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."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

 

[Jeriah]

Inoka’s sharp, discerning eyes never missed a detail, and today was no exception. He noted the subtle change in Yonrochi’s demeanor—no longer the curious, probing Amekage who was keen on uncovering the hidden aspects of Konohagakure's secrets and intentions. Instead, there was a sudden shift, as if Yonrochi had reached a conclusion or simply grown tired of the cat-and-mouse game Inoka had been playing. When the Amekage spoke, his voice lacked the sharpness and the probing questions that had characterized their previous exchanges. He had seemingly abandoned the pursuit of deeper knowledge and offered Inoka his hand in what appeared to be a gesture of peace.

Inoka’s eyes flickered, betraying the smallest hint of calculation as he looked at Yonrochi’s outstretched hand. With a practiced, serene smile, Inoka accepted the handshake, allowing his fingers to wrap around the Amekage’s hand. His grip was firm but not overpowering, a careful balance of politeness and power. "A pleasure, Lord Yonrochi," he said, his voice as smooth as ever. To the onlooker, it would seem like nothing more than a cordial exchange. However, beneath the surface, Inoka’s mind raced with thoughts and contingencies. This moment, this handshake, was not a sign of genuine friendship—it was a tactic.

As Inoka’s hand shook Yonrochi’s, he smiled brightly, but inside, a cold, calculating awareness buzzed in his mind. 'Is he an ally? An enemy?' The question lingered, as it always did when dealing with those as enigmatic as the Amekage. There was something about Yonrochi that unsettled Inoka, something that screamed of layers yet to be uncovered, and that made the Yamanaka clan leader wary. He wasn’t the type to trust easily, not in a world of constantly shifting allegiances. 'For now, I will watch and wait. My true intentions, even if they’re only half-formed, must remain hidden.'

Yonrochi offered him Sake—an age-old sign of peace or at least a ceremonial token of goodwill in many lands. Inoka accepted the drink with a polite nod, even as his mind continued its quiet analysis. The alcohol would not affect him; his true form, impervious to intoxication or poisons, allowed him to observe and react freely without concern. The sake, however, would serve as a useful tool for observing Yonrochi’s intentions. The offer alone spoke volumes about the Amekage’s mindset, whether it was a sign of camaraderie, an attempt to disarm Inoka, or something more subtle. Inoka carefully took a sip, the act an exercise in maintaining appearances, before setting the cup down with a quiet clink.

"It would be rude of me if I didn’t present a gift as well, Lord Yonrochi," Inoka said, his voice soft but deliberate. His smile remained unchanged, charming in its politeness, as his hand reached into his robes. With practiced ease, he drew out a small, delicate object wrapped in dark cloth. Carefully, he placed the bundle into Yonrochi’s hands with both of his own, a calculated gesture that conveyed both reverence and authority. The bundle, when revealed, was a doll—a color-coated kunai with a ragdoll attached to the kunai. The doll was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, and one that bore an uncanny resemblance to Inoka himself.

"Please accept this gift," Inoka said, his voice softening. "It’s a small token of appreciation, though I’m sure you will find it… intriguing."

Inoka’s eyes met Yonrochi’s once more, watching carefully for his reaction. He wasn’t sure how the Amekage would interpret the gift, but to Inoka, it wasn’t just a kunai with a doll attached—it was a symbol. A way to cement his presence, his power, and his intricate involvement in this delicate dance. It was also a way of marking a potential future ally—or an enemy—making sure that Yonrochi understood the quiet weight of the exchange.

As he stood there, waiting for Yonrochi’s response, Inoka’s mind continued to turn over possibilities. Was Yonrochi truly what he seemed, or was this all part of a larger game? No matter what, Inoka was prepared. His thoughts danced between potential alliances and the calculating mindset of a master strategist, ready to adapt to whatever the Amekage might throw his way.

