Hateshinai Jiki, Sensō no Geijutsu - In Character

[Tuujaimaa]

I'm going to make an intro post at some point but you all kept bitching so here it is.

[Innue]

--- Ayameko ---

It was a calm, slightly warm day on Kyokujitsugakure. Ayameko, Shodai Sankage, stood in one of the many small fields that were scattered about the island nation. It was not uncommon for even the highest rank shinobi to be out in the fields, helping with the harvests. They had a small population, both in terms of the commoners as well as shinobi. However, they all lived well - the island providing pretty much everything they needed. For what they didn't have enough of, they traded for.

"Sankage-sama," cried a young girl, no more than seven, from the edge of the field, grabbing Ayameko's attention. Looking up at the sun, she nodded in response, knowing what the message was about.

"Thank you, Shisha," she smiled, stepping out of the field. She had cut down a lot of wheat that morning. A small amount of sweat dripped from her forehead and given the stress of the work, she looked surprisingly fresh. "I'm glad you remembered to get me. If you hadn't, I would have worked all day." Ayameko patted the girl on the head, eliciting a giggle from her before she darted off back towards the main part of the village.

Ayameko trailed well behind, walking towards the village at a relaxed pace. She had planned her trip to Iwagakure well in advanced, with a small number of villagers to help bring the fruit and sake her village was trading with them. It was also a good time to get the youngsters out in the world, so she was bringing along a few gennin to remain under her supervision. It would give them a taste of other cultures, as well as a sample of diplomacy.

It was only a short walk back to thevillage, even at her pace and within 10 minutes Ayameko was back in the shade of the homes of her village. It was refreshing after being out in the hot sun in the fields. She sighed, moving at a reinvigorated pace towards the meeting point.

Once grouped up with the villagers, as well as her small group of gennin, Ayameko led them to the boat to take them out of the protective bounds of her village. Protections she herself had set up so many years ago. It would be her duty as Sankage to protect them, a duty she took incredibly seriously.

--- Skip ---

The small party from Kyokujitsgakure had reached the outskirts of Iwagakure for a meeting between the Tsuchikage and Ayameko. There was much to discuss. Much more than just trading. The long relationship between the two villages had been good for both of them and Ayameko felt comfortable with this relationship becoming even stronger. Iwagakure had been a staunch ally. And, there was much more each nation could do for each other.

[Sotawyyvra]

~ Sota Hiryō ~

Sota sighed as his eyes strained to comprehend the blurred characters imprinted on the rock that lay in front of him, his frustration with the entire process that was decoding making him feel hot and sweaty. His eyes closed for a moment and he relished the feeling of relaxation that washed over him, his arm angled against the desk so that his hand held the full weight of his head up. Even for someone of his experience, decoding a completely different language with difficult and took far too much time. It was always such an irritating drag of a job, and yet here he was, having wasted several hours his life, and with what to show for it? About two incomplete sentences that read, “...Stood high above the clouds... Terrifying monday that demolished nations...” Wait a second... Monday...? That didn't make sense... “Gaaaah...” He shook his head, slamming his fist on the desk and letting out yet another sigh. Monster made more sense, and now that he looked back at the text, Sota could tell that he had fucked up the characters. He lifted himself up, pushing his chair back, and took a deep breath. It calmed him, although slightly, and he picked up the ancient rock, put it inside of his locked desk, and walked out of his office.

The village was just as active as it was every other day of the week. Citizens went about their everyday routines, buying their foods, conversing with friends, debating with rivals. It was an amazing sight, and it made Sota proud as he strolled down one of the many streets that lead to the entrance of the village. His eyes were drawn to the large blue dome around the village that was slowly but surely growing toward a point far above the dome's radius. Once it fully solidified the chakra would fade to transparency, but for now the translucent blue glow shadowed the entire village. It was a safety precaution taken only to ensure the survival of their powerful village; a barrier of pure chakra, that if assaulted would immediate relay the point in question to the Bureau of defense, who constantly monitored the strength of the barrier. At that point a team would be dispatched to the area to repair and investigate. Hopefully, though, that situation would never occur; but that was foolish thinking.

