Crimintern West 933

Criminal International, or Crimintern, is a convention of the most powerful outlaw groups and individuals across the globe. Crimintern itself is not an organization or even a governing body with authoritative power but rather a forum with its own set of customs and informal laws. Despite its name, Crimintern is not truly international as there are far too many powerful criminal organizations across the world for a single gathering to be feasible. Instead Crimintern gatherings are organized by region. Despite this there tends to be a few groups that always show up regardless of location. These groups tend to be the most powerful and well connected with interests across the globe. Crimintern West tends to feature a few reoccurring power players on this side of the globe but there are others from the East that make their way to the Convention. Crimintern West in the past had ended to be a smaller affair however with the cataclysmic collapse of Iwagakure and Sunagakure as world powers, non-state actors rapidly filled the void. Criminal organizations naturally being a part of that consequence. The increase in crime and lawlessness made the region attractive and with more competing groups came squabbles and violence which threatened to interrupt business. Hence, Crimintern West had slowly swelled in popularity over the course of the past few years. The meetings were annual barring unusual emergencies and they were almost always called by major players that were established and respected.

Crimintern West 933 had been called by an individual criminal of international repute. However her renown was a curious thing. The woman who had set the convention in motion was known almost exclusively only in the upper echelons of the criminal world. One could go so far as to say that unless one was an A-Rank Missing Ninja or higher they could not be trusted to even know her name. The few who knew her kept her secrets only because of what she had to offer: knowledge, weapons, techniques, and entities from other dimensions and other planets. She, herself, was not from this world but another very much unlike this one. She visited this world occasionally and when she did she bartered rare and powerful artifacts for information and bizarre requests. She requested individuals, bloodlines, information, even specific crimes targeted towards random civilians. Merryweather, as she had been nicknamed, never overstayed her welcome and always seemed like she was in a rush to leave this plane of reality for greener pastures. So when she posted summons for Crimintern West 933 the Elite of the criminal community were intrigued and wary. It was completely out of character for a woman so accustomed to operating in the darkness to call a major meeting. The event had resulted in a high degree of secrecy and exclusivity that was unusual for even a Crimintern meeting. The major criminal networks agreed that Merryweather had to be protected from the prying eyes and ears of the less worthy vagabonds. The woman's wares were too valuable and lucrative to reveal to the outside world. This Crimintern meeting would be only for the "Big Boys" so to speak.

Enter one Honiko Yoshidara and company. The Dragon Sage had arrived at the meeting place several minutes early. The entrance point was an unassuming cave in the heart of The Commonwealth. The area was guarded by several Spirits under contract by the Kaifeng Family, one of the major local players. The Spirits were well versed in those who were permitted to enter and if one did not meet the necessary requirements for entry, they'd be met with an unpleasant end via possession and suicide. Honiko walked through the cave totally unbothered by the faint wisps of smoke and plasma that wafted through the air. Her companions may feel a creeping chill along their back but other than that they'd be unmolested. The Spirits knew Honiko and while they did not have perfect knowledge of Nozomi, Raijin, and Akira they ascertained that if the duo were worthy to walk alongside her they were worthy of gaining entrance to Crimintern West. The cave was dark and long with torches at several intervals leading deeper and deeper into the heart of a hill. Honiko walked forward silently and with purpose. She wore her typical set of armour. Burgundy leather with plates along the thighs and other joints. The pale woman's snow white hair styled for efficiency in its usual manner. It was ordinarily long enough to trail past her calves but she kept it wrapped and tightened. It had too much volume to be called a bun but was far more functional than if she had let it down altogether. Several strands draped past her face and shoulders but left her visage clear. The woman's skin was an alabaster white with burn marks around her cheeks. She wore a steel headband styled with the Kanji for Rebirth in the center and two horns sprouting from the metal. As the group walked through the cave tunnel, Honiko would break the silence to inform Raijin, Nozomi, and Akira precisely what they were doing.

"Crimintern is a worldly forum" she began. "The unspiritual scum festering and clinging to the undergrowth of the shinobi world. Leeching and stealing what they can like a parasite with no direction or purpose other than survival. Some would consider it an honor to be admitted to such an exclusive gathering" She stopped and turned to look at the three of them. The disdain in her voice was plain on her face. "None of you should feel that way. We walk a higher path. We are only here to gain information and nothing more. The hostess of this meeting is a person of interest to the Society. Listen carefully but say nothing unless asked a direct question" She paused to let her words sink in and then turned back around to take them to their destination. They would have dealt with her long enough to know that if they had questions now would be the time to ask before they arrived.

