A short visit (Masuyo)

The Twins (or more aptly Konami) had spent quite a bit of time searching for Masuyo Kaede. They had asked many people if they had seen her. Masuyo was somewhat famous in the shinobi world so it would stand to reason that people might recognize her and point Konami in the right direction. Konami knew that she was participating in the tournament and figured that she was doing so under Satomi's direction. She was the pride and joy of Konohagakure after all. The Hokage had come to Kiri's aid when they needed it most. The Uchiha had fought alongside the Mizukage and had help drive back Shin Kazehana from their doorstep. That kind of loyalty and comradeship was not something that Konami would forget. Satomi was a valuable ally and she was eager to return the favor especially since she'd need his help with another project. Being the strategist that she was, Konami knew that it was best to return one favor before asking for another. She'd seek an audience with the Hokage, receive an assignment from him, complete the assignment, and then ask his help in another endeavor. Unfortunately, Kage's were elusive people and they were hard to get into contact with. This meant that Konami would need to speak to his subordinates first and the Ex-Mizukage could think of no better choice than Masuyo.

Konami waited in the lobby of the hot springs. Konami towered over the Konoha-Nin, standing at 6'5 and wearing a green one-piece jumpsuit which accentuated her muscular and shapely body. She sported a pair of red steel gauntlets and a military beret on her head. A pair of blonde braids dangled from her head to the top of her military boots. Once she got a glimpse of Masuyo leaving the establishment she'd walk up the to the woman and speak with her:

"Masuyo Kaede? I'm Konami Kereko, the Sandaime Mizukage. I'd like to speak with you briefly if you have a moment."

After a long soak in the hot springs the Jounin was back to her old self. Given the weeks she had spent in Kumogakure after her tournament allows her wounds to heal up nicely, in part due to her enhanced body durability which sped up her recovery time. She rested easy and spent a lot of time in the hot springs allowing her to catch up on her neglected feminine appearance. The callous, dead skin at the tips of her fingers were restored back to supple, fleshy tips and minor scratches from the combat were healed just nicely. She fully dried herself in the changing room before dressing up in her usual clothing.

Her footwear consisted of standard black sandals fitted for comfort and security. With the toes and heel left exposed they provided additional balance, while the rest of the foot up to the ankle was protected by the thick nylon material of the sandal. The soles of the sandals are reinforced with hardened material to resist heavy impacts and weathering. She wore a pair of loose fitting black pants with the bottoms near her ankles taped securely in white bandage wrap. This provided balance and reinforcement to her ankles while closing off the ends of her pants. In addition, more bandage wrap was wrapped around her right thigh which allowed a navy blue holster to be strapped over comfortably. Around her waist she wears the basic utility belt which carries two green holsters on her right side along with a tool pouch around her back side and a canteen to the far left.

A black mesh shirt is worn under a common long sleeve black top having a red seal of fire placed on the outsides of each sleeve towards the upper arm. Over that was a fitted green flak jacket provided by Konoha's armory. The jacket was zipped up and secure firmly on her body. On both of her hands were a pair of fingerless black leather gloves, each fitted with a steel plate on the backs for protection as well as a means to fortify backhanded strikes. Around her neck Masuyo wears her forehead protector as a collar. The black cloth is tied in a knot around the back side of her neck with the steel plate facing the front for identification. The steel plate has Konoha's emblem engraved on the front. Masuyo has straight black hair which extends down to her mid back. Two strands of hair drop down touching her chest which leads into her bangs, those being cut shorter and swept to the side. She stands at 5'9 weighing approximately 145 lbs. Her fair skin is complimented with her voluptuous form which is completed with a pair of hazel eyes.

Exiting the changing room and into the lobby she was first to notice an outlier in the very small crowd of people. Tall, toned, and scantly dressed was a female with braided blonde hair. Masuyo recognized her as the Third Mizukage. She had a couple questions on her mind, namely her sudden disappearance from the seat years ago. In her thoughts Konami locked eyes with her which led to an approach, and Masuyo to stop in her track facing the woman directly. Konami requested her by name directly, asking for her time. "Yup, that's me. What's on your mind, Ms. Ex Mizukage?" Masuyo said casually placing both hands on her hips. Boy, she's freakishly tall. More than I had expected.

