5SHADOWS

[D]

[atrb=style, width: 350px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/dDxps.png);][atrb=valign,top] D was somewhat confused by the Catkage's response to his words. He was certain he'd never accused the village of having troops in his land--merely that if he saw them there, he would kill them. He was half-tempted to examine the size of this one's brain. He'd seen the size of many cat brains and they were severely smaller and less folded than those of humans. 'How is it that a Great Village could have a cat for it's leader? The Cloud as mad at me for being young... but I'm not a cat at least. They have that to be thankful for.' With the conversation shifting to that of the Tailed Beast Tamers, D readjusted himself in his seat at the discourse went around. "I had the Intelligence Division of my village do some research on the Hata clan when I returned from Kumogakure. The fruits of those searches tell that the Hata clan was a clan of sericulturists who acquired the ability to use silk in their hiden as the silkworms they rear. Though I don't know the reason, they didn't accept an alliance with Konohagakure upon its founding and aside from that they've done little of anything. They reside in the country and work as merchants, geisha and some other shit. "The clan is less than significant, and for some reason, I don't believe that the clan itself has much to do with backing up the Tamers... The Hata clan continues its business to this day, while Ōjin is obviously in hiding as well as the rest of these Bijūtsukai. "Speaking of, ... Ōjin is the only known member of this group unless some of yous have evidence otherwise. With such little to actually go off of, it'll be difficult to begin tracking their activities."

[Masahige]

Masahige remained calm and silent. He knew better than to just spill out information regarding the inhabitants of his country. However, the information he had was very important to the topic at hand.

"Raikage, what you say of the Hata Clan is true. However, there are some details that none of you are privy to. Even I was unaware of the truth behind the Hata Clan, until my most trusted adviser arrested some information about the clan. It is true, the Hata Clan did not accept the invitation to join the Hidden Leaf Village. The reason behind it, is because the clan has always felt that the Bijū should not be present in today's world. Truth be told, the Hata Clan is indeed the origin of this group known as the Bijūtsukai.

"However, no member of the clan has ever had the potential to fulfill their goals until Hata Ojin. I myself have met with leaders from their clan, and have spoken with them on the presence of the Bijūtsukai. They were unaware of my knowledge on their past, and have stated that Ojin acts independently of them. Currently, I have eyes on every known location with Hata Clan members present."

He paused to allow all present to soak in the information.

"Understand that those of the Hata Clan are not members of my village, not are they specifically allies to my village. Should they cause trouble in any of your respective countries, feel free to dole out punishment as you see fit. However, should you act violently on them within the borders of the Fire Country, I will swiftly eliminate your presence.

In regards to possible members of the Bijūtsukai, it is known that Ojin has allies among the various countries. We have yet to reveal their identities. However, we may be able to ascertain that information upon revealing their next target. Currently, if memory serves me correctly, the weakest village with an active Jinchūriki is the recently reformed Hidden Waterfall Village. I'm sure the representatives from the Hidden Rock may know more in regards to that, however."

[Yagami Iori]

Lifting a hand in direction of the Rock reps, the Kazekage moved to stop them before they could speak in response to the Hokage's retort. Although, without a doubt, the golden cat's feelings were swayed against the sealing of the bijū - or so he claims - he wasn't so one-track minded that he wouldn't be willing to ponder as a person in his position should.

"My feelings on this subject are entirely biased, but if you all act as the Kage- and the...envoys of our brother nations- and choose to oppose these Bijūtsukai, might I suggest that we extend a warning to those who hold control over the lesser nations?" Fiddling with that white cloth that draped down from the back of his kage hat, he rolled the smooth fabric across his furry fingers as he offered his suggestion. "It is within our power to do so. Unless there is a conflict of interest - then therein lies the rub."

[Ðr. Tran]

As much as she felt it was worth discussing, Rinruri had never actually seen or heard of these Bijutsukai besides of course of their actions in Konoha. From what she could tell, it seemed the lands out over the waters hadn't interested them with their jinchuuriki yet. Which was a blessing at the moment, one less thing she had to deal with. But at their word, the fellow Kage's and the envoys raised a valuable point. Combating them or opposing them was really the only option, for it wasn't just the demons they had to worry about, it was the lives of those with them that would be effected. Its true no one ninja is worth more then the lives of all, but all life was sacred in its own way, especially given her history with the bijuu and jinchuuriki of her own village. Her words would get whispered into the ears through the seals on Miri and Maka, so that she could just kind of think out loud. The council wouldn't hear her words, not yet. She had little to contribute to the discussion, the Bijutsukai hadn't been a problem in her land as far as she was aware and the Hata clan's only affiliation to them was from the silk they bought from them.

