A monk and a cutthroat.

[Sakuga]

Kozuke awoke in his bed chambers.  He often slept while meditating in Zazen with his legs crossed and he was this time as well.  His eyes peeled open and the sensation of his human form welcomed him once more.  He unfolded his legs and stood up.  The machi-bogyo meditated in rows before him guarding him as he "slept" he left his chambers and exited to the terrace.  Chimes blew and rang along the terrace.  Today was the day he was going to visit Mizu no Kuni and invite their leader to the Kage summit.

He left the palace officials other public servants greeted him kindly as he walked.  He nodded to his fellow Kage whom sat in the throne room upon the second seat built for him.  His throne was magnificent and large a testamentary to his strength and the right arm of the Raikages.  He held court for the public while Kozuke was going to be on his mission.

The machi-bougyo had started to follow Kozuke as he left the palace and made his way into the streets to make his exit.  The streets were full of new faces from the lower parts of the city that were now included in the upper levels.  Kozuke smiled at the harmony he witnessed.  Strong men from the lower levels assisted the weaker but still loyal workers.

Kozuke stepped into his royal cart and sat inside while the Machi-Bougyo dragged him along to the docks on the southern end of the region.  It took a few hours for him to arrive there but he was greeted with a massive longboat adorned with traditional designs.  An essential pagoda stretched along its length.  Kozuke exited his cart and walked along the boarding plank unto the boat.  He walked along the hall that connected each part of the ship until he reached the end.  The last room was for him, and included a mat for him to meditate on while he waited to reach the region.  He started to sit, meditate, and initiate Zazen for the long week long trip.

In his meditation seconds turned to minutes, minutes turned to hours, and hours into days, before he knew it he was greeted by his royal guard alerting him that they have arrived.

He exited the pagoda on deck and saw the massive buildings that made up Hyoudengakure.  "Magnificent." he managed to say, before exiting the ship and being greeted by the scent of industry.

[Takeo]

Mizukage or Sad Sack of Shit?

Umeno

Matsuri

Two days before the arrival of the Raikage Matsuri was peeling the limbs off of his favorite meals.V had brought him some of Mizu no Kuni's finest athletes to feast upon. The man typically preferred to procure his own meals, but having a squad of elite shinobi get it for him, sure was fast food! The Kage enjoyed his food live with the screams on the side. He had a dedicated room in his tower for dismembering and eating his prey. On stand by, would be one of the man's assistants to provide him with another white suit. Matsuri spent a wistful amount of time in his feeding chamber gnawing at every bit of meat. The man had a massive appetite and could consume around three whole humans in a single sitting. The rest of his day was quite bland due to only getting to put a few people in line. The day before the Raikage's arrival should have been a high energy stress filled day, but Matsuri spent it locked in his room refusing to go out. Most of his advising team demanded that they prepare the village for the Raikage's arrival, but Matsuri simply felt to depressed to leave his penthouse apartment. On the day of the Raikage's arrival the Mizukage was still feeling quite blue. As always the sky in Hyoudengakure was littered with leaking clouds. When Matsuri arrived at his Kage tower the morning of he was dressed in a hoodie and sweats. His head advisor forced the Matsuri to alter his attire before meeting with the Raikage. It didn't take much convincing to show Matsuri who looked like garbage. Two women began to dress him in one of his iconic white suits, and a man pulled Matsuri's eyepatch mask over his face. After he had his suit on the two women slipped black socks on his feet followed by shiny dress shoes. The man's suit immaculate and he stood in his office looking out of the large window. Matsuri could see the Raikage's ship arrive in the distance, and he waited for the Hyoudengakure shinobi to escort the man through the city to Matsuri's kage tower.

