Starring:
Mushi, Sousa, Nariko, Michiko, Red
Date: October 17, 2014
Summary:
A controversial but renowned medic and a pair of Kumogakure diplomats come to urge the Kazekage to break off Sunagakure's alliance with Kirigakure. Unfortunately, they came at a time when Sousa's player was up latehe deemed that more intel was needed to make a decision.
"Shifting Alliances in Troubled Times"
Kazekage Administration Dome [Sunagakure]
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The opening of the Kazekage Administration Dome leads up a flight of stairs, into the lobby of the expansive building. Looking upwards, the entire building is open to the sky. Each floor is a ring, built with a hole in the center to allow a view both upwards and downwards. It is a very impressive sight, with many people visible moving around the upper levels, and stopping to chat around the railings.
The lobby has a tiled floor, with a intricate concentric circular pattern, and the walls themselves have been actually painted, and have designs etched into the hardened sand. The only piece of furniture on the first floor is a desk, and directly behind that, a stair case moving up to the next level. On either side of the desk are Male guards, their faces covered, and a make secretary is seated behind the desk, ready to take any questions or arrange appointments.
No one proceeds to the upper levels without the secretary approving them, and in most cases the armed guards also check them out to make sure they are carrying no weapons. However, there are a few people who can walk back and forth easily without the guards checking them, although all of them must first speak with the secretary.
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Mushi had been in Sunagakure for some days. She didn't do much besides rent out an apartment, and tour the town. She spoke pleasantly with residents, and bought a few wares. There were only two things different from her other usual visits. The first would be that the public proclamation of Mushi's banishment from Kiri would probably have reached Sousa's ears. And she was almost always seen with a young boy of about ten, who wasn't a native of Sunagakure either.
The medic had asked for an audience with the Kazekage. It didn't show any great urgency, but she emphasized it was important. She's hoping their good terms in the past will make this a cordial arrangement. But she's still nervous as she'd go into his office, dry washing her hands again and again.
Oh, where's that quirky Kazekage this time, eh? ;) Off in one of his labs running experiments? Strolling about the village in disguise to observe things he couldn't if people realized he was there? Well, no, actually he's…in his office for once. c.c Busily taking care of matters of administration. Guess the times are that serious. Despite the fact that Sousa is getting things done, Mushi doesn't have to wait long to be admitted to see him. He rises from his desk as she walks in and gives a bow. "Nikumari-san. Always an honor to have you visit our village. How may I help you?"
First trip to Sunagakure and it would be memorable, or at least that is what Nariko was hoping for it to be. She had come with tidings from both Konoha and Kumo on this trip to ask some questions and well, provide goodwill to others, and even brought her student Michiko along for the ride. She had wandered into the administration building to see if there would be a way to get a moment with the Kazekage. She smiled politely, her hands latching onto each other in her sleeves in front of her. "Tidings, I am Yotsuki Nariko from Kumogakure and I was wondering if I could have a moment with the Kazekage, if he isn't too busy." She would understand if she was turned away, after all, it was kind of a last minute thing.
Michiko finds herself tagging along with her sensei. It wasn't her first time in Sunagakure, and not much had changed from the first to her second visit. Though the person she's with is different. She offers a slight nod of her head to the person at the desk that Nariko's speaking to, letting the Yotsuki handle most of the things. The Iwata seems a bit banged up, though nothing serious. It has been a few days since she had that last battle against the Silence (yes, let's go with that…)
Mushi visibly relaxes when the Kazekage welcomes her so warmly. "It's always a pleasure to see you, Kazekage-san," she says, with a respectful bow. She wouldn't object to having the Kumo delegates come in, wouldn't even keep her next words a secret. "I wanted to speak with you for several things, but the first thing I wish to address is my banishment. You might have heard of it, but I was recently banished from the Land of Water." Somehow she looks more embarrassed than anything; no guilt, no anguish. "I just wanted to assure you, no ill will follows me from it so there'll be no danger to your village or country."
"And secondly.." She doesn't know how quite to phrase it. The second part is something that's been on both their minds. She tries to find a way to phrase it. "Before the Mizukage banished me, I had offered my services in standing against The Silence. I believe one of the reasons he banished me has to do with the way he's divided his country."
The secretary outside the Kazekage's office glances at the still-open door. "The Kazekage is already seeing someone just now, but we'll combine their meeting with yours because it makes the scene less awkwardI don't think they'll mind if you let yourself in." Sure, send all the rabble in at once, it'll be more efficient that way. ;)
Sousa nods thoughtfully in response to Mushi's declarations. "Yes, news of that occurrence and rumors of the events behind it have certainly reached us. But you believe it had something to do with the Mizukage's…ambitions? Interesting."
