Ember Within The Mist [P]

The belief that nobility or respect was to be afforded to people who jeopardised their entire countries safety was foreign to him. Xyxer believed such a notion was foolish, self-indulgent and narcissistic. To have your entire village massacred because of some idiotic doctrine that would cease to exist once you were put down. Konoha had different views on actions of stupidity, acted upon during the pressure of a moment. So many believed those had been thoughtful, needed gestures that displayed their resolute will.. Perhaps that was just to be something that the conqueror could not comprehend about this village. Sometimes you evolve too much to understand a lesser forms way of thinking.

Kinzoku spoke about how he believed the village knew to no longer defy Risako, the girl whose commands had already been ignored. If loyalty was paid to the Hokage, it was solely through the fear that Xyxer had imposed upon the village when he had them decimate one of their own. Wretched dog.. too weak to fight off an invader. Culled from the ranks of the living so that the strong could bloom from the shedding of the lessers blood. Risako had little faith in herself to lead, that much was certain from her actions at the Gokage Summit, and that was why they were here.

Once the man rolled his sleeve up an abundance of ink was revealed upon his arm, yet none was meaningless. Each line held significance to the man and did its part in acknowledging the history of the man that had wandered from the ruins in the sands. This was not the first time Xyxer had seen such a custom permanently stained upon a beings skin. He'd encountered many tribes of different cultures and societal values with these patterns.. one of the few customs he'd respected, and perhaps even understood.

There was a lightness about Xyxer's eyes while he studied the marks and a faint nodding of his head, if Kinzoku had any dealings with learning body language, he'd be able to understand this was one of the few expressions of respect that the man demonstrated. Perhaps the only one he would ever show the cowboy during their tenure. The story accompanying the sword was also interesting to the man.. a sacrifice. Many had been forced to die for Xyxer, yet how many would willingly give their life for him? Fear did little to curate that, yet respect that exceeded such an emotion.. that would enable a voluntary exchanging of life.

His single burning eye contrasted with his opposing icy one looked back up towards the gaze of Kinzoku, words leaving his lips while his hand seemed to fumble out of sight momentarily, "You now have to live a life full enough for two people, Kinzoku. That's no easy feat." A glint of light came from Xyxer's hand once he raised it back up, nestling black metal on the desk before him. A kunai. He now grasped the marker he'd left on the table at the start, popping the top off with the strong scent now exposed to the air. Leaning over towards Kinzoku, he talked while drawing a black line just beneath where the tattoos started on his wrist, "Risako learnt through the death of her people what the consequences were for not following my orders immediately, and without question. Perhaps this was inappropriate. The Kage is responsible for what the village does after all, and I need you to understand me. To know Kirigakure." Xyxer finished drawing the line, settling back down into his seat while the kunai remained on the center of the desk. "Now, I want you to cut right through that line, past the bone, through the other side. Clean cut. Off in one." He expected no questions from the man, simply placing the lid back onto the marker before returning it to its original spot.

When Kinzoku lifted his head back up to meet the gaze of the Mizukage he noticed something different in the way he looked at the Jounin. The slight tilt of his head confirming that he understood what Kinzoku had gone through. It made Kinzoku think, what had Xyxer gone through during his life time? Had he experienced anything similar to losing a brother? He likely would never get the answer to his question but if he had to guess, the answer would be yes. In a world like this, no one got as far as a man like Xyxer without experiencing loss. Kinzoku returned a small nod of his own to the Mizukage. It was the first time during their meeting he felt the two of them were on the same page. As short lived as it what, it was a refreshing change in pace from the constant pressure of not slipping up or making an unnecessary mistake. As composed as Kinzoku may have seemed from the outside there was no denying the amount of pressure a conversation like this held due to the simple fact there as no way of knowing where it was leading. His words resonated with the Nazar. It was a truth Kinzoku had always known and would never forget as he glanced down for a second at his metal hand. He took one last look at his tattoo in memory of his brother before looking back at Xyxer retrieve a kunai.