Sincerely, Rook

► kaigra ◄

[Sakuga]

Kozuke exited his boat fully and walked around the street that followed one of the many docks here in Mizu no Kuni.  The streets showed signs of overpopulation and poverty.  So much discordance Kozuke thought to himself.  He started to feel as if this place was dangerous.  He activated his Byakugan, the veins on his forehead bulged and undulated as he started to focus on the tallest building in the city.  He had been walking for a bit with his guards.  With his eyes focused he could see thieves and bandits alike eyeing him and his comparatives like they were shiny doubloons to be plundered.  No worries.  I think it would be just to end the painful existence of anyone that tries anything.  As he continued he eventually came upon a square with a decrepit fountain in the center.  From here it was clear the Mizekage in the tower could see him approaching.  He looked up at him as he looked back from the window and waved idly as he came closer. 

A thief started to approached Kozuke from the crowds... he sprinted at Kozuke and reached for his glimmering blue Katana, but he stood no chance.  Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms Kozuke beamed his eyes into the thiefs chakra points and quickly jabbed each of them with his finger tips before leaving him a crumpled body on the streets.  Others who watched from the rooftops and alleyways started to ditch their idea of going after him.

Kozuke entered the building.  Inside he could hear steam bursting and pistons firing.  The internal mechanisms of this place are incredibly intricate, almost like the chakra that flows through people, energy flows through this place, its alive...  Guards dressed in black lead him into the ground floor.  His guards were asked to remain while he entered an elevator.

The elevator shot into action and he was lifted up to the top floor.  He was alone now.  He exited the elevator and was greeted with a crude yet durable iron door.  He pushed it open and revealed the Mizukage's chambers.  They were... interesting.  "Why hello."  Kozuke managed to notice another room in the building that was covered in blood and remains.  "Are you thirsty?" He said as he walked to the side of Matsuri with his hands held behind his back.  He revealed that he was holding a large bottle filled with a highly refined coffee liqueur brewed back at the palace.

[Takeo]

Mizukage or Sad Sack of Shit?

Umeno

Matsuri

Matsuri could see the Raikage moving through his city. Hmph, either my shinobi never showed up or someone killed them. How sad, pondered the Mizukage as he rubbed at his chin. The Raikage gave Matsuri a wave from his window and then made a display of his power. Those eyes, so perceptive, wondered Matsuri as he paced before the Raikage's arrival. Matsuri stood by his desk with his hands behind his back. The Mizukage faced his office entrance awaiting the Raikage's arrival. Matsuri could hear the hum of the elevator as it soared up to Matsuri's floor. The double doors to his office were pushed open by a tall man with a long black ponytail. Matsuri looked through the man's steel frame glasses before greeting him. "Welcome to my Kage tower," announced Matsuri at the Raikage's entrance. The man was quick to approach Matsuri, which made him uncomfortable, and offer him something concealed behind his back. Coffee huh, there's no way you would know, but that's the only thing our kind can really share, ruminated Matsuri as he pressed a button on his desk. "I am quite parched I will have one of my servants bring us up cups to drink out of, if you would like anything else please let me know," replied the Mizukage. "Please take a seat," requested Matsuri as he pulled out the chair in front of his desk. Two men in suits each brought up porcelain tea cups and sat them on the Mizukage's desk. Matsuri took a seat at his desk and spoke to his servants first. "Show yourselves out," growled the Mizukage as the two men left his office closing the double doors behind them. Matsuri pivoted in his rolling chair to face Kôzuke before he spoke, "It's Tadayoshi Kôzuke right?" Matsuri took the liberty of pouring the coffee for both of the Kage. "You know coffee is a specialty of mine. If I end up liking you I'll have to make you a nice cup of it," added Matsuri as he poured the beverage for each of them.

Sincerely, Rook

► kaigra ◄

[Sakuga]

Kozuke smiled widely "Somehow I knew you would like my gift.  When I'm unsure of my companies taste, I prefer to bring them something along the lines of an item like this.  Should the night call for it there's Sake from my palace on my ship." Kozuke sat across from the Mizukage.  "This place is astonishing,  I don't think I've ever seen anything like it.  You see, my people are quite isolated..."  the servants brought the cups for Kozuke and Matsuri and Kozuke started to pour a glass.  "So isolated..."  He poured one for Matsuri.  "That there was a second Kage right under my nose, and I had no idea.  Of course I formed an alliance with him, as his people were in despair, and mine were practically reveling in their wealth."  He sipped on the coffee and almost immediately could feel the potency entering his bloodstream.  "The two of us make a powerful duo..."

"I'll get straight to the point.  It's only recently come to my attention, that there are other villages out there.  My people and I were convinced we were the only people, and I find that in order to progress, we must take a more worldly position lest be left in the dust.  I'd like to formally invite you to a Summit.  There, we can discuss the... Bijuu?  There was a tailed beast that appeared here no?  My comrades tell me that many appeared across the lands.  I'd like to make sure that these beast remain in the right hands, in short, in the hands of the Kage of the respective regions.  Rogue ninja have always made trouble in times like these.  Moreover, there will be other subjects of discussion there.  Exams need to be held for my Genin... I'm not one to assume, but there must be other young ninja itching to prove their worth.  I also, if possible, would like to ally myself with as many other villages as possible.  I personally seek harmony in the world and if we could unify..."

[Takeo]

Mizukage or Sad Sack of Shit?

Umeno

Matsuri

The Raikage was surprisingly long winded; Matsuri simply nodded and sighed in response to his remarks. The Mizukage sipped from the coffee poured for him and trailed off in thought. This fool really thought he was the center of it all, considered Matsuri as he looked out his window. He didn't really start listening to Kozuke until he mention a summit and chuunin exams. Matsuri waited for the pompous man to finish his speech before replying. "A Kage Summit sounds wonderful. I can formally meet the other village leaders," uttered Matsuri with feigned excitement. He took a breath and then continued, "now for the chuunin exams. I have been considering contacting the fellow Kage to ask them about participating in a chuunin exam here. I recently had a nice stadium built here where one on ones could be fought. Not to mention, the surrounding area in Mizu no Kuni is quite dangerous. This country is the perfect place to truly test your genin! I'd welcome ninja from all villages to come. Kage could elect shinobi they'd like to bring with them as well if they desire protection," commented the man with great moxie. Matsuri finished his coffee and placed his cup to the side of his desk.

Sincerely, Rook

► kaigra ◄

[Sakuga]

"I see."  Kozuke sipped on his coffee.  The longer I sit here the more dangerous this place seems.  Kozuke stared blankly at the Mizukage.  "Here?  I'm not sure if the others will trust you and your people quite yet.  Perhaps if you could offer the other Kage something collateral in case something goes wrong during the exams." 

He sipped on his coffee more.  Kozuke was starting to feel like he shouldn't be here.  The Mizukage's general vibe was off.  "Do you have anything to eat?  I've been fasting for months, and could use a proper meal." Sip sipping away, the Raikage was almost nervous except for moments like these.  "Would you mind if I took a look outside of your window?"  Kozuke stood up and approached this window.  He activated his byakugan and started to peer down at the city below.  He could see violence, pain, sorrow, grief, death, suffering in its purist form.  "Perhaps this place would, make a good test of my ninja.  My village heads harmony as its greatest Virtue and a place like this surely boast chaos as its virtue no?  If the ninja can survive this place, they can survive anywhere."

[Takeo]

Mizukage or Sad Sack of Shit?

