Tea with the Kazekage

If you had a meeting with the most powerful person in the village, what would you wear? Sumi decided to wear a more formal outfit since meeting the kazekage, but the occasional jingle from weapons in his pockets made him miss his Jounin battle gear. Now wearing a husky brown robe which reached all the way to the ground and a white scarf around his neck, it took awhile for him to get used to. With his short brown hair wrapped in a small pony tail and wearing sandals, Sumi thought he was a entirely different person. Bearing the secret of his mother picking out his current outfit, Sumi found it more than a luxury to carry it to his grave. Today was a big day for Sumi, he was having tea with the Kazekage, which still brings a serge of excitement in his body. Although excited, Sumi was extremely nervous and tried to bring positive thoughts to his mind.

As Sumi walked up the stairs incessantly the ponderous brown robe seemed to get in his foots way as he stepped. Holding the front side of his robe to his ribs he found it simplifying to walk that way. Appearing as if he was wearing a wedding dress he tried fractiously to hide the sense of embarrassment he had. With his head up high his upper torso remained motionless as he continued to walk up the steps. His white scarf which looked like a compressed cloud flowed two feet behind him, and because of that Sumi occasionally loosened the scarfs bondage around his neck. On his right hip Sumi wore a big rectangular pouch which carried a present for Lord Kazekage, and in every fifteen seconds his right hand would slightly tap the box to assure that it was still there. Even though no one really was really on the staircase with him Sumi had the feeling he was being watched, which he was. Being a skilled Jounin, Sumi immediately heard the sound shifts in the ceiling, refusing to look up he knew that anbu were spying on him. Taking that as a form of mockery of his abilities Sumi continued up the stairs like he didn't notice anything, with a smirk on his face.

Finally reaching the last landing Sumi sighed with relief as he finally let go of his robe. As he walked graciously down the hall he patted his head with the palm of his hands, to assure that his hair was flat. With a prodigious smile on his face his soft brown eyes scintillated as the sun shined threw the carved out windows of sand. "I hope everything goes well" Sumi thought as he was now twenty feet from the Kazekages door. Walking a little closer two anbu materialized from the walls and appeared right in front of him. Semi shocked by this action Sumi stepped backwords with his right foot and made a fist. Keeping his hands by his sides, Sumi appeared motionless in the anbu's presence.

"Excuse me Sir, please clarify your name" the one on the left said as he stood up straight. Shifting his eyes from the wall to the anbu who was wearing a tiger mask, Sumi remained calm as put both his feet together. "My name is Sumi Dideroma and I'm having tea with the Kazekage" he said with his devilish deep voice. Both anbu nodded their heads and dispersed into dust which left Sumi alone in the hallway. Walking closer to the Kazekages door Sumi sighed heavily as his right fist went up against the door.

-Knock-
-Knock-

Today was surly turning out to be an interestingly weird kind of day the Kazekage, Hanzo Nara, thought to himself slightly as he looked out one of the three large windows that perched themselves on the back of his office like gateways into three different versions of the village that was now his. He looked down on the village, and despite his seemingly cold outside, he was currently drawing on the warm soft spot he had for the village. He had been here his entire life, learning things from the previous Kazekage before him, and getting along decently well. Until that accursed spirit showed up that is. Either way he looked at it, he was at least a little gracious to the spirit. Even though it had lied to him, clouded his vision, and manipulated the ones around him for so long, he did gain the power needed to run the village he had now. In the end still, he was even able to overcome the spirits will, and see life for what it really was again. Doing so had even provided him with a new look on life altogether, which he was sure he wouldnt be able to run the village without.

But that wasnt the point of what Hanzo was concerned about. Someone had offered to have tea with him today, and that was a strange gesture indeed. Not only that, but Mitsunari-his personal retainer-had just come back from outside training about four days ago, bearing grim news of what had happened whilst she was away. Breaking past his supposedly cold and heartless outside once again, he had provided her comfort, and new he had created a bond with her that only friends could bear. These things were unsaid, but both of them new it was true, the could feel it within them. These two things had allowed Hanzo to bring his corruption percentage down to 90%, which was a new low for him. It made him happy to know this, although he was still incapable of showing such happiness, as his face still looked out at the village with a blank expression. He knew he would need it for today, as the guest that he was expecting would have to see him as best as he could be. He didnt want to make bad impressions on his own men.

