Baki (
fourredstripes) wrote in
sunshineverse2015-05-23 03:34 pm
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[Closed] Open diplomacy between Sunagakure and Summoning Island
Where: Sunagakure
When: Late May (Haven't narrowed it down yet)
Who: Baki, Gale and Argilla
Notes: Baki gives the two foreign nin an introduction to Suna and they probably discuss boring politics and stuff like that. Or will they?
The formation of a new shinobi entity was always a complicated and tense process. It wasn't an uncommon event, entirely. Splinter group from villages could gather together, shinobi sometimes even sprung out of previously civilian populations. In the current state of the world, the villages were tangled in roles of competition, varying alliances and brimming conflict. A newly formed group that thrust themselves out into such a world could quickly find themselves endangered or preyed upon by a larger group.
Summoning Island and its people had two things on their side; relative physical isolation, and the fact that Suna wasn't interested in making any more war for itself. Even though Baki himself wasn't certain if the village should enter into an alliance in full, he was more than willing to be the one to reach out to the new entity and greet the visiting nin. One would think with the death of the Kazekage, the village would be on lockdown, but to Baki, showing Sunagakure was still willing to communicate with others outside their own close allies was important.
As per typical for such a situation, he waited to greet them at one of the gates tucked into the massive stone walls around the village. The guard force around him was much higher than usual, with all the nervousness that an unknown element brought along with it. Baki, on the other hand, kept his arms neatly folded behind his back, chin tipped up in waiting.
When: Late May (Haven't narrowed it down yet)
Who: Baki, Gale and Argilla
Notes: Baki gives the two foreign nin an introduction to Suna and they probably discuss boring politics and stuff like that. Or will they?
The formation of a new shinobi entity was always a complicated and tense process. It wasn't an uncommon event, entirely. Splinter group from villages could gather together, shinobi sometimes even sprung out of previously civilian populations. In the current state of the world, the villages were tangled in roles of competition, varying alliances and brimming conflict. A newly formed group that thrust themselves out into such a world could quickly find themselves endangered or preyed upon by a larger group.
Summoning Island and its people had two things on their side; relative physical isolation, and the fact that Suna wasn't interested in making any more war for itself. Even though Baki himself wasn't certain if the village should enter into an alliance in full, he was more than willing to be the one to reach out to the new entity and greet the visiting nin. One would think with the death of the Kazekage, the village would be on lockdown, but to Baki, showing Sunagakure was still willing to communicate with others outside their own close allies was important.
As per typical for such a situation, he waited to greet them at one of the gates tucked into the massive stone walls around the village. The guard force around him was much higher than usual, with all the nervousness that an unknown element brought along with it. Baki, on the other hand, kept his arms neatly folded behind his back, chin tipped up in waiting.
no subject
This leg was shorter than previous ones had been, thanks to getting access to the travel seal network, but Gale was still cautious. It was hard not to stare, especially when the walls loomed up in front of him. It was a sense of, what was it called, deja-vu strong enough to stop him for a moment.
He turned to Argilla. "Does this seem familiar to you?"
But there was someone waiting, Gale knew, and he wouldn't keep the escort waiting. So Gale walked forward, usual armor mostly hidden under actual desert-appropriate wear (though he'd made sure orange was streaked on the outer layer, just to be sure), and with his slightly odd gait that always kept his weight balanced on one leg so that the free leg could snap up and kick at any moment.
He bowed as he'd learned was appropriate. "The Embryon appreciate this chance to meet and negotiate. I am Gale, and this is Argilla."
no subject
She's only mildly impressed by the walls surrounding Suna. Her reaction far more subdued compared to her companions. And she feels a sort of sadness when she has to shake her head. None of this feels familiar. Not in the way that girl had described trees and the weather of Konoha. It wasn't an exact match (she remembers mountains and rock so much rock in a very blurry half-remembered dream sense but it's fleeting) but it was better than nothing.
