[center][b][i]
*Flashback,
Five days ago!*

For the sake of sake.
And Kumogakure.

A collab between Red Fox and Gerontis.

Summary :
The top of Kumogakure has undergo through some changes and another office within the top is being changed. One that will make a shadow step into the light, to guide others as a right hand.[/center][/b][/i]

[hider=Nariko's report]
Nariko lost his sense about time since his last mission. He was not sure if he completed it in the first place. He left Kumogakure several months ago on a mission assigned to him by his Senpai, Takeru. On his mission, Nariko was supposed to deliver an offer or something - however, he was not sure if it reached the recipient. The young Jun was dragged into a wild chase behind his clans roots and current whereabouts. He learned several things he wanted to immediately share with his brother Satoshi, but he felt that he had to see his Senpai first. There was a high chance that his disappearance might complicated things.

He was aware of the fact that after his disappearance, he might be labelled as a missing nin for his village, and thus marked for execution on sight. He was even prepared that there was a high chance that Takeru himself will carry out his execution. Aware of this, he traveled to Amegakure where currently Takeru was attending the Chuunin Exams. Still, with his current condition, he might not live that long. He guessed he has several broken bones, some of them complicated fractures. His hands were covered by scratches and some scars. Blood was already dried on his right cheek and his sword was just as rusty and covered in blood.

Despite this, he was there, standing before the gates of Amegakure, visibly more guarded than any time before. He stood there as people spotted him and pointed at him.[b]" Stand there with you hands above your head and state your bussiness!"[/b] He stood and raised his head, looking at them.[b]" Nariko Jun, Kumogakure ANBU operative. Or, maybe former ANBU operative ..."[/b] The guards looked a bit puzzled, but before they could continue, he spoke up.[b]" I demand an audience with The Raikage!"[/b]

Takeru turned his head as Midori wished to see her friend. He personally didn't care much for the loss on Kumo's side, but if the boy was injured then it would do no good if Midori would keep asking to see him. Raising his right hand, he waved as if he was trying to wave away some of her concern, speaking to Midori. [b]''You may go see your friend. With some ANBU. After that, I expect you come back instantly.''[/b] Takeru said as he turned his head away from the girl. He could see some match going on from his current seat, but he was growing bored. It was a nice sight to see such motivated genin trying to struggle against the odds and each other, but for somebody who had seen a lot of battles Takeru wasn't interested to see a lot of genins battling each other. Maybe he could see a fight that would pique his interest, but for what he had seen so far, it was just going to be dull.

A few tense seconds passed. Maybe minutes. Nariko was not sure, but after that moment, several figures leaped down from the city gates and stood next to him.[b]" We will escort you to the Raikage. Just a safety precaution in case you would try something ... reckless."[/b] Nariko almost rolled his eyes, but followed them when they started to move.[b]" Like a practically dead person could assassinate the Raikage when surround by his most elite guards, a few Kage and their best bodyguards."[/b] One of the members of the escort gave him a look that silenced him in an instant.[b]" I was just ... you know ... saying."[/b] This time, he was left without a reply. They proceeded to walk in utter silence for the next couple of minutes and Nariko took in his surroundings. It looked like the rumors were true. Amegakure was hotsing the Chuunin Exams and as he soon learned, he was taken right to Takeru. 

Just when Takeru was pondering on retreating and take some time from the arena's as his interest was dropping with each passing minute, he noticed a member of his guard approaching him. The masked ANBU whispered something that made the masked Raikage a bit surprised. [b]''Ah.''[/b] Now his interest in the fights were completely lost as Takeru mumbled back that he wished to have two of his own medical nin to be ready. After all, letting one of his ANBU being treaten by the staff of the Fire Union while he had a few of his own medical nin at his disposal? No, that would be a stain on Kumogakure's honor. The ANBU went back his spot as Takeru noticed who was being escorted to him. [b]''Nariko Jun.''[/b] Takeru mumbled, pleasantly surprised as the ANBU had only whispered that somebody wished an audience with him.

