Diplomatic Endeavors - Graded

[Ace Trainer]

The contrast in climate from the Three Headed Wolf to this small border town in Wind was stark. However, Shio did find some humor in that his attire didn't need to change much from one to the other. In Iron, he had adorn himself in two layers of cloaks, one light, one heavy, to shield him from the winds and snow. As the altitude lowered and the frigid climate gave way to the desert heat - surprisingly quickly - the heavy cloak would be shed but the lighter one would remain. The cloak would cling tight to his body, keeping all of his skin shielded from the sun. His head would be protected by the rice hat he wore which would shield his chakra signature from any curious minds or spying eyes, especially as they had just crossed an international border.

The exchanges between Iron and Suna had happened quite quickly, as Shio understood it. He hadn't bothered himself with the nuance, Kesu was more than capable of handling it. But it seemed that his request for Zao would be fulfilled and he'd be the one escorting them. Shio had no doubt others would accompany him, but he'd work around that as it happened. There would be quite a lot he'd like to handle during this trip, and he'd need to return to Sanrou shortly after if all his ducks were in a row.

It was mid-morning, around 10 or 11, and the sun was already high on the sky beating down on them. Shio stood outside the building with Kesu dutifully at his side, silent. The samurai that had accompanied them were inside, cleaning and preparing for the days trip. Surely Zao would arrive soon, and they would be off so they were taking care of everything while they had time. He wasn't sure what to think about Zao, by all reports he was an interesting and powerful shinobi, surely worthy of being in Kishakisei. His return to Suna had Shio curious, what had driven the man to come back to the home he abandoned, and how had he managed to do so. What had changed that drove him to return anyways? Really this entire trip was something of a shot in the dark, a hope that Zao would be amenable to what Shio was interested in, that he'd be willing to listen at all, and that their interests would be aligned. If he was wrong well, he'd likely need to act much faster than he had planned. The ring in his pocket felt very heavy when this thought occurred, would he really need to call the whole of Kishakisei so quickly and so randomly, would they even heed the call? He'd have to hope so if it came down to it. Though it was likely none of them would be prepared, especially if Shio wasn't.

For now he'd wait, no need to worry until they actually met.

[Zao]

'So today I will meet this young leader of Iron...' It was no secret amongst the great villages with their massive intelligence networks that the powerful nation of Iron country had fallen under the rule of a former Kiri-nin, and such a young one at that. A nation of proud samurai, perhaps the largest standing army outside of the great five. Though he was a bit unclear the reasoning as to why there had been a specific request for himself to come escort the young man who was traveling to Suna on what appeared to be some form of diplomatic trip after the village was visited a diplomate from Iron on behalf of the new leader. Of course, it wasn't out of place for the new leader of a country to figure out just what the true situation with their neighboring counties were, especially when that was a country that housed one of the shinobi villages.

A small caravan pulled into the small border town, a handful of shinobi escorts could be seen descending from the wagons and camels now, one of them was a tall, slender built man with flowing long hair that reached his waist in length currently tied in a low, loose ponytail. He didn't dress like a shinobi and could have been confused with some type of religious person, not even baring his Suna head band at the moment as stepped down onto the soft sand feeling the heat seep up through his sandals. Even on this outskirt town that wasn't quite as harsh as the central desert region that contained the village, it wasn't exactly a vacation either as the man looked up with a set of crystal blue eyes tracking the position of the sun to determine the time of day. '"I suppose we should locate our guest." The soft words spoken to him and the two jounin level escorts as they turned towards the town, but they wouldn't have to walk far to find that their future company was already waiting for them, outside in the heat as well. What a strange fellow. Unseen but still accompanying the man today was his plant spirit pets that were curled around the forearms of the man hidden from sight by the long sleeves that also protected Zao's fair skin from the sun.

Approaching the younger man, Zao could see a slim figure with a light tan cloak and rice hat but as he approached a voiced entered his mind. 'My love, I can't sense this man's chakra.' It caused him to smile slightly hearing the words from his wife, as a Dasu clansman she was concealed within his body currently but out of curiosity she was attempting to gauge just who the man was but found herself unable to do so at the moment. 'Interesting indeed.' The man matched the physical description and the one beside him matched the description for the one who had come wishing to discuss diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries. Entering to a range of five meters or so he would call out, "You are Shio-san, I presume?" Both his hands folding together like he was about to pray, issuing a greeting in a gentle tone ensuring that these two men were the ones he was seeking, addressing the youth more as a peer than as the young man he was. After all this man had the strength to become the leader of an entire country...

