[Event] Fishing in Hot Waters

Age : 29 Posts : 50

Well things had gone exactly as they should thus far. The two teams weren't trying to kill each other, a civilized debate was beginning and no threats had been made. Or at least no direct threats. However, Zhan was disappointed. Clearly they had chosen the wrong genin for this job for, he knew little about diplomacy. Military tactics, combat, and survival were fields he could go on about for hours on end however, he only had a basic grasp on political issues. What he did know, however, was that it was impossible for both squads to go home with both their missions ending in success. It was almost odd to Zhan that they were still negotiating. They were shinobi after all. What happened to this country as a result of their actions hardly mattered just so long as they carried out their orders. Here their orders conflicted so the only thing a shinobi should do is eliminate the obstacle. The Konoha ninja were trying to break the Kirigakure blockade, whether it via weapons or words.

Zhan continued to roll things around in his head, just barely listening to the Konoha chuunin speak. The only possible reason Zhan could imagine his captain not attacking them already was that she was not confident in her squads ability to defeat their enemy. Though Zhan hated it, he had to agree. So, in the end, they were forced to try and talk their way out of being slaughtered. Zhan nearly swore aloud at this realization. "If that's how we have to survive then I'll play my part..." he thought to himself.

Upon listening to the last of his captain's argument, Zhan began to speak. Choosing his words carefully and speaking with frequent pauses to ensure that he didn't make himself sound like a fool Zhan said, "I agree with my captain. The fact is, we can both gain and suffer from acquiring this village as our ally. However no matter what happens to this village as a result of our actions here today, both our orders conflict; neither of us are going to get everything we want here. And since none of us want this to turn violent we must reach a compromise." Since Zhan wasn't clever enough to make many points of his own, he figured he would do best by bolstering those of his captain.

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

With her little beginning section said, Kimiko was alerted to the sound of speaking inside her mind. She took her seat, slowly sitting down and listening at the same time, keeping an entirely blank façade aside from the small amiable smile she was showing. Kiyomi wished to speak through her technique in order to avoid possibly embarrassing their ranks, and put forward her thoughts on the matter while trying to make sense of it all. The youth suggested such things as putting a tax on waters for Yu no Kuni to fish in if they belonged to Kirigakure, and it would prove to be more profitable than keeping this blockade up. The ebony-haired Master Jounin let all of this sink in, and realised that her student did have a point. Unfortunately, things wouldn’t be that simple. ‘That would all work rather well, Kiyomi, if Kirigakure didn’t have to keep to their specific agenda like we do. They were given a mission to uphold this blockade, so they aren’t about to back down without some real political advantage they can achieve. Of course, money is a huge motivator, but there will come all sorts of other problems, like how much should the tax be, how often should they charge it, would different waters have different taxes and so on and so forth. It will turn into an expense for them as they would have to keep watch on the waters 24/7 to make sure that Yu no Kuni don’t abuse the system.’ She paused in her mental speech, sparing a small sidelong glance at the blonde who still hadn’t spoken verbally. ‘Feel free to keep giving your thoughts within our minds, my dear. We can co-ordinate arguments better this way.’

She was completely unaware of what Kazuhiko was planning, and she had been assuming that he would at least use the telepathic communications at their disposal to speak with her before he began speaking. But it seemed that he had jumped the gun, as per usual, and started off under his own steam. She continued to uphold a mask of emotionless proportions, and it was probably just as well because otherwise her terror would be clear to see. She trusted in her friend’s political and business knowledge, but she was fearful about what he would say and how he would say it. She listened to what the youth had to say, and reflected back on Tsurino’s earlier words about being loyal to her Mizukage. She puzzled over what those earlier words could mean; it could almost be an agreement that their respective Daimyos had made mistakes and they should simply call the whole thing off. That would be all fine and dandy, but neither party would accomplish their mission objectives, which, in this case, was literally everything.

