[center][b][i]A meeting between the Cloud and Fire.

A collab between Fieryfly, Little Alice and Gerontis.

Summary :
Hisoka and Kiyomi arrive at Kumogakure. At the Raikage Office, there is a meeting that will decide the consquences of some actions that were commited recently. A meeting that will have a sever result on some people.[/center][/b][/i]

[hider=A meeting]

It didn't happen everyday that two leaders of different countries met each other. Even though the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning shared borders their higher ups hardly met outside of international events like the Chuunin Exams. Today, however, the Hokage appeared before the gates of Kumogakure to converse with the Raikage about delecate matters. Unlike what one might expect the man didn't travel with a big entourage. Only six ANBU and a young girl accompanied him, all standing a step behind their leader to show respect as they neared the entrance to the village. 

As they were almost upon the gate Hisoka beckonned Kiyomi to come closer to him. [b]"Remember,"[/b] he said to her when she would arrive next to him, [b]"this is an official meeting. You are not to talk unless you are spoken to and you are not to act unless you are asked to. Take your time to observe and learn."[/b]

Kiyomi nodded once. [b]''Understood, Hisoka-sama.''[/b] Though she didn't look nervous, she felt everything but comfortable. This was a very important meeting. Way more important than the ones she had been allowed to visit. International even. For that she had decided to not bring Samehada with her, only having what seemed a regular katana stheathed in the scabbard on her back. For a moment she thought about Midori, wishing that she could spend time with her sister. Chasing horses like they once had done. But not today.

There were more guards at several streets of Kumogakure. Most people wouldn't notice a thing as most were undercover. Watching from their positions to make sure that nothing would go wrong. Standing in his office, Takeru couldn't see the approaching group heading to the gates. But he stared never the less at the village. If both Asami and Chizuko had done their work, today would go without any bad consquences for Kumogakure. Such as a unnesscary conflict or anything that would heavily damage Kumogakure. The guards at the gates would let Hisoka and his retinue pass. One of them would offer to escort and guide the Hokage to the Raikage office where they would hold the meeting.

[b]"Hokage-sama."[/b] Hisoka corrected Kiyomi as he turned back to face the guard that came to get them. He gave the man a curt nod and followed him through the city. Kumogakure was actually one of the major cities that he kind of liked. He had hardly visited it, but the mountains gave it a somewhat peaceful look. Yet the main street didn't look so different from Konoha's. It was just another place with people. Before long he and his shinobi would arrive at the Raikage's office. He wondered briefly if the people of Kumo disliked him. It was after all a shinobi from Konoha that had killed their previous Raikage and had taken his place for quite a while, bringing the city down from the inside. Not that it mattered now. He was not her, and he was here for more important matters. With a serious look in his face he waited till the guard that was leading them would announce them. 

Biting her lower lip, Kiyomi kept herself silent. Focus. Walking a step behind Hisoka, she couldn't ressist to look around. It was very slim she would see or catch a glimps of Midori. If she only could carry Samehada during a time like this, maybe she could then try to make the blade sense if she was nearby. Clenching her right hand into a fist, Kiyomi forced herself to focus on Hisoka. She wasn't here to ponder and imagine what things would be like. His safety was top priority right now.

[b]''Lord Raikage. They are here.''[/b] An ANBU entered the room as the doors were open. Slowly turning around, Takeru would head to walk outside of his office. [b]''Let somebody call for Asami. Make sure that the disguised ANBU are also keeping everything down. I want to be sure that nobody will even try to make a move that seems threatening.''[/b] Normally Takeru spoke with a polite tone to his ANBU, but this time he sounded stern. Making a bow, the masked man would head to do what was ordered. Without any bodyguards or somebody at his side, he would head to meet Hisoka and his retinue. In the opening hall, he spotted the group. They were with less than he had expected. [b]''Good day Yondaime Hokage.''[/b] Takeru greeted, walking straight towards Hisoka. Keeping a distance between himself and Takeru, the latter made a short bow. [b]''I am glad that you have came and honored the Cloud with a visit.''[/b] As Takeru straighten his back, he noticed one particular fact he found strange. There were ANBU, but one not masked girl. [i]Interesting.[/i]