"Besides their endgame, and this Ojin character, is there any reason to suspect that this timing was a bit more---coincidental? I only bring it up, considering it was only after Uzamaki Naruto-sama's passing that this group made its presence known."

She would whisper to her ambassadors, thinking over the events leading to this. She would of course listen to their remarks at each other, however subliminal they were. She was actually more interested in the happenings with Iwa, as she had heard their were in a conflict with another nation.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] Satoru raised a hand to the tip of his chin in thought, appearing to contemplate more as details were delcared about the room. Filtering through the tangible, the Awaikage carefully gauged what was growing apparent in the room-that the fragile harmony that existed between the Five Nations was held together with but a hair's breath. He couldn't shake his concerns about these Biju hunters and the Hata Clan. Konoha claimed no affiliations with them and recognized the potential threat one or some of their members possessed, yet was careful to guard the violent ambitions of their neighboring countries. A wise move, he thought, but how much would the other powers revere Hidden Leaf's visions remained to be seen. Kumogakure seemingly had intelligence seeded about the world, as did any other power of note. What mattered in his mind, was how much those gathered were letting on. He would have to put his analysis on hiatus when the Hokage called out the visitors from Hidden Rock. Before he could even silence the expected outburst from his two cohorts, the Kazekage too, felt obligated to turn the duel at them as well. He couldn't help but feel tickled by the display, despite how little could save the face of Sunagakure's leader, his struggles at court were, in his counts-entertaining. “I apologize to disappoint Lord Hokage. Though we do now have an intimate relationship with Hidden Waterfall, we are, and painfully to admit so, woefully ignorant to anything regarding the Bijūtsukai and by extension the status of Takigakure's Tailed beast.” The masked representative turned only his gaze towards the Kazekage, his demeanor placid. “That's a curious warning Kazekage-dono. Do you feel threatened by your neighbors? It would explain your reluctance to commit adequate resources to issues that jeopardize the safety of your foreign fellows while you consolidate your own forces....”

[D]

[atrb=style, width: 350px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/dDxps.png);][atrb=valign,top] "I'm just gonna go ahead and address the elephant in the room now," D began, becoming increasingly fed up with the pussy-footing that this brunch appeared to be quite fond of. "What business does Iwa have attacking Taki? Taki has the acknowledgement of this council as a sovereign country and sudden warmongering in the village is blatantly wrong without provocation. What reason does Iwa have attacking such a place? "I'm not looking for any colorful bullshit responses. Tell me what you will and tell it straight."

[Masahige]

Masahige turned his attention to the Hidden Rock's ambassadors, clearly interested in their answer.

It was a moment in which Masahige realized he should have asked Kumiko to be an escort. She could discern the truth from anybody, and that would be in useful tool to wave in front of the Hidden Rock's face before it's reply. But alas, she was not present. Masahige would rely on his own skills in determining the truth. At least he could say that she taught him well.

[Yagami Iori]

"Threatened by my neighbors? How is that relevant to this discussion?" Matamune's face scrunched in confusion. He decided to suggested that they, the five great shinobi villages, act responsibility and warn the lesser villages about the Bijū'tsukai's activities and the threat they may pose to them all, and in return he got asked a couple of insignificant inquiries which weren't relevant to the topic. This was truly turning out to be an odd meeting. Perhaps if all five of the Kage showed up things would've went more smoothly.

As the Raikage spoke, Matamune reclined back and waited for their reply so things can move along.

[Ðr. Tran]

Interesting that Taki and Iwa were in conflict. Not so interesting to really cause Rinruri to want to do anything about it, unless it was seen that Iwa was assimilating Taki no kuni in-order to gain more military might. She agreed with D in his belief to confront such things.

"I would also like to know, what is the reason behind these actions?"

