[Closed] The Nara Who Couldn’t

Director · Post by **Director** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 11:33 pm

Fanho walked down the steps of the damp dark holding cells buried within ANBU’s compound. Since the Raikage had captured Chikara in Wind Country and the death of Takeo, it presented itself as a prime opportunity to take advantage of. Fanho’s usual MO of sunshine and rainbows had to take a backseat in this instance. He had to be calculating, particular, and serious for the matter. Hayate was much like himself, an optimist, but capable of rounding out into a serious leader when the occasion arose. While optimism he’d display above, below even Fanho wasn’t sure how he’d lead first in the interrogations. They needed information, and they’d sure find at least some pieces of the puzzle with their POW.

The staircase led deep underneath Konoha, at least a few miles separated the cells from the surface. Unbeknownst to most except the most trusted advisors, military council members, and ANBU related personnel. Now the Raikage as well. The cells were dark, hard wood surfaces crafted from chakra, embedded with element resistant fuuinjutsu to keep them from being burned or harmed. The Senju members were particular with their precautions ensuring no escape, no harm, and no breakouts. The Yamanaka members also had a tap on all prisoners focusing on their thoughts ensuring any sign of a breakout planned they’d instantly isolate and keep the prisoner unconscious. This prison wasn’t just formidable, it was downright soul crushing to those contained within.

As Fanho and the Raikage walked, Fanho stepped outside of Chikara’s chambers two ANBU members standing guard. Within Chikara was held bound by a paralyzing fuuinjutsu and chakra disabling fuuinjutsu contained within a Mokuton prison binding his arms and legs apart with his head fixated forward with his eyes blindfolded noting his affinity for occular jutsu. For all intents and purposes he was immovable, whether he wanted to or not, there was no escaping it. His companion similarly dapped up in all the best accommodations ANBU had to offer. Fanho was unusually quiet on the trip down, his thoughts racing about what he’d do, what he’d ask, what they needed to know, but most importantly. How was he going to treat the enemy directly in-front of them to ensure his people’s safety.

As the ANBU agents opened the door, Chikara would hear two footsteps in tow. Their shoes clacking against the cold hard stone floors. “Chikara Nara, the prankster that ran. No known immediate family members. Genjutsu expert. Leader of Setzuzoku.” Fanho clapped his hands as it rang out in the room giving a chuckle to himself. “So much potential tossed down the drain.” The Awai stepped towards the corner of the room and dragged a chair across the ground letting the unnerving scraping ring out in the room as he pulled it closer and closer until just two feet from Chikara. “Tell me Chikara, how did you come to hitch your ride to Iwa? I would’ve thought there was some Konoha spirit within you, but I guess my hope fell on deaf ears, huh?”

Taiga · Post by **Taiga** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 5:39 am

Leaning against a wall, lost in the depths of his own introspection, the Raikage found himself caught in the whirlpool of thoughts. Tsukiko who was recovering in Konohagakure General. Her injuries and trauma were the fault of the Sunagakure ninja- and he wouldn't forgive that.

The conflict in Wind Country had been a mind-boggling loss. Iwa had played them like a fiddle- their troop mobilization the perfect counter to each of the defense forces as if they had known who would be where. Making matters worse Hayate had nearly been killed by friendly fire from Sunagakure and had spent the majority of the fight navigating around their techniques and protecting his comrade who had been tortured before his eyes by the acid gravity well Sunagakure had made, and due to the technique, forcibly dismembered and taken hostage by their foes.

By the time the mayhem had subsided and he was able to rotate south towards Takeo, he was met with a mysterious force that prevented him from progressing to the battlefield in time, and ultimately reached it to find nothing but the shreds of armor and gear that had belonged to the Hokage. Though news hadn't fully spready yet, Takeo had died to the Tsuchikage.

As Fanho beckoned the Raikage to follow him, the man kicked off the wall with nothing more than a nod, silent, and still deep in thought. Takeo had been perhaps his greatest ally- the first leader to open up to the new government following the Kumogakure Civil War, and a steadfast friend through conflicts, war, and in peace. He had died on foreign soil, defending a foreign land... and what did the alliance have to show for it? A dead Iwagakure Bannin abandoned by his own kind and the mercenary scum they had captured?

Finally arriving at the room, Hayate took a deep breath as Fanho gave the order to the ANBU guards to open the door. He could tell by the size, gait, and chakra signature who one of the guards was. His heart beat faster as he lowered his head in a sombre bow to the son of the Hokage, Takeshi, unaware of the tumultuous relationship the boy had with his father but assuming heartbreak all the same.

Did he know already? Was it common knowledge?

With no time to continue that thought, Fanho addressed the criminal before them as the doors shut behind them. He would let the future Hokage take the wheels- a boy he had also helped trained and someone he, like Takeo, had truly believed could change Konohagakure for the better... it was unfortunate that his era would begin like this.

As they entered the room all he could think of was whether or not Chikara deserved to live. They could claim they were mercernaries but that did not absolve them of their sins; they had directly participated in a war and helped Iwagakure destroy three key outposts, kill a Hokage, capture multiple Konohagakure Shinobi, and cause harm to a shinobi of Kumogakure.