As Takeru stepped towards him Hisoka did the same, walking away from the people he had brought with him. He answered the Raikage's bow with an slight lowering of his head. He was not the one who should be showing more respect here after all. [b]"Godaime Raikage."[/b] Hisoka replied. [b]"Thanks for having us on such a... short notice."[/b] He studied the man before him for a moment before turning back to face his ANBU and Kiyomi. [b]"Wait outside. Kiyomi, you follow me."[/b] He gestured to the girl before turning back to Takeru. [b]"My apprentice."[/b] He said to the man. [b]"I hope you don't mind having her join the conversation?"[/b]

A feeling of pride flowed into Kiyomi when Hisoka announced she was his apprentice. How long had it been? No, focus. Wavering, Kiyomi wanted to make a bow too towards the Raikage. But she wasn't supposed to act unless being told so. Yet, wasn't it a sign of respect to do so? Hoping that Hisoka wouldn't lecture or scold her, Kiyomi made a bow towards Takeru as Hisoka asked his question about her joining the conversation.

Glancing at the girl once more, Takeru remembered why she seemed so familiar. She was a well known face in the Bingo Book. Not as famous as somebody as Hisoka, but the things he could vaguely remember about her were enough that he could understand why she wasn't a wearing a mask. [b]''For such fine guests, I wouldn't have it any other way, Yondaime Hokage.''[/b] Takeru friendly answered. [b]''And I would be honored to have a kunoichi you deem capable as your apprentice with us. Please, follow me.''[/b] Takeru requested as he turned around. It wasn't far, but they would hold their meeting in his own office. Hopefully his ANBU had now set up a table and chairs which they could use to hold their meeting. Together with some drink and food, that wouldn't be too heavy on the stomach. Approaching the office, the two ANBU that usually stood guard were now reinforced with four more ANBU. Saluting as Takeru passed them. [b]''Please, take a seat. I hope that this room is comfortable enough.''[/b] Waiting till his guest sat, Takeru would only then sit down.

Nodding in thanks Hisoka followed the man to their meeting room. Clearly Takeru was... very nice to them. Well, he had something to talk good if he wanted Hisoka to leave pleased so he better make some efforts. He was the first one to sit down in one of the chairs. He shot Kiyomi a look, clearly not expecting of her that she would sit down. They were not equals here and Kiyomi had no direct involvement in the conversation as she was not supposed to join them at the table. Listening could be done from the backseat. [b]"It is fine."[/b] The Hokage responded as he leaned back. [b]"So how about we skip pleasant chat and get straight to the point why we are here."[/b] It was not really a question. 

Taking her position behind Hisoka as he sat down, Kiyomi placed her hands on her back. Her eyes remained focused on the masked Raikage. She was almost pondering on about the man, not knowing much about him. The fact he was masked made her a bit wary, not able to read his face. At times she glanced in Hisoka's direction, trying to figure out why Hisoka had requested to skip the formalities. Then she looked at the entrance as the doors were closed. Walking to the back where Takeru sat, Asami took her place. Making a short bow towards Hisoka, she would take the almost identical pose as Kiyomi had.

[b]''As you wish.''[/b] The friendly tone from before was still polite, but that was all to it. [b]''The action of my ANBU has caused damage to the Fire Union and I am aware that her action was a bit rash. For that I wish to apologize.''[/b] Takeru began. The thought of bringing up that it was a double agent and that it was only right to protect the information about their village, it was complicated. The only right approach would be if they had caught and erased the memory of the double agent. Not to just kill her straight away. [b]''I suspect that you wish to discuss now about the death of that agent and what you desire back in return to keep peace between our nations?''[/b]

Hisoka gave the woman who entered a slight nod, but turned his eyes immediately back to Takeru. [b]"I accept the apology, but that will indeed not be enough."[/b] Hisoka started. [b]"I have no intentions of breaking the peace we have sustained for a while now, but I would like to hear exactly why one of my agents was killed. After that we can discuss what I would like to have in return."[/b]

Asami's lips curled down. She had noticed the girl who gave her a stern look back. Then Asami looked at Hisoka and knowing fully well that she shouldn't speak up, the tempation was quite big. However, knowing her place, she kept her mouth shut. Kiyomi on the other hand wanted to lean forward and whisper a question to ask Hisoka if it wasn't a bit unwise to stay here together in a place that had killed off an agent of the Fire Union. But that would show a lack of faith in him, so all she did was making sure she didn't act without Hisoka telling her to do something.

