Arrival in Otogakure

Sticking to the main road, the duo arrived at the gates of Otogakure. Still disguised as an elderly man, Gambaldi took a moment to behold the view before him. Here was a village and country that was ruled by one individual. That's the type of power that was needed to properly rule a country. Getting rid of daimyo was essential in the lands unification and for this to work allies would be needed. Only when he neared the gates of the village did Gambaldi break away from his thoughts. He expected to have been confronted by Oto's security, however he had encountered none. This gave way to many concerns as to how competent the leader was. An unannounced visitor wasn't a major deal, being that trade between neighboring villages wasn't uncommon. However, in this case, security was lax even by normal standards. Something was amiss.

"On your guard, Tsaki," he whispered in tone where only she would hear, "Something ain't right here." As he entered the gates he was eventually stopped by a sound shinobi. Gambaldi bowed his head to the man, to show respect, before speaking, "Good day, young man. I'm an emissary for Kumogakure and I bring an urgent message on behalf of the Raikage. I'm aware our visit comes as a surprise, however the urgency of this message has ultimately eliminated the means to follow proper procedure. If you could direct us to your superior, that would make this process go a lot smoother. Besides, I'm eager to rest these old bones of mine. Believe it or not, that trip is a lot more arduous than you'd think," Gambaldi said with a chuckle, though his voice was still very much disguised. The shinobi sized up what was before him. A decrepit old man that practically screamed pervert just by his 5'3 stature and droopy face. Beside him was a relatively young woman who appeared to be his escort or bodyguard. He frowned at first, before nodding, "Remain here, emissary," was all he would say before taking off and leaving the duo alone. Or at least this is what they desired for Gambaldi to believe. Already he could sense others hidden away, watching the visitors. For now it would be best to play ignorant, there was no need for the hidden shinobi to know that the Raikage had already picked up on each and every one of them.

With a grin, Gambaldi sat down on the ground, complaining about his back throughout the entire process. Typical ramblings of an old man. "I'm gonna need a drink after this, too. I can already tell," he said aloud as he folded his arms and waited.

Coming up to the village of Otogakure, was Mei and her Kage. He was still disguised as an emissary of course. Mei was ready to be greeted by the guards of the land but there were not all that many. Mei had been told to stay on her guard. 'Haven't let it down the whole trip.' She thought to herself as she looked around. When the two were finally stopped by a sound shinobi, Mei copied the bowing motion of the elderly looking man. As he spoke she stood with a smile and stood quietly. Mei would move her head around as though she was just looking at the view of the village. However, she was searching for more guards or maybe people that seemed out of the ordinary. Mei had never stepped foot inside the village gates but she suredidn't like the feeling of the place. Mei watched as the guard left to go and speak to the man the two were looking for.

Mei looked at the Kage a bit oddly as he sat on the ground and started to ramble on and on. It was rather amusing for her to see someone supposed to be so professional in such a humorous disguise. Of course, she decided to play along because the more the marrier right? Still smiling Mei spoke, "Sir, should you really be sitting on the ground it's not very sanitary. When we can we'll get you everything you need that's what I'm here for right?" Mei still stayed near the man but sort of rubbed her head as if she had been listening to the same thing over and over. Her words sounded as if she had been repeating the same lines as well. Mei hoped their little routine seemed convincing enough as they waited for someone to come back and speak to them.

Zanji sighed as he stood in his new office over looking the village. His transgression to power had gone off without a hitch so far. He had put nuibari away somewhere in a undisclosed location for the auction that was going on.  though he kept the sword of kusanagi at his side. For some reason he was really attached to this sword perhaps its was its power or because of its elegant craftsman ship. he sighed as he fondled the handle with his forefingers just itching to try it out. But that would need to wait it seemed. A abrupt knock on the door would detour him from his playtime. He continued to stare out at the village through the large glass window and sighed "come in." The door quickly opened and closed quietly behind him and watched within the reflection of the glass as a shinobi entered and bowed and got down on one knee. "Sir there are two shinobi from the hidden cloud village who claim to be emissaries  and wish to speak with you."

