Chokurou held a relax posture against the back wall of the conference room. His fingers interlocked behind his head and a foot against the wood finish behind him. He surveyed those in the conference room. Many looked like they had a few bruises and broken bones but most seemed unscathed, which was the group he would currently classify under. He was a fresh recruit who had been thrown into the shit on the first day. Interesting way to welcome in a new recruit but things could always be worse. He managed to take down a few in the fight but for the most part the fighting was closest to the ox-pulling competition. He didn't see much action but he was ok with that. To him, that meant he would have another chance to prove himself useful.

He looked down at the...thing behind the table. It was cat-like; tail and ears. He thought at first it was some kid with a cat fetish but soon enough he learned that "it" was their general commander, a powerful shinobi and a dangerous one to boot. He exhaled through his nose before turning his attention next to the shinobi to his side and held out hand. "Heya. The name is Akimichi Chokashi, nice to meet you." He greeted in a muffled voice. Definitely not the best time to introduce himself but it was worth the try.

(A/N To whoever wishes to strike up a conversation with him)

---

Before Setsuko could wave goodbye to the silver-haired male he had already started to walk off. She had stared at him for a few seconds as he walked away wondering what his name was so as not to continue calling him "that one silver-haired guy", but figured she'd get another chance later on to ask him. As Higoho began making his furious way toward them Setsuko's annoyance level was increasing when she had turned back to the other at the fact that Tetsuya had thought that she was flirting with him. His reaction alone to what she had done was clear enough, and on top of that Higoho had started to spout his nonsense once more about something that she had no idea of. This time though she was somehow involved as he yelled her name out loud for everyone around them to hear, and followed that up with pointing at the person she stood by. As Higoho said that the person offended their clan she glanced toward that person wondering if he had actually said what he was accused of saying, and would find out that it was indeed true when he began apologizing.

Tired of how the day had played out Setsuko leaned over to go under one of Tatsuya's outstretched arms, and walk in front of him as she raised the kunai she still had in her hand inches from his face. "Don't ever talk about the Hyuga clan the way you did again." Even if she was confused as to what exactly he had said she made sure to be as clear as she could. "Otherwise I'll cut your peepee off, and shove it up your arse."

"AND YOU," Setsuko turned to Higoho who seemed to think he had more authority than he actually did have. "I'm pretty sure you're not in any position to order me around bastard. You're strong, but tell me how many main house members acknowledge that?" It's not like she had planned to say what she had said since she wasn't one to be rude to her fellow clansman, but her annoyance with the whole situation was the fuel to her words.

With that, Setsuko lowered the kunai still inches from Tetsuya's face, and put it in her pocket as they had gotten news of a Confederation meeting in Sunagakure. It wasn't often she'd go visit Suna village, so the news was the bright light at the end of the dark tunnel in a way. After that fiasco she began walking away from the group to make that grand exit she was waiting to make for the longest time, and began heading towards the meeting without helping anyone else around the destroyed festival. Before she had left the ruined festival Setsuko would make sure all of the necessary tools were still on her, and would simply count what was left when she would reach the meeting room.

---

On accident, she had taken the wrong route as she got distracted by a small restaurant that, upon further inspection, had a bizarre look to its food. Still wanting to try some despite how it looked Setsuko sold one of her kunai since she had left her wallet at home, and got to pay for her food that way. It didn't take long to eat, but of course the time it did take was the time she'd have to make up which, of course, she didn't. Because of that little scene Setsuko had arrived right before Yakoul was to get everyone to shut up. As he continued to talk she would walk up some stairs to take a seat closer to the top of the meeting room. Mostly it was to avoid being too close to Yakoul, but it was also so she could have some space to check her weapons as the Commander talked. As she sat down Setsuko unhooked her pouch from her waist, and slammed her Windmill Shuriken on the table with a loud thud right when the cat-man was to say something else. Quickly after, she had regretted slamming the shuriken on the table due to the fact that the sound echoed, and because of that ended up sliding off of her chair to end up under the desk.

Whoops, she simply mouthed as she peaked out from under right when Yakoul finished asking everyone if they had any questions, comments, and or/concerns about the battle that had just happened. That was close...

---

Seijo kept an eye on Yudai as he was the first to enter. Unbeknownst to him he would be stuck with Seijo once more for the upcoming mission. This time they formed a real team, rather than the ramshackle combination they'd formed over the course of the attack on the compound. Nori was second - an uninteresting fellow, but.. Seijo knew he meant well. He was a good support shinobi from what she'd heard, and from the way he spoke. He, too, would be stuck with Seijo in the next mission. Anzai had also appeared, filling the Seijo's squad in completely as he'd be coming too. It was almost like fate had instructed them to come early. Must be a sign that their mission was going to be a success. She didn't give away that she felt this way however - she knew that becoming sure of the success of a mission could easily turn it the other way.

As the other people dripped in, Seijo listened to their respective comments. Mikoto had the audacity to request the privilege of killing a certain someone. Besides that, Katsuko warned her of Yakoul. A warning that she did not need, as she was aware of Yakouls power having seen.. it, in combat a few times during the wars 11 years ago. Never the less it was appreciated. But she wouldn't let on to that either. As everyone finished their little comments on the mission, she stood up and placed her hands on the table loudly.

“Great! Now that everyone has had their say I can say with utmost certainty that I do not give a shit about anything that was just mentioned.” she said looking at Mikoto specifically. Katsuko was not exempt from her outburst either, but at least he had something a bit more worthwhile to mention. “Request denied. If I have to give every Red Sage a specific wish to fulfill there wouldn't be any time to fight the Confederation. She'll die like any other Confederate Shinobi, and whether that is by your hands or not remains to be seen.”

Finishing her little tantrum, which was no doubt a ploy to assert herself as the absolute leader, and to showcase she wasn't one to be trifled with, she sat down again. Almost as if she'd been waiting for the tantrum to happen, the secretary walked in again, dropping off four clipboards with papers on them in front of Seijo. “Thank you.” was the only answer that was given, a testament that Seijo was not all fire and fury. She took a very rapid look at the clipboards, setting them aside for herself to organise them. Her breath slowed down for a moment, as she inhaled deep and then exhaled to calm herself a bit before continuing. “Very well. Here are the assignments.” she said, obviously more calm and.. relaxed than before hand. “The only mission I can detail publicly is my own. Reason for that being that my mission is the most important, and it must succeed under all circumstances.”

She stood up now and pointed at the various pictures above her on the screens, showcasing the Kohonjenpou Warehouses which were in the outer districts of Amegakure. “This looks like a shithole. That's cause it is - it's in Amegakure, it's my hometown, and I can assure you everything is a shithole there now with the Hamajo Confederation taking it.”

Her hand reached for a button on the screens and the images switched to an inside view through a skylight. There were several shinobi standing guard, which seemed to not have noticed the intruder making pictures. On the far end of the warehouse there was a heavy vault door. “That's our target. Madara's Gunbai and Sasuke's sword are stored there. While Sasuke's sword is merely a sword with no special qualities, Madara's Gunbai isn't. And I want it. Sasuke's sword.. well, we'll divide the loot after we get back.” she'd say, looking around the room to see her own team. They were all here, she was sure of that, but she was looking around trying to see peoples facial expressions, to see if they'd be fit for the mission. If you were already pissing your pants at hearing about some guards, you might not be fit for this mission.. “Yudai, Nori and god forbid Anzai. You're all with me. Resupply before we head out. You'll need it.”

She didn't dwell on the subject too long, and didn't even offer them a chance to interject or comment on the mission with possible strategies. That was because there was no strategy. The plan was simple. Go in, kill those who oppose you, steal all the weapons you can find, and go home. The other missions were.. more delicate. The clipboards were still laying there, and her hand reached for one of them, taking a look before sliding it towards Arima. “Congratulations cousin. Try not to die. Neki won't be there to sav- I mean.. Neki won't be there to get orders from you. It's all you. You can manage, right?” she said, grinning slightly. She always liked to toy around with Arima's fragile popularity in the Red Sages. “Naomi, Chieko.. and this new recruit called Aroshima? You're with Arima.”

She picked up another clipboard, taking a quick look with a frown before grabbing the other one, taking it's papers and adding it to the other clipboard. She then threw the clipboard over the table, towards Katsuko, landing neatly in front of the man who had it's eyes shut. They landed with a loud SLAP! no doubt alerting the man to the fact that there was something on his table. “Katsuko! Congratulations. You have two missions. Don't ask me how or why - just get it done. Mikoto is with you. Try not to get him killed. You have a dangerous mission in one of these two, perfect for you.” she said with a smile. There was nobody more perfect for the mission than Katsuko, that much was sure, although she wasn't sure about the other mission.

“Great, if there aren't any more comments or questions, you can all go to your rooms, or to the mess hall and eat. Me, I'm probably going to get forced to do paperwork again. Being important is so tiring.” Her words were meant as a small joke, but quickly turned sour when she realized that, well, she was probably going to actually get forced to do paperwork.. not so funny now. She sighed and wiped her forehead as she walked out the room, leaving everyone inside to do whatever they wanted. The missions wouldn't start until the next day, so there was some time to chat to others.

---

---

Tatsuya responded like a coward would - that much was right - bowing down low as if to ask for forgiveness and show his respect. Meanwhile Tanji was trying to save this kid's life, which only resulted in Higoho reacting in an annoyed fashion to him too. “Baka, you have no idea what it is to have your honour insulted when you're a Hyuga. If I let this one go off lightly, what about the next one that thinks it's okay to insult my clan, huh? Soon enough everyone will think the Hyuga's are weak.” His words were harsh, but somewhat true. Slippery slopes were dangerous, more so when you are of a noble clan.

Higoho then turned to Tatsuya again, continuing his tirade. “And you, you expect me to believe your lies?! You're just trying to play the victim here. Nobody has such bad chakra control that they can't even control their own clones. Get a grip, bastard!” At this point Setsuko stepped in too, threatening Tatsuya as well, but acting like a sassy spoiled child to Higoho at the same time. He furrowed his brows at what she said, before taking his Konoha headband off, showcasing the cursed mark. “You see this mark? This is what it means to be a protector. So I don't care what the main branch thinks of me. I know my duties, and I know my place in life. I may be a bastard, but I'm not stupid enough to think that the main branch doesn't need me. Even if I am trash, I am still Hyuga. Keep that in your ears for the next time you try to tell me what's what, you spoiled brat. You don't deserve your Byakugan.” he'd say to her angrily as she made her exit from the situation, before he turned back to Tatsuya.