He took the moments of peace to feel the gentle breeze that blew past to brush his face, he himself closing his eyes as to keep the sand out of them. It was very rare these days he could enjoy such small things. He also looked down to see the hustle and bustle of all of those that were just starting off their day, and those that had already been out for quite some time now. To almost everyone, it seemed as though there werent any shadows at all within the village, the sun bearing down on them to harshly to allow any. But there were some even still, he knew this from personal experience. Just for the fun of it, he tapped into his shadow connected to locate each and every small shadow there was within the village. Aside from the shadows everyone was casting themselves, there were actually quite a large collection of them out there, some quite big actually. A small portion of breath escaped his nose in a quick snap, which was all he could do to show humor at this. He loved the smaller things in the world, but in his current position, seldom was he able to enjoy them, or even notice them anymore.

He dismissed that meager 'want' from his mind, as he looked over at Mitsunari, who was looking out of a window as well. It was then that he wondered where Rin was, but then he remembered he had let her off for the day. He knew for a fact that she was not the kind of person who would enjoy a thing such as tea, and having such a dark attitude herself, just wouldnt be a good person to invite to such a thing. He had refrained from telling her that this was why she had let her off for the day, because he knew she would object, stating that he didnt have time to be distracted of his work, that there were more important things to do, that it was just an all around wast of time. Yes, he knew this would be her words, as he knew her far to well. His thoughts drifted away from her, and back to Mitsunari. He knew for a fact that-just the opposite of Rin-she would actually be quite happy to attend such a thing. It would also be a good distraction from all that had happened, and give her the chance to enjoy herself. "Are you ready for this?" he asked her, talking as though they were about to go into battle. It was a bit of a joke, but also a serious question. "Sure am" She said, turning to him and beaming brightly, providing a thumbs up sign with her right hand. His lip quivered a little, and he looked back away. She knew that this was as close to a smile as he could get at the moment, and felt a small feeling of satisfaction in return. It wasnt often that he came even that close to actually smiling.

It was then that he felt it, his guest was approaching. He could feel the essence of his shadow entering the building. He closed his eyes and pictured the outline of his shadow. He had dressed up for this occasion, he could tell. That made him feel just a little bit better, knowing that someone would want to dress up when in an audience with him. He knew it was probably JUST because he was the Kazekage, but that didnt matter really. Mitsunari turned around, as she too knew that he was coming, leaving Hanzo still looking out the window. Not to much later, he heard the two ANBU that had taken a liking to frightening his guests materialize outside of his door, just as the guest got up to it. He listened intently at the words that were exchanged between the three of them. Not much later, his name was given, and the two ANBU left. Sooner than later, he heard the knock on the door that meant he was asking to come in. "Come in, Sumi he said with a general tone. He kept his back turned as he waited for the jounin to come in. He figured the first thing he would see was him, and then the tea set that was already set out on his desk.

Holding the door handle in a firm grip Sumi's thoughts seemed to drift as his reality melded with his memories. Previously to entering the building, he remembered sitting down with his mother and talking about the event. Inside his home they both sat at the edge of the bed talking about what he should wear and how he was suppose to act. Even though Sumi would be the last person you would expect to act out of terms his mother still believed he was a child. As well as being a good Doctor, his mother was also a great tailor who crafted many things for Sumi as a child. After hearing the news that her son was having tea with the Kazekage her spirit lifted greatly and she insisted on making him a robe. Even though he hated wearing his mothers clothing for some reason the look on her face as she held up the robe changed his mind. Maybe it was because he never wore a robe since he was a child, and his mother seeing him wearing that reminded her of the good old times. Sumi grew up a lot these couple of years, and now being a Jounin he didn't have time to really be immature. Not saying that he doesn't have fun but the constant missions and assignment has a toll on ones personality. His father who was a puppet maker seemed fairly interested in his meeting which Sumi was about to attend. In his past his farther had harsh encounters with the previous Kazekage and almost being banned from the village didn't help his mind change either.

But with everyones opinion and concerns about the meeting Sumi almost forgot his own feelings about it. He viewed the Kazekage as a great savior of the village and respected him greatly, but this was the first time they talked without him giving out a order. Some say the Kazekage was mean, strict and brutal. While other say he was kind, concerning and wise. All the years which he inhabited the village Sumi never had a conversation with the Kazekage, except when negotiating a genin team long ago when he was a chuunin. His friend Raiga also heard the news about the meeting and he teased Sumi greatly about how he would mess up. Even though joking in nature Raiga always made fun of Sumi for small things, and occasionally Sumi would wonder how they ever became friends. Maybe it was due to spending many years with each other on a search mission or facing death many times when on the field. But when having a serious converstaion with Raiga, he said to always have positive thoughts when meeting the Kazekage.