His right eye still damaged from his travels from the sand village twitched angrily for a moment and the steadied itself. "I'll be down shortly bring down more guards wake them if you must but keep them out of sight unless I am attacked." He straightened his back and cracked his knuckles and waited for the man to leave the room. He was about to unveil a rather non civil technique. He opened his mouth widen and a gagging sound emanated from him as a entire new arm shot up through the open mouth. AS second arm popped up and they quickly spread open zanji's mouth widening it greatly as a new zanji appeared his body covered in a viscus slime like material. He silently landed onto the floor.  He had shed his old body and all his previous injuries were now completely healed his sharingan eye greeted him as he opened his right eye for a mere brief moment and quickly closed it. He smiled and chuckled and grabbed his old body and placed it underneath his desk. He would take care of it later. He covered his right eye with his headband and wiped the slime off onto a towel he had inside his desk.

He took the sword of kusanagi and sheathed it on his left side and  put on a white cloak over himself to show that he had come in peace. He then placed the daimyos hat on his head  and smiled. He didn't look half bad he could get use to this the cloak covering him and the sword of kusnagi as it lightly would drape onto the ground. He chuckled and turned off the lights to the office and locked the door behind him. No sense in keeping it unlocked he was done for the day. He hummed to himself as he left the building heading towards the gate. It wouldn't take him long to get there by the time he arrived the shinobi who had left his office was leaving the two emissaries sides. He smiled and gave a polite bow to each of them "Welcome dear kumogakure emissaries, welcome to the land of sound please take these passes for our hotel we have  hear I'm sure you are tired and would like to rest, the rooms are for free of course our way of saying greetings to the foreign dignitaries. My name is Zanji Uzumaki and I am the daimyo of this fine country it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance mist and miss??" He pasued a moment and caught his breath his hands remainign firmly undeneath his cloak  "I'm sorry my men did not inform me of your names may I please enquirer as to what they are?" He slowly held out his hand to the two kumo shinobi holding out the two free passes for the sounds greatest hotel his smile never wavering as he was simply delighted to have some foreign dignitaries pass through.

Jutsu Used:

He hadn't waited long before the person he had been waiting for had finally arrived. Remaining in disguise, Gambaldi stood up so that he could properly greet his host. He bowed yet again, assuming this man was perhaps a captain. What a surprise it was to learn this man was the Daimyo. He wore the garb of a Kage, which was odd for a Daimyo. Just by looking at the man, Gambaldi could see that he was no older than he was. Another young leader, that at least meant there was at least some form of common ground. As the Daimyo reached out his hand toward the emissary, Gambaldi locked eyes with the man. Not hesitating a moment, he shook the man's hand with a huge gapped tooth smile. "Your a very gracious host, my lord. However we shall not be staying overnight. However, a few hours of rest is more than appreciated," Gambaldi said, releasing the Daimyo's hand, "Ah, but I have been rude. I am Ten Fuma, prized emissary to three different generations of Raikage. My comrade is Vera Maki, my protege and bodyguard. As the emissary of Kumogakure, you should know that my words are our leaders. Just to give you an idea of how much weight these old bones carry." He chuckled at the end of his statement, stroking what was left of his gray beard.

While speaking he prepared his jutsu, while still keeping his chakra in control. The main point of this stop was intel grabbing, he would need to be ready to acquire it at a moments notice. Like what was under that covered right eye and if this person knew who Nero Uchiha was. Ever since that stranger had wondered onto an island that was meant to be impossible to find, Gambaldi wanted to know all could. Then there was the mention of a man who could bring back the dead. Perhaps Zanji Uzumaki had the answers hidden away in that head of his. mindFor now he had no cause to search any harder than what was on the surface. "Now, unless you desire for me to deliver my message here in the streets, where all passing by can hear, I would prefer a chat in a less conspicuous surrounding," Gambaldi continued. He didn't want to push the idea to much, but simply let it hang in the air. Though his outward attitude as a decrepit old man was nonchalant, Gambaldi had already picked up more shinobi arriving and hiding. He didn't bother to look in either of their direction and instead feigned ignorance. If they didn't know he was aware of them then he already had one advantage on them. Gambaldi had no patience for traps and if any of those fools tried said patience, then he'd become a messenger of death. Still looking the Daimyo in the face, Gambaldi smiled and waited for the man's decision.