This was a first. The now older Raijin had been a journey that would have worried him some years ago. But he was feeling estatic. There was supposed to be something of great concern to make Honiko leave from temple in such a manner. And to bring Nozomi and Raijin was for backup perhaps. Bayu was glad that there was something for them to actually do. Honiko as usual didn't give them to much information before they got there. But did tell them it would be in the Land of the Earth. So Dragon Sage had brought them to the mouth of a cave that led to God knows where. But Raijin could feel almost a life around the cave, inside however was a different story. It felt...dead.

This was something that intrigued Raijin. They kept silent for the most part till they came to the entrance. Raijin was shocked to see that it was guarded, by Spirits. How they were outside here was one of many mysteries that would spring up on them. They were terrifying at first, then they became more docile as they noticed Honiko. It looked at them then turned away, letting them in together as a group.

After making their way down they were able to see a few things, but not much for the cave was really dark. They got down a little ways making sure not to lock eyes with anyone. Honiko gave them a quick pep talk before they met anyone else. She told them they were on a higher path and not to get to caught up in the clout of the ninja here.

Raijin would try, but this was too much to pass up on. What kind of things were here to his liking?

Nozomi moved along besides Honiko, holding herself in a very composed walk, standing tall and proud. The past couple of years working under Honiko had given her the ability to at least partially compose herself in social situations. After all, she had to project strength and authority, and being the shy and timid Nozomi of old wouldn't cut it anymore. She more or less ignored Raijin's presence, as she still didn't consider him worth her time. She was certain that even the Nozomi she was that had joined the Society 2 years ago was still as strong as, if not stronger than where he was now.

Still, she had to tolerate him, he was Honiko's protege as much as she herself was. It didn't mean she had to give him any sort of respect though, so she'd ignore him unless given enough reason to address him.

She'd dressed up in what resembled the ANBU uniforms, minus the mask itself, and she had no tattoo either. Her black jumpsuit was nice and form fitting, and she wore no sleeves, exposing her shoulders. Her arms were covered by sleeves that attached via her fingers and moved up her arm to about the middle of her forearm, like a long and tight glove more than anything else. Overtop the black jumpsuit, she has what resembles an ANBU's armor piece, but it was simply for appearances, and didn't actually protect from anything. She had actually filled it out a little more in her bust, having developed a bit more over the last 2 years. She wasn't anything impressive, but she at least had some breasts now as opposed to mostly appearing flat. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, still near her shoulder blades in length. Her headband was still on her forehead, the gash through Kirigakure's symbol quite telling. She'd forgone any of her actual weapons, as there was no reason for her to carry any of them, not being a thing she required to be lethal.

Walking next to Honiko, she passed through the spirits with a small glance at them as she did so. They were a curious oddity. She didn't really ever see anything like them. What would their capabilities be? Were they dangerous, or just sensory? Did they even exist, perhaps they were a genjutsu? A few pondering questions flitted through her mind, and then nothing further as they moved on through them.

Nozomi nodded as Honiko spoke. She didn't really feel all that honored to be here at the Crimintern Forum, other than that she got to walk next to Honiko. "Yes ma'am. No questions." she said confidently and began to follow behind her again, keeping her eyes on Honiko's back, but her attention on and around them. She wasn't a naturally trusting person, and it would be dumb to let your guard down around criminals, regardless of whether or not there was an understanding here. Still, she'd appear calm and relaxed to all but the most attentive people, who could read those sorts of cues.

In walks Yanagi, trailing behind the trio. She's abandoned her pinkette look for one that's more natural, rocking her silvery locks once more in tandem with her red irises. Generally speaking she's kept to herself over the course of time she's been with them, avoiding interaction with the others and instead prioritizing her own devices. Naturally, it seemed to end up being worth it since she had honed her capabilities over the course of time she's spent improving herself. Now she stands easily at about five foot seven, having finally completed growth with an uncanny amount of development to her overall physique, as far as assets and figure goes.

Naturally, she keeps this mostly hidden, currently wearing black fingerless gloves contrasted by simple pants, a ribbed long-sleeve sweater, and simple open toe sandals. A dark grey coat reaching to her ankles with a white fur trim along the wrists, collar and bottom completes the outfit, but not without the aid of a black sash around it that keeps it secured to her. Her pigtails bob with every step she takes as she strides along in tandem with them, peering in curious silence at the 'spirits'. It was chilling as all hell, but she was confident she could hold her weight if she had to. It all depended on how strong they were, though she wasn't here to find out.

She simply nods to Honiko's words and keeps a move on, pondering what they were there for. Maybe she'd have an opportunity to get a look at actual civilization for once? Things were so prison-like for her, being confined to the same little hideout back in the Land of Water.

