Sadness and Sorrow

[Taiga]

"This is where Takeo and his ANBU were supposed to be," the Raikage solemnly declared, his voice heavy with disappointment and concern. He approached the decimated battlefield, surveying the remnants of what was once a place of power and defense. Destruction stretched as far as the eye could see, the towering structure reduced to rubble, and the very ground stained with the unmistakable mark of a fierce battle. Blood, like a macabre river, flowed across the landscape.

Walking beside him was a girl, her presence hauntingly silent. She bore the physical and emotional scars of a warrior who had endured the unimaginable. Her eyes held a vacant gaze, as if she had witnessed a glimpse of the abyss and returned forever changed. Her arms, tragically severed below the elbows, were crudely wrapped in torn remnants of the Raikage's own clothing. A bag of jingling metal, once her beloved swords, now lay broken and shattered, mirroring the state of her spirit. In the face of such devastation, she remained wordless, her pain etched deep within her. She had bathed in the turtles stomach to heal her wounds but it had not healed the horrors she had endured.

The Raikage closed his eyes, and a flicker of golden energy enveloped him as he entered a state of deep meditation. With his formidable power as a sensor, he extended his senses for kilometers around as his hands clasped together, trying to discern any trace of life amidst the desolation. Though the air was heavy with silence, it seemed clear that no one lingered at the site. And so, he and his companion cautiously proceeded, weighed down by a foreboding sense of loss.

I'm... too late. We failed them.

Hayate's own heart was struck with overwhelming sadness and sorrow. He had yet no understanding of what had transpired- who killed who, who had perished. Where all the combatants had gone. Despite his own strength and resolve, the sight before him shook him to the core. Yet, before he could delve deeper into the grim aftermath, his acute senses alerted him to something amiss in the distance.

A subtle disturbance tickled the Raikage's perception, a ripple in the harmony of the surroundings. It was a sensation familiar to those who possessed an acute understanding of the energies that coursed through the world. His gaze sharpened, his muscles tensed, as he instinctively turned his attention towards the source of the disturbance. The air crackled with latent power, carrying whispers of untold secrets and unspoken challenges as the many become enshrouded in a holy, golden fire that shined with the intensity of a golden sun.

"Stay behind me!" he shouted to Tsukiko, unwilling to stray to far from her again; unwilling to make that mistake a second time. She nodded, unable to give words to Hayate, a shell of her former self.

"Show yourself!" he yelled as the pair moved out across the battlefield; interrupting their investigation at all that remained.

[Texas]

On days like today the only wish Tenzin had was for rain. The failure and beginning stages for grieving rippled through not only the man’s mind and body, but his soul. At the end of the day, Tenzin knew what had happened without seeing the actual result. After gaining some strength back and making sure his assistant was in the medical center below the Anbu facility and his colleague was okay before heading back to the site.

The travel back to the site only brought terrible flashbacks. The frustration of being trapped in defending the tower and the lack of control to keep his stamina for the next battle drew a combination of sadness and anger. This anger residing within him was not easily maintained.

Weakness.

Anger boiling reflected in his chakra and by the time he had gotten to the site, he could see someone beat him there. This large man was one he hadn’t met before. Upon seeing them, Tenzin used the rubble to hide himself as he made his way forward. Without fully being able to grasp the situation or see who it was, the silver haired jounin was called out rather quickly. It was clear he wasn’t seen, as someone who utilized sensory, it was an easy assumption to come to.

The angered chakra grew within him and flowed through to his eyes. His eyes started to shine as if they were filled with electricity. Tenzin held it just in case this was an Iwa Shinobi. Did they come back for more? Loudly and angrily Tenzin yelled back. “Haven’t you had enough?! Back off and let me get what I can before we actually do have a problem.”

[Taiga]

”Haven’t you had enough?”

The flock of flames formed feathers that surrounded Hayate burned with the ferocity of a sun- as if a dwarf star had taken human form and set itself upon the world, it’s golden energy illuminating the battlefield around him. Defiantly, he stepped forward, his speed dropping. Each step slow, calculated, and filled with strength as he approached what he had assumed to be an enemy. The Raikage was furious with the events of the day and his mood boiled off of him filling the air with an ominous feeling. As he grew closer he would raise his arm, ready to send the feathers in a moment to incinerate whatever Iwagakure Shinobi got in his way.

”You’d be better of retreating, welp.” the Raikage called out as he raised his hand, then stopped in his tracks, fully ready to launch into a full out assault. He hadn’t recognized the man from a distance or by his chakra, and the two had never met, though at a closer distance, and through much squinting, the Raikage noticed a green flak vest. He examined the man up and down.

let me get what I can?” Was this man a low-life looter, here to rob the early graves of the fallen on the battlefield? Disgust filled Hayate’s stomach, his mind not clear due to the duress and stress of the day as whole and the sinking feeling that his long-time friend and ally, Takeo, had perished while he had failed to fulfill his duty of providing backup. Hayate snarled as he flicked his finger, two feathers coming off his cloak and spinning in a circle slightly above his outstretched hand with his kinesis.

”Did you loot that off a corpse?”

He wasn’t quite sure this was a Konoha shinobi, but he wouldn’t take any chances.

[Texas]

The shinobi at this point was straight up offended.

”Did you loot that off a corpse?”

How could this man be here and say that! The Konoha Ninja couldn't even identify him properly due to the distance between them. He would hope up on the debris to get a slight high ground angle down at him. At this point his eyes were charged and at full speed would release an explosion of lighting from his eyes as if it was a beam of pure electricity. The eyes would form a line in the middle between the two and when the jutsu was done, he would jump down from the debris on the front so that the attire and look of Tenzin would be clear. Tenzin wasn't a well known ninja, most of his career had been behind a mask, however this wouldn't stop him of making it very clear to whoever this man was, that he wouldn't tolerate being disrespected.

