Scarlet Justice: Full Blossom - ep. 86
"Launching"
[Convergence of Shadows: Feature 1]

"Here you are. Send someone over if you have any problems."

"Thank you, it's much appreciated."

Breakfast is delivered this morning by the samurai, and it smells very good. The ANBU including Zo and Yugao have been on rotating watch all night while the summit party slept. Those resting take the first portions of breakfast while the three of us go to wash up for the day's events. It's still a bit before dawn in these lands.

"Someone's warmed the water up for us already," Hina says as we share the sink together. It's a tight fit, but we manage. The old man has his own bathroom to use, which is good.

"That's lovely of our comrades. Saves us some discomfort. Did you want to go in first?"

"It's inviting trouble in your case, but I think we should share today."

"Good idea. You can trust me with your body, Hina."

"Mm-hm. Because you're smarter than you act sometimes."

"That's harsh of you."

"I'm glad you think so. I'll wash your back first."

We finish up relatively quickly and go over each other's makeup, then do our checks again in the mirror. Our outfits are already in the small bathroom, so we get into them again and make sure they're relatively spotless at the least before stepping back into the main room again. The ANBU on guard have switched off and are eating their breakfast now. Zo and Yugao are sitting at a round table with a map on top of it, masks already on and hoods up.

"Good morning, all."

Everyone greets the Hokage as he enters the room again, already fiddling with that pipe of his to light it. He does so and takes a relaxed puff before sitting next to Zo at the table. Yugao sets down a plate of food, hot tea, and utensils, to which he nods his thanks before starting to eat. Zo gestures to the remaining seats before doing the same for us.

"Our plans are to go over what we've confirmed one last time before you head out," he explains before sitting down. "Rock was the last to make it in, somehow. Our observations led us to conclude that the Tsuchikage threw out his back on the way up...could be a useful tactical advantage. But let's hope things don't head down that road, before anything else. We have the final lists of representatives that will be sitting across from you in that room."

We listen to Zo as we eat.

The first group to look at is the one that arrived directly before us, from Sand. Gaara, the Fifth Kazekage. As expected, he has chosen his two siblings as his bodyguards: the expert puppet user Kankuro, and one of the strongest Wind Release users in the shinobi world, Temari. They are our allies and friends, but it doesn't exempt them from any scrutiny, not when stakes have risen this high. Kankuro is easily dealt with due to my sensing ability and Hina's Byakugan. Temari is a bit tougher with her wind techniques, but our speed should allow either of us to get around her attacks and disable her. Lightning is hard pressed most times, but Mobius is a unique type of attack itself, and beyond that I have strong fire type jutsu to reverse her attacks back onto her, as does Hina. Gaara will obviously be the most difficult to deal with, but his defensive style and jutsu types make him easy prey for me especially. Couple that with the anti-bijuu techniques I've developed, and...we're very confident. The last thing we want is for things to come to that end, but I'm sure their group feels the same. That won't stop them from doing a threat assessment on us in turn. They're too competent not to.

After us, the next group to arrive was Cloud. Their leader is A, the Fourth Raikage. He is the son of the Third Raikage, also named A. This title has gone back to the beginning of the village's formation, and forms one half of a team called the A-B Combo. Fortunately, we don't have to deal with that this time, as Killer Bee is currently at home indefinitely, according to Yugito and Matatabi. A has chosen two styles of bodyguard: Darui, his right hand man and an exceedingly skilled swordsman, and C, who is said to have some skill in medical arts and genjutsu all at once. It makes sense since the two disciplines are closely linked in their need for elite chakra control, but most focus on one or the other because of the degrees of difficulty involved. He's talented, and it must be the case because apparently he's also got some sort of sensing ability according to our intelligence. The Cloud definitely has a military to be wary of. C would have to be the first to go, in order to prevent his genjutsu from causing problems. Then it would be a matter of Hina going up against Darui, while I faced A as my primary target. It would be a difficult battle against the man who went step for step with Minato, years before I was born. But I have enough tricks at this point to pull something off, even in a chaotic setting. With the old man supporting us, things will definitely be fine if they get to that point. Here's hoping they don't get remotely close.