Listening once more to what the Chuunin at her side was saying, she realised that Kazuhiko was making some good points. He was speaking about how Yu no Kuni would be more inclined to come to Hi no Kuni for aid if this blockade continued, and it would be more beneficial to end this blockade now to avoid the neutral country getting ‘pally’ with its neighbour. Unfortunately, that would count as a mission failure stamp on the Konohagakure nin’s scroll as they were supposed to try and all themselves with Yu no Kuni. As Tsurino spoke, she pointed out a few gaping holes in Kazuhiko’s assumptions. Kirigakure had been trading with Yu no Kuni, and it would lose a great bulk of its income if the Mist Village chose to withdraw the blockade and ally with Konoha/ Hi no Kuni. The Kaguya stated that through the usage of the Kirigakure flag, the Fire’s Daimyo was very foolhardy and foolish in general. Kimiko did not react, positively or otherwise, to that statement, and simply sat rather calmly, hands folded on the table in front of her. Tsurino apologised and stated that no offence had been meant by her statement, and the ebony-haired woman nodded in understanding. It was becoming glaringly obvious that Yu no Kuni had not been entirely honest with either of their villages or countries, and that was going to prove to be a problem. They could not reach a decision between themselves if the Hot Springs country didn’t align themselves with either village, and it was their neutrality getting in the way of things at present.

This supposedly simple mission had turned into something rather complex. Here they had shinobi willing to compromise and bend over backwards for both of their objectives to be complete, and there was Yu no Kuni who still hadn’t made a decision about who they should place their allegiance to. Suddenly, one of the Kiri boys spoke up, stating that compromise had to be made in order for their orders to be accomplished and for both sides to go home victorious. Kimiko nodded slowly, evaluating just what could be done to make this fair on both sides and to ease the relations they had with Kirigakure as it was proving to be a little tense, although perhaps not visibly. “I agree that Yu no Kuni should make their choice. Perhaps a deal could be struck with them to make two choices…” She trailed off slightly, looking primarily at Tsurino as she paused to let her connotation sink in. With this time, she used the telepathic link between her and her team mates to address them. ‘Are you both seeing where I’m going with this? If Yu no Kuni signs for co-existence with both of our villages, we’ll be laughing. Both objectives would be reached, the country would have everything it could ever need. If it ever chose to side with either country without the other, there would be a huge hole in the respective side, whether it be tourism, trade, military prowess or proximity defence. What are your thoughts?’ Realising the importance of this aspect that she had eluded to, she wished for her comrades to give a perspective on the situation. They could offer their support or distaste for the matter, and it could easily be rectified as the seed hadn’t truly been planted or taken root yet.

Age : 33 Posts : 544

Kimiko's statement made sense, but it was truthfully Kiyomi's best idea at the moment. It still seemed silly to waste money on the blockade. Surely the were wasting more money than the Hot springs village was supposedly stealing from them by fishing in their waters. They had to pay for ship upkeep, supplies, wages, and any damages to people or gear while performing the blockade. All of this talk was simply flying over her head, but she simply kept up the justu to help in any way she could.

Her sensei seemed to appreciate it, but the chuunin seemed to be ignoring the both of them and simply popping off without consulting their leader. He made valid points, but should one squander the opportunity to make a strong argument with the aid of others? At least things were peaceful and less tense. It did wonders for her nerves and she could sit beside her teacher without shaking anymore.

An idea came to her, but it seemed a bit out there and rather mean.Hmmmm. Perhaps all of us should talk to their leaders. Force them to tell us their secrets by bluffing over something. Perhaps that we've decided to split their country in two and wrest power from them. Politicians wish to keep their power so perhaps they'd spill the beans to keep some of it. Of course we wouldn't really split the country, but with both our villages reputations perhaps they'd believe it. Both of us our strong and a war would result in massive casualties, so to avoid you can simply say both countries have decided to split theirs evenly. Devious and far out there, but politics was a cut throat game.

