The Kage Summit

Her steely grey eyes shifted back and forth between Xyxer and Valen with an intense curiosity that betrayed her uninterested posture. Despite her overall appearance at the moment, she was intently listening to every word that came of their mouths. Whether this was a genuine interest or information that could be of use later was still up for debate. "Ha," a small chuckle managed to escape her upon hearing about Den's other half. The previous Hogokage being bisected was a high note for her, as it meant Xyxer's experience was, no wait. Denkiteki lived being chopped in two, not unlike a worm. Her eyes drifted down to her own torso, and for a second she imagined all sorts of bowels and viscera splattered upon the table from the bottom of an exposed ribcage. She couldn't begin to imagine how everything would just reform and she'd be fine. If only Jounin Flak-jackets could do that, she'd be set.

Somehow, she felt a bit of comfort in not being the only Kage Xyxer managed to best. Granted, she was really still a jounin in terms of skill. She attained her position out of necessity rather than merit before he arrived to her village. As the conversation carried on, Risako shifted to sit upright in her seat.

It was shortly after this that her aforementioned introduction to the Raikage would take place. She took notice of the Hogokage's stiffness after Komori made his entrance.

With that out of the way, Xyxer went on to pester Komori about Youka and Maku. Both names were vaguely familiar to her, and if the Intel she read on either of them was correct they were individuals that Risako would rather die than work with. In an attempt to stifle a yawn, her legs stretched under the table until she felt what she thought was a table leg before returning her feet to their original position. Despite her preconceived notion of Kumo, she thought the Raikage's goals were admirable if they were true. Risako kept her thoughts to herself as the Raikage finished his question towards the Hogokage.

Based on the dialogue, Konoha had been isolated for far too long.

Xyxer heard a short laugh once he mentioned his encounter with Denkiteki, drawing his attention back towards Risako for a moment.  It was a grim thing to take delight in, yet perhaps the raven haired youth of Konohagakure was more sinister than she initially appeared. After all, it's not like she had much chance to demonstrate her personality during a war that claimed the lives of her shinobi. The Hogokage offered a light closure to the line of talk, which was understandable, it didn't do good to dwell on memories of the dead. Sometimes it could drag dark thoughts from the recesses of ones mind, feelings of inferiority.. how could one ever live up to their predecessors image? This was never an issue for the Mizukage, some people are burdened with a greater purpose and he was one of those born to achieve such divine feats.

When the Raikage entered the room a rather interesting dilemma was procured - The Hogokage did not greet him, nor even turn his head on his entry. Perhaps the snake sage's rudeness had rubbed off on the boy; idolizing the weak was always destined to result in a malnourished character. The nod to a fellow Kage never came, nor did the name, a distant hope and the boys inexperience became as prominent as a sizzled brand on his forehead. He made no attempt to call him out on such impoliteness, instead giving him the benefit of the doubt and believing his childish nerves had got the better of him. 

His fellow Hozuki went on to detail the absence of the once infamous pair in the runnings of Kumogakure. He immediately mentioned Maku's conquest of Sunagakure and a thin smile tugged at the corners of his lips, nestling there. If his brother hadn't revealed that invasion to him in that single letter, then Konohagakure could perhaps still retain its freedom to this day.. yet Maku had been bold, and Xyxer had no choice but to up the ante by taking the once stalwart Konohagakure. Before Xyxer could reply he felt a force acting against his leg. Instinctively his own foot shifted outwards against it, defiant as ever, breaking his gaze with Komori so that he could look around for the culprit. The answer was plain given that Risako was slumped in her seat at the moment, clearly eager to touch the treasured leg of Kirigakure, yet this was not the time nor the place. He returned his gaze to Komori, allowing him to finish his dialogue without bringing too much attention to the Hokage's forceful touching.

Youka, Maku, and Denkiteki. They appeared to all be gone from the picture now. Relics of a bygone time that had left youngsters in their place. Back when power held some meaning, and he found himself mildly challenged by the opponents he could face. Yet here he was, sat in the room with the most powerful shinobi in the known world.. and yet he felt alone in his strength. His dead gaze fell upon the Hogokage once the Raikage proposed a question, a mild curiosity stirring within.

