Chapter 9: Diplomatic Mission Part 2

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Kaza walked and observed that things between Sakura and Ino were not as bad as they once were. That was a positive development. He had noticed this when he was a student, how their crush on the same boy had caused the two to become enemies when, in truth, they should have been best friends. He was glad to see Ino a bit happier and able to reconnect with someone important to her.

He paused as he suddenly came to a dead stop. "Kakashi, I've noticed something. I'm not allowed to engage in ninja activities right now, but I'm sure you've also seen the signs. There are bandits following us at the moment. Could you and your team please take care of them for me?" Kaza asked. He had noticed several telltale signs, such as broken branches, water disturbances, and even the signs of a pit trap just ahead. Kaza knew that Kakashi was much more skilled and experienced than he was, so he was likely aware of the situation as well. The rest of the group might have also noticed, as it wasn't beyond the realm of possibility.

"Of course, you are under our protection, and remember, no ninja action today, so no going out and fighting them," Kakashi said calmly. He waited a moment, then threw a kunai that slammed into a tree, just missing a bandit or appearing to do so, causing the group to leave them alone for the moment.

"They aren't the threat we need to be worried about. They don't attack, as they see possible threats and that poses too much of a risk for them. Now, what we have to worry about is some rogue ninja," Kakashi reasoned as they continued their walk.

Kaza nodded. This was not easy whatsoever, the whole no ninja work thing. He was a ninja, but he couldn't be one for this mission. He let out a deep sigh as he looked down for a moment, but then he felt a firm hand holding his own. His face turned upwards to see Ino walking by him, holding his hand as if to reassure him that things would be fine.

"I see Kakashi, that does make sense, I figure that it best that we keep an look out or rather you guys keep a look out for those dangerous," Kaza replied as he walked, not feeling the need or want to cause any problems.

Sakura smiled as she noticed the impact of Ino upon Kaza. It seemed that the two had a very important relationship. That was good. Ino needed support as much as anyone. For all her toughness and independence, she was still a young teenage girl who needed support and friendship. It would seem comfort and friendship very much went both ways in this budding relationship.

Sakura, too, was happy as this mission seemed to give her a chance to make amends with her old friend and move past the hatefulness of recent years. The two had soured over Sasuke in part as both were very strongly in the fangirl camp for him.

The group arrived at the Fire Daimyo's palace mostly free of trouble, other than avoiding a couple more traps and scaring a few more bandits off. Kaza Togusa was a forgettable ninja after all, and his family was forgettable, so most likely the dangerous foes forgot him too.

As the group arrived at the palace, they saw just how beautiful it was, filled with art, gems, gold, silver, and the finest of everything. It was ideal for keeping a guest in awe and leaving them speechless. That was the purpose, shock and awe, before making deals with people. Kaza didn't worry too much about it. As he found his room, a very lovely one prepared for a lord of the Fire Lands, he reminded himself that he was here for a mission, and he was really just a ninja who had extra duties such as this.

Ino and Sakura would bunk together, as would Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke. Kaza explored the room, his hand touching the finely made furniture, the artwork, and every other lovely aspect of the room. All of it gave a sense of grandeur to the whole place. He knew that the next day the group would undoubtedly have the first of the big meetings with the Fire Daimyo himself.

The next morning, Kaza took his time getting ready. He had to wear the fancy robes this time, which were both impressive and annoying. The attire was made in layers, requiring him to put on each layer one at a time. He carefully worked his way through this process, with each layer adding armor or some small detail to reflect his new status. Once he finished, Kaza looked like a lord of a small fiefdom or a samurai of old, dressed for a grand event.

He let out a sigh as he went to find the rest of his team, looking up at the group. "Well, this is quite different from my usual outfit," he remarked, releasing a subtle sigh.

His reaction got a few reactions, as Sasuke shook his head stoic in his ways as ever, "Not bad, Togusa, look like some old dead samurai."

"Yeah so cool, that looks amazing," Naruto said with a lot of energy behind his words as normal. "I am not sure if you should go to some ball or some samurai battle with that on."

"I am going to guess this is to make you feel out of the normal too," Sakura reasoned as she figured that would make the most sense. Make guest feel uncomfortable before working out deals with them.

Kaza felt Ino's hand on his back, "Not too bad, but I like the normal gear the best on you," she said softly, "your still you though, stubborn, determined, and sometimes brash and reckless," she teased.

Kaza needed to hear that from Team 7, finding it helpful as he arrived at the meeting hall for a morning meeting. The young male teenager found his seat before the powerful Lord Daimyo.

Hiroshi Takahashi was the Fire Daimyo, a man of power and determination. He obviously possessed wisdom in state matters, and Kaza could see the age and experience etched upon his face. The Daimyo wore his robes with perfect grace, as if they were second nature to him.

