Chapter 145: 144. Advent

MrProper

No! No! No! By my estimate, the timing for their destruction is all wrong! The Kaguya Clan shouldn't attempt a coup until at least half a year later!

"Everything okay?" (F)

"Huh? Y-Yeah, just trying to take it all in" (Rei)

"..." (Suzu)

Is this the "Ripple" Notitia claimed I caused on Summoning Island? But that doesn't make sense, how could my actions there-?!

"Oh! I almost forgot, Tai!" (F)

"Y-Yeah?" (Tai)

"Kiyoi-san stopped by earlier, he was looking for you" (F)

"My uncle? Why?" (Tai)

"I don't know, but it had something to do with Ganjō-sama. You should probably go home" (F)

"!" (Tai)

"Tai's father?" (Suzu)

CRASH!

"?!" (Team Tango)

"Uh-oh, things aren't getting any better in there. I'll see you guys later" (F)

"Thanks senpai" (Tango)

CLINK!

F re-entered the building, leaving us to process this news. I sure as hell ain't taking it well. Fortunately, Tango decided to give everyone some time off and send the team home to clear our heads

He's gonna stay and see if he could help with the situation inside, not that I'd stop him

"For your dad to be mentioned...is this what I think it's about?" (Suzu)

"Probably" (Tai)

Damn it! I better get back to the lab

STUP! STUP!

"Leaving already?" (Suzu)

"You heard Sensei, we're to go home. I've got stuff to do anyways" (Rei)

"In that case, care to meet up at Mariko's tomorrow? Yugito-sama and Samui-san will be there as well" (Suzu)

"Eh?" (Tai)

Yugito? She'll be there...?

"...Okay, see you tomorrow" (Rei)

"Alright, bye guys" (Suzu)

ZWSSH!

"There she goes, guess I'll see you tomorrow-" (Tai)

"Talk it out with Ganjō" (Rei)

"!" (Tai)

"I think we both know this is about the Yotsuki Clan's Selection. I know he's hard man to converse with, but you should make your point clear" (Rei)

"Whether I want to be the next clan head or not. You think he'll just accept my decision?" (Tai)

"How should I know? It's not like he's my dad" (Rei)

"Ugh! You're ridiculously unhelpful. As an Yotsuki, I have a duty to my clan" (Tai)

"Pssh! Your duty is to yourself, your clan be damned" (Rei)

"Hey!" (Tai)

"I don't mean any offense by it, that's just my honest opinion when it comes to...well, everything" (Rei)

"What...?" (Tai)

"Say what you want, do what you want, love who you want, protect who you want, and never...never...ever..." (Rei)

"?" (Tai)

"Put up with someone's bullshit" (Rei)

"Sigh. And here I thought you were going for something more poetic and elegant. I'm leaving before you convince me to do something I'll undoubtedly regret. See ya tomorrow" (Tai)

ZWSSH!

And then there was one. Now, onto stuff that's actually relevant...my issues

"Notitia..." (Rei)

[I know, I know. We got some major shit to discuss]

"Damn straight" (Rei)

♦♦♦

Elsewhere

The Raikage and Daimyō traveled by boat through the continent, opposite of Team Toroi, they began their journey in the southern sea rather than north

Once they returned to the coast, the group traveled down a narrow river path stretching throughout the west side of the central continent

Sailing through the nation known as the Land of Rivers, sandwiched between the Land's of Fire and Wind respectively. This was a so-called "Noble Road" meant for the exclusive use of a Daimyō

"..."

"Are you wondering if Toroi-dono and the others have made it to the prison?" (Daimyō)

"..."

"A-dono!" (Daimyō)

"W-What?! What is it?!" (A)

"Geez, the least you could do is respond. This trip is long, and it's not like they're the talkative types" (Daimyō)

"Ah, right..." (A)

Accompanying them as their guards were four dark hooded, robe-wearing ANBU ninja. Quiet and still, these experienced shinobi had been silent for the entire journey to Kusagakure1Hidden Grass Village

"Sorry, what was the question?" (A)

"I asked, are you thinking about Toroi and his team?" (Daimyō)

"No, Kumogakure. I don't prefer being away from the village, especially for circumstances like this" (A)

"Quite the overprotective worrywart aren't you?" (Daimyō)

"It's my job to be. And this fancy, expensive boat of yours isn't doing anything to calm my nerves" (A)

"It's a vessel designed for traveling amongst these routes, and truth be told, you're always tightly wound. People don't call you Kikanbō no A2Unruly Afor nothing" (Daimyō)

"Ugh! I hate that nickname" (A)

"Hahaha! See, now your loosening up. You can't expect meetings like this to be successful when you're stressed. You need to be calm, relaxed, the world of politics is no joke" (Daimyō)

{If only it were that simple, but I can't shake off this feeling of mine} (A)