(A bit rushed. Sorry)

Mei had been standing near the elderly looking kage when another man had arrived. Mei could tell by his attire he was someone if a rather high rank. What she didn't expect however, was for him to be the Daimyo. His age didn't bother her though she was rather used to young leaders because all of the Kazekages of her own village were rather young. Well, all of the ones she knew. He seemed to be about the same age as her own Kage maybe not at the moment but when he wasn't disguised as an old man. As she started to think about Kage's, her mind was brought back to an old friend of hers. Ryo had been very nice and was about her age. She never thought that he could be murdered so easily. Her face showed nothing more than a blank expression but she felt quit upset. Mei had not bowed in greeting considering that she waa thinking of other things. So, when she had heard words she quickly brought her thoughts back. Mei didn't have time to reminisce on the past. Her only thoughts were to be of doing as she was told and the task at hand. Her bow of greeting came as the elderly looking man introduced her, "Thank You." She spoke sweetly and gently to the Daimyo in front of her.

Mei didn't exactly know what the Kage's goal was considering she was rather new to her position. She hoped to understand more of what they were trying to accomplish with this trip. She would have to learn something eventually because obviously you can't work close to the kage while learning nothing. Mei listened to the Kage start to speak once more. As she listened she didn't quite know how to take his words. To her they seemed rather rude but that was just her personality. Without thinking though she muttered out the word, "Please." after the Kage spoke. Then she quickly shut her mouth knowing that he would probably say something later. The thought made her a bit nervous so she tried to push it aside. Mei rarely ever spoke out in such a way perhaps she needed to remind herself of certain things she shouldn't do. However, considering what she said all she did was smile towards the Daimyo acting innocent and rather polite.

Zanji was pleased as the elderly man was respectful and gave him a polite bow after he had given one to him. It seemed manners were not so far lost after all. He clasped his hand over the old mans hand as he shook it. Fore a elderly man he had still a very strong gift. Something was wrong but he would pay no mind to it now he would categorize it for later. This man needed further study perhaps he was more than met the eye. The man took the passes he had generously offered though said he would only be staying a few short hours to rest and recuperate.  He smirked and nodded hsi head and gave a smile of understanding. "Oh I see very well as you wish, and its a honor to properly meet you Ten Fuma, and Vera Maki." He gave a respectful bow to each of them and continued smiling politely. He would stare at the man with his good eye but would keep his attention of the girl occasionally.

The women was a real beauty young, beautiful and polite. all qualities he admired in a women. She wasn't much of a talker though it seemed a shame he would have to adjust that.  He would  slide his hands behind his back  and cross his wrists. His stance and demeanor non threatening or aggressive. IN fact it was of more of a laid back way yet still with a demeanor of meeting someone important. "Lets take this business some where more private there's a bar  not far from here i can arrange a private room." He wiggled his index finger behind his back in a manner signaling his men that they would be moving and to stay hidden. No sense for a alarm he brought his hands together and clapped them once and slowly turned around "Please follow me."He slowly walked down the road keeping at a slow pace for the assuming elderly gentlemen so he could keep pace with him. He narrowed his eyes and focused ahead of him his attitude slightly improving from his travels.

He would still be on alert though he was still jumpy but he had his shinobi around to protect him and he would doubt anyone  would dare to attack a daimyo in his own village. His twenty shinobi following keeping there distance yet were still within kunai range of the foreign shinobi should they try anything. Should all things remain calm and peaceful they would not attack. He abruptly stopped as they reached there destination and proceeded inwards. He walked over to the bar and smiled "Private room please I have some business with some foreign dignitaries, also a bottle of your best sake and two cups,and anything the lady wishes for that is non alcohoic" He slipped a few bills onto the counter and the barman nodded and pointed to the back and he proceeded inwards and took a seat and awaited for his guests to enter. His shinobi would follow moving silently towards the bar taking potions all around it four on the outside behind the building and four shinobi on the remaining sides and four would walk in minutes later after the dignitaries had entered. The shinobi taking opposition outside would position themselves beneath windows  being able to enter into the building at a moments notice should any sign of danger appear that would threaten the daimyos life.

