Beyond The Walls

The cool breeze of the early morning brushed against the genin of the leaf as he strolled along the fresh paved sidewalk in the Okinaga District. His destination was in clear view, the adminstration building, which housed the infamous Hokage, eclipsed nearly highrise and commerical buildong within the district. Although intimidating, the grand design of it all was quite impressive. A stark reminder to all those who not ony serve, but reside, that the leaf village was safe, secure, and under complete control of kage and it‘s dominating power.

Finally freeing himself of the highly congested foot traffic, which was no surprise at this hour, he makes his way towards the well kept entrance of the administration building. Not a weed in sight, a keen attention to derail was indicative to the point made early about the reach and security of the higher ups. Even now, Okisho, was most probably within sight of a view shinobi. Keeping tabs of who and when each individual passed through these doors was the norm.

However, his reasoning here wasn‘t as nonchalant as the majority who passed through here today. He made arrangements to meet with the higher ups about traveling to the allies of the leaf to get a better understanding about the village in the north; a face value truth to be told indeed. His ulterior motive however, stemmed from the recent events within the Uchiha district. From the questionable Uchiha Council, to the aggressive gentrification, the entire district was in total dismay. He needed a clear head, a break from all of it to proceed further. His one man act of trying to fix everything was getting the best of him.

Finally entering the building, and receiving clearance to scale the many steps towards the office of the Hokage, he now stands infront of the massive well detailed cherrd wood door which led into the oval office. He would give two knocks, and enter when instructed to reveal himself to all within the room.

As for attire, Okisho is considered a minimalist, nothing too flashy and void of any logos. This also includes his Clan emblem, which much of his people love to don out in public. He is usually seen wearing a simple all black shirt, and a pair of dark navy-blue slacks which stop at the top of his ankles. A single ninja pouch concealed underneath his black shirt. The pouch his attached to his black leather belt, fastened on the back right side of his waist. His shoes are standard issued shinobi editions, revealing his toes and back ankles.
—-
TWC/ 431

Despite his promise to himself - no longer doing any form of paperwork in Aokidanza's stead, the silver haired Senju couldn't help but end up performing exactly said tasks. It wouldn't be the first time, nor did it seem to be the last either. Safe to say, Goto had gotten rather used to filling in for the Hokage. "Hm, a couple of repairs to the Inferno Arena, updates on those being hospitalized" the Deputy voiced out loud as he went over the reports laying on the desk. Konohagakure's Culling Games, despite having quite the disappointing outcome, appeared to have affected many Leaf shinobi in any shape or form.

With the tournament's results in mind, Goto had been wondering if there was anything he could come up with in order to stimulate those who found themselves falling short, a way to encourage or make sure they were able to progress. "If anything, we should avoid them losing hope". For some, the exams would have been quite the confrontation, suddenly being confronted with their shortcomings or weaknesses. "Every battle is won before it's ever fought" the silver haired Senju spoke under his breath, referring to how losing the will to fight might as well mean giving up before it had begun.

That being said, the Deputy was able to come up with something for at least one of the Genin who under performed during the Culling Games. On that specific matter, he expected them to arrive any time now. "Speak of the devil, well, a harmless one in this case". Two knocks on the door informed the silver haired Senju of his guest's arrival, a signal they could start their meeting and discuss potential future plans for those involved. "Enter". Assuming the visitor listened and set foot inside the office, Goto would instruct them to take a seat in front of him.

Subsequently, his pearl blue eyes would stare at the young Uchiha before speaking up, wasting little to no time. "Okisho, I take it you are curious as to why I called you here?". Even though he would have at least an idea or the slightest hint of the events that were about to unfold, the Genin probably still wondered about the why, considering his performance in the Culling Games.

