took shape and made sense within his mind. That torrent told him an eye-rollingly obvious fact: be careful.

Shocking revelation. Resisting the urge to suck his teeth with irritation at himself, Hito split the torrent up into tangible subsections of his mind that could give him more useful information. AnalyzeHayate and DecideNext, both of which had the authority to create subprograms. While they were mostly still starting up, already the combined program outputs told him the Raikage did not want to hear him say sorry, but he did want Hito to feel it. This was an action-oriented leader who was also a master-level diplomat, none of his word or inflection choices were accidental, this was all part of the message.

While he normally would have suppressed the human desire with ease, Hito felt it was better for the moment to uncomfortably shift his weight and slightly cleared his throat while under the Raikage's cold gaze as he replied. It would have been the most human body movement he'd made since the two men had met.

"I would not dare waste even more of your time by coming here not having done all the thinking I possibly could." Hito let the emotionless sentence hang for a moment before continuing, "Nor do I expect there to be any combination of words that will undo time. My nation has failed you and yours, no trick will undo that nor what led up to it." His hand almost flicked the idea of Hayate's forgiveness away, as if he's resigned himself to the fact that he'll never be worthy of it. "So instead I'm here to apologize for my people and speak of a future where our debt is paid and our peoples are united in a way that benefits both nations equally."

His DecideNext program was having a bit of difficulty utilizing the information it was passed from AnalyzeHayate. The potential consequences of this meeting were mind-numbingly numerous and significant, the was the most careful he'd have to be with his words so far, even more-so than with his meeting with the Hokage. He was tempted to skip all the foreplay and dive into the issues at the heart of the matter, including his utopia plans, but now was not the time. Instead, he continued,

Modifying one of the potential options from DecideNext, Hito slid his chair back slightly to give himself room to do a seated bow for forgiveness while he continued speaking, eyes down on the table. "My people spend most of their time thinking about survival and faith. They are brilliant and strong, but they have undying loyalty and trust in their leaders, even when we are not worthy and do things like take territories we don't need and escalate the likelihood of conflict. " Looking up from his position to make eye contact but not quite lifting his head back up, he continued. "On behalf of all citizens of Wind Country, I thank you for defending us in our time of need and apologize deeply for your pain and suffering. As one of those unworthy leaders, I also apologize for my government's legacy of stagnation, dry ambition and worthless friendship." He lowered his head again now, giving it a moment of silence and letting himself sit, humbled, in this position. If he wasn't relieved from the situation by the Raikage within 30 seconds, Hito would raise his back and sit up again, as he had just moments before.

" As I'm sure you've guessed, however, I'm also here for more than just forgiveness. There is much I'd love to pick your brain over, especially regarding your democratization of chakra knowledge and the incredible modernization of your empire. Today, however, my main goal is to request that you once more aid my people. I have no doubt Earth is very soon going to move on us again, and this time in a much more final manner and most likely on our hidden village itself. I do not believe we'll survive this time without significant assistance, and I'm certain that a victory for Earth would mean that The Land of Fire and The Lightning Empire would be next, and I can't begin to simulate what Earth's power will be like if they manage to obtain our village and its secrets."

Mental ProgramsShow

AnalyzeHayate
the man in a vacuum:
-bags under eyes implies he's not only working hard, but also hasn't done something like give himself an immortal body.
-His outfit is clearly set up for battle even in its formality. This was no slouch of a kage.

the man now:
-despite his cold and rushed attitude, he still gave Hito the respect of a bow'd head. He did not owe him this in any way, both because of their recent context and because was no official authority. The raikage was surely not aware of the inner workings of Suna's politics, but surely he knew that nobody had uttered Hito's name in modern topics for years. Hito was fully aware of how he currently looked as well and coupled with his lack of a formal escort from his own village, it would be clear that there'd be no repurcussions to snubbing him.
-----Was this respect from one leader to a former leader? Was it begrudging respect between potential allies? Or was this man just the kind of person that couldn't help but show respect when he was given it? Or maybe he both tolerated Hito's presence and gave him this modicum of respect for diplomacy's sake, knowing what's at stake. Too much is inconclusive to tell.
--his comment about the qualified escort reflected that his relationship with Ikarasu was in fact mutually disregarding of hierarchy.
-his speech pattern was expertful. He sounded casual at first, giving Hito space to be comfortable and safe before he whipped the energy back around to bordering viscious, right before swinging it back to civil and receptive, though still cold. The emotional wave of it was effective, so he was clearly also an intelligent diplomat.
-It wasn't wise nor fair to compare him to Fanho yet, considering Hito had already met ad spoken with the Hokage but was just now meeting Hayate. The only thing he could reliably compare was the first impression. Removing the considerations of the Raikage's personal feelings about Suna, there was still an undeniable difference in energy and edge. His intuition told him it was experience, the man before him had seen and done a lot more than either Hito or Fanho put together. Well, at least on this plane.
- His slightly bizarre cadence had meant to unsettle the former Kazekage, lulling him into a casual safety before snapping into reprimand and then concluding with a call to action.
-The decision to speak to Hito like he was a child was... huge. No insults were used, by the tone spoke volumes.
-The little reminder at the end that the Raikage runs an empire while Hito doesn't even run a country. Which in turn made Hito really wonder how he felt about this whole empire and diplomatic magic business

DecideNext

-Like Fanho, the Raikage doesn't seem to care much for pleasantries. At the same time, however, and unlike fanho, he clearly wants Suna to be sorry and express it.
-Hito highly doubted it was just some emotional appeasement he would need, however. And he also doubted this animosity was just from the most recent event, but also regarding Suna's history with the cloud nation, or lackthereof.
-There's no doubt he's well aware of the danger within Iwa, odds are he's equally aware of the likelihood that Iwa's about to strike Suna, though maybe not. It was hard to tell how much Hito knew from simulation and how much was obvious to normal minds from available data.
-this is a man who famously led a civil war. Who showed up practically alone to defend a not-even ally. he doesn't care about protocols or rules, and he certainly doesn't care about stuffy antiquated governments.
-Everything Hito had seen since reaching the border indicated a logical mind that cared deeply for its people, which meant he'd likely respond well to a genuine show of similar mentality.
-With the publicaly known history of Kumo and its leader, a tempting path was to shock the Raikage by bending down to a full dogeza and shamelessly ask for forgiveness for the citizens of suna, claiming this is all the consequence of non-diplomatic, authoritarian government and an oppressed and struggling people. This seemed up the Raikage's alley, but also seemed to performative and weak, though kernels of value were here.
-This was also an opportunity to open the door for his Utopia plans. If there was any world leader that would be willing to join him, It would likely be this man. But he couldn't reveal too much, too quickly.