He waved up a hand at his traveling companion at he statement of please. It wasn't one to signal her silence, more like an annoyed wave for being corrected. Mei played her part well, she was giving no inclination of who she truly was. She was even able to adapt to the Raikage's unpredictable acting skills. Gambaldi held doubts at first due to the fact she was originally a suna shinobi. The Raikage was curious to see if an Anbu from another village was any good. Mei Tsaki did not disappoint. Still maintaining his act he reacted to the words of Daimyo Uzumaki.

Treating foreign dignitaries in a bar and not in his office? Though Gambaldi was inclined to go simply because he really wanted that drink, a bar was not an ideal place to discuss business. Despite the offer of a private room, the offer came off slightly insulting. This no simple money transaction to be handled in a seedy environment. Top off the man's react to Gambaldi's simple handshake. The disguised Raikage wondered what could be so interesting about the hands of a old man. It appeared that the Daimyo was looking for chinks in what could be a trap. This paranoia came from somewhere and which would make the process of gathering intel that much easier. One properly placed question would be all he needed to delve into the mind of the Daimyo. In cohesion with the his thoughts, Gambaldi swapped his cheerful demeanor with a more serious one. "Lord Uzumaki, I hardly think a bar is a choice location for my delivery of this magnitude. The Raikage would prefer that only you receive this message. I would much rather have this conversation in the rooms you have provided," he began as he followed the Daimyo. Maintaining his disguised voice he continued, "Although if I may ask, my lord, upon entering your territory the security was practically none existent. However, in the village I've sensed nothing but shinobi centered on this location." He paused as he went into a fit of coughing, a ruse of course, but if suspicion was high then he needed to play his part well. He left the point of his statement hang as he gathered himself. Taking a breath, the still disguised Raikage looked up at the Daimyo with a look as if he was suffering.

"My apologies, my lord, perhaps a bar is ideal. I really need that drink. Getting old is a curse in and of itself," he said turning his attention back the route the were currently traversing. He immediately went back to his point, "As I was saying, is there a reason for such security inside the village. One would think stopping an unintended guest would be stopped by patrols. To bolster your defenses in the village even before unwanted guest arrive within it, an interesting strategy." Gambaldi offered an impressed smile, "The Sound has a very capable leader. Though Kumo can-," he paused. Gambaldi had intentionally began to speak business, to solidify the concept that old age had addled his attention slightly. "Sorry, my lord, old habit of mine to get straight to the point. How much farther?"

Mei noticed the wave she had been given but didn't think anything of it. She just looked at the Daimyo and listened to the conversation. 'A bar?' Was the one question that had lingered in her mind. Mei had never been in a bar before considering that she wasn't old enough to drink nor did she ever want to drink. Her mother had told her that such things were bad and could cause harm in more than one ways. She just accepted what her mother had told her and continued on. Pushing that thought aside as well Mei started to question the safety if information in such a place. It was odd to her that business would be held in such a place but it wasn't up to her of course. Mei had heard the kage question the same as she did but she also heard him add a bit more. She would turn her head to the ground so she would not say anything.

(Sorry I'll post more next time. :/)

Zanji ignored the mans comments aout hw a bar wasn't a proper place to conduct business. He was not going to take him to his office after all he still had his old body skin beneath his desk. That would raise quite a few questions which he was in no mood to answer. He wanted to keep this jutsu a secret for as long as possible. It would be a great tactical advantage to him. He rolled his eyes as the elderly gentle men had finally conceited to conducting the business at hand with him in the bar. He drummed his fingers along the wooden table awaiting the barman to bring in the sake and two cups he had requested.

He chuckled to himself as the man talked about the lack of security the land had. "Oh theres plenty of security though it may not appear it we guard our village very well, it may appear empty but no that is what gives the enemy false hope thinking its easy pickings that is when we truly strike, like a serpent stalking its prey we let them in and then we attack." He spoke with truth in his words yet he was telling a lie, he was not going to discuss his villages defenses with a outsider there was no way in hell he was that stupid. The barman knocked on the door and came in bearing the bottle of sake and the two cups and placed them on the table and bowed his head and closed the door behind him. Zanji licked his lips and immediately outstretched his hand and pulled the cork out of the bottle and poured himself a cup. He brought it to his mouth his nose inhaling the delicious aroma a and sipped on the liquid.

