Takeru was walking towards the meeting place. It was a room within the Raikage office, void of any rooms and other ''luxuries'' like that. It was a dark and small circular room that was only being decorated by the symbol of Kumogakure at the ceiling. With no windows, some torches were burning at some positions, creating a dark, grim and rather serious atmosphere in the room. Even the door to it was guarded by several elite ANBU. Saluting as Takeru came walking around the corner, the masked Raikage nodded as he would keep on walking. The massive oak door would be opened by two ANBU's to let the leader of the village enter. Standing still, Takeru would think about it. He briefly thought about what the meeting today would entitle, very important topics for the short and long term for Kumogakure. Walking towards the head of the long table that was present in the meeting room, Takeru would sit and wait for the only two other people that would meet and talk with him here today.
Dressed in his typically flashy gold and green robes, Waki Sanosuke appeared by the guarded doorway. The two ANBU nodded toward their elder and allowed him access. Upon walking in the meeting room, Waki took a look around. "You picked a nice, quiet spot," Waki greeted the Raikage. He flashed a grin before walking over to the table and taking a seat. Despite being one of the oldest active shinobi in the world, his behavior suggested he was only a teenager, as he immediately leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the table. "I'm going to guess we are waiting for Asami and nobody else?"
There was a neutral expression on Asami's face. But in truth, she was a bit annoyed. So close was she that she could fetch Midori herself. To catch the girl while she was using a shadow clone, that was somehow controlled by Gyuki. Now she had to send two shadow clones in order to try to make use of what she had planned. Still, Asami would keep her cool as she would head towards the meeting room. She wasn't sure when the last time was when she had been there. The previous Raikage hadn't really called for any meeting there. Seeing Waki as she was just around the corner, Asami stopped. While he would enter the room, she took a few moments to cool herself completely down. This was probably going to be a very serious meeting. Not a prank of Jinyaru or Waki. At least, she hoped or else she wouldn't hold back with trying to wound that old bastard. Heading towards the ghastly looking room, Asami made a bow towards Takeru. And a glare in Waki's direction. ''I am present.'' Taking a seat, at the opposite side of where Waki sat, Asami would simply cross her arms over her chest. She saw how her clan relative sat and it disgusted her, but she didn't made a sneer now.
As expected, both were quite the opposite. Takeru didn't have to say anything as the doors were closed behind Asami. The light from the hall was sealed off by the thick doors, making the dark room even more darker. But it created a kind of strange atmosphere. While it wasn't that big, due the shadows it gave the image that it was much larger than one would expect. ''I am glad that both of you are here. I called you both here for a meeting. As you both know or should know, the jinchuriki of the Three Tails has been kidnapped. I have sent some ANBU teams to search for any hints, tracks or clues on where the host has been taken. And to keep it silent, in order to prevent an outbreak of unrest as problems that can rise abroad due this event.'' Takeru began. He placed his hands on the table as he would send both Sanosuke a serious look. ''But first, I need to make sure that you both are aware of something else.'' Slowly, Takeru placed his right hand on the mask to reveal who he was. He had already taken measures in order if something would go wrong. But seeing how both were connected to the previous Raikage, Takeru doubted any hostile reactions. ''I think it is respectful if I wouldn't wear a mask in the presence of an elder.'' Leaning backwards, Takeru would first await their reactions.
The oldest in the room raised an eyebrow as Asami entered, but his attention was soon drawn back to the Raikage. Apparently, he had something else to talk about than the missing jinchuriki. Upon removing his mask, Waki simply stared at his face. After a moment of silence, he spoke up. "I fail to recognize you," he said, before chuckling to himself. But halfway through his own laughter, his memory started to work again and he sat upright, removing his feet from the table. "Irozaki." He glanced at Asami for a moment, before looking back at the Raikage. "I see... It would seem that Jin brought you back in..." He brought a hand to his chin as he tried to establish a scenario in his head of Chase being allowed back in the village. "This is certainly a surprising turn of events. But I must also ask why you keep your identity secret if you had already received blessing by Jinyaru. Instead, you pretended to die. This may cause predicaments in the future." He closed his eyes as he tried to answer the question in his own head.
Seeing the face and hearing the surname, Asami only nodded. Like Waki, she was pondering on why Takeru kept his face hidden. If Jinyaru had let Chase back in, why was the man hiding his face? Then it dawned on her. She raised her eyebrows. ''Cause he doesn't want us to know he is back. Or some other people.'' Asami suddenly stated. ''If Jinyaru let you back in, then at least a few knew about you. With becoming Raikage, it is more profitable to keep up the mask in order for your own protection. Though this remembers me much of Genmyou's time. I hope for your sake that you don't expect me to follow somebody who is like the Third Raikage.'' Though she spoke with respect towards her superior, Asami had a serious tone in her voice. She actually didn't care if it was Chase Irozaki who was leading them now. Kumogakure was growing in both might and wealth. That and the man had allowed her to search and seek what Genmyou had hidden away in his personal lab. For all she cared it was Jinyaru who was now sitting on the spot. ''But unlike somebody who would like to spend all day thinking with some hairy monkeys about something like this, I hope there are more urgent matters at stake.''
