Turning a page, Takeru's went down the page. It was a most interesting book. The writer went into some details and sometimes over did it, but the subject of the culture was of the more northern civilizations, such as in the Snow country, was one that intrigued Takeru. Not wasn't it only interesting to read and learn about the culture, but it would prove useful to know what cultural differences would be between that of the Lightning and the Snow country. Differences that could mean either a success or a failure while leading the Snow country as they were now a loyal vassal of the Lightning. Turning his head a bit, he kept reading until he had enough of it. Slowly closing his book, Takeru sighed softly.
A soft growling sound was produced at his right, which caught his attention. Pain had his eyes closed, but his lips trembled. The large Tasmanian devil laid on his stomach, his head directed towards the wide doors that were closed. Chuckling, the masked Raikage leaned and gently stroked the large animal on his back. The soft growling changed into a sound that made it clear that the animal did like the attention of his owner.
Midori had been standing before the entrance of the Raikage's office for a minute or two now. She knew she was expected, the Raikage wanted to see her in his office, but she didn't particulary feel like going. Surely, the Raikage wasn't mean, he had never done terrible things to her and was generally quite nice. Yet, she didn't want to go. Not alone at least. If Reyna was with her, maybe it would be better. Or Deida-
Midori shook her head. Somehow her mind kept forgetting at random times that her teammember was no longer with her. It was with the small things. Simple thoughts that lead to Deidara. Or to... Midori didn't even want to think of
his name right now. Instead she pushed her thoughts to wondering what the Raikage would want from her today. Probably something with Gyuki. That was all she was for some of them, a vassal to keep Gyuki in. Well, she thought, it is no use standing here doing nothing. To follow her thoughts she took a step forward and another one, and another one, forcing herself to get to the meeting.
Moments later she was admitted and lead to the door behind which the Raikage dwelled. She steadied her hand and raised it before knocking twice.
Straighten himself on the chair, Takeru cleared his throat after he heard the knocking on the door.
''Please come in. '' He was hoping it would be Midori as he had something to discuss with her. Leaning with his elbows on his desk, the masked man would silently wait until she would enter the office. The door would be closed behind her as a few ANBU would take their positions. Takeru didn't wish to be disturbed by anybody while he would have a meeting this important.
Quietly Midori entered after the approval. It didn't escape her notice that there where several ANBU standing behind the closing door. She pretended not to care and turned her eyes to the Raikage. Conform to what she had learned she bowed to him.
''You summoned me, sir," she said while waiting for the Raikage to allow her to raise her head.
Silently watching how the girl bowed, the two large tasmanian devils didn't snarl or would show their fangs. There was a sort of brief tension as Takeru stayed silent. A few moments passed until he spoke.
''Yes, I'm glad that you came. '' He said on a rather serious tone, instead of the usual polite one he had used against her in the past.
''You may rise.'' He told her as he then would ask her a question.
''How are you today?''
As she lifted her head Midori wondered if he wanted a truthful answer or a polite one. Did he really care how she was feeling today? She decided not to be polite.
''I have been better, sir. But I am in good health." Her body was fine, it was just her mind that was still crushed by all the death surrounding her all of a sudden.
''I'm glad to hear that Midori.'' Takeru said. He then made a gesture to the chair near his desk.
''Please, sit down. I imagine that might talk a bit easier. '' He told her, waiting till she would sit down as the serious tone made it clear it wasn't really a gesture of being polite. He couldn't see much of any after shock that was being expressed as he was well aware that the conversation they were going to have wasn't really on an ideal timing. Then again, it was better now than never.
Without complaining Midori took the chair. Her mind raced to think why the Raikage would want her to sit down. Normally she would just receive something she had to do and leave. What made this different? What were they going to talk about? She hooked her feet behind the legs of the chair and placed her hands on her lap. She would have asked all those questions long ago. Long ago when Nobushige-sensei was still alive. But that had changed. She had realized that either they would be answered in time, or they would be ignored.
''I hope that you won't mind me summoning you, but there are some important matters we will need to discuss. Let me start saying, '' Takeru began on an even more serious and harsher tone.
''That no matter what happens that you'll listen and will not act out of line. I hope it is clear that you understand that it isn't just a talk between you, a kunoichi and a jinchuriki, '' He briefly pointed at her. Then he pointed towards himself.
