Reformation [ Private ]

[Shu]

Shin stared at the pages of his velvet black notebook carefully written in his writing. He was currently sitting in a normal chair in a rather large room. The same room that he met with fair chancellor Tachibana Ami and Shinrai. How long has it been since the first report of thousands people dying at Port Cirrus? How he had not properly noticed the suspicious of the mission or the fact that unknown person was allowed to proctor an exam. It was not like him to be frivolous in this regard. His right hand covered his frustrated countenance and the other flipping the pages. He stopped at a new page showing a quick sketch of a young man with a small caption -- Minamoto Taro. He was a curious figure seeking new knowledge on the outside world; he says he comes from Kirgakure no Sato, an apparently new-formed village. It struck him as odd that a single man would come alone; it would not surprise Shin to find out if he ends up being their village leader. Also, did the country really require a shinobi village and what purpose would it bring?

He closed the book as he recalled his afternoon at the cafe at the corner of Dawnbringer's Plaza. Shin had a clandestine meeting with Lady Kiyo. She was as vibrant as ever but rather oblivious when it came to the politics of the country. She had no idea of what was happening to the country or at least she appeared that way. Shin has always and will always honor that woman for creating this great nation. She told him to be willing to use a scapegoat for the sake of the village, but Shin was not willing to bring the country to a civil war.

"History repeats itself..." Shin muttered to himself.

Shin sat back as he removing his tinted glasses rubbing his the brim of his nose. Was Shin destined to repeat the same actions his predecessors or was he going to be the first to bring peace to the village.. Shin tapped his eardrum activating his headset, a soft hissing noise erupted. "Hitomi, could you bring the Sennin to conference room A? I know that they may be busy but it is imperative that I meet with them."


A brief silence....


"Yes Raikage-sama" She responded.

{Require Takaki Masao, Souseuki, Santaru Rin, and Isaki Kushin}

 

[Junan]

The tree's surrounded the trio, the only real sound was the wheezing breath of the injured shinobi, barely alive. Kushin didn't need this man to die, just another shinobi doing his duty. Cloud had received their distress call and sent Kushin in himself to deal with the issue. Kushin had brought a couple of others of course, the carnage littered the tree's and it was a glorious thing.

They were in Lightning Country, on a trail which led towards a set of caves according to the maps and Kushin could only assume there to be a little holdout there. Those responcible for attacking the Cloud shinobi would reside there, the unfortunates who'd been caught while transporting one of them were now all dead, like two of the Cloud shinobi were where the confrontation had been initially. Families would mourn in Cloud by the end of the day, and though he didn't care about their tears he did care about the loss of abilities. This shinobi was the only one alive, a fellow member of the Chigokai clan, probably the only reason he remained alive. Kushin worked on him when one of the other two medical shinobi's hand suddenly reached to his earpiece. Kushin's was off, so that he wouldn't be disturbed.

Sir, you have been requested by the Raikage. Your office received the order moments ago.

Time now?

Twelve fifteen sir.

Importance? he asked, though for the man to speak up at all told him the answer.

Imperative the mednin said, his voice lilting, clearly quoting the word used.

Kushin sat back on his ankles and looked at the wounded man in the middle of surgery. He'd have lived if Kushin hadn't been summoned.

Harvest the marrow, destroy the remains. Record the location of the bandits and call for two regular shinobi squads to be called to the location for watch detail. We, the ANBU, or a high detail squad will deal with them later. When I don't have a Raikage ordering me around. he thought afterwards. Looking down at the man before him he tilted his head and lent forward I will console your very attractive wife. But don't worry, I'll honor you by doing so after the funeral

Standing the man gave a small cry, a short beg for mercy, an accusation that he'd been told he would live. Anything else was lost in the screams as the cracking of breaking bones while he still lived began. Those were the last sounds Kushin heard as he sped away towards the village. He hoped that the screams would be heard by the bandits, for if they were to assault those two medical... abominations... then perhaps the issue would solve itself. A smile appeared briefly upon his face.

----------------

Entering the Torre Celeste he moved to the reception, his shinobi attire covered in blood, both of his enemies and of his allies. Imperative meant come immediately no matter what, thus he didn't bother wasting time changing. Though he wondered if he'd begin to find it tiresome meeting with people covered in the stuff. Conference room A, according to the receptionist, so that's where he went. His hand gripped the door handle and he turned it to enter. Releasing the handle with effort, the blood on his hand still drying and now in a sticky state, he bowed before snorting annoyance and pulling out a handkercheif. Licking it and then cleaning the handle.

Sorry about this Shin, just returned from a mission, unfortunately no survivors but we think we've located the base of operations. he said while he cleaned the handle. After which he moved to the basin in the adjoined toilet and began to wash his hands What have I been called here for? he asked over the sound of the rushing water.

 

[Morishige]

A twinge of pain shot down the back of his head as he had watched curiously through that cursed eye behind the patch. For years he had kept the secret of it's use a secret from everyone he knew, even Senka. But now, he had stumbled upon something that he didn't expect. One of the sennin arrived at the Torre just before he was about to enter to go inquire about a passport. The elder Inuzuka had no doubt that his missions for Souseiki would be requiring it. But what had bothered him was the scent that came off the man. Covered in a good amount of blood and dried sweat. At that moment, he activated his transplanted Byakugan to watch just what was going on. To his surprise, he was meeting with someone inside. But who was it... Upon further inspection it was the Raikage himself! "Well Judo, no reason to go wait in that boring room. Let's have some fun." he said with a devious little smile.

Moving into a nearby public restroom, the two entered...but only one came out. It was the beast clone technique. Gekido left the restroom, enroute to the entrance. Once inside he found the room next to conference room A and slipped inside, sure to not alert anyone. But where had the other gotten to? He flew through the air as a fly. No doubt this was a self created jutsu made while the former captain was still in the ANBU. He had used it once of twice before, but regretted it both times because of the disorientation he felt after wards. But now was not the time to get sick and puke. He had a mission! Flying into the building, he quickly landed at the base of the door and crawled underneath it to make his way inside. By this time however, Gekido was ready to dispel and blow chunks, so once he was inside, the man clung to a wall and focused on keeping the jutsu going. They say curiosity killed the cat. But this dog was just bored.

[Topic Entered in Stealth?]

 

[Santaru Rin]

Reluctant to be drawn from her other pressing duties, Rin at last separated from her desk in the umbral reaches of the Torre with the feeling of some type of cellular division taking place on a deeply discomfiting, bowel-movement-esque level of the metaphorical being which was Rin-and-office. Perhaps this was why locating her old sensei had been a much more sure thing if she searched the library or streets for him, rather than the Sileo or Torre. Merging with one's least desirable work was existentially troubling.

She was not only ink-stained this day but also bandaged. Several superficial injuries in training had resulted in self-treatment. Ever since her rather awkward treatment under Akihiko-sensei, she had abjured the Aesculapium in favor of improving her own field skills. After all, if she couldn't stitch herself up, she had very little business conducting field operations and might as well stay forever within the bounds of the village.

