Rain District

[Jeriah]

As rain drummed relentlessly against the bridge's steel surface, the looming statues of Inoka and Yonrochi stood as silent sentinels under the overcast sky. Inoka, caught between respect and suspicion, listened intently to the Amekage’s revelations. The breadth of Yonrochi’s knowledge, spanning puppet ninjutsu to detailed shinobi history, did not go unnoticed by the Hokage. Inoka, though tempted to probe Yonrochi's mind for deeper insights, restrained himself, fully aware of the diplomatic repercussions should his intrusion be discovered.

Standing firm, with a measured smile that masked his inner turmoil, Inoka absorbed every word. The Amekage’s discourse on the value of information—gained from both foes and allies—echoed within him. Yet, as a guardian of Konoha's secrets, Inoka was determined to maintain his village's strategic advantages. His expression remained composed, even as Yonrochi unexpectedly mentioned the death of Uchiha Mugen—an intensely guarded secret that suggested a betrayal within Konoha's ranks. Inoka's thoughts darkened towards Tenbo, the infamous 'Rat King,' suspecting him of leaking vital information.

With a smile that grew slightly sharper, Inoka responded, his tone a blend of diplomacy and challenge. "Okay, Lord Yonrochi, you've certainly made your point. Your insights into shinobi affairs are indeed profound. As you are already aware, I was the one who assigned both Mugen and Tenbo to assist with Amegakure's troubles. It seems there is something specific you wish to discuss, so please, let’s not dance around it any longer," Inoka stated, his smile unwavering as he encouraged Yonrochi to speak openly. The tension of their exchange was nearly palpable, as the rain continued to veil their conversation in a curtain of transient silence.

Location: Amegakure - Rain District
Posting Order: Inoka -> Yonrochi/Tokage/Rain-men
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II​

 

[Yon]

"Hmph. Is that so…" The old Kage's thoughts lingered as he stepped toward the bridge’s railing. Leaning forward, he exhaled slowly. "Questions are nothing more than that. Empty words chasing empty answers." His tone was measured, unreadable. "I have no further inquiries. Your presence here is noted, and yet…"
The next part only played within his mind.
"...you bring only more questions."

Straightening from the banister, Yonrochi turned back to the Hokage, offering his hand in a gesture of solidarity. "Forgive my... introduction, Lord Hokage. As you can see, I go to great lengths to make a lasting impression." A subtle smirk ghosted his lips, his eyes studying the Hokage carefully. "I am pleased Ruko managed to complete these statues in time, despite your... unexpected arrival." He gestured to the statues, their features blurred by the rain’s steady descent. "Do me a favor and disregard the musings of an old fool. Your assistance has been... appreciated. More than you know." His voice carried a deliberate weight, the kind that hinted at meaning left unspoken. "If the whispers I have heard hold any truth, then you have my sympathy." Then, with a slight, almost imperceptible shift in his expression, he added, "Now then… sake?"

As he spoke, an image flickered through his mind. A memory. A shadow from the past.
The "Rat King."

(FLASHBACK: YONROCHI'S HOME)
Tenbo and Yonrochi sit in a secluded part of Yonrochi's home. Sick and wounded from the attack fill the hallways being helped by medical staff, the men drink sake and Tenbo speaks:

"I hold no allegiances to these people, nor do I harbor any sentiment for the lives lost. I reserve judgment on the individual responsible, for I know not who it was or what drove them to act. My lack of indifference to the suffering stems not from empathy, but because my own desires align with yours..."

Coming back to reality Yonrochi couldn't help but think of the man and his shadowy guise. He then looked up at the rain and thought. "Uchiha Tenbo...The Rat King." then he awaited the Hokage's next statement.

OPTIONAL:

Tokage stood behind Yonrochi, frowning as his glasses caught the flickering glow of lightning in the distance.
"Oh? I... I was unaware that he sent them." Tokage adjusted his glasses, his eyes narrowing with intrigue. "Judging by Lord First’s reaction, it seems he, too, believed those men arrived of their own accord... Their behavior certainly suggested as much." He let out a thoughtful hum, his expression unreadable.
"So, Hokage's orders, is it? Hmph… If nothing else, this confirms one thing--Uchiha Tenbo hasn't spoken of these affairs. Assuming, of course, he's still alive." A smirk tugged at his lips. "If Lord Inoka truly sent them yet refuses to clarify the circumstances surrounding one of their deaths, then perhaps he wasn't responsible after all. Which means..." Tokage’s voice took on a sharper edge in his head. "He may be just as in the dark as we are."
He chuckled softly. "Well, let's hope he forgives our curiosity. Having the Leaf as an ally is one thing, but having them as an enemy? Now that... is an entirely different matter."

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Location: Amegakure - Rain District
Posting Order: Inoka -> Yonrochi/Tokage/Rain-men
Posting Time Limit (PTL): 3 Days (Approximately 72 Hours)
Skip Points: II​