Hokage's Request

Kiyoshi would approach the administration building wearing his newly upgraded puppet armor, not because he was expecting a fight of any king, but simply because he did not move much otherwise. The only difference between what he now wore and the original that would be visible would be the fact that there was a helmet covering his face, the rest of the puppet would be covered by the cloak that he wore over the puppet.

Not that anyone would really be able to tell a difference, considering he rarely used it in a combat situation. He had only ever used the armor to move around, at least for now. He was sure one day he might have to use it in combat so he would always make sure that everything functioned properly on it, but other than that it was only his mode of transportation for now.

He didn't have an appointment with the Hokage, that's not to say he wouldn't be expected, but he was still showing up unannounced. Either way, he had something for the Hokage and he was just there to drop it off, so hopefully the Hokage would be able to make time from his busy schedule to see him. It would be a relatively quick matter, if the Hokage was busy, as Kiyoshi would just be giving him the arrows the man had asked him to make for him using the strange metal that the man sent him with the payment to use in their creation.

As Kiyoshi approached the secretary's desk, his helmet would open and move to reveal his face underneath it. "I have a package for the Hokage, if he is not busy. Just what he requested I make for him." The man would tell the woman behind the desk, forgetting to mention his name as he often did, but he was sure that they knew who he was. It wasn't like there were very many people that walked around in full armor, so it stood to reason that they would know who it was requesting to see the Hokage.

The secretary would glance up to the young man a moment before looking him over. Next to her was a kunai under the desk but she didn't bother reaching for it. If Kiyoshi intended her harm she wouldn't be able to do much against that armor. Still as per usual she was well aware that Tengoku would sense anyone in the building. Still she would announce to the young man. "He is finishing up with a meeting but he should be right out." She stated plainly before the black door would open. The head of the academy would step out and the head of the villages finances followed behind her. They looked troubled but Tengoku himself would usher them out. Before those black and gold eyes would shift to Kiyoshi. A smile upon his features for he knew why the boy was here. He would nod over his shoulder before returning into the office. Leaving the door open as he returned to his seat. The office itself wrapped around a section of the building. Both walls lined with a series of grey filing cabinets above a white rug. Between the door and the desk were two identical black couches with a clear glass table between them. Plenty of walking space to either go through or around the set up. On the table was a collapsible bow. Soulstring sat there in its collapsed state but still a mere moment away from Tengokus hand.

On the other side of the guest lounge was a single Senju wood desk of considerable length and size. On the side of it facing the door were two fairly comfortable but basic metal and leather chairs. Across from those behind the desk was a large and old leather chair. A preference of the man who sat in the chair. Behind him was a black and red Tetsudashi steel Katana made by Masaru hanging on a weapons rack on the wall. Under it was a silver wakizashi made by the crafter Kara and rumored to match artifacts in ability. On a pedestal beneath the weapons rack held a legendary gourd of the hero's water. Finally under it hung the Hokages hat and cloak. Combat boots over shinobi pants decorated his legs. Tengoku himself sat behind his desk in the old red leather chair. He was wearing sleeveless white robes with gold trim. Golden feathered rings decorated his upper arms, wrists and if one could see them...his ankles. A black sword belt held his cloak closed at the waist. On his hands were metal plated gloves that didn't seem to hinder him in the slightest. On one side of his desk was a Bin for approved paperwork and the other denied paperwork. A stack in the center to get through. Tengoku himself was a tall man with waist length white hair and a taijutsu build to him. Toned but clearly muscular. His white wolf like ears popped out from his hair atop his head. Hanging loose around him. Still he would nod to the seat across from where he was seated.

"Please Kiyoshi. Have a seat. I would like a word."

Kiyoshi would smile as the Hokage exited his office, moving out of the way of his departing guest before bowing to the secretary and following Tengoku into the office. Closing the door behind him, Kiyoshi's smile would change to a look of pure awestruck as his gaze fell upon the various weapons around the office, as well as the craftsmanship of the desk at which the Hokage was now sitting at. He resisted the urge to grab the bow off the table to look at it closer, it wasn't right to grab someone else's property like that he would tell himself, though his eyes would clearly linger on it as he passed it. As he drew closer to the desk, his eyes would shift to the swords that the Hokage had on display. All he could think was that one day his work would be on display in someone's office somewhere, or used to perform something great, he just knew it. Once he got his name out there it would only be a matter of time before he was creating weapons and other items for all the great shinobi of the world, but first he needed to get a bigger name around Konoha. The opening of his shop was going to be a big help in that regard thanks to an investment from Peragus, his hope was that soon his work would be all over the village.

