[Kameki Banri]

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Banri stared out the lightly frosted window as the train rumbled along but he couldn’t see much other than an occasional fence post or a farmhouse in the distance against a stark white landscape and swirling snow. It was an astounding method of travel and Banri was grateful not to be walking for once. Were circumstances different he might have spent the majority of his time on the train attempting to figure out how the machine worked but right now they needed to focus on what they would say to Lady Shuka when they finally arrived. [break][break]

He straightened up and glanced over at his traveling companion. He was nervous about his partner accompanying him on this diplomatic mission. He was keenly aware of the danger but Raimaa had been right about some things; They would need to prove their intentions with more than just fancy words in a letter. If they could convince Lady Shuka of the benefits of an economic treaty it would be a great triumph for Kusagakure and for Yukigakure as well. [break][break]

Banri took a deep breath. One step at a time. His hands were trembling from the cold and he stuffed them in his sleeves as a whistle sounded above them. They must have been nearing their destination. [break][break]

"I’m sorry. I know this isn’t the honeymoon we were hoping for. Do you think it’s this cold all year?”

[attr="class","ooc-area"]Sanagi Eiji Yuki Shuka

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[Sanagi Eiji]

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It was not often that Eiji left the village. His job mostly dealt with internal affairs, such as overseeing ANBU. His presence here was mostly a token show of respect, being one of the village's eldest shinobi (if not the eldest).

For the first time in a long time, Eiji looked like himself. His hair was pale and he sported a goatee with a wrinkled forehead. He didn't go as far as to place a henge on himself to make himself look like he did when he was near dying of old age, but he gave himself the look of a spritely mid seventies.

"I hate this thing we are on," he complained. It made his stomach hurt. He didn't feel good about the diplomatic mission in general. They couldn't risk getting too friendly with the recent turmoil with Konoha, nor could they risk worsening Kusagakure’s situation with the growing number of nations that loomed over it. They would have to walk a fine line the entire time to avoid offending anyone.

Eiji had no delusions about accomplishing some miracle here. He was hoping at best they could get Yukigakure not to include them in whatever economic damage they were planning to do to Konohagakure. What they could give back without upsetting their ally was very little.

"I'm sure it would be, if we were assigned to come here," he said with a laugh. "Fat chance we'd go somewhere nice."

Eiji followed with his arms crossed and hands tucked into his sleeves. When they arrived at the gates he wouldn't give them the joy of watching him shiver, he'd grit his teeth and suck it up.

SPOILER: Click to show

He has a henge up, nothing fancy.

@

[Yuki Shuka]

Yuki Shuka --- TAG Kameki Banri TAG Sanagi Eiji WORDS - - -

T

his meeting had been a long time coming, though the other entangling political affairs put it off for a brief while. Two diplomats from Kusagakure were invited into the walls of Yukigakure, ready to plead their lord's case, though the lord himself did not travel with them.

The port of Shouninnomura welcomed them, and they were set aboard a train which travelled north across the island, taking them through Hyōzan Keep. Though neither of them were given cause to leave the train here, if they looked out from the windows, or reached out with their sensory capabilities, they would note a fairly large military presence. Many shinobi stood along the tracks. Both of them knew enough about this sort of work that they could likely guess there were sensors among the ranks outside, cautiously keeping track of everyone who came through the Keep.

Their passes were checked and their diplomatic validity was assured before they were sent on to Yukigakure.

The city's great gates opened way before the rail line and allowed them into the heart of the village, settling into the train station that lived in its center.

They were made to sign in before finally being escorted to meet with the Lady of Yukigakure.

"Are you cold?" One of the young bodyguards asked, keeping a thin layer of professionalism over her curiosity towards the travelers. "We can offer jackets." Another guard gave her a stern look and she turned her attention forwards again, quieting.

They were let to a meeting place that seemed quite comfortable. Not within the walls of the Castle Black itself, because that would require another train ride. It was still within the central district of the village, close to the rail station, where restaurants and inns seemed plentiful. Perhaps many diplomats were taken here.

In a spacious room, Shuka was sat at one side of a round table. To her right was one Yoi Akai, a pallid woman wearing mostly white, with a stare measured enough to match her diplomatic reputation. Body guards sat behind the duo, and one moved to pour the travelling duo some tea to help warm them.

"Thank you for making the long journey here," Shuka greeted them both. "I hope it wasn't too strenuous. I know the sea can be temperamental this time of year."

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Kameki Banri]

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As he heard the announcement called back through the train that they were nearing the first station in Yukigakure, Banri would tap into his sensory abilities just to ensure there would be no unfortunate complications. The area was every bit as dense with chakra users as he had become accustomed to while living in Kusagakure but he didn’t believe there to be any nefarious intent in the defensive presence here. [break][break]

From the brief glimpse the diplomats were afforded, Banri could tell the infrastructure of this region was markedly different than that which could be found in the rolling grasslands of his home country. It was remarkable to find a thriving village in such a harsh environment. He figured the people here must be resourceful indeed. [break][break]

Banri almost accepted the offered jacket but after noticing the stern look from the other guards he politely declined. He didn’t want to make a fuss. They allowed themselves to be ushered into a large chamber where an older woman that could only have been Lady Shuka waited at a round table. [break][break]

Banri approached with a polite bow, "I would first thank you for your hospitality in allowing us into your esteemed village, Lady Shuka. I'm sure you are aware that I am Kameki Banri and my companion here is Sanagi Eiji." [break][break]

Banri took the seat offered to him as well as a cup of freshly brewed tea. "A voyage in good company is time well spent. It was my first time at sea and I must say that it is a humbling experience, even if it was a little rough on the stomach.” He wrapped his fingers tightly around the ceramic cup to warm them before raising it to his lips and inhaling the fragrant steam. The Elite Jounin locked eyes with Lady Shuka, a slight smile crossing his lips before he took a long sip of the tea as a sign of trust.

[attr="class","ooc-area"]Sanagi Eiji Yuki Shuka

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[Sanagi Eiji]

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Eiji was about to accept the offer for a jacket, but the other bodyguard cut him off the hospitality of the other beforehand. He closed his working eye and continued into the room that was set aside for them. As they entered he looked Shuka over with a straight face. During the second shinobi war at one point their nations had worked together, but the decisions of Kusagakure's leadership had soured its relationship with Iwagakure and Amegakure. By extension he was sure that Yukigaure would answer their call for the sake of the wealth of those two nations. He didn't believe that there were words that could be said to change that, but there was no harm in trying.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Eiji said as he took his seat. He spoke after Banri, allowing the younger man his chance to have his hand in politics. He took a sip of the tea that was offered. "Hmm, I recognize this blend from somewhere," he said. He couldn't' quite put his finger on the origin. When you were as old as he was, remembering little details of the distant past were often difficult.

He was fine with the sea, it had been the train that had stirred him. Alas he wouldn't interject anything of import into the conversation at first. Although he tended to like to take his time with these types of things, it wasn't always best to speak first when it came to negotiations.

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[Yuki Shuka]

Yuki Shuka --- TAG Kameki Banri TAG Sanagi Eiji WORDS - - -

T

he man's first time at sea? That must have been quite something. Sometimes it was easy to forget that not all lands were surrounded by vast water. Kusagakure was landlocked. And, as of right now, their way to the sea was blocked by everyone but Hi no Kuni. Their relationships with most other nations bordering them was dangerous. That must have been a quite frightful situation. One easily ended up under the thumb of a nation when that nation controlled access to water.

"Hopefully the tea will help settle your stomach, then," Shuka said, smiling softly. She turned her attention to Eiji and said, "A wandering shinobi from the main lands delivered it here. It's a rather rare blend on our continent because of the distance, but perhaps it's more common in Kusagakure." Things from across the sea were often seen as luxurious, rich things here. It was costly to transport anything across the sea and make sure it arrived in good care. Perhaps in another nation this was some poor-man's blend, easily accessible at every market, holding the comfortable familiarity of home and none of the prestige. Culture was interesting like that.

She took a sip of her own tea and then placed the cup back down. They could sit here all afternoon frittering away the time on casual conversation, but she was certain that wasn't what they wanted.

"Your Lord sent you to discuss some diplomatic matters," she stated, slowly opening the conversation to its intended route. "Would you like to tell me what it is he would like to offer?" Of course, what was on offer was not the only thing of note here. There were many political issues to deal with with any agreement, but knowing what was at stake in the dealings was always a good place to begin.