Her receipt of the Raikage's summons had anyway only shaken her from dull priorities that she might have otherwise foisted on a subordinate. She expected a summons of all the Sennin to be more interesting than reviewing intelligence reports on the minutia of rebel logistics. Previous meetings with Hayata Shin had notably lacked the other Sennin anyway. Rin would be unsurprised to find only herself and Masao in attendance as always. Hayata had a penchant for responding only obliquely to questions, so these sessions were generally not as fruitful as she desired.

She stepped into her liege's office wearing the most inscrutable expression she could manage. "Hayata-sama. Oh, I see Isaki-san is here. Good morning. What have you called us all for?" It better goddamn well be important.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

The teaching in all military forces in all nations was that before any situation in which one might be exposed to stress or danger, it was imperative to relieve oneself beforehand. This was known in the ANBU as well as the Imperial Marine Corps as the “combat dump.” And if there were a situation in which he was going to need to really control his functions, it was a meeting with the Raikage. 200% motherfucking loyalty tended to be unforgiving on a sphincter. With practiced grace, he scanned the waiting area of the Torre Celeste and found the men’s room, gliding over to it and pretending to clear the room with a pair of Deagle-Brand Deagles with Golden Tiger Stripes ©, making “pew pew” noises under his breath as he pointed to various bystanders.

Fortunately, there was no one actually in the men’s room, except for perhaps the very peripheral sound of a buzzing fly which he ignored. Locating the nearest porcelain throne, he perched himself on top of it and unfurled a newspaper, perusing the headlines.

Many Shinobi Afraid to Mark “Organ Donor” on Their Passports. New Medical Sennin to Blame?

Admins on Mission Pay: “But Think of The 1 Percent!” is Their Response

Countess Bakunin: Being Meguca is Suffering

Not long before he reached the Sports section, however, it happened. With the ancient rumbling of the mountain, the lava started to flow, along with a volcanic explosion of gases that would end civilizations yet unfounded. He immediately shut the paper, trying to use it as an impromptu fan to push the fumes away from his tearing eyes.

“Jesus Saito...” he groaned, clasping his head in his hands, trying not to breathe through his nose, even as the knowledge that the particles were entering his mouth nauseated him further. “Roasted Squid, you may be the star of middle age, but you’re definitely murdering my colon like OJ on Nicole,” he muttered to no one in particular, making a rather poorly-thought-out 1990’s reference. Whatever flies or other insects were in the room would now have to deal with this as well, sadly for them.

After an eternity drowning in the aftermath of Roasted Squid, Cheap Beer, and Pastrami Deluxe, he finally emerged from the bathroom a changed man. A column of noxious miasma started to emerge from the bottom of the doorway and spill into the hall, and he distanced himself from it as expediently as possible. Now, it was time to attend to business. The Raikage had called the sennin to his office, and Rin had directed him to come. It was unclear why the other sennin had not designated seconds in command as Rin had, but then again, the other branches were run by an entrails-obsessed kleptomaniac and a dick-waving Bogart caricature with whom he had gotten in a barfight. So perhaps their organizational skills were lacking. Finally, he reached Shin’s Office, knocking to let himself in before grasping at the door handle. It felt sticky and nasty, except instead of the usual prostatic secretions one might expect from a Raikage with access to the greatest burlesque library of all time, it was...blood. He could tell someone had tried to clean it, but those hospital wipes never actually worked on blood, you know?

“Oh Shinbatsu’s Ballsack, who’s trying to wear Shin’s face as underwear now?!” he growled as he swung the door open, metablade materializing in his hand. Instantly, however, he now saw Rin and Kushin, as well as an apparently intact Hayata Shin, and the blade flickered out of existence. “Raikage-sama, Regent Commander, Doctor,” he said to them, coming to Rin’s side. He cast a brief look at her face. As usual, it was quite inscrutable.

“What is it, Vice Commander?” she asked.

“Nothing, madam,” he said, wondering when she had started wearing that expression as her usual custom.

 

[Morishige]

There she was, miss ANBU sennin herself. Kido watched her silently, as Judo was on the other side of the wall listening with limited success. Of course, the amount of sound that could be interpreted through the wall even with his animal hearing was problematic. But the beast clone was more of a fail safe technique to avoid getting caught in this fly form. However, there was something much more ominous on the way that would cause this plan to fail. A very specific odor in fact. It slowly crept under the door after that man had entered, and made it's way Kido's location on the wall. Once it hit him, there was no way he was going to be able to keep this form. The longer he remained motionless to avoid detection, the closer he was to just puking his guts. His mind raced with a possible way to escape discovery. A most outrageous plan came to mind. The Medical Sennin was in the room, along with the ANBU sennin and her subordinate. It was a gamble, but Gekido was willing to take a chance. He would need to recall that tone of voice that was used with him.

Gekido took flight in a direction away from the scent, particularly to the farthest corner in the room and channeled his chakra to transform once again. He just hoped Souseiki was invited to the meeting but had yet to arrive. Otherwise this plan wouldn't work. In a puff of smoke, a copy of the Main Branch Sennin himself stood in the room with his arms folded, a scowl across his face at each of them. "Are you all so incompetent that you can't detect me as a fly? And here I thought ANBU had skill." Kido said through the sennin's voice. Reaching into a pocket, Gekido pulled out an empty flask: part of the illusion. He opened the top and motioned as if he were taking a small swig. "Why have you called us here Shin. I was in the middle of something rather important." Kido said in a rather gruff manner. Putting the flask back into the pocket inside his coat, he fixed his tie and flexed his muscles in the uncomfortable suit. Placing his hands behind his back, he waited for an explanation of what was going on. If no one else was attending, then Gekido might just learn a few things before he was taken out by the two ANBU in the room. That is, IF, Shin believed he were the Sennin. Hopefully, no one found Judo now. Else Gekido would have to go through with explaining that. Which in his current state, would be easy to do.

 

[Junan]

His hands dry, red stains on the towel it seemed Masao and Rin had arrived, Kushin nodded lightly in their direction as he noticed them. He let Masao into the bathroom and headed towards a seat. Rin had asked the same question he had, but with perhaps a tad more impatience, and it seemed that Shin was going to take his time in answering. The door closed behind Masao and then the sounds followed. Kushin's face went from calm and relaxed, to a look of horror. What on earth was going on in there.

The cries to Shinbatsu followed by the echoing sound of gases being released being followed by the plopping sound of solid, hard, large, lumps of waste landing in water. Kushin turned to look at the door. Yet more came and this went on for a few minutes. Silence dominated the meeting room as they waited for Souseiki to arrive. Silence with the exception of what was going on in the bathroom. Finally the sound of a flush. Water being turned on as the man within washed his hands. The door opened and Masao came out and finally greeted them.