'' And a Raikage, but between two people,'' His tone suddenly became softer as more polite. It had still the serious undertone, but it wasn't as dominating his voice as before.
''I thus would like you to not use a title, but please. Call me Takeru. ''
Midori
did mind that she was summoned, but she wasn't going to say that. And she wasn't going to say that she perhaps was going to act out of line. It all depended on the subject of the conversation. Instead she just nodded along. When his last request came, however, Midori stared at him. He wanted her to call him by his first name. His
first name. No one did that. People didn't call each other by their first names, that was for very close friends which she and the Raikage... Takeru, were not. They really were not. And she didn't want to be. Being on a first name basis would imply certain things and she would rather not have them.
''I hope I am not acting out of line when I say that I find that request hard to fulfill, sir. I don't believe I have the right to call you by your first name. We are neither friends, nor family after all," she said, her eyes steady on him.
He listened and stayed silent for several moments. The large devil on the right stared at Midori, his lip moving a bit up as it would reveal a nasty looking fang.
''I see. A shame, cause I was hoping we wouldn't have to be that formal. Then again, I suppose it might have its uses if you prefer to keep seeing me as your Raikage. '' Slowly Takeru's hand would move towards the lower end of his mask. He kept talking as he would slowly remove it.
''After all, I hope that you're still respectful enough towards the titel of Raikage to... not act out of line now. ''
For the second time Midori couldn't do anything else then stare. This was the face of the man that lead this country. The man that decided her faith. He looked... normal. Why did he have his face covered if he looked normal like that? If he had a nasty scar, or a burn, she would understand it. But this was just a face you could see on the street every day.
''Yes, sir," she finally managed to utter.
''If I... may ask... Why are you showing me your face now after hiding it for so long?" And why wear the mask at all, she thought behind her own question.
The man frowned as he was taken a bit by surprise. He had expected a different kind of reaction, but smiled.
''Midori. '' A loud snort would be heard in Midori's mind after the booming voice would speak up.
''Look closer. '' Gyuki had been half awake. He wasn't remotely interested in a meeting with the Raikage. He understood it was important for Midori and thus sort of important for him, but he didn't care about the village as much as she did. It wasn't what he considered home.
After living so long with Gyuki Midori didn't even blink when he spoke up and his voice echoed through her body. You got used to everything it seemed. Strange how that went, but his words were no longer as mean as they were before. They were no longer completely filled with hate. So she listened to them and looked closer to the face before her.
And drew a blank.
What was she supposed to see here? He looked kind of normal. Not very evi- Midori's eyes widened. He didn't look very evil! She remembered she had thought that before, long ago, when someone had tried to kidnap her out of a shop. He had looked normal too, with the same normal nose, and the same normal eyes. Not evil at all. Her fists clenched on her lap.
''What have you done with the Raikage?" she asked him.
''I remember you now. You are evil. What have you done to our ruler?"
Just before Takeru could say another thing, he closed his mouth.
''To be very honest, I am him. '' He told her. It seemed that she remembered him after all and though her questions would be amusing, he didn't find anything amusing about them at the current moment.
''Do you truly think that the ANBU and the higher ups of the village would fall again for the same trick, as what happened before? '' Takeru asked, raising an eyebrow.
''Now, I wonder. '' He paused.
''Will you still prefer to call me 'sir' or not. ''
''What happened before can happen again." Midori's eyes were fixed on the imposter Raikage who claimed to be the real one.
''Maybe they fell for it because they were sure that no one would try it again so soon. I don't understand how someone like you could possibly become Raikage without tricking others Kidnappers don't become rulers." Was she speaking out of line? She probably was, but it didn't really seem to matter. Was she supposed to be kind to her kidnapper? No way that would happen.
''I would call you nothing different. As is proved you are neither my friend nor family. In fact you turn out to be more my enemy from long ago, sir. Is this an elaborate plot to kidnap me again?"
Slowly the devil on the right started to growl, but he grow silent as Takeru cleared his throat.
''I hope at least I don't have to explain why I waited for so long before I would entrust you with my face. My mother always told me that my looks would get me into trouble. '' Takeru sighed. He then frowned again at Midori. Though he didn't like it that she was sort of acting out of the line, he couldn't really blame her for it. Would he react differently in her place? Probably not. Probably even worse.
