An Anticipated Audience (P, Kinzoku)

As he was finished speaking Minato looked over and noticed how Kinzoku had pulled out a lighter and a cigar and started to smoke as he was clearly enjoying the taste and smell of it. Maybe it made him feel more at ease, standing atop the roof of the Hokage Chambers. Surrounded by the many faces of the Hokage, former and present, as well by the peaceful and beautiful environment that was called Konohagakure no Sato. But the way the Nazar was talking suggested there was more to Konoha than just how it looked on the outside. It seemed the Leaves of the Hidden Village were not without torns. Even though his Hokage said he didn't want to bore him with the village's politics it gave Minato an idea of what he was referring to. The young Uchiha knew about the daimyō, also called the feudal lords each and every country has. They are the ones responsible for all decisions concerning their country, and are therefore one of the single most important individuals in the entire country and hold the highest degree of political power. "Sitting in their ivory tower, not aware of what really takes place in the countries they believe is theirs but still needing our protection .." he would mention them. 

The topic changed back to the Uchiha and how they refused to partake in the defense of Konohagakure no Sato from Kirigakure's invasion. Only a couple of them chose to fight, one of them being someone Minato was well familiar with, Uchiha Kisuke. "Ah, Kisuke sensei. He has quite a unique way of words" he would say while smiling. All jokes aside he was aware of the struggles between his clan and his village and he regretted the fact that his fellow clan members didn't do much to protect the village but there was nothing he could do about it now. "I was still an Academy student at the time and was excluded of everything going on when the event took place. It only proves we still have a long way to go." 

The Nazar would then mention they were in need of someone who held both the village's and the clan values, who could rid the Uchiha of its dark past. Someone who would claim the position of clan leader. And for that "someone" he was looking at Minato. Having those words bestowed upon him the young Genin received a feeling of pride, acknowledgement, recognition. Leading his clan was only one of his dreams so far and which he didn't thought possible but with even the Hokage standing behind him and deeming him capable of leading there was a new kind of fire that had started to rise inside of him. Even though he had Kinzoku's support Minato knew they wouldn't follow him that easy as he was still lacking the power people often refer to as why they decide to follow someone. "How do you lead someone who doesn't want to be led? What makes one a good leader?" So far the only times he acted as a leader was when he went on a mission with a couple of younger shinobi, as the older and more experienced person he knew he was the one who needed to take responsibility. Acting as a shield for his comrades and bringing them home safely. Ensuring the safety of those who follow you is also a part of being a leader. As he was still lacking in the field of both power and experience the young Uchiha had to find other ways to lead. "I intend to lead by example, show them the way." he said smiling.

(WC: 610, TWC: 4111)

Kinzoku glanced over to the Uchiha ever so slightly as he spoke about those sitting luxuriously in their towers ruling over the entire land while using the shinobi for their own protection. He seemed to speak with disdain towards the party of mention. In this case said party was no doubt the Daimyo. He understood why someone like Minato would do so as it so often seemed like they lords did remain hidden within their towers. But their job was no easy one and for that Kinzoku never judged them, too much. "They will always need our protection" Kinzoku added in an attempt to help bring a little perspective. "It's what we signed up for. To protect those who cannot protect themselves. That includes the lords of the land, whether we agree with their decisions or not. We can't discriminate on who deserves our protection or not."

As the conversation slowly progressed, Minato's remarks about Kisuke Uchiha forced a few chuckles out of the Nazar, smoke from the cigar being expelled with each exhale. "He does have a way with his words" Kinzoku agreed while placing the cigar back in between the pointer and middle finger of his right hand. He began thinking back to the time he had briefly trained the Chuunin Uchiha. He witnessed the power welled up inside the Uchiha and the potential for growth. It only made him wonder if all the members of the Uchiha clan possessed such power and capability. He looked back at Minto this time keeping his sights on the young Uchiha. "You should keep an eye out for Kisuke. Not only can you learn a thing or two from him but if you ever decide to become the head of your clan, I've got a feeling he may be your competition. You're both striving for power. It only a matter of time before one of you obtains it."

The Genin mentioned that he was but an Academy Student at the time of Kiri's attack, to which Kinzoku nodded to him before placing his cigar back between his lips and held it there inhaling from time to time. It meant that Minato was likely taken into the secret tunnels within the Hokage mountain along with the citizens of the village. That was good. It also meant the young Uchiha had not been there to witness the brutality that occurred that night. That he had not seen the shinobi of Konoha all partake in the execution of one of their own. Although word spread like wildfire and caught quickly. He had no idea whether Minato knew of the events that night and did not bother to ask. If he knew, then he would know what Konoha needed to grow to in order to prevent something like that from happening ever again. If he didn't know then it meant he still had lots to learn about the true nature of the world he lived in.

