It was another gloomy day in the village of Kirigakure. The mist clung heavily to the village as it usually did. Koga studied the many cylindrical structures that could be faintly seen through the heavy mist. Greenery was aplenty in the village and rooftop gardens were not just common, but almost a part of the structures themselves.
It was an odd twist of fate that Koga found himself back in his clan's home village of Kirigakure. Today marked the last day of his promise to stay in Kirigakure for one week and hear out the Mizukage. That woman had a strange way with words. Even for someone as well versed in political maneuvering as he was, this Mei was on an entirely different level.
She had begun his time in Kirigakure by fulfilling her every promise. The Ookami estate had been returned to him as well as the accompanying funding. Enough to build a legacy upon. That wasn't really what had interested him though.
In addition to her promises she had certainly been monopolizing his intelligence. The Mizukage had heaped a mass of documents upon the wolf-nin's shoulders and he had spent the better part of the week analyzing them with a keen interest. They were the source of the Mizukage's animosity and were the reason she had gone so far out of her way to recruit him.
That is what brought him to the Mizukage's residence. With the probationary week ending he would now be required to give his decision to the Mizukage about whether he would join her village and work as her subordinate. Koga waited patiently picking over his gray kimono to make sure he was presentable. His silvery hair hung loosely down his back with nary a strain out of place. On his left hip hung his katana and the wakizashi was in place on his back.
It was only a few moments until the previous customer of the Mizukage left her office. He was a slight man and one Koga had come to mark as a problem. The man went by the name of Michi and was a known servant to one of the more powerful elders of Kirigakure. He had also been vehemently protesting the Ookami clan's apparent reemergence. That is why Koga wasn't surprised that the man sneered upon making eye contact with the wolf-nin.
Koga passively ignored the man as always not showing any indication that the man was bothering him, because he wasn't. Koga could care less about the man personally, though he did pay acute attention to the political ripple his presence had caused in the past week.
"You can come in now Koga!" The Mizukage called from inside her office. Brushing past the sneering Michi, the wolf-nin made his way into the Mizukage's office. Inside he could see Chōjūrō in his usual place, flanking Mei.
"Good morning, Mizukage-sama," Koga said offering a bow that was just deep enough to honor the kage, but not so deep as to belittle himself. Every time he did that bow he always caught that upwards flick to the corner of Mei's lips. Nothing missed her eyes.
"I told you Koga, relax a little," Mei chided for what had to have been like the thirteenth time that week. In truth, being respectful made him more relaxed. It was what he had been taught. Drilled for years and years under the ruthless training regime of his father. Everything was emphasized in that training from the shinobi arts to high politics and etiquette. It was the way Koga knew.
"Yes Mizukage-sama," Koga answered causing her to let out a little giggle. It was a game to her, he knew. Almost like she wanted to see if she could make the wolf-nin slip up. Twirling her hair around her finger she just stared at Koga for a few minutes. Maybe to make him nervous, but Koga never wavered. Never showed even a flicker of emotion. Not that he didn't know how. It was just part of his training. Showing emotions was to give other insight into your soul and the way you made decisions. There was a time and place to show emotions and those were far and few between.
Still, Koga remained silent and waited patiently. He wasn't sure how long he stood at attention in front of the kage. It must have been quite some time because a few droplets of sweat rolled down Chōjūrō's face as he watched the two play their silent game of politics. Finally, the Mizukage reached under her desk and the sound from the outside vanished in an instant. It was a sound suppression seal to keep it nice and quiet inside, and prevent anyone from eavesdropping.
Koga immediately produced a disc and slipped it into the pricey computer in the Kage's office. The computer flared to life and a projector blasted an image on a barren white wall. The projection was a simple PowerPoint he had created.
"I poured over the data you have given me throughout the week and analyzed it to the best of my ability," Koga began. He saw Mei's lips twitch a little. Such a subtle tell, but she clearly was hoping he would lead with his decision on whether he would remain in the village or not. Koga enjoyed the game of politics just as much as the redhead. He wondered if she would slip and force him to announce his decision out of impatience.
"Strange is it not?" Mei asked rhetorically with a smile gracing her face. Almost, Koga grinned. He pressed a button on a small remote in his hand to change slides as he began. Numerous statistics showed on the screen surprising both Chōjūrō and Mei.