Next is the Mist, mysterious and quiet as ever. Intelligence on them was hard to come by, but come it has. We know what we're up against, and I had some extra help in the form of an easily bribed, occasionally liquid fellow in our village, who just happens to know quite a bit about certain swords. The Fifth and current Mizukage, Mei Terumi. Her guard consists of a man named Ao, and a younger fellow named Chojuro, who like Zabuza and Kisame is a member of the Seven Shinobi Swordsmen. Sources say that Ao served in the Mist ANBU at some point, and likely was a hunter-nin based on his known skills and profile. He has also has something curious, a patch where his right eye is supposed to be. Given that most shinobi of his rank and skill wouldn't readily walk around with compromised sight like that...it means he's hiding a doujutsu under there. There are only two it could be, judging from his age and activity. We will find out exactly which one soon. Chojuro as mentioned wields the weapon known as the "twin-sword", called Hiramekarei. It's a sword with two handles next to each other, connected by a cord. The blade and cross-guard together make it look like a flounder overall, with two holes near the top that are usually covered by the bandage that goes around it – seemingly a favourite style for these swords. In the same way as the samurai do with their blades, Chojuro can have Hiramekarei emit a mass of chakra around it in order to do all kinds of shape shifting, including the ability to become two massive blades in an instant. As for Mei, it's said that she has, at the least, control of three different elements and two bloodline limits, something that would have made her a most hated enemy of her predecessor, Yagura Karatachi. As the Fourth Mizukage, he was a dictator that terrorized his village and country, and his ruthless policy led directly to the creation of monsters such as Kai and Ishako. How he met his end and his reasons for such a brutal rule have never been discovered, even as the exodus of people and numbers of missing-nin from the village exploded up until the end of his reign. But as someone who possesses Boil Release and Lava Release, two advanced elements restricted to bloodlines, Mei would end up in his cross-hairs. Her version of Boil Release, unlike the steam used by Fio and Han, takes the form of a corrosive mist that is said to melt anyone and anything in the area, possibly even chakra structures. That said, it means that it would be terrible in any space where allies are present, forcing single battles which are very much my specialty as I can easily gain distance and attack. Her Lava Release is more discriminate, said to create large volumes of acidic mud that will melt anything that comes in contact with it, a theme of hers it seems. The key to defeating all three from Mist is the same: accurate attacks from distance to disrupt whatever they have planned, and then closing in for the kill once they're sufficiently disabled. We have plenty of tools to do just that.

Last and not least is the group from Rock, who we've just had a lovely meeting with earlier. Their group is exactly the same as before. The Third Tsuchikage, Oonoki. His granddaughter, Kurotsuchi. And their large companion, Akatsuchi. Oonoki was the one who pressed for this meeting of titans the most, and his rival A saw it done. Oonoki is the only known user of Dust Release, called a bloodline selection. Said to be composed of Earth, Wind, and Fire Elements. It's a truly ridiculous power, requiring significant amounts of chakra in exchange for the ability to quite literally erase targets from existence. Or rather, turning them into particles so small that they may as well not exist. He is also, as expected, extremely proficient in a flurry of Earth Release jutsu that allow him to manipulate his weight, as seen with his floating, and striking force among other things. Even as an octogenarian, he is a legendary shinobi and should be treated accordingly in battle. Kurotsuchi has her usual bag of tricks, which are multiple elements, Earth Release mastery, and her ever versatile Lava Release to cause grief. Akatsuchi has his big body, surprising speed, and force multipliers in rock golems that he can use for both offence and defence at once. Dangerous arts aside, and I do mean far aside, these three are the easiest to deal with for us. I couldn't help but lick my chops if it came down to a fight. They are nothing but lunch, an endless buffet before me with my lightning arts in hand. As long as we don't somehow throw ourselves into the worst situation at the start, they're prey to us. They must know it, and they must know that nothing they try will matter.

