[Graded]Diplomacy?

[CDF]

Hito stood atop a particularly large tree, staring impassively into the distance. He could see a faint outline of the village of the leaf and he sighed impatiently because of it. What good was there in calling a village hidden if you could see it from-literally- a mile away.

Hito had memorized the route by heart, but there was no need, one could find the village too easily even without a map memorized. He considered suggesting hiding the village to their allies, but thought better of it. For now, anyways, he had to continue his path to Konoha so he could discuss his plans.

Hito and the twins had been moving at a fast pace until now, but as they neared the village, they slowed down. Hito thought best not to risk moving quickly and making it seem as if this was an urgent event or an attack of some sorts. Remembering the twins, Hito adjusted his clothes and prepared to leave as he spoke out. "We ready to go?"

If they were, Hito would just continue onwards.

[Zangy]

nten and Oben popped their heads out from each side of Hito's stomach, much like they normally did if they needed to communicate with the bannin. Unten, unlike normally, was the first to respond to the comment.

"Yes," came the simple and short reply.

"We're here for library matters mainly, right? Are you going to try to do anything else while we're there?"

Simple questions, but it was good to get the groundwork done before showing up and asking things from the Hokage, as weird of a man as he was.

[CDF]

Hito leapt casually from branch to branch, making sure to keep as rapid a pace as possible while also keeping it at the level where it wouldn't arouse suspicion. It was annoying to have to do it, but diplomacy was more important than saving an hour or two of travel.

Hito nodded at his sensei's question. "Yes, I'm hoping we can convince Konoha to give us any information to put into our library. It'd be beneficial for both of us, considering we both gain access to more knowledge. Also, Sensei, considering I'm running now, it might be better if you come out of my shoulder instead." It was awkward leaping through trees with a head sticking out of your gut.

[Zangy]

Nodding, both heads reabsorbed into the man's body, then reappeared on each shoulder. They were used to being inside Hito's body, even though it had been a while since they'd traveled together.

"Yeah. Plus, we can strengthen the bond between Konoha and Suna, in case anything springs up, right?" The two nations hadn't had too much contact recently, so a refresher course was always a good thing to have, especially in times of missing nin growing stronger by the day.

[CDF]

Hito didn't really respond this time, merely grunting in agreement. He was too lost in thought at the moment as he ran through the trees of the unfamiliar landscape. What his sensei had mentioned was something Hito had been mulling over ever since he decided to travel to konoha.

Did he want to strengthen their diplomatic ties? Was it truly a good idea? Of course having allies was always beneficial, but it had it's downsides as well, such as tying one village to another. Hito's ideal vision of the future suna didn't involve having to go to war because of allies.

Either way, this library was essential for a grand majority of Hito's plans, so for now, he'd concentrate on that.

At this steady pace, Hito and the twins soon arrived at Konoha's gates. Hito wasn't sure on what their defense system was like, so he moved slowly as he approached the village wall, waiting to see if anybody would come out or something of the sort. If nothing happened, he'd knock on the gate and hope somebody showed up.

[Toshi]

Not a moment after Hito knocked on Konoha's gate, an armor clad man popped over the battlements over their heads and looked down at them with a very posh expression plastered on his face. The man's steel armor and helm seemed very out of place for a shinobi gate guardian, as did his oddly angled mustache and pointy beard.

"Hallo?" he called down in a very peculiar accent, his body leaning forward with every syllable he spoke. "Who is eet?"

[CDF]

Hito nearly shuddered with annoyance at the informality with which he was greeted. It also bothered him that the sole thing to come and check who was at the village gates was one man clad in strange armor. He shrugged it off, however. Wasn't his village, he didn't have any say in how it was run.

So with a clearing of his throat, he replied. "My name is Ouji, Hito and my two escorts are Dasu Unten and Dasu Oben. We come from The Hidden Village Of The Sand. We wish to speak with the great Hokage." As he introduced him, Hito gave a little shrug, signaling that the twins should leave his body now.

[Zangy]

Noticing the normal trigger to separate, the two twins did just that, removing themselves from the body of the bannin, pushing themselves out from the back, before fusing their hands together, keeping themselves connected at some point.

Hito was the one who handled all the formality stuff, such as this, so they allowed him to do everything needed. They weren't as... diplomatic as their student.

[Toshi]

"He is far too bizzee for ze likes of y-" the strange man called back down at the visitors before an ANBU black ops shinobi tackled him out of the way.

"One more time and I'll cut off your feet, Jerry," the masked ANBU threatened as the armor man retreated into the village, spouting taunts of the hamster and elderberry variety. Then he turned back to Hito and said, "Sorry about that, guys. Sometimes he beats us to the visitors."

Just after saying this the massive gate separating Konoha from its surrounding forests swung open, revealing the bustling Village Hidden in the Leaves and several masked shinobi awaiting the Suna nin.

