Naruto Saigen Roleplay

It was uncommon for the heads of the noble families in Kirigakure to end up in the same room, often each sent an emissary in their stead, apologizing for "important matters" coming up and trusting that their representative would be a fine advocate for their thoughts on whatever matter was at hand for the day. Getting even two to show up on a day was difficult, and even more uncommon was for them to convene outside the safe walls of Kirigakure. And yet, here they stood in the Daimyo's castle, legs crossed and sitting in front of a man they respected only out of tradition and nothing more. Everyone in the room, even the daimyo himself, knew that the true seat of power was the one the Mizukage sat in. But there were matters he still had influence on, perhaps due to Kasai's indifference, and he was happy to pull the weight when he could.

The bells of War had been ringing. Squadrons of shinobi and samurai a-like had been sent out to wage war, conduct battle, shed blood and take lands. The daimyo enjoyed this time, the only time it had happened in his life and it felt quite empowering. He sat at the head of the table, kneeling. Draped in traditional garb, today seemed to be one of important. The sheer cloth that hung from his deep blue cloak had whispy hues of royalty and power to it. The daimyo, a freshfaced man in his 30s, with short, thick curly hair and olive skin unlike the people of Kirigakure took a deep breath, letting the regality of the moment pour over him even further.

"As I'm sure you're all aware, the Holy City of Towers assault on our earthen business partners has failed, and we were able to move in on their country, taking the famed towers under our control. Murmurs, a tinge of annoyance among them, came from the nobility in the room as they spoke quietly to the attendants with them. This was -- of course -- information they already had, but confirmation from the Daimyo, and his choice to open the conversation with it was slightly alarming. "The land is far off, it is no value to us here. Even as a point of entry. I've already tendered an agreement with Earth Country to withdraw from it within the year in exchange for a hefty number of stock.", that was the casual term for slaves, some had less comfort than others in granting them humanity when talking of them as objects.

Muramasa, Chiyo spoke first at this, "I supplied you equipment to take that country only for you to abandon it immediately?", she broke into abruptly, clearly even further annoyed. "Your youth is getting the better of you.", she chastized. Chiyo was thin, short in stature, but spoke with an authority that betrayed what as likely a great amount of power, even if it was purely economic. She was likely even older than she looked, her skin still bright and clean, her long white hair tucked into a bun.

"The decision has been made.", the daimyo would respond curtly.

Chiyo would let out an offended huff, her eyes thinning as she made eye contact with the 'father' of the Shiimu family as he so quaintly referred to himself as. He'd given a slight shrug, they were friendly enough that he would be more likely to sympathize with her than the Daimyo, how little that meant. Shiimu, Rasta was likely in his 50s, and looked well kept, fit broad shoulders, a peppered beard and bald head covered in ceremonial tattoos. "So we're clearly not here as advisors.", he would add in, his annoyance being put out rather plainly.

"The Eternal Mother has been evacuated, alongside the vast majority of the people of the Holy City of Towers, and consequently, the Land of Forests. Many of them are on their way now, on ships and ferries being moved along the ocean.", he quipped. "But the Eternal Mother is here today."

The noble heads of each family would begin murmuring to their assistants again, this time getting information from them. When Water moved against the Holy City, they had gotten a general understanding of the country, but this news was surprising at the least. This time, the head of the Kawazaiwa family spoke, thin and frail, he was clearly the oldest of the group, which perhaps said a lot in and of itself. "Why.", he said flatly, Kawazaiwa, Ichase voice deep but clearly shaking it seemed he was starting to feel the effects of his age.

"The Holy Towers is a powerful country with a rich history, countless resources, and skilled warriors. Many of whom have just died in this war. Their secrets, which are numerous, are ripe for the picking and the Eternal Mother is the gate for them. None of their people will speak without her guidance. None will do anything that could potentially harm her.", the Daimyo was cut off this time, by the 4th noble to speak. Hirohito, Hikari, which they all knew was not her real name, not that anyone would ever learn what it was, had long raven black hair. Her pale skin contrasted against it made her appear almost Aisu like, thought she was surely not a shinobi. The long colorful dress she wore moved against her skin like water.

"I have no issue interrogating her, especially given her status. Have her brought to my chambers and I will handle it. Then we can end this nonsense. There was no need to invite us all.", she moved to stand, moving from a seated position to a standing position in a moments notice, inhuman like.

"Surely if that was all that was needed we would not all be called here.", Karagata, Brut offered. His voice even deeper than Ichase's, his flat top and broad shoulders, may have made him looked strong, but he was the only man among them that had once held the title shinobi, and his appearance of physical strength was a facade of a man who's body had been beaten beyond repair by hostile combat. "Surely there is more.", he said gesturing for Hikari to stop (only to be ignored.)

"She's to be granted nobility, and given a seat amongst you as the head of the 6th Family to join Kirigakure.", the daimyo stated rather flatly. Hikari stopped midstep, stunned. Unlike before, no murmurs were made, instead silence as the wheels in each of the nobles heads processed the news they had just been given.

