Rippa stared up at the administration building. His blue eyes taking in the height of it. He didn't spend a lot of time there nor did he get to know the Kage that passed through well. He was never sure who would last and who would simply disappear. It was just a mountain of stress for anyone on that top floor. Busiest and most responsible part of the village. He had met the current Kage once before but had been a child when they were Hokage their first time. Little more than an academy graduate at the time. No one for the Hokage to spend time meeting. This was years later. He stood now in the center of the road as people milled about him. Perhaps as a man he could be considered one of the strongest in the village. He himself doubted that he was truly strong but he was there standing against whatever tide of evil rolled in next. He had the power to protect and he was using it. Still there would always be that part of him, as with anyone, that doubted they belonged with the title of Sannin. Perhaps Kenta would change his mind soon enough. Either way holding the title for as long as he had did a great amount to build his clans honor.

He had decided going armed to the administration building was a foul move. Not that he was incapable without his blades in the slightest. He had begun with Ninjutsu and could do a great deal with it if need be. This was simply a meeting he had requested to introduce himself formally. Rumors had already started over the standing captain of the Sword saints not bowing as of yet to the new Kage. Gossip even suggested he was against the man taking back the office. Truth was he didn't mind in the slightest. Rippa had no interest in the position and was at the height of his career. He took well to running the division and teaching those who sought him out. Life practicing the sword and drinking with his men was a destiny he could agree with. Even if losses in the ranks weighed on him he would stay with those men. His blue eyes shifted up to the overcast sky. It was cloudy out but no rain as of yet. It was actually rather warm and dry. The rain would come soon enough though.

Rippa himself was wearing some formal robes. Dark blue robes were tied tightly around his waist with a black shirt underneath and black socks covering his feet in wooden sandals. Over his shoulders was a red coat with a konoha headband over each shoulder with the Sword Saints Captain written on the back. He would quell the rumors of his disapproval by bowing before the man now. He might be a little late to the game but he would manage all the same. Still his right arm lifted and ran through his shoulder length white hair making sure it was straight before stroking the stubble of his beard. He should of brought a gift....it was too late for that but he sure wished he had at least considered it. With a sigh he figured his loyalty would have to be gift enough. He had been warned this Kage didn't care for ceremony or politics but he figured he would put on a show for those who did. With a sigh he moved at a casual pace across the street as the doors automatically opened allowing him entry. He approached the desk and bowed his head to the lady there. He was tall with broad shoulders and well built. As expected of someone who could claim to be a captain of the most physically demanding of the divisions. Still when he spoke it was with a smile that met his eyes and a warmth to it.

"Excuse me, I am here for my two o'clock with the Hokage? Captain Rippa reporting in."

673

So many meetings, so little time. Well, not really little time, just little motivation. He would honor his word on meetings, but that didn't mean he always enjoyed it; specially when it came to meeting with Jounin that he already had... slight reservations about. The things he heard; well, they made him... unhappy. However, he wasn't going to judge before he could confirm what he was told, although that on it's own was hard to do given who was telling him things. Yeah, not smart, saying certain things in front of certain Uchiha clan members with him sitting in the Kage chair at the moment. Still, this was a needed meeting, for more reason than he really wanted to have it proven to him that the incident that refused to leave his mind hadn't happened; this was the Captain of two of the specialist divisions of the village, and he was a fountain of information that the Inuzuka needed. There was a lot of that; information he needed; so any source was valuable at the moment.

He glanced toward the large clock mounted high on the wall; well above the water stains and masses of 'graffiti' that 'littered' the walls of his office. Pushing 2 PM, right. Meeting incoming. Instead of focusing on that, he gave himself a couple of moments to enjoy the art covering the interior of the room, years of artistic expression from his kids and cousins and loved ones making this place feel warm and happy instead of sterile and cold like much of the rest of the Administration Complex. He'd rather this place smell like wet dog and fire bastards, walls covered in water stains and art that was decades old, than look 'proper and neat', as the douche bag Daimyo's representative put it. Fuck you, fuck your ideas of what was proper, and fuck your master. He should have said that to the man's face after the shit he pulled; but he was freshly back from Iwa, and not in a position to deal with the Daimyo starting shit with him again.

