Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Naruto
Chapter Six- A New Seat: The Meeting of Kage
A barren wasteland greeted anyone who wandered too far from the borders of the Sand Village. The heat during the day rendered it difficult for even veteran Jonin whom had mastered the Water-Style of Jutsu to traverse - and the freezing nights were equally unbearable. One could see an outline of trees in the distance separating the Lands of Wind and Fire from one another. However, even with the green paradise in sight, the perilous dessert took nearly a day to traverse on foot.
Just hours after Squad Twelve had narrowly escaped Hinoto's clutches for a second time, a lone man departed from Sunagakure. Dressed in a dark, one-piece shinobi outfit, outfitted with various metal paraphernalia, such as a breastplate, gauntlets with a retractable shield, and shin guards- he made his way through the sea of sand. Normally, such garb would make the hot dessert sun even more unbearable, but, as of late, puppet-masters had begun to dawn such extra armor for protection. For too long, the puppeteers of Suna had considered close-range combat to be their Achille's Heel. It was Kankuro whom had only recently made use of armor and shields a much more common practice for the puppet users to try and diminish his arts obvious flaws and weaknesses.
"Sorry it took so long," said the man. There was no one around, and for a moment it appeared as if he had been talking to only the air. Moments later, the sand swirled in a circle, blinding the ninja for just a mere moment. Before his eyesight had returned, Hinoto appeared, standing just a few meters away. "Your little fiasco put the entire village on high alert."
"It's quite alright," Hinoto responded, shrugging his shoulders rather calmly. "How's the child recovering?"
"She and her team are fine," the ninja responded. "They're recovering in the hospital now. Only a few minor scrapes and bruises. Nothing serious of course."
Hinoto had obviously already known this information. He had been the one to put them "in danger" in the first place. However, the ninja just shook his head, allowing his comrade to speak.
"It was necessary. When the child didn't activate the Sharingan after our first encounter-"
"I know," the ninja replied before giving Hinoto the chance to finish. "No one is blaming you either way, but I recommend you lay low for a while. They'll be heading back to the Leaf soon. I want you to follow close behind."
"I would," Hinoto said, shrugging once more. "But Taiki, the boss has other plans for now. And he wants me to let you know that the war is escalating far too quickly. It is inevitable, but we have to delay it for a while, even if it's just a few more years."
"That snake changes his plans every few hours," Taiki shook his head, turning away from Hinoto as though he was about to return home. "How'd they hold up anyway?"
"Well the Uchiha held her own rather well," Hinoto said truthfully. "She'll be ready in due time."
"And the other two?"
"The one's got spunk," Hinoto thought, bringing to mind memories of Kiyoshi. "But he's no problem." In both confrontations, the child had been defeated rather quickly. Easily susceptible to genjutsu and a poor planner, Kiyoshi was clearly the "runt" of the group. "And the Uzumaki may prove valuable as well. He's probably stronger than the other two combined. Is the boss sure he doesn't want him instead?"
"You know it has to be the Uchiha girl," Taiki countered. "Anyway, tell him Gaara's called a meeting of the Kage. If nothing else, that should slow down the pace of conflict for a few months. I didn't think blaming your outbreak on the Tsuchikage would escalate things so quickly."
"That's why you don't do things before we all discuss it first," Hinoto scolded. "You're lucky he didn't have your head for that." Taiki opened his mouth to argue, but instead held his hand up in protest. "You better get back before you're missed. I'm sure Gaara will want to speak with his 'trusted advisors.'"
Many of the buildings in Sunagakure were constructed out of sand, making them easily destructible, but many more held a certain level structural integrity. Suna itself was regarded as the "weakest" of the Hidden Villages. The Hidden Sand Village was pitied for its poor living conditions, slipshod economy and relatively poor military. In truth, Suna had a relatively broad culture, and were very well known for their variety of clothing and ingenuity in the shinobi field.
Sonzai made it her personal goal to amend their previous encounter with Hinoto by showing them the highlights of Suna - culminating in dinner.