Takeru listened to what they both said. Slowly giving a nod in the direction of Asami, Takeru would answer her first. ''Of course. Much more urgent matters on which I need the opinions of you both. This was simply to let you both know that I have faith and trust in you. With Kumogakure finally growing again, I want to make sure that there is no distrust among us.'' Now Takeru decided to answer Waki's question, at least more or less. ''It would be unwise to reveal that there is an ex rogue as Kumogakure's leader. Though my crimes aren't that big, as most were made up by Genmyou, I prefer to keep the mask in order to make sure that Kumogakure won't be harmed for what would follow me.'' Folding his hands together as Takeru leaned forward, they would see the shift in his expression
''I want to discuss the manners of how we will organize our military. Our economy on some matters and the capture of the Three Tails. And potential host.'' Takeru told them. He paused. ''It has come to my attention that Kumogakure's military isn't one of the weakest, but we lack any kind of sharp edge that most other villages have. For example, the Bomb squad of Iwagakure. The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. Kumogakure has no fine or special force that has any kind of fame. Not that I am out for any fame, but it would be wise if we would have an unit that would make people wary of trying to face us.''
Waki watched Takeru silently as he explained why he gathered them. But the moment he stopped talking, Waki had something to say. "We don't need anything like that," he said, his voice sounding surprisingly serious. "Open militarization is what that will look like. We made it through several wars victoriously without such a thing. Creating such a thing will only reflect on us poorly. We don't need to descend to the level of other villages." He looked over at Asami, already assuming she would disagree with him. "It is actions like this that have sparked wars in the past. Unless we are very specifically gearing up for a war that I wasn't informed of, this just seems like something to provoke the other villages. And with the Fire Union growing in strength, they might see this as a challenge. Iwagakure will certainly see it as one." His gaze shifted back to Takeru. "People are already wary of facing us. Don't forget that."
For a moment Asami thought about it. Then she had her answer ready. She lightly shook her head as she would give her reply on the matter. ''I think I am neutral on this. Though he has a point, if we think back most of the conflicts were won with an ally.'' She turned her head to shoot a glance in Waki's direction. ''The First Shinobi World is something we can consider a victory. We won and defeated Iwagakure, humilated them. But what did we acomplished on our own? We held some attacks back that came from Kirigakure? But all of our victories have in common that we always had an ally. We never vanquished an enemy on our own. Even the last conflict, a mere revolt was something that was won in the end with the help of other countries.'' She took a moment to make sure that both thought about it. There was no denying in that fact and that was something Asami wanted to bring out. ''However, creating something like that would make us look poorly. Why would we need something like that of Kirigakure and certainly Iwagakure? That Village Hidden in Rubble is the last nation we should take an example off.'' Asami scoffed. ''If we would want to improve our military, I suggest that we become harsher for our vassals. Let them eenlist more recruits to work for us. Maybe trying to improve the way how the chain of commands even work.'' Asami finished. Much to her personal dismay, she found herself on some grounds where Waki was, but that wouldn't effect her opinion or what she would decide.
With both of them giving their view and opinion on the matter, Takeru's decision was thus simple. ''That is indeed a good point. Both of you have. Creating something that would emulate something as foul as that from the Stone would indeed lower us. And it is true that we have won conflicts with alliances.'' This made Takeru think. He stared at his hands before he looked back at Waki. ''I am not saying we should open militarize, but the pressure is making me ponder on it. Kirigakure has managed to vassalize the Wolf Country. A country that I had send several ANBU to. With the Fire Union growing in the west and Kirigakure in the south, we will need to make sure that we won't fall behind. Both in military strength as in economical. With the most experience of us, what would you consider wise, Waki-san?''
The older man remained silent for a moment. "What we need is not a larger military nor a more terrifying military," Waki said first. "But a stronger military. More experience and skill." He paused to let them think about that. "The best way to defend ourselves without starting a fight in the first place is to appear weak when we are actually strong. This is the strategy that the First used. It could work again. No war happened in the early days of the shinobi villages and that was for a reason. They all felt the enemy was too strong when in reality they were all weak. It is the opposite these days. It may be an irony coming from me, but we have to keep up with the times." Waki looked over at Asami now. "We need to modernize. I believe that this is a department that someone younger than myself would be able to advise more accurately. However..." He looked back at Takeru now. "Our biggest threat comes from our neighbors to the south. Iwagakure is weak, Kirigakure was never strong, and Sunagakure lacks conviction. If we are going to gear up, we need to strategize against the most deadly of potential opponents."
