Jedi Archive Entry
JC133-SS

Rankings and Titles in the Shin'o World

On Shin'o it appears that there are two complimentary ranking systems. One ranks the officers within the Shinobi military system similarly to the ranking system of the Jedi Order and the second ranks everything else and can be applied to individuals via documentation known as a bingo book entry. (See JC145-SS) The general understanding is that the officer ranks are granted by achieving merit or particular testing. These ranks are Genin, Chunin, Jonin and a singular Kage. A kage being the equivalent of a supreme military commander. Under the Kage, but not part of the general rankings are the ANBU. (See JC147-SS) However, it should be noted that these ranks are oddly not accurate at describing the capabilities of the members. While there are minimum levels of capabilities tied to each rank, there are no maximums, thus the secondary ranking system was created. Explained by a source as follows.

E-rank: The kids stuff. Traditionally foundational techniques that lead into understanding towards the complex. Anyone on the planet should be considered an E-rank at least.

D-rank: This is where things get interesting. These are beyond normal and are largely part of every single shinobi's arsenal mainly because they are taught at a young age as a stepping stone to more complex things. Any criminal that commits a crime while using chakra is considered a D-rank threat. Missions of this rank are considered chores and used for training purposes or punishment only.

C-rank: This is when things become deadly. Any technique with this ranking has the capability to kill or maim horribly their opponent if used at the right moment. Any person with this ranking is considered a shinobi threat, and is capable of at least this level of combat. Any mission with this rank is considered for an experienced Genin squad only.

B-rank: This is when most shinobi start taking notice of the threat. Any technique with this ranking is considered extremely hazardous in some form, and can kill. Most techniques at this level are elemental based. (See JC130-SS). Any shinobi of this rank traditionally has a bounty and is considered dangerous. Missions of this rank would only be given to Chunin squads and solo Jonin as the risk of shinobi-shinobi violence is high.

A-rank: This is when you become named. Techniques of this level are considered extremely deadly, hard to master and pains to use. Often, signatures are formed with these techniques. Shinobi of this rank are always named with some form of moniker, have bounties of at least 500,000 (See K1202-SS) (40,000 credits), and are dangerous enough that only squads or shinobi of the same rank are asked to engage. Missions of this rank are only given to Jonin, ANBU or handpicked shinobi.

S-rank: Run. There is no way of explaining an S-rank shinobi in words. They are the epitome, the creme of the cream. I heard my mentor say once that if a C-rank was worth ten men, an A-rank was worth an army. There are levels to an S-rank. The lowest S-rank I know of could handle ten A-rank shinobi easily. But... there are some out there that are monsters. There was one, that ended a war by killing thousands in under a minute. There was one that was undefeated even when faced with three S-rank you run into a shinobi that is an S-rank, run. All the Kage are S-rank.

All further reading is blocked by the Council of First Knowledge.

Kakashi Hakate had a headache as he looked over the final report for the Accord Signing Mission. However, he was thankful for his headache, as if he was leading the mission as the Mizukage was, he knew he would be sporting a migraine. Arranging a meeting between the Galactic Senate, the Jedi Order and a representation of the Shinobi of Shin'o was a logistical nightmare.

He slowly drained a cup of chilled water as he reread the request for "2 significant shinobi, who can observe and participate within high value political discussion, capable of rapid adaptation with a level head and protect/ensure the survival of the Mizukage and the remaining squad should tensions turn violent. A- class required." While most of his shinobi of Jonin rank could cover the combative requirements, especially as he refused to allow any of his shinobi to become lax even in these times of global peace, the other requirements cut his pool in half. Of that half, most of them were too valuable to risk off planet without scaring the Galactic republic.

The official stance of Shin'o, via the Shinobi World Council to the Galactic Senate and the Jedi Order, was that the strongest military assets of the villages were tied up in maintaining the villages as their Kages. Any Jedi who stepped foot on Shin'o knew that was not wholly accurate. The Kage, during their first meeting of the Shinobi World Council decided immediately that a layer of deception was required when dealing with the Senate. The shinobi agreed that any politician that entered Shin'o space was to be handled as a high-class escort with no military qualities. The Jedi, of course as trained combatants were treated as such.

Kakashi waved a hand idly, and a masked shinobi appeared before the desk bowing. "Yes Lord Hokage?" The voice of the shinobi was female and rang softly like a bell inside Kakashi's mind. He knew without a doubt that the shinobi did not verbally speak, as she had no tongue. Luckily, her clan was known for mental techniques.

"Send me Shisui and Sasuke Uchiha." The latter name caused a frown to appear on Kakashi's face. If he could avoid sending such a young promising shinobi into Galactic space, he would. However, Shisui didn't have the same political training his cousin did as he was not a Clan Heir. The other politically sensitive options were not going to be taken well by a series of stuck up politicians who merely wanted more money.

In a blurred movement, the masked Shinobi vacated the office and sped through the village. Kakashi continued on the paperwork until a knock on his door interrupted him. "Enter."