“Come here and take your beating you bastard, and don't let it happen again!” he'd say as he raised his right fist, which was still holding his Konoha headband, high above his head before sending it down towards Tatsuya's jaw. It was maybe not as harsh a beating as Tanji had received earlier, but Tatsuya would probably feel it in his jaw later. As soon as he'd done his thing, Higoho would turn around and try to go home, being interrupted only to hear that he'd go to Sunagakure. Tsk. As if the day could get any worse. Now he'd have to go play in a sandbox the rest of the day..

---

Higoho arrived at the meeting a bit late, walking in when Yakoul had just politely encouraged everyone to shut up. The question was raised if anyone had any comments, and as much as Higoho wanted to tell everyone to stay out of his way next time, he refrained from doing so. He'd just shove them aside, like he'd done with Tatsuya, or tell them to stay out of his fight, like he'd done with Kaori. Perhaps some of them might even be useful one day. Tanji, for all he was worth, which wasn't much.. had proven to be useful slightly so. Never the less his tricks with the clones, going around pretending to be Higoho, that was a low blow. All respect Tanji had gained from supporting Higoho had been lost in that instance alone.

Higoho stood in the far end of the hall, looking around a bit as he was bored to death already. He'd rather be home doing something better. But Confederate duty was Confederate duty. So he boded his time, waited for Yakoul to finish and he'd get to go home. Atleast, so he thought. “What's this meeting for anyway.. baka Yakoul.. bet this was that thing's idea. It has no respect for other people's time..” Higoho mumbled to himself.

Aro had followed Naomi, making sure to keep far enough behind that it wouldn't be suspicious, that even if a confederate soldier would attack Naomi, he wouldn't be taken prisoner by association - not to say he wouldn't help her, they were family, after all. He saw several sages who were heading in the same direction, doing his best to avoid being detected by them, as well. They might think him a confederate spy, which would be just as bad as being seen a rebel by the confederatcy. This day sure had gotten a lot more complicated than he had thought it would be, he was expecting to run away from Nikita's husband, not to be roped into joining the rebellion.

Soon, Naomi stopped moving, waiting outside of a compound - the base, Aro could but assume. Aro arrived next to her after a few minutes, flipping the lighter in his hand and igniting another cigarette, keeping the filtered stick of tobacco in his lip while he greeted his cousin. Several other Sages were giving him dirty looks, wondering who he was, and why he was here. Turning to his cousin, he looked at her, and nodded at the two other sages whom were staring him down.

"Something' I said?"



Naomi had explained to the superiors who he was, and he was let into the base, a new recruit, they called him - he would be tested, of course he would be. He was told that they couldn't trust him, and he would have to prove himself, none of it really surprised him. He was a stranger in a secret base - everyone present was committing treason and would probably die if ever found out. Aro was handed a red arband, the shade matching that of his tie, and he grinned as he put that on his arm, the band tightening on the outside of his jacket.

The woman he assumed was the leader went on a to discuss their plans, he never had been much for caring about the big picture, he did what he was told, he didn't really care for why, he trusted the chain of command, even if truly.. This place didn't seem to have that much command. He nodded at Naomi. "Who that?", whispering as if not to interrupt the speech.

Once the speech was over, they were told to interact, get to know their fellow rebels, and Aro grinned. "Anyone care to bum me a smoke?" Heading for the mess hall.

---

Upon entering the conference room, Yudai could feel as if he had been... watched? Or something akin to that, something strange - a sensation that made him furrow his brow slightly in his seat. He cast a quick glance around, his eyes roaming past Seijo; he never focused on her, even while she was speaking. Not as disrespect, of course, it was just the manner Yudai couldn't quite focus on something with his eyes; he was still paying attention. A boy, with a red-hair - who was in fact close to Yudai an hour or two ago - began speaking openly about his desire to give a beautiful Uchiha girl a beautiful death, a smirk practically forced itself onto Yudai's lips and he had to contain himself to avoid mocking his rebel colleague.

The Lady-Commander's next words, which disregarded what he said in an utterly fashionable way, made Yudai's smirk shift into a wide, broad grin: Just look at how powerful she is! She didn't had the need to care about any of them or their desires, because she was a leader. A LEADER. Yudai made a self-note to remind this exact phrase so he could use it one day, when HE became a leader.

First, she notified that the only mission she'd detail in public, was her own. And thus, the images of a warehouse in what Yudai assumed to be Amegakure - later confirmed by Seijo - were shown. She began briefing them with the needed information... Madara's Gunbai... Sasuke's sword. Just the ring of those names, the names that wrote story and became legends years ago, Yudai could barely believe they were actually getting that far within their missions.

Then. His name. Yudai was going to be on this mission with Seijo, Nori and someone he wasn't acknowledged with. Right, he was put in the team which would take the important mission for now, this was simply amazing - in a way, Yudai felt as if he had double responsability, but the young man remained perfectly quiet in his seat, watching as other names were called, there was a bit of chattery around, mostly comments about who's name had been called or so. Soon, the speech ended and finally they were 'free'.

The man made his way directly to his room. In there, he began separating his battle attire and tidying some pouches and satchels up, mostly for carrying anything he'd need. Once done, he headed out to the hall and just stood there, leaning against a wall, eyes watching everyone who he found interesting enough. Perhaps it was time to socialize a bit more with his newfound teammate, Nori, but he'd do it later.

---

---

There was Kaori Uchiha. The events today had been very tiring and honestly, she didn't want to be here so soon, but alas, orders were orders. She arrived pretty early, but wasn't anywhere near the first few to arrive. There were quite a few shinobi around already and the cat-shinobi being was coughing on the mic, likely to call everyone's attention or something like that. Soon, Kaori sat down onto a seat, throwing a leg over the other, hands resting gently over hips. Her eyes blinked slowly as she took a deep breath, gaze settling on the creature for the time being. It had begun it's... speech.

The way it spoke was disgustingly annoying, with the strange habit of swearing upon everything. It seemed as if it didn't want to be here, either, and Kaori couldn't understand why it was a chosen commander; it made no sense. Likely for simply being powerful. Or perhaps, it deserved being a commander: Kaori simply hated that creature, it was the resentment from having to take orders from something that previously killed two members of the Uchiha clan. She just wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.

---

And so, with Aroshima finally 'in', Naomi could proceed to the conference room within the base. Aro tagged along, as it natural, and they sat alongside one another. The shinobi soon began filling the room entirely and the speech began - not before a red-haired boy caught everyone's attention with some babbling nonsense about an Uchiha. Naomi couldn't help but frown slightly; she was professional in terms of well, being a shinobi, and this kind of thing easily bothered her to the maximum. A shinobi does not picks their kill like that; they kill on necessity or on orders and done. That was the extreme example of how not to be a shinobi, but an emotional man without self-control to complete tasks. She didn't voice her disdain, though. Instead, she'd answer Aro's question with a whisper to his ear.

"Seijo Tametono. Lady-Commander, sister to the fallen Tarara Tametono."

Yudai, Nori and Anzai were the first names, who would take the most important mission together with Seijo. Next, Naomi, Chieko and Aroshima.. Well, she expected them to put her in the same team as him, naturally. The next name, made Naomi frown ever so slightly; Arima was the leader's cousin, but he wasn't particularly brilliant or even good. Just.. average, all in all. She wondered how he'd fare as a leader, nonetheless. Lastly, Katsuko and Mikoto - the boy who went ahead with the nonsense previously. There, the briefing was done.

As soon as they were liberated from the conference room, Naomi proceeded to walk to the hall, standing a few meters from Aroshima. She'd just observe and see if he'd strike conversation with someone; he was quick to socialize, different from Naomi herself.

---

What was this nonsense!? An entire day wasted at the festival, ruined by the red sages mind you, and then Zay was called to Sunagakure for some lousy ass meeting? The trip here didn't bode well with Zay's attitude, but it's not like he had a choice. This probably had something to do with the attack, so it wouldn't be long before they'd released him to return home, and sleep off this awful day as if it were nothing more than a fleeting nightmare.

When was that annoying feline going to shut his undignified trap? Zay pondered silently near the back of the lecture hall, half-asleep with his head comfortably resting against the table, cradled in his bare arms. For once, he was wearing his sandals, after getting into a short confrontation with one of the overseeing shinobi, wherein he was scolded for his inappropriate attire. Luckily he could sate their ever-present hunger for etiquette with just his sandals. As soon as the phrase 'put a shirt on' came up, Zay took it upon himself to lecture the shinobi about the futility of clothing- Or something along those lines. Needless to say, he wasn't forced to put a shirt on after that. Hell, in Zay's mind, he'd planted the seeds of nudist philosophy in the minds of his fellow shinobi!.. He didn't, of course, but that wouldn't stop him from thinking otherwise.

Yakoul's voice grated against Zay's eardrums mercilessly with every word. Damn cat. One sentence felt like an eternity, inflicted with dose after dose of cat scratch fever. It didn't help that Zay couldn't bare to look at the thing without the urge to laugh his ass into an undeserved oblivion. The general looked ridiculous! Was he really as strong as people made him out to be? Best not to assume otherwise. There's no telling just how horrible his fate could've been if Zay ended up laughing at Yakoul with reckless abandon. With that in mind, he kept his face buried between both arms, attempting to cover his ears in the process, unsuccessfully.

Just as Zay was starting to tone out the annoying cat-thing up front, the table shook violently, and caused the silver-haired shinobi's head to slip forward and slam against the table rather abruptly. He shot up from his seat for a moment and cursed under his breath with a loud grunting noise, possibly attracting more attention to himself than he'd ever wanted in his life prior. Zay rubbed his forehead for a moment and turned to his left, where Setsuko, the Hyuga girl from earlier, had mistakenly slammed her weapon against the table. Oh fuck, was he to be blamed for this upset as well? Before he could sit down or say anything, the girl slunk under the table without a moment's notice. Zay blinked for a moment and slowly fell back into his chair, hoping that everyone would've overlooked that embarrassing mishap, mostly because he didn't want to have to explain standing up as Yakoul spoke the words: any of you have some bullshit to say?

Zay craned his head around the room irritably, noticing several Shinobi from the festival sitting alongside him, until he noticed Higoho, standing against the wall directly behind him. Zay glared at him briefly, before lazily resting his head against his hand. His elbow slid silently across the table as the weight of his overbearing exhaustion slowly overcame what little patience he had left. "Of all the rotten luck," he wheezed in annoyance.