Eleven additional tails sprouted within the confines of the summit, brothers and allies revealing their presence to one another. A snorting bellow came from the Jinchuriki's position, audible solely to the other hosts, "Brothers! Oh, how long it has been!" The bulky tails swayed with more vigor behind the Mizukage, the Bijuu's excitement visibly measurable. It was finally in the company of those worthy of its presence. Xyxer himself only glanced over the fellow Jinchuriki and their tails, not bothering to offer a nod or any other sentiment so that they wouldn't risk being exposed or queried about their respective sides. It would be a fools errand to expose one another as harbingers of beasts that wreaked joyless havoc.

Regardless of what the Hogokage would say in response Xyxer was no longer willing to delay the meeting further than it already had been. Straightening his posture out once more, which had been maintained better than the Hokage and Raikage who sought fit to slump and rest their heavy, weary heads on their hands. The Mizukage spoke again, this time a notable air of authority laced within his words that was mostly diluted in his prior small talk, "Greetings, fellow Kage of recognized villages. Thank you for finding the time to come to my Kage Summit on this day." Xyxer's head bowed once more out of respect, rising again before he continued, "Here I hope to resolve a multitude of issues between our villages that hampers all of us. Feel free to make your own proposals. As leaders it comes down to us to negotiate beneficial arrangements for our people, and to ensure their safety, protection, and prosperity." He paused for a moment after the brief description, his eyes going over the three kage to take in their current mood before the first proposal came, "As the representative of Kirigakure, I would like to suggest that we form a unified chuunin exam where we pit our genin against others of every village bimonthly. No murder, no theft, the usual rules. We can hold it on neutral ground, or inside one of the recognised villages. In these exams, even warring villages are expected to put aside their differences, lest they face the combined rage of those present. It is time to move forward in our progressive nature, and this should start with our foundations." Xyxer declared, a dim light glistening within his eyes while he looked around the room to see who would offer their thoughts first.

Listening to the Raikage’s words of his claim to the seat of kage. ‘He didn’t claim that they were dead, merely not around.’ He would think, not showing the thoughts on his face as the fellow teenager spoke. When the leader of the cloud village asked Valen himself a question the young Hogokage would begin to wonder if the ‘kage’ was truly the best pick for the role within the village. He spoke as if Valen couldn’t possibly have known the kage that was in charge when they visited his home just last year. Which, during that visit, Valen himself had been promoted to Chunin, and his own Jonin promotion occurred swiftly afterwards. One could not exactly move up within one’s village without knowing the leader. Was this teens brain frozen due to the cold mountain air that surrounded them? Was this the best Kumogakure had to put into the place of leadership. Surely he had to have better qualities then what had been displayed. What with the tardiness and the apparent lack of any actual intellect. Valen would of course keep his expression schooled, to not let any of these thoughts show on his features or body as he spoke. “I’ve been alive through all three of the villages leaders. My village has only been a shinobi village for a few years after all.” He would say simply with a small shrug. “As to how I became Kage the previous one, Kyousuke Snow, named me his deputy and as such his successor should he perish. Which occurred when he chose to take his own life.” He would continue, dropping the subject there. He could ask what actually became of the ones known as Maku and Youka, continue the pointless questioning that the kage that was merely a couple of years older than him started.

At this point a voice would reverberate from the direction of the Mizukage. One Valen did not recognize immediately but the stirring within from his bijuu told him exactly what it was. “I don’t even know how many years have passed Hachibi. The concept of time from within containers is also so strange to me. However it has been far too long.” The five tails would say, only the fellow containers being able to hear it as it’s five tails swayed idly behind the Hogokage. The happiness at the reuniting with it’s family, however brief, brought joy to the beast within him. Valen himself would take no notice of the speech, or the tails. Lest the Raikage and the Hokage thing something unsavory. Although he expected the Kumo Jinchuriki to tell his kage of the development later on. He’d have to be prepared for confrontation from the village later on. 

