Iwagakure [Village Hidden by Rocks]

[Mason]

Iwagakure
Having the most prominent and largest military force on the map makes this village out to be one of the most influential as well. However, as tough as their shinobi and citizens may seem to be, their loyalty, kindness and fairness cloud any stereotypical ideals you may have about them. The rock ninja are a respectable bunch, with the Tsuchikage always being picked on grounds of loyalty, ability, fairness and the will to lead. The rocky terrain that surrounds the village also acts as one of it's protections; various jutsu are in place to hold on criminals or unwanted visitors, as well as techniques to stay at the ready for war if there were one to break out.

Current Tsuchikage: - Akumei Shōzen

[Big Guns]

The Tsuchikage sat diligently at her desk, a large stack of papers lying wait. Twenty more stacks of folders lie in wait for the lazy Tsuchikage to file. She stared at her desk for a good two minutes, her dark almond eyes observing every portion of the strenuous political tasks that accompanied the position of village leader. It wasn't only about kicking ass, it was about the saftey and prosperity of the village. Well, she was new to this, after all, and had no problem making that excuse, especially to her grandfather, who knew exactly what it was like to be in her position, even under times of war.

Eh, she'd get to that later, or wait for her adviser to appear from his vacation.

She sighed with an emphasized resonance, propelling her feet up the table, knocking down a couple of papers along the way, wavily floating through the wind onto the ground, so carefree. In times, she missed the rather carefree life of not being a Kage, but she still felt the rewards much outweighed the hindrances.

The Tsuchikage's eyes perked up, her senses began to tingle. She placed her foot on the ground, hearing someone approach the door from the stairway outside. She attempted to quickly position herself to present herself appropriately for her guest, although the paper stack on the floor would have to wait.

"Hope it's not granddad," she whispered underneath her breath, knowing his routine drop-bys were probably coming close. If he seen the office in this mess, he might not be a happy camper.

[Mason]

"It's always nice to see you keep your office so neat." came a rugged voice from the doorway. An old man entered the room, his traditional Iwagakure robes drooped and dragged casually on the ground behind him. He slowly made his way around, examining the room with his dull grey eyes. "A Shozen should always present themselves with cleanliness and organization." he lectured, looking toward Akumei with a small grin. "Though sometimes it is best to put your feet up." he said, noticing the pile of papers on the floor next to her desk. "Metaphorically, of course." he said, eyeing her.

Just as she had predicted, it was her grandad; Kentetsu Shozen. As the previous Tsuchikage two terms prior, Kentetsu was not one to be shy of knowledge and wisdom on the subject of leading a village. After experiencing everything he had in life, Kentetsu had become a respected elder in the village, always open to share his wisdom and knowledge with others. Although Akumei was not a fan of being lectured by her grandfather, he kept at it to try and make her the best she could be.

"And what of your responsibilities?" he asked, picking up the papers scattered on the ground. Placing them on the desk, he opened them casually and skimmed them over. "Ah, I see you've decided to save military defences for later?" Kentetesu said, eyeing her once more. Shoving the papers closer to her, he nodded. "One must not elope from their duties as Tsuchikage." he lectured, knowing the drone of his voice was probably the last thing Akumei wanted to hear.

Taking a seat across from her, he rubbed his chin. "After you've finished up here, don't forget about your meditation with Shibiru. Once that's over, you've got your training session with me, which I know you're looking forward to." Kentetsu said, reading off her schedule for the day like she was a child.

The two trained together at least once a month. Kentetsu had always sought to better his granddaughter in everything she did, and always focused on the strategic side of battle, knowing that's what Tsuchikage's are best known for. Their previous training sessions had been, for lack of a better word, boring. Kentetsu had been training her in concentration skills lately, which he knew was not her favourite, at all. Yet, he had decided on something different today.. Something he believed she was ready to start on.

"I promise you today will be interesting." he said, winking at her. He usually always said that, and, as always, it ended up being boring. This time, however, he was serious.