---

This Ninko guy was growing more and more suspicious when he mentioned being a Confederation shinobi but suddenly throwing it all away the instant they took down a big commander of the group. Arima, behind his mask, gave a rather suspicious look at the wannabe spy, being unable to read minds, he would be torn in the idea. He could be a potential, but he could also be the downfall of many others. In any case, they couldn't just bring him along, and yet he could very well follow them or just attack them. This couldn't happen.

Throwing another glace at Chieko, she would return with evident distrust to this story for obvious reasons. Her silence made the answer clear, they couldn't leave any loose cannons lying around.

"Okay Ninko. Just tell me wh-"

And in the middle of his phrase, Arima simply lowered his foot on the man's shoulder, electrifying him enough to stun him. This very small frame of surprise would be enough for Chieko to swiftly launch with perfect accuracy a few senbon coated in anesthesia, enough to put the unsuspecting Ninko into an unconscious state so Arime could live the guy over his shoulder. It wouldn't be too difficult given that the young Tametomo was trained like any other shinobi and had boots that practically moved for him.

With that done, the duo swiftly departed the area, Arima employing the electrical nature of his boots to get around the forests faster and Chieko easily in the lead with her spectacular speed and general lack of an entire human on her. But she made a good scout to the boy didn't complain, not that he would anyway with his clear attraction for her. The trip was silent by fear of being followed and they purposely took a much longer route to guarantee not meeting any trouble. After all carrying a sleeping guy around was probably a little suspicious.

---

The two arrived at the time where Seijo was giving her little briefing. By then Ninko was left in a remote shed with a couple of lower leveled Red Sages to look after him until the higher ups decided on what they'd do with him. Chieko didn't stick around long, being the social butterfly she was, and made her way to her own quarters to do whatever. Arima on the other hand attended the briefing the exact moment Seijo got to the part that concerned him. Her snarky 'congratulations' followed by a 'slip up' prompted an eyebrow lift as he entered the 'cool' Arima mode.

"Always so enjoyable, Seijo."

Chuckling a any chill guy trying a bit hard would before nonchalantly taking the document and checking it as Seijo attributed the members. At first he'd respond with a simple 'Uh-huh' before catching on that some random new guy was in the club. Somewhat dumbfounded, he paused for a good five seconds to make sure there wasn't a typo or something and Seijo was just not giving a crap. With that, he'd peer over at the corridor leading to the mess hall. The short red hair on the nice looking ass he'd definitely recognize, but the more masculine figure? Didn't ring a bell.

With that he rushed to watch up with Naomi. In the process he'd notice that this guy had the same prestigious bright read hair color as her, which made it clear to the tryhard's mind that she probably got him in. After the events that happened, he was clearly suspicious of this and bringing along a complete stranger to a pretty sensitive mission didn't turn him on.

"Naomi. What's going on? You know this man? Also ... Do you still have that red dress while we're here?"

He'd ask with the calmest voice he could muster, which would be pretty shaky given he wasn't at ease at all with this new guy. He'd give a quick and wary glance at Aro, barely even acknowledging his presence, let alone his rather edgy request. To be fair, that would do little to Arima's impression on him, as his current status somewhat over-encumbered that.

---

---

The place was practically full bar some seats left in between groups of acquaintances. Many would notice however two individual's at the bottom of the hall, at the same level as Yakoul. One was a male known as Yamato Minamoru, leaning his back against the wall whilst taking part of the moment, his expression barely welcoming to anybody. The second one was a blue haired, quite charming young woman. Although from a distance it'd be hard to recognize but she'd be the world famous Aoi Fuegushi, sitting on a chair, legs crossed with a pen and a notebook on her hands as she prepared to take notes.

Most were settled down once Yakoul started to address them in the most direct way possible. There was a fat kid trying to be interesting, but Yakoul didn't like fatties so it did its best to gear its sight away from the whale. However, a very nasty sound would cause the veins in its eyes to plop out as it glared directly into Setsuko's soul. The unsettling fixation it had was easily noticed by everyone and felt by most chuunin level people and above. It breathed in a large quantity of air before exhaling really loudly over the mic.

"Please put away any tools or phones for now. Thank you very fucking much."

It announced with a forced and rather silly looking grin before reverting to its usual, neutral look, brushing the whole crowd with its eyes to look for any bad seeds. There were a lot. This was going to be a fun ride alright. Cracking its jaw as would dictate the tic, it arced its back slightly backwards to stretch itself, yawning strongly as a results before resuming what is started.

"Okay. OKAY. So you good people must all be wondering why the fuck I brought all of you here after the clusterfuck back over there. I mean, you're all heroes right? You've saved the motherfucking day by protecting civilians and trying to save a few VIP's here and there, am I right?"

In that particular instance it winked toward Mirai and Kanata, the tomboy whom it recognized quite easily through her smell and voice it could capture without a problem. That and very few had such remarkable red hair. At that same time, Aoi would take notice of the redhead, giving her frequent glances as her agitated body language amused the blue star.

"I mean, fuck the retarded cat thing, it's pissing on your well deserved hero break! Well fuck you all. In an hour or so, the news is going to explode after our President spills the beans on this bullshit. And guess what happens then? You guys actually become shinobi, which in turn means pussy mode is off. Want a break? Tough luck asshole, we're at war."

As it started to rant somewhat incoherently, it did throw glares at various individuals whom the facial expression clearly indicated boredom or disdain. It couldn't entirely blame them, it hated to be here too, but unlike them, it kicked fucking ass. Taking a small pause of about four seconds, it would resume its little lecture with a more positive tone and a smile.

"But hey, you know what? You ain't that big of pussies if you're here so cool your tits. Unlike all the fucking, bitch ass piles of garbage we've been hiring up here, you guys actually deliver the goods. At least, most of you. And now we have a bunch of psycho extremists who are way too OCD to compromise shit about the world. These Red Sages, they're not old news though. Fuck, they've been around since before Hamajo even existed. Not the sages, I mean fucking dumbshits who are too stupid to cope with what they have."

At the end of that line, it cracked its jaw. The awful sound it made echoed strongly through the room as it made another pause.

"The fact of the matter is, it takes shit like this to make the world fucking move. They'll call it a tragedy, but fuck it, I call it a goddamn opportunity! Cry for your losses, but make sure to know that this event marks the permanent downfall of the motherfuckers."

Swaying its tail from left to right, it kept its monologue as fluid as possible to make the conference last a little as it could. Keeping things energized however, it walked up the stairs through the various rows while continuing its loaded speech.

"We needed this ... Tragedy. Without it, we can't get the retarded populace to root these gaping assholes out of here. But let's be fair, there'll always be someone bitching, this won't really ever end. Seriously, even if the world was turned PERFECT there'd still be retards like this saying 'HUR DUR THIS DOESN'T FEEL REAL, LET'S REBEL'. If I recall correctly, the whole world even went apeshit when some Uchiha subtard proposed the idea! For fuck's sake, I don't even have to mention the rotten piece of crap the world was when people had so much 'freedom' with all these pathetic Yakuza and pseudo-diplomatic arrangements. Let's not lie to each other, this fucking world order isn't perfect, it's actually quite shit when you suck at life. But fucking guess what? For the first time in never, Shinobi are just one big orgy all agreeing to buttfuck each other."

It stopped its ascension once at the very top, throwing a glance at Higoho who happened to be up there as well before ending the point is was trying to make.

"I think it is in many's interest, especially to their families, to maintain this never before seen sack of shit that is Hamajo. And dispose of those who rape the world that birthed them, that catered to them, sheltered their asses and kept most of you excuses for shinobi out of international conflict. Fuck, when you think about it ... These Red Sages truly are ... Mother Fuckers!"

It shouted out as if it were surprise of the suddenly conclusion it made. It proceeded to make its way back down to the desk it was sitting on beforehand before finishing.

"Was there any real fucking point to this? Not really. But countless are the times where I've had to butcher traitors who simply forgot who the fuck gave them a life where they were allowed to be so fucking weak. These assholes biting the hand that's feeding them, they may appears like us, they may be friendly, they may be children, hell they may be saints. Despite any of this, they won't hesitate to exterminate you, so I suggest you very well do the fucking same, my comrade in arms~ We're at war, friends, final-fucking-ly."

Sighing, as much as it seemed like propaganda, Yakoul was convinced it was petty close to the truth. Never would it admit the Confederation was perfect. Quite the contrary, it found it boring and evidently somewhat impaired in handling stuff people whine about.

"Okay. This bullshit is done. You're all part of the Armed Forces Branch now, spray yourself with fucking confetti if you want. You will all have aerial patrol duties as you'll essentially be first responders until I ... Want you to do other stuff? Fuck it, I'm feeling saucy today, you and ... You will call the shots this week. I ain't got time to deal with all of your shits right now. We're on motherfucking high alert so don't fuck this up."

With that, it tossed a plastic officer's badge at Mirai without even warning her, conferring the title of de facto decision maker during patrol routines while the other one would land on Setsuko's head because she got its attention. Yeah that's the reason why really.

"Oh yeah, you can a get the fuck out now. You'll get orders via your cheap as shit work phones. Except for you two, you're coming with me."

As it addressed two individuals, it pointed at both Tanji who would be somewhere and Kanata. Without giving them a second warning, Yakoul would be quick to depart the area through the exit door near it. There would be a set of stair there that would lead to a hallway. The second door to the right would be selected. The group would end up in a rather luxurious lounge with multiple vending machine and a coffee maker. Yakoul would swiftly leap on one of the sofas and lie on it like it was home.

"Take whatever the hell you want. We're going to get comfortable all three of us. So, Tenji was it? Who cares? Anyway, how was it with that fucking buzzkill in the 11th Corps? Jeez, tell me about your life there actually. As for you, Kanata, yeah that's it, just tell me what the fuck you were doing in that shithole in the first place. You know, the Festival no sane kid would go unless they were forced through death threats." (Any of you two can respond first)

It questioned the two, curious as to who they were but most of all what they had in terms of potential. Kanata just interested Yakoul, and it appeared to be also the case with Aoi. Tanji however caught Yakoul's eyes during the attack, as such he got a special treatment. Of course, it didn't bring them for show and tell, they were going to participate in something.

---

Masato sat amongst a sea of shinobi, most of whom he only had knowledge of in passing, as they gathered for some meeting. He had been one of the last to arrive, due to his detour in making sure the civilians he was guarding made it to safety, and as such was near the entrance to the lecture hall. The first few minutes following his arrival had been spent with him searching the crowd for anyone he knew, specifically the kunoichi that had assisted him. He wanted to let her know that he had accomplished his goal, and that the innocents under his charge had been brought out of the hell that had been brought upon the festival. Originally he had thought it would be easy to spot her, despite the large amount of people, due to her hair. He was proven incorrect however and gave up his fruitless search and instead turned his focus to the creature at the very bottom of the hall, presuming that they would be the one addressing the group.

