The Kage Summit

Kept you waiting, huh?

Once Xyxer arrived in the Land of Iron his first order of business was to prepare himself for the meeting that was to occur, which naturally involved cleaning himself of the dirt and grime he'd accumulated from his travel, breaking it down and washing away the earthy aroma that clung to him. Leaving the clothing he'd worn during his travels in his temporary accommodation, Xyxer wore the traditional Mizukage garb over his clean clothing - White robing hanging from his neck down to his ankles with the dominant symbol of Kirigakure stretched over his shoulder blades, navy blue inlays melding with the fabric in the form of intricate patterns across the hems and sides. He wrapped fresh bandages around his throat, a tradition that was likely lost on the people he was about to meet, but one he carried with great pride since his initiation back in Old Kirigakure. A symbol that meant more to him than the robes he donned. Lifting the Mizukage hat he pulled it snugly over his scalp, fitting it so that the shadow would provide obscurity for his features, although it wasn't like it mattered. Finally, he pulled Samehada's sash over his shoulder with the blade attached, resting it on his shoulder with the sheathed blade of Konohagakure's Katana readily held in his left hand. A warrior without their weapons was no more than a target.

Making his way into the dedicated room for the event, Xyxer sat in one of the four chairs placed around the circular table, resting for a moment before shifting the sheathed blade from his grasp onto the table before him, turning it ever so slightly so that the hilt was edged towards him, Samehada remaining on his back. He wondered whether the sight would confuse his fellow Kage, yet he doubted it, they had to understand the precautions and he assumed they'd take their own unless they were unaware on the dangers of meeting strangers.

The ceremonial robes of the Hogokage, simple white robes with a lavender trim to them. The matching hat that covered his head gave the tanned man an odd appearance in his eyes but he couldn’t simply change the very robes that the first, second, and third Hogokage’s wore could he? That would be absolutely ludicrous. So the man donned them, his normal armor in the form of his usual attire of a black bodysuit and red coat was worn beneath the robes, that had plenty of room underneath them for his normal attire. His sword was held in his left hand, a firm grip held it in case he needed to move quickly to defend himself as he moved toward the chambers where the meeting would be held. His other arm was wrapped up in simple bindings as they had been during the trek there, hiding it’s true nature from normal eyes. Although those with certain dojutsu would be able to see it was simply a metal arm. He would stride through the doors to the meeting chamber, seeing at least one his guards had arrived and chosen a seat for him, the one closest to the door no less. He would stride toward the chair, stopping before sitting to have his gray eyes move to meet those of the Mizukage respectfully nodding his head in greeting the ashen haired Hogokage would speak “Good day Mizukage-Dono.” He would say simply, knowing who the man was based on the fact that he was wearing the robes and hat designated for that position. Afterwards he would nod his head respectfully toward the mans bodyguards, any chosen bodyguard of a kage had to deserve proper respect as well, besides it was only polite. 


It was at this point that the seventeen year old would take a seat, Kotetsu, and presumably Kenshin at his side to defend him if necessary, taking his own sword up and setting it on the table, hilt edged towards him as well. “I do hope your trek was uneventful.” He would say respectfully after taking his seat, clearly making a bit of small talk while they waited for the other two kage to arrive. Obviously the reason the Mizukage truly called the Summit would be revealed when all of them were together. 

WC: 380

From under the shade of a large white hat, Risako couldn't help but think to herself, "I hate hats." As she paced around her room her fingers danced along the red brim of the hat, eager to tear it away from her scalp. For now she resisted, instead walking over to her bed to retrieve the robes. Sliding into them felt wrong, maybe even undeserved, and for a moment she stared longingly at Mako's sword. What bugged her more however, was that the loose fabric occasionally caught on the edges of her low-profile armour, causing a great annoyance as she had to readjust her posture to free the robe. Konoha's tradition of passing down the robes and hat were a huge aggravation to those who were not six foot tall giants. Once she was suited up she retrieved his sword, leaving one of her old kunai in its place. Then they left the room to make her way to the Summit.

The woman entered the room and sat down in the seat across the table from Xyxer. At least, she assumed it was Xyxer. Maybe she wasn't the only one with an over sized hat. Due to the size of the hat, Risako had to lean forward and tilt her head backwards slightly to be able to see everyone. For maximum comfort she placed her elbow on the arm rest of her chair, and laid her chin in her hand.

Hopefully Hikari and Kots weren't too far behind.

