Kaito Chosokabe
Kaito stood at attention by the side of his mistress. His signature smirk was his mask this day, and occassional giggle let out. Today was going to be interesting. Today, today he was a shadow blade, much better than an open fight. He still was rather bitter about the whole ordeal, but the Amekage had still praised him. And he was a bit preoccupied about that weird man he'd met. Something about an business venture during the middle of an invasion? Definitely out the ordinary.
In truth, following the chaos, it had taken Kaito quite a while to return. He was surprised he was immediately put on guard duty with Sayuri, but also glad. He'd simply turned in a mission report and continued as normal. In return everyone around him continued like normal.
At least he had a Byakugan user WITH him this time. He had all things he had to learn from her. Mostly how to kill an arrogant prick. Also probably a silence jutsu so he wouldn't have to hear him at least. Oh well. It was insignificant. Today he'd prove his worth anyways. Kaito halfway wished negotiations would fail. Not that he would influence in the least. He was loyal, and today, he was the dagger kept in his leader's sleeve.
"Sayuri, what do you see? Hehehe. This guy, is he anyone from the reports?"
Ai Kabe
The last few weeks had been more than weird for Ai. She'd been living for the sake of living. She hadn't actually gone to the Jonin exams to become a Jonin. She'd done it to pass the time. Hell, she'd even quit when she'd gotten bored, but was still apparently skilled enough to have been named. It brought up all sorts of questions Ai had never asked. Was she that good? Kazue had always just been a spare to an heir. Ai had always been someone who lived day to day. Why did anyone think of her as strong?
Even more disturbing to Ai had been the Tsuchikage's appointment of her to his assistant. Of the whole village, her? She wasn't sure if she owed him yet ANOTHER favor, or if this had been a chance to repay them. Still, she worked uncharacteristically hard, if only out of confusion. She hadn't even talked with her sister following it. Ai had made it... Ayame hadn't? Ayame was the heir, she was strong, Ai knew she was strong. How hadn't she? Ayame was someone important to other people. Ai was just a ghost.
The Akatsuki attacking was honestly the only thing in recent history that had made sense. She moved the crowd into the tunnels, listening to Koma's orders over the radio.
"Roger. I'll continue the moving of civilians. Kyoka, you good on your end?"