The carriage rode slowly through the forest, the gates of Konohagakure visible up ahead. The amount of greenery in the land of fire had surprised Kougyoku only slightly less than the amount of moisture in the air. It was difficult to make a Hizashi sweat with heat, but all the humidity had Kougyoku close. She'd not experienced such a climate before, and she couldn't say she liked it very much. It made most of her regular clothing rather snug and scratchy, and so she'd decided to wear something a little less formal for her arrival in the village. "Are the documents in order, Yuzu?" the woman asked her assistant, whom nodded with polite affirmation. "Then let's start this meeting." she finished as she watched through the front window of the carriage as the camels passed through the large gates of Konohagakure no Sato.
It was tens of minutes later that the wheels squeaked to a halt outside a great red building with the symbol for fire emblazoned on the side. The office of the Hokage. The door opened and allowed a young and bookish woman in glasses to step down, straighten out her plain blue cotton dress and step to the side. After clearing her throat the woman announced her mistress, "Arriving is High Lady Hizashi Kougyoku, special emissary to the Village Hidden in the Leaf on behalf of the Village Hidden in the Sand, heir to the Hizashi Clan."
Stepping next from the wooden vehicle was a tall woman with crimson hair held back in a golden circlet and scarlet eyes. Her lightly tanned skin showed no sweat on the summer's day as she emerged into the sunlight. She looked the very picture of nobility in her black blouse, with gossamer sleeves deep red in colour, and a full skirt which was split on both sides at mid-thigh height. She smiled at those that had come out to greet her, and wondered which were attendants and which were people of importance. Most keenly on her mind, was whether the Hokage had come to greet her himself, or whether he was watching her arrival from somewhere else. It would tell a lot about the atmosphere she was heading in to.
State Visit [Closed]
Kougyoku Hizashi visits the Hokage as Special Envoy after the events of Soul Country
State Visit [Closed]
"Tululila, Talila Tulula."
CharactersShow
| Character | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-rank | Sunagakure no Sato | HIzashi, Kougyoku | ||
State Visit [Closed]
The Hokage found himself standing before a large map of the known world spread across the back wall of his office. An empty whiskey glass and a somewhat organized pile of papers and scrolls sat atop the large mahogany desk behind him. In the middle of the room lay a large red and white rug depicting the symbol of the leaf village, beneath it, hardwood floors. A gentle breeze and several thick beams of sunlight intruded through large windows to his left, obscured partially by half drawn red velvet blinds. At the center of the wall, a thick wooden door leading out to a balcony. The opposite wall consisted of a large multi-sectioned bookshelf filled with jutsu scrolls, and countless books depicting world histories, tactics, or even simple adventure stories from around the world.
Takeo ran his fingers through his beard idly as he scanned the various labeled countries, pins marking key points of interest. It had been 6 months since the conflicts in Soul Country, there was a distinct arms race as nations stockpiled resources and increased manufacturing of ships, weapons and provisions. There was no secret from those in power that the world was at the brink of war, it was only a matter of who would make the first direct attack on another of the great nations or one of their close allies. Until then, each nation seemed to be prepared to bolster defenses and surely set plans in motion to begin reconnaissance into vulnerable nations to move through.
The muscular leader of Konohagakure had already been in close contact with the Fire country’s Daimyo and had met regularly with the council specifically their military intelligence specialist. In fact he had organized some of his own shinobi to work alongside Fire country samurai, bolstering their forces and providing a direct line of communication back to him as the samurai advanced on key tactical strongpoints that would offer little resistance or political backlash. Of course, these activities were not yet publicly acknowledged. His own Anbu forces likewise were conducting scouting missions into regions that seemed prime for enemy advancement.
Truthfully, after Soul country Takeo had come to expect very little in regard to Sunagakure support, growing closer in turn to his allies in Kumo despite their partnership only being a few years old. It was a gamble and one he was wary of but their resources in building railways and strengthening Whirlpool country to a battle-ready nation were instrumental to overall readiness. Sunagakure on the other hand, despite his close personal friendship with the Kazekage; Kiyori, had shown their true colors. They would act only to defend themselves and cling to notions of peace until war was at their doorstep. It was a bitter truth considering Konoha’s willingness to fight alongside their allies whenever called upon, proven during the spirit outbreak several years prior, an incident in which Takeo’s own son was possessed and forever altered due to his involvement in saving wind country citizens. Even Takeo himself had fought in Wind country, defeating a trio of powerful sand worm spirits as well as various A-rank elemental spirits in Oasis country.