By his own code, these vermin deserved execution. However, as the leader of a nation, he knew the value in extracting information. He understood the strategic advantage of using a leader of an organization as bait. And, most importantly, he recognized that giving the Konohagakure criminal to Konoha and letting them make the call was the least he could do to express gratitude to Konohagakure for their friendship and to apologize for his failure to protect their shinobi and produce a victory.

Standing behind Fanho, he was menacingly quiet.

Post by **Trusted Grader** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 10:23 am

How long had it been since he had been blinded and paralyzed? Since he last managed to speak with Yasu through their mental link? Would the last thing they said to each other be to be careful and try to maneuver around the legendary Raikage? What had happened? He remembered the tower cracking under the explosions tossed by Yasu then he heard lighting and before he knew it he was here, no matter what. His life had been forfeited the second he had been captured and was now one of Konoha's prisoners, a thought that had crossed his mind plenty of times, especially when he had clashed with Yoru.

Luckily the Konoha Bannin had been proven that he was not their enemy and he now had the last opportunity to do so, but to be cognitive enough to do so he had to entertain himself, so he had used the time to train his freestyle rapping. Rapping days on end, fixing to write new songs in his head as he switched between verses and recreate new ones with better flows, breathing pauses, and most surprisingly, singing parts. Chikara was constantly evolving, whether he was staring at death's doors, or performing a lovely tune for his citizens, so when Fanho entered the prison cell he would hear how Chikara was gently singing.

"What you won't do? Do for love, you've tried everything... ♬♫♬" The mercenary grinned. He listened intently as Fanho dragged the chair closer to him, a form of mental torture that worked on the weak-willed, but this man was anything but. "Husband, a brother, a friend, an inspiration for the coming youth, a human being." The slick mercenary added to the titles Fanho gave him to humanize himself a bit.

With his doujutsu forcefully shut down his mind was stronger than ever before, leaving him focused only on his thoughts and emotions, which had its upsides, which were that he could focus on the now while the downsides were that he had no clue what had happened to Yasu, which immediately sprung to his mind as Fanho began to speak. His voice was familiar and caused the mercenary to think back to the days when he ran around in Konoha as a good little ninja, he remembered the days when his Kage used to send him out on missions and how he always felt proud to see a Nara as the head of the village, but that all changed the day he was forced to step down, the day Enma and Yaku invaded.

"Well, it all started when Suna moved towards our borders, creating tariffs and starting a trade war with our citizens, which sent us feeling unsafe and pushed towards a corner. That was until an opportunity arrived. Our war isn't with Konoha or Kumogakure, it's with Suna and their encroaching ways, they take and they take without giving back and we just wanted them away from our borders." Chikara cleared his throat. "Besides, I haven't laid a hand on any Konoha or Kumo nin, all I did was provide a distraction to destroy one of the towers. My will of fire lights other candles, I am fighting for my country and their right to exist."

Director · Post by **Director** » Mon Jul 03, 2023 11:27 pm

Fanho knew interrogation wasn’t going to be easy. He scratched his chin as he listened to Chikara name off his reasonings for partaking in Iwa’s plans. He was an understanding guy, despite Chikara’s missing-nin status the shinobi had left without harming another Konoha ninja that he could recall. Regardless they took over countries during the war taking advantage of the chaos in the world, certainly not embracing those Konoha beliefs that Fanho rightfully said fell on deaf ears. Fanho rapped his fingers on his chin as he listened, the little tappings of fingers filling the empty space in the room.

Fanho chuckled softly to himself as Chikara mentioned his will of fire lighting other candles. “Your country? You mean the one you and your mercenary buddies took over because you couldn’t actually make yourself electable elsewhere?” The Awai nodded his head as he cocked his head looking towards Hayate giving a wink and smirking at the other kage before scoffing at the Nara’s notions. “You say its not with us, yet your co-conspirator took one of our shinobi, you hitched your ride to a genocidal destructive regime that killed our Hokage and took two of our shinobi, and then you have the gal to come in and preach to me about how you have the ’Will of Fire’ to light other candles?” Fanho leaned in close the warmth of his breath reaching Chikara’s face as he whispered in the Nara’s ear.

“I’m going to need more information. What are Iwa’s plans? What are their next moves?”

Taiga · Post by **Taiga** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 1:02 am

The Raikage hadn't stirred or made a sound yet; he had no idea what made these individuals tick and part of him wasn't really interested. Plenty of people had tried to justify their actions with their traumas or upbringings but it never took back the lives they took or healed the scars they left. In the end, people were defined most by their actions, though that wasn't to say one could make amends for the sins. His eyes shifted among the prisoner. According to Fanho he had not left a "nukenin". As far as Hayate knew, Yasu, Chikara's lightning empire companion, hadn't either... but beyond that he didn't know much else. He'd kept them knocked-out, paralyzed, gagged, and bound the entire journey back to Konohagakure, carefully ever-aware that at least one of them was a powerful genjutsu user.

Still not yet breaking his silence, he made a mental note that the story told by Chikara through his song seemed revisionist at best. Most criminals generally thought themself innocent heroes inspiring the youth anyhow.

Chikara's statement echoed in his mind, Besides, I haven't laid a hand on any Konoha or Kumo nin, all I did was provide a distraction to destroy one of the towers. My will of fire lights other candles, I am fighting for my country and their right to exist.