Shisui Uchiha entered the office of the Hokage, his cousin Sasuke Uchiha behind him. Both were shinobi of exceptional skill, even if their rankings were different. Shisui was one of the village's, and if Kakashi was pressed he would even admit the planet's, top shinobi. Sasuke lacked that ability currently, but given at most a decade, the Hokage knew that the Sasuke would be one of the strongest assets he had. As the two stood at attention in front of his desk, Kakashi continued to look them over.

Shisui was a man of average height, with a shaggy dark head of hair. His eyes had prominent lashes, giving his eyes wings. His nose was wider than his cousin's straight aristocrat's form, yet his chin was also squarer, turning a face that was classically oval look that was typical of Uchiha into a more pedestrian flair. He was very unassuming even while wearing the body armor of an ANBU shinobi.

His cousin however was royalty born and it showed. A straight thin nose, an oval shaped face that had perfect symmetry, hair that was black as night, and styled as a spiky mess that held bangs over his face. He was tall for his age of fifteen, standing at 5 foot 7, and was built exactly as a shinobi should be; lean corded muscles from years of hard training and making the body into a perfect machine. His clothing was black with the green chunin flak jacket.

Finally Kakashi spoke, "At ease. Your mission parameters have come in for the escort of the Mizukage. As you are aware, the Mizukage is going to the Galactic Senate to sign the latest iteration of the Accords. What you may not know is that this is a political move only."

The two shinobi nodded as their leader paused to ensure that they understood. "Ordinarily, even with your father insisting that you get more challenging experiences, I would not allow you on this mission Sasuke, however due to the political nature, your training as a clan heir would make you the second most educated on the matter outside of the Mizukage himself. As such, you will be providing observation and political advising and engaging in combat only if the Mizukage himself enters. Under this role you are attending your first S-class mission. Do you understand your role Chunin Uchiha?"

Sasuke nodded, and was dismissed from the room with orders to prepare to leave to meet the rest of the bodyguard squad in an hour. Shisui waited until the doors shut before he asked, "With all due respect, why is he going instead of Itachi? Itachi is available, and has the same training, and is much more capable of an S-rank mission."

Kakashi sighed, as he turned over the mission request. "Politics. The Mizukage likes you Shisui and thanks to your successful mission a few years back with him, requested you personally, if unofficially. Between the two of you, along with Rock Cracker Kitsuchi, there is a lot of scrutiny of the members. The Jedi Order already is on edge knowing the Mizukage is stepping onto their planet. I want you to view this as if you are escorting me to another village to sign treaties."

Shisui immediately nodded, seeing the parallels. "Too many high level threats could send the already hot pot into an over boil. It's risky enough sending me, Kitsuchi and the Mizukage, let alone whoever else. Sasuke, and I assume the Suna and Kumo delegates are more under the radar?"

Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Suna are sending Pakura and Maki and Kumo are sending C and Samui, both Jonin and their chunin apprentices. Pakura serves as mid-range offensive support, Maki as defensive support, C will be the squad medic, while Samui is a chunin who is specializing in gen-ken. As for you over Itachi, even without the Mizukage's request, I would have sent you. You are able to appear less dangerous than your cousin, while being just as much of a contender should things go belly up. Not to mention, you are a rapid heavy assault while your cousin is an assassination assault shinobi. And that is only considering the Jedi, as we know when entering foreign territory is best to assume that others are watching."

Shisui nodded his features settling into a more determined look. "Orders?"

Kakashi sat up straighter and tossed the mission scroll to the Uchiha. "You will be second in command of the squadron as per Shinobi World Council order. The Mizukage is serving as deterrent, representative and should the worse happen the squadron's answer to a Jedi Council led attack. The scroll contains a brief of the known abilities of the squad mates, along with general team placements as agreed upon by the Shinobi Council. Ensure that you make it home Shisui, and try not to start a war. It would be annoying to deal with and I am not certain that even united we would survive."

"Yes Lord Hokage." A grin flashed on the Uchiha's face as he bowed, knowing that the most annoying part of the whole war aspect that Kakashi cared about was the paperwork. War for shinobi like the Hokage was second nature, another home. He knew combat better than most knew how to breath.

"Dismissed." Kakashi ushered the Teleporter out of the room, as he refocused on the paperwork in front of him. There was another reason why he didn't want someone like Itachi on the mission he thought as he pulled a sheet of paper from a stack seemingly at random before signing it. Motioning for someone to send for Itachi, he smiled a wolfish smile.

I wonder how Itachi will react to the Disciples of Twilight…Kakashi's thoughts as he ran over the debrief from an ANBU agent that encountered a member of the Force group during a mission. A group after his own cold shinobi heart with their abilities of illusions. Hopefully Itachi "the Mirage" Uchiha would be able to gain some more information.

The Mizukage was a short man, with light brown hair that partially covered his forehead. His eyes were an odd shade of lilac and his left cheek held a stitch-like scar. On his back, a club with two uneven hooks on the ends rested as he stood near the landing zone for the ship that would take him off the planet.