Kiyoshi would sit the package down on the desk before taking his seat, it was a simple bundle of cloth that he used to wrap around the 40 chakra draining arrows that he had made for the Hokage. He wished he thought to make a quiver for them though he supposed he could still as it shouldn't take that long; he would just have to go back to his workshop and make them if Tengoku ended up needing one. "I am sorry for the packaging, but the arrows are as you requested." Kiyoshi would say after he had sat down. They were strong arrows, the shafts made out of Meteor metal making them hard to break. The Arrow heads themselves, while also made meteor metal like the shaft, they were mixed with the chakra draining metal Tengoku had provided with the Kunai. It was made this way so that Tengoku could handle the arrow without worrying about draining his own chakra, unless of course he touched the Arrowhead. The material composition of the arrows aside, Kiyoshi was especially proud of the Arrowheads themselves, barbed in such a way that most that would be hit by one would be more likely to just push the arrow the rest of the way through rather than pull out, due to the tearing of the flesh that it would cause and the amount of strength it would take to be able to pull it out.

"I am not sure what the metal those Kunai were made of, but wherever you got them from I would love to get my hands on more of it." Kiyoshi would say, though he knew that Tengoku had said he wanted a word with him, Kiyoshi just couldn't help himself with asking about the material. It was a wonderous material that he would like to work with again, there would be so many things that he could use that metal for provided he had enough of it.

---

Giving Tengoku:

Tengoku would watch the arrows be laid out before him. His black and gold eyes taking it in slowly before his hand would reach out to pick one up. Feeling the weight and balance of the arrow a moment on the tip of his finger. Turning it he would look down the shaft to study how straight it was. A bent arrow would never fly straight. However it appeared that these arrows were all of quality make. Still he would set the one he had studied down and pick up the next as he listened to Kiyoshi speak as he took his seat. He mentioned the metal and Tengoku would pause as he set down the second arrow out of forty. He was a man who wished to be prepared for battle. So each arrow had to be studied. Not just the assumption that all of them were good based on the one. Though at first glance he saw the quality of it all. Still he would reply to the young man across from him calmly as he picked up the third.

"The packaging is fine for now...though ideally I would like to seal them in a ring such as the one your puppets came out of so I can pull them out at will. A hidden weapon has value as I am sure you well know. You did well on these arrows but unfortunately that was my entire supply. An old friend now retired I hear named Masaru gifted me these and that bow over there. Chakra draining metal is a resource only found in Iwa. Unfortunately relations with them are strained at the moment. Though Diana herself is in town hopefully to change that. That said, I was wondering if you came up with a solution to combating an enemy you can't see? I have always been a sensory specialist so I am curious on how you will handle it without sensory."

He would continue going through the arrows one after another as he finished. Though he would let his gaze fall upon Kiyoshi quietly if the young man replied. Showing he was listening while checking on his purchase. He had to be in sage mode to use the bow truth be told but if he did use it....these arrows and their barbs would be highly effective he would think. A way for him to fight at a considerable range or apply fast attacks at a medium range for minimal chakra costs. Still he would wait until Kiyoshi finished speaking before he finished examining all forty. It didn't take him long to determine the quality of all of them. Still he would sit back and fold his hands in his lap. Smiling a little.

"I also noticed you looking over some of the weapons here. Particularly the bow. I am sure you saw the announcement that Stag Emporium made? The bow was made by Okane himself. He was missing until recently and now he claims to have something to share with the villages. I need someone to represent us and from what I gather, the man values other crafters like yourself. I would like you to go represent Konoha. Are you up to it Kiyoshi?"

Kiyoshi would listen intently as the Hokage explained where he got the strange metal that he identified as Chakra Draining Metal, the name in all honesty made sense and explained why he felt weaker when he had touched the metal during the forging process. He would do his best to try to hide the disappointment on his face when the Hokage said the material was only available in Iwagakure, he knew all too well of the tension between the two nations, the fact that the Tsuchikage was in the village however gave him some hope that he may be able to obtain some of the metal himself one day. He just had to hope that the woman had come here in peace and looking for a means to ally the two countries, as that would be the only way that he could ever hope to have the material for himself.