"So how are you liking everything?" Sonzai asked, tilting her head slightly sideways.
Unlike other villages, Suna, because of its constant weather fluctuations, had mostly indoor dining to protect from the harsh desert.
"The armory was pretty cool," Akira shrugged, slurping some of his ramen.
Kiyoshi was severely disappointed. Onigiri was not a common dish served in the Village. There were a few restaurants that had the item on their menu, but Sonzai said that it was "nothing special." The young man was forced to broaden his horizons and order another dish. He ordered something known as Tendon- Tempura Shrimp and vegetables on rice. He was skeptical of the taste and hadn't yet taken a bite.
'We're in the desert - where did they get the shrimp,' he wondered to himself.
"Yeah, I've never seen so many different kinds of kunai," Katsu agreed, eating one of her steamed dumplings.
In truth, Katsu didn't care about the kunai, or any of the distinct armaments within shop. Her mind had been wandering the last few hours, had her father done all the things Sonzai had actually said? All the pieces seemed to fit, but Katsu had trouble condemning her father on the word of a twelve year old. She figured there was only one person she could ask for the truth, but she would have to wait until she returned back to the Leaf Village. Perhaps he could also help her with her newly formed Sharigan.
"You're father really has his work cut out for him," Akira said, putting down his food.
"How so?" Sonzai replied.
"I heard him talking with Shikamaru-sensei about the conflict. He thinks Orochimaru is involved somehow."
"My father is an idiot. If the Tsuchikage is after the Jinchuriki and Katsu-san for Orochimaru then we must strike soon."
"And what if he's wrong? What if he attacks legions of innocent civilians on a hunch?"
"Necessary sacrifices," she responded, her voice cold and unwavering.
'Would it really come to a war,' Kiyoshi thought. War, in it's most basic form, was nothing more than petty feuds between Lords. War was sending countless soldiers to die for a cause that they may not believe in or really even understand. Death and destruction are the only things that can become of war- something that Kiyoshi could never allow, even for the most just of reasons.
"I've been meaning to ask," Katsu said. "What is a Jinchuriki? Hinoto… he said he wanted me AND the Jinchuriki."
"Well, I'm a Jinchuriki, the Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Beast Shukaku. A Jinchuriki is literally just a person with a Tailed-Beast Sealed away within them," Sonzai said matter-of-factly. "Each of the main hidden villages is in possession of a single Jinchuriki with a few being scattered in random locations around the Shinobi Nations."
"Oh, I've never heard of a Jinchuriki in the Hidden Leaf Village," Katsu said, looking towards her teammates. Kiyoshi shrugged his shoulders to show he too was slightly confused, but Akira simply turned away.
"Perhaps out of respect for the previous Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki," the boy responded, standing from his chair. "Come, I'm sure Shikamaru-sensei would like to return home soon. I'm sure Gaara-sama already left for his meeting with the other Kage as well."
The Kage Summit was never held in the same location twice. Some misunderstood the term, believing the Summit was a single location for meetings between the Kage- a large complex with a pyramid in the center somewhere in the neutral Land of Iron. However, this was not the case. Meetings could be held in any location, typically in one desired by whoever called the meeting. Only the Kage themselves and a few high-ranking individuals were privy to such sensitive information. Most Jonin and the ANBU weren't even informed.
After the Shinobi Alliance was formed during the Fourth Shinobi World War, meetings were held much more frequently. The Kage now more commonly acted as one solid unit, fostering unity between the nations. However, everyone was certain that this peace would fall soon enough - a truce between all nations had never lasted this long. Since many of the older Kage have long since been replaced, the ties and connections formed during the defeat of the Akatsuki and Obito have been slightly skewed and forgotten.
"Glad you could come," Gaara bowed to Kakashi, motioning for the Hokage to take a seat. The room was dimly lit, but set up exactly as the old Kage Summit meeting had been. A large horseshoe shaped table with ten chairs, one for each Kage and their respective confidants, as well as a small podium in the center of the table for someone to speak.
