The First Spark [P]

In a world such as this one nothing was permanent. Everything was fleeting, as fickle as the white flakes blanking the once warm village. One moment you think you're safe behind the walls of your village, the next you're being conquered and ordered to execute one of your own. One moment you're a sensei training the next generation, the next you're placed in a position where you have to lead an entire village. It forces one to be dynamic, ever changing in a world that did not stop for anyone. If you were not quick on your feet then it would leave you behind in its dust. The hard realization has forced Kinzoku to change his outlook on certain things. Forced him to adapt to his new environment. He had no other choice. If he did not it would not only mean his demise, but that of an entire village. This village has already been through more than it needed to. 

Time for rest was done. In the matter of a day everything had changed for the former Jounin. This village had been fickle. As a result they were trampled. But from the ashes and ruble they could rebuild. Kinzoku was now in a position to spear head the rebuild. But he did not want to rely to heavily on Kiri. He did not want to rely on them at all. Konoha needed to regain its dominance as one of the major villages. It would be a grudgingly long process. But necessary. 

Smoke rising from the burning tip of a cigar, the Nazar found himself on the roof of the Hokage's building. Leaning forwards against a railing, cigar hanging from the edge of his lips Kinzoku overlooked the village now under his protection. It had not quite hit him yet the grandeur of the task that had been given to him. The whole thing was a little overwhelming. Could he do it just as his former Kazekage Koroshi Uchiha had? The thought of the former Kazekage left him reminiscing about his time in Suna. It also left him wondering what had actually happened to the kage. He just up'd and vanished. He quickly shook the thoughts from his head as they were futile to ponder over. He needed to look to the future. Not the past. Whipping off the small drifts of snowflakes that fell onto his jacket, Kinzoku entered the building after flicking the remains of his cigar into the snow.

He had sent a messenger to send a letter. If the recipient has received the letter they would be arriving any moment now. It would not due to have them waiting. There were things that needed to be discussed. Entering the office that now belonged to him, Kinzoku left his jacket on to protect him from the unusual cold that came with the snow. Placing Peacemaker against the side of his chair, the Nazar took a seat in the not so unfamiliar chair. Laid out across the desk were a number of papers, each one belonging to a different konoha shinobi. The one arriving any moment now would be the first considered. Depending on how this day went, he may not be the last. Reaching into his jacket pocket with his steel hand, Kinzoku retrieve the one kunai that would not be found in his weapon pouches. The kunai given to him by the Mizukage. He observed the kunai almost as if he were day dreaming in doing so, twirling the steel weapon in between his fingers and he awaited his guest.

It was snowing.  A lost winter of beauty to many. But to yen it was a hardening reminder of failure. Gazing out the window of his estate an unusually alone induvidual. Where most were enjoying the warmth of their estates. The white snowflakes hit the window of his estate and the fire although warm. Was not as comfortable.

they wouldve learned to make a snowball by now... my child, and duaghter wouldve learned what snow was....

Yen thought as he gazed at the wonderous snow. Shinobi patrols were shorter now, and well more thorghrly done for the sake of dealing with the cold. Although yen was one of few that did not concern too much over it. His durability alone was what made him stand above many in the hazards of such things.

Still he had grabbed a mug in his kitchen and simply poured himself hot  chocolate fresh from the pot.  Now sitting at the table  and glancing over a simple bit of notatoon he had slowly been gathering from the guaging of potential konoha shinobi. 

The results were not very good nor was the outcome for his observations thus far noted that there needed to be chamge, and as of now slowly kasai's words made more sense nowadays. The villiage has weakend. As even with kirigure as the handle now yen noted that the will of tbe shinobi were but now non existant. Still the letter of the kage rested on his desk as he had held onto it for a bit.  Give or take a few hours.

The very noation that he had not been some fool to run into stuff empty handed. Risako had been unusually abscent. But yen had seen this before. It happens all the time from his observation of the past several kage. They lacked the willingness to stand their position. 

lets see who was chosen from the letters several weeks ago...

Yen though as he after memorization of his notes and such tossed them into the fire and then dosed the fire. Allowing for the heat to remain after he was done with his meeting. 