"I came here to bring what belongs to Konoha, back. By the looks of it, you are the only corpse I would loot from."

Although the man had less confidence in his ability, the rage within him trumped any other feelings. It took only a moment to see what he was facing against. He could feel the chakra oozing from his man... he was no regular man... in fact he was no regular shinobi if was one. What struck Tenzin odd was his attire. He didn't notice till now, but the figure in front of him was in all white with what looked like a cloak of some sort.

Tenzin glared down and slightly bent his knees. With chakra flaring throughout his body, he was prepping himself just in case the white clothed being started to take steps closer. A literal line in the sand was drawn... would he cross it?

[Taiga]

Hayate continued forward step-by-step, planting each leg firmly after the next with resolute defiance as he marched towards the other man. The golden ball of fire began to spin more violently simultaneous to the other shinobi’s lightning jutsu, which had formed a “line in the sand” between them. Now much closer, he could see the details of the man more clearly. His clothes did seem to be, as a whole, from Konohagakure, and gradually his doubts succeeded, though Hayate did not stop.

”If you are here to bring back what belongs to Konoha, then I would say as the Emperor of Lightning and Kyuudaime Raikage that our journeys are aligned.” he said calmly, still inching towards the other man.

He continued to step forward as his hand closed once, then opened as he raised it in a “stop” gesture, the ball of flame extinguishing. Basqued in layers of chakra, he would walk through the lightning, his flame cloak tanking it as the lightning fizzled out and he walked through, carving a path for Tsukiko behind him to follow. He wasn’t without his wits about him- his cloak was still active and he had been bathing the ground beneath their feet in his chakra. Surely if needed, he could react fast enough to deal with any threats as he continued forward all the while his hands raised up as a sign of trust building to the other man.

”I come from the first battle site- it was a complete loss, though I managed to kill an Iwagakure shinobi and capture two mercenaries.” he said with each word aligning to a step before he finally came to a stop a few meters before Tenzin, if Tenzin allowed him to. His eyes scanned the battlefield. This man had not been here the whole time. For now he would trust in him. ”I fear my rotation to this portion of the defense is too late…” he said, looking at the river of blood that seemed to flow off into the horizon. The question was, whose blood was it and where did it lead?

Hayate gestured to the blood path and nodded his head, prompting the other man to walk with him.

He’d find out whether this was truly a Konohagakure shinobi in the mans next moves.

[Texas]

Confliction and doubt riddled the silver haired shinobi's mind. A frustrating decision to act as a Konoha shinobi or act as an Anbu operative were simply split down the middle. In this instance, after hearing what the Lord of Lightning had said, Tenzin decided to break all instincts and let his guard down. Not traditional or professional in his position, but the lingering feeling of guilt, disappointment, frustration, and overall great sadness at the death of the Hokage has simply left the man vulnerable. His tightened body turned loose and Tenzin watched as the two inched forward towards him one step at a time. He mirrored their actions and walked forward to meet somewhat at the middle. Now that it was mentioned, the figure he saw in front of him did match his file. For the time being, Tenzin had little doubt that there was a betrayal happening.

He gazed upon the two and folded his arms. Although he was looser than before, the man kept his turqouise eyes on the two. "Oh, Lord Raikage. My apologizes... this battle (referring to site 2 where they were) did not go as planned. I was only able to defend the tower and ward off a shinobi. At the end of the day I only delayed the result instead of preventing it." The mindset was clear and would change perspectives on future wars and future tactics. The main idea was clear to Tenzin, that should follow him for the rest of his life... Konoha will come first at any cost. After speaking up a little bit, he would gaze at the few bits and pieces that remained of the Hokage. It took a few moments and then he looked back at the Raikage before speaking again. "I apologize for the hostility..." He bowed in tandem with his apology. When he lifted his head up, his oceanic looking eyes would gaze upon him as he continued. "We haven't formally met, my name is Tenzin Hatake. It is nice to meet you in person, Takeo has mentioned you plenty in the past."

[Taiga]

Hayate intrepidly watched the silver-haired Konohagakure shinobi with each step until the pair had finally met in the middle, and ushering their direction off towards the river of blood, would begin to walk together in stride with the man should he follow. Given the shinobi’s age and the jutsu he used, Hayate could assume the man was of at least a Jounin standing. The Raikage lowered one of his raised hands to his chin, which gently rubbed it in a perplexed manner.

His gut sank as he had begun to fear the worst. The shinobi before him was a born killer- an elite shinobi from Konohagakure and yet he seemed riddled with doubt and off. If Hayate had to put a word on it, he was shell-shocked. No stranger to bloody wars and loss, Hayate’s mind was racing to a conclusion he did not want to be true… but as the gears turned and he took in the details of the man and the battleground a picture that painted a loss far greater than any tower began to form.

Tsukiko followed behind the two men; like a ghost. Quiet and visibly beaten, though the scene that she was seeing had begun to pull her from her depths and back to the surface. She had not been the only one to suffer a loss, even if hers had been at the hands of their so-called allies.

As the man spoke, the Raikage gently raised his hand and shook it side to side, dismissing the mans apologies and bowing his head. ”If only we could meet on brighter terms… It would appear we all lost this border skirmish.” he said with a solemn voice as he continued to walk along the river of blood. He knew where it would lead, and he didn’t want to follow, but he needed to know.