[Ace Trainer]

Zao was almost immediately recognizable to Shio as he came into view. Even with never having seen the man before, his presence was distinct. The long white hair, the gentle demeanor, the entire aura he exuded was quite impressive. It was also surprisingly peaceful, it was hard to believe this was a man wanted the world over a few mere months ago. But the world was a surprising place. When Zao approached and called out to him, Shio would give a respectful nod, and a light bow. A man of his station could show respect still, after all. Shio would gesture towards Kesu, "Let our entourage know our guides have arrived, I'm sure his escorts will want to be able to see who I've brought with me.", he instructed. Kesu would give a sharp nod and float off towards the building.

"I am. I take it you are Saisuko, Zao. Its a pleasure. I've heard quite impressive things about you.", he said with a smile. Shio would scrunch his nose pushing his glasses back up the bridge, and take a moment to take in both Zao and the people that followed him. "I appreciate you agreeing to my herald. As the Taishou, I'm hoping to expand Iron Country's connections and create relationships that can be mutually beneficial to all involved.", a slight truth, Shio was more interested in this for himself than the country, but it a way they were one in the same. "Given your...former status, I thought having you to guide me might make me feel a little more....safe, I suppose is the word. We come from a place of mutual understand, I guess I should say."

He had lied, though, in his initial requests. He'd implied, at least, that Zao and Shio had some history together. If Shio wanted to know how ameniable Zao would be to them working together, he'd first need to establish if Zao would be with this ruse still, "Regardless, it has been some time since when we met... I figured we'd hardly recognize each other.", it was a simple check. If Zao was interested in what Shio had to offer, he'd play along in some capacity, surely, to at least humor Zao's entourage. If he didn't, Shio would have to be more careful.

[Zao]

"Of course, there is no rush." Zao would nod his head politely as the man gestured towards his companion, Kesu, who had been the point of contact with Iron's first diplomatic meetings which had gone well enough that Suna had allowed for this meeting to occur. But he still couldn't help but wonder what the true reasoning behind someone requesting him specifically, after all the man's reputation wasn't the best after the events that occurred during the war, and he was still attempting to recover his own personal status and reputation within the village and its strict council. Without the words of the previous Kage, Kiyori, they would have most likely have left him rotting within the depths of the 'Pit' until he was finally forgotten about by the world. His thoughts about the council members stirring a bit of concealed darkness that laid dormant within the man's inner soul.

But he needed to be present in the current time, blinking he returned his gaze back onto the impressive young leader of Iron as he made comments about having heard impressive things about himself to which the man could only lightly shake his head back and forth ever so slightly and reply, "May things become stretched or inflated these days. You can probably only believe about half of what you might have heard." The slender figure allowed his hands and arms to relax down to either side as he couldn't help but laugh a little as he finished his words. Sometime people liked to tell stories and most of the time those stories turned into more fictional tall tales than truths, plus there were a number of not so good things one could have heard about the bannin, too. "In this time of rebuilding, I believe that is the goal of almost every nation as we all attempt to restore balance after the events of the past half decade. We are pleased to have received your request as one of our neighboring nations."

Receiving his request was welcomed by the village, though it went beyond the aspect of peace but also into the understanding that the country of Iron was a strong military nation, one with whom could mobilize what was considered to be the strongest non-shinobi force in the world and one that could stand toe-to-toe with a Great Nation and its own army. Securing an ally such as them could be crucial later on down the road for the Sand village and the country of Wind as a whole. But his bright blue eyes narrowed just barely at the mention of his former status and the words attached to it. It was then that he was reminded that this young man who was the same age as the normal genin within his homeland was a powerful missing-nin from an enemy village who had used his own strength to not only avoid any actions from the Mist village but also become the leader of an entire nation. Such power at such a young age was almost unbelievable to the white haired bannin but nevertheless the man was standing here conversing with him right now. "Yes."

A simple one-word answer was given as the man motioned with his real hand for his own traveling companions to head off with Kesu in order to see whom the Taishou had brought to escort him, they were of no doubt powerful samurai. Though it was the simple set of words that came next from the young man that caught the man a little on his heels, he was a well-traveled and educated man, but he would have remembered meeting such an outstanding youth as this one during those time. But if that was not the case then these words held a more subtle meaning from the Taishou. His face that had changed briefly returned to its normal, plain looking self as he smiled slightly and replied in a comfortable tone. "You've grown so much, I couldn't even recognize you, my young friend."