Nonetheless, when an envoy from Sunagakure had requested an audience with him Takeo did not refuse. He had never met this representative before, though had been informed that she was one of the most influential members of her clan. The Hizashi he was however familiar with, finding himself quite interested in Katon based techniques as well as red haired women. Similarly, was he enthralled by the Enkouten of Iwagakure and the Jouchaku of Kirigakure. If he could choose any foreign clans to study in great detail it would be those three. As such, when he heard the arrival of the carriage he moved swiftly out to the balcony. His Anbu guards were stationed nearby, one on the roof of the building watching from above and the other located in a room hidden behind the bookshelf.
A welcoming party began to assemble, the beautiful and charming head of Trade relations and member of the council; Sakugu Akemi approached, her a clean-shaven dark-haired assistant to her right and a middle-aged brunette woman with an air of intelligence and order to her left. “Esteemed guests of Sunagakure, we humbly accept you into our village.” She greeted with a bow, “I am councilwoman Sakugu Akemi, the pleasure is mine. But you must be weary from your journey” she noted, observing the camels. It seemed they had opted to take the more scenic long route to the village. “Please, right this way. We have refreshments awaiting you.” She offered. But Takeo wouldn’t give them much chance to make their way inside. Observing the initial exchange from the balcony he found himself pleasantly enticed by this emissary from the sand. She radiated strength and beauty, and he found himself suddenly quite interested in her reason for meeting with him. Leaping off the balcony, he landed between next to the two groups, though as always wary in case this woman reacted poorly to his intrusion, though something told him she was not one to be provoked or startled so easily “That won’t be necessary” he dismissed of Akemi with a smirk, he enjoyed getting under the woman’s skin from time to time. It would be too easy if he let her manipulate him with her charms, though that wasn’t to say he didn’t slip up every now and then. “I’ll receive you directly” he stated, offering an arm should she join him as he moved toward the balcony once more. Assuming she moved with him he would form a set of handseals and flow his chakra into the vicinity, swirling a vortex of winds that would lift them to the balcony at a comfortable rate.
Takeo ran his fingers through his beard idly as he scanned the various labeled countries, pins marking key points of interest. It had been 6 months since the conflicts in Soul Country, there was a distinct arms race as nations stockpiled resources and increased manufacturing of ships, weapons and provisions. There was no secret from those in power that the world was at the brink of war, it was only a matter of who would make the first direct attack on another of the great nations or one of their close allies. Until then, each nation seemed to be prepared to bolster defenses and surely set plans in motion to begin reconnaissance into vulnerable nations to move through.
The muscular leader of Konohagakure had already been in close contact with the Fire country’s Daimyo and had met regularly with the council specifically their military intelligence specialist. In fact he had organized some of his own shinobi to work alongside Fire country samurai, bolstering their forces and providing a direct line of communication back to him as the samurai advanced on key tactical strongpoints that would offer little resistance or political backlash. Of course, these activities were not yet publicly acknowledged. His own Anbu forces likewise were conducting scouting missions into regions that seemed prime for enemy advancement.
Truthfully, after Soul country Takeo had come to expect very little in regard to Sunagakure support, growing closer in turn to his allies in Kumo despite their partnership only being a few years old. It was a gamble and one he was wary of but their resources in building railways and strengthening Whirlpool country to a battle-ready nation were instrumental to overall readiness. Sunagakure on the other hand, despite his close personal friendship with the Kazekage; Kiyori, had shown their true colors. They would act only to defend themselves and cling to notions of peace until war was at their doorstep. It was a bitter truth considering Konoha’s willingness to fight alongside their allies whenever called upon, proven during the spirit outbreak several years prior, an incident in which Takeo’s own son was possessed and forever altered due to his involvement in saving wind country citizens. Even Takeo himself had fought in Wind country, defeating a trio of powerful sand worm spirits as well as various A-rank elemental spirits in Oasis country.
