2 Kage Summit

Nariko had been taking her time seeing the Mizukage, since she wanted to wait to talk to Neko-sama before hand about her letter, but upon seeing the press conference confirming the death of Neko-sama, Nariko knew that there was no point in waiting. This was just more that seemed to be awfully convenient to her.

All the weird orders and claims from Neko-sama, but none done in person, moving all the troops from Konoha, which would leave it exposed, the so called explosives threat discovered right before the death of Neko-sama it just all seemed too convenient, and very out of place for a leader of a nation. Either the Kage had been insane, or this was a staged assassination of the Hokage. Either way, Nariko needed to confront the Mizukage.

Donning her Infinity Armor, the Raikage's cloak and hat, and her normal Jounin outfit under those, Nariko approached the Mizukage's adminstrative building, heading to the front desk. "If the Mizukage has the time for a meeting, I would like to speak with her." Nariko said. It was stated politely, but the underlying tone was it wasn't a request.

Nariko had a lot of information she was still unsure on how she wanted to act on. All that Yui had told her, all that had been confirmed. Then the Iron sacking, and now an assassination of the Hokage in Kiri grounds. None of it seemed to be looking that good for Kirigakure, but Nariko was diplomatic as long as she could be.

Assuming she wasn't held up, Nariko would proceed to the Mizukage's office, and would enter it. She'd never met Hana Kaguya, but the Kaguya clan had produced a lot of powerful shinobi and kunoichi over the years. She assumed that her being the Mizukage was also a good indicator that she wasn't a pushover, but Nariko was a stubborn Kage herself. Their meeting would more than likely be interesting at the very least.

Appearance:

Nariko would be given permission to meet Hana in a conference room instead of the Mizukage Office, Kirigakure having made exceptional effort to conceal the main office's location. And it was no falsified rumor that Kirigakure and Kumogakure were not on the greatest terms. In fact Kirigakure has been on even higher alert than usual after Hana discovered the former Hokage was a traitor, and potentially working with Kumogakure who made it clear in their letter that they fully intended on poaching Konoha from Kirigakure and slandered the Water Empire. Hana received a message from her workstation about the Raikage requesting to speak with her. From her office she prepared, calling her guard to follow her as she descended the elevator to the base level of the Mizukage Complex. Guiding herself through the hallways with her guards she entered the conference room, two of her guards opting to remain by her side while the others guarded the doorway.

The Raikage was already waiting in the room when Hana arrived. Hana took a seat at the far end of the long table in the comfy leather seat after pulling Hiramekarei from her back and perching it against the table by her side. Her guards remained at her side remaining obedient to her order. While Hana did not expect any sort of combat from this discussion, it was safer to follow protocol. She was unsure what Nariko wanted with her or why she waited so long to talk. Did she plan to make an attempt at her life after the Hokage failed to do so, presumably? Hana did not let her speculations control her. She remained aware and vigilant. Putting Kirigakure's waters on lock down for the remainder of the exams was the first step and secured the borders from conventional invasion attempts. But there was still more that needed to be done.

With everything she needed inside of her cloak Hana was confident to get the meeting started. "So my staff notified me you needed to talk about something. And likewise, there is something I need to talk to you about. So why don't you go first and tell me what's on your mind." Hana was not entertaining good etiquette today. She wasn't hostile, but her words and tones suggested she was impatient. As if something was at the tip of her tongue she wanted to blurt out. But in due time her patience would be rewarded. She knew that much.

---

NPC 1: Chakra Sensing Technique | 109.5/110 CP

Nariko took off her hat and placed it on the table of the conference room and disrobed her cloak. She wasn't about to hide her armor from the Mizukage. The Raikage was unguarded herself, and held a neutral face for the moment. As the Kaguya entered the room, Nariko rose from her seat and bowed politely, waiting for the Mizukage to either take a seat or give the okay to do so before she took one herself. Nariko wasn't without proper politeness, even for potential enemies, unless they were upstart Jashinists wearing on her last nerves.

Hana was not a very patient woman it appeared, and was quite agitated. Nariko began to monitor her, paying attention to her mannerisms and tried to get a feel for the way the woman operated. "Straight to the point I see. Very well. There's a bit to discuss after all. There's no shortage of reasons for my visit."

