Beg Pardon?

Kitsuki had made it a point to get to the Defense Coordination Center before Nozomi. She knew that the guest and her escort weren't likely to zip through the village at top speed and so she took the opportunity to double-time it to the village's defensive nucleus. She wanted to be in her chair, with the pardon drafted and sitting on the table when Nozomi arrived. It would demonstrate her power and mastery over the situation. A situation that she felt was actually very much outside of her control. Nozomi respected strength, but she wasn't a barbarian. The two had engaged in constructive talks before. These talks had put an end to the Meteor War and permitted the citizenry to benefit from the spoils of the Hot Zone. Rather than sticking Nozomi in a holding cell or an interrogation room, Kitsuki would receive the prodigal daughter in a grand library. The room looked like this complete with a roaring fireplace, leather furniture, and a sea of books stacked on shelves as high as the ceiling. Kit sat in one of the leather chairs with the opposing one left empty for Nozomi. The chairs were rather close, only a couple feet a part and  a small table between them. On the table lay the pardon letter rolled up and stamped with the seal of the Imperial Princess Triumverate. There was a bottle of wine and two wine glasses as well.

Inarie would likely be standing beside Kit at attention. The Kaguya-Yoru had decided to join her which was good. The presence of a witness would be crucial as what Nozomi would have to say next would change everything. She wouldn't rely on Inarie from a combat perspective though. For that purpose, she had Sero. Kitsuki did not like the monster masquerading as a man. He gave off dark vibes and was affiliated with Sayuri. He spoke of inflicting terror on the wicked and while it might have sounded noble to some, to Kit it stank of fanaticism. However, she couldn't deny his commitment to the village. He had done nothing to betray Kirigakure and she knew that he had fought bravely alongside his sister during the War in Heaven.

He did exactly what he said he would do. He helped us beat the Indaina Kujira.

Kitsuki wasn't sure if he was playing some kind of long con, but for now, it appeared his true loyalties lay with Kirgakure. He was also quite strong. Not as strong as she was, but strong enough to help her if Nozomi decided to attack. Kit assigned a less than 1% chance to that risk, but it was one she always accounted for. The armed struggles of late had done wonders for her sense of trust. Kitsuki was wearing a officer's uniform minus the cap and she kept her hair in a natural afro. As always, Kitsuki kept her guardian angel close. The being was the size of a grain of rice and was nestled in the folds of her hair. Kitsuki had found it interesting that Nozomi's decision to leave the Society was not "For the People" as was the case when they agreed to end the Meteor War. It was out of love. Love for two people to be exact. At some level, Kit could relate. She had adored Headmaster Sukimori and if there was any chance of her crossing over to the side of evil, it would probably involve wanting to protect him. She liked to think her convictions were independent of her mentor, but Nozomi's abrupt defection made her reconsider.

It was an unsettling thought.

Sero did indeed take a casual pace. He had no need to run as he was not giving chase. He was merely and escort or guide to this titan walking behind him. She was known as a pillar of power to others who spoke of her. A champion and a criminal...yet there would be pardon for her for services rendered. Part of him did not wish to aid one who had defied Kirigakure as she had. Part of him loathed letting this go and doing as he was told. However her crimes were never directed at the innocent as far as he knew. Simply blatant defiance of all the nations. Of what she had considered to be corrupt. The other part of him related to this. How he hated a corrupt world and would cut out that cancer if he could. Doing his part by slaying those who others softer than himself...more human...may consider bordering on unethical. His destiny and tasks set out before him were one and they same. To soak the land in blood before allowing the innocent to suffer. He cared nothing for other nations beyond his own and his queen specifically. So a meeting with Kit would be fascinating.

Sero would be greeted at the door as they would move as if to bar his path. He had done his job to get her here but he may do more harm than good beyond this point. Sero would stand there eye to eye with the guard by the front door. His white robes stopping their movement despite a light breeze as blue eyes stared into the soul of this man. Who had not said a word as of yet. A cold stare that dared him to speak. To command Sero to stop. When the man found he could not speak...he felt that presence overwhelming him. As if his next choice would determine if he walked away from here. Without a word he would step to the side and hold open the door for both of them. Sero would step through first and allow the two of them to be directed to the specific meeting room. Once inside blue eyes would shift between those in the room and its set up. Narrowing at Kit at first openly before shifting to the other. Ahh he knew that face...odd to see it aware of its surroundings but odder still to see it here.

