[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

One of the strangest things to get adjusted to: the size of her office. On a tenured jounin’s wages, she could have afforded a bigger place if she’d wanted one. She’d just… never wanted one. Now she could fit the whole of her life inside of this office and have room to spare. Wasn’t just hers now, though. Filing cabinets and bookshelves crowded along the walls: the paper trail behind the some hundred-thousand shinobi now under her command. A stack of paperwork six inches thick sat foreboding on her gleaming dark wood desk, and above the wide double doors hung seven portraits: all the faces of those who had sat right there, in that high-backed chair that now belonged to the orphan daughter of fishermen. That Kyuumu-sama was the only one of the seven who wasn’t dead as a doornail was a small comfort. No pressure. A small liquor cabinet sat behind the desk, anachronistic and exceptionally well-stocked. For a moment Kizumi considered pulling out a dark glass bottle, but her gaze landed on the brand-new appointment book that sat neatly on the surface of her desk next to the paperwork, a week’s worth of meetings penciled in a thick, barely-legible scrawl. 1400: Kiho. Offer? Gods, she needed an assistant. How was it possible that she could barely read her own handwriting? Kizumi glanced at the clock: 1358. As if by fate, there was a knock on the door. "You don’t have to stand on formality, Kiho, come in,” Kizumi said, peering at her mystery of an appointment book with a consternated frown. Belatedly, she hoped that it was actually Kiho at the door; bit of a bad look on her part if it wasn’t.

Mibōjin Kiho 昆™ -- 287

LAIKA OF THQ

[Mibōjin Kiho 昆™]

To say that all of what transpired in the last was a surprise was nothing short of an understatement. Kyuuma had stepped down from his position of Raikage after holding the mantle for years and now there was constant talk about who would have been next. After a selection was made the proper response might have been "who would have thought", but with Kiho being who she was she couldn't help but feel like the reason Kizumi Sensei was chosen was because she had built a relationship with the Jinchuuriki first.

It was only fitting right that Kiho's first mentor was an interim Raikage, and now her new mentor was THEE RAIKAGE. Crazy. She still couldn't believe such a selection like this was made, and as selfish as she was Kiho looked forward to actually being able to build a relationship with her. From a professional and personal standpoint. She couldn't be the child she once was and that meant understanding the reason the last Raikage didn't have time for her was because perhaps he knew this moment was coming.

Well, I'm guessing this right here isn't your first rodeo with this right Seven? What do you think she'd want on such short notice after JUST becoming the Raikage not long before today.

Hmmm, who knows. Maybe you'll get fired in favor of a better Jinchuriki.

Very funny Seven. Everyone knows you were stuck with the last host for like, forever? So you're going to be stuck with me for just as long if not longer.

Kiho looked forward to the chance to see exactly what would come of this meeting. Typically a meeting a Kage meant you did something wrong, or something right, but in some cases it could mean that you're about to be tasked with doing a job no one is allowed to be aware of. Kiho doubted she'd be given such a task so soon so what could she be getting summon for? A heavy sigh escaped her as she knocked on the door two minutes early.

The Raikage's response to her knock was definitely a sigh of relief. "Yes ma'am!" Kiho accidentally exclaimed before opening the door and walking in. The first thing she did was take a knee before verbally acknowledging her success. "Congratulations of being selected as our new Raikage Kizu.. I mean Lord Raikage." The last thing she wanted to do was to give off the impression that just because they shared some drinks and had several other outings that she wouldn't respect her new position.

If she had more experience with the previous Raikage she probably wouldn't have felt so weird suddenly, but this was kind of a new feeling. The last time she really got the chance to talk to the last Raikage was probably around the time she met Arashi Senpai for the first time. All of the request that came afterward were usually brought to her by some of his more trust personnel.

