A new saga begins: The triumphant return

[Daigo]

"Agreed, Kushin-sama. Oh right, Junko as you know there are six divisions in the medical field divided up by two types of work, hospital and field work. In the hospital, you have research, general practice, and surgery. In field work, you have The Sentou Henkan, The Youritsu, and the harvesters. I understand that you want to stay in general practice and make a change from the Youritsu team to the Sentou Henkan team and assist with med-evacuation and such. Now is the time to bring up such things ya know. I imagine that Kahako, keiji, and any other newcomers have expressed their desires already. You should too. Now or never. " he paused for a moment and thought back to the time he informed Kushin about Maseo and Kitsune’s imprisonment. He was always curious about Kushin’s actions that day and he thought of no better time than to bring it up, even if he would be shut down.

"Kushin-sama, after you fixed my rib you said you were going for a walk though a rumor and your reputation may have suggested otherwise. If you don’t mind my asking, did anything interesting happen that night. Did you take any actions, drastic or otherwise, on that night in regards to the Hoshikage’s treatment of our comrades? I personally wanted to get my hands dirty, but was ordered not to take no actions against her." he asked hoping that some sort of justice was served towards that ditsy dame. Daisuke found it completely ridiculous that such a small force managed to pull off such a thing and get away with it...or did they?

 

[Junan]

Kushin was sure that this would almost go as the record for the length of time someone chose to be around him. Others bared with it because he was their superior, but with Daisuke there seemed to be some form of rapport where the man genuinely wanted to get to know Kushin better and be... friends? The issue was that Kushin in his youth had often jumped to that conclusion, someone was nice to him so he thought they might be his friend and then he'd be used and abused and cast away with laughter echoing in the alley while the young shinobi would lay ashamed. After those incidents he would find himself a place of solitude where he could let out his emotions. Yet these incidents placed brick after brick, forming a barrier which sheltered the softer side of him, the side that might have been had he had a real friend. He often wondered what that would have been like, though those were dreams for when he was younger.

Daisuke was allowing his trainee to vocally decide what area it was that he was interested in. It would help Kushin with the examination process without a doubt. Yet while letting the trainee think and make that decision he turned once more to Kushin and asked about his... walk...

Instead of immediately answering Kushin broke a small, wry, smile as he turned and pulled his satchel to his front, opening it and searching for something. The smile was never a good sign, and it wasn't really in this case either, though it might seem like it was once it was revealed. Pulling out a newspaper article he passed it to Daisuke.
[spoilername="Newspaper Article"]Mass Murderer Revealed, Cloud Shinobi Savior

During the night another attack took place in Shinko between the shinobi of Hoshigakura and the unknown murderer who has plagued the town for several nights, the murderer finally felled by none other than Kumogakure's Isaki Kushin.

Despite the recent trial of Masao and Kitsune of Kumogakure, Cloud have extended their aid to our town sending one of their most skilled shinobi to aid in the hunt for this murderer. The murderer himself was revealed to be Tanaka Daishi, the secondary leader of the Kingslayers.

Unfortunately the man himself left shortly after the incident taking the head of his victim with him as his trophy. Kuro, Sennin of Hoshigakure shared with us that "we are glad that he was here to help" and went on to say "truly he is a shinobi to be respected".

The end of this mayhem is a relief to the families and members of our society who have had to live through three nightmarish nights where the lawyers, the judge, their families and all who were involved in the trial of Masao and Kitsune were murdered along with twenty seven Hoshigakure shinobi. A single member from each family left alive and their description of the murderer fit the description of Daishi.

We can all rest easier knowing that Kumogakure has not only shown there is no misgivings for the trial, but that the nation and their village's ties are as strong as ever. This reporter cannot thank Isaki Kushin enough for putting an end to these tragedies.[/spoilername]

Kushin did love this article. The way he read it though was effectively thank you Isaki Kushin for murdering our people, killing Star Shinobi, and then daring to effectively laugh in Kuro's face.

I helped clear their sense of judgement. Was all Kushin said, the smile lingering on his features.