Yagura, calm outside, was in fact nervous. For the first time, he would be seeing the people whose existence had shifted the world he grew up in. A veteran of the Third Shinobi World War, he became the Jinchuriki of the Three-tailed Turtle at the age of 14. Twenty years later, his partnership with his inner turtle allowed him perfect control. Isobu, the turtle, was the only one who knew how nervous Yagura was.

"Calm down Yagura. This will be just as any other diplomacy mission you have taken for Mizu."The deep voice of his inner bijuu was comforting, as was the words. Isobu was correct; this mission was just the same as any other diplomacy mission.

His thoughts were broken by the sound of the ship appearing above them. Shaped vaguely like the blade of Hiramekarei, the ship was the first of it's kind to ever be created on Shin'o. Sleek, fast, maneuverable and only capable of be piloted by those who could flow chakra through the operating system to bring forth its on board navigational systems, it was the pinnacle of the Land of Spring, Rice and Sky's innovations. It still likely would not be possible for a ship to be created without the help of the Jedi however. By allowing one of the older ships the Jedi would have normally decommissioned and sold be bought by the Shinobi World Council, it cut the time of reengineering the craft by two thirds according to most of the planet's top minds.

As the craft landed, a hatch opened, exposing the gunmetal grey interior light with soft blue lights. Yagura entered the ship, quickly making his way through the corridors towards the bridge; silently grateful that he memorized the floor plan in the briefing packet.

As he entered the bridge, all activity paused for a moment when the commanding officer, a former Samuari Commander of the Wind Daimyo's standing military called out, "Mizukage on deck!"

Yagura smiled slightly at the sight of all the non-shinobi standing at attention, baring those doing critical tasks such as ensuring the ship was ready for atmospheric exit. The only ones not standing at attention were the shinobi that would be accompanying him. While looking at him, they were slouching, in the case of one woman with blue hair and orange dyed bangs scowling, or in the case of the two from Konoha bowing. Keeping his eyes on the shinobi from other nations, Yagura spoke. "At ease. Estimated time of departure and arrival Captain?"

The Captain, who's name escaped the Mizukage, spoke with clipped tones as he settled into a soft stance. "Departure is set at 0200 our time. Estimated travel time will be anywhere from 3-6 days depending on the speed of our jumps and if we have to switch off between who powers the ship."

"How much chakra is required for the ship to operate?" Yagura asked, knowing that the man in front of him only boasted chakra capacity comparable to a chunin shinobi.

"I myself can power the ship for approximately 40 hours without risking any negative consequences. I would then require rest for 6-8 hours, at which time my second in command could power the ship for a further 30 hours. This, being our first model, only allows the ship to be powered. The next iteration is hopefully going to include a battery for the chakra." The Captain responded, his tone becoming less clipped.

"Where do you power the ship?" The Mizukage asked, as he looked around the bridge.

The captain gestured towards the comfortable looking chair that sat in the middle of the bridge, with a perfect view over the entire bridge. "The chair will slowly drain chakra to the ship enough to easily power it. But if you want to jump start the process, the engine bay has an array that can be powered separately."

The Mizukage nodded and walked towards the chair. As he sat, he felt the chair connect to his chakra network, and as the drain began, he smiled widely. "Captain, I shall be powering the ship for this voyage. Set course and keep command."

The captain wisely did not contradict the Kage as he nodded. "As you wish. Also, as it was not included in the briefing document the chain of command is as follows. The Kage are granted the rank of Admiral and are the highest rank upon these ships. Followed by jonin, who will automatically be granted the rank of Vice-Admiral. All chunin will be viewed as Rear Admirals."

The shinobi nodded, as the Captain started to bark orders for the ship to be prepared. Yagura merely shut his eyes and started to converse with his inner bijuu.

"Isobu, this drain won't even register will it? I think I could power the ship indefinitely but I am unsure." The Mizukage's mental voice was soft and pleasant, a complete tone switch from the near emotionless drawl of his earlier conversation with the Captain.

"Easily! As a shinobi with heavily active coils, I would say that any one with Jonin classification should be able to supply the ship neigh indefinitely. I wonder if the geniuses who made the ship didn't take into account the rate of refilling of coils in their design."

"Likely not Isobu. It is not a commonly known thing, even amongst us shinobi. Refilling of the chakra coils does take time, but it isn't a minimal concept. Meditation, sleep and rest allow the body to refill the coils within generally, 3-5 hours for the average Jonin. Even with a consistent drain, that would just increase the time required."

"The battery would still be a good idea though. It would allow multiple ships to be piloted by non-jonin and allow for jonin pilots to engage in combat without losing any chakra."

"Agreed. Let's shift topics though to the Jedi Council and the Senate."

As the Kage and his bijuu spoke privately, the other shinobi were at a slight loss of what to do. Then Shisui spoke up. "According to the brief, I am second in command. Kitsuchi, Pakura and Maki. Secure the ship. I want a solid understanding of any hidey-holes there could be, and if we do have stowaways, I want them eliminated."

