Taking the Initiative [Rice -> Hot Springs]

Keeping a low profile, Reizo cautiously entered the territory of the Hot Springs. Many of the inhabitants around him were old and wealthy, but Reizo had no interest in that. He knew as a Missing Nin now that he must always take precautions, so he quietly masked his chakra to that of a normal citizen. He even went so far as to turn his Akatsuki cloak inside out so that it only appeared as a long black overcoat or cloak instead of displaying the iconic red clouds.

Almost all of the people whose conversations he overheard appeared to be tourists, many of whom were visiting from the neighboring Island Country across the Kaizoku Sea. As he eavesdropped, he learned about the recent news of a change in leadership in Kirigakure. Reizo contemplated for a moment- he was a missing nin now, but he had never been to Island Country or Kirigakure. Furthermore, a change in leadership could be the perfect opportunity to make himself known to the new regime and perhaps gain favor and shelter as an official village ninja.

He really didn't like his name and reputation being associated with criminality, especially when he had done no real crimes to speak of. Reizo's only crimes were escaping a village destruction that he had hardly ever set foot in, let alone served, and for being affiliated with the notorious old regime of Kumo that had since shifted power several times. In that time, the boy had grown into a man and had been wandering the neighboring minor territories; he hadn't considered that it would eventually come to be considered desertion or dereliction.

Kirigakure was one of the few locations Reizo felt he could still set a first impression at and have a chance to be respected in a neutral manner. His old home, Kumogakure, did not take kindly to deserters so that was out of the question. Sunagakure had open hostilities with Kumogakure at the time of Youka, Maku, and Akihana that resulted in regicide of the Kazekage AND Reizo had even been moreorless present for that too. Hoshi and Kumo were allies for a short while following Akihana's wedding, but the relationship soured and left a bad taste in Reizo's mouth so he had little desire to see what had become of Haven in the last 5 years. Not only that, but it was literally on the other side of the world and would involve Reizo traversing treacherous lands. The only other potentially neutral major village would be Konoha, but Reizo knew all too well how close Suna and Konoha were at the time of Koroshi and he had no desire to test whether they would recognize him as a friend or ally.

With all that considered, Reizo decided it was time to take his chances and head to Kirigakure. Reizo made his way to the Hot Springs with every intention to purchase a ticket and board a ship to Island Country to meet this new Mizukage of Kirigakure.

[Exit to Hot Springs]

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Claims:
Exit Rice Country and Enter Hot Springs
500 words;
5 stats to Speed
500 words to Jotun Grip bringing the total to 641/1000

Used:
Chakra Mask B-rank 35 power, -29 AP (30 *.95 chakra control discount)
291 / 320 AP remaining

Approved.