The man's body seemed to glow for a bright moment with the softest blue hue that felt like the warmth of a mother wrapping her arms around their child as he lifted his left hand flipping it over, so the palm of the artificial hand faced the bright blue skies above the two men. Tiny distortions in the fabric of the space around the pair could barely be seen with the naked eye as Zao affected the very space around the two men, from the outside it appeared heat waves coming off the hot sand before the pair disappeared from sight. The area around them seemed to expand outwards over twenty meters in each direction as the space expanded and a unique barrier of spacetime concealed the two men. The bannin's interest had been peaked and he wanted to know that full reasoning that the Leader of the powerful Iron nation was actually here. This barrier prevented anyone from seeing or hearing them from the outside and to enter from the outside required that they have sufficient strength in order to do so. "I feel that you have more to say, this will prevent others from seeing or hearing our conversation my young friend."

JutsuShow

*Expand Space - Forth Wall
B-Rank Ninjutsu
The user will form hand seals allowing for them to manipulate the space around themselves up to sixty meters away from their current position, allowing the user to expand the selected area up to an additional sixty meters. From the outside the space appears normal but those outside the affected space are unable to see or hear anything inside the space with the naked eye or normal hearing alone as the space is warped causing them to see and hear what is on the other side of the spatial barrier. Formed at [Control] speed and strength, to enter or exit the barrier one must have strength equal to the user's [Control]. Those who attempt to enter without the appropriate amount of Strength will find themselves warped around to the opposite side of the barrier. Last for eight posts.

[Ace Trainer]

Shio gave a small smile of relief when Zao appeared to echo a sentiment of progress, but his face would return to a flat demeanor when it was clear Zao was going to go along with the ruse. It was nice to be affirmed in his expectation that they were like minded, at least in the sense that there was something to play along with. "Indeed, I'm pleased as well. My generals have doubts, Iron has sustained a long history of power without the need for allies, I hope that we're able to present to them proof that it will be in the best interest of their nation as a whole.", was all he would offer.

Zao was to the point, though, and would rather quickly erect a barrier that would grant the pair of them solitude from outside ears. Almost reflectively, Shio would begin channeling chakra, thinking for a moment that Zao was preparing an attack, though he'd settle just as quickly. He would smile again, this time a bit more devilishly, as Zao read quite easily that there was more for them to discuss. Giving a nod, Shio would take a step back, intending to sit on the small wall they had previously been standing in front of, "I hope you don't mind if I sit.", he said calmly, taking a moment to let the silence sit between them. Where exactly should he start? This wasn't exactly a formal recruiting of Zao into Kishakisei, though if he was interested Shio wasn't against it. But, he had doubts about immediately declaring his intent. Through his glasses he would eye the saintly main for a moment, letting his gaze linger while he considered his options. He hadn't expected to jump right into it, and had wanted more time to feeling Zao out. Not being able to do so, well....it pt him at a slight disadvantage.

"Yes, I do have more. I suppose I should start first by saying I am a part of an organization called Kishakisei. You've likely not heard of it, we do little to advertise ourselves. The purpose of the organization is for people of our....stature to have an extra layer of security in a world that believes it would benefit from our deaths. You and I, and my peers in Kishakisei sit at a unique position among some of the strongest the world over. We can clear entire villages on our own. And there are people that fear us because of that, and there may be a day where they may try to take us out.", he paused to assess Zao for a moment, "Even for those of us who return to our village or control nations all our own... So, we have an understanding that should that day come, we can support each other. And lay down the infrastructure to ensure we're able to do so, or prevent that day from ever coming.", he was sure not to say who else was in Kishakisei, a risk, but without knowing where Zao stood, naming them was just as much a risk.

Well, he'd gone this far, he might as well go all the way, "And in the spirit of preventative measures, we've set our sights on Wind Country as a form of insurance. And are preparing for that.", he wouldn't say out right what he meant, at least not yet. For now, maybe Zao would assume that Shio meant the alliance he'd come here under the pretext of, or maybe he'd assume worse..