He stopped by the graveyard a bit to gaze and clean off the graves of his dead wife and children. And salzems for that matter. The stillness was the reminder that while they were dead... he was alive and resolved to move forward with the mountain on his shoulders. Sill he was sad. Only to mask it as he left the graveyard about an hour later.

It was late afternoon when yen arrived at the kage office. He did not really need to wear a coat or anything as he gave a small  wave of the letter at the secutary and proceeded upstairs. The scent of the cigars caught his nose a while ago as he figured who was in the kage office. Still he shrugged as he opened the doors to see kinzoku examining a kunai knife.

"Looks pretty sharp there.  Souvineer?"

Yen stated noting the faint traces of dried iorn in the air as it was distinct from the blade, and he indicated a bow to the man. As the anbu closed the door. 

"By the looks of it you are already hard at work now kinzoku. How does it feel to look at the whole feild now that you are undeniably at the top?"

Yen asked as he wiped off the snow on his hat with the black cloak  he was wearing allowing them to dry off a bit and he smiled. As hhe gazed at the man with his one eye. 

It was not a direct congratulations to the man but it was clear enough. Besides he was not going to let him get everything so easily.but for not let the new kage speak.

Kinzoku listened to the feint steps of Yensung approaching the office, almost as soft as the snow outside. His eyes remained focused on the kunai in hand as he rested back in his chair and waited for the arrival of his guest. Eventually the smaller man would make his way into the room closing the door and making a remark about the kunai being twirled in between Kinzoku's fingers. The moment he entered the room the Nazar was irked by something. At first he couldn't quite put his finger on the matter, scrapping at the back of his mind. It took him a while to finger out what it was. The sound of the door closing brought it to his attention. At the realization, his eyes darted from the kunai in hand to the single eye of Yensung with a sternness the Jounin had never seen in Kinzoku. His features as solid as stone. "Next time, knock before you enter." It wasn't a suggestion. It wasn't a plead. It was an order. The time where orders were disobeyed was no longer. 

With that Kinzoku's features returned to that more akin to his usual. More welcoming, for now. He tipped the outer rim of his at in return to Yensung's bow, lightly placing the kunai down on the desk as it rested on a couple of the laid out papers. "You can call it that" Kinzoku said with a smile deciding not to delve into the topic. At this point in time he felt no need to divulge such information to this man. "Have a seat" Kinzoku said before motioning his right arm to the chair positioned opposite of him after listening to the Head Aburame's words. By the way he spoke he understood why Kinzoku was the one sitting behind this desk. Yet he seemed hesitant. Why? Did he not agree with the Mizukage's choice, believing he was in fact the better choice? Perhaps he was right to think so. Kageship was never something Kinzoku wanted. It prevented him from doing what he loved. Being a teacher. But times have changed and Kinzoku needed to change with them. However it would not be such a drastic change. In a position such as this there was still opportunities for teaching. Like now for instance. 

"So you're aware of what this means, partner" Kinzoku spoke in response to Yen speaking of the Nazar being at the top. "Yes, the Mizukage has in fact placed me at the head as new Hokage of Konohagakure. Which means you will address me accordingly from now on." Kinzoku and Yen had fought side by side on the battle field against the forces of Kiri. Doing so gave Kinzoku a certain respect for the man sitting in front of him. But that respect only went so far. "Feels like there's a lot that went wrong" Kinzoku said, finally answering the Jounin's question. "Feels like the old ways are no longer. Feels like things are changing." Reborn from the ashes. 

Kinzoku paused for a moment to study the Aburame allowing silence to overtake the room. A quietness so still one with a keen sense of hearing could pick up on the snow brushing against the windows behind. You could tell a lot by a man from how they reacted to silent environments. Would they remain comfortable with their surroundings or let anxiety take over them. Kinzoku finally broke the silence after what would feel like an eternity for most only felt like seconds for him.