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

"Agreed, Kushin-sama. Oh right, Junko as you know there are six divisions in the medical field divided up by two types of work, hospital and field work. In the hospital, you have research, general practice, and surgery. In field work, you have The Sentou Henkan, The Youritsu, and the harvesters. I understand that you want to stay in general practice and make a change from the Youritsu team to the Sentou Henkan team and assist with med-evacuation and such. Now is the time to bring up such things ya know. I imagine that Kahako, keiji, and any other newcomers have expressed their desires already. You should too. Now or never. "

Daisuke was right, even though they have been training from sun up to sun down, he never really expressed himself on the topic. Junko thought for a few brief moments as he looked at the two  higher ranking ninja as they carried on their conversation.

"Kushin-sama, after you fixed my rib you said you were going for a walk though a rumor and your reputation may have suggested otherwise. If you don’t mind my asking, did anything interesting happen that night. Did you take any actions, drastic or otherwise, on that night in regards to the Hoshikage’s treatment of our comrades? I personally wanted to get my hands dirty, but was ordered not to take no actions against her."

Junko realized that Kushin and Daisuke had been apart of something quite big, Junko hadn't heard any rumors about anything which was due to the fact that he probably had other priorities and decided to not pay attention to any gossip. Looking at Kushin, Junko eyes widened a little as he noticed a small smirk. "I know that smile!" Junko could recognize that smile in his sleep, after all he did constantly use it. The smile had only a small sense of happiness, only a little, in an average persons eyes they would probably see happiness through the smile completely, but Junko could easily see through it. The smile was a basic sign that showed a thrill of battle. 

Kushin pulled out a news paper handing it to Daisuke. Junko read  along with Daisuke, even though he knew it had to do with some sort of battle.

"I helped clear their sense of judgement."

Lifting his head up, Junko looked into Kushin's eyes giving his own smirk. Even though the two never had a full conversation, Junko felt as if he could read Kushin a little and they could relate. "I think I would love transferring over to the Sentou Henkan division, but I would also like to assist with the Harvesters if possible. They are said to be of last resort and to me that sounds like an elite ninja. One of my goals in this ninja world is becoming a elite ninja, a elite ninja that can be placed at any location and perform greatly."

 

[Daigo]

Taking the paper handed to him, the chief held it out so that both he and his pupil could read it clearly. A large grin appeared on his face as he continued to read, the story granted him a better understanding of the actual events that took place. He thought, "Ha ha ha! I knew it! I knew he would do something about this. A true leader worthy of my personal loyalty, not just the loyalty that every sennin is shown by a cloud shinobi, or the loyalty that a medical head is shown by a member of the medical branch, but loyalty shown as a person. Duties be damned, Kushin is the real deal, just as I thought. I knew he was a good guy deep down. To hell with all the bad rumors surrounding him. Heartless my ass." It was as if the article had satisfied Daisuke hunger for blood. That and the fact that both Masao and Kitsune were back within kumogakure. A sense of delight and fulfillment washed over Daisuke as he handed the paper back to Kushin. This was his reward to keep after all, though Daisuke felt that Kushin deserved much more than an article.

"Thank you Kushin-sama. I needed that. Those hoshi shinobi will learn their place now." he said turning towards his student. "You see, Junko. Sometimes you have to take the initiative and handle matters in your own way. You can’t always count on someone else to get the job done. Oh yeah, you’re not aware of the whole story, right? I’ll explain later Junko. In the meantime in order to join The Sentou Henkan, you should learn medic combat training. I’m not too familiar with it but I’m sure we can find someone with the experience and appropriate skill level to train you. But if dead anbu have bloodline traits then you might have to harvest them. Surgery isn’t my thing either. I still need practice and you need a professional. Maybe Kitsune...or Kushin-sama can help you.", he suggested looking back towards Kushin for confirmation.

 

[Hameru Ren]

Having once more swung by the fax office again, he was still looking for a suitable minion to boss around for it, the Spymaster sighed. He had stayed up several long nights to sort out the recent events. If he had still been a regular Shinobi, a normal Chunin or even a Med-Nin or ANBU, he might have regarded the whole situation as a far-from-his-bed case. Sure, the loss of their Sennin and a Med-Nin would've been something to adjust to, but nothing to stay awake of. Now as a Spymaster, and even having been temporary Sennin for a short while, it had been quite the drastic change in his career. Having met with the Hoshikage in a calm environment however, he was glad of the advances they had made.

Both Cloud and Star had a closer relation than ever before. The Hoshikage and Raikage would even be going out on a date. They had shared several meals, at the very least. Natsu was all too well aware of the effect Shin had on women. It wouldn't come as much of a surprise if they'd gone even further. Perhaps even.. kissing. The sheer insanity! From all appearance, Nanasaki sure would like such developments. However, she was a good leader. A bit paranoia perhaps, and she still regarded him as a pervert. But overa-..