Nonetheless, when an envoy from Sunagakure had requested an audience with him Takeo did not refuse. He had never met this representative before, though had been informed that she was one of the most influential members of her clan. The Hizashi he was however familiar with, finding himself quite interested in Katon based techniques as well as red haired women. Similarly, was he enthralled by the Enkouten of Iwagakure and the Jouchaku of Kirigakure. If he could choose any foreign clans to study in great detail it would be those three. As such, when he heard the arrival of the carriage he moved swiftly out to the balcony. His Anbu guards were stationed nearby, one on the roof of the building watching from above and the other located in a room hidden behind the bookshelf.
A welcoming party began to assemble, the beautiful and charming head of Trade relations and member of the council; Sakugu Akemi approached, her a clean-shaven dark-haired assistant to her right and a middle-aged brunette woman with an air of intelligence and order to her left. “Esteemed guests of Sunagakure, we humbly accept you into our village.” She greeted with a bow, “I am councilwoman Sakugu Akemi, the pleasure is mine. But you must be weary from your journey” she noted, observing the camels. It seemed they had opted to take the more scenic long route to the village. “Please, right this way. We have refreshments awaiting you.” She offered. But Takeo wouldn’t give them much chance to make their way inside. Observing the initial exchange from the balcony he found himself pleasantly enticed by this emissary from the sand. She radiated strength and beauty, and he found himself suddenly quite interested in her reason for meeting with him. Leaping off the balcony, he landed between next to the two groups, though as always wary in case this woman reacted poorly to his intrusion, though something told him she was not one to be provoked or startled so easily “That won’t be necessary” he dismissed of Akemi with a smirk, he enjoyed getting under the woman’s skin from time to time. It would be too easy if he let her manipulate him with her charms, though that wasn’t to say he didn’t slip up every now and then. “I’ll receive you directly” he stated, offering an arm should she join him as he moved toward the balcony once more. Assuming she moved with him he would form a set of handseals and flow his chakra into the vicinity, swirling a vortex of winds that would lift them to the balcony at a comfortable rate.
Jutsu UsedShow
Fuuton • Lift
C-Ranked Fuuton Jutsu
After forming a set of hand seals Takeo will focus his chakra into an area within 20 meters of himself. Activating this supplementary technique will cause winds to rise up from the selected location, covering an area of to 15 square meters. These winds contain no cutting properties and only form at a speed of 5 making the technique virtually useless in combat. The wind however lifts with 15 strength and can persist for up to 3 posts making it capable of moving an array of relatively heavy objects and thus serving as a useful distraction or supplementary tactic.
C-Ranked Fuuton Jutsu
After forming a set of hand seals Takeo will focus his chakra into an area within 20 meters of himself. Activating this supplementary technique will cause winds to rise up from the selected location, covering an area of to 15 square meters. These winds contain no cutting properties and only form at a speed of 5 making the technique virtually useless in combat. The wind however lifts with 15 strength and can persist for up to 3 posts making it capable of moving an array of relatively heavy objects and thus serving as a useful distraction or supplementary tactic.
Karagata Shinjiro - Kiri Bannin; Jinchuuriki, Overseer of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, Kintsugi
Haziwara Youji- Iwagakure Chunin
Takeda Ichiro - A-Rank Waterfall Country; Black Wake, Chishiki, Setsuzoku
Hyuuga Takeshi - Konoha Special Jounin; Anbu
Jouchaku Shigeko - Kiri Genin; HHD
State Visit [Closed]
Her exquisitely crafted silk slippers softened her feet as she stepped onto the ground. She had seen the guards atop the great tower, yes, but it was the man on the balcony that was worth her notice. From here it was difficult to be sure, but given the position of the balcony and what she could see of his features Kougyoku surmised the man was the Hokage. So he will watch from above, but make another receive us. she mused. A powerful message to be sure. A quite literal representation of which party held the moral high ground, she realised with little glee. I suppose we'll see who they've sent
It was only a few steps toward the small group gathering to receive the rather elegant carriage. Kougyoku, a vision in black and red, descended from the polished dark timbers of the vehicle. The lacquered wood itself was a symbol of exceptional status in the desert, to have something so large and so prone to damage as a carriage made of timber was the height of luxury and excess. The fact that to ones who lived amongst the forest the only thing that pointed it out as regal were the golden trimmings was not lost on the heiress. It was funny how these foreigners treasured such a common metal merely for its lustre. To value something that had never been alive was strange to her sensibilities.