[Big Guns]

Akumei blew her auburn bang from her face. It wasn't that she didn't like seeing her grandfather, he was literally all the family she had left, and vice versa. She listened, for the hundredth time, her grandfather lecture her about her duties as the Tsuchikage. She knew he meant well, but she was irritated by his persistence. "Yeah yeah, I got it granddad. You've told me a thousand times before. It's sunk in by now, I'm just tired," Akumei retorted somewhat bitterly. Although she listened, it never got through.

Akumei was different than most of her clansmen. The Shozen clan were known primarily for using underhanded tactics, especially in the spoils of war, and Kentetsu was no different during his term as the Tsuchikage. It was a trait most Tsuchikage shared. The Shozen clan were intellectual folk gifted with a rare Kekkei Genkai, and to be bestowed with the Kekkei Genkai of two generations was imposing, yet demanding. Akumei was seen as a prodigy among the clan, but she was much different than most in her clan during their prime. She went with the flow and thought spontaneously, but it worked out for her so far, so what was the deal?

Then he mentioned their training session for the day. Honestly, Akumei wasn't looking forward to it. The idea of training her concentration skills didn't appeal to her, and if it wasn't that it was her awareness, intelligence, nothing ever 'fun'. She sighed with an exaggerated posture, folding her arms across her chest.

"You say that all of the time, too," She rolled her eyes, clearly not buying it. If there was one thing her grandfather always was, it was predictable. He always promised something, but never hardly came through with it. With that trait, she wondered how he was ever a reliable Kage before her time. "I'm not convinced yet, old pops." she stubbornly looked away, outside of the window.

[Mason]

Kentetsu let a small chuckle escape as Akumei folded her arms. "One day you'll appreciate what I have to share." he said, winking at her and getting up from his seat. He walked to the book case and scanned the many novels, scrolls and papers that lined the shelf. Tracing his finger over their spines, eventually pulling one out, Kentetsu examined the cover. It was dusty and obviously had not been touched in a while. Dusting it off, the words 'Shozen' were clearly legible. Smiling gently, Kentetsu walked over and placed the book upon Akumei's desk.

"You haven't seen this in a while, have you?" Kentetsu said gently. He knew bringing up the clan was a sensitive subject, but he was also aware that Akumei was one to stray from knowing much about her clan members. "Remember when I used to show you this every night before you went to bed?" he asked, opening to the first page. Handwritten words clearly read out

'To our dearest Akumei, for when the light at the end of the tunnel is not bright enough, this book will help guide you there.

All our love,
Grandma & Grandpa'

Kentetsu smiled warmly at the words, looking back up at his granddaughter. "I know my promises don't mean much to you anymore, but please take this one; promise me you'll always keep this book safe." he said, looking rather serious, yet gentle. Inside the pages of the book was various pictures of Shozen clan members, and their comments towards Akumei. As old as the book was, Kentetsu and his wife made it when Akumei was born to ensure she withheld all the memories she could. When the massacre happened, this book was all that was left in connection to the clan.

Everyone previous to the murders had known Akumei was something special from the start; a prodigy. Kentetsu made sure to tell his son that, and made sure he took proper care of her. Although he agreed Akumei had potential, he never believed a prodigy could be made in the Shozen clan. Takatsu then proceeded to shape his daughter into a more independent person, seeming to not take an interest in her.

Kentetsu had always seen the truth though; he always believed Akumei was the one to carry out the Shozen name and make them legendary. This is why he committed his life to better her and take care of her. Although she wasn't aware of it now, Akumei meant everything to Kentetsu. In fact, Akumei meant more than Kentetsu's own life.

"I'll see you soon, then, Akumei. Don't be late for Shibiru, meditation is very important for a Kage." Kentetsu said, taking his leave from the room.

[Big Guns]

Akumei inquisitively watched her grandfather as he reached for a certain book on the bookshelf. She didn't recognize the book at first, and barely paid it any mind. She only hoped he wasn't about to read another historic passage to her. The contents inside of the book took Akumei off guard. She widened her eyes as she read the delicately handwritten note. For a gruff-looking pointy eared old man, he had nice etiquette, and handwriting. She read the note, crystal pool tears on the verge of cascading down her eyes.