Kakashi had arrived just a few moments late, as was expected of him. At his side was his right hand man, Guy, an individual he regarded as his eternal rival and most trusted friend. Kakashi felt that the two men were partners, equal on most fronts. Some critics of Kakashi had quoted that he was a Co-Kage, taking his confidants advice too often. Neither Kakashi or Guy were particularly gifted in foreign affairs. So, the Rokudaime felt that his judgment on certain matters was insufficient on his own. He felt that, if Guy agreed with his decisions, then he may not have been making the "smart" choice, but at least he was making the "right" one.
Kakashi also brought a few other men with him. Among them, the shinobi known only as Yamato stood by the Hokage's side. As with Guy, Yamato had been comrades with Kakashi for quite a while. For this reason, Kakashi trusted in Yamato's judgment and wisdom as he possessed slightly more talent and couth when confronting differing nations. The other two men, Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki had been Chunin during the time they had known Naruto Uzumaki. However, in most recent years, their promotion to Jonin, and the lack of leaders for the Konoha High-Council, Kotetsu and Izumo filled their place. Along with these men, Genma Shiranui was supposed to come with the team to "protect" the Sixth Hokage as was his job. However, Kakashi assured the Fire Daimyo that the extra guard would not be necessary, and Genma was allowed to continue preperations for the Chunin Exams. Kakashi did a quick role call in the back of his mind to see that everyone was accounted for.
Of course, Gaara was in attendance with his confidant and brother, Kankuro. Along with them was Taiki, the head of the Sunagakure Council. Suna had functioned as more of a Democratic Nation in recent years, with the Kazekage as a "figure head" to formally announce decisions. In truth, the Suna Council formed all decisions in tandem with Gaara as one governmental body. It was only natural that the Council would want their "best" man sitting in at the meeting to listen in on what rules and regulations were being made. Another Shinobi, dressed in black attire stood by Kankuro. It was clear that he wasn't a Sunagakure ninja.
Also in attendance was the newly appointed Raikage, Darui. A had decided only a few months ago to leave his position as Kage to Kumogakure. So, his right-hand, Darui was chosen by the Kumo Council to replace him. Alongside him were C, Darui's confidant, as well as his bodyguard Omoi. Darui, being about as green as possible, was instructed by former Raikage A, to follow Kakashi's lead on decisions. Whatever Kakashi had agreed upon was most likely the best course of action for the future of all the Shinobi Nations.
Of course, Mei Terume had been there as well, but had no interest in a feud between the Sand and Rock Villages. For her, the meeting was nothing more than an inconvenient annoyance. Along with her were Suigetsu Hozuki and Chojuro, two full fledged members of Kirgakure's Seven Swordmen of the Mist. Together with the other members of the Swordsmen, they constituted most of the Kirigakure Council.
That left only the missing Tsuchikage and his two attendees. Kakashi had hoped he would turn up soon, the meeting would be all but useless without him in attendance.
"He's probably frightened," Guy laughed, sensing Kakashi's tension. "The mark of a true coward."
"I can assure you that you're completely wrong in your assumption," said the new Tsuchikage, fully dressed in the same robes Onoki had once worn, albeit, slightly longer to fit the taller man. He had short, brown hair that frayed upwards. He was about Gaara's size, making him smaller than both Kakashi and Darui, but as the previous Tsuchikage had proven, size has nothing to do with power.
A single advisor accompanied the Tsuchikage. He too was shorter in comparison to many of the men in the room, but he had been a few inches taller than both the Kazekage and the Tsuchikage. His hair was long and blonde, tied in a ponytail and fell to his mid back. The rest of his body was covered in a black cloak draped over his shoulders.
"Kana," Gaara said, looking to the Tsuchikage. "Please…sit."
"I had every intention to, Lord Kazekage," the man smiled, bowing his head slightly to seemingly show respect. It was clear to Kakashi that this action was merely intended to mock Gaara's position.
"Can we begin?" Mei said, obviously annoyed at the ordeal.