As she closed the distance, she appraised the official who was presented to her. Yuzu approached ahead of her, of course, leading her mistress to be received. Her first impression was that the woman was shrewd. She kept her adjutants close to her, and she had clearly carefully chosen her attire. There was nary a hair out of place. The woman introduced herself as a councilwoman, and a Sakugu. Kougyoku's face remained passive, yet polite. It was expected that at least someone of the rank of councillor would receive an emissary from such a close ally, but Kougyoku had expected someone of perhaps a little more distinguished birth. The Sakugu were nobility, but their house was eclipsed thrice over by the prestige of the Hizashi, and both women were aware of it. The councilwoman bowed first, as was customary for the host, but she bowed low as befitted her station. Kougyoku merely nodded in response, while Yuzu performed a feminine curtsy.
When offered refreshments, Kougyoku looked briefly at Yuzu. Her faithful attendent caught the glance and cleared her throat to reply. It was then that Kougyoku panned calmly to properly observe the movement on the edge of her vision. The man on the balcony had leapt into the air, and was descending rapidly, but not ungracefully, toward the small gathering. Outwardly, Kougyoku kept the cool and considered poise expected of a Clan Chief. Inwardly she was smirking with a combination of interest and victory. Something had made him come down, and she'd been here mere moments and said nothing. There were only a few options she could think of that would have piqued the Hokage's interest from such a brief time, and all of them were things she could leverage. However, Akemi briefly displayed quite clearly her frustration with her leader. While it had shown on her face for a mere moment, Kougyoku didn't miss the exasperation in her expression as her thunder was handily stolen. Well, that confirms that this wasn't planned. she thought.
With a polite smile, Kougyoku stepped toward the Hokage to take him up on his offer. "Greetings, Hokage." She said with a kind yet dignified smile. The lady gave her attendant a second look heavy-laden with meaning, and stood next to the new arrival. He offered his arm, but she was not of a mind to cling to him like some forlorn maiden. Instead she politely manoeuvred her arm below his, and took his hand in hers. A bold move, perhaps, but importantly it was one which maintained her dignity. Of course, the woman did not even look at the wind as it whirled supernaturally around them, simply allowing it to lift her to the balcony as if it were the most mundane thing in the world. As the pair travelled through the air, Yuzu followed councilwoman Akemi to the promised refreshments with her all-important bundle of documents under her arm.
Once the Hokage and Kougyoku were once again on solid ground, the emissary from The Sand politely yet quickly released her counterpart. She took a few steady paces back so that she could regard him from a more natural and respectful distance. "Thank you." she said in pleasantry. He'd taken the front foot for now, it seemed, and Kougyoku was interested to see exactly where he intended to lead this dance before she made any off-beat steps.
It was only a few steps toward the small group gathering to receive the rather elegant carriage. Kougyoku, a vision in black and red, descended from the polished dark timbers of the vehicle. The lacquered wood itself was a symbol of exceptional status in the desert, to have something so large and so prone to damage as a carriage made of timber was the height of luxury and excess. The fact that to ones who lived amongst the forest the only thing that pointed it out as regal were the golden trimmings was not lost on the heiress. It was funny how these foreigners treasured such a common metal merely for its lustre. To value something that had never been alive was strange to her sensibilities.
As she closed the distance, she appraised the official who was presented to her. Yuzu approached ahead of her, of course, leading her mistress to be received. Her first impression was that the woman was shrewd. She kept her adjutants close to her, and she had clearly carefully chosen her attire. There was nary a hair out of place. The woman introduced herself as a councilwoman, and a Sakugu. Kougyoku's face remained passive, yet polite. It was expected that at least someone of the rank of councillor would receive an emissary from such a close ally, but Kougyoku had expected someone of perhaps a little more distinguished birth. The Sakugu were nobility, but their house was eclipsed thrice over by the prestige of the Hizashi, and both women were aware of it. The councilwoman bowed first, as was customary for the host, but she bowed low as befitted her station. Kougyoku merely nodded in response, while Yuzu performed a feminine curtsy.
