They had found the city.
And it was nothing like Valen expected whatsoever.
His red eyes looked at the place in surprise. It was of fairly decent size. It was also well kept and people seemed to be treated well and with respect toward one another. He blinked a few times in apparent consternation before moving toward a guard at the gates, hopefully with Arisu with him. She had wanted to see how he handled this. Which meant he would probably be taking the lead here. It was a test for him after all. The guard looked at him, expectantly. In many places guards would call out for the business of those they spoke to. However this time Valen had approached him. So he obviously meant to state it himself.
The guard seemed perfectly willing to let him find the words in his own time. He simply stood ready, brown eyes carefully looking between Valen and Arisu if she were there. Not focusing on either of them. That was good, it meant he knew how to fight. Or at least knew some basics. That revelation brought a smile to Valen’s features as he spoke. “Good morning, my name is Valen Minamoto, and I represent Kirigakure no Sato. This is Lady Arisu, also of Kirigakure. We would like to speak with the leadership of your country if you don’t mind.” He would say, purposefully leaving Arisu’s title of ‘Princess’ out of the greeting.
Not because he was trying to be rude, or unkind. However if he introduced her as one of the three leaders of the village she would be looked at in order to be the voice of the two. A simple Jounin would simply not command the same level of respect and would not be taken seriously. If he did introduce her and she told them that she wanted him to run the talks. It could be seen as an insult. Something they would need to avoid if at all possible.
The guard nodded simply at his request, his eyes widening slightly at the name of ‘Kirigakure’. Valen frankly did not blame him. The Metropolis was one of the great powers of the world. Nations had been attacked and bought at the behest of its leadership. It took part in wars over their and other nations actions that spanned the world over. Its name carried sway and held power within its syllables. Power, a simple gate guard at a city on a small island to the metropolis’ due south could not begin to truly comprehend or be willing to deal with.
The guard chose the correct option, he passed the buck on up.
“Yes sir, please, allow me to escort you to the Consul’s Office. Hiroshi, watch the gate while I show them there.” He would say, bowing in respect to both Valen and Arisu. A younger, ‘greener’ looking guard moved into position from a nearby guardhouse to watch for threats or more visitors. The original guard would open the gate and beckon them inside, speaking as he did. “My name is Shiryu, my Lord, my Lady, pardon me if any of my mannerisms offend.” He would say as he moved to lead them into the city. It was of decent size with a many sizable buildings involved. Houses, an administration building, what surprised Valen was what appeared to be a large number of walls.
“You have a great number of walls here for such a lonely island.” Valen would note in curiosity as he followed Shiryu. It truly did appear that there was no such problem here as the upper class oppressing the lower. People were moving to and from shops and homes, visiting friends and neighbors, running errands. He saw no one in squalor, the standard of living here was certainly much lower than in Kirigakure. However he saw no one directly benefiting from such a thing. It was more or less what everyone was living with. “Ah, well you see the city is divided up into ‘Statelands’ and each one tends to compete with the others in terms of advancement. Everyone gets to benefit from one’s discoveries however. They simply compete for the clout of having made the discovery or invention in question.” He would explain, leading them through the city and toward a large gated door. He motioned to two guards and the two moved to open the gate for them with a large grunt of effort. The party of three moved through the gate and into another section of the city. “Each ‘Stateland’ is sectioned off into its own area of the city. The Administrative Building is in the center of what is a great ring of Statelands. The Consul is elected and generally serves a lifelong term. Unless the Parliament beneath them vote them out. Then a new one is chosen from the Parliament itself.” He would explain as they moved through the next ‘Stateland’ and toward another gate. They had turned left in this one, meaning they were turned toward the center of the great ring. Two more guards were stationed at the gates and opened it together.
The three passed into what would be a ‘Palace Grounds’. A large cemetery surrounded it, a constant reminder of those who have passed perhaps? Either way it seemed almost poetic to Valen. They were led to a large Palace, immaculately decorated, and two guards in much finer armor opened the door for them. Shiryu led them inside, into a sizable hallway across from a large open door that seemed to lead to a council chamber. A few people were cloistered together in small groups having a quiet conversation. In the back there was a second door, and Shiryu led them to it and knocked politely. A voice called from within “Come” the gate guard opened the door for the pair and led them inside. Within, an older man with shorter hair, combed back and tucked behind his ears, white with age, sat at a desk with fine purple and crimson robes of office.