"How have you been, Yensung? I trust you've been taking care of yourself." Kinzoku asked. He knew of Yensungs loss during the war. He had seen their graves. He also learned of how close he had been to Salzem, the one they all took part in executing. Even though the events had occurred well over a year ago, the loss of family was not something easily forgotten about. Kinzoku knew. He carried it with him everyday of his life. The way this meeting had started did not sit well with the Nazar. Too many red flags being set off his in mind He decided to switch to a more comfortable tone. At least for now, before they got to the real reason for Yensung being here.

A ghost of a smile came to yens face at kinzoku's soft order. It was a good test of resolve behind the man. Should he be a sleeping head of village, or more detailed. It was a good thing now.

Sooo then he is actually willing to stand for order... this is good.


Yen thought as he took off the cloak and rested it on the back of his chair. The iconic cloak that he wore was off and few saw what lie beneath it. As it was few that understood the signifigance. He had given their trust to. It was not much a sight. But his jouninn vest rested over his upperbody and his headband could be seen wrapped on his bare upper arm. With him wearing what looked to be a short sleeved button down. 

"I wont make the mistake again hokage"

Yen stated as he rested his black hat in his lap, and with an single nodd to kinzoku's statement to why they are here.  As well as to his  awnser to his question. It was a good response. All the while the smile remained. The simple but all important  silence was among them for awhile. 

But yen was comfortable with silence. It has become more an ally to him since he lost just about everything. His own home and rank was all he had to stare with. Yet he still existed. It was within silence he quietly rebuilt himself but as of through the whole thing his gaze was  warm. Lingering and for the number curiousity was  behind the single eye. 

Still eventually kinzoku spoke up with an age old beginning. Still yen would not be a stranger to such a question. Risako too dissapearing was a hard hit to him too. But.

" well you said it best now i too feel resolved to let a new era come to us. Time heal's most wounds. We can only go forward from here on out.... but i payed the family and freinds a visit before comming in."

The aburame's reply was surprisingly short and simple to the deep question. He did not have to dive deep at all for this. As  he wished to only step forward now. Not be shackled back.

Kinzoku watched silently as Yen respectfully removed his cloak placing it on his chair and finally taking his seat, also removing his hat. It allowed Kinzoku to see Yen dressed simply underneath his cloak for the first time. Kinzoku had also worn his Konoha head plate around his bicep. It was only days ago he had removed it placed it into one of the many drawers of his desk. It seemed customary for the Hokage to not need to carry it around like all other shinobi. A custom Kinzoku would continue. He afforded the Aburame no response as he confirmed he would not make the same mistake, finally referring to him as the Hokage. Or so he would have Kinzoku believe. Words held very little meaning to the Nazar right now. It would take a lot more than the Aburame's words to prove to Kinzoku he wouldn't make the same mistake.

During the silence Kinzoku was glad to see no change in the Aburame current state of being. It mean he understood the significance of being alone. It meant he had been through it before and grown comfortable in its embrace. Something reassuring to the Nazar. Out of the silence Kinzoku awaited Yen's response. It was short and to the point, signifying how this meeting would likely go which Kinzoku wanted. If this meeting did not pan out then there were other options Kinzoku needed to meet. And he was planning on getting this done today. There was no time to waste anymore.

It would seem Yensung was somewhat on the same page as Kinzoku for the time being. He too was ready for a new era in Konoha to emerge from the ashes. Good. At least they could both agree Konoha could no longer go on the way it had. A brief look of understanding crept upon the Nazar's face as Yensung mentioned having gone to see his family at the graveyard. Kinzoku knew the spot. It's where they had gathered for Cho's punishment for her acts during the Chuunin exams. The mention of losing family had Kinzoku instinctively reaching to his right forearm on the spot where his tattoo for his lost brother was hidden beneath his long sleeved black shirt. His metallic hand would slide down from the spot stopping at his wrist as he rubbed it. To Yensung there would be no noticeable difference as the medics had done a perfect job in restoring his hand leaving no scars. It would seem as though he were just massaging his arm. Nevertheless, it brought Kinzoku back to the meeting that occurred a few days back. 

His eyes returned to the Jounin ahead of him. It was clear neither were really in the mood for small talk which suited the Nazar just fine. It was time to jump right into the fire. Kinzoku removed his steel hand from his wrist reverting to a more comfortable position with his fingers intertwined with one another. "What are you thoughts on the previous Hokage, Risako?" Kinzoku questioned, eyeing the Jounin closely. It was a simple question but held a lot weight to it. Kinzoku was sure the Aburame would know this. That he would know the significance behind the question and that he'd answer appropriately. Kinzoku learned that his perspective of the village had been relatively flawed and it was time to see if he was in fact right or wrong.

A simple question. But one loaded as he knew it was nothing easy to awnser alone.  A gleam of awknowledgement to the question was an reply in a split second, but for the silence that was for 2 seconds yens mind would aquire his inflmation. Years of knowing her weaknesses, and her strengths. He knew risako for years, and she was one he first shockingly  had a slight crush on. Perhaps it was why he  still gave up in that exchange in the arena to her.

He cared yet he was one to hold the deepest of grudges yet he also disired to keep her safe and sound. Was it right she was chosen, and yet here was an alien to his home asking him a question. The man hardly knew her. Perhaps as dep of the village alone kinzoku had a lill insight, but compared to yen it was no more then an ant.

He saw her falter's and her moments of triumphs. He understood why and how she ruled through her hsndling things. It was a simple awnser from yen. Having known her from the fall of kasai, to the ha ndling of orokana. 

His single eye held the single gleam as he spoke. A peculiar gleam as he knew what he was talking about. He knew both  the kage as body and more to her case. The true person.

" she was strong. I respected her. She earned my respect, but like her precessors before hokage akara. She could've done alot more, and taken more of an third person's perspective. She  had a chance as foretold by an old ally to make progress to a stronger konoha. Even in its darkest moment. So in turn became another prescessor that did not make the leap."

Yen stated as he kept his smile, and held a steady gaze at kinzoku. Did he understand the induvidual he asked it to. The only ally of hers alive that understood risako as a whole. The tone he spoke was humble, but replied with note that in fact that yen knew more of the former kage's nature then he would reveal.


He had a glimps of each former kage in the flesh. And obssrved their  policies. Heard their ideals and compliled his osn from their triumphs and failures. Like all leaders learn from the past and make an step forward.

The answer came sooner than Kinzoku expected. Almost as if Yensung knew it was coming. Almost like he had prepared for it. It left a bad taste in the Nazar's mouth. It could either mean he had prepared his answer, choosing to speak what he thinks Kinzoku wanted to hear. Or it could mean he simply spoke the first thing that came to his mind, in which case the answer would not have satisfied the Nazar. Nonetheless, Kinzoku listened on as Yensung spoke calmly and reassuringly of the former Hokage. He spoke of her strength but quickly moved on to his weaknesses. About how she did not take the leap needed to make Konoha stronger. How she did not take the views of others into account and all this is what lead her to be the former Hokage and not the current one. Whether all this was true or not Kinzoku could not say. Yensung would have know Risako better than the Nazar. After all Kinzoku only had brief amount of time to be by her side and witness her methods. But there was one thing Yensung said that felt like a knife to Kinzoku's gut. Respect. He respected Risako.

That's what Kinzoku was waiting for and fortunately for him, Yensung spoke the single word Kinzoku wanted to hear. It instantly brought him to his talk with the Mizukage a few days back. Xyxer had asked him a question along the same lines. Kinzoku responded along the same lines as Yensung had done. Xyxer had shown him the irony of his response. Kinzoku wanted to see what Yensung thought when he revealed it to the Aburame.

"You and I, we seem to have very different definitions of what 'respect' means Yensung" Kinzoku began. "Respect for your Kage means you abide by their decisions and choices. If you go against that, can you truly say you respect them?" The question was not rhetorical. The Nazar wanted an answer from the Aburame. It would help Kinzoku better understand his mind, or so he hoped. Before Yensung would be afford the opportunity to answer Kinzoku went on. "You, among another one of our shinobi, disobeyed a direct order from Risako to kneel. Not only did you defy her, but you decided to take it upon yourself to make the first move which kick started the whole war that caused the death of many. Is that what having your respect means? Having to worry that you'll undermine my decisions and act of you own will?" 