The pair didn't have any questions which was good. It showed that they were willing and able to operate without a full briefing before a mission. They had learned to trust their instincts over the past two years and were sure of themselves. Honiko continued to walk deeper into the cave until they reached a door. Honiko placed a hand on it and then turned walking through to gain access to the other side. Once Nozomi, Raijin, and Akira had followed her to the other side the door would seal shut and melt into the stony texture of the wall it adjoined. It would appear as though there only exit had been swallowed by the cave itself leaving them alone and trapped with the group of miscreants that had gathered around a stone table. The hall was large and filled with people many of whom stood away from the table or on balconies overlooking it. The table was reserved for the true powers of the world and the movers and shakers of the western region. The Enlightened Society of Rebirth and Reordering had made a name for itself in the Criminal Underworld over the past two years. Honiko had been known in some of the bandit circles across the globe but her assault at the Valley of Jehoshaphat and its Temple had catapulted her and her organization to the world stage. There were rumors that she was behind the large scale attack on Kirigakure that was perpetrated by the Kazekage and it was now a well known fact that unlike most criminals she was not in it for the money or the power. The pale woman could not be bribed or bought into doing jobs for worldly possessions and she tended to attack those who proved insistent on hiring her and her shinobi.

The crowd parted to make way for Honiko and she took her place at the stone table. She sat with her three disciples behind her and placed her hands folded in front of her as was custom. In the old days it was said that a person with their hands folded on the table meant no harm and would not be able to draw a weapon easily without his fellow criminals noticing. This wasn't really true in this day and age given the sophistication of shinobi warfare but it was one of the few unspoken rules and customs of Crimintern. The table hosted fifteen individuals each of them crime lords of international and regional repute. Who got a seat at the table was often a matter of controversy and debate. The more clout crime lord had the more deferential others were for fear of insulting him and risking post-conference retaliation. Those who were up and coming tended to push their luck, grabbing seats early and seeing who would challenge them to get up. A stand-off would ensue with criminals taking sides and traditionally the one with the bigger side tended to be able to exert enough pressure to force the other to give up the seat. Outright violence was not totally unheard of but the consequences for starting a fight at Crimintern were so severe that it had only been attempted a handful of times in the many centuries of the Convention's history.

Honiko glanced around and saw more and more members of the Underworld arriving. The hostess was not yet here which did not surprise Honiko. Merryweather was known for excellent sense of risk assessment and arriving at the last minute and leaving early were the hallmarks of a fugitive. Few knew what Merryweather was like when she was not in this dimension but Honiko had a good idea as to why the traveler was the way that she was. The woman's true nature had been made abundantly clear to her after a few discussions with her Sensei along with personal interactions with the woman herself. Many of the criminals at the table and near it were making small talk. Conquests, plans, gossip, and all the other chit-chat that people made before a large conference was set to begin. Honiko Yoshidara said nothing to no one as she did not want to waste her breath. There were others who looked at her nervously but no one dared make a comment about her while she was present. Not even the people in the balconies were brave enough to utter her name. Time ticked on as the meeting swelled and all of the seats at the table were filled without incident. All the seats were taken except for the Northmost seat which was traditionally occupied by the one who called the meeting. People began to remark on whether this was some kind of trap when temperature of the room shifted drastically.

In one second the room was blazing hot as if it had been on fire. The next it was as cold as the mountains of the Land of Iron. Then an excessive wind blew throughout the hall before finally settling done to a nice moderate climate. The room stretched and bent as time and space distorted in the area behind the empty seat. Then the world opened. It was as if someone opened reality like they would shutters on a building. The world beyond the shutters was hazy and dark but before anyone could get a glimpse of who or what lay beyond, the Visitor stepped out and the portal closed behind her. Standing before them was Merryweather. Merryweather was a tall woman, standing at 6 feet, with snow white hair which trailed behind her. She was as pale as Honiko with similar red eyes and a serious expression. The woman wore a black top and pants with black lipstick to match. She pulled the chair down and take a seat before scanning the area. The traveler's eyes settled on Honiko and her expression turned into joyful smile.




"Hello everyone I imagine you are all wondering why I called you here today...." The woman's voice was melodic and otherworldly. Everyone in this room knows that I value discretion and secrecy so to have so many of you here...present...at the same time... well that would be very out of character for me wouldn't it? There were cries of "Get on with it" and "hurry it up" from throughout the hall. The people here valued Ryo above all and time was money. Merryweather frowned and a chill fell on the room. A physical biting chill that would leave some of the weaker Nin trembling and chattering. Merryweather's uplifted spirit was dampened and she scanned the table before saying. "I've called you here because I wanted to discuss a job. A job open to everyone present and perhaps beyond the corners of this hall. The rewards for this job is greater than any other set of goods I have trafficked through this backwater planet" Honiko spoke up. She would be the first to address Merryweather directly. "What do you want done?" she asked plainly. Merryweather's eyes lit up knowing that she had Honiko's attention and the woman addressed her in kind."I want my daughter free....I want someone or some group to break into the Blood Prison and bring her back to me" The mission sent a wave of discussion and debate as the previously quiet hall erupted in alarm at the severity of the request and the stunning personal revelation regarding Merryweather's affairs.