Like a good member of the Embryon she follows Gale through the crevice splitting the wall. Arms held carefully at her sides swing lightly as she walked as opposed to crossing them over her chest like she wants too. It's darker within the passageway and she doesn't like it, doesn't like how it's narrow and awkward and makes it difficult for more than two or three people walk abreast of each other. But the passageway opens up into bright desert sun and what looks like a sea of domed buildings spreads out before them.
She bows at the waist in greeting then straightens, a hand resting on her hip only a handful of inches above the pouch she's sewn into the fabric of her skirt to house the kunai and shuriken she has with her. "Hello." She murmurs with a quick dip of her head to indicate her acknowledgment of the introduction.
no subject
Argilla is hard to get a read on. The most noticeable thing at first glance is her unusual hair color, of course, but that's almost a superfluous feature. It's the seal on her chest that catches his interest, though its position keeps him from lingering looking at it.
Gale's armor is unusual and striking to him, like Argilla's, but what catches his gaze is how he walks. It almost resembles a slight misstep like an injury might give, but his steps are too certain to be caused by a hurt calve. He walks like a taijutsu specialist that favors use of his legs, and favors one leg over the other. It's a rare skillset in Suna, ever since Rasa discouraged taijutsu specialists, but he has seen those outside the village that fight in that manner.
He has to guess that whatever happened with the Embryon, that they are not conventional shinobi. His interest is piqued.
"My name is Baki. I am a military official and a member of Sunagakure's governing council. I'm here to accompany you and introduce you to the village."
no subject
It is hard not to be a little on edge, so far within someone else's territory, and without the rest of the tribe in easy backup distance. Gale understands that they cannot move the whole tribe around the world, and that more than two or three could be seen as aggressive, but he still wishes the others were present. Honored, though. Gale spends a second contemplating that use, and decides he likes it. This is an honorable exchange, so they are likewise honored, he thinks.
"The Embryon are honored as well by your invitation and--" There's a very brief pause as Gale searches for the correct word, and an even slighter hint of uncertainty when he decides on one. "--hospitality."
The introduction that includes Baki's function within his tribe (village, he must remember) catches his attention. Should they share their respective functions? Would it be inviting trouble is the real question. After all, strategists and medics are difficult to come by and valuable for it. A group meaning to use them could attempt to find ways to hold them to coerce better terms, and not for the Embryon. On the other hand, the display of honor makes Gale more inclined to believe that is not the case.
He decides he will defer to Argilla, who often has a better read on others' emotions and intent that runs along those lines. He glances at her, trusting her to understand the reason for it, and to have picked up on the method of introduction.
no subject
She smiles and it's as much in approval of Gale's choice of words as it is to appear appropriately grateful. Still she's hesitant to reveal their exact status within the tribe. Until they know how this meeting will go their roles might seem strange qualifications for such an important meeting. Tilting her head she studies the man before them. It's a little more difficult that usual with only half his face visible but aside from that and his very severe expression, she gets the impression that it is worth telling him some form of the truth to start with.
"We are," she agrees, "you were under no obligation to welcome ambassadors from such an unknown clan. But we appreciate your willingness to hear our proposal out and show us your home."
no subject
An ambassador would have been the choice, if this were peacetime and Summoning Island were an established group. Instead, with the village on guard and facing an unknown, Baki was considered best for the role, that he would be able to handle any incident should one arise, as well as putting a good foot forward should things go well.
"I am interested to hear it. I would also like to know more about who you are and where you've come from." He gestures towards them, "If you would follow me."
The buildings immediately inside the walls seem to be guard barracks, stout, stiff military buildings, and there's some space before the village proper begins. Living areas mix with wide streets ready to hold market stalls, wires and clothes lines crosscrossing the air between the tall sand colored buildings.
no subject
He is curious about covering the eye, but it is possible that it was lost. Certain members of the tribe have had injuries like that, unable to be healed completely or in time, especially before the Atma seals. He estimates that the man has skill with taijutsu, and makes a mental note to watch his movements while they walk through the village.
The question poses a little bit of a difficulty, because Argilla didn't offer anything, indicating her reluctance to reveal such information, and yet, they have just been asked. An answer is needed, but what is the best one?
