"Are we getting anywhere?" Junshin asked.
Aoba shook his head, running a hand through his brown hair. He seemed to be staring into space, and Junshin waited patiently. "I don't understand it. They say they want peace, but they're letting pettiness take hold. They also are inexperienced in dealing with anything resembling a crisis."
"And they won't let you help?" The former Rock ninja asked.
"They're embarrassed."
Aoba and Junshin turned to see Yukino walk in from a wing with her arms wrapped around several tall, thin bottles. She was beaming with triumph, and he liked the way it brightened her features and his own mood.
"None of the civil servants seemed intent on the most immediate needs, so I went foraging." She said by way of explanation. She handed each of her friends a bottle, popped off the top of another, and took a long gulp. Aoba followed suit and was rewarded with a thick, cool drink clearly flavored with some local nectar. It was mostly tart, but quite refreshing.
"The first order…survival." Aoba muttered to himself. He took another long pull from the bottle and then replaced the top. "Embarrassed by what?"
"This was a centennial celebrating cooperation, and all you've seen is the death and bickering."
"Actually, they seem more like their homeland counterparts than anyone here will admit." Junshin said.
"Is there a root cause to the belligerence?"
"Nothing I know of, Aoba-sensei. They feel superior to the rest of the world and act accordingly." Yukino said.
"Many races act superior to their peers." Kaida said. "The bellicosity usually is deeply ingrained from some act in their past."
"Any food, Yukino-san?" Gintokin asked?
"Nothing I could find." Yukino answered. "I'm sure it's on someone's list."
Aoba turned away from their conversation and watched the councilors. They continued to mill about, talking in ever changing clusters, and nothing was being accomplished. A country full of people were being turned against one another, and no one seemed able to act.
"Do you have any plans yet?" Aoba asked them, hoping his direct question would crystallize their thinking.
Kazuko sadly shook his head. Aoba felt for the man, who was clearly not cut out to be a leader.
"When can Yukino visit the three remaining subjects? It's imperative we explore every avenue."
"Now is as good a time as any." Kazuko said.
"Yukino, you and Kaida go over to the facility. Do not have any physical contact, is that understood?"
Yukino's eyes glittered, and she gave him a tight smile. "Absolutely. We'll be fine." She gestured to Kaida. They both walked out of the room and out of sight. Aoba envied them, to a degree.
"How can Konoha stop this?"
"My doctor is working to determine the cause, you know that." Aoba said.
"What can we do, Kazuko-sama?" an older Beigun asked.
"That, Cholei, is something we need to settle, and quickly, I would imagine." Kazuko replied.
"Fine sentiments," Aoba said. "But you need actions to back them up."
Aoba found it odd that even some of the most basic steps seemed beyond the government. The reports indicated this was a highly advanced country, but the reality seemed far from that.
"Our medics have found nothing."
"Do they even know what to look for?" Aoba asked. "They're trained aren't they?"
The conversation was deteriorating as wounded pride clouded better judgment, and Aoba once more felt stymied because the people preferred talk to action. What he had not noticed was that other clusters of people spoke amongst themselves, ignoring Kazuko's group, and suddenly the discussion began to get louder.
"Martial law should be ordered." A female Shokei said.
"Absolutely not." Countered a Beigun male.
"We need to contain this, and sending people home is the only way." Called another.
"And that would close the stores, stop the shipping of supplies and incite more fear that is necessary." A woman countered.
"An economy can be rebuilt. We can't animate the dead."
"Dead! You expect more murders?"
"If you cannot contain this, more people will die." Junshin interjected.
Kazuko turned to Aoba, a pained look in his eyes. The Jonin felt pity for him, a man out of his element, but shoved that aside and concentrated on the need to govern the country. Once more he beckoned Kazuko aside and stepped close so no one else could hear him. Junshin and Gintokin had picked up on the action and positioned themselves to block the other councilors from coming closer.
"A Konoha Jonin is used to adversity." Aoba said softly, but with firm conviction. "I am trained to react quickly when circumstances demand. I recognize that's different from running a country. There are towns, cities, areas, and two different clans trying to coexist here. Until recently, you have never been asked to take drastic action to secure the country's safety. I recognize the difficult time you are all having. I am sympathetic and my team is committed to staying and helping as best we can. But we are not here to run the country for you. The people elected the Council to lead, and you were elected to be the speaker to lead the Council. Earn that trust and provide a vision and a voice. Lead the people away from violence and buy us time we need to find the cause of this outbreak. Stop the fear anyway you know how. It might be martial law; it might be more stringent work conditions. I don't know this country. You do. Use that unique knowledge and put it to work."
Yogensha, Seika and Satori arrived in another area. The sun was already low on the horizon, painting the clouds with golden hues. "In another few weeks, the grains will be ready for harvest and then stored for the winter." Yogensha explained as they dismounted from their horses.
Seika knelt and ran his hand through the loamy soil, trying to recall the last time he had a chance to actually enjoy another country.
"This is one of the oldest establishments in the country." Yogensha said. He led the two ninjas toward a narrow, long, one story building with a weather vane located on the roof. "The people here pride themselves on that. Recently they've developed some new hybrid grain from Beigun and Shokei plants. This farm is the first to try it out. The grain is called Toitsu, and the yield is expected to be nearly twice that of normal grains."