She asked, which could be heard by everyone in the room. Some miscellaneous background noise also happened, a door opened and misc whispering happened along the lines of "Cant you see I'm on the phone" kind of thing, that had nothing to do with the summit or meeting here.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] Satoru's eyes narrowed around a smile. Though there was suspicion that smiling was something he didn't do often-if ever. He held out his hand, palm upturned to his left, ushering to the Yun perpetually swallowed by heavy silks. Chunhua moved fluidly, in a dainty approach she rummaged through the wash of fabrics in her sleeves, placing into the Awaikage's hand a doubled-pin scroll before retreating back where the towering monk continued to remain unnerved by the tenuous atmosphere. Satoru tilted the scroll up in acknowledgment as he spoke cordially, his gaze languidly resting upon the Raikage and his father. “We had, and I say this quite literally, stumbled upon intelligence that lead us to believe that the newly reformed Takigakure as well as those within the court of their native country, were well on their way to launching an offensive campaign upon our glorious nation.” He answered smoothly, examining the many faces of his audience with vested interest-as any talented orator. “Continued reports only confirmed our suspicions and it was by joint order of the Daimyo, his council, and the Tsuchikage, were we committed to dismantling any opposition they may pose against us.” He paused then, suddenly looking to contemplate something more behind the crimson shroud that flowed around the bottom of his face. The scroll resting idling in his hands, he tapped it along his chest in thought, suddenly shooting a innocent-if not, curious glance towards Kumogakure's champion. “But, Lord Raikage, considering how well established your means of acquiring information, which I suspect dwarfs of all others in this present era, I cannot shake the sentiment that you knew this already...”

[D]

[atrb=style, width: 350px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/dDxps.png);][atrb=valign,top] 'Did this guy really just say 'our glorious nation'?' D thought as he raised an eyebrow in some form of confusion. It was shocking to say the least--that was, the realization that these people actually believed they were more than human or worth more than everyone else. But... where did they get such an idea? To think, even as this summit went on, there were children in Iwa being indoctrinated to be uppity snobs, their noses high in the air as though they weren't breathing the same stanky ass air as everyone else. "Don't flatter yourself rock-sitter. As I've said, Kumogakure has no interest in your affairs until the possibility that you might affect us presents itself. Now, I would use these eyes to pry what I want out of you, but I'm sure we all know that would be rather unfitting of my position and unfriendly as well. Not to mention unpleasant. Have you ever had someone rummage through your brain against your will? My mother was fond of it, and needless to say, certain... side effects can manifest themselves. Really fucks up the entire brain chemistry. "So... if I might be able to ask, what was this particular information? I only ask because if Iwa were to take over the newly reformed Taki... this would obviously throw off the balance of world and more than likely make a good few people very angry."

[Masahige]

Masahige smirked. The Hidden Cloud Village had quite the intelligence network indeed, though it didn't extend to the intelligence gathered for this summit. That was all gathered through the efforts of Hidden Leaf shinobi, and later shared with the Hidden Cloud. However, Masahige was fine with allowing the Hidden Rock to believe that the Raikage was keeping tabs on them.

"The Hidden Rock Village's sudden hostile presence in a neighboring country does raise my concerns."

[Yagami Iori]

So many pressing issues and valid points were being made all over the place. Matamune thought everything to be quite interesting, to say the least. One can learn a lot about a person after watching how they act in public. Well, in this setting, it would technically be private, but I digress.

"It seems Iwagakure has a habit of acting too suddenly once they develop some sort of speculation." he stated, itching the inside of his ear with his nail.

[Ðr. Tran]

She was starting to see a trend here. Well hear a trend here, they would ask questions and direct concerns and Iwa's representatives would dance around them. She didn't care much for the dance, it was a waste of her time.

"And these reports are where exactly?

Irregardless if such reports did exist, it is not Iwagakure's place to take simple matters into their own hands. By launching a pre-preemptive assault on Takigakure, not only have you weakened both your own countries, but you have pushed Iwagakure into an antagonistic status.

Iwagakure no sato, cannot be allowed to continue its campaign in Taki no kuni, or else it would unbalance the status of the other four nations as well as the lesser villages now seeking arms against Iwagakure no sato.

Instead of bringing your findings to your allies, your village and Tsuchikage acted in such a way that would shame our peaceful alliance that has held for the last sixty years, since the fourth war. "

She said in a very to the point matter of fact kind of way. As certain as she was this is an issue, it was one they needed to push through and stop the political dancing with their words. She was certain none of them had the time to waste with idle chit-chat about who did what, or who attacked who. She had a civil war she was dealing with, now had to set her Mei Kiri into protecting their Jinchuuriki from these Bijutsukai, had Iwagakure running around trying to gain more land and by proxy power with some reason that only they seem to have any information on. The clock was ticking, and her time was very precious in the moment.

"As it stands, envoys of the Tsuchikage, you only speak with the voice of your master, and as respected as an ambassador your presence in this council makes matter look even worse for the Tsuchikage.