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

Kiho’s loud, immediate response was a good sign, at least, the teenager wasn’t apparently completely devastated over the council’s decision—but she took a knee as soon as she came in, to which Kizumi very nearly choked on air. The next thing to get adjusted to: the deference. It was so uncomfortable; she was still just the same person she’d been a few days before, except now she had to wear a big white hat to certain kinds of special meetings. There was more to unpack there, almost certainly, heavy questions of duty and responsibility and leadership and figureheads swirling around the back of her mind—but she cast them all aside. The existential crisis could wait until she didn’t have work to do. "Oh, jeez, okay,” she said, and gestured emphatically for Kiho to stand up. "Enough of that, please, thank you. I appreciate it, really, but it’s just us, there’s no need for that. Sit down, get comfy.” Kizumi gestured to one of the wide, squat chairs on the other side of her desk, then glanced around for some kind of…something she could offer, but all she had was liquor, and it was probably bad form to offer a seventeen year old a glass of whisky at a meeting. Probably. Her first week on the job didn’t seem like the time to be pushing the envelope. "Sorry, I’d offer you tea or something, but I’m not really settled in yet,” she said, frowning. Assistant, Ki. Make a list of candidates. Write it down. She scrawled into her appointment book: Assistant? List. Hopefully that would make sense later. She put the pen down on her desk with a decisive click and pushed her book aside, giving Kiho her full attention. She didn’t seem too nervous, just a bit off-kilter, which was a good sign; confidence was definitely necessary for what Kizumi had in mind. "So,” Kizumi said, leaning back in her chair. "Uh, business. I’ve been reading a lot of reports the last few days, getting up to speed on everything. I know you’re good at your job, Kiho, and everything else seems to be progressing extremely well—but how do you like it? Where do you see yourself in five years?” She could kick herself for asking the question—she sounded like an echo of her own sister—but, honestly, it was the best thing she could think to ask.

Mibōjin Kiho 昆™ -- 430

LAIKA OF THQ

[Mibōjin Kiho 昆™]

In the midst of an already uncomfortable situation Kiho somehow found a way to make it worst. The tone in Kizumi's voice definitely gave that much away, although it didn't seem as though she would not be in trouble for any of her efforts in attempt to professionally greet her new Kage. The Kunoichi nodded her head before standing up on her own two feet and walking toward the chair she was advise to sit in. It was so weird not having to be formal with the Raikage, but maybe this wasn't a bad thing.

Deep breaths Kiho... She's still Kizumi, just with a lot more power.

Sigh, I'll take that as a terrible effort to try and make me feel better.

After taking a seat Kiho begin to bounce her left leg so that she wouldn't be so focus on the stigma she once believed about this room all those years ago when she was last here. "Uhm, it's okay. We don't like tea anyways." Kiho responded softly after she apologized for not having anything to offer her. After navigating through some things on her desk Kizumi would get straight into the reason why she was here.

Oddly enough, the question she asked was the same question she got from Chihiro more than a year ago. Where was she going to see herself five years from now? There was always the desire to be an instructor in her mind, but she couldn't imagine settling into such a role in the prime of her career and instead decided that would be her last focus before retiring. "I mean its fine? But y'know with me being a Jinchuuriki I've always been limited in what I was allowed to do."

"The skills I've learn have been great, and I think it'll play a huge role down the line in terms of my ability to protect myself, but five years down the road? I can only assume my growth in my current role would have to remain at a minimum with all the fearmongering in the council. I get it though, Chomei is a weapon to them, but more importantly she's precious to me.. Still, I believe we can contribute more to the village, and we want to. I just don't know how to get us there."

Kiho and Chomei had been hard at work strengthening their bond, but as of late they'd reach a definite stalemate in terms of her ability to further access her partners power; and while she had learned new skills from them there was still another element that was missing she felt. Perhaps Chihiro was right and it was time for her to move on from this, but what would she do without ANBU?