"Come in, Sumi"
The Kazekage said as his voice seemed to echo in every corner of the hall. Sumi sensed great chakra coming from behind the door which the Kazekage was in, petrified by the power he breath deeply as he was about to enter. Turning his head slightly to see if the anbu were still watching him, he laughed at the fact that they thought he wouldn't be able to notice him. For many years Sumi has mastered the art of medical ninjutsu and the physical training in which they have to go threw. Survivability is the major aspect of the medic ninja and detecting unseen presences was a requirement to becoming one. Tapping the box which had Kazekage's present inside Sumi smiled as he turned the door knob.

When opening the door Sumi inhaled a sweet scent of honey and tea which almost made him lightheaded. Walking a few feet from the door into the room, his movements were slow and steady as he examined his environment. The office was giant and had numerous rare artifacts around the walls. Sumi felt the cool breeze flow from the windows where the kazekage was standing, which carried a mixed scent of tea and dust that made a uncanny smell inside the room. All of Sumi's being was blank including his facial expression as he stood there. Both feet almost touching and his hands folded in front of him, which made his sleeves appear longer than what they were.

His eyes drifted from the Kazekage to the women as her appearance brought immense resemblance to a old friend Sumi used to have. Sumi knew she was the Kazekages assistant or some sort which didn't surprise him, but in the back of his mind he figured that their relationship was a bit deeper than professional. Looking at the golden tea set which was set out in the middle of the room Sumi eyes illuminated as it reflected the suns rays from the window. Even though the Kazekage was standing there Sumi sensed immense power from his being, and a aura which demanded respect. He wondered if his feelings for the Kazekage was the same with people weaker than him, and that thought bought humor to Sumi's mind. Deciding that enough time was spent on silence Sumi decided to greet the Kazekage which he had been practicing on. "Good evening Lord Kazekage, its a honor to be here in your presence." Sumi said with a slight bow. Raising back up he continued "Permission to sit Sir?" Sumi asked generally while standing like a statue behind the chair.

Hanzo took in a very deep breath that perhaps assumed annoyance at Sumi's words, and Mitsunari stifled a laugh at this because she knew what was going to come. "Lets get something out of the way, Sumi" He said in a voice that could probably envoke fear into people, mostly because they would be expecting him to say something nasty. Still without turning around, he took a pause before going on to allow Mitsunari to calm herself. "I may be the village leader at the moment, but that is no reason for you to act as though I am any better than you." He spoke with a serious tone, but it was clear by now that he wasnt angry at Sumi, and that nothing more than this little lecture was going to be given. "We are all people in this village, and the ideas of ranks and abilities do not separate us so that so much respect is required to one of higher rank or ability. So yes, Sumi, you may sit. Afterwords however, I will not hear anymore of what you have displayed so far. You are my guest, and not my subject." He was done talking now for a moment, and Mitsunari had just calmed down after laughing a little again. Within seconds, any tension in the room was released, and it seemed as though Hanzo hadnt said a word so far.

"How about we close these windows? I dont believe we need sand blowing in our faces while we try to enjoy ourselves." He said. He was sure he probably confused Sumi, as there was nothing to close off the big holes in the wall with. But of course, he used his famous Shadow Writer jutsu, to make a shadow border along the edges of the holes, thus spawning a see through window in the center of them. Despite the fact that it was made of shadows, it looked perfectly like an ordinary window. Only now, did Hanzo turn around to show his partially blank face. There was a small indication on his face that he was willing to be as friendly and welcoming as possible here today. "By the way, this is my assistant, Mitsunari Ishida. I believe the two of you will come to be friends in the future" He said, making a small gesture towards Mitsunari. "Its a pleasure to meet you Sumi!" She said with a small bow, her words lined with enthusiasm and general happiness. Taking the initiative, Hanzo himself took hold of the large container holding the tea, and proceeded to fill the cups in front of Sumi, Mitsunari who had sat to the side of the desk, and himself-In that order. "How do you like your day so far, Sumi?" He asked now. He was referring to how odd he thought this little meeting of theirs was, and how unexpected things had gone for him.