So, of my previous statement I will ask you to submit this intel to this summit, of the supposed uprising of Takigakure that you say was going to happen, as well as tell us why your Tsuchikage thought it was so unimportant that such matters not come from their lips"

She said, and the seal went silent for a moment. She had just literally called out Iwa's ambassadors telling them to do some show and tell or things are not gonna go well.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] Though the Yun huffed in disapproval, the Monk remaining impassive as the statue he seemingly aspired to mimic, Satoru allowed only the faintest crack of his composure. Though the fleeting emotional display was off, perhaps even deliberately practiced-as he looked upon the leaders gathered with decorum, yet staunch-seemingly stubborn conviction. Allowing a brief moment of silence to settle in the air, the speaker of the Tsuchikage simply nodded in acknowledgment, finally resting the doubled scroll to the circular table that lay before him. “My lords and honored guests. You would have to presume much to believe that this course of action was taken in haste. And it would be remiss to believe that we are ignorant of both the responsibilities beholden to one of the Five powers.” He began a slow pace in the small space afforded to him, motioning to each of the gathered nations as he spoke smoothly, reserved. “Though I do not fault none present for what the ordeal have been illustrated on the outside, I assure you can put to rest whatever fears you all may have for the balance of powers.” “Save for one.” He paused, the Awaikage's demeanor evolving to less theatrical and far more-intense. “Iwagakure will not tolerate those who entertain or gain the means to threaten our seat of power. In any measure.” He smiled much more warmly, returning to his minute stroll about the quarters, addressing the audience that hung on his words for what may save or damn a nation. “You will find no aspirations of conquest among us, nay any detailed scheme to rob one nation of it's independence, subjugated within Tsuchi no Kuni's thrall. In fact, our lady is presently convening with the leaders of Taki no Kuni in a mutually beneficial alliance. One that would empower-not weaken-both of our respective countries, as well as maintain the harmony our forefathers established so long ago...” “Since I stand in the presence of such distinguished powers, then I am sure you already are aware of that Hidden Rock, in our offensive, put none of Taki's forces to the sword and that our campaign, was one of attrition and dismantling, to oust out the powers and clans who conspired against us as well as to send a message-a message-my fellows, that was well received.” “Though we mean no offense in that our actions may have upset, even garnered suspicion. Iwagakure cannot afford to weigh the opinions of foreign, far from involved agents, when a threat is beginning to blossom on our borders. Our responsibility is to that of the safety of our people, not in the deliberation or pandering of courts, only acting after the matter has spilled out of control and blood soaks our shores ,or, my friends, in the lands of others...” He had to resist looking at the Kazekage, to soak in his reaction. “But again, our lady is already with the powers to be of Taki no Kuni, so that repeated transgressions do not come to past. And this explains her absence in this court. For her dedication to the safety of her people and coincidentally that of a better Takigakure, outweighs that of this summit.” “I wouldn't expect any of you to act any differently.”

[D]

[atrb=style, width: 350px; background-image: url(http://i.imgur.com/dDxps.png);][atrb=valign,top] "I simply... cannot." D said, seemingly out of breath though in truth, he was out of patience in dealing with these people. He stood from his seat. His father placed a hand on his shoulder, knowing that there was a chance this could escalate quickly when dealing with one as hot-blooded as his son. D would usually back down when his father made such a move as to rebuke a coming action--but it wasn't going to happen here today. 'As least don't smash the table, kiddo.' his father thought, recalled his father's, his own, and now his son's like for the action. "I understand the need to keep certain information secret from others. But for fuck's sake, if you don't want to tell us what information spurned your attack, then by the fucking gods in Takama-ga-hara, even Futsunushi who birthed me, just fucking say NO. No one here has time for the pussyfooting game. "It's becoming more and more easy for me to believe that Iwagakure is just a front for a criminal organization. Your people employed the Akatsuki in the past and now you're stepping foot into another country which is known to have a Tailed Beast. If it were legitimate business, I'm sure you'd have no issue telling us what the threat was--but your pussyfooting leads me to think otherwise. To think something shady is going on. "I could even be pushed so far as to believe that Iwagakure is in some sort of smoky room deal with the Bijūtsukai!!"