(WC: 378)

The door swings open, the slight creaking echoed throughout the infamous oval office as the genin entered. It was his first time, taking in the grand image of the Kage office in person. The pictures he saw while attending the academy did it justice, his mind rapidly placed after images of the many kage who took up office. The image of the Hokage rock displayed by the many wide panoramic windows in the office added weight to the illusion. So much history; the hard choices made in this room that not only paved the path that allowed the village to make its way to present time, but also forged the destiny that gave birth to many prolific noteworthy shinobi that have gone down as one of the greats in Konoha history.

The ghosts of the past roamed around the office, only to converge on the deputy kage, known as, Goto Senju.

The silver haired individual seemed like your everyday average citizen, but still left room for correction as this was his first time meeting the deputy kage. He also seemed like a no nonsense character as he got striaght down to business. An act he most definitely took note of. No doubt the job of the deputy kage was a busy one, it was second only to the Hokage. Okisho, slightly gripping the door upon picking up on the potential gravity of the situation, closes the door behind him softly while keeping eye contact with the kage.

Before he spoke, taking five steps towards the deputy, he thought the kage brought him in for questioning due to the ongoing acts of vandalism and uproar in the Uchiha district. The aggressive rampant gentrication had pushed the limits of the locals. They just couldn’t keep up with all the new foreign money that just kept pouring in. This chance he got with someone in a position of power could reallt help the cause towards whipping the dimishing culture back to shape. He nods slightly in affirmation before speaking.

“That I am, sir. I figured you might’ve wanted more insight on the current events of the Uchiha district, or perhaps, I take it you intend to assign me a task from your own personal agenda; sir.”

He was the deputy of the leaf, although not the kage, he was still awarded powers and tedious tasks that somewhat mirrored the Hokage. It had to be something of note; otherwise a simple mission slip sent to the higher ups would have sufficed. He could only guess due to the Deputy Kage’s first impression.
—-
TWC/ 859

As the young Genin made his way further into the room, Goto noticed a certain sense of surprise. "I'm sure you expected someone else, but alas, Lord Hokage is unable to receive any visitors" the silver haired remained rather vague. What else was he supposed to say? Aokidanza couldn't be controlled, sometimes going days or even weeks without being heard or seen. However, the village seemed to be doing well during its Kage's absence, a sign the Leaf stood strong after all. In the meantime, Okisho took it upon himself to answer his earlier question, mentioning the current state of affairs of the Uchiha District.

Although it wasn't quite the answer he was looking for, it would grant Goto a little more insight on said matter. "Ah yes, I heard the Council has been rather busy" the Senju replied in turn, referring to some of the troublesome rumors that reached many ears. As always, news traveled fast and this would be no different for Konohagakure, especially considering the Deputy's spies informed him of the events taking place in even the smallest spots of the village. "Okisho, I'm a simple man, but it appears someone is making things somewhat complicated. Tell me more about the situation going on in your clan's district". For their sake, it was probably for the best they weren't dealing with Aokidanza, if it was up to him, the Demon would already have burned it down upon finding out.

Assuming the Genin informed him of the details and shared as much information as possible, the silver haired temporarily shifted the topic of their conversation to the main reason as to why Okisho was called over to meet. "Anyhow, about your performance in the Culling Games, I'm sure you were as disappointed as we were?". No point in beating around the bush, cutting right to the chase, that's how Goto would be slowly leading the discussion to its intended direction.

(WC: 322, TWC: 700)

"I'm sure you expected someone else, but alas, Lord Hokage is unable to receive any visitors" - Goto Senju


‘That explains a great deal of what, Relina was talking about. In order to purchase or receive land here, the acting kage has to sign off on any title transfer. However, according to Konoha law someone can do a backdoor method to this, and have the head or heads of the district sign off on title transfers.’, with the deputy confirming that he wasn’t fully aware of the situation, Okisho finds confirmation that the High Uchiha Council is without a doubt responsible.