She watched as Kentetsu said his goodbyes for the meanwhile, and left the office. Akumei sat in silence for a minute, contemplating. Memories of her riding her fathers' shoulder during a parade flashed back, as did the horrid night when he lifted her by the throat, kunai at the ready, attempting to end her life there, yet didn't have the stomach to do it. Despite her situation, the memory haunting her for 15 years, she never knew exactly what to think about her father. He was never there for her, planned a massacre for his own entire clan sacrificing his moral code, his own body and mind, and his family to serve the Ginten Divide. Yet for some reason, she could never bring herself to fully hate him. She even wanted to hate him, even after reading his pitiful suicide note, he was hardly anything of a man, yet she just couldn't bear any ill will toward him.

Her grandfather, however, was a true shinobi, and always stayed true to himself. He led Iwagakure prosperously, having nearly the entire village on his side. It was because of him that she straightened up her act after graduation, and became much more lenient, as opposed to the hard-pressed tom-boy she was in the past. Her grandparents were there for her through it all, even when she awoke the next morning after the massacre, after she passed out after graduation due to exhaustion, they were there for her. After the night, they would always give her that note, always wishing her fortune and the best, willing to raise her where her parents had failed.

Akumei sat forward in her seat, picking up the book, closing it, placing it next to the lamp. She had almost forgotten just what the book meant to her, nearly forgetting it was there. She smiled slowly, looking forward. "Thanks for guiding me, granddad."

[Mason]

Kakutsu's eyes fell upon the book on the desk.

Shozen. The words were etched clearly across the cover. Everything Kakutsu detested about the clan lay sentimental within this book. Not daring to touch the vile thing, he simply looked back to the chair Akumei was previously sitting in earlier today. The level of hate he felt for any Shozen was unmatchable. Looking out the window, he knew the old man and her were training like they usually do every week.

"Heh.." he grunted, crossing his arms, staring at the book.

[Big Guns]

The Tsuchikage walked through the halls of her building with unexpected poise and equilibrium. Her hands behind her back, her face masked by the hat bearing the Earth Kanji. The guards allowed her access inside of her office easily. She never paid anyone any mind, she didn't stop to talk to the receptionist or perform any of her unusual antics. Underneath the hat, her eyes were completely calm, almost quiescent. She turned many heads as she walked, which was nothing unusual, whether it be her looks or her antics, but this time, it was different. She was never this calm, and always made some sort of rampant show.

She entered her office, the two ANBU guards guarding the door closing it behind her. She looked up, her auburn eyes assessing the only man in the room currently, her adviser. She placed her hands to her side, clasping them together for a release seal. After the seal was placed, her body morphed, transforming into a masculine figure. She, or he, gained height, weight and mass. He exhibited a black, smooth silk woven cloak, decorated and enveloped with an assortment of tribal markings, which were actually seals placed on the fabric of the cloak itself. The most interesting feature about this man was his mask. A pure white mask with two slit for eyeholes with an articulated break down the eye-holes. On the top, on the forehead, was a crafted circle with an Omega symbol depicted.

Before wasting time, making haste, he performed another seal. "Sound Obstruction." An invisible barrier was crafted in the Tsuchikage's office, making the room completely sound proof. It was to ensure no one would overhear their conversation, these measures had to be taken first. He placed his hands behind his back, standing and appearing completely official, yet masked in an enigma, his true intentions unknown, with no visible facial expressions to display. His body remained motionless, unpredictable. He perked up his head, staring dead on at the adviser of the Tsuchikage.

"Kakutsu Takuri," the man began, his voice baritone, authentic, imposing, yet dark and equivocal. "I want all information on Akumei Shozen and Kentetsu Shozen, down to the very last slender detail. I also appeal for Iwagakure's current political and economical advances. Convey your full report, what have you learned?"