The entrance of the village was the only part that wasn't locked in by the barrier, and it was being surveyed twenty-four/seven to ensure that no one gain entrance to the village without sufficient reason. Should a non-citizen arrive without previous notification, that person would be denied entrance to the village and then either detained or sent away, depending on their reaction. Only in very rare circumstances would a person be allowed into the village without notification, and then only on the pretense that that person remain with the group of escorts assigned to him and wait for judgment from either Sota himself or another high ranking individual. The system worked well, and it even weeded out amateurs using the Transformation jutsu through a five minute screening process that every person went through about their personal lives per his entering the gate. Sota had been there during it's development, and he had contributed greatly to each defense. Again, they were mere precautions; he expected every other village to do the same. To be too trusting would be to forsake your village, especially when war had only just ended years ago.

“Lord Hokage-sama! I suspect you're going out on another expedition?”

“No, not this time, Shi. I'm going to visit the northern half of Kirigakure. I wish to form an alliance with the Mizukage.” He replied. Looking up and thinking for a moment, he continued, “Our villages have fought in the past, but, given that Konoha so far has a fairly neutral relationship with all of the other villages, I think it would be smartest to rid ourselves of the enemies we do have. Or at least part of them... Besides. Kirigakure is known for their military strength. ”

Shi chuckled. “Then allow me and a few other jounin to escort you there, Hokage-sama. For your safety.”

“I need you to remain here and keep everything running smoothly, Shi. Contact Hoshiro and Daisuke and tell them to catch up with me, will yah?” Sota asked, starting to leisurely walk once more. The journey to Kiri took little more then a day at a walking pace, and he was in no hurry. Some time off would do him well. It would be dark soon, and he needed to make at least some distance before camping out.

“Will do, sir. Will do.”

~ Leon Ryugin ~

The wind blew slowly as Leon traveled that dark, twisting path in the woods that lead to the small cave he called his home. A short man, about five feet tall and fairly pudgy, was slung over his shoulder and knocked cold, a bloody bruise defining his forehead. The night breeze blew and he stopped for but a moment and smiled. Not often enough did he actually stop to enjoy the small things, such as the beautiful aroma of the flowers or the cool night breeze that enveloped your entire body and awakened you. In the silence of the night, the sound of wind kicking up the leaves that littered the ground was calming to say the least, and it really helped him focus on the situation at hand.

Based on the way he'd knocked the fat-ass out, Leon guessed that he would awaken in a few minutes at most. Fortunately for him, he had arrived at this so called, “House”, and could begin the interrogation smoothly and without problem. He walked inside and dropped the man against the far wall, jarring him awake. He jumped in surprised, pushing himself up against the wall and shaking his head back and forth in an attempt to comprehend his situation. “What in all...” He began, but it did not take his memories long to return. “You... Please don't hurt me... Please I... I have a family...” The man begged, fear lining his voice. He was absentmindedly pushing himself back against the wall in a pitiful attempt to escape.

“I will not hurt you... So long as you cooperate.” Leon's cool voice echoed around the cave. It was impossible to see him in the darkness created by the cave's shadows, which added a whole new level of fear to the situation. He actually felt kind of bad for the fat man, who's every muscle was vibrating with fear. “I'm looking for an old man... His name is Nochi Daijoubu, and he has something I desire... I'm told you know much when it comes to legendary objects and their owners.” He explained, walking into the moonlight and smiling. In his hand was a cup (He'd picked several up about a month ago when he visited Sunagakure of the wind.) filled with purified water he'd gathered from the small pool of water that had developed in the indent that marked the top of his cave where it connected with a hill, creased by a stream.