"Not quite," said Kana, taking his seat next to Darui. "Rules state that each Kage is allowed to bring one confidant and one bodyguard to these meetings. Why is the honorable Lord Hokage admitted with four?"
"That is true Kakashi," Darui finally spoke up, looking at the older man. "With all do respect you are bending the rules."
"Well that's simple," Kakashi shrugged, smiling at his equals. "I only have one confidant with me. As for bodyguards, I have none, only advisors sent by the Fire Daimyo."
"I don't believe you," Kana said, laughing to himself slightly. "What world leader would travel this far from home without a little protection."
"That is true Kakashi," Gaara finally piped. As much as he detested the Tsuchikage, Gaara couldn't help but feel concerned for Kakashi's safety.
"Well to be honest," Guy interjected. "Kakashi and I have no use for 'protection.'"
"Between the two of us, Guy and I could take out everyone in this room." Kakashi said calmly, giving his signature "nice-guy" pose.
No one said a word in protest for fear of any sort of altercation. What Kakashi had said was true. The Hokage and his confidant, more commonly known as the Eternal Duo, were feared in all of the Shinobi Countries. Guy, with his intense speed and strength, coupled with Kakashi's intelligence and mastery over all things Ninjutsu made them a deadly duo that no one ever crossed.
"I'll go outside ma'am," Suigetsu nodded. The wielder of the Kubikiribōchō had been on thin ice since he returned to the Hidden Mist Village. Even now, almost twenty years since his return, Suigetsu had to be wary of the Mizukage's wrath. Omoi, Taiki, Kotetsu, Izumo, and Yamato followed suit, leaving each Kage and their confidant to talk amongst themselves.
Kakashi did have one more question though, one final thing on his mind.
"Who is your extra guest?" the Hokage asked, looking towards the man Kakashi had noticed before.
Now that the room had cleared slight, Kakashi could get a better look at the young man's face. He was slim, almost frail in appearance. His hair was jet black, but kept rather short. His eyes were light blue in color, odd for someone with hair so dark. He wore a black outfit, topped with a fishnet shirt.
"Your very handsome guest." Mei agreed, leaning forward in her chair to make herself seem slightly more promiscuous.
"This is the aspiring Otokage," Gaara said plainly, aware that he would receive a few worried glances.
Gaara was taking a bold step, one that no other Kage had ever before, and only doing so because of selfish reasons. With both Konoha and the Hidden Cloud Village remaining neutral in the conflict, Gaara had lost two of his strongest allies. Now, it seemed he was simply scraping the bottle of the barrel for help against the Iwa threat.
"Hello," the man bowed, stepping to the podium. "My name is Shion Oshinawa, and I am the acting leader of Otogakure."
"Gaara," Kakashi said, looking over to the younger Kazekage disapprovingly.
"The Sound Village has made astounding improvements to their nation, even creating one comprehensive 'Hidden Sound Village' assimilating much of the surrounding barren wastelands into their control. The Rain Village, the Grass Village, and the Waterfall Village are all now part of the Land of Sound," Gaara said, explaining his intentions. Although they weren't as pure as he was trying to make them sound, his statement wasn't entirely false.
With a population only slightly larger than Suna and an economy greater than Konoha due to it's favorable position next to the sea, Otogakure was thriving quite nicely in comparison to the Hidden Rock Village. Even Suna, who had since rebounded from their food shortage, was faring worse than that of the Sound Village. Their only downside was their military. With Orochimaru "gone" from the land, most of his forces left with the Sannin. Now, Otogakure was left building a Shinobi force all their own, a task handed to Shion Oshinawa.
"So you're asking us to vote," Darui said, phrasing his words as more of a statement and less than that of a question. "Do we or do we not accept a sixth Kage to our midst?"
"Yes," Gaara said plainly. "With our combined resources, I feel that we could ad a powerful ally to the Shinobi Alliance."