A nod from the three and in moments they vanished, leaving the remaining shinobi with Shisui. Sasuke, C and Samui both looked towards him for orders. "C, you are a sensor right?" The blond lithe shinobi nodded, his eyebrow raising in a silent question. "I thought so. When we are moving, I want you to see if you can feel beyond the walls of the ship."

"That seems pointless….I know I could. I can feel the animals outside the ship now. I can even tell you that there are no stowaways on the ship." C spoke with certainty. Shisui grinned before responding.

"Good, you now have a secondary mission. I want to know if you can pick out the Jedi simply using your Sensory abilities." The rest of the shinobi looked at Shisui in shock. C's mouth was open, as the concept registered itself.

"Lord Raikage never even considered that… none of the Shinobi Council did… how?!"

Shisui nodded as he took an exaggerated thinking pose. "I thought about the files of every member of the squad. I knew for example that Pakura can feel heat signatures, which is why I sent her to scout the ship. As far as your sensing ability, it plays second fiddle to your genjutsu and medical jutsu. However, if we need those we are already in hot water. So, the plan is thus; predict, avoid and only if necessary, engage. If engagement happens…"Shisui's smile disappeared, his demeanor shifting in an instant as the room seemingly heated. Yagura cracked an eye at the radiating intent of his second in command.

"Leave no survivors."

Yoda knew the shinobi were coming as all Jedi on Coruscant did. This was phase two of the six step process to include Shin'o and specifically the Shinobi of the planet, in the Republic. He knew, having been to the planet, and having befriended Hiruzen, that any shinobi that were sent would be some of the most powerful on the planet. However, it was decided early by the Council that he himself would not be present to greet the Shinobi as they landed. Yet, here he stood, awaiting the landing of the Shin'o delegation, along side Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Yoda shuddered slightly as he felt him enter the atmosphere. For a fleeting moment, he questioned if it was a good idea for this plan to continue. He spoke softly, so that only the Jedi Council members on either side of him could hear. "Extremely cautious, we must be. Powerful, beyond measure one of them is."

Obi-wan stood straight, even as he reached out in the Force. Immediately, he knew exactly what the Grand Master was saying. The Force was swirling in a manner that he couldn't explain but instinctually he knew meant that the something was coming. It was neither bad, nor good, Light or Dark. It merely was, as true as gravity and the Force it was.

Whoever the Shinobi sent; they were strong. Force above, they were strong. Obi-wan felt himself get yanked from his meditations by a soft tap to his thigh by the Grand Master's cane. He looked over and shared a glance with Mace Windu as he shifted his robes, likely just awoken from the same mediation that Obi-wan engaged in. However, the three jedi masters had no time to discuss as the ship that housed the Shinobi touched down softly on the landing pad.

As the ship opened, Obi-wan tensed. Down the ramp walked two men, one close to six foot and the other barely topping four. However, Obi-wan focused entirely on the shorter of the two. While the taller was smiling and his eyes were darting every way, the smaller had locked eyes with the Grand Master of the Jedi Order.

When younglings meet the Grand Master for the first time, most of them are in awe. Even though some of them already are taller than he, they are enveloped in a feeling of warmth and safety; as if the galaxy could collapse, and Yoda would still ensure you were safe and secure. When you became a Master, you saw the other side of the Grand Master. During your first interview as a Master, you are exposed to the full connection Yoda wielded with the Force. Obi-wan's master Quigon said it was like staring intently at a tree that had stood for eons, supporting the forest that spread from its roots. Overwhelming, incredible, forceful, yet still strong and flexible.

When Obi-wan felt the man, it felt as if he was staring at an ocean that was both merciless and gracious; full of the ability to rage in furious storms and grant the greatest of boons. When the two stood across from each other, the Sea met the Ancient Tree and neither found the other wanting.

"Greetings Grand Master Yoda. My name is Yagura Karatachi and I am the Third Mizukage and the current Chair of the Shinobi World Council." The young leader bowed slightly to the elder Master, his eyes never leaving Yoda's face.

"Welcome, you are to Coruscant. Retire we shall to the Temple. Tired from your journey you must be." The tones of the Grand Master was measured, nearly impolite in the neutrality. Yagura nodded once in agreement, as the taller Shinobi made himself known by a sharp whistle.

Two lines of three shinobi descended the ramp, each in their respective village allegiance attires. Obi-wan noticed immediately, that the only major village not represented was the village of the Mists, Kiri if he remembered correctly. As the shinobi fell behind their two leaders, the Jedi started to walk towards the Temple.

As the shinobi left the council chambers, their way guided by a young Anakin Skywalker; a padawan who had seemed to strike up an easy conversation with a young Sasuke Uchiha, the remaining three Jedi Masters sat in silence. It was Obi-wan Kenobi who broke the silence between the masters.

"Whomever created that delegation, I would not want to engage with them in a battle of wits." His calm voice held a layer of respect for the person who formed such a squad for such a delicate operation. Even the youngest of the shinobi, Sasuke Uchiha, was one that was perfectly aware of every word spoken around him, every movement no matter how slight, and was still capable of communicating nonverbally with his superiors in a manner that Obi-wan only caught because he had trained Anakin to do so.

