The Fight for control begins (Open) (Neo & Haru Required)

The day had finally arrived, on this day a new leader would be place of the deceased kage Yonoowari , whom had died attempting to fight the 9 tails or so the stories say. Never the less the village needed someone to be in charge lest the chaos would ensue and consume what's left of the people here. The meeting was too be held within the confines of the kage's building but in a room separate from that of the actual Kage's chamber. Neo would soon be entering the room himself as he was a candidate chosen to be a possible temporary successor due to him being rather close to the past kage. From what Neo has heard the leaders of specific clans within Morigakure have also made their presence known to seize the power as well. "Grrrreat... A bunch of old dudes arguing about which is best too lead, this is going to be so much fun" the sarcasm in his voice was all too evident. He would arrive at the Kage building and follow an assistant whom seemed to be given the task of directing all who came into the building. Neo would reach his destination and heave a great sigh before opening the door and entering the room.

"ARE YOU INSANE, YOU AREN'T FIT TO RULE A HOUSE LET ALONE AN ENTIRE VILLAGE, ONE OF OUR OWN SHOULD BE THE NEXT KAGE!". Neo took his seat at the table and watched the carnage unfold, he figured it best to let this play itself out rather then attempting to cut in between it. "YOU DARE SPOUT SUCH FOUL THINGS AND YET YOU ARE WORSE THEN I, IT IS PITIFUL! YOUR KIN HAS ALREADY SEEN ITS WAY TO THE TOP AND YOU'VE FAILED IT'S TIME FOR SOMEONE NEW!" "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OF OUR DECEASED KAGE IN SUCH A WAY HE HAS NOT FAILED US AT ALL!". Thanks to the help of the woman whom had escorted him here he was able to tell who was who now not that it would make a difference but it was nice to know where the point of views were coming from. He took note that each of the heads had one of their own with them weather they be genin or jounin either way they all seemed their own personal guards with them, although Neo didn't know why they would bring guards in the first place as it would only cause more tension to rise. Expanding on the note of who was here he noted that the presence of the Empire's Commander in Chief had yet to arrive to the meeting although it was possibly only a matter of time before he was due to arrive. Neo's train of thought was soon cut off by more commotion from the head butting still occurring in the room. "Ha and you believe putting a Kuma in charge is a good choice? How ridiculous, the head should obviously be from that of the Hitogumo this much is obvious" "you're nuts, your ridiculous ideals'll probably do us more harm then good it is one from the Lacerta that should take place as the kage".

{Is this really how old men act? dear lord I hope I never grow old} Neo now putting all this aside decided that it was now time to have his voice heard at the least. Neo would rise from his seat and clear his throat loud enough to gain the attention of those in his presence "SABAKUKAGE?! WHEN DID YOU GET HERE!?!?" Neo would roll his eyes before saying what he had to say "I've been here, listening to the lot of you bicker nevertheless I am still a candidate so I would like you to also to consider me as a possible temporary kage, that is all you may carry on" he would take his seat once again and cross his arms and watch as the carnage would resume once more.

• Hitogumo - Orange
  
• Lacerta - Blue
  
• Doruido - Purple
  
• Kuma - Yellow
  
• Dovahkiin - Green

I walked up the stairs into the kage's building preparing my mind for the summit. I could give a fuck less about who actually got the position, seeing as I already hold more power than them. If I was chosen I'd be even happier though. The more power I controlled the better. Each step I took brought me closer to the ensuing rage being spouted from the mouths of the old bigot fucks who were in charge of each of the clans. I remained composed and put on my general face.

I finally stepped into the room where the summit was held. I wore nothing but my best uniform. The all red three piece uniform I'd adopted was traditional of the Volcano village I had grown up in and led. It was trimmed in gold and my various badges and awards hung above the left breast pocket. Lionheart, my trusty blade hung from my waist instead of my standard commanders cutlass. I took my seat at the table and listened to the bickering among the elders, but didn't say anything until Neo piped up and commented. After his statement I said a small phrase.

"The amount of bickering I'm hearing for this position is ridiculous, I'd expect more from clan leaders and high ranking officials. Especially from my army. With that being said, I am also still a candidate for this position. Carry on."

I made a small hand gesture that went along with "carry on" as I focused in on my surrounding. My posture was almost perfect from years of this political bullshit. I hated it, but boy did I love power and war assets.

Neo would be wondering through the thoughts in his head as the rapid debate about the newest leader was still going about. As the old men clawed at each others throats they weren't aware that the Commander in Chief of the Empire had made his appearance on the scene. He would address those in his presence before taking his seat with a nonchalant look on his face, it was evident he didn't care about what was going on before him, if anything this was probably the last place he wanted to be but nevertheless here he was. The Elders would bow in respect to kage/general before they went back to the "We should be in charge" argument.

"YOU DO REALIZE THAT A PACT WAS MADE CORRECT?!?! THE DOVAHKIIN STILL HAVE JURISDICTION OVER THE SPOT OF KAGE! OR HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN?!" The other three elders would sigh and hold their tongues as they knew what was being said was all too true, however Neo was a wildcard, he could see that they had been defeated and all too easily. