Naruto: The First Gods IC

Link to the OOC

Each village, so young, still growing... Each village, just ripped from the womb of creation. The villages were still children, and like children they were so easily swayed by a single change. But that didn't matter. What mattered was the war, the strife, and the sacrifice needed to make this so.

Three days ago...

"I propose war."
That was all that needed to be said. In Kumogakure, in the chambers of the Raikage's private meeting halls, war was declared. Kanja Yotsuki, leader of Kumogakure by way of fist and iron will. By cruel force and bottomless skill, Kanja had forged the land of Kumogakure in blood from the bodies of the other nations. He was a menacing figure by all accounts. Large in size and voice, and his single eye almost always shifting and studying the world around him. It was like he was paranoid, but it times of such poor trust between the nations, such paranoia was expected. He sat at the longest end of the table, holding aloft many scrolls of strategy and war.
In the other seats, sat the heads of clan. Each clan leader sat at the table, listening to the words of their elected Kage. Among them sat those who opposed Kanja, and those who would agree. Kanja could not, and didn't want to, control them. But if they tried to stop him, that was a different matter.
"You propose war, but to whom?" one of the oldest clan heads said. The speaker was the leader of one of the lesser clans of Kumogakure, but he was a wise man who had given his wise words to Kanja many times. "What do we gain from sudden war? Can we even win against our foe?
"Good questions." Kanja replied, tapping the table with one of his massive fingers. "And I shall answer. We attack Konoha. The village of leaves lays on fertile ground, and to conquer them early would be wisest. But we can't do it alone without suffering many casualties. I myself shall lead a delegation to Kirigakure, our closest neighbor. They too would gain from the destruction of Konoha, seeing as the Land of Fire is right in the middle of their shipping lanes." Kanja explained. "The rest is in the scrolls my assistant will be passing around shortly."

"You seriously want to ally our nation with the savages of Kirigakure!?" The cry from the audience came from one of the larger clans. Chi Sakura, a man who had clashed with Kanja over dominance of the Hidden Cloud. Kanja proved better, but Chi was bitter. "The land of water are the most barbaric of the nations! Have you not heard the rumors of how they run? Have you not seen the reports as they murder they're young for sport? To side with them would be to paint a target on our very backs, begging for them to betray us."
"Are you suggesting I have not thought of all that?" Kanja announced, snapping his fingers at Chi. Kirigakure is a danger to ally with, but I prefer them to the others. Iwagakure and Sunagakure are in poor locations to aid us in a full scale war. To ally with them would put Konoha between us geographically, a risk that would spell the end of Kumo. No, with Kiri we can win the war all the easier."
"That's still crazy... If I was Kag-" Chi began. But he was silenced by the sound of a kunai splitting the wood of the table next to his hand.
"If you were Kage I would be taking your orders without complaint, now show me the same respect I would give to your miserable ass." Kanja said, retracting the kunai using the chain attached to the handle. "Now, you all have your orders, we begin preparation in secret. I shall leave for my appointment in three days time."

Now...

The billowing of the wind... The salty spray... The sea was peaceful, but Kanja didn't believe it would last. But that mattered not. The place of meeting was chosen. The meeting of Water and Lightning would take place on the island of Kojo, a small island between the two nations. A proper neutral zone where neither would bring harm to the other. Kumo and Kiri... The Sky and Sea... All would descend upon the Tree.

All was silent in the heart of Kirigakure. The natural mist that poured throughout the village glazed over the landscape, dampening everything. The villagers, those who survived the massacres and raids, often kept to themselves and their families for protection and relied on the honor system put in place. You fuck with me, I fuck with you. You leave me the fuck alone, I leave you the fuck alone. It was simple. When you needed something from someone, you best have good bartering skills in Kirigakure. Money is worthless to these people. Show them power, show them respect, show them the intangibles of the world and they will hear you. Kirigakure lives differently than the rest of the ninja world. No class, no social status, little politics. Education is based off life experience, not books or history. Texts are kept hidden in the Kage's spiraling tower at the center of the largest island of Kirigakure surrounded by canals, bridges, adjacent islands and beautiful waterworks that connect the city. Even for a barbaric society of murderers, it has its beauty as a village. Those who live here have earned their right to live, something they believe the rest of the world has not yet fully earned themselves. Those who are still alive in Kirigakure are the strongest members, the best of the best. With little government and few officials, you are respected for your ninja rank only in Kirigakure... and these Shinobi do not simply hand out their promotions.