Again.

Ugh.

Focus on something else. That's what he needed to do. Focus on the meeting. Focus on not being a royal ass just because he put himself into a bad mood. That. Focus on that.

Deep breaths and cooling of the air calmed him enough to take his resting bitch face from 'absolute rage' to 'bored and bitchy'; otherwise known as tolerable. Hopefully. Let's see if he could get through this without killing a Jounin. Fun times, fun times. If nothing else, he'd just throw some bitches (including random ANBU floating around his office for some stupid reason or another, he really needed to go on a division cleansing day) out the windows until he broke his old records (2000 feet, fun times!). Hell, he was almost stronger than he had been at his 'peak', before his lungs started melting in his chest; but he was also better at his chakra control now, so there was the boosting from that. Maybe he could beat his old record... he should try that out if Naota stopped by to bother him. See how far they could through each other out the same window. Definitely fun times.

WC: 553

Rippa would sign in quietly before smiling to the assistant. With a bow he would excuse himself to the stairs before proceeding up them. His walk took him passed many guards and ANBU but none of them seemed to be doing much more than watching him. He supposed any Kage office would run that many subordinates though he had never been present in one before. Sousetsu had taught him swordplay in the forest and they never had a need to meet within the office. For the moment everything this high up in the building was new to him. Which some might find amusing given the position he held before this Kage returned. His blue eyes took it all in with an amused smile on his lips anyway. Eyes watched him and many observed his every movement but he hardly minded. The hokage's security was important to him as well. He was sure many of these individuals would be a difficult battle in a one on one match yet alone with this many of them. It would be a tactical nightmare reaching the Hokage. Narrow passages filled with death in the form of men and women. Many masked and armored. He could only hope others could ascertain as much and opt not to try.

For now he moved out of the stairwell and entered the hall. He would move passed a couple of the guards but even from as far away as the stairwell was he wondered if the Hokage could already smell him. He was wearing a gentle perfume so as not to offend a sensitive nose but it was an effort in vane to cover up the smell that dominated any member of his clan that utilized their bloodline. To those around him he would smell ever so slightly of Lavender. However he was sure the Hokage would smell him like a bag of blood and Iron. Still he had made the effort to smell more pleasant so hopefully that counted for something. Besides he had met an interesting individual at the memorial stones that claimed to be related to this Kage and had liked them. Amaya was intelligent which he valued. Not to mention he had met this individual once before as he watched them briefly teach some genin. Not much had come of that but their short discussion made it clear to Rippa the current Hokage wasn't ruled by fear.

Still he would position himself in front of the door before taking a deep breath and centering himself. However this meeting would go he refused to be ruled by anxiety or fear either. He had always stuck to his opinions until something of actual fact and reason could change them. He was not one for backing down when he needed to stand or fighting when he could talk. Rippa was known for his calm demeanor and not throwing his power around too often. Still his hand would rise and knock three times. If he would be given permission to enter he would step inside and close the door behind him before bowing his head. Showing respect for the honored position.

"Greetings Hokage-Sama."

1201

The knock was enough to break his focus and allow him to properly calm down, allowing the temperature and humidity levels of the room to rise and fall respectively; making it a comfortable environment for a being that wasn't part fish. Bad habit of Kenta's, allow his chakra to radiate into his office and control the environment to such a degree that the walls and floor had to be specially coated and engineered to not rot and collapse from the soaking water that was released into them constantly. Glancing up at the sound, he allowed a fairly neutral 'Enter." to growl from his throat in that classic Inuzuka way, shifting to sit back into his chair in a way that was both comfortable for him, and more relaxed appearing to the male that entered. The less on edge they both where, the less damage the building risked after all.