He smacked his his lips lightly and scrunched his face and let out a sigh of approval. All the while he never strayed his eye contact away from the emissary. "Not bad vintage, a man who likes to get straight to the point i like that quality please lets cut through the pleasantries and get straight to business, just what is it you want with the sound village?" His tone was serious as he placed his cup down in front of him. His right hand remaining underneath the white cloak gently petting the hilt of the sword of kusanagi should things turn violent. He was not going to be violent unless they made a attack first should things remain calm everything would remain calm and stable.

Almost immediately Gambaldi could tell the man was lying about the village. The way he phrased it, however, would have any normal person fooled. Gambaldi on the other hand was a master interrogator and he prided himself on being able to read a person's chakra fluctuations as well as body language. This particular lie wasn't a major issue. If the daimyo wanted his village security to be a secret, then who was he to argue. He simply smiled and nodded with understanding, "As I stated, my lord, a masterful strategy." By the time they arrived at the bar, Gambaldi had made mental notes of the layout of at least this part of the village. He was careful not to allow his eyes to linger off the path ahead of him. Mostly he relied on his peripheral vision as a means to map out a route from the village gate to the bar.

Escorted by the Daimyo, the disguised Raikage took a seat and happily accepted the sake. He was prepared to take a drink when he glanced at Mei, deciding once again to continue his act. Before the sake could touch his lips, Gambaldi set the drink down. "Bah! Don't give me that look, girl. Business first, I know," he said with a frown. The point was to avoid drinking the sake entirely without raising suspicion. The daimyo's lies and obvious paranoia gave reason for the disguised Raikage to not trust the daimyo. The daimyo's body language as he sat and gulped his sake didn't help either. The man seemed tensed as if ready to attack at a moments notice, despite the fact Gambaldi was positive he had offered no reason for such action. Despite the daimyo's behavior, Gambaldi still maintained his disguised demeanor and instead saw this as a moment to delve deeper into his hosts mind. No sooner did the daimyo set his cup down, Gambaldi began to speak. "As I was saying, my lord, the Raikage is a man that values peace above all things. Thus he would like to extend his hand in friendship to you and your people. Despite the obvious distrust you may have, Kumogakure has grown tired of war. In order to properly put an end to the chaos in the land we, the entire land as a whole, must come together and purge the land of those that see peace as the enemy. To accomplish this goal, the Raikage wants to side with the Sound in hopes that the alliance will be the first step of peace," Gambaldi stated, his voice still disguised, "It was by the Raikage's orders that I come here and invite you to visit our lord in Kumogakure. However, I was also informed to use my own judgement to decide if this invitation should be given." Gambaldi paused as he locked eyes with the daimyo, his expression going from nonchalant to serious.

His tone became very low so that none could hear his words aside from the Daimyo, "I do not know why you have behaved as you have, my lord. Perhaps your land is under attack or maybe your just blatantly rude to visitors to your land. I choose to see the best in people so I assume your land must have dealt with recent invasion. Kumogakure could offer protection as we would to any ally of our country. This offer, however, will not be extended to those that are so distrustful that they require a mass guard and cannot seemed to keep their hands in plain sight." Standing up from the table, the disguised Gambaldi walked away. "Lord Uzumaki, the Raikage will be holding a ceremony to celebrate his new position in a few weeks time. If you decide to put doubt and paranoia out of your mind, please come. I can assure you that Kumo hospitality will be much warmer than the one we have received today." Finished with his task in Sound, the disguised Raikage turned to Mei and gave her a nod, "Lady Maki, shall we be on our way? I think a drink in a less tense environment is for the best." That said, Gambaldi moved to leave the bar.

The trap was now set. Gambaldi had intentionally left the Daimyo with two choices. He could either let the emissary leave and report the treatment he had received to the Raikage or he could cease this pointless display of paranoia and stop conducting himself as a coward. Depending on the Daimyo's choice, Gambaldi would either exit Sound territory or remain to continue the discussion of peace. This acting game was becoming more fun by the second.