Atop the Mizukage's Spire in the highest room were four figures, all cloaked in black aside from Kisuke Uchiha, clad in the robes of the Mizukage. It had been nine months since the takeover, Kisuke killing the Mizukage and usurping him as the leader of the village. Although not even a native of the Land of Water nor had he lived in Kirigakure for his entire life, Kisuke's attitude and determination to achieve his goals set him on the path to Mizukage. The others in the room formed a square with Kisuke, each speaking their mind as to what to do with the village. They seemed to be nearing the end of their discussion, the talking over and a resolution made. They were simply finalizing the details now.

"I'm to meet with the Raikage to discuss the pact and the ensuing assault on our neighbors. It is to be at Kojo, between our two territories." Kisuke explained. The others nodded in understanding. None spoke against it, they all seemed very confident in Kisuke acting as Mizukage and his ability to manipulate situations. They were all on the same page and all knew the risks and rewards of the situation. "Then we're all clear." Kisuke finished, rising from his seat as the others did the same.

The seaborne journey was tedious and Kisuke spent the time contemplating his own potential for the most part. He contemplated the situation ahead and each possible outcome. After reaching the island of Kojo, Kisuke exited the boat he arrived on and ventured toward the meeting location. One ANBU member wearing a snake-shaped mask stood next to Kisuke to guard him.

~Tokuisei Nara and Ishida Echuudo~

Two men stood not far apart ten, perhaps fifteen minutes from the heart of Iwagakure. On a plateau they faced eachother. Tokuisei looking at Ishida with a bored stare. Ishida staring at Tokuisei with a determined grin. "Ishida, give an old man a break would you? I'm tried of giving you reviews twice a month. If you want to be a jonin so bad there are other ways of proving it than this trial by fire." Tokuisei sighed placing one hand over his face as he rolled his shoulder, loosening up for what was to come. "There may be other ways, but this is the way I get things done, overcome the mountain before me, besides. If you really disliked this test why couldn't you just you know, give me the title of Jonin." Ishida said, grinning as he lowered into a more battle ready stance.

"Because even if it is just a tile its one your not ready for." Tokuisei retorted before stating with a firm voice. "Begin! You know the key to your victory here, take it!" As Tokuisei said his word, Ishida shot forward, hand seals being made with a learned precision. He shot into the air, A bad move against an archer in most cases. Tokuisei side stepped back as Ishida crashed into the ground. Ishida crouched on the ground, one hand on the ground. tokuisei knew what to expect, but still, Ishida had taken a new path to get what he needed.

The ground shattered under them a moment later. Tokuisei taking the brunt of the young ninja's technique as he got out of the way for a continued assault. "Good plan, bad way of execution. You were open to my attack completely. I could have ended the battle." Tokuisei said, drawing an arrow and loosing it at Ishida's shadow. "You sure I'm open and its not you?" Ishida taunted, flipping out of the crater he'd created and avoiding the arrow as it hit the ground. during the flip he had loosed two of his Raifurueru kunai at his enemy. These Kunai were new to Tokuisei, he'd yet to learn of Ishida's new trick, still the man could counter.

"Kage Nui no jutsu." Tokuisei muttered, two black tendrils shooting up from his shadowIntercepting the Kunai right through the rings at the end. "That simple Ishida?" Tokuisei mocked, flinging the kunai off to the side, only the hear lightning crash a moment later. "Oh. I see." "I'm going to win, whether you want me too or not." Ishida called out as he shot forward, water running from under his feet. He was gaining speed fast as he closed the gap between himself and Tokuisei. "Well then. Shall I be serious?" Tokuisei grinned, charging right at Ishida, jumping as Ishida summoned his blade into his hand, thrusting at the Kage. Tokuisei vaulting off the ninja's shoulders, sending him crashing into the ground from the unexpected attack. "And its over." Tokuisei loosed an arrow as he landed. Ishida slid across the ground only for an arrow to pierce his shadow the moment he stopped.