"Giving a thorough answer to those last two questions would require some time. Narrowing the focus will give us a starting point for the conversation. Our proposal is best delivered in a comfortable location where we can talk--"
Gale stops, and though he moves to keep up, his gaze is arrested by the abrupt change in architecture, as well as obviously placing some of the locals to those different styles. He can pick out the shinobi--the soldiers-- easily enough by movement and dress, but the others... Civilians? They have not been inside one of the hidden villages yet, and only passed through what was obviously civilian territory, and Gale had expected an all military base for the village. What he sees does not match up with that expectation, and yet like many things about Suna, feels... right. It's very confusing, and he glances at Argilla to determine if she feels the same.
"There are civilians here?"
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As they walk, her eyes are taking in everything they possibly can. It'd be easier if they were higher up, some of these buildings were just too tall for her to get a solid picture of the layout in any direction other than directly ahead of them. She didn't entirely like it. It reminded her of when they had to traverse the maze that was the Maribel's base, and for one used to being able to see fairly far on her own without the use of a scope, the obstructions made her feel confined; almost claustrophobic. And as ridiculous as it sounded it made her drift a little closer to Gale than normal. Just like her hand brushed over her weapons pouch every couple swings of her arm.
She's glad Gale asked though, she was equally stunned by the civilian presence. Specifically not such a large civilian presence. But it helps ease the feeling of being trapped. If they allowed civilians to live within the village they were likely hesitant to engage in hostile action where they could be injured. Allowing her to drift back to a more normal distance between her and Gale, though her hand still brushes every so often over the clasp of the pouch.
no subject
He could simply be trying to be speaking in a theatrically proper manner, all politeness, but the strangeness of it still takes him a bit off guard, pausing a moment before replying. It's the second question he chooses to address. "Yes, of course. Sunagakure maintains as a sizable civilian population alongside its shinobi population." The percentages and numbers aren't entirely relevant right now, "Most are fulltime residents, though we do also have a number of individuals who arrive and leave annually. Most larger villages have a similar arrangement."
He has to wonder whether Sunagakure is the first of the Five Greater Villages they've visited. The confusion makes sense that way. In addition to his word choice, he was struck by a smaller gesture Gale had made, the sweep of his forefingers over the bridge of his nose, as if he were adjusting some kind of eyepiece, despite the fact he wasn't wearing any. It's maybe a habitual movement. When Baki wore goggles during sandstorms as a younger shinobi he would often fidget at the straps over his ears, and the feeling of them had lingered hours after he had taken them off.
Deeper into the streets seems to be a mix between residential buildings and populated meeting areas. Salons, eateries, social areas. If it weren't for the forehead protectors visible among the crowd it could almost be easy to forget they were in a shinobi village.
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But the description, and the obvious civilian presence continue to intrigue Gale. "Are they the most vulnerable civilians in your territory? Or perhaps, are their skills most useful to the soldiers?"
Those are the two major reasons that Gale can hazard a guess at for civilians living so closely with the soldiers in their base. He doesn't really dislike the idea, and really, the only worry is the civilians disturbing the routine that the soldiers need to maintain safety. Rules and extending knowledge would easily prevent that. But for all of that, it's new and Gale watches especially any interactions between obvious civilians and Suna shinobi, at least when he isn't looking at the eateries and shops.
"This is all very different from our own base on our island."
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Strange to her as it, Argilla likes that civilians are present in the village population. Something made it feel like it gave the Suna shinobi a purpose. Reminded them every day what they were doing as a military group. And it was pleasing to watch the young shinobi buy flowers from a civilian woman who chatted with him about something other. But watching the people only did so much.
They still had no idea where they were going, no matter how well they were watching the streets to build their own mental maps in case they need to make a hasty exit. "Would it be alright to ask where you're taking us to talk?"