Age : 29 Posts : 3145

Kazuhiko smiled vacantly, taking in the passionate yet strong response of the snow-haired Jounin. He enjoyed trading words with intellectuals and was certainly looking forward to doing so with her, after hearing what she had to say, his golden gaze judging her quietly. Of course, they weren't the only individuals present and before he could re-address his apparent holes in his argument, said others joined in, storming the table with sentences and ideas. Not surprisingly, the Mist Genin who had spoken presented little food for thought (though Kiyomi had spoken internally, which was a far more interesting piece of dialogue) as was expected of younger, less experienced persons. They were still children and didn't understand the complexity of politics; truthfully, perhaps neither did the Chuunin or the two Jounin, but being older and hence 'wiser', they believed themselves to know everything about the subject. Or at least, they were confident in their ability to steer politics in the manner they desired. The youth stopped himself from chuckling. The idea that they were just throwing words around without any purpose or importance seemed awfully amusing.

"It seems to me that no amount of conversation between our two parties will achieve anything" the youth stated, smiling gently. "Which means that we would need to contact the Hot Springs country itself, and of course country-matters are not for us to settle" he added, looking around. He nodded towards his Jounin superior, in response to her internal question. Whatever the gesture meant, it seemed to have no immediate result. "Which leaves our mission goals" he muttered, his eyes measuring up the Jounin, before his gentle smile returned once more. "Could you move the blockade down a little?" he suggested, a cheeky suggestion perhaps but a clever one nonetheless; again, he had to stifle a chuckle - the remark seemed rather childish to him. It seemed like the tension in the air, that is the tension that was formed as soon as he had said 'mission', was instantly dispersed. The air was rich once again. "I believe that would count as breaking the blockade, which would mean we would succeed in our goal, whilst you guys retain a blockade, so that's your goal succeeded also. That and I'm sure the Hot Springs administration will see it as a gesture of good will" he spoke on, his voice decorated with a clever melody.

"I don't think it's up to us to decide these agreements, Kimiko. It's more likely the Daiymo will take over the case and his uptight officials aren't fond of the military getting involved. You know how they fear the Hokage seeming like the more superior of our two leaders" he then replied internally, all the whilst awaiting patiently for the white-haired beauty's response. He feared she would refuse to budge and that would be... very inconvenient.

Age : 31 Posts : 157

Everyone had posed accurate points. But it seemed that no one in this room had any intention of malice towards the other village. In fact they had all come to the same conclusions one way or the other. Compromise was possible for the two villages so that the small village could not longer be sitting Idly in the sidelines. Konoha and Kirigakure were not at war, there was no need to choose between them when in fact they could choose both.

closing her eyes for a moment Tsurino calmly nodded and smiled, reaching up to tuck a strand of silvery hair behind her ear. "At this point I believe compromise is our best option. We are not war, there is no reason for such trivial territorial reactions. We are not fighting over a piece of meat we are posing a choice to be made by people."

Kirigakure and Konoha were not allies, but it was the judgement of higher more preposterous politics to choose if they should be offended or not. Tsurino believed it was progress. As both Kimiko and Kazuhiko mentioned a compromise can be reached. The Kaguya nodded softly. The motions of content with this decision were subtle in her features but there none the less. "I agree with you. not much can be done while when the fundamental choice falls into the arms of a village not present. In politicians who are also not here." She sighed, even if this was handled politically. She would attend due to her position within Kirigakure. Her Mizukage would not send anyone else and she would have the widest knowledge of their military powers. Even if it was settled she would still have to remain to untangle whatever knot this situation has tangled itself into.

Raising her technicolor eyes to the Chuunin currently speaking. She folded her fingers together on the table and nodded to his question "I believe the absurdity of this situation has reached it's peak. I will order some of the ships forming the blockade return home. The blockade will be thinned while not being completely abolished. In turn you will be allowed to move one ship through to the blockade remains intact for the sake of my mission who is in charge of ceasing all shipments. The boat will carry the people necessary to form a proper debate and compromise for whatever alliance, whether it is only one village or both." Tsurino replied softly looking to Kimoko for her own opinion on this matter. However the Kaguya placed her hands against the table and stood up.

"If these methods are respected and maintained then this compromise will see fit that both of our missions will succeed and Kirigakure can have a peaceful exchange with both Konoha and Yun No kuni. Something I believe is vital for the stability of the future." Tsurino mentioned looking to her Genin. This was the system working without violence. Shinobi should not just be killing machines but tools used to achieve peace by ay means. They are the guardians of their village.