[Mason]

Watching as the Tsuchikage entered the room, Kakutsu stood at attention, baring all concentration on his leader. However, as her body began to morph, he nodded, recognizing the figure that came to be. Without a word slipping from his mouth, which he knew would be a mistake, he listened to the man and immediately served the orders he was given.

"Kentetsu has recently applied a new training process for Akumei. He is teaching her the ways of Senjutsu, and he believes she is going to complete her Sage Mode. They are training outside in the Iwagakure Outskirts as we speak. Kentetsu also recently visited all of the towns surrounding Iwagakure to gather any information he could find about our whereabouts, sir. I made sure he did not find anything out. Akumei has recently been focusing on hiding any details on the Ginten Divide from peering eyes, but I found all the files with ease." he began, looking toward the cabinet that withheld important files, which was sealed with a sealing jutsu.

"Iwagakure has recently grown in military size as well, and the Genin graduation was just recently. Akumei sent Kentetsu to check up on the military, and they are apparently focusing on new sealing techniques to make sure you or the Ginten Divide members can no longer enter; apparently they've been successful so far. They're researching your chakra patterns to make sure they can duplicate it and block it, but I recently destroyed their latest development." he said, nodding to his master. "I also found out that Amegakure and Iwagakure have an alliance together, something we previously did not know. Akumei and the Ryoushuu of Amegakure, Rouge, are apparently very close friends. I looked into the files they had on Rouge here, and.. well, they didn't have any information on her, not even her real name or age. I'm guessing only Akumei knows the full details on her." he said, nodding once more to signify he was done with his report.

[Big Guns]

The masked man stood indifferently, poised and diligent as always, his face masked ominously from any emotional and physical composition. Standing before the Tsuchikage adviser, one of his own subordinates, was his "King." To many others, Dreadnaught, the Masked King, was a masked vigilante, the voice of intellect who served as the voice for the hundreds of his underlings and even more supporters. He was a symbol, an icon, yet he never appeared to take any of it too lightly.

He listened to Kakutsu's intel report. So, Kentetsu decided to pass on his Senjutsu technique to the pride and detritus of the Shozen clan? That, he cared little for, but the second part intrigued him. The two were also still searching for any clues on Ginten Divide? After all this time, it was quizzical, that they would suddenly spring forth once again in the heat of the investigation. Obviously, new light was found on Ginten Divide. With recent underground reports of their new whereabouts and movements coming to light, it wasn't a total stretch that Kentetsu or one of his ANBU subordinates would be underground. However, he still was less than concerned. "So be it. They will do as they please, the end result will inevitably be equivalent to their first investigation."

Coming in with Iwagakure's latest developments, the Masked King made no response. Although he wasn't aware of their research and special division against Ginten Divide, he was more surprised by the fact they had a relationship with Amegakure. Amegakure was mostly considered a loner village, yet was always the center of the world's past wars. The village always rained, always cried, always nonstop. Regardless, he said nothing, right away. He turned his head, eyes averted to the aforementioned cabinet in the corner of the Tsuchikage's desk. The seal placed upon it, he walked casually for the seal. He touched it, yet immediately was shocked. As the small jolting shock coursed through his body, he merely flinched. Tilting his head, studying the seal for a brief two minutes, he performed a long string of seals. Recogizing the seal, having knowledge of the sealing and unsealing method of this pronged and activated seal due to Kakutsu endowed him with the method. He disrupted the seal, albeit temporarily, by twisting his hand among the knob of the cabinet twice consistently. He dragged the cabinet open, examining the contents inside with an intrigued eye. After only a minute of observation, he came to a unique conclusion.

"These files have been tampered," he replied nonchalantly, turning to Kakutsu, he pulled out the folders associated with the full investigation of the Ginten Divide. "These folders are stacked incoherently, and the seal as been tampered with once more since you were the one who last removed it." The Masked King continued, not entirely happy about this turn of events. He roughly slammed down the folders. "They know of us."

