Confrontation of Grand Souls

[LmnDrp]

Ryujin marched through the gravel street through the main gates of Arashigakure, a name he meant to change today. His militia, or army depending on who you asked, followed dutifully behind him in rigid formation. The gates were opened for him without any blood spill, for a good deal of the people were on his side, and he had planned ahead as much as possible. However, against the desires of many of his highest officials, Ryujin was not here to kill the current Raikage and become ruler by law of combat. No, he wanted to talk, and so he was here to request an audience. Though, some would say the militia is an intimidating display of force, warranting an immediate retaliative attack; the people here were citizens of Arashigakure just as much as Ryujin himself, and thus he looked at it as they had as much of a right to be there as anyone, armed or not. Plus, what was stopping Kozuke from assassinating him, other than himself, if he came alone.

[Sakuga]

Kozuke sat in the Kage's Terrace meditating.  The Machi-bugyō stood on the level below Kozuke.  Chimes blew in the wind.  Here at the top of the palace it was often breezy.  Kozuke finally stood up.  He activated his Byakugan.  He could see Ryujin and his army marching through the gates.  "Hmmm..." he hummed audibly.  "Kage!  What is it?  We're getting reports of an army in the city!"  Kozuke turned to face the Machi-bugyo whom approached.  "It appears they have already won.  Their forces far exceed that of the village, yet they do not attack.  Prepare the throne room, bugyo."  Kozuke's kimono dragged along the wooden floor as he descended.  With his eyes still focused, he watched as the legion approached.  "Hm... bugyo, have one of the councilors lead them here.  It would appear we have guest."  Kozuke sat on the floor of the throne room alone.  A fur zabuton was laid out for Ryujin.  Servants started to prepare mountain cultured sake in dishes and tofu dumplings for the guest.

[LmnDrp]

Raijin continued fourth traveling amongst the shock and awe of the passerby pedestrians of Ryugakure... hmm, I wonder what the common folk think of me right now, I am doing this for them but I’m sure there are many amongst them that are afraid or disavow and despise me completely. Eventually he reached the majestic and well-crafted and cared for palace doors. They were open and he was ushered in, but before doing so he addressed his army directly: ”Alright men. Those of you who act unruly and terrorize the village will be facing me directly. These are our people, not our foes, and we aren't here to conquer as of now. At ease." As he finished he headed into the Raikage's ornate home.

[Sakuga]

A steward greeted Raijin as he entered the palace and ushered him into the throne room where the Kage waited at a small traditional Japanese table. Rows of sashimi and other sushi waited for the Kage and his guest. As they sit an assistant brings out mountain sake and mochi. “Welcome!” Kozuke greeted. “Please come sit and enjoy yourself. We can discuss pressing matters after dinner.” Kozuke slurped deeply at the sake as they sat, and picked carfully at the sushi with his ornate chopsticks. Another pair of the royal chopsticks sat on the other side of the table for Raijin should he choose to use them. A weapon smith entered while they ate. “Greetings visitor, have a look at my portfolio, as our guest I’ve been asked to forge a Katana in your honor.”

[LmnDrp]

Raijin entered and was ushered fourth, he was certainly impressed by the architectural design and interior design, but he was here on a mission and his mind most certainly did not waiver. As he was brought before a dining table and subsequently the current Raikage, he activated his Sharingan but did not make any sudden moves. Raijin moved fluidly as he pulled back his chair and sat, across the long table at odds with Kozuke. He put both hands on the table and kept his eyes trained on the Raikage, but he kept himself from eating the albeit appetizing looking meal before him. "We have much to discuss, why not over dinner?" as he spoke, the weaponsmith came forth, and Raijin halted him with a swift hand motion. As he stopped, he spoke, and Raijin responded with a simple "very well."

[Sakuga]

Kozuke sat with Ryujin.  Kozuke had already started eating the food that was prepared before them.  Kozuke devoured rolls and rolls of sushi before sipping deeply from the sake dishes.  Kozuke often faste for months at a time so when he eats, he dines for each one of his ancestors.  This practice is said to increase his connection to his ancestors and is regular practice.  "Drink the Sake, It will make this conversation short I assure you."  The Sake was bitter and ice cold straight from the basements where barrels and barrels sit for aging.  "So I see you are or in a position of power of me and my people.  What exactly do you want from me?"