The various positions that each group will take are more easily summed up. Sand will attempt to read the room and head off any trouble if possible. They have only just gained stability again, and while they are ready for conflict, it's one of the last things they want. Rock will be forward but balanced, given the loss of both their jinchuuriki, Akatsuki infiltration, and the rise in power of their two most dangerous rivals in Leaf and Cloud. Mist might very well be silent most of the way through, because of the various accusations levied against them. The biggest is the allegation that they are the origin point of Akatsuki itself, and attempts to dispel that could ruin their stability and security. I also suspect that they've been told to hold firm by the Water Daimyo, which complicates matters even if this is a meeting between the Five Kage. Cloud will be aggressive, holding several high cards. Their military is strong at the moment, and they are economically stable. They have legitimate grievance with Yugito being hunted by Akatsuki and just barely making it home – though they don't know it's due to my timely assistance. And most important, they are the only ones in this group of five that do not have any missing-nin in Akatsuki. Leaf had two known ones, with Sand, Rock, and Mist also having one member each.

As for what I will be doing while there...nothing. The old man has kept everything to himself so far, and hasn't revealed anything after I asked about the plan for the meeting earlier. I'm not worried about whatever he has in mind. To some degree, it would be arrogant of me to do so. There are enough people in our group who understand the world's politics better than I do, so falling in line and listening to what they say makes the most sense. I just have to be ready to answer questions and respond to orders when they come.

"Any questions on what we have?" Zo asks after finishing his reports.

"No sir," I say. "Everything you've told us was clear."

"It's the same for me, sir," Hina says.

"Good. We should have another hour before the three of you leave for the venue. Rest until then, and we'll keep a lookout for any issues. Tsuki, let's take another walk."

"Sir."

Zo and Yugao head outside with another ANBU trailing them. The rest take their usual positions and silently monitor the lodging and surrounding area, while we relax. Hiruzen leans back in his chair and smokes away at his pipe, eyes closed. Looks like it's best not to bother him with any questions, even if he won't mind. Hina is reading the scroll with information that Zo left behind. I guess bothering her is no good either. Best thing to do is close my eyes and do some image training to pass the time.

A few knocks at the door bring me out of my thoughts, where I was in the middle of decapitating the Tsuchikage before he could finish his handseals.

Yugao answers and signals to us that the time has come. Our group of three acknowledges the ANBU protectors before stepping outside with the two samurai that have come to meet us.

"Good luck, all. Come back safely," Zo says.

"We will. Take the time to have a good rest while we're gone," Hiruzen says.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. I'll have all of us do that."

We head to the edge of the settlement, and then wait outside the wooden gate with our samurai handlers. Two more people walk towards us from the opposite direction before coming to a stop, clearly unlike the other samurai, but for good reason. They have black hooded robes with golden markings on the hems and sleeves.

"Makes sense they'd send us out for you. Been a while."

"Yeah. Guess you princesses have been eatin' real well since the last time."

Our old friends from the Iron's port town have come to meet us, which is most welcome. Joshua looks as handsome as ever, and like he hasn't aged a day since the last time we talked in person. The same short and neat black hair, brown eyes, and friendly smile. Yuna's long black hair has gained a bit of volume from what I can see, and most of it is tied into a large bun at the back of her head. Perhaps she's put on a bit of muscle as well. Otherwise, she looks just as timeless, with the same calm as before coming from her hazel eyes.

"Good morning to you, Lord Hokage. It's an honour," Joshua says while bowing. Yuna does the same, keeping her head down in reverence.

"Thank you both. We've heard good report, and I would like to thank you personally for your care on the last visit we made to the Iron. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated, and not easily forgotten."

