TangentOne: My finest writing yet.

TangentTwo: You're just saying that because I had no part in it.

TangentOne: Absolutely, that automatically makes it my best writing.

TangentTwo: Why do you always bully me? *Pouts*

TangentOne: Because I have to get back at you somehow.


I sigh looking towards the gates of my home village, Shimogakure. It had been four years since I left, and I was concerned with my reception back. I walk forward to the guardpost just inside the village's short walls, everything coating in perfect fluffy white snow that falls gently. Once reaching the post, I had warmed considerably. The heat from the special fire in the hearth at the post is potent, and lasts for days on little fuel. The guard looks up lazily from his newspaper, and jumps to his feet upon seeing my face, saluting with a fist to his heart.

"Daiki-sama! No one informed me you would be back today!" The young guard exclaims, cheeks tinted slight pink for being caught lazing on the job.

"That's because I didn't inform anyone of my arrival. Now, though, I'd like you to inform the Reikikage I'm back. Tell him I'll check in with him tomorrow. For tonight," I turn to look at the setting sun. "I'll relax in my old home."

"Absolutely, Daiki-sama! I'll let Arata-sama know of your arrival. Please relax at your home, and congratulations, sir!" The guard finishes, running off to the crow post in the back.

I eye him curiously as he retreats, to my knowledge I had no reason to be congratulated, other than making it home successfully. I shrug it off and walk to my home, an apartment on the third floor of a building next to the academy. Shimo was not a large village by any means, yet it was one that took pride in raising loyal shinobi, even if they were lazy at times. The country the village sat in, The Land of Frost, has had a historical defensive alliance with the country to the northwest, The Land of Lightning, for as long as history could remember. At least, shinobi village history.

My feet crunches through through the snow, I could use chakra to walk on top, but it's just not the same. I received many nods from civilians and salutes to the heart from shinobi and kunoichi. The public here in Shimo largely held me in high regard, for being the sole reason the village still exists from the third Shinobi war. 'Savior of Shimo', they say. I say it was dumb luck, but they never let me hear the end of it.

Over a decade later, I still get gift baskets and offered to dinner from people I've never met who would like to show their gratitude. Four years ago, I set off on my own, wandering the land for any useful information that could prove beneficial for the village. At least, that was the cover. In reality, it was me needing a break from the public attention. Though, now I am back to report on my findings, near a year early. It turns out, I actually missed the place.

I enter the apartment building just as the last light retreats across the horizon, and look toward the steward. The very same who sold me the apartment near a decade ago, some people never change. I walk to him with a small smile on my face, snow littering my features and heavy grey coat.

"Goichi, you still work here? You're getting to be an old fart. Consider retiring." I say jovially to the civilian who smiles broadly back at me.

"Daiki! Gosh, it's been what? Four years? What the hell have you been up to?" The middle aged man replies, ignoring my joke about his age.

"A little of this, a little of that. Shinobi stuff for the village, you know I can't tell you. What I can tell you, is the hot springs just south of here, in the Land of Hot Springs, well, let's just say they live up to the rumors." I reply with a wink.

Goichi chuckles and opens a box behind him with my apartment number on it. He retrieves the key I left and places it on the counter in front of him, which I pocket quickly.

"How long are you in the Village for?" Goichi asks curiously.

I think for a moment before shrugging.

"Probably for the rest of my life." I answer seriously.

He chuckles before slapping my shoulder over the counter.

"Bar your missions, of course!" He gives a hearty laugh at that.

"Yes, yes, bar the missions." I reply with a chuckle and a dismissive wave. "I need sleep, I'll catch you in the morning if you work that shift."

"Actually, we have a new guy working the morning shift, giving me some time off for my little one." He says with a very bright smile.

"Oh, you've had a child? Congratulations, what've you named them?" I ask him.

"Yes, right after you left my wife got pregnant, and he's three going on four this year. We named him after you, actually. For personally saving me and my wife on the road from those bandits." Goichi explains.

I just shake my head, a lot of people have been doing that since the war, though Goichi does have a personal experience and reason.

"I'm flattered, really. Thank you for that." I say gratefully, meaning every word.

As much as I may get tired of the people around here, I love them more than anything else. This village is my family, these people are my family. They mean more to me than my own life, and I will do anything for them.

"We figured you would be, but I just couldn't ignore what you did. Hopefully our son grows up to be half the man you are." Goichi answers happily.

That made me frown, I may have saved the village, but nobody should make the mistake that makes me kind, or a man. I've had my fair share of regrets, believe me.

"He'll grow up to be twice the man, I promise. Now I really must get to sleep, goodnight Goichi." I say with a lazy wave and move back outside to the stairs.

