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The plan was optimal, though likely subject to change as the mission progressed and newer information was supplied. Still, he possessed no real qualms over the basic framework his mission leader had set out, nor could he find anything to really comment upon. So it was with his usual bland deference to life that Haruka acknowledged the jounin's briefing with a quiet nod, already intent on carrying out his duties as they had been described to him. No taking of overt risks, no engaging in diplomatic quagmires. Simple things to keep in mind and applied to any mission conducted by Konohagakure in foreign territory.

What he didn't expect of course, was for Iwagakure to make the first fumble in the handling of the diplomacy hot potato that was the mission they had been assigned. The ends of his flowing green hair were singed lightly by the heat of the sudden explosion, the nineteen year-old barely having escaped to a safe distance with a quick application of the Body Flicker Technique. His eyes darted to and fro to find the source of the attack, and the person responsible ... caught him somewhat off-guard.

A prepubescent, one that likely ranged from nine to thirteen, though likely towards the latter if the beginnings of muscle development were any sign. Clear Iwagakure affiliation from the headband. A member of the Granite Guardians. Likely highly skilled, if capable of becoming a member of a prominent Rock ninja group at such a young age.

[i]Though obviously not an intelligent or mentally stable child[/i] went unsaid in his mind.

"[color=007236]Did you know,[/color]" he began in a serious tone, crossing his arms and gazing at Bakura with cold blue eyes, "[color=007236]that an unprecipitated attack, aimed clearly-[/color]"

Haruka gestured at the environmental damage brought about by the explosions

"[color=007236]-meant to kill or at least grievously wound, by a ninja of their village on foreign nationals can be tantamount to a declaration of war?[/color]"

Iwagakure and Konohagakure had been at peace for the last century at least, and were, if he remembered correctly, still nominally allied underneath the Shinobi Alliance even if historical tensions and rivalries were still present in some form of the other. While their team's presence in the area could be considered a minor violation of Rock's sovereignty, it provided no casus belli whatsoever for the attempt at murdering them, and that action itself, performed by the young child ninja before them, was a perfectly reasonable pretext for a declaration of war (though hopefully it would simply turn out to be a diplomatic mess, as ironic as the hope was).

"[color=007236]As a member of Iwagakure's Ninja Forces,[/color]" he continued, gaze hardening, "[color=007236]you serve as a representative of your state, and every action performed by you while wearing that headband will be a reflection upon your village and its national interests.[/color]"

The Academy and later his genin team leader had drilled those concepts into his mind.

[i]You're a ninja now. That means everything you do while a ninja will be treated as what Konoha itself is doing.[/i]

"[color=007236]Your threat is a clear violation of the diplomatic trust between our two villages. Unless you plan on starting a war, I recommend you refrain from committing to your course of action.[/color]"

He was irked. No, not simply irked. He was annoyed and angry that such a flagrant abuse of Konoha and Iwa's long-held peace after the devastating wars of the past was present. He did not want a war. He did not want some upstart [i]child[/i] with too much bravado to ruin so many years worth of diplomacy because he was an [i]arrogant little shit.[/i]

Haruka mentally smacked himself.

He was getting angry.

He needed to calm down.

"[color=007236]So, what will you do, [i]Bakura[/i]?[/color]" he asked, venomously emphasising the lack of honorific.