It's a bit of a Stretch

[Nick]

Kyoho, Ken's past was, in many ways, checkered by problems and no solutions. When he'd been recruited into the Heart Empire, back before it was an empire and was just a ragtag band of samurai trying to do good by the people of the minor countries, and more importantly in his opinion, save them from Ninja, he'd found something like a calling. A calling that wasn't just killing ninja. He still did that, though.

He wasn't exactly the most selfless man, but spending time with Fuhen, understanding his message, his warrior spirit, had opened him up to helping others avoid the same fates and futures that he was forced into as a youth. This started his communication with his clan again, stretchy chefs who wanted to live good lives. This opened the door of communication to the Heart Empire.

Sen Matsumatsu, the former Aide of the grand Shogun, rode in a cart that had been offloaded onto a boat, taking them most of the way to dragon country. Ken had set up the meeting and was there with him, alongside a handful of other samurai from the empire, including Goro, a Kisama clan member, and of course, Suzuko, who was doing her best not to look exhausted, but she hadn't slept well on the boat, nor had she had time to stop walking long enough to rest. Luckily, the village of The Kyoho was near, and discussions were set to begin tomorrow. She hoped there were good beds for them to sleep on.

[Texas]

What an honor! Jiro was excited to be considered in the conversation for a political event. Never, in Jiro's drunkest states, had he thought he would be involved in anything that involved his mind. As a Kisama Clan member, the overall experience within the Heart Empire was truly fascinating and exciting. I mean, the Brass Warrior was in a carriage with many memorable people. In comparison, Jiro truly didn't see himself as an equal. However, this was a great opportunity for Jiro to learn a little bit about everyone.

The red eyed samurai reached to his side and lifted up a gourd. He would slowly uncork it with a pop noise tipping the people within the cart what he was doing. Jiro looked around the room after he took a quick sip. "Ahhh, delicious. Any one else wantsa sip? I made it myself." His attention got focused on Goro after looking around the room. "Ow about you over dere??". If people wanted a swig, he would generously hand it to whoever wanted some. It was sneaky strong, so the assumption would be that people would only want sips...

If no one wanted a sip, Jiro would place a cork on top of his gourd and put it back on his side. He would look around and leisurely lean back a little bit extra. A hearty smile and a genuine tone to his voice would erupt yet again. Jiro really didn't love silence. "So, what's the plan fer tomorrow?"

[Director]

The newly minted Hokage Fanho had been strolling through Dragon Country draped in his Hokage attire. Him and Taiga had just freshly traded prisoners a few days ago just north in a remote part of Heart that was close to bordering Setsuzoku. The Hokage hat gently bobbed as Fanho happily stepped through the town dawning his new leadership garb. The Hokage haori draped over his more formal hakama setup. Much to his discomfort of wearing stuffy ceremonial clothes, he sucked it up for this encounter as it'd be a whole new political gambit. He had gotten wind Heart was here to recruit the Kyoho clan, and being there would be Kyoho Ken. A currently wanted criminal Fanho had personally had the displeasure of confronting at a Konoha outpost.

Oh, I wish I was a silly, slippery snake... The Awai quietly hummed to himself. He had hoped to sway the Heart leadership not away from their decision. In-fact he really hadn't had a stake, but it was a relationship he wanted to foster so he favored them for this. Perhaps a personal endorsement may help form some relationship there, even if in return he'd request Ken's person to be brought to justice. Perhaps a budding political relationship, professional, but at the least a foot in the door to get to rub elbows. He felt slightly superficial in regards to it, but soon enough he'd be personable with them. Right now he just saw an opportunity to shore up one loose end and earn some goodwill from Heart.

Oh I'd slither across the floor.... As Fanho walked he focused his chakra in a wide swath letting his extra sensory traverse the entire landscape. Pinging every chakra signature minor to large within miles. As his foot steps clacking against the hard compacted earth then turned to wet driplets he found himself walking across a small lake. An encampment with a genin sized signature Fanho had learned all too well and more recently before his newly earned Hokage position.

Oh, I wish I was a silly, slippery Suzuko... A grin grew across the Hokage's face as his feet hit dry land again and he began to make his way for the Heart camp envoy, making sure he came in from a well exposed angle to give anyone keeping guard a heads up someone, lets say notable was heading their way. He'd begin to wave at the camp in a friendly manner and make sure his intentions we're well communicated.

