Tsuyo entered through the front gate under the name of John smith with some fairly well done fake papers. He had no weapons nor did he wear anything to hint he was a shinobi. In fact he had rather embraced western culture. He was very well dressed with his dark Italian suit and grey silk shirt. Though it took him a moment to get past the gates due to fear and suspicion over recent and past events he eventually was allowed passage into Iwa. His dark hair seemed to sway ever so slightly in the cold breeze off the mountains. His grey eyes took in his surroundings as this was the first time he had ever been anywhere near the country. Yet alone the village. His fingers flicked down to casually reach inside of his inner right coat pocket to return out with a smoke. Before placing it in his mouth. He reached down into his left outer coat pocket and pulled out a gold cased Zippo. The flame dancing in a way that made shadows play on his face. Lighting his smoke before putting the lighter away.

His stride was confident as he chose his route. Walking through the most criminally inclined part of the city. Noting how hungry, Blood thirsty eyes seemed to follow him. But even with the obvious wealthy look to him something about his aura discouraged the common rabble from going any where near him. When those cold grey eyes like the eyes of the dead settled on the gaze of an overconfident thug the man he looked in the eye would seem to visibly shiver before turning and pretending to be busy with another task. This would indeed be a good place to set up shop but first he needed a higher power to know he was going to play in the back yard. And that was why he was here after all. Slowly making his way towards the big building where the Tsukage would be waiting. It was the middle of a week day after all. Still Tsuyo moved closer towards his destination. Stopping on the way at a specific shop and buying a fairly decent bottle of bourbon. A peace offering really.

As he approached the Administration building he cradled the bottle under his arm as he slowly smoked yet another cigarette. Looking the building over and its impressive security. It was a rare idea to do something as foolish as he was about to but if he was going to operate here. Having some one who can move some serious power was going to be a good thing to have. Not to mention being on some ones pay roll. Dropping the butt of the smoke he stepped on it before idly walking in the front door and straight past the waiting room ignoring the complaints of the Secretary. He actually made it all the way to the Kage's door before he was surrounded by people with Weapons pressed to every vital point. He swallowed nervously but still smiled before reaching out and knocking slowly.

"Just here to see an old friend guys... Might we uh...not poke holes in my suit please?"

Chilling winds would sweep across the stone countries pathways as Iwagakure was set for it's coldest night of the winter. Dim lit pathways would provide a means for visibility for the night folk, as paper lanterns would light up the empty village. A lone figure would slowly make it's way toward the administration building, with his body becoming visible every few seconds with each passing lantern that shun against his sun-kissed skin tone. Golden follicles would spread atop the young males head, whilst his crimson gaze would pan before him. As the man began to march closer to the administration building the sounds of footsteps would be heard from afar, as shadows would flicker to his left and right before two ANBU officials would stand either side of the man. "Lord Kazu, an intruder has made his way into the Iwagakure headquarters. What are your orders?" Voiced the two men simultaneously whilst walking side by side with Kazu. But the longer they stood next to Kazu, they would notice his white long sleeve shirt completely covered in a scarlet stain. "Sir? Is everything all right?" The two ANBU officers would continue to pester the Tsuchikage, but Kazu was completely unphased. The three men would make it to the administration building, with Kazu thrusting his arm forward allowing his palm to force the oak doors wide open before entering. And to his amazement a single gentlemen would stand alone affront his door whilst surrounded by a group of Iwagakure shinobi.

But his facial expression would remain melotone as usual, dismissing the whole charade affront him as his body would slowly walk toward his secretary 'Lilith' who was seated at a small desk only a few meters from the entrance of the building. "Long day i assume?" A cold voice exclaiming from behind the desk where an elderly woman with ripe blonde hair would sit comfortable on a short leather seat whilst her left hand would glide against the tip of her glasses. "I guess you could say that." A minute smile would begin to widen across the Tsuchikage's lips as he looked at his blood tainted sleeves in embarrassment. "I need you to send the medical division to the Arrensaul family's mansion, a few members are missing limbs so you may need photographs for facial recognition. Such a waste of talent." The Tsuchikage's comment would follow with his head tiredly shaking horizontally before addressing the issue with the said 'intruder.' His crimson gaze would catch the eyes of the individual before him, slowly making his way toward his body before stopping with only a meter between them. "An intruder? Alive and in my building? For fuck sake gentleman why do i employ you for security detail when you let him get this far, if he was any threat his head should be rolling across the bastion adamante by now." A heavy sigh would leave the Tsuchikage's lips before addressing the group yet again. "But alas, the irony of the strongest shinobi in the village having security is wildly beyond me. You're all dismissed."