Mei had been silently walking beside the Raikage. She had been listening to their conversation and didn't completely accept the answer the Daimyo had given. Mei wouldn't deny that it was just a lie considering everyone thinks differently so it's possible. However, she didn't completely buy it either. From the words of her kage she could tell he didn't believe it. Soon enough, they arrived at the bar. As Mei stepped in, she put her hand up to her nose. The smell was terrible and of course what she smelled was alcohol. It was a new smell so she wasn't exactly expecting it. After a quick moment, Mei dropped her hand and tried to fix her composure.

They had entered a private room and taken their seats. Not long after the bartender had come in with sake for the two men. Mei had looked toward the Raikage before he took his drink and of course he noticed. She heard his words and knew he was keeping up his act but there was one thing that she wouldn't forget. Nobody just called Mei girl however they were in disguise so she was willing to let it slide. "If you know then you shouldn't make the man wait, sir." Mei said as she continued to stare. Then, her head turned toward the Daimyo. He seemed a bit paranoid as if he was waiting for someone to attack. Why would he feel such a way They hadn't done anything to make him skeptical that she knew of. If she had noticed then she knew her kage was bound to have notice by now. She kept watch on the Daimyo as her kage spoke. He spoke if peace and friendship. It was quite nice but Mei didn't believe it. Peace can never be obtained there will always be pain and violence. Ther would always be wars and destruction. There would always be sadness and anger. However, if the Raikage believed it could be achieved then she would do whatever it took to help.

Mei sat in what seemed like silence but she could here what sounded like faint whispering. She turned her head to see the Raikage speaking but she wouldn't pay to close attention seeming as he didn't wish for her to hear it. Though, it did cause her curiosity. She then watched him stand and start speaking. Her face showed a bit of anger mixed with some sort of disappointment. Mei believed his comment to be very rude but she wouldn't say anything to the Raikage. She stood with a sigh and turned toward the Daimyo, "Forgive him. Thank You for agreeing to speak with us." Mei then bowed and turned around to walk out. Her face still showed a bit of anger so she would not look toward the Raikage. Hopefully, other meetings would go much nicer than this one.

Zanji relaxed his hand beneath his cloak and slowly placed it on the table and let out a sigh. He rubbed his face and took a calming breath. all the while though never taking his eye off the emissary. His right eye still firmly tucked behind his headband shut closed. He drained the saucer cup of sake he had in his other hand let out a sigh of relief. "I do humbly apologize I am still a bit jumpy from my travels which I've been attacked on multiple times, so I beg your forgiveness if I have been acting paranoid." He poured himself a refill of sake and slowly stirred the cup in his hand not spilling a ounce of the liquid onto the table. "Things have not been well since our previous daimyo stepped down, I'll admit that though things have been peaceful in my little village so I'm grateful for that."

He took a small sip from the sake and chuckled as the elderly man talked of kumogakure giving his village protection. he raised a eye brow quizzically and spoke "protection you say, from what there is no war all the nations are at peace, though there is never such a thing as true peace, As long as Hatred exists in this world true peace can not be achieved, but you do pose a interesting offer." He placed the saucer down on the table and folded his hands out in front of him. "You have my undivided attention, but be aware however I can not give you a answer immediately I must convene with my council and see what is best for my village and its peoples futures."

The offer of gaining more allies for otogakure was very tempting. Yet he was no fool he would not jump headfirst into a too good to be true offer of peace and friendship. There was always a price to be paid. He meant every word though about looking out for his village and its inhabitants futures he would not jeopardize them. He nodded his head understandingly his temper not even beginning to rise to the surface. Though it stirred as he was somewhat rude to the women but he would hold his tongue. No time for chivalry when there was work to be done.

Gambaldi paused in his tracks, the daimyo having taken the bait. He let out a sigh as if he were ashamed and turned back toward the daimyo. His disguised face showing a bit of sympathy behind his old smile. "Finally, some trust," he said with a chuckle, "My apologies, for my own behavior as well. Old age will make one a lot more impatient than you'd think. Some of the time anyway." Gambaldi moved closer to the table again, though this time he did not sit right away. He knew the Daimyo was only telling a partial trurh and Gambaldi wanted to know why. The best way would be to simply wait things out hope for him to slip up again. That is until he came up with a new plan.