'Or a powerful ally to join your side of the fight,' Kakashi pondered, taking a deep breath. As much as he revered Gaara, Kakashi was a little disappointed with his underhanded tactics. Even so, Kakashi could understand where the young man was coming from. He had a village to defend and people to protect. He had to do whatever he could.
"Then let me be the first to vote," the Tsuchikage said, standing to his full height. "Nori and I agree to the admission of the Otokage."
Gaara was taken back by the compliance of Kana. The Kazekage figured that if anyone would have protested, it would have been him.
It was clear that Gaara was reaching for an ally to assist him in case of war- a war that would be held against the Tsuchikage. Originally, Gaara had thought that Orochimaru was now pulling the strings in Iwa, so it would make sense that Kana would vote for an Otokage, a position that could be filled by Legendary Sannin himself. Despite these fears, Gaara had to be rock steady on his decisions. The Kazekage truly believed that the Otogakure had changed their ways and Orochimaru no longer held any ties to the land or any of the villages within.
"I also agree," Gaara nodded.
"Hmmm," Mei said, biting the tip of her pointer finger. "My vote has to go with the cute mysterious man."
"So, that's it?" Kana shrugged. "Three against two."
"Not quite," Nori, the Tsuchikage's confidant, interjected. "As much as it pains me to say this, small feuds are to be settled with a majority vote, that much is certain-"
"But landmark decisions have to be unanimous," Kakashi said, pointing to both himself and Darui. "Something of this magnitude can't be resolved by a simple majority."
"So we are at a standstill,"Taiki frowned, looking towards his superior.
"What can I do to convince you?" Shion gasped out, finally unable to keep himself quite any longer. "How can I prove our worth?"
"It's nothing you can prove," Kakashi responded. "Trust is gained over time."
"Is twenty years not ample time? Have we not given everything in the rebuilding after the Fourth Shinobi World War?"
Kakashi shook his head. Even if he was willing to accept the Sound's new disposition, many villagers would scream out in protest. The Sound had been the cause of the Third Hokage's death. So many people had loved Hiruzen, many people that were still alive today.
'Perhaps when the new generation takes charge, the hatred of the past can finally be washed away,' Kakashi hoped.
"There are so many unanswered questioned," Kakashi said, trying to keep himself level headed. "For instance, what has become of Orochimaru?"
"He's dead," Shion answered, his voice unwavering and cold.
"No, he's not," Kakashi responded. "I've seen him come from the brink of death too many times. Sasuke revived him during the past war. He must still be alive."
"Then tell me where I can find him," Shion said, looking down to the ground. His fists quivered and his entire body shook with a sense of rage that seemed to delve into his very core. "He has hurt so many people, so many innocent lives. If I knew where he was," he looked up so that Kakashi could see directly into his icy blue stare. "I'd smite him myself!"
"I vote we add the Otokage to our midst," the Hokage shrugged.
Any man with that sort of conviction and passion couldn't be lying. If Orochimaru was still alive, it was clear that he had no ties to Shion or Otogakure. The bigots of the Hidden Leaf would just have to bite their tongues and accept Kakashi's decision. After all, he was their leader.
"I'm with you one hundred percent, Kakashi," Guy winked, giving his friend a thumbs up.
"As am I," Darui nodded, raising his hand in agreement.
Shion fell backwards slightly, almost completely losing his balance. He hadn't actually believed the Kage would accept him so willingly. After all of his hard work, he would finally be accepted as the first official Otokage. His people would no longer be regarded as savages or slaves to Orochimaru, but genuine and prosperous. He had accomplished his mission.
"Here," Kankuro said, standing. He moved slightly so that the new Kage could take a seat with his equals.
"Thank you, Lord Kankuro," Shion bowed, taking his rightful seat next to Gaara. "Now, we continue by asking why you attacked the Sand Village?"
"What, me?" the Tsuchikage said, taken back. "I've heard your allegations and I must say they're completely false. I have in no way ordered any attacks on your village as of yet."
"As of yet?" Gaara said, standing in his seat.
'This is going to be one long meeting,' Kakashi sighed, taking a deep breath to clear his thoughts.