"The Hokage. Satomi Uchiha." Konami answered curtly. "You see, he and I have an alliance that was struck. Shortly afterwards he assisted with a particularly dangerous threat. If it wasn't for his help I'm not sure we would have been able to neutralize the enemy. The Kereko Clan pays its debts as does the village of Kirigakure. The presence of the Society and the looming threat posed by its continued interference in world affairs is a point of concern for both our countries. I have much to discuss with him but I want to make it clear that my first priority for now is to return the favor. If there is anything I or my sister can do to help further Konoha's interests, the Hokage only needs but ask"

Konami was standing at attention and her posture was rigid. The woman was disciplined and every square inch of her body exuded confidence and severity. The woman's twin gestated inside her body, listening but mainly sleeping as most twins of their nature did when fully housed inside the dominant host. Toonami kept her movements to a minimum but she ever now and again she'd press against her twin sister's back created a small budge (about the side of a quarter) to appear beneath the woman's jumpsuit.

Masuyo listened actively to what Konami had to say, nodding occasionally and giving small visual cues to verify she was indeed paying attention to what the woman was saying and showing she was also intrigued with what she had to say. In essence, Konami retold Masuyo what had happened approximately two years ago. She was told upon returning from Tanzaku Territory about Konoha's successful alliance with Kirigakure which resulted in a trade deal and open borders between the nations. This was succeeded by Satomi and Akeno, yet at the cost of the former Iwagakure Kunoichi. Little was known about the battle's details except that it involved the Third Mizukage and Satomi who served as Jounin during that time.

Konami guaranteed a favor from her or her infamous other half, Toonami. Masuyo knew Toonami was nowhere near as the smell of chemical stimulants or cannabis has not stung her nostrils. Masuyo's eyes drifted from Konami to the ceiling while she turned her neck to one side jerking it to make a popping nose before doing the same on the other side in brief thought as she hummed giving Konami's offer some thought. In short time she came up with a response returning her attention back to Konami. "Well, I'll certainly remember that. 'Got nothin' I can really add to that. Most of what Konoha's been doing lately is very classified." Masuyo recalled Satomi's plan to conquer the Land of Grass among other minor countries when the time was right. "Our non-classified goals are fairly menial and not worth your time, or even mine. But like I said, I will definitely let Lord Satomi know upon my return. What are our means to contact you? Not sure if former Mizukage have access to the aviary, but in any case I presume someplace in Kirigakure?"

"That's the thing you see....I wish to accompany you to Konohagakure. My aim is to speak with the Hokage directly. I think given the circumstances its best if our cooperation is as close as possible. I understand Konoha is an ambitious country" The new of Konoha's takeover of the entire Earth Country had since been made public. It was a bold play and Konami admired Satomi for having the balls to go through with it. "I'm certain anything that your village has planned we can help. Like I said, Kiri repays its debts and we certainly would not betray Konoha's trust" Konami clasped her hands behind her back as she waited for Masuyo's response.

Masuyo's eyes widened a bit in surprise to Konami's response. She her to be escorted to Konoha and speak with Satomi directly. The Jounin Commander began developing a gut feeling about the whole encounter. For starters, the Third Mizukage did not die or retire in service. Konami chose to resign for whatever reason. That alone made her a suspicious figure. To top it off, Konoha and Kirigakure practiced an open borders policy. It was actually part of the agreement she made with Satomi and Akeno directly. As to why Konami did not simply head to Konoha directly and seek audience was beyond her. Lastly her twin, Toonami, was nowhere to be found. They were generally together for the most part. For a matter as important as the message Konami had delivered she imagined both of their presences were important.