[Mason]

It was a tough environment to handle with his leader there, though he felt a sense of pride being under the order of such an inspirational man, or so, he saw in his eyes. Watching as his master unsealed the jutsu with a fairly ease-filled aperture, Kakutsu awaited the pride he was sure to follow. He had looked at the files and observed every detail he could so that his king would be pleased with the intel. Gathering such information was fairly easy for Kakutsu, seeing as he was the Tsuchikage adviser. However, it was forbidden of him to look at such files without permission. Oh wait, who cares? He's a double agent, it's what he did.

The thing the King said next came as a shock. How? How! The thoughts raced through Kakutsu's head, and it was obviously showing on his face. Frustration began to take over, and before he punched a hole through the wall, he kept his calm and swallowed. He was a good actor, or so he presumed seeing as he had fooled all of Iwagakure into thinking he had changed from his original morals.

"They know of us, sir?" came Kakutsu's voice, a little more frustrated than usual. "How could this have happened? Do you think they've known for a long time? Why did-" Kakutsu immediately stopped his questioning. He knew it would only bother his king. Instead, he sighed, swallowed his frustration, and looked back up to the Ginten Divide leader.

"Sorry, sir." Kakutsu said slowly, now more calmly. "What do we do next, then?"

[Big Guns]

The Masked King looked up at Kakutsu as he restrained himself from asking anymore questions. He slyly straightened up the folders, putting them back within the cabinet. The seal would automatically regenerate and reactive within the next few minutes. He placed his hands behind his back, walking diligently to the center of the room.

"Whoever it is, is most likely a rogue shinobi," the Masked King assumed languidly, assessing all of the options with a completely calm head. "They clearly had intents of hiding their traces, which they did well of, all except the one crucial detail, because they took some files, and most likely copied others." he said, turning his head back to Kakutsu. "However, no such matter will concern us, right now."

"As for our next course of action, I'm going ahead with the first initialization of the grand plot, Order M.E.," he said, tilting his head back to Kakutsu. "But, I'm afraid, as my lieutenant, you cannot attend. I need you here in Iwagakure. You do not yet have the full trust of the council. Akumei may be swayed, but Kentetsu is not, I feel it is in your best interest to gain their trust..." he placed his hood over his masked face. "It will be needed."

With a Kai release, he released the sound barrier from the room, and flickered out of the room.

[Mason]

That was one of the most disappointing things to Kakutsu. He knew gaining the trust of the Shozen was just as important as being there for his king, but he was hoping he would be able to be at the front of the battle alongside his master, but unfortunately, was ordered to stay here. Sighing and watching the seal eventually redo it's jutsu and look normal, Kakutsu turned and walked back to his office. He sighed once more and closed the door behind him, growling and sitting down, awaiting for the Tsuchikage to return so he could complete whatever stupid orders she gave him.

[Big Guns]

The Tsuchikage, Akumei Shozen, walked in her office, her face concealed by the hat bearing the real Earth Kanji. Her clothes were worn and dirty. She removed her hat, throwing it aside harshly over the desk, barely missing her assistant. She slumped in her chair, puffing out her lip, she pouted childishly. She couldn't get today's training session out of her mind, the way Kentetsu so bluntly told her she had straight up failed. It didn't sit well with her, clearly misinterpreting the entire point of the training.

"Maybe this Senjutsu training is just a waste of time," she said to herself, blowing a strand of her auburn hair from her face. Busy fuming, she had failed to notice her adviser was in the room. "I don't get it. What am I doing wrong anyway? I would have beaten him," she puffed, looking from the corner of her eye, noticing her adviser sitting in the room, appeared to be down in the dumps as well. She sighed.

"Hi Kakutsu," she replied as enthusiastically as she could. "How goes your day?"

[Mason]

Kakutsu sat up in his chair as he watched the Tsuchikage walk into the room. He nodded toward her, a faux warm smile licking across his lips.

"Tsuchikage-Sama, it is good to see you again. How was your training session?" Kakutsu said, his actual interest in Akumei non-existent. He casually glanced to the window while he awaited her reply, his mind set on his king and his orders to stay put.