The Passing of the Hat

The sun sat hovering over the Western Horizon, late afternoon, nearly golden hour, as the fairly tall Jounin made his way through the village of Sunagakure, towards The Wind Dome within the Inner Sanctum. He'd activated his Sensory Technique, specifically looking for a familiar chakra signature as he approached the Wind Dome. To his luck, it wasn't hard to find, the shinobi picking up on Raijin's chakra signature--he was indeed where Azuma hoped he'd be. Mismatched hues looked upon the tall building as he neared, the man looking to report in on his mission success.

With a couple skillful leaps, the man would bound up the side of the building, sensing that the one he would seek to be atop of the building. The man would appear leaping from the side of the building--over the railing--and landing upon the roof of the building that contained the Kazekage's office, landing in a crouch. He'd rise to his full height, mismatched hues looking towards the one known as Raijin--or Yami, even. Even if Azuma was aware of the man's true identity, likely one of the few in the village with such knowledge, he'd make no mention of it. No reason too.

"The Mission was successful." is all Azuma would say, digging into his top to pull out the copy of the Suna-Kiri Alliance Terms.

Observing the massive village was a distant pleasure he thought he'd never get to enjoy. Now he was sure it would probably be his last. The Society was planning something big, and he was no longer included in its in plans. But he would be taking down with them regardless of his position or not. He used that time for some self reflection, one of the few times he was able to take a break. The Dark One sensed someone approaching. At that speed he was sure who it was. Sure enough, Azuma appeared on the roof. "You finally make your return. That took some time." Raijin said turning towards the Jounin.

Azuma landed on roof and made his way to the Kazekage. He said the mission was completed. And took out the copy of the Suna-Alliance terms. Raijin wearing his white Kage robes, his cracked skin always glowing with an unnatural power. "Hold on to it. I want you to be the one to present the new terms with the council in a few days. This was a test to see if you are ready to replace me. I am stepping down as Kazekage, but I needed someone strong enough to takeover. I trust you can lead Suna in these troubling times. What say you?" It was quite sudden but maybe it was expected.

Ears burned with mention of his return, and how long it took, finding Raijin turning towards him once Azuma had landed upon the roof. He'd barely gotten their copy of the Alliance terms when the man who's energy glowed through the cracks in his skin would tell the Jounin to hold onto it. Azuma looked to meet Raijin's eyes as he'd go on to reveal his intentions. A test, he'd say. To replace him? Azuma was quiet for only a moment, his expression not showing any of the surprise he felt. But as a smile tugged at the corner of his lip, The Desert Rogue nodding.

"I would be honored to take up the mantle of Kazekage." he'd respond, mismatched hues still focused on Raijin. "Troubling times do seem to be coming though, that I know." he'd mention, call it a gut feeling, after seeing how the other villages have been acting on the world stage with his own eyes--he knew the calm wouldn't last. But still, Azuma was more than looking forward to this--having been something he'd been hoping for, even told Ei he hoped to one day become.

"You have no idea." Raijin said with a smile also playing on his face. He was aware that Hizashi and Menza were planning something big. Something that would consume the ninja world, and even the Samurai. Their rising was the work of Nozomi, she had her hands in everything after all. "Meeting is in a few days. In that meantime. I can go over the dos and don'ts of this position. You can rest for today. The trip to Kiri is a long and arduous one. Tell me more about your trip there later. "If Asuma were to reply Bayushi would nod to the Jounin and walked off the roof to his office.

Once Raijin was in his office, he would collect the remaining Konoha artifacts and keep them on his persons. "Hizashi would have need of these in his plans. But...what if he never knew?" His eyes narrowed as this new greedy side was new to him. Dark images flashed in his mind and he knew what was affecting him. Raijin sensed a tragedy would befall him because of it. He would face it when that day came.

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[Exot]

The way Raijin would respond only confirmed the feelings Azuma held, but this wasn't anything he didn't expect. Although maybe the one across from him had more insight then Azuma. Either way, the passing of the Kazekage seat would come, and with a mutual nod, Raijin was off--and Azuma would stay there on the roof for just a bit. He'd come to the railing and look out over the village, taking in the sight from the position atop the wind dome. A smile came to his features. Kazekage Azuma...had a ring to it. Even if Suna wasn't as powerful as the other nations, he would do his damnedness to make sure Suna would see a brighter future.

Now if only Raijin had forgotten the artifacts. Damn.

Azuma would eventually come down to what would be his new office...he'd file away the terms written between Suna and Kiri, as well as take inventory. Raijin had taken what he took from Konoha with him...but Suna wasn't without its own artifacts; Chikamatsu's Puppets, the Pot and Fan of the Sage of Six Paths, and exclusives from three villages, all safe and sound. Azuma would step over to the desk and stand by the chair, the hat left hung on it...he lifted the hat and would move the chair, standing in front of it as he looked at the Kazekage hat. He nodded, and put it on before sitting down at his new desk...leader of the village.

[Exit]