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"I imagine it must be different than what you're used to." The implication that they don't have civilians on Summoning Island is an important one, one that is starting to build his mental image of what it must be like. Questions of vulnerability or usefulness are unpleasant to him. "As you can probably guess, much of the land in Wind Country can be inhospitable, whether from the environment or the wildlife that lives here. In Sunagakure, they enjoy the protection of the walls, the shinobi, and our established infrastructure. In return, we enjoy a number of things from them, least of which being more diverse trade." He explains. Right now he's feeling more like a teacher than an ambassador.
At Argilla's question, he snaps back into a straighter posture, guiding them down another road. In front of them they can see taller buildings rise, imposing and round shaped, as they come closer to the center of the village.
"We will be meeting in a government building we use for relaying and assigning missions. There will be private rooms for us to talk there." He gestures out towards one such building that seems to be in continuing activity. It's a logical choice, not only because of the building's regular use, but also because of the shinobi population inside should something unexpected occur.
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Gale doesn't say anything more, hearing the question behind the words well enough but not wanting to talk where so many could be listening in. They can discuss things further when they are settled somewhere private, and he nods slightly at Argilla to indicate his opinion on the matter. He's sure she'll understand what his look towards the building means.
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"We find that acceptable." So basically they can and will talk more then.
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He steps past the more populated areas of the halls, heading towards the back rooms reserved for meetings with clients. He pulls a door open, revealing a clean but empty room with a table and a few chairs.
"I hope this is satisfactory."
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Gale does a quick sweep of the room with his senses and once he's sure there is nothing amiss, settles in the chair that has the best balance between a defensive position and the need to reach the exit, just in case. He pulls the chair to one side out as well, and sits far enough back from the table so that he could easily stand and kick. Or transform.
Once they're all settled, Gale meets Baki's eye. "I could see that you had more questions you wished to ask. We cannot guarantee answers to all of them, as some answers could threaten the safety of our clan, but we will answer what we can safely provide. Let's take care of that portion first."
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"I won't expect you to answer anything you find potentially compromising. Nor should you for anyone, unless you're in negotiations for a formal alliance." He glances between him and Argilla. "I merely want to know more about your circumstances. I hear that Summoning Island is located close to Lightning Country, correct?"
It potentially puts them in a difficult position. Of the Five Greater Villages, Kumo is one of the ones with the greatest heft and farthest reaching influence. If they find themselves in the village's territory and encroaching on their missions, they could draw animosity from the village.
"May I ask how your current organization was founded?"
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"We have determined that this is our approximate location. It puts us further south and technically closer to Water Country than Lightning Country, but of the larger nations, the other that is close is Fire Country."
That complete, Gale leans back and rubs the bridge of his nose. How much to tell? In the end, he decides that omitting the experiment itself is acceptable, but it would be too difficult to answer without mentioning it at all.
"Summoning Island was the location selected by a group performing several experiments on captive test subjects. Our clan is formed by the survivors, after we broke free and overpowered our captors."
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She glances to the map. The orange lines drawing her gaze. "As you can see, we've traveled considerable distance to get here." They were of little thread. The map showed clearly that many of the places one would place ports were impassable. The single port both an advantage and disadvantage. She trusted that Baki could see that and realize they weren't so unwise to share such information so carelessly.
no subject
The words of Summoning Island's origins pull a deep frown from his face. Human trafficking is not something new to this world. Part of why ANBU is always hunting missing nin down is, if they are captured by another village than the one of their birth, they or their parts are typically sold elsewhere. Many war captives in the Third War never made it home. Human experimentation, similarly, is also well known. This means the two of them likely have very unusual techniques. Chaotic, perhaps. Maybe even dangerous for they themselves to use.
Baki feels a pang of pity rather than distrust, before he swallows the feeling down. He notices Gale's gesture again, must be a stress reflex. It's weird, but now that he thinks about it, the particular combination of Gale's green-teal eyes and hair is familiar to him. It's not an especially common set, but he could swear he's seen it before, years ago.
"The two of you, you weren't born on the island then, were you?"
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He shrugs slightly and spits out one word, 'law' with special vehemence. "We cannot answer that. We suspect the correct answer is no, but we have confirmed that all of our memories were tampered with. Before, not one of us remembered being children, and our first memories were almost all exactly the same. We were woken by the researchers--we were told they were priests--in a dark place underground, then told the 'law', given the bare minimum of weapons and armor and led up many fights stairs to the surface, and the rain."