At this point however it seemed it would be time to get the Summit underway. The Mizukage would begin to speak, greeting them all and officially starting the meeting. At his respectful nod Valen himself would return it before the man spoke. Bringing to light a desire to settle issues between villages, inviting them to bring up their own proposals to help in this regard. Valen’s eyed would be on the man’s as he spoke, never wavering as he took in the words his fellow Jinchuriki was saying. His mind moving through possibilities, and opportunities. The man would continue on at this point, bringing forth a proposal of a joint Chunin Exam between the villages. The exams could be done at either one of the four villages or a neutral location. Each options had merits. Having them at one of the four villages would promote social interactions between villages to a large degree. However would allow a potential enemy to see the defenses said village had constructed. Or potentially utilize their shinobi to attack from within. This fear held ground in Valen’s mind due to the possible alliance of Kirigakure and Konohagakure.

On the flipside the neutral ground option allowed for the villages to have the exams jointly, and would defend the villages information to a better degree. But would hamstring any good relations as only the contenders would be able to interact. Even then it might not be kind interactions. Thus, hindering progress toward peaceful relations with everyone. Valen’s mind delved into the possibilities. His eyes closing for a moment as he sorted through the pros and cons of each. THe idea in general was good, one Valen liked very much. It was the application of it that needed deeper thought. ‘I suppose if we know which village will hold the exams next it’ll give the others time to prepare adequately in terms of securing information, secrets, and making sure defenses were strong.’ He would think as he opened his eyes. His mind decided on which way he would go in this proposal. Once the Mizukage had finished voicing his proposal Valen would speak up, not really caring if he was the first or the last to voice his thoughts. “I agree with the proposal. Village relations are strained at best, something which strikes fear in citizens. For they can know the mind of their own leader, but not truly the mind of others. I would think it would be best if the exams were held within one of the villages. On a rotating basis, that way there is never a question of where to be there, merely the exact date in terms of the Bi-monthly schedule. This way our peoples can become comfortable with one another, further building the foundation Mizukage-Dono spoke of.” He would say, finishing the voicing of his own thoughts on the matter. 

WC: 913
TWC: 2965

She was fairly startled once her leg brushed against someone else's. Even more so when they pushed back. Not wanting to seem promiscuous, Risako's leg retreated back to its original position beside her other foot.

A multitude of issues that plagued their villages? Risako eyes stared past Xyxer as she could only recall one that really hampered her mood on the whole affair. Once he wrapped up his brief introduction, the Hogokage went on to agree with the offer of a joint Chuunin Exam. The Raikage, being the lame conformist that he was, also fell in line and agreed.

Something about Xyxer just made people want to bend their knee, she thought. Trusting strangers not to kill you, even on neutral territory was never really a bright idea.

Once they had all voiced their opinion on a joint exam, the Hokage thought about it for a moment. Konoha did just hold an exam where Kiri won the top two slots. Nonetheless the general opinion was that the exam would be a good idea. She almost felt pressured to say yes, and who knows? Maybe Konoha would get lucky here and have a winner, or maybe she should take stock where it mattered. "What about a test for the Chuunin, to see if any are ready to take the next step?" Ris thought that holding an internal Jounin test didn't really hold any merit, that it was too safe of a condition. There was some risk though, in trusting a stranger hungry for a promotion not to butcher you. "We could hold both exams at the same time," quickly she glanced towards Komori, "and of course it'd take place on neutral grounds."

It was the Hogokage that voiced his own opinion first, drawing the attention of the Mizukage. The cold gaze of the man did not settle on the one who spoke however, as his eyes had now recognised something familiar in the features of the bodyguard; his arms crossed behind his back to show that he felt no threat of danger in the presence of these shinobi. A brave gesture, yet none the less foolish given his sole purpose for being at the summit was to protect the man beside him.