The Daimyō retrieved an old parchment detailing the original agreement between the two villages. Along with papers and letters from other countries located in the east who'd also suffer from their recent decision

Kumogakure wasn't the only one targeted after all. The two leaders hoped this would serve as leverage in upcoming discussion

"Alright, if you're gonna be serious for this whole ride, why don't we discuss our political strategy? Toroi's group is keeping the warden busy to prevent Kusagakure from making any premature moves" (Daimyō)

"I know, but can we reach an agreement in time? Toroi can't stall forever" (A)

"How long have you known me? You think I can't handle something of this degree in a short amount of time?" (Daimyō)

"...Father always did praise your skills as a politician. Compliments from him are something I've never taken lightly" (A)

"Good to know. But what concerns me is they probably know this. There's no way they could stop accepting prisoners from the entire eastern side of the continent. Not without major consequence anyway...so why?" (Daimyō)

"Why make such a bad, provoking decision?" (A)

"...Yes" (Daimyō)

{It feels like Kusagakure isn't the one behind this} "Hey, you don't think Konoha could have something to do with this? Considering the Land of Fire is right next to their country..." (A)

"As I've stated before, speculation without proof won't do us any good. False accusations can lead to a myriad of problems we don't need, and my gut is telling me the Leaf isn't behind this" (Daimyō)

{You obviously don't know of their old fox who thrives in darkness. I wouldn't put it pass Root to try something like this} (A)

"Overall, that village has every right to end their services with us at any time, that's what they'll inevitably use in talks with us. Our job is to convince them of how terrible an idea this would be" (Daimyō)

"And how do you plan on doing that?" (A)

"Well..." (Daimyō)

The pair conversed for quite some time as the ship sailed north, passing the River country's capital of Tanigakure3Hidden Valley Village, as it entered southern Kusagakure lands

"I don't like this fog..." (A)

"Southern Kusagakure gets foggy this time of year. Means we're getting close to the shinobi village" (Daimyō)

"It's been a while since I've been this far from home, I'm unfamiliar with the territory" (A)

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"Oh? How long ago was that?" (Daimyō)

"During the last war, when B and I were almost killed by Konoha's Fourth Hok-!" (A)

"Hm? What's wrong? What are you looking at-eh? Who's that?" (Daimyō)

Just as they were about to reach their destination, a lone figure emerged from fog as it stood in their path

"Here at last..."

KASHINK!

"!" (A)

The unknown individual unsheathed the sword on her hip as she waited for the boat. Her appearance becoming more clear the closer they approached, the party from Kumogakure could see a mask with the symbol for...

"We got trouble! Daimyō, stay behind me!" (A)

"R-Right!" {Who in the world could be so brazen?!} (Daimyō)

...Blade

♦♦♦

Kusagakure Territory

"We're finally here"

"Ugh, the place is even more disturbing than I believed"

"Focus Funsui" 

{Look at the sheer size of it...hard to believe they've reached maximum capacity}

Toroi's squad had just arrived outside of Kusagakure's Hōzuki-jō4Demon Lantern Castle, dead set on meeting with the warden. The man in question could see the group from his office within the tall central tower

But he wasn't alone, two individuals were present as well. One of whom wore a mask with the symbol for "Balance". He'd managed to infiltrate the prison quite some time ago, working his way up to the position of Head Officer

The other individual was dressed in standard prison clothing, nothing special about him except for the fact he possessed odd, glowing red eyes

"They're...here..."

"We have eyes, dumbass"

"Right on time, Flow really came through. Alright Kyō, you know what to do" (Balance)

"Hmph! Alright you nitwit, listen carefully" (Kyō)

Despite how rude they were, the warden was completely absentminded. Never speaking unless spoken to, obediently listening to every word the one called Kyō whispered to him

"Do you understand?" (Kyō)

"Y-Y-Yes..."

"I don't like that stutter of his, fix it. We're trying to ensure he passes for normal" (Balance)

"He may be a puppet, but he's a puppet with a will. I can't do anything about his resistance, plus they've brought a sensor-type with them. If I increase my influence, it'll disturb his chakra, they'll pick up on it" (Kyō)

"They'll also pick up on that strange behavior if you don't do something about it. This isn't just some random ninja, this is Jiton no Toroi5Toroi of the Magnet Style" (Balance)

Kyō grew more irritable as Balance continued to question his overall skill level with Genjutsu, something he and his family heavily prided themselves on

"You wanted a puppet, you got one. Don't ask for the impossible" (Kyō)

"I thought you Chinoike were good at Genjutsu?" (Balance)

"Cheh! We are..." (Kyō)

"Huh. Guess your Ketsuryūgan6Blood Dragon Eyedoesn't really compare to the Uchiha's Sharingan7Copy Wheel Eye" (Balance)

"...Excuse me?" (Kyō)

"Or am I mistaken?" (Balance)

"We're ten times better! Don't you ever compare us to that shit cla-AGH!" (Kyō)

Stopped mid-sentence, Kyō struggled to breath as Balance grabbed him by the throat, easily holding the young man in the air with one arm. He moved faster than the eye could see, catching the Dōjutsu8Eye Techniquesuser off guard

And despite all the noise, the warden simply stood in place, facing the window like a lifeless doll

"Don't you ever...talk to me like that" (Balance)

"I am the leader of the Chinoike! R-Release me-!" (Kyō)

CLENCH!