"Very symbolic." Satori said looking around.
"Yes."
They arrived at the front porch, a wooden platform that was just one step off the ground. Four chairs were arranged artfully on either side of the door, with an elaborately carved wooden table to the right of the door. A pitcher of something sat on the table, with six blue glasses carefully arranged in a semicircle around the drink. It was clear they were expected.
Confirming Seika's observation, the door smoothly opened and an older woman appeared, wiping her hands on a towel and smiling a welcome. She seemed to Satori to be in fine health. A hand shot out from behind her and an excited teen emerged.
"You must be from Konoha. I'm Rinji and this is our farm."
Seika and Satori broke into happy smiles and shook the hand, pleased not to be in any danger for a change.
"Kusa Seika. Jonin."
"Shiranui Satori. Jonin."
The ranks seemed to impress the teen.
"And I'm his mother, Ririn." The woman said in a reedy voice that indicated advancing years. "Welcome to our farm."
"Is Byoki about?" Yogensha asked.
"Still bedding down the animals." She replied. "After what happened today, we're all backed up on chores. Please have a seat." She gestured to three of the chairs opposite of the table and the men sat. The chairs were wooden, rough hewn but worn in spots from years of use. There was a definite sense of peace here; it was an oasis compared to what Seika and Satori had witnessed elsewhere. With a nod, she sent the teen off for his father. As he ran off, kicking up bits of dirt, she sat and began pouring drinks for the men. "We brew this ale right on the farm." She explained as she handed out the glasses. "In fact, it's what Rinji has been specializing in, learning from his grandfather."
The liquid was thick, cool, and delicious, Seika judged after one sip. He also detected the potency of the alcohol in the ale and disappointedly concluded that he would have to nurse the one glass, given his empty stomach and his growing exhaustion. This would have to be the final stop for the day.
"He's doing his family credit." Yogensha said, allowing himself a healthy swallow. Seika felt jealous.
"Can you tell us what happened?" Seika asked. "We've only heard sketchy reports."
Ririn sat back and considered the question, summoning up memories of the events of a few weeks past. "Byoki saw everything. I came around after things started happening." She paused and looked intently into the Jonins' eyes. "In all my days, never saw anything like it. My husband was repairing a fence over to the far edge of the property. He was working with three other men, chatting away with another man. One of the men said something in jest, but the man I guess didn't see it as funny."
"Wasn't that funny." Byoki said as he rounded a corner of the house. He was a husky man, his hair going from jet black to snow white in a stark fashion. His coverall was dusty but in good repair, and he clearly had stopped to wash his hands before greeting the visitors. As he approached, Ririn was already pouring him a cup of ale.
"Not worth dying over anyways." He added.
Formal introductions were made, and then Byoki held up the glass, aimed it at the sky, and took a large swallow. He then allowed himself to sit, refilling the ale to the top by himself.
"As Ririn said, there were several of us around, but the main just lunged after Alin. They grappled a bit and then Alin's hammer was in the man's hand and…well, it happened."
They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few moments, each absorbing the image and the information. Finally, Byoki continued, "Ririn heard the commotion and called for help, but the man was long gone before the peace officers got here. We're just a little too far from town for emergency help like that."
"So anyways, Alin goes down, my other men scatter. Next thing I know, this guy comes up the road, chasing after the man."
"That would be Kusa Sagashi, my father." Seika said. The others looked at him askance. Each took a sip and then sat silently.
"Yes, Kusa Sagashi is just what the peace officer said. Remember?"
"Sure do," his wife said, sipping and letting him run the conversation.
"The guy runs off, your father chases after him, and they're out of sight."
"And you?" Satori asked.
"Stayed to look after Alin. Tried to save his life, but his skull was caved in. No helping him at all."
"Yogensha looked over at Seika, a serious look on his features. "How did your father know to be here?"
"Wish I knew." Seika replied, slowly shaking his head in bewilderment.
"We heard about Zensin's death." Ririn said. "Never thought it would happen again. They were all still locked away."
"We have no idea what happened." Yogensha said. "And that is why Seika, Satori and I are investigating. We hope to find the guy you saw, hopefully find Kusa Sagashi as well. Once we can talk to them, maybe examine them, we'll know something."
"I understand that violence is very rare in this country." Satori said gently. "I'm sorry you had to experience it at all."
"How long was my father here?" Seika asked.
Byoki heard a sound that the ninjas missed, looked around, and spotted Rinji running back to thim. Byoki took another drink and set the cup down. "Don't want to discuss that much around my boy, if it's all right with you."
The three nodded immediately nodded in agreement.
"Once we planted the Toitsu in one spot, Rinji and I used the combine to plant about fourteen acrews with the seed. Taking to the ground pretty well, I'll tell you that. We're one of the largest and most successful farms in this country. Never would have had a chance if my forefathers had stayed home."
"It's getting dark, and we don't want to keep you from your chores." Yogensha said, standing. He had finished his drink, refused a refill, and seemed as alert as ever.
"I think young Rinji here has plenty of questions for the Jonins." Ririn said with a laugh.
"Walk over with us to the horses." Satori offered to the teen. The youth accepted eargerly and began to ply both of them with questions before the three were even out of earshot. Yogensha stayed behind to more formally thank the adults, and that was fine with Seika. The youth's infectious enthusiasm would help carry him forward.