At the mention of what he came up with as a solution to fighting those that he cannot see, Kiyoshi would briefly look down. He was slightly ashamed of the fact that he had yet to come up with a counter for hidden enemies, but then he would look back up to the Hokage with a smile as though he did have something. "Well, I would be happy to make you some rings or even a glove that will summon the arrow when you draw the string or whatever you may wish for ease of use for you. As far as being able to find opponents that I cannot see, I am still working on that. I did however add a function to my suit in the event that something like that we're too happen again however, I call it the escape pod. Basically if the suit becomes inoperable or I come within danger and cannot move the suit out of the way in time, it will eject me from the suit and send me some distance away hopefully to safety. A way of sacrificing a puppet to continue fighting, I guess you could say. It's not perfect and there will be times where it might be more hurtful than helpful, but it gives me an option that I did not have before and I believe if I had it during my spar with Ayame I might have won." Kiyoshi would pause for only a second as if a thought had crossed his mind, "or at the very least lasted longer in the fight." Kiyoshi would add quickly, he had all the confidence in the world of his abilities, however the spar with Ayame taught him not to underestimate his opponent and he knew that while the function would have been helpful in the fight it did not guarantee that he would have won.

Kiyoshi would nod when the conversation switched to the fact that he had been admiring the weapons around the room and the announcement made by the stag emporium, the man behind the company was one of Kiyoshi's idols in the crafting world as well as one of the ones he was determined to craft better than. It was likely a foolish goal, considering the accomplishments of the other man, but it was his goal nonetheless just as it was his goal to prove his puppeteering was as good as Shinobi with their ninjutsu and the like. Kiyoshi's mouth would nearly drop when he heard the Hokage say he wished for him to represent the village, the shock would be obvious on his face. He had been wanting to travel to help get his name out there and establish his work beyond just Konoha, but to represent a village was a huge responsibility that he wasn't expecting.

It would take several minutes after the Hokage asked his question for Kiyoshi to find his voice once more, "Lord Hokage, I would love to be able to go and meet with Okane. In fact I have dreamed of meeting the man for a while, I thought that with the collapse of the heavenly emporium I had lost my chance, but now he is back and I have that chance once more." Kiyoshi would pause as though he wasn't sure how to phrase the next words he was about to say and trying to find the right way to say it. "I do not believe I am the best choice for representing the village, surely it would be better suited to your commander or one of the Jounin." He knew that it wasn't like he was going into some kind of peace talks representing the village and the fate of the village resting on him or anything like that, but the simple thought of representing an entire village in any capacity made his stomach turn and made him feel slightly nauseous. Of course, he had planned on asking the Hokage for leave from the village, seeking travel to Kirigakure to try and open another shop and from there travel to the emporium to meet with Okane as per the news announcement the other man had made, but the Hokage wishing him to represent the village in that regard was never something he would have expected.

Tengoku would nod as he listened to the young man. He seemed to have come up with a solution to a different issue from his fight. An ability to escape if captured again. Of course that was a good idea for any shinobi arsenal. He encouraged his people to learn some of the more basic escape techniques for that reason. Though some were harder to pull off than others. He rarely understood just how valuable his sensory ability was in a fight. Still he was correct. Had he had such an ability he would have at least lasted longer in the fight. And have been wary of the ground underneath him. The fight had been unfortunate for him. Anyone else he may have been able to blitz his way through a battle. However an opponent he could not target left him vulnerable. Still the boy was fast. For now Tengoku would nod before speaking in return. His own mind whirring with ideas and strategies.

"It is often advantageous for a commander to direct his troops from an elevated position. Another way to avoid being engaged directly is to remain out of reach while utilizing your speed. This won't work on everyone mind you but the ability to fly or even create platforms to step on may be an idea for your next advancement. I look forward to seeing how many new and creative ways you utilize your puppetry."

Still there would be a moment of silence as Kiyoshi seemed to be thinking it over. Tengoku would leave most of that time aside from his suggestion allowing the silence. His black and gold eyes watching Kiyoshi quietly. Still the boy would start by nervously expressing his desire to meet the man as well. However an eyebrow and the corners of his lips would raise as Kiyoshi expressed how he did not think he was best suited. As if Tengoku were merely doing this on a whim. Still he would tilt his head as he picked up a pen. holding it in both hands as he spun it between his fingers. Speaking up slowly in return. Calm in his voice as he let his gaze shift to the pen as he spoke.