Bewildered to the purpose of the kunai, the Nazar simply observed as Xyxer followed up by taking hold of the marker and leaning over the desk. Kinzoku was entirely lost to what was going on as the Mizukage went in to draw a single black line across his right wrist. Through his words did Kinzoku understand where this was going as he met Xyxer with a hard gaze like a statue. It was not meant as intimidation as Kinzoku knew there was no chance for such a thing. No, rather it was the realization that Xyxer was going to have Kinzoku understand there was no time for fooling around. No time for mistakes. No time for insubordination. As always, it was going to be done with blood.

Kinzoku's eyes slowly shifted down to look upon the black line placed on his wrist. In order for this to work out the Nazar was going to have to maim himself. Thoughts began running through his head like water flowing through a stream. Was maiming himself in his best interest? If not, what would happen? Konoha had learned the hard way that there were consequences when slighting the Mizukage. It resulted in the deaths of many. This time who would die? Kinzoku himself? Maybe he would kill those close to Kinzoku instead. His students, friends and family. Make him live a life full enough for more than just two people. If Kinzoku refused and made it out of this office Xyxer would likely look for someone else's loyalty. Then what, have him cut his hand off instead of Kinzoku? Konoha was on this ship with Kiri whether they liked it or not. If this is what was needed to make it smooth sailing from here on out then it was a necessary measure to take. For the better of the village.

Kinzoku looked down at his remaining real arm for the last time as he flexed his fist and fingers, opening and closing it a few times. He lost his left arm at the expense of his brothers life. He could afford to lose his hand for his village. "Do you know..." Kinzoku began as he looked back up and reached for the kunai without hesitation, grasping it between his metallic fingers. "...of anyone that's experienced 'phantom limb' before, Mizukage?" Kinzoku asked. Kinzoku twirled the kunai in his hand a number of times, the clanking of steel against steel filling the room each time. "Some say the pain is enough to drive people mad. It nearly had me running for the ropes" he added as he finally grasped the weapon comfortably with the steel arm that replaced his first phantom limb. "It's pain I wouldn't wish on any man" he said one final time before imbuing the kunai with chakra as it took a blue glow. A kunai was a crude weapon and thus would need help in its job. Meeting his eyes with Xyxers as he placed his hand onto the desk, Kinzoku took one sharp, clean swing. For that short moment Kinzoku's face wrinkled as he felt the rush of pain. The way he got through the phantom limb of losing his left arm was through meditation. He went to that spiritual place at this moment in order to hold back the pain as best as he could.

Kinzoku placed the bloody kunai beside his dismembered hand. Its blue flow was gone, replaced with the crimson ooze of the Nazar's blood. Right away his left hand grabbed his shirt at his right shoulder and tore the entire sleeve off revealing the remainder of his tattoos in the process. With the help of his mouth the Nazar made a makeshift tourniquet to reduce the blood loss. But it would only due for so long. His eyes, remaining hard as stone, met the gaze of Xyxer once more. Kinzoku hoped the meaning of his words earlier reached the Mizukage properly. That this meant he was all in for this arrangement. What other choice did he have.

During moments of intense pressure such as Xyxer had just provided, there was a tendency for men to break down. Incapable of handling the new weight that was forced upon their shoulders, a burden of the world and the actions that had built up to such an event. Kinzokus eyes were initially cold and expressionless, yet there was obvious conflict within the man. His eyes jittered around the black line on his arm. Would he do it? What choice did he have? Rolling through the thoughts of the man, he attempted to understand them although he could not truly feel the emotions that coursed through him. He could only go off of the scrawlings and explanations others had told him about how they responded to his deeds.

The first thing to account for were the consequences. What did Kinzoku know of the man and his temperament, or better yet, already issued punishments? He witnessed first hand the barbaric mauling that his village had carried out on one of their own at the behest of Xyxer. His will had been made manifest on that day, as flagrant as the occupation itself. He likely knew that Xyxer had a respectable grasp on psychology, adapting it for cruel purpose as demonstrated in that glorious example. Yet, if he followed through and cut his hand off.. what was the consequence then? To be unable to use any jutsu unless he was one of the blessed individuals capable of using a single hand? The inability to defend yourself was a great handicap in this world where Xyxer consistently nudged the axis until an all-out war would ensue. To lack a part of yourself in such a crucial moment would be suicide.