He didn’t have to wait long as it began its harsh speech. It was not only the choice of wording that made it sound overtly harsh, they were necessary and effective, more so it was the actual sound of it’s voice. It sounded as if it had eaten several pieces of sandpaper and did not bother healing the damage. However rather than detracting from the purpose and power of the words its scratchy voice managed to give more weight behind them, at least in Masato’s eyes. As the speech began moving towards what he believed was the conclusion the creature made its way up the stairs, and for a brief moment of time was standing just a few feet away from Masato. The overwhelming presence of the individual made it difficult to breathe, and he was relieved when it finally began making its descent heading towards the location it had started in.

The entire conference passed in the blink of an eye, as the creature quickly dismissed all within the room save for a couple of individuals who Masato could not see from his vantage point. With haste he quickly made for the exit that he had been standing near, making sure to avoid the wave of shinobi and representatives that began flooding the hallway just a moment after he entered it. Rather than join the chaos he decided to press himself against the wall and simply watch the flow. He was not in a rush to leave, and until he received orders he still considered this a day off. As he relaxed against the wall he continued to stare into the mass of people.

---

Tanji had arrived to the meeting with everybody else that was involved in the kerfuffle outside. Despite the rough beginnings of the day the higher ups were able to organize a suitable and informative conference. Many of the operators at the intelligence corps mumbled about the oddity that commands the confederate's armed forces, but he didn't expect it to be a foul-mouthed feline calling the shots.But hey, in a world where wrinkled old men can summon talking toads and monkeys, it was more comical than unsettling. That said he made himself comfortable and listened into the Commander's speech, he chocked on his own tongue and squirmed around his chair listening to how nonchalant and informal his soon to be commanding officer was, it was a far cry from the prim and proper image of powerful Kages and Sages, but you wouldn't catch him complaining out loud. He did however enjoy its speech in showing the rebel scum what-for with its jeers and japes at the Red Sages' mothers' promiscuity. He went as far as actually "Whooping" at that part. By the end of the public speech he applauded and got up to meet whoever he would be attached to.

What he didn't expect was to be personally addressed by the head-honcho itself as it directed them to a rather luxurious room.

"Take whatever the hell you want. We're going to get comfortable all three of us. So, Tenji was it? Who cares? Anyway, how was it with that fucking buzzkill in the 11th Corps? Jeez, tell me about your life there actually. As for you, Kanata, yeah that's it, just tell me what the fuck you were doing in that shithole in the first place. You know, the Festival no sane kid would go unless they were forced through death threats."

Tanji was visibly nervous, and didnt really know what to do with his hand -or body- in general and just opted to stand stark straight, and look just above his commanders head without actually looking into its eyes.

"Uh- I mean, Sir- or Mam, whichever you think best fits, sorry," he stuttered, before recomposing himself, and shouting in response louder than what was required, "The 11th corps. does the confederacy proud. Their enigmatic tactics are what you would expect from such a group, but to tell you the truth I felt very out of place and uh- uncomfortable, when on very long missions with them, Sir, or, ah- Mam. I mostly provided screens and distractions for their louder operations and coverage in their more subtle approaches." He hesitated once again, "(Uh... what else), OH! I also served as primary interrogator for the squads I was attached to as they saw that my loyalty and zeal were very hard to compromise when I delved into enemy heads sir, -or, ah- mam."

He finished rather weakly, hoping that his answer was sufficient as he waited for a response.

---

Mikoto did not care for the stiffled laughs or suppressed smirkings of his fellow companions, since several surrounding him didn't even try to hide it.

He shrugged, "Fools. They believe something like death needs to be horrible, but given the correct artist, it can become something beautiful." he was talking to himself of course.

Lady Tametomo didn't seem to acknowledge his statement either and just went on with the details for the next mission. To steal a pair of Uchiha weapons. Madara's Gunbai and Sasuke's sword.

It sounded really exciting but, sadly, he was not picked for the mission.

He folded his arms and even pouted after that. Perhaps he should just go with them, without asking questions. He would've probably done so were it not for the fact that his name was announced, to go with someone else.

Who was it if not, lo and behold, great Katsuko, but don't get him wrong, he does think Katsuko is actually worth something.

He was smart enough to leave Yakoul on the dust, after all. Mikoto was sure of it because he was back in the base in a single piece. Even if the cat decided not to kill him, Katsuko would still be missing one or two limbs by then. Mikoto respected it, at the very least, and was conscious of the fact that he wouldn't be able to defeat him, at least on his own.

After that, the meeting was adjourned and everyone could go about their business as they pleased before the mission. Mikoto in particular decided to get better acquainted with Katsuko, whom he'd see much of in the next mission.

He didn't even bother going back to his room and preparing his battle attire, even if the mission was going to be the next morning. That could wait, as for now, meeting Katsuko and getting to know each other was priority.

Mikoto was accustomed to fighting in tag teams, but always with Kanata or support-type shinobi. This time, he'd be with a full offense kind of guy, just like himself. It could be really good or really bad, depending on what happened after that.

"Katsuko, just the man I wanted to see." Mikoto approached Katsuko. "What do you think if you and me go get better acquainted over a warm meal in the mess hall? I think you and me should have a real good chat, since we'll be working together in tomorrow's mission."

All of what he said was with his usual charming smile that would make any simpleton woman melt of the sheer charm of the man. Unluckily for him, several were already whispering of how 'Mikoto was trying to put the moves on Katsuko'.

---

@j8cob

---

---

Kanata smiled at Mirai when she arrived with Aneko. She nodded, and answered Mirai, "Nice to meet cha, Aneko. I am Kanta Amatsurahashi." She nodded. It was a miracle she got her name right most of the time. "And don't worry if you get your tongue tangled with that. I know I did the first time." She shrugged and smiled again.

After that, she turned her attention to Yakoul. Unlike Mirai, she had a reason to listen to the whole thing.

Well into the middle of the cat-like thing, Kanata started giggling. More so with every other word it said.

Yeah... everything Yakoul said hit Kanata's funny bone. Why? Because the guy was fucking insane.

Kanata could do nothing but laught at that point.

They were at war. A very real fact for her right now. She was at war, in the force opposing her brother's faction, and she was only a 16 year old teenager.

Oh, by the Gods... and now, the fucking cat himself was calling for her to go along with him to some or other room.

Wiping away a single tear (from laughing, mind you), Kanata stood up and turned on her heel, ready to follow after Yakoul, before she turned to Mirai again, "Sorry, but the sicko is calling for me. You saw what happened with the body and all... honestly, I don't want to piss him off more than I should, and I tend not to watch my tongue most of the time, so... yeah, I'll call for help if I need it." She said, sticking her tongue out and with a troubled frown in her face.

She hurried after Tanji and Yakoul. "Crap, I didn't ask for her number. Kanata thought to herself as she trailed behind the cat-thing and the black haired young shinobi.

They were now in some kind of luxurious lounge and Kanata did just as Yakoul.

She let herself fall on one of the comfy looking sofas and even bounced some on it, before letting herself be embraced by the sweet, sweet comfiness of the sofa. Ah, yes, just like home.

"C'mon dude, no need to be all stiff." Kanata said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Go get a drink, sit down and then drop yourself in one of this fucking sweet sofas. And then just call this thing... thing." She turned to Yakoul. "Because I dunno what I should fuckin' call it either. Aside from the obvious 'Yakoul' shit, but that sounds too intimidating... hm... how about 'Neko-sama'?"

With a slight smirk on her face, Kanata pulled one of its ears.

"Sounds cute, Japanese AND gender fluid. Perfect for him, if he keeps his damn mouth shut." Kanata laughed some after that. "And my mom took me there. Not like I wanted to go, but there I was and here I am. Now, I can't get a fucking cat out of my back aaaand I made a new friend. If the cat were cuter, the day would be pretty good." She said with an exaggerated nod.

She was well aware it could hurt her, and really badly, but it had the opportunity before and didn't take it. Why would he do it now?

Regardless of that, she just hoped that neither Yakoul nor Tanji could see how tense she really was. There was a lot she was not saying. Like, the fact that her brother was probably there with the Red Sages too and that perhaps she'd meet him once again in the mission they would have.

It was a really bad day for her that gave her a lot to think, not to mention the oncoming war... Most teenagers have to wonder which panties they will throw at their favorite teenage idol, not if they should risk becoming a traitor for the sake of their brother.

---

@j8cob@KenyeIsMyLife(mine too, but don't tell anyone)

---

Anzai with a real shitty roundy image, Red Sages, After the meeting

"Now, I wonder if our great lady really could not handle a freak like him." Anzai said after hearing Katsuko's comment. Even if he was almost whispering, Anzai could still hear him loud and clear thanks to his blindness, not to mention that he was fairly near too. "Perhaps it is only a matter of skill and avoid being intimidated by someone with a big title. They are usually rather talkative."

He was insulting Katsuko, of course, but it still didn't seem like it, with his monotonous voice.

After Tametomo finished her speech, Anzai brought his cane to the ground and stood up. After that, he swung it a pair of times in his right hand and then stopped it by taking it with his left hand.

"How entertaining. And here I thought Tametomo-sama did not like me much." Anzai said with a really faint smile in his face.

"Regardless, I should make for the mess hall." He said to himself and then made his way to the mess hall.

He needed food for tomorrow's mission. He was sure that being next to Tametomo would require a lot of energy. Anzai was an expert at killing people in one shot too, so maybe that was why she decided to keep the blind shinobi near her.

Regardless, food was first and foremost, and he was starving. He took twice the amount the others shinobis did and digged in.

If his new teammates wanted to come and meet the man they were going to work with, they were more than welcome to join him at his table. No one else wanted to sit there, apparently.

---

Slightly, @j8cob

He had gotten comfortable against his wall by the entrance when someone, who seemed to be the last to make it in the door had shown up. He sighed and made room for him as he looked back down at the group of ninja and kunoichi that had gathered for the speech and soon enough it began. The cat-like thing seem to know how to get most people to listen despite that it sounded like something one would see in a movie but he was right. There had been peace for awhile and now with the Red Sages it seemed to change. He would nod his head to certain things he agreed with and others just listen in. But for Cho it didn't really last long.

