[Hatake Shinde]

Hatake Shinde had been quite familiar with the Uchiha clan as of recent times. Half sister to Tokaku, training Kiseki to some limited degrees, and now team member with Uchiha Kai. The esteemed daughter of Toshizou and his chosen heiress, it had taken some time for her to catch up to snuff and learn the politeness and standards expected of her in her new role. She sought to learn more about the Hatake clan's specialties, their relationships with other clans in the village, and some of their more intimate history. Thus; when she came to learn of the history of the Hatake and Uchiha in recent times, including her father's general friendship with the now head of the Uchiha? It only made sense in her mind that she get acquainted. Thus, she sent an assistant to help organize a date.

Dressed in a fine grey and blue kimono upon her form; she'd considered all of the points she wanted to bring, as well as the hopes of maintaining a strong tie between the two groups. She hear that Issei was a wise, stern, and village oriented man that cared about the standing of his clan and its personal strength. Shinde had similar interests. For while at the end of the day; they as Shinobi all cared about the general prosperity of the Leaf, they too sought to pursue personal growth for their clan agendas. As she made her way to the compound, she saw the fan insignias emblazoned upon the walls and banners, and she came to stop before the head's household. Two Hatake clan members beside her. Unknowingly, as a Captain of Root; Issei likely knew quite a bit about her already.

Especially as Toshizou had sought to have Shinde looked after carefully as the future of the Hatake dynasty. 

The girl had ashen grey colored hair and sky blue eyes, a contrast to her father's crimson and brooding red. Hair that was long and smooth as it fell just past her shoulders. "My name is Hatake Shinde, daughter of Hatake Toshizou, and heiress to the Hatake Clan. I've come to meet your head; and to reaffirm ties between my clan and yours." She calls out to those that might attend her. In some truth, she was excited for this meeting. On another, nervous. 

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

Politics. For years he tried his best to stay away from it, but now a great portion of his life revolved around just that. It wasn't so bad though. It took him awhile to embrace it, and now that he had he was grateful for it. If he wished to push the Uchiha beyond that of the Senju then these were simply measures he would have to take. It came as no surprise to Issei when a date was established between he and Shinde.

His relationship with Toshi may not have been too deep, but there was great trust between the two of them when it came to the village and their respective clans. Of course Tokaku played a huge part in why, but nevertheless he would always be thankful to him for getting him out of trouble after what transpired with himself, Ayukawa, and Kuni. To stay on course, there was a ton of drama surrounding Tokaku and the Hatake while he was handling affairs related to the village as a whole.

He and Toshizou were clear on where they stood with Tokaku, but the latter didn't seem understand where they stood and so that only created more issues. She wished to be the heir to the Hatake, but her blood ties to the Uchiha wouldn't allow such a thing. Like any teenager she refused to listen, but fortunately a more suitable candidate was chosen and today they would finally have the chance to put that childish drama away for good.

Issei didn't know much about Shinde, but he heard that they were extremely discipline and took on the role of being the head very serious. Oddly enough she seemed to be the one to take after Toshizou the most. He looked forward to seeing the Genin live and moving forward with hopefully a positive outcome. In the meantime Issei waited outside of his own home in the compound until word got to him that she'd arrive.

When Shinde arrived she'd be met with the presence of another Uchiha, but unfortunately they wouldn't be as formal as she was. That wasn't to say they were rude either, but many of the people in his clan weren't all that social so it wasn't uncommon for these things to incur. Instead she would be given a simple head nod and a waving motion to follow as she would be guided to Issei's home for them to meet.

Upon her arrival she'd see the Jounin specialist standing on the doorsteps of his still relatively new home in his Uchiha dress garments. "Glad that you could make it Shinde. If you don't already know, I am Issei of the Uchiha." He'd acknowledge proudly before approaching them and reaching out his hands to shake. "I apologize as this meeting is uh.. Long overdue, but please, come in."