''And no, I'm not even going to try to kidnap you. If you would see me as an evil person, then I must perhaps suggest that the plan already worked out, didn't it? Me as the ruling Raikage and you as the jinchuriki. Think that means you're already under my command, doesn't it? '' He asked.
Midori pressed her lips firm together. She hated the fact that he was right. If he truely was Raikage then what say did she have? She had to obey his orders to the tee. Her mother had even requested the Raikage to take her in, or something like that. Of course, her mother hadn't known who the man was. Midori swore to herself that she would not wear a mask like that ever. Her hangs were no longer clenched into fists, but where now squeezing the fabric of her pants. She didn't like this, she didn't like this at all. Why did things have to be so complicated and so weird. Why couldn't things go back to normal? Why did everyone die?
''Well then why have you summoned me, sir? Besides the fact that you wanted to show me that I now work for my kidnapper..." Her voice had become smaller, more unsure.
''To first make sure that I never meant anything evil. In fact, if you don't mind me telling it, I was together working with some people that tried to make sure that the previous rulers of the Cloud wouldn't make you do anything you would probably not enjoy. Such as perhaps being used as a timebomb? '' Takeru hoped the comment and question would have the desired effect. But he was also trying to test her out. So far he hadn't seen any signals of that the Hachibi was active, so perhaps the rumours were true.
''But I hope you understand that you can at least try to trust me. Of course, '' Takeru sighed and would then flash a smile as he understood that it wouldn't be that easy. It was clear that she wasn't going to see him as a big friend right away.
''In due time. ''
Gyuki remained quiet. He was growing a bit tense as he understood that the situation wasn't much to Midori's liking. He personally wasn't sure what to think of it, but he wasn't going to act up. However he was growing nervous as he wanted to go away. The eight tails started to sweep around as he snorted, softly instead of the usual loud ones.
''I don't understand that!" Midori's voice shot an octave higher at the last word.
''Whatever you intentions are or were, they don't explain anything about kidnapping me. Not one bit. The only thing it explains is that you are doing away with kidnapping. Trying to talk it good, wash it away with fancy words." Her attention shifted, for a moment, to Gyuki and she shared his feeling. She wanted to leave this office now. Collect her thoughts. Make up her mind.
''What have you summoned me for, sir?" she asked again. She wanted an answer, just so she knew what she had to do.
Sighing, Takeru looked a bit troubled. He was expecting that she wouldn´t accept his words right away, but had been hoping that it would go a bit smoother. But it was too late to turn around. He made a gesture with his right hand, as he started to reply back.
''So? I was genuine that I've no bad intentions with you nor had any bad intensions in the past. Perhaps the way how it happened was not the best way to handle it, but it was the safest manner for not only you, but for those who are or must I say were close with you. '' The man's voice sounded as before again quite serious as he hoped that his next words would also make it clear he had no ill will towards her.
''Else if you want to really believe it, I could always remove you from my protection and leave you open to be questioned again by Lady Asami. She might have some more use of you to continue her research. Would you prefer that, miss Sato? ''
Why? Midori looked down to her legs. Her fingers hurt from digging them into her knees, her knuckles white. Why? Why was everyone so bound on making her life harder? Why did she have to make the choice between a kidnapper and a woman who wanted to experiment with her? Why was that even a choice? She forced her breath to remain steady and bit her lip. What was she supposed to reply now? She had no clue. The people that had been close to her would have known what to do. Her sensei would have. Deidara would have. Ryo...
''No..." she muttered finally. No, she didn't want to go back to Asami. Which meant she chose the kidnapper. How was that better?
''No, I would prefer not to go back to her... sir."
''Good. I'm sorry though. '' Takeru replied as he became silent for another few moments. She seemed to be quite tormented, but the hardest part was over. After all, it seemed she had sort of accepted how the situation was.
''I guess that we can leave it for now as I do have something for you. A very important mission. Both for you as for me. You probably remember that your mother requested that you would have some security or at least be treated more humane, which led to the fact you would be directly serve under me. '' Takeru took another few moments to remain silent. He wanted to be sure that every single word would have the desired impact. If she would get a wrong impression or idea, then he would lose a lot. On a personal level.