"So, Rippa; take a seat if you'd like. You and I are overdue for a little chat. For the most part, I'd just like to see if you're willing to discuss some history with me; I've found that much of the ANBU and many of the Jounin commanders are rather... loyal, to Sousetsu, to the point that they're refusing me access to the black ops records. This is putting me in a bit of a pickle; as I'm basically in the dark about any of the less savory, or high security dealings, of the village. As it stands, I'd rather get caught up and make sure shit's not about to hit the fan than deal with a bunch of crusty old geezers that can't handle a regime change; so anyone that's been around for a bit and is willing to tell me things is moving very high up my list of people that I enjoy. This being said, If you're going to toss yourself into Sousetsu's camp, that's fine too. As of right now, you're not a threat to the village, and you've done exemplary work, so I have no reason to disrupt that. Not for that reason, anyway. I'd like to eventually discuss some... concerning things that I was told by another Jounin, however that will wait until we've had a chance to discuss other things. Tell me, how well did you know Sousetsu, and what are your thoughts on his rule? How did he handle the village? Beyond that, do you remember much of, or where you a part of, the other Hokage's regimes? As far as I've pieced together, there's been five? since I was deposed. Rather many, for only a decade and some change of time; enough to cause some series problems between the civilian and military halves of the village. Of a slightly more... well, this has a bit more of a personal concern in my books; but what is the current status between Konoha and the Daimyo? He and I are... not on good terms personally; so getting anything from his people has been like trying to uproot and oak tree using wet rice paper."

WC: 532

1085.

Rippa would listen as Kenta began to speak and settle himself into strolling to a chair. The door swinging closed behind him. His white hair settling out of his eyes as he glanced about the office for the first time. For a man of his position that was rather unsettling as one would think he needed to have been present to have been named Sannin. Yet he could not recall a single occurrence that had required him to be within this office. Any time he had spent with Sousetsu had been outside within the hidden boundaries of the forests. For a time he had been a very secretive young man and had many enemies. He had opted to hide within the woods and other countries while he rose to power. He still had one of those enemies and some new ones but he didn't register them enough of a threat to hide himself. Still the Hokage made him nervous. Perhaps that was because of how long they had held power while he was but a boy. The age difference between them was considerable. However he would show respect to the office before him even if they were a teenager or the elderly. For someone in their prime to sit there he had no qualms.

Still he found a seat and would cross one foot over his...or rather he would begin to when he remembered how limiting robes were. He wasn't used to wearing them. His coat bunched up around where he sat and he sighed over his all too format wear. He certainly wasn't used to dressing outside of pants and a shirt. Quietly he shed the shoulders of the coat letting it fall and rest behind him. Both feet planted on the ground as he sat up straight and rested his hands with fingers interlocked on the desk. Listening as the Hokage went straight to business and covered everything he wanted to know. Rippa would smile warmly with his smile meeting his eyes. He wasn't known as a cold man nor did any part of him feel rebellious or dangerous. When he spoke his voice was calm and joyful. Reminiscing about the years was fine with him. However it was a little chilling the other leaders would be so...distant.

"My loyalties Hokage-Sama are to this village. If ever even you threaten its people I will make my stance against it known as I would of with Lord Sousetsu. However I doubt that to be an issue as my recollection of you was that of honor. I graduated the academy during your rule. As for Sousetsu, He was who taught me the sword. His rule was rather laid back though. Focusing on a business mind set while four of us were his subordinates. Orochi Risu, a leader of the black ops section of ANBU current status, MIA. Senju Chisaki, head of the medical division and consorted lover to Sousetsu, current status MIA. And Uchiha Tenzo, head of the secret police current status, probably guess it but MIA. That defines the rule of Sousetsu really. Individuals that could have changed this country simply failing to try. We did good by the people for a long time but as of late, so much has changed."