"Ahoy mateys! Would you mind a plus one for your travels?"

[Nick]

"None for me, thank you, and I would request you mind your intake tonight and tomorrow, yes...?" Sen would politely decline, though Goro would have no such avoidance, taking a sip of the strong stuff, and making a face as he swallowed it down, clearly not a fan of whatever concoction the Kisama clansman preferred. "The Kyoho love a party just as much as the Kisama do, from what Ken has told us, but I'm sure they still appreciate a bit of tradition and care in these kinds of situations, yes?"

But now the game was afoot. Goro would be among the first to notice the approaching man, but still he would say nothing until his approach became clearly directed towards them. He didn't recognize the Hokage at first, but as he called out and caught Suzuko's attention, she would squint a bit, and then open up in a rather bright smile. Simultaneously, Ken would shift his head and his otherwise neutral expression would turn into an intense stare and a small scowl. Goro's eyes shifted to Ken, then to Suzuko, then to the man approaching them, pulling a cigarette out of his chest pocket and sliding it into the corner of his mouth with one hand, placing his other hand on the prickly snake's shoulder.

"Fanho? What are you doing out in Dragon Country?" The girl asked excitedly. Briefly she thought about the fact that this was a diplomatic mission, and that perhaps the Hokage was also here on diplomatic reasonings, but it seemed odd and coincidental that he'd be here at the same time all the same. Her inner detective wanted to piece things together, but clearly she was missing key information. She knew very little of Ken, but it didn't take her empathetic chakra to tell her when he pricked up at the site of the man. Maybe he recognized the man, and like many in Heart was not a fan of ninja?

Likewise, Sen dove into his mind palace for a moment, taking in context clues from the man himself, along with Ken's reaction, and the name provided by Suzuko, before gulping. Will this ruin the mission? Will Ken hold himself back long enough? Will young Suzuko be caught in the crossfire? He asked himself, his pale skin seeming to grow paler by the moment, before he caught himself and smiled, bowing his head to the visitor. "Hokage-san, what a pleasant surprise." He said diplomatically, placing one hand on the back of Suzuko's head and bringing it down to a bow, of which she quickly took the cue and bowed her head as well, reminded of the purpose of this mission she was on.

Sen was dressed in a deep green kimono with images of little trees around the sleeves and hem, a mark from his home country that no longer existed, his demeanor as diplomatically neutral as one could expect from someone of his station. Goro, meanwhile, almost managed to look bored despite the hissing noise coming from his companion. He leaned over and whispered something into his ear, and Ken turned around to whisper something back, before Goro nodded, lighting the cigarette with a mechanical lighter, before stopping his travel, and giving a glance to Sen, and making a come-hither motion to Jiro. Sen knew that look he was given, and nodded. "Of course you're welcome to join us. Noujin-san here would find it his honor to fill you in on our itinerary."

Goro approached, presumably with Jiro following, raising a single hand in a gesture of greeting, clearly not full of the same diplomatic vigor that Sen was. "Smoke?" He asked first, holding out a cigarette for Fanho, and if rejected, would put it into his own mouth alongside the first one. "Name's Goro, by the way. Ken..." Goro jerked his thumb back to the cart. "Is a man of... Anxiety. And he tells us you do not have a good history. " He would light the second cigarette as the cart got further and further away, quickly approaching their resting point. "Now, I won't pretend to agree with all of Ken's sentiments, but I would find it awfully strange if someone he knows, of your position, in particular, happened to show up just in time for a very important diplomatic mission, by complete coincidence." He would take a deep drag of the dual cigarettes, turning his head to blow the smoke away from his 'guests' face. "So, off the record, why are you here?"

---

"Why's Goro talking to the Hokage with Jiro?" Suzuko asked, giving Ken a weird look from the hissing he was doing. "Oh, I'm sure he just wants to make sure our new guest is filled in on local customs." He lied, and Suzuko gave him a look that said she didn't believe him. "You need to come up with better answers, I'm not just some dumb kid, you know."

[Texas]

The red eyed metal man couldn't help but laugh as goro took a sip and didn't realize what he was taking a sip of. When it was handed back to him, Jiro put a cork on the gourd and attached it back to his side. Jiro realized that this was borderline a debut of Jiro's vibe and capability. So when addressed Sen, the man nodded towards him and simply said "you got it boss, eye'll tone down a little bit." What did that mean exactly? Due to him being sincere and cheery in nature, he certainly couldn't hold back his welcoming personality. In this instance, maybe he wont push his personal sake creation... the sake truly meant for a Kisama who had a heavy tolerance.