The next person to enter the room not of Kirigakure affiliation was a black haired individual with a headband hanging loosely around their neck. The position amused him, as if the boy was hoping to deflect any attacks on his throat with it, yet Xyxer found no good in questioning the Hogokage before the meeting had even started.. yet that's when something most peculiar occurred - He stood on the left side of the chair. Was he unaware that he was supposed to sit down, or was he simply that anxious? Numerous excuses ran through Xyxer's mind in order to understand the situation. Fortunately, not too long after the man had stood beside the chair, a new figure entered, one wearing the Hogokage attire. His gaze flickered back to the unmasked bodyguard who entered before their leader, then back towards the robed man, amused beyond what he openly showed aside from a slight smirk. 

Men lead, boys follow.

Returning the gaze of the Hogokage he also bowed his head out of respect, "Hogokage." Xyxer replied, lifting his fingertips up towards his hat so that he could remove it, exposing his brilliantly blue mane that hung to almost shoulder length. Shifting the Mizukage hat in front of his katana's sheath he settled it gently upon the table, barely making a sound while he adjusted it. The Hogokage spoke once more and this time Xyxer looked towards him once more, dirty chips of ice resembling eyes studying his features. He looked and sounded.. young. Too young to be Kage, surely? "For the most part, I hope yours wasn't too sullen either." He finished fixing his hat for now, looking back around the room to notice that Risako was joining them.

Nodding his head a little to her once she sat down, "Hokage." Xyxer greeted her, showing that her presence was noted. The only one left was the sole man to send a letter back.. Komori Hozuki. Oh, his people just kept collecting accolades. Seeing as he had still not arrived he looked back towards the Hogokage, speaking out to him while stroking his beard, which was also a booming blue, "I assumed Denkiteki Hayato would come in your place, yet I see that's no longer the case. Where is he?" The Mizukage inquired. They had bad blood between them, yet they were both shinobi from Old Kirigakure after all.

As the Mizukage’s removal of his hat Valen himself would do the same, removing the lavender and white coloured headpiece to sit it in a position similar to the Mizukage’s. His ashen hair and tanned skin now visible for the man and his guards to see. Gray eyes of steel would meet those of a different shade of gray before nodding his head in response. “Not at all, it was almost enjoyable. One can hardly travel without being attacked by a bandit or some no name missing shinobi trying to scrape a name for themselves. I was pleasantly surprised to not have the journey beyond our borders lengthened because of such distractions. I would’ve hated to be late after all.” He would say, a small smirk on his own features at the last. At this point the Hokage would sit down, resting her elbow on the chair and resting her chin on her hand. ‘A little casual, but if what I know is true these two should know each other.’ He would think for a moment before speaking to the Hokage “Greetings Hokage-Dono.” He would say, nodding his head to her in respect before turning back to Xyxer, whos voice sounded again after he greeted the young woman. 

“Denkiteki Hayato passed away some time ago I’m afraid. His constant experimentation on himself finally caused his body to break down spontaneously.” He would say, a small frown on his face at having to deliver the news. He didn’t know the history of the two men. So he wasn’t certain if such information would be taken in joy or in sorrow. “His successor, Lady Akihana, passed away as well, an illness even she with all of her medical prowess could not save herself from. Then Kyousuke Snow, her Queensguard took over before committing suicide after seemingly going mad.” He would say, himself unaware of what truly occurred to make the man willingly release the Yonbi. It could only be madness in Valen’s eyes. “I am the successor to Lord Snow, and the Fourth Hogokage, Valen Akari.” He would say, his tone even throughout the small speech. The fate of Akihana wasn’t entirely public knowledge in Hoshigakure. However he knew Akihana and Denkiteki knew each other from before their time in the Village Beneath the Stars. So he figured he would bring the news of Akihana’s death to the man before him as well. He didn’t know if it was significant to him or not. However comrades should know of one another’s death in Valen’s eyes. For often times their memory should be revisited after learning of their demise, and respect given. 

The information about Kyousuke being her successor was simple. Lying about the true successor would be useless here. With the Kumo delegation coming, whom would probably consist of Maku, the man who as far as Valen knew, was the current Raikage. The man knew Kyousuke as the Hogokage after Akihana. Being caught telling lies here would be stupid, and suicidal in the young Akari’s eyes. From deep within himself something would stir, a feeling the teenager knew well. ‘I sense something, familiar.’ The Gobi’s deep voice would announce, mostly to itself, but of course Valen was privy to hearing it in his head as well. What was so familiar he wasn’t sure, but it seemed to both excite and unnerve the Gobi. Within him the beast would think carefully. It couldn’t be Hachibi? Someone enslaved him to their will too? Were the others sealed too now? Yonbi was free, having defeated the little small one he himself was sealed into after convincing that oaf of a leader to free him. Why couldn’t his container be that easy to persuade? 