[[Short Yes, but its enough]]

"Lets get something out of the way, Sumi" he said which almost startled Sumi, raising his eyebrow Sumi listened intently at his words. Judging from his tone, Sumi thought he did something wrong, and with that he was mentally embarrassed as he stood there. For hours Sumi has been practicing how he should approach the Kazekage, pathetic as it may sound looking professional in his eyes meant a lot to him. Being a great Jounin and having high standards for himself his image to the Kazekage was important, but maybe too important. "I may be the village leader at the moment, but that is no reason for you to act as though I am any better than you." He said seriously which almost shocked Sumi into moving. His eyes widened and his lips slightly popped open as he said this. For all his life Sumi was taught to take orders and always appear disciplined in front of high powers, but never has any of them told him to treat him casually. Getting his facial composition back to a more less shocked look he tried hard not to appear dumbfounded.

"We are all people in this village, and the ideas of ranks and abilities do not separate us so that so much respect is required to one of higher rank or ability. So yes, Sumi, you may sit. Afterwords however, I will not hear anymore of what you have displayed so far. You are my guest, and not my subject." He lectured as the tension soon broken. Unfolding his hands and placing them on his side he slightly spread his feet slightly apart since he was losing balance due to his light concentration. Sumi looked down at the floor in humiliation yet satisfaction of the moment, tucking in his lips the giggles of the women almost made his face red. Deciding to hide his feelings he lifted his head back up and looked at the Kazekage. "Goodness, am I that bad?" he asked himself while slightly tilting his head due to the thinking. "I wonder what the tea tastes like" a random thought came to his mind as he slightly giggled. Almost forgetting to sit Sumi calmly walked over to the custom designed wooden chair which was slightly moved away from the desk. Touching the top part with his right hand he rubbed the the slippery wood which reminded him of the feeling of his puppets. Speaking of puppets which was the kazekages gift inside the box he tapped it slightly as he moved in on the chair. Sitting down gracefully he leaned back and placed his hands on his laps as he stared at Hanzo.

"How about we close these windows?" I don't believe we need sand blowing in our faces while we try to enjoy ourselves." Hanzo said which slightly made Sumi laugh, looking at the windows he saw the glowing sun sparkling above the horizon, it was a beautiful sight indeed but Sumi was more focused on having tea then anything else. Using a jutsu on the windows shadows soon covered them which stopped the breeze from coming in. Sumi heard rumors that the Kazekage was a shadow manipulator, and from the chakra he sensed from Hanzo he figured that he was very skilled in it. Turning around Sumi saw Hanzo's face as it appeared to be blank, but Sumi knew it was welcoming. Turning back to his assistant Sumi looked at her kindly as she stared at him back. The two seemed to have a moment of connection that was on a mental level, When Hanzo began to speak, both of them turned to the ceiling. "By the way, this is my assistant, Mitsunari Ishida. I believe the two of you will come to be friends in the future" he said as Mitsunari caught his gesture. "Its a pleasure to meet you Sumi!" she said with a small bow and a happy tone. "Hello Mitsunari, its a pleasure" Sumi said cheerfully as Hanzo grabbed the tea container and filled Sumi's cup.

"How do you like your day so far, Sumi?" Hanzo asked as Sumi smiled. "Its been very interesting actually, a few hours before arriving here I checked in with the hospital. Some of my patients have caught a unknown virus which we think was used in the Great War many years ago. Tracing back medical files from eighty years ago it seems that it has reawakened, and we don't know how." Sumi said while looking at the tea. "Even being a master at Medical Jutsu I still can't create a antidote, but my team is working on it" he said while sipping his tea. "Oh and I have a present for you Lord-" he stopped remembering the lecture. "Hanzo" he said while going into his bag which was on his side and bring it into his lap. Wrapped in a brown and red wrappings and a yellow bow on top he smiled as he took it out. Inside the present was a miniature designed puppet that was decorated fabulously which resembled the Kazekage. Taking out the puppet Sumi used his puppet technique to animate it and walk over to Hanzo.

Spoiler:

She sat in a chair, running the brush through her silk locks over, and over, and over again. The room was dark. Heavy black curtains draped over the windows, preventing any light from entering. A long mirror stood in front of her as she sat there, staring blankly at her reflection. Blinking her eyes occasionally, her arm moved seemingly automatic as the brush raked smoothly through the strands of hair. The reflection remained motionless apart from the task at hand. If you observed carefully, the soft rise and decline of her chest indicated breathing. She had been sitting there for hours, brushing her hair, nothing more. Her surroundings were simple. A small bed, a desk, a mirror, and a chair. No detail. No color. It was as if she was in a prison.