Shiryu moved to the man and knelt in respect as he spoke. “My Lord Shinsei, I bring to you delegates from Kirigakure. I have the honor to present Valen, and Lady Arisu.” He would say, his head bowed. Valen would give a nod of the head in greeting, a gesture mimicked by ‘Shinsei’ who spoke to Shiryu. “Very good Shiryu, return to your post with the knowledge that you have performed your duty to the letter. You have your Consul’s thanks.” He would say, prompting Shiryu to rise and leave the room, closing the door behind him as he went.
Shinsei would nod toward two chairs across from his, inviting them to sit. “To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from Kirigakure.” He would say, his tone curious, if a bit grave. It was entirely possible after all that this was a prelude to war. A war the small island nation would have no hope of winning. Valen waited for Arisu to sit, if she was going to, before doing so himself and then speaking. “Well Lord Shinsei, I have to be honest with you. We’re here because I’d heard rumors in my younger years of oppression happening here. The high class forcing the lower class into servitude and living in squalor as those above them thrived from the sweat of their backs and the blood in their bodies. We came here at my recommendation, because I had intended to free the lower class of that life. By either eliminating, or bribing the higher class into leaving and allowing us to govern.” He would begin to explain, noting that Shinsei seemed to be listening intently.
“I am surprised to find therefore that there seems to be no such lower class, or oppression here. So I am somewhat at a loss. Were the rumor’s I’d heard in my younger years untrue?” He would ask, prompting Shinsei to speak. “No Lord Valen, they were not.” He would begin to explain, the older man taking a deep breath before continuing. “In the not too distant past, this island was a war torn island. The Statelands vying for power over one another and in that time the lower class were indeed oppressed as you say. However we broke out of that horrid system ourselves, and have been better off ever since.” He would explain, prompting Valen to nod in acknowledgement. “I, as Consul, do have the high authority however, and can choose to align our country with a higher government if I so choose. With Kirigakure’s visit, I fear our land will be visited soon by others if we do not find allies soon. Some, who might not be so kind as to come speak with me directly. Who might not come with words, but with blades and jutsu. If Kirigakure would have the governorship of us. I would ask about that ‘bribe’ you mentioned before. Money would go a long way toward increasing the standard of living here. To say nothing of the leadership that has obviously provided for the great Metropolis of Kirigakure. I think we would be in good hands if we chose to align with you. Is that an option?” Shinsei would ask, prompting Valen to nod. “It is indeed, and I commend you for the decision. Kirigakure would welcome the Crimson State Island into its Empire and we will see to the overall governance of the nation. While you Consul Shinsei, see to the day to say affairs alongside your Parliament. In exchange for the oversight, you will receive 10,000,000 Ryo, to use as you and your parliament see fit. We however will take any precious artifacts of techniques with us to hold in our vault. If they are not here you cannot and should not be attacked for them.” Valen would explain, prompting Shinsei to nod in acknowledgement.
“I agree to those terms, when shall we receive the funds?” He would ask, standing and bowing to the representatives of the nation he had just aligned his nation to, for better or for worse. “Now.” Valen would say as he tossed a scroll onto the desk between them. Shinsei placed a hand on the seal, seemingly to check it’s contents before nodding. “Very well, one moment.” He would say before reaching into his desk and withdrawing a scroll of his own and extending it to Valen. “Within here you will find our artifacts and special techniques. A special mineral that gives incredible powers. A book explaining them, and techniques some of our older warriors would say derived from the mineral. The mineral has long since been mined fully, with the full Vein of it sealed within here. Take it, so that our nation might be safer under the overall umbrella that is Kirigakure’s Empire.” He would say as Valen took the scroll with a nod of his head. “Welcome to the Empire, Lord Shinsei.” He would say before turning to Lady Arisu. “Shall we my Lady?” He would ask, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. She had sent the boat back to Kirigakure, citing other travel options. So he was simply waiting for her to specify. Once she had, he would accompany her with whatever arrangements she had made. Be they summon flight, or even the portal he had seen her use back in Kirigakure when she had assigned this task to him as a test.
[Potential Exit so long as Arisu posts, buying Crimson State Island for 10 Million Ryo and claiming its artifacts and exclusives]
And it was nothing like Valen expected whatsoever.