It's game time. Was all the ex-shinobi could think of as he and the other followed Honiko. Though he was with comrades, they did not care about one another like that. So if something were to happen he was sure he was on his own besides Honiko. She was the only reason they would work together less they feel her unfiltered wrath, which they have been witnessed too. Raijin kept his head up and tried to look menacing. Honiko opened a door and they followed her through. Strangely enough it melted away as if it had never been there. That's some jutsu. He was starting to see the strangest of things here so far, Honiko kept up with strange people.

The hall was large, it was filled with people. Though the table only a few it seemed had the honor of sitting. To no surprise Honiko walked towards the table, everyone moving out of her way. She took a seat at the table and waited. Nonplussed Raijin would stand guard without saying a work, but observing all that was around him. This many powerful people did make him a little paranoid. They spoke of things that piqued his interest. Conquest, standings in the world, money laundering. All types of crimes, but the conquest plans was something Raijin would have to revisit with Honiko. All of a sudden whomever they were waiting for had arrived. Making the grandest of entrances.

The room became unnaturally cold, then the complete opposite by becoming hot. Then someone seemed to step out of thin air. What the hell... Keeping his poker face was now impossible as his jaw dropped. A beautifully pale woman stepped out. Everyone seemed to be looking for her to show up. She stepped out and began to explain just why this meeting was called. She wanted them to break out her daughter from a place called the Blood Prison and to bring them back to her. Personal mission. But something is telling me there's more to this woman and her daughter. He waited on Honi's reply.

It appeared that Honiko's group alone was feared so much that even this group of people dared not interact with them. Nozomi found this to be preferrable, as it meant nobody would bother questioning her. She was confident in her ability to fight off any real threat, but doing so might cause a scene and she wasn't particularly about that sort of thing here.

She focused on keying in to the many conversations happening around them, standing with her arms crossed in front of her chest. It made her appear more closed off, which was fairly true, as she wasn't someone to approach at the moment. She was here to observe and also to protect Honiko, not that the woman needed a bodyguard.

And then the room shifted temperature rapidly, wind blowing through, and finally a rift opened up. Nozomi immediately snapped to attention, her eyes shifting towards the rift, although her attention was still outward, in case this was a trap designed to focus all attention on one thing while something else went on behind them all.

A woman stepped out, similar to Honiko in appearance, and presumably talent. To be such an important figure, one needed to have a certain degree of skill and danger. Her ability alone was incredibly useful. Space and time weren't easy to manipulate. Perhaps she was a relative of Honiko's? It would explain a few things, but then again would also leave more questions. She was a person of interest for the Society, which meant she was a known entity, but not accessible outside of this forum. If she was a relative, then Honiko probably would have been able to contact her in other manners.

Regardless, who she was wasn't all that important. Nozomi would find that out later she was sure. Raijin, next to her, seemed enchanted by her beauty, and although Nozomi thought he looked like an idiot with his mouth open, she had to agree she had a certain level of attractiveness. However, she kept her composure much easier. Merryweather spoke at some small length , drawing the ire of many of the occupants of the room, making Nozomi stiffen up slightly. She had no doubt that Merryweather could perhaps slaughter most of the room with little effort should she care to.

Nothing really came of it beyond some chilled wind. Honiko spoke up, and the woman responded in kind. The Blood Prison? Nozomi's eyes shifted from Honiko to Merryweather, a frown on her face.

What was she playing at? There was no doubt in her mind Merryweather had the skill and capability of doing this task herself. Nozomi knew for most groups, such a task would be suicide to attempt, and knew that Honiko would accept the task for the Society. She knew that between the 4 of them here representing the Society it could be done easily.

Perhaps it was just hubris on her own end. She'd become a lot more powerful and refined since joining the Society. The girl she had been leaving Kiri wouldn't even hold a candle to her currently, and that girl had been enough to fight with Anbu from Kumo, and could tangle with Kiri Jounin as well. So what was the catch?

Yanagi cranes her eyes upon entering the room, keeping her gaze away from the myriad of criminals within it. She follows behind then stops for the time being, mostly waiting to see what would happen. The gathering was something entirely new to her but it wasn't exactly her main focus there at the moment. Following that mindset, she just waits, up until the sudden spike in heat, followed by an incredible temperature drop garnered her attention. She sets her eyes on the distortion that follows soon after, before quirking a brow upright at the female who appears. Her complexion and hair were certainly unordinary, but it wasnt that, or even how she appeared out of nowhere that confused the girl.