"Just did what we thought was right, sir. Glad you appreciated it, and we hope you all feel just as welcomed today."

"It has been a comfortable experience thus far, yes. And of course, I am glad to meet the young woman that Mifune spoke so highly of before," he says to Yuna.

"Thank you, my lord. The honour is certainly mine," Yuna says with another polite bow. "We're here to serve you to the best of our ability."

"Understood. Ah, feel free to catch up with the ladies as we head out to the venue. Shall we leave now?" Hiruzen asks.

"If you're ready, we're ready, sir. Let's head out to meet the General," Joshua says. "Shouldn't have to worry too much about your steps over here, and the weather's not half bad today. Light walk over."

"We've got it from here," Yuna says to the other samurai. "Take a load off, at least until we get back. I don't expect more than the usual idiocy from the guys they have stuck in the cabins. Emergency frequencies will be active through the meeting, just in case."

"Yes, ma'am." They salute her and she nods.

"Good. See you later."

With that, the five of us start through the countryside and across the snowy plains. It's a comfortable temperature as Joshua said, cool, but not unbearably so. The weather is likely to get worse as we approach the mountains looming ahead of us, but we can worry about that once we get there.

"So. You girls have been doing well for yourselves, clearly," Yuna says.

"Does that mean I've overtaken Cadence in your rankings?" I tease.

"And clearly some things haven't changed."

"Would it help if I said I've improved my cooking skill since last we met?"

"Hell no."

"It's good to see you in high spirits, Miss Yuna," Hina says with a smile. "As you've noted, Lili and I have been doing quite well since the last time, and Shino is the same."

"Glad to hear it. Weirdo, but a nice kid overall."

"Bet he's going steady with a lucky girl by now," Joshua says.

Yuna snorts. "Sounds like a stretch."

"Mm, as insightful as ever," I say. "Shino is indeed in a loving relationship as of now."

Joshua nods. "Yep. Figured it was a matter of time. Guys like that usually don't stay unhitched for too long," he says.

"Personal experience?"

"Heh. Could be."

"Has anyone ever told you that you're a little too demure sometimes?"

"Everyone aside from my wife and kid."

"Yeah, I'm on this guy's case all the time about it," Yuna says.

"Speaking of, how is your lovely family doing?" I ask Joshua.

"Everyone's doing great. Wife is doing wife things. Phenomenal cooking, makes the house look like a skating rink, timeless beauty. All that stuff," he says. "The sprout is doing big girl things. My old man got her a sword the other day, custom made and everything. She's up every day practising on her own now, and she's real good."

"Gonna be a superstar in a few years," Yuna says. "She favours iai, just like her two old men."

"Pops trains with her once a week at the least. He tries not to let it show, but he always looks forward to it more than anything else. Well, aside from the times I get to train with him. Kinda rare these days, unfortunately."

"Yeah, because you went and got yourself promoted like a goof."

Joshua rolls his eyes. "Major General, officially. The big boss is gonna find a space for me in the cabinet, so I'll get to work with Ma and Pop some. He promised my hours wouldn't go too long, which helped sell the whole deal. Yuna got promoted, too. We're the same rank, but she's the one following the General around like a puppy these days."

"Shaddap."

"Congratulations to both of you," Hina says. "You've certainly earned it."

"Thanks! And there's something juicy you might want to know. I got some intel from my sources-"

"You mean your mom."

"My unnamed sources," Joshua repeats, "have told me that General Mifune is strongly considering Lady Dofun here as his successor."

"Told you to shut up." Yuna blushes and keeps her head down.

"A prudent choice to make," Hiruzen says. "Mifune has always had a clear eye for skill and composure, both of which are needed to lead the land of samurai into the future. To endorse someone like this means he is supremely confident in his choice."

"Hrm." Yuna's blush gets a bit brighter.

"We are all very happy for you," I say. "And I am very much looking forward to working with you as we unlock the path to prosperity for all."