His red eyes looked at the place in surprise. It was of fairly decent size. It was also well kept and people seemed to be treated well and with respect toward one another. He blinked a few times in apparent consternation before moving toward a guard at the gates, hopefully with Arisu with him. She had wanted to see how he handled this. Which meant he would probably be taking the lead here. It was a test for him after all. The guard looked at him, expectantly. In many places guards would call out for the business of those they spoke to. However this time Valen had approached him. So he obviously meant to state it himself.
The guard seemed perfectly willing to let him find the words in his own time. He simply stood ready, brown eyes carefully looking between Valen and Arisu if she were there. Not focusing on either of them. That was good, it meant he knew how to fight. Or at least knew some basics. That revelation brought a smile to Valen’s features as he spoke. “Good morning, my name is Valen Minamoto, and I represent Kirigakure no Sato. This is Lady Arisu, also of Kirigakure. We would like to speak with the leadership of your country if you don’t mind.” He would say, purposefully leaving Arisu’s title of ‘Princess’ out of the greeting.
Not because he was trying to be rude, or unkind. However if he introduced her as one of the three leaders of the village she would be looked at in order to be the voice of the two. A simple Jounin would simply not command the same level of respect and would not be taken seriously. If he did introduce her and she told them that she wanted him to run the talks. It could be seen as an insult. Something they would need to avoid if at all possible.
The guard nodded simply at his request, his eyes widening slightly at the name of ‘Kirigakure’. Valen frankly did not blame him. The Metropolis was one of the great powers of the world. Nations had been attacked and bought at the behest of its leadership. It took part in wars over their and other nations actions that spanned the world over. Its name carried sway and held power within its syllables. Power, a simple gate guard at a city on a small island to the metropolis’ due south could not begin to truly comprehend or be willing to deal with.
The guard chose the correct option, he passed the buck on up.
“Yes sir, please, allow me to escort you to the Consul’s Office. Hiroshi, watch the gate while I show them there.” He would say, bowing in respect to both Valen and Arisu. A younger, ‘greener’ looking guard moved into position from a nearby guardhouse to watch for threats or more visitors. The original guard would open the gate and beckon them inside, speaking as he did. “My name is Shiryu, my Lord, my Lady, pardon me if any of my mannerisms offend.” He would say as he moved to lead them into the city. It was of decent size with a many sizable buildings involved. Houses, an administration building, what surprised Valen was what appeared to be a large number of walls.
“You have a great number of walls here for such a lonely island.” Valen would note in curiosity as he followed Shiryu. It truly did appear that there was no such problem here as the upper class oppressing the lower. People were moving to and from shops and homes, visiting friends and neighbors, running errands. He saw no one in squalor, the standard of living here was certainly much lower than in Kirigakure. However he saw no one directly benefiting from such a thing. It was more or less what everyone was living with. “Ah, well you see the city is divided up into ‘Statelands’ and each one tends to compete with the others in terms of advancement. Everyone gets to benefit from one’s discoveries however. They simply compete for the clout of having made the discovery or invention in question.” He would explain, leading them through the city and toward a large gated door. He motioned to two guards and the two moved to open the gate for them with a large grunt of effort. The party of three moved through the gate and into another section of the city. “Each ‘Stateland’ is sectioned off into its own area of the city. The Administrative Building is in the center of what is a great ring of Statelands. The Consul is elected and generally serves a lifelong term. Unless the Parliament beneath them vote them out. Then a new one is chosen from the Parliament itself.” He would explain as they moved through the next ‘Stateland’ and toward another gate. They had turned left in this one, meaning they were turned toward the center of the great ring. Two more guards were stationed at the gates and opened it together.
The three passed into what would be a ‘Palace Grounds’. A large cemetery surrounded it, a constant reminder of those who have passed perhaps? Either way it seemed almost poetic to Valen. They were led to a large Palace, immaculately decorated, and two guards in much finer armor opened the door for them. Shiryu led them inside, into a sizable hallway across from a large open door that seemed to lead to a council chamber. A few people were cloistered together in small groups having a quiet conversation. In the back there was a second door, and Shiryu led them to it and knocked politely. A voice called from within “Come” the gate guard opened the door for the pair and led them inside. Within, an older man with shorter hair, combed back and tucked behind his ears, white with age, sat at a desk with fine purple and crimson robes of office.