He sighed and sat forward to rest his elbows on the desk and exhaustively run his hands through his hair as he hung his head. Appearing to feel shame in that moment. He had allies once and dear friends. So much promise for a new day and all of them faded leaving the responsibility on his shoulders. He was tired and that much was obvious but he showed no signs of resigning. Instead he sat up and held out his hand. As he did a drop of blood formed in his palm before rising up and stretching into a large square. Once it formed it solidified and the red peeled away to reveal a stack of folders which promptly slapped down on the desk. At the top were the three personnel files of the three he just described. He sat back and rested his arms on the arms of his chair as he spoke again.

"Beneath those three files is a full report of every action the Sword saints have taken. We are a very open group. The people respect us for it. If you want answers from the other divisions though the most I can do is meet with leaders on your behalf if they will not meet with you. I was Sousetsu's student so it will open doors. As for the Daimyo's court...there has hardly been anyone to discuss anything with them with the Hokage fading each time and they knew it. Our taxes are sufficiently high as a result. We do not squander for supplies but it had been made clear we are his subjects and will honor him with treasure as such. Does any of that help?"

2035

Oh, well; that was refreshing. Extremely so. Openness of the type normally associated with the commanders to their Kage; and while he understood that he wasn't this man's Kage in the sense of being the preferred Kage, that he showed any willingness to work with him was appreciated. He reached for the paperwork, flipping open the folder and perusing it in the way only a scholar or a politician that actually gives a fuck about information could. He might be doggo, but he was a smart doggo. "Excellent. If nothing else, I can count on the Sword Saints to be loyal to what matters, then. If you can prove your claim of loyalty to the village, you will have my respect. I don't want people loyal to me, per say; I need people loyal to the village itself. That's what's had me so angry over the situation lately; to many fractured loyalties, and very few people that seem to care about anything but their own wealth or powers."

Leaning back into his chair again, he lifted a hand to the bridge of his nose, gently massaging the bone and cartilage beneath the flesh with two fingers. This was an effect of compartmentalizing his focus, he'd moved from the Sword Saints and the subdued joy from their Captain not being a bastard to the pain in the ass that was the Land of Fire Daimyo. "Taxes, I swear that's all that fucker cares about. More ryo from our coffers, since we're the most profitable economy within the larger Country. Bastard needs to learn that choking his people loses him money in the end. Beyond that, alienating his military is a stupid, stupid idea." The anger in his voice was palpable, it was extremely well known that there was a very... strained, relationship between the Inuzuka and the Daimyo's entire court. The exact reasons behind this anger wasn't publicly known, but what was known was that there was a metric truckton of animosity between the two parties, and it seemed to grow with each passing year. "I'll have some fun dealing with that bastard, it seems." He wasn't worried about treasonous statements or actions; it was political suicide to overtly attack your Hidden Village, especially when one was as powerful and effective as Konoha usually was. Samurai or no, it was a massive undertaking to forcefully subdue an army of shinobi; and few Daimyo where that stupid or arrogant.

Moving on from that, he took a few moments to just breath and calm himself; attention snapping to the other information he was given, so that he didn't piss himself off once more. "Uchiha Tenzo. That name is... somewhat familiar. I've seen it in paperwork full of redacted information. Great. Orochi Risu. Never heard of them. Same for the Senju. New faces; not a bad thing, but it leaves me in a bit of a lurch. Are they even still around, or have they vanished as well?"

WC: 508

1593.

Rippa would watch with silence and patience as Kenta would speak and rub the bridge of his nose. He was familiar with that head ache as he had it frequently as well. Not to the same level he was sure but it was there none the less. The beauty of being a medic was a single flex of chakra with a thought could heal the pain. Not even a stubbed toe could stop a capable medic. That wasn't to say there were invincible anyway. Still he would sit back and watch him talk of the daimyo and his desires. Of proving his loyalty to the village. The fact that his actions had not yet done that bothered him a little. He had ordered men into battle to die in order for the village to live peacefully. Sacrifice was simply another part of his position. However he supposed it was also a part of the Hokage's as well. The village his oyster to pry open as needed and cleave out the meat for the jewel. Not that the Daimyo cared for the meat. Just the jewel within which he demanded as a tribute often. Still it wasn't a concern of Rippa's that the hokage was not fond of the lord of this land. They served the empire loyally if not begrudgingly. Still his eyes slid over the hokage before him as he watched them glance at the files he had placed down. Friends and students of his once upon a time. One was even someone who cared for him he had turned down. Love over duty. Still he would calmly answer the question posed to him.