Listening to Waki, Asami thought about it all. Lowering themselves to the low level of Iwagakure wasn't an option. And open militarization wasn't an option that seemed good either. When Waki talked about that they would need to modernize, Asami didn't made any change in her expression when he looked at her. Both of them were very serious on matters of the state and during these moments she could ignore her personal opinion that she had on the old man. Though she was a bit suprised that he advised Takeru now that she was better in that department. And in some way she wasn't, as she would almost suspect Waki was trying to shove the work on her. ''I think that is something I can agree with. If we look weak, others might think they can walk over us. But if we have a strong and hidden away military power, we could act on our own accord and win a conflict without anybody's help.'' She said. Thinking about what Waki had said about where their biggest threat came from, Asami wasn't finally agreeing on that part. ''Iwagakure is weak, but I believe Kirigakure shouldn't be considered neither strong or weak. I am not sure, but haven't you heard the rumours of their last Mizukage? She killed the previous Mizukage while fending off those Swordsmen. If we also look at the Fire Union, we can also conclude that they have experienced and very strong leaders. The biggest threat doesn't come from the outside, but more from the inside. We lack real leaders among our ranks that could prove a match against some others. Even when I would acount us three as potent leaders.'' Asami said. She lowered her arms to let her hands rest on her lap, waiting on what Takeru would say on the matter.
Now they were on one part not truly agreeing. Takeru thought again deeply about what both had said. After two moments of silence, he would speak up. ''I think that we could modernize the military and also do what Waki-san said. If we would appear weak, while we are secretly building up our force, we wouldn't provoke our stronger neighbours. And give our enemies a false image.'' He paused as he would shift his gaze to Aasami. ''Though this talk is about military and how we can win a conflict in the future on our own, I hope that we can focus it on the defense. You also brought up an interesting point of that we lack potential leaders among our ranks that could face both in skill as in leadership against some of the other nations.'' Now he shot a glance to both before he would announce the next. ''I already had organized and instructed to build a kind of faction that would accept members on my permission in it. Probably some younger people, but all people that are loyal to Kumogakure. We could make it a place where we can educate officers and commanders for our military. We might not give them experience as some other leaders have, but if we would equip them with knowledge on how to lead and tactics, I think it would be a step in the right direction.''
"But what we need is new tactics," Waki spoke bluntly. "Our old tactics clearly worked, but despite their successes any plans made against us would account for those winning strategies. So we need to think ahead." He closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest. He could still clearly remember all the battles he had been in. The War entirely. "If we are to protect ourselves, we need to counter-strategize. Most nations will stick to a winning strategy if it works, but in this day and age people have grown smarter. The young replace the old and new mindsets take over. The young leaders of today can find ways around the flawless strategies of yesterday. So we need to get a step ahead. Using young leaders is a risky move, but that may allow us that edge for our tactics. If we train them to understand the landscape of our country perfectly, the power of our forces to no error, and the extent of the enemy's strategy, they can come up with new, able plans. But the risk is that since it is new, it may not exactly work. That is where I am stuck. To gain this competetive edge, we need to use the youth. But it isn't a guarantee and can equally likely throw us back." Waki let out a sigh. "It is a matter of trust in ourselves, to which I am not certain."
Asami nodded. She agreed with Waki, but was a bit more radical in the trust part. Raising her hands, she had her left open and her right closed. ''I agree with Waki, but think that we should do something more harsh about the lack of trust in these new leaders. It is common when one gains knowledge that they grow stronger or know how to use their abilities better, often giving rise to arrogance and confident in their abilities. Though I don't see a sudden rise in this when we would decide to educate new officers in a new way, I think we can prevent an outbreak of events that could... damage our trust.'' She looked at her hands. Stretching the closed fist forward, Asami began to explain what she meant. ''We need to make it work like this. Knowledge is power, something we give to these new commanders.'' Her closed hand would open as she would keep it stretched forward. Now her other hand moved forward. ''But in exchange we should take something in order to be sure that the trust is maintained or secured.'' The left open hand was formed into a fist. ''We gain people that are able to lead our shinobi, while making sure that they can't easily abuse their knowledge or gained power.'' Settling her hands on the table, she looked at Takeru. ''In order to do so, I suggest we mark these people and ''confine'' them to our trust.'' Now she turned her attention to Waki, assuming he would find this 'inhuman' to do. ''Cause if we don't and some turn rogue, we risk that information, vital information, about our military can be spilled to our rivals and enemies.''