How I imagine Kushin, Rin and Shin, in that order

The door closed behind him, thankfully, yet it wasn't enough. Just when Kushin had regained control over himself he'd turned to face Shin, he was about to demand to be told what was going on. Instead as he opened his mouth the smell raped his nose. Ack was the sound as he gagged, almost vomited. Even the flies were making their way away from the smell. Then the fly exploded. Probably also the smell.

No wait, it was Souseiki. Apparently he'd been hiding as a fly, and then went on to mock the ability of the ANBU. Perhaps Souseiki wasn't such a bad guy after all, though Kushin had never had much to do with him before anyway. Despite this one thought making its way between the omg, what DOES Masao eat to smell this bad... and statements similar to this. Kushin looked to Shin to begin the meeting.

 

[Kamitake]

A full moon on ink colored skies lit the vacant cobblestone streets home to nothing but the lone wind and the nervous pacing of one man. He hurriedly walked along the dark streets while repeatedly stopping to listen or watch for the ghostly signs of eminent danger. He moved along through the veins of the Cronopolis. He walked for hours through those dark avenues before he reached an inconspicuous home on the outskirts. He tapped the wooden door nervously as he worked to calm himself until a large man opened the door and beckoned him inside. He entered cautiously, observing the antiquated furniture, the miscellaneous photos of a seeming family before he followed the man to a spacious room furnished with rows of books, desks with manila folders, and a seemingly out of place printing press.

”Greetings,” spoke the warm fluid voice of the dark figure in the shadows. His eyes could only tell that the man work an unorthodox coat and hat and had eyes of jade that bore into his very soul. The figure came out of the shadows and transformed into the familiar smiling face of Raito. ”I hope you didn't mind the transportation. It was the best that could be arranged ever since Santaru Rin returned to the position of Head Commander of ANBU.

While the man had not been particularly happy on his journey, he didn't dare air his grievance. ”It was comfortable enough. I brought news from the council,” he informed as he drew a folder from his coat’s pocket and handed it to the blonde figure. ”I’ll let you read it later but for the time being it’ll suffice to say we need more supplies, more men, more information, specifically where the shogun is staying.” The following silence clung heavily. He was unsure how Raito would react. Raito had always been unpredictable.

”You’ll get more of the first two,” came the response to both the relief and annoyance of the conspirator. ”As for the latter, you’ll get it as I see fit to give it to you. No more, no less. Remind your bourgeois what they agreed to when they enlisted my services.” A radio worn by the large man interrupted the blonde. Words flowed in syllables alien to the man but clearly a dialect of the Kumogakurian tongue from the way Raito‘s eyes narrowed. Raito sighed as returned his attention to the conspirator. ”Stay local and don’t look for me. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements before you return home. As for the price, the usual at Port Cirrus will do.” The conspirator stood sternly in the library as Raito exited. It didn’t take long for the large brute to half motion, half force him back onto the cold streets.

The council wouldn't be pleased, they rarely were by their contracted agent but he had been too effective in keeping them fed and ready to forsake their connection over his refusal to provide them with what they really wanted to know. He wasn’t comfortable knowing that Raito had his own agenda and that the council were nothing more than a pawn in his plan but for the time being they could do nothing but train and wait, wait and train, and hope for the best.

---

He made sure to arrive last.

The blonde Sennin made his unannounced entrance into the Torre Celeste garbed with his usual film noireseque wear of a black suit, tie, and fedora all while sporting a lit cigarette that as customary went unextinguished to everyone‘s displeasure at Headquarters. Despite the fact that he rarely graced his own stuffy office, a certain wind managed to carry word through the streets and into his ear that he had been summoned, to his utmost displeasure. However, Souseiki hadn’t advanced so quickly in this bureaucratic system by angering the few people with influence over him, and it would be especially foolish now that the number had been reduced to only one.

He ignored the lone receptionist welcoming him into the administrative offices as per usual before walking straight to the designated conference room… or he would have had he not heard his own voice barking in it. The blonde Nanjirou fluidly moved into action as he put his back on the office door in order to listen in onto the conversation while he placed a precautionary hand on his hungering blade. Souseiki smiled deviously as he waited. Whoever the impostor was, he was berating the ANBU for their lack of perceptiveness, their failure to spot “him“ in stealth. If only they knew perhaps they‘d be even more shocked…

The sword smelled five.

 

[Shu]

Shin began to hear clicking noises, the struggles of a person flipping the chrome door nobs. A man emerged covered in blotches of blood. He sounded rather impatient but composed as he apologized for his lateness.

Sorry about this Shin, just returned from a mission, unfortunately no survivors but we think we've located the base of operations. he said while he cleaned the handle.

"I see..." Shin said with a sense of despair. He walked up toward the door evading the red mess on the floor; he took a moment to stare and analyze the door nob as he reached inside the confinement of his cloak. He removed a white cotton cloth and carefully brushed it against the door. On his off-hand he pressed the signal his eardrum activating the hidden headset.

"Hitomi, there has been an accident. Would you mind bringing sanitate here?." Shin said.

"Are you alright, Raikage-sama." She said rather alarmed as her voiced emanated from his ear.

"No, I am quite alright." Shin responded. He moved back toward the large conference table.

"About your question, Kushin. You will know once the rest show up." Shin said with a grin as he patted the young man on the shoulder.

It was only a matter of time until the rest arrived. The next two were the ANBU duo, Santaru Rin and Takaki Masao, and like Kushin were not completely ecstatic to be here. What could possible be the three be doing that the attention of the Raikage was unneeded? Regardless, they were all here except for Souseiki. He appeared in a puff of smoke completely filled with ennui or at least rather annoyed by his summon.

"Why have you called us here Shin. I was in the middle of something rather important." He said.

"<Father, I would be cautious of your surroundings. I cannot deduce who or what but there is a unwarranted presence among you.>" A soft voice said beside Shin. Of course, such a warning would only be heard by Shin to prevent anyone from being alarmed. "Most curious....." Shin said briefly rubbing his cheek. What could be possible be here besides the three people before him? Shin had made a capricious decision to orchestrate this meeting as such it would not

Shin lifted himself from his seat and presented his stature toward the small group. "Yes, the reason I brought you before me. As a historian, I have taken note that neither of the previous Raikage have paid attention to their subordinates. I suppose they did not feel the need to. How foolish of them." Shin said with a soft chuckle. "There are a few questions that I have for you all to answer and questions that I would like for you answer among yourself."

The door opened again and two white-robbed mednin entered. Their clothing flew like a white curtain underneath a cool breeze. They venerated themselves toward the sennin and the raikage as they delivered a small bow. "You summoned us, Raikage-sama"

"Ah, yes..." Shin said quickly. "I would like for you to retrieve a clean cloak for Kushin-senpai and clean the tracks he has made. Also, keep the blood stains on record." Shin said.

"Hai!" They said in unison. It was an odd request but Shin had his reasoning. One of them quickly went to work as his hands moved like lightning, a following rush of clean water rushed out from a heavy gourd on his back. Despite the impact of the water hitting the hard floor, it flowed across the floor like light creme on a hot tea smothering and consuming the bloody stains. Another mednin lifted his hands as the water ascended bringing the bloody marks with it toward the gourd.