The images of Takeo and Tsukiko danced in his head and lingered on the young woman, blinded and stumbling about by Chikara's genjutsu, only for a gravity bomb to be dropped on her by Sunagakure ninja. The images ended on her hands, outstretched, laying dismembered on the ground. Had they been at different battle fields?

And did other countries have to be destroyed, and others die, for his country to shine? Wind Country didn't at all seem related to his supposed criminal organization turned nationalist movement... except for the fact Iwa was willing to pay their coffers to bring harm to others.

Post by **Trusted Grader** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 7:34 am

As expected, no one from the outside could see the dream that was S.O.F., they all saw it as a hostile takeover and not what it truly was. Of course, he would take it the wrong way, he had only gotten reports from those who had no interest in the Freedomite's future. "Typical, the information you bare is flawed, it's nothing like that, the Freedomites enjoy their sovereignty and get to vote for anything they desire. We are not tyrants." He made sure to add as that was one of the few lines he had heard about their involvement in helping shape S.O.F. If he only knew of the hard work we put in to make sure that they felt safe, fed, and saw a brighter future. Chikara couldn't help but sigh slowly, that was until he heard that their Hokage had been killed in action, that note got the mercenary to take a deep breath and listen in.

Chikara was about to speak when Fanho leaned in, he could feel how uncomfortably close he was, again with the psychological terrors that would work wonders on anyone with low enough will, but to the man before them, it was almost inviting now that he had been alone for so long. "First and foremost, my deepest regrets that the Hokage-Sama passed away during battle, that and the other Konoha ninjas that perished, but you can't put that on my hands. You can ask the Raikage himself, I didn't lay a hand on any one of them..." His words were true though he wasn't sure they would land correctly.

"Now about Iwa's plans, that, you'd have to ask Tatsuo himself... We have not collaborated in the sense that this war is considered a united front. We have different goals that seemed to align for the moment and that was to push Sunagakure out of our borders. The moment we can clear those issues then this conversation will go easier." Chikara wanted to make sure that they still understood that the war was never between the alliance, but against Sunagakure Alone. "Besides, do you think they would share any of that information with us? Would you?"

Truth be told, no matter how much the man chatted, he was still in shock, having heard that the Hokage was in battle and that he had perished made him worried about the lives of his comrades, especially Enzaragi, who he had no idea if he had survived the battlefield or how he had taken the information that Chikara had been captured, had he been captured? A lot went through the man's head, meanwhile, his outward appearance was its normal self. "How about we remove the blinders so we can get a proper introduction?"

Director · Post by **Director** » Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:28 pm

Fanho sighed as he palmed his forehead listening to Chikara drone on about being noble. He had to guess when all you see is your actions as noble justifying the means, you could be blind to any grievance someone with an actual heart would have to one's actions. It was almost Chikara trapped himself in a perpetual genjutsu seeing the usurping power of countries peacefully existing. The Awai leaned back in the chair as Chikara tried to wash his stained hands clean of their actions. Was Fanho accusing him of guilt by association? No, Chikara knowing hitched his ride to Iwa, knowing full well their goals weren't pure. For a nation waging war for land, possibly even taking it further than border territories, even the missing-nin before him couldn't be that blind to see that its not in their interest to help the war waging nation gobbling territory.

"How long until Iwa decides to come for Setsuzoku? Hmm?" Fanho looped his fingers as he wringed his fingers together. "You say you don't know their plans, yet you willingly join a war waging nation in their goals for gobbling up more territory of which you admittedly don't even know what happens afterwards. It sounds to me like you didn't think this through." The Hokage scoffed as he thought about Chikara's noble justification to their actions. "I guess I can't be surprised, doesn't seem like you do much thinking. Never the rationale behind you interrupting a peaceful nation taking it over, joining the barbarians in Iwa to take the land, and then sitting here trying to wipe your hands clean of my friends dead."

Fanho gently reached over as he lifted the blindfold to Chikara's forehead. The Awai stared at Chikara with disdain, apathy, anger, all could be read on his face. The hypocrisy gushing from the Nara only fueled that feeling. Someone so deluded in their own desires they can't see the forest for the trees. For people like this the ends always justified the means, even if it meant harming good people. Even if it meant taking over land not theirs. Even if it meant bluffing people into their own fantasies so long as it didn't cost the one holding the fantasy anything. "For a Nara, you know you really suck at being one. Usually you guys are known for your tact, but you're just gum off the bottom of my shoe aren't you?"

Fanho stood up as he walked towards Yasu lifting the blindfold up, but keeping a muffle on the woman. The Awai rubbed his chin. He looked at Yasu with pity, someone caught up in the ideals of a mercenary who admittedly got them in something he knew nothing about, trusting a village whose only calling was war, taking land, and being the biggest oppressors in the area. How disgusting someone who spoke of ideals such as freedom, peace, and ensuring sovereignty would hitch their ride to such a people. "I pity your companions, dragged by you to a war site to kick out someone you see as 'oppressive' just to move another village in that is so much worse." The Awai scoffed as he put his hands on his hips walking back towards Chikara.

"Enough chiding of your decisions, I think any of my wisdom parted to you is just lost on you anyways. Where would you hold any prisoners from the battle? If you lie to me I'll know. Don't make me lose my patience."