Upon exiting the carriage there was a white haired man that welcomed them. Jiro stiffened his back and stood up straight. He wanted to look as large as possible. Yes, he was there for negotiations, but he wanted to show off his size and might to those who would even question him. However, he simply couldn't help it. When Goro used his prickly little finger bangers at him, Jiro couldn't help but rip a big smile and walk with the swagger of a toddler that just convinced his parents to not eat the broccoli on the plate and still get dessert. The man put a pep in his step to catch up with Goro and walk to his right, but a step behind. This way he wouldn't be in the forefront, but he was more or less an emotional support Kisama.

Upon walking up to the white haired man, Goro caught more casual than normal. Based on the interactions, Goro and this man had some kind of history. No! Based on what Goro said, him and this snakey boy had some history. The braided haired man wondered what on earth it could be. But based on the white haired man's demeanor and the snake man borderline hissing a storm brewed by no other god could, there was unquestionable tension. What on earth would this man say? Who is this man? Why does he look the way he does?

[Director]

As Fanho approached the camp his eyes took in all the people within noting them down in the recesses of his brain. Like Sen his mind also took note of Ken's agitation, so as Fanho stepped towards them he positioned himself in a way to keep Sen and Suzuko out of it if Ken were to lose his cold blooded rationale. He flashed a smile to Suzuko keeping Ken's signature imprinted in his mind, the only real threat in the area that knew of the history between the two, but soon the rest would know aside from maybe Suzuko. "Well lets just say I was in the neighborhood doing Hokagely things. Just happened to be in the right place at the right time, huh?"

As Sen quickly approached taking himself to a bow, Fanho returned the bow in kind. Even though he felt stuffy in the Hokage's apparel, and it made him feel old being called Hokage-san, he bared through it. Most people in these positions didn't know any other life or the casual stride some people had to their official step. "Please just call me Fanho. Consider this just me wanting to be tag-along to the ride, and when you see a junior-" He reached down and ruffled Suzuko's hair before sticking his tongue at her. "Well you just gotta stop in to say hi to them right?"

With the official greetings out of the way with the diplomats, it seemed Fanho would meet some people more his speed. Less stuffy and political. Just the right amount of cut to the chase and cut-up for fun for him. At the least it seemed Ken was restrained for a higher purpose at this juncture. Otherwise the snake man may have just tried to rip through anyone in the camp to bite at the chance to take Fanho's head.

At Goro's offer Fanho shook his head, "Appreciated, but smoking isn't my speed. Gotta be kid friendly now." He gestured to the hat and gave a light hearted shrug. He listened as Goro's perception paid off, well really it was apparent to everyone here the tension. Just the question now they asked was the why. It seemed at least they'd hear Fanho's part out, and from what he could pick up on it was an affair of clan relations. A delicate hand to be played on Fanho's part to one, not disturb what Heart relations he wanted to start, but two, he wanted to put Ken down as he was a future threat that he'd have to keep an eye out for, but six feet under was a bit easier to monitor Ken at.

"Well hit the nail on the head ya did." Fanho pointed to Goro and gave a nod at his and Ken's lack of a good history. "Well off the record, Ken is a wanted murderer and attacked a Konoha outpost before the great war. His past isn't just spotted but blood stained too. Saw it with my own eyes, and was the one that fought him off. He's just lucky I cared more about saving the people than going for the kill." His eyes kept everyone in camp in view, from Goro, Jiro, Suzuko, Sen, but most especially Ken. While everything was safe, it wasn't like he could just switch off the part of his brain that made him wary of Ken in particular. "The world isn't in an exactly stable place, and Ken is one threat to the village I could rest easier at night knowing he's no longer around. But seems like that'd foul whats happening here."

The Hokage looked at Jiro and back to Goro before shrugging his shoulders at his own realization. "I know what I want, but I guess just Konoha’s presence as a whole isn’t really favorable in these parts. Seems like I’d spoil your potential plans here, and that’s the opposite of what I’d like to do."