"We will bring a suitable attire for you, Kushin-sama." They said as they left the scene. As they left the room they were not aware of a strange but familiar man juxtaposed against the wall readily waiting for something to happen. It was Souseki or rather it appeared to be him. What was going on?


"My first question: 'is there something about my status of raikage that bothers you that leads you to go astray against me and the village.' My second question: 'among the divisions, except your own, what bothers you the most." Shin asked as he took his seat in front of them.

Let me know if there is a problem with my post. Sorry I had to rewrite my post because I backspaced at some post in me typing this rp.

 

[Santaru Rin]

I think you might have been leapfrogged by Souseiki, Hayashin. Kido, your summoning technique pulled off quite the trick!

Rin turned such a piercing look of disappointment in the direction of the lavatory that even Susano'o might have trembled with shame and dismay. Her husband ever had his ways of undercutting the moment with abject idiocy; moreover, this time he was subjecting everyone to his own, unique brand of biological jutsu. "Raijin, how you stab at me," she muttered under her breath, and quickly made her way to the opposite end of the room. She abjured standing beside the blood-stained medical sennin, her recent associate's replacement.

Of course everything turned from rank to sour nearly instantly. With a pop, a blond appeared, matching generally the file she held on the one and only main branch sennin. She absorbed the mockery with a grunt but said nothing. Souseiki was noted as being almost insolently late to any meeting, though her one piece of correspondence from him was a nice proof of temper and manipulativeness. Some game was afoot. Her fingers moved in the silent pattern of snapshot and she only lifted a single brow at Hayata, as if to say, Well? Isaki seemed amused, but as he had not appeared to anticipate this incursion either, she ignored it as unimportant. Once the meeting was over, she would investigate further and enact appropriate countermeasures.

From sour to bitter: the door opened, revealing that at least one of these was a likely imposter--unless, like Masao, Souseiki was capable of dividing himself. She had nothing of that on file, though--and her eyes now found what had been missing: this man carried a sword, as did any Nanjirou, whereas the former carried nothing. She was the first to respond. As Hayata spoke, she interposed herself between the unarmed Souseiki and the Raikage and lifted her hands, trusting Masao to cover the other side. She kept the armed Souseiki within sight as well--these comedies were rarely as they seemed. At that point, a pair of servitors entered to clean Isaki's debris. Unflappable as usual, they ignored the absurdity before them and did the deed. Part of Rin could not help but be interested that Hayata had ordered the collection of samples from Isaki's tracks.

"Hayata, I respectfully submit that now is not the time." She opened her chakra and let the malevolent power of that dead lieutenant operate, skimming gently the minds of all present to see what could be seen on the surface of troubled waters.

 

[Junan]

Samples from his tracks? Ah well, no biggy. They'd find several DNA sets which matched no Cloud shinobi it's not like he operated with his feet. The only sample which would show Cloud shinobi would be the door handle, of which he would simply state he'd attempted to keep someone alive. Which had been the truth. He had been trying to save someones life. Besides which, these were medical shinobi, his<i></i> shinobi, if there was anything he should be afraid of he would have no issue in removing that data before it reached the Raikage. However the loss of a mans life wasn't always a pleasant thing, and in this case Kushin had little known what it was for. However it did tell him he was being watched by the Raikage. Not very subtly either. It told Rin that he was being watched as well. Though quite why he was being watched was beyond him.

He ignored the fluster about the fact there were two Souseiki's, the one in the room receiving more attention than the other outside the room, though the one outside looked armed. Something tugged at Kushin's mind about Souseiki, something to do with... oh yeh. His bloodline. The thought made its way into interrupting his other thoughts. His eyes drifted towards the sword at the mans hilt. It would be interesting to see what he could find out about those blades. If only he had one to play with.

Snapping at himself in his mind he went back to what his real concerns were. Hayata Shin had called his three, might as well be four, sennin to his office. He had made sure that they were aware it was of the utmost importance. His three Sennin, four plus whoever that guy was, had come running to his call. The boy who had cried wolf was a story that fit this moment in history. Kushin wondered how many times Shin would cry wolf before his Sennin would stop coming.

Hayata Shin wanted the three, four, most influential and powerful shinobi in the village to come to his office, dropping everything they were doing so that they could tell him he was a good boy and was doing well. Pat him on the head and give him a lollypop. Maybe even a hug if he was lucky so that he could feel all warm and fuzzy.

Kushin was not amused.

No-one in this office was stupid enough to tell the Raikage that he had likely cost shinobi's lives with this. In Kushin's case he had, someone had died because of this. A distant relative of Kushin's no less. Not that that mattered.

Then he wanted them to start casting accusations at each others incompitence.

His hand moved to his face slowly, he couldn't stop it, it just rose till it covered half of it and began to rub. Squeezing the bridge of the nose he closed his eyes and took a couple of breaths. If asked he'd simply say it was something to do with the whole double Souseiki fiasco. What could he do? There was nothing to be done now. They had a Raikage who needed his hand held. It was nice that he wanted to talk to his Sennin, it was fine that he wanted to build a relationship with them, keep in touch with those who did the grunt work for him. It was not okay that he would interrupt their duties for something like this.

Either way the interruption was now a blessing. At least everyone would be too busy dealing with that to answer with each of their false answers for a time. It would be interesting to see what everyone felt was the right level for comments though. Where they felt the line was. His eyes moved to the apparently false Souseiki and waited to see how this fiasco would unravell.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

“Regent Commander, Raikage-sama, I personally apologize for not swatting the buzzing insect earlier. Sennin Humphrey over there certainly punches about as forcefully a fly so I made no note of his presence. Although now that you’re here, sir, I bid you greetings and regret that our Raikage’s urgent summons amidst our country going up in flames was clearly less important to you than doing some serious drinking. Oh, excuse me, I meant to say thinking. I am, after all, just a simple ANBU grunt who ain't got good trainin' in diction,” said Masao in the most conciliatory tone he could muster, flashing a smug expression at the disguised Gekido even as the Simple Green© cleaning solution pooled around his feet courtesy of Hayata’s servant mednin, who made sure not to disturb the spot where Haruspex was still planted in the floor. No one wanted to risk a celestial chubbing if at all possible. Shin now spoke.

"My first question: 'is there something about my status of raikage that bothers you that leads you to go astray against me and the village.' My second question: 'among the divisions, except your own, what bothers you the most."

Masao was about to speak unprompted, as was his usual habit, except he held his tongue now as Rin now invoked her “Art of the Tactical Zip-It” training and went into full defense mode. Obviously, her concern was first and foremost Shin’s safety, and with all of the prior assassination attempts on prior Raikages, the ANBU left nothing to chance. Masao’s fingers twitched slightly as he gently nudged his chakra down the channels necessary to reform his metablade. Given that Souseiki had essentially bisected his favorite pistol bolter “Maria” a few hours (Days? Weeks?) ago, he was back to knife-fighting for now, which was the way he liked it. The loser died in a ditch, and the winner died on the way to the ER. Still, though, that pistol had been expensive. So many fetch quests had been necessary to purchase it that he had seriously considered reloading from an earlier save point, but in the end, relented and let the game of life progress.