"It's not a matter of me believing you are geared to betray Konoha's trust. I am somewhat confused why you decided to confront me, Konoha's Jounin Commander, in Kumogakure instead of seeking an audience directly in Konoha through Administration. I am unsure if you have forgotten the alliance which enforced open borders between both nations." Masuyo's voice was less casual as she postured up similar to Konami keeping a robust frame being professional now after expressing her doubts about the entire interaction. "With all due respect, Lady Konami, Kumogakure is not Konoha's ally. My trust within the walls of this city is less of that in Konoha. If you are genuinely Lady Konami you would have information of Konoha's whereabouts and would not need me and my team to accompany you to the village." Masuyo kept her attention geared on Konami passively analyzing her reaction and picking up more information on her. Her powerful sense of smell allowed Masuyo to pick up the type of hygiene products she used and memorized them for future reference.

[Analyzing Konami: 1/2 posts]

Konami raised her head a bit and smiled when she realized that Masuyo was suspicious of her. The twins were very distinct but people had tried impersonating them before although in circumstances of far less consequence than the one at bar. Konami replied to Masuyo who was showing visible signs of tension.

"I see where the point of confusion lies. Konoha and Kiri have agreed to an open door policy but the Hokage never explicitly revealed Konoha's location to us and given their service in defense of our village, it wasn't a prudent thing to ask for. I don't know where Konohagakure is and I think it would send the wrong message to send scouts into the Land of Fire to find out. You'll have to forgive my request to accompany you but I think its appropriate given the circumstances."

Konami had no way of proving her identity to Masuyo so she hoped that the Jounin Commander would trust her. The elder Twin could feel her younger counterpart growing restless within her body.

Masuyo listened to what Konami had to reply. In the end Masuyo could not argue that she was rather convincing. Despite Kirigakure indeed knowing Konoha's location and vice versa Konami's response displayed her ignorance. She did not reply with anger, doubt, or play it off. These were social signs a liar would express when exposed. Masuyo could deduce that this Konami was something at least trustworthy. However, Masuyo was not going to eagerly accept and apologize. There were still a couple holes missing that she wanted to plug up before trusting her enough to party up with her back to Konoha. "I see, I see." Masuyo replied not intent on denying Konami's claims or making a scene herself. "Well, you will certainly have my escort after a couple questions. If you will follow me..." Masuyo said, passing a glance back to the desk where the clerk handled cash and back at the front door. The two have loitered inside the hot springs too long. Masuyo was in the midst of some errands and figured it was best start making progress to the next task on her list.

She'd beckon Konami to follow her as she casually paced herself towards the door and pushing it open far enough to give Konami enough room to follow through without having to hold it open for herself. A wave of light would hit them both as they returned to the mid day streets of Kumogakure. "Have you seen Toonami lately? I'd expect you two to be like glue to each other." She'd say this, walking across the street and stopping before a two story building before leaping up its height landing on the rooftop giving her a much clearer view of the city and an easier path than trying to weave through the crowd of folk passing by the streets like normies.

[Analyzing Konami: 2/2 posts]

"Certainly" Konami said with a smile. She was glad that Masuyo was beginning to trust her even if only a little bit. She would do her best to provide the Jounin Commander with whatever information she could so as to further build on that trust. Konami followed Masuyo out of the establishment and walked alongside her. With her long legs it was easy to keep pace with her even while walking slowly. Masuyo asked Konami if she had seen her own sister and mentioned that she expected them to be stuck together like glue. Konami stifled a chuckle at the irony of the statement. She guessed that Masuyo was aware of their kekkei genkai, either that or she had serendipitous fortune.

"Yes, she is close at ha-"

Masuyo's phrase touched a nerve and the dormant twin moved her head out of her older sister's body. Konami would now appear to have two heads. The one that Masuyo was accustomed to viewing, and a second head which sprouted from Konami's breasts that belonged to her twin sister. Toonami's skin was a stark grey which contrasted with Konami's slightly tan breasts and her eyes were a frightening magenta. The kunoichi's neon blue hair glowed in the sunlight as Konami kept walking without messing a beat.

"I heard you were checking for me Kaede. Don't think we are who say we are huh? Wanna count my cunt rings as proof?"

Toonami snickered at her own joke and then moved a hand through Konami's stomach. Her finger curled into a middle finger before she retracted her head and arm back into Konami to continue her nap.

"My sister is often quite close by, yes. I assume you are familiar with the Shinda Niku no Myakuhaku bloodline?"