Her eyes never left the mirror as a loud crash was heard just outside the door. Laughter and whining soon followed. These were unfamiliar voices to the girl, just as most voices were. Her concentration was not disturbed. The sound of fading footsteps came just moments later, as the voices became distorted and soon disappeared altogether. Pale gray eyes fell from her reflection as they shot toward the door, a stern knock echoing into the small room. She turned her full upper body to face the door as her eyes zeroed in on the rattling lock. “ Kaname-kun.” A sickly familiar voice called her name from behind the door, he seemed annoyed. Closing her eyes calmly, she returned to her earlier position, sitting directly in front of the mirror brushing her hair once again.

A light smirk fell upon her lips at the sound of the sudden rash jerking of the door handle. “ Kaname. Let me in, or shall I let myself in..?” he spoke, a cocky edge to his tone. The girl was un-phased as she continued to run the brush through her silky locks, going on as if nothing was said. It was silent on both accounts for an endless second, the air tense. She remained completely relaxed. Even as she was pinned to the floor, she saw no reason to fight back. Her arms were stretched behind her back as she was sat upon. The curtains were pulled back to reveal a bright, beautiful Sunagakure. Light instantly flooded the room. A loud, shrill of laughs came from her pursuer as a deep growl rose from her chest. “ Get off of my back, Taishiru.” The person obliged with a slight fearful haste. She was helped to her feet by a boy; he had sandy blond hair, which was slightly rugged around the edges. He was wearing a navy blue torn shirt, with nice white pants. His jade green eyes sparkled with a boyish charm.

The girl known as Kaname inspected him with her blank eyes. “ What happened?” she asked him, reaching as she took the torn fabric between her fingers. He looked to her with a sheepish smile, a blush creeping across his cheeks. “ Heh. Training.” She nodded. The boy looked around the room with a confused expression. “ What’re you doing sitting in the dark?” he asked, looking back to her. Her gaze was focused on the overturned chair. Walking over to it, the boy set it upright and gestured to it with another sheepish smile. She sat down, pointing to the brush under the bed. “ Brush.” she demanded. Taishiru obeyed without complaint, retrieving the brush as he attempted to hand it to her. “ There ya go!” She shook her head. He tilted his head to the side, dumbfounded. “ Brush my hair.” His eyes widened as his blush deepened, but he obeyed. Kneeling behind the chair, he started from the ends. “ Are you going to see Kazekage-sama?” he asked quietly, as if not to upset her. Kaname looked over her reflection, playing the boy’s question over several times in her mind.
They both knew exactly what the question meant. Recently, the girl had discovered she had a sibling. An older sibling. So why were the two handling the situation as delicately as they were? Her brother was a criminal. A killer. It was senseless, she knew, to worry over something so trivial. Why did she? Kaname wanted to find him, for unexplainable purposes. Maybe, just to tell him that she was alive. That he had a sister. Would he care? Possibly. Coming away from her unknown thoughts, she brought up a hand, pressing her palm against her eye. “ It never becomes normal..” she whispered. “ Seeing with only one eye.” A light sigh came from the boy as he continued to brush through her strands. A moment of absolute silence followed as they could hear bits, and pieces of distant conversations. The girl’s room was located on the top floor of the two-story Akki Household. Taishiru found himself toppled over as his unsocial friend stood up without warning. Her black kimono dragged slightly behind her as she walked from the room. Scrambling to his feet, he ran after her. “ Where are you going???” he asked, loudly. She stopped on the balls of her feet, causing him to collide into her. “ I will return in a few days.” Her voice turned from empty, to cold in just mere seconds. “F-Few days?! Kana..What about classes?! You know you have to teach the younger kids!!!” Kaname turned to face him, her fist forming around the collar of his shirt. “ Find someone else, and if you must, tell them that I left, I will accept my punishment when I return.” she growled, releasing her hold on the boy. She watched with unchanging blank eyes as he fell to his knees, his body trembling slightly.

The girl turned her back to him, eventually disappearing down the long hallway.