Chokurou listened in for a little bit to what the...thing, had to say until a certain point where he just gave up. "I swear I have never heard anyone say "fuck" as much as that thing and to top it off it's voice was like a cat was being strangled...no pun intended." He leaned forward as he placed his foot back on the ground and stretched a bit before turning to face him. "Akimichi Chokurou, it's a pleasure to meet you." He gave a light bow before leaning back up. He would give the man a chance to respond before his focuse would then move towards those that had begun to leave, his eyes flickering over those leaving the door nearest the two of them. He sighed and looked back over at the man. "Guess we got a lot of nothing to do now, huh?"

---

Sunagakure, Meeting Hall, Hamajo Confederate

---

Fuck, for a guy whose main fighting style involves slapping people, fucker can throw a punch. Tatsuya thought as he sat by himself at the table, doing his best not to hold his aching jaw. While it hurt like a bitch and Tatsuya was quite sure that one or two of his back teeth had become quite wiggly afterwards, he had been expecting to get a chakra enhanced palm strike to his gut, so he thought he'd gotten lucky all things considered. Of course, now he had a definite enemy in Higoho, so that was a long term problem he'd have to deal with and confront eventually. Stupid fucking clone with the stupid fucking name had to insult the crowned prince of douchebaggery, as well as his whole clan of very influential people. Fucking hell, I hope that this doesn't backlash on dad's business.

Tatsuya let out a hissing sigh, still cringing everytime he moved his mouth, ignoring some of the others in the room looking at the big fat bruise on his jaw that was slowing beginning to take form. Most probably though he got it in the fighting, and as long as nobody asked, he'd let them continue to think as such. The cat had also begun it's speech, and it was a rather rousing one, he had to admit. Short, crude, and straight to the point, it served it's purpose and the source of it's delivery was so odd in it's manner that it gave the entire monologuema weird charisma to it. Tatsuya himself might've gotten caught up in the throws of patriotism as well, except for one tiny detail. He had a friend amongst the Red Sages, and a dear one at that. He very much doubted he'd be half the shinobi he was today if not for her, and the day he discovered her true allegiance was one of the worst in his life.

He was stricken with fear at the thought of her being discovered, or worse yet, meeting her on the battlefield. He could never strike down a friend, and he'd like to think the same would apply to her, but if he didn't . . . what would happen to his family. Would they be suspected and interogated because of a plausible connection with the rebel forces through him. That and other such questions had plagued his mind for quite sometime, and yet, he foolishly thought that the day he'd have to face such a choice would never come. And while it still had yet to place itself before him, he could now feel the weight of it on his shoulders. They were at war now, and he was in a very compromising position. Actually, he'd always been in this position, it was just now that he was becoming aware of it.

Well . . . this day is fucking perfect . . . hell, when was the last time I even saw Naomi-san? I wonder if she was apart of today's attack as well, killing other Confederates, people who are supposed to be my allies . . . fucking hell, why do things have to be so damn complicated!?!? Can't anything be fucking simple in this piece of shit world?!?!

Needless to say, the speech left him feeling less then elated after the thing had finished it's speech, and was quick to do as it said and walk out the door. He wasn't paying any attention to where he was going or who was in his way, he just focused on moving one foot after the other, not wanting to let his thoughts linger on anything right now.

"Well . . . ain't this the cherry on a big ol' 'Fuck-my Life' sundae. I must've have really fucked people over in a past life. That, or Kami just loves to watch me suffer."Tatsuya let out a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair, the pain in his jaw only adding to the overall sourness of his mood.

[@Anyone who wants to take notice of Tatsuya's departure or general mood

---

Sunagakure, Meeting Hall, Hamajo Confederate

---

I hate to compliment that vulgar shit on anything, but I have to admit that they know how to keep things to the point. Now if only it coukd work on being a genuine Psychopathic bastard, and who knows, might even get some respect not based on people pissing their pants when they walk by. Akio thought as she took a small sip from her flask, enjoying the acrid sting of Sunagakure brandy as it made it's way down her throat. She continued to take this sip for another second or two, then regretfully let it part from her lips as she put the cap back on. Normally, she would avoid drinking at meetings as she was still techinically on the job, but today was a special occassion. Why? Because, as far as she was concerned, her fuck-up at not being able to stop that Silver haired bitch from killing the general of the 11th Corps had thrust them all into a full on war with the Red Sages. While she knew that this war would happen eventually, she'd never thought it be on her watch.

She looked around the room as Yakoul spoke, taking in all the young faces she saw before her. How many, she wondered, would actually survive the coming conflict. And how many pieces would they be in by the end of it. Because of her, they'd be exposed to true hell on earth, having to see friends, family, and comrades die in who knows how many brutal and painful ways. Given the nature of this war, some would even have to kill the ones they love because they lie on opposite dudes of the battle lines. War was coming, and who knows how many lives it would destroy once it arrived in full.

And with that sobering thought, here's a little more brandy. She thought with a sigh, pouring more of the mind-numbing nectar down her throat. As she looked around from her place in the corner of the room, partially hidden in shadow, she couldn't help but feel her eyes drift over to Aoi. A million words bubbled into her head, a thousand actions she wanted to perform, but instead of freeing her from inhibition, the dull burn of alcohol in her gut held her back.

What could she say to her former lover that wouldn't just come off as weak or pathetic. She'd pushed her away long ago, and she'd been able to move on with her life just fine without her. She had become a person of importance and influence, while Akio, on the other hand, had become a depressive expendable with a drinking problem and no real reason for living except her work. She was a failure in every since of the word, and Aoi's success only seemed up intensify the feeling.

Look at her. . . She's famous, beautiful, adored by thousands, and has risen to a position of high influence. She was always better on her own. . . I was just holding her back. If I go to her now it'd only be bringing up memories and feelings that have no chance of coming back. Just because I can't move on doesn't mean I should try and drag her back with me. It was at this moment that Akio caught herself staring at Aoi, and while her face was an impartial mask, that had never managed to fool the harlequin before. Whether Aoi had turned to look back or not, Akio would cooly look away, taking another swig from her flask before making her way for an exit. The world was shifting ever so slightly as the alcohol began to effect her head, but her gait was stable enough to give the illusion that she wasn't as buzzed as she really was. She had no idea where she was going, and honestly didn't care as it was away from here.

@Savato

---

Setsuko sat there for a minute or two leaving the badge on her head while wondering what had just happened. The words that Higoho had told her were the same words that were running through her head at the fact that she had been randomly chosen for a task that she may as well throw the towel in. "He's right." she'd murmured to herself. Even if she did have the Byakugan she wasn't the most talented when using it hence why she'd prefer using weapons first before even thinking about using the Byakugan. Not only that, but because she was weak in something she should be strongest in meant that being the "officer" in a situation like this could either go really good out of luck, or really bad. While that simple thought was crossing her mind Setsuko grabbed the badge that was still on her head, and put it in her pocket since there was no need for it at the moment. She would then grab her Shuriken off of the table, and stand up to begin making her way out of the meeting room. Before she was to make her way down the stairs though she had turned to push the chair in, and right after she did would look up to see Higoho standing close to where she was at. She would stand there, staring at him for a few seconds contemplating whether to say something to him or not, but decided not to so as not to create more fueled words. Right after those few seconds she'd glance at the person she had met earlier. Again, she would wonder if talking to him was a good idea, but in the end decided not to since he didn't look too happy.

As she walked down the stairs Setsuko would remember how Yakoul had stared at her after she had made the mistake of slamming her Shurken on the table. Of course she had hid under the table knowing that he...whatever it was was going to look at her, but chose the wrong time to peak out from under the desk. At first, the atmosphere he gave by a simple stare startled her, but thinking back on it now she wondered why he had such a strange yet powerful vibe to him...it...whatever it was. She'd have to find a way to check that out with her Byakugan, but for now she'd walk out of the meeting hall to chat with a few of the others since it was downtime.

As she walked out Setsuko noticed the male she had briefly seen on the battlefield leaning against the wall while watching other people. Kind of strange, but there must be a reason to that. right? With him was another male who she didn't know, but the more people she could chat with the better. right, right?

"Heyo," Setsuko waved to the two shinobi as she approached. "Mind if I join this wall adventure?"

---

Seijo walked straight into her personal room, beginning to lay out her pouches, kunai, explosive tags and other items. Mostly she had expended a few shuriken today while fighting that one jonin. Despite what they had said to eachother in attempts to hurt eachother, she had been impressed with the young jonin. If they hadn't been on opposing sides.. Well, now wasn't the time to think about that. Especially after she had just ordered that one mission.. Katsuko better succeed at it. She refilled her shurikens and put everything back in their pouches, before laying them on a table.

She raised her arm, scratched her head for a moment thinking on what to do. Would it be bad to eat with the rest? she thought to herself. She was the commander, surely she was supposed to be treated with respect, and was on a higher scale than the rest in regards to hierarchy. So, maybe not eat in the mess hall.. but I'm starving. Fine, eat in the mess hall. She grabbed the white cloak she wore almost all the times and put it on, fastening it with the purple sash, before heading out. She wanted to look presentable at least. For a small meeting like before that wasn't required as much, but now more people could see her, it'd be more important to be presentable.

She walked through the hallway, glancing at Arima, Naomi and Aro as she passed by them. They seemed to be heading to the messhall as well, but Seijo was walking a bit faster. Probably because, unlike Arima, she wasn't trying to put the moves on Naomi, unlocking full mental capacity to focus on other things, such as walking. A grin appeared on her face, not hidden and in full sight, however. She thought back of her first shinobi love. Not that this was Arima's first.. not by a long shot, she imagined. But the way he tried to put the moves on her made it sound like it was. Red dress.. how cute. She passed by quickly, heading into the mess hall and walking past the kitchen area. She grabbed some food, nothing special, just some rice and stew.

After going through the motions, she had to look for a spot. Luckily there was Anzai - a man she wasn't entirely familiar with. She just knew he was blind. An interesting person, but a strange shinobi. No, not just a strange shinobi, a strange man all together. Her footsteps approached rapidly, allowing Anzai to hear her characteristic approach, authoritarian and powerful, long before she entered his 'zone' where he could see. Once she'd reached him she'd simply sit down, putting her tray down and tapping on the table a few times. “I'm here.” she said, grinning at herself. She knew damn well he wasn't 100% blind, after all she'd tested him personally when he tried to join the Red Sages. She'd figured out quickly enough that he was useless if you stayed out of his zone - but nobody would know that on the Confederate side. “Do you need me to help you eat?” she said, trying her best to not laugh. Her voice couldn't hide that, deep inside, she was simply having a laugh with herself at the expense of the man. Once she was done having a good time, she started eating and didn't talk much anymore until she was finished.