Something about his features continued to stand out like the memory of a dream; vague, yet there. The words of the Hogokage had now been drowned out by Xyxer's curiosity in his recognition of the plain man beside him. He wasn't afforded the coveted mask of ANBU, and Hoshigakure still favoured that tradition given the other bodyguard who'd departed with the others to find the scampering intruder. The unnamed face mocked him with its simplicity, teasing him over his inability to place a name on it even in this favorable light.

Another scan of his features removed the strong jawline inherent to most of Kirigakure's residents. He couldn't see the boys hands to check for any callouses that would come with operating a ship, so his recognition was not one of camaraderie, no. This was one that was going to become malevolent in nature. Perhaps even grotesque.

A few seconds longer and the male voices had now been replaced with one of a more feminine tone, one from the leaf. The acting Hokage who'd suffered the disgrace of defeat in tandem with burdens so heavy they broke her back. That was when Xyxer finally placed a name to the face of the bodyguard. Kotetsu. The child of two Missing Shinobi hailing from the sunny land of Konohagakure. Stood here, hands behind his back without a care in his world, with full knowledge of his families status within Konohagakure. Certainly, he'd have to know, given how he was now being used as either a guard or a prop by the Hogokage. He'd aged significantly since his picture, yet the features lined up.. Xyxer himself had delved into aging pills so he was aware of their effects, even moreso he'd heard of the actions of the wretched space-time users who aged even within their realms. Petty people who couldn't even imitate gods in their own dimension. They were beneath him. 

Beneath Kirigakure.

Xyxer's eyes momentarily shifted back towards Valen, the simple thought that the boy was attempting to play mind games with him scratching the back of his mind like a sore throat. It took the best half of Xyxer to restrain himself from his violent streak; such an outburst now would not fair well with his peers. If he further curated the mannerisms of a wild dog, then he'd be treated like one, yet to allow such a disgrace to pass was not something the man was capable of doing. He'd brought back the bloody tradition of the Mist and wrought fear with its name. Twisted fire with his will and bound it to the prow of his ship so that it could shatter the stagnant vessels of his opponents. The Bloody Mist was his to unleash upon his world.. and this child had the arrogance to bring the child of a Missing Ninja to his meeting. Unmasked.

A comforting warmth erupted in the palm of Xyxer's left hand, a firm grasp now constricting the wooden sheath of the katana he'd been given as a trophy for his victory in Konohagakure by their 'esteemed' leader. Pulling the sheath closer to his body, Xyxer's words now lacked the distinct friendliness they held before as his callous nature started to betray the mask, "The name of the man you brought with you, proud Hogokage. Is he known as Kotetsu? Shinogami, Kotetsu?" The Bloody Mizukage questioned. Regardless of the response, Xyxer's mind was already set on how this encounter would end for the bodyguard, yet he enabled the game of cat and mouse for the boy leader. Yet, of course, if any other Kage or bodyguard was to reach for their weapon in his presence, he would handle it as seen fit by the one notoriously without mercy.

Valen would listen as the two other kage pronounced their own preferences toward neutral ground. A small shrug would appear on his shoulders and he would open his mouth to speak before another voice would make itself known. Looking sharply toward the Mizukage he would see the man grasping the Katana he had placed on the table earlier quite firmly. The man would pull the sheathed weapon closer to his body, ready to utilize it for its intended purpose  before he spoke in a tone that lacked the cordial nature it once had. Now it was hard, and cold as iron. Valen’s eyes would narrow marginally as the Mizukage asked his question. Why would this man know the name of his bodyguard? It would be then that he realized it. He had forgotten the day he had performed the teens genin exam when he was still just a boy. Him and his parents relocated from Konoha. While the very man in front of him attacked it. A million thoughts ran through his mind now. Could he be considered a Konoha missing nin? Obviously, he would have to be if Xyxer was asking who he was. It was now that the insult he had accidentally leveled at the man by bringing Kotetsu was known. It could cause a war unless something was done. That might very have been something he would have to deal with, however he had another idea first. He had to try to protect the village, it was his job. Standing slowly and moving back, trying to keep his head on straight a decision would be made. Things were too dangerous the way they were now, and something would have to be done to keep it from spiraling out of control. He just needed to stall.