The group of shinobi would scatter amongst the building with no questions asked. It had seemed as much as the shinobi hated Kazu's attitude, they feared his strength thus adored his leadership. Every action he took was glorified by his village as they truly admired his ability to process ideals and stick to them. After the hallway was left with just Kazu and the strange man the golden haired Kanetsu would slowly pass the man before making his way into the Tsuchikage office. His body would slowly make his way toward the leather desk chair whilst sliding his blood soaked shirt off and grabbing a new black garment from the top of his desk before maneuvering his body through it. His body would slouch across the black leather seat before waving a slight hand gesture to the young man affront his office. "Come in now sir, that bottle isn't going to drink itself." His small grin would widen once more as his hands would slither down to his desk drawers before placing two empty glasses atop the desk.

Tsuyo let out a breath as weapons where rapidly withdrawn from him and multiple high ranking shinobi seemed to disappear. It was a short lived relief as he felt the presence of the Man pass by him. It was a trait of his that he was trained enough to judge whether or not he would be effective against an opponent. The powerful aura he felt as the man casually swept by him made a thin layer of sweat dot his brow. The power distance between them was obvious and while Tsuyo was probably powerful enough to hold his own for a time. A fight with this individual was ill advised. A slow smile spread on his lips as he was suddenly rather happy he was here to offer something instead of making threats. Of course he would need to be cautious with his words. Those dead grey eyes seemed to shift and take in every note of the Kage at once. It was obvious to him that the blood on his arms and sleeves was not his own. Some one had probably made a poor choice when confronting the man. Still Tsuyo entered the room shortly after as the man finished changing. He had no real reason to fear anything as of yet. After all he was the more charismatic of the two when it came to him and his partner. He watched as the Kage took out two cups. Mentioning that the drink wasn't going to pour itself. Tsuyo could only smile.

Tsuyo moved across the room with a well practiced confidence and a very formal look to his movements. He removed the Bottle from the bag having been certain to leave the seal on the bottle still intact. No need for the man before him to suspect any attempt at poison. As honestly none had been made. Practiced fingers undid the seal before unscrewing the crystal top. Pouring the Kage a drink and then himself. He briefly considered pouring a third glass for some one he was expecting but recalled never having seen the man drink. Once the drinks where poured he placed the crystal top back on the bottle and glanced over his shoulder. Good. He had remembered to leave the door open. His friend was one for dramatic entrances and probably wouldn't have enjoyed the subtly of knocking. Still Tsuyo bowed his head in respect before collecting his glass and letting his eyes rapidly scan every detail of the glass in but a moment. No need for poison but he was a rather paranoid business man.

Finally he brought the cup to his lips sipping the sweet liquid. Enjoying Bourbon as it was meant to be. A slow feel going down his throat and warming him from the inside. He smiled then with his most charming smile and leaned back against a short book shelf resting his hand on the top of it about waist level while his other hand held his drink in front of his chest. A practiced maneuver. Casual and yet not very disrespectful at all. He could feel his heart beat slightly above the usual pace but the stakes where high here. It was then that he spoke. His words where like silk to the ears and filled with a respectful tone.

"My lord. I would like to introduce myself. I am Mr. Smith. And as far as anyone outside this office need be concerned I was never here. Nor was my partner. As for my purpose. Being that I don't exist to anyone but you. Is to increase your power with the less desirable's of your fine country. The services we offer would be between us three you see. We specialize in hostile take overs of otherwise illegal groups. And while highly profitable. We need to remain unseen. In other words and simply put. We go where you want us to go and destroy what you want destroyed. And even the underground becomes your territory. So long as you pay our fee's and have never seen or heard of anyone matching our descriptions before. I ask only to be at your disposal."

Walking through the front gates like a ghost most did not even look at this man with a second glance. Maybe it was an inapt ability to just be ignored, but it did not matter. Mugen did not always like attention unless he deemed it necessary to the cause. Almost making through the gates without being noticed a guard came up and asked for papers. Taking a deep breath the man reached in the front inner pocket of his jack at pulled out some paper work saying that he was Jin Asikiro. Everything checked out and Mugen asked one simple question, with voice raspy as if the mask was changing his voice making it more robotic. "Where would one find a Kage hmmm? I have an important appointment with him and I am running a tad bit late."