“Look, we need to have a talk about the mission.” her voice finally rang again, as she finished eating her stew and rice. She shoved the tray slightly forwards and leaned on the table, exposing her bussom a bit. “While I don't particularly care if the other missions fail or succeed, ours has to succeed. I want that Gunbai. It'll be key to an upcoming mission. I need you to be on your best tomorrow, or else I'll find a way to extradite you and all others that fail me to the Confederation. Is that understood, Anzai?” Her demeanor changed entirely now, being much more serious. She didn't have much else to do - and if she went back, she'd have to do paperwork, so she decided to stick around for now and see what else would happen.

---

---

Higoho was standing around some more, noticing that Tetsuba was glaring at him slightly before the boy looked away again. Ksu.. bastard. Higoho hadn't even spoken to him but the guy already annoyed him. Any motivation he might've had to talk to the guy was gone in an instant, and Higoho couldn't help but bore his eyes into the back of Tetsuba's head. He stood like that for a moment, watching Tetsuba. Even if Tetsuba looked back at Higoho again, Higoho wouldn't look away. He'd like it very much if Tetsuba knew that Higoho had seen him glare, and was returning the favour. However after some time his attention waned, not finding any interest in the boy anymore. Nearby he spotted Kaori sitting, and she hadn't gotten on Higoho's nerves as much. Probably the only one that hadn't in all honesty.

Higoho decided to have a talk with her, or rather see what she'd have to say. On his way towards her, Setsuko had appeared. He looked her dead in the eye as he walked past, not forgetting nor forgiving her for what she'd said to him. Even if it wasn't that bad, she'd hurt his ego, and there was no way he'd forget that so quickly. As he walked past her, his shoulder brushed against hers, a testament that he wasn't going to move away for her. He should've pummeled her when she decided to speak out against him, but the only thing that had saved her from that was the fact that they were family. In Higoho's mind, anyway, it was likely she saw it otherwise.

He turned a corner and dove into the rows of tabels and chairs, walking past in front of Tetsuba and arriving near Kaori. He grabbed an empty seat next to her, and then sat down, kicking his feet onto the table in front of himself and Kaori leisurely. He seemed largely unbothered by the entire 'we're at war thing' as that probably meant that he got to prove himself - to Yakoul, to the Hyuga.. and it also meant that he could show everyone he was better than them - Setsuko, Zetsuba, Kaori.. all of them were worse than him he found. Now to show him. “Hey, Uchiha,” he'd say. He had never caught her first name after all and it was relatively clear she was an Uchiha, or else she'd stolen some eyes. Both were equally impressive, he figured. It was either being a part of the clan that spawned the great Madara Uchiha, destroyer of the world and super-bad guy, or stealing eyes from the clan that was renowned for being strong. Whichever of the two, they were equally bad. It's just that being a part of the Uchiha clan was less prestigious now, as they've fallen low ever since Madara and Obito tried the whole 'lets destroy the world' thing.

“How'd you like the speech? Must be nice, not having to fight. You were almost dead in that battle, do you know that? You got lucky I was there.” he said, sounding very sure of himself. Normally, anyone would've seen it as a bit of a joke, but with Higoho it was very, very clear he wasn't joking. Not at all. And who could blame him.. he was right. Kaori was very close to death in that battle with the red wearing guy. “Maybe you should come train with the Hyuga once. Maybe we can teach you not to fall for easy traps. And I'm sure I can find some people who are interested to test their skill against a Sharingan..”

---

---

Yamato had left his backpack behind in his room, and had actually.. dressed up for the occasion. He was wearing a grey sweater with a piece of black shinobi armor over it. Normally this wasn't worn, but since he was a recent arrival and an important figure when it came to the Hamajo military, he was expected to wear it atleast on this public occasion. On the armour piece, the logo of the Hamajo confederation was painted, indicating his allegiance to the confederation. Underneath it he had simple grey pants, tucked neatly into his combat boots.

Throughout the 'speech' if you could call it that, Yamato was sitting next to Aoi, his 'faithful companion' when it came to bussiness for the Confederation. Despite not officially being a team, they were usually seen together for work, which included a great many things. However unlike Aoi, Yamato wasn't taking notes, instead simply looking into the large hall and scanning the faces of those present. He didn't recognise many of them. Chokurou, whose uncle Yamato was familiar with, was in the back. In the crowd Yamato also noticed a familiar face. Perhaps too familiar. Aoi's ex lover, Akio Tendou.

While Aoi was professional - and perhaps caring enough - to not bring up Yamato's past, or his father and clan, too much.. Akio Tendou would likely not have that same restraint. Yamato was uninterested in the whole affair between Akio and Aoi, so he'd never pondered on it too long, but it was clear that Aoi definetely was in a better place than Akio at this point. Aoi was the shining star of the Hamajo Confederation, everyone knew her, young shinobi fell in love with her and she was on air almost around the clock in every large district in Amegakure and other cities. And then there was Akio. He couldn't help but find it funny. The girl he expected the least of, Aoi, had proven to be more than valuable. And Akio, who had always been more serious, better and, well, stronger than Aoi in the eyes of everyone else.. was a drunken, unprofessional tool.

Fate was a strange, strange experience.

He scanned around the hall some more, but didn't really find anything or anyone of great importance. As soon as Yakoul was done with her little tirade, Yamato got up for that reason. He turned to Aoi, letting her know that he'd be back soon. “I'll meet up with you later to discuss our goals. For now, I want to inspect the shinobi.” he said, before turning and walking down the center of the stage, not bothering to go around. He stepped down and walked down the main passage in the center, passing everyone by. Some people went out of the way for him, others stepped aside and bowed slightly - those who were unfamiliar with him would be sure to know that he was atleast of grave importance. While Aoi always got recognized, given her face was on the wall of every city, Yamato preferred to stay in the background. He was a military advisor of the Hamajo confederation, and visited almost every village in the Confederation every year to inspect their combat capabilities. Because of that, he was well known amongst the shinobi, atleast the higher ranks.

As he walked past the people in the passage in the center, he looked left and right inspecting some of the shinobi. Most seemed capable. Not above the average, that's for sure. But capable to kill atleast one Red Sage before they kicked the bin. That's all they had to do - kill 1 Red Sage, then die. If they could all do that, the war was won already. Ever Red Sage dead above that initial one, that was just a bonus.

Then, he passed by Akio, walking swiftly as he always did. His eyes shifted towards her, looking her into the eyes to see if she responded in the same way. He didn't greet her, or say anything, he simply walked past. He had no intent to talk to her right now, and Akio likely didn't feel like conversing either.

Finally he reached his destination - the back of the hall, where he'd spotted several shinobi standing together. He approached them, Chokurou, Setsuko and Masato. “Chokurou.” he said, nodding his head at the man. The only reason he knew him was because his uncle was familiar with Yamato, and Konohagakure was not big enough for shinobi not to know eachother. Yamato quickly glanced at the rest of the people in the small conversation circle, inspecting their uniforms and such. “You.” he said, looking at Setsuko with a deadly glare. His eyes locked with hers if she'd allow it, and he got a dirty feeling looking into her eyes. It was clear that she was Hyuga - the colour of her eyes betrayed it.

Those with kekkei genkai are cursed, he thought to himself as he looked at her ears, specifically her earrings. “It's bad enough that you're cursed.” he then told her, not indicating what he meant with that. He wasn't about to explain in this busy hall, either. “But you're violating uniform regulations. Take off those earrings.” he said, locking eyes with her again. Filthy kekkei genkai. They ought to be exterminated so the world may know peace. His eyes shifted over the group now, looking at the three individuals. “I hope you know you're doing the Confederation a great service...” Even that cursed girl.. “... and the president is proud of you all.” Yes. The president..

“We're happy to see you survived this treacherous attack. The Red Sages will be terminated. I can assure you that. Peace will return to the Hamajo Confederation.” he then added, before nodding in the general direction of those in the group. “That's all. Return to your duties at once.” he said authoritatively, with a voice both ringing with strength as well as a hint of a threat.

Yamato turned around again and proceeded to take the time to inspect the shinobi that didn't leave the hall already. After some time, he too would dissapear as he headed towards the Sunagakure political center, where he'd been given accommodation in the form of a luxurious room with a nice view over the city - desert, spread far and wide, laid beyond that. There were better places to spend your day.

---

Nori was attentive for the meeting, albeit quiet, although he couldn't help but raise an amused eyebrow at Mikoto upon his declaration of giving the Uchiha girl a "beautiful death," as he so eloquently put it. Arrogant and confident, just as he had fought in the field. It reminded him a little bit of his younger training, back before Kirigakure was leveled by the war. Yes, time had soothed the bloodlust instilled in their shinobi, but they certainly didn't try to make them as gentle as Konohagakure's. He subconsciously ran a tongue over his teeth; pointed. Somewhere among his ancestors there was one of the old Seven Swordsmen, and it garnered a good amount of attention from his teachers. Son of a talented hunter-nin and that made you a popular guy among jounin. Considering how adequately he had fought in the Hiding in Mist, perhaps the redhead was from the area as well.

Not that it made much difference. His thoughts were properly realigned as soon as Seijo slapped down the clipboards and laid down the law. She went to what seemed like the most important mission first. Going straight into enemy territory to steal Madara Uchiha's Gunbai and Sasuke Uchiha's chokuto. Well that certainly sounded like a rough time, and he wasn't surprised that it was her own mission. No doubt she'd be bringing her highest class shinobi along to--

“Yudai, Nori and god forbid Anzai. You're all with me."

There was a part of Nori that wanted her to hurry and finish so he could interject. After his subpar performance on the last mission, which consisted of keeping an eye on the back lines, helping a handful of Red Sages, and nearly getting put out by some Hyuga runt trying to save Mikoto. All he had to show for it was some information she didn't really care about, and a flamboyant braggart. But...

He slipped up his scarf a bit and let himself smile a little wider than usual behind the cloth, and the slight ache in his side seemed to go away of its own accord. Two legendary weapons for the Red Sages, right out from under the Confederate's noses? How could I pass up something this exhilarating? Nori thought to himself, a little more excited than he expected of himself.