"There are those who specialize in defending what is built. Myself and Kimiko are both that type of person. As are most of the jounin. Fighters that live to win the battles and keep our society going. However it takes little more than what a barbarian could accomplish to fight our enemies. We are strong certainly but we are not the future. We defend the current. Crafters like Airi, Okane or yourself bring forth new creations that may make life easier for everyone. Barbarians would still be painting with fingers on walls if someone had not thought of ink and paper....moving even further from a quill and an inkpot to creating the pen for ease of use. You see Kiyoshi I am not selecting you because of something like a rank. I am selecting you because you are the most creative inventor in Konoha. If anyone will curry favor with someone like Okane it would have to be another crafter....another builder of our future."

Kiyoshi would nod as the Hokage spoke, it was good social mannerisms, or so he was told. It let the person talking know that he was actually listening to what they were saying and not drifting in and out as he often did. He had a habit of getting lost in his own thoughts, something Akimitsu often criticized him about as it could come off rude to some. He was doing his best to ensure that the Hokage knew that he was listening to him, making mental notes throughout the entire conversation. The Hokage's idea for flight was not a bad idea, one that he would save for later, however when the Hokage said the words 'you are the most creative inventor in Konoha,' Kiyoshi's head would suddenly stop bobbing up and down and his cheeks would turn red. He had strived for recognition in his work for many years, both inventing and his work as a shinobi. To finally hear someone else say the words out loud other than himself, and for that person to be the Hokage, it was more than he could have hoped for. Of course, he didn't know if the Hokage was saying that because he believed it to be true or it was something the man was saying to butter him up to do what he wanted. If it was, it worked. Thoughts would begin rushing through his head as he began making plans for his trip before he even said anything out loud, there would be certain things that needed to be considered and there would also be somethings that he would need to handle but it would all be doable in his opinion.

"I would be happy to do it, Lord Hokage. There are some things I would like, as far as terms for being a representative of the village, if possible that is." Kiyoshi's voice would be soft spoken, it was not like he was trying to make demands of the Hokage. "I would like an escort, in case of trouble on the road. I would like to select them myself if possible, if not then I request at least 2 that are decently combat trained. I know I am not the best shinobi, so the knowledge that someone or rather two someones had my back I would feel better about. Second, I would also like leave to travel to Kirigakure while I am away. I had planned to request this travel when I had first entered your office as I would like to travel there and attempt to set up a shop to increase my chances of sells as well as helping to get my wares to the masses, and I thought what better place to start than our sister village. If you would allow me these two concessions, I will be happy to represent the village and speak with Okane."

Tengoku would settle into his seat as the young man across from him answered him. It seemed he had goals of his own to accomplish. To the Hokage it seemed as if he had placed his faith in the right person. After all what was mankind without faith in one another? He was impressed at least that this chunnin would negotiate instead of simply obeying. Still he wasn't some warlord that wouldn't consider it. If nothing else he raised his eyebrows with a smile and sat back. One arm on the arm rest of his chair and he cupped his hand and rested his cheek in it. Almost as if he was watching something of interest to him. He maintained this for a moment before nodding at the end. So these were the conditions set out for him to have Kiyoshi fulfill his mission. However there was so little there it was almost just...expected. He had expected a shop owner to ask for more. Still Tengoku would lean forward a little with a grin on his face as the light would shine in his eyes. He was impressed by the young man so he would speak in a warm and humor filled tone.

"You got balls kiddo. But I think I see you're issue here. You just aren't thinking big enough. A guard and permission to travel to Kirigakure? We have a standing exchange program. What you are asking for is the bare minimum. Instead I am going to go beyond that. First, you may take anyone with you who wishes to go aside from Airi. I need her here specifically. I have plans involving her. Secondly you are free to travel to Kirigakure afterwards. We need a chance to improve relations with them. With their recent land grab they hold the wealthiest amount of land in the world. Economically speaking, they surpass us. Dwarf us even. Now that that's done...I will include a couple more things. First is your career. Use a personal request as a stepping stone....if you bring us back any of the X grade items being sold I will promote you. Secondly is personal reasons. Okane is a legend and advances the world in technology. Build good relations with him if possible for your own end goals and ours. And third...."