He would enter and move to the side. Obviously the seat was designed for Nozomi to sit there and despite his desire to spite Kit he would behave somewhat. Though he offered no bow to the woman who was certainly above his station. She offered him no respect so he shared the same. His presence in the room though may make it all a little more uneasy for everyone. His aura filling ten meters with a sensation like there was a great and hungry beast somewhere within the room. The sensation of hairs standing on end as you knew you were being watched. This had always been his aura but even now the flames would spark green for only a moment and in that flash of green glow his shadow would appear to have five tails. Still he would press buttons just a little. His queen would expect it of him after all. In silence he would move to a nearby wall and his robes would seem to shift like they were made of liquid...turning from white robes into a Military uniform that nearly matched Kits but in all white. If she made eye contact with him he would hold it while reaching out and purposefully tilting any art on the wall just slightly.

Nozomi had been spending most of the walk looking around her. The village was a mixture of familiar and new. She hadn't actually been in the village for almost a decade at this point, and it had gone from a village to a sprawling city in that time. That was quite annoying to her, but she didn't really like change all that much. She was quite traditional and methodical. Not to mention that she loved natural beauty. To her, the change to Kirigakure was unnecessary and ruined some of the beauty that made the village what it was.

Nozomi entered the building that she was directed to by Sero, laying eyes on a semi-familiar face. Kitsuki. Part of her had always wanted to fight the princess, ever since their last encounter. At the time, she'd been maintaining a very specific image, as that image was more effective to align with her master's wishes (so she thought) in a way that made her stance stronger. Protecting against the tyranny of the villages. That wasn't to say that she didn't care about that, but it wasn't important to her anymore. Nozomi had lost a lot of her own personal values when Honiko had discarded her, once again a blank slate, ready to find the next goal that she'd set about completing.

Next to Kitsuki was a woman, very similar to the Kaguya that Nozomi had been familiar with growing up. That clan was quite large.

But as always, Nozomi was more of a 'down to business' rather than making small talk type of person. As she entered the room, she was directed to a chair, but she made a slight grimace at it. This entire situation had her on edge. Not that she expected that she'd lose in a fight if she was ambushed, but she recognized that it was entirely possible. Her sensory picked up quite a bit of power from those present, so she'd need to keep on guard at all times.

Taking a seat regardless, Nozomi sat in a very stiff manner, staring at nothing in particular as she let her eyes zone out. She always found that it let her notice any slight movements at her peripherals or in front of her, even if it wasn't quite as effective as directly focusing anywhere. This was more important in a situation where she was outnumbered, but the sensory made up for some of that. Beyond that, she was quite perceptive anyhow, able to hear almost anything, smell most things as well. It was incredibly difficult to get the drop on her.

Nozomi folded her hands in her lap, her black and red battle kimono pulled tightly closed. Very few people knew of its defensive properties, so if someone tried to take her out with a shot from a distance and targeted the kimono, they'd find no gaps around it. Her hair hung down by her neck, as she'd decided to leave it untied for the time being.

"Let's just get this over with. I defeated the disciple Hizashi, or Joki, or whatever he goes by in single combat. He's nothing more than a broken shell at this point, lost all his power when I did so. The Society that you knew is crippled. Many remain loyal to me, many have left, although a few keep their loyalty to him. Any of me and mine are off limits."

Nozomi's face at that last bit, so often not showing a hint of emotion, finally hinted at a deep sadness. She hoped that Honiko would change her mind, but it was out of her hands at this point. Had she asked, Nozomi would have waged war on the world just for her. Instead, she was here, alone. Not as a conqueror, but as a discarded tool. As she had always been.

"If the nations can't sweep up what's left of those loyal to him at this point, then they don't deserve to call themselves the Great Nations."