It was painful, but he needed to ask. The mention of Takeo has drummed it up inside of him to a point where he could no longer avoid the heavy topic and conclusion he had reached.

”And pray tell, where is Lord Takeo, now?”

Off on the horizon he could see a mound of what appeared to be armor, and some scattered equipment at the end of the river of blood. He would stop in his tracks and turn, his green jade like eyes staring straight into the oceanic blue eyes of the man before him.

Takeo is dead.

He prayed the Konohagkure shinobi would prove the picture his mind painted to be nothing more than a farce.

[Texas]

Tenzin appreciated the mannerisms and respect that followed through Hayate's motions and the way he was speaking. It demanded respected by simultaneously giving respect at the same time. Although these were qualities the shinobi wish he had, in some way, he did not wish to have at the end of the day. If the reports were true, the both of them had a similar jutsu style that was a pinnacle skill within the elementals, maybe one day the shinobi would seek him out to gain insight on better ways to perform in the battlefield. With lingering thoughts taking a back seat, the shinobi had followed his lead and walked side by side with him. It wasn't until both the silver haired men arrived to a sight that no one of a weak stomach should see.

In a normal instance, Tenzin would have brought his right hand assistant to help him. However, the battlefield left him paralyzed and mentally broken. Another thing Tenzin had to deal with in the near future. The plan originally was to take the body and bring it back to Konoha, however what remained was far less. The Anbu Commander couldn't help but address them meeting in the worst kind of way, but it was an opportunity to at least come together and make a small connection if any. "Unfortunately, we..." He choked a bit after seeing a few ninja equipment, tattered clothing, and a couple of bones here and there. "Lost more than just a skirmish Lord Raikage."

The remains was more than just a pile of Takeo's left overs, if anything, it was a symbol. The enemy not only slayed their previous Hokage, but it appeared that the body had been eaten as well. When the pair got closer, the shinobi would get on one knee gazing upon what was left. It was Tenzin's final respect and hope that Takeo was brought peacefully into the afterlife. In great hopes, maybe he was in a realm that allowed him to feast on herems until his insatiable appetite was fulfilled. Tenzin placed his head down and spoke up yet again. "It should not have been this way."

The shinobi figured while it was just him and Hayate, they would take a moment to say their goodbyes. Especially before Tenzin brought what was left back to Konoha, hopefully Hayate would want to join him. In a devastating time, it was always nice to be in the company of others.

[Taiga]

The previously extinguished golden flames of the Raikage's cloak flickered briefly, personifying his rage as he failed to soothe himself from the whirlwind of emotions he had been feeling. This whole affair had been a cursed measure of his patience and sanity. As his eyes looked between Tenzin and the fragments of bone that answered his question, the answer reared its ugly head in a way he could not ignore. His oldest friend and comrade on the world stage—the first to welcome a reformed Kumogakure. The first to join his vision of a connected world economy. A man who, despite having been a warrior, had strived for peace and the betterment of their alliances on several occasions... He was dead- destroyed completely at the hands of the foolish and greedy child who lead Iwagakure. As his eyes scanned for anything more than the discarded weapons, armor, or signs of the struggle, they failed to complete their mission.

To obliterate the Hokage and deny any chance of a proper burning of the entire body was beyond a disgrace- it was a disrespect and to wish an unhappy afterlife upon the man.

The rage, along with the flames, intensified as the Raikage's pain rolled over him. In dealing with Sunagakure's treacherous friendly-fire and by holding himself back in an attempt to end the battle without taking a life, he had made a grave mistake and prevented himself from getting to Takeo in time. His fists tightened as his regrets poured through his head. If he had just destroyed the Iwagakure scum where they stood. Obliterated Ishidai- burned Ken to a crisp... perhaps... perhaps Takeo could have lived. Before he could be truly taken in the grips of his pain, the words of Tenzin echoed through his head.

His words carried the tone of a hurting man—a man who likely felt responsible for the loss of his lord. It was not a feeling Hayate was a stranger to and was in fact one they could both feel comradery in. Looking to Tenzin, stood upon one knee, his solemn words pulled the Raikage out of his mind and back to the present scene. As he took a long, drawn-out deep breath and completely extinguished his cloak, simultaneously unbaling his hand and placing it upon Tenzin's shoulder in an affirming manner, topped of with a gentle nod.

Clearing his throat he began to speak not in a voice of authority or strength, but of a man stripped to his core.

"I humbly apologize for my failures as a commander in this battle—this, Takeo's death. It's my fault," he said in complete humility, utilizing a form of their language reserved only for the gravest of failures and only used in true sincerity. In a flawless form he lowered his head and body to 90 degrees with his hands at his side and held it there for a moment, only to crumble to the ground in a complete dogeza, though this time, facing the remains of the Hokage rather than Tenzin.

"May his soul pass on," the Raikage said in a low tone, a quiet voice that filled what otherwise felt like an inescapable void to the two men. Raising his head up, the Raikage slammed his right fist upon the ground as his left fist formed a cup and the earth came forth, surrounding the remains of Takeo and swirling along with the earth until finally it formed a large pot with a lid, his remains safely inside.

Hayate's gaze shifted from the remains of the Hokage to Tenzin's face, as he stood up. Amidst the overwhelming despair, a flicker of determination sparked within his eyes. They would bring what remained of the Hokage home. They would do the ceremonies needed for such an curse death, and they would find a way to honor Takeo's memory and seek justice for his untimely demise.

With a renewed sense of purpose, the Raikage rose to his feet, the turtle off in the distance edging closer to them as Tsukiko's left the pairs side and headed back towards the turtle and into its belly, as it disappeared in a poof of smoke taking her and the prisoners, who had been assisted by the Konohagakure shinobi at the camps and fully restrained with fuuinjutsu.

