[center][color=7ea7d8]Hyakune su Jikangai, Kyoko[/color]; [color=fff200]Akaritori[/color]; [color=00a99d]Shikata, Ayameko[/color]

Mizukage's Office - Kirigakure - Land of Water; Early Afternoon[/center]

Using the constructed transport network from the capital to the eastern shorts of the Land of Fire, Ayameko and Akaritori had cut significant time off of their journey to the Land of Water. Having corresponded with a number within positions of leadership, she had been informed of great strife within the islandic nation. After discussing the matter with the Council and the leaders of the various divisions of Kyokujitsu no Tochi, Ayameko departed to assist in mediating the disputes between the various factions vying for control within the nation.

It had not been a difficult decision for Ayameko. Many years ago, her own nation had been troubled with similar problems. She was not eager to see this dispute cascade out of control and cause another shinobi war, like many attributed to causing the First Shinobi War. By engaging the factions in the Land of Water, she hoped to prevent just that as well as provide a stabilizing influence to the nation. Her land, after settling their differences through talks of peace a second time, had greatly prospered. She would listen to the demands of the people and do what she could to help.

Because of the danger currently within the Land of Water, Akaritori had insisted she accompany the Sankage. It was not unwelcome, or terribly surprising. Now on the shores of the main island of Kirigakure, Ayameko and Akaritori looked to meet with a member of the nation named Kyoko.

The troubles that were plaguing the ailing Land of Water were only the beginning, Kyoko feared, as she walked through the halls that were once home to the now-deceased Mizukage. Various factions had arisen after his death seeking to gain control of the village, and Kyoko had intervened on behalf of the nation to ensure that it did not fall apart in the interim. Kirigakure had historically been home to many secrets, and for that reason it had always held a certain allure to the Genjutsu Mistress who roamed the land in search of old knowledge and secrets kept from prying eyes.

The penchant for secrets in a position of power was both enviable and deplorable - it could grant great strength if one had the acumen necessary to utilise the trait and handle the information adequately - but if it was handled poorly (as had been the case in Kirigakure) it could lead a village to ruin in the event of untimely demise. Kyoko had sensed opportunity and duty both within the village - she could plunder its lost secrets and its deepest archives, and in return she would ensure stability until such a time as a new Mizukage could be fairly elected. The fact that she could ensure the next Mizukage was not as prone to untimely death as the last one was an added bonus.

To that end, she had invited the leader of the nearby Kyokujitsu no Tochi to potentially aid in the problem of rebellion and perhaps shape the future of the Land of Water in one fell swoop. Kyoko was no combatant on the level of many of the Kage, preferring to take a less direct approach in her methods of dealing with people, and she could not use a display of force nor fend off entire armies like some of the rulers of the land. For that reason, Lady Ayameko's assistance was much appreciated.

Ayameko and Akaritori headed towards the Mizukage's office immediately after stepping off the boat. One could tell just from a glance that the Land of Water was facing trouble. Her commitment to assisting the nation was only bolstered by the sights on their walk to the office. Ayameko was escorted by one of the remaining members of the staff to a large room used for meetings with important dignitaries. Opening the door for Akaritori and Ayameko, the two were greeted by the presence of Kyoko.

Bowing lightly, Ayameko paid respect to one of the leaders of Kirigakure.

[color=00a99d]"Miss Kyoko, I see your situation is very serious. We should discuss immediately what we can do to help stabalize your nation,"[/color] Ayameko spoke, with the tone of a practiced diplomat.

[color=7ea7d8]"Thank you for coming, Lady Ayameko, Lady Akaritori."[/color] Kyoko began, immediately being met with a scoff and stern glare from Akaritori. Kyoko returned the bow to both Ayameko and Akaritori, before inviting them to take seats at a large table in the centre of the room.

[color=7ea7d8]"Obviously Kirigakure is undergoing strain regarding the issue of succession. There are many legitimate candidates for the position of Mizukage, but none will trust another with any real power until a claim can be made and solidified. As someone who is not a native and has no interest in the position of Mizukage, I have temporarily taken control of the land until these disputes have settled."[/color] Kyoko started, before taking a stack of papers and pushing them across the table, where they were promptly taken by Akaritori and skimmed over, who then handed them to Ayameko.

[color=fff200]"The papers detail problematic areas and the best ways to aid the nation. I will file them in the Yotogi no Eien's archives and assign squadrons best suited to dealing with the problems of particular areas if that pleases you, Sankage?" [/color] Akaritori spoke, turning to Ayameko with papers in hand.