"Thanks...appreciate it."

"And I figure you can't say too much about it, but...sending a tailed beast off for a nap, huh," Joshua says to me.

"Mm-hm. It's not too far off from what you heard."

"That's some serious juice, man." He shakes his head. "Good thing you're on our side, more or less."

"What, would you roll over otherwise?"

"Guess whatever you've been doing the past few years didn't just make your honkers bigger," Yuna quips. "You're saucier than a rack of Auntie Park's ribs."

"To answer the question, I'm always up for a big round. No matter what the odds," Joshua says.

I nod, pleased. "Well done. I love having a fine set of allies."

"Always a dynamic and exciting take from the Leaf's favoured daughter," Hiruzen says, chuckling afterwards.

"Dynamic is a way of putting it," Yuna mutters.

"I want to say that you get used to it, but you really don't," Hina says. "Not that it's a bad thing, of course. But I will say that it's to our benefit that Lord Hokage will be doing the talking today."

"Oi."

"Preventing a world war is in our best interests, and it is said that the path to hell is paved with good intentions," she continues.

"You got yourself a few levels in sass too, eh." Yuna laughs. "Good for you, hon. Someone's gotta keep her in line."

"Indeed."

"You do know I'm going to bully you relentlessly for this when we get back," I say to Hina.

"As if you weren't planning to do that already."

"I might have gone easier on you!"

She waves me off dismissively. "Mm-hm. I'll be sure to believe that the very day it happens."

Snow starts to fall in thick flakes as we continue walking and chatting. The number of samurai in the area increases as we get closer to the meeting hall situated in the midst of the Three Wolves. A tall structure, shaped like a pyramid with large eaves on each level. It's surrounded by several walls going outward, and a single path leads out to the bridge that goes over the surrounding moat. A well designed, and thus well guarded place.

"You've arrived safely. Welcome."

Two samurai stand in front of the door while our host walks towards us, dressed in his usual purple robes. The legendary general of samurai, and the leader of the Iron Country, Mifune. His head wrapped in bandage makes him stand out, as usual.

"General, it's good to finally meet you in person." The two older men shake hands. "Thank you for agreeing to host this important meeting."

"It's the very least I could do to help facilitate peace in our time. I have hope that things will go well, and we will all return to our homelands satisfied. I see you have carefully chosen your bodyguards as well, Sarutobi."

"Yes, of course. We intend to show ourselves strong in this hour, and give the other villages a proper impression of the Hidden Leaf. To avoid misunderstandings, for one."

"Mm. Well put. There is still some time before today's meeting starts, and we have allocated resources for a number of days up front. Time will not be in short supply for us here."

"Very good to hear."

"Lady Kobayashi, and Lady Hyuuga. Welcome again to the Iron Country," Mifune says, bowing. We return his bow respectfully.

"Thank you, General. It is an honour to return here, and once again end up in your presence," I say.

"Thank you for having us, sir. We greatly appreciate your hospitality," Hina says.

"You are quite welcome. Hopefully your formidable strength will remain hidden for the duration of this meeting."

"We hope so as well, General. As easy as it would be to default to my function, I do have a desire for peace in our broken age. I will follow the guidance of my lord to that end, and respond only to his orders."

"Well said. Our generals here will also be present during the meeting, for the sake of public safety and order. With our introductions done, please step inside. We have tea prepared and waiting for all of you."

With that, we finally head indoors. The area before is wide, with a great amount of stone pillars and samurai wandering between them. We go through another large door, up a set of stairs, and then towards the room where our meeting is supposed to take place. Five large banners hang from the ceiling, with the characters for each of the great nations inscribed within. Beneath them on the floor is a table in the form of a half-circle, with five equally spaced chairs. Each chair is lined up beneath a banner, with the symbols of each respective hidden village stitched into the leather backs. Behind those is a second level of seating, for the bodyguards of each Kage to sit while observing the meeting.