"Let us fly to Konohgakure with haste." the Raikage said as a tempest of wind formed around him, and he hovered into the air. If Tenzin agreed, with both Tenzin and the Hokages remains in tow, and anything else the pair found at the remains of the battle site, the pair would make way towards Konohgakure at full speed.

[Texas]

May his soul pass on

Those words cut deep. However, it was something the man needed to hear. The Raikage did great with both easing Tenzin's pain while simultaneously approaching the difficult topic regarding the Hokage. This was a good pivot, a transition, to accepting the limits of what the silver haired shinobi was fully capable of. Recognizing his weaknesses and moving on trying to limit them was what the man could do. As a fresh commander of the Anbu, Tenzin decided he had a new goal within Konoha other than helping it in the shadows; protecting the Hokage as well. Although his main goal would always be village first, the Hokage had to be the pinnacle of the village even at the cost of others.

Tenzin silently nodded towards the whitely dressed man in agreement. "Yes, lets go." At least the two of them had somewhat of a bond, where it would go from here was truly unknown. Tenzin was used to flying himself, so being picked up like he was in a wind carriage was new for him. He rode in the back, being carried, with Takeo's remains wrapped in a nicely sealed earth case. It had seemed that there was more in common with Hayate than Tenzin thought as they rode off into Konoha.

[Director]

Fanho stood on the great walls of Konoha his sensory pushing out well beyond the limits of Konoha's own barrier feeling out for miles. Waiting for any sign of foreign chakra presence. A sort of anxiousness washed over as he was aware the battles going on over in Sunagakure. His duties reside in protecting the village from any never-do-wells that attempted to breach during Takeo's absence. While realistically the village wasn't at risk it was still an unknown if anyone would try to abuse a known absence within its confines. An ill fated one, but none-the-less that didn't mean the criminal and opposing parties wouldn't make an attempt. The Awai flubbed his lips as he waited just feeling the environment with his chakra watching, waiting, possibly miserating. Another battle and war he was missing, but in reality this time he was here for some part of it. An important duty bequeathed.

Not long waiting a-top the towering walls Fanho felt a foreign yet known chakra signature. He was privy enough to know the parties out backing Suna, and one of those being a good friend of the village the Raikage. In tow with a friendly chakra signature indicating some calamity had struck at the sites. A growing pit of anxiety grew within, Fanho had felt this was not the harbinger of good news, but that which he could only assume was the worst. As the rapid moving duo made haste across the land Fanho teleported in a flash a few miles ahead of them as he raised his hand to flag down the pair. "You can save all that energy you know? Teleporting is faster." Despite the ominous situation Fanho was unaware of but predicting in the back of his head the Awai gave a comforting grin at the two as he took in the solemn look on their faces. No good news then.

"Well I guess its safe to assume then that you guys aren't bringing any good news." Fanho sighed as his brain had already figured out the worst on its own, but never-the-less he wouldn't break character in-spite of the bad news. Lest he just join the pity party and betray the confidence he was known for. However he at least had the tact to take it seriously, and be as delicate as he could considering the circumstances.

With a hand on either shoulder, Tenzin's and Hayate's, Fanho brought the party back to the Hokage's quarters as their environment instantly transitioned from the green forests to the warm red and wood brown chambers both would be familiar with. The Awai walked as he sat on his desk, not even christened with the first bit of Hokage duty paperwork. Takeo hadn't even been given the chance to razzle Fanho about paperwork or elaborate on the perks of getting women with a title like Hokage yet. Quite frankly it was a life event Fanho would never be granted and that left a fist sized hole in his gut that even Fanho's punches could never do.

The Awai reached up as he grabbed his dark purple spectacles before calmly folding them and laying them next to him on the desk, his light blue eyes looking at the two with concern for their well being, and in-fact more concerned with the morose look that plagued both the Raikage and Tenzin than the drastic news being brought forth. After all while an aggrieved incandescent fire lit deep within Fanho unbeknownst to the two, he hid it well, and had accepted what happened. The fire within simmering down, but perhaps a change prompted in Fanho's thoughts. He couldn't change the outcome of the site, rewinding and erasing time only went so far back. Lest he end up like Zao chasing a pipe dream barred by the laws of Space/Time and chakra.

The elephant in the room crouched in the corner trying to not take up too much space would feel instantly popped as Fanho decided to get it out of the way. Beating around the bush wasn't appropriate for these kind of impromptu meetings.

"He's dead isn't he?"

[Taiga]

Hopefully well rested now that he had been given time to recuperate under the winds of the Raikage, Tenzin and Hayate had arrived upon the borders of Konohagakure. The village was famously hidden in a maze of tree, it's location unbeknownst to most and even more privy to foreigners... but Hayate knew the path well. It had been decades of friendship. Of war. Of battles fought with Konohagakure- in Konohagakure for Konohagakure even.

If only today, after nearly five years, he had been visiting Konohagakure under better circumstances.

As the two drew near to the gates just a few miles out Hayate felt something stir. A large, flashy and utterly annoying reserve of chakra. It disappeared momentarily only to reappear closer to them and that was all it took to know exactly who it was. The pair gliding to a gentle halt just short of Fanho, the Raikage would bark, "So the guard dog is here, aye?" as he shot Fanho a glance as the boy approached and touched their shoulders.

And a moment later they were in the Hokages office. It was surreal to see Fanho sitting in that room, the room where his good friend Takeo had once sat... but the truth was this little Awai brat was... as of this moment... the Hokage. It was after all planned and decided, but Hayate had hoped Takeo would have held the title just a little bit longer. Long enough to put the hat on his own successors head. As Fanho asked the question, the Raikage leaned against a wall and drew a deep breath before sending a piercing gaze straight at Fanho's eyes.