Nariko nods to the secretary and heads towards the open doors. "Thank you." She peeks into the open doors and smiles politely. "I am sorry to intrude. I am Yotsuki Nariko from Kumogakure." She bows to Sousa and then to Mushi. She looks between the two for a moment and then smiles. "I have also come in regards to the situation in Kirigakure. I am afraid of it becoming worse before it gets better."
Michiko follows after Nariko, offering a light knock on the doorway to announce the presence of Kumo-nin. "Iwata Michiko from Kumogakure. I apologize for also intruding," she says after Nariko, giving her own bow to the two already present. She lets the Yotsuki talk, much like at the desk.
Mushi looks over the Kazekage's face for a long time after he asks his question. Is this yet another Kage who would go down the same route? Her gut tells her no. She supposes there are worse things to go by. "I believe he thought of me as a risk," she says. "The reason I was banished was because of a spar that got rowdy. He called me undisciplined." She smirks faintly. "At the same time, he even refused one of his subordinate's suggestion to keep me in the village as a healer. And I believe it's because as a neutral party when I showed myself willing to fight…he might have feared I'd help the Daimyo in this power struggle." She glances out the window. And then over to the two women. "I'm Nikumari Mushi," she says, with a bow to both of them. "You're not intruding at all."
"Um. Excuse me." The secretary is getting a workout today! Only just letting in two more guests, s/he will find a small child, not even ten years old, approaching her desk. Propping himself up onto his tippy toes, he peeks over it to look at the staff member keenly.
"Um, hi." He begins, red pupils focusing in on the person in question. "I'm Red, and I'm on my best behavior." He pauses, proving that he IS in fact behaving well. "I'm supposed to catch up with Mushi in her meeting. Did she tell you I was coming? She told me to have a good look around first," He pauses to look around, as if to demonstrate such an action, before looking back at the secretary. "…but now I'm done, so I've come to join her in her meeting. Can I go in?"
Sousa bows again as more visitors arrive. "Greetings. Welcome to Sunagakure." Sousa turns back toward Mushi. "Your insight into the situation is appreciated. I must say, the move came as quite unexpected. From what I know of the Mizukage's psychological profile, I believe he does regard his actions as what is best for his country…whether he is correct in that assessment is somewhat doubtful."
The secretary outside blinks at the kid. "…You're with Mushi-san?" -.- Sheesh, why don't we just sell tickets. "HEY, THIS KID WITH YOU?!"
Nariko looks from Sousa and Mushi as they discuss the Mizukage, nodding to Mushi as she introduces herself. "Which is why my student and I are here. The Raikage is worried that he may come after the next person that may do him wrong. We wish to extend our hands to Suna to help in any way that we can." She smiles lightly. "We don't wish to see harm come to those who are innocent." Her hands still clutching each other in her sleeves.
Michiko nods. "It's nice to meet you, Nikumari-san." That's about all she says, as she's mostly quiet for now. The girl is mostly here to listen and provide information if more is needed, but she has a feeling Nariko knows most of everything she needs to know. It's more than likely she's just here to learn. A few light nods come from her at Nariko's words.
Mushi flinches when Red tries to shove his way in. She stares at him walking in to the Kazekage's office. In the end, she gives him a warning 'better be on your best behavior' look, and answers the secretary with a quiet, "Yes." Although she does shoot another warning glance at Red before turning back to the Kazekage. "This is Red," she says. "He's my charge." /And for some reason allowed to listen to affairs of state./
"He does think it's for the best of his country," Mushi says. "But he also craves power, and knows it of himself. I think he may be playing into The Silence's hands with this. Discord and chaos is just what they want, at least in the Land of Water."
Her expression is grave and graver as she listens to Nariko. She glances at the two and says, "I would have thought that the next country they'd like to advance to is the one they've yet to attack." She glances over at Michiko, and winces at the wounds, going over to the girl. She goes over and says, "Allow me to treat your wounds? It'll only take a second." And it actually would. Mushi makes a few hand seals, and then stamps a black seal on the girl. It'd sink into her arm and release a wave of healing chakra that would heal her independent of Mushi. The seal dissolves as it happens.
Red sweatdrops when the secretary so loudly asks whether 'this kid' is with Mushi. Almost on cue, so that Mushi can see him, he will lean to the side and wave cheekily through the doorway — toothy grin and all.