[b]''Merely cause the killer had acted too rashly and reckless.''[/b] Takeru told Hisoka back. [b]''After finding out that your agent was gathering information and wishing to give it away, the killer made her bold move. Resulting in this rather,''[/b] Pausing, Takeru leaned forward as he folded his hands together on the table. [b]''Unwanted situation. That is all to it.''[/b]

[b]"I see."[/b] His eyes catched the disapproving look the woman behind Takeru was wearing on her face. Clearly she didn't like him very much. He hoped Kiyomi wasn't wearing that look. It would be better if she stayed as neutral as possible. [b]"Unfortunate indeed."[/b[ He didn't follow Takeru's move but stayed leaned back in his chair as if he was having a nice day off. His eyes however were not so relaxed. [b]"What would you like to offer me as retribution? Or will you allow me to pick this agent's punishment?"[/b]

If the situation wasn't that grim, Takeru would chuckled or laughed at the word unfortunate. That was certainly a word to describe the situation he was in. Or rather, the whole Cloud. [b]''I would love to hear what you have in mind, Yondaime.''[/b] Takeru responded after a moment. He wasn't sure what the man would offer as retribution, but he decided to hear it out before he would start. Giving the impression that he thought he was in a powerful position wasn't what he wished to do.

[b]"A public duel."[/b] Hisoka replied immediately when Takeru allowed him to. [b]"I want your ANBU Namine Arisaka to fight a battle against one of my shinobi. A battle for everyone to see and for everyone to withness. I was thinking against..."[/b] Hisoka shot a look back to the girl behind his chair. [b]"my apprentice. Sounds like something you would accept?"[/b] He asked the Raikage. 

A duel? Against an ANBU? Kiyomi gained the brief idea she was nothing more than a weapon to instill fear and dread. But then again, if she could help out with dueling this Namine, she would do so. [b]''If that is what you wish, Lord Hokage-sama.''[/b] Kiyomi replied, making a bow as she finished her sentence. Asami frowned at the offer. A public duel? Only then she grasped for what gain the man had offered such a request. Though she would hide her expression better, she wasn't pleased at all by the offer.

[b]''Fairly interesting.''[/b] Takeru mumbled. He leaned back in his seat, thinking about what Hisoka had suggested. Personally he was curious to the capabilities of the apprentice of Hisoka. Then again, he wasn't here for his own. Managing to figure out what the aim was for the duel, Takeru then answered. [b]''I agree. If that is all to compensate for the loss of the agent. Or was this merely for Namine to be punished?''[/b] Takeru asked.

Hisoka's eyes set as he straightened up slightly.[b]"Merely Namine's punishment."[/b] He said. [b]"The loss of an agent is not repaid by fighting a duel. I'd like to have compensation. How about we talk trade. Our countries trade quite a lot with each other and benefit from this, yet imported goods can be expensive. I suggest a discount of some sorts?"[/b] Hisoka said like he was suggesting it. He wondered how the Raikage would react to that. The man seemed to understand his intentions quite well and yet remained quite calm under them. Unlike his associate. 

Almost had Takeru sighed. He had hoped it would be all, but it was never that easy. Thinking about what Hisoka said, it was better than to pay a huge sum of money. But a discount on the imported goods would to a less higher income from the trade they gained with the Fire Union. Clenching his hands briefly, he further thought about it. He could deny it. Saying it was going too far, but what could he offer in return? They weren't out for the head of Namine and he could understand why they were aiming for something like this. [b]''That could be a reasonable agreement.''[/b] Takeru said slowly. [b]''But how much would this discount be?''[/b]

Hisoka didn't smile when Takeru went along with his offer. It didn't please him overly much that he was here and in these circumstances. At least he had to be happy that, so far, the negotiations went well. [b]"How about 15% percent for at least a year or two."[/b] The man suggested, aiming slightly higher then the discount he actually wanted. He suspected that Takeru would lower it and Hisoka would then, most likely, comply to that.

When Hisoka suggested the percentage, Takeru raised his eyebrows. The masked Raikage wasn't a merchant, but he knew well enough that any merchant wouldn't just offer that high discount. Maybe because something special or such. Still, it was a fairly high discount in Takeru's opinion. [b]''What about a discount of 9% percent?''[/b] Takeru suggested, hoping to lower down the percentage.