Umeno

Matsuri

The Mizukage could not help but cackle slightly at the Raikage's mention of collateral. The man was quick to retort with a sneer on his masked face. "You've just mentioned to me how you have no knowledge of other villages. Hence, you do not know their ideals or knowledge of Hyoudengakure. I can assure you, the Hokage would love to have the chuunin exams here! Now, the Kazekage, well I have to locate them first! I hear the Tsuchikage is a young woman, compared to us that is." Matsuri continued on in response to the man's other questions. "Hopefully my servants can fetch you something you'd enjoy. Do not ask my permission to look out a window. I keep order in my village by not rejecting chaos. The world simply cannot exist without both; to obtain true order is flourish with pandemonium." This Raikage seemed like quite the pushover, but Matsuri actually quite enjoyed his presence. Despite his floweriness the Mizukage could feel a great sense of self from within the Raikage. His subconscious could not help but wonder what the man's brain would taste like. Consciously, Matsuri was not interested in eating away at his human populace unless to strike fear. A few moments passed after he pressed the button on his desk again and two large men in maid dresses arrived in his office. Matsuri looked over to the Raikage and spoke softly, "try anything you'd like, they'll have to find someway to get it."

Sincerely, Rook

► kaigra ◄

[Sakuga]

Kozuke looked at the servants but he didn't have anything to request. "Really I'm fine as far as niceties go Mizukage."

Kozuke kept staring out of the window,  his Byakugan deactivated.  He could see waves crashing in the distant ocean.  Closer, he could see crowds of people moving and flowing through the city like ants.  Even some of the skyscrapers looked small from atop the Kage's tower.  "I apologize for being so doubtful Mizukage.  My people are somewhat lacking in diplomacy.  Before I was Ryugakure's leader most disputes were settled in wars.  My people lost most of the time."  Kozuke sat back down before the desk.  His robes folded against the non-traditional seating.  "Before I arranged a coup, there wasn't much freedom, and I was elected leader mostly because of my fame for benevolence.  I don't participate in politics unless I must.  And in spite of your encouragement,  my soul carries droplets of doubt."

"I'll join the exams here, but I'll be here to watch over it personally, as most Kage likely will as well, I'm sure that shouldn't cause any trouble and I quite like the scenery.  Would you care to show me around at some point?"

[Takeo]

Mizukage or Sad Sack of Shit?

Umeno

Matsuri

Before the Raikage could shoo away Matsuri's gesture the Mizukage spoke up. "Ahem, please bring him our special takoyaki," he said with a whirly look. "Everyone loves these octopus balls," continued Matsuri while looking over at Kokzuke. The man began to unload on Matsuri, which people often did, but the Mizukage could not help but think about other endeavors. His mouth was wet from the coffee, and his stomach rumbled with conviction. "Your genin would be welcomed here, but some may perish. Death is something we must accept as ninja," replied Matsuri at the mention of the chuunin exams. He yawned before continuing, "I would love to show you what Hyoudengakure is about!" The Mizukage leaned back in his chair when his servants returned with the Raikage's takoyaki. They were both carrying the single dish, which was odd, and placed it on the Mizukage's desk. Matsuri gave them a hungry look causing them to make their way out of his office. "If you want to eat you may, I will not take offense if you don't. I can show you around whenever you'd like. We can continue to discuss matters while I show you around if you'd like," claimed the man with some curiousity in his voice.

Sincerely, Rook

► kaigra ◄

[Sakuga]

Kozuke started to shove Octopus balls into his mouth.  He was breaking his fast suddenly, he had not eaten in months and it was starting to get to him before he started eating the fishy balls.  "I'll go on this walk with you.  I don't know much about your city and I think it's about time I got a nice tour from it's very creator."  Kozuke finished the Octopus balls and stood up his swords bounced with residual energy as his legs shot him up.  "Let us depart."  Kozuke looked at the streets of Hyoudengakure.  His first impression of this place was a thief trying to steal something from him, but he had no fear in his heart.  He followed the Mizukage reluctantly but closely.  Kozuke was surprised to find that they left with no bodyguards.  I guess the two of us are strong enough to take care of ourselves.

Kozuke activated his Byakugan.  He could see all over the city, all sorts of violent, depraved, and quite sick things were happening all over the place.  "Tell me Matsuri, what is your main export?"  Kozuke had to speak up a bit as it was starting to storm.  "Narcotics?"