Kaname didn’t look back as she left Taishiru on the floor. You could call her “anger-management,” you could call her “rebellious,” any of these words described her, but if you looked close enough, you would be able to tell that she was scared. Scared of everything. Of hurting people, of being left alone, of ending up like her brother. Ever since she was brought into the Akki Household, she was treated like a valuable item, too precious to be let go. She was sealed with a demon simply because she was not strong enough to live on her own. Her body relied on the demon for health, and mental stability. Living off the creature inside of her was her only means of survival. Kaname was the only successful seal; some sick experiment. No one really understood why she had become so cold; no one really knew what the clan exposed her young, fragile mind to. Kept quiet by an oath, a –life or death- oath. The Kazekage would not allow such mistreatment, she knew, but it wasn’t worth all those innocent lives that would be lost, over her selfish pain. Enduring the pain was worth it, worth life.

Bruises were bruises, words were words.

Shaking herself from her thoughts, her feet found their way to the first step of the lengthy staircase. She stared down at the steps for a lingering moment, before continuing to walk down them. Moving with such grace and aligned posture, her eyes were focused straight ahead. The girl hadn’t yet decided if she was going to send a request to see the Kazekage, it sent a wave of uneasiness over her. To talk about her brother was a hard subject to face, even if she had not met him. Emotions were not something she was closely tied to, so it wasn’t exactly easy for her to start up a conversation with someone, let alone the Head of Sunagakure. Kaname was a strong authority figure in her clan, her age, and her skill-level greatly affected the way people saw her. Being one of the youngest instructors among the Akki, she has been able to set a fine example for her students. Though, striking fear into most from her cold demeanor.

Once again jerked from her distracting thoughts, Kaname found herself in the arms of her adoptive father, his arms gripping her elbows as he shook her lightly. Bringing her gaze to meet his deep, blue eyes, he stared back to her, worry swallowing his leathered face. “ Kana, what’s the matter?” The man was older, perhaps in his late 40’s. His silver hair was considerably long, tied back in a tight band. Sandy-white robes swallowing his thin form, his village headband hanging loosely from his waist. Pushing up onto her feet again, she looked behind her to find the stairs she had been walking down. “ You fell.” He told her gently. “It was as if you had never realized you were on the stairs.” The man’s voice was soft with concern. She felt his hand rest on her shoulder, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the steps. “ Maybe you should rest.” He suggested, his tone turning hesitant as if not to upset her, the same way the boy had acted. The young girl went stiff at his words, snapping her head to glare at him. A soft smile of surrender graced his aged features, causing the deep, embedded wrinkle lines in his forehead to ease away slightly. “Gomen Kaname-kun..” The man stumbled to his feet, grunting and groaning as his bones crackled and protested noisily. “ Hell, screw forty! I feel about eighty-nine.” He complained, his eyes sparkling with childish amusement. It seemed that the girl didn’t enjoy the joke as much as the old Jonin. “ Rest does the body well, Inako-sempai.” A labored sigh escaped his paper-thin lips at her attitude. She refused to rest at all these days, afraid of becoming sick again. “ Well. I’m going upstairs. ” He received a simple nod from the girl. As the man walked past her, their shoulders brushed lightly as he looked to her from the corner of his eye. “ Give Kazekage-sama my regards.” Somehow..some way, the man always knew her true intentions, even when she didn’t.

“ Hai.”

Kaname waited until after the elder Jonin’s presence faded from the area. She began to walk slowly toward the heavy oak wood double-doors that lead to the outside. The mesmerizing Wind Country. It was true, she wouldn’t be returning for a good number of days, but she had no destination in mind to go. Zaieki would find her, he always did. The Genin had no permanent residence, even though she carried the Akki name. Opening the doors with a great amount of force, she was immediately met with a gust of sand to her face from a near by wind current. Guards stood in position by both sides of the entrance, glancing down at the girl as she made her exit. In standard uniform, their faces were hidden behind cloths to keep out the sandy residue in the air. They wore crimson robes with square sunhats atop their heads, armed with a variety of ammunition hidden from the public eye. Scanning the surrounding environment thoroughly, the sun’s rays accented her pale eyes, pronouncing the difference in shades of the gray color. It had become a regular sight to see the girl come and go frequently, she no longer endured the daily interrogations, just a brief farewell. Suna was her playground. The soldier-like guards nodded slightly as Kaname passed them, whispering a unified acknowledgement of her coming absence, both receiving a cold chill to their spine as a slow-spreading scowl took her lips. Her bare feet protested against the scalding heat of the golden sands as she walked further.

