It wasn’t an intervention viewed as necessary to the healer, but it did prove that for all of Natsumi’s happiness she too could be brought down by cruelty that she generated in such a twisted form. The state of her arms brought pain to Kaede, but the pain of failing to make certain she didn’t restore her arms entirely would have hurt much, much more. With all energy placed into this single task, the crisp arms of the Nine-Tailed Jinchuuriki would be restored, all traces of the Kyuubi being vaporized as the energy still rested dormant throughout her wounds. They’d remain bandaged for now, but the feeling would be coming back to her friend in a reasonable amount of time. With her mind at ease and Natsumi appearing to be in much better spirits, Kaede hugged her once more before they would return to the main area, where it appeared Chizuma had been good company for Ryozan.

At least …she hoped so.

With Natsumi offering a kind greeting and Chizuma muttering something likely to be related to Ryozan’s eligibility as a son-in-law (she knows her well), that left Kaede with the task of bringing Ryozan much more into the ‘fold’. It didn’t seem like Takeo’s intentions were to put him in an uncomfortable situation, but the fact of the matter was that he wouldn’t have known anyone here very well, and leaving him to the interrogation of Chizuma wasn’t exactly the most ideal welcome imaginable. Natsumi didn’t appear to mind his presence, so that would mean he could become better acquainted with them. The injuries taken care of, Chizuma had hurried everyone out of the medical bay and had made certain they would all get a taste of a nice barbecued meal she had been preparing. Her spirits never seemed to dull, but that only made the Leaf Village a brighter place. Having gone inside, it left the girls and Ryozan outside together in the meantime. 

Taking a seat on the porch, Kaede took a good long look at Ryozan. He appeared like any other shinobi, but appeared very reserved for his age. There didn’t appear to be much of a thrill when it came to being with him, but he also didn’t seem like a very bad person to spend time with. Having spent so long with people during treatments, Kaede had a decent grasp of people who had troubles, and she was going to wager that something might have been on Ryozan’s mind. 

[b]“I apologize about before, but I’ve kept Natsumi waiting long enough and just wanted to get her here. I don’t think I saw you during tonight’s battle, were you in hiding?” [/b]Kaede could understand not wanting to battle and wouldn’t call Ryozan a coward if he chose not to get involved, but the unfortunate reality was that the window to do that had grown very small. She couldn’t judge him, yet it wouldn’t stop others. 

-

The Hyuga were a proud clan, full of strength and not to be taken lightly no matter the situation. Unfortunately, so was the Hokage himself, but it was out of respect for the role that Kenji had done the mature thing and allowed them to speak on their disappointment with …enthusiasm. Kaede was sent away so she might not bear witness or try to defend those who ‘abandoned her’ as her father detailed it, while her mother had remained quiet and mouthed an apology to him from afar. He acknowledged it, allowing this rant to continue. Though not all of it could be put on him, words of disappointment went out to one of the Branch’s own, a man by the name of ‘Dren’ who had been assigned to Kaede specifically. Although they had given a good share of disappointing words about him, it was ultimately Kenji himself who they were questioning. Silence fell upon the meeting room; surrounded by most of the Main Families members, Kenji wasn’t intimidated, merely apologetic. 

[b]“I apologize once again for allowing Kaede to be in any risk, and for my daughter’s outburst. I couldn’t have foreseen that, she’s normally been calm and cheerful …what you saw or might have heard about was a side of her I’ve never seen, and as her father I hope you can forgive me for allowing the pride of the Hyuga Clan to be in danger.” [/b]Kenji’s words were not empty, and though the fury of the Main Family was still there his charisma when it came to diffusing an intense situation was causing them to relax slightly. Before much more could be said between the two parties, a member of ANBU had stepped inside.

[b]“Hokage, sir, we’ve got news.”[/b]

[b]“This can’t wait?”[/b]

[b]“It concerns the Hidden Mist. It appears the attack was a success—“[/b]

[b]“Of course it did. Again, this couldn’t have waited?”[/b] Kenji was a little on edge, obviously so were the Hyuga. You didn’t interrupt a meeting between clan’s like this so carelessly.

[b]“Well, it’s …concerning the Mizukage. Apparently a man by the name of Sangetsu Hozuki intends to take the mantle, and requests a meeting.”[/b]

Kenji narrowed his eyes dangerously and glanced towards Kaede’s father and mother, who were also meeting this new information with some questionable glances. The Mizukage was not only a close friend, but from what he last heard the Land of Water wasn’t exactly in a rush to find a new one. He knew Sangetsu by reputation, and didn’t like what he knew about him. 

[b]“Do you mind?”[/b]

With both shaking their heads, Kenji would step outside with the ANBU leading, only to find Takeo himself standing alongside a few Hunter-nin. A group of three were huddled closely, and who appeared to be the messenger obviously appeared very much alone beside Takeo himself. 

[b]“Full report. Now.” [/b]