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Kameki Banri]

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"It’s quite soothing. Thank you.” Banri responded as best he could in regards to the tea talk. He wasn’t as much of a connoisseur as Eiji and he knew the older man had traveled many places. Personally, it was tasty but he couldn’t say if he’d ever had this blend before or not. Normally, he would be the first to offer assurances to his host but the assumption that most goods were easier to obtain on the mainland was both accurate and advantageous in the current talks. He snuck a sideways glance at Eiji as he took another sip of the tea. [break][break]

The Kusa Lord’s Assistant straightened up and set his cup gently on the table as Lady Shuka directed the conversation towards business. "Well…” Banri cleared his throat. "As you know, our travel here wasn’t entirely by ship. Your railroad system is quite a feat of engineering! We on the mainland have heard rumors of your dealings with our southern neighbor, Amegakure, as well as plans to extend tracks to that country.” [break][break]

Banri paused for a few seconds; a polite smile gracing his features as he did his best to read Lady Shuka’s reaction to his own train of thought before continuing on. "Lord Yamato is currently working in conjunction with one of our most successful merchants to build a trading post on the northern tip of Nohara no Kuni. There is no reason why this trading post couldn’t accommodate a station for your railroad. Why go around us through the mountains of Iwagakure when you could go straight through? I don’t know much about the construction of your train… tracks? But I would guess they would be easier to lay on our flat grasslands than jagged mountains and rolling foothills.”

[attr="class","ooc-area"]down to business Sanagi Eiji Yuki Shuka

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[Sanagi Eiji]

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"Ah, that's what it is... from Cha no Kuni," Eiji muttered, his mind halfway away from here and the negotiation table. It had a greater depth of flavor than what was grown in Kusagakure. In Cha it was a common blend but quite popular, but the further away you got from the south eastern country the more expensive it was.

Both Banri and the lady were straight to the point. Eiji had always liked to flirt with pleasantries and friendliness, but it seemed that these two prefered a more direct manner of speaking. It was sort of thrilling to see Banri taking the lead.

His eye tilted towards Lady Shuka with a knowing look. Although long ago Kusagakure and Yukigaure were allies, they had both cast themselves with different lots. He had a feeling that Amegakure would never agree to allow Kusagakure in as a middle man so long as it was sovereign. Nor did he think that she'd be prepared to risk offending Iwagakure.

It was true that it would make it easier for them not to have to worry about bypassing their territory, but it wasn't a deal he'd take himself.

Still, there was value in trying. At worst the lines as they were would be more formally drawn by the conversation. At best maybe he was completely wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time that the world surprised him.

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[Yuki Shuka]

Yuki Shuka --- TAG Kameki Banri TAG Sanagi Eiji WORDS - - -

T

hough the offers that the man presented were incredibly intriguing, Shuka was almost concerned she would have to disappoint. Answering hastily was never the way, though. Realistically, the ideal route for a line of tracks would be through Arashi no Kuni, to Nohara no Kuni, and then through Bonchi no Kuni. Building over mountains was not impossible, but it was costly, and if a way to the sea could be found at a cheaper cost, it would be better not only for Amegakure, but also for Iwagakure in the end. In a perfect world, it would be the ideal deal. Lord Yamato had said that he was tired of the whims of the larger shinobi nations dictating what it was that the smaller nations were allowed to do.

But Lord Shikaka Tatsuo had said, in politically polite but still incredibly certain terms, what his intentions with Kusagakure were. He would not be amicable to such a deal unless he saw the Daimyo kneel to subjugation.

"If we want to make dealings about matters concerning Lord Fourth, I am afraid we would have to have him in present company," Shuka said, looking to the diplomat who sat beside her. The woman in white didn't return her gaze, merely continuing to assess Banri and Eiji. "I will make your offer known to him, however." It was the least she could do. It was unlikely he would take such a deal, but one would never know if the information was not communicated fairly.

"Let me be quite honest for a moment and speak plainly with you. I am willing to make minor trade deals, offer to lend my support to protecting any ships you manage to get to water from pirating, but if your lord wants any major advancements in the relationship between our two villages, he will either need to make amends on the old ills between you and Iwagakure, or provide me a quite convincing argument for why an alliance with him would be more beneficial than the long-held one I already have with Tsuchi no Kuni." She folded her hands in front of her, looking somewhat apologetic.