[color=00a99d]"That would be a good first step," [/color] Ayameko agreed, [color=00a99d]"Is there a list of these potential candidates for Mizukage? That will be a crucial step in determining how to organize these talks. The alternative, and maybe the best option for long term prosperity, would be to reach out directly to the people of the nation. Their selection for the seat of Mizukage may be much different than those currently vying for the position think." [/color]

Ayameko paused for a moment before continuing, [color=00a99d]"If need be, we can dispatch a group to join the members of the Kirigakure government interested in solving this peacefully. A joint task force should be able to reduce a significant amount of the violence this power vacuum has created." [/color]

[color=00a99d]"My only fear," [/color] Ayameko stated, [color=00a99d]"Is we may lack enough support from the people to stabilize the nation. You know your people better than I do, could support be gathered for a selection of Mizukage by the people?" [/color]

[color=7ea7d8]"I'm afraid they are not my people, Lady Ayameko. I am standing in as an outsider and my knowledge of the general opinions of the public is limited to the whispers of my informants. I cannot leave Kirigakure to visit the outlying villages and towns in order to ask, and the land is too war-torn for a poll or anything of its like. Even my position here is tenuous at best, Lady Ayameko, and I can only hold it by virtue of the fact the nation respects a mediator as a necessary evil – for now." [/color] Kyoko replied.

[color=7ea7d8]"From what I know, there is one promising candidate, but beyond that the whispers of the people do not speak of any one individual legitimately qualified to become the next Mizukage. There are individuals that I suspect will be better suited to the tolls of power than other, but truthfully, I see no worthy candidates in the Land of Water. They are all too concerned with power at the expense of their people." [/color] Kyoko opined, letting out a sigh after she finished speaking. It was obvious that Kirigakure was ailing, and she had half a mind to offer the lands to Kyokujitsu no Tochi as individuals that legitimately cared for those under her rule. She had neither the power nor the credence to back such a decision, even if it was what she thought best for the land at that moment in time.

[color=00a99d]"That will make solving this issue all the more problematic," [/color] Ayameko stated, [color=00a99d]"It may be that there is no alternative but to dispatch a peacekeeping force to ensure that the violence does not get out of hand," [/color] Ayameko replied before turning to Akaritori, [color=00a99d]"Do you have recommendations on shinobi we could dispatch to help keep the peace?" [/color]

[color=fff200]"Yes, Sankage. Rin and Roku are both competent operatives that have the determination and power necessary to succeed in this operation. You may also consider dispatching Kisaki, though I doubt she would be nearly so willing to accept the mission as Rin and Roku. I am confident that the pair will be able to keep the peace, though I am also willing to stay as an additional measure of security if it pleases you." [/color] Akaritori replied without hesitation. The question was always going to be asked, of course, and she had had much time to think about the answer. It was unlikely she would get to stay and purge the land of the banditry and other wrongdoers, but her righteous retribution would have to be focused on apple thieves in the market instead.

[color=7ea7d8]"If you happen to have the blood of those you wish to summon on hand, I will be able to summon them here for you now?" [/color] Kyoko offered with a chuckle, not expecting any results, before Akaritori reached into a scroll on her back and touched two sigils with Rin and Roku's names. In a puff of smoke, vials of blood as well as files of information regarding the two ninja appeared on the table, to the shock of Kyoko, and Akaritori passed the vials to Kyoko.

[color=fff200]"I am always prepared to aid trackers or medical ninja in the event one of my valued lieutenants is in danger." [/color] Akaritori replied, her face and voice both equally deadpan.

[color=00a99d]"Akaritori," [/color] Ayameko stated sternly, [color=00a99d]"While I appreciate the intention, I would be cautious about providing such materials to a person we have only just begun conversation with." [/color] It would be a point of discussion for when the two returned to Kyokujitsu no Tochi, as she suspected there was not necessarily consent in this matter, especially in the case of Rin who was associated with the Windspeakers rather than the law and order arm of Kyokujitsugakure. Even more, she did not necessarily want to reveal Yggdrasil's powers unnecessarily, as such a summon would only be able to be performed by the Sankage herself.

[color=00a99d]"No offense," [/color] she said directly to Kyoko, opening her palm to take back the vials, [color=00a99d]"But I suspect you understand why we must be careful with such items." [/color]

[color=7ea7d8]"Of course. I genuinely did not expect your companion to be so... Uh... Prepared."[/color] Kyoko laughed, pushing the vials back towards Ayameko.