Nariko grimaced and sighed. "But I suppose a short list. The Rin, Yui, and Menza affair is the most pressing. Then a discussion on what happened with the Hokage. And tying into that, discussions on Kiri's actions and an attempt to bring a close to our hostilities, one way or another."

The way she'd phrased it was very careful, and very purposeful. She knew that war was a potential consequence, but in all honesty, Nariko was hoping to avoid that if possible. The little stunt the Jashinist's had pulled had weakened her nation quite a bit, and with the death of Tattsu, she couldn't really afford to dedicate a full force to it while also worrying about the civil war she was dealing with already. Still, that didn't mean that she honestly trusted Kirigakure. On the contrary, she had no reason to in the first place. "I must confess, I'm coming here with a high level of distrust for your nation, and I'm hard pressed to believe anything you say without proof to the contrary, but I'm willing to at least try to mend that. But first, there's a pressing deadline on Rin's life I hear? Any updates on that front? I'm willing to put myself on the frontlines to rescue him if needed."

Of course, Nariko didn't know that Rin had been saved yet. She didn't really have any access to that information, not being set up in her nation and not receiving the updates as often.

-
Analyzing Hana post 1

Hana had a general idea what Nariko wanted to talk about. Kirigakure has been racking up some incredible debt under the ruling of Kyoji, a man Hana once saw as an honest leader before being exposed for who he was. That goes without saying his attempt to slander Hana's name. But Hana was well prepared to take the brunt of these issues. She had hard evidence to help defend her case, and resources to spare if necessary. Kumogakure was not known for being war hungry. At least internationally. In fact, compared to the other two great nations, Kumogakure had the best international policy and reputation of them all. So Hana was a bit relieved she could potentially avoid an all out war, but she didn't cling to that thought of peace. If it ever came down to it, she was prepared to exercise Kirigakure's military might.

When seated she began to relax, her somewhat tense posture becoming more and more casual and less intimidating. Nariko seemed professional. In reality this was Hana's first interaction she had with foreign officials. She may have been in the wrong to try and appear intimidating when making first impressions, but there was no harm done. Hana listened to every stated issue Nariko wanted to discuss, the first starting with Rin Uchiha. "Rin and Yui, the two Konoha personnel who incurred a debt with Menza, a well-known member of the Society, and failed to cash their check when it was due? I'm surprised Kumogakure cares about them. They are not your ninja. They are Konoha's. And traitors at that. But to satisfy your objective: yes, Rin is safe. And I have proof." Reaching her hand out she unzipped her cloak and opened it wide to reveal to many pockets from within. A variety of small weapons, pouches, and other miscellaneous items could be seen by Nariko in clear light. Hana wanted to broadcast her actions clearly to show no signs of hostility. She reached for a VHS tape in one of them before handing it off to her right-hand man.

The guard knew what to do, turning on the VHS player and inserting the tape. With a few settings switched from the TV the video would play. It would play Menza's last statement before leaving Kishin. Hana let the video play while rolling back in her chair to give Nariko a clearer view of the screen. Hana didn't stare at Nariko, but kept most of her focus and attention on her. When the video ended, Hana rolled back until she was against the table clasping both hands together on the surface. "There's your answer. Their debt was cleared by someone close to him, and that loon is no longer our problem." Hana would continue to prepare her next response, giving the floor to Nariko if she had any additional concerns about the two Konoha ninja who bit off more than they could chew. From her exposed cloak she retrieved several key items one by one: a white plastic bottle with the word 'Evidence A' written in black market across it, a standard scroll with no official markings, a very organized, formatted piece of paper, and a more official scroll with a red wax seal to keep it close which has now been broken. If Nariko was sharp enough she could recognize that seal used to imprint the wax. It was the Raikage's seal.

