[u]Konohagakure[/u]

[i]Why do we desire power? What in its embrace do we find so intoxicating..? Is this lust born from our need to feel in control of ourselves, of our lives? Are we not crossing the line in a most obvious manner when we then attempt to control the lives of another, when we ourselves long for the control of our own.....? I think the answer is quite obvious. [/i]

Seijuro Kizaru Nandate, lurking atop a tall building in Konoha facing the sun, thought of the image of the Empress as she had first appeared to him. He had longed for the day that the two should meet face to face. He was no rebel, a snake of his own path, though was no stranger to using those he needed to strengthen his cause, especially those of similar status. For Seijuro knew that a snake was a snake, and you never trust a serpent. Though this didn't stop him from taking a more extroverted approach to his predicament. 

His mind jerked back into reality from the dreamy balcony in his soul. His pondering of his disposition ended as the eerie silence of the town finally got to him. He turned his head back to face the village and took note of the lack of people meandering about town. He fully turned his body now, and walked across the rooftop to the opposite side and perched himself at its edge. With few people left in town, Seijuro carefully examined each civilian walking out and about. A familiar face made his way through the market, past several ramen shops. 

Only a shadow could be seen as the snake quickly darted down the wall of the building and into the shadows of the alleys of Konoha. Lurking around corners and nimbly moving about town as stealthily as possible, Seijuro eventually turned a corner and came out of an alley next to a ramen stand, walking past an old man whom Seijuro recognized as Heihachi Senju of the rebellion. "[i]Come with me, Senju..[/i]" The Snake hissed as he darted into another alleyway, his cloak dancing in the breeze as he cocked his head to the right, glancing back to see if the old man's hearing hadn't escaped him yet.