It was a quick exchange, a weird look and a point. Good enough for Asikiro, Mugen wanted to do more. Alas he was already running late. Walking toward to the building with haste he quickly made through town. Most people did not even look twice at him. Must be normal for a guy to wear and Italian custom made suit through town. Or his partner made it here sooner. Most likely the second, highly likely of that one. Once making his way to the front of the administrative building he sighed, straighten out his suit. Fixing his tie he opened the door and walked in. The lady at the desk gave him the weirdest look as if something was wrong with him. He gave her a look and left an after image of himself behind using the bugs in his body. After falling apart the bugs would go back to him, but they would disperse and some would stay in the lounge. Could never be to safe.

Walking through the door was easy no sound of foot steps or suspicious movements, as if he was coming to assassinate the Kage. Hopefully their would be no death today, unnecessary blood shed always sat with Mugen wrong. He could hear a conversation going on, a smooth talk. Some respect going around but still staying calm. Just like his buddy always did. Finding a couch near by he sat down and bugs landed all over his body and eventually came back into him. Back home where they would eat and breed as they saw fit. Looking at the door all he could do is raise an eyebrow as he saw two ANBU standing out side trying to peer in to see, to make sure the Kage was alright. Using some bugs Mugen slowly closed the door trying not to interrupt anything, just leaving it open just a crack. So they could hear but not see.

Mugen let Tsuyo finish and could not help but smile underneath his mask, 'what a drab name, they would have to work on that' he thought to himself. His eyes were pure black like one of a dead person. So the smile did not even make its way through the eye this time.

He spoke in his raspy voice after Tsuyo finished "Sounds like a fine deal to me." It was a simple pip in, but enough to let Tsuyo and the Kage know that he was all in.

As the soothing chimes of the stone countries crickets would echo across Iwagakure, the Tsuchikage would sit comfortebly in his leather seat whilst enjoying the smooth texture a glass of bourbon had portrayed. His crimson gaze would stay relaxed on the individual before him, as the certain individual began to introduce himself. The Kanetsu born leader would patiently wonder if the man before him would speak the truth. Would it be a load of shit? To be honest the Tsuchikage wouldn't mind getting his hands dirty, it was just the chance of ruining a perfectly good shirt that seemed to bother him. You see with Kazu's mentality no one could truly tread the same ground he did, he felt the need to allow others to think they were equals, call it a false sense of hope and kinship if you must. But as soon as you cross him and let down your defenses, your head would be cleaved and served for the local vultures. But for now, Kazu would play nice, he truly had no idea what this 'John Smith' character's intentions was but he was sure they weren't being included with the few words that escaped his lips. The Tsuchikage's greeting smile would come to a more stern look as his crimson gaze would fixate on the new individual coming forth into his domain. "Mr. Smith? What a terrible fake name." The Tsuchikage would allow a silence to linger before commenting again.

But as stupid as your alias is, and as fucking terrible as your partner looks with that device strapped to his face, I personally like your proposal, as you can see i've had the life essence of a certain gang leader spilt all across my shirt, ever since Arashi's death five years ago this village has descended into an abyss of crime with a hint of corruption in my police force. And i just don't have the time to fix it all myself." A heavy sigh would follow the Tsuchikage's comments whilst his crimson gaze would pan across the room allowing his mind to venture through an array of decisions. "If we're going to work together, your going to have to gain my trust, i can't have some random strangers walk through my village and cause chaos throughout. I don't want to know your names as that'll just add unwanted baggage, but i want you both to know that if you cross me or my village, I won't just simply murder you, I will fucking crucify you both." A gentle smile would widen across the Tsuchikage's lips as he glared directly at the two before him, his left hand would slowly wrap around the glass tumbler before rising it to his lips allowing the smooth bourbon to venture to his stomach.

As for your pay, I'll match your quota, as long as the missions are done without any issues. The name John Smith truly doesn't appeal to me, and i really don't want to ask about the name your colleague has developed. Your terms are granted as long as you agree to change your fucking names, but there's just one more thing i must ask. So, care to tell me what you both can do? What can you both offer that i can't gain from my current shinobi?"