WC: 615
TWC: 995

After she sat down and got comfortable, Risako returned a nod to Xyxer. She said "Mizukage," before turning her gaze to acknowledge Valen. "Hogokage," she said. While both of the other men began to chat, she sat and listened, relatively uninterested in the current topic of conversation. These names were all unfamiliar to her, and it was almost a guarantee that they'd never be of importance. Wondering if Youka would be the one to represent Kumogakure, she thought about the things she read regarding him. Once the Raikage showed up and introduced himself, she was glad to see that it wasn't who she thought it would be.

At least she was, until she thought about it more. "Raikage," she said plainly. The guards seemed to be making some commotion, and Risako twitching ears picked up on the sound of someone scaling the building. Unless the other Kage began to act, she would stay seated. An interruption was sure to sour mood of the meeting a great deal, hopefully they could handle it quickly.

Listening intently to the reply of the Hogokage, Xyxer found himself mildly amused by his response. If his words were to be believed then encounters with low ranking bandits and mundane life on the borders weren't foreign to him, almost as if they simply flocked to him and sought to make his life difficult which meant one of either two things: He'd only recently came into the role of the Hogokage, or he was seen as weak and fragile. Either option held no value to him as they both yielded the same conclusion at the end of the day, one that wasn't too savory for the representative of Hoshigakure. Not wanting to be rude he didn't bother to comment on his company's tribulations with the weaklings of the borders.

Once Valen progressed onto the topic of Denkiteki Xyxer once again yielded him his attention, eager to find out what had happened to his old rival, and the answer wasn't surprising. He'd always wondered how long it'd take until the man who fancied himself a scientist finally found the boundaries of his testing, and it seems he eventually did. It was unfortunate for the Hozuki as it meant that he could never claim his rightful victory over him. He'd been cheated of that by Youka. He went on to explain that Lady Akihana and a Kyousuke Snow, names he were unfamiliar with, had also passed on to the next world, one going so far as to take their own life. For a moment he queried what living in Hoshigakure must be like, but he didn't dwell on such thoughts for long. "It appears that your village is plagued with tragedy, young Hogokage." Xyxer offered in response, a semblance of empathy trickling through his voice, "My condolences on your losses. Truth be told, I was starting to believe Denkiteki was immortal." He licked his lips, remembering their fight back in the land of Tengakure, "I once cut him in half like a magician with their unwilling assistant. Only instead of it being an illusion, he actually grew his lower half back." He finished, divulging one of his fondest memories of the boy's former Kage to him. He wondered how he'd take the revelation of their past dispute, yet if he'd been close to him then he likely knew already of Xyxer's penchant for violence towards the snake sage.

It was around about now that the delegation of Kumogakure arrived, offering an apology for their tardiness. How polite, clearly he wasn't a student of Youka. Nodding his head in return he acknowledged his presence, "Raikage Hozuki. Ran into some trouble at the borders?" He queried with a faint, cynical smirk adorning his features; a light throwback to the Hogokage's comment earlier, though it was doubtful Komori had heard it. In fact, he wondered just how much the man would know of him given that his presence as the head of their clan was not hidden from their people. He'd have to find out eventually, yet for now his eyes drifted towards the brute he'd brought with him. A behemoth of a man with a slab of iron strapped to their back. It was rare for him to encounter shinobi brazen enough to wield large weaponry in this world of speedsters and tricksters. He would have offered him a nod if the scenario was different. He made a note that only one guard currently accompanied Komori despite him advising of two in the letter. Hopefully he wasn't the one making a racket on the roof. The Mizukage felt no indication from his "South" ring of another member being nearby, which only lead him to believe that in this room, aside from Naoki.. he would be alone. A savage from a different age to these fresh faces. Turning towards Komori while he got comfy he inquired again, much like he did with Valen, "How are Youka and Maku? I can't imagine it was easy to claim power with those two around." After all, that pairing had been quite destructive back in Amegakure. Either they'd been dethroned by those present or also suffered from tragedies much like Hoshigakure, yet it would serve as a humbling message to him regardless, even if he had always been leagues ahead of them. He'd keep the discussion light for now, not bothering to delve into the meat of the summit so that the bodyguards had more time to hunt down the intruder.

An almost instinctive, primal feeling swept through the body of the Jinchuriki causing his senses to tingle and heighten. He was in the company of beings he felt an ancient bond with, ones that transcended the mortal form. The true beast lurking within pushed against its container, reverberating so that it could demonstrate its influence to its peers in the room. Eight tentacles stretched out from behind Xyxer, tentatively curling as if poised to strike, yet this vision would only be granted to the other Jinchuriki in the room. Gyuki had never been shy of alerting his brethren to its presence, yet only time would tell if they would reveal themselves to him.