The Hokage took his hat off finally getting fed up with the general stuffiness of his ceremonial garb. With a quick snap of the fingers the hat disappeared into the ether in a purple flash known as the Hokage’s realm. His hand retreated to his imaginary sagely beard as it just stroked his chin. “I know at least we’re frowned upon in these parts, and since I don’t want to spoil what you’re working towards. Maybe there is a way to help each other out, but since I’m apart of the big five I’m not as in-tune with the minor countries like Heart is. Maybe you can help give guidance here.”

[Nick]

Goro stared at the Hokage for a long time, gently breathing in the smoke from his cigarettes, before the first one in his mouth burned out, and he let it lazily fall to his feet where it was stomped out, the newer one shuffling over to fill its place. "You've made an understatement of the century." He said, holding his hands up in a shrug. "The people of Heart are many and varied, but most do not look favorably upon the idea of the 'Grand Five' and their villages tucked away in secrecy, less so after the great war." He had complicated feelings about the subject, himself, especially towards Konoha and Kiri.

Kirigakure may have colonized his old home, stolen it from him, but Konoha were supposed to be allies of Tea. From his point of view, twisted or not, Tea had made moves during the war in attempts to help Fire Country, and as thanks, Fire Country had abandoned them to go off conquering far nations in a great, greedy, goldrush of a landgrab. He did not mention this. He didn't need to, really. If Fanho knew anything about the political scene outside of his walls, he'd know that the folks of the minor countries were in a quiet rage. Certainly, they'd all put up a good show of faith, donating to Steam Country, providing aid to other small villages, allowing their conquered nations some shallow independence... But it rang hollow for some.

"Listen." Goro said, blowing out a huge cloud of smoke over his head. "I don't like Ken. He's not exactly brimming with the samurai spirit that Fuhen professed." He took a long drag without exhaling, the smoke lazily drifting from his lips and nostrils as he spoke. "But... We can't just hand him over. He's still a soldier, at least mostly loyal to the Empire. Jiro?" He said, asking for the man to weigh in with his current knowledge, not because he especially wanted or needed the man's opinions, but he had never met the man before this journey, and wanted to feel out his perspective, especially as a Kisama clansman.

"It'd make us look mighty awful to the Kyoho, right before or after our big meeting... You want guidance?" He gave a little rueful chuckle, shaking his head. "My gut says to give the people their land back, and don't ask foreign nations for prisoners." Goro paused for a moment, his second cigarette running out now, and likewise dropped unceremoniously to the ground and stomped out. "But, to be nice, I'm sure Sen there could set you up with a... go-between diplomat, if you're looking to improve your relationship with your conquered nations. Officially, I don't think Heart will ever endorse Fire Country's... relationship with its vassals, but if it makes you leave, I might be willing to cut a deal."

---

"Hmm... The three of them are part of the same kendo club?"
"Goro doesn't know how to use a sword."
"He could be learning."
"You said 'could be', so he's not."
"Maybe they're..." Sen leaned in very closely. "In a secret love triangle?"
Suzuko's face turned beat red, and she yelled out nearly at the top of her lungs. "Ew!"

[Texas]

Truth be told, Jiro thought he was brought along to be more of a vibes guy. In any normal instance he would be. However, in this exact moment, the man was put into the spot light to say... something... anything. What would the man say? Was Goro messing with him. Clearly the hissing man did something wrong, maybe something atrocious. Where did Jiro's line in the sand get drawn... If this Ken guy was bad and did things that Heart normally wouldn't agree with, would he be someone to stick their neck out for? Probably not, since he most likely would bite it based on his previous behavior.

For Jiro, he had to stay loyal. He had to be one for the cause. If that meant he didn't fully agree with it, then so be it. As Jiro's brain was figuring out what to say, there was a slight crack. Everything he workshopped in his died and what came out of his mouth was something drastically different than anticipated. "I don't know the man well, but I echo what Goro said." Jiro would smile largely, he genuinely couldn't help it. The man wasn't the brightest, so he was just happy to be involved. "If ya want..." Jiro would lean in a little bit. "I have some sake to help take the edge off." A gesture to Fanho. It had two meanings behind it that Jiro didn't intend. Jiro was just offering Sake because he was ready to party. However, It was a kind gesture and in his own way tried to lighten up the atmosphere a bit.

Although they were close to each other, Jiro would quickly turn his head to a loud ew. Was it because he leaned in too close? The quick turnaround, would re-focus back up with the group. Jiro would continue to listen, give sake if accepted, and learn from being involved.