He spoke to the man, inquiring about his knowledge on the phantom limb phenomena. The words seemed vaguely familiar to him. Subconsciously, his own limbs twitched at the mention, almost imperceptible. He didn't answer the rhetorical question so that the man could continue on, imbuing the weapon with a dazzling blue. Smart. He avoided the pain that the rather dull kunai would have caused him. Their eyes met while the man fulfilled the request, a single swing through his wrist severed it quicker than Xyxer would have liked, yet he didn't let that on. The man had shown loyalty, even if it was through fear, as well as basic ingenuity. This would be helpful.

Sitting back a moment later he watched the man go about what he needed to. Fixing up his own tourqinet while blood spewed from the opened limb. He was rapidly turning pale, possibly losing some cognitive function with the loss of blood.. how exciting. The message was clear that Kinzoku was willing to do what was asked of him. Little more had to be done. Standing up from the desk, Xyxer retrieved the crimson kunai and walked around the desk towards the cowboy, wiping the stain off of the mans exposed clothing to dry it off the liquid. "This is yours now, Kinzoku. Hold it with pride, and remember this day." He handed him the kunai once more, briefly messing with the tourqinet he'd fixed up so that it was tighter than before, restricting the bloodflow tighter so that the blood vessels could clot and close themselves off. He couldn't have the man unconscious just yet.

"Come with me, we have somewhere we have to go." Xyxer waited for the man to rise if he hadn't already, scanning his features to see how woozy he was getting. He couldn't risk the man just collapsing outside, that'd be.. unfortunate. "We're taking a trip to the prison here. We cleaned the cells up for your village when we established our presence, yet we have some new visitors there. We need to exercise justice." Xyxer indulged the information towards the man he'd developed a semblance of respect for. He walked towards the door of the room, grasping the handle and pulling it open, allowing Kinzoku to step through before he followed suit, closing the door and leading the two of them.

Unless the man made small talk during their movement Xyxer kept his mouth closed. He had no interest in any information he revealed being leaked towards outside sources. So many villages were inside these walls because of him, the chances of information being rapidly spread were simply.. too probable to risk. His posture remained upright and stern, carrying about him the authority he'd earned through the rite of conquest. The conflict he needed to forge a better world.

A brief stroll through the snow and towards the prisons located nearby would prove uneventful, the duo being allowed in by one of the prison guards at the location. While they walked deeper into the rather clandestine environment, with the halls that stretched on with empty cages. Xyxer spoke clearly, "I want to see your form of judgment, Kinzoku. I'll give you more time, as you're light headed after the ordeal." At the end of the final stretch, there was a couple in the cell on the far end of the room. Middle-aged. They both temporarily cowered at the sound of the echoing footsteps that approached. He'd waited for this moment since that Summit.. Missing Ninja do not have good ends. They don't deserve them for treachery.

"Meet Mr and Mrs Shinogami. They nobly defected the village during the heat of war, they wanted to sacrifice everyone else so that they could live." His voice boomed in the nigh-empty corridor, pulling a single key from his pocket. He'd kept this one. He didn't want any guard letting them off.. not this pair. He unlocked the cell door while they clutched onto one another, the father whispering comforting words towards the wife. "I promised that I'd allow you to see your son a final time. To see what you caused to happen by your own acts, and I am a man of my word.. Come." He swung the cell door open for them, the metal thundering against the bars of the cell. Taking a step backward, he moved around Kinzoku and put his hand on the door handle for an interview room. The one he had used for Queen many moons ago... This time it would be different.

Swinging the door open he gestured for the parents to enter, fear having claimed their bodies. They daren't speak in the presence of Xyxer, yet would Kinzoku? He nodded his head into the room, ushering for Kinzoku to enter before he did. Once in, he followed suit and closed the door behind them. Within the small room was a metal table, usually for interviews.. yet it had been repurposed for now. It was covering a lumpy pile beneath it with a white sheet that draped over it, like a puppy hidden by cloth from eager children.. yet these parents were not very excited.

"W-where is he? Where's our baby boy Kotetsu?" The mother asked through sniffles, her head pressed against the chest of the father.