Immediately upon spotting Takeru rise, Nariko immediately dropped on one of his knee, sighing a bit from the pain the sudden movement caused to him.[b]" Raikage-Sama ... "[/b] He remained silent for a while, not sure what to really say.[b]" I ... I am hope I am not disturbing you during the exams that are currently taking place. Before anything, I would like to say ..."[/b] He took a deep breath, followed by a sharp pain in his chest.[b]" I am fully aware that I practically abandoned my mission and never completed it. That my absence was unauthorized and ... if I was labelled a Missing-Nin ... I am prepared for the judgement that awaits me."[/b] With that being said, Nariko expected to hear the sound of a blade being swung. He would not dare to look up.

Rising up, Takeru moved his hands at his back. The masked Kage stared at the Jun that was kneeled down. [b]''My guards will take over now.''[/b] Takeru said with a calm tone. The ANBU guard would take up new positions and two at the flank of Nariko. With the escort sent away as it wasn't of their concern or healthy to meddle in the affairs of another village, Takeru waited for a few moments. [b]''So it is true that you didn't complete your mission and got side tracked. Then you show up, wounded and at a timing like this?''[/b] The tone of Takeru was stern and he paused as he took one step towards Nariko. There was a smalle distance between the two. [b]''Which is kind of perfect. I was getting a bit bored by watching these genins fight.''[/b] Chuckling a bit, Takeru gestured with his left hand for Nariko to rise up. [b]''Stand up and let yourself be treaten, Nariko. Think you could use some aid.''[/b] The two ANBU at Nariko's flank would approach the latter and attend to his wounds at best of their ability. The minor wounds and cuts would be healed up, but for the heavier they would need more time and preparation to attend to them.

Nariko expected everything to go black as soon as Takeru started to speak and approached him. But just as he replied, he was about to laugh out at the response, but just as he took a breath, another sharp stab in his chest idea made him change his mind. He stood up and felt huge relief as his wounds were being tended to. His more serious, internal wounds were still causing him pain, but he was already somewhat used to it.[b]"You know how to surprise your subordinates, Senpai. I was prepared for being executed on spot. Also ... as for the aid ... I personally have no idea how I ended up getting this much of a beating ... it is a long story. Wait ... "[/b] What just happened took some time for Nariko to fully understand. He was gone for several months, failed to complete his mission, and Takeru greeted him like an old friend.[b]" I ... I can keep my head?"[/b] 

[b]''For now, yes. I need to know after all why and how you got side tracked. Then of course, I need to be careful.''[/b] Takeru sighed as he lowered his head a bit. A sigh escaped the masked Raikage as he continued on a more depressed tone. [b]''Politics and such. It would be rather unwise to behead you here and now. Then the Fire Union could request to investigate the matter and try to learn about Kumogakure from researching your body. Quite annoying if that would happen.''[/b] Pausing, Takeru chuckled again as he shook his head. [b]''But I rather wouldn't execute one of my finest. Besides, I think some of us deserve a second chance, don't we?''[/b] Takeru asked in an amused tone, a clear reference to the time when Nariko had learned on the true identy behind the name of Takeru. Even before he had became Raikage.

Nariko remained silent for a while, considering Takeru´s words. Indeed, his argument was an understandable one. It would not help either Takeru or Kumogakure. And politics ... blargh.[b]" I admire you, Senpai ... for handling politics. I would not have the nerve to do so ... most foreing politicians disgust me. I think all they would learn from my body in my current condition is that how badly can a human be screwed up and still be standing ...or not standing that much. I understand your reasoning, Senpai ... and ... thank you for still considering me to be one of your best ... it is a great honor for me. But ... I would like to explain myself."[/b]

Collecting his thoughts for a while, he started.[b]" My mission was a rather simple one - deliver a diplomatic offer, and if it would be rejected, make sure it will not be rejected for long. It went pretty well at the beginning. I was almost at the Capital where I was to deliver the offer, when I was ambushed. I had no knowledge about them, but they fought like fully trained ANBU operatives. Considering it a slight detour, I followed a series of leads that led me to something I considered to be lost forever ... the Jun Clan. My own, long lost clan - turned into tools of war for the highest bidder. So I decided to prolong my mission a bit ... only to be dragged into an open revolt. As we are speaking, the Jun clan is relocating towards the Lightning Country, where I hope they will be able to live in peace ... that is why I wanted to meet you, Senpai. Under the assumption that I will be executed, I wanted to exchange my life for the safety of the remain of my clan and my brother. We spent those months engaged in bitter battles and ... well, that is how I got so messed up. Something tells me that the troubled times are far from over for my clan but ... I wanted to create a tiny ray of hope for them to clung onto. That ... that is my story, Senpai."[/b]