Gale's hand moves, so that the back of it is brushing Argilla's, and he looks at her for a moment, expression distant and both sad and relieved at the same time. "It happened in groups, typically, though very few have the luxury of any others from their 'batch' still being alive."
"Now, some memories have returned, but they are jumbled at best. For most of us, it manifests as only a strange sense of familiarity without knowing why, or knowing something--a name, a place, an activity--without knowing why or how we know."
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There's a moment where she tenses at the idea of sharing just how compromised their memories are. It isn't something she really likes sharing or talking about. It's enough to suffer the gaps and blank spaces on their own. At least the tribe is all on the same page with their memories. As much as she would like to know where she came from or remember being a child, telling people outside the tribe feels wrong.
She smiles a little at the touch. Her fingers responding in kind. She understands that look, the feelings behind it. They'd survived the loss of a lot of comrades. Embryon and not. They were each others constants since they joined their first tribe together.
She lets out a slow breath. "Feelings. We didn't always have feelings or only had very basic understanding before memories started coming back."
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If they had asked him, he would have advised them against forming a village. He would have told them to go through missing persons reports throughout the villages, learn where they came from and reconnect with living family members if they can find them. But they hadn't asked him, and he isn't about to give them this opinion either. Missing persons reports, though... he might just go through them himself.
"I see." he relaxes his expression. "I will be frank with the both of you, and you are welcome to stop me if I am speaking out of turn. There is no small amount of prejudice among shinobi villages when it comes to subjects of human experimentation. It is similarly possible it will be discovered that your ...researchers may have been criminals from other villages. Therefore in the future it may be in your best interests to withhold that information for a time. Or else, take some time to differentiate your current village from your past. Make a name for yourselves, is what I mean." He explains.
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Gale shrugs slightly. That is his reasoning for revealing it. Better to be open and honest so one side can't claim betrayal or use it as an excuse to back out of an alliance after the fact. If the information removes allies or makes enemies they will deal with it when the time comes. However, there is one thing he must clear up.
"We are not a village, nor are we trying to claim that status. Becoming one is unlikely as well, though the final decision will be Leader's. We are a tribe, which we have determined is closest to clan. Still, reputation is important to cultivate. If you have any suggestions, we will listen to them."
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Argilla isn't entirely pleased with the idea of building a reputation. It would make them targets for further hostility if they proved to distinguish themselves from the other groups in the world. There's a fractional shift to her posture, her body language closing off.
"Perhaps suggestions that would not make us targets for hostile action."
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"These days it is unusual for a clan to establish themselves rather than form a village." he explains. These days, independent clans held a sort of negative connotation to them. Villages were seen as a sign of stability, despite the conflict and competition that occurred between them. Solitary clans hearkened back to the old days, the dark period of clan warfare. "It will similarly make it less likely for other villages to form formal alliances with you."
He reaches up a hand, rubbing over the bridge of his nose in thought. "On the other hand it makes you less of a target. What will be most important for you starting off will to find work that does not put you into conflict with another village or entity. I assume you do intend to offer your services as shinobi." He isn't going to bother inquiring as to what their skills are, as curious as he is. No one gives out trade secrets for free.
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Gale doesn't wait for confirmation before continuing. "The other tribes in the ruins are all gone, dead, or absorbed into the Embryon when their leaders died. We do not fit the qualifications for a village. If this fact makes it unlikely that others will ally with us, we will deal with that as it appears. We will not deceive or pretend to be something that we are not, as that will have worse consequences."
Satisfied with his explanation, Gale took a moment to consider the next question. "We are soldiers. All we know is war, even though we hope for more peaceful work. We are not clear on many of the things that would qualify for shinobi service, as those things were not included, or removed from our memories. Records recovered from our captors indicate that that was our ultimate purpose, but we broke free and overpowered them before they could begin the next 'stage' of their experiments."