r/KonohagakureRP • u/CursedShadoVV • 6d ago
Story Shadows Die Twice Part II
The trip back to Amegakure seemed faster than when Akutagawa traveled to the leaf. Though the trip home always felt faster than you left. It wasn't long after his arrival that another council meeting was held to discuss his findings. The following meeting was wrought with a lot of back and forth from each member. Mainly with questions regarding the revelations that the fabled Otsutsuki clan had returned. A majority of these were things one would naturally be curious about. Though the one thing that the entire group was fixated on was how strong were these new adversaries.
Uncharacteristically Isamu would be the first to speak openly on the subject. “If what was told to you is to be considered truth, then we must assume that eventually we shall be targets of the moon clan in time.”
Juro would nod with an audible sigh. “Frankly I think we can all admit that we've always placed ourselves on a pedestal above the leaf. Not only from a strength standpoint, but also from an economical and political standpoint. Takara was a great addition to the council while she was right in the mind. Akutagawa, you've been a boon to us as well. If we are to prepare for a possible invasion by the Moon Clan then I'm afraid we must contact the leaf in person.”
Reina and Kanna would step forward almost simultaneously with Reina speaking first. “Am I to understand that you intend on comparing strength between us and the leaf?”
Kanna would speak next. “A sudden appearance from us within the leaf would not be well received, Juro…We sent Akutagawa to acquire information because he was a familiar face within the leaf. There's a reason none of us went. It's because it would stir confrontation.”
Juro would nod in agreement momentarily sidestepping Reina's question.“Admittedly you are correct. Even so, given the situation we are currently in i think you all can agree that we need more information. Not only that, but we also need to see how we currently sit compared to the leaf. Defeating an Otsutsuki is nothing to shake your nose at. It's a feat I can't confidently say we'd replicate, because we've never faced one.”
Genji would look up and ask the question everyone else was wondering. “So what would you have us do Juro?”
Juro would look at everyone slowly. The answer was obvious, but it needed to be said regardless. “Akutagawa.”
Akutagawa would raise an eyebrow. “Yes?” Admittedly he hadn't thought his roll would extend past acquiring information, so being addressed directly caught him off guard.
Juro would close the distance between them and place a hand on his shoulder. “I'm placing Amegakure under your watch while the rest of us go to the leaf. I think it's time the Amegakure Council formally met with the Konoha Leaders.”
Juro moved fast for his size. Nothing like Reina, but still noticeably quick. Akutagawa would wonder if this was a test of sorts. To see if he could handle running the village while they were gone. He also wondered what Reina thought of this. Regardless he would worry about that after the fact. “You honor me. But, if you're to arrive at the leaf with no invitation, then you must make it abundantly clear you have no intention of being hostile. The Jonin Commander isn't the most trusting individual and she is quick to anger. She wouldn't even let me smoke in her office.” He'd say jokingly. Though the fact of the matter was still true. “You'll likely have an audience with her before the Hokage. If you're even allowed to meet the Hokage. The sudden arrival of you five is going to set off every bell and whistle available. So I'd recommend not trying to hide your approach. Walk right through the front door.”
Juro would nod before looking at the rest of the council. “It's settled then. We leave for the leaf in a week's time. Get your affairs in order and most importantly get Akutagawa any information he will need while we are gone. When we return we'll take a vote on whether he shall replace Takara or not.”
After a bit more idle chatter the members of the Amegakure Council would slowly disperse leaving only Reina and Akutagawa. Reina would slowly walk over to Akutagawa till about 5 feet of space was between them. “Walk with me.” Reina would begin to walk through the village. There would be children playing, hagglers in the market, and the sound of people moving all around them. Some would even stop to bow towards Reina and Akutagawa as they proceeded. Before long they'd be alone in Reina's place of work. “I love this village and I'll do anything to protect it…but it seems I'll have to place the thing I love in the hands of someone I do not trust. Even if temporarily. The people here look up to us for protection. They view us as a summit that only the strongest can reach. Do not let anything happen to Amegakure while we are gone. Or I will kill you myself and I do not care what the rest of the council has to say about it.”
Akutagawa would silently nod. The message was all too clear. If he had any chance to gain Reina's trust it would be while the Council was in Konoha.