Shiryu moved to the man and knelt in respect as he spoke. “My Lord Shinsei, I bring to you delegates from Kirigakure. I have the honor to present Valen, and Lady Arisu.” He would say, his head bowed. Valen would give a nod of the head in greeting, a gesture mimicked by ‘Shinsei’ who spoke to Shiryu. “Very good Shiryu, return to your post with the knowledge that you have performed your duty to the letter. You have your Consul’s thanks.” He would say, prompting Shiryu to rise and leave the room, closing the door behind him as he went.
Shinsei would nod toward two chairs across from his, inviting them to sit. “To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from Kirigakure.” He would say, his tone curious, if a bit grave. It was entirely possible after all that this was a prelude to war. A war the small island nation would have no hope of winning. Valen waited for Arisu to sit, if she was going to, before doing so himself and then speaking. “Well Lord Shinsei, I have to be honest with you. We’re here because I’d heard rumors in my younger years of oppression happening here. The high class forcing the lower class into servitude and living in squalor as those above them thrived from the sweat of their backs and the blood in their bodies. We came here at my recommendation, because I had intended to free the lower class of that life. By either eliminating, or bribing the higher class into leaving and allowing us to govern.” He would begin to explain, noting that Shinsei seemed to be listening intently.
“I am surprised to find therefore that there seems to be no such lower class, or oppression here. So I am somewhat at a loss. Were the rumor’s I’d heard in my younger years untrue?” He would ask, prompting Shinsei to speak. “No Lord Valen, they were not.” He would begin to explain, the older man taking a deep breath before continuing. “In the not too distant past, this island was a war torn island. The Statelands vying for power over one another and in that time the lower class were indeed oppressed as you say. However we broke out of that horrid system ourselves, and have been better off ever since.” He would explain, prompting Valen to nod in acknowledgement. “I, as Consul, do have the high authority however, and can choose to align our country with a higher government if I so choose. With Kirigakure’s visit, I fear our land will be visited soon by others if we do not find allies soon. Some, who might not be so kind as to come speak with me directly. Who might not come with words, but with blades and jutsu. If Kirigakure would have the governorship of us. I would ask about that ‘bribe’ you mentioned before. Money would go a long way toward increasing the standard of living here. To say nothing of the leadership that has obviously provided for the great Metropolis of Kirigakure. I think we would be in good hands if we chose to align with you. Is that an option?” Shinsei would ask, prompting Valen to nod. “It is indeed, and I commend you for the decision. Kirigakure would welcome the Crimson State Island into its Empire and we will see to the overall governance of the nation. While you Consul Shinsei, see to the day to say affairs alongside your Parliament. In exchange for the oversight, you will receive 10,000,000 Ryo, to use as you and your parliament see fit. We however will take any precious artifacts of techniques with us to hold in our vault. If they are not here you cannot and should not be attacked for them.” Valen would explain, prompting Shinsei to nod in acknowledgement.
“I agree to those terms, when shall we receive the funds?” He would ask, standing and bowing to the representatives of the nation he had just aligned his nation to, for better or for worse. “Now.” Valen would say as he tossed a scroll onto the desk between them. Shinsei placed a hand on the seal, seemingly to check it’s contents before nodding. “Very well, one moment.” He would say before reaching into his desk and withdrawing a scroll of his own and extending it to Valen. “Within here you will find our artifacts and special techniques. A special mineral that gives incredible powers. A book explaining them, and techniques some of our older warriors would say derived from the mineral. The mineral has long since been mined fully, with the full Vein of it sealed within here. Take it, so that our nation might be safer under the overall umbrella that is Kirigakure’s Empire.” He would say as Valen took the scroll with a nod of his head. “Welcome to the Empire, Lord Shinsei.” He would say before turning to Lady Arisu. “Shall we my Lady?” He would ask, an eyebrow raised in curiosity. She had sent the boat back to Kirigakure, citing other travel options. So he was simply waiting for her to specify. Once she had, he would accompany her with whatever arrangements she had made. Be they summon flight, or even the portal he had seen her use back in Kirigakure when she had assigned this task to him as a test.
[Potential Exit so long as Arisu posts, buying Crimson State Island for 10 Million Ryo and claiming its artifacts and exclusives]