These have been laid out before her in a line where Hana resumed her good girl posture. "Assuming you're ready to move on, here I what I have to say about the Hokage, Tatsu Kotoshura. Former Hokage, should I say. Tatsu Kotoshura was a lunatic who threatened not only the peace and welfare of Kirigakure, but Kumogakure and Konoha's own Genin participating in their second examination. It was through the efforts of Akihiro Uchiha that a crisis was adverted. Let me give you some background: He was initially involved in a battle at our Eastern Gate against Nozomi Himitsu. Rin Uchiha and myself were involved, though we were unsuccessful at subduing her. Several Kirigakure ninja died, Akihiro was unconscious, and Nozomi escaped. Shortly after the battle, Menza arrived using some teleportation technique and immediately began to attack Rin. I left the battle in the hands of Lord Kyoji and Rin to recover. It was during that confrontation I feel Rin and Kyoji failed, which put Rin in his former predicament. When Akihiro recovered he left the hospital immediately and returned to Konoha to find the treasury has been robbed, and he was branded a rogue ninja by Tatsu for some reason unknown. Tatsu also ordered all of Konoha's military to desert the village leaving it defenseless. But what boggled Akihiro the most was Konoha leading a kilometer or two long convey of wagons to the docks. His curiosity led him to this."

Hana grabbed the while bottle and handed it to the ANBU guard, who would then deliver it across the table and before Nariko. Opening the contents would reveal a black powder. There was a pound of it in total. "Konoha was loading an East Indiaman, a trade ship used by Konoha to barter with Kirigakure as part of our trade agreement, with this. The compound is untraceable, suggesting it was either made locally within Konoha or bought from the Black Market. It's an incredibly potent explosive powder. You can test it yourself, if you want. A smidgen of that stuff will cause a small, controlled flash that won't harm any of us, though will put a small crater in the table. Konoha loaded twelve-thousand drums of that stuff in a trade ship, each drum being twenty-five pounds, of course. This manifest here stated its destination, which was Ota. Tatsu disguised a mobile weapon of mass destruction as a trade ship. Now normally, I don't want to concern you with Konoha and Kirigakure's politics. It is no surprise that Kirigakure is guilty of the death of Satomi Uchiha, Konoha's second Hokage and Uchiha clan leader. I would have dealt with this issue personally if it didn't involve Kumogakure. Ota is a port town just outside of Kirigakure. And between Ota and Kirigakure is the training ground used to host the second round of the Chuunin Exam. It is estimated this ship had enough power to threaten the dozens of Genin from Kirigakure, Kumogakure, and Konohagakure participating in the exams. This act of carelessness and randomness should warrant a death order alone. If it weren't for Akihiro, I'm afraid all of our next generations would have been massacred." Hana beckoned her right-hand man, Rion, back to her side where she handed him the manifest and a report.

"Furthermore, Tatsu Kotoshura has been conspiring with Raijin. If you have forgotten, Raijin was a missing ninja from Kumogakure who had joined the Society. In the scroll you will find a verbal report given to me and my associates. It is a word-for-word statement given to me by one of Akihiro's subordinates. You are encouraged to contact him to confirm the legitimacy of this statement. He or his ally can confirm. So in the end we have an unpredictable, hostile leader whose motives are a mystery but indiscriminately threatens the life of all great nations. On top of conspiring with the Society directly she has earned her death. And Akihiro delivered it." Hana let Nariko take in the information and was open for additional questions as normal.

With the bars Hana spit, she expected Nariko to be dumbfounded by the amount of truth. But that was her initial impression. Time increased to a minute and she was still staring. Did she fry her brain out by thinking so much? With each passing second Hana felt it would be weirder and weirder to say something. She regret waiting so long, but live and learn. "You there?" Hana snapped her fingers a couple times. She didn't expect any result. Not after she stayed drooling for a minute. "You request a meeting, but you aren't here. I mean, you are here. Just not mentally. You three: take Nariko back to her suite and supervise it. We will continue this discussion when she's in better mental health." The three guards nearest to Nariko would grab her assuming she hasn't made any response by then. The guards would take her back to her funded suite within Kirigakure to rest up in peace. Hana would leave the room with the rest of her guards once Nariko was out of the room, stashing the important evidence before doing so.

[Exit]

The knowledge that Rin was safe comforted Nariko quite a bit. Yui had been distraught, and Nariko didn't want to be the one to bear the news to her that they couldn't help him if their time had run out. She couldn't help but wonder who had freed Rin, but that matter would be left for later.