"All three faded from sight and knowledge of their whereabouts has been lost since before lord Sousetsu faded as well. While they were friends and served well I can not expect them to return in an hour of need nor do I know they can. With that said replacing them might be your best course of action, A person you control in each position will give you leverage over the clan elders and other leaders. The head of the medical division, the black op ANBU and the Shinobi police all hold great influence. Control all three and the sword saints and the village moves as your hand wills far more easily."

He would tap his chin in thought before glancing back at the door. He wasn't sure if he was doing well in the meeting or simply another nuisance. He himself was both the head of the sword saints and the leader of the angel branch of his clan as well as having been named Sannin during the last hokage's rule. Still his blue eyes shifted back to Kenta before he recalled that concern of his. Kenta knew very little of him and might bid him out of office for someone with his favor already. A demotion was a loss of honor and one which his clan would see as an insult. Not that he would deny it if it came to that. Still he would speak once more.

"However many wonder as I do what is to change with your new rule? I heard rumors I would be keeping my position as captain and Sannin and yet they remain just those, rumors. While I would accept your decision whatever it may be I would like to know your thoughts on it. Anticipation always has won over patience with me. A tension driving into my temple that drives my thoughts even as I rest at night. I assure you that Sousetsu did not select me from favoritism"

2643

"Honestly, I don't give a damn was Sousetsu did. If it doesn't benefit the village and the people, it's up to be changed. That being said; as of right now? You've shown that you're capable as a leader for the Sword Saints. You are very capable as a Sannin. In those aspects, you're totally safe. As for Medic Corps Captain? I'm not changing anything right now. If and when I did, you would be the... second person to know. I say second because the only way I would be changing that set up is if Amaya was to come back full time; however you wouldn't be arbitrarily replaced. We, as in the three of us, would sit down, discuss the situation, and set up either a challenge to prove who's better for the spot, or whatever. Think about my position as thus: if it's not broken, I'm not fixing it. Policy will be changing, I'm likely going to look into updating the gears and such being issued to the ANBU and MPs, because holy fuck their gear is absolute shit right now; but otherwise I leave the Captains to run their own divisions."

Staring at the files once more, he leaned back into his chair; shifting around so that he didn't feel the need to get up and just leave the seat entirely. He preferred to be sprawled over any of the massive cushions or bits of furniture that littered the walls and corners of the office. Where the hell where his dogs, anyway? Usually by now Yuki or Aki would have shown up; let alone one of the pups. Or his kids. Or Amaya. It was far too empty in the space that day. Sadness. "When I find someone to head the MP, I plan on doing that. Right now, there are plenty of solid beat officers and sergeant, there are barely enough officers to keep them running; so promoting one upwards wouldn't do anyone any good. As for ANBU? I'd trade my left lung to have Naota back, but he's just told the world to go fuck itself and refuses to come back. I really can't blame him. Same for Amaya; although in her case she just wants to take care of her kid and be left alone to research. You can understand that feeling, I'd bet."

Jutting his jaw forward slightly, he puffed a burst of air toward his hairline, pushing his bangs out away from his face and lifting arms so that he could slip his hands behind his head and rest his neck against them, "You're not idiot, I'd just be willing to bet you recognize the patterns here. We have truck tons of Genin, but barely any ranking Jounin. Right now I have you and Kashizudoto that are even remotely loyal to 'me'; and I fully recognize that loyalty is to the idea of Konoha, not to me. I am fully happy to have Jounin around me that follow that idea; loyalty to the village is what I see myself having, even if most of my pack is loyal to me first. But hell, that's just how Inuzuka are. Uchiha, well; they've got good reasons to be loyal to anything other than the village itself. I keep a good half the clan in the village just because they like me and my policy regarding them. Being family makes it easier to keep them happy; and that helps keep the village itself stronger. If I'm right, we're about to get a influx of clans that are looking to defect from other villages, as well. I don't have absolutes on that, but given the relationship between the two clans, I don't seem them going anywhere but here; and they'd do it together or not at all. Much as I really don't like that psychotic lightning fucker, his clan is powerful and wealthy, so it'd be nice to have them bolstering the ranks. Same for the fire fucker, but he's just a kid. He's going to be a petulant idiot. It's how they are."