Issei guided her into home and into the living area where the two would sit across from each other at a table. "Alright. Lets get to it. I can assume you have much to say." The Uchiha did his best to sound not so edgy, but it was rather clear how tired he was from everything he'd had to deal with, but nevertheless he'd do his best to make sure they knew he cared about this interaction as much as she did.

[Hatake Shinde]

When Shinde was brought before him? When she looked upon him, he was definitely more different looking than she would have ever imagined. Mainly because Shinde had never seen a man with dark skin before. Darker hues, not to her recollection. Her mouth opened in surprise for a moment, but she quickly collected herself as she came before him. Shaking his hand with her right, she closed her eyes in a bright smile for a moment. They continued to the living room, and when she was seated? She couldn't help but giggle for moment as she could see something rather amusing. It made sense now on why her father and Issei seemed to get along. They were both direct and forthcoming about things.

"I can see why you and my father get along. So let me be direct Lord Issei. The reason why I've come is to strike close ties to the Uchiha clan. Closer than the neutral baseline than we've had before. My sister is an Uchiha. I've began helping an Uchiha train in the academy. I'm now even on a Genin team with an Uchiha. Your clan comes from a long revered and reputed dynasty, and while I have much interest in improving the Hatake clan's relations with the leaf as a whole? I felt as if our clan has the potential to be especially close with you in this generation."

Getting her thoughts through, she decided to listen to him share his own thoughts. To see if he held any inherent interest before she'd broach any further propositions or notions. She politely rests her hands along her lap, tentative as the young girl pays attention to her older senior.

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

Issei's eyes widen for a moment after the Hatake addressed him as 'Lord.' He definitely understood where they were coming from, but the last thing he wanted was to be acknowledge with a title he felt was synonymous with the Hokage. It wasn't disrespectful in any fashion of course as many other clans operated in that manner, but the Uchiha were kind of different in that capacity. Nevertheless, he continued to hear her out as she expressed her desire to bring the Hatake closer to the Uchiha.

Shinde had built some relationships with a number of Uchiha which was to be expected since his troublesome sister was apart of the clan as well. Issei was sure that her hopeful bond with Kai only strengthened their desire to become closer to the clan. However, there was somethings that transpired awhile back that he hoped to address likely in regard to the Chuunin exams. Because he was busy in his role on the War counsel with the many things that transpired previously he sort of missed out.

Issei wasn't one to live in the past, but he definitely wanted to clear the air so that it wouldn't become a problem going forward with any of his younger subordinates. "I'm glad we see eye to eye in that regard. In my own opinion there is no other way to go than to be direct. In fact, its the only way us Uchiha know how to operate. Although, I will say you don't have to address me as a lord. We don't do that here in the Uchiha clan, but your respect is well received."

"Bringing our clans closer could be beneficial for the both of us. With the Hatake looking to rise in prominence it makes sense to seek out of the founding clans in the village, and us Uchiha are trying to reclaimed the respect that we earned through our predecessor Eiji. However, before we can move forward there is one small hiccup I've been meaning to ask about, and my apologies as this is long overdue, but word did come to me about some drama pertaining to the exams you partook in."

"From what I heard it was settled with the Hokage, but I'd like to hear it from you. Miroru is a valued member of the clan, and somehow valued even more from the hierarchy's to the village. What took place between the two of you?"

[Hatake Shinde]

Considering the Uchiha's sense of importance and elitism, she was surprised to some extent that Issei didn't wish to be referred to as Lord. She'd seen the Hyuuga Clan members commonly refer to Shigure as young master, master, or Lord. Then again, it wasn't as if they had much particular choice in the matter; much to his chagrin. Though she understood. Some clans were more steeped into older traditions. Some of them, less so. However, she nodded her head in affirmation. "Very well. Then what would you prefer I address you? I'd like to pay respect and homage to my seniors, regardless of who they are." Placing her hands along her lap, she found herself listening about this..."hiccup."