Xyxer lifted his hand up towards the cloth, gesturing towards it to the father who had his eyes on him. There was a grim look in his eyes.. a man who was no longer there. The father seemed confused, repentant.. almost as if it would bring him back. The man kissed his wife on the forehead before shuffling towards the desk, lifting the cloth up to see the remains underneath. The mother shrieked and now, even the father joined in with the cries that had started to irk the Mizukage. He had short patience for people such as these. While they muttered and cried about how they were sorry, and kissed the remains of their little prodigy, Xyxer rested a hand on Kinzoku's shoulder and spoke directly to him in the chaos, "To turn tail on a village that protected you is a disgusting act, and cowardice needs to be punished. What's your call, Kinzoku? How should they pay?" Xyxer inquired to the man, assuming that he'd want to let them go... a fate that was arguably worse than Xyxers preferred method. It was better to die than to live in the knowledge that you'd done something that needed forgiveness.

The loss of blood was hitting Kinzoku quicker than he had expected. The make shift tourniquet he made was good in reducing the flow of flood but not adequate enough to slow it down enough. He tried his best to focus but he could not deny that his mind was slipping, the color in his skin fading with every passing moment. He did his best to focus on Xyxer as he got up from behind the desk while grabbing the kunai. He almost didn't even notice that Xyxer had cleaned the kunai off on Kinzoku's clothing. All his focus had been spent following Xyxer and not passing out. With his one remaining non-flesh hand, Kinzoku retrieve the kunai from the Mizukage. Although he felt keeping the kunai was unnecessary, he understood the reason for keeping it. It was hard to forget this day when the loss of a hand would remind him everyday, the soon to be phantom limb lurking. The kunai was stored in pant pocket. If he put it in his kunai pouch it would be too easy to mix it up with the others.

To Kinzoku's dismay this meeting was not over yet. That meant having to fight back the dizziness a little while longer. Xyxer fixing the tourniquet had certainly helped in reducing the blood loss. Crazy what can be done with two hands. It also meant he was going to have to get up and walk around for a bit. No easy task for the Nazar due to being light headed. Placing his metal hand on the desk in front of him the Nazar used it like a crutch to help himself to his feet. Slowly, methodically, Kinzoku turned to the back rest of his chair as he reached for his coat. He flipped it around and onto his back having it drape over him like a cloak, hiding his maimed arm underneath it. He would be walking outside in view of Konoha's citizens. It would not due to alarm them with such an injury. The other villages were also present. Revealing such injuries would not be wise either. Lastly he softly took a hold of his hat and placed it comfortably on his head casting a shadow over his face in an attempt to hide the paleness. 

Kinzoku understood what Xyxer meant by "cleaned the cells". But there were new people in there he was unaware of and apparently it was time to deal with them. He stepped through the door, unconsciously tipping his hat to the Mizukage for letting him through. Just a show of mannerism the Nazar always showed. Stepping out into the snow covered village, the Nazar had barely felt the shift in temperature. His own body heat was fading, the cold it now held on a similar level to that outside. But that was the least of his worries. He was more concerned with not toppling over. The Mizukage had done well to slow the blood loss but the dizziness remained. It made a simple stroll to the prisons no easy task. But Kinzoku endured, walking side by side with Xyxer without a word and paying little to no focus on his surroundings. 

In no time they arrived, permitted entry by one of the guards. As the duo made their way through the facility Xyxer broke the comforting silence informing the Nazar why they were here. Xyxer wanted to see his judgment. Kinzoku had never enacted judgment on a guilty party before. He i no more knowledge than Xyxer did on how he'd handle the coming situation. But he remained quiet. Walking was already a struggle for the Nazar. Now his thought were occupied with the on-coming situation. If he attempted to talk it would likely only come out a slurred words.  On they walked until they arrived at the end of a hall, a couple in each others arms behind bars. He watched them closely as Xyxer explained who they were, the fear and concern in their eyes obvious as ever. They were defectors form the war. Such an act was a crime. How they were found and brought here Kinzoku did not know. But did that really matter. They were here now and it was Kinzoku's job to deal with them. 