Each question was posed with as much curiosity was it was serious. It was something he needed to know. After all, how could one trust another if they were undermining their decisions time and time again. That was not the last time Yensung had decided to act on his own outside of the Hokage. The second time Kinzoku witnessed it was when he decided to punish Cho for the murder during the Chuunin exams, after Risako had already handed out one. How many more times had he acted on his own accord that Kinzoku was unaware of?

"You should know Risako is not dead" Kinzoku added after a brief pause in his questioning of the Aburame. It was a fact most people were likely unaware of. But Yensung knew Risako for a long time. The least Kinzoku could do is provide him with the truth. "She's in a coma. The medics cannot predict for how long." The rest he did not need to say for surely Yensung knew. It meant for the time being Kinzoku would be at the head of this ship. It meant Kinzoku would be the one dealing with Kiri and the Mizukage. It meant Kinzoku decided who would be there to help him with the task. For now.

He waited naturally as kinzoku spoke. See what most went by was that yen was a big talker. In fact it was quiet the opposite. The speeches, and long winded words. They just were to get a person thinking. Yen was more an observer to thoes words. With ease he could turn ideals to a persons own spoon fed venom, and with but simple words. No need for a genjutsu nor a blade. His speaking was a front to the depths of the aburame head. So it mustve been unusual to kinzoku that yen waited to respond.

He simply let his opponent draw out all of their cards, and their strengths in one go. Like salzem with his rage, and risako with her frustration. Now kinzoku with his curiousity. Although there was always an "edge" these common grounds where people fear  of words. It after all.  What made many leaders quake in their boots. The clash of ideals. The man needed to know who it was that he is speaking to. Thus he would get it. 


So as kinzoku speak. His  full statement would go without any indication of yen needing, or intending to interrupt. If kinzoku would somehow expect a blurted out awnser. Only an imature induvidual would try to back track their way from a grey alley. However,  yen was in his comfort zone. It was the mixed, and clear points that stood between induvidualism, and loyalty. However, yen was not a blindly loyal induvidual. Not by a long shot.


When kinzoku was done including explaining  about risako's current condition. Yen simply nodded  as if kinzoku made a good point in a casual conversation.  Stuff happens. Overworking, and the likes. Still when kinzoku finished yen simply reached up to reveal the socket behind his eyepatch. And with one single eye he stared at kinzoku speaking. Expecting the man to gaze at the hole as well.

Yen glanced at kinzoku for a solid moment. This silence was not something like what the man had given before, but the aburame simply  studied the man. With his single eye quietly.  It wasnt some csreful study. It was the casual consideration glance. His expression never darkend. But when he spoke yen took the headband on his arm and glanced at it in his hands.  Speaking slowly.

"Do you know why  I took my headband as a student here? Granted i figured you do not. So i will explain it to you hokage."

Yens voice was freindly but his point was clear. 

"  My way has not changed. From genin to this day.  It'll still go on till i proppably find myself dying mid mission, or by some divine grace of some kind. Old age reaches me. My way as a shinobi has not changed even after the kiri invasion, and aftermath. It has been battered, and yes people may disagree. But it will not fade away. You see it is enduring. Like myself."

Yen stated as he kept his gaze steady  with the man. 

"My way of a shinobi. As  an aburame, and a konoha induvidual. Is to fully hold the will of fire. Is to both take the burning and fury of both my allies and my enemies. I will be that final wall. Even when the hard choice comes up. I would take it because i must keep my home and its image safe. No matter the cost. Honor, fame, peace. I sleep soundly knowing you and everyone is alive and well. Even if people a year ago hate me for what i did, and still do.  I still accept it and moved on.

Yen leaned back in the chair softly and placed his fingers together as he looked at kinzoku quietly for a moment. Before speaking up.

" we all must sacrifice something to keep our home, and nation safe.  If I would've taken back my actions back. Hesitated, and panicked. I would not be here now, but dead.  This is the shinobi world. Not the world of a miller, or the trader. Even they run into a hard part. We must not only protect our home in every way possible. Bur no matter what the cost is. Or we will watch it fall because we gave up.  We have seen that route taken. With my own eye in suna."