"URGH!" (Kyō)

"Nu-uh. No talking...just listening" (Balance)

{Bastard! Can't. Breath!} (Kyō)

"I, nor my associates could give a shit about your clan's vendettas or feelings. You were nothing before we came along, a scattered group of outcasts living in a poisonous valley literally named Hell. Killing each other to the brink of extinction, like savages" (Balance)

"Aggh!" (Kyō)

"How else could someone as stupid as you lead the last remnants of your clan? You need us, we don't need you, recognize that. My organization always honors its agreements, so you don't need to ask questions...you just need to do whatever the f**k I tell you" (Balance)

"K-Kuh!" (Kyō)

"Do you understand? A simple nod will suffice" (Balance)

"Mhm! Mhm!" (Kyō)

THUD!

Balance let go of his throat, letting him fall to the ground as he desperately gasped for air

"Cough! Cough! Uhack! A-Ahhhh!" (Kyō)

"I understand how you might be frustrated after we had you stay in a place like this for over a year. But you agreed to the plan when we opted to plant you here" (Balance)

"U-Ugh!" (Kyō)

Kyō was planted amongst the many mercenaries Arc sent to attack Summoning Island. A seed, meant to infiltrate the prison and help Balance take control of the prison. Giving the member "Red" an ample amount of "test subjects" for her experiments

Being the leader of his clan members, he volunteered for the job. But after spending so much time in this horrible place, his patience had worn thin, but the Company grew deaf ears to his complaints

The moment he agreed to work with them, he and his clan no longer had any freedom whatsoever

"Now. You will instruct our dear warden to meet those Kumo-nin at the gate, then escort them here, to this very office. His behavior will be normal, they won't suspect a thing, and once they're inside...I don't need to go further do I?" (Balance)

"N-No..." (Kyō)

"No...what?" (Balance)

"...No sir" (Kyō)

PAT! PAT!

Balance chuckled as he patted Kyō's head, practically mocking him as if he were a child being scolded before making his way out of the office

"F**cking lunatic!" (Kyō)

Thinking he wouldn't hear, Kyō cursed him under his breath

"Ya know, my brother and I are used to working in groups, something we learned at an early age. Our business was an inheritance after all" (Balance)

"W-What? What are you talkin-" (Kyō)

"And when it comes bad apples, my brother and I always had different means of dealing with them. He'd work that bad apple to the bone, break their spirit, getting the most out of them while teaching respect. A trait he got from our shitty parents" (Balance)

"...I don't understa-" (Kyō)

"We both hated them, but I hated them so much more. I vowed to be better than they ever were...after we killed them that is" (Balance)

"GULP!" (Kyō)

"And in that moment of...glee, I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes, you just have to accept the inevitable" (Balance)

"E-Eh?" (Kyō)

"Sometimes, you really can't teach an errant dog new tricks. Sometimes, you have to put it down. No matter how hard, or what you may lose, you just have to go through with it. And with that, comes a question for you" (Balance)

ZWIP!

"Heek?!" (Kyō)

"Are you a loyal dog? Or..." (Balance)

Balance suddenly appeared in front of Kyō, his masked-covered face barely an inch away from the latter. Silently watching as Kyō's face, previously holding a hateful expression, became one of fear

With teeth chattering and sweat forming, he'd already wet his pants, and for the few seconds of silence that felt like an eternity...he never blinked once

"...an errant one?" (Balance)

"A-A-Ahhhh! L-Loyal! I'm a loyal dog! Whatever you say!" (Kyō)

"..." (Balance)

"Hiek! I-I-I'll do it! I'll do it!" (Kyō)

"..." (Balance)

"There won't be any problems, I swear on family's name! N-No, on my life!" (Kyō)

Kyō prostrated on the floor, he eyes facing the ground as he begged for forgiveness. He stayed in that position for almost five minutes before cautiously raising his head. Only to discover Balance had already left

Not wanting to tempt fate, he immediately went to work, issuing his commands to the warden before sending him outside to meet the Kumo-nin

"Hmph"

Unbeknownst to him, Balance was still present, watching him from the shadows. And while none could see it behind that mask, he was smiling

"Good dog..."

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