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

 

[Yon]

​

Yonrochi studied the gift, his aged fingers tracing the sharp edges of the kunai as they lay nestled in the dark cloth. His eyes gleamed with an almost boyish amusement, a stark contrast to the deep lines of experience etched into his face. A shiny new toy, and yet, to a man like him, nothing was ever simply a toy. He lifted them together, feeling their weight, their balance—more than tools, these were extensions of one’s intent. A shinobi’s weapon was their will made manifest. And this young man had chosen to offer them to him. Interesting....

A slow smile spread across his face, lips curling in satisfaction as he bowed his head slightly. “My, in all my years…” He straightened, his back cracking slightly as he inhaled. “I’ve never received a gift back.” His eye flickered toward the young shinobi, measuring him, gauging him. What game was being played here? With a deliberate movement, Yonrochi handed the kunai off to Tokage, his ever-loyal subordinate, who barely disguised his reluctance in accepting them. Tokage turned them over in his hands, looking at them as if they might suddenly bite.

Yonrochi let out a quiet chuckle, an amused rasp that held wisdom and danger in equal measure.
“Do these beauties have a name?” He mused, rubbing his chin. “It’s customary, after all. A weapon without a name is like a shinobi without a purpose—lacking identity, lacking legacy. I suppose I am old-fashioned, but…” He trailed off, the air growing heavier for just a moment before his grin returned. His fingers interlaced behind his back as he shifted his weight. “Humor an old man. Tell me what I should call them.” He spoke once more as he was pleased to see the man taking part in the Kenpo Sake on such gloomy afternoon on the bridge. He then sipped himself a bit.

TOKAGE Thoughts
(OPTIONAL):
Tokage accepted the kunai with a carefully measured expression, but beneath the surface, his mind raced. Ninja tools, aye, Lord Inoka… but what else? His fingers barely grazed the hilts before he withdrew them slightly, studying them as if they were venomous. Could they be marked? Tracked? Laced with some hidden seal? What's this writing...hm? His grip tightened, more out of calculation than caution. Perhaps I should have them examined by the sensory unit. If these are compromised, I don’t even want to touch them.

His gaze flickered toward the small, eerie doll resting beside the blades. And this? A message? A conduit? Could he be watching us through it?
No matter. If they are tracking tools, I won’t be the one they follow. A plan began to form. I should commission a replica. Swap them out. Hide the real ones until we know more.

TOKAGE:
His breath was even, calm. But his thoughts twisted and cautious. Finally, he spoke, his voice smooth, laced with detached curiosity. "These are precious. A lot of care went into them, I can tell." He turned them delicately in his fingers, giving no sign of the thoughts swirling behind his pokerfaced expression. His gaze slid past Yonrochi to the Hokage, bowing with precise respect. "I wonder who made them Lord Inoka?"

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

 

[Jeriah]

With a bright, almost playful smile on his face, Inoka Yamanaka observed carefully as Yonrochi’s aged fingers traced the sharp edges of the kunai, which lay nestled in the dark cloth before him. The Amekage’s interest in the unique dagger did not go unnoticed, and Inoka could sense the curiosity that grew in Yonrochi’s expression as he commented on never receiving a gift in return. Inoka, ever the tactician, allowed his smile to widen. He leaned forward slightly, his tone smooth and polite as he spoke, “I couldn’t allow myself to be rude and leave you empty-handed. I wish I had not come on short notice. I would've presented something more fitting, but I suppose this will have to do.” His voice carried a light, almost teasing note as he chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a subtle amusement at the unfolding moment.


Yonrochi, with his usual calm demeanor, inquired about the name of the blade. Inoka, still smiling, paused for a moment before responding, “It’s called the Shinri Tantō.” He pronounced the name with pride, knowing that the blade was more than just a weapon. It was a tool, a piece of his mastery—a small but effective element in his arsenal.