"Damnit." Ishida said, accepting defeat once again. He would slam the ground if he'd been able too. But against Tokuisei, there was little chance for this chunin to win. "Ishida, as I always say, you have potential, but you don't give yourself enough time to grow. you were promoted to chunin just two short years ago. Take time, gain in experience. Then come again. And I don't mean in two weeks. I'll see you later, keep at it, you'll be a Jonin eventually." And with that, Tokuisei fled the scene. headed back towards his quarters in Iwagakure. Leaving Ishida to contemplate what should be his next move. the young man just wanted a simple title. How hard could it be for him to attain?

Metsuki 'Whirlpool' Tushiro-Uzumaki

=
===
=
Metsuki sat in a chair, in his office. Behind him was the window that showed his village. Kohonagakure. His Manor overlooked the city. Above him a statue was being constructed, it was of his own face, from this point forward, each Hokage would have his face created above the Village. So that noone would ever forget those he led the village. In all honesty, Metsuki felt that it was a bit too much, but his advisor's thought it would be the best way to remember him. Metsuki stood and moved away from his desk, he made his way to the window that overlooked the Village. He just stared, at the beauty that sat before him. This was his village, his people, his culture. Well, it wasn't just his village. The Uzumaki clan was not the only clan here.
=
===
=
There were the Hyuuga, the Uchiha, Senju, and even more lesser clans. Metsuki knew that the Uchiha and Senju had a checkered past but that didn't mean they couldn't live together in harmony. The Kohonagakure was a safe haven, anyone that wanted to seek refuge here was more than welcome. Metsuki watched the little children below play with each other. Some of them played Ninja, it was cute. It always brought a smile to the old man's face. Metsuki knew it was time to talk to the new Genin's like he did at every graduation. He was almost late, so he would have to go directly to the academy. Metsuki reached over and grabbed his Hokage Cloak, and left the Manor. It would take him five minutes to reach the Academy.

Hisao "The Frozen Leaf" - Konoha - Academy
====
Hisao sat out in the front of the school meditating and concentrating on improving his chakra control while many of the kids left the school after they graduated Hisao had decided to come back every once in a while in order to calm himself. Unlike the rambunctious troublesome fools he graduated with he was more or less happy to become stronger and better than anyone. However he knew he had a LONG way to go before he got anyway near the level. He was no master of anything yet but patience rewarded the shinobi who listened to it and took risks to achieve greatness. So led Hisao to sit there waiting on his partner and wondering where the hell his sensei had wandered off too. His parents were still in their house, as always, and thus Hisao honestly felt no inclination to bother his sleeping parental figures. After all he was limited by his father's oath and his kekkei genkai was undeveloped as it was. Still it made Hisao feel happy that he had a ace up his sleeve where others did not. It was proof he was special after all and the ice that would pierce his enemies would shield his heart from any pesky emotions that may sway him from his path. What good was power if you were leaning on a crutch anyhow? And what of the monsters that use people to get what they want? No Hisao had long ago chosen his path...he would become the greatest...and he would do it without causing evil.

Tohi manned the boat for the Mitzukage, this was not the same one who had his life returned to him, that was another who lived and fell by the way of the mists. This one, this new one, was from the land of fire by his last name. He didn't know of the specific powers he brought to the land, but clearly it must be of significant power that he could stroll in and take his place of power. He earned his place by respect of actions and Tohi could respect the efforts. While the ship sat in the water, he began his exercises for the day to keep his body honed o a keen edge, he released the first point in order to perform his chores with great speed and grace, the rocking of the boat left him in constant need to adjust and correct himself even in the simple acts of chores, the further up the masts he got, the more even a simple wave could make all the more drastic a difference to a twenty foot drop to the wood or the sea.