[Zao]

The young leader of iron seemed to say exactly what would be expected of a leader seeking a potential ally in this fragile time of peace after the great war, though did so in such a way as to state that the great army of the nation of Iron wasn’t weak by any means. No, the nation was one who stood on the forefront of strength with even the shinobi nations, but having someone to look out for your back would always be a welcomed feeling. But soon after Zao released the space-time barrier without warning things quickly changed, the boy was quick to react as the bannin could see his companion instinctively begin to channel his own chakra preparing for the worst. Impressive instincts to say the least, it also spoke about the trials and tribulations that the boy had been through to always have his guard up in case the situation he was within made a sudden turn left or right.

“Please sit.” With a gentle movement of his hand the man motioned for his companion to go ahead as he took a few steps putting a short distance between himself and Shio before he also took a set on the short wall. It was only a moment before the truth began to pour from the young man’s mouth on the actual reasoning for coming to Suna and specifically requesting the white haired shinobi to escort him. Things at least made sense up to this point as Shio began to speak of an organization that he belonged to by the name Kishakisei. But as he spoke the name a slightly puzzled look crossed the man’s face as his eye brows lifted just slightly, he was no stranger to information flowing within the village and even information that could be bought on the black market but this was the first time of him hearing the name of this organization.

Was it that newly formed that information about it and its members hadn’t spread or was it due to the level of secrecy within the group and its members that there wasn’t anyone to leak it to the outside world? His interest grew but along with that emotion also flowed caution as he truly didn’t know the intent of the young man, Zao was not unaware of the number of council members and higher ranked shinobi who disapproved of him being able to return to the village and his other actions. While not a complete outsider to his home village it was apparent that he needed to watch his own back and could neither confirm nor deny that this man wasn’t here to do more than ‘talk’. His right hand curled and uncurled slowly, nodding quietly as the man spoke about Kishakisei in a bit more detail but still vaguely enough as to not expose just whom might belong to this secret society, as it sounded to the wanderer.

‘What an intriguing group, but this feels all too well timed…’ Zao couldn’t help but hold doubts in the boy’s words to him at the moment, just due to his own circumstances at the moment and then there was the fact that Zao and Shio truly didn’t know one another outside of the stories told by others. Either this man wanted something from the white haired shinobi or was here for something else. But who couldn’t be at least partially intrigued at the thought of other powerful shinobi, from other village’s that might even be enemies in the open, being secretly part of a joint group. His mention of the strength of this group’s members also raised some interest, especially after watching the recent international chuunin exams and seeing the growth of his own peer group and those of the younger generation who were already at his own level.

“A form of insurance?” Zao couldn’t help but retort back in his soft spoken voice to the man off to his right side, leaning back on the wall a bit more as the fingertips of his hands tapped lightly along the weather worn edge along the top of the short wall. If this was spoken before the introduction of this mysterious and secretive organization that Shio claimed to belong to than the middle aged man would have only thought about the potential alliance between the two strong neighboring nations. But now the man wasn’t so sure of just what the words that came from the young leader truly meant, this caused his head to turn to the side as the crystal blue eyes almost seemed to glow as they locked onto the boy now. “This place is still my homeland, so please ensure you choose the rest of your very carefully, Shio-san.”

[Ace Trainer]

Zao seemed amenable to what Shio was saying at first, which was a relief. He didn’t immediately reject any ascertains Shio made about their possible fates and need for security beyond their own countries. If Zao recognized that truth, it meant at a minimum that Shio would be able to rely on that shared truth as leverage. Even if the rest of the conversation went badly, he could prevent it from going too bad.

At worst, Zao was at least now aware Shio had other shinobi as strong as them waiting in the wings.

So when Shio shifted the conversation, Zao’s slight change in demeanor didn’t concern him too heavily. Things were still okay for now. Zao’s piercing eyes would land on him and Shio would look back at him, his own slate grey eyes behind his glasses lacking any sort of shine or sparkle. Shio’s was intentional in trying to remain as centered as possible, presenting this as if he was an academic, trying to avoid the impression this was something nefarious.

”Don’t mistake it for ill intent. I have no interest in harming your country or it’s people. It would do little to benefit Iron Country or myself to make an enemy of the grand five.” he offered some reassurance. Last thing he needed was a fight with Zao inside this little bubble. Especially after asserting they were both immensely powerful individuals. ”What I mean is shifting Wind Country to being more amenable to us, and putting it in a position where our aforementioned concerns don’t apply to them”

He paused, thinking about this for a moment and how to best present it. ”Let me put it this way. In Iron Country, to take the title of Taishou - my title - one has to formally challenge the current Taishou and best him in combat. The winner has the seat and the people of the country follow him without question. In Kirigakure my homeland, the daimyo is a pawn for the Mizukage, who’s title is contingent on failed blackmailing and assassination attempts. There is a reason I sit at the Taishou today and not the Daimyo of Water. If I lead Water Country, the safety I mentioned that previously that we seek would not be furthered. As the Taishou, it is.”