"They are savages." Mace Windu spat, his voice layered in a venom unlike his usual Jedi influenced tone. A tone that had Yoda eye him balefully, forcing the Master to continue. "They elected that… that… Dark Side Thing, to the highest level of government in their militaristic society. They must relish blood and conquest."

"Hmmm. Interesting. Believe that Lord Yagura is a Dark-sider you do?" Yoda questioned softly. His voice was quiet and still cut through the tension of the two Masters. He did not wait for Mace to answer. "He is as much a Dark-sider as Jiraiya. Of them we have met, Lord Yagura holds the most destructive power of a fully trained shinobi. Factual that is, however the most dangerous shinobi is not he but Shisui."

To say that the Grand Master was impressed by Shisui would be an understatement. At no point was Shisui surprised by anything that the Jedi Masters said or implied. Even capable of easing tension between Mace Windu and Lord Yagura during a heated exchange between them, Shisui was the scalpel to Yagura's broadsword. That didn't even account for the fact that Yoda sensed nearly as much destructive potential in him as Lord Yagura.

Obi-wan nodded. "He gave off a subtle energy of "do not press" that I felt when talking to the Mandalorian commandos. I would say that he felt similarly to when I met that elder Kage, Hiruzen I think?" Obi-wan spoke of the bi-annual meeting that the Jedi Council held with the Shinobi World Council, and how at one such meeting he met the elderly Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Yoda smiled slightly. "In combat, kill many Shisui could, yet wouldn't. Peaceful and kind and Strong and sharp-witted he is." Turning slightly towards Mace Windu, Yoda continued,"Savages, they are not. Not unlike Kashyyk, their culture is. Similar it is to Mandolorian. Even similar to Jedi Teachings at points. 'Never use excessive force', a principle they hold true."

"The reasons behind that is militaristic and clearly not the same peace-guiding philosophy that the Jedi have held for generations!" Mace finally stood and started to pace. "The shinobi are the greatest threat in the Galaxy right now! Even the budding separatist movement isn't as threatening! Lord Yagura himself could wipe out an entire planet's population and I can count the number of Jedi Masters who could stop him on the fingers of my left hand!"

Obi-wan pushes in, "And you aren't one." Mace Windu freezes as Obi-wan continues. "The fact of the matter is this; we are not trying to defeat the Shinobi. The purpose of this meeting was not to defeat them in any way. We wish to grow with them, and have them grow with us. Do you realize the capabilities a true alliance between the Order and the Shinobi grant us?!"

The argument between the two masters was instantly silenced when the grand master opened his eyes fully. "A Jedi operate on possibilities, they do not. Our allies, the shinobi are. Great possibilities in the Future they hold. Yet innocent of their possible failures they are. Ignorant of their possible successes they are."

The two sided comment served its purpose in silencing the Jedi Masters. That remained the case as the trio read through various files. This silence was broken by Mace Windu of all people.

"I do not understand why a new chunin, who according to this record is similar to our Knight class, was placed on this mission. It could be deemed insulting to the Senate to have such youth involved in the diplomacy."

Obi-wan smiled softly,"I do not believe that the shinobi care in the slightest Master Windu."

Yoda interjected before the discussion could descend into an argument once more. "Correct Master Kenobi is. Self-sufficient the shinobi are, and beholden to any governmental power they are not. Are the power of their planet they are. Opinions of "useless" politicians deemed a concern they are not."

Mace nodded, "They were extremely respectful towards us, however the Senators involved were given a professional rate of respect. It was similar to how Knights speak to younglings in the tem-" His sentence was cut off by a solid knock on the door to the chambers. Glancing to each of his compatriots, Mace called out "Enter."

Shisui entered the Jedi Council Chambers for the second time in twenty four hours casually. For most Jedi, it was an honor to be inside these rooms, yet for Shisui it was a mild annoyance. The room was not great for defending oneself inside against people who could utilize telekinesis. Having only one true escape route, through the entirety of the temple also made him slightly nervous. He wasn't Yagura; he couldn't just fight his way through every Jedi here easily.

Even as he entered, he sized up the three Masters in the room. While dangerous each in their own rights, he was fairly certain that if they turned hostile he could be able to escape, possibly killing the bearded one. However, the middle one, the one half his height, old beyond measure and green of all things, made him wary.

He had fought in the previous Shinobi World War; he was a shinobi who was able to spar consistently with his kage, and he was even considered for the position by Hiruzen. However, for all his skill he knew with a glance and without a shadow of a doubt.

If Yoda wanted him dead, there was not a single thing he could do about it. It didn't matter that he was known as the Teleporter, that he was one the strongest Uchiha to ever live. To Yoda he was a pup with a strong bite and nothing more.

Thus, when entering the room he bowed. He bowed for no one other than Yoda, even if the other two masters believed otherwise. He bowed only as a shinobi did; before that which could kill you. He remembered his sensei's words in the Third Shinobi War.