Tsuyo listened for a time. His partners interest left a little to be desired but the doors where closed now. Tsuyo only knew of one clan that used bugs as a jutsu medium. So he wondered about his partner using it so blatantly. Still they where both there now and he felt a little more comfortable. after all separate they where vulnerable but side by side they had team tactics that would threaten even a Kage. Of course that was assuming no one intervened. Even then there was a high chance they would not both come out of that alive. Still even in the face of a tank it was like having a grenade placed in your hand. If used right it could be effective. But chances where you weren't gonna manage shit more then pissing the tank off. Some thing he was currently trying to avoid. His grey eyes look calmly to his team mate to see the same cold calm reflected back into those black orbs. Still it was when the man behind him. Sitting comfortably and casually at his desk began to insult them that his short temper began to build. He did not realize his hand tightening on the crystal glass until it shattered like it was made out of plastic. Bourbon soaking his hand and reminding him that he needed to check his temper.

Instead the moment it took to realize he had crushed the glass his hand holding the glass shifted under it in a smooth cupping motion so rapidly no glass had a chance to fall. Though he would have to dab the bourbon out of his sleeve. Idly he walked over to a trash can and dropped the mess into it. So the words spoken didn't seem to suit the Kage. But the jest of the deal was going to continue. The hand not soaked in bourbon ran back through his hair as he reached into his coat pocket and lit a smoke listening to the short speech. But on the opposite side of the room looking at himself in a mirror while the Kage spoke. He was so used to smoking that it came idly for him. However when asked what they could offer that his whole village could not he paused with the smoke just taken out of his lips and blew smoke out into the mirror. Before a twisted smile entered onto his face. He spoke loud enough to be heard clearly but while looking over his shoulder with a slightly psychotic look in his eye. Those dead grey eyes.

"What can we offer? We sir are specialists. We cover close and long range while meeting our medical needs. And we each have the inept ability to fuck up some ones chakra. Not to mention infiltration and stealth with intense tracking methods. Nothing in your country can hide from our eyes. But I understand you not wishing for blood to run in your streets from complete Strangers. So you may call me Tsuyo and my partner will choose what name he will use. As for why we chose you. We had a disagreement with a previous Uchiha that ruled rather harshly. We seem to owe your country thanks for raising his assassin."

Tsuyo finished his smoke and put it out in what looked to be some sort of metal plated ash tray. Hell if he knew what the thing was intended for. Still he moved across the room and reached into his inner left coat pocket before pulling out a small map of the local area. He maneuvered to sit on the edge of the desk and set the map in front of the man facing him so he could read it. A long elegant finger pointing to one of may X'a barely within Iwa's territory with a finger that looked like it had practiced some serious martial arts. This close it was impossible not to notice his eyes where that of a Hyuga.

"Here is where we can prove ourselves. An opium operation with about 200 genin ranked thugs guarding the property and some higher ranked generals. It is miles away from any town and we can wipe it out for you. We will of course leave those who pledge loyalty to us alive and they will continue any business operations you see fit. They work for us. We work for you. We turn the profits into you and you keep Konoha from poking around and let us keep some profit."

Mugen sat their idly while waiting for his partner to finish up what he needed to do. Not to mention Tsuyo had always been better at these meetings than Mugen. Mugen often came off as creepy, so most just give him weird looks. Mugen could not help but chuckle when he heard the insult of his partner name and his mask. It was hard to make Mugen mad and even then, he knew it looked ridiculous. He had to wear it though unlike most, an accident happen to his jaw that made it so it can become loose and just hang there. Mugen continued to look around the office to see how many people were watching, but he could not find any. The bugs wandering about did not either, which was good.

He listen to Kazu and he went forward describing what what he would do if they betrayed him. Which was fine to Mugen. Mugen hates betrayal and tried everything to avoid doing this. He mention "Well at least we know that any who crosses you is going to to have a bad day" He voice came out still raspy (similar to Bane's voice). Smiling Mugen liked the idea of money, food that he would not have to hunt for would be very nice. Also a bed, Mugen looked up at the ceiling with a smile of the thought of a warm bed. Mugen cringed as he could hear the glass shatter and he was ready to move to make sure that Tsuyo did not do something stupid. He did not hear any movement of feet that sounded hostile just talking. That was good, Mugen was not in the mood to fight a country.