''It is a mission that will be very important for you as I have no doubt that even with your current fame and status, that there are still people who haven't forgotten about the attack of the Hachibi years ago. An attack that caused some great damage, something that hasn't even been a decade ago.'' As Takeru would continue to talk, another pair of eyes stared at Midori. Slowly the pair of eyes would move from the left side of the desk. A small and young face of a girl stared at Midori, with big curious eyes.
''What I want you to do is to make sure that you can prove that you're not a danger and have truly tamed the Hachibi. I personally don't care if you have or haven't, but I do- ''
''She looks silly.'' The face moved away. Away from Midori's sight. Frowning, Takeru glanced down at his left.
''What did I tell you? Sshhh. Now... I wish you to escort with your team a very important person. For me. '' Again, Takeru looked down at his left and nodded. Slowly again, the young small face would appear again as she would raise up. Clenching a little doll with both of her hands,
a young girl with dark brown hair and even what seemed to be even more darker brown eyes stared at Midori.
''Akira... '' Takeru slowly mumbled, clearly irritated that the young girl kept staring at Midori. Puffing her cheeks, Akira turned towards Takeru and pointed at Midori.
''But she doesn't look like a cool warrior or even strong! I want a cool hero. I want somebody who doesn't look sad.''
Oh, so there was a mission. There was a real reason why she was here. An important missoin for both of them apparantly, whatever that might mean. Midori raised her head to ask a question, but was interupted by the appearance of a little girl. Had she been hiding under the desk all this time? Meaning she had heard all of the talk? Midori wasn't sure that she liked that. Wasn't this a private matter? Who was the girl anyway that she was hiding in the Kage's office? Was she his daughter?
When the girl spoke Midori's eyebrow settled for an expression of annoyance.
''Well, ask him to not make me sad then..." she mumbled just loud enough that the girl would be able to hear it.
''It's not my fault." She was aware that she should probably not reply, but since all the rules had been thrown out of the window already it didn't matter anymore.
Before Takeru could say something, again, the girl turned around. She gained a more arrogant expression as she placed one of her hands at her side.
''Then ask him not to make you sad.'' She said with would sound as an attempt to sound she was Midori's better. Takeru sighed as he placed a hand on the girl's shoulder.
''As I was trying to say, I need you to escort my protegé as it is needed that she will go somewhere that is safer for her to be. '' He glanced at Akira with a frown that made it clear he didn't want her to argue.
''And it is important for you to do this as you'll need to prove you can be entrusted with leading a team as protecting somebody that might become a target of evil people. Such as kidnappers, if I may give an example. '' Takeru returned his gaze back on Midori as he hoped she understood his words.
''I can later send you a briefing on why it is required to make sure that she is being brought into safety, but I hope that you'll accept this as not only a personal request from me, but also as an offer to gain the possibility to lead your own team. '' Takeru told her. The young girl kept looking with a bit of an arrogant look at Midori. Slowly she took a step to stand closer to Takeru.
''I don't like her.'' She tried to whisper, but it was loud enough that Midori would hear her.
Not his daughter then. His protegé. Midori didn't even know that the Raikage had one. Was this girl really special? Midori opened her mouth to ask the questions 'why', but Takeru beat her to it by saying that he would explain later. Maybe the girl wasn't allowed to know. Knowing was a dangerous thing. Midori had figured that out early. Then she realized what it meant that she was leading a team. It meant she was the leader. She had never been a leader before! Why did he think she could do that? She pondered a bit about his request, slightly annoyed by the comment of the girl, Akira.
''Without a sensei my team only consists of me and Reyna. Are you sure that that is enough? ... sir." She asked him after a pause. She didn't know what was threatening the little girl, but were two shinobi enough to keep her safe like that?
''I am aware of that, Midori. '' Takeru calmy replied that with a polite tone.
''That is why you'll get a genin assigned. '' The man moved a bit back as he would open a drawer. Grabbing out what seemed to be a document, he would place it on the desk and then shove it towards Midori's direction.