Yen stated as he leaned slightly forward. And glanced out the window behind kinzoku. Speaking as his eye went back towards the kage.

  "When i watched the whole country fold like a scroll. I vowed that if konoha ever was done in like that.  I will dig konoha out of it's position. Even alone. Even if I have to fight it alone. I was shocked at what transpired. Treachery was a light term for it. It is what should never be done, but i knew if anything i would not let the same fate be fall my home. Under any circumstances. No matter whom it was, or any reason. My decisions are based on what i have seen failed, and will instead susceed upon."

Yen stated as he glanced at the man before him and chuckled a little bit. As he spoke.

" You know. You are perhaps right. We may hold a fundemental diffrence.  However, it is by what means we are willing to reach our goals.   To what we are dedicating our respect  towards."


Yen smiled slightly.

My goal is to keep konoha safe, and our future as a nation to rise. That is tbe goal. I want us to thrive and be bountiful."

Yen stated as he put the. headband back on his upper arm, and glanced at  kinzoku.

"If i am giving a person my respect. It  does not mean i will disobey an order, But it means that if i have to chose the village or my loyalty to them. It will be my village, and then the induvidual.  Nothing good would've came if i just yelled in resistence to kiri as we stood over salzem. We surrendered our power at that point..... "

Yen went silent as he took a breath and folded his arms. 

"I will be willing to take scorn, and hatred for keeping my people safe.  Regardless of method. This also includes not only the people, but the very land as well. If im willing to put my life for you. It is best hoped you stand by my side, and fight as my hope as the leader should. Not give knee, but standfast."

Yen stated as he put the eyepatch back over his left eye socket.

" My respect for a person goes far, but that is till we find there is something that another may do. That will endanger  the lives, the very ideals we  as a village stand for, and identity We serve as the will of fire. I will do what i gave for my home to its fullest kage. I only expect the same to your end. Wether through peace, or blood. I am willing to take the heat for my decisions fully, and yours or any konoha induvidual."

Yen stated as he folded his hands on the top of his hat, and gazed at the man plainly.


"Therefore You should not fear about me turning my respect against you. For you already have it. Not by your rank, but your actions before rank. How you hold yourself, and why you serve the village. You will keep it as well... unless you do something that would break it. Just like if i did the same thing.  You do call the shots yes. But my respect is respect given, and gained. Not expected, and never forced. You gained my respect. I am hoping that it will not be betrayed."

Yen stated as he glanced at the crest of the leaf village and sighed heavily. Speaking slowly and clearly so kinzoku would not miss a beat.

"But  at the end of the day.  The question is. Are you with me hokage?"

Yen stated flatly as he was expecting a truthful.

Kinzoku had been given the respect of the Abutame to not be interrupted as he spoke. It was a difficult thing to do. To allow someone to speak on and on without interjecting. Especially when they may have spoken a few words you did not agree with. For that Kinzoku was grateful. In return he would offer Yensung the same courtesy of being uninterrupted. Even at times when Kinzoku felt the need to reply to Yensungs statements he held back, instead keeping it all in the back of his mind. There would be time for replies later. Even during the few pauses Yensung took, whether to gather his thoughts or let his words sink in the Nazar did not offer a reply. He knew when someone was finished talking or when they had more to add. In this matter, Yensung had a lot to add.

Kinzoku found his action of revealing the empty eye socket a curious action. Was it a sign of trust? That he only reveals whats behind his eye patch to a select few. Or was it simply an attempt to tell a story. That the Aburame had been through enduring experiences. Hasn't everyone? One doesn't get this far in the world of shinobi without going through trials and tribulations. Kinzoku paid little mind to the empty eye socket as he did not deem it relevant to what was going on. Perhaps the story of how he lost his eye would come up another time. After all Kinzoku could relate to the Jounin when it came to the loss of bodily parts.