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

Huh, so they didn’t like tea—Kizumi wondered if that was more Kiho’s preference or the bijuu’s. She’d thought herbal tea of some kind might appeal to her, considering their fruit-infusion experimentation…maybe she’d just have to keep some juice on hand. Just below her last note: Juice? Drinks for K & C. Kiho spoke of limitations: fearmongering within the council, being held back due to her status as the Nanabi’s host. That she wanted to contribute more, but didn’t know how; that Chomei was a weapon, yes, but dear to Kiho. They had a strong bond, but nowhere to take it. Mountain peaks above the clouds and endless blue skies, but wings too clipped to truly fly. "Alright,” Kizumi said, leaning forward. "You need room to grow, that’s all. The council’s afraid of what could go wrong, and doesn’t want to send you off on your own. Those things don’t mesh. So—I had a thought.” She took a breath, quelling the nerves that suddenly quivered in her chest. This was fine, she thought. She was allowed to make decisions, she’d always had good instincts, and she and Kiho worked well together. It was fine. "I want to offer you a position as one of my bodyguards,” she said. Then, quickly: "You don’t have to give me your answer right away! Talk it over with Chomei, sleep on it, see how the idea sits. You’re extremely talented, Kiho, you’d be a huge help to me at my side. And I’d hope that it would be a good opportunity to develop a new skillset—you’d be accompanying me on any and all travel outside of the country, including to international events and meetings with village leaders. It would be risky, but I trust your ability, your bond, and your discretion—if you’re interested.”

Mibōjin Kiho 昆™ -- 309

LAIKA OF THQ

[Mibōjin Kiho 昆™]

Kiho definitely understood the concerns of the council. Her position was extremely political, and from what she learned during her readings in ANBU it help balanced the scales between each of the nations in possession of a Tailed Beast. Even still it sucks, and with all the work she had done since her training with Arashi Senpai she felt like she had little to no chance to showcase her improvement. It wasn't even about the combat per say, but more so that her services wasn't being utilize at all.

She didn't actually need to use them, but it was more so having the chance to be in the right place in the event something did go down. As an operative she technically was not allowed to use any of her Jinchuuriki skills unless it was life or death, and that wasn't a call that was made until about a year ago. It was why she sought out to learned the famed lightning release armor and the hell stab technique so that she wouldn't need to rely so heavily on Chomei.

Nevertheless, after addressing Kiho's concerns Kizumi brought up a thought. Well, more like a proposition. She offered her a position as one of her bodyguards. Immediately her orange optics lit up as if she was a kid on a Christmas morning. Of course she would reframe from saying anything while the Raikage was speaking, but this was definitely a no brainer. Especially after she reiterated some of the responsibilities she was already aware came with the position along with the political opportunities.

The compliments given to her by the Raikage was of high praise and made her even more willing to accept the position, but against she'd tap her feet silently on the ground as she waited for her to finish. Once she did Kiho took in a deep breath before clapping twice and before planted them together and pressing her hands against her lips. "Nope.. We don't need a night to think about this at all do we Chomei?"

Not at all love.. I think its about time you and I got some REAL respect around here.

"Well, we have spoken. We most humbly accept your offer to become your bodyguard.. Number one body guard actually." Kiho added in there while looking around to the side as if someone else was there. "Ehem! WE want to be number one." This time she spoke confidently as she bit her lips not knowing what to expect.

Welp.. So much for humility right? I guess you just can't help yourself, but what the hell.

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

Honestly, Kizumi had expected a little more resistance—some hemming, perhaps? A bit of hawing? She’d been in the position for barely more than a handful of days, and she was still waiting for the other shoe to drop, for something to go terribly wrong. But no, Kiho seemed to be bursting at the seams with her acceptance, holding it back just long enough to be considered polite before eagerly confirming that she did, in fact, want the position. Kizumi couldn’t help but smile. "You two were at the top of my list,” she said, with complete honesty. She’d had some other ideas, but this one seemed like a no-brainer. Still, she was hesitant to take Kiho’s acceptance of her proposal at face-value. There was always the option to reassign her later if she was unhappy, but… "Really, though,” she continued, leaning back in her chair. "I want you to think about it. On paper, it all sounds good—but when shit hits the fan and we’re in the trenches, I need to know that you’ll be able to make the best possible choices you can for the village. Sometimes that’s gonna mean taking care of yourself and Chomei and getting the hell out, even if it means leaving me behind.” She was quite serious all of a sudden, a gravitas hanging heavy on her words. "What you and Chomei have been able to accomplish is, as I understand it, one of the most difficult things we can ask a person to do. There have been seven Raikage before me, and if we do our jobs right, there’ll be seven after me—I’m replaceable. But you are one in a thousand, Kiho. I’m asking you to stand with me, but never at the expense of your own life, or Chomei’s safety.”