"Shisui, it is customary for the weak to bow to the strong when meeting in peace. In war, it is a sign of respect to bow before your opponent. Acknowledge that they are shinobi; merely doing as ordered to protect their families, homes and friends."

"Bow to me, you need not." The Grand Master of the Jedi Order spoke softly, his heart moved softly by the gesture. One of the few in the order to dive headfirst into the culture of the Shinobi, Yoda knew what Shisui was doing. What Shisui believed him capable of.

"With respect, Grand Master, you are the only Jedi I would bow to. So please, accept it." Shisui smiled brightly as the older green Jedi nodded with a small smile of his own while silencing his dark skinned companion with a gesture.

"Now that is cleared up, what can we do to help you Shisui?" Obi-wan asked his eyebrows raised from the casual admittance of the Shinobi.

The Uchiha frowned as he looked at the ceiling. "I don't know if you can help, but you may be able to answer a question for me. A question that I need answered."

The Jedi Masters straightened slightly as the Uchiha looked back down, his eyes red and three black comma Tomoe spinning around the pupil. "What is the purpose of the Jedi Order?"

Obi-wan answered quickly, the words coming forth easily as if asked this very question daily." The purpose of the Jedi is to be pea-"

Shisui interrupted, "That is wrong."

Mace Windu tensed,"Excuse me?" His voice was low, a warning that every Jedi who knew him could attest.

Shisui shifted his gaze to lock on the Battlemaster of the Order. "You train children to utilize forces of immense power, and a weapon that has no true counter in the Galaxy. Even your order's scholars, doctors, and teachers are combat trained. Yet you claim to not be warriors, nor that you exist to do combat." As the last word fell from Shisui's lips Mace flexed himself through the Force, making the room heavy with his intent.

"I don't know who you think you are-" Mace hissed before in a moment the pressure vanished as if it never appeared. Yoda's green hand clamped gently on Mace's forearm.

"An honest assessment, you give. Once, the Jedi peacekeepers they were not. Once, the greatest army of the Light side of the Force to ever exist. Still, remanent of this there are. Similar to the Shinobi system mimicking that of the Warring clans."

Shisui smirked slightly," True. The academy age is as young as it is as a tradition based around the age that the Clan Children of Shinobi would first be trained during that period. If the Jedi Order is about peace, tell me. How does one acquire peace?" Shisui sat on the floor, waiting for the answers of the Masters of the Order.

"Why does that matter?" Obi-wan Kenobi asked as he settled back in his chair. As Jedi, all are taught to think critically. However, few if any contemplate such a question. To be a Jedi was to fulfil the will of the Force; to protect the Republic and its citizens and keep the Peace.

"Purpose, Intent, Plan and Action. These are the four steps that a Shinobi and as Anakin told me just an hour ago, Jedi, are taught to approach a problem. You state the purpose of the Order is to keep the Peace. However the intent of the order seems to be militaristic, which is counter-intuitive. Thus I asked about your Plan to acquire peace and keep it." Shisui shrugged, paraphrasing as he looked towards the Grandmaster of the Order who was beaming.

"An honor to the Order, Padawan Skywalker is. As you are to the Shinobi people. Jedi exist to curb evil and the Dark Side. Peace keepers, yes. But bastions of the Dark we are. What, the purpose is of Shinobi."

A whispered answer came as Shisui shimmered and appeared by the door. "We are who endure Grandmaster. We endure." A bow from the Uchiha towards Yoda and the door shut once more.

"That was the weirdest five minutes I have had in a while," Obi-wan Kenobi smiled as he joked turning towards Mace and Yoda. The former of which was seething in his chair. "He wasn't wrong you know. If you look at what we train our younglings for… we could be viewed as extremely militant."

"He was disrespectful. Refusing to bow to us, masters of the Jedi-" Mace started to rant before being cut off for the final time by the Grandmaster.

"Grow tired I do of correcting you Master Windu. Of shinobi Culture you know little. That which can kill them Shinobi bow. Embracing of death as natural they are. An honor to die by someone who you bow to it is. A massive disrespect it is to bow to someone you do not believe could defeat you, mocking it is. The body of the shinobi is their greatest tool, of communication, of combat of peace." The green Grandmaster spoke firmly, his intent clear. "War scarred, yet enduring. Brothers and sisters to the Jedi they are, striving for peace yet finding only war."

In silence, the masters of the Order contemplated what Yoda stated. If they were siblings to the Order, then what did that make the Order?

Shisui smiled as the discussions with the Senators continued the next day. Having awoken early, the clear intent of the Senators to unravel their professional demeanors told the Shinobi more of their purpose. The only senators that seemingly wanted them there was the senator of Naboo, Shiv Palpatine, and the senator from Alderon Bail Organa. Thus those were the only two that kept Shisui's interest. The two politicians acted kind towards each other, yet their body language suggested that the two recently had a disagreement. On a professional level at least, as still Bail Organa leaned slightly behind Palpatine, implying that he acknowledged the man's better negotiating skills.

