The Mizukage Arrives, but not on a Golem

The Kage arrived at the gates immediately after. Ayato Hyuuga, the Seventh Hogokage, stood proud and tall. He was waiting to hear the report. As the guard approached Ayato, he relayed the information to the Hogokage. Ayato listened attentively, his expression growing more severe as he absorbed the details of the man's statement. He understood the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action.

"Thank you for relaying this information," Ayato said to the guard. "It seems we have a serious breach in our village. We cannot afford to let this go unchecked. Please gather a team of skilled shinobi, including Seto, and prepare them for a mission to locate the escaped ninja and bring them back to face justice."

The guard nodded and quickly left to carry the orders, leaving Ayato and Akabayashi alone at the gates. Ayato turned to the Mizukage, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

"Akabayashi, it appears we have traitors in our midst," Ayato said. "We must act swiftly to protect our village and its people. I will join the mission personally to ensure its success. We must uncover the full extent of this betrayal and bring those responsible to justice."

They could not let this act of treason go unpunished. Hoshi's safety and honor are at stake. 

With their resolve firm, Ayato and Akabayashi set the necessary preparations for the mission in motion. They would gather a team of skilled shinobi, gather more information from Seto, and plan their approach to Rice country, where the escapees were last seen. The journey would be difficult, but with their combined expertise and determination, they were determined to bring the culprits to justice and restore the security of Hoshi village.

[WC: 270]

"Ah, yes, the oufit," Ayato replied to the vulture. The Kage had hoped to discuss this matter with more privacy. However, their common past had shown that, albeit the Doctor shared Ayato's ideals of security, he was much more eager to cut to the chase. "Akabayashi, you dressed in Mizukage robes can only mean that the liberation of Kirigakure was a success. You have a village to lead, and I have a vacancy in the Nova Corps."  The Hyuuga said to the taller man. When they had met in that abandoned mill during that operation all those years ago, Akabayashi's figure towered the teen Ayato like a mountain; now, they were nearly the same height, albeit the Doctor was still a couple of inches taller. Funnily the Hogokage hadn't noticed before; how odd.

"On behalf of the people of  Hoshi, whose lives were threatened with an unsolicited attack by heads of the previous Kiri Regime, you have my thanks. It also warms my heart to know that the survivors who settled in Haven since the days of our founder see it as a success and find solace in it." He paused momentarily, reflecting on their village's shared history and bond and the weight of which now fell on their shoulders. The liberation of Kirigakure was a significant event that impacted the original village of the old and its diaspora. 

"Hoshi and Kirigakure have long-standing ties rooted in our founder Denkiteki Hayato's vision. We must uphold that legacy and ensure the prosperity and security of both villages. I am committed to working closely with you and the people of Kiri to forge a stronger alliance and safeguard our shared interests."

Ayato's expression hardened yet again when Akabayashi mentioned a defender of Kiri would be waking in a hospital with one eye short—a defender who bore his family's last name and bloodline. He understood the insinuation; both had been swimming in that pond long enough to know how the fish was gutted.  

"I am confident you will bring the defender who bravely fought to recover from all injuries. During the Suna Summit three years ago, I learned of the invasion of Kiri and Konoha. The terms the victor, the old Kiri regime imposed, were so harsh that Konoha was finished and ruined financially. One does not do that to defeat the foe. That should be the end once your man is on the canvas. We have to hold our hand and give them a fair chance. This is not a matter of me stepping on your toes, but now that you have a village under your command, I trust you to act in a manner worthy of the calling you've been called to."  

"You'd be surprised at the tangled mess some people leave behind. Desertion has fallen on sad days." The mission to apprehend the two fugitives who fled to Rice country could take a step back. If it was the abandoned wasteland that Akabayashi described, it was likely that two low-rank ninjas without combat expertise or successful Hunters on their belt would be chewed out by it sooner than later.

As Tsuna joined the conversation, accompanied by his trusted animal companion, a golden lion - Ayato acknowledged his presence with a nod, recognizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for their combined efforts.

"Tsunayoshi, it's good to see you," Ayato replied. " we have discovered a security breach in Hoshi. It seems that a ninja within the village aided in the escape of another ninja who had abandoned their duties. We cannot tolerate such betrayal. I trust your judgment in dealing with this matter." Tsuna's reputation as the Omen of the battlefield and his ability to see and hear all within the village made him a valuable asset in these critical times. Ayato knew he stood a better chance of swiftly resolving the situation and preserving the security and integrity of their village.