Taiga · Post by **Taiga** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 12:32 pm

The Raikage was growing impatient with this self-proclaimed freedom fighter- who seemed more likely to be a moron than anything else. He spoke of fighting for freedom- and here he was helping a regime subjugate another country out of petty revenge for having had their feelings hurt in the past. Here he was thinking he was the hero of the story, when he was mercenary who took ryo to destroy the homes, families, and lives of people in another country.

What did destroying lives in Suna and aiding Iwagakure have to do with obtaining freedom for this group he claimed to lead? As far as Hayate could tell it didn’t. And it wasn’t the moves of a hero fighting for sovereignty and freedom. And then this man had the gall to say he never laid a hand on any Kumogakure or Konohagakure shinobi.

Letting Fanho finish, the Raikage would finally speak.

”How about I burn those eyes out of your skull?” he said peering up from the ground and over to Chikara, who suggested they remove his blindfold.

”Twice you lie- you put me in a Genjutsu and my companion, contributing to her losing her arms and being gravely injured- nearly killed.” he said as he rolled a bolt of lightning between his fingers, similar to a bored student did their pencil. ”I made a decision to not kill you or your companions… You see, using lightning is the kindest thing I can do, but I assure you I can do worse. Things even your associates won’t be able to regenerate from...” he said as the lightning flickered out and was replaced by a searing flame, hot enough that the pressure of the air in the room and the humidity would change, before he flicked his fingers extinguishing it.

From what was known of Chikara, he rolled with a Jashinist, likely one with links to the witch Neja. It seemed he had a history of siding with criminals and enemies of the state. Perhaps that was something he thought was normal? Having formulated a theory that Chikara really was just a moron and didn’t know too much, the Raikages hopes to gain clarity into the operation had begun to fade. Why would Tatsuo spill his guts to this fool anyways? Mercenaries were generally used for their disposability.

”Look Chikara, this is really embarrassing- I said you and that woman were worth living to this guy. But you’ve lied twice now and you’re not making it easy for me to take your side.”

Post by **Trusted Grader** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 5:52 pm

This was boring, nothing he said mattered yet both decided to speak, both seemingly aiming for different things but both appearing to know best, the Raikage claimed that he lied when in fact he hadn't laid a single hand on anyone, his genjutsu was by designed created to cause confusion which lead to him being able to destroy the towers which was the mission he had been hired for, but words were unnecessary now as no matter what he said they twisted it around and still made him the villain, so this all bored him to tears, they threatened and talked big but all he could think of was if he bit his tongue hard enough then he could end their torture once and for all.

So much blah blah all the time, we are going in circles, tough men threatening someone who can't even move, I bet they get a power trip out of this... Shit... They probably want to get a release from crying over Takeo's death, man... That sucks... Chikara sighed, he didn't feel too good about the death of Takeo, the rest he could care little for as they were men of war, they knew what they got themselves into but to think that the Hokage and Raikage would get involved over a minor thing as a border dispute was crazy, but then again, no matter what he answered they didn't care, all they wanted to do was call him names and pretend that they were soo much better, men in high chairs pointing fingers.

His brown eyes met Fanho's as he lifted the veil and revealed the world he was in, he was shocked to see Yasu so close by and his heart started to palpitate when they got close to her, at least it seems that he cared for someone within this room. He had accepted his death a long time ago and so had Yasu, so them dragging this out was starting to become bothersome, Yasu knew the second she had seen the Raikage that it was over for them, hence why they did their best to win the battle rather than run, both had figured that they wouldn't have been given an opportunity to win over someone so powerful without retaliation, but who would've thought that the torture would be this uneventful?

What was the purpose of these conversations? What was the end game goal? It all confused Chikara because they kept asking and talking but they didn't seem to lead anywhere until Fanho asked where they would keep their prisoners, which made the man wonder if they had prisoners, why else would he ask such a strange question, did S.O.F manage to capture someone? If not then why even ask such a question? Did Fanho know something he had failed to share with Chikara? These were indeed confusing times for he had half expected them to either torture him or kill him, for this middle ground was a waste of everyones time.

"Well.. That all depends on where someone was captured, how valuable of a target are we talking here? Besides, what makes you wonder that?"

Director · Post by **Director** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:23 am

Fanho sighed as the Yamanaka beamed Chikara's thoughts to himself, the Awai cocking an eyebrow as Chikara lamented his situation, and boiled their responses to some emotional one. It was like Chikara was so detached from reality he didn't realize that regardless how hard he tried to wash his hands, he was still guilty of all the crimes he wanted to refute so badly. It wasn't until the Raikage snapped at Chikara and his lack of response Fanho realized this interrogation was stalling in circles.

It wasn't until he got close to his companion Yasu that Fanho cocked an eyebrow realizing they had some leverage. How much, he didn't know, but he could test the waters safely with a trick in mind. The Awai chuckled at Chikara's response. However the laughter faded when he realized Chikara was serious. Thinking he could bargain his way out of the situation. Indeed this solidified his opinion that his Nara was a dullard. However, it also flared Fanho's anger as the mercenary didn't seem to value the situation him or his companion was in, he didn't seem to contemplate that despite not leaving violently he had soiled the Nara name and Konoha village with his acts. He was also a conspirator for killing the Hokage. Grave crimes that even Fanho was willing to overlook pending the information Chikara provided was sufficient.