"It was strange, but I believe all occurrences can be explained with enough time, proper investigation and analysis. Though the date was limited in the first few days I was able to categorize the events and came to a few interesting conclusions," Koga began flipping the slides again and continuing his oration, "I noted a marked increase in reports on the supernatural. It appeared that in the past year reports pertaining to supernatural phenomena or otherwise unexplainable occurrences has increased by as much as forty-five percent."
"But we knew there had been an increase," The Mizukage pressed, trying to get a rise out of Koga. She knew he had much more, she just liked to tease.
"Of course, but I had Chōjūrō pull additional data following previous after-war peacetimes. Following those events there was a usual increase in the supernatural phenomena though that was only up to fifteen percent. Additionally, you will note that this percentage rapidly fluctuated. I assess that was due to rumors passing between shinobi and otherwise scaring them. However, all this is a full thirty-five percent below the historical norm. Not to mention the fact that the current bout of supernatural reporting has slowly increased over the past year, from the usual fifteen percent all the way to the forty-five percent increase as if building momentum."
The Mizukage raised her eyebrows a little and shrugged, "That just shows there was an increase that once again we knew about." Another jab, but she was getting impatient.
"Of course, but that was just to establish a basis for the reporting. Now all this data doesn't mean a thing. It is hearsay information passed on by word of mouth and documented in shinobi and spy reports. So, I sought out physical data to corroborate it," Koga explained letting a long pregnant pause feel the room. He took a sip from a glass of water and watched Mei shift uncomfortably in her chair. She clearly hadn't expected his resourcefulness.
"Most of the reports consist of paranormal attacks so naturally there should be some physical evidence. I took my investigation to the Kiri-hospital and pulled some reports. Over the past year there has been a thirty-five percent increase in unexplainable injuries and illnesses. Not a single case was diagnosable by any of the most experience medic-nin on staff," Koga stated, gauging the Kage's reaction.
"Chōjūrō, how come I was never notified about this?" The Mizukage quickly asked upset about the revelation.
"I- uh," Chōjūrō shifted uncomfortably, "We were never passed that data Mizukage-sama."
"Take note, I want the medical staff reprimanded for not passing along this information," The Mizukage ordered. Chōjūrō quickly pulled out a notepad and fumbled with it awkwardly, almost dropping it in his haste. He quickly jotted down the notes.
"Now, unfortunately a lack of sufficient documentation made it impossible to directly connect this data from the hospital with the recent supernatural reporting," Koga continued changing slides again, "But as you can see the rate of increase in supernatural reporting mirrors the rate of increase with unexplainable hospital injuries and illnesses. I assess that this is our physical evidence."
"It seems you cracked the case," The Mizukage grinned, "Such a smart handsome man." Koga shook his head though flipping the slides again.
"That is far from all of it Mizukage-sama. By accident I stumbled across another likely related set of occurrences. Along with the increase in supernatural reporting we have also experienced a twenty-five percent increase in missing person's cases. Given the lack of missions for our shinobi forces this made little sense so I investigated the specifics of the missing persons on a case by case basis and the mystery only grew more convoluted."
"Chōjūrō, another note. I want to speak with the head of our intelligence division," Mei ordered. The swordsman quickly jotted down the information. The kage was getting truly agitated now at the incompetence in her ranks.
Clearing his throat Koga continued, "Now as I delved into these cases I noticed a stark difference. Before ninety-percent of missing persons' cases were consistent with random kidnappings. The cases over the past year do not come close to following that trend. Instead in over ninety-five percent of the cases, it was a mass disappearance involving more than twenty-five individuals simultaneously. All the cases involved incoming and outgoing shipping between Water country and Fire country."
"Pirates," Mei hissed her cheeks coloring in anger.
"That was my initial assessment as well, but not a single missing person was ever ransomed. Ransom accounts for a massive portion of piracy income so it makes little sense that they wouldn't follow through. Additionally, I reached out to a black market contact our village traded with and he confirmed that not a single stolen good from any of the missing ships had ever hit the market. That would reduce the potential income of these pirates by another colossal portion."
"If it isn't pirates, what the hell is going on?" The Mizukage asked hoping Koga had the answer.