Kushin, on the other hand, seemed to be invoking his training from “Art of the Tactical FacePalm,” pulling off a classic ‘Reverse Prussian Commendatore,’ which was one of the more difficult moves and as impressive to behold in real life as it was in the movies. You’ve gotta teach me that one, Doctor. I’m still trying to learn how to do the ‘Brazilian Field Marshal’ and I’m up against a wall... he thought with some wistfulness. So far, however, no one had actually addressed Shin, not even fucking Humphrey Bogart. So perhaps he would speak after all.

“Ahem,” he said, clearing his throat while scanning the room for threats. “Well, Raikage-sama, I hate to speak out of turn, not being a Sennin myself, but I would ask you to clarify your statements for our benefit first. When you use the words ‘go astray against me and the village’ in your first query, some people in this room might take offense because it sounds like you’re unwittingly accusing us of treason when in fact, we are all committed to the welfare of this village and to you. Don’t forget that the Regent Commander and I have lived through the reigns of some real - dominus mihi ignoscat - douchebags in the past, and you are frankly, among the most stable of men we’ve worked for.

“Also, it might not be fruitful to ask the heads of each division to directly call each other out on perceived weaknesses of each other’s divisions. That creates an adversarial atmosphere between the leaders of the branches, and keep in mind that I am not a leader of a branch so I can express my disdain at James Cagney here all I wish. Perhaps it would be better to ask the sennin gathered here to identify the weaknesses present in their own branches first, and then invite suggestions and offers of collaboration from the others to shore up weaknesses in our united front. Does that sound like a more palatable proposal, minna? Or are we all to accuse each other of being terrorists, or worse, French?”

 

[Shu]

Shin heard a small creak outside the door; another person meandering around the area listening to the conversation. The figure approached them and with no surprise it was the real Souseki or looked like him. He held the stout figure with his giant cradled around his back. "More curious indeed...." Shin thought to himself. He noticed Rin's presence ignite like a hot blue flame as her chakra erupted around them ready to attack the proposed assailant. Shin remained calm not quite understanding the logic presented to him. Certainly there was much to gain in retrieve secured information from the prominent leaders of Kumogakure no Sato; however, the meeting was impromptu. Shin wanted to see how the Sennin would react by the sudden call or at least if they would come at all. It was not possible for a person to know about this unless the person was already in the room. Either way, for some to be able to do hide from Shin would have to be prominent member of the ANBU core, preferably an ANBU captain.

Shin folded his hands appearing in deep thought. "<It is obvious that this person holds no threat. If anything it is only a matter of curiosity that this person seeks. Also, the presence I sense is becoming more clear. The chakra signature is rather canine like.>" The solemn voice said within Shin.

"Canine..." Shin thought to himself. "It must be the canine partner of an Inuzuka and mostly likely the impostor was the Inuzuka."

Takaki Masao made a statement that perhaps described what everyone in the room was feeling.

“Ahem,” he said, clearing his throat while scanning the room for threats. “Well, Raikage-sama, I hate to speak out of turn, not being a Sennin myself, but I would ask you to clarify your statements for our benefit first. When you use the words ‘go astray against me and the village’ in your first query, some people in this room might take offense because it sounds like you’re unwittingly accusing us of treason when in fact, we are all committed to the welfare of this village and to you. Don’t forget that the Regent Commander and I have lived through the reigns of some real - dominus mihi ignoscat - douchebags in the past, and you are frankly, among the most stable of men we’ve worked for.

“Also, it might not be fruitful to ask the heads of each division to directly call each other out on perceived weaknesses of each other’s divisions. That creates an adversarial atmosphere between the leaders of the branches, and keep in mind that I am not a leader of a branch so I can express my disdain at James Cagney here all I wish. Perhaps it would be better to ask the sennin gathered here to identify the weaknesses present in their own branches first, and then invite suggestions and offers of collaboration from the others to shore up weaknesses in our united front. Does that sound like a more palatable proposal, minna? Or are we all to accuse each other of being terrorists, or worse, French?”

Shin paused for a moment looking at the four individuals in the room. They all seemed to be more concerned with the unwarranted visitor than what Shin had to say. Perhaps it was not a wise choice to summon them here. At least, Shin was able to gather what they were feeling about the entire situation. His questions were leading to the problems that were going on in the medical division. The fact that the so called --- Hayabusa Gin was able to infiltrate the medical division and cause an uproar became a constant bewilderment for Shin. Even if it were possible for Gin to be his long-distant uncle, there had to be some human element involved in

"Yes and I must offer my apologies. It may appear unreasonable to ask such questions. Knowing that Hayabusa Gin is in fact my long-distant uncle is reminding me of my past and perhaps returning me to my old way of thinking." Shin said as he rested his hands on the cold conference table. The revelation was a subtle shocker to Shin; he did imagine his past haunting him during his reign as Raikage but he did not know his acclaimed uncle that his father spoke tales about would return. Would Makoro convince Shin to follow him? If the conviction was logically how would he refuse.

He looked back at the Sennin and he took the time to look at Rin and Masao. The two were with him during those dark years as a genin. How frustrated he was with the world, especially the village. It was his generation that allowed him to be respectable man that he is. He should not doubt his village would go against him; regardless of how illogically that may sound to him. He should trust his friends.

"<Even though they are your friends. You should still assess the risk, Father.>" The voice exhorted Shin.

Shin sighed. "The reason why I brought you here is because I wanted to know how my uncle infiltrated the village. Like my father, he was said to be a master manipulator. Logically, I expected that if I were to fit you all in an uncomfortable situation I would be able to retract a theory; however I realize that I am becoming too analytically and forsaking your trust. I hope you do forgive me."

"Now, it seems you are all more interested in our mysterious guest. I presume that you are of the Inuzuka clan and perhaps an ANBU captain. Who else in your division would be capable of this giving these requisites, Soueski?" Shin asked.

 

[Morishige]

[So many posts to cover... I hope I don't butcher the timeline of events]

With a look from Kushin, Shin seemed to begin the meeting with a note about the previous Raikage and generally being independent of their subordinates. A rather minor note, but Gekido was already applying even the minor components of the meetings into files within his mind. "He must feel the need for praise, or truly wishes for communication between the branches to be better? Nothing of importance...yet." Gekido thought to himself while standing still, his eyes trained on the important man before him. Of course they would veer off when the others would make movements or such; in an attempt to be as natural as possible. Even as the team brought in to clean the man up, Gekido portrayed the main branch sennin as uninterested. Whether this was accurate or not depended on how well the others knew the man he was impersonating. And based on the beginning of this meeting, Gekido was left to assume that they weren't all the connected. But as the team was leaving, fear struck Gekido. Was that who he thought it was? The Inuzuka seemed to tense as Shin continued to talk. Had he not realized the man there? The former captain quickly regained his nerve and listened to what the Raikage was actually saying. "Astray?" the thought flashed. Had someone in this room betrayed Shin? Aside from himself that one time of course. "Why would he care about how the others think of the branches?" he pondered. Things must be tense if this meeting was called just to answer the questions.

