Post by Danjo on Dec 20, 2013 19:50:08 GMT -5
Three weeks after Matamune's disappearance
The morning rose, the office of the Kage starting to warm as the sun rays slowly started to warm the buildings surface.
Danjo for the first time in weeks had slept in his own quarters, the memories of everything that had transpired in the last few weeks washing over him. He slowly walked his way through the building, the guards bowing their heads as he passed by.
Eventually making his way to the office, the door opening with a creek as the empty rooms cold set upon him. Walking through the room to the windows he cracked one of them open with a quick nudge.
No sooner then the time it took him to open the window did he hear a flurry of footsteps as the Kazekage's assistant came hurriedly running into the office.
Nanadaime Kazekage Kōho, came the women's breathless voice as she hurriedly bowed then marched into the office setting down a pile of scrolls.
News from Iga's Anbu squad, she said as she quickly plucked the scroll from the collection. It seems they have found trace amounts of the remains of Anbu members whom had fallen in combat. However there is absolutely no sign of Kazekage Matamune, not a scrap or shred. They claim its as though he simply disappeared from his caravan into nothingness.
Danjo reached out taking the scroll and quietly skimmed through the information. Iga's squad was unable to find anything? He said with a puzzled look.
They not only are our strongest trackers but their squad also contains our most skilled sensor. If there was anything that could have been found, they would have been the ones to find it.
There's something else, the assistant spoke, it seems based on the scans of the fragments they sent with their message shows that the Kazekage's Anbu guard had all been killed by mundane means before they... well you know what they do when they are about to die.
Yes, Danjo spoke, i understand completely. It is strange and troubling news indeed, have the council been informed? Danjo asked as he stepped back to the Kazekage's desk sitting in the old chair.
Yes they have, the assistant said.
Let them know i wish to discuss these matters immediately. Danjo spoke as he stood back up scanning over the note once more.
I had assumed you would say that, the assistant said. Which is why i had already passed along the message they are gathering now.
Danjo peered towards the young lady with his stoic glare for a moment. What was your name? Danjo asked having not actually ever been formally introduced to the young lady.
Nobuko, she said softly as a blushing redness crossed over her brow.
Well then, Danjo spoke, Nobuko... It has been a pleasure working with you, your assistance has been infallible.
Thank you Nanadaime Kazekage Kōho, i am greatly honored.
You can call me Danjo, he spoke as he left the room heading towards the council meeting.
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The council meeting, an hour later
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The councilors had been making small talk for some time, then with a raised hand of one of the councilors, the meeting began.
There was a few minutes of updates spreading across the council floor, making sure everyone was aware of all circumstances in regards to the village. Then the topic changed as the councilor addressed Danjo, speaking of the message that had been received from Iga.
What do you believe should be done now Nanadaime Kazekage Kōho? The councilor questioned a look of deep frustration resounded across his demeanor vibrating through the words spoken.
Well, Danjo said addressing the entirety of the council with a relaxed gaze. I believe my request has proven to be correct, we know now that the Kazekage was not killed immediately. There was barely a sign of struggle other then whomever the Anbu had fought against. We also know that who ever did this must have been highly skilled, only a shinobi would be capable of hiding their tracks and traces so well.
It also means there is a chance that Rokudaime Kazekage Matamune is still alive.
A silence fell over the council as though they knew something he did not, he stood peering in silence waiting for anything from them. A word, a nod, anything to show that they understood what his point in the matter was.
What is it? Danjo finally said beckoning them to share whatever it was that kept them silent.
Nanadaime Kazekage Kōho, a councilor spoke, you are aware that we had a meeting yesterday? This meeting we had while you were dealing with the after workings of the Rokudaime Kazekage's memorial ceremony, a decision was made.
What was this decision? Danjo questioned, his stoic facade allowing his voice to radiate a calm demeanor.
The councilors briefly glanced towards one another as the first councilor began to speak.
It was decided by this council that no matter the findings in regards to Kazekage Matamune's disappearance, our desires for you to become the new Kazekage would remain.
We implore you to give up this foolish waste of man power allow all of our shinobi to return to Sunagakure, and then move forward into your new position.
We have already searched, we have already hunted, it has been three weeks and nothing. Only ash remains of fallen Anbu and air have been found, not even a scrap or a shred of further evidence. If we continue on this path any longer then the seeds of weakness will have been sown.
The councilor finished his words as he continued staring towards Danjo, as though he wasn't sure what Danjo's reaction would be.