Again, both said something Takeru had to think about. Not that he was insecure about his decisions, but he relied on the experience, knowledge and intellect of both Sanosuke's. It was like they were sometimes the same side of the coin, but at other times representing two sides. The idea of using the youth was something Takeru could work with, but he was also of the opinion that it would backfire on them. It was inevitable that some would become a bit rebellious during some years of their life. There were only a few people he could name that never had went through puberty or a similiar period, where one was against most authority. ''So it is decided that we will start to recruit and educate a new kind of officers and commanders to lead our troops. But now we must decide on what path we will take. One where we will allow some trust in these people and mostly choosing them based on their loyalty.'' He paused. The option of restricting these new officers and commanders wasn't something he was sure about. It was clear that it would be safer on a short term, but people were always able to adapt. Next to the public opinion. It was important to value that as well with decisions like these. ''Or we restrict them to ensure that we can prevent most from even thinking to turn rogue.''
Waki had to think about it. He didn't like the idea of restricting them either. For all that could work, it may backfire. But so could using faith. It was a tough choice. "I suggest we choose them based on loyalty. The ones we find loyal may need much training to reach the level their peers may be at, but we can provide that training. It is more difficult to train loyalty, and forcing it upon others always has the risk of working the opposite way. Though it is a viable option, I think we can get more out of people who are devoutly loyal rather than those forced to be." He glanced over at Asami, before looking back at Takeru. "Though it is a good idea, it limits the output of intelligence. If we assume that both options have the same likeliness of failing, the option of restricting the new officers would also have the effect of hindering what they are capable of. The motivated people will come up with the best ideas. We just need to keep some countermeasure in place should the loyal become less loyal. Something subtle to ensure they want to stay with us."
The glare almost came back as Asami was assuming that Waki was going fully against her point. But as he continued, she could see where he was going. ''I am okay with it if its a back up plan in order we lose a bit of faith in somebody. But I hope that the opinions will be objective when it might result in restricting the said person.'' Asami started. ''We could always go to the more social part of screening the potential recruits and see if they have the bonds that would keep them loyal to us. If one has little bonds and no real reason to stay loyal once he or she has become strong, it will be harder to keep the person loyal if we don't take any actions.'' She paused, thinking about the next part she would suggest. ''What we could do is try to keep those people close at hand first. The more they prove themselves to be loyal, the more they will be granted higher positions. I am not talking about easy tests, but true loyalty. Such as to prove their only loyalty is to Kumogakure.'' Asami said, hoping she was clear with that statement.
To Takeru she was. ''I see.'' Thinking about what had been said, Takeru decided to throw a kind of question in it. ''So we are actually looking now for a way to make sure we can ensure the loyalty of the people. Screening them is something we already do with ANBU. So I think there won't be any problem with doing this with the new officers and such. It might be a simple, yet effective improvement.'' He nodded. Yes, it would certainly be a good thing to do. After all, improvements could be simple and didn't need to be complex or difficult plans. ''Though testing their loyalty is a good thing, how would you both propose it? I can already think of some ways, but some aren't going to be accepted really by the public. We need to keep in mind that we don't do anything that could increase unrest, as the risk is already high with having the Three Tails no longer under control.''
"Such a test won't be easy." Waki leaned back a bit in his chair, putting his hands behind his head. "No matter what we do, if we want an effective test it will be something the public will not generally approve of. To test the loyalty would require us taking some kind of extreme, and the general populace never likes that." He brought one of his hands to his chin as he thought again. "The alternative to doing any tests would be examining the records and spying on the prospects for a length of time, to determine their loyalty. But that may not cover what they would do in extreme situations, which can only be covered by a test. This is a predicament." He looked over at Asami now. "We could try doing one of these tests, but it would have to be kept secret. And if they ended up failing the test, we would have to find a way to keep them from talking about it. Which will be a hassle in and of itself. I suggest we don't do such tests, at least for now. Going to the extreme this early may raise questions among any that catch on. And if word gets out to other villages, they will know what we are doing."
Asami had been thinking while Waki was having his turn. After she was sure he was finished, she spoke then. ''Though I can agree with not starting with any kind of tests, it will become a topic we can't escape or postpone for too long. We already made it clear this can improve our military, but changes always ask for something. If it means we will need to do something the public or we ourselves aren't content with, so be it. The result should be good for the future of the state. To ensure that it will survive and become stronger. Not bend on the public opinion. If we will ask those lot, some might even suggest us to do more simple work for them with high ranked shinobi. If they will bring up that we are doing things that doesn't fit in their street, they should learn that we do such acts in order to protect them from it. Not that I think most would understand it.'' Her tone became a bit bitter. She had experienced it herself with Deidara. That kind thought she was evil for the fact that she made decisions that didn't fit in his alley, yet kept him protected from seeing some scenes that would traumatize him or bring him in danger. Though having protected the boy, he now resented her for it. Though the scale was laughable when you would compare it to a state, it was kind of the same deal. ''I am not saying however that sacrifices should become that is required, but we shouldn't shun ourselves from it. We do this for the state.''