He sighed as he shrugged and threw his hands up walking once more towards Yasu as he looked at the poor companion, helpless, and dragged into this mess next to Chikara. "I'm actually quite a nice guy Chikara. I want peace, happiness, people to live on their own lands without trouble from others. I'd even think some of my ideals and beliefs you'd find quite agreeable. However, the difference between you and me is, I don't think the ends justify the means. But I'll make an exception today. You were complicit in killing my friend, and hurting my good buddy the Raikage and his friend. For that there is a toll to pay."

He glanced over his shoulder menacingly at Chikara as he cracked his knuckles, and charged his rings with hiton chakra. The white glow violently lighting the room, however toned enough so Chikara would not miss the next act of this play. The Awai doubted his actions for but a second before committing his next act. It was perhaps the lowest he had stooped, a new standard for the Hokage. A brutal act that he felt was his only course of action to make a point to the Nara he was not in a position to negotiate.

Fanho then proceeded to throw his fist deep into the gut of Yasu releasing his stored 50 Strength Kinetic Fuuinjutsu punch crushing all internal organs of the companion with the 50 Strength Hiton following up blasting a clear hole through Yasu. An instantaneous death, no pain, no suffering, one that Yasu didn't even feel coming. Everything in the middle incinerated leaving Fanho's hand bloodied, and a pool behind where Yasu was.

The blood baptized Hokage peered down at his hand as he rubbed the blood between his fingers before walking over towards Chikara as he then wiped his hand on the Nara's face. A last note to Chikara to remember that he had given him the opportunity to speak and answer questions, not preach to the Hokage of what he practiced better than the Nara. Fanho hadn't fooled an entire peaceful populace into giving up their autonomy to two mercenaries, he hadn't signed a pact with a territory hungry village to dispose of another village. Contained within that gesture was a simple warning, comply or watch this happen all over again.

The Hokage sat down in the chair before Chikara as he wiped his hand clean with a rag shrugging once more, indicating to the prisoner before him he only had himself to blame for what had occurred. Chikara had forced his hand. "You are in no position to negotiate. Have I made that clear? I suggest you pick your next thoughts carefully. I'm listening after all." Fanho tapped his head as he leaned back in his chair nonchalantly crossing his leg and giving a sigh towards the Nara, his eyes deadpan awaiting Chikara's next words.

Jutsu UsedShow

Light Release • Konoha Smash
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After funneling hiton chakra into his fist or foot Fanho will then release it upon hitting his target. The extra chakra charged in his fist/foot will release a brutal raw concussive force of [Control] strength and speed in an area that expands from his fist/foot for 10 meters. The height/width of the area is 50x50 meters. While Fanho's fist/foot is charged it glows bright with the power of hiton.

Force Fuuinjutsu • Hidaki Smash
C-Rank Fuuinjutsu
Fanho will channel chakra creating the fuuinjutsu across his arms. This fuuinjutsu stores up to 50 strength worth of kinetic strength (IE. A punch, ball tossed with strength, etc). He can channel additional chakra to the fuuinjutsu to fill it with the strength or absorb it from an incoming attack taking the strength out of it and allowing him to redirect it.

Taiga · Post by **Taiga** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 3:09 pm

Deep in contemplation, the Raikage found himself grappling with uncertainty regarding the value of extracting information from the mercenary. He'd already been thoroughly convinced Chikara was a moron who, after his defection from the leaf, had managed to somehow fail upwards. With the removal of his blindfold by Fanho, Hayate felt a sense of unease settle in, unsure of the direction this interrogation session would take.

Chikara had chosen to remain silent for the time being, a decision that perhaps held wisdom in the grand scheme of things. However, Hayate knew they needed more information, especially about the composition of forces at each battle site. Site 3, in particular, struck a discordant note, with Iwagakure reporting the complete annihilation of all Konohagakure shinobi involved. Something about the situation just didn't add up. There was no way the elite squad that had manned that post had been unable to leave any messages, get away, or do anything.

It was too methodical and he wasn't really one for trusting the information freely given to him by Iwagakure government officials.

If they could at least press Chikara for that crucial piece of information, they might begin to unravel the truth behind the events that had unfolded. Carefully considering his next words, the Raikage's attention shifted to Fanho as he approached Yasu. Surprise and a tinge of alarm washed over Hayate as he witnessed the uncharacteristically dark behavior emanating from his usually lighthearted comrade. The memories of their shared training sessions, where Hayate had playfully pushed Fanho into a frozen lake to curb his talkativeness, flashed through his mind.

He shoulda pushed harder.

Fanho was truly embodying the role of commander-in-chief for Konohagakure, a responsibility that sometimes required embracing darker deeds. As his hand light up, Hayate had expected a powerful slap or something just to form light torture... but then it kept glowing, more and more. And more. Until Hayate could feel the sheer insane power of the chakra behind the fist.

Hey- wait a second Fanho... he thought, unsure if the Yamanaka were relaying his thoughts to his fellow interrogator on a "secure" channel.

Hold on there bu- holy fuck he squinted to see through the radiating light only to see Fanho's fist straight through Yasu, having transformed the once-plain wall behind Yasu into a macabre Jackson Pollock masterpiece of blood and entrails, with Yasu collapsing lifelessly in an instant.

Though inwardly his jaw nearly dropped, he swiftly composed himself, maintaining his composure for the sake of the ongoing interrogation. He hadn't expected such a swift and brutal conclusion. Not like this.