A sudden brief silence filled the office upon the deputy kage‘s first mentioning of the Uchiha Council. Was this the first mark of progress. Throughout the genin‘s career, his run ins with the suspects and entities he thought responsible were once thought to be a never ending quest. The more he shoved and pushed to gain more insight in this perilous situation, the more elusive the ones responsible grew. That was the problem, they had all the money and the power; he wouldn‘t be surprised if one or more of the infamous daimyo were involved. But now as he continued to hear the now seemingly deputy kage speak, perhsps this was the moment he could break grounds. His heart rung at a faster pace, the anticipation of it all was getting to the young uchiha who took pride in himself when it came to self control.

He nods towards the deputy, before speaking once more. “Sir, I suspect that the Uchiha District is being brought down, from the inside. From the missing persons, to the aggressive real estate aquisition, these symptoms all point towards the council. In my findings, alot of elderly residents who possess deeds to their property have gone missing. Their lands defaulted and seized, only to be sold to out side realty companies. It explains how new highrises and, *groans softly* artisanal coffee chains have been popping up and spreading like weeds. A simple glance towards the district from the Hokage Rock will show you, it does not look the same. The culture, is dwindling.

In the past few days, there have been riots protesting this expansion. Hate groups that are forming because of this, that will do more harm in the future. The village’s entire infrastructure here has been manipulated by the very same entity responsible for the kidnappings. I’m still trying to figure out where the missing people have been taken. My, team…”, he stops for a moment, realizing that he and Relina were the only ones left. Sei, the old man he got close with, was gone. “My partner and I have surmised that Izumo Pharma, the global medical company located in Tea Country, would provide us some answers in finding them.

That is all I know so far.”

After he disclosed any information pertaining to his case, the deputy shifts the subject to the culling games. The air shifted around Okisho, recalling his standings and poor performance. “You’re right, Sir. I didn’t like how it ended.”, he grits his teeth before speaking once more to the deputy kage. Aside from the disclosure of information, he really had no clue as to why he was summoned here. He straightens up his posture, regaining composure and focus before speaking. Although the situation struck a nerve, being raised in a military style setting at home all his life, taught him to control his impulses and remain focus at most times and move on.

“What is it that you want, Sir?”, he said with a monotone.
—-
TWC/ 1,464

Returning to the matter of ongoing chaos in the Uchiha District, the silver haired Senju allowed Okisho to explain the situation and share his side of the story, giving his version of the facts. Doing so, Goto was able to find out they were dealing with a lot of struggle most likely coming from the inside. "Hm, I see". For now the Deputy continued to listen attentively, paying close attention as the Genin proceeded painting a picture. Missing cases, aggressive acquisitions, riots and the rise of certain hate groups, it appeared particular people had been busy. "And you believe the Council is behind all of this? Very well, I'll have them investigated for the time being". It was quite the useful information, and one that could be used to further increase his influence in both the district as well as the village.

Speaking of Konohagakure, the conversation then shifted to the recent Culling Games once more. "Nor did we, but alas". In truth, Okisho wasn't the only one who didn't perform as they had hoped. With that in mind, perhaps it was time for second chances. Hoping it would allow them to rise to the occasion, Goto came up with a couple of individual tasks the Genin could carry out in order to prove they had what it takes after all. "I have a mission for you" the silver haired spoke up before continuing. "As you may or may not know, our Hokage formed an alliance with the village in Lightning Country" the Senju referred to Kumogakure.  

It was hardly top secret nor would it be a mission containing the highest danger risk, however, it still gave Okisho a chance to redeem himself. "Your task is to travel to and inform Kumogakure that we are most grateful for the alliance. Who knows, maybe you'll even be able to receive some information from them as well". Things in the shinobi world had been rather quiet, and Goto knew from experience that those were often the most dangerous times, whatever evil out there using the peace to lurk from the shadows before striking. No one needed to remind him what happened back when rogue ninja tried to take advantage of the same tranquility.

That being said, Goto retrieved two scrolls, one containing a message written inside, as well as one holding a secret of the village. "You'll need these, the letter is for the Raikage" the Senju would hand it over to Okisho, "while this one will allow you to grow stronger". Prominence Burn, a technique that granted its user the ability to surpass their limits for a brief moment. Based on the life philosophy of past Konohagakure legends, it would give each Leaf shinobi the strength to continue fighting against all odds. "Learn it, cherish it. Hopefully you won't be met with a scenario requiring you to activate it just yet". And if such a thing were to happen, the Uchiha better hoped he'd perform better than during the Culling Games.