Hisoka considered that, letting his head rest on his left hand in a casual manner. [b]"Sounds acceptable. 9% discount on the trade for two years."[/b] He said then repeating the terms they had created. He leaned forward and stretched out his hand. [b]"Is that a deal?"[/b] He asked the Raikage

[b]''It is.''[/b] Not the ideal deal in Takeru's opinion, but it was way better than the direst situation that could occur with the meeting. Reaching out, Takeru shook Hisoka's hand. [b]''Then I will now let the duel be arranged. Is there anything else you would wish for Yondaime Hokage?''[/b] Takeru politely asked. He was about to stand up, but waited cause it would be rude to do so rashly.

[b]"Yes, there is another matter we need to discuss."[/b] Hisoka said as he pulled his hand back and fell back in his chair. Even though he too wanted it to be over, there were still more things he needed to address. [b]"I would like to have... a moment to talk about another member of you village. One that goes by the name of Deidara Yuhiko."[/b] Hisoka almost wished he could see the face of the man before him. The mask... put him on edge. Especially with the knowledge what the last person with a mask on here did. [b]"And his involvement in the break up of various clans."[/b]

Takeru stayed silent for several moments. He had been informed about the misdeeds of the boy. He still didn't buy the story that the boy had some mental problems. Some mass murders had that same problem after they were caught. Only he had postponed his own punishment about the boy to save him for what the Fire Union would have with him. Only after that he would deal with the boy. Though he was impressed with that the Hokage knew the name of the culprit. [b]''Please, continue.''[/b]

[b]"I take it you agree with me that we can't let this go just like that. Disbanding a clan is disrupting, tearing apart, killing a family. And this happened within the borders of the Fire Union. I cannot and never will tolerate that. It is my understanding that this is his doing? Meaning that he should carry the consequences, is that right?"[/b] Hisoka asked. He was pretty sure that he was right, but it never hurt to get some comfirmation. 

Narrowing her eyes, Asami's right hand clenced into a fist. As an instant reaction, Kiyomi laid her right hand on the handle of her blade. Focusing her eyes on Asami, she wasn't sure who this person was, but any threat and she saw it as something that would need to be disposed off. Glaring at the apprentice of Hisoka, Asami loosened her right hand. [b]''Might I offer to bring the Yondaime Hokage to Deidara, Lord Raikage-sama?''[/b] 

[b]''You may, later. But remember well, Asami.''[/b] Takeru kept his eyes on Hisoka and Kiyomi. [b]''It was me who informed them about Deidara. A traitor shouldn't after all rely on those who he has betrayed.''[/b] Takeru's tone was stern and it was aimed at Asami, reminding her of that the boy was a criminal according to the law of both the Fire Union as the Cloud. [b]''Yondaime Hokage, I will accept this. Though I wish to offer my apology, once more, now for the... questioning and attitude of my assistant. She is of great importance for me, but is related to Deidara.''[/b] 

Once again Hisoka's eyes moved to the woman with the bad contained temper. If she was related to the boy he didn't like it that she was here. Related or not, this was not something that should be allowed to happen and if personal judgement got in the way then she should be taken of off this case. [b]"Apology accepted."[/b] Hisoka said. [b]"Still apologies don't solve this. Mister Yuhiko will carry the consequences of his severe actions. Now it is for us to decide which consequences this will be."[/b] He paused for a second and then suddenly turned his head towards his apprentice. [b]"Kiyomi, you have been informed about the matter. What punishment would you give the boy?"[/b]

Asami made a short bow, but said nothing. Following the movements of the woman, Kiyomi lowered her hand. Letting it hand instead of keeping it on her back, Kiyomi was surprised when Hisoka asked her that question. At first she felt nervous. But she thought about it. This Deidara had broken down a clan, caused pain and torment by innocent people. For what cause? For what reason? No, that wasn't important. Knowing it much it hurt to come from a family that was broken, Kiyomi had one fitting punishment in mind. [b]''He has disrupt and caused harm to people who likely never did him wrong. Families have been torn apart as their clan has been disbanded. Their connection might be there, but it is a serious crime to sever a bond. No matter the reasons.''[/b] Kiyomi calmly spoke, much to her own surprise. Pausing, she thought once more about what she would answer Hisoka.

[center][b]''I would decide he has to pay in blood. Take away those who are of his blood. His family. Maybe then he will understand the pain he has given others. And making it clear that he shouldn't go any further. That and live in shame, knowing he caused the death of his family.''[/b][/center]

All this while Asami managed to look calm and collected. She stared at Hisoka, but revealed nothing. But in the inside, she had some clear thoughts. Thoughts that were boiling and would have exploded in an outburst if it weren't for her self control at this point.

