Chapter one: Red and Blue tempers
Tsunade started hitting her head against her desk.
-That's not going to solve the problem, Tsunade-sama! It's almost noon! These files aren't going to sign themselves! said Shizune sternly.
-You're right. responded Tsunade .She opened one of her desks drawers and attempted to take a sip from a bottle labeled "Sake".
-Tsunade-sama!!
Someone knocked at the door. Tsunade ignored the knock, trying to drink with one hand and wrestle Shizune with the other. The knocks grew louder with every second until a vein in Tsunade's temple started to pulse.
-WHAT IS IT NOW?!
The scream echoed around Konoha. A few "what the hell?"'s and "are you mad?"'s followed a few minutes later and then a loud crack signaling that Tsunade had managed to break her 2 days-old desk in two.
-Tsunade, if you keep making that face you'll have wrinkles by the time you're 110…Which is not that far away actually…
The man who had spoken then quickly added, seeing that Tsunade was about to explode:
-Mizukage has assured me that there will be no foul play this time.
-This time? shouted Tsunade. It's been 6 months since the Akatsuki attack. We are still weak.
-Exactly... (said the old man with an expression of triumph). Because we are weak we have to ally with The Water Country.
-How many times has Water deceived us? Do you think that I would endanger Konoha? I am a responsible Hokage, said Tsunade, drinking from her bottle of Sake.
The man raised an eyebrow.
"REALLY? Creditors are still demanding money from Konoha because someoneborrowed enormous amounts of money and lost them gambling."
-I have no idea who you're referring to said Tsunade with her eye twitching. She started shuffling her papers.
-It's settled then. I urge you to find a Konoha ambassador. We only have two days. The council needs to prepare that person …as he or she will have the chance to participate in one of the greatest shinobi allegiances. We'll have to teach the future ambassador manners, the way to dress, protocol. You should be present as well; God knows you need some polishing yourself.
The man left quickly, taking advantage of the fact that Tsunade had temporarily lost her ability to speak. That was a smart move. Soon after, the already broken desk had become a mere pile of splinters.
But Tsunade had to do it. She was not content, but she had no choice.
-Shizune, call Sakura. Oh…and I need a new desk.
The clock on the wall signaled that it was about 6:30. It was raining outside, a summer rain with small drops. The rhythm was soothing in a way. Over and over again.
Konohagakure ……… Kirigakure
Over and over again. Tic-tac. Tic-tac. The clock in Dekiko Sousui's room maintained a constant rhythm. Then, a soft pounding came from the window. A messenger bird was hitting the glass with its beak. Dekiko opened her eyes and quickly rose from the bed. She opened the window, letting the bird in. She then took the piece of paper that was tied to the bird's leg and read it under the moonlight. It took only two minutes to get dressed and to get to the Mizukage's office. The kunoichi knocked at the office door with utmost care.
-Mizugake-sama did you want to see me..?
-Hai…Dekiko you are assigned on a mission … The Water Country will make a treaty with Konoha… I know that the last time we tried to ally with Konoha it didn't work…but I'm sure this time we can make peace between the two countries…
-Hai… but what is my role in all of this…?
-I was getting there…Dekiko I fully trust you so I'm making you the new ambassador … but there still lays a problem…
-What?
-We cannot fully trust Konoha…we have some spies there that will tell us their true intentions… but their answer will come in a week so you have to stall… to allow us to receive their report…
………………………………………………………………………………………………
-So, I trust that you fully understand your mission, Dekiko, said a rather imposing man wearing a blue straw hat.
-Yes, Mizukage-sama.
-I suggest you pick Arashi and Masaki…as your teammates
-Mizukage-sama…a thin woman with long black hair said.
-What is it?
- Ikazuchi Masaki has been found unconscious in his house, Mizukage-sama. They suspect that he was poisoned, but they do not know who the attacker is.
-WHAT?
-Ikazuchi Masaki has…….
-I heard what you said. Give me the list of available shinobis in the village.
-Yes Mizukage-sama.
The man examined the list and frowned. He could choose only one person.
-You're new teammate is Naoko Hara.
-Yes, Mizukage-sama. The girl left the room quickly, not before making a bow. She walked out of the building with a preoccupied face, biting her lip while wondering why the Mizukage would select such a weak ninja to accompany her and Arashi.
The Mizukage was deep in thought. It is unfortunate that I had to replace Masaki. The three of them are my most trusted, ready to do anything. But that silly Naoko Hara is not going to realize what's happening until it will be too late.
Outside, the sun had already risen and people were beginning their daily routines while talking about the news: Water was intending to ally with Leaf.