His positive thoughts were interrupted as he passed by the check-in line at the Gates. A group of three were having a conversation, not trying very hard to keep it silent, but most dangerous in nature. Perhaps it was simply the fact that one of them was the green-haired demon of Kumo. However, Natsu had since shortly felt uneasy whenever someone mentioned the word "walk". He had been there at the face-off between Nanasaki and Kushin. And it had been a very difficult situation to diffuse. If Shin hadn't agreed to that late-night dinner with Ai..

Upon seeing and hearing his previous teammember, the one who along with him had been at the heart of the situation, Natsu arched an eyebrow. Some things had to be set straight here, surely. "Excuse me, Kushin-Sensei, Daisuke-Sensei and.. MiT?" He addressed them, formally to show he would mean no disrespect in his words, even if he lacked the knowledge about Junko to propperly greet the boy. "I hate to interrupt a conversation, certainly one as important as the future of one our young talents. But I have to disagree with you on this topic."

"The Shinobi of Star are our allies. We will be working together with them to bring down the Kingslayers. After all, might as we Cloud Shinobi may be, the Kingslayers are a formidable foe. Even though we may overpower them in sheer strength, they are quite adapt at remaining hidden. So please, do not think of them as inferior creatures you have to pay no heed from. That goes for either Star as Kingslayer Shinobi. After all, a well placed dagger can kill them as surely as us. Or a Rasengan to the face, for that matter.. Ah, but I'm drifting off-topic. Apology for the intrusion, have a fair day all." Natsu decided, smiling at them and continuing back on his way to the Torre.

[Topic Left Unless Stopped]

 

[Junan]

Kushin knew that any shinobi reading that before him would click as to the likely reality of the situation. That there was no proof that could be traced back to him meant nothing in that regard. What Kushin was also happy with was the response from both the shinobi before him. He had been, in a way, scolded by the Raikage for what he'd done. He knew he'd done the right thing, Hoshigakurean's needed to understand the folly of treating Cloud shinobi in that way, Cloud had helped them on several occasions and they knew what shinobi were capable of. The fact that they had stood against Masao and Kitsune was what had truly pissed Kushin off. They should have been the ones defending them, telling the court what a shinobi was capable of, not against them.

Another shinobi had also decided to join in the conversation. Speaking that he believe that the Star village were their allies Kushin's frown returned and he looked at the man, not as one angry at the other but perplexed that someone found it to be okay to simply enter another conversation without knowing the background behind it, spouting their opinion and then leaving. Kushin would remember that face... but would say nothing.

Once the man had left he would turn his attention back to the other two. Junko had voiced what he wanted to do, and Daisuke had voiced his concerns at his own limitations.

I would suggest focusing on what Daisuke can teach you for now and earning the title of Medical Shinobi as his student. After you have become a medical shinobi you can train more specifically towards combat as that seems to be the area you are interested in. The Sentou Henkan are as elite as the Harvesters or any other medical specialist team, and are busier. The Harvesters have a nasty role to play in the village and though they are now identified as a strength the village has, they were once thought to be outsiders and so their membership are not the most friendly. Kushin himself was one of them, and he was anything but friendly, no matter whether his intentions were good or not.

I'm sure Daisuke's experience in combat will be useful to you in working towards the goal of the Sentou Henkan. If you need further training I could join you both on more dangerous missions just so that the experience you gain benefits you and doesn't stunt your development. This was Kushin's issue, he didn't speak of people as people, he talked of them as though they were things. Yet in between those words there were clues that Kushin did in fact care. That he had confidence in Daisuke was there, that he was speaking of enhancing both Daisuke and Junko's knowledge was there and the respect given to Daisuke in that he didn't want to simply take the training of the mans trainee from him.

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

Listening to the strangers input on the conversation only made Junko raise a brow. "I guess that's good, we are at peace, for now anyways." As the man finished up, he simply left. "He's quick and to the point I guess, or he may have some business else where." finishing his thought, Junko simply shrugged as he paid attention to Kushin.