"We'll escort you to the Hokage's office so you may speak with him directly," the same ANBU who had opened the gates for Hito and the twins said as he turned around and started heading towards the center of the village.

[CDF]

Hito automatically twitched to defend as the man they were talking to was attacked. Of course, he quickly eased up upon realizing it was the famous ANBU, although he was rather disappointed. He had heard great things of the ANBU, he didn't expect them to be as unprofessional as the one who greeted them.

Hito wondered if a random citizen would manage to beat the Eidolons, or even Hito himself, to the gates to greet visitors. He highly doubted it. But wordlessly, he nodded his head and followed after the escorts. All the while, he kept a watchful eye around, taking note of everything he saw.

[Zangy]

Much like their prior visit, Unten and Oben were disappointed at not only their greeting, but the way the Konoha shinobi acted. It was so... unprofessional.

Then again, it still wasn't their place to judge, at least now. The twins were just there for protection, and that's what they'd do. Fixing other villages and their problems weren't on their to-do list.

At least not yet, anyways.

[Toshi]

The ANBU shinobi remained quiet as they escorted their guests towards the Hokage's office, allowing them to take in the sights that the village had to offer. People rushed here and there to get whatever errand they were running for themselves or someone else finished, merchants shouted out at those who wandered by and claimed to have whatever they needed, civilians and shinobi alike enjoying a board game or chowing down on their world famous ramen, and even the occasional genin could be spotted chasing after some lost animal he was supposed to bring back to its owner.

Life was good for the citizens of Konoha.

"Here we are," the lead ANBU operative said as they reached the sprawling Hokage Tower, which literally towered above them all and looked across the entire village like a silent sentinel. "Speak with Mrs. Stephens at the reception desk and she'll explain how to find the office," the young shinobi added helpfully before motioning for his squad to leave the guests to their business.

Although they would never really be left alone. In the Hokage Tower, the village's eyes were everywhere.

[CDF]

Hito noted how, despite the lack of efficiency in the konoha government, their citizens WERE happy. One thing that always made Hito proud was how efficient and strong his people were, but they weren't this happy. This was certainly something he'd have to look into.

When they arrived at the building, Hito nodded towards his escort and walked inside casually. If he found the woman he was instructed to find, he'd quickly go to her. "Hello, I'm Ouji, Hito, here to request a meeting with Hokage-sama."

[Zangy]

Unten and Oben followed Hito, making sure to keep an eye out for anything suspicious, but, didn't really expect much. Konoha was a lot more easy-going than Suna was, after all.

[Toshi]

Mrs. Stephens looked up at the Bannin as though he were as imposing as an eighty year old Bingo champion. Without speaking a word to Hito she pressed a small button on her desk and said, "A mister Ouji Hito is here to see you, sir."

"Is he the hammock guy?" came a voice from the other side of the intercom.

"No, sir. That's Mr. Fitzgerald," she answered back casually.

"Ooh, so close," the voice said with a frustrated sigh. "Anyway, send him right in."

"Right away, sir," she said before looking back up at Hito and nodding towards the nearest staircase. "First door on your right, dear," she said with a pleasant smile.

[CDF]

Hito nodded, now accustomed to the lack of formality in the village. He went where he was instructed at a casual pace, still being rather observant, noting down all of his surroundings as he moved. Upon arriving, he knocked politely and awaited a response. If he were told to enter, he would do so.

Upon entering, he would bow steeply, making his upper body nearly parallel to the floor in respect. While still bowing, he would speak. "Greetings, Hokage-sama" Without breaking his speech, Hito would straighten his back and continue. "My name is Ouji, Hito and this is Dasu, Unten and Dasu, Oben. We come from Suna and have some things to talk to you about, if you would be so kind as to accept it." Hito motioned towards the twins standing behind him quietly, mimicking his bowing movements. He kept a polite posture and glance, not seeming hostile or anything other than diplomatic.

[Toshi]

Tousha remained silent as the Suna shinobi entered the room and treated him with the respect he knew that the Kazekage himself would have received, had they been in Suna. But seeing as how things were run a little differently in the Hidden Leaf Village, the Hokage didn't treat them with the same formality. But he did treat them with the respect they deserved.

"It's good to have you here, Hito," the kage said with a bright smile as he got out of his chair and strode across the room. He took the Bannin's hand in his and shook it as though they were the best of friends. "I'd like to personally welcome you to the Village Hidden in the Leaves," he added as he released Hito's hand and looked down at the twins accompanying him.

"They don't talk much, do they?" he said with an arched brow as he shot a glance over at Hito.

[CDF]

Although it was an informality Hito was less than accustomed to, it was also a situation in which Hito always managed to shine through. His acting and improvisational skills were excellent, so when the hand shake appeared, he was more than comfortably prepared for it.