It became silent after the last words of Nariko. Frowning behind his mask, Takeru thought about what his friend and ANBU told him. [b]''It is good that a clan wishes to become part of the Lightning Country. Such events and messages do both me and the Cloud good.''[/b] Though he spoke with a friendly tone, it was clear that Takeru was a bit worried. Turning his head to the right to glance at a match, he began to think. [b]''I will need to hear later who and why they were fighting. And against whom. But that is for when we are back.''[/b] Raising a hand, one of the ANBU nodded. [b]''Bring back a message and make sure that the Jun clan are given a place to stay. I shall later personally see it happen that they will gain a compound of their own and will be accepted as one of Kumogakure's clans.''[/b] The ANBU made a bow and would head away. Turning his attention back to Nariko, Takeru still sounded worried. [b]''Perhaps not the best time, but does your clan have a capable leader at the current time? One that I could perhaps contact later with?''[/b]

Nariko returned the worried look.[b]" Not really, Senpai. It turns out that the ones most suitable to lead the clan are either me, or my brother. Despite the fact that some members are older and far more experienced than we are. It took them about three weeks to reach the decision to declare their allegiance to the Cloud. As for now, they sent me as their representative. So ... I am the one who you are referring to, Senpai. Our clan is not that numerous, but most members underwent extensive combat training and fought as mercenaries for years, so they would be a valuable addition into our armed forces. As with their loyalty to be truly guaranteed ... I guess that will take the combined efforts of me and Satoshi to deal with but ... I foresee no problems. If they do happen ... I am prepared to ... cut out the rot from the clan, Senpai."[/b]

At first Takeru had worried about that they would be more of a nuisance, but after hearing Nariko's words the man felt a bit more comfortable. His role as Raikage said that he shouldn't trust a clan that suddenly appeared out of the blue to swear an oath of alliance to Kumogakure. But he had served for some time with Nariko and if the latter said such words, then Takeru saw one option he had to take. [b]''Then I will see and appoint you now as the one Jun I will see as their leader. And if you're words are true, which I don't doubt, then I am glad to welcome such people into the Cloud.''[/b] He chuckled. Though he wasn't sure what skilled force was present in the Jun clan, every Kage would be happy to receive a free and possible loyal armed force at their side. Every trained and able bodied person that could carry a weapon was after all a boon in times like these. [b]''Now please, take it easy. We will further discuss about your clan once you have patched up. Have you eaten anything?''[/b]

Nariko bowed to the words of the Raikage. He understood, now more than ever that he was the man that Kumogakure needed in days like this one to lead them towards the uncertain future. As imposing as he was, his chuckling could give even the most serious situations a light tone.[b]" Food was not a trouble, Senpai. I am not very picky, I spent the last two weeks hunting for wildlife and roasting it with Fire Release ... avoid bears if you can. Especially when tired and low on chakra ... my collarbone is a testament to that. What is worse that I canˇt remember the last time I enjoyed a cup of sake. How about you and sake, Senpai?"[/b]

Laughing out loud, Takeru nodded as he would softly pat Nariko's shoulder. [b]''That you even need to ask is just another reason why we need to get some. Though I am not sure about the quality of sake here in the rain, I suppose it wouldn't harm if we would get and try some of it.''[/b] Making a short gesture with his free hand, the ANBU would form a formation around the two as Takeru then gestured to Nariko to walk with him. [b]''But first, good friend. Let's get you a safe place where we can take care of your wounds. Then we can drink on your health.''[/b]

Nariko grunted a bit from the soft pat.[b]" O-o-ouch ... Senpai ... my collarbone. I got mauled by a pissed of black bear and ... I don´t even know why. I was just passing around, not attacking or hunting it. I guess territories are territories, right?"[/b] He then followed Takeru as he gestured him and heard the kindest words. And it was good to be back in the world, where things happened.
[/hider]