[LmnDrp]

Ryujin resolved to himself that at the very worst if he were poisoned by this man, his army would wreak havoc in revenge for such dishonorable actions, and it would only insight more rebellion within Ryugakure. Thus, he partook upon the grand spread before him, savoring each mouthful unceremoniously shoved into his gaping maw by the fistful thoroughly with all of the exotic, exquisite, and diverse flavors he could get his hands on and combine. He probably looked like a kid in a candy shop, but Ryujin could truly just eat like a damn whale at the speed of a starving man, moving at his speed and striking with his strength burns a great deal of calories. In between each mouthful that he swallowed, a drink of sake, sometimes the difficult swallows would even be washed down with the same. Eventually, he decided to come up for some air and speak business, his distraction come to a brief pause. "Yes, I came with this militia as a display of, not force, but rather evident truth. The people of lower Ryugakure have spoken and they feel unrepresented through the governmental practices of the more aristocratic individuals of the upper village. They feel an intense culture divide, so deeply established that there are complete dialect and word differences, let alone the economic and value differences. They elected and sent me here to speak to you diplomatically but firmly; and thus I demanded council and came here to talk, we demand representation!"

[Sakuga]

"Is that all?  If you're their elected leader than make yourself at home here in my palace.  I am saddened to hear to hear of the disparities of your people.  So long as you agree to preserve honor, you can make your place at my side as our second Kage."  Kozuke set his dishes aside.  "Appoint whomever you like to the council, you'll have the same power as me to write and refuse any documents, but should you abuse your power I doubt the people will let it go unnoticed.  Have you heard the rumors of war-faring nations in distant lands?  Perhaps our first action should be to raise the levies and train them for battle...  or call for some sort of summit.  Scouting is in order to defend ourselves from war,  depending on the warmongering of our potential enemies, conquering might be our only option.  I normally focus on domestic issues, but the risk of a foreign invasion going under our noses has been troubling me.  Your army should suffice but there are warriors among my people whom have taken oath to me, an oath to protect this nation until its end.  They are few, but fight with the spirit of their families.  Let me add to your ranks.

[LmnDrp]

Ryujin simply let out a respectful nod in response to Kozuke's response to his prompting, in addition to the looming threat of other nations of similar if not greater strengths. "I'd expect nothing less of your soldiers. We are meant to work in unison, I left my troops far behind in the intentions of goodwill as stated. A summit though, that does sound interesting... And we would hold it here? In Ryugakure? or Arashigakure? Or, would we simply hold it somewhere of note in Kaminari no Kuni? We should get on this endeavor as soon as possible, as to not waste time and to plan the next course of actions accordingly.

[Sakuga]

"Well."  Kozuke stood up.  He started to pace the palace floors.  He stared down at the polished wooden floor.  "We should find a secure location.  Or perhaps build our own.  Ryugakure and Arashigakure are secure I'm sure, but I think it would make our guest feel more secure if they weren't asked to enter what might appear to be the belly of the snake for them.  AKA a separate location would make our guest feel more safe and allow us to oversee the meeting much more carefully.  Personally I think our goal at the summit should be to measure who could possibly be on our side and who is a potential threat.  Conquest and Unity are my ultimate goal ,moreover, if the others are exceptionally weak I have no issues starting our campaign early."

"Lets have our summit."

[LmnDrp]

Ryujin listened to and considered the words of Kozuke intently before he made a response. "Very well, I agree. A separate location specifically fitted for this so-called summit seems the most viable. I will begin deciding upon and preparing this location, while you can handle the actual invitations to each respective leader." He stood from his seat and approached his fellow Raikage, "I shall set off now then, we have a great deal of work ahead of us." He then set out to rejoin his small army and discuss what all had transgressed, and furthermore what all would happen in the near future. As he walked the streets, the people cheered. Peace had not only been achieved today, but progressed had been made, let alone Arashiryugakure history had been made today.

Thread Over!