Mibōjin Kiho 昆™ -- 313

LAIKA OF THQ

[Mibōjin Kiho 昆™]

You hear that!? We're at the top of her list Seven!

Oh.. Wow..

What? You don't seem to excited about that.

Hmm.. It's not that. I just can't remembered the last time I have ever been valued in such a way by a Raikage. I mean I'm meant to be a weapon, but this time it doesn't feel like I'll be forced out there with you against my will.

.. I'll just take it you're happy that she cares about US BOTH, and not that going out with me is such a problem.

The new Lady Raikage wasted no time in providing the realities that would come with their roles. Outside of political implications and being able to travel it also meant the possibility of leaving her behind in the event something was to happen to her. That part made her frown as she wished to never be apart of such a tragedy, but it was one she understood all too well from her few years of being apart of ANBU.

Sometimes the job required them to leave their allies behind to die so that no information could be extracted from them as well as what village they might be attached to. Kiho nodded her head a few time while she was speaking as to acknowledge that she understood where she was coming from without having to interject.

Kiho from the moment they met could tell there was always of a degree of respect between them, but it made her teary eye to finally here how much her dedication meant to the village. She understood that there were matters to attend to above herself and Chomei, but it was nice to know what she had accomplished was worth something.

Especially in the wake of losing Keisuke as a Jinchuuriki a few years ago. A decision that left Kumogakure with a lot to worry about in the event there were to ever come across any danger given the state they were in from the plague. It was nice to know that to a degree her presence overall would make the village feel more safe.

"Your words mean a lot to us both, and we will do everything we can to live up to your rules of engagement and expectations to the best of our ability."

[hirana kizumi]

A HEART'S A HEAVY BURDEN

It had been a hefty speech, and she felt bad for talking so much—this was supposed to be Kiho’s moment, really—but she really wanted to set some clear expectations, here. Which… maybe it was the wrong move, asking someone whose life was more valuable than her own to be part of her personal guard. In most cases, she knew that whoever she appointed to a position—or whoever was appointed to the position for her—would be asked to put their lives on the line for her, should the case require. She knew that. She had to accept it, whether she liked it or not. Having Kiho with her would be a massive benefit—for both of them, if Kizumi’s instincts were correct—but it would also be a very specific kind of weakness, if the wrong person knew to exploit it. She’d have to negotiate around this very carefully… and given what she knew of some of the other world leaders, it might even be worthwhile to attempt to put together a fuller rotation of guards. Things to think about. At the very least, Kiho understood the weight of what Kizumi was asking of her, and Kizumi was grateful for it. She grinned, all the tension vanishing from her shoulders like it had never been there in the first place. "Excellent,” she said. "I’ll get the paperwork squared right away. I believe—if I’m not mistaken, Lord Hisakawa of Kusagakure is intending to arrange a meeting, and I believe we’ll be traveling to Sunagakure in about a month or so.” At least, she thought those dates were right. She frowned, looking down at her appointment book. "I think? I don’t have an assistant yet, I’m actually supposed to meet with Daisuke—have you met Daisuke? Tall, ginger, bit of a brat?—he’s one of the Wolf Sage’s apprentices, I’m thinking of making him my assistant. Anyway. Sunagakure in a month, you’ll be good to travel then?” Just like that, falling into an easy flow—work talk, like Kiho had always been her right hand, and this was exactly the way things were supposed to be. [FIN.]

Mibōjin Kiho 昆™ -- 348

LAIKA OF THQ