If Kinzoku had to admit it, a lot of his was flying right past him. Focus was not coming easy to him. The group was currently being led into an interview room with a white sheet over something lumpy. The Nazar positioned himself with a wall behind his back in case he needed to use it for support. Even in Kinzoku's current state he knew what was under the sheets. This couple had a kid and that's who was under the sheet. They figured it out soon after with the father checking the body under the sheet. Their cries drowned the room piercing Kinzoku's ears and flooding his mind. It was already difficult for Kinzoku to process everything. He did not need the cries of two suffering parents. Turning his head every to slightly to look at the Mizukage as he posed his question, Kinzoku's drifting gaze was focused on him for a short time before it turned to the weeping couple. It was judgment time.

They already suffered punishment from their actions. The death of their child. That however, was a consequence of their own doing. Punishment from the village needed to be handed out. It was as the two had discussed at the very beginning of their meeting, examples needed to be made. But this time Xyxer was permitting it be done Kinzoku's way. There was a purpose to this. To see inside the mind of the Nazar and see how he handle insubordination. The whole situation brought Kinzoku back to the time Risako handed out a punishment to an Aburame Genin who committed murder during the Genin Exams. The Aburame had essentially gotten off with a slap on the wrist. Kinzoku believed in giving second chances. Though this would have to be more. 

"You two believed you'd be safer outside of these walls" Kinzoku began, adjusting his hat to show his full visage to the mourning couple. "I'll grant one of you that wish. A second chance at life. One your son was not given because of the choices you made. A life for a life." He took a brief pause to let his words sink in for the parents but also to allow himself to gather his thoughts and compose himself. His left hand slightly motioning behind him reaching into his kunai pouch and taking hold of one. As steady as possible, the Nazar made his way over to the table and gently placed the kunai on top of it. "One of you will give your life as punishment for your actions. The other will be exiled from the village. You have the day to decide and say any final words for your child. By sunrise, a decision will be made." Kinzoku finished. Assuming things were done here, Kinzoku made his way to the door undoubtedly exiting the room with Xyxer. This day had proven to be a long and exhausting one to say the least. He waited to see if Xyxer had any more need of him and if he was in fact please with the judgement handed out. He was more concerned with getting to the hospital than what Xyxer thought in all honesty. In any other situation he would have had the punishment exacted on this day. But he was not in the right state of mind to wait for that.

It was always an interesting thing to return to your roots. Originally, Xyxer had been an enabler. He provided security and strength to others so that they could allow their whims freedom... yet with that maddening freeness came something far more insidious. These people slowly became corrupted by the power that was afforded to them. Suzaku had once been an innocent little boy Mizukage just trying to find his way in the world. Yearning so desperately to establish Kirigakure as a respected village among the majors despite their leader's infancy. He fit Xyxer with the title of ANBU Captain, even naming him one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. A meaningless title he'd come to realise given the value of the one that bestowed it. With the power of Xyxer offering the notion of invincibility the boy Kage's morals became unchecked... his ethics a thing of the past. The Great Quarantine was proof enough of his influence, as sure as the beating heart of the girl that had tried to leave. People were weak back then, little had changed after all these years.

Kinzokus words offered solace to the Mizukage. He understood the price of crime and the punishments that were needed to deter it. Treachery was the most disgusting of them all, and he was handling it aptly. As each sentence crawled from the mouth of the increasingly pale man, the excitement within the Leviathan engorged. His body retained its tight, upright posture of authority the entire way through the mans decision. He was like a father proudly watching their child ride their bike without the training wheels to assist them, his eyes bouncing between the trio before it was finally mentioned. A life for a life.

The punishment was perhaps crueler than Xyxer had anticipated, to force a loving couple to pick who gets to live and who is cursed to walk the world alone knowing of their families tragedy was a fate worse than death. He even wished to leave them alone with the corpse a while longer. Interesting decision to be sure, yet one that Xyxer could respect. He left the room with Kinzoku and proceeded down the hall they'd came from, entering into a room that had once acted as a respite from the prisoners for the guards. Informing them of the situation and the armed duo, he ensured that only one of them would be granted leave from the compound before he turned towards the one-handed wonder.