Grunting softly, he brought his rambling under control and pushed himself back into focus. "So yeah. You're not losing anything right now. You keep your ranks, your titles, etc. For now. I'm... content enough with what I see to do that. Keep up as you are, I don't see issues. Only thing I can say is, maybe try an take a few students; but I'm not forcing that. It's a simple request. I'm not one to force anyone to take students; given the only one I've had recently vanished on me. I should probably put out a call for kids to come try out again. Good way to kill a few hours."

WC: 830

2423

Rippa would watch with sky blue eyes observing the man before him. He had a personal investment in the well being of the village and the seated individual before him was a guard to that. A mayor of sorts as well as a commanding officer. He wondered to himself just how strong this person was. Not physically of course since they held such a seat that demanded that kind of power. His eyes were looking for signs of mental and spiritual exhaustion. This was the land of fire and a will of fire was what fueled it. He didn't want to see signs of weakness but he felt responsible for seeking it out. Not that he would suggest a removal if he found any. It just meant he would need to step up where the Kage stumbled. Rippa wasn't a man of greed but he was a man of pride. This village was his home and as such he would sacrifice a great deal for it. Even should Kenta hate him for his assistance he would take on that burden willingly. How sweet it was when he discovered this man, albeit tired, was filled with his own pride and stubborn soul. He wouldn't hide or falter. This much Rippa was sure of.

As for the other offices he blinked at a little something but opted not to interrupt. Instead he sat back and listened. Replacing the seated officers simply wasn't an option right now with so few on the streets as it was. It made sense but if anything it felt postponed. To Rippa as of late it felt like the winds stirred in an odd way around the village. A rising sensation in his spine he felt when he was alone. Something that made his skin crawl and sent him out on late night patrols. The world was churning and something was on the brink. It was coming in due time and he couldn't help but feel the world wasn't ready. Like he wasn't ready. The more they prepared the better the end result would be. However he wouldn't press it. Kenta likely knew more of the dangers than he did and was on top of it. Still he would clear his throat when Kenta was done speaking. Taking on students was no issue to him but usually one at a time. He found students in teams to lose interest quickly. Still there would be some availability from him for such a task. Still when he spoke his voice was comfortable and balanced. A measured response if ever there was one.

"I can certainly see the need to train those below us. For the longest time I wished not to train the youth as I wished innocence to remain within them as long as possible. It was only after some tragedy I realized they would seek out adventure on their own regardless. I won't take on a squad but should students approach me I will train them. With that said I think I misunderstood something. Are you under the impression I hold rank within the medical division? Because I assure you that is not the case. I am a med nin but I never was a member of its ranks. The front lines always called out to me far louder."

3203

"I can certainly see the need to train those below us. For the longest time I wished not to train the youth as I wished innocence to remain within them as long as possible. It was only after some tragedy I realized they would seek out adventure on their own regardless. I won't take on a squad but should students approach me I will train them. With that said I think I misunderstood something. Are you under the impression I hold rank within the medical division? Because I assure you that is not the case. I am a med nin but I never was a member of its ranks. The front lines always called out to me far louder."