''And even though I agree with you, the state needs the people. Though I am not saying you're wrong, we can't ignore or surpress it. Though it might be useful in the short term, it can be a disaster over a long term period. Not to mention it could be a reason if one of our rivals would try to justify why they would try to attack us.'' Takeru reacted. It was indeed a problematic topic, as it was either that they would decide to head down the path of the ruthless effective manner on which it could hurt the public opinion. Or they could chose for the more respected way, but risking more chances that their trust could be deceived. A problem what would become bigger every time it would happen. ''I suggest we postpone this. We already have made a step with deciding on how we will focus our military. That should be enough as we should consider on how we will later tackle the problem with on how we will test the people who will take this course.'' Takeru felt actually content on how it was going. Though he had trust in both Waki and Asami, each for a different reason, he had expected that it wouldn't go this smooth as he was aware on how the dynamic was between the two. ''The next is the more economical part. I understand and know that we are educated in warfare, but recently I have been thinking to focus on our industry. The mountains give us all kind of metals that we can use for both economical as military goals. Thus, I want to talk on what we will focus our industry on. Shall we keep on focusing it on the military aspect, trying to keep our equipment and weapons in the best shape possible or try to focus a part of it in exporting it. We could use the profits from such trade to increase our national bonds with other nations, as increasing our wealth.''
Waki had an easy answer for that. "If we increase our industry, we should export the majority of it for the economy." He closed his eyes after that. "The cash flow will keep the people happy. Which is our ultimate goal, in the end. But we can't neglect to arm our military. A clear portion of our mining efforts must go to the shinobi goods. But if we improve our state via the economy, we will not only look less militarized but also appear to be doing better for our citizens than the other nations. That could put pressure on them to trade with us or to at least change their policies." He opened his eyes and set a surprisingly deadly glare on Takeru. "We still will not do any trade with Iwagakure." With that out of the way, the ferocity in his eyes and voice toned back to his serious side. "But with the other villages, we can make them envious. They may start looking to themselves rather than us, which will take our military out of the spotlight." Now Waki looked over at Asami, to see how she would react to his words.
A sly grin crept on Asami's thin lips as she heard Waki demanding that they wouldn't do any trade with Iwagakure. Though she had a clear dislike for that rubble of a village, she had no big hatred towards it. Not like Waki, but then again she could understand why the old man was so resentful against that village. Still it was fun to see that Waki let his personal opinion involve with suggesting something. ''What if we would trade with a select few countries. We always had a friendly bond with Konohagakure. They are currently the major power in the world. If we would strengthen our bond with them, we could see if there is something we can benefit from it.'' Pausing, Asami pondered briefly on the next. ''What also might be something we can do to change the view of others nations on ours is to reduce some prices for several countries. Trying to come over as a more reasonable country, instead of barring our fangs and hope that it will make them submit to us. Though I am against of letting people have much freedom, if we give the illussion to nations abroad that we are friendly towards them, it could speed up the process of vassalizing some of them.'' The sly grin vanished, but her eyes had still the same look. Even without the smile, it still had the same effect. ''And with more vassals, we increase our manpower, military strength and income.''
Not fazed by the glare of Waki, Takeru only listened to what they had to say. But before Takeru would continue on the matter, he would first respond to Waki and his demand. ''I think that would be a bad plan if we would start trading with Iwagakure. It is too soon to even think of rebuilding a neutral relationship with the village. A lot of people still think lowly of them, like I do. It would be contradicting with our aim to keep the people happy.'' Takeru said with a calm voice. ''And though I would like to convert some of the industry to focus on a more economical pursuit, I am in doubt about it. For now more than half is focused on keeping our shinobi properly armed with well made weaponry. There is a risk that if we focus more on the economical part that the military can suffer due that decision.'' Takeru then paused. What Asami said about making special deals was appealing. He could side with that. ''I do like the idea of making special prizes for countries we want to befriend. Even more if it would help to increase our bonds with others as to speed up vassalizing if we chose to do so.'' Takeru brought his right hand up and scratched his neck as he sighed. ''Though it would become clear that if we would start with trying to trade more with the countries on the eastern continent that Kirigakure would see us more as a growing rival.''
The oldest looked around at the two. "I don't see that being too serious of a problem," Waki said, shrugging his shoulders. "Asami pointed out before that Kirigakure is no longer what it used to be, but it still pales in comparison. Surely they wouldn't take military action over a few economic deals. If they were smart, they would be making some deals of their own. But it would seem they are not. So I think expanding our trade is a lovely idea. Our military will suffer little from the decision to focus on exports if our other plan comes to fruition. We may not need that many weapons in the end. We are supplied enough, and if all else fails we can switch industries at a later time. Keeping the people happy and safe is our objective, not flaunting our power or influence." Waki let out a sigh. "I do not foresee any issues with these plans, so I think we have this settled proper. The only wildcard in this plan would be the loyalty issue. But only time will tell whether or decision is correct or not."