The conversation eventually reached the heart of what Kinzoku was getting at. After he spoke to Minato and told him that he had a choice to make, he noticed a slight change in his demeanor. No doubt the young Uchiha was feeling some sort of pride. But he gave no indication on whether he knew which choice he preferred. Which he was more inclined to lean towards. He instead asked how does one lead if there are those who do not want to be lead. He followed up by responding to his own question, stating he would lead by example. It forced Kinzoku to smile, retrieving his cigar yet again. "If it were as easy and giving you a simple answer then everyone could do it" Kinzoku replied, informing Minato that there was no easy way to lead others. "Leading by example is a good way to start though. Building trust is another. People will be more willing to follow those they trust to make the right decisions. Someone they can trust their own lives with. Building those bonds starts now with your peers. Another obvious one is to gain power and strength. It's easier to get people to follow you if you've proven you have the strength to do so."

A few chuckles followed by a heads up Kinzoku gave the young Uchiha a small warning about the latter's sensei, Kisuke Uchiha. How he should keep an eye out for him since Minato wasn't the only one looking for power and who's aim might be to become head of the Uchiha. The young boy was aware how Kisuke thought about the clan and what he wanted to achieve as it were the same feelings he shared with Minato. Both of them wanted the best for both their village and clan. "Kisuke and I have been talking about our clan a couple of times and it seemed we both want the same thing. If it means our clan is able to return to its former glory I wouldn't mind leaving the leadership to him. But I intend to fight for the sake of the Uchiha, no matter who I'll have to face." 

The Nazar would then advice the young Uchiha on how to lead and the different approaches there were in doing so. Building trust was one of the few ways of becoming a good leader as people would be more willing to follow those they trust, someone's hands they could put their lives in. Another one was to gain power. When people notice you have the strength required to lead it will be easier for them to follow since you have proven yourself more than capable and worthy of their trust. Both ways seemed valid to Minato and he had a difficult time deciding on which one he would choose. He wanted people to put their trust in him but the young Uchiha also wanted to become strong enough for people to recognize his strength and acknowledge his abilities to lead. So he figured: why not both? "I want to become someone people look up to. A man deserving of their trust. A man capable of showing others the way. Not only do I want to become that certain someone, I also want to become powerful enough so people come to me for help, to defend those who cannot defend themselves." And with those words both the Hokage and Genin were now standing atop of the Hokage Chambers, surrounded by those who needed defending and those who already gave their lives in doing so. 

(Exit)
(TWC: 4495)
(Claims:
- 2400 towards Sharingan 2nd tomoe putting it at 4000/4000 (previous progress here)
- 2000 towards Chakra Sensory (Kinzoku's signature if allowed)
- 22 stats

Kinzoku listened closely as Minato spoke about how he and Kisuke have spoken with one another about their clan. About on their both on the same page in wanting to restore their clan's glory. He mentioned how he wouldn't mind leaving the role of leadership to Kisuke if it meant everything would turn out for the best. He remained silent to these words. Everything would unravel in do time. Whether he would give up a role of power when the opportunity came was another thing. It as an easy thing to say now. But when faced with the situation, power was always a tantalizing thing. One day Minato may figure that out for himself. With that Minato gave his final words, wanting to be someone who could essentially lead and protect those in need. By the sounds of it Minato was speaking like a shinobi who one day wished to be Hokage. Maybe one day he just might be. "Keep on down this path" Kinzoku spoke up. "Through trials and tribulation you will prove yourself. There are no shortage of those." With that Kinzoku returned to enjoying his cigar and the view with a fellow shinobi of the village. During this respite, he slipped a Flying Thunder God seal onto the railing marking yet another location in the village to provide easier access for himself. For the first time during the encounter silence had taken over their conversation. A good silence. One that allowed them to take in the beauty of the village, the blowing of the wind, the rustling of the leaves.

[Exit]
TWC: 4777
Memorized Minato's chakra
FTG seal placed on rooftop
2125 words into Steel Release: Guardian (3337/3337)
Banking remaining 2652 words

@Minato approved

@Kinzoku Y-you do know that Guardian still hasn’t been approved, right?

Now that its actually approved
TWC: 4777 2652 
Memorized Minato's chakra
FTG seal placed on rooftop
2125 words into Steel Release: Guardian (3337/3337)
2250 words into Split Second A rank (2250/2250)
402 words into Temporary Paralysis (402/750)

Ok