After that, Nariko had zoned out quite a bit, although it hadn't been intentionally. The news that Hana had given her wasn't a lie, or if it was, she was an incredible liar. Nariko couldn't pick up even an ounce of dishonesty, and the proof of her statements could even be verified if Nariko were to follow up on it. More to the point, Nariko could confirm with Akihiro the validity of that sort of thing. One party could be lying, but it was less likely the more people brought in on these sorts of things.

She read the scroll she was handed, and her eyes narrowed at the transcript. Perhaps the Hokage was crazy indeed. Couldn't handle the stress of being the leader, mixed with losing Yui for so long must have snapped something. Either that, or someone was coercing them. Or more likely, working with the Society all along? Too many scenarios. Unfortunately, she began to think a little too long, and then the silence became uncomfortable.

When Hana snapped her fingers, Nariko muttered an apology. "Sorry, it's a lot to take in. Forgive my rudeness." If Hana still insisted on the guards escorting Nariko out, she'd shrug them off, metaphorically but not physically. Foreign agents laying hands on her wasn't exactly the smartest move to allow, and Nariko wasn't going to let them do so while she was awake and conscious. If they weren't called forward and the meeting continued, Nariko would instead reply.

"For now, the matter of the Hokage will be tabled. If you're being honest, then I very much appreciate what you've done for our genin. If not, further investigation into the matter will reveal any dishonesty in time, and I'm ill equipped to perform that investigation from this meeting room. I'll have to take you on your word and the transcriptions, as well as what evidence you've shown me." Nariko folded her hands on the table, and looked towards Hana, pursing her lips as she thought.

"I suppose the next big issue is the fact that you still own the Land of Demons, as well as the sacking of Iron. In general, Kirigakure has been warmongering well outside its sphere of influence. The atrocities in the Land of Demons by the Kiri Nin Ken Tetsudashi were never fully atoned for. Even marking him a Missing-nin, Kiri still reaped the benefits of their actions, and only made him a missing-nin after our intervention and intent of punishing him ourselves. He would have been free to roam unpunished otherwise, while Kiri seems to not care. The Land of Iron as well, was assaulted, a nation may I remind you, that is as far away from Kiri as you can get on the mainland. The attack was unprovoked, and well outside of Kirigakure's sphere of influence. You may understand how such an act may make me nervous. Warmongering isn't illegal, for sure, but Kirigakure pushes and breaks the boundaries of what is generally acceptable."

"So I have a simple request in regards to this: Relinquish control of the Land of Demons, and fund them back for any finances they've been drained, as well as a million ryo in reparations for damages done. It can never atone for what happened there, but it's a start. Return what was stolen and raided from the Land of Iron. You didn't even have the decency to take them over and try and build a new life for them. Rather than building your empire and assisting the minor nations in your control, it's been a constant drain just to fuel Kiri and that's infuriating to me. When the villages were made, it was with the intent of stopping the warring and feudal eras, the genocide of nations. To bring people together in unity and prosperity within our own nations, and as more get brought into the folds of our nations, to share that prosperity among other."

"With the return of the artifacts raided from the Sacking of Iron, and reparations to them, I would also request that Kirigakure issue a formal apology to the larger international community for its actions. If your colors have changed with your leadership, I welcome you as an ally. If they haven't, and Kirigakure continues on the path as its been written, Kumogakure shall be a terrible enemy."

Her eyes shifted to the guards, whom she hadn't been ignoring necessarily, but she wasn't quite sure how they'd take what she just said, and what she was about to say. "And of course, renounce any ties to the Society that may have been formed under former Kage of your village. Work with Kumogakure under a new alliance, one of cooperation and trust. Allow Kumogakure to station permanent troops in Kirigakure to not only keep your nation safe, but to ensure the treaty is being honored. I shall permit Kirigakure to do the same. In the event that one of us calls on each other's aid, we shall be as one. I'm sick of the distrust. The exams should be a time of cooperation, that's why I originally hosted them in Kumo. I want the world to be united under a banner of trust and security, not tearing at each other's throats and killing other nation's leaders, or using the exams to attempt to wipe out a new generation of shinobi."

Nariko would pause, and permit Hana an ample amount of time to respond, realizing she'd been speaking for a while.