Which was something phenomenal to watch. Even on the back foot, due to Yagura not caring about his opinion in the first place, Palpatine spoke fluidly and implied that the shinobi were the main benefactors of any agreement that was brokered atop the Accords, even when the evidence pointed elsewhere.

"The Republic can offer much to the Shinobi population. Imagine the medical advancements alone!" Palpatine continued to speak, his words forming vivid images of a utopia on Shin'o. He spoke of civilians never dying due to injury, of droids doing the paperwork, of war being a thing of the distant past as each person was too happy to consider otherwise.

Yagura finally interrupted," Enough Senator. I understand what you are offering. You are offering a lie."

Palpatine's mouth shut with a click, as Shisui grinned slightly. Yagura continued,"All sentient life is flawed in that no matter what, someone will desire more than they have. It could be for altruistic reasons, or purely selfish ones. Either way, it will occur. As such, a utopic society is not possible. Is it possible that joining the Republic would bring prosperity to Shin'o? Yes."

Yagura's lips twitched into a smile,"But I can also assume that you don't understand Shinobi culture, its people or its merits. Our world council has not decided if we want to be a member of the Republic, therefore, we shall not be."

Yagura's eyes hardened and the shinobi in the room straightened as his chakra flexed slightly. "We are Shinobi. We do not take orders from anyone. We live as we will, die as we wish, and anyone who wants to dictate or manipulate us, will learn that we kill as necessary. I will gladly prove that to anything that threatens my people. Am I understood Senator?"

The room was silent, as the Jedi guarding the room, the Senatorial guards and the Shinobi all tensed, waiting for Palpatine's response. Bail Organa shifted backwards slightly, allowing a clear shot to anyone who needed it, while distancing himself. Palpatine's eyes darted around the room as he took in the situation.

Shisui spoke before anything could escalate. "We aren't threatening you Senator. We are stating facts." In an instant, his form flickered and Shisui was by the window, over looking the great city of Coruscant. Every Senatorial guard instantly pointed their rifles at him, and one of the jedi knights, who's name escaped Shisui even lighted his lightsaber. "We aren't going to join the Republic as you want. We will not go back on our Accord with the Jedi Order, and we will not be manipulated by anyone." Shisui looked back over his shoulder, his red eyes flashing dangerously. "I pray for anyone that tries."

The tension slowly rose in the room, before Palpatine suddenly laughed. "Oh ahaha! Wonderful performance gentlemen! For a moment, I thought you were seriously threatening us! But you're point was made. We won't try to convert you anymore I promise." In an instant Yagura and Shisui both smiled, the tension dissipating.

"My thanks to you Senator. I did not mean to insult or threaten." Yagura nodded slightly, as the politicians all stood. "Shall we reconvene after a meal? I understand there is a wonderful restaurant nearby, and I am certain these Jedi would like to speak to us about our proper behavior." The Senators grinned knowingly as they gracefully exited with their guards. As the door shut, the Knight in charge of the mission growled. His voice had no effect on the now blank face of the Mizukage.

"What, was that?"

Sasuke, who had been silent the entire meeting, spoke for the first time. "That was a play to see how the Senators would react to real Shinobi Politics. On our planet, we all know the rules… if you attempt to manipulate and get caught, expect to reap the rewards. Lord Yagura was merely seeing if it was the same. Shisui was enforcing the situation while at the same time ensuring the safety of all involved."

"Explain?" A random knight asked as the leading Knight lost tension. While he was briefed it was apparent that the others were left to their own conclusions.

Sasuke sighed before answering, thinking on how to explain the concept. "On Shin'o, politics are a game that we all play. Senator Palpatine opened that can of worms by saying what he was, while meaning another, in a manner that was similar enough that Lord Yagura responded in kind. However, Lord Palpatine made a mistake. He mentioned a shin'o without conflict… Which will never occur."

At the silence of the room, Sasuke continued. "Our world is rich with resources, both material and personal. It is rich in capability, and as such will always be a target. There will always be someone on the planet who wants to manipulate, control or coerce those resources to suit their own ends, and as it was just revealed, there are members of that group in the Republic as well. Lord Yagura expressed exactly how the Shinobi will react if such intent is known."

The Jedi were silent as the Senators reentered the space several hours later, and did not interfere with the talks, that were met with stone walled silence from the Mizukage.

Yagura refused to speak a word the entire meeting.

Once the day was finally over, and the signing of paperwork was finished, the shinobi were in their room packing. Yagura and Shisui were finished, having only unpacked the essentials and repacking what they had as they used it. They leaned against the doorway, each using their body to block the entrance as their subordinates were at their most vulnerable.

"I didn't like him." Yagura broke the silence between the two by speaking softly. Shisui nodded his head, as he understood exactly what the Mizukage meant.