He didn’t outright say it, but the implication was clear. The political structure of Wind Country and Sunagakure meant that if it was under the influence of Kishakisei, it was one less place they had to worry about eventually turning on them. There were only so many places in the world that could be said for.

”As you said, this is your homeland. I’m interested in ensuring that not only is it always your homeland, but that it’s able to serve its people the way you see fit. In exchange, for well, one less eye focused on the target on my back.”. He was surprised at how quickly they’d arrived at it, but Shio had made his point. ”Im not talking about killing the Kazekage, just finding a party that would be more willing to listen to us to replace the Daimyo.”. Whether that was Zao himself, or some group of people that Shio and Zao could manipúlate made no difference to Shio, so he’d leave it open, curious to what Zao would say. The entire time, Shio would keep his eyes trained on the white haired bannin, trying to read him as best he could.

[Zao]

The young man seemed to offer some reassurance that he had no plans on attempting to harm his homeland, but Zao was still unsure what the true meaning that was just out of sight could be with this one. Though it was obvious that this leader standing beside him was probably less than half his age scholarly man felt as though he was speaking with one of his academic peer just due to how well-spoken the former Kiri-nin was and how well thought out each of his words felt. “More accommodating, you say?” He questioned back as Shio went on to talk about how he just wanted to shift its position…this was where the older man began to understand that the vision of the leader of Iron country wasn’t solely set upon just the village but the country as a whole. As a country whose daimyo still held power that was equal to the Kazekage, being able to manipulate or control the country leader was almost akin to being able to control at least some of the actions of the village.

Things were slowly starting to become a bit clearer within the mind of Zao as he continued to listen as Shio went into the well-known political structure of Water country were the daimyo was little more than a puppet who held an empty title that could be replaced at the drop of a hat. A far cry from how it was being the leader of Iron country, respect won through one’s own strength. Strength it seemed that the Taishou felt could be used to help transition Wind country into less of a threat and perhaps someone it could rely on in the time of need. “My views you say?” Zao shook his head a bit as his conflicting ideas that had been raised after returning from his dark past only reaffirmed that the pacifists’ nature of the village would only continue to allow for evil to exist in this world. As he felt the village tried too hard to remain peaceful and neutral to the world…if one didn’t exterminate the lingering evil it would only have the chance to spread but his village wanted to do nothing…

“Then I suppose I must be blunt. “ Exhaling slowly after his young friend finally finished speaking, letting his desired end state out into the air, if nothing else this strong shinobi setting beside him was truly ambitious. A slight smirk crossed the corners of the man’s rather plain looking face as he turned back to look out into the desert contemplating the actions spoken by the Iron country leader that could have been considered treason if anyone else heard them being spoken to Zao at the moment. Killing a kage would be extremely difficult and the village was in the transition of Kiyori stepping down as the Kazekage anyways. But reaching the leader of a country wouldn’t be much easier, especially one with the strength of an army of samurai that were not that inferior to those of Iron country.

If one could devise a manner of replacing the current daimyo it would be possible to manipulate the village to an extent, perhaps even stir them into a change from being the pacifist religious shinobi they were known to be to those of action. Those who wanted to help him rid the world of the evil he saw. As the smirk fell from his thin lips the man spoke again to his new companion. “What else would Iron receive if this scheme was brought to fruition?” Though it was true that having a leader more inclined to agree with the Taishou was good, Zao felt that there was more than just that as a man as well educated and ambitious as Shio certainly had deeper plans, at least he felt that way just from looking at the young boy with glasses.

[Ace Trainer]

There was definitely some relief setting into Shio's shoulders, this was progressing smoothly. To be fair, he considered the very real possibility that Zao would milk him for information and then try and strike him down, but he considered that a possibility with everyone he'd interacted with so far. Hell, even when Fuhen was within the gut on Sanrou himself Shio had struggled with the consideration that their meeting could have turned into a brawl. None of it would have been ideal, but especially so here, when it felt like Shio was getting so close to accomplishing what he was looking for.