"She passed the Chuunin Exam in the first attempt. Knows a myriad of powerful jutsu. She could truly be considered a prodigy. I can see why she's held in high esteem. But in the examination, between the second and third rounds? We had some time to train and prepare ourselves for the final encounters. When I came to her to ask to train? She accused me of murdering a fellow leaf ninja's friends. She spoke with a venom in her tone of voice, anger." She found herself looking Issei dead in the eyes, before she closed them and shook her head with a sigh. "When she did so, she already marked me as guilty. She never clarified she meant our fellow genin's pet snakes. I did kill some of them, but as she was my opponent in the second round, and she used them as weapons against me? Who wouldn't have in my shoes? They came from her sleeves, and so I killed them on reflex."

"My opponent wound up killing more of her own snakes than I did with explosives, but regardless. Miroru accused me all the same. I thought of her a friend, for she seemed nice. Kind. Someone that wanted to be friends with everyone if she could, but I felt I was wronged. If you think of someone as a friend, you don't throw accusations like that so lightly. Don't you think?" She found herself waiting, letting Issei give his thoughts, before she'd continue the story. If he so wanted the rest of the perspective. But she didn't want to rant on without letting him get some thoughts in. After all. The story had been over half a year ago. Still. Shinde remembered it quite fondly. The pent up aggression on both ends. The letters.

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

It was so odd to hear how other clans talked to one another behind the scenes and how it often carried on to how they addressed others. This dilemma was nothing more than a culture difference. The Uchiha rubbed his forehead, not in annoyance, but in thought of what he'd like to be addressed. No one had ever asked him before since his name was really all he ever wished to be addressed by. "Issei works fine.. At least for now."

Issei teased with a thumbs up. Nevertheless, she'd go on to explain the nature of what transpired between her peers during the exams. It was sad that all of that got out of hand over something that could have been addressed if all parties came correct to one another with a calm mind. Despite not being like the rest of the members of the clan it seemed as though Miroru even as bright as she was on a day to day bases could edge out like your typical Uchiha.

Issei had a lot of respect for Miroru, and as such he deemed that this situation was probably his fault. His presence in the clan had been lacking as of late, although not nearly as rough as his predecessor. If he had been more clear about what to expect from the exams then maybe things might not have gotten so bad. Now that wasn't to say that this story was 100 percent accurate, but regardless had she known what to expect she might not have taken things so far.

"No you don't. Typically you do your homework to find out what took place from both sides before asking for someone to hold themselves accountable. I have my own opinions about the matter, but if I were to put a small input in all of this? I would say that the two of you need to established what you two actually are, or were to one another before this went down. In the future I'll be more hands on with making sure these things don't happen again."

He didn't blame Miroru for all of this, but in the future he'd like to not see his peers turning on one another. During his exams all of the villages carried this sense of togetherness with them that sort of carried on to the multitude of rounds. He couldn't have imagined what those exams would have been like without it.

"By the way, thank you for telling your side of the story." Issei acknowledge with a head nod before he decided to revert their conversation back to the nature of why they were here. "So.. What is this vision for us that you have put together. The Uchiha aren't without their flaws, and while my presence here does kind of put a nail in some of our less.. Desirable traits? We are still a strong a prideful clan, and that often times comes with a sort of elitist mindset."

"The last thing I'd want to do is lie to you. There are a good amount of people amongst us who share a great deal of respect for your people. Especially after what Toshizou did for me, buuuuuuuut, I still got a lot of old school people in the clan.. They don't see us as.. Equals.. ATLEAST from a clan perspective.. More so as Konoha shinobi than anything else.. Not to mention in the past you guys have been known to be quite close to the Senju? So they don't take too well to that either."

[Hatake Shinde]

He seemed to be an amicable and understanding man all things considered. She could very much appreciate that. "Well Issei. Thank you for giving me your input. It helps for me to share my perspective." Nodding her head appropriately, she finds herself doing a bit of thinking exactly on what she desired. She'd been thinking about the subject for weeks now, before coming to this meeting. "I understand that the Uchiha think very highly of themselves. But even they realize that a clan does not make a village." Unless you were an Uzumaki one might suppose. Apparently, they fucked like rabbits in that whirlpool country of theirs. But that was besides the point.