I guess poor Yasu won't be facing extradition back to Kumo...

His gaze, laden with a mix of disbelief and concern, locked onto Fanho, hoping that their shared hours of training would imbue his glare with a silent message if the Yamanaka had not linked them up like he assumed. It conveyed a simple thought- I sincerely hope you understand the gravity of your actions and the consequences they may entail.

Post by **Trusted Grader** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 9:19 pm

The man before them watched on as they both spoke, for a brief second he got to share a glance with Yasu before Fanho's demeanour changed, he had agreed with him when he spoke about his version of peace and the difference between the two leaders, but when he turned towards his companion and started charging his fist, his gut dropped and his thoughts began to run back the information he had gathered, thinking back to how they got captured and what knowledge they could share to change the situation at hand. "Hey, look... "

Chikara was blinded by the light and barely managed to react to the flash strike that took out his companion. NOO! Chikara's outward appearance didn't change, while his insides yearned for revenge. His eyes darted over to the Raikage who didn't seem too sure about this situation while Fanho seemed confident as ever. He watched how he moved closer, his bloodied hand carried the remains of his once dear friend. Though their friendship had been rocky, he still believed that she still had time to grow as a person.

His eyes fell to Fanho's hand as he wiped the blood on Chikara's face, his expression ever deadpan, he didn't seem to fear for his life anymore as he figured that it was all over. The information he could exchange would inevitably mean little if the man before him could just turn around and kill him. Why wouldn't he choose to torture me instead? What did Yasu ever do to him? He wanted to think about the Suna scum that harmed them but the bloodied Hokage had now wiped his face and spoke one last time. "There are different points we keep different prisoners, I don't know which one."

"Look, all I know is that I was assigned to take down the Tower by my site while the others were stationed else wise, one of them could have known what happened over there. But I don't know..." The man was a bender of truth, using both the very action and mixing it with his intentions and plans, normally he would apply this tactic but the situation at hand left him little choice. "Besides, if we had one of your agents, don't you think they would have contacted you by now?" Chikara raised his eyebrow and scoffed.

Director · Post by **Director** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 9:41 pm

Fanho stared deadpan at Chikara as he began to rattle off what little he knew. It wasn't entirely satisfactory, but it was an answer none-the-less that gave Fanho some idea of where to begin. The Awai listened as the Raikage's protests rattled off in the back of his brain. He hadn't exactly explained the details of his plan to the Raikage, but he would give assurance to the man, Trust me Hayate, I wouldn't do this if I hadn't thought it through.

The Awai raised his eyebrow as Chikara began speaking the words that interested Fanho. Knowledge he wanted to know, Chikara may not know all the information he had, but this other SoF member may know what Fanho wanted. In that respect it was in his interest to keep Chikara alive for now. Maybe even worth keeping him on a leash so the Hokage could find out more information. So long as he could push them in the direction he wanted.

He nodded as he leaned back in his chair before making a single handseal nodding towards Chikara. "We're on the right track now." As the Awai channeled chakra it would feel like time stopped for himself, everything that had just happened flashed dark for a minute as the last two minutes erased themselves from existence. For Chikara and Hayate they'd feel themselves have a serious case of deja vu as Fanho was back standing in-front of Yasu peering over the companion. All the events that had happened preceding Yasu would be burned into their minds, too real to even be considered a genjutsu, but the shock of time erasing may confuse the two as Yasu was perfectly fine breathing, just bound as she was before. Yasu wouldn't remember a single second leading up to her death or after. Unscarred as the death was instantaneous. For all she knew, she was just sitting there bound still.

"Now that I have your attention, I want you to know your companion was never in any real danger." Fanho sighed as he relented his decision to do that to Chikara. Perhaps he scared the Nara past the point of trust, but he had to make a point. He felt he had to show strength, and let Chikara know just for a fleeting second how all of Konoha had felt. He could save Chikara the true pain of dealing the rest of his life with his friend's death, but Fanho couldn't erase the death of his own friends from this war. "Now you've felt but for a fleeting second what I feel and will be feeling. Maybe you can better understand and empathize with me here." Fanho returned to sitting in-front of Chikara crossing his legs once more speaking to the man.

"I will be meeting with your associates to trade you with a prisoner they have from our own, but if you don't want me to hound you afterwards I need all the information you can possibly provide to me. Anything you possibly know about Iwa, anything of our other shinobi that were at the sites you may possibly know, all your associates information they can provide, and going forward you'll make a deal with me to further inform me of anything that comes up. In return you'll have my guarantee I won't take any action against you or your people so long as you never attack or participate in any operations against Konoha or Kumo, and going forward you handle all your issues domestically and foreign peacefully. Else I can't promise I'll be so nice. You do things the right way. I'll give you a chance to change."

Perhaps an investment could be made to flip Chikara into an asset. However, who would know after Fanho just possibly scarred him into talking about their prisoner locations. Only time would tell if he could flip him. He had played bad cop almost to a fault in this interrogation, making a risky play on scaring Chikara into talking or frustrating him to the point of being quiet for eternity. It had payed off somewhat, but at this point Fanho began to believe Chikara didn't possess all the information they were looking for. "Does that sound fair to you?"