''The mission might not seem to be important at first glance, but it is to prove you're capable of leading a team. One of the few tasks that is being entrusted to the rank of a specialized jounin. ''
A genin? She was suppossed to do her first mission with the help of a Genin. Sure, that would work great. She stared at the Raikage for a moment. Maybe he did want her to be kidnapped again. Maybe that was his plan. Get her out of the city with a weak team - not that Reyna was weak. She was super strong, but protecting someone was not the same as fighting normally - and kidnap her. But if she said no... she would go back to Asami. Midori bit her lip again and accepted the folder. She opened it, an official feeling settling down on her. This was real. Only sensei's opened folders with details about people and missions. She stared to the picture and the name. Kaya Irozaki. She had never heard of the girl before. Why hadn't she heard of her before? She was supposed to be excited for a new teammember, but she could only think of the one this Kaya would replace. The team wouldn't be the team without Deidara. Or without Raspberry-sensei. It was an honor to be selected as Specialized Jounin, probably at least, but she could only think of what she lost and not what she could gain here.
Still staring to the file Midori spoke again:
''I understand. Can I... ask, sir... " she paused for a moment.
''What... Why is Raspb- Natsuki-sensei no longer leading the team?"
Takeru had half expected the question as it seemed to dawn upon Midori that she could gain a promotion if the mission would be a success. The young girl moved closer to Takeru and slowly would burry her face against his chest. While he pat the head of the young girl, he looked with a serious expression towards Midori.
''Cause he is a valuable ANBU under my command. He has been a good sensei without any doubt, but I'm more than wary that you've managed to pick up and learn things on your own. With your current experience and assets, I'm confident that you don't need a direct sensei anymore. '' Takeru became silent for a few seconds as he thought about something.
''Though if you wish, I could try to arrange after your mission a chance to meet with him. '' Takeru suggested, hoping it was clear he had no ill will as that he wasn't heartless either.
The fact that Natsuki was not dead releived Midori. She sighed, releasing the breath she had apparantly been holding unconsciously. Someone still lived. It was not only she and Reyna. Natsuki was still around. She closed her eyes for a second and then nodded.
''I would... really like that, sir." Her voice revealed how sincere she was.
''He has been a really good sensei and I... miss him." She wasn't sure if it was smart to be open about things with the Raikage, but sometimes not talking was still too difficult.
''I'm sorry then for the change. But he is a tad better than some other ANBU I've at my disposal. '' Takeru replied, though he was aware he wouldn't need to state his reasons for his actions to her. He was her superior, but the change of the conversation made him be more polite and friendly than he wanted to be.
''About the mission, I hope you can pack some stuff together and travel tomorrow before the sun rises. I must press that I wish you and your team will do everything to keep her safe. '' Takeru glanced at the girl who still kept her face pressed against his chest.
''I can promise in return that I'll continue to make sure that your family here won't be harmed. Not as long as I can draw another breath.''
Yeah so that was the bargain. Do the mission, do you duty or you family will suffer the consequences. That was her life. Do you job or your friends will suffer and your mother will die. Subbornly Midori kept staring to the file. She was sure that Kaya was having a lovely life. She looked like she was having one. She would have none of the worries that Midori struggled with on her own. How nice. No, there was no choice here. She could not say no. So she just nodded.
''We will do our utmost best, sir." She pushed her chair slightly back.
''If that was all, I would like to leave now... I have... a mission to prepare for and I have to contact the genin."
The man nodded.
''I understand Midori. I wish you luck on your mission. '' Somebody sobbed. Looking worried and a bit saddened, Takeru paid no longer attention towards Midori. Trying to comfort the young girl, it was evidently clear that somebody else wasn't to happy either with the mission.
''I don't want... to go away...'' The soft whispering was loud enough for both Midori as for Takeru. Trying to hush her, Takeru had no longer attention for Midori as he whispered back comforting words, trying to make her stop crying.
She didn't want to go? Well that made two of them, but neither had a choice. Midori got up, made a bow towards the man who was no longer looking at her and turned around. It wasn't her concert that the girl was crying. She couldn't care less. This mission had to be completed otherwise bad things would happen. Slowly Midori opened the door and without sending a glance back she walked out of the office, closing the door behind her, shutting the sobbing away. Now she had to find Kaya. No, first she had to find Reyna 'cause Reyna would understand and would help. She was sure of that. [/COLOR]