In the middle of everything is a small table with its own unmarked chair. That one is for Mifune, who agreed to be the moderator for this meeting. The conflict between the five great powers is still too heated, and so a neutral party to oversee everything was the best option in the end.

"I will return in a moment with more tea for our guests," Mifune says.

"You could always ask one of your many, many subordinates milling around to get the tea for you," Yuna starts, "but I'm sure you know that by now, and I'll just be wasting my breath as usual. We'll hold down the fort for you, General."

"Thank you, Yuna."

"Yep."

"You two really are perfect for each other," I say.

"Tch. Instead of trying to bully me, you could have fun with the other chumps that rolled in before you," Yuna says, jerking her head towards the other group present in the room. "Careful with the blonde, she's feisty 'coz her tits are ice blocks by now."

"I can fucking hear you," Temari shouts back.

"Bite me."

"Careful, she might take you up on that," I say.

"I don't mind a light spar if she wants it."

"I'll keep her out of trouble," Joshua says, patting Yuna on the back. "C'mon, partner. Let's do a perimeter check and leave the hospitality to the Boss."

"Yeah, whatever. Wouldn't do to make a mess of this place before the meeting started..."

He chuckles and leads her out of the room. Our group heads to where the delegation from Sand is currently sitting on the upper level, with hot cups of tea sitting on small, handcrafted trays on their laps.

Gaara hasn't changed a bit, wearing the same long crimson coat and dark trousers as the last time we met. He seems as calm and neutral as ever. Kankuro has a new pattern of face paint today, to keep up with the times. A band of purple that goes across where his eyes are, and then one that crosses over his mouth, with a vertical line beneath it going to his chin. The usual baggy puppeteer's outfit is on him, and he has a large scroll resting next to him. New puppet, perhaps? Intriguing. As for Temari, an entirely new look for me to admire. I'm thankful. Today's look is mesh armour as a base, a deep purple skirt beneath a lighter purple shirt, and a purple sash to tie everything together. The hand and leg warmers would go with her currently discarded cloak. What's most important is that I get to openly admire her best feature, those thighs that could squeeze me like a tube of toothpaste. She's been keeping up with her exercises, which is lovely to see.

Hina hits me on the arm and frowns. "Don't be so obvious in public," she whispers.

"I'm not," I whisper back. "And they're art. Made to be admired."

"You're insufferable."

"The old man told us he made these things himself," Kankuro says. "Hell of a guest experience, and I'm not complaining."

"It is good to see the faces of our friends from Leaf," Gaara says in his calm, even tone. "And I hail you, God of Shinobi. Hopefully the journey here was without hassle." Temari takes his tray and he stands to shake hands with Hiruzen.

"Indeed, it was a hassle free trip. It is good to see you as well, Lord Kazekage. An age since we last spoke, and I am glad that you are doing well yourself. Hopefully this meeting will be fruitful for all parties."

"Yes. I intend to speak on what I know, even if it might offend certain sensibilities."

"I understand. Certainly, I welcome fresh insights. We cannot live on the word and deed of the old guard forever, no matter how much prestige they may have gained over the years."

Gaara relaxes slightly at that, nodding. "Reassuring to hear. Then we may see a brighter age soon enough."

"And of course, I greet the children of Sand who have come with you. Kankuro and Temari, yes?"

"Yes, sir. Good to see you," Kankuro says.

"We appreciate your greetings, Lord Hokage. That, on top of everything you've done for us in the past," Temari says. "Though we will have serious matters to discuss at this meeting, that kindness will not be forgotten quickly."

"And of course, we could not forget the great serpent herself...she who even challenges the power of the tailed beasts themselves. An appropriate form chosen for today's engagement," Gaara says to me. "I am glad to see you in good spirits."

"The same to you, Lord Kazekage," I say while doing a curtsy. "I echo the sentiments of my lord, and hope for a peaceful and productive end to this meeting."