Approaching, Kaza bowed deeply before the Daimyo. "Lord Daimyo, I come to finally meet you. I am Kaza Togusa, the last of the Togusa clan. It is an honor to have this chance to meet with you. I have heard nothing but praise for your lordship," he said with firm respect.

Hiroshi Takahashi, the Fire Daimyo, observed Kaza with a keen eye as the young ninja introduced himself. His expression remained composed, and he acknowledged Kaza's greeting with a nod of his head.

"Kaza Togusa, the last of the Togusa clan," Hiroshi repeated thoughtfully. "Your name carries history and responsibility. I appreciate your kind words. It's a pleasure to finally meet you as well."

The Daimyo's tone was gracious, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he continued to regard Kaza.

The Togusa clan was only known for its actions in the far past or well very recently. It would seem that the Daimyo knew both times very well. He was a student of history after all. So, for him to know the history of his own lands made sense.

Kaza pulled out a scroll and unsummoned three important historical documents relating to the Land of Fire, the history between it and the Togusa clan and an impressive bust of one of the former Daimyo of Fire. "I bring gifts as is expected for a meeting such as this where a guest should show their lord the respect they deserve."

"Thank you, those are wonderful gifts, Lord Togusa," he said using his status as with his clan name. He was impressed by this boy, to have the foresight and the ability to think ahead. He didn't think this was Hiruzen's move, as Hiruzen would have only brought part of the items.

The topics discussed during the morning meeting covered various aspects, including the status of the Togusa Temple's reconstruction and its potential economic benefits for the Land of Fire. They also addressed the forgiveness of taxes for past years and the future duties that Kaza would need to fulfill once he reached the age of 18, considering his promising career as a ninja.

Kaza had left a strong impression on the Fire Daimyo, showcasing impressive qualities that befitted his status as a talented ninja and a lord within the Land of Fire. The morning meetings concluded smoothly, and they prepared for a break around lunchtime.

The Fire Daimyo, Hiroshi Takahashi, smiled, confident that the Konoha-bound ninja would be able to handle himself. He gestured toward the entrance as a young woman walked into the room.

"Now, Kaza, I would like to introduce my youngest daughter, a talented young lady like yourself and your guardians," Hiroshi announced.

He observed Kaza closely, waiting to see his reaction. "This is my daughter, Princess Amara Takahashi. She has been quite curious about meeting you. It's unusual to find a lord of the land who is also a powerful and skilled ninja."

Princess Amara, adorned in an exquisite kimono of deep crimson silk with delicate cherry blossom patterns, gracefully stepped forward. Her sapphire-blue eyes held a glint of curiosity as she curtsied politely before Kaza. "It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lord Kaza," she said with a soft, melodic voice that held a hint of warmth.

"It is my pleasure to meet you, Lady Amara," Kaza replied respectfully as she took a seat beside him for the meal. Everyone else, except for Kakashi, was asked to leave the room for lunch and dine separately. As Togusa's main bodyguard for this meeting, Kakashi was allowed to stay to protect Kaza.

The lunch proceeded smoothly, with Kaza charming the princess with his tales of bravery and a small ninjutsu demonstration. He also engaged in a lively conversation with Princess Amara, discussing various flowers and plants. The two of them sat together, enjoying each other's company in a peaceful meeting.

While the lunch appeared to be a harmonious gathering, Kakashi couldn't help but sense the underlying political implications. The Fire Daimyo, Hiroshi Takahashi, was shrewd, and this meeting might have been orchestrated to establish a potential card for future negotiations and alliances.

In another room, an individual simmered with discontent over the lunch between Kaza and the princess. However, they were powerless to influence the situation, leaving them frustrated and helpless. There were two unhappy parties, one just far better as dealing with a tinge of unhappiness at this meeting between princess and lord. He didn't notice the frustrated look on a warrior's face, the idea of Kaza Togusa being given so much support was silly, he was from a minor ninja family, best to just ignore him, was the thinking of this man.

Hiroshi noticed the expression on Ino's face, recognizing that she hailed from one of the most prominent clans in Konohagakure and was an heir to it. The connection between Ino and Kaza was evident, and Hiroshi couldn't help but smile, realizing that this young man might face a challenging future in a few years. As both a lord of the Land of Fire and a skilled ninja, Kaza was bound to attract a significant amount of attention, especially once the Togusa temple was completed. Most nobles were typically reserved and formal, but Kaza stood out with his unique and unconventional demeanor. Hiroshi could already discern a noticeable degree of curiosity and interest in his daughter Amara's eyes. Kaza was different and unique, and Amara's positive reaction to him was evident. It seemed that an intriguing journey lay ahead should circumstances align in a particular way.

Notes:

Yes, I changed the Daimyo of Fire, the one in cannon is very minor and way to weak willed and powerless to really fit this story. So, I created him and gave him a daughter as well.