Some missions do not need to resort to bloodshed to achieve their goals.

Age : 29 Posts : 50

Zhan let out an exasperated sigh as the tension in the room seemed to dissipate. Though, it was not a sigh of relief. Zhan was becoming more and more frustrated with the situation at hand. The entire time he kept asking himself "Why was I chosen for this mission?" He couldn't remember the last time he felt so out of place. Regardless, he tried his best to fulfill his duties. This time, he said nothing but just nodded and pretended to understand what was going on. Things were rolling along peacefully but, he still wasn't convinced. There was a new wildcard to be played. What would the Hot Springs Country decide? Their actions could possibly turn this peaceful debate into a bloodbath. Or everyone could just go home. Zhan's thoughts drifted back to his village or, more specifically, to the barbecue pork he had made a habit of stealing. Despite his venture into "lala land," Zhan kept looking over the Konoha shinobi. He may have been bored but, he wasn't going to let his guard down.

OOC: Short but, it's hard to rp as an idiot in a political debate -__-

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

It seemed that things had been steered towards a much better pathway than before, and whereas before there was certain tension in the room, it was all but gone by this point. The Konoha Master Jounin was relieved to say the least, and although she didn’t let her guard down in reality her shoulders dropped a little and the smile on her face looked a lot more genuine. The situation was far beyond their control, it had been made more than clear, and they needed to leave it in the hands of Yu no Kuni, that much was obvious now with hindsight. Both villages had their own objectives to fulfil, and both of their missions had been shams in their own ways. Realising this, Kimiko felt better to let the decision fall to the country involved. It was true that they had been gripping too tightly on their neutrality, and it had come back to bite them hard, as it turned out. The Yamanaka offered a valuable point, but in this situation it couldn’t quite come to fruition. Although things had definitely died down to a much more comfortable feeling in the room, the ebony-haired woman wouldn’t swear to feeling completely safe and offering up ideas that could prove dangerous. ‘A decision will be reached, Kiyomi, not to worry. Unfortunately, the decision does come down to Yu no Kuni, and chances are we won’t be involved in that process. That’s just how things happen.’ She explained internally to her blonde student, eyes unwavering as she didn’t let on the telepathic connection the Konoha squad all shared.

Kazuhiko piped up that conversation wouldn’t get them anywhere, especially not since the party they were talking about was nowhere in sight to represent themselves. Country matters were indeed not for them to discuss, it fell between Daimyos, and that meant that their military prowess was now typically useless. That being said, it had been a miracle that this mission hadn’t gone sour, and Kimiko was ultimately very happy with the outcome. Of course, there were their mission objectives to consider. They had been sent to break the blockade, and Kirigakure had to retain it. Rather cheekily, the Konoha Chuunin suggested Kirigakure moving the blockade, albeit slightly, to take the pressure off Yu no Kuni and to meet both objectives, as it would technically be ‘broken’ yet not taken down. She was alerted to the youth’s inner voice, and how it wasn’t their decision to make. She had to restrain herself to stop nodding in agreement, and instead voiced it internally. ‘Of that I am more than aware, Kazu-san. They may well mess all of our diplomatic work up though… the Daimyos don’t seem to value many things beyond their own power.’ Her inner tone was bitter as she thought of the Fire Country’s own Daimyo. In her numbered meetings with the man, she had to restrain herself in order to avoid knocking his head clean off to stop his incessant bragging.