"I am sorry, I do not know Mizukage. In one-hundred percent of these missing persons' cases not a single witness was found. Even the most notorious pirates usually let a few of the poorer targets go to instill fear in the ship captains and increase their chances of capturing ships uncontested. The only thing I can conclude is that whatever is causing the disappearances, it isn't pirates. Also of note, not a single of the missing ships were Kiri naval vessels. Perhaps too hard of a target for whatever is causing the disappearances."
"I want to hear your best guess Koga," The Mizukage requested and the wolf-nin nodded.
"I have low-confidence in this assessment, but these ships could have been targeted by hostile shinobi with a bone to pick. Perhaps hoping to reduce Water Country's tariff incomes, but I can't see why. And if that was the case they are incredibly effective at their jobs. I would estimate at least two to three nuke class shinobi, but I have no way of quantifying that. It is also important to note that none of the incoming vessels have reported wreckage of any sort. These ships are just vanishing altogether."
"So, we have nothing to go on, unbelievable," The kage frowned.
"I didn't say that," Koga interjected watching Mei's eyes light up. "All of the disappearances have occurred to ships who documented that they would be traveling in vicinity of the Land of Whirlpools."
"I doubt they would be so foolish as to target our shipping," The Mizukage speculated.
"I agree, but whatever is targeting the shipping is likely on that island," Koga concluded.
"Chōjūrō, I want a squad of shinobi on as many ships traveling by that island as possible," The Mizukage ordered. He began to jot down those notes but Koga held up a hand.
"Honestly, no one knows we are aware of the disappearances, I think we should keep it that way," Koga suggested.
"You think word would get out?" the redhead asked with a raise of her eyebrow. It was bait, he knew.
"I know word would get out Mizukage-sama," Koga clarified.
"Are you saying we have a leak?" Mei asked, but Koga only grinned.
"I know you have a leak. A lot of them in fact. Otherwise why would I be here and why would you be giving me so much access to classified information in my first week," Koga explained letting out a soft chuckle.
"Is that all?" The Mizukage asked gesturing to the amusing PowerPoint.
"No, I saved the best or I guess in this case, worst for last," Koga flipped to the last slides which showed detailed casualty statistics. "I had a morbid curiosity at the results of the marked increase of disappearances and influx of unexplainable medical cases at the hospital. Following the Fourth Shinobi War casualty rates dropped significantly as is expected. Normally this would follow the historical trend of the villages licking their wounds and building up strength."
Koga took another sip of his water and drew in a breath to continue to explain, "Now usually as the wounds healed there would be a steady increase in espionage missions with a moderate casualty rate. Naturally we are experiencing an unprecedented peace and there simply hasn't been any requests for those sorts of underhanded missions. Despite this, the historical average of casualties is completely consistent."
Mei furrowed her brow and shook her head, "What are you trying to say?"
"I am saying that despite this peace and the almost one-hundred percent drop in A-rank and S-rank missions we are experiencing the exact same attrition rate as if we were still undertaking those missions," Koga flipped the slides to show the accompanying data.
"What exactly does that mean though?" the redhead wondered aloud a little surprised at the data.
"I am not completely sure. At first I thought it might be a coincidence, but the numbers are almost identical to the previous shinobi wars. I am usually skeptical about the supernatural, but it is almost like the world is using supernatural phenomena to maintain some sort of balance or some agenda," Koga scratched the back of his head feeling his argument was a little flat.
"That seems like a stretch," The Mizukage challenged leaning back in her hair. Changing the slide again Koga backed up his data.
"The graph you are seeing now is where our casualty rate should be. Almost seventy percent less than the current trend. I have no way to explain this phenomenon. Not even a best guess," the wolf-nin offered with a shrug. He turned off the PowerPoint and handed the disc over to the Mizukage.
"Very well, thank you for the update. Now, please sit and tell me your decision," Mei indicated the chair in front of her desk and Koga politely took the seat glad to get off his painful knees.
A soft sigh accidentally escaped his lips at the pleasure of being off his achy joints, "So, before I announce my decision I have some conditions to my appointment to jonin of Kirigakure."
"Conditions? What makes you think you are in any position to make demands?" The Mizukage leaned forward all but purring the words. Koga knew she admired confidence and played that chord.