“Yeah I... I know the guy... What did you want to know about him...”He feebly responded. Leon took a sip of his water, “I want to know where he is. Currently.”

“Uh... Last I heard he was somewhere around the Land of Rivers, in between here and the Land of Wind. Do you seek the sword that wins all duels?”

“Yeah. Yeah I do. You are free to go; just remember... If I ever find out that you have spoke of this encounter, I will personally hunt you down and kill you. Understand?”

“Yea- Yeah. I understand.” He said hurriedly, lifting himself quickly up and running from the cave. As fast as his pudgy little legs could carry him. “Land of rivers, eh? That's not far from here in the land of fire. I've heard of it. Guess I wasn't far behind after all. Lucky me.” He muttered. His target was marked and his plan set in motion. Hopefully everything would go smoothly – a surprise attack would make it a quick and silent assassination, and the sword would be retrieved with ease.

He would leave within the hour, after gathering everything the was important.

[Hidarii]

~Tokuisei Nara~

The meeting place for the two Kage was a simple one, but by no means something to laugh at. A stone gazebo and balcony overlooking a river valley benches for sitting all around. Tokuisei could be seen on the roof of the gazebo, presumably asleep. He was sprawled across the roof with his bow in hand, and his quiver hanging from a corner of the roof. At the entrance to the gazebo, there stood two ninja of ordinary attire for Iwagakure, they appeared to be no older than twenty, and both of seemed to be of chunin rank. Not that it would matter, should a fight break out. Playful violence or not neither of them would stand a chance. Perhaps not even the Tsuchikage himself would, but that wouldn't be needed to be thought about at this time.

Whispers went between the two ninja as they saw the party approaching, unsure if they should wake their leader they just looked awkward and nervous as they stood guard. Though, when the party had reached within distance, the two greeted said party kindly. "Sankage-sama I presume?" They said, holding out a hand for the kage to shake. "Please pardon Tsuchikage-sama's behavior, if you knew him well you'd know he was always like this... But well, see he got bored, and such is why we are in this situation now." The chunin grinned uncomfortably. How would the Sankage react to what could be a sign of major disrespect, or would the woman be lenient on the alliance that the two villages have long shared, despite their distance apart being so immensely vast.

[Innue]

--- Ayameko & Kaku ---

Ayameko felt sorry for the poor chuunin. Their leader, like usual, had put them in an awkward position. She laughed outwardly at it, immediately reassuring them, they had nothing to worry about, "Indeed. When you've been around this long children, you don't tend to take this things so seriously. I've known Tokuisei for awhile and am quite used to it." Ayameko was, and always came across, as genuine in what she was saying. It was also one of the reasons she was so good at leading her village. "You serve your village well though," she added, smiling at them, taking the hand with her right hand and shaking politely.

Ayameko quickly gestured to some of the villagers to bring forth some of the produce they had brought with them. There were many large baskets just filled with fruit, many of them unique to Kyokijitsugakure. As well, she had brought some uniquely crafted wines from various ingredients. It was another thing her island did well.

"There is something more I'd like to talk about, than just trading of resources," Ayameko added. "I've designed a technique that should make this journey, which I am not sure how much longer these old bones can take, obsolete. I suspect it can bring us an even deeper relationship between our two nations."

Kaku, one of the gennin in her group, added, "Uncle, I know you will agree with Ayameko-sama's plan." It was a bit brash, considering he was the lowest rank there, but both the nephew of the Tsuchikage himself and the best friend of Ayameko's grandson gave him a bit of leeway. It was, of course, also, the most strategic move to make. As a Nara, Kaku's opinion was also something to take into great consideration. It was something Kaku himself had analyzed.