There was a bit of a surprise from Masuyo as Toonami made her presence known in a rather unconventional way. The woman was as ghastly as ever making herself seen in all of her infamy. Masuyo was surprised how both of them came out radically different. Of course Toonami's life choices had influence as well. Masuyo wondered if Toonami actually took care of herself if she'd turn out as beautiful as Konami did. "Very little. I've at least heard about it, and no doubt had it been brought to my attention during your legacy as Mizukage." Shifting her head to the side she watched the horizon of the city attempting to find the nearest smith in the area. In a couple seconds she found what she was looking for. Her head would turn back to Konami. The third question she had in mind was no longer required as Toonami made herself known in a very exclusive way that could not have been done by the mere use of an accomplice and the transformation technique.

"Well, Lady Konami, you have my permission to accompany my party back to Konoha when the time is right. As you may know the exams are still ongoing and I do have Genin participating in them so we will have some time before we make out way back to Konoha. A method to contact you would be appreciated for any emergency."

"Its both a blessing and a curse" Konami said honestly. Toonami bristled at the comment but was too sleepy to do bitch openly. There was something about a SNM nap that was so enticing and pleasant that it compelled her to remain subdued for the time being. Konami knew the feeling wouldn't last forever though and that eventually her sister would get bored and would leave to go out and cause havoc. But while she was in the midst of speaking to Konoha's Jounin Commander, they both knew it was probably best that Toonami restrain herself. Masuyo agreed to take the twins back to Konoha with the rest of her party which caused Konami smile and nod. The exams were ongoing and of course she was content to patiently wait until they were done before returning to Konoha. They could gather some valuable information in the meanwhile and since it was likely there were Kiri-Nin in the village as well, they could learn more about what had become of Kotsubo. Masuyo asked for a method to contact them in an emergency to which Konami gave some thought.

"If you need us in an emergency, detonate an explosive tag or use Fire Release as a flare. Otherwise you'll probably find me at the library and my sister in an vice den"

Konami gave a rather straight forward method to contact her in an emergency before she understood what she actually meant giving Masuyo locations on where to find them. The benefit of them being twins is she had double the chance of finding at least one of them assuming Konami is not at the library or Toonami in whatever speakeasy or strip club she may fancy herself in. And alas Masuyo scored the scent of both Konami and Toonami making tracking ever so much easier in her hands. "Very good, I will be seeing you." Suddenly, a hawk's caw would make itself known from the air. Among a small flight of pigeons was an odd ball. Masuyo turned her head up and immediately noticed its distinguishable characteristics. And most importantly it carried a scroll in its talons. The hawk broke from formation and began a dive towards the both of them. Its flight made it obvious the bird was targeting her. Masuyo identified the bird as one of Konoha's hawks by breed and features.

The Jounin Commander extended her arm out allowing the bird to drop the scroll in her hand once a few feet from her. From there it would soar towards the aviary in Kumogakure where it would feed and rest after its journey. "A direct message?" Masuyo opened the contents of the scroll having the back of the scroll facing Konami to ensure privacy for what she read.

Message:

She read in silence keeping her facial expressions hidden. It was the type of news that would run a cold sweat over anyone reading. Urgent and an eerie sense of emergency she was not familiar of. This put her in a sense of duty. "Well, never mind what I just said. Be prepared to leave shortly. Meet me at the city gates in three hours." That was all Masuyo was willing to give to Konami as the scroll in her hands burst into flames. Everything that the scroll was now reduced to wisps of charred paper. Nothing survived the burst of intense flames as the remnants fell from her hands. Masuyo would turn away from Konami and spring from her position in somewhat of a hurry as nothing was casual in her movements. She needed to round up her posse.

[Exit]

The plans had changed. Masuyo received an apparently confidential message that was serious enough to immediately warrant a return trip to Konoha. Konami doubted that the exams were even finished which meant that something serious must have happened back in the Leaf. The tall woman kept her appearance neutral and offered a solemn nod before responding: "Will do". Toonami then left to gather her and her sister's belongings. Once they had done that, they'd go to the gates and wait for Masuyo. Their stay in Kumo would be a very short one.


Exit