Even the simple acts of scraping barnacles was a time to test his ability to hold his breath, being from a place of pearl divers he could hold his breath for two minutes under hard efforts of swimming and crawling amongst the rocks or four minutes of simple submersion. That practice alone saved his life against the water prison technique in his final exam; his enemy actually saved him from harm in the water hard as steel as he was thrown about to be used as a hammer against other students. But with only one hand, his enemy could not perform handsigns needed to save his life and died like all the rest which freed Tohi to finish up the others. That prison granted him three minutes to meditate and regain his chakra unharmed to finish his duties.

Finally finished finagling final freeloader, he brought the bucket of barnacles to the butcher for soup, protein is protein after all. He had to admire the barnacle, it grew in places no other would or could, it grew itself in a way no one else did by making its own cement to stick in place then grow a shell of its own to protect from the same cement it used to attach itself then just start making so many of itself that its own death did not mean the end of the mission. Finally it could adapt to survive out of the water for lengths at a time. When he got to making a contract with some creature, he supposed that the barnacle would be a fine choice.

Tomoshi Nara The Cloud's Genius
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomoshi walked down a side road, he liked it because very few people ever took it and it was well lit by the sun or moon at almost any time of day or night. It made him feel like he could take anything on if a problem were to arise. The path let out at a clearing that gave a wide view of the sea. It was really peaceful today, there was a nice breeze. The feeling that the weather gave off was one that could only be described as calm before the storm. Tomoshi continued to gaze out at the grey horizon looking for something, he couldn’t tell what exactly but there was something he wanted to see out there.

He couldn’t figure it out; he hated not being able to figure something out. He decided to keep walking, the sea looked depressing anyways. He strolled along the well-lit road and took notice to the lack of people outside; it wasn’t all that unusual it was simply, unsettling to say the least. Tomoshi could block out noise and commotion well and he liked having it in the background of his thoughts, but it appeared there would be none of that tonight. For a moment he considered heading towards the Raikage’s place, it was nice to look at and who knows maybe there’s some commotion or secret meeting going on now. However he ultimately decided to stay where he was on this road, he could get into some unwanted trouble if he took an unscheduled trip to the Raikage’s mansion. While he continued he noticed a small dispute between animals on the side of the road. It was a chipmunk attempting to steal from a snake; the chipmunk seemed to have a clever plan already in play. It had waited for the snake to fall asleep, but the plan went further than that for it seemed the chipmunk had somehow got a bird to begin chirping at it. The snake was drowsy and hungry; its eyes were on the bird. The snake launched itself at the bird, biting its neck and incapacitating it, it was now that the chipmunk made its move and got the nuts from the snake. Afterwards the chipmunk had all but gotten away when it too was bitten, this time by a second snake. Tomoshi felt a bit of sadness wash over him as he continued down on his path, he tried to get the snake and the chipmunk out of his mind.

Tomoshi soon found himself once again looking out over towards the sea, but this time it was down by where the tide lapped the stone. Tomoshi had always found it intriguing that something as easy to withstand as the tide could eventually wear down even solid rock to a crumbled, weakened state such as it was. All it took was time; the tide would get its job done. Tomoshi couldn’t help but think of himself as a tide fighter, all it would take was time and he would win. He laughed silently to himself when he caught himself thinking such things; he was in no way that good of a fighter, but still… His victories were never that swift but they were consistent.

He rid himself of thoughts of battle and decided to continue trying to relax. He walked down the familiar path once again, hands in his pockets as a deep sigh escaped his lips. He was acutely aware of all of his surroundings, the waves crashing against the stone, the soft dirt underfoot and the wind that pushed his hair out of his face ever-so slightly. He was glad this was the place he called home and nothing would ever change that.

In the library of the Kage mansion - The Beetle Sage is looking for something, he himself did not fully know what he was looking for - but he would know when he found it.

Chomei - why the hell do you have me looking here?
Not quite yet - but soon.

The Sage shook his head as he carried on looking through the masses of scrolls and texts.

"Maybe its best if I wait for the Kage to return from his latest test he headed out on....