Hikari turned on her heels, as she began to spoke, the others would too, their voices creating a cacophony in the room. "Nobility? What gives you the right?"

"You can't hand nobility to an outsider."

"The people of Kirigakure would never accept it."

"We provided ships to these people for this

"You're asking for rebellion."

They would continue, clearly infuriated by what the Daimyo had to say all 5 nobles who had previously been on the ground now stood, practically shouting at the Daimyo.

"One does not just become nob--", Brut would be cut off mid-sentence by the sound of the door behind them opening, it seemed the Eternal Mother had arrived.

The elegant doors of the meeting chambers slid open. Before the Daiymo and Family Heads even had the chance to glimpse at their new guest, they would feel Her. A warmth on a gentle breeze would sweep into the room, taking the place of the cold air that haunted the room before. In stepped five women, The Eternal Mother at the front. Her golden eyes scanned the room. Against Her pale skin, they almost seemed to glow. She took in the sight before Her. As expected from the circumstances, a thick tension hung around each participant. The Eternal Mother gave a proper bow before taking Her seat at the end of the table. Two of the other four women grabbed hold of the trail of The Eternal Mother's white silk dress and pulled it from underneath Her as she sat. This dress was elegant in design. Specifically chosen weavers and tailors hand crafted all of Her clothing for years, ensuring the Mother would never wear anything but the finest clothing. Interwoven throughout the design were strands of gold, and cloths of a deep scarlet red.

The Eternal Mother brushed a strand of snow white hair behind Her pointed ear. She gave a smile, not unlike one that a mother would warmingly give their child after a long time apart. "My newest friends, it is a pleasure to be here with you now. I am The Eternal Mother of the former Holy City of Towers. The women with me today are my advisors, The Dawn, The Day, The Dusk, and The Dark." The four women gave a bow in unison after being addressed. They all wore the white dress associated with the Daughters of Cloth. The only difference is that they wore veils that obscured their faces from sight. Embroidered on the hem of each of their dresses were differently colored flames. Five to be exact. One golden, one green, one red, one purple and one blue.

"I know you see us as outsiders encroaching on your land and culture, but I assure you, in due time, you will see us as one of your own. We are a devout, hard working people without a home. We are more eager than ever to prove ourselves, and create something timeless and great. The benefits that you will receive from having Myself and My people in Kirigakure are beyond numerous. We will prosper together. This is a promise from Me to you."

They all watched as she entered, silence befalling not only the noble's staff, but the heads themselves. The Daimyo stood, gesturing politely at her before returning to sit. Hikari, still standing, would move back to her seat remaining behind it as the Eternal Mother took her seat. While many would likely find peace in the Eternal Mother's presence, the nobles all looked mildly uncomfortable, not intimidated, but disturbed. She introduced her advisors, and Brut would audibly grown. What insufferable titles to be given, he found all the tradition and such exhausting and it seemed these lot would be even worse. As she spoke, they would all listen, then turn to the Daimyo. The faces of each of the nobles laughably transparent. Adults who were notoriously deliberate in everything they did wearing their emotions on their sleeve. If the situation was more permitting, he may have actually laughed. But, that would likely not be the best move at the moment. "Thank you for joining us.", he would say simply.

"No one cares if you're outsiders.", Rasta would chime in. The harsh faced elder man would be the first to talk, "The village hangs in a delicate balance that we maintain through intricate agreements, partnerships and dealing. Your mere presence throws that entire balance into distress.", he practically spat his words at her. It was clear he was not a fan.

Muramasa, Chiyo seemed to be the quickest thinker present because she did not hesitate to add to this, "He is correct. It would make far more sense for you to simply fold your people in with an existing family, I would happily take you under my name.", she said with a grin.

"No.", the daimyo's voice was flat, intentional, and reflected this as not negotiable. "She will head a family on her own.", he demanded.

Hikari had slowly returned to her seat, and nodded for a moment, "Tell me. Where will your people stay? How many do you have with you? Do you intend to produce shinobi? What skills do your people offer that are not already maintained by one of our families? Do you intend to undermine the operations of one of us?", Hikari stopped there, all good questions. But, there was perhaps another question on everyone's mind that none would want to say directly; how would the Eternal Mother take to the 'stock' that Kirigakure managed?

[Translating this into a lonely due to Rain's absence.]

With her four aids dutifully at her side, the Eternal Mother would have both hands resting on the table, not saying anything immediately in response. Her face seemed void of any real emotion, the resting state being a soft smile and gentle eyes that betrayed little emotion beyond a peaceful demeanor. There was an awkward and palpable silence in the room as she seemed to ponder on what Hikari had just asked of her. Finally, her face flattened, indicating she had come to some sort of conclusion. "As I understand it, you each have your primary industries...Brut your family manages importing and exporting of goods via the sea, Lady Chiyo your family labor, Rasta, your family with human goods, Ichase with farming, and Lady Hikari -

"Careful with your familiar tone.", Hikari would practically spit.