He had been a bit surprised as well when Hisoka had asked for the girl's opinion. After hearing what she told, Takeru thought about those words. The masked Raikage was personally impressed on how calmly the young girl could say such a punishment on somebody that wasn't much older than her, from what he assumed. [b]''And what would you say, Yondaime Hokage?''[/b] Takeru asked, wondering if the Hokage would go along with his apprentice's answer.

For a moment Hisoka didn't reply. He watched Kiyomi and her seemingly emotionless answer to his question. She sounded certain about it, sure that this was her idea of what the punishment should be. He wondered how she could be so certain. He himself, he had trained that. That heartless factor, that had been smashed into him by his father and his life. What had Kiyomi learned that had made her capable of those decisions. But, looking back to Takeru, he couldn't just backout after those words. [b]"Words spoken by my subordinates are my words."[/b] He said only. 

Crossing his arms over each other, Takeru thought about the decision. The situation was very clear. If he would deny the Hokage his right of judging Deidara then he could very well lose more than just a few lives. Thousands and thousands of lives were at stake. One wrong word or decision and a lot of them would be lost. On both sides, which was what Takeru didn't want. [b]''I will not anybody stand in your way then.''[/b] Takeru said with a calm voice.

[b]"That is settled then."[/b] Hisoka said. He didn't like the decision he had made, but sometimes all the options you had were bad ones and you could only pick the one that... was maybe not the worst of all. He gave Takeru a serious look as he said: [b]"Thank you."[/b] He figured that the Raikage would most likely understand what he meant with that. He wasn't thanking him for the visit or for the newly gained trade treaty. He was thanking him for understanding, for accepting some bad choices. 

Lowering his head, Takeru sighed. [b]''It is what we kages do.''[/b] The man said, thinking back about his choices. Then he looked up to Hisoka. [b]''I consider that we will then now be done with this meeting? I will allow you or anybody you appoint to deal with Deidara.''[/b] After saying that, Takeru took a long pause to then ask something else to Hisoka. [b]''Shall we head to the arena that will be prepared for the duel? Or do you wish to first take care of your judgment on Deidara?''[/b]

[b]"Going to the arena is fine. Maybe your men could bring Deidara in in the meanwhile. I don't want to take up anymore of your time with unpleasantries today."[/b] Hisoka said and then turned to Kiyomi. [b]"I take it you are ready for battle now? Or do you need some time to prepare?"[/b] He asked his apprentice even though he was pretty sure what the answer was going to be. 

And that answer would be given. [b]''Ready, Lord Hokage-sama.''[/b] Kiyomi voiced, performing a salute. Placing her right hand on her chest, she tried to look calm and collected. Just like he had taught her. Asami took a step back as she realized what would happen to Deidara. And that was just the judgement of the Hokage. Takeru hadn't yet revealed what he would do, but it was clear how he viewed Deidara.

[b]''Then it would be a honor if I may personally guide you to the arena.''[/b] Takeru said, trying to sound more friendly. He had a bitter taste in his mouth, but he was contend. The meeting had saved Kumogakure from facing a potential foe that they couldn't break or dare to face alone. [b]''I know a very nice touristic walk towards the arena where we can have the duel. Ever saw the infamous restaurant of Tochi's? They make the best noodles and dangoes over there.''[/b]

First Hisoka wanted to intersect that this wasn't quite a happening to be shown around the city for and to sound like they had the most fun in the world. But then he realized, that was exactly what he had to do and had to show. [b]"I thank you kindly for your offer and gladly accept it. I have to admit I have seen way too little of Kumogakure during my days."[/b] Hisoka replied. [b]"Seems a shame really."[/b]

Rising up from his seat, Takeru produced a chuckle as he beckoned Hisoka to walk with him. The doors were opened by the ANBU that stood guard outside as the masked kage would snap the fingers of his right hand. [b]''No worries. I do have to warn you that there are a lot of special places. Sadly, I understand that I can't show them all today. Maybe we could arrange that next time, we will visit another nice touristic place?''[/b] Takeru friendly suggested, actually being genuine.

Hisoka followed the movement of Takeru and beckoned Kiyomi to do the same. [b]"Understandable. We have busy lifes. I will take everything I can see today and maybe take you up on that offer."[/b] Hisoka replied. As soon as the two would stop outside Hisoka's ANBU would be waiting there for his order. With a wave of his hand they would follow in line behind them as he and Takeru started walking. 
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