I climb the steps three flights up, stopping in front of my door and turning the lock with the key I picked up from the counter. Once inside, I note the room is spotless, someone had been taking care of it. Likely Goichi's wife, the owner of the apartment building, Lorelei. I chuckle at the thought of the short woman dusting off my high shelves and hang my coat on the hanger at the door.

My apartment was pretty scarce, a bed with nice sheets, a standard bathroom with a shower and toilet. A kitchenette with an island separating it from the bed. I check the fridge, noting it's full of non-perishables. Another thing Lorelei would have done, she really did take care of the tenants. Even if they weren't home, it seemed. I took a cup of yogurt and a spoon from the utensil drawer, lighting the nevercold fireplace opposite my bed and sit down on the edge of the mattress to think.

The only thing that's changed is the populace's age. I muse quietly, finishing the yogurt quickly.

The room warms swiftly, and I release the chakra regulating my temperature. I step to the garbage can and drop the yogurt cup in the bin and wash the spoon quickly. I then made my way to the bed and fell asleep near as fast as my head hitting the pillow.


I awake at the crack of dawn, shower and use the toilet quickly. I change into a fresh set of clothes from my dresser to the right of my bed, and don my hitai-ate, my headband on my forehead. The standard shinobi attire for Shimo was slightly warmer, standard shinobi pants and long-sleeve shirt, the combat vest, and then a chill resistant coat over the top of it all. Our hitai-ate was simple, a large circle in the center and four smaller circles at the cardinal directions from the large circle.

I leave the apartment and am immediately hit with the cold of the morning. I breathe in the air and smile as my lungs accept the air it grew up with. Then I took the shinobi highway to the Reikikage building, getting there quickly and silently. A few shinobi on morning patrol pass me and stop to salute on my way there. Needless to say, when they did I informed them they were neglecting their duties and that got them going real quick.

I recall the pleasant memories I had teasing the younger shinobi with my status, and their near falling apart at being toyed with. Most of the time they didn't notice it was jovial, and that was the best part. I stop at the Reikikage's front door and let myself in. He's practically family, they all are. Once inside I take off my boots and hang the cloak on the hanger, and approach the living room where he would be drinking his morning coffee.

I enter the living room to find it unchanged in the four years I've been gone, even the old man sitting in the middle looked the same. I smile at him, which he returns heartily and stands. Then I notice it, his movements were much slower than they used to be. I tactfully say nothing as I sit down at the armchair to the left when he goes back to his couch.

"It's good that you're back, Daiki. I didn't know how much longer I could wait." He says solemnly.

"Thank you, and to what are you referring?" I ask formally.

"Cut the formality, I'm not getting any younger, and that's the issue. When I let you go on this 'mission', I gave you a stipulation which I told you I would remind you of when you returned." Arata says tiredly, his aging features becoming more apparent to me.

"Yes, you did. Though I recall you never told me what it was." I answer, not liking where this is going.

"Well, you agreed to do it, whatever it was. I've already talked to the Daimyo, and he agrees with me. It's time I retire, and you're taking my place." Arata says easily, dropping the bomb I was hoping to avoid.

I sighed and mulled it over. I would be the youngest Reikikage ever, at twenty five. Though I doubt that would make me the weakest. Namikaze Minato had been twenty when he became Hokage. I inwardly frowned at the mountain of paperwork, and then realized it might not be all that bad. I loved this village, I loved the people. I had a great work ethic when it comes to Shimo, and people here respect me. The only issue is Shimo is a small fish in an ocean of predators, and I'm not sure I could handle them all.

"I don't have a choice?" I ask, knowing the answer already.

"Of course not, you agreed to it before hand. Besides, I know you wanted this position when you were younger, it can't be that bad to be appointed Reikikage." Arata chastises.

"It's not bad, not at all," I quickly reassure the elder. "Would I at least have your counsel on things I needed help in?"

"Absolutely, I would never leave you stranded like that. Though my aide knows about as much as I do in the duties of running Shimo." Arata answers.

"When is the ceremony?" I query, deep in thought.

"One week from now, I already sent word to the Daimyo. He replied saying he will not attend, but plans on meeting you at a later date. I'm announcing my retirement today, and you will announce your acceptance of the position." Arata says with finality, standing and extending a hand.

I stand and take his hand, shaking it firmly and with respect due to the third Reikikage.

"I will miss being your subordinately, Lord Third." I say solemnly.

"I look forward to your reign, Lord Fourth." He says back.


Later that Day - 1600 hours.

Arata and I stood on a large stage in the center of the town with a podium near the front, surrounded by nearly the whole village. If they weren't in the center, they lined the streets back miles. We were using a very basic jutsu to carry our voices to every ear in the village, even if you weren't participating, you would hear it.