----
Sensory: Active

Kitsuki could feel the Beast draw near. You'd think after years of serving in the same military as him, she'd acclimate to his aura but she ever did. She was much more professional about how she reacted nowadays though. Rather than draw bow at him, she just raised her head up and stilled her heart. She was afraid that if it pounded too quickly that Nozomi would pick up on it and misinterpreted it as fear. She slowed it with Time Release to a more apropriate pace. She looked at Sero and nodded in acknowledgement of his service. He had done as she had asked. No more, no less. So long as he continued to do his duty then they would have no problems. She did not like how he adjusted the art in her room though and she'd have said something if she wasn't so preoccupied with Nozomi.

The blonde didn't appear any different from when she last saw her during the Meteor Wars. The kunoichi was clearly uncomfortable with the casual setting but she acquiesced nonetheless. Taking a seat next to Kit, she began her report. She did not mince words. Before Kit could offer her a coffee, tea or sweet biscuit, she spilled the beans. It took a moment for the words to fully register and when they did, the Princess could only blurt out:

"What?"

Sero would pause at the mention of Joki. He had met the man once but it had been like a dream. However the seal on his person he kept concealed was ever present. The tailed beast deep within him Nozomi had been the first to name evidence of the man who had kidnapped him and forced this thing onto him. Hoping no doubt to stir chaos in the already unstable nation. However Sero had been a being of law and order to those who would spread it further. Though it dwelled within him and lent him power on occasion he had no intentions of setting it free. Still to hear that name drew cold blue eyes on black backdrop to glow as they shifted to Nozomi. There was something else there on the monotone man. A sense of rage boiling on the edge. Quiet as it was it flooded the room a little with the hint of killing intent. However he remained calm despite the most dangerous woman in the world sensing danger from him. However Kit would sense it too and he could feel her fear. He could sense her sitting there uneasy despite her attempts to hide it.

"Joki is a shell but not dead? I had hoped to eliminate the man myself. My interaction with them was foggy but they had kidnapped me at the time. Leaving his filth on my back in the process. I do not forgive such things lightly. I would like to see to it that he is finished off. Personally."

Still there was the issue of the others in her merry band. She was wanted and though he was more of an obstacle than a threat to Nozomi she had still been a criminal up until she requested amnesty based on some promise to her. His right hand flexed as knuckles that technically weren't actually there cracked. He was angry but even with that emotion little showed from him. Still this was not his ordeal to comment on. Nor had Kitsumi asked for advise from him. Still she had acknowledged him and not attacked. Progress. Still her last comment would bring a slight exhale of air from his nose. A soft scoff if anything. His attention turning to Kitsumi now as those cold blue eyes looked to her now. Calculating and watching them. Speaking again.

"There is no need to involve the other nations. Let the brigade handle this. Valen and Burritsu should be enough to hunt down the remnants and bring Joki back here for execution. Give me your approval to send them and we will clean this mess up in house."

Nozomi's neck tingled as she felt the malice and killing intent. Immediately, her sensory focused on Sero's chakra, turning her head slightly to keep him in her peripheral vision, and she began to knead some raiton chakra, building it up in case she needed to release a quick jutsu. However, nothing ended up happening, so after there was no attack her way, she turned back to Kitsuki.

With the explanation that Sero had met Joki before, kidnapped by him, Nozomi understood what that meant. Between her sensory and the Tailed Beast Telepathy, she knew a fellow Jinchuriki when she met one.

"So Joki's the one who put the-"
'5 Tails, Kokuo.'
"-5 Tail in you. I often wonder about why. He was also behind the 3 Tails in me. Maybe he had wanted to try and use you as a weapon?"

Addressing Kitsuki, Nozomi allowed a small smirk to play on her lips.

"Like I said. Joki's been defeated. The Society's in shambles. He turned into an old man who can't even mold Chakra anymore. Before I got there, he fought and defeated Shin and Nee-san, so even among the Society there was already unrest. I'd say the ones who may still be considered problems are Honiko, Raijin, and Menza, maybe Nikuyo. I'll ask Omi to get me a list of other potentials for you to hunt down. Those who'd remain loyal to Joki for whatever reason."

She had to suppress a laugh about some unknowns (Valen and Burittsu) being named as capable of grabbing Joki. He'd be protected by Honiko personally, and that woman was not likely to lose a fight to any but the best the nations had to offer. She was a woman who, like herself, could topple a nation alone if she wanted.

"Honiko is still stronger than most of you. If you want to grab Joki from her, I'd advise sending more than just 2 shinobi. To send any less than your best after her would be an insult."