When offered refreshments, Kougyoku looked briefly at Yuzu. Her faithful attendent caught the glance and cleared her throat to reply. It was then that Kougyoku panned calmly to properly observe the movement on the edge of her vision. The man on the balcony had leapt into the air, and was descending rapidly, but not ungracefully, toward the small gathering. Outwardly, Kougyoku kept the cool and considered poise expected of a Clan Chief. Inwardly she was smirking with a combination of interest and victory. Something had made him come down, and she'd been here mere moments and said nothing. There were only a few options she could think of that would have piqued the Hokage's interest from such a brief time, and all of them were things she could leverage. However, Akemi briefly displayed quite clearly her frustration with her leader. While it had shown on her face for a mere moment, Kougyoku didn't miss the exasperation in her expression as her thunder was handily stolen. Well, that confirms that this wasn't planned. she thought.
With a polite smile, Kougyoku stepped toward the Hokage to take him up on his offer. "Greetings, Hokage." She said with a kind yet dignified smile. The lady gave her attendant a second look heavy-laden with meaning, and stood next to the new arrival. He offered his arm, but she was not of a mind to cling to him like some forlorn maiden. Instead she politely manoeuvred her arm below his, and took his hand in hers. A bold move, perhaps, but importantly it was one which maintained her dignity. Of course, the woman did not even look at the wind as it whirled supernaturally around them, simply allowing it to lift her to the balcony as if it were the most mundane thing in the world. As the pair travelled through the air, Yuzu followed councilwoman Akemi to the promised refreshments with her all-important bundle of documents under her arm.
Once the Hokage and Kougyoku were once again on solid ground, the emissary from The Sand politely yet quickly released her counterpart. She took a few steady paces back so that she could regard him from a more natural and respectful distance. "Thank you." she said in pleasantry. He'd taken the front foot for now, it seemed, and Kougyoku was interested to see exactly where he intended to lead this dance before she made any off-beat steps.
"Tululila, Talila Tulula."
CharactersShow
| Character | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-rank | Sunagakure no Sato | HIzashi, Kougyoku | ||
State Visit [Closed]
Takeo had seen all he had needed to of the initial exchange. This woman was not anything like his friend the Kazekage. Where Kiyori was humble and affectionate, a warm heart though with a sharp mind to back it up; this woman instead was poised, regal and extraordinarily purposeful in her actions. He couldn’t say that he enjoyed overly formal types, though he did find himself drawn to those in power. Princesses, Priestesses, clan leaders and elite shinobi, they all captivated his attention naturally as he desired to learn of their ploys, for scheming and strategy were hobbies that interested him greatly despite his outwardly friendly nature. The man was well accustomed to wearing different faces for different situations, though not quite in the sense of purposeful deception but rather necessity, saving his battle frenzy and violent nature for combat situations, and his cold logic and morally flexible mindset for his secret negotiations. Within the village he was a friend to all, a strong leader that led by example, fighting on the front lines and shouldering the greatest burdens himself. And in his free time, the man was a glutton for physical pleasures; food, drink and women, he indulged heavily when the opportunities presented themselves.
The man smiled warmly as the woman spoke, “Greeting’s lady Kougyoku, I’ve eagerly awaited your arrival” he responded without missing a beat. It was true that he was curious exactly what her intentions were. Ordinarily, he corresponded with Kiyori directly, consultations with Suna’s clan leaders and council were typically done through proxy by his own council or trusted Bannin. Having an audience sought by a leader of the Hizashi and a woman at that had him intrigued enough to accept. He was partial to Katon users and especially those with unique styles, they always seemed to reflect a certain strength of character and that hint of danger that he so cherished. He took her hand lightly, guiding her only by the fingers as she gracefully maneuvered past the offered arm. It seemed he would do well to respect her status, he wondered for a moment what she might think of his own lineage. He was in a powerful position worthy of respect, but he had not been born into any kind of money or influence. In fact, his ties were to those of some of the lowest and most common workers. Lumberjacks, hunters, fishermen among his extended family, his mother only a Genin adopted by the Inuzuka, making her living through dog breeding and training. His father, more respectable as the first in his family to become a shinobi, earning the rank of Jounin before retiring and living his life now as a simple hunter and woodsman.