Hito shook the hands while smiling politely at the Hokage, as he expected he should have done. "Thank you, Hokage-sama, It's good to be here. I appreciate the invitation, it's a tremendous village. I don't believe I've ever seen such happy citizens elsewhere." Hito made the slight comment, not expecting much, but hoping deep down that some secret would be revealed to him regarding how to make citizens happy.

When the Hokage mentioned the twins, Hito smiled and nodded. "They're the type that prefer speaking when they have something very important to say." Hito kept his smile, giving the twins a chance to speak if they so wished, although he doubted it.

For now, it was important they just stay quiet and play the politics game, Hito could feel the main subject coming up soon.

[Zangy]

Unten and Oben kept silent, just nodding to what Hito had explained to the leader. They weren't the ones that were talking during this meeting, their student was. He would be the one to direct everything and they knew he would be able to do so.

[Toshi]

Tousha couldn't help but beam at Hito's comment about his villagers' happiness. Even though he may act like a lazy sack of something worthless every now and then, the Hokage did genuinely care about his village's citizens. To hear that they seemed happy from a foreigner made the kage swell with pride.

"That's fine by me," Tousha said after Hito explained why the twins were being so quiet. "I'm sure I'll be talking enough for the two of them anyway," he added jokingly, flashing his usual crooked grin at the bannin.

After saying this, Tousha returned to his ridiculously comfortable looking chair and motioned for his guests to take a seat across the desk from him. "By the way, Call me Tousha," he said with a serious tone that clashed with his friendly expression. "All of that formal stuff really leaves a bad taste in my mouth."

[CDF]

Wiith a hearty laugh, Hito sat in the middle most chair, the one directly opposite the Hokage, and responded to the Hokages joke. "Haha, you and me both. If you have any questions you wish to direct to them, however, feel free to do so."

A piece of Hito's soul broke off and died as he realized how informal this meeting would have to be. Of course this made his ultimate goal much easier, but still, the fact that he had to speak to a kage in such a casual manner was... repulsive. Hito may be a good actor, but he wasn't THAT good, there was still formality in him as he spoke. "Will do, Hok- Tousha-sama. Forgive me, I'm quite accustomed to a great deal of formality when speaking to one as great as yourself, especially when asking for favors." Hito smiled, hoping his subtle hint would push the conversation in the direction he intended it to. Of course, he would let the Hokage initiate it, not wanting to push the topic... at least not obviously.

[Zangy]

Nodding in response to Hito, the twins both fused moreso together, being conjoined at the shoulders, forming what looked to be a two-headed person, before sitting down. They disliked the attitude of the Kage, but, that wasn't their position to do anything about. Hito would get to deal with him.

[Toshi]

The kage could tell that his relaxed personality was throwing Hito for a loop. He hid it well, but with each bad joke Tousha could see a little part of him die on the inside. The kage considered spinning around in his chair as they spoke, just for the amusement of seeing the Suna nin's expression, but then thought better of it. Whether he liked it or not, they weren't visiting just to ask him how things were going with the village. Whatever they wanted it was important, and he needed to treat the situation more seriously.

"A favor?" he shot back at the Bannin, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What kind of favor are we talking abou- HOLY MOSES!!" the kage shrieked as he watched the twins literally walk into each other. He stared at them for a long moment, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open slightly. He realized with immediate embarrassment that the twins must hail from a clan that allows its members to enter each others bodies.

Tousha let out a sigh of relief and couldn't help but laugh. "I'm sorry, guys. That one took me by surprise," he directed at the twins in an apologetic tone. "It won't happen again, I promise. Now down to business... What kind of favor are we talking about here?"

[CDF]

Hito considered the many ways he’d present the request once the Hokage finally asked about it. He had a rather wordy speech prepared for this moment, but now that he met the Hokage and remembered his personality, he thought better of it and decided to improvise. Just as he opened to speak, however, the Hokage called out with shock at the twin’s fusing.

Hito’s open mouth turned into a proud smile. He couldn’t help but swell with pride at a Kage’s fascination with a clan ability from his home village. It truly was an incredible clan, something he hoped suna would give more appreciation for. “That’s an ability of the Dasu clan. Twins are capable of fusing with each other and practically never separate, for their own protection.” Hito made sure not to note how they HAD to be fused at all times. No need in pointing out weaknesses.

Shifting his weight and changing into a more proper posture, Hito finally presented his favor with what he hoped was a casual face. “Over the past month or so, I’ve been building a group of people and requiring resources for a certain goal. I have hopes of helping Sunagakure no Sato become a much better and more glorious village than it is. For that to occur, I believe that both knowledge and easy accessibility to knowledge is required, which is why I’m attempting to build a library. This library, if all goes according to plan, shall have an extensive amount of information on a wide array of sources ranging from history to farming to war logs. My hope is to create a library that will greatly surpass the one in Iwagakure and provide even the most common villager with the highest degree of information.” Hito took a break in his monologue. He learned to speak in bursts, allowing pauses for the audience to digest, interpret and formulate questions to. He never waited long enough to actually allow questions, it was more of a mental pause so that people didn’t become overwhelmed or bored. Considering the Hokage’s apparent lack of an attention span, Hito was trying to ensure that this wasn’t too boring.