[Walrus]

Shousei Mizutani

The young Kage walked out onto the balcony of his manor and looked out over the village of South Kirigakure. Not far from his manor was the wall that separated North Kiri from South Kiri... a sign of the very weak peace that halted the civil war between the two. Had they continued to fight, the other Kage had threatened intervention on behalf of the Northern sector of Kirigakure... and so Shousei had his shinobi erect a wall of earth between the areas that his supporters had captured and the region that he did not hold sway. Over the last six months, the two areas had simply come to be known as North and South Kirigakure. That suited Shousei just fine... as the Northern Mizukage's bumbling and stupidity grated on his nerves. How she had risen to power was anyone's guess... but Shousei figured it involved her, a group of men, and a lot fewer clothes than what would be considered decent.

"Fetch me some wine and the latest reports from our border scouts." barked the Southern Mizukage at his assistant, who promptly ran out the door to get his Kage the wine and reports. "... when will the other nations make a move, I wonder... I know they want Kirigakure reunited, but I refuse to let such an idiot remain in power. They must accept me as the sole Mizukage if they want to see us as a major power once more. ... they will likely move against me soon." ... the paranoia flowed through Shousei's head like a giant river...

-----

After flipping through the reports, Shousei had determined that Kirigakure's borders... both Southern AND Northern... were safe. It was reckless, sending southern scouts to keep tabs on northern borders... but despite the schism, Shousei still loved Kirigakure in it's entirety. That fact and that fact alone was why he agreed to the peace with the Northern Mizukage. He did not want HIS people, regardless of their approval of him, to suffer needlessly. "Thank you, Katsuhiko. You may leave for the day." ... said the Kage to his assistant. The young man left without a word. ... Shousei slammed his fist into his desk, cracking the wood in a few places. His frustration with the other half of his beloved village, combined with the chastising remarks from the other Kage that he held in his mind... combined into one, angering the young man.

... for now, he held it together. For how much longer, no one knew.

[Hera]

Saruwatari, Risa
Office

A pair of long legs encased in thickly embroidered fabric lay haphazardly on a desk. Neatly manicured nails positioned at the tips of somewhat short fingers dangled at the sides of a snoring woman. Outside the window behind the indolent woman, Sunagakure was rising. Vendors opened merrily and civilians rushed to work, tripping over their own geta in their own reckless hurry. Ninja reported to their stations, some with more haste than others. Situated at the tips of the high towers among the wall surrounding Sunagakure were sleepy nin, yawning and wincing at the same time; the heat of the sweltering summer contributed to the pounding in their head, as did the sake drinking contest they had had before. Although it was still morning and quite early at that, the sun was at a high point in the sky, beating down mercilessly upon the inhabitants of Suna. Still, this boded well for the hardy residents - they were used to the heat, and in fact welcomed it with opened arms and upturned faces, decorated with freckled smiles. The cacti blossomed sweetly underneath the rays, and what flowers could live in such a place were opening beautifully, their petals thin and fragrant. As busy as the city of Sunagakure was, however, its leader lay dormant at her desk, a thickly handed fan placed open at her bosom, as if she fell asleep while it was in use.

The Kage wore no shoes - her heeled zori were thrown haphazardly behind the door - and her thick indigo hair pooled at the ground underneath her. Neither did she wear her traditional Kage robes; instead, her usual brocade kimono was wrapped tightly around her lithe frame. Indeed, while other Kages of prestigious lands were working diligently, this woman was not, and if they were to hear her name, they would know and accept this fact with grace. No matter the work to be done - a towering stack of paperwork stood wobbly beside her desk as a testament to this - fun was to be had before any sort of productive hobbies were to be undertaken, in Risa Saruwatari's mind. As the former has been stated, it is extremely odd for the Kage of Sunagakure to be in her office this early in the morning, snoring loudly and using her desk as a footrest or not. Because of abnormality, a quivering chuunin stood, hunched in nervousness with his hand held, ready to knock. He would have been more happy to take his mission by the Kazekage's advisor or even a jounin, as to the swordswoman herself. She frightened him, an oddity among the younger generation whom worshipped her. Still, this chuunin was not fooled. What if she killed him for interrupting her sleep? What if she had him executed? Banished?! His imagination running wild, the chuunin squeezed his eyes shut and knocked on the door hurriedly.