Of course, Takeo had many minglings with influential women despite his own background. He had impregnated a princess of Fire country after all and married a woman of the esteemed Hyuuga clan. This came of course with a great deal of political backlash that he had grown quite accustomed to. Appeasing as many people as he could was his duty of course but he knew when to stand his ground and utilize an advantageous position. As an ally, he didn’t expect Kougyouku would come to cause conflict though certainly, she wanted something from him, someone as dignified as herself was not a mere messenger. He would respect her and tread carefully until he knew what she was after, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t have some fun testing the waters a little. Naturally, it came as no surprise when she released his hand as soon as they stepped on to the balcony. “My pleasure” he responded, taking a step back as well before leaning against the railing, “Would you like to take this inside, I have a few top-shelf wines I’ve been saving for the right occasion, or we can enjoy the view while we talk but I’d rather not be stuck behind my desk longer than necessary” he chuckled lightly. He grew weary of tedious meetings and had gathered quite a collection of red wines and whiskeys to share with important guests. It seemed to help people be more at ease and speak more freely and with less procedural monotony.
The man smiled warmly as the woman spoke, “Greeting’s lady Kougyoku, I’ve eagerly awaited your arrival” he responded without missing a beat. It was true that he was curious exactly what her intentions were. Ordinarily, he corresponded with Kiyori directly, consultations with Suna’s clan leaders and council were typically done through proxy by his own council or trusted Bannin. Having an audience sought by a leader of the Hizashi and a woman at that had him intrigued enough to accept. He was partial to Katon users and especially those with unique styles, they always seemed to reflect a certain strength of character and that hint of danger that he so cherished. He took her hand lightly, guiding her only by the fingers as she gracefully maneuvered past the offered arm. It seemed he would do well to respect her status, he wondered for a moment what she might think of his own lineage. He was in a powerful position worthy of respect, but he had not been born into any kind of money or influence. In fact, his ties were to those of some of the lowest and most common workers. Lumberjacks, hunters, fishermen among his extended family, his mother only a Genin adopted by the Inuzuka, making her living through dog breeding and training. His father, more respectable as the first in his family to become a shinobi, earning the rank of Jounin before retiring and living his life now as a simple hunter and woodsman.
Of course, Takeo had many minglings with influential women despite his own background. He had impregnated a princess of Fire country after all and married a woman of the esteemed Hyuuga clan. This came of course with a great deal of political backlash that he had grown quite accustomed to. Appeasing as many people as he could was his duty of course but he knew when to stand his ground and utilize an advantageous position. As an ally, he didn’t expect Kougyouku would come to cause conflict though certainly, she wanted something from him, someone as dignified as herself was not a mere messenger. He would respect her and tread carefully until he knew what she was after, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t have some fun testing the waters a little. Naturally, it came as no surprise when she released his hand as soon as they stepped on to the balcony. “My pleasure” he responded, taking a step back as well before leaning against the railing, “Would you like to take this inside, I have a few top-shelf wines I’ve been saving for the right occasion, or we can enjoy the view while we talk but I’d rather not be stuck behind my desk longer than necessary” he chuckled lightly. He grew weary of tedious meetings and had gathered quite a collection of red wines and whiskeys to share with important guests. It seemed to help people be more at ease and speak more freely and with less procedural monotony.
Karagata Shinjiro - Kiri Bannin; Jinchuuriki, Overseer of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, Kintsugi
Haziwara Youji- Iwagakure Chunin
Takeda Ichiro - A-Rank Waterfall Country; Black Wake, Chishiki, Setsuzoku
Hyuuga Takeshi - Konoha Special Jounin; Anbu
Jouchaku Shigeko - Kiri Genin; HHD
State Visit [Closed]
Kougyoku let a twinkling hint of a smile touch the corner of her eyes as the Hokage professed his eager patience. The man had been staring imperiously down only a moment earlier, watching as the councillor received the guests. It was clear to her that he had not been quite so eager, but had changed his mind upon seeing her. And she was fairly certain she knew why.