Even though she was no longer aligned with Honiko actively, Nozomi still massively respected the woman and wouldn't tolerate such an insult. She wished she was still fighting for her, in all honesty, but Honiko had thrown her out. Just as Honiko had been unable to kill her by her own hand though, Nozomi would not lift a hand to assist in fighting her. She couldn't. The best she could do would be to see to it that her skills were fully acknowledged and respected.

---
Sensory: active

Kitsuki sat there in stunned silence as she finally processed what Nozomi had just told her. She had defeated the Water Disciple, one of the Sage of Six Path's chosen apostles in single combat. Kit looked at Nozomi in awe. Was she really this powerful this whole time? Or was Joki already weakened somehow? The pardon that had been promised became all the more important. It would behoove the Mist to make peace with such a fearsome warrior. Kit swallowed as she remembered just how close she had come to fighting the Snake Sage during the Meteor Wars. If Nozomi had the power to take down an immortal shinobi legend then she probably had enough power to turn her into less of a Princess and more of memory.

The revelation that she had somehow turned Joki into an old man incapable of even molding chakra was also disturbing. He was supposedly no longer an immediate threat to the world. However, some of his lieutenants were still active and presumably loyal to his mission. Kit etched the names in her mind. The spectre of Joki's conspiracy was defeated but the remnants might still prove troublesome. Kitsuki allowed the shock to pass and she transitioned into a more neutral expression.
She folded her hands in contemplation as she considered the nation's next move.

Sero's killing intent was distracting her though. It was growing. Boiling. Like a pot on the kettle for far too long. When she could no longer hear herself think over the beating of her own heart, she raised a hand and looked towards him. She couldn't deny that his presecne unnerved her, but she had learned long ago that the only time a woman could be brave was when she was afraid. There was no level of fear or malice that could break her determination to do the right thing. Hana and Kyoji had learned that lesson the hard way.

"At ease soldier." Kitsuki looked him in the eye as she spoke. She didn't know that Sero had been a victim of Joki's designs. She'd need to inquire about that in the future but probably not here. "Nozomi is right. This is not an operation for Genin or even Chuunin. We'll need to approach this carefully. I'll consult with the other Princesses and we'll come up with a plan. Your urgency is appreciated though. Nozomi has given us the advantage, we should press it."

Kitsuki now turned to Nozomi.

"A list would be appreciated....and...Thank you. For everything. You very well saved the ninja world by beating him and I don't think anyone should forget that. If I'm not mistaken, a pardon was promised to you. As far as Kirigakure is concerned, all of your past deeds and crimes are forgiven." She grabbed the pardon from the table, leaned over and gave it to Nozomi. It was written confirmation of Nozomi's exoneration. Kit looked in Nozomi's eyes and took a breath. What she said next would probably change the course of history.

"I know you care for Honiko. I know you do not care for the Hidden Villages. I will not bother you or any of the Society-Nin that have pledged loyalty to you. But I'd like to offer you a deal.....come back to Kirigakure. Rejoin the military as our Jounin Commander. I'm rebuilding our homeland into a kinder and more just nation. I know when we last spoke in the Land of Bears that you wanted nothing to do with us but things are different now...I swear it. If you return and manage to bring Honiko with you, we will extend the pardon to Honiko as well. You and her will fall under our village's protection"

Kitsuki was likely overextending her authority here but she was resolute in doing so. While Sayuri was off galivanting with known criminals and Arisu taking regular trips to outer space, Kit had been managing the village. It was a difficult job given her ambitions to reform the country. Of course, with the difficulty and responsiblity, came an increase in power. Kiri was her's to run and if she felt that making peace with Nozomi and her mistress was in the village's best interest she'd fight like hell to do so. She'd deal with convincing the other Princesses later. This was a now or never situation.

"Given how powerful you and Honiko are, our protection may not seem like much but I think your sensei understood the value of having friends in high places." Kit was alluding to the fact that so many of the world's Kage counted themselves as members of their organization. There was value to having pull in the institutional world. Greater value still in operating within it.