Then Zao asked an interesting question, basically 'whats in it for you'. Broadly speaking, Shio had little motivation beyond exactly what they had discussed. It was extra security. There was some nuance and specifics to it though, that was true. Gold Country wanted the land to it's north, and immediately to the south. These were separate states from Wind Country anyways, subjugated vassals due to the war, so he wouldn't think Zao would see a lot of value in that land. Of course, Shio would be interested in things of value for the samurai, perhaps trade resources, or secret arts, but this entire plan hardly hinged on those being sure things. He let a soft sigh out, what really was he going for if not just safety?

"For Iron? Little else more. A pathway out of Iron should the day come with Earth to our East, North and West. Trade partnerships. A more direct route to through.", simple things that would certainly benefit Iron in the long run and help its people. "But most of all, it really is security. Look at it this way, these countries just finished a war and already they seem to be on a course that will have them colliding soon. With the right distribution of power, we don't need the reigns, just to be close enough to tug on them in the right direction. Pull enough horses off the path and the collision is avoided all together. That benefits Iron above all else, and keeps Earth at bay."

Shio had been doing a lot of talking, it had been what he'd been raised to do after all. The People of the Voice valued the power of conversation and debate and words, they viewed it as bringing them close to divinity. Of course, only select people within the People of the Voice were even allowed to speak and access such divinity, most took a vow of silence. It would been hard to believe for many of the companions shared now, given how often he felt like he spent time orating about their goals and objectives, but he still held many of those practices close to heart. He had learned that practicing silence gave an enormous amount of clarity to one's thoughts, it was required. So much of his time now was spent in silence, even if others didn't see it.

"I take it by the fact that we're still talking so casually that you're at least mildly in consideration? so, what do you think?", he'd ask. Now it was Zao's turn.

[Zao]

The young man before him definitely seemed concerned with the security of his nation and its people, Zao could only nod once more with approval for the young man and hoped that these words were had truth behind them. Because the words and concern of the Taishou were those of a strong and compassionate leader who wanted the best for his nation and desired to truly lead his people. It stirred something within himself as the man turned his attention back out across the vast desert that lay outside the border town's protective walls. Yes, this was a time of self-proclaimed peace, but even still other organizations were gaining strength and the leaders of country were changing even still, just recently he had heard that Earth country had begun to reclaim lands lost during the war. The Spirit Nest had been seized and brought into the fold of the Hidden Stone and Earth country. "Security..."

He muttered a single word as the artificial left hand reached up and touched the smooth skin of his chin in thought, one truly couldn't have too much security and perhaps this was a means to an end here with the current ruler of Iron country. "Earth country is a problem." Zao confirmed the sentiment about the actions of Earth country which would undoubtedly continue to absorb the neighboring countries unless something was done by one of the stronger nations to halt its movement. But sadly, his own country was to worry about peace and pacifism while collecting the taxes of the countries it too took during the war, though they claimed them independent and under the protection of Suna it was nothing more than a simple racket in the crystal blue eyes of the bannin.

"One must always have the patience to hear a potential ally out fully, especially one as strong as the leader of the revered Iron country." A friendly smile crossed the lips of the older man who turned his attention back onto Shio now as he continued to speak. "I believe that you have the right idea, this world does need a guiding hand to help it along the proper path." Perhaps Shio believed the pair were now on the same wavelength and talking about the same thing, though Zao's thoughts went beyond just the safety of just Suna or Wind country...in his own mind he was considering the safety of the who world from the lingering evil that was present within the human world...

[Ace Trainer]

It seemed they were more or less on the same page. Zao was apparently a man of few words because even when Shio set space for him to speak, he only said a few words. This was respected, honestly Shio dropped a lot of information on Zao in this moment, he wasn’t expecting the bannin to swear loyalty to Iron or Kishakisei right away.

Nonetheless, Zao gave Shio an affirmation and a friendly smile, and that told Shio everything he needed to know. Pushing off the wall he was sitting on, he’d give a respectful nod to the white-haired bannin, brushing has hands against each other to clean off his palms.

”There are still a number of logistical matters to attend to. And this operation would not be formal in any capacity. If iron Country made an official move…well…”, Shio didn’t need to explain how poorly that would go for him. ”Ultimately, if you decide to come along for this, it would be up to you who sits in the daimyos place at the end. I hear there are families in Wind that would prefer to see themselves in his place, I’m just as happy backing them as I am having you sit in it yourself. So long as I can be confident I have an ear.”