She would start in the village, and see what would come..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Kazekage's mansion was the most beautiful thing in the Wind Country, at least to most people. For Kaname Akki, it was her greatest fear. She stood motionless in front of the building, her hands clenged at her sides in fists. The doors were held open for her entry, though the girl just stood there, blank. Her physical demeanor remained in tact. Her mind however, was scattered. Kaname willed her legs to move..to run away. Instead she moved foward, up the stairs, and to the Kazekage's door. Raising a hesitant arm, it trembled as she attempted to knock. The girl stood there frozen in fear, her arm in mid-air. Guards and Anbu were watching her, she knew, skeptical of her actions. Sinking to her knees, she stared with an expressionless gaze at the door, as if it was an enemy, or perhaps a savior. White fluffy fox-like ears appeared from under her faded blue locks at the faint noise of voices in the other room. Two, maybe three, people having a conversation. Now was her chance, when other people were around. Pushing off the ground in an abnormal haste, she knocked lightly, reaching for the doorknob. A deep scowl took her feature at the sight of her bushy white tail waving behind her anxiously.

She would enter upon permission.

Hanzo listened to Sumi explain how his day had been intently as he poured the tea to each of them. He nodded slowly and gravely at the sound of what he had been told. It was bad enough that they didnt have a whole lot of recruitment at the moment, but now those that were were getting infected by a disease without a known cure? There was certainly something that needed to be done about this. He was still for a moment as he thought about this, and then slowly sat down. He was about to speak in response to the problem about the disease, when he started speaking again. When he spoke, and cut himself off when he remembered that formalities were not desired here for now, Hanzo nodded slightly in approval. He didnt actually say anything, but he had heard what had almost been, and what had been, and was happy to see that he had realized how he wanted things to be. He had also been a little surprised that the man had even brought him a gift as well. Sure, he was the leader of the village, but even that was unexpected to him. Accordingly, his blank face changed for just a millisecond as his eyebrows show up his forehead, and then came back down just as quickly. Of course, he wasnt quite capable of speaking out yet, as he was still getting past the emotionless stage of his shadow corruption, but it was still quite obvious that he was impressed and happy.

When the puppet was removed from the box, both Hanzo and Mitsunari looked at it as it lay limp on the floor. Mitsunari looked at it by leaning in like a little girl waiting for some amazing climax at a circus, and staring at it like it held the secrets of the galaxy. Hanzo however stayed leaned back in his chair and observed it with the same blank expression on his face. Despite this, he looked at it with an aura of interest was about him. Only seconds after catching a glimpse of it, Mitsunari laughed and exclaimed with a humored yet still quiet like voice "Haha, it looks just like you Hanzo! Some would probably think she spoke with disrespect towards him, but the both of them had talked to eachother like that for a long time. It was a friendship thing, and he actually enjoyed it. "Indeed it does" He said calmly, yet still giving the idea of amusement about, nodding his head slightly yet again. What he was doing was decently hard. Even at just 90% shadow corruption, it was difficult for him to even show impressions of actual emotions, to allow Sumi to know that he was interested, while looking as though he was not.

The two of them watched it eagerly as it walked about the desk, and Hanzo couldnt help but comment. "Your quite the exceptional Shinobi, Sumi." he said, still looking at the puppet. "Not only are you an expert medic, but even excellent on your puppet techniques. Even so, you have a good head on you, your very proud to be who you are." That was all he could say at the moment. It had strained him greatly to speak out like that, and it would be hard to speak even nicely anymore. Still, there was one last thing he wanted saying, and he urged Mitsunari to say what she knew was on his mind. "Hes completely right" She said with general happiness in her words, but seriousness as well, "Your impressive alright. Maybe you an me should have a go at eachother some time eh? She chuckled a little, but then got to the point. "Being a medic myself, I've heard about the situation at the Hospital, but I've been gone recently. I'd be happy to lend you a hand with the situation." She offered with a warm smile. That smile told him easily. She was taking to Sumi quite well, he could tell. To him, Mitsunari was almost like a daughter, and his face twisted up in pain as he attempted a smile that would mean he was happy about this. Luckily for his mask, it wouldnt be visible. Speaking of masks, he still hadnt taken a sip of his tea. So, he pulled the mask off and took a drink as she went on. "Its quite concerning to hear about such an age old problem coming back at us, but that might also prove helpful. Maybe what were looking for might be in some kind of dusty old re-" She was cut off by the sound of someone knocking on the door.