Simultaneously with the prepping of the jutsu and while maintaining his disguise, Gambaldi continued with his point. "In regards to my statement about war, your own recent attacks are proof of my words. The land is not safe to travel for common folk, let alone shinobi. As a united endeavor from all the villages, can we truly purge the land of those filled with hatred. This is what the Raikage truly believes and has hopes that the other leaders will agree." The disguised Raikage finally sat down, pausing only to do so. He looked his host in the eyes as a show of respect, as he prepared to continue speaking. He didn't want the Daimyo, who was already on edge, to think he was cowardly by nor looking a man in the face when he was speaking. He had no concern of if his preparation being detected due to the fact throughout the entire trip, Gambaldi had kept his chakra masked to the best of his ability.

Keeping up the act, Gambaldi immediately continued speaking upon taking a seat, "We do not require an immediate answer, in fact, the Raikage would prefer you didn't until you meet in person at the ceremony. I'm sure you two will have much more to discuss in person, anyway. Shortly after the ceremony he will send out a call for the summit. Between you and me, having the Sound siding with Kumo would prove to be quite a fruitful endeavor for both parties. I hope your peers agree, Lord Uzumaki."  Now that business was concluded, at least as far as the outside diversion was concerned, the disguised Raikage finally lifted his drink. He held it up toward the Daimyo so that he could propose a toast. He looked Zanji in the eye and gave him a friendly nod of respect. "Come, let us toast. To the hope of peace and friendship between Kumogakure and Otogakure. May they both prosper for all time," he said, still looking the Daimyo in the eyes as he waited for him to join the toast.

Key Information:

Mei stopped a short moment after the Raikage had. She listened as he apologized and her anger faded away slowly. She didn't know exactly if this apology was real or not but she would like to assume so and move on. As he began to move back towards the Daimyo, Mei turned around but she did not move. She listened to the Raikages words once again. His mind seemed to be set on peace. All Mei could think was that it would never happen. There will always be people and where there is people there will always be hatred. It's not something you can just get rid of. Just the same peace is only a dream and nothing else. It could never be part if reality but she wished it could be. Mei loved the idea of peace and again if the Raikage believed that he could help succeed in these things then she would help. At least she could try to do something that would make her mother proud. Mei came back from her thoughts after a moment. Her eyes on the now seated Raikage and the Daimyo. She stood silent listening to the Raikages words once more and smiled as he asked the Daimyo to toast. Hopefully, everything would work out alright.

(Sorry if it's kinda bleh.)

(ooc sorry kinda shitty am a bit under the weather so please bare with me)

Zanji remained in his seat his arms crossed as he watched the emissary with his left eye. The elderly man did apologize which made him feel better and much less paranoid. At least manners were not lost after all. He was glad he was able to smooth things over with the emissary he really did not want to start a war with kumo. He chuckled inside his head as the man spoke about how the lands were nto safe, in a few ways he was right though he did believe his own attacks on him had been nothing but a string of bad luck. He silently tapped his foot on the floor in a steady rhythm with his own heart beat. He really wanted to finish p his drink and honestly just go home it had been a very long day but pleasantries on foreign dignitaries did take precedence over his own personal needs.

He sighed and shook his head in attempt to wake himself up as the man spoke of peace. His sigh sounded from exhaustion managed it had ben a trying day and after all its not everyday you become daimyo. He covered his mouth in a embarrassed manner and placed his hand down on the table. " Sorry about that very long day, well your raikage is a very optimistic man believing peace can be achieved so easily, i admire that trait in a person." He smiled and refilled his cup and took it in his hand and smiled at the emissary "To peace and friendship." He paused a moment before clinking his cup a look of sadness on his face " and also to absent friends and family." His look softened and clinked his cup with the elderly mans and and sipped his drink quietly.