"Wuzzah .. ?" Smacking her lips, Risa looked around the room with lidded eyes. What was that? The sound came again, less forceful this time, almost timid. Eyes widening half way in recognition, she pulled her legs off of her desk hurriedly, knocking a few papers off in the process, not to mention causing the tower of papers beside her desk to fall. Groaning, Risa smacked a hand to her face and leaned onto her elbows. Why did this happen the one day she decided to come to work? She should've simply let Sengu do this - this stupid work thing. Grunting unhappily, she let out a hoarse, 'come in' towards the doorway. After a few seconds, Risa almost thought she had imagined the knocking until a short boy pushed the door open timidly, his head down and his bangs covering his eyes. Raising a thin eyebrow, Risa raised her arm slightly, and the chuunin shoved himself back into the wall. She let out a raucous laugh, but lay her hand down. Absently, Risa wondered who had been in charge of the exams when this boy became a chuunin. She'd obviously have to fire them, if it was in her jurisdiction, because this boy was ridiculous. Still, he said nothing, and Risa snorted, pushing herself back into her chair lazily, her back popping and cracking nastily.

"Well? What was it?" She asked teasingly, eyeing him. He shuffled his feet and looked up, his eyes soft.

"I - I - " His voice caught in his throat, and Risa instinctually felt bad for him. He wasn't meant to be a shinobi - but he was.

"Your paper is somewhere in this pile, Daisuke." Risa finally said. He started at the use of his name - how had she known? She hadn't acted like she had. "Come and find it. I believe it's one of those ridiculous cat chasing missions. If you'd fix your posture and sharpen up your ninjutsu, I'm sure you'd be given something much more fitting to a chuunin." Waving a hand across the papers that covered the room, she laughed merrily.

"But, of course, I'm not going to help you find the paper. That's you on your own."

[Glitchybugger]

In the office of the other Mizukage, you know, the fun one...
"Stop right there, Doctor Snuggle-bun! You can't treat Professor Snuffles here, I didn't tidy up!" A voice suddenly exploded into being, showing false concern. "All this paper is going to get in the way!" The voice then continued. A moment later the same voice, if only a little bit deeper responded. "I have to, he wouldn't make it to the hospital in time."

"Okay! Okay! But you better be telling me the truth!" The original voice replied quickly. "Abra-shakabra-willazoo-pokengo! And Professor snuffles is all better!" The barely deeper voice declared loudly, bringing a gasp from the slightly higher voice. "Doctor Snuggle-Bun! You saved Professor Snuffles from becoming a zombie! Is there anything you can't heal?"
"Of course not! I am the best doctor to ever exist.... EVER!"
"Yaaaaay!"

Inside the office, the Mizukage (you know, the fun one) was playing with two stuffed animals, one was a stuffed bunny with a stethoscope, the other a stuffed pig, both on the soft and cuddly side and the woman holding them tightly cuddled the two before she set them down on the desk. Hime needed to write another letter to the other Mizukage, because he was a bit boring and didn't seem to like responding to messages but she was momentarily distracted when there was a knock on her door.

"Come in!" Hime called as she started doodling on a scroll, writing her newest letter to Shousei, adding in a few drawings to add to the desired effect of writing the letter;

Hey Choux-bun!

Can we be friends yet?
I'll let you have Captain Kitty-Whiskers if you say yes.
He's so cuddly and soft!

(Look, it moves! ^)
He looks so serious though, kinda like you.
Omigosh, are you cuddly and soft!?
Please reply this time, it's boring to be the only one sending letters!

P.S. ^ This is me, all sads about getting no letters.

Signed, Hime Yuki!