---

He didn't dawdle after the meeting, heading straight back to his room to prepare. A fresh mail, leggings, sandals. He usually didn't bring along shuriken and kunai, but he went ahead procured a few and set a pouch aside. He considered sitting down right then and getting to work on fixing up another spare naginata for tomorrow, but he felt an ache in his stomach that finally wasn't from getting smacked. They had been out on an intensive mission for a good portion of the evening, and his appetite had caught up with him. He was still dressed as he had been for the meeting, so he didn't need to dawdle and clean up as he went to the mess hall and grabbed himself a basic meal, idly noticing Seijo talking to another shinobi. Anzai, was it? He hadn't memorized everyone's names yet, sans Mikoto, Yudai, and Katsuko (hard to not recognize him).

Well, might as well try to make himself look a little more competent to Seijo, and meet Anzai properly. He went ahead and made his way over to join the two of them, missing her speech, although she seemed rather stern about whatever she had said. "If I'm not interrupting, may I join the two of you? We may as well have a meal together before we fight together."

---

The first to talk was the comedian of the group, Tanji, who from the start fiddled with the concept of Yakoul's gender. Something the feline would be quite used to by then, but the silliness of the intelligence agent's way of engaging with his superior prompted Yakoul to roll its eyes.

"Just ... Call me Boss."

Brushing its face in annoyance before yawning in the rudest way possible, it kept staring awkwardly at Tanji who seemed to have finished his little story when in the 11th Corps. The general grinned at a small piece of information the man gave it, the part about interrogation, just the man for the job they were going to undertake the following day, all three of them. Swiftly, the cat person got on its feet, off the sofa and went along to grab itself some coffee.

"So you liked it there huh? I didn't. Piece of shit white room, absent of any fucking thing to do other than wait for some incompetent idiot to find intel we likely know about. But but but, I gotta admit, your interrogation skills are giving me a raging boner."

It grabbed the transparent coffee kettle and instead of pouring it on a nearby mug like any normal person, it chugged directly from the container only to drop it while screaming hysterically. It coughed for a few seconds, coffee now covered the floor it was stepping on.

"Ahhhh fuck fuck fuckeddy fuck! Why is this shit so HOT oh my GOD!"

Pissed off, it smacked the table's foot lightly before marching in circles as it rubbed the back of its head, evidently making a fool out of itself. It didn't help that Kanata added into the problem by downright mocking her superior by getting a little to comfortable with its hospitality. With the nickname 'Neko-sama', it was over. It slowly walked over to her, as it would always do, its tail swaying from left to right as would a provoked cat. It kept silent, quickly adding a whole lot more tension to the room.

"Keeping my mouth shut? The Cat?"

Before even giving a chance for Kanata to even attempt to apologize, the swaying tail used its limber and light form to swiftly deliver a brutal slap across her cheek. Kanata would feel as though she had received one of the most violent slaps of her life, the strength comparable to a large man's with massive hands. Yakoul had its arms crossed and frowned somewhat after delivering the strike at the young girl. It didn't feel bad for her, it was just annoyed that its good mood was cut short by all of the bullshit that had just happened.

"I do respect those two footballs you have as balls, but a minimal of motherfucking respect is in fucking order little cunt. I'm the boss. Not fucking NEKO-SAMA."

Sighing after establishing this, it would regain it normal expression and crack its jaw before resuming what it initially started.

"I forgive you this time. Anyway, I ain't gonna hide it, us three are going to visit a very suspicious someone. I'll need your skills and your balls to handle this fuckery. So hopefully by tomorrow ... You two won't be as tense. I mean, I do think a master - subordinate relationship should be held highly. We can tell each other anything, right? Am I motherfucking right?!"

It gave an ominous look at both of them. It evidently smelled their anxiety, because it was a weird animal thing but also because it was a pretty skilled shinobi as well. It would sit itself back on the couch and enter a more relaxed posture, arms both extended on the back of the sofa.

"So, got any questions for ol' fucking me? About the mission or my retarded self?"

---

"C'mon dude, no need to be all stiff." As she dismissively waved her hand, "Go get a drink, sit down and then drop yourself in one of this fucking sweet sofas. And then just call this thing... thing," turning to the commander. "Because I dunno what I should fuckin' call it either. Aside from the obvious 'Yakoul' shit, but that sounds too intimidating... hm... how about 'Neko-sama'?"

Tanji didn't really know how to process his lackadaisical comrade making herself at home in the room. At best it reassured him that his new comrade would be confident, which usually translate into competency in the field. However, her lack of professionalism and respect irked him a bit, but he felt that it would be no use burning bridges now, and he just remained as he was. A great shaking (and moderately sweaty) statue of the room.

He felt like he was chewing on glass nervous as he awaited a response from his commander. He swore his back couldn't be anymore straight than it was now, trying his best to not seem like a total fool and jagoff. He noticed his commander's annoyed expression, and cursed at himself for his failure to remain composed.

"Just, call me Boss." It started.

"Uh, right, sorry Boss, will do Boss. Thanks for hav-" He stuttered through, obviously not learning from his previous foul-up, before the commander started up again,

"So you liked it there huh? I didn't. Piece of shit white room, absent of any fucking thing to do other than wait for some incompetent idiot to find intel we likely know about. But but but, I gotta admit, your interrogation skills are giving me a raging boner," speaking about his current post with the 11th Intelligence Corps. He nervously laughed on what he assumed, no, hoped to god, was a crude penile joke.


"Ah, yes of course Boss. I hope I will be prove to be useful, Boss," Tanji giving a full salute but was ignored as the Boss, sauntered towards a kettle of coffee and took a direct swig, but only caused It to cry foul at the temperature. Tanji would have laughed at it's "Cat's Tongue" and sensitivity to heat, but thought it better to just remain stone faced and ass clenched. His eyes stayed over the new mess for a good while as he always believed Military Buildings need to remain spic and span, but resigned to just let a janitor handle it afterwards.

Boss now in a much fouler mood, the Boss set its attention to the other Chunin in the room. Unexpectedly, as its casual demeanor would have Tanji believe It to be a lax commander, it struck the girl for her behavior. Admittedly, Tanji believed some sort of reprimand was required, but none as sudden and strong with so little effort. The girl would surely feel it the following morning, a fact made Tanji a little bit sorry for his new comrade, despite initial offence. This only proved that the fear and respect for the monster that Tanji felt was rightly placed. Tanji still tense, Boss spoke again.

"I forgive you this time. Anyway, I ain't gonna hide it, us three are going to visit a very suspicious someone. I'll need your skills and your balls to handle this fuckery. So hopefully by tomorrow ... You two won't be as tense. I mean, I do think a master - subordinate relationship should be held highly. We can tell each other anything, right? Am I motherfucking right?!"

Tanji sighed, at least content with the Boss' willingness to form a cohesive squad, it was a step in the right direction. He was still anxious, but now more confident with the Commander's encouragement.


"So, got any questions for ol' fucking me? About the mission or my retarded self?"

Tanji hesitated at first, but remembered Its words of "encouragement" and came forward with definite purpose, "Boss! It will be an honor serving with you. Firstly, I believe it best that as a squad we know about each others' strengths. I already told you in brief about mine, but I couldn't quite get yours," He looked between his commander and comrade. "Secondly, you mentioned our mission concerning intelligence gathering, and I assume it would be directed against the traitors, but where exactly will we be operating and what sort of information will we need to gather? Counter-espionage? Military plans and tactics? Or maybe," Tanji's eyes lit up in expectation, "a census on citizen loyalty."

The red-haired jounin kept his eyes closed as the meeting progressed. Anzai's words bothered him but he didn't let on. Not the subtle insult towards him, which he didn't even pick up on, but suggesting that Seijo could beat Yakoul. We don't need her dying on us, he thought to himself, but otherwise just continued listening to the meeting. It wasn't until there was a loud clap of a clipboard landing in front of him.

“Katsuko! Congratulations. You have two missions. Don't ask me how or why - just get it done. Mikoto is with you. Try not to get him killed. You have a dangerous mission in one of these two, perfect for you.”

Now he finally opened his eyes, moving one of his hands forward to pick up the two mission briefings and bring them up to his face. This allowed him to better see it as well as keep anyone else from looking over his shoulder at the details. "Hmmm..." After a brief moment of scanning the papers he lowered the clipboard away from his face. "Alright. I get it. Give me the easy missions." Katsuko smirked with that, giving the Lady Commander a cocky wink. He knew full well that she didn't give him easy missions, but he wasn't about to let that put a hamper on his confidence.

He then stood up from his chair, keeping a good grip on the clipboard as he exited the meeting room. The others might've seen it as disrespectful to leave before Seijo adjourned the conference but he had all the information she was going to give him, and he gave her all the information he was going to give her. There was no point hanging around longer. But on his way to the mess hall another person with red hair decided to catch up to Katsuko. It was Mikoto, whom he was going to be working with later. In fact it would be only the two of them in the team, to perform two missions by themselves. A daunting task to some but not to Katsuko. "Yeah, I suppose we ought to get to know each other," Katsuko agreed, though he didn't seem nearly as invested or enthusiastic about it as Mikoto was.

He first grabbed a tray of mostly meat and some bread. Protein and carbohydrates, as Katsuko looked at it. Not the most balanced meal but it served the purpose he needed. Only after sitting down and beginning to eat did he strike up conversation with Mikoto again. "You've probably heard of me at some point. Name's Katsuko Moto, but you can just call me Kat. I don't really care what people call me, to be honest." After taking another bite of the pork he procured, he continued. "I come from Konoha, the last Hidden Village to fall to the Confederation. Hated them from the start. My father was a Red Sage from the very beginning, but I didn't join until after they killed him. I've worked for Tarara and Seijo ever since." Now would be a good time to begin boasting, but the rebel captain seemed more interested in eating. His battle earlier wasn't particularly intensive and he didn't do all that much, but in his line of work he always expends a lot of physical energy and thus needs to eat regularly and with a certain diet. "So what's your story... Mikoto, yeah?"

---

The meeting progressed pretty much how Mirai expected it would. Yakoul would swear and say horrible, vulgar things over and over again while barely getting to the point. It was difficult to decipher what he was saying because Mirai didn't like his harshness, but in short it was more of a rally than giving out any defined objectives. Basically they were going to war with the Red Sages. The idea of going to war didn't bother Mirai as much as the badge that was thrown at her by the cat-like warmonger. "Wha-?" She caught the plastic badge in her real hand, bringing it up to her face to inspect it. It was plastic and unimpressive, but it meant that he was putting her (along with someone else) in charge of the patrols. She was holding a physical form of responsibility.