"I have some sad news, but along with it comes good news. First the bad, I, Samuke Arata, am retiring from the position of Reikikage," Arata voices, a gasp came from the crowd collectively. Most had assumed he was as healthy as ever. "However, that does not mean we will be without leadership. A week from now we will hold the ceremony of the Hat Passing for our new Reikikage. Yes, it is the man you see next to me, Kōrino Daiki, the savior of our village, and Daiki of the Ice. He has proven excellent service in the past, a clear, decisive mind, and a fierce loyalty to this village. Shimogakure no Sato is his home, and he is determined to protect it." Arata finishes his speech and steps back.

I step forward and clear my throat, making sure to subdue the jutsu for that action. When ready, I begin addressing the crowd.

"Fellow citizens and shinobi of Shimo, I may have been absent for the past four years, but that does not mean I had abandoned you. In my own, special way, I was helping Shimo advance itself, as much as one man can do. What Arata has said is true, I will be taking the hat next Tuesday. If anyone feels that they may serve the position better, or has a problem with me leading our village, speak now. I will listen, and I will answer." I say clearly.

A small amount of rumbling came from the crowd, but after two minutes, no one stepped forward to denounce me. I smiled and nodded.

"Wonderful. I love this village, as much as Arata-sama does, as much as any of you do. Just as Lord Third said before me, this is my home, yes. More importantly, this is our home, and I intend to defend it to the last drop of my blood. This is our family, take a good look around you. Every person who shares your shoulder contributes in one way or another to Shimo, that makes them your peer. In shimo, our peers are our family, we have a tight bond here and we protect and love our own. Stand with me next Tuesday, and we can protect and serve our home together!" I yell at the crowd, which erupts into applause and various forms of cheering.

I cancel the jutsu and turn to Arata, noting a few less worry lines on his face.

"Thank you, Daiki." He says sincerely.

"I hope to live up to your expectations, Arata." I reply.


One week later, Tuesday - 1400 hours.

Me and Arata stood on the very same stage as last, at the very same podium. Yet this time, Arata was garbed in his full uniform, a heavy white wool cloak with a black strip at the bottom with his Kage hate, a bright teal color. I had been made my own Kage cloak, and was wearing that instead of my standard jounin cloak. It looked the same as Arata's, but instead of a black stripe, I have a teal one. It was a very high thread count, and was the most comfortable cloak I had ever worn. What's better is it had a seal in between the layers of wool that regulated the temperature to a nice seventy six at all times, even in the sun.

Arata stood forward toward the podium, clearing his throat and beginning the ceremony. It was largely informal, and generally quick, a Kage doesn't have the time to spare.

"My citizens, I impart on you my good wishes and prayers for your safety in health. Though I know I can abate any fears whilst I look at the new generation, and with the new Reikikage. I will impart on him my hat, signifying his leadership of the village. To those who still have doubts, wash them away now, Daiki may be young, but he's not stupid. He will always take the best action for Shimo, even if it may not seem like it. I will still be around to help him where he needs, though I don't expect to do much.

"With all that said," He turns to me and takes off his hat. He takes a few steps back, effectively opening up the podium for me, which I take instantly. "Here's to the new Reikikage! Here's to Shimogakure no Sato's prosperity! And here's to a long and successful sitting!" He yells, after each exclamation the crowd roars in agreement.

When he places the hat on my head, the crowd turns deafening from their incessant cheering. Somewhere in the south side, a woman starts chanting my name and the crowd picks it up quick. I let them chant for a minute before raising a single palm, silencing the crowd instantly.

"Honestly, I'm conflicted." I begin, to the crowd's stress filled intake of air. "I don't know whether I should be excited for my post, or worrying about the amount of gift baskets I'll get at my apartment now." I continue, and a few laughs rang out from those who knew the joke.

Arata just shook his head with a smile.

"Regardless, I'm deeply honored that the Daimyo gave this position to me, by all accounts I'm sure someone else would have been better. I have a long day ahead of me, catching up with all the issues I missed on my journey. Worry not, however, I will see to them and let me tell you one thing, if nothing else. I will not let you down, you have my word." I promise, and the crowd roars again, which died quickly down to hooting and clapping.

I raised my hand and waved before body-flickering away to my new office in the administrative wing at the academy, essentially abandoning my previous Kage. I took to my seat, keeping the cloak on for ease, and checked over the top priority files. I sighed aloud just before Arata's aide walked through the door wondering if she still had a job. I quickly told her she can keep her job, and to help me with maintaining the village making her smile brightened considerably.

I am in way over my head. I muse peacefully, letting the stress build on my shoulders.