"I would suggest focusing on what Daisuke can teach you for now and earning the title of Medical Shinobi as his student. After you have become a medical shinobi you can train more specifically towards combat as that seems to be the area you are interested in. The Sentou Henkan are as elite as the Harvesters or any other medical specialist team, and are busier. The Harvesters have a nasty role to play in the village and though they are now identified as a strength the village has, they were once thought to be outsiders and so their membership are not the most friendly."

Junko took every word in placing them on a mental notepad to remember his next steps in the ninja world. "Even if they are looked down upon, no one knows a person better then themselves, just as people actions speak louder then their words." said Junko looking directly at Kushin.  

"I'm sure Daisuke's experience in combat will be useful to you in working towards the goal of the Sentou Henkan. If you need further training I could join you both on more dangerous missions just so that the experience you gain benefits you and doesn't stunt your development."

Junko actually like the feeling Kushin brought around him, he wasn't no average Jo, but an elite ninja just like his sensei. "This is what I want to be surrounded by in the end, elite ninja that will help me become one as well." finishing up his thoughts, Junko cleared his throat, "I'm sure it will, I would enjoy your company on missions with us in the future as well, so please join." It would be quite a rare opportunity to have two elite shinobi on a mission with a young wiper snapper such as Junko.

 

[Daigo]

Just as he finished his sentence, a familiar man approached the three medics. Daisuke turned his head and to his surprise it was Natsu-san, the man Takaki Masao trusted in the most during their last mission together. From what he remembered, Do Natsu was a very efficient and professional ninja, having some sort of natural talent with politics and after Masao’s and Kitsune’s arrest, political clout with him. This man had Daisuke’s respect and he would take this opportunity to hear out ‘the spymaster’.

"Hello, Do Natsu. Long time no see. I hope you have been well." he said greeting his former teammate, but his grin would soon sink as his jaw would drop. The next few words to leave his mouth left Daisuke in a bit of a shock. "Allies! Working together! Against the kingslayers!" he thought, becoming more and more upset as Natsu continued to speak. He negative emotions were not aimed at Natsu, in fact Daisuke was grateful for the information. He was just upset over the whole ordeal. Now, the chief could understand if the hoshi ninja were not aware of Enishi’s status as a missing ninja and then blamed and arrested cloud shinobi, but that was not the case at all. Daisuke would wait until he heard everything before explaining his version of the events aloud to make sure he had not been mistaken.

"I’m sorry, what? Hold on, please. I just want to make sure I have this right. Our only mission was to take in the shady nobles. The Hoshikage failed to protect her own king from the kingslayers, then was informed that Enishi was a missing ninja by our own sennin no less. She saw us fight against the kingslayers. Now if I’m correct, She then went on to grope Kitsune and arrest her along with Masao-sama, holding them both at fault for her screw up. And now the Raikage is making nice with her. If she would have listened to you Natsu-san, then we could have pursued that bastard Enishi together. She actually had the nerve to show her face around cloud village!" he said quickly inhaling in an attempt to calm down, lower his voice, and keep both his lunar curse seal and sharingan from activating out of sheer anger, with no target in mind of course. Needless to say that he was not happy about the information, but again he bared no ill will towards Natsu. He knew not to shoot the messenger.

"I apologize for the outburst. I’m just very confused and I really don't like being confused. I don’t think of the hoshi ninja as inferior people as I believe wholeheartedly that all people are equal and so I do my best not to underestimate anyone. I just have a problem with people who screw up and rather than take responsibility, quickly find a scapegoat, then act all high and mighty about it as if they did nothing wrong. They needed to get knocked off their high horse is all I’m saying. I just hope Masao and Kitsune at least got an apology since that bitc- I mean woman, feels like being friendly."

Daisuke felt that if the Hoshikage wanted to extend an olive branch, she should have done so when Enishi got away, instead of arresting his comrades. Seeing as he did not want to waste Natsu’s time, acting sennin and all, he would take would a piece of paper and write down his frequency number for Natsu to take. "I won’t hold you up any longer, but thank you for informing us of these events. Please, take my headset number and we can catch up later to continue this discussion and become more familiar with each other. We are clan brothers after all. Have a blessed day, Natsu-san." he said, handing off the number before returning to his medic friends. It was clear that Daisuke still had unresolved issues over the whole thing, and he needed closure. Kushin provided him with peace of mind over the past, just a moment ago. Junko provided him with peace of mind over the future generations of cloud ninjas, and now he needed peace of mind over the present situation which Natsu could provide. Though he wasn't the only one who could do such a service.