Then another councilor broke the silence. If we allow Sunagakure to weaken and fall it would be the worse way we could dishonor Matamune's memory. He would want this Kazekage Kōho, this is what he would say if he was here instead of one of us.
Do not let your own relationship with the Kazekage Matamune govern what you believe to be best for this village.
The first councilor then spoke immediately following the last words spoken.
We have all respected Kazekage Matamune and followed in his footsteps, this village needs its Kazekage's return. This village needs you Danjo, your knowledge and power is shown in all things that you do. Your respect for Kazekage Matamune's memory is seen and your dedication to his leadership is without question. Kazekage Matamune always spoke highly of you, he respected you as much as any member of this council, or any shinobi for that matter. He had faith in you, he named you to this council as his elect should ever the worse befall him.
Yet it is easy to see that maybe you do not consider yourself ready, or worthy. Maybe the reason you have tried so hard to find him is because you do not believe you can be the next Kazekage.
There is no one else Danjo, the list of shinobi capable consists of only your name. Even the council members power and ability does not come anywhere close to rivaling yours.
You are ready Danjo, accept this formal honor on our behalf.
With those words the entirety of the jonin council arose to their feet all looking towards Danjo their eyes never breaking for a moment. The first councilor stepped away from his chair walking around the table until he came to stand before Danjo. His eyes piercing into Danjo's as he held the hat of the Kazekage tightly in his grip.
Then he spoke his words loud and proud as he announced them triumphantly across the room.
Kazekage Kōho Seishen Danjo, it is by this councils request that you accept the leadership of this council. All of the responsibilities and sacrifices that must be made to keep this village safe, will be yours. By your strength is the village kept safe, by your guidance are its people lead.
We humbly ask you to accept this token, the garb that is befitting a Kage. That you would wear it as a representation of your vows to this village, so that all may know who you are, so that all may see your actions and know your strength.
Do you accept this token Kazekage Kōho Seishen Danjo? The councilor spoke his voice showing pride in his words, his eyes shining brightly having been given the honor to be the councilor chosen to recite the vows.
The councilor bowed deeply while he held the kazekage hat, its symbol facing Danjo as he looked down upon the representation of this villages trust.
Danjo bowed then spoke calmly his eyes radiating with the realization of these vows, their words echoing through his mind.
The kazekage's of the past having sworn similar oaths, the power of the situation overtook him as he stood in bowed silence for a few moments, the tension in the room as they awaited his answer was thick with anticipation. The moments it took his hand to reach for the Kazekage's hat felt like an eternity, until his hand met its brim.
I accept, Danjo spoke as his hands gently accepted the hat from the first councilor.
He rose from his bow then slowly turned to the council, each one of them spoke a simple oath of service and faith. Then when they had all finished saying their vows they all deeply bowed to Danjo holding it for a great many seconds.
Rising from the bows they all held a joyous smile across their faces, their desires had prevailed. On this day they had done what they believed to be right for their village, they had ensured its safety and prosperity for years to come.
They all shared laughter and congratulations to Danjo then as time passed the room was filled with their small talk. Then the first councilor spoke again, this time with far less formality in his tone.
Nanadaime Kazekage Seishen Danjo your village awaits you, he said as he motioned for Danjo to follow him out onto the balcony overlooking the village.
Steeping onto the balcony the sounds from the village were immediately evident, a roar from the streets below as Danjo neared the edge of the Balcony.
A great multitude stood surrounding the Kazekage's building in the center of the village. Thousands upon thousands of people all waiting below to catch a glimpse of their new great leader.
As he stood overlooking the multitude below him the thousands roared in excitement, screams and cheers washing over the village filling the valley with its chants.
With the Kazekage hat still held in his hands Danjo slowly raised it to his head, setting it atop of his hair the brim shielding the bright light of the day.
The moment the Kazekage's hat touched his head the crowd screamed even louder, a thunderous roar.
The first councilor motioned for him to speak gently with his hands, pressing him to address the village.
Finally as he became accustomed to the situation he spoke the only words he could think of in that moment, as the roaring crowds chants of his name stirred him to smile.
From this day forward i will protect this village as the Nanadaime Kazekage, he shouted to the wave like mass of people below.
The entirety of the village roared in celebration from below, the words stirring them to greater lengths of celebration.
Dancing, cheering, and chanting continued for sometime while Danjo stood amazed at the spectacle before him. Only able to wave after his words he stood there lost in the moment.