As the conversation progressed Kinzoku was feeling surprisingly pleased with its outcome, despite a number of things Yensung had said not sitting too well with him. A smile a crept onto Kinzoku's face as Yensung had brought up the matter of Suna. Kinzoku knew it was coming. He had been waiting for it. It was only a matter of time before Yensung had done so. It was a smart thing to do quite frankly. Bring up the failures of the very village the now Hokage had come from. Kinzoku waited to the end, sitting comfortable in his chair as Yensung posed his final question. The question amused Kinzoku. He found it a strange one to pose to the Kage of a village. He would address the question when it came time to. For now, Kinzoku would address the rest.

"There is no denying your place in this village" Kinzoku began, adjusting his hat to a more comfortable position. "You've been here as long as any other, perhaps longer. You've undoubtedly fought and bled  your way up the ranks as a shinobi. All for this village. I, nor anyone else can take that away from you partner. I also have no doubt that everything you do is for the village and it's best interest. However, it is not for you to make the hard choices when it comes to this village's safety. That is why there is a Hokage. They are the ones who make that decision. Risako made that decision to keep this village safe. She did what needed to be done. The problem was, her ideals did not align with yours. So you did what you thought needed to be done for the village. In one hand, Risako had us kneel which would have saved the lives of many. On the other hand, you had us fight which cost us the lives of many." As Kinzoku spoke he raised both his palms one after the other, expressing his words into action. "Both can be argued for which was the right choice. But what it comes down to is who made that decision. One made by the Hokage, another made by a Jounin. Do you see the discrepancy , Yensung? If it were Risako who made the decision to fight then we wouldn't be having this conversation because it is her place to do so. Not that of a Jounin to place his ideals over that of the entire village. There's no balance to the hierarchy when you do. It can lead down a deep and dark rabbit hole if it continues."

Kinzoku too a pause to let his words sink in. If he understood what the Nazar was saying, he understand that if a single Jounin could make their own decisions over that of the Hokage, why couldn't anyone else? Within time more and more people will believe their ideals greater than that of the Hokage and make their own decisions. Such ideology will lead to the downfall of a village.

"Sometimes it is better to see the downfall of your village than to see its people massacred" Kinzoku said with a certain sternness in his voice in reply to Yensung mentioning the Nazar's previous home. "Kyson did what needed to be done for his people. He took their safety into his own hands and decided their lives were more important that keeping the walls and homes up with no one to occupy them. I respect him for the decision. It was not an easy one to make, but it needed to be done." He took a pause of a few seconds, about to compare the two scenarios. "Had a Suna Jounin disagreed with Kyson and decided to place their own ideals above that of the Kazekage. Everyone in Suna would be dead, much as your actions almost caused us. Fortunately for Konoha, the Mizukage showed what little sympathy he had for our village and chose not to wipe us out." There wasn't much for Kinzoku needed to say on the matter. If Yensung did not see the meaning to Kinzoku's words than add more would do very little.

Now it was time to address the last part of Yensung's dialog and his question. The question he did not understand why Yensung posed it. But he would make his answer quite clear. "I'm not with one single individual" he began as the Aburame would surely know he was replying to his question. "I stand with the village. It is the weight I've accept to hold on my shoulders and will continue to do so until my last breath. I can't afford to worry whether my decisions will be overruled by others" he said, his eyes slowly shifting down to the kunai on the desk remembering what he was willing to give up for the sake of this village. The village that had taken him in when his home was no longer. The village that became his new home. He would however omit the transpiration of the meeting with Xyxer. That was how he proved his loyalty to Kiri. He needed to prove his loyalty to Konoha another way. He eyes meth that of the Aburame once more. "I know some of you may have doubts about me being the Hokage. After all I am a foreigner. Rest assured, this is my home now. Its people are my people. I'm tired of seeing my people suffer. You have my respect, Yen. But know this. My ideals and decisions are all for the best of this village. We may differ on certain aspects but that does not mean I will ignore others viewpoints. Advise me if you wish. Show me that there are other ways of proceeding. I'm ready to do what it takes to lead this village and will accept help when it comes. But know that the final decision rests on my shoulders and I can't have you overthrowing that. There's too much as risk." In normal circumstances Kinzoku would have posed a question asking if Yensung understood. But the time for that was over. This time he left no wiggle room for the Jounin to work his way around had a question been posed. 