[color=7ea7d8]"I appreciate the intention, Akaritori, but you should perhaps be less trusting of foreign dignitaries. I am aware of Kyokujitsu no Tochi's... Safeguards, to an extent, and I am sure such a thing would not be possible without direct interference from Lady Ayameko. I have desire to require the Lady Sankage make herself uncomfortable - I am here to ask for your help, after all. I will instruct the border guards to allow those with a writ from yourselves through to my building whenever you are ready to assist, and I sincerely thank the both of you from the bottom of my heart. I am not sure that Kirigakure could survive without outside assistance, as the issues with the rebels grow worse daily."[/color]

Ayameko placed the vials within a small pouch at her waist, nodding in response to Kyoko, [color=00a99d]"I will have them dispatched immediately." [/color] Tokumei, who had been present through the marked Ayameko disconnected before immediately contacting both Rin and Roku to depart immediately. With approval from his authority, Rin and Roku were quickly transported to the eastern short of the Land of Fire. They were directed to cross the water by the fastest means possible - Rin's flight. Once Rin was in the air just above the ground, Roku leapt upwards, onto his back and brought her arms around his body. Once she was secured with a solid lock, he moved forwards, as low the ground as possible - on their way to the Land of Water. Tokumei was instructed to main connection to both operatives as they travelled to ensure he could relay to Ayameko that they got there safely.

[color=00a99d]"I will be in touch through my agents," [/color] Ayameko stated to Kyoko, bowing to the woman, [color=00a99d]"If you can organize a meeting of the people of the Land of Water or a meeting between the Mizukage candidates, please let me know. I will return immediately to assist in talks amongst those parties. I believe we have a chance to ensure that this is negotiated out peacefully." [/color]

[color=7ea7d8]"I pray for your swift return. I will gather as many candidates as I can that are worthy to lead the village, but I fear that Kirigakure will want for a more permanent leader soon. I am not sure that what little hold I have over the people will last without a contingent of shinobi loyal to me to enforce this temporary peace, and even then they will clamour for a true leader - something I am not able to provide. If it comes down to it and no other successors can be found, Lady Ayameko, I would have you install a leader in Kirigakure and integrate the lands into your own. If that is not an option, then... I fear for what will happen to these lands." [/color]

[color=00a99d]"Let us not concern ourselves with that extreme of a measure quite yet. There are still many options to explore and that should only be a last ditch measure with the approval of the people. The Land of Water is one of the great shinobi nations and that tradition should be preserved." [/color]

Ayameko was quite sincere. The Land of Water was not like her negotiations with many of the smaller nations who were vulnerable to some of the larger nations' power struggles. The Land of Water was one of the 5 great nations. While they were still all young nations, by consideration of all things, it was a historical world power and that should not be so easily left to waste away. 

[color=7ea7d8]"Banditry is already common, Lady Ayameko. The outlying villages' supplies will not last for much longer, I fear, and it is becoming painfully clear that the previous Mizukage was quite literally the only factor holding this nation together - after some inquisitions into the previous leaders' actions, I discovered much corruption within the ranks. Paperwork does not add up, gold was extorted, and the people suffered before she could stamp it out. Now that she is gone, it is painfully obvious that the entire system of government will need to be reworked... If we somehow find a native to the village that can accomplish all of this, even with our help, how long will it be before the corruption is too thick? How long will the people suffer before we ourselves can stamp it out? The average person has no interest in politics or the avarice of their superiors - they wish to thrive and live out their lives. The more we focus on these politics in order to alleviate these issues, the more they will suffer. I fear drastic action may need to be taken in the immediate future if our efforts to preserve peace are seen as a play for leadership by any of the other remaining factions." [/color]

[color=00a99d]"We will provide supplies to alleviate the problem of banditry, as well as attempt to stop that matter altogether. However, we should not push for drastic action quite yet," [/color] Ayameko reiterated. While she would welcome the Land of Water with open arms, it was something she would prefer to avoid having to do and let the nation prosper on its own strength once they were able to get past this period of strife. Otherwise, the move could look like a power grab to some of the other leaders. [color=00a99d]"I do sympathize with the people and understand their plight. It was not long ago that we too faced difficulties in our nation. However, we did get through it. I hope with our support that it will not take long for this nation to once again be strong." [/color]

The problem of corruption was indeed serious and would have to be executed carefully. Those in power would not be keen to lose it - much like her old council before she ousted them. A move that had made her a number of enemies.

[color=fff200]"If I may, Sankage, I would stay with Miss Kyoko to provide a more tangible display of power. Her grip on the land is clearly tenuous at best, and I will be able to solidify her authority more keenly than any of the other members of our village. It will also be more convenient for me to command the squadrons if I remain with Miss Kyoko directly." [/color] Akaritori offered. While she did not understand the seriousness of Ayameko earlier, she figured that staying out of her way for a couple of days would likely be for the best until she had calmed down. Given the way that Kyoko had explained the situation, it looked like Ayameko would have to work tirelessly to help preserve what little authority was left within the Hidden Mist.

[color=7ea7d8]"If you will allow it, Lady Ayameko, I would be happy to have Akaritori act as my police force for the time being. She is evidently formidable on the field of battle, and I am sure we can find some way to stay in constant contact if such a thing is necessary?" [/color] Kyoko added, standing and bowing to both of the parties. She could begin working on solidifying the peace with Kyokujitsu no Tochi's assistance and though it would likely be some time before a suitable replacement for the previous Mizukage showed up, if one ever did, she would do what she could in the interim.