"Mizukage, the Hokage is here to talk with you, should we let him in?" One of several shinobi of this silly little northern Kirigakure was there, waiting for her response patiently. ".......Yes! Can you please do something for me?" Sure, it was expected for a Kage to be polite occasionally, but Hime was known for being polite and kind almost all the time. "First, please can you get Hakari for me? Second, please can you show the Hokage up to my play-room? And lastly, please could you take this letter to the South and deliver it to their Mizukage?" Hime gave the scroll to the shinobi and smiled. "Oh! And don't read it, please."

"Of course. I will fetch Lady Kigatsu immediately and inform her to head to your play-room." The shinobi nodded and gave a polite bow before he left the room. "Thank you!" Hime called after him before she picked up Doctor Snuggle-Bun and Professor Snuffles and left to head to her play-room, which was just like a little child's play-room, stuffed toys of all sorts littered the area, with one considerable pile of stuffed animals in one corner. Bean-bag seats were dotted around the room also, for when she had guests. But Hime's favourite place was amongst the pile of stuffed animals.

A ninja would show up wherever Hakari Kigatsu happened to be and briefly inform her of Hime requiring her presence in the play-room before he would move on quickly.

Then the same ninja would lead Sota and whomever he brought up to the play-room also before promptly leaving to deliver the message to Shousei Mizutani.

[yoshua171]

Antare, Keisotsu - Asahi no Tenzuru

Skipping, he was skipping through the streets of kumogakure, and often showing people his joy by greeting them with hugs, hand shakes, or a smile that could raise the spirits of even the most depressed bum. If his step had something, it was certainly pep, and for each half bouncing one he took he seemed to become even more joyous. The reason was simple, he was escaping responsibility...again.

As if on cue he heard some shouts a ways off, still loud enough and close enough to be audible though.

"Keisotsu-sama! Please come back, this documents are urgent!!"

"You gots'ta catch me first! Hahahaha!" He called back with childish glee and then ran for once, rather than skipped. This was a game he played with his underlings, though to him they were just friends, a game of hide and seek and chase. As if to accentuate this one of the jounin chasing him rounded a corner and dashed for him, they knew they'd have to literally drag him back to the mansion to do the work if they wanted it done at all.

The man lunged forth, a small rounded implement in his hand, a kind of blunted cylindrical thing really, and attempted to strike him. Keisotsu smiled gleefully as he glanced back and then he seemed to trip, the implement missing. He almost fell on his face, only for his hand to touch earth and then his body to angle at about a 60 degree angle and then his arm push him with great strength, away from the ground. He didn't quite regain his footing, but the jounin ended up totally miss calculating the kage while Keisotsu went in an arc until he sent a spike of lightning through his nerves and muscles. His left leg and foot moved and then touched ground, giving him plenty of leverage for a brief moment as he straighted it in a push from the ground.

His movements amped by the lightning and a tiny burst of flames he flipped back in a back flip, landed, only to flip again. He passed directly over a 2nd jounin after which he landed, flipped, and twisted his body so that when he landed the 3rd time his hand touched the ground and he was in something of a track runner's pose. Then he was off again.

The jounin at a lost they could only turn and come back the way they'd come. At least he was heading for the manor now, but who knew how long that would last.

[Walrus]

Ritsuko, the half beast of Konoha. Elite Member of the ANBU Black Ops. Highly Skilled Jounin. Master of the "Inner Beast" style of Taijutsu. ... Abomination, Freak, Animal, Monster, ... mistake. She was all of these things. The first four were indesputable, as she had earned those titles. The others... were what some people called her behind her back. When she was younger, the names hurt her worse than any foul-up in training. Now, they served to reinforce the fact that she was better than them... that they were just jealous of her success. She was branded by her clan to fail, and cast out as a child. Now here she was... more successful than any of them could ever have imagined her being.