"And greetings to you, Lady Hyuuga."

"Lord Kazekage." Hina bows for him politely. "I am glad to see that you made the journey safely. My sentiments echo that of my sister and my lord. We hope to see the world healed by this conference."

"Well said."

"Now that we're done with introductions, maybe you can tell me what the deal is with that samurai bitch," Temari says to me. "You're obviously buddies."

"A few dozen bad experiences have left her negatively disinclined to those of our occupation, so to speak."

"I almost give a fuck. And maybe I'm shivering a bit because it's cold here and I live in the fucking desert. Shutting her fat mouth is an option, she realizes that, right?"

Kankuro chuckles. "Only place Temari likes visiting is Leaf, and the weather's one reason for it."

Hina and I look at each other, knowing what the other reason is. Nobody is fool enough to say it out loud, and judging from the barely restrained death glare, Temari is at least appreciative of that.

"I'll mention that we're close, and that should be enough to make her consider a different tone of speech," I say to Temari. "Fine enough?"

"Whatever. I'll take it, I guess." She sighs. "Then again...maybe I should be honest and say that I'm a bit nervous about this whole thing, which is making me jumpier than usual."

Gaara sits and taps her hand. She reflexively sets the tray back onto his lap, and then picks up the tea for him to take.

"It has been several decades since the last Five Kage Summit was held," Hiruzen says. "Lord Hashirama did it of his own initiative, and it was there that the terms for the distribution of the tailed beasts were agreed to."

"Set the table for peace. Or tried to, I guess," Kankuro says. "Now Akatsuki's sucked up three tailed beasts for themselves, and the power balance is all out of whack. Not just them, either. One tailed beast swimming around in the middle of nowhere, and one more running away from home. Five outta nine, I guess?"

"How is Naruto's progress?" Gaara asks.

"Steady enough," Hiruzen replies. "We are currently looking at various ways to supplement the power where possible, rather than tap into it directly."

"I see. Hokage...the time will come when he will need to consciously access and control that devastating ability. I fear it may be needed, and not just to oppose Akatsuki..."

"Mm. I would be remiss to disregard the advice of an experienced jinchuuriki. Thank you, Kazekage."

"So, what's the game plan?" Temari asks. "I'm sure you people from Leaf have something ready to spring on us."

I nod towards Hiruzen. "All in his head. He's not telling what he has in store for this little party."

"Heh. Well, the end of the world is gonna be entertaining, at least. No offence, Lord Hokage."

"Two of the most stubborn men I've ever known will be sitting across from us," Hiruzen says. "I can hardly blame you for a crisis of faith. Still, I have had to deal with my fellow statesmen and stateswomen for many an age now. We should be able to navigate ourselves towards a satisfactory conclusion. Perhaps a focused task force could be considered as a first step...but that will be dependent on the decision of the other involved parties."

"It will be something that we take into consideration," Gaara says. "Your insight will be valuable, Lord Hokage."

"Here's hoping the other goons feel the same way," Temari mutters.

"We should continue to think positively," Hina says. "Thoughts can become power in the proper context."

"Hina is correct. Let's look forward to the progress we can make in this hour, rather than the chaos that might wait for us on the other side," I say.

"I hope I haven't kept you too long," Mifune says as he returns. "Here is your tea."

Hina and I hop down to take the small trays away from Mifune, and nod our thanks.

"The next set of guests will be arriving soon, and I will be off to greet them. It seems you've been mingling well with your allies thus far, and hopefully that continues as more groups arrive. Let one of my assistants know if you have need of anything while I'm gone."

"Of course, General. We should be fine for now," I say.

"Very good." He nods before heading out of the room again. I deliver my tray to Hiruzen who has already seated himself, and Hina hands me one of the others as we sit on either side of him.

"To good fortune," he says while raising his cup.

"To good fortune," we reply. We tap our cups together lightly before drinking.