"Aye- savagely devoured by the Rock brat Tatsuo by the looks of it."

By the end of his sentence he had kicked off the wall and paced the room, finding himself behind a painting of every Hokage, ending in Takeo. He bowed his head in deep regret.

"By the time I finished up at my site it was too late. No body but this one here." he said pointing to Tenzin. "And it gets worse. While we managed to kill the Iwagakure Bannin Ken and capture some of your own missing ninja who were assisting Iwagakure, the total missing is high. My own guard lost both her arms... I'm afraid the battle was a complete loss."

The Raikage said as he gently pounded his fist against the wall next to Takeo's painting before turning back to the Hokage.

[Texas]

Tenzin was used to flying at this point, he was capable of it himself. However, due to the times they were in, the man very much enjoyed being a passenger princess. Also, if it wasn't proof enough that this was actually the Lightning Country Emperor, him knowing exactly where to go for Konoha was proof enough. They landed softly only to be greeted by the new Hokage, Fanho.

Before anyone could really speak, Fanho said a few words and placed his hands on their shoulders. To Tenzin's surprise, he blinked, and all of a sudden he found himself in the Hokage's office. This was where the majority of Tenzin's conversations took place with Takeo. The shinobi could feel the BDE within the room and decided to take a seat at the desk as if he was in a meeting. On the same side of the coin the man was tired. He had battled, fled with another shinobi, and came back to the war site only to see little to no remains of the previous Hokage. Mentally and physically drained.

When Hayate spoke up, Tenzin nodded in agreement. "By the end of the battle it was just the two of them... and based on the state that Takeo was in, this would be the correct conclusion."

Tenzin listened to Hayate speak up again and give a summary of his own battle site. At least they had some success. The most success they had was defeating a rabid animal. "Based on who came back and who didn't, it is safe to say all of the battle sites took an incredible amount of unnecessary losses." The silver haired man joined in and eventually leaned back in his chair while simultaneously crossing his arms.

[Director]

phpBB [video] The Awai solemnly nodded as the two spoke dropping his head his bangs just covering his expression. The two began recollecting the hard fought battle, recounting their losses, and regret tagged onto their voices. Fanho's own mind raced not with thoughts of regret, but rather a matter if Tatsuo may have still been at the battle site. If he managed to arrive quickly, his speed combined with Space/Time he'd make it to Iwa's line and begin glassing the area. However, it'd be in vain. It would only further entrench Konoha in a negative position. Put countless people at risk for nothing more than an anger fueled vent session with Iwa shinobi being his punching bag. The Hokage looked to his own fist as he slowly closed and then opened it, releasing his pent up feelings for a more clear mind.

His eyes drifted towards a picture of Takeo with Fanho and Hayashi celebrating the occurrence the man had trained two Hokage's now. A more pleasant memory in a more peaceful time. Time to let calmer heads prevail, and to take this one step at a time. He'd get his chance to make his move. For now he had to start with the two people in-front of him that he could reach.

"The least the wolfman could've done was taken down one of em to make it easier on us." Making light was his own way of helping cope with the loss. It seemed unreal, as if Takeo would walk through those village doors any minute. However, he knew that the man would never arrive, forever late instead of his occasional tardiness. Fanho chuckled to himself as he shook his head before raising his eyes to meet the gazes of Tenzin and Hayate. A reassuring look across his face, solemnly respecting their own down trodden feelings, but trying to foster some sense of recovery among them. "Well let's take inventory of our wins, help those that need us, and be mindful I'm thankful you two are alive and healthy." He'd give a respectful curt nod towards the two accompanied by a warming smile, his blue eyes affirming his thankfulness of the two's friendship with the Awai.

Inside Fanho's brain his mind mulled over what occurred. Could he let Tatsuo live after this transgression. The Hokage, his mentor and predecessor killed, and then two of their own shinobi gone in a battle. He wasn't quite sure how he'd react if he had to meet the opposing Kage.

"I'm sorry for what you two had to go through." A solemn empathetic share of grief. He couldn't imagine how the two felt being on the front lines. Fanho turned matters towards business to at least keep the two's brains from grief. Not attempting to linger too long on the losses, he'd want to spare them the idea of relieving it after every sentence. "The captured ones, you said they're Konoha? They must be Sovereign. They'll speak if they want to keep their country. I don't imagine it'd be too hard to break a couple of hired goons. Their loyalty can be total'd in cash and threats on their livelihood."

Fanho looked out the double doors of the office out to the greater world. Deep inside even unbeknownst to himself a war waged. His mind deep in the recesses, it wondered if maybe he was too soft for this world, or was it that the world was too harsh? Reconciliation of his hopeful beliefs with the harsh reality of loss, ally-ship, and politics made the newly minted Hokage's brain churn deep within. A battle he fought that he was oblivious to. The Awai turned his absent staring back to the two gauging their well being as the conversation went on.

[Taiga]

The Raikage was still turnt towards the wall either hand placed firmly against it now as he looked upon the stately painting of Takeo. His eyes closed as his right fist only to un-ball it into a wide, open palm a moment before it slapped against the wall. His strike carried just enough force to shake the painting to life as he let out a loud, audible sigh and pushed of the wall. Clearing his throat the dirt covered man brushed his hair back behind his ears and out of his face before turning to face the other two men.