"And while history is important, it shouldn't blind us to the opportunities of a better future. I would propose a strong alliance between the Uchiha and Hatake clans. I would first suggest that we begin a route of trade as well. The Hatake Clan's chakra conductive and reactive steel we produce is prized, and we have some of the finest smiths in Konoha. Discounted prices and priority for fulfilling custom orders I'm sure would be coveted and would go a long way to make the already mighty Uchiha all the stronger. The finest arms and armor for the finest Shinobi no?" She flattered them. And with it? She'd take the liberty to think about what else she wanted to say. Add. She'd be honest entirely, and with it, she'd express her thoughts further once the general idea was out. 

"Furthermore. While this is up in the air. I am nearly fourteen now. And other than myself? My father has no legitimate heirs. I would like to inquire about a potential marriage alliance between myself and the Uchiha. Sealing our clan's relationship in matrimony. I know I am rather young, but the Hatake clan has been politically...unsavory in recent years. I would see our honor, strength, and prestige restored. The need to continue the line is apparent. I would take an Uchiha as my husband, and the children of the union would be Hatake. In the future if any of them were to awaken the Sharingan? They would take the Uchiha surname, and I would have them officially leave the Hatake household once reaching the rank of Chuunin in the event they awaken it prior to that rank." She thought that was quite fair. A mother needed time to raise her children and instill values. Something that couldn't be done; several compounds away. Then again, she didn't know how Issei would take the offer in the first place. 

"As for why? My father dreams of some day being Hokage. Or if not him, then myself. I would rather have strong ties and supporters that would see it through. With the right backing and proper friendships, this becomes more possible. I would be the one to bridge that gap. As is my duty as his heiress and daughter." 

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

Isseis hand grazed his forehead while looking down with a strong attempt to keep himself from laughing as Shinde noted that even the Uchiha realizes that a clan doesn't make a village. She couldn't be more wrong about that. Of course he wasn't speaking for everyone, but the Uchiha were really high on their potential. Its why there were many amongst them who were outliers like themselves because nothing was expected from them.

The previous regimes only wished to focus on those who were best suited to rise through the ranks and make a name for themselves. Just thinking about it made him roll his eyes as Issei stilled wished for this role to belong to Kazui. He would have made an even better right hand man, but so be it. She'd have to be his. Regardless, trying to convince them that they weren't the village was going to be hard.

He which to make many changes, but those changes were not going to happen in a day. The Uchiha were big on the strongest and those with the most potential making the rules. If you go soft on them then well, you were likely to find yourself physically fighting for the lead more often than not. Fortunately, he had Kazui on his side. She was even more respected than he was and extremely powerful. Only a fool would ever take the two of them on together.

Nevertheless, to the matter at hand Issei found himself at a loss for words over her proposal. Her inital proposal was definitely something he felt he could work with. It was a good trade, but nothing too over the top he felt the clan would split itself over. Nice shiny chakra tantos on behalf of the Hatake among other things? No complaints there. The trade off was definitely fair in his opinion as well.

Clout for extra weapons and resources. Issei continued to not his head in what he felt like might be a great proposal, but she wasn't done yet. She wanted to get things done the old school way. Marriage between both the clans. His eyes widen for a moment before he refocused his face. This was something that had not been done for a long time. Way before his time if he had to actually use his brain and think back.

Still, her proposal was a fair one. If any of her children were to bare the Sharingan then they would be considered an Uchiha above all else. Just as it did for Tokaku and others who took on a spouse who weren't of Uchiha decent. There wasn't a lot to complain about, and there definitely was a tad bit of gray area, but for the most part the Uchiha seemed to get the much larger end of the stick.

This proposal could always get the higher ups off their backs too as they too could be biased toward his people. Her whys made a lot of sense as he got to know her father pretty well. At least in terms of their overall ambition so he could understand why build on the name she was born with. The Uchiha too had similar aspirations to reclaim a title that was once assassinated from them.