It was moreso the request. 'Her daughter?' She wrinkles her nose, staying silent. She'd never heard a lick about a place called the Blood Prison, but it was safe to assume it was another thing that wasnt commonly known by the public. If someone like this couldn't take care of it themselves though then this only meant such a place would spell out trouble. Maybe they wouldn't have to deal with it themselves -- that would certainly ease her mind. Too bad it wasn't her call though.

She keeps her eyes on the strange woman for the time being, pondering if she'd say anything else on the subject or if it was just done at that point.

There was a visible change on Honiko's face when Merryweather revealed the true purpose of the meeting. She never expressed shock, alarm, apprehension, or fear in front of others. Instead she masked such complex emotions behind a veil of anger and disdain. This however did shake her to her core.

"Daughter?"

Merryweather's head snapped to the Dragon Sage and she seized on the uncertainty that underlain her voice.

"Don't tell me you thought you were an only child Honiko?"

There were a few audible gasps in the room as people began to take her words at face value. Honiko's lack of an immediate response caused others to draw the only logical conclusion one could reasonably come to given the exchange. If Honiko was Merryweather's issue than that alone answered several questions about the Dragon Sage but it also raised many more. After the initial shock wore off Honiko responded:

"No. Nor am I surprised that your feeble attempt at a replacement was captured and interned"

Honiko masterfully steered the conversation back to the issue at hand. She dismissed any appearance of being rattled, brought the discussion back to its original point, and impinged on the worth of the supposed daughter held in the Blood Prison. It was true that Merryweather was her mother but she wanted to make it crystal clear that she was the only daughter worth fearing. Many of the criminals debated amongst themselves for few minutes while the two relatives stared each other down. Suddenly a young man sitting to the left of Honiko cut in.


"Interned at not just at any prison...but THE prison. Hozuki Castle aka The Blood Prison is the most secure facility on the planet....That may not mean much to yo-"

"It doesn't"

"Maybe not to you but to the rest of us that's an enormous risk. One not worth taking for vague promises....If your daughter means so much to you then why not free her yourself?"

"Because she can't" Honiko lifted her hands off the table and folded her arms. It was a complete break from tradition but she dared someone to say something. A few of the old timers looked as though they wanted to take issue with her act but none were willing to speak especially given the recent revelation. "The Society has learned that the new Warden of the Blood Prison is a man to behold. He understands what Merryweather is and is a complete and perfect counter to her abilities in every way. For her to go against him alone would be suicide. Heed not her pretensions, my mother is quite mortal"

A sarcastic grin found its way across the face of an ancient looking man. The man's head was disproportionate to the rest of his body and he licked his lips with every few words that was uttered. "Hmmm....if mummy...hmmm...dearest....is not strong enough..hmmm...to overcome this...hmmm...then why should...hmmm we risk it?" Both Honiko and Merryweather shot him a look of disdain and the man seated next to him clarified. "With all due respect of course, this seems like a family affair."

"Honiko is right...the Warden is a problem. The reason I called this meeting is because I need soldiers with a diversity of abilities. He is too strong and well prepared for one line of attack and he has a working knowledge of most criminal organizations and how they function in the field. However, a mixed group from several different organizations attacking from different angles and not necessarily in concert? It's not something he can account for. I don't know who will accept nor will anyone here and so his ability to plan or formulate a strategy to counter will be hindered.....that and of course....I will be working to ensure that we have a few advantages working in our favor...the job needs to be done on a specific day for the highest possible chance of success."

Some people had already left the meeting. Criminals exiting from different doors that were in a constant state of appearing and disappearing. The thought of attacking the Blood Prison was so mad that they did not entertain it. The reward had gone unspecified but the nature of the Blood Prison was so renown amongst the criminal elite that the mere mention of a jailbreak was not even worth considering for some. Whatever Merryweather was offering paled in comparison to serving out a life sentence in Hell. The criminals at the table remained unmoved. None wanted to look weak and they would stay to hear Merryweather out.

"The reward...what is it?" a man at the far end of the table asked. He was black and the way he intoned his words suggested an elevated degree of pissed-offed-ness.