What had this battle been for? Had he really made the right calls? The moment the tower was gone- had it truly been the correct move to attempt a capture of the Bannin and the mercenaries? Sure, he succeeded, but could that have been the extra headway that could have allowed him to save Takeo? Had... he created yet another widow... multiple fatherless children, and failed to save yet another beloved comrade?

He shook his head- he'd been through this a thousand times and the truth of the matter was while it never got easier, he knew he needed to let it go.

"Fanho, we didn't go through anything but a normal day at war." the Raikage said in an firm, but clearly slight peeved voice. "Let's save our sympathies for the real victims here- the widows. The parents. The children. The ones who are left to remain." he said as he paced about the room before ending up beside Tenzin.

"We can no longer ignore Iwagakure and the threats their increasing militarization has posed. For their role in this entire charade I have half the mind to execute these Sovereign goons or whatever the name is- but I hope there is something there, if even a fraction of intel that can be of use to us." the Raikage said as he took a seat and ran his hand through his hair before settling it at his chin.

"Fanho, I'm going to be honest here. For the first time in two decades I'm at a loss for what the next move is."

He had no desire to defend Suna, or continue this fight... but they couldn't let that Tatsuo brat get away with all he'd done, and likely would do from here on out.

[Texas]

Tenzin had a sense of what was happening but truly wasn't prepared for a miniature earthquake in the room. He only knew of the Raikage from stories and minor intel, not enough to know what he was truly capable of. There was exaggerated stories combined with borderline false reports to leave all reports carefully sifted through with a fine comb. As a war failure, Tenzin felt out of place standing with two kage's. This moment however, was not about him. It was about Takeo, Konoha, and the future residing on what to do next.

As Hayate made his way next to Tenzin, the Anbu Commander folded his arms and looked at Fanho. Of course the silver haired shinobi wanted to say a few things, but any words that would come out of his mouth would be ill placed. It didn't seem like the time or place to discuss strategy. Especially since Tenzin wanted to pretty much close the borders of Konoha and let Suna fend for themselves. He stood there with an expressionless look. He was part of the battle where Takeo was in, he knew the results, and most importantly he had already wallowed in his self pity. At this point, the man would stand there and let the two Kage talk it out. A senior Kage and fresh Kage who was renowned in his own right as a shinobi. The gaze he flashed at Takeo was almost an anticipated look, indicating that for right now Tenzin would be silent on the question Hayate presented.

[Director]

Fanho stood up, his ears listening to Hayate pace and speak his frustrations. An untold conversation he heard through Hayate's actions reverberating through the room. Pangs of guilt played throughout the office, Hayate's pain of feeling like he failed, and Tenzin's silence as he tried to process the first large battle he participated in. The two we're lost, looking for some hope, some plan, something tangible they could sink their teeth into for support. They had just been through hell and back, and on-top a total defeat at each site with a complete Iwagakure victory. It wasn't pride that was wounded like it would be for most shinobi that we're beat, but their own trust and faith in themselves. They felt they had failed those that depended on them.

He nodded along as Hayate asked to save the sympathies and focus on those more deserving, and aired out his grievances and wishes. The newly crested Hokage's own brain working fast to parse and think about what to say. What to do to inspire and bring hope back to those who just had it crushed in their arms reach. How to reassure them they could push forward. Fanho looked towards Hayate nodding, his eyes gazing to Tenzin as he nodded acknowledging the two. "Well, I'll spare you two any campy speech I would've given. Just know this, I blame no one, and we will work together to pave the path forward."

Fanho walked across his feet clapping against the wood floors as he walked to a world map pinned on the opposite wall of the portraits. With a stack of magnets of the different village symbols, he began to place Iwa symbols to the northern territories they had just took. He pointed to the territories of 20g, 20f, and 20e circling them with his finger. "These countries here are what Iwa will have to go through to get to the core of Wind Country. We can slow them down by arming and supplying Suna. As I understand it, Lightning Country won't sign off on a full military force supplement to Wind Countries forces, but with the train system we can easily support operations by other means. Similarly I can setup teleportation networks that let us string together supplies and intelligence where needed."

Fanho tapped Heart countries territories coated in blue. "If I am not to be corrected, I understand you have a good relationship with Heart, Hayate? Maybe you can rope us into conversations with their current leader. Not to drag them in, but to establish relations with Konoha. Bolster our own front should Iwa further hostilities deeper than Wind Country territories, its also within their interest to know what a major ninja village is doing and taking over on their borders with a closer physical ally, they'll want the friends to back them if Iwa were to expand else where."

The Awai then pointed at Setsuzoku's land coated in purple. "We have one of the two head honchos over Setsuzoku. I'll make them understand to back out so Iwa's progress slows without their support. If not, then I guess I'll be liberating those countries. We'll start with forming an insurgency backed and supported by ANBU, and then I'll come in to crush the leadership at the top, off the books of course."

Fanho scratched his chin as he circled Kiri's land with his finger next leaning against the wall thinking to himself for a brief beat. "We should figure out if Kiri is involved or has been contacted. I doubt it, but currently we shouldn't be taking direct action without watching our back especially with the losses today. I have someone who may be able to establish a rapport with the jinchuriki Shinjiro. Supposedly that guy will most likely take the reigns after Kasai bit it from Fuhen."

The Hokage propped himself up on the cabinet as he glanced towards the map before looking towards Tenzin and Hayate. "Its not a complete plan, but a start of where to begin. The more we find out, the more we network, and the more we can do to slow their progress the better we can position ourselves in an advantageous position." Without doubt in his voice, contempt in his mind, or anything other than pure confidence. Fanho spoke calm and clearly. Not skipping a beat unless intended, he saw what was needed and took hold gripping and affirming his leadership. He felt it was needed after what they had been through. A strong but articulate voice to follow and collaborate with. Rather than give an inspiring speech with nice words, he put his vocabulary into action.