With both scrolls now in Okisho's possession, the Deputy figured he told him everything he needed to know. "Worry not, you won't be traveling alone" the silver haired remained vague. Even a task as simple as the one given to the Uchiha would require more than a single Genin carrying it out. "Set out on your journey when you're ready, and make sure to return, preferably alive". In case there were any more questions or additional information required, Goto would wait and give the young shinobi a moment to gather his thoughts. After all, it was quite a lot to take in so suddenly.

(WC: 604, TWC: 1304)

[Giving permission to learn Prominence Burn]

‘Yeah, an alliance with the cloud village’, every citizen of the leaf knows the long history between the leaf and the cloud. In fact, one of the past Raikage sat in as active hokage for a brief moment. Ever since the long bloody wars between the sky and fire nations, the two villages havw been connected. Although, there have been gaps in such said alliance, due to new leadership on both fronts. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the union verbally.

“Yes, Sir I do know of this”, he glances over towards the Hokage Rock which was in view due to panoramic widows. Although changed, as there were now only two faces, he could still recall the old faces of the past kage.

Returning his gaze back towards the kage, the deputy would speak more along the lines of, delegation? It would seem Okisho was given the chance to redeem himself by making contact with the Cloud village. Although it sounded simple enough, verbally; the Uchiha was given quite a heavy title as a delegator of the hidden leaf. To add to this, he walks over to the deputy and secures the two scrolls offered to him by the deputy. One granting him safe passage into the village, and the other an investment.

How many opportunities such as this have shinobi of his rank and current standing been granted? There were so many, so many genin who had but one chance to prove themselves. So many willing to kill to rise through the ranks, a mentality that now dwarfed the once infamous will of fire. The village was no longer what the elders have spoke of, a new era of chaos was upon us. But, even small embers can set ablaze great change.

He kneels down on his left knee, bowing his head towards the deputy in deference for giving him another chance to redeem himself. Before he stands up and departs for his mission, he utters a phrase.

“I will serve, I will be of service”
—-
Exit TWC/ 1,796
Trace Element V7 1,796/2,250 (25% discount due to maxed stats)

Okisho Uchiha wrote:‘Yeah, an alliance with the cloud village’, every citizen of the leaf knows the long history between the leaf and the cloud. In fact, one of the past Raikage sat in as active hokage for a brief moment. Ever since the long bloody wars between the sky and fire nations, the two villages havw been connected. Although, there have been gaps in such said alliance, due to new leadership on both fronts. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the union verbally.

“Yes, Sir I do know of this”, he glances over towards the Hokage Rock which was in view due to panoramic widows. Although changed, as there were now only two faces, he could still recall the old faces of the past kage.

Returning his gaze back towards the kage, the deputy would speak more along the lines of, delegation? It would seem Okisho was given the chance to redeem himself by making contact with the Cloud village. Although it sounded simple enough, verbally; the Uchiha was given quite a heavy title as a delegator of the hidden leaf. To add to this, he walks over to the deputy and secures the two scrolls offered to him by the deputy. One granting him safe passage into the village, and the other an investment.

How many opportunities such as this have shinobi of his rank and current standing been granted? There were so many, so many genin who had but one chance to prove themselves. So many willing to kill to rise through the ranks, a mentality that now dwarfed the once infamous will of fire. The village was no longer what the elders have spoke of, a new era of chaos was upon us. But, even small embers can set ablaze great change.

He kneels down on his left knee, bowing his head towards the deputy in deference for giving him another chance to redeem himself. Before he stands up and departs for his mission, he utters a phrase.

“I will serve, I will be of service”
—-
Exit TWC/ 1,796
Trace Element V7 1,796/2,250 (25% discount due to maxed stats)

Approved