"I was hoping to make it a surprise but it appears I overestimated the grit and stupidity of my fellow criminals..." Several voices cried out in laughter but Honiko's was not among them. "Flying Thunder God to the person or group whose aid is the most helpful. 1 million Ryo and a rare item to each participant if my daughter is freed. 100,000 Ryo and the shame of failure if she isn't. I will release the time and place of the job to my trusted intermediaries in due time." In that instant several bosses began speaking to their subordinates to draw up plans and prepare to get the word out. A technique so rare and powerful in every way, one that was more legend than fact. For the ninja in the room it represented a level of power undreamt of and for the shady businessmen it represented a fortune. Those at the table with the means to participate in the jailbreak had gone from skeptical to interested. While everyone discussed the possibilities with their subordinates and peers Honiko was silent. She stared at Merryweather and Merryweather stared back. Merryweather wanted her to participate in the jailbreak. The woman knew how strong she was and how strong her organization was but it went deeper than that. Merryweather wanted Honiko to see what her sister was like. If the inmate was weak then Honiko was truly as unique and divine as she had been led to believe by her Sensei. However, if this mysterious sister was stronger than her then perhaps it might give her pause as to her place in this world and beyond it. The best way to shake someone's faith was to show them their insignificance, once that was done they could be re-molded and turned into something else. Honiko's Master had ideologically wrested her from Merryweather and this was her chance to take her back.

"You aren't impressed?"

"You know I don't care about your trinkets. You were told to stay away from our world."

"Their world, not ours" she clarified. "I know you think you're one of them but we both know that not to be true. I know what you want or more specifically what you're searching for. You won't find it here. I know where it really is and I can take you there. Help me with this and you'll have what you seek."

"You are a parasite and a bottomfeeder but you have your utility. That is the only reason we permit you to operate here." Honiko said in response. It was an implicit concession that Honiko knew Merryweather was right. What the Society needed most was something only she could guide them to. "You'll have the Society's answer on the day of your supposed jailbreak"

Merryweather inhaled and exhaled with an expression of satisfaction. Honiko was unwilling to make a verbal commitment but she knew her daughter had given in. All the tells were there and though the two had rarely spoken there was no substitution for a mother's intuition. The meeting proceeded without further interaction between the two. Clarifications and tentative plans were drawn up and agreed to, regional powers agreed on temporary truces so as to better prepare for the jailbreak, agreements were formed as to who could and could not participate, and how knowledge about the job would be spread and controlled. Few addressed Honiko directly and when they did they got direct and simple answers. Fewer still spoke to Merryweather who had begun looking over her shoulder every few minutes and manipulating the climate in the room at a more erratic rate. A telltale sign that she was beginning to leave.

Ah shit. It just got real. The recent revelations was at least shared throughout the room, so the shock was equally shared. The ripple effect of Merryweathers words was in complete unision. Honiko was this powerful ladies daughter. Now that Raijin took a closer look. The pale skin and the hair were similar and Honiko did look quite unique. Her response also gave weight to the statement heard around the table. Merryweather replied by giving the lowdown on the rescue of her daughter, and apparently Honiko's sister. He had never seen her shaken, but this was clearly news to her. Raijin felt for her, never knowing ones family really and to find out there was another piece to that family can be quite...troubling.

But he got the sense that it was merely shock to her, and she didn't care as much. Maybe the entire idea was something she found distasteful. But then Merryweather gave them members an ultimatum. Raijin taking the hint from the large amount of members leaving in droves. They wanted no part in what some were calling a 'suicide mission'. They all began to file out but a few remained, like Honiko's group. They stayed interested.

She went on to offer the rewards that the criminals foolishly didn't stick around to hear. She offered money and power, but that caught Raijin's attention. What type of power was the Flying Thunder God. Akin to the title he chose for himself, he was inclined to take the job. But it was of course up to Honiko.

The revelation, Nozomi had expected. However, Honiko's reaction, she quite hadn't. So she had properly deduced that Merryweather was related to Honiko, and what's more, she was her mother. However, the retort was a bit much , made to rattle Honiko. And it had worked, if only for a moment. Nozomi's perceptive skills were immense, she could see it plain as day.

While she didn't openly say anything, her gaze sought Merryweather's and her eyebrows furrowed in an intense glare. Her arms uncrossed, muscles tensed as she was debating attacking the woman, who dared try and make Honiko rattled. To make her look weak and unimportant. Replaceable.

And then the moment passed. Very few people would have noticed the exchange, but as Honiko regained her composure and retorted back about her sister being captured in the first place, Nozomi's muscles relaxed and she crossed her arms once more.

A man spoke up about the prison, clarifying how dangerous such a task was, and an older man also jumped in, quite rudely as well. Had Nozomi not been given orders to remain quiet, she would have killed him for his insolence right then and there. He was risking nothing. Nobody in this room was risking anything unless they were the ones actually going to do it themselves.