His eyes moved back to the door just as Rin moved between him and the Raikage. "Busted." He thought, mentally sighing of course. As a real sigh might just be all she needed to execute him on the spot. He could just see what was going to happen now, especially after that meeting with Souseiki. "Even if I bring it up now, none of them will believe me. Souseiki is right. Who would take my word over his? He's probably already sent a message to his secretary to pull out that file for him to sign. My own anger will be my downfall... No one would question a signed document from the sennin saying a former rogue shinobi went feral and attacked him. Especially after he threatened the lives of my wife and children, and no doubt the rest of my clan. All so he could have my balls in a vice...bastard. He was probably waiting for me to do something like this.... Stupid Gekido stupid! Senka is gonna kill me..." he groaned, a small bit of the sound actually coming from his mouth unintentionally. Wouldn't matter now though. Rin was no doubt going to strike him down once she realized he was the fake.

Surprisingly, Kushin seemed relatively unaffected by the situation at hand. He took a rather relaxed approach to it. Either his trust in the ANBU was well placed-- which it very much was. Or he was a fool to assume that one who infiltrated the meeting was a mediocre nin; which after eight years was probably true. He didn't even say anything. It was off putting, but Gekido's eyes turned to the other in the room before even daring to speak. They shifted between Masao and the true Souseiki, wondering just what else could come. However, even after summoning his blade, Masao seemed to proceed with the discussion at hand. Obviously Gekido hadn't attacked yet and wasn't perceived as a threat that would interrupt the importance of good conversation, so the meeting proceeded with everyone on some kind of edge. Of course, in his current form, and separated from Judo, Gekido was at a major disadvantage even if he wanted to fight-- even though he didn't want to.

Thankfully Hayata Shin decided to clean things up and directly address Gekido in the end. Which was a blessing because the tension in the room was just about as extreme as it could get. How the Raikage discerned whom he was however was astounding, but, he was the leader of the village after all. He had to be good for something. By this time, Gekido had lost interest in the words of the meeting and was rather focused on how he was going to get out alive. So when Shin addressed him, he gave one final look to Souseiki and sighed. Raising a hand, the former captain dispelled the transformation jutsu and glared at Shin with golden brown eyes. "How'd you figure out it was me? I'm not the only one in all of Kumogakure that can achieve this." Gekido said with a grunt, looking at the woman before him. She came in after the event, and he had no idea how to beat her in a fight. But that wasn't his main concern. "Senka, Katsuo... Daddy won't die today. Not unless he does. You won't be safe until he does... But I can't kill you can I? You know that, you smug blackmailing cat." Gekido thought while turning his attention to the true Souseiki. "How do we proceed...

 

[Santaru Rin]

Third Eye applied to Gekido with permission. Sorry for leap-frogging a bit; not sure how my schedule is playing out this week.

Rin cast a slit-eyed gaze on the interloper. The aura of fear enveloping that angle of the room was unmistakable. She had tasted a small measure of this man's mind before--when he was repatriated into the village. She answered Hayata's question before Souseiki could. "Inuzuka Gekido." Grasping the ex-ANBU's mind was like trying to grip a sea cucumber, but she managed the equivalent of a two-fisted death vise on his eelish ego. He had some pretty interesting thoughts running through his head... Blackmail. Extortion. Not of a Sennin or the Raikage, but rather by a Sennin.

"Hayata--some men have a canker inside. Be it a jealous nature or an ambitious one... All covetousness is alike." She spoke slowly, carefully, not wanting to spook their uninvited guest.

Abruptly, she appeared to relax, lowering her hands. She understood now that the Inuzuka was not--not yet, at least--willing to attack. In coming here, he had defeated himself. Hoisted by his own petard. Pushing him too much further would lead to disaster, but defusing the situation would cause the loss of a valuable opportunity for intelligence. The gelid fury writ on her countenance did not thaw by a single degree as she addressed the former renegade.

"Inuzuka, it is not your place to ask questions here. I want you to sit in a chair and keep your hands up on the table. Your companion is to remain where he is. We will get to the matter of you shortly." At least the man had had the courtesy to drop the transformation once it became clear that the ruse was ended. That would make the following conversation easier.

"So Hayata," she asked, even as she fixed her eyes on the man in the doorway, "What is the punishment under the law for extortion of a shinobi?" When she reached out for his thoughts, she was pleasantly surprised that his ego was writ large and plain in comparison to Inuzuka's. "What is the punishment for holding hostage women and children?"

 

[Junan]

His eyes opened, though his ears had been the entire time. Listening to the sound of quieted, practiced footsteps, the production of blades, weapons, the movement of arms, or more accurately the clothing against the arms and against itself. As silent as shinobi were there were many things that one could listen for if they were listening for them. That was the trick of course. A shinobi struck when their targets weren't waiting for them. Thus how Gekido infiltrated the room, none inside were prepared, ready for the infiltration. Hayata Shin, an Uchiha himself could have checked their chakra's, he was able to see them no doubt with his sharingan, and he was also the only one who had had much interraction with any of them. Yet it hadn't occurred to him, at least not initially.

Moving himself back into his seat his hand slipped from his face to his lap where he looked around following different people's eyes. Gekido's focused on him for a moment, to which he received a very small and subtle wave of a finger. Again only very observant people would pick it up, and only if they were looking at him, which of course no-one would as he wasn't doing anything, nor was he a threat to anyone. Though then again, he was a shinobi, and something in his mind told him that if he were wanting to kill everyone in the room now was the time to strike. His eyes instead continued to watch what others watched. His mind might tell him information like that, but he was very much in control of himself. He wasn't insane or anything after all.

Hayata Shin seemed... on a different planet. He'd continued to go on with conversation and meetings, giving away information and details like a jug gave away water, after you sliced the bottom off of it with a katana. Yet it gave Kushin an insight into his issues. He was particularly interested in the medical branch because of his uncle. At least that infiltration had occurred before he was sennin, he was simply the sennin in control when the man was found out. He then mentioned quite specifically what he wanted to know. A pad of paper was slowly drawn from his pocket, a pencil with it. Kushin wrote down the request, noting what Shin had requested knowledge of, he would investigate.

As he did this however it seemed like things were taking a turn to the more interesting. Extortion, hostages, threats and conspiracy flooded the room and Kushin looked up from his pad to see Rin's eyes, only long enough to see where they looked and followed them to Souseiki. How delicious. Nothing had been spoken by anyone to give away that information, so how had it come about now. She certainly hadn't assailed the fake when he'd been here about such things, so the idea that she'd been informed by ANBU prior to the meeting could be written off. His eyes moved back to hers and then to Masao, his mind amused his thoughts wondering how he kept anything secret from her, or if he even did. Perhaps that could be the cause to his actions. He didn't bother hiding anything, or at least didn't seem to, perhaps because when he was around Rin he knew he couldn't.