Investigate Isaribi Uchiha thoroughly and ascertain whether she knowingly or unknowingly aided in the escape. Depending on the outcome, appropriate measures will be taken. All in your judgment and authority as a man of the Nova Corps." 

[WC: 696]

Ayato listened to Akabayashi's remarks, not taking offense to his comments about being a bureaucrat. He understood the different roles they played and the need for both diplomatic leaders and individuals like Akabayashi, who excelled in covert operations.

"I appreciate your perspective, Akabayashi," Ayato nodded. "Indeed, leadership requires different skills and approaches. We each have our roles to fulfill, and Kiri is not the kind of village that one can rule with one hand open for loyalty unless the other is clutched around a weapon. As such, I can hardly imagine anyone more suited to the task than you."

As Akabayashi suggested the idea of a teleportation method using the Flying Thunder God array, Ayato's interest was piqued. The notion of an alliance between  Hoshi and Kirigakure had also been on his mind, and such a transportation network could strengthen their ties significantly. The potential benefits of such a transportation network between Hoshi and Kirigakure were clear to him, and he saw it as an opportunity to strengthen the alliance between their villages.

"That's an intriguing proposal," Ayato said, considering the possibilities. "A teleportation network between our villages would foster closer cooperation and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources." He paused momentarily, contemplating the logistics and implications of such a network. While it held immense potential, he knew they must tread carefully to ensure its safe and responsible use.

"However, we must also consider the security and control of such a network," Ayato continued, then considered his concerns. The Flying Thunder God technique is powerful and advanced, and its implementation would require careful planning and oversight to prevent misuse or unauthorized access. "I am open to exploring this further. Let us discuss the details and logistics in more depth shortly. And I will gladly bring the secret jutsu from Kiri to Hoshi for our shinobi to learn."

Ayato listened intently as Akabayashi recounted the events in Kirigakure and the unexpected turn of events. Though it sounded unusual, Ayato trusted Akabayashi's judgment and ability to handle such situations. And it didn't have to be pretty, and war seldom was; history books only remembered the victory. 

"Thank you for sharing the details," Ayato said; more than needed to know, he didn't say. "Your unorthodox approach led to a successful outcome. We all face unexpected challenges in military missions, and how we adapt and overcome them truly matters."

As the doctor whispered the Storm Barrier password, Ayato focused on memorizing it, understanding the importance of maintaining secure communication channels. He nodded in acknowledgment.

"Sounds like you put all your creativity in that password," Ayato said. "Rest assured; I will utilize it responsibly when needed. You can go ahead, and I will follow suit once I sort out a few other matters. "  He handed Akabayashi a box where a pair of sinister gauntlets were stored, marked with a seal by Ayato. With their conversation coming to a close, Ayato and Akabayashi would prepare for their upcoming missions and discussions.

Ayato observed Tsuna's determination and willingness to take responsibility for the security breach. He recognized the weight of Tsuna's role as the eyes and ears of the village and understood that even with his abilities, it was impossible to be everywhere at once.

"No need to blame yourself," Ayato reassured him. "We all have our limits, and it's impossible to anticipate every situation. Foes and false friends are all around us. They infest our village like roaches. How we address it matters now and ensure they don't crawl on our skin at night."

He appreciated Tsuna's commitment to seeking out Isaribi Uchiha and gathering information. As the Omen of the battlefield, the Nova nickname he took great pride in, Tsuna had an innate ability to perceive things beyond the surface, which could prove invaluable in uncovering the truth behind the security breach.

"Thank you, Tsuna," Ayato replied. "Your insights and instincts will be crucial in this investigation. Approach Isaribi Uchiha cautiously, and let us know if you uncover anything significant." As the conversation turned to Akabayashi's request to share memories of chakra signatures, Ayato understood the importance of collaboration and information sharing among their shinobi.

"Akabayashi, I see no issue in sharing the memories of chakra signatures between you and Tsuna," Ayato stated. "It could aid in tracking down the two shinobi who fled. Collaboration and information exchange is key in times like these."

He looked at Tsuna, his expression earnest. "And so is Ryo. Village resources will be at your disposal. When you are ready, go." He trusted his judgment in this matter. If sharing chakra signature memories would resolve these issues swiftly and effectively, so be it. Ayato remained confident that with their combined efforts and expertise, they would be able to apprehend the individuals responsible for the breach and ensure the safety and security of their village.

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WC: 847
TWC: 1813

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Claims:  

Petrification Gauntlets to Akabayashi