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] “I'd never-!” Satoru held up his hand, ushering the Yun into silence. She huffed a few un-lady like words and returned to being little else than a flowery statue, sulking with her failing temperament. He rubbed his chin, studying the Kage with a look befitting of a father to a disappointing child. “My Lord, I was far from a thought, let alone alive, during that era of my fore bearers. And while I will not claim to be the most illustrious historian, we all present come from legacies who have done what they sought for the best of their people. Some noble...and some out of simple necessity.” “I will not hold suspicions against you for actions taken in the past. The late “Child of Destiny” proved that in order to move forward, hatreds spurned in a latter time, must be absolved...” He would then gesture to the scroll he left at the table. The monk Kenshin moved, an effort that was declared with the popping of joint and flexed muscles, to take the parchment and escorted it over to the Raikage. “What my fellow has presented is little else but a layout of the nation, key points of suspicious activity, and hot spots where those from our information network had relayed growing threats. Though, for anything more than that-I am ill equipped to give you what you seek at the present. Integrity of our recon forces aside, had we known that this summit was to spill into allegations and finger pointing, for preserving the lively hood of our people. Perhaps if we had known how extensive the baseless paranoia had matured in lands so far from ours-then perhaps the Lady Tsuchikage would have given me more to offer at the table...”

[Masahige]

Masahige leaned forward.

"The Hidden Rock has invaded a country and attacked a hidden village. Your Tsuchikage has, by your words, decided this Summit is less important than an alliance with a lesser village. An alliance, which I have no doubt is forced considering the how weak a newly reformed hidden village is compared to a long-standing greater village.

"The Hidden Leaf is concerned merely because the Land of Waterfalls is a neighboring country of the Land of Fire. Should that be take as paranoia, then so be it. However, it is far from baseless, considering the questionable nature of your Tsuchikage's actions and your inability to convince us she is not grabbing for power. As for your parchment--"

He motioned to it.

"--all manner of lies can be fabricated on parchment. And as you have stated, you are ill-equipped to give us what we seek."

[Ðr. Tran]

Listening, talking, more listening. The summit was losing focus. It had started with the Shukaku, went to the Bijutsukai, now to the Iwa matter. But there was no resolution to any of the points. Finally she was done, she had heard enough and was ready to bring this whole summit to a close if need be.

"... You know, no more politicking. No more playing around, we have some issues that we need to take care of. Lets do that, right here, right now."

She said, as her voice grew louder and bit more tense. Sure it was easy to not respect her when she wasn't present, but unless they got back to the real issues and got back to working on them, this conversation would end. She had heard enough from all sides, they had picked at each other, veiled their threats with honey words and she was done with it. Her words were meant to cut through all the veiled subtleties, and small passive aggressive phrases used by all the others represented. They were a council of the five greatest powers in the shinobi world, they needed to handle real problems and not bicker about them.

"Now, first issue. Shukaku, what are we going to do about him, as a united summit. He belongs to Sunagakure no sato, but is clearly a threat to other nations. I can spare some shinobi to help in this task.

The Bijutsukai, what is needed from each other in-order to find or locate this group or singular individual?

And finally, Iwagakure no sato, as ambassadors you have no real power to do this, but for the preservation of life and in-order to insure that your actions are true and this is the real reason, your military will stand down and relinquish control over to this council to be held until your words and documents are proven correct. As a whole, this council will be unable to let anyone one person control the military of your country, and would relinquish its control back to Tsuchikage-san once it is proven that you were in the right."

[Yagami Iori]

Until this very moment, Matamune had be silent with observation. While truthfully he didn't have much to say on the issue, besides responses that fleetingly assimilated in his mind as he heard the indirect 'pussyfooting' as the Raikage put it. Knowing the truth of his words and actions, this far he's been able to dismiss any and everything stated against him which was false - insanity was surely a moral present in the Rock's curriculum, as their envoy who spoke repeated spewed assumptions. Witnessing this didn't piss him off as much as it simply became annoying, and if there's one thing Matamune couldn't stand was being annoyed.

Fortunately enough, before he could react, the Mizukage's chimed in. It seemed she too grew tired of the bullshiting.

"In regards to the Ichibi," he started, looking around the table. "I stand by my earlier quest, exchange any intel on the beast's whereabouts, and I will personally see to it that the Ichibi is dealt with appropriately. I will handle it's sealing, until a suitable host is declared."

A stern look.

"This problem will only truly be solved in that manner," he pulled his pipe out of his haori, and after reach over the table with it in his hands, he set his pipe on the table beside his kage-hat. "We do have to settle the Bijūtsukai situation; this will make for one less...complication."