"That is not to say I don't believe our villages are capable of fostering a good relationship. I'm willing to partake in the diplomacy required to try to resolve this. The fact is I believe Kusagakure to be in a tremendously precarious political situation. Attempting to build independence from Konohagakure's exploitation is a good, but risky maneuver. Alienating them could put you two between two hostile large villages, and it is just not good business sense to invest in infrastructure through your nation until you can guarantee more security."

Yoi Akai took this opportunity to speak up, her voice soft and melodious.

"Let's not forget the other dangers. Leaving port in Tsuchi no Kuni is relatively safe, but if we go by route of Bonchi no Kuni, Hoshigakure may become antsy. It is possible we could see our trade ships being commandeered and Konohagakure would take their side, which again poses a strenuous situation for your lord. Does he have plans for what he would do if the Hokage came asking about our relationship?"

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Kameki Banri]

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Banri bowed his head politely, "That’s most gracious of you. Kusagakure’s new leadership would like to open channels of communication with any of the smaller nations that would hear us; especially our neighbor to the south.”[break][break]

Banri listened intently to Yuki Shuka’s words. He did his best to take mental notes of each topic broached and carefully consider how Lord Yamato would want him to respond to each one. "I appreciate your candor, Lady Shuka. Let us focus on a minor trade deal and friendly relations for now. Our offer for the railroad to pass through Nohara no Kuni will remain on the table indefinitely, should you change your mind.” [break][break]

Banri slid forward to the edge of his seat. He couldn’t let the conversation end there without making his lord’s vision perfectly clear to Lady Shuka. Yamato and his assistant had discussed his ambitions for their village at length. "I doubt we could accept any terms the Tsuchikage would require as recompense for the actions of my Lord’s predecessors. We need our friendship with Konoha in the same way that You, Lord Tatsuo, and Lord Ryū need Iwagakure; these larger countries allow us our sovereignty on a whim. But it need not be like that! Meaningful progress is often achieved through wide-spread, fast change. An alliance between the smaller villages- an agreement to protect our shared interests would benefit all of us.”[break][break]

He was worried some of what he planned to say next might come as a surprise even to Eiji-sama but Lord Yamato had asked him not to discuss this with anyone beforehand. He would just have to hope Eiji had received his own brief on the mission. "Lord Yamato refuses to live in fear of offending a larger nation. Our economic dealings are our own and if the Hokage moved to seize our assets we would defend ourselves. We are not leaf ninja but you are right. It is a risk… However, support from other nations would make help mitigate that risk."

[attr="class","ooc-area"]Sanagi Eiji Yuki Shuka

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[Sanagi Eiji]

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So this was Yamato's plan... Kusagakure's constant changing hand meant it had taken a multitude of stances and contradicted itself just as many times. For an outsider it would be hard to understand... but Eiji could perfectly. Hi no Kuni and Tsuchi no Kuni, no matter which side they were on Nohara no Kuni still lost.

He quietly sipped his tea. He admired Banri's passion and the bravery of Lord Yamato for presenting the idea, but he had his doubts.

Eiji thought it best not to speak, he didn't want to water down Banri's words or seem like they were not in solidarity. So he simply smiled at Shuka with his eyes closed while waiting for the ladies response.

@

[Yuki Shuka]

Yuki Shuka --- TAG Kameki Banri TAG Sanagi Eiji WORDS - - -

T

here was that vision. Lord Yamato had made it clear to her in his first letter and it was good to see the passion of it extending here. On the fundamental level, she agreed with him. No independent nation should have to bow to the whims of a larger one just because it assumed its size meant it had total power. It was part of why the transgressions of Konoha had offended her so. All the people involved in the steps that lead to the unfortunate arrest of that enemy spy should have known better. The Hokage should have known better. Yet, because the nation was large, they felt they were too big to fail. A house of cards set to collapse under the weight of its own ego.

Larger nations would always become that way about the smaller ones if they were allowed to. They were of lesser "influence," and therefor of lesser "import." They were resources to be mined.

Even still, she found it difficult to imagine a world without them. Ame, Kusa, Yuki, Taki. Did they alone have enough power to buck off the influences of the larger villages? As hopeful as she would like to be, the possibility seemed bleak to her in the present political environment. Such ambition had often toppled people.