Jutsu UsedShow

*Erase Time: Death
S-rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisites: 45 Control, 40 Chakra Pool
When the user has recently experienced death in their life, may it be that of a comrade or enemy, the user can perform a series of hand seals, then focus on the event. So long as the death occurred in the past 2 posts, the user can Erase time, removing the past 2 posts from ever happening. Anything that occurred within those 2 posts will have never happened, but time will continue as it was. The person who died will come back to life, and be in whatever state they were 2 posts ago. At the very least, this extends the time the person has to receive care, at best, it can allow the person to avoid ever dying in the first place.

Post by **Trusted Grader** » Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:06 am

Yasu couldn't see anything, her blindfolders were back over her eyes, and even though time had reversed, something felt off, she couldn't tell what it was but the way the conversation was going she knew something must have happened. Chikara looked Yasu up and down before his eyes fell on Fanho, he now knew that the man was serious, though he thought it was a bit overboard. Chikara's stance on their war effort still stood, though his optimism over getting to finish the dispute once and for all diminished, he knew that from this point on he had to become stronger.

"It would probably be in the capital; Libertalis. That would probably be the best place to at least contact Setsuzoku and hear if they want to trade. " Chikara looked over at Yasu who seemed to be tensing up as if she didn't want him talking about their capital, to which Chikara responded with a sigh. "Besides, the capital isn't a hidden village like the rest of the ninja powerhouses." The mercenaries eyes then darted towards the Raikage. "Inspired by yours truly." Chikara chuckled, doing his best to get back some control over the situation he had found himself in.

"Sounds like a regular mercenary job huh? I guess that makes sense, I'll try to see what I can pick up because it's not like we are buddy-buddy with Iwa, any actions required from us towards them would unfortunately also have to be discussed as I can't move the entire army against hidden stone for no reason. Money usually works but I fear the country has grown to the point of self-sustainment. We are one of you, a major country on the board... Well... A baby compared to your size but a player nonetheless." Chikara wanted the Kages to know that business was business, that he had no qualms over helping them but there was always a price to pay, especially for more dangerous missions they could find themselves in.

Director · Post by **Director** » Sun Jul 30, 2023 2:15 am

Fanho stone faced looked as Chikara tried to create some semblance of control over the situation despite being in none. It was a futile attempt, one Fanho although internally shook his head at understood what the Nara was trying to do. Sadly however Fanho held all the cards, and wasn't afraid of using them when necessary. As Chikara continued talking about the conditions the Awai put before him, a mercenary job?

The Hokage shook his head at the notion, this wasn't a mercenary job. There was no money, no outbidding that could take place. It was agree to the conditions before him or else they'd all end up in body bags. While they may be useless in the long term plans against Iwa or setting up a counter should it arise, that just meant Iwa wouldn't raise a hand if Fanho decided to kill them all leaving him free to act against Setsuzoku if he decided to.

As the Nara continued thinking that he was in a position to negotiate, trying to grasp some sort of control or leverage against Fanho. Even the Awai knew the two stood no chance. Despite being down four shinobi, Fanho alone was more than enough to take Setsuzoku on. He was that confident he could level the whole country and all of their forces if the need arose. The Hokage nodded as he scratched his chin before a grin grew on his face and he began chuckling as it rung out in the room. The casual chuckle turning into a full on howling laughter as the Awai cupped his cheek before resting his hand on his face. With a twirl of his pointer and middle finger the Awai grabbed his dark sunglasses lifting them below his eyes as his gaze leveled against Chikara. The cold blue eyes of a man capable of leveling their entire country alone stared him down.

"Its cute you thought this was a negotiation. But its not. If you choose to not accept, then I'll kill you all. That's not a suggestion, that's what the future holds if the thought of crossing me surfaces in that gray matter of yours." The Awai continued his cold dead gaze as the grin on his face grew wider into an almost deranged toothy smile. "You're not even a player. You're an ant beneath my foot, if you think you can negotiate I promise I will erase your existence from time and space." The Awai flicked his sunglasses back into place obscuring his eyes as he clapped his hands together playfully easing his smile into a moderate grin.

"So that's why its super important you abide by what I say if you want your country to live, maybe we can even become friends if you stop acting like a jack wagon." The Awai huffed a sigh as he rested his chin in his hand pouting at the Nara's attempt at a negotiations.

Taiga · Post by **Taiga** » Tue Aug 01, 2023 9:16 am

Man, that's dark, even for me...

The Raikage had until now quietly contemplated the scene he had just witnessed. On one hand it was brutal- on the other it was the perhaps the kindest form of torture any reigning Kage had probably ever performed- given the traditional methods had a propensity for leaving gnarly scars or corpses. Clearing his throat as he put his hand to his chin, the man pensively leaned against the wall deep in thought. Fanho had surprised him. Intrigued him really. He had grown into quite the shinobi and he certainly wasn't the bottled up sunshine boy Hayate had pushed repeatedly into a frozen lake all those years ago. Perhaps he was ready to fill Takeo's shoes after all.

Looking upon Yasu and then back and forth between everyone as the discussion continued, he had listened patiently, but come to the conclusion that there was most likely little more to gain from Chikara. The prisoner trade had become Chikara's only value and the only reason he was even breathing... but Hayate was unsure if they could even trust SoF's word that they had captured a Konohagakure shinobi. It would, after all, be highly irregular for Iwagakure to let a mercenary group take Prisoners of War.