He smiled coyly at this. Really, that’s all Shio wanted. Security that he could act freely and not have to worry about Wind Country. With Yoru in Konoha, if he had Zao in Wind that would be two major powers removed from the equation. And he had a solution to appease Water and Earth. Really, Shio didn’t care what happened to Wind, but he was certain Zao being able to act freely without fear of what Suna might do was an convenient change of pace.

”Regardless, I’ve given you a lot to think about. I am truly interested in seeing sunagakure. If all comes out well, it’d be somewhere I would like to see regularly. I hear fantastic things about the local dango. Perhaps it’s time we began our way there, and we can reconvene on this topic when you’ve had time to think on it.”, he gestured out towards the desert. They’d covered everything Shio wanted, and he was prepared to go on this short journey now. Suna would be nice to see, if anything to just see another shinobi village.

[Zao]

It would seem that the young leader had his eyes and ears within the Wind country borders already, speaking about the families that wished to see themselves within the position of Daimyo, though they wouldn't speak so very loudly due to the unseen actions that might befall them it was definitely known by a handful of higher-ranking individuals. Some wanted it strictly for the power and status that came with the title, while some actually wanted to do things to benefit the country of Wind. Zao briefly pondered which family it would be best to help support if this plan of the young teenager's actually grew past this simple seedling. He was unsure just how far the former Kiri-nin had planned or whom he had already built relationships with behind the scenes, never-the-less Zao was becoming increasingly more interested in this potential action.

For his own personal agenda, becoming someone who would sit in the seat of Wind Country Daimyo would be more of a hindrance in his mind that help, just due to the need for him to be able to move about without attraction additional attention. But he could already think of a few families that could easily be manipulated into a position to reach for the tall podium of a country's daimyo. "My own plans conflict too much to vie for such a lofty position, but I'm sure there are at least a few families who would be well suited to meeting both our needs..." The white haired bannin trailed off in his own train of thought before he made a single-handed seal with the fake left hand and the space around the pair corrected itself and the heat like shimmering chakra vanished as well. From the outside it was as though the two men just appeared next to the wall at around the same time his jounin companions had returned from their side trip with Kesu and from their friendly demeanor it would appear that everything was in order.

"Indeed, let us speak again on the matter before you depart my homeland." Outside the barrier all he said was a few words that were accompanied with a gentle smile as he stood up and stepped away from the wall to greet the Suna-nin he'd brought and directed them to help ready the new travelers for the trip. Soon they would be on their way through the winding desert of Suna, bringing the new Taishou of Iron to meet with the council on matters pertaining to the villages and their hopeful alliance between the neighboring countries. Zao himself had some things to silently consider based on what he had learned from the short but informative conversation with the younger Shio, plus he was also interested in this mysterious group and who else was intertwined with it in the darkness...

[Ace Trainer]

Zao had been tight lipped for most of this, he'd at least expressed some interest. He hadn't turned against Shio right away, he'd listened to him, even engaged. They were at least in the same book, if not on the same page. But, Zao finally had given Shio something, my own plans conflict too much to vie for such a lofty position, this meant Zao was working towards something too. Surely, this was something that could be worked with. If Zao had plans, having power in his back pocket was insurance for him just as much as it was Shio, and Yoru, Aimi, Fuhen, and whoever else they recruited along the way. He would smile once more, and as the barrier to protect them he would nod at Zao.

"You certainly know the people of Wind better than me.", he would say casually, recognizing that the barrier was no longer there, their conversation would return to a more casual tone. But, he would be trusting Zao to determine which of these families would be the best candidate for them to run interference on behalf of. Sure, Shio knew they existed but it didn't make sense for Shio to make the selection, it was for Wind Country after all, Shio was happy to left Zao choose whoever best would advocate for his own village for his homeland.

"We'll have time for it, I'm sure.", he gave a respectful nod, then waved to Kesu as the child arrived, "Everything in order?", he asked. Kesu would look him directly in the eyes and give a polite nod, the pair of them seemingly having a silent conversation as they looked at each other. "My old friend here and I were just reconnecting, discussing the politics in Wind Country. I'm looking forward to seeing it's beauty on our journey.", he gestured towards the desert before them, "Lets go then.", he would nod at Kesu and then at Zao, beginning to walk.

Kesu would nod and follow, "Hai, Taishou-sama.".

[TheLacarix]

GRADED