Tsurino confirmed that compromise was their best way of fulfilling their own goals, and pointed out that they were not at war. ‘Not yet.’ Kimiko thought to herself, not broadcasting her thoughts to Kiyomi and Kazuhiko. Unfortunately a war was on the horizon, of that she was certain now. Events like this had been happening all over the shinobi world, and if any had gone down violently, set off a spark they shouldn’t have done, things could become very different very quickly. Right now, however, they were at peace and they were willing to reach agreements. Luckily, the Kaguya did not take offense to what Kazuhiko had suggested and confirmed that she would thin down the blockade, even if it wouldn’t be moved. Either way, that seemed like a mission accomplished. Hopefully after negotiations, the blockade would be brought down regardless, so the Konoha nin would be upholding their mission goal. The white-haired Jounin stated that one ship would be allowed through the blockade, containing all the people necessary to uphold a debate on the matter with Yu no Kuni. Kimiko nodded slowly, showing that she understood while she comprehended it all. “I am very aware that our Daimyo will be wishing to be part of the debate, and our presence as shinobi will be dismissed on this occasion. We have achieved our mission, and they must play their part.” She bowed her head respectfully towards the Kiri shinobi, and then looked at her two mission partners.

“If you don’t mind, I would request passage for our ship to sail through to the Fire Country’s borders to drop us at a port, and to then ask for our Daimyo, or a representative in politics to board the ship and continue the sail to Yu no Kuni for our involvement.” She paused, getting to her feet swiftly and gracefully while she mulled over the options in her mind. After deciding that seemed like a fair enough request, she once more bowed with respect before gesturing towards the door in a sweeping motion, a sign for the Kirigakure group to make their moves first out of good will. This mission had been a success with words and diplomacy, and as such it had truly been a better outcome than Kimiko had originally expected.

[Topic Exit]

Age : 33 Posts : 544

[Sorry for the delay the site didn't e-mail me for some reason >:[ ]

All the worrying and fretting had been a waste of energy thankfully. The stereotype of blood thirsty kiri ninja had been shattered. At least for now. None of them had seemed ready for a bloodbath at all. To defend themselves yes, but then again they all were. All of them had been on edge since their lives could end in a fraction of a second in their line of work. Now it seemed it was time for them to begin the journey home.

I take it that means our job here is done for now? I hope so, this political game the daimyo like to play is too stressful for my taste. Especially since it seems we're the pawns. All they seem to do is bark out orders and take none of the risks. Granted leaders were supposed to give out orders, but apparently all the Daimyo had just been willy nilly giving out orders without regard to their lives. True many regarded shinobi as weapons, but they were people first.

Following Kimiko she stood up as well, all to happy to begin preparation for getting back home. There she wouldn't have to fight bouts of sea sickness. So was this a success in your book sensei? I'm still trying to grasp what all the politicians were trying to do here.

Age : 29 Posts : 3145

"I'm afraid now that everything has been settled amiably, I must take my leave" the youth remarked as soon as his Jounin superior had finished speaking. Kimiko had made for the door, ready to head home, requesting a final sign of good will from the Kirigakure shinobi. However, whilst a trip back to the Fire Country was not exactly the opposite of what Kazuhiko was planning to do, or rather, where he was heading, the simpler, faster way was to directly cross the water and as he was short for time, that was the course he had planned to take.

"I'm awfully sorry, Kimiko-sempai, Tsurino-san but I have pressing matters to attend to in the Land of Frost. My family was quite adamant I perform an errand for them, and my father isn't exactly a man to be kept waiting" the youth explained himself, smiling half-heartedly. The brown-haired women knew of his situation, whereas the white-haired jounin could only guess. The youth bowed respectfully, first towards their hosts, then towards his team mates. "I hope with all my heart that this situation is resolved to the best of both our interests" he added, before exiting the meeting room. Although he still had his cane with him, it was evident that the need to rush made him forget about his faked injury. Instead, he moved swiftly and with purpose, with what seemed like determination or decisiveness, having memorised the layout of what little he had been shown on this mysterious, foreign vessel. In seconds he was outside, with the wild oceanic wind blowing furiously, so that his hair was thrown back and, momentarily, he paused as if afraid of just what this powerful work of nature could do to him, shielding his golden irises from harm. However this gust had died down almost as quickly as it had attacked him, thus allowing the raven-haired youth to, nonchalantly, continue on his previous path. As if he had done so many a time, Kazuhiko broke into a run, dashing speedily towards the starboard and, just as he was about to collide with the wooden barriers, he launched himself from the ship, much to the amazement of the nearby sailors, landing perfectly still on the water's silver surface, many meters away from the boat. It was a long journey ahead, but he was more than confident that he could reach his goal all in very good time.