“Stay exactly where you are.” He would say, to Kotetsu, as he paced back and forth behind the chair and Kotetsu for a moment. Taking a moment or two to assess the situation. He had to address everything before things took an absolutely cataclysmic turn for Hoshigakure. The village came first, always. After a few moments he would move next to his bodyguard, standing not too far from his student left side he would fully extend an arm, and place his hand on top of his students shoulder. A gesture that would tell everyone there that this was his shinobi. “Speak freely my student. Tell the Mizukage who you are and how you ended up with me here at a Kage Summit. Then Lord Mizukage, please, tell me how you know my student.” He would ask, a small inclination of his head at the blue haired man holding a katana. Kotetsu knew of Valen’s ability to teleport them to safety if necessary. He wondered if he remembered it, he hoped he did. He just wanted to get the Mizukage to confirm or deny things. 

The tails behind him would stop swirling so dangerously to the other two jinchuriki, and a dark voice would sound to the other demons and containers within the room. “Gyuki, wait!. I want to watch this play out. It’s like watching a play, and it’s getting to the good part!” The creature would call out, hoping the stop the blue haired man’s imminent rage at two Hoshigakure shinobi for a few moments. At least long enough to Answer the Hogokage’s question. The next few moments would either plunge villages into war, or stem the waves of countless dead.

WC: 494
TWC: 3459

The Winter Knight of Hoshi had figured that since the other three village leaders had spoken, that the Mizukage, Xyxer Gyojin would speak next. As such, the man decided to shift his eyes in the direction of said individual. To his susprise, the Mizukage was already looking at him, somewhat intensely as well. Kotetsu couldn’t help but narrow his eyes slightly at the look he was being given. The man’s gaze then moved to Valen, at the same time his left hand grasping the handle of the katana in front of him. That action alone on any other occasion would have caused the young Jounin to leap into action. This was not the time for rash action however, and Kotetsu refrained from showing any reaction to Xyxer’s actions. ‘What does he think he’s playing at…’ He thought to himself. ‘Does he think me a rash individual? That I would strike at him because of a dirty look and a grab at his sword? Is he trying to bait me?’ These thoughts were dismissed as the man then directed a question to Valen, about Kotetsu himself. The tone of the question was much more serious in nature. ‘He knows my name…’ Kotetsu thought to himself. ‘How he found out who I am I’m sure I will not find out from this meeting, but it is irrelevant…This can only end poorly…’ 

Since the question had not been directed at him, Kotetsu would refrain from answering until he had heard from Valen himself. The Hogokage responded by slowly getting out of his chair and pacing behind Kotetsu. Kotetsu had no intention of going anywhere, at least while Valen was still in these chambers. After a few moments, he sensed Valen walk up behind him, followed by the younger shinobi’s hand on his shoulder. He was then advised by his sensei to explain who he was and why he was here. ‘I have no intention of giving them any information other than who I am and how I ended up in Hoshigakure…’ He thought to himself. ‘They do not need to know anything about what got me to where I am…’ Kotetsu looked around the room once, before settling his eyes on the Mizukage. “I am indeed Kotetsu Shinogami, citizen of Konohagakure, Shinobi of Hoshigakure.” He made sure to stress the last two parts of his statement, for while he had been born and raised in the Hidden Leaf Village, he had never joined the academy there before his family had fled to the opposite side of the continent. “My parents fled Konoha upon your village’s invasion. In fact, I’m surprised they are even represented here, conidering how worried my parents were at the time…” He probably shouldn’t have said that, but he was almost past the point of caring. ’Either they repelled your onslaught or you’re not as ruthless as your reputation makes you out to be…’ He thought, his eyes never leaving the blue-haired Mizukage. With that, he had nothing else to say, leaving the floor for Xyxer to either answer or otherwise react to his words.

WC: 515
TWC: 2551

Current AP: 746
-5 AP for This
741 AP remaining

[I'm working nonstop until Wednesday, feel free to skip me.]