He took a shift to the general path of the conversation. Not too drastic of a shift as it is a topic that has briefly been brought up by the Nazar. Of course if Yensung made and replies or remarks to Kinzoku's words, he would reply to them as warranted. But there was something else Kinzoku needed to know. One that would allow him to better understand why Yensung did what he did. "Why did you not fight back against Risako?" he asked as he got up from his seat and went to a side bureau containing a platter with water and two glasses. They had been doing quite a bit of conversing. Both would do good in re-hydrating. After filling both glasses, Kinzoku methodically moved back to the desk before placing one glass in front of Yensung on the desk and taking his seat. He took a number of sips from his own glass washing away at the dryness in his mouth before placing the glass down in front of him and awaiting Yensung's reply.

Kinzoku replies were once more not interrupted as he continued to listen. For what it was worth yen did understand well what and why it was that risako chose to kneel. Of course it was through the safe way. Which yen did not deny. But of course it was this very thing that yen and risako had come to butting heads in the past with. Still his replies were till they fully came up to speed with conversation. 

To this yen noted that where kinzoku spoke fully was on that kyson made thevright choice. Perhaps. Granted that suna was stripped of all recongnition as a major force. But that is often the results of such actions. For this yen merely nodded his head in understanding as sure there were points he may have disagreed with.  But not enough to warrent the outright disagreeing of yen. For one without that. Kinzoku would not be here. After all no one can see the future, and could only speculate the possibilities of every course that cpuld be taken.

To that end   yen did not need to press the suna issue over after all it showed clearly kinzoku's stance. In which yen himself perhaps would lean more towards. In his own way of course. Still the awnsers were nothing sort of well made to yen. Which he did not need to press any further.

"As it is noted hokage. I can say that you speak enough to make it so i back you by your word. And of course with it... in time should your actions speak as well as your words. Konoha will not question. I have observed the previous five kage. Yes even as a geninn. And of course. Thdy spoke, but action is what must happen. So eccentially from moment you start till end.  You can say i will gladly stand by you."


Yen stated as he noted kinxoku's question earlier about why he did not fight back against risako. There were many reasons, but he would at most give kinzoku at least an idea. Still it was a bit before he awnsered that.

" however, having that as a note. I will say you have one promise from this. I will not go over step your word on such a hard decision. After all now we simply must move forward.  Just keep what i say fully in mind. See this couldve been prevented about 2 kage ago with ashi inzunka. If they took my word then. Scouts were nessary. Yet we are on our hands you see kinxoku."

Yen stated as he with a kind thank you took the small glass of water and took a small sip of the water. Before continuing. It seemed as if yen naturally was one who enjoyed speaking in full on the subjects at hand. Yet he held the small cup in hand. After a moment of silence he spoke up.

"You like many wonder why i never fought back against risako. It goes back to respect hokage. Sure i overstepped my bounds. But with a man like that....  you never know wjmhat they can do. He plays a deadly game of captilizing on our weaknesses and lacking of strength. So in part. I chose that if she could fight. I would rather see that she was held in a higher light. And her rank under his eyes was upheld. To appease his hunger. Even if i had to take the beating. A shadow will not care.Even if it shrinks away. It still exists. If i must keep her supiriority in check. That was the least i could do to assure that he felt at the most.... appeased that resistence was held at bay by her hand"


But yen went silent as there was a slight shadow of something on his face forming as his single eye gleamed a bit.

" or... seemingly. Resistence was held at bay."

Yen stated as he spoke glancing at kinzoku with a shadow of a grin. But as much as it was there it was gone in a instant as he spoke on.

"Besides. If i did fight back. I would be revealimg too much of my capeabilities. I for one only show cased a few of my abilities thus far. I have and know many things, and with it. There comes a price for we did not fight further. So eccentially i saw no point revealing my cards to the mizukage.... the only person that ever knew my full extent. Was salzem. But now he is gone."

Yen stated.

"I also did not want to hurt risako any further."