Fanho hiked one of his legs up on the cabinet leaning forward against his knee as he breathed deep and let out. Clearing his mind of irrationality to try and formulate a plan. Think twenty steps ahead of their neighbors to the north. He would continue to put himself as far ahead as he could. From twenty to thirty steps ahead. From thirty to forty steps ahead. He wouldn't let Iwa catch up to their plans, but first he leveled his eyes at Setsuzoku before tapping their territory. "I will handle Setsuzoku personally." He moved on tapping on Heart next, "Hayate I'll need to depend on you for Heart Country on your end, that will appease the Lightning Empire and put you out of the conflict." Fanho circled Fire Countries central territory where Konoha resided, "Tenzin you should prep ANBU operations on the south-eastern border with Kiri, and along the Pebble handle with Iwa."

The Hokage then turned back to the two looking at one and then the other, "Any ideas or questions?"

[Taiga]

The Raikage listened to Fanho speak carefully. Despite the mix of negative energy that whirled within him as he listened to the newly minted Hokage speak, Hayate couldn't help but be filled with a sense of hope. The boy before him- the man before him wasn't that annoying kid Takeo had asked him to train as a favor. He was a leader, and at that, he felt a slight relief that Kumogakure's oldest ally in the new era would be fine despite the setbacks that had occurred.

Hayate was not nearly as forgiving as Fanho though, and in his old age had become increasingly candid.

"Oh- I very much blame Sunagakure for a good portion of what happened." the Raikage responded sharply to Fanho's attempt to free anyone of their guilt. Running his hands through his silver and grey hair the Raikage wiped at his blood covered face. He still hadn't had time to clean up. His clothes were drenched with blood. Tsukiko's blood. Ken's blood. Hell, probably some blood of the Sunagakure shinobi too. War was a fickle thing but in all his years he had never seen friendly fire to the extent he had witnessed.

A drawn out long sigh escaped the Raikage's lungs as he turned to watch Fanho point upon the map. The Hokage showed beyond combat he had done his studying on the world- as expected of am an who traveled the world through prior to ascension. As he spoke of the territories and his ideas of how Iwagakure would advance, Hayate nodded in agreement and confirmation.

"Indeed following the recent events I doubt now more than ever the Empire will resist any plea of mine to intervene with human intervention. Via the trains we may be able to help send weaponry- including some Fuuinjutsu technology we have been working up. Our engineers have been increasingly developing complex canonry and "rail guns" that can give even the common man the ability to reach what only ninja once could." he said, not without adding "Though in the hands of incompetence it may just become a weapon to inflict self harm...". He didn't expect a response to his sass.

"I doubt Heart Country, especially with the passing of Fuhen, will be interested in involving themselves in a war with Iwagakure. That said, they are still fighting and pushing upon Kirigakure. In that regard I will move to support them more. A Kirigakure busy fighting Heart on their shores is a Kirigakure that won't have time to aid or help Iwagakure." the Raikage said as a bead of water twirled between his fingers of his right hand, and wind appeared in the palm of his left. He placed his hand to his face as the water ran up and down it freeing it of the dirt, grime, and blood of the battlefield. His left hand promptly shot a gust of wind that dried him up.

"I would of executed the Setsuzoku scum if it was up to me- but it is your missing ninja and your problem. So whatever you choose to do with them and their "free country" I will support you." the Raikage said flippantly in response to the mention of Setsuzoku.

"I have no doubt Kirigakure and Iwagakure have discussed this and will continue to. The two are economically dependent on each other to some degree, and Kirigakure services a role similar to Kumogakure in their relationship in providing advanced technologies..." the Raikage trailed off. "We actually have reason to believe though some political instability is inbound to Kirigakure, but it's too early to tell if its a rumor or true. Kirigakure has never really been a stable place given their societies leadership is based off who commits coups the best."

At the note of a starting of a plan, and Fanho's asks to Hayate, the man would nod.

"Aye, we can agree to that. I would advise you and Tenzin, who I am now learning is the head of Konohagakure ANBU from this discussion, to also pull on the threads of supposed civil strife in Kirigakure. Perhaps your connections to Kirigakure and this Shinjiro could be of use there. A Kirigakure to busy with both foreign invasion and it's own civil war is a Kirigakure unlikely to be able to aid Iwagakure... and in a game where two empires, Konohagakure, and Sunagakure are combined it would be very unlikely Iwa could do much lasting damage alone."

The Raikage would continue to clean the rest of himself as the discussion continued- the physical realization of the cleaning of his mental state from this utterly failed exercise.

[Texas]

While the shinobi stood there, expressionless two key things stuck out to him. The first was Fanho announcing his position within the village of Konoha. Ideally, Tenzin would have liked that information, even to allies, to be a secret. Although Hayate was a famed shinobi ally to not only Takeo but Konoha as a whole, the silver haired commander would have liked to keep his identity secret. Especially under the premise of "just in case". Regardless of Tenzin's untrusting nature to foreign behavior, the man also took note of Hayate's note of Konoha and Suna working together. To Tenzin, Suna only offered potential in gaining more power for Konohagakure. In truth, the man cared only for Konoha's growth and especially after this first set of battles, he cared little for Sunagakure as a whole.

Regardless of personal preferences and internal strife, the man realized that this was more than just what his internal persona was debating inside of his head. Right now, especially with his position exposed, it was important to lay the ground work and show strength. The man would look at Hayate for a brief moment, before turning his body language towards Fanho, all while keeping his arms folded. "Establishing perimeters and hidden checkpoints is something we can do no problem."