The long run began.

[Topic Exit]

OOC: Sorry for the wait. Completely forgot about this topic :/

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

[OOC: Due to Tsutsubell's departure topic, it makes sense to skip her and go onto the next in the posting order. This event has gone on long enough; let's get it wrapped up. I made my last post an exit, so it can be finished ASAP.]

Age : 29 Posts : 50

OOC: Yikes, didn't know she was gone. I'll post asap.

Age : 31 Posts : 157

(I want to formally apologize for taking so long. And i'm sorry this is so short)

Tsurino's fingers folded together and she watched them. Her careful eyes watching as the tension evaporated off of Kimiko as everything became settled. She felt content as well, this would be an issue sorted out by the brainless individual who put them recklessly into this situation. he who made them bullies. She was here to prevent the idea of war with a very powerful enemy. Her eyes looked over to her Genin and she nodded, standing up slowly as Kimiko did. Her eyes drawn to the other in a moment.

"I cannot promise the terms or actions taken by our Daimyo. However I assure you action to resolve this as soon as possible in a way that is good enough for everyone will be taken. Peace is top priority in any nation." Tsurino murmured. Looking to Kimiko's hands. She had a ring on her engagement finger, a bride to be? It certainly was a reckless thing to bring on a mission. A fiance' could be used as leverage very easily in these situations. Still, she couldn't help but feel a sense of goodwill for the other village's shinobi. "As soon as we return to Kirigakure we will send word arranging to meet with the Yun no Kuni and Konoha's representative as soon as we are able. I'll make sure you are escorted to the fire countries coast safely." Tsurino smiled softly to her. Turning away from the large heavy set round table she placed a hand upon her genin's shoulder. Giving it a gentle but firm squeeze telling him to finally relax, stay on guard but relax. This is peaceful now, the tension eased from their shoulders and a resolution was finally in place. As the Chuunin from Konoha rose Tsurino's attention was drawn towards the boy.

It was strange for somebody to leave so quickly when their mission were to end under such shaky circumstances. Still she nodded respectfully, family issues were expected of anyone. Still they had no trouble with them leaving like that, Konoha must either be surprisingly lenient about their missions or his father was a very powerful man. Tsurino made her exit of the room as well. Walking out to the deck where she waved a sailor to her side. informing him that one of her ship will be escorting the Konoha shinobi to the coast safely before returning them home in Kirigakure. She had no urge to remain floating on the ocean like she had been. Bidding the Konoha Shinobi goodbye once more, after wishing Kimko good luck on her upcoming marriage they parted ways and Tsurino left for the ship that would take her home.

She knew one thing as she left this field. She was angry at the system, angry at her leaders. And prepared steps to fix the broken system that drove her village into a horrific bias to this day.

[EXIT TOPIC]

((OOC: I know..it's crap. I'm sorry. It's hard to get back into a thread that I have been away from for so long))

Age : 33 Posts : 544

OOC:[If it's not my turn I apologize, I'm just gonna post and get my turn over with.]

Just like that it seemed the mission was over. Kiyomi could hardly believe how smoothly their diplomacy mission went over due to all the rumors about Kirigakure. Those had been proven false this day. Now Kiyomi just saw the so called viscous warriors as simply warriors from another village who wanted to avoid a fight just as much as they did. All they were was just people from another country forced to meet because of what their leaders ordered. Nothing more and nothing less.

She was thankful to be leaving though, just people or not the Yamanaka was homesick and wanted to enjoy a good nights rest in her own bed. Sleeping on the ground or in a tree as they traveled just wasn't comfortable and bandits and rogue shinobi were always a threat. It didn't help one get to sleep when you were constantly thinking about getting ambushed in the middle of the night by some villains.

Offering the departing kirigakure shinobi a small wave as they left, Kiyomi would follow behind her sensei and depart for home happy that it seemed her first international mission was seemingly a success.

[Exit topic.

Age : 29 Posts : 3640

[OOC: So, ending this here. FINALLY! Good work, guys~]