Kirigakure. Asami had to think about that. She could both see it becoming a problem as agreeing with what Waki said. ''I can see a bit of both. Kirigakure has probably a bigger fleet and maritime presence than us. Though I doubt they have already recovered that fast from all these periods. The previous leader caused Kirigakure to become more self focused and the reputation that they have isn't that great. If we would make some deals, we will have the upper hand in the diplomatic battle over the easter countries.'' Crossing her arms over her chest again, Asami lowered her head a bit. She was considering about something. ''Actually, it is kind of foolish.'' She sighed. ''We assume that we know enough to make decisions if a country is a problem or not. But maybe it is an idea to use some merchants to uncover more information about other countries. Our intelligence is something we could increase with a simple move like that. Just to be a bit more confident on information regarding other countries. That way we can determine with a higher percentage if they are a problem or not.''
Loyalty, it was again a problem. But Takeru began to see it. If they would keep the people happy, more would stay loyal. There would be little for people to turn their backs to them if they could keep prospering from siding with them. And in turn, they could gain more with having loyal people on their side. ''I think I will do that. The economy will for now on focus more on the export. I shall see later which countries we can make a deal with and think about the suggestion of using civilians as extra source for gathering information. Though it would take some time as we need to be sure about how loyal each civilian is who we task this with.'' With that said, it was clear that the military and economical matters for now were done and over. Now it was time that they would start talking about the Three Tails. ''The last topic. The Sanbi. I have no idea who kidnapped the host or for what reason they really commited the crime, but there has been sighting of something big. I assume it is the Sanbi if we would believe there is a big seamonster in our land.'' Takeru told them. He was tempted to make a joke about it, but the situation demanded he would be serious about this. He once had faced the Two Tails together with some other Dragon Lotus members. Not a very fun memory. Unless he would only think back to his bets with Jinkama. ''I have already send two teams in secret to be sure that we will be updated on where it is. And in order to make sure everybody who knows of it, will be going through the course of having that memory wiped out.'' Having explained that, he would now ask them a question. ''The only thing is, we need to decide what our approach is going to be. Are we going to seal it first in some pot and then bring it back. Or are we going to act quickly and bring a host with us?''
Waki had to think about this. "Bringing a potential host is risky, unless that host can serve a purpose for the sealing." He brought a hand to his chin. "I move that we sort out the host later. After all, the Sanbi is as likely to be kidnapped in a pot as in a person. That was just proven. So to risk less lives, we should hold the sealing at another time and with a proper host chosen. But the point that bothers me the most isn't the Sanbi being re-obtained, but rather finding out who did this. Who is to say they won't try again? Who is to say that the criminals come from a rival village or a friendly one? We need to track them down. Simply capturing the Sanbi will only put us back to square one. We need to find out what happened and who did it. Otherwise the safety of our village will be compromised." He glanced over at Asami. "Do you have any intel of possible perpetrators?"
Shrugging, Asami shook her head lightly as well. ''I have no clue. My first assumption would be Iwagakure. But their ways is less refined. Thus leaving it to be either Konoha or Kirigakure. I doubt Konohagakure would make such a move, but with their influence and power, it is probably in their capabilities to arrange such an act.'' Asami thought out loud. Crossing her arms again, she raised her head as she stared for a few moments at the ceiling, continueing her train of thoughts out loud. ''I have reported that I had been attacked by a member of the Antare clan when I went the first time into Genmyou's research lab. It could be possibly some of that crazy folk that try to do something with Bijuu chakra.'' Asami glanced back at Waki. She had informed Takeru fully about what she had found out, but wasn't sure if Waki had been. ''Genmyou had been testing a bit with Bijuu chakra. Some subjects of the Antare clan were the victims of his foul research. Though it does allow me to understand better on how Bijuu chakra works. Though I agree we need to be sure that who ever did this won't have a shot again, I can already advise that we need to pick out a young person.'' She raised her right index finger, wanting to put emphasis on how important it was. ''Though it is maybe a bit early to talk about it, I am going to say that it will be a huge risk if we would put the beast in somebody who's body isn't growing. From the research, I have managed to uncover that if a host can't adapt their body to the more powerful chakra form that Bijuu chakra is, that they will either die a horrible death or end up releasing the beast. Something we must prevent at all times.''