With minimal effort, the jutsu was cast. Gambaldi knew that he would not get a straight answer from the Daimyo, for good reason apparently. With the mention of recent attacks and paranoia written on the man's face, Gambaldi felt the need to understand why. All that he had done since the moment Gambaldi had met the Daimyo was for this. The trigger of this jutsu would be when Zanji looked upon Gambaldi with a smile. The toast was meant to bring about this opportunity. Capitalizing on the gesture and pause of the Daimyo, Gambaldi delved into the mind of Zanji. All of this done while maintaining his disguise, as well as, ensuring his chakra remained as it had since his arrival.

Gambaldi had only been looking for two explanations to the Daimyo's words. Why was he attacked on the road and more importantly where. This simple goal led to the knowledge of all that had transpired, even what happened to the previous Daimyo. The previous Daimyo had not stepped down, this man had given him away to save his own skin. He even gave away Nuibari, a famed weapon of the Mist, along with the previous daimyo to ensure the bait was taken, but kept Kusanagi. Even all the information of what transpired in the territory of Sunagakure was taken from the mind of Zanji, this event being how all of the madness started. The jutsu itself would leave no hint of what he had done. All his efforts to become a master interrogator had not been in vain. Having acquired some rather fruitful information, Gambaldi ceased the jutsu just as Zanji was preparing to sip from his cup. Not missing a single beat, the Raikage sipped from his own cup. Tasting the liquid first, for any hint of abnormalities. Once he was sure it was safe, as he could be, he gulped it down. "Nothing beats good sake," he said with a smile.

Satisfied with what he had learned, Gambaldi felt it was time to leave. Still keeping up the act, Gambaldi stood up once more and bowed before the Daimyo. "My Lord has been a gracious host. Perhaps if you come to Kumogakure, we can share another drink. Hopefully as allies. The first step in legitimate peace in all the land, a worthwhile endeavor, no? Be well, Lord Uzumaki." he said with a gapped-toothed smile, his voice still very much disguised. He turned away once more, this time ready to leave. His comrade was patiently waiting for him as he made his way to the bar exit. When he was close he looked her in the eyes. Not moving his head at all, he gestured with his for her to take a final look at the daimyo. There was no way to be sure if the Raikage's jutsu was undetected and being that Mei was still facing in the direction of the table, waiting for Gambaldi's approach, she would likely spot any unsettling movement first. Despite the urgency to leave, the disguised Raikage continued his act as he had done since his arrival. This task was accomplished with ease as he exited the bar and headed to the exit. Unless impeded, he would head back to Kumogakure. With this new information, there was much to much to consider before heading to Kiri.

{Exit, unless stopped}

Jutsu Used:

Mei had been standing in the same spot still watching the Kage and Daimyo. It seemed that everything had calmed down between the two. It had also made Mei feel rather calm as well but she would not make the mistake of ketting her guard down. She would still pay attention to everything. The movements of everyone in the room, although there wasn't much of it, and the sounds she heard. Mostly, the tapping of the Daimyo's foot for the moment. However, her attention would turn towards the sigh that had come from the Daimyo. He had apologized, which Mei found quite funny. She didn't know why someone would apologize for a small sigh but all she did was smile. Mei listened to his words and saw the look on the Daimyo's face. It was one of sadness she had seen that look many times but it was more from herself. She wouldn't pay much attention to it considering she had a job to do. The thoughy would be pushed away like all of the other unwanted thoughts in her head.

Mei had then watched as the Kage drank his sake and made a comment about it. She brought her hand up to her head like she had just seen something that she wished she didn't. It was more of a 'why did I get stuck with him' look.Then, she brought it back down after a slight shake of her head to listen once more. She smiled as the Kage spoke his final goodbyes and thanked the Daimyo. Mei looked at the Kage as he stood to leave and on his way out did the two make eye contact. She followed the direct his looked, which was towards the direction if the table in front of her. Mei then figured he must have done something ir didn't feel comfortable with his back turned towards the table. Mei would wait for the Kage to walk out before she bowed and spoke, "Thank You for meeting with us, sir. It was quite a pleasure. Goodbye." Then, she would stand up straight and walk out after the Kage wondering if she would be informed of anything that had happened that she didn't catch. However, that would have to wait because the only thing Mei needed to hope for now was getting out if this village with no problems.

(Exit: Unless something else pops up.)