He went on to listen to his boss’ words and became glad again saying, "That would be great, Kushin-sama. Thank you for that advice and the offer. I see Junko is really excited about the idea of you accompanying us." He looked back over his shoulder as Natsu walked away and then back towards Kushin and the sennin would know Daisuke was still upset over the fact that the Hoshikage wasn't given a kill on sight (K.O.S.) status. She was being helpful now, so he'd just have to deal with it or so he thought.

 

[Junan]

Daisuke's words had been of interest to Kushin who knew that the man had been on the mission at the time of the arrest. So to hear in greater detail many of the issues which were coming to Daisuke's mind with what he knew of the encounter intrigued Kushin. He held his silence and didn't speak more on the matter, but it was of interest that the Hoshikage had arrested Cloud shinobi, then placed her own Sennin as the prosecution lawyer. The credibility brought with that had meant that Masao and Kitsune were unlikely to have anything but a guilty verdict, after all shinobi would know the abilities of shinobi, and who would a Bear Country judge believe? Cloud shinobi or their own Star shinobi? The answer had always been obvious and had been much of the reason for Kushin's anger.

Yet now obviously any doubt that the Hoshikage knew of Cloud's involvement at the time was gone. Cloud may not see her as enemy number one, but Kushin's attentions had now been drawn to her. Judging by Daisuke's outburst and demeanor the man wouldn't be upset about her falling to a fatal wound. All Kushin had to do was make sure it wasn't witnessed by someone who would care, and dealt by someone who was willing to do so.

Perhaps he'd found the man for that job. Perhaps a plan was coming together.

He needed to set up the situation the way he needed it however. Which would mean the three of them, Daisuke, himself and the Hoshikage behind the others or alone with. If Daisuke were to attack and kill her when she was unaware of the attack they could bring her down quickly, Kushin would testify that it was a member of the Kingslayers and no-one would question the event, at least not openly. That was even if they felt the need to do so. With their medical knowledge and Daisuke's Rasengan they could have her live on as one of Daisuke's bodies, effectively gaining control over the village.

Kushin would need to wait for an opportunity, and would need to manipulate events to occur as he wanted. Unless the situation arose he would remain silent however and keep his desire to himself. If revealed, only then would the decision need to be made on whether they bring the village of Star under a Cloudies control, and that would depend entirely on Daisuke.

If the time came of course.

I'm sure opportunities will arise. He said, seemingly in regards to his helping with Junko's training, though perhaps to his own thoughts.

I'm sure there is much you two have need to do, I will see you both soon I'm sure, and we will see how far Junko has progressed.

[Topic left if left by you two]

 

[Tsuyoshi Junko]

"I'm sure there is much you two have need to do, I will see you both soon I'm sure, and we will see how far Junko has progressed."

Junko nodded in agreement as he was looking at Kushin, but realized that it was up to Daisuke. The conversation ended up benefiting Junko, so if a new topic was to rise, Junko wouldn't mind. "What's are next move sensei?"

[Topic Left depending on Daisuke]

 

[Daigo]

"Yes, indeed. He’ll be ready for the mednin exam sooner than you might think. Actually, Junko and I do need to get back to the hospital. I have a surprize for him there. Well, its been a pleasure as always, Kushin-sama. I rather enjoyed our chat. Take care and have a blessed day. Come on, Junko. I bet you’re eager to see the village again after all this time." he said bowing to Kushin before gesturing to Junko to come and walk with him.

If Daisuke learned anything today it was as follows: first, becoming friendly and more familiar with your superiors is great. Second, training his pupil is a top priority with the exams coming up soon. Third, becoming more familiar with his fellow clan brethren was crucial. And lastly but most importantly, he learned that politics were a huge pain in the ass. One minute, they’re your worst enemy, then they’re your friend the next minute.

While he did not like the way current political events unfolded, he would support the Raikage’s play and abstain from partaking in any drastic measures that could effect Cloud and Star relationship. It seemed he would have to grin and bare with it for as long as both kages remained on good terms, for now. Such was Daisuke's sense of loyalty to the kage, but he still didn't like it. Doubt stayed with him upon hearing the news, leading him to believe that the Hoshikage would slip up again and when she did, Daisuke would have to get his hands dirty and exposure the darker side of himself.

[Topic Left, thanks you two that was fun.]