[center][b]Chigetsu Hōzuki[/b][/center]

[i]"I'm going to be late."[/i]

This was the thought that was ever present in Kirigakure's Mizukage as he moved frantically throughout his office. The Village Hidden in the Mist had come so far since his former comrades had sacrificed their lives to stabilize what was once the world's never ending power vacuum, now he was going to be late to the very first Kage Summit. Why'd he have to go and misplace the damn hat again? Everything was in order. He had the blue and white robes that represented his country, he'd even worn that silly pearl necklace Hotaka's "wife" had made him bearing the symbol of Kirigakure on it's foremost jewel. Samehada was delicately wrapped and placed right beside the office's entrance. Everything but that goddamned hat. [b]"Where is that damned piece of ceremonial crap?"[/b] Chigetsu looked around his desk for almost the thousandth time before sighing louder than he would've liked. 

[b]"HOTAKA! Have you seen my hat anywhere?"[/b] Chigetsu called out in no particular direction while he collapsed into the large wooden chair behind his equally gargantuan desk which was oddly sparse of paperwork. 

Hotaka had actually been on his way to speak with Chigetsu when he heard his nme being called. No sooner had he stepped into the Mizukage's office, than he responded to the question [B]"You left it in my office, down the hall. I'll bring it to you in a moment. Right now there are more pressing matters that require your notice."[/B] Hotaka slapped a small stack of papers on Chigetsu's desk and rubbed his forehead. [B]"These are the info papers on those you chose to take to the upcoming International Chunin Exams. And instead of preparing, they are off on Swordfish Island, training like idiots. I was going to send someone, but figured a matter of such import might warrant a more... personal touch."[/B] 

[b]"Damn that Makoto."[/b] Chigetsu dragged his hand down his face to cover his eyes and mouth. He'd told the Kirisame to prepare for the Chunin Exams almost a week ago, only hours after Chigetsu himself had gotten the Uzukage's message. He couldn't help but think that Makoto held some resentment and possibly ill-will towards Chigetsu, afterall, the Kirisame, and even the Moruma had been some of the Swordsmen's harshest adversaries in the Unification. Slowly getting up form his seat, Chigetsu maneuvered towards the office door, taking his sword in his right hand and resting it's wrapped "blade" if one could call it that, on his shoulder. [b]"I guess I'll have to make a stop before I get going to Uzushio."[/b]

Hotaka nodded in response to Chigetsu's comment, and responded in turn with: [B]"If anyone asks, blame the fact you're late on an incompetent Jounin-Sensei."[/B] A chuckle escaped the middle-aged man as he turned and walked down the hall. [B]"Don't forget your hat, sir."[/B] chimed Hotaka as he stepped back in and handed the Hozuki his silly head-covering. [B]"Should I stay here while you're gone, or head to the Exams as well?"[/B] a slight pause, accompanied by a very serious expression. [B]"After all, we don't know who might use these exams to further their own goals. I advise caution."[/B]

[b]"That's up to you, my friend. My former sensei will be one of those I'm meeting with, and I doubt the Old Man or any of the other Kage are foolish enough to think they could take Five equally strong shinobi at once."[/b] Chigetsu allowed himself to chuckle a bit while he adjusted the Mizukage's headpiece atop himself. [b]"Regardless, I better be off. We wouldn't want Makoto to kill our Genin before they even get to the Exams."[/b]

[B]"Regardless, it is always a possibility. But I will consider your advice as well. Perhaps I will remain, perhaps I will see you at the meet. In any case, do have fun informing the children of their mistakes. Don't be TOO hard on them."[/B] Hotaka chuckled again and returned to his office. After all, he had mission reports to read, new missions to assign, and injury reports to browse through. Being the Kage's aid wasn't what many would call rewarding work... but Hotaka had come to enjoy it.

[center][i]Some time later[/i][/center]

The air was even damper and heavier than that on the main island which held the village itself. Heck, even the mist was thicker and more blinding than that you'd find within the Village which was named after it. If Chigetsu knew anything about Makoto, he'd no doubt have traps laid out throughout the island. Lucky for him the place was uninhabited, otherwise that would've no doubt caused a ruckus with the population. Whistling a tune to himself as he ascended from the small beach he had solidified himself onto, Chigetsu dropped his sword into the damp grass of the island before cutting off the song and closing his eyes, although it didn't make much of a difference considering the mist, he'd need as much focus as possible to hone in on even the slightest abnormality. 

Even wildlife had all but abandoned Swordfish Island, so no chirps or howls would interfer with his ritual. He stood in place for nearly a full minute before he heard it. Several dozen kunai hitting the ground at an irregular pace a fair distance away. Almost instantaneously, Chigetsu's eyes darted open and he tightened his grip on Samehada's handle before bringing it to rest on his shoulder. Making a one handed variant of the tiger seal, the Hozuki's body seemingly faded from existence as its molecules were converted into the very same mist that covered the island. Little did one of Kirigakure's few Genin Squads know, they were about to have a rather unexpected visitor.

A rather unusual, liquid-esque sound rang through the silent island as Makoto's blood sword made contact with Chigetsu's own blade, it's wielder appearing almost out of nowhere after the blade had been stopped, those with keen visual skills would've most likely seen the sword solidify before the user, but that was mere happenstance. 

Chigetsu gave those in front of him time to react to the situation before covering his face with an ominously cheerful smile. Motioning his head towards Makoto with closed eyes, The Mizukage's voice was a little too jubilant for the situation, signifying that someone had done SOMETHING wrong.

[b]"Makoto...do you have [i]any[/i] idea where you're supposed to be right now?"[/b]