"He had something about him, that the other senator lacked. I just couldn't place a finger on it." Shisui replied, as he thought furiously over their entire meeting. It was only a second, a moment when Shisui moved behind him, flanking him, that the feeling even appeared. A feeling that caused him to activate his sharingan, a feeling that reeked of danger. Yet in that moment it was gone, and the scared senator remained.

"I think we sit on this. I don't want to make assumptions." The Mizukage spoke softly, after a moment of talking with his inner advisor and friend.

"Agreed. Sasuke did well defusing the tension earlier. That part about Shinobi politics and the Game was brilliant." The mizukage smiled softly, watching as the youngest in the room asked Pakura to hand him his socks that the woman stole due to cold feet.

"He will be a great shinobi one day."

On a planet far away, a short and pale green alien darted into a bar, his dark suit hiding him from sight. As he entered the bar, he was greeted with soft music, and several rougher than standard denizens. He hurried to the bar, and hopped on a stool, motioning the bartender over. Flashing some credits, the alien spoke in a waspish voice and subtly pointed to the room that was hidden behind the bar cubies.

"I am here all night understand?" As the bartender nodded, and took the credits, the little alien jumped over the bar, into the back room behind the bar. The door gently closed behind the alien, as it continued to descend down the steps of the passageway. Soon, music was able to be heard as the steps started to lighten up, revealing another bar, this one full of patrons, each in splendid finery or wonderful armor. Each patron had some form of drink infront of them, or a woman near them, and in the back, on a small dias, a single table sat with a single throne like chair. In the chair, a man sat. With dark hair and a roguish grin, he was both charming and well liked by the women of the bar. Yet tonight, his face was set in a determined scowl as the alien hopped towards him.

"Sir! Damia Sir!" The alien hopped onto the table as the last bite of his meal entered his mouth. Chewing slowly, the man, Damia, looked that the alien. As he swallowed, he leaned back and motioned for the music to be turned up in the bar. Only after the music reached levels that would drown out all but the most immediate ears did he gesture for the alien to speak.

"Someone has caught on to our shipments! Found one of ours beaten and bloodied outside the loading zone, and some of the stock was messed with."

Damia's eyes widened a fraction of an inch before his stony face returned. "Was it our usual shipment, or one of our new contracts?"

The alien's silence spoke before even it did, the words confirming the smuggler lord's worst fear. "The new contract sir."

A few choice words made it out of his mouth before he could control his anger. Taking a deep breath, he started to issue orders. "Okay, here is what I want you to do. Send all the shipments out. All of them are to do six leaps extra, and triple check the cargo. I don't want anything ending up somewhere its not being paid to go. Switch to loading area four for the remaining portion of the effected shipment. Double check all the goods. Ensure the quality."

As soon as he finished speaking the music lowered at Damia's command. As the music died slightly, a series of thuds started to be heard from the steps. As Damia stood, his eyes narrowed, he pulled a hand cannon from under the table. The remaining patrons all did similarly, each pointing a weapon at the stair well. With a final thud, the bartender from above rolled into the room, his limbs obviously broken and groaning in pain. His voice was a rattled wheeze,"Sorry boss-" a single pellet fell from his mouth, exploding into black smoke that rapidly filled the room.

Damia pointed his hand cannon around him as blaster fire and the crunch of bones reached his ears. He slowly backed into the wall; his gun pointed around. He reached behind him and pressed the panel to open the secret escape and with a twist he bolted. Looking over his shoulder, he saw a broad-shouldered humanoid with spiky hair in the smoke headed towards the rapidly shutting door.

The corridor entered into a large circular room packed with a single ship, full of cargo holding space, and a modified hyperdrive. As he ran into the ship, he rapidly began to prep for launch. His droids, a caretaking droid by the name of A-3, and an astromech model that he truly didn't remember helped prep the ship. He skipped the checking for lifeforms on the ship as he instead opened the retractable roof, exposing the massive pipe that led out into open air.

He never noticed the toad that slipped onto the ship behind him, and hid amongst his cargo.

Damia smiled as he exited the atmosphere, and set course for Teth. He needed to meet with his contact over this, and explain that he goods he had in the back were all he was able to provide. As he loaded up the holocoms, he received an urgent message from the exact client that he was about to call. Frowning slightly, he allowed the message through. In a hum, the blue hologram of Count Dooku appeared.

"Greetings Lord Damia. It is a pleasure to see you well. I am sending this message to serve as a warning. It appears that some counter agents are after the shipment-" The count froze in mid-sentence as he looked over Damia's shoulder. In a flash, the hologram cut out and Damia was grabbed by the man that had just pulled himself out of a toad's mouth.

"Speak fast about what you know about Dooku. You may live longer scum." Jiraiya hissed as he slammed the man by the throat against the wall of the cockpit. In the cargo hold, the children that Damia referred to as the goods were nursing their wounds after a man with white spiky hair shattered their cage doors.

AN: Chapter done. Sorry for the wait. It seems I go through laptops faster than I should... its all good though. I have a backup laptop now and a wonderful chapter up. I will be working on my other story for a few chapters at least, as this next chapter is all written, just being read by my co-author.