Sero would settle a little as he would listen. Nozomi and Kitsuki both had the impression that Valen and Blitz would not be enough. For now he would trust their judgement rather than risk two spiders. Soon though their strength would be more considerable than to be waved off so lightly. Sero himself (At this point) is still technically a genin. That they would estimate strength based on rank was nearly laughable. Still he would not oppose the idea readily. If this Honiko was as much a threat as Nozomi or Joki he would not willingly send men against it. If anything he himself would need to go eventually. Or one of the princesses. Still he would heed it little mind as he would observe the interaction. A criminal admonished of all crimes for a service committed. Perhaps this is what they meant by rehabilitation. He was not a fan of it but also understood not wanting Nozomi as an enemy. Still he would fold his hands back into his sleeves. His answer to her first question was calmer now. No longer ready to kill a man who was turned feeble in that moment. So he had a guardian...

"I can only assume his intentions. However if he was aiming to turn me into a weapon...his flawed thinking was that he would control me. I am a weapon but I am who aims me. I serve Kirigakure regardless of the threat against it. However strong they may be."

However his attention would be drawn back to Kitsuki as she continued. Attempting to offer the ex criminal the most prestigious position under the princesses themselves. Her own lust for power seemed evident as she tried to navigate such a pair of powerhouses under her command. Sero respected the might that Nozomi was known for but held issues answering to a someone once known for their criminal activities. However he had no say here. No desire to turn them away beyond some slight disdain for their choices. If anything though he was curious now to see if she would serve after having gained her pardon. He doubted this though. She seemed a free spirit to him with no more goals to fulfill. No need for others and reliant on her own power. Sero had a small army behind him but if he was being honest...he wasn't sure it would be enough to take her down...that he would be enough. It was unusual for him to think of someone as beyond his means. Beyond his power. Yet he would not fear her just because of this. He would fight if the fight came to him no matter who it was.

When the pardon was signed, Nozomi took a look at the offered page and took it, rolling it in a tight scroll and putting it in her kimono.

Nozomi laughed at the offer. She couldn't believe what she was hearing, Honiko being offered a pardon, and Nozomi being offered the position of Jounin Commander. She laughed for several seconds, unable to actually contain herself. It wasn't necessarily just out of amusement, something in Nozomi was broken. When she finally stopped laughing and calmed, there were tears falling down her face, but not the type of tears that came purely from laughter.

"I won't be a pawn to the villages, and Honiko would never accept that offer, even from.... maybe especially from me. She will die before renouncing her master."

Standing up, Nozomi patted the spot she put the pardon into. She'd more or less gotten what she came for. The word would spread soon enough. Kirigakure, for its part, had upheld their end of the deal, and she'd be going around to make sure the rest of the villages did too.

"Thank you for keeping to the deal. Good luck with your hunt."

Turning, she passed a glance at Sero, and gave him a look over. Another Jinchuuriki. Very interesting.

"If you ever need help with the 5 tails, find me. They can be good allies, or powerful enemies. Try working with it, rather than against it."

With that said, she'd exit the office, assuming she wasn't stopped. It was likely that she'd spend some time in Kirigakure, resting up for the time being, and mulling over her next steps. It wasn't like she was in a rush to retrieve her pardons from the other nations.

-
sensory active
Attempted exit

exiting thread
3 x 15 = 45 exp

Kit sat quietly as Nozomi laughed in her face. She could hear the twinge of mania in the laughter. By all accounts, Nozomi was as stoic a shinobi as there ever was. She was often thought to be the ultimate shinobi. Totally remorseless and without feeling. Kit now knew this to be a lie. Nozomi felt deeply and she had loved Honiko with an intensity that even Kit wasn't sure she understood. Honiko had broken her heart it seemed and that pain had unsettled the unshakeable Himitsu.

She rejected the offer and insisted that Honiko would do the same. She walked out of the room but not without offering some advice to the apparent jinchurikki Sero. She looked over and raised an eyebrow at the man. He eventually walked out leaving her to stew with her thoughts.

Nozomi would not fight for Kiri's interests, but she was now estranged from her master. What was next from the now pardoned warrior? She was a soldier without a war. A rebel without a cause. Kit should be concerned about the danger Nozomi posed but for some reason, she felt at peace with the woman's refusal.

"She needs to find her own way. Kiri can't save her." Kit admitted to herself. She then stood and walked out of the room.