Tengoku would pull out an official order form already pre-stamped. It was an order for 4,700,000 from the vault. Golden eyes falling on the young man with a serious tone now. Holding out the slip to the young man seated across from him. "Here is an order for the guards at the vault giving you access to a substantial amount from the vault. Use it to bid and whatever is left over....use to build your shop in Kiri. If there is anything left over after your shop and the x grade item...you are to return it here to Konoha. Understood? Gather your guard....collect the funds from the vault....purchase one of the items up for bid....Set roots with Okane and Kiri and bring back whatever is left."

A look of shock would cross Kiyoshi's face, just for the briefest of seconds, as the Hokage stated that he had balls. At first he thought that perhaps he had over played his hand, but as the Hokage would continue he realized that the Hokage didn't think he was asking for enough. Given the fact that the Hokage granted both his request for guard and his travel to Kirigakure after the fact would bring a smile to his face, though it seemed as though the man had his own reasons for allowing him to go. Sure the villages shared an exchange program and travel was freely going, but the fact that the Hokage seemed concerned by Kirigakure's land grab spoke volumes. Was the man scared of the other village? Afraid perhaps that when the mist village finished with the minor countries that they might set their sights upon the major nations as well and considering the fact that they had jumped upon the chance to capitalize on the destruction of Kumogakure and taking it into their fold it only stood to reason that there was at least a chance that they might.

Hearing that he would be promoted for the simple matter of buy one of Okane's items that he was putting up for auction was a mild surprise, he had assumed that his advancement in the ninja ranks would be determined purely by his skills as a Shinobi, but it seemed that was not always the case. Hearing the second reason, Kiyoshi would simply nod. It was a reason that aligned with his own, to build a relation with Okane. It was the very reason Kiyoshi wanted to meet the other man was to possibly learn from the legendary crafter, if he could do that then he could grow to become just as great of a crafter. The third addition from the Hokage would be the biggest surprise, the Hokage willing to pay for him a shop to open in Kirigakure. It was a simple thing, but the fact that the Hokage trusted him with such a large amount of money was a sign of something. Kiyoshi would smile and nod as he reached out to grab the slip from the Hokage.

"Buy an item at the Auction, build a relation with Okane, travel to Kirigakure and try to set up a shop and build relation with them as well. Then return here with the remainder, the auctioned item, and news." Kiyoshi stated as he placed the slip of paper into his pouch, more just stating that he understood everything that was being asked of him. "I believe that I can handle that, Lord Hokage. If there is nothing else I will take my leave and begin making preparations for my departure." Kiyoshi would add with a nod. So long as there was nothing else that the Hokage needed from him, Kiyoshi would take his leave of the office and head to the vault to acquire the money before returning home to prepare.

{Exit Attempt}

Kiyoshi would reiterate the mission in abbreviated and simple terms. It was enough to know that he clearly understood the assignment in letter. However Tengoku could only hope he understood the depth of his undertaking. This mission could alter the foundation of the future for Konoha. In multiple ways. Kiyoshi would be in danger if he misstepped or simply from the amount of ryo on him. He would be representing a village that was either feared, hated or observed closely. Their predecessors had been warmongers it seemed. He had tried for a peaceful reign but as of late....the world was on edge. One man could only intervene so much but they could set a course of actions to affect thousands of lives. Okane was one and now whether he knew it or not Kiyoshi was one too. His concerns were apparent though so he would on nod to send Kiyoshi on his way with only a few words to chase him.

"Be careful out there Kiyoshi. We have known a time of peace but there are those out there who still hold hate for Konoha. Don't take anyone lightly."

With that Kiyoshi was gone and he returned to sitting at his chair. The sun cracking across the office and casting its light and warmth there. His hand would raise and rub his face as he sat back. He was tired and stressed. This political crap wasn't for him. He was a physical type fighter and sitting around arguing felt like it was making him soft. Sure he still trained daily but he felt at a stand still. However this would benefit Konoha somehow. He no longer felt he needed anything directly. However he was curious about this information that Okane wanted to share with Konoha....with everyone who would listen rather.

With the young man gone and Tengoku alone again his ears would twitch before his stomach rumbled. Of course he had forgotten to eat again. It wasn't healthy for the muscles for him to starve himself. He knew that well enough. So quietly he would stand up and gather his things. Leaving the office to pick up a bite to eat on the way home. This was his home after all. Konoha is where he had grown up and only left once. The world outside was cold and full of wicked people. He could only hope sending Kiyoshi into it would do him good at least. Toughen the boy up.

exit thread
5 x 15 = 75