A look of warmth was on the features of the Mizukage, even though his eyes remained as hollow as they had been from the start. He was pleased with how things had progressed. "Over this short meeting you've managed to show more aptitude for the role than many others. Kneel before me, Kinzoku." Given that he did, the ANBU Slayer would go on, "The actions of a village reflect on the leader. Look down at your stump, and know the price for plotting against Kirigakure." He let the words sink in, the reasoning for why he gave the man the kunai of his maiming soon becoming apparent. "Rise, Kinzoku. You're the Hokage of Konohagakure. The shadow of the flame. Understand your role in the grand scheme and we'll have no issues. Now go to the hospital, they'll have your hand waiting for reattachment there, rest. It's the last you'll have. I'll have the appropriate papers signed so that you can take the mantle tomorrow." A light smile danced upon his lips. He'd made two Kage of a village he did not belong to. Was this the epitome of power? One that transcended mortality to the point where he dictated who ruled where? Given that there was nothing else to answer, Xyxer left to prepare the forms.

[Potential exit]

-1 kunai
4485 WC

3187/3187 D/C/B/A with the max stat discount bullseye

1200/300 Mastery Suiton Suidanha

Oh, giving Kinzoku S-Rank and the title of Hokage too I guess

Kinzoku followed Xyxer into another room which seemed to be the break room for the prison guards. He was relieved to hear the Mizukage be the one to explain the situation to the guards and not have to be the one to do so himself.  Most of his focus was spent on keeping himself from falling to the floor. To have to explain the situation and what just happened would have been a difficult task to say the least. As difficult as it was, Kinzoku managed to lift up his head and have his gaze meet that of Xyxer's. He was not all there mentally thus could not properly read the expression in which Xyxer was currently carrying. Instead he listened to his words. That was more important. 

According to the Mizukage, Kinzoku had shown what was needed for the role. But did that mean he was ready for it? It was never a role he wanted. Nor was it one he ever saw taking up. But just like Risako, someone needed to fill the spot. Would he be able to live up to the title? His thoughts slowly began to shift to that of the former Kazekage Koroshi Uchiha. Koroshi was a foreigner himself having been a Konoha shinobi. He became the Kage of Suna because he was needed. But Kinzoku knew he was not welcomed with open arms due to being an outsider. However he eventually gain their trust and respect. Similarly to Koroshi, Kinzoku is a foreigner himself now being put into a position where he has to lead a village. Would he be able to lead a village as Koroshi did? Could he do it better?

Listening to Xyxer once more, the Nazar removed his hat with his remaining hand and knelt down onto his right knee, arm resting on top of his left knee. His eyes fell upon his stump dripping blood. A clear message to remind Kinzoku of what would come if Konoha tried plotting against Kiri. A reminder that would stick with him forever. Or so he thought. Rising under the title of Hokage, Kinzoku received the news that he'd in fact get his hand back which was currently waiting for him at the hospital. Now he fully understood the purpose of the kunai, feeling it pulling down inside the pocket it was currently in. Kinzoku could not help but smile at the realization of what Xyxer had just done. The Leviathan needed to make sure he had Kinzoku's loyalty at all costs. Now he knew he had it.

"Lord Mizukage" Kinzoku saluted as he placed his hat back on his head titled once more to cover the paleness in his face. Having been given permission to leave, Kinzoku slowly headed up the stairs using the railing for support. As he made it out into the cold world, every building he passed until he arrived at the hospital he placed his hand against its side to help support himself. What took only a few minutes to walk felt like an eternity for the newly promoted Hokage. As soon as he arrived at the hospital medics were at the door waiting for him. He was instantly escorted to a bed and moved into a room prepared for him. Heeding the Mizukage's words, Kinzoku lowered his hat placing his face inside the hole meant for his head blocking out the outside world. It was time to rest for him. Whether he wanted to or not, Kinzoku had passed out before the medics could get to work on him.

[EXIT]
TWC: 6487
1500 words into removing Genjutsu spec (25% max stat)
3000 words into Fuuin Spec (3000/3000)(25%)
415 words into Kyudo Kai Quickdraw (1500/1500)(25%) started here
1572 words towards future purchase of Steel Edge (4847/7325) Progress here
Memorized Xyxer's chakra signature

Hokage Rewards:

Approved.

Edited in memorizing Xyxer's chakra sig.

Approved of Edits.

Claiming 22 stats for my familiar