I've never been in charge of others before. Did he really just throw these out randomly or does he know something that I don't? The blue-haired teenager fixed the badge to her chest before returning her attention to the meeting. As it concluded the boss decided to drag Kanata away for something secretive. Personally, Mirai didn't want to be anywhere alone with Yakoul because of how creepy, vulgar, and violent he is. But Kanata had no choice in the matter and departed, saying that she would call her if she needed help dealing with Yakoul's weirdness. "Huh, I don't remember giving her my number..." Mirai thought aloud, standing up from her seat almost in sync with Aneko. "I don't recall you giving her your number either," Aneko confirmed. "Oh well. Father could get me her phone number easy enough. Kanata Amatsu-... Amatsu-... Her family name is really long. I just have to remember that part I guess." The two exited the meeting room, all the while Mirai adjusted the badge she pinned to her shirt earlier. It was crooked and that bothered her slightly. After a moment of trying to line it up to make it parallel to the ground, Aneko stopped the girl and did it herself perfectly in one try. "Thanks, Aneko. We should get lunch. I don't know if any businesses are open right now though, after the attack earlier and all..."

As they left the meeting Mirai noticed a teenage boy ahead of them talking to himself. He seemed down about something, but Mirai wasn't exactly good at comforting people nor did she really want to put herself out there to try and make friends. But since he was walking a bit slow she and Aneko would have to pass him. Which was a bit awkward for Mirai, though she was fairly certain that Aneko didn't care much about brooding teenagers in the way. The two girls separated and walked past Tatsuya, one on each side, before walking together again once they were in front of him. "Surely there's some place open. The owners have to make money somehow. It's been over an hour so we can find a place to eat. Will you be using your father's card or do you have money on you?" "I think I should use my father's card, just so he can see that I'm doing okay and know where I am. Don't feel like calling him and telling him what happened just yet. He'll find out about the war tomorrow, probably." "Understood."

(since it'll be pretty damn confusing for two people to use the same color to speak, Mikoto's color will be orange for his interactions with Katsuko.)

---

"Of course I've heard of you, Kat." He was being unrespectful from the get-go. It seemed to run in the family.

Mikoto got a tray with meat, veggies, a small piece of bread and instead of water or something like so, he picked up some milk. Everything part of his extremely picky (and gay) diet menu.

He sat down right in front of Katsuko and started eating himself.

Of course, his responses did not come until all of his food was safely passing down his throat and forward to his stomach. He found it in extremely bad taste for someone to talk with their mouth full, an habit he even managed to push on Kanata.

"I see that your own reason to join the Red Sages is quite deeper that my own. It has a tint of... romance, if I might say so. My own is not quite so novel. Let's start from the beginning, then." Mikoto then brought his fist near to his mouth and cleared his throat. "My name, as you may or may not have heard, is Mikoto Amatsurahashi. Hard to pronounce, I know. I am a straight male and I hail from Kirigakure. I became a shinobi out of the feeling of adventure and mystery it brought to my soul, but..."

He frowns as he continues his story.

"But it didn't quite feel real. Winning money just because you are a shinobi just didn't feel right, not to mention that I could not find the adventure and mystery my soul longed for so. So, I decided to become a part of the Red Sages and take back true freedom for ourselves." Mikoto said, seemingly having ended his grandiose introduction.

Even if his wasn't as interesting as Katsuko's, joining because of the death of his father, he certainly did make it seem more dramatic with all the extra words he added.

After that, Mikoto brought his cup forward to his mouth to take a sip out of the milk and whispered, "I also have the war I wanted for so long."

He did not want Katsuko to start questioning him if he had heard what he whispered.

"So, how should we coordinate ourselves should trouble arise tomorrow? I am used to fighting in pairs, but I've never fought with another, full offensive kind of guy like myself."

---

@j8cob

---

---

Kanata laughed at Yakoul after the coffee thing. 'Fuckeddy', she'd have to add that to her repertory.

Before long, though, Yakoul decided that it was no longer funny and approached Kanata silently. She hurried out of the sofa. Was it going to scold her? Or hit her? Or-?!

Yep, hit her was the right one. With its tail, the thing had just slapped her. The slap was so strong that it made Kanata turn the other way.

She brought a single hand to her cheek and turned to Yakoul again, "W-What the hell was that-!?" She was about to berate it for what it had just done, but something it said made her change her mind.

When he called her a little cunt, Kanata knew that the cat was no longer fucking around. Seemingly, the coffee thing had made it upset. Kanata did not want to fuck (in the figurative sense) with Yakoul when he was upset.

She bit her tongue and held her venomous words back. Right now, it could only work against her. She knew that one day she'd make for a pretty corpse, but just not today and at the hands of her superior. Too ridiculous.

"I understand, B-B..." The word just burnt her tongue. She couldn't see the thing as someone worthy of respect. "B-Boss." After stuttering a lot, Kanata finally got the damn thing out. She hoped Yakoul had a recorder at hand, since it'd never hear her say that again.

Yeah, might as well just call it Yakoul. He also noticed that she was tense, so maybe some respect really was in order.

After that, Tanji suggested something good to dispel the suddenly tense atmosphere they found themselves in.

"Well, I am good at ninjutsu and genjutsu, but I've never really been of the offensive kind... at least not in battle. I consider myself to be good support, though." Kanata started explaining her own strengths in combat, while still caressing the cheek she was hit in. Yeah, it'd leave a mark, most probably.

Now, Kanata's eyes turned a bit sad, but more than anything, angry. "I used to help my idiot brother in battle a lot too, so I guess you can say I've some experience at this. What about you, Yakoul, err, sama." If she just replaced Yakoul with 'cat' in her head, she would have no problem calling the cat with the proper honorific of 'sama'.

"But, well, you are unusually perky about this, Tanji-kun. Does looking for rebels entertain you that much?" She would turn to Tanji after Yakoul was done speaking.

---

@KenyeIsMyLife@Savato

---

Anzai with a real shitty roundy image, Red Sages, After the meeting

---

A frown appeared in Anzai's face after Tametomo's comment.

She had heard the woman coming from even before she entered his visible range. Her step had a clear confident and authoritarian tune to it.

Though he had her pegged for a woman with a low sense of responsibility, he really did not think she would make senseless jokes like the one she just did.

"I can eat just fine, thank you." Though clearly annoyed, Anzai did not make any more comments regarding the stupid joke she had just met. He had gone against the woman once, when she was testing whether he was worthy of joining or not. It was an experience Anzai was not eager to repeat, at least not until he was stronger.

He also noticed that Tametomo was leaning forward and exposing some of her busom. He felt inclined to say that he just wasn't interested in things like that, but rather kept his mouth shut.

"If you can leave your bad sense of humor here, milady, you will find yourself no better shinobi to aid you for this mission. I can say that Katsuko-sama is indeed a talented ninja, maybe even in par with myself, but nobody has the vision I do. No matter who I go against, you can be sure that tomorrow's mission will definitely be a success."

He spoke with clear confidence in his voice, before turning to the side where Nori was coming from and addressing him.

"Not to mention that the others too seem rather capable. I look forward to seeing what they are really capable of. Do not worry, you are not interrupting." He said just after the man spoke. "Indeed, I believe eating together would be a fine experience to share with those I will fight with tomorrow. Take a seat, and if I may ask, which one are you? Are you Nori-sama or Yudai-sama?"

Anzai said with a faint smile in his face, not ever opening his eyes. He wondered if Nori could figure out he was blind, before making an stupid remark and Anzai having to correct him.

---

@Partisan@Hatman1801

---

Chieko feel back as Arima and herself neared the compound. As soon as she entered through the tunnel's door she was told by the secretary there was a new mission waiting. Chieko frowned at the woman, turned on her heel and left.

Where she went, she didn't quite know, she just kind of choose a direction.

When she felt she was far enough away she let out a large cry and punched the nearest tree. It exploded in a flash of chakra aided rage. As the ash fell around her she stood, head hanging, panting. She closed her green eyes tightly and pressed her palms into them. If anyone asked, she'd deny to her dying day that she might be crying.

How long the teen spent out there, she wasn't sure. Thoughts of her family swirled through her head. She wasn't doubting if what she had done was right. She was far past that stage. But she had failed to realize she might come in direct conflict with her sister. Or her sister might come into direct conflict with a strong Red Sage. And she might die.

Chieko's breathing went ragged.

Instead of sorting through her feelings like a normal human being she began training. Breathing in and out and feeling her chakra flow through her. She took most of her anger out on the trees, creating a small artificial clearing covered in ash.

It felt like ages before Chieko felt level headed enough to return to base. She patted herself down as she walked, trying to erase all evidence of her little temper tantrum.

---

Umary lifted her hand from another shinobi and ignored the slight shaking. The hospital was not at the harvest festival, but was the nearest one they could start bringing the wounded to. At least the wounded they couldn't treat on site. She had stripped out of her armor and changed into a medic's white robes. The sleeves were rolled all the way up leaving her arms bare.

The young woman grabbed more bandages and moved onto the next patient. Earlier in the evening one of the shinobi she had treated had been interrogated. She had treated him only for him to be taken away again. When they brought him back for a second time she had threatened everyone's life, taken the Red Sage and sequestered him away in a bed with dire threats.

Umary cast a glance over at him as he was treated by another medic. He still hadn't regained consciousness. Umary turned to her next patient and wet down her old bandages and began to peel them off. The burns she had received were extensive.

Once the wound was completely exposed Umary held her hands over it and breathed through the expenditure of chakra. If her hands shook just a little more, everyone was too busy to notice. Umary re-wrapped the patient in clean bandages and for the n^th time wished the day was over, or never happened. Either would be fine by her.

---

Noriko could feel her eyes glazing over as the General stood up front and ranted. And ranted. Her mother had always mentioned how odd it was. But she had added that it was a good fighter and a good general. Which warranted Noriko's half attention. Only half, because the rant was nonsensical. Really there was nothing to it.

When it ended, Noriko slowly stood from where she crouched and stretched. She didn't bother looking at anyone or caring about any of them. She rather wanted to find Umary an see how she was. But she was liable to be punched in the face if she continued to hover. Her younger sister might be less able, but she could get worked up if the occasion called for it.

Instead she decided she it was time to find Tatsuya and return him his payment. She laid her hand briefly on her short short before letting it go and looking around for the red-haired kid. There was quite a few with red hair which made it more annoying, but Noriko was nothing if not diligent.

In fact, right after she mentally bemoaned the fact she might not find him, she found someone who did fit the profile. Tall, red head, check. She had only noticed when he was passed by two girls who accented his tall-ness.

Noriko smiled to herself and lazily set off in pursuit. She was in no hurry. Unless her squad got after her later, but she still had time to herself. And she'd make every second count. Not excluding stalking this guy.