"I'm not gone hold ya Shinde... This proposal is surprisingly good. Ambitious, definitely reminds me of the kind of thing your father would do.. From the support I received from him I'll take this into great consideration as my words still holds the final say; however, I would like to take a moment to see how some of my peers might feel about this as we have our own goals as well. It's important for the both of us that ALL parties stand behind this agreement should we move forward with it."

[Hatake Shinde]

Perhaps Shinde underestimated the ego of the Uchiha clan. However, from all of its members she'd met thus far, they didn't seem to be so overtly self absorbed. Of course, they held pride in their Sharingan and the abilities it possessed, but every member of a clan had pride in their bloodline. That went from the Senju, to the Uchiha, to the Hyuuga inbetween. Three great families that bickered over what greatness was. Aspiring to be above the others in power, influence, and sway within the village hidden in the leaves. In a way, Shinde too was like that. Aspiring for the best for her clan and people. Issei knew that. She found herself resting her palms upon the tabletop with a cute smile as she listens upon him.

"I don't have any problem with that. I do what I do for the betterment of the Hatake Clan, as well as the Leaf. We can work out the finalized specifics at a later date. If you'd like. However, while I'm here? Is there anything else you'd personally like to discuss? I know I'm taking vital time of yours, so it only makes sense to me that we get everything out of the way, communicate clearly, and be on good terms!" With that adorable smile on her face, she couldn't help but be satisfied with her politicking thus far. Everyone seemed to benefit mutually from this offer, and in doing this, she felt there could be fantastical progress for all involved. Especially for Shinde's future quest to become Hokage.

Taking the liberty to listen, hear some potential reservations, or otherwise hear any counter offers? Concerns? She would seem rather lighthearted and jovial as she planned out her future; as well as took in Issei as a man. See his character. So far, he was nothing but a delight to talk to. If not easy to get along with thanks to his bluntness and forward attitude.

[UCHIHA ISSEI]

Issei was glad that she was understanding of his request. It would only make sealing the deal a lot easier to know that this wasn't some desperate attempt. The last thing he wanted was to get the clan involved in something that would only add to the issues they've been having to deal with from the past. Right now he was mostly in favor of the proposal. So long as there wasn't a huge wave of disapproval things would progress based on what was established here.

"Your patience is greatly appreciated, but for the time being I don't have anything else to add. I think whatever opinions I gather from the clan will ultimately be the icing on the cake to a rather generous proposal... It wont be long."

Issei added before standing, bowing, and then letting the length of his right our point toward the door so he could guide her out. "I'm going to have something set up rather soon, and once that is over I'll come visit you as you've done for me and give you my answer." An alliance through marriage? Even if he said yes who would they give up to enact this union. Arranged marriages could be complicated.

[Hatake Shinde]

"I'm young. I've got plenty of time." She found herself busy nowadays with training. Concerning personal efforts, she'd been training relatively hard. Working on progressing her skills with a number of people. Though her development was still slower than she would have liked. She prepared herself for the next stages in her Kunoichi career. "I understand that the Uchiha are a very conservative and proud clan, and that the opinion of all those gathered is important. A good leader gives the people what they want. So I admire and respect your levelheadedness." Bowing her head politely, she found herself thinking about something else though. She was curious on something.

"I know vaguely that you and my father are on good terms, but I was somewhat curious on if you'd mind filling me in on what your relation is. Are you friends? Or is it matter mutual acquaintances from work? I was hoping if maybe you could tell me a little bit about him from your perspective." The young Shinde found herself relatively resigned, calm as she smooths her hand along her Kimono. Eager to hear from others their experienced on the man that was Toshizou Hatake. She knew he wasn't the perfect man, and knew he had his own demons and baggage. She'd seen as much. However, despite the darkness in him, she imagined there was progressive stride in him as a man and father figure.

"...And what you think about me from this little meeting."