She scowled a little bit but otherwise said nothing as instructed. It was clear their motivations were not particularly aligned. Nozomi would help Honiko if she asked her to. She would rescue a family member or leave them to rot as per her leader's instructions and would revel in the challenge of breaking into the most dangerous prison purely because it was considered impossible.

Of course, none of these people cared about that. They should, because it would increase the clout of their organizations, but they were worried more about what they would lose than what they stood to gain unless there was financial incentive. But then more information was given, the real thing that would draw the attention of many of these people.

Merryweather offered up a technique that Nozomi has never heard of, as well as financial gain of substantial portion for doing this. Money was a powerful motivator to most, but as Nozomi would have done this regardless, as long as Honiko told her that's what they were doing, she didn't really care all that much. It was just a bonus for her if they decided to free her sister. However, she could tell it was enough to win over the other criminals. Nozomi watched instead the interaction between her leader and the mother.

And like that, she knew they were on. The rescue mission would be their task. Nozomi's mouth twitched into a smile, betraying her eagerness to assist in this matter. No prison would hold her back from the completion of her goals. With any luck, she would prove to be a force to be reckoned with as well. The room temperature fluctuated again, betraying Merryweather's departure soon, and Nozomi watched the woman, to see if she could glimpse through her portal as she left.

With a purse of her lips, Yanagi continues to listen to the situation at hand. There was plenty of things that she had to absorb from this small interaction in itself, between why this seemingly otherworldly woman couldn't handle the issue herself, and among many other things that she didn't want to confuse herself by thinking about. Needless to say though, this was a personal case, and the Kaguya knew firsthand that even some of the most emotionless, shelled-off people expressed true sentiment in the face of familial issues.

Not really seeking to see whether or not their ringleader would actually have a reaction to this, the female keeps her eyes on Merryweather, noting the change in temperature that starts to manifest in the air. It was clear at this point that she was about to leave, and perhaps this meant that they were about to leave as well. In a way it seemed like between all of the individual factions involved, this would be a race to this place known as the Blood Prison more than anything.

It was this that made Yanagi question how much preparation there was to be had. If she doesn't hone her talents enough and such she'll just end up being a liability, which could very well increase their chances of just leaving her to die. And as much as she was practically neutral on her feeling towards The Society, whether she was 'blessed' to become affiliated with them or not, they were still a good coverage to avoid getting sought after by Kirigakure. At least for as long as it takes for her to become strong enough to defend herself effectively.

'Guess the chase begins.' Yanagi muses, twirling part of her pigtail around her finger idly. She was ready to get a move on, regardless of where they would be going.

The job had been issued. The takers had made themselves known. Crimintern was rapidly drawing to a close and with it Merryweather's presence. The woman took a few steps backward and looked across the room.

"I've said my piece and now I will be taking my leave" she said as a dark portal opened up behind her like a shutter. Before she stepped through it she could not resist one more gibe towards her eldest daughter. "I'm not sure what I look forward to most....being reunited with my favorite daughter or watching your disciples die trying to save her" she allowed herself a chuckle at her own joke and then took a final step back entering the portal which was subsequently closed. The temperature of the room returned to normal and just like that the visitor was gone.

The remaining criminal elite looked towards Honiko not wanting to provoke her but also curious as to why there was such a negative relationship between her and Merryweather. Merryweather had been active in the Underworld for far longer than her daughter so they were inclined to take her side over Honiko but they also knew the Dragon Sage was not one to be trifled with. There was a long tense silence that followed. One notorious missing ninja broke the silence:

"Well if no one has anything else to say. I think its time we conc-"

"I gots somethin..." the middle aged black man from earlier cut in. He looked at Honiko's group and his eyes zeroed in on Nozomi. He lifted a bony finger and pointed directly at the blonde. "I know you" he intoned. The man had serial killer eyes, they were like the eyes of a doe totally blank and innocent yet filled with a manic anger that could only be expressed through the numerous veins in his neck. "Yo name Nazami...you used to be my cousin's student.....from Kirigakure. You a dumb bitch thinkin' we can't find you"

One could hear a pin drop in the room. Honiko said nothing and only looked at the man. "You gonna tell?" someone asked. Snitching about missing nin who were at Crimintern was a big No-No. The mysterious Kereko had to have known that. "Nope I ain't sayin shit about shit cuz I ain't seen shit". He understood that what happens in Crimintern stays in Crimintern.

"I'm just saiyan that if I see blondie in the streets Honiko or no Honiko, I'm dragging her back to Kiri in a bodybag" the black man shrugged and sat back in his chair before crossing his arms. "That's all I got really. Yall can go." The Kereko didn't recognize Akira on account of how radically different she looked from when she was last wanted in the village for mass murder. He also didn't give a flying fuck about the Kaguya. The only reason he spoke up was because Nozomi going Nuke-Nin reflected poorly on the late Makahshi. This was about maintaining the clan's reputation.