A few moments pause led Mitsunari to believe that Hanzo knew that someone was approaching the door long before either of them had. He was like that, he knew everything that was going on around him. Then, she looked at him to see him slipping the mask back on, and she could see the knowledge of the kind of person on the other side of the door. It didnt bother him though, just made him slightly depressed that she would be so afraid of him. Intimidation wasnt something he enjoyed to much. It was also quite obvious that he knew what was going to happen next when the door was opened. "You may enter, Kaname" He hoped that his knowing who she was by just a simple knock wouldnt startle her much, but would understand if it did. So, with all of them in suspension, they awaited to see what would happen next.

'You may enter, Kaname.'

Her eyes widened ever so slightly, hand frozen hovering over the doorknob. The Kazekage knew her name. No one knew her name. No one caring enough to ask. The girl almost smiled, almost. The Genin entered, not willing to make the Head of Sunagakure, or his parties, wait any longer. She stood motionless in the doorway, the white animal-like ears alert atop her silk head. The aura that flowed about her was dark, but not in an arrogant sense. More of a misunderstood, protected vibe.

Long faded blue hair contrasted with her black kimono, as well as her pale eyes. Walking foward in slow, hesitant strides, it wasnt that she was afraid of anyone, just not wanting to say, or do the inappropriate thing. The girl seemed reluctant to speak, or make eye contact with anyone in the room. It showed in her expression that she was not used to people, let alone the Kazekage and his asisstant. She bowed briefly, glancing at the Jonin's puppet.

" Akki, Kaname, sire."

"Haha, it looks just like you Hanzo!” Mitsunari yelled. Slightly giggling at her response Sumi shifted his eyes to Hanzo and immediately stopped his laughing after he saw the look on his face. It was a look of blankness to him, not happy or angry, just blank. Lifting a smile he continued to walk the puppet over to Hanzo’s direction as he continued to look at it. "Your quite the exceptional Shinobi, Sumi." He said while Sumi stopped the puppets motion. "Not only are you an expert medic, but even excellent on your puppet techniques. Even so, you have a good head on you, your very proud to be who you are." Hanzo said as Sumi went back to walking the puppet. Smiling Sumi couldn’t help but feel proud of himself at that moment, and the memories of all his training seemed to pay off. “Thank you Sir” Sumi replied proudly as he looked over at Mitsunari. “"Your impressive alright. Maybe you an me should have a go at each other some time eh?” She chuckled. Leaning in her direction a little he winked at her and faintly smiled.

"Being a medic myself, I've heard about the situation at the Hospital, but I've been gone recently. I'd be happy to lend you a hand with the situation.” She said pleasantly as Sumi with a warm smile. After fully walking the puppet over Sumi looked back at her. “That would be a great idea, your welcome to come if needed.” he said while taking a sip of his tea. "Its quite concerning to hear about such an age old problem coming back at us, but that might also prove helpful. Maybe what were looking for might be in some kind of dusty old re-" A knock on the door interrupted her as all three examined the door. Raising his eyebrows Sumi turned back to Hanzo and then Mitsunari. “What’s going on?” He asked himself as he turned back to the door. ‘You may enter, Kaname’ Hanzo said while the door slowly opened.

A young girled walked in and Sumi couldn’t help but smile as he saw her walk forward. Seeing the next generation of ninja always pleased him, but he also wondered what was she doing there. Figuring that she was invited for tea Sumi turned back to Hanzo and smiled."Akki, Kaname, sire." she greeted. “Well hello Akki, my names Sumi and it’s a pleasure” he paused. “Come, take a seat.” He said while pointing at the chair.

((Sorry not my best post but its doable))

“Well hello Akki, my names Sumi and it’s a pleasure”

The Genin's eyes traveled to the smiling Jonin, as he greeted her by her last name. Attempting to act civil, she nodded lightly, but couldn't bring herself to smile in return. " Pleasure to make your accquaintance, Sumi-sama." she spoke quietly, watching as the man preceded to invite her to sit. Taking a hesitant step, her face remained expressionless as she mentally contridicted her actions. " Thank-You." Kaname sat there, busying herself with the scenery throughout the room.

Her thoughts however, were tracing over every detail of the Kazekage's asisstant. Envy, and slight sadness overcame her. The woman was absolutely beautiful. An aura of kindness, and happiness came off in perfuse waves around her. All of which, the girl could never be. The large white ears flickered atop her head as she noticed the continuous stares, focused upon her. " Is something wrong?" she asked her audience, her eyes never tearing from the decorative room.