-interrupting exit-

Hana expected to hear about the Land of Demon and Land of Iron one way or another. Even the mentioning of Iron caused her to grit her teeth, frustrated at the attention Kirigakure got over what was supposed to be a covert operation. There was no doubt that every ninja had to deal with shady missions. It was for the mere fact that missions are not carried out by their own personal interests, but for the interests of the State. With stealth being out the window, Kirigakure had to deal with the full frontal of the raid on Iron, a deed selfishly carried out by Kyoji before hastily retiring to avoid the fallout directly. Although Hana did not partake in the Land of Demons raid or was particularly informed about the exact details she knew it was atrocious. Her experience in Iron was fairly straightforward. Their economy took a huge hit, one they still haven't recovered from, but Kirigakure ensured to only target active military personnel. The Land of Demons, however, was a different story.

Ken Tetsudashi butchered the children and citizens while committing other acts of terror. Rape being one. To believe the man existed in Kirigakure's ranks caused her skin to crawl in wrath. And Kirigakure's previous Kage not doing anything about it was even more frustrating, The long line of incompetence was a lot to deal with. And Hana knew Kirigakure was going to take a hit either way.

"Demons, huh?" Reaching into cloak pocket she retrieved a stick of minty chewing gum. It was necessary for times like this. Removing the foil wrapper she nibbled the gum in increments until it was fully chewed up in her mouth. "The Kaguya understand the importance and purity and the value of family. We value these virtues and have been since the founding of our clan. And what Kirigakure has done to the Land of Demons is inexcusable. You are right in your words when you say we can never atone for the damage they've dealt with. The people of Demons will suffer for generations to come...but letting them know that Kirigakure will no longer be their oppressors is a start. If they choose to forgive us, so be it. If not, Kirigakure has no right to feel target." Her chewing slowed as her mind eased into relaxed, good intention.

"I accept your terms regarding the Land of Demons. Kirigakure will no longer have control over the nation and ready reparations. If you feel this is best for the Land of Demons and may quicken their recovery process, so be it. But with this, I feel Kumogakure and Kirigakure should have a remote military presence in the Land of Demons. The Land of Demons will take decades to recovery, at best. I want to ensure the Land of Demons gets this recovery and to make sure our reparations are delivered without any issue. Likewise, I understand Kumogakure's tension with Kirigakure. By having a base there with your own ninja you can make sure Kirigakure is no longer being an issue to Demon's people."

Following the Land of Demons was the Land of Iron, an issue easier for her to negotiate in her mind. Acts of terror were inexcusable, but raiding territories are natural before globalization. To her it seemed Kumogakure's only issue was Kirigakure stepping outside of its sphere of influence. Hana never really understood Kyoji's intention when calling the raid. It seemed he was only after their Kenjutsu technique, the spoils of the attack being a mere bonus for Kirigakure. "As for the Land of Iron...well, returning their artifact will take some time. You see, when the raid was called by my predecessor, Kyoji Hoshigaki, he was only after one thing. He told me when we returned back to Kirigakure after I had asked. Kyoji wanted the artifact, Kurosawa, and the technique for himself."

Hana stopped chewing and rested her elbow on the table putting her face against her knuckles. She thought about what Tatsu told her before she was targeted by Kirigakure and Akihiro. Was Kyoji working with the Society? It would make sense given the issues she had to deal now. All this bad publicity was something as evil and merciless as that criminal group. "It makes sense now why Kyoji hastily retired from his positions. From what Tatsu told me regarding Kyoji's decision when handling Yui to his actions with Iron and inaction with Demons. He was writing a check he couldn't fulfill himself. But I digress. As of now, Kirigakure has no idea where Kyoji is. After he retired from his position he left the city. My thoughts are: if we find the Society, we will find Kyoji. So if we want to see Iron recover I need time." Lastly, there was the request to station troops in Kirigakure. That idea didn't sit well.

"I will make a public statement renouncing any rumors that Kirigakure and the Society were one. However I must reject your offer to station troops in Kirigakure. Although I appreciate Kumogakure making a presence during these Chuunin Exams, gaining my trust is a process. Kirigakure practiced an open border policy with Konohagakue and they betrayed our trust. I know Kirigakure may not have the right to say that, but I must look after the safety of my people. And right now, giving Kumogakure permanent access to our city is not that. There is a path to recovery, and with enough time I feel we can achieve it." With her wrap up, she'd swallow her gum, the minty goodness almost entirely chewed out.