"I would like to help you gain as much independence as I am able to at present." How much she was able to was questionable, though. Helping Kusa step away from Konoha might, in fact, be walking it all the more easily into the jaws of Iwa and Ame. Such a delicate line to walk.

"As such, I would be happy to secure some manner of trade deal. I think it would be unwise for the both of us if I were to begin shipping materials that could be readily made into weapons, but there are some unique goods from the Ranmantaru Empire that we could supply to help diversify your market. I will also find it agreeable that if a ship carrying your traders enters our waters, we attempt to prevent piracy of said ships." It was not a major stride, but it was still something. All the details could be hammered out in a more official contract.

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY

[Kameki Banri]

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Banri’s shoulders slumped a little at Lady Shuka’s response. It was not the response Lord Yamato had been hoping to hear but it was the one that Banri had been expecting, despite his best effort. Should he push for more or accept the Lady’s offer? That was the question on his mind as he took a small sip of his tea. He’d been making a solid effort not to look at Eiji this whole time but a sideways glance told him to take what he could get. Yamato often spoke of sweeping change but trust was earned in the small steps taken forward together. [break][break]

"Very good.” Banri agreed with a respectful nod. "A trade agreement! We have access to goods that are less common up north. We can prepare to start sending them your way.” He grinned at the offer of safe passage through their waters. Kusagakure was the heart of a land locked country with few experienced sailors. It seemed that some merchants were excited to expand their market with this new challenge but it would be just that, a challenge. "Your protection of our merchant ships at sea would be greatly appreciated. Shall we get this in writing now or would you like to take a short recess?”

[attr="class","ooc-area"]Sanagi Eiji Yuki Shuka

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[Sanagi Eiji]

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Banri seemed quite eager to sign an agreement into existence. Eiji coughed into his hand and smiled.

"We'll likely still need to have Lord Yamato ultimately formalize any agreements," he reminded in a friendly tone. "Perhaps your ladyship could honor us with your presence at the upcoming chunin exams that Lord Yamato intends to host? We could exchange samples of the goods there to ensure an equitable arrangement."

He leaned forward and sipped at his tea once more. "There is also, of course, the question of what you might ask in exchange for access to the exotic goods? If there is one thing we have it is an abundance of food. We may be a cheaper alternative to your current supply lines."

He didn't mean to snub his partner, but he could imagine many bureaucrats rushing to pin an unfair deal on an inexperienced diplomat. The devil was often in the details. It was good to begin talks on these things, but he didn’t think they should rush into anything in the first meeting. Especially without Lord Yamato with them.

The chunin exams would also provide some opportunity to show that Kusagakure was growing more stable and hopefully show that its security situation was improving. Whether or not it would be enough to change anyone’s mind about including it in a rail deal he was doubtful, but he thought it was the best move to meet Yamato’s intent.

@

[Yuki Shuka]

Yuki Shuka --- TAG Kameki Banri TAG Sanagi Eiji WORDS - - -

O

ne eager to close the deal and the other tempted to keep it open far longer. There was wisdom in both eagerness and patience. She could see the line of quickness. Something could change in the next few months that could sour opinions towards the deal and lose it entirely. Grasping the agreement the moment it was offered could be tempting, especially for a younger diplomat who was excited to prove himself. But many a bad deal was created in the process of rushing. It would sour the political climate if Lord Yamato were to review the dealing later and feel he had gotten scammed.

As a halfway between the two of them, she offered,

"We could begin the drafting process now so that you would be able to bring some strict documentation back to Lord Yamato and allow him to review it. This will create an opportunity for us to have a decent amount of time to analyze both sides of the deal and come together over any concerns we have with it when we meet at the Chuunin exams, as you have recommended."

Laying the foundation would create some investment that should appease Banri's eagerness while assuaging Eiji's more experienced concerns. Begin the deal, do not close it. Beside Shuka, Yoi Akai pulled out a scroll and began to draft up documentation of some of the offers made here in the meeting.

The three would discuss, in more detail, the exact lines of trade they may be agreed upon, until a provisional offering had been created for the two grass shinobi to pass along to their lord. 

ISHY of THQ & ADOXOGRAPHY