Power
To fear power. To respect power. To gain power and then to love power. But what to do if one did not have power? Then one must obtain it.
But what was power?
To the red-haired shinobi, the definition stretched far and wide. The concept was simple to some because they could not see beyond the basic and academic description of the word. Power was not just strength that could be observed, it was that which was unseen. However, those who could not see were not destined to perceive reality in its entirety; therefore incapable of realizing the truth between space and time. Those who could not comprehend could never be fit to lead. The cerulean orbs of the red-haired Hokage looked at Suzaku when the man approached and could see someone that did not have a vision. It was the reason why his rival could never surpass him, it was his own mindset that kept the fire in its cage. Always needing to be ignited instead of constantly flowing and burning as a sage should. It was a weakness, something Ketsugo did not lack.
However, his comrade was someone who did have strength unlike most in the shinobi world and that was the reason he had been allowed in this authorized area. His power was required for the benefit of the Land of Fire. Ketsugo was the leader of the village hidden in the leaves, but he also had surmounted control within the Imperial army as the current acting Fire Chancellor too. The government was run, truthfully and solely by the Uzumaki, because the nation currently lacked: vision. Ketsugo looked over Suzaku, analyzing the man for a brief moment, and already saw what he knew. A juggernaut and a weapon that was to be used for the benefit of the land. He respected his abilities, despite his known dislike for the vulgar attitude of the Yohi member.
As the man finished his walk, Ketsugo opened in response.
“I was before and after you, is it not a shame for a soldier to leave his post?” His words were clear and pronounced perfectly for them to be heard and understood without any miscommunication. It was a blatant and bold stab, as it were true. And he continued.
“Despite our history…” His right foot lifted upwards, and by the time it landed the man had moved. Faster than a blink, and quieter than a sloth. The casual and unsuspecting step leads to the gap between the two closing to nothing more than arm's length.
“…Anyone who dares defies the Land of Fire, will face consequences deserving of traitors. Even whispers and jokes shall be silenced and then even the silence will shout. And when the silence cries out, none who hears shall suffer anymore .” Unlike any of his predecessors, he would not hesitate to do what was needed to protect the land. This was no threat, it was a promise to the possible foreshadowing of what would be needed should he have toyed within a matter of this severity. His words held no malice, nor did they hold threatening intent. It was dry and rigged, dull yet robust. Decisive and precise, as all who were near would hear. And naturally, Anbu readied instinctively to assist should the Sovereign be denied and challenged.
Afterward, Ketsugo delivered a smile that should have shown warmth but it too was stale. Maybe it was because of his deliberate actions, that revealed his true nature. A resolve that revealed his heart, which is to protect the land at all cost, and for his ally to question him on a task he intended for such as the one to come was troublesome. Regardless, a step was taken back after his initial message was delivered. But it was not, nor would be his final the interaction between the two men. Knowing Suzaku, Ketsugo already anticipated his reaction unconsciously. After a second, the man was hoping to be in his original position.
The Uzumaki was someone who has led the nation as Kage for fifteen years now and was unquestionable during the majority of his time serving. This was because of his desire to protect the village, as well as the ability to maintain overall stability despite suffering losses. Most of his life has been managing crises and resolving conflicts. As well as extinguishing embers before they could burst into flames without hesitation. And this current state of affairs was another situation to be solved - capture the tailed beast. It was no time to let one’s guard down, literally and figuratively. As Hokage, it was his duty to use all resources available even if it included the use of dead shinobi of the land of fire, as he was technically honoring their memory because of his admiration for their abilities and personal perspectives. The purpose was to protect what they had started, and in his own way, it was his duty to do just that.
Anything out of his control, by default, could become the nation's problem. He could not allow that to happen, it was viewed as hazardous and threatening to national security. As only his trusted comrades were here. And some were tasked with essential responsibilities, such as surveying the crowd, securing the area, as well as making reports. Kami Uchiha, was an individual amongst the unit to give the Kage periodic updates. And soon, Kami Uchiha would have to give his report. Ketsugo looked toward his student and nodded signaling that Anbu was able to speak. Ketsugo had much to tell, but too was a report and circumstances based on Suzaku’s reaction.