"In information, I apologize for any offense I may have caused.", the Eternal Mother continued on with little more than a smile. "My women are quite well learned in the art of healing, both the physical, mental and spiritual. While much of this is managed in the village right now by shinobi, having hospitals ran by my women would certainly relieve some pressure from your military force and enhance the care provided as well...", she gave a polite nod. Pausing once more, she would simply look forward, not making eye contact with anyone in the room as they all seemed to be processing what she had said. Unlike the Eternal Mother who was reserved in her emotions, the Daimyo looked quite pleased with himself, smirking as his eyes flitted across the room to gauge each person's reaction.

"Lord Daimyo has been kind enough to offer land throughout water country for my people as we slowly integrate into the village. As I understand it while you have some natural inclination to segregate yourselves by your family lines, it is not official, so there should be plenty of gaps for my people to occupy over time.", a curt nod from the daimyo would confirm this.

Murmurs would come from the nobles as they exchanges words with their own aides, seemingly trying to process what they were being told. The daimyo would quickly cut into this, "The Sons of Iron are one of the strongest non-shinobi militaries in the world. They help their own against multiple samurai and shinobi militaries prior to our own intervention, and played a vital role in escorting the Eternal Mother and her daughters to Mizu no Kuni. Their adult men will be joining my military, while their young men will train under the Eternal Mother until they are of appropriate age and skill to enroll in the academy. No different than the mandates many of your have for your own families."

"But only the boys.", Chiyo retorted, implying that the Eternal Mother would be providing less shinobi than the other families.

This time, the Eternal Mother spoke rather quickly, seemingly not needed to think on this, "While I am quite pleased at the number of women in this room, it appears more representation is needed none the less. I will allow any daughter who pleases to enroll in the academy, but she will be presented to me for potential as a Daughter of the Cloth per the rules of our Doctrine. It would be a moral tragedy to stifle a woman's growth for the safety of men.". The Daimyo had heard quite a bit of this from his men, and it was his main concern about the integration. The Eternal Mother and her people were matriarchal, and the perceived value of men he had learned was not very high. However, it seemed the Eternal Mother had valued her people's survival over her views of equality, and was willing to compromise...some, in order to ensure it. "Any daughter her lacks the potential by the Doctrine may continue on to be a shinobi, so there will certainly be daughters at your service as well, Lady Chiyo."

The murmuring resumed, Brut seemed the most thrown by the rather condescending way the Eternal Mother spoke of men, but he said nothing out loud of it. Finally, Ichase would speak, "I'm old and observant enough to know when I have authority and when I don't. And while this should be a circumstance in which I do, it would seem that is not the case. I will not waste my time further by engaging in this.....farce. Have it your way, Daimyo-boy.", he'd stand, placing a hand on the shoulder of his first aide, "Join us later. Stay until they've chosen a name for this....new noble.", clearly displeased, Ichase would then hobble out the room, walking assisted by a cane, his other aide dutifully behind him.

Next to fall would be Rasta, who would stand, placing a hand on the table in the direction of Chiyo for only a moment, indicating his softness for her once more. "Likewise, it would seem.", he would begin to walk out, only when passing Chiyo would he mutter to her, "We'll speak of this upon our return.", before exitting the room.

The remaining three would mean that the women now outnumbered the men, with Hikari, Chiyo and the Eternal Mother making three to the two of the Daimyo and Brut. Brut must have been aware of this because he remained practically glued to his seat, his arms crossed in open defiance. "Daimyo, do not expect my ships to your rescue at unspecified requests in the future. I won't stand for such open handed manipulation. This is not something that will ever be given my approval.", he growled.

Hikari seemed to have been spending some fair amount of time thinking about this, as she had been silent. Despite being the head of the Hirohito family, Hikari was known for her habit of speaking quite candidly and without much forethought, though many in the upper echelons would say this was all an act intended to get you guard down for her more subversive tactics. Finally, she would speak, "Brut, your age is making your mind weak. The Daimyo is not giving us an option, you think that throwing a hissy fit will give you the chance at that courtesy in the future?", she mused. "Name your family, Eternal Mother. My own will offer what support we can in housing your people for the time being.", Hikari had clearly come to the most logical conclusion: this was happening and standing against it was only a disservice to her in the future. The Eternal Mother would have a long memory and if Hikari opposed it, she was cutting herself at the ankles. "We'll help how we can. If you're to be a noble you'll be treated as one." Hikari spoke to the mother, but her eyes were on Chiyo, who was staring back with the same intensity. Some form of silent conversation was occuring, which would lead to Chiyo finally chiming in.

"I have store houses for stock that can be rearranged for the interim as well. It is hardly ideal but will accomodate for now.", Chiyo added.

Brut gave a rough growl, and then finally stood, storming from the room his aides quick to follow out.

"Thank you both Lady Hikari and Lady Chiyo. Perhaps the time will come and the rest will turn in favor too. For now, the Family Shukutō will make do."