Mugen listen to what Tsuyo offered as their skill set, moving his head downward he could feel a bug crawl out of his neck and through his ear. He really did not like it when they did that, but they deserve to do what they want in him. "You can call me Jin, or Mr. Asikiro if you want me to match my partner is formality." He took a breath in his mask and looked at Kazu "I must say it was beautiful to hear that Iwa manage to kill that son of a bitch."

Mugen nodded as he heard of the job, "Not to mention we can do the jobs that you don't want your ninja to get involved in, everyone wants someone dead. Not killing someone can sometimes lead to problems and hey would does not like some extra money?"

An idle hand would weave through the back of golden hair as the Tsuchikage would glance forward at the two before him. After his comments left his lips the first gentleman seemed to take his comment to heart as the glass would shatter within the instant of hearing the comment, thus having the young male walk to the bin and expose of the rubbish. As intriguing as his sudden burst of emotional power came through, the Tsuchikage could only wonder what mental path the man before him had taken to suppress his temper. The intimidation factor? Sure the two would probably have a fair chance in slaying the Tsuchikage now, but they were at a loss even if Kazu was slain, with no where to go in the middle of an enemy village. They needed Kazu, and the fact was quite simply known to the Tsuchikage, and he was sure to take advantage of it. His hands would weave affront him gently atop the desk affront him whilst his crimson gaze would follow the gentleman as he disposed of the rubbish and took his place affront the desk yet again. Kazu would sit patiently with his ears wide open, actively listening in on the verbal resumes the two would come up with. With a mellow tone the Tsuchikage would reply in a soothing vibe.


A cold silence would fill the air before the Tsuchikage would once again speak out.


Another silence would linger amongst the air before the Tsuchikage would speak for the final time.



It was an obvious statement but Kazu had truly thought it was all rumors, had an Iwagakure shinobi killed the Hokage? If so Kazu needed to go to Konoha to settle the disputes, or a war could rush up to his front door without even doing anything. Without hearing their explanation the Tsuchikage would getup from his seat and stand completely poised allowing his posture to sharply straighten. His crimson gaze would fixate on the two whilst he would call out Lilith's name.

"Just the rumors we heard mate. Some archer or another."

Hiding their presence? Well they where bound to make some serious commotion but masks could still be classy. Their clans where scattered to the four winds now so it wasn't like the things they could do would spit them up like a beacon to Konoha. A sly smile crossed Tsuyo's lips as he rose from his spot. They where offered a mansion in town but where they where going they would be comfortable enough. No need to turn the man down right then and there though. He would figure out they wouldn't be sleeping in that blood covered manor less they had to. No they where on their way to liberate their new home with a smile and a weight lifted off their backs. Of course the man wanted to slaughter everything. And many would die but Tsuyo expected to spare a large chunk of lives. After all the business was already set up and they just needed to seize control of it. Using it's funds to increase the nations treasury. Iwa would become a world power to be feared so long as they flew under the radar.

Tsuyo took the man's call out to his secretary to indicate it was time to go. He nodded when he suspected the Kage wanted him too but other then that his silver tongue was holding still. He dared not talk as it might express his enthusiasm. Instead he casually walked past his partner and tapped his boot with the toe of his own. Nodding his head to the door before heading out himself. A formal bow to the Kage and he was gone. Already hiring a carriage out of town towards the estates on the border. He didn't intend to wait any longer. No his goal was clear as the night sky. He was going to go and wipe out the leader of the operation. Him and his partner and they where about to make a lot of money doing so. And in time they would no longer have to fear Konoha. And so long as the Kage chose to side with them. He would line the mans pockets with untold wealth. After all war was expensive. And he doubted the man had too simple of goals.

Mugen chuckled, it was a rumor alright. He was not sure and he could only hear what he and his bugs could hear. No way to confirm it unless the man who killed the late Hokage came back with a smile and be excited for killing him. First impressions of the Kage in front of him made Mugen think that Kage would not mind it that much. It seemed that everything broke down to power for him and what brought more. Which was fine, at least Mugen did not have to worry about killing his closest friends and allies here.

He watched Tsuyo come up to him and tap Mugen's shoe. Mugen nodded at him, he did not like the idea of wearing a mask. His breather was already on his face and he did not understand how they won't notice his voice. He did a mental shrug as he got up and followed his partner to where ever he was going next.

[exit thread]