The older shinobi would respond, a sliver of empathy in his voice as he noted the recent tragedies his village had recently faced. The teenager would nod his head in response, preferring to stay silent at that comment. That went without saying after all, the loss of the two greatest pillars of their village was a harsh blow indeed. However it was something that could be worked through. The next generation simply had to move to take the place of the old. As was the way of the world. However it would appear the Mizukage had shared more than words in the past with Valen’s late master. Explaining what seemed to be a fond memory of him cutting the snake sage in half only to have him grow the half of his body he had cut off back, as if the damage was never done. Valen wondered for a moment, if that made this man weaker than his master? After all Denkiteki obviously walked away from the encounter. Had they fought to a stand still? Did the white snake suffer a defeat only to be spared? Or had he been the one sparing the blue haired man before him? He didn’t know, for the man had never even mentioned the one before him. Best not say that though, it would be bad to offend one who led an entire village that had not too long ago defeated another in battle. As a matter of fact the Hokage herself was sitting next to him, causing Valen to wonder what kind of treatment the village had been given after their defeat. He merely knew of the attack, not the aftermath in response the teen would shrug "Such things are simply the way things go in our profession at times." He would say simply, brushing off the information that Xyxer and Denkiteki had fought in the past.

At this point the Raikage would enter the office, the chakra signature of a couple of other shinobi clearly being able to sensed and the heavy footfalls of the one wearing the giant slab of metal on his back hard to miss. The teenage leader wouldn’t even turn toward the door, he would see the Raikage’s identity shortly after all and whether it was slightly rude didn’t quite matter to Valen then the trained killers surrounding him. After all two of the villages we at least allies, or one was subservient to the other. After all one did not conquer a village and then spare it for nothing. Because of this the gray eyed Akari couldn’t afford to take his senses away from the two before him. His bodyguard next to him was supposed to handle any threats from the back. He’d still keep his hearing sharp, just in case. As the delegation from the Cloud Village came around the table though Valen noted the person moving around it was not whom he expected. Although it was a face he recognized after a moment. ‘That’s the one Kyousuke ordered me to track down because he left the village without the rest of his peers.’ Which garnered the, admittedly, paranoid kage’s suspicion. ‘Komori was his name if I recall’ he would think just before the man introduced himself. Thus, confirming Valen’s thoughts. 

The man seemed to be missing a bodyguard, although Valen had been too for a few moments at the start. Kotetsu insisting on leading him in to make sure it was safe. Valen thought it was dreadfully paranoid, after all out of the two of them Valen had the ability to handle surprise attacks better. He let the dark haired Jounin lead anyway however. Far be it from him to refuse such a mundane request. At this juncture however loud footfalls could be heard on the roof, with another set of footfalls not far from the building as well, moving toward it. “We have unwanted company.” The masked bodyguard with the Kumogakure procession said to his leader. ‘That rules out it being his second bodyguard, perhaps he’s already enroute to handle it.’ He would think before Kenshin, or Alpha as he would be referred to at this meeting. Stated his intent to take care of it. Of course he would make no move to stop his masked bodyguard. Hearing his friends nearly imperceptible footfalls as they moved out of the room. Obviously Kotetsu would stay at Valen’s side. Or at least he better, or they would have words and clashes of jutsu later for abandoning his charge at the first sign of potential attack. 

It was at this point that Valen saw something interesting. Eight tentacled like appendages expended outward from Xyxer. Posing as if to strike out at targets that had yet to be chosen. This would cause Valen to narrow his eyes as he sat there, watching for any sign of attack cautiously only to be relieved when the appendages did not attempt to kill those around the man. However to the giant chakra monster inside of him, this display held deeper meaning. ‘Brother!’ He would cry out in his mind as he saw the display, and felt the deep feeling behind them. Deciding to meet his brothers display the beast would cause five pure white tails to expand outward from Valen, also posing as if to strike at its surroundings. ‘What are you doing you idiot?’ The teen would yell in his mind in annoyance. ‘Greeting my brother human, what do you think?’ The beast would respond, annoying Valen to no end. As of yet no one knew of his Jinchuriki status except for Hikari. Who’d obviously sealed it into him. If he could see the tentacles of the Hachibi, which Valen could accurately assume due to the Gobi’s cry and the display of eight appendages. Then he could guard that the blue haired warrior before him could see his as well. Meaning his status as a Jinchuriki was now no longer a secret. Worse yet, the first person to discover this would be a leader of another village no less. This annoyed him greatly, although it wouldn’t be visible on his face. It would however, be something he would have to explain to his bodyguards later if the man chose to comment on it. The young leader would give a nod toward the kage though, taking down a bijuu was a feat worthy of respect. It spoke volumes of the man’s prowess. At this point he’d simply stay silent as he awaited the Raikage’s answer to the Mizukage’s curiosity the true question hardly hidden. 

WC: 1057
TWC: 2052