[color=00a99d]"That is fine. Rin and Roku will collaborate with Akaritori to establish a communication channel to allow us to be in easy contact," [/color] she responded to Kyoko before turning to her Honor Guard, [color=00a99d]"Akaritori, please act cautiously with your blade, as we are guests within this country." [/color]

Ayameko turned again to Kyoko, [color=00a99d]"While I have it in my mind, I have two promising shinobi in my village that would benefit from a higher level of training in Genjutsu. Would you consider working with these students? It may provide a good way to provide additional support to the peacekeeping forces as well as a way to engage the people." [/color]

[color=7ea7d8]"I... Do not typically offer my services as a trainer as my Genjutsu prowess is both innate and heavily dependent on the Kekkei Genkai of my clan - it can be challenging for people who have not refined their ability to control their chakra as finely as the Hyakune are innately able to... That said, if these promising shinobi have already mastered the basics of the art, I will be happy to train them in return for your aiding the Land of Water. Odd, that I am offering my services in exchange for something that does not benefit me in the slightest as I am not a citizen of the Land of Water, but I imagine that you know better than anyone that we are sometimes bound to duties we could never have imagined ourselves in." [/color] Kyoko replied, before taking a Kunai from her kimono and offering it to the Lady Sankage.

[color=7ea7d8]"This Kunai is marked with a seal that will allow you to summon me at your convenience. I will also give Akaritori one such Kunai that she may summon me back to the Land of Water. As the co-ordinator rather than the fighter, I would welcome any opportunity to be useful - something that I will not be able to consistently do if I am trapped in the Land of Water." [/color]

[color=00a99d]"I do understand being bound by duty and respect you greatly for your dedication to the betterment of the Land of Water, especially in these circumstances. As for the students, I suspect you will find one exceptionally adept at being able to learn from you. In fact, from what reports we have on your prestigious skill, it is actually quite reminiscent stylistically. As for the other, while she has a grasp on the basics, she will likely need more work." [/color]

Ayameko handed the kunai back. [color=00a99d]"This isn't needed. We can summon you to Kyokujitsugakure with our methods. However, we welcome your visit anytime. I would just be cautious within the confines of the capital with your abilities. Akaritori, you have my authority to connect to the transport network with a temporary seal once Rin and Roku arrive. I will inform the Transport Division of this so they can accommodate extra staff required." [/color]

[color=fff200]"Noted, Sankage. I will connect as soon as they have arrived and file twice-daily reports. Should I send them to Kei, Sankage?" [/color] Akaritori asked, before standing up and beginning to look around the room in search of paper and writing tools. After finding none she turned to Kyoko, who immediately pulled a scroll out of her robe and handed it to the swordswoman.

[color=7ea7d8]"There should be enough in there for you to write with, Akaritori." [/color] Kyoko laughed, shooting Ayameko a knowing glance as she did so. Akaritori may have been... Far too serious and far too focused, but she was a legitimately dedicated and competent woman - that much was obvious, and though it likely frustrated Ayameko to work with her sometimes, Kyoko doubted that she would ever find an honour-guard more lethal or more dedicated than Akaritori.

[color=fff200]"I will send the first report after I have Rin fly me around the villages to get a better idea of what we are up against. Permission to have him fly high enough to not be spotted by enemy forces, Sankage?" [/color]

[color=00a99d]"I think we can abstain from formal reports until you return from your duties here in the Land of Water. I want all energy focused in assisting them with their steps towards peace - we can forgo the bureaucracy for now. As for flying, I think that is better taken up with Rin. He is not particularly fond of flying outside extreme situations. I do not think that is a requirement for completing this mission." [/color]

[color=00a99d]"If that is all,"[/color] Ayameko stated, bowing once again, [color=00a99d]"I shall take my leave." [/color]

[color=7ea7d8]"Thank you for your assistance, Lady Ayameko. I hope that the next time we meet it will be in more peaceful times than these. I will receive your students when the network has been set up." [/color] Kyoko replied.

[color=7ea7d8]"Would you like me to escort you out? I believe Akaritori wishes to begin formatting her reports..." [/color] Kyoko added, pointing to the large table where Akaritori had set up several stations for the swift creation of reports, as well as primitive "in" and "out" trays from clumsy origami.

[color=00a99d]"I appreciate the offer, but I believe your energy should be reserved to tackling the problems here rather than any diplomatic formalities. We will be in touch." [/color] With that, the Sankage exited the office leaving her subordinate with Kyoko. She hoped her bargain with Kyoko wouldn't be too hard on Yui and Morainaki.