It was a bit annoying that Waki had just to say that. As a mentor of Dragon Lotus, Takeru knew better who had done it. But he couldn't say all of that to both Waki and Asami. His trust with people has a limit. Briefly Takeru felt a bit sad that he couldn't use the information he had already to help the progress of stabilizing the situation. But alas, not everything would always go easy or smooth. Besides, what was the fun if life wouldn't have any fun bets? Takeru almost wondered why he was thinking so much of his old senpai and friend at a moment like this. It would be something that would have likely cracked a laugh out of Jinkama. ''I have set some sensors ANBU on the case and we might get close on cracking the case on who had been planning this. One ANBU already had found out that there had been a small peek hole in the roof of the previous host of the jinchuriki. This means that the kidnapping had been planned for days. It is also to be noted that which faction or nation has planned this has probably a grudge against Kumogakure. That can indeed mean that one of the other big five is behind this.'' Takeru spoke with a more stern voice as he stated what he knew and assumed. ''If it are however some remaining followers of that Antare clan, we will need to capture some and wipe them all out. The deeds of Genmyou shouldn't chase us in the present.'' Now Takeru showed some of his more personal opinion on something. He spoke the name Genmyou with distaste as he could still remember why he had deserted the command of the Third Raikage. ''However, I do wish to know if we have any potential candidates for being a host. If the host needs to be able to adapt, it means that they shouldn't be people who have ''developed'' yet that far?''
"That means we will need to find a youngster with a strong spirit," Waki answered bluntly. "The Sanbi will do whatever it can to escape, so we must be wary of that. Konoha has the Nibi under its thumb now, but we must focus first on stabilizing the host. Accessing the power must come secondary." Waki took a moment for a long sigh. "It is a shame but it must be someone young. Someone even of Asami's age would be risking death. I am not very in touch with the youth these days, so I have no ideas for a potential candidate. But we must decide on one. Someone strong, that can resist the Sanbi and potentially even assert control over it. But I know of none that can do that, within the age category we are searching in that is." He glanced up at Takeru. "Whoever is chosen, they will know it is your decision so you will have to do something to keep yourself from looking cruel. We want them to be able to control the Sanbi, but also remain loyal."
''Though you're partly right, there are some factors you need to take with the decision.'' Asami said, looking in Waki's direction. ''Bijuu chakra is something that won't be easy to control, let alone be mastered that easily. It is interesting your brought up that infamous brat from the Leaf. The rumours say that she is quite a kunoichi for her age. But it is more interesting to compare her to our most succesful jinchuriki. Midori Sato.'' Asami started. ''Both are young and capable kunoichi's. Something we can all agree on, but if we look further more on how Midori functions, there are some things that make it clear that jinchuriki's life is vastly different than from a normal shinobi.'' Asami paused. ''I could go on about hours how complicated it is to find a suitable host that can have their bodies adept to Bijuu chakra, not to forget how much time it takes in order to make it all work, but I fear we don't have time for that. I will keep it short.''
Taking a pause, Asami thought on how she could explain the details in a short summary. It wouldn't do any good to just rush it or sum it all up. Some of the details would need to be explained. And she wasn't sure if she could assume that Waki and Takeru had no questions for her then. ''The basic is that Bijuu chakra destroy and recreates. It is a very simple principle if we just keep it like that. The host's body is being destroyed cell by cell and recreated, cell by cell. This is all to ensure that the body of the host is able to keep the massive amount of chakra inside of them. From the research and looking on how Midori is, we can conclude that this true. A child is more able to adapt to a new situation. To new augmentation, so to say.'' Pausing, Asami was wondering what Waki's thoughts were about that. She knew that he was more ''human'' thinking than her. But she would keep focus. ''If we would put the beast in somebody who has developed already it would result that the destruction and reconstruction would end up in failure. The person would suffer how every cell is being torn apart and not being repaired back properly. Instead, they will just have a body that will kind of fall apart and give a chance for the beast to escape.'' Asami explained. Though she wanted to stay objective, she was kind of enthoustatic about it. ''It is also of interesting note to say that we should be careful to not place the beast in somebody who has a weak mind. From what I have learned is that the Tailed Beasts aren't mindless benemoths of destruction. Today, Midori has been able to pass control of a clone to the Eight Tails. This further proves that they have their own personalities. Then again.''
Asami looked at Takeru's direction with a frown. ''I assume you have some suggestions. Cause I can't think of another reason why you would want to discuss now already about the choice of host. Am I right?''
Takeru nodded as his right hand would go to the coat he was wearing. In an inside pocket he took out some papers. ''I have several summarized documents readied for you two to read. It is about several hosts that I assumed that could serve as a host.'' Laying the documents on the table, Takeru stared at them. One of these young people would be condemned to serve as a measurement to keep their village safe from the Three Tails. Or anybody that would want to use the beast's power for something vile. Or would they be weapons in their hands? Takeru knew that he had to make decisions that wouldn't sit well with him, but to curse the life of a young person with such a heavy burden just didn't seem right. Even if it was proven that only a young person was able to carry it. Thinking on he would have acted, Takeru already assumed he would have gone crazy by the mere thought of he would be ''sacrificed'' like that. ''Please take your time to see who you would pick.''