"It's adorable you think I gave a shit about your opinion of me, kid. Come back when you're interested in women and I bet you'll have a different opinion." said the woman to a teenage Genin who called her a freak of nature. The kid became red as a beet when he was insulted, and lashed out at Ritsuko. "... really? He insults me, then gets pissed when I do it back? How sad." was what she thought as she raised a hand to meet the boy's fist. "Naienjuuppuri Taijutsu: Tonzura Kinezumi Kidou." A small flicker of light flashed in her palm just before the kid's fist his her hand... and he was instantly sent flying backward, while Ritsuko simply took a single step back.

The kid stood up a few seconds later and a dozen meters away... dazed and confused as to what just happened, but otherwise unharmed. His friends immediately rushed to his aid and asked him why he would openly attack an Elite ANBU-level Jounin. "Because his hurt little ego wouldn't let him do anything more intelligent." said Ritsuko as she forced chakra into her hands once more. This time, the light flickered much more brightly before it arched over her gloves and dissipated. The boys ran away at full speed, carrying their friend with them. They probably figured she was going to attack them again. Nope... just charging a portion of her chakra into her gloves in a flashy little display to intimidate them. It was both functional AND amusing, as it worked to intimidate the boys... AND partially recharge the gloves that had been totally drained after her last mission. Just another day for Ritsuko... taking the good with the bad.

The Hokage had even complimented to woman at one point, in regards to her might in battle and her skill with Taijutsu... but it seemed those under his command had yet to take note of her power and loyalty. Hell... despite being exiled... she had returned to Konoha and BEGGED to be given a posting among the Jounin. She was, in time, granted the position... but it had been put to a vote and was a narrow victory for her. ... "Whatever..." she said with a sigh. Today was a new day... and she would make the best of it, no matter who tried to bug her or what tried to bring her down.

-----

Meanwhile, in South Kirigakure...

Katsuhiko returned mere moments later, only to find his Mizukage beating his head against a wall... literally. "L... Lord Mizukage? A message from the Northern Kage just arrived for you, sir." Shousei simply extended his arm and opened his hand. Katsuhiko handed him the letter. "Hey Choux-bun! Can we be friends yet? I'll let you have Captain Kitty-Whiskers if you say yes. He's so cuddly and soft!" ... already it was overly-cute... then a drawing that almost seemed to move as the light hit it from different angles. "(Look, it moves! ^) He looks so serious though, kinda like you. Omigosh, are you cuddly and soft!? Please reply this time, it's boring to be the only one sending letters!" ... how was this childish woman a Kage? She was asking for his friendship... and offering him a stuffed plushy toy. And to put Icing on the cake... a drawing of a crying girl in the North Mizukage's Image. P.S. ^ This is me, all sads about getting no letters. Signed, Hime Yuki!" Shousei sighed... and got busy writing a letter in reply.

"My Dearest Hime Yuki, Mizukage of North Kirigakure. I am not above being on friendly terms with you, but as you know I strongly disagree with your behavior and methods in office. A Kage needs to be strong and stalwart, not childish and playful. A bit of humor from time to time is not a bad thing... but there is a time and place for everything. Incessant play and child-like behavior has endeared you to the other Kage simply because they see you as easy to control and manipulate, so long as you get your simple wishes. I am the opposite. They fear me. I do not bow to their wishes nearly as often as they like, and they do not like that. However... I am never so bold as to incite war against my OUR nation... and I do concede where it is necessary to avoid conflict. Such as the fine wall that divides us. I did this not by choice... but because it was needed to avoid further casualties. To that end, I accept your offer of peace and friendship for the time being, and am replying to your letter in kind.

With hope for our Nation,
Shousei Mizutani.

... It was tough for him to remain serious with all the childishness of Hime's letter still fresh in his head, but he figured he managed to compose a good letter regardless. "Katsuhiko. Do be so kind as to deliver this. It's fairly important." His aid simply took the letter and nodded before leaping from the balcony and rushing the letter to the Northern Mizukage's office.