In addition to this new information he could also deduce who the target must have been. In his new form he certainly wasn't looking too confident about his situation. That his eyes too had been looking at Souseiki and now wandered told him who Souseiki's alleged target was. And yet why would Rin believe the internal murmorings of this man over the trust that the position of Sennin should have warrented. Clearly none were above Rin's suspicions, who was this Inuzuka Gekido anyway? His hand wrote the name down below the note for Shin. Then a hand tapped his shoulder, a mednin had entered with a change of robes for him. The lack of voice and air of nervousness about him told Kushin that he was quite aware he'd walked in at a bad time and Kushin whispered Thank you. Please leave now. To which the mednin nodded and did as he was told.

Standing and pushing the chair back with a screech Kushin let his white and red robe fall on the chair behind him. He hoped that the noise would get their attention, especially as he'd been quite silent this entire time Ahem. he cleared his throat audibly to make sure of it I don't believe that this is the right time or place for this type of conduct. His eyes looked to Shin, then to Gekido, Rin, Masao before turning his head to be able to take Souseiki in as well I don't know what is going on here, but the meeting which was called here is no longer taking place. He was now placing on his new, pristine robes, how boring they were. Whatever it is you have uncovered Mrs Takaki I'm sure that it would be best delt with somewhere else. Mr Takaki if I could have a word I think Mr Hayata has effectively requested an investigation into the Medical sector, I think we should go and organise a cooperative effort to get our Raikage the information he requires. He looked at each as he regarded them.

Then he looked at Gekido Good luck Mr Inuzuka, and well done. The last comment in regards to getting himself into this much trouble, or perhaps towards the fact he'd managed to get Souseiki in trouble. Raikage-sama, I will work with the ANBU to try and uncover the information you have requested. he said and bowed to Shin. Then he turned to Souseiki I believe your meeting has only just begun. He said and then walked out the door, hoping Masao would follow, his hand patting Souseiki's shoulder as he passed the man in an all too familiar gesture. What a fool, threatening a man who clearly had some means or form of trust with the ANBU Sennin. Threats without real blackmail would only get you into trouble. Either way it wasn't his place to be there when a member of the Sennin was to have the trust and reputation ripped from them.

Further down the hall he found another meeting room which was empty and turned to see if Masao had followed.

 

[Takaki Saeko]

“You know, old friend, besides maybe speaking out of turn at funeral services, thinking along the lines drawn by pure logic and analysis is not always a bad thing, especially for a leader such as yourself,” said Masao, giving Shin a wry smile in response to the man’s apparent crisis of conscience. “You have to make hard decisions that can result in deaths and destruction. Sometimes that is dictated by hard analysis alone, divorced from emotion. One cannot always rely on the luxuries of compassion or even righteousness when trying to uphold the greater good. Of course, I would say that the greater good here is served by that which ends in your uncle’s capture and preferably death. That man is not your family in any way other than the fact that you share alleles. There are bonds much stronger than DNA, Shin.

“Back to the, uh, matter at hand, though. Based on the data we have, I think he managed to go missing likely decades ago, probably before any of us were born. I’m sure your father and mother probably never mentioned him to you – and why would they? It’s a disgrace and a sore spot on the family name to have a missing-nin as a blood relation. How he managed to cover his tracks so well – you know, records from that era were notoriously bad. It would have been easier than it is today. As far as how he managed to come back to the village and stay beneath notice, there were many breaches of protocol and conduct that happened two years ago when we think he was brought back in. I will not comment on the medical branch’s potential involvement in this, but much of the blame for allowing him to re-infiltrate the village lies at the feet of the ANBU. That is part of the reason you and Akira-san brought us back. To reform a corrupted and understaffed organization that also allowed Kagetsu Kiyo to be assassinated on the grounds of her own godrotting tower. The Regent Commander and I have resolved to never let such an event happen again. And that involves finding this man and putting an end to him. I do hope that when the time comes, that you will not let mercy cloud your judgment. And that is all I have to say.”

"How'd you figure out it was me? I'm not the only one in all of Kumogakure that can achieve this,” now asked the newly-revealed Gekido.

“Your first mistake, Captain was to try to hide from the all-seeing eye that is the Regent Commander. She exists on a different plane of existence from the rest of us and our worm-like inching raises not a mote of pity from her,” said Masao to Gekido, wagging his finger at the Inuzuka. Gekido was the fly AND So-Sucky all along. The asshole. I hope I made him smell plenty of my own, thought Masao darkly to himself. Fortunately, the Captain did not put off the characteristic aura of a man ready and willing to fight and kill. He was simply not a threat, and likely he had never truly been. The Vice Commander’s hackles lowered slightly now. No reason to fear for Shin’s life in this case. He deferred to Rin now as she essentially told the Inuzukua to sit down, shut up, and be a good boy. It was not unlike how she had raised the children. The troubling part now was why she mentioned things like extortion and blackmail – holding women and children hostage. That part did not make any sense. This would be interesting, and potentially an impediment to whatever agenda the Main Branch Sennin had come here with. Ah yes, I do owe you for that fight as well as for those letters.

“Mr Takaki if I could have a word I think Mr Hayata has effectively requested an investigation into the Medical sector, I think we should go and organise a cooperative effort to get our Raikage the information he requires.”

“I’ll be with you as soon as I can, Doctor,” said Masao to Kushin. Of course, the way circumstances were now, he smelled brewing conflict between Rin and Souseiki. Added to that the unpredictable influence of former Captain Gekido in the room, and there was in actuality no way he could simply step out. To do so would have been a breach of ANBU protocol as well. It did not matter if apparently death itself had been suspended in this world’s strange turn of events.

The medical sennin now walked down the hall toward another room, alone. He did not have to look backward to determine Masao had not followed, for if he had, Kushin would have heard the characteristic footsteps betraying a subtle limp born of arthritis from the wear and tear of decades of fighting. Before he could be disappointed, however, he would be surprised to hear the subtle rush of air displacing behind him. A dusting of golden mist now fell to the floor and disappeared, falling from the head and shoulders of a woman clad in an elegant dress overlaid with silver armor. Blonde-haired and braided, with a rounded face and upturned nose and a permanently pouty expression on her lips. She looked at Kushin quizzically, before realizing something herself.

“Oh right, you haven’t seen this one before,” she said, sashaying her hips and rotating so Kushin could check her curves out. “Were you expecting some hot girl? Sorry, it’s just me, Masao!” said the woman teasingly. “Or rather, one of my forms, anyway. It’s too complicated to explain right now. I’m actually both next to you as well as still in that room, since the Regent Commander hasn’t given me permission to depart. Anyway, let’s talk - no homo.”