"Hnnn. Someone changed things when Amaya 'left', then." He refused to say stepped-down, because she really didn't, no matter what she said. He'd never be convinced that anything happened other than she was fired, or forcibly removed; and nothing was going to change that in his mind, not even the truth. "During her tenure, anyone that was trained in Medical Ninjutsu was listed on the ranks of the Medic Corps, even if they didn't actively serve with them. It made it easier to keep track of the medics and their assignments, and allowed us to drawn to fill in spots as needed. I hadn't thought that it would have changed; but I am obviously mistaken on that. Truth be told, very little of how we ran the village remains to this day, and it rather saddens me. Understandable, but still." He gave a shrug of his shoulders, a gesture that was a mix of trying to convey a sense of 'what can ya do' and 'c'est la vie' at the same time, without actually trying to butcher the phrase with his guttural speech. "I respect the attempt to allow the children to retain some measure of innocence; but they are soldiers. no matter what we do. Better they learn now, versus when they stare down an enemy combatant that won't hesitate to end their light and life to protect their own, or for coin, or for whatever other of the infinite reasoning humans use to slaughter each other in droves. We as adults, more so as tried and tested combatants ourselves, know this truth; know the wisdom of the philosophy; but I will say, I tried fairly hard to protect my own children from the harsh realities of the world, so I'm a bit of contrarian, in a way, about this whole situation. It's well known that I push applicants to my squad to the breaking point before taking them on as students; so preserving their lives is a bit higher on my priorities than keeping them innocent." Shifting into a slightly less relaxed, and more... work oriented, position; he leaned over his desk and began sorting through the mounds of folders and loose paperwork, looking for something to focus on for the moment. It was all busy work at best for him, which was why he was having so much trouble actually doing it; he hated busy work, and he would rather be off training, or tutoring someone, or getting food, or anything really. Man, the downsides of wearing the hat. Fun times. "So yeah. Anything else bothering you, Rippa? Rumors you want cleared up?"

WC 567

2990

At the mention of children being soldiers he would sigh and rise to his feet. Moving to the window and looking out over the village like this massive thing stretching out over the brink of chaos he could hardly hold onto. He would mourn the idea of it all being inevitable. It truly felt like he was straining to protect something destined to be destroyed. He would mumble at the window slightly in thought at the concept. His words barely a whisper. "Oh but the days did darken as man no longer remembered when they began to send children to war. Where the old used to go to die children now are buried. A mother mourns as her child is taken before her. Another stain upon our souls" With that said he would hang his head and lean on the window sill. He would let out a little cough before taking in a deep breath. Hiding his hand under his coat Rippa would apply a small amount of medical chakra to his lungs. Filling them with healing before the chakra faded. Straightening once more. If it had been anyone else they may not have noticed but Kenta would easily smell the faint scent of blood. Still he would turn to answer her question. Standing tall now.

"Nothing else my lord Kage. I merely came here to show my support for you. Any rumors otherwise will be quelled after this. Of course this will also prove as a symbol I think. Anyone on the fence with you will likely become more forthcoming. Perhaps this will be a step in the right direction. I do have other duties to attend as I see you do too though. By your leave."

He would bow to Kenta and if dismissed he would turn and head out of the office. Moving down the hall and taking the stairs as he focused a more intense medical chakra into his lungs to remove what plagued him. Draining the blood from them and healing the holes. It was a simple thing to maintain but his clans disease was upon him. He needed to get back to his compound to continue taking the medicine in secret. It hardly hindered him but on rare occasions it did build up if he did not monitor it. That it would rear up against him during his meeting with the Hokage was poor timing. He would sigh and finish heading down the stairs finding breathing easier now. Exiting across the main entrance and outside. The air felt nice on his skin and he was glad to be outside of the slightly dimmer office. He was not a fan of paperwork but he kept on top of it rather well. For now he would go and drink with his men. They were eager to see if he would maintain command as well. They would celebrate the Hokage would not be altering their system and together they would remain a band of brothers. Ever vigilant of each others backs.

Exit thread
3707
Taijutsu nothing to D rank 1500/1500
2207 towards D to C rank

Exit because I forgot this existed honestly. @@

Final WC: 2990

Jutsu Training- Dustless Bewildering Cover 2500/2500

490 leftover.