When granted entry, the boy in the heavy winter jacket, pants and boots will shuffle into the room, coming to a halt right near the healer. He will almost cling to her leg he is that close to her, the youngster peering about to the strangers around. This was the first time he had seen Sousa. He was an impressive individual, no doubt.
The others were also strangers, Red taking in every opportunity to look the females up and down. Seeing who they were. What they were about. Even when Mushi heals one, he sort of just watches. Nothing he hasn't really seen before.
"Hi." He finally greets, a bit sheepishly.
"So it would seem," Sousa muses. "The question now is, what may be done about it? Retracting his intention is hardly an option for the Mizukage at this point; there is too much vitriol between him and the Daimyo of his nation, he would be removed from even his current office and most likely executed. He might possibly be convinced to abandon his role and flee, but only if it was clearly crucial for the good of the Land of Water and Kirigakure both." Sousa eyes the child who has joined the proceedings. "I don't suppose you have any miraculous flashes of insight which have escaped our rigid adult brains?" ;)
Nariko looks to Mushi and nods. "So it would seem, but it never hurts to be prepared if thy come after the same people twice." She looks to Sousa. "If I may be bold to say, the Raikage is extending a hand in trying to stop both." She lets out a sigh. "If you wish us to not join us in creating an alliance or a trade agreement to help take care of the problem, then we shall take our leave."
Michiko blinks, glancing over to Red curiously and offering him a slight nod of her head. Then Mushi is over near her, and she can't even refuse before … Oh hey, no more wounds. "Ah, thank you, Nikumari-san. That was very nice of you." She's mostly quiet in her comment, keeping to the background for now. If Nariko does leave, she would trail after her sensei.
Mushi thinks that over, as to whether Sousa would abandon his position and flee to save his life. Then, she laughs lightly. "He would not flee," she says. "I'm quite certain that even if he fled, it would only be to regather and eventually re-establish himself. Death would be preferable to him, in the end." She sounds rueful of all things. She walks to better face all the people in the room, looking at each in turn thoughtfully. Staying close to Red. "Of course," she says to Michiko. However, she remains quiet when Nariko proposes an alliance or agreement between the two nations.
"Wha — ?" That's the super intelligent response that Sousa will get from Red, this conversation at such a high level they may as well be speaking a different language. Though the question sort of lingers in the air, causing a growing anxiety to swell within Red's body. "Just um… follow your spirit…?" He mumbles his answer, not entirely sure. It was sort of his 'cover-all' answer for everything.
Sousa chuckles faintly. "And all proceeds as the Silence wishes. Shinobi perceive threats amongst one another and dash to form sides." ;) Sousa sits down behind his desk. "I agree that we must intercede in the struggle in the Land of Water, but the exact form of that action is not clear to me yet. If you would care to remain in the village for a day or two, perhaps I could give you a more clear answer. For the time being, though, I'm afraid I cannot commit to any particular alliance." Sousa glances out into the hallway. "Koufu-san, would you see to it that our guests are provided with appropriate lodging?"
Nariko looks at Mushi and then to Sousa. "Sorry, I did not mean to commit to it so soon, but I wished to begin discussing it." She nods. "But I will continue to stay and enjoy the wonders that Sunagakure has to offer." It was quite true, she was curious to see what Suna had to offer. "I do hope to further discuss this." She bows to Sousa and to Mushi. "Thank you for meeting with us."
Michiko bows lightly to Sousa. "Thank you for meeting with us, Kage-san." She slips out of the room with Nariko at a decent pace. "Hmm… I wonder what we should do for the next few hours now that that's done… Maybe if there's a library nearby…" might be heard as she makes her way out of the dome.
There were a few things Mushi had wanted to say, but she has to admit it's been topped by a possible alliance between the Lightning and the Sand. The thought is enough to make her nervous. She'd come here for safety, as she didn't think Suna would be attacked yet again. But it seems they may once again become a more active force in this. So she says, "I'd be interested in hearing of the outcome, as I may want to volunteer my services." She takes Red's hand then and gives him a warm smile. Maybe she ought to take his advice and follow her spirit. For now, she departs with a polite farewell.
With his wonderful insight not critically panned, Red smiles a little in private victory. Granted, no-one said it was a GOOD idea, but at least no-one put it down!
With his hand taken, Red waves to Sousa and the two other female shinobi with his spare one. "Bye. Hope to see you guys around." And just like that he trundles out with the healer, intent on following her like a lost pup.