As Yonrochi passed the dagger to his assistant Tokage, Inoka’s attention shifted slightly, his keen eyes never leaving the pair. His mind was already working—using the connection he had subtly planted. His consciousness was now tethered to the doll that was attached to the kunai. The tiny, concealed imprint of his mind within the object began to stir, following Tokage’s movements with calculated precision.

With a graceful turn, Inoka faced the glass of sake Yonrochi had poured for him. As he brought the cup to his lips, he deliberately sneezed loudly, his intent clear—to protect the airborne germs from touching the Amekage. However, this was only a ruse, a diversion as he subtly shifted his position. As his back turned away from Yonrochi, Inoka’s subtly weaved signs with his eye, signaling to activate the Shinri Tantō’s power.

The kunai's kanji etched on its blade had not even glowed, unnoticed by any unfamiliar with Inoka's secret jutsu, and with it, a transfer of consciousness commenced. Inoka’s consciousness, now transferred through the doll, began to seamlessly slip into Tokage’s mind. It was subtle—too subtle for anyone to notice. The connection had been established.

Once within Tokage's mind, Inoka activated his Eye Mind Reading Jutsu, a technique that allowed him to probe the deepest recesses of a target’s mind. He could sense the thoughts hidden within Tokage’s consciousness, searching for any concealed memories or information that might help him uncover him and Yonrochi’s true intentions. As his mind delved deeper, the memories flowed like a river, offering a near infinite pages of information, but Inoka had a starting place, the meeting between Tenbo and Yonrochi. Every thought, every fear, every moment that Tokage had witnessed, began to reveal itself to Inoka in a manner that was both precise and deliberate. Inoka smiled inwardly, knowing that this seemingly innocuous meeting was just the beginning of something much larger. The hidden layers of Yonrochi's political games and personal motivations were slowly becoming clear, and with each passing second, Inoka's grip on the truth tightened. He could already foresee how this information would play into his broader plans, but for now, he remained outwardly composed, his expression a perfect mask of cordiality as he listened to Tokage speak. "It was made by ninja weapon inventor from Konoha. They weren't satisfied with the purpose and design of the blade and was going to throw it away, I had to restock on kunai and shuriken but hadn't enough money to pay for them so they gave me that dagger instead. Ever since then it's been specially crafted for myself." Inoka smiled as he responded to Tokage.

Unaware that his mind was being probed, Inoka continued the conversation with Tokage, while Inoka silently sifted through Tokage's memories like flipping through a well-worn book. Each detail he uncovered, no matter how small, added to the growing tapestry of information. Inoka’s search led him to the most recent conversation between Tenbo, Mugen Uchiha, Yonrochi, and Tokage. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, as Inoka discovered concrete evidence of Tenbo's treachery—something he'd previously lacked proof of. Tokage remained a mere pawn, not a target, as Inoka gathered the intel needed to prevent a looming civil war within Konoha.

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

 

[Reigetsu]

Inugami remained still, maintaining his disguise as Tokage, his expression unreadable as he absorbed their words. Beneath the facade, his mind worked quickly, analyzing their rhetoric, their intentions, their ambitions. Fear, vengeance, resilience—each word revealed more about their ideology, their plans, and more importantly, their weaknesses.

He met Shokaku’s gaze evenly, neither flinching nor showing hesitation. “Bold words,” he said, his voice calm and measured. “And a bold plan. The world’s still reeling, still weak. Striking now makes sense… but timing is everything. We have to be sure.” He let the words settle before tilting his head slightly. “So, when do you want to head out?”

His tone was casual, as if their conversation weighed nothing more than a simple errand. It was a test—to see how prepared they really were and how quickly they intended to act. Inugami had all the information he needed, but now, he just had to play his part a little longer. The Medic-nin pats his chameleon companion who still was sweating by Fugu's menacing stare that screams a predator waiting to pounce on its snack, Inugami however pulls the blunt back out and lights it, takes a long inhale before blowing the smoking upwards to make the foul but greenish smoke take a mushroom shape before it touch the cielling and roll apart like a wave of smoke crashing on land.