 

[Junan]

He'd walked down the hallway alone. That Masao hadn't come immediately was understandable, conflict could have been moments away, he was an ANBU of the highest order and someone his own ANBU trainer had regarded highly. The sound from behind him had him act quickly though, it didn't sound like an attack but concidering that someone had infiltrated the meeting and despite issues being brought up in the other room it wasn't the lowest possibility. Instead however a girl stood before him, his brow lowered as she regarded him, his eyes keeping to her own while his mind tried to figure out what was going on. Thankfully the woman answered him, rather Masao did, she was he and he was she. His slight frown didn't dissapear at the information though, instead his lips moved and he spoke

Must make for interesting times with your wife.

For the first time in a long time he felt stupid. This was not the time to joke around, indeed jokes weren't something he was normally capable of. Perhaps it was the moment, the joke that he felt was the meeting, the joke that was the issues going on between Sennin. Clouds leaders should have been less... volitile. He knew that in his own way he was part of that volitility. Yet he'd done nothing to cause anything in this meeting, and so he was simply glad to be rid of it.

Entering the room as though he'd said nothing he decided to ignore his own comment, pretend like it didn't exist, and moved around the table taking a seat. He'd assume Masao would do the same As you know the medical sector is going through some changes, my recent appointment the cause and reason for them. The records of the older administration are maintained of course but I need to know what accesses are required. Of course this can be changed during the investigation, but to begin things I figure having some access prepared and information available to your ANBU would be the best way to go about in the beginning.

He waited for Masao's reply. What Masao wanted to be looked into first wasn't known by Kushin, so he'd need to hear the others plan.

 

[Shu]

There was a moment of silence before Masao spoke attempting to speak comforting words to the Shin.

Shin sighed. It was not as simple to disown his uncle; however there was a logically reason that his father never really spoke about him when Shin was growing up. At least Shin knew for certain the reason not for sentimental reasons. He still felt like Shin understood his uncle than anyone in this room. If he were to kill his uncle he would do the very thing he stood against. Even though he was a enemy of the state he was still a Hayata. Either way, he kept his thoughts to himself. "Thank you, Masao." Shin said with a humble smile.

Everyone eyes faced the discovered man who like a child loosing a game of hide-n-seek; shocked and disgruntled.
His countenance was filled with bewilderment not understanding how the Raikage could possibly identify who he was. Ironically, it was the aid of Shin's own creation that helped him in that regard. Shin stepped forward toward the group keeping his tinted glasses studying the man. "Indeed. However, your mannerism and your recent actions gives you away. There are other miscellaneous reasons; however, I do not wish to spend frivolous time on it. Perhaps another time and at the very least applaud your efforts I would not say the skills of the ANBU would ever be in question." Shin said.

"Inuzuka Gekido." Rin responded before Soueski could. "Gekido. Why would you make an incident like after being recently reinstated into the shinobi corps?" Shin did recall allowing Souseki to handle Gekido arrival and reinstatement weeks ago. Could Gekido's actions be due to what had happened between the two.

Rin's calm herself down as the contentious discourse abated way. As usual she did not console the young ANBU captain but railed the man's clandestine behavior.

"So Hayata," she asked, even as she fixed her eyes on the man in the doorway, "What is the punishment under the law for extortion of a shinobi?" When she reached out for his thoughts, she was pleasantly surprised that his ego was writ large and plain in comparison to Inuzuka's. "What is the punishment for holding hostage women and children?"

"Extortion of a shinobi." Shin thought to himself. "The first statement would depend on the situation but normally the said shinobi would be given a reasonable prison sentence as well as a demotion in rank. The latter would share the same penalty. Why do you ask?" Shin said as he looked at both Souseki and Rin. He hoped that the curious question had nothing to do with the two.

"Inuzuka, it is not your place to ask questions here. I want you to sit in a chair and keep your hands up on the table. Your companion is to remain where he is. We will get to the matter of you shortly." She said.

Kushin stood quietly for awhile as he attentively observer the scene. Moments later, the medical nin from before arrived delivering Kushin a clean white robe specifically from his private department. Their kindness was quickly waved aside as Kushin thanked them and sent them away. He walked closer to the conference table as he flung his bloated red robe on an open chair. He cleared his throat as he began to speak.

"I don't believe that this is the right time or place for this type of conduct." His eyes peered straight at Shin and then to the captain followed by Rin, Masao and Souseiki.His eyes looked to Shin, then to Gekido, Rin, Masao before turning his head to be able to take Souseiki. "I don't know what is going on here, but the meeting which was called here is no longer taking place." He was now placing on his new, pristine robes. "Whatever it is you have uncovered Mrs Takaki I'm sure that it would be best dealt with somewhere else. Mr Takaki if I could have a word I think Mr Hayata has effectively requested an investigation into the Medical sector, I think we should go and organize a cooperative effort to get our Raikage the information he requires."

He turned toward the captain and cordially congratulated the captain on his well planned espionage. He faced Shin as he bowed solemnly. "Raikage-sama, I will work with the ANBU to try and uncover the information you have requested."

Shin nodded his head and least happy to see some effort coming underway.


[Was waiting for Souseki]

 

[Takaki Saeko]

“You know what sucks, Kushin-san? Even with the luxury of literally being able to step into a woman’s body, I still can’t find the c-…anyway, back to the topic at hand” said Masao’s path, shrugging in response. “You might know this already, but a few months ago I did some digging into Makoro’s hospital stay. All of this prompted by that botched patrol that resulted in two of our trainees’ deaths. I knew then that one of our especially idiotic and treason-prone trainees - who later attempted to go missing and was promptly eaten whole by then-Captain Inuzuka Gekido – had taken Makoro there, believing his story of merely being a wounded passer-by, but was only able to get that he had been treated and discharged a day later. All records of his stay, things that you’d expect, like a discharge summary, a list of medications given, nursing notes, it was all missing. Guy didn’t even have a hospital bill. The only things I could find were his name and picture from the hospital end, and his destination, painstakingly harvested from our gate logs. Makoro and the city of Baku: the only things we had.

"It was like the bastard had deliberately laid a trail of breadcrumbs that sent Leftenant Joukuu and I to that shithole, where we only managed to nab some local gangbanger who’d been surgically altered to look like him probably years before. While we wasted our bloody time in the boonies, the real Hayata Makoro pretended to be “Dr. Hayabusa” and gave our students a genin exam that resulted in the dispersion of chemical ordinance all over the country. The more I think about these events, the more I realize that none of these were coincidental. It’d all been planned years – no, decades - in advance. Every move we’ve made has played right into his hands.

"Also, the name of the medic he impersonated, 'Hayabusa Gin.' I need you to find out if this guy ever actually existed. It’s pretty difficult, even for a proven master hacker like Makoro, to completely fabricate a Cloud shinobi’s identity, which makes me think there was a real mednin who he might have killed off sometime in the past. If we can find the body or at least some information associated with this, it might let us all know what this guy is really planning. But one thing is clear – whatever it is, it’s going to be big.”