The older man grabbed the nearest paper and looked over it. With a light hum, he read it all the way through, before looking back at Takeru. "You certainly went for young," he commented. Though he didn't want to burden anyone with this, he knew it was required. It would have to happen, sadly. "This one may be good," Waki continued, placing the paper on the table for the others to see. It was a file on one Reyna Azuma. "Young, spirited. She'd likely survive a sealing. The question would be how loyal she is." With this, Waki glanced over at Asami. "What do you think about her?"
With Waki first reading the profiles, Asami would wait until he was done. When he however started to talk and placed the paper on the table, Asami went to read it. But the name said enough. Reyma Azuma. Placing it instantly down, she would check the other options. ''Reyna is a friend of Midori. Young and spirited is what you can use to describe her. Probably it is a good idea to make her jinchuriki so that she and Midori are easier to keep near each other. Unless the beasts will start to butt heads together. I am not sure if it is a real thing, but the research notes of Genmyou said that Bijuu connects with another source of Bijuu chakra.'' Asami calmly said as she would check the other files. There was the name of the blind girl, but Asami wasn't thinking she would suffice. After checking what the options were, Asami sighed. ''My choice would go to Reyna Azuma too. Not only would it be interesting to see how two jinchuriki's would react near each other and other interesting questions that can be answered, but it would do some good that both are friends. It could ensure the loyalty of Reyna, as Midori is quite loyal to Kumogakure.'' Thinking further about it, a sly smirk almost crept over Asami's lips. The prospect of testing two jinchuriki's? She wouldn't pass that chance. Certainly not now Team 13 was under her supervision for some time.
Amusing, that was the word for it. It was still amusing to see how both Waki and Asami both picked the same person. He had first guessed on somebody else, but with the logic of Asami on how Bijuu chakra worked, it would make sense to pick up somebody who was younger. ''If she is in the same team as Midori, I doubt that loyalty will be much of a problem. I trust you on that Asami.'' Takeru said, however he sounded more serious with the last line as he nodded towards the young woman. They had talked about quite some matters for today. And for the first time, it had went better than he had anticipated. ''I want to thank you both for your time. Unless you have something to ask or to bring up, I would like to conclude the meeting for now. I will keep you both updated on the status with the military matter we spoke about and the Three Tails.''
Questions? Waki brought a hand up to his chin as he thought on whether or not he had any. "Actually, I do have a question," he brought up, removing his hand from his chin. He looked over at Takeru, with a surprisingly serious expression. But before he even opened his mouth, his other hand pointed at Asami. "Why is she here again?" His serious expression vanished and he began laughing, bring both hands to his stomach as he did so. He couldn't resist cracking a joke at Asami after being in the same room as her for so long. It would just be too boring without it. As he began to recover from his laughter, he wiped a tear from his eye, before finally looking over at the youngest in the room.
A bit curious what Waki had to ask, Asami was already thinking about Team 13. Hopefully her clones were able to capture Midori and that shadow clone. It was really hard to not run away and check on it. Thinking already about what kind of progress she could make on her research, she heard Waki's voice. ''Eh?'' Asami looked at Waki, thinking he would talk about somebody else in the room. But she saw the pointed finger and her cheeks started to blush. ''You.....damn....Freaking.'' Getting slowly enraged, Asami would only keep herself in place due the presence of Takeru. Unlike that damned moral hippie, she knew how to show some respect. But it was a hard struggle to not curse and scold Waki right in front of their leader. Rising up, Asami made a bow towards Takeru. With a rather forced friendly tone, she would quickly speak. ''No, thank you for the honor of having me me, Raikage-sama.'' During the bow, Asami shot a deadly glare in the direction of Waki. She would get that old bastard one day. Straighten her back, she would wait until she could go away. Probably head another way than Waki, cause she had more important things to take care off than to try to strangle him with her bare hands.
Putting his mask back on, Takeru nodded towards Asami. Though he wanted to keep a more balanced relationship between the three of them, he couldn't resist a grin behind the mask. Another reason why he found the item quite useful. With the two dismissed, he would however sit a bit longer in the meeting room. When both Waki and Asami had left the room to attend to what they were needed to do, one of the ANBU came in the room to check on the Raikage. The masked man still sat at the head of the table. ''Lord Raikage-sama?'' The ANBU made a bow towards the man. ''Yes..... Prepare a small force of ANBU agents. I will need to make things start now.'' Takeru ordered with a firm voice.