Short and sweet, however without giving away the full details, Tenzin had a plan to potentially gain intel on Kiri. "As far as understanding where Kiri is at, I think we can figure that out within a short timeline." For the moment, Tenzin couldn't help but agree with Hayate. It would bring great pleasure to eradicate the Setsuzoku traitors... or at least let Tenzin do a couple of experiments on them to really test the limit of a god-like human body. The feeling actually made Tenzin's skin chill with excitement.

While the man was gazing towards the Raikage he figured he would lay out a warning. One that the Lightning Emperor would probably already know, but he had to at least say something. "I know you won't physically be aiding Suna. However, when Iwa finds out you are aiding Suna through us, you will be seen as a participant. Regardless of if you are physically aiding or supporting from a far." The ruthless determination that Iwa had must be noticed. If they are willing to invade Wind country in attempt to gain an obnoxious amount of land without regards of the innocent civilians, who knows what else they would be capable of.

[Director]

Fanho nodded to Hayate and Tenzin. Seemingly all in concurrence that the plans laid out would be best for the time being. Internally he struggled with staying out of the conflict with Suna. They were an ally, and he didn’t like the idea of letting Iwa eat up their territory or what they would do to the citizens in the territories they conquered. It was a conflict that seemed fueled by ancient grievances and betrayals. That combined with the great war and everyone losing territory, smaller countries sovereignty trampled, it was one big mess that people were biting at the chomp to rectify. So much for the world peace Fanho imagined he’d be able to negotiate.

“My primary goal right now is to limit the amount of casualties going on. People dying in another war right after the last… Its not right. But we’re not abandoning Suna wholesale. I just need time to think of how to attack this from the right angle. The more Iwa shinobi that get killed the stronger resolve they’ll have to take Suna, and move onto their conspirators. The more of us that die the less we’ll want to help Suna and more grievances we’ll have towards Iwa. Its a lose-lose scenario no way I cut it.”

The Awai paced and looked out of the double glass pane balcony doors of the Hokage’s office. He took in the view as he took a deep breath and let it out. He paced the scenarios in his head. Did the calculations, cleared his brain of irrational thought, refreshed it constantly to keep it clean of fatigue enzymes. He hadn’t got a wink of sleep since the forces departed for Wind Country. A definite mess he had inherited with more being made just before him. He watched the rain droplets group up and streak down the glass.

”If I can slow down their march, and have Iwa stall out in the northern countries I think we can reach a diplomatic angle to attack from. Force another neutrality between the two maybe, like Steam Country. But I’d be banking on Tatsuo’s good will, and Suna not out for blood in revenge.”

He chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck and turned around giving the two his attention, leaning against the balcony doorway. “But its a start, and from there we’ll make progress. I don’t want to kill Chikara or Setsuzoku’s country. Give them a chance to turn their ways around, construct a diplomatic bridge even if its start is forceful. It’s really too good of a deal for them, but it can force them out of the war and maybe create a new informational tool in the region close to Iwa.”

The Hokage clapped his hands together as he gave a concluding sigh to the conversation. “Cooperation, sharing the burden, thinking rationally, and being open is how we’ll get through this. For now we’ll play to our strengths and garner the information needed. Once we do that we can plan for phase two.”

He glanced to Takeo’s portrait and gave a nod before returning his attention once more to Tenzin and Hayate. “I know you two aren’t looking for sympathy, but just know we persevere and we win this together. Through thick and thin you two are my brothers now. Especially as we face this looming problem together.”

[Taiga]

The Raikage's... no, the emperor's eyes darted between the two other figures in the room as the conversation progressed, ever cognizant of everyones body language, tone, and the way each spoke. Despite all that had transpired in the past fort-week when it came down to it the men were fairly strategic and for that he had a great deal of respect. With Tenzin's warning the Emperor would nod, looking the man straight in his strange eyes.

As far as he could tell, their acts in Iwagakure were based out a petty feeling of betrayal generations old. Hayate believed it would end at that, but, was more then ready to turn a nation yet again against a common enemy.

[color]"And if Iwa choose to throw stones at us they will feel the full fervent might of an empire united against them- my council forbids me to do much, but any acts against us and... well, it would easily unite an empire against a common enemy."[/color]

Tenzin wasn't wrong though that there a possibility of war... and then there was Fanho. Perhaps his cooler head would prevail.

"Solving this without bloodshed or further war would indeed be the best choice- but Fanho, I am skeptical that the buck stops with Suna regardless of our involvement." he said as he cracked his kunckles. "When Iwa gets its way it will continue to take more."

He scratched his head and let out a slight yawn, the adrenaline now fading and the man near needing a rest. He was about to say something controversial but stopped himself and instead resorted to nodding along with the others.

Perhaps. Perhaps letting Iwa take Sunagakure was the best move, as the Raikage's eyes looked up and down the map. Rock Country had taken such massive swathes of land and surely resistances existed. Such pockets could be covertly supplied or propped up.

With Rock Country spread thin they didn't need to win a war- they just needed to tip the scale in enough places on the map... just enough to put strain and pressure on the country... enough pressure until their forces would snap on themselves and- if Sunagakure continued to draw their attention and be a fierce battlefield victory would be easy.

Perhaps it was Hayate's escapism at a tiring day, but before his mind could go further the annoying clapping of Fanho brought the Raikage back. Wincing at the sound his eyes narrowed at yet another pep talk from Fanho as he rose and turned to head for the door.

Letting out a chuckle, he waved from behind and said, "With that I'll withdraw for now-" and would make his way to the hospital where his companion would be recooping.