Honiko allowed him to speak and did not attack him. That was Nozomi's cue to defend herself or simply ignore the anger filled ignoramus. Violence was not an option though at least not at the present moment.

Merryweather prepared to leave them but not before she got one last jibe in. Her disdain for Honiko and her apprentices were clear, wishing death upon them basically. Raijin felt himself getting annoyed. Whomever she was he was sure he was beyond his comprehension. But that didn't mean he took such disrespect lightly. Now wasn't the time of course so she said her piece. The portal that she came from erupted from nowhere. The very presence of such power was still amazing to Raijin, still left to baffle at the possibilities.

Then that seemed to be the end of the meeting. They were to decide rather if they would go through the plan of breaking into this Blood Prison and rescuing her daughter. But Honiko might feel differently with the recent news. Raijin thought they would be making their way out of there. Then one of the people sitting there, a man much darker than himself spoke rudely towards them. He had a lot to say about Nozomi apparently.

He had his connections to Kirigakure and he was making it known. Not telling how Nozomi would react but he didn't care. He was obviously bluffing. Nothing for him to care about.

Nozomi looked over to the man who had spoken up, someone who talked in a similar manner to one of the people she had great disdain for. Makahshi Kereko, her former sensei, and a piece of garbage at that. She had surpassed him long ago, and yet here was someone else related to him trying to cause her annoyance.

Her gaze pierced him, a moment of shock crossing her face involuntarily. It wasn't something she had expected, that was for sure. "Wh.." she began to say in automatic response, but stopped herself before she could finish. She had her orders. The moment passed and her face shifted back to its passive resting stare.

It was on the whole, fine, she decided. He couldn't even get her name right, and it was a rather simplistic one at that, so he wasn't all that smart. Maybe he could fight, maybe he had people under his command who he would send after her. That didn't matter to her either. She didn't need anyone to protect her, there was hardly a threat to her.

Looking over to Honiko, Nozomi remembered she was told not to speak unless asked a question directly, and there had been no question directed at her so she maintained her silence. Locking eyes with the Kereko, Nozomi merely smiled. Lifting her left hand to her throat, she ran a finger across it, as if she was slitting it. The message was clear.

He was welcome to try and ambush her at any point. She would be glad to rid the world of a Kereko. Maybe when she had started as a genin he would have stood a chance against her, but that was 3 years ago, and the difference that had made for her was astounding.

She went back to examining the room and waiting for Honiko to call their exit.

The mysterious Kereko had said what he had to say. Honiko turned to look at Nozomi who was standing behind her. True to form, the girl had followed her orders and did not speak in response. She merely offered a gesture of what was to come if she crossed paths with him. The pale woman nodded acknowledging that Nozomi would have the chance to end the fool's life when the time came. She wouldn't have chided Nozomi for verbally responding but the Jinchurikki's display was more meaningful than engaging in banter with a Kereko. Honiko turned her attention to the criminals sitting at the stone table. Many of them had taken the final exchange to be pure posturing and did not see fit to respond. A few made note of the exchange to their subordinates. The attendees slowly began to clear out and after a few minutes of sizing up the various players, the Dragon Sage stood and began to make her way towards a door that had appeared out of the stone wall behind them. Another group of criminals were about to enter but stopped once Honiko arrived at the door and gave them a look. The leader of the opposing group took a step back and gave her the right of way. Honiko walked through with her crew in tow.

The Society would appear at the far end of another mountain in a completely different location from where they entered. Honiko didn't speak and instead led them to their next mission. Merryweather was a problem for the Society in more ways than one. Aside from revealing a key aspect of her parentage to a group of criminals and offering a job to free her spawn from the Blood Prison, she had engaged in a small degree of subterfuge and biological warfare. Iwagakure was still dealing with those consequences and Honiko figured this was an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.

Exit

Raijin waited patiently. Nozomi had responded with silence, but a heavy silence that meant more if you were there personally. The young Blessed Sage was actually not opposed to a little fight. But now was not the time nor the place for such things. He honestly didn't want to feel the ire of Honiko if they were to do so. So that situation concluded quickly. He looked over to Honiko for more instruction and everyone was wrapping up and leaving.

The main attraction having left, they were now left with a mountain of new information that would be useful down the line. Honiko's sister. And this Blood Prison. As they were about to leave, another group stopped before them.
Noticing that it was Honiko, they let her threw. In true fashion it was time they started showing some more respect to the Society. Things were about to get more interesting from now on.

[Exit]

Nozomi followed along dutifully, acting as would any bodyguard and taking all the necessary precautions against any potential intervention or ambush.

-exit-