(sorry for the short post, really no other idea what to have Naoki do at this stage in the game)

Kimiyu Aburame The Sand's Pestilence
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunagakure, it was a hot business oriented town just crawling with caravans filled with things people wanted to sell you. Kimiyu liked it, though she had never known any different, she heard the country side on the outskirts of the hidden leaf village was nice this time of year. She was sitting on a bench near the ninja academy; she had her full Aburame cloak on, to guard her precious skin from the sun. She lead a Kikaichu up to her nose and thought too it; because she shared her body with the Kikaichu they could read her thoughts and could be controlled by her from even longer distances. This was the purpose of the Kikaichu No Jutsu, hell it worked even better than the Inuzuka clan and their ninja dogs with which they had to verbally communicate with. Kimiyu looked at the young ninjas in training, she always looked for the one that didn’t stand out but was actually doing better than most. She had been in that position not too long ago but a wise man once told her: 'The less people know you, the more freedom you have.' At the time she was confused by the statement, she still was it seemed like such obvious advice. She thanked him anyway and he never spoke to her again. She never even saw him again.

She walked into the academy and cheerfully greeted the principal, she came back here to visit and teach the students frequently. They liked her because she was for one, a Jōnin but secondly she was nice to the kids and they always wanted to learn from her. Today she was teaching the younglings how to throw a kunai at a target properly. She was given a kunai by a young gleeful girl and the target was moved back some thirty feet. She took aim and let it loose throwing it at the perfect bulls eye, though when it stuck it went in at a slight 2 centimeters to the left. She sighed and out her hands on her hips and looked back towards the academy students, who of course could hardly notice the difference. They all cheered and went to try it themselves when the principal pulled her aside.

“You’re off your game Kimiyu, is something wrong?” He asked with this recognizable patience in his voice. He was an older man around the age of fifty. He was one of Kimiyu’s favourite teachers when she went here. He always looked out for her, not that she needed someone to guard her but he was always there to give Kimiyu an opportunity to show her talent to the class.

“It’s nothing, I’m just tired.” Kimiyu said rubbing her eyes through the hood of her cloak. She avoided eye contact with the man, she wasn’t sure why but there was something she didn’t want him to figure out, something that even she hadn’t figured out yet. She dismissed the idea of her not being well and went off to help the students some more. She focused a little bit more for the rest of the day however she knew that he was right. Something was off, it didn’t feel right. Like there was some imbalance in the grand scheme of things. It was that or the fact that she forgot to eat this morning. But definitely one of those two things, regardless, Kimiyu decided to dismiss the feeling and continue with the children helping them out and training them for the surely bright future to come.

Sunagakure, sandy and hot as always, it was grating to the nerves and it made the small, but fierce kazekage angry just thinking about how annoying and hot it was today. "Grrrrrrr......." She grumbled before slamming her hand on her desk in her office. The other nations were doing their own thing and what was she doing? Nothing! She was just standing here getting angry at sand and hot weather.... It was a good thing her office door was locked, that way she was obscured from sight for now and no one could see her so worked up, so... weak to being annoyed by such minor things. She detested everyone in the village.... well not everyone, but almost everyone. She could tolerate some and not want to maim others, but she still hated all of them.

But what she hated most.... The Kages of the other villages. They were so high and mighty in their own villages, happy with the weather they were having and the people they watched over, they were disgusting and stupid. Trusting subordinates would allow them to usurp you, no matter how powerful you may be when you are awake and normal, when you're asleep and highly vulnerable, anyone could kill you. You were weak and powerless to anything when you slept, even when you ate if someone was sly enough to poison your food.

Her stomach was all but roaring in agony as it hungered for food... Could she eat? Could she really trust that anyone wouldn't make her a meal that would kill her?

Walking to her office door and opening it slowly, she peeked at the assistant waiting on her beck and call. "I need to eat. Prepare me something filling and have five different people test it before you bring it here." She rasped, the assistant warily nodding before leaving to attend to the Kazekage's wishes. "She's the next one to try, I know it." Aya said to herself with a growl in her voice, the door closed and the assistant out of earshot... The assistant wasn't really going to try and kill her, but she could believe it if she wanted, she wouldn't kill her, she'd just subtly torture her mind until she confessed... Then she'd have her killed.

Thinking about the plan of subtle, mental torture made her giggle softly, settling back into her chair and relaxing slightly. "Fucking sand.... fucking hot weather...."