At the Hokage's invitation, Kougyoku started to walk toward the doorway inside, before turning at the threshold and awaiting her host to enter first. "I would be grateful to share a wine or two with you, Lord Hokage. Some light refreshment after my long journey is much appreciated, and perhaps it will make our discussions smoother."
Kougyoku took the opportunity to get a good look at the man as he walked toward and past her into the room. He was a warrior, by the looks of him. He had ample muscle, and the way he carried himself spoke of a latent watchfulness, a constant state of being ready to spring into action. She found the lines around his eyes that told her he smiled often, and easily, and the way his eyes glistened when he looked at her told her he was quite the charmer. His looks weren't lost on her, of course, there was a strength and wildness to him that promised both stability and excitement.
Perhaps in another life she would have flirted with him. Shot him meaningful looks across a crowded bar, or walked ever so slowly past him in a tight-fitting dress as she ordered a drink. Instead she followed the man inside and made noncommittal comments about what she would drink, making sure to close the doors behind them. A fragrant, refreshing wine, or a deep smoky whiskey. Both sounded lovely after a day on the road, and she was looking forward to the opportunity to sit on something other than a hard carriage bench. With beverage in hand, she gracefully lowered herself onto the most comfortable looking surface in the room, taking a generous sip before turning to regard her host in earnest.
"Thank you for the drink, it's lovely. I wish what I'd come to discuss was half as palatable." she began with a heavy look. "I've, officially, come on a diplomatic mission to express concern regarding what seems to be a pivot on the part of your village to a deeper relationship with the Village Hidden in the Clouds." She did not say out loud, of course, the implication that this indicated a turn away from the Sand. Kougyoku would not blame Konohagakure or its Hokage if the reports were accurate, the way Kiyori had failed to commit to the Soul Country operation would have done significant damage to the relationship, but it was her official mission to at least broach the topic. Her true purpose would come after the thorny topic was out of the way.
At the Hokage's invitation, Kougyoku started to walk toward the doorway inside, before turning at the threshold and awaiting her host to enter first. "I would be grateful to share a wine or two with you, Lord Hokage. Some light refreshment after my long journey is much appreciated, and perhaps it will make our discussions smoother."
Kougyoku took the opportunity to get a good look at the man as he walked toward and past her into the room. He was a warrior, by the looks of him. He had ample muscle, and the way he carried himself spoke of a latent watchfulness, a constant state of being ready to spring into action. She found the lines around his eyes that told her he smiled often, and easily, and the way his eyes glistened when he looked at her told her he was quite the charmer. His looks weren't lost on her, of course, there was a strength and wildness to him that promised both stability and excitement.
Perhaps in another life she would have flirted with him. Shot him meaningful looks across a crowded bar, or walked ever so slowly past him in a tight-fitting dress as she ordered a drink. Instead she followed the man inside and made noncommittal comments about what she would drink, making sure to close the doors behind them. A fragrant, refreshing wine, or a deep smoky whiskey. Both sounded lovely after a day on the road, and she was looking forward to the opportunity to sit on something other than a hard carriage bench. With beverage in hand, she gracefully lowered herself onto the most comfortable looking surface in the room, taking a generous sip before turning to regard her host in earnest.
"Thank you for the drink, it's lovely. I wish what I'd come to discuss was half as palatable." she began with a heavy look. "I've, officially, come on a diplomatic mission to express concern regarding what seems to be a pivot on the part of your village to a deeper relationship with the Village Hidden in the Clouds." She did not say out loud, of course, the implication that this indicated a turn away from the Sand. Kougyoku would not blame Konohagakure or its Hokage if the reports were accurate, the way Kiyori had failed to commit to the Soul Country operation would have done significant damage to the relationship, but it was her official mission to at least broach the topic. Her true purpose would come after the thorny topic was out of the way.
"Tululila, Talila Tulula."
CharactersShow
| Character | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-rank | Sunagakure no Sato | HIzashi, Kougyoku | ||