"Simple, you need me more than I need you," Koga announced casually, "Elsewise why would you come to the middle of nowhere and recruit someone to return to the village who just happens to have a clan seat on the Kirigakure council." The redhead let out a little sigh leaning back in her chair. She knew she had been cornered, but Koga knew she needed someone capable so he drove his point even further. "Additionally, you are sailing a very leaky ship. You don't have anyone you can trust but the people in this room."
"Then name your price," The Mizukage demanded with a wave of her hand.
"I want unrestricted movement in the Land of Water and your blessing to work covertly in other countries. Additionally, I will pick and choose the missions I undertake and I will not mentor a single squad of genin. In return I will vote exclusively in your favor on all matters passed before the clan council of elders. I also want to work alone and have full access to all reporting entering and exiting this village."
"You will not work alone," The Mizukage quickly dismissed, "And you will take the position as Lord Commander of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.
"Fine, I will work only with Chōjūrō as a duo team," Koga counter-offered, "Also I can't take that position. Chōjūrō is much more qualified and the title is stupid."
Mei giggled while Chōjūrō's face went beet red. "But you have defeated him in every practice bout. How is he more qualified?"
"His techniques are much more varied. It just so happens that my skill set is the perfect counter to his. He needs to slowly build up momentum throughout a fight whereas I have tailored my skillset towards ending fights quickly," Koga explained casually, his expression passive. Chōjūrō shifted uncomfortably under the volley of compliments, not used to that sort of blatant praise.
"I want you on that team, I don't care what you call the title," Mei shrugged letting out a little dignified snort.
"Fine, make me advisor or something," Koga sighed showing a little emotion, having been worn down by the relentless kage, "But do make Chōjūrō Lord Commander. Since we will be working as a duo team I will personally oversea his training and work to fill his gaps. No doubt he can also provide me valuable insight into endurance training as well. A win-win for you." Mei drummed her fingers on her desk for a few moments before giggling.
"Deal," She gestured to Chōjūrō who quickly turned and began rummaging for something behind her desk. "Don't get any ideas down there, Swordsman," Mei teased causing Chōjūrō to almost feint at the suggestion as he produced a Mist jonin vest and hitai-ate.
"Congratulations Koga, on your appointment to jonin and advisor to the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and to you Chōjūrō on becoming Lord Commander," Mei grinned an almost cat-like smile. Koga felt like despite all his maneuvering the Kage had still out flanked him politically. He was always playing into her hands.
"Oh, but before you can go about rebuilding the order I have a mission for you," The Mizukage announced suddenly.
"What is it?" Koga asked scratching at his chin as he leaned back in the chair.
"An embassy is opening in Konoha. It will be the central face of the Shinobi Alliance. I want my swordsmen present for the grand opening," Mizukage replied with a shrug.
"And unofficially?" Koga immediately asked with amusement.
"I want you to continue to investigate this supernatural activity," Mei grinned, "I want to know if Konoha is involved, but I don't want you to reveal our cards just yet. The last thing I want to be known as is the Village Who Jumps as Ghosts in the Mist." Koga let out a little laugh and nodded.
"I will get my affairs in order tonight and Chōjūrō and I will depart first thing in the morning," Koga announced.
"Good, dismissed," The Mizukage ordered with another flick of her wrist.
Koga studied the three staff members gathered before him. Throughout the week, he had conducted over a hundred interviews to finally come up with these staff members. Unfortunately, due to the size and state of the Ookami residence it was necessary to acquire some staff for renovations, management and cleaning.
His eyes studied his choices. Koga had been pleased at his luck. He had hired one butler by the name of Todashi. He was an older gentleman with a thin, clean shaven face and dark graying hair. The man was very qualified and thanks to Koga's access to classified intelligence, he deemed the man to have a clean enough background to be trustworthy in the position. The man currently stood quietly in his black kimono, and portrayed the image of a dignified and capable servant.
Flanking him were two younger women. The middle-aged woman was an experienced and capable groundskeeper by the name of Chika. The woman was twenty-four and of average intelligence and appearance. She wore dark pants and a green loose-fitting t-shirt to keep her cool and unrestricted in her task of grounds keeping. She sported short brown hair, brown eyes to match, and for a splash of color or to make some sort of impression she had tucked a daisy behind her ear.