He was deeply troubled by that turn of events but it was a discussion to be had with Fanho at a later time. Locking eyes with Fanho he'd transmit his desire to end this session. It was probably for the better to put the man back under soon and let the Yamanaka have their way. For now it was clear- they needed Chikara to gain intel from the rest of his group to confirm whether or not Iwagakure's reports were true.

If SoF did try to pull one over on them with a fake transfer- either way, he and Konoha would have their intel. Kicking off against the wall, the Raikage looked at Chikara.

"You're getting a huge chance here. Kindness Iwa wouldn't of given you if the tables are turned. But if anything is suspicious about this prisoner transfer, I'll personally burn you and your entire group to a point where even someone like Nehan or that Ezenragu chap can't come back from." the Raikage said before turning around and making his way for the door.

In a voice of poisoned honey he called out, his back facing Chikara the entire time, "Facing my lightning is a mercy. My fire? That's divine retribution."

With that he'd leave any further proceedings to Fanho. He trusted the new Hokage enough now to not fuck that up too bad.

Post by **Trusted Grader** » Tue Aug 15, 2023 12:43 am

Chikara kept his eyes forward, it seemed that his words didn't land, which meant that they probably wanted him to listen to them yet again, although their constant threats kept making things awkward, for they didn't seem to get that he was an alcoholic, death was something he had accepted years ago, truth was that he had already reached the goal he had set out, Jiyū no Shuken would be fine without him or Yasu, though they'd probably miss their rap star and would blame whoever the remainder of their organization pointed their fingers at.

What they didn't seem to get was that the country had grown to the point that even if they removed them as leaders they'd still operate as S.O.F, for it was better for the people, it had lifted them from the unknown to the known. Besides, Chikara wasn't an idiot, there was a reason why the structural design had been created in such a way, not only to boost the people but to also allow it to stand on its own.

He listened to Fanho's threats and nodded, he understood what he meant but figured that Fanho didn't understand himself what he meant, for if he truly did try to destroy their country, what he'd end up with is a disaster which Iwagakure would probably love to exploit, expanding their territory as it was far easier for them to move their army south than it was for Konoha to move up north. Either way, it would be a waste of resources and manpower, for an offshoot chance that people might, have a better life with Konoha, and that's a big might, considering they'd be border neighbors with Rock if released on their own, they'd probably combine once again, if once again, they weren't consumed by Rock.

Chikara stayed silent for a while. "I'll see what I can find out, Rock isn't exactly willing to share much information, but, I'll keep an eye out." He then turned to face the Raikage and gulped, he nodded intently to show that he understood what he said, though he kept the same mind frame, Chikara had been trained by the Yamanaka not to think, to just be and accept. The stress of being captured and kept isolated had separated him from such zen that he had almost forgotten it, had it not been for the constant loop of threats then he would probably still be in the same mind frame, fighting for control.

Director · Post by **Director** » Fri Sep 01, 2023 12:59 am

Fanho clapped his hands as they began to wrap up this pow-wow. "Well so long as we're on the same wave length. Just consider the offer before you. You get your country, your freedom, a chance to turn your ways around, and the only thing it costs you is what you know about Iwa and to stay out of the conflict. I'd actually say you really come out on-top of it all. Its quite the stacked bargain if you consider what we lost versus... Well really you didn't lose anything."

With a final clap of the hands Fanho pushed off his knees as he stood from his sitting position. Only time would tell if Chikara would really play ball with the offer. If he hadn't Fanho had his threats to act upon, but if anything he had really proposed a stellar deal to SoF despite their co-conspiratorial acts in the battle that slayed their Hokage. A chance to start fresh and start handling their issues diplomatically and separate for Iwa. In exchange the necessary information for Fanho to rescue any potential prisoners Iwa had taken.

"Maybe one day we can even setup some friendly relations between all of us, that is if you keep your nose clean." Fanho wagged his finger as he pulled his glasses down to the end of his nose. "After all Iwa just thinks of you as mercenaries, but perhaps you guys can be an asset in the west, a friendly nation." Fanho smacked his lips as a sigh of hesitancy crossed his lips.

"But I don't like doing business with people who hurt my people. So take this second chance and what I said to heart. You'd have a lot more allies this way if you think about it."

The Awai tossed his hands up shrugging waving either hand alternating up and down beckoning Chikara to weigh the offers. For Fanho too it was a gamble, if Chikara had tried to help straighten out their trajectory and heed Fanho's words, then perhaps they'd have a new ally in the west. If not then they'd just be another hurdle to deal with in tandem with Iwa. However, it was a two v two at that rate, and for SoF they would be real low on the totem pole when it came to their value to Iwa. Mercenaries were just paid soldiers knowing the risk of what they got themselves into. Iwa would hardly see them as an investment, something to cultivate like Fanho thought.

"After all where is Iwa while you're captured? You're disposable to them, they paid their dues and past that it doesn't matter to them. If you do have the Will of Fire within you, then you'll prove my doubts unfounded right?" The Awai flicked his glasses back up to obscure his gaze once more as he slipped his hands into his pockets following behind the Raikage as he whispered loudly so that Chikara could overhear, "Make sure they're comfortable until the exchange. At the least that means decent food rather than the usual gruel and water."

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