“Over the past month or so, I have assembled a sizable team of shinobi in Sunagakure. This team has been scavenging the nation in search of both ancient and modern texts. Some have been guarded, some have been lost and some have just been hidden, either way, we’ve uncovered a massive amount of information already. However, even with our best efforts, there is an endless amount of information beyond the boundaries of our nation that are not so easily located.” With a smile, Hito once more paused and shifted his weight as he relaxed his body slightly. He was actually going for a more informal look now, convinced it would be a better mood for asking something from a person such as Umezawa Tousha. “This is where our illustrious ally comes in. For our great library to reach it’s full potential, we will need the aid of foreign organizations, the greatest of which of course, is Konohagakure No Sato. It would be wonderful if your village could contribute any fraction of it’s information archives. What information you contribute is entirely up to you, of course. We’ll be grateful for the tiniest scroll on farming to the most extensive history of your village. Of course, the more information the better, but it’s all up to you. In return, your village will have the same amount of accessibility to our gathered information while also having peace of mind in knowing that ancient and important texts will be closely guarded. And as always, information sharing amongst ally villages will only help to strengthen our bonds, which seems mutually beneficial.”

[Zangy]

Unten and Oben were so used to being an unnoticed part of the background, that they were a bit surprised that the Hokage even had noticed them. It was a bit of a shock, since in Suna, people were either accustomed to the Dasu bloodline or they had never seen nor reacted to the twins, since they were a bit secluded in their day-to-day life.

Even if it was of disgust or shock, they couldn't tell, but it was a bit of an ego booster for someone as prestigious as the Hokage, however inept he was, to notice their own talents.

[Toshi]

"This guy likes the sound of his voice a little too much."

About halfway through Hito's speech the Hokage could only hear an annoying buzzing sound as the Bannin continued talking on and on and on. Though he did pay attention at specific points in the monologue. Such as the hollow praise the Suna nin was throwing at him in the hopes of buttering him up, and the even more void lack of formality. And eventually he got around to figuring out what the man wanted: information on the village hidden in the leaves to cram into this "great library" of his.

"You know," Tousha said with a worn out expression, "You could have probably narrowed all of that down into something like... 'I'm starting a library. Could we have a scroll or two?'"

After saying this the Hokage pressed a small black button on his intercom and said, "Mrs. Stephenson?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Whip up a few guests passes for our... well, our guests would you?" the Hokage asked politely.

"Of course, sir. Anything else?"

Tousha looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully for a few moments before saying, "Make sure the passes are the cool laminated kind and not the crappy Hi, my name is blah blah blah kind. I don't want my allies to think we can't afford top-of-the-line identification."

With that the Hokage released the button and turned back to his guests. "I'll send some ANBU with you to clarify what is and is not classified within our archive," he said with a suddenly serious air about him. "Sound good?"

[CDF]

Hito smiled politely at the Hokage's comment regarding his windy speech. He was very composed about it, it was surprising how much control he had over the urge to punch the Hokage in the mouth. Hito was slowly understanding why Konoha and Suna weren't closer allies, the Hokage was an idiot.

The lack of respect was present the entire time. The Hokage surely knew of Suna's uptight and formal manner, yet made no change in his behavior to accomodate it. Instead, Hito was forced to be less formal out of respect, a respect that he doled out but was not returned. Clearly, the leaf wasn't as considerate of the sand as the sand was of the leaf.

But no matter, Hito had more pressing matters to attend to, and he had what he needed from this poorly led village. If anything, he was at least a little thankful for the Hokage's incompetence. Seeing such poor leadership only Fueled Hito to better the Sand, and better the sand he will.

With a more genuine smile now, Hito gave a bow before speaking once more. "Thank you, Hokage-Sama. May we work together towards bettering our villages. I thank you for your time." With another short bow, Hito stood and turned, promptly walking out the door to meet his escorts. Hito wasn't sure, nor did he much care, if the Hokage would notice his irritation, but it wasn't likely. The twins who knew him well would probably catch onto it easily enough.

But it all ended well enough. Hito had at least some access to the villages records now, that was all he needed.

[Zangy]

Oben was rather impressed with Hito. From what he could tell, the Bannin was angry with the Kage, but, he kept everything under control.

A normal person would probably have lost their cool, and, even though Hito had much reason to be rude back, he wasn't, but, he did try to get out of there as soon as possible.

The twins rose in unison, even though the had to, and followed Hito towards the destination.