The last, least intelligent, and most unqualified member of the team was the maid he had hired. She was but fifteen years old and went by the name of Sango. There had been other much more qualified people that could have filled the position more adequately, but Koga didn't want to admit his soft spot. The young girl had lost her family and was living in destitute conditions on the bottom rung of the Kirigakure caste system. Having grown up poor himself and in a village stranded in poverty he sympathized closely with the young girl. That and she reminded him of her.
Shaking the oncoming depressing feelings away before they took root he assessed the girl's appearance. She was much more remarkable than the groundskeeper. She had the same brown eyes, but striking medium length blue hair pulled back in a ponytail. Unlike during the interview when she had been wearing nothing but rags, she was now wearing a long, new pink kimono with a matching pink ribbon holding her hair in the pony-tail. A small freckle dotted her left cheek.
Sango had certainly put the stipend he gave her to get cleaned up to good use. She was practically glowing. Those clothes were probably the most expensive things she owned now.
"Welcome to your first day of duty in the Ookami estate," Koga announced giving everyone a little bow. Chika and Todashi immediately returned the bow, both bowing deeply. Sango was late, but copied the other's example bowing as well.
"Thank you, Koga-sama," They replied in haphazard unison. Koga could have sworn the butler's eye twitched at the haphazard display.
"As of today, you are now official staff of the Ookami estate. As you may have noticed the estate is in a horrible state of disrepair. I will be granting an additional allowance to buy personal items as you settle into the estate," Koga began explaining. Sango raised her hand quickly and Koga just raised an eyebrow.
"Yes Sango?" Koga questioned.
"What do you mean settlin' in?" the girl asked in confusion.
"All of you have an assigned quarter upon this estate and will function as live-in servants. You may be accompanied by up to one family member or guest. You will have full access to the pantry and facilities on this estate. Unfortunately, given the run-down status of the estate many of the rooms are under-furnished and filthy. The stipend will be to get your rooms in order and buy any necessary items to make your stay as comfortable as possible."
"Thank you so much goshuujinsama," Sango bowed particularly low and he thought he could see tears welling up in her little eyes.
"Sango, you will oversee cleaning the estate and once clean, you will maintain the cleanliness of the estate. I do have very high standards, so I wouldn't thank me yet," Koga replied, but he had a feeling the girl would all but break her back trying to clean the estate. "Chika, you will oversee taming the overgrown yards. I want the weeds removed, the trees trimmed, and the garden in tip-top shape." Chika bowed in response a small smile on her face. Koga wondered if that was from eagerness, or the fact that he was probably overpaying her.
"Todashi, you will have the hardest job of all," Koga began. The man inclined his head a little as if knowing what it entailed, but there was a lot to be said. "You will not only be head-butler but also secondary head of the household until I appoint someone else. As such these two report directly to you and you will be in charge of paying them. In addition, you will oversee allocating any miscellaneous funding for tools and items necessary for them to function in their positions."
Todashi's eyes widened a little in surprised. Koga didn't doubt that the man was wondering just how much of an extensive background check the wolf-nin had done on him. It had been extensive indeed and during that Koga had stumbled across his many managerial qualifications.
"You will also personally oversee the renovation of the estate and provide me with a weekly progress report," Koga explained seeing the man give him a questioning glance.
"I am sorry Koga-sama, but you do not wish a daily report?" The butler asked raising his eyebrows.
"A daily report will be quite hard considering I expect to be absent from the village for the following month," Koga let a small smile show. It was the first time he had broke that news, but Todashi merely inclined his head and raised his eyebrow. The wolf-nin knew the man was more than capable.
"How much freedom do I have with funding Koga-sama?" the butler asked.
"As much as you need. I don't want you to cut corners on the restoration of the estate. You can hire anyone required to assist in the renovation and have full authority to approve those employees independently. I know your background, I don't feel the need to micromanage you, just get it done," Koga ordered cutting the matter short with finality.
"Oh, and if the estate isn't in tip top shape by the time I return to the village in one month's time you will all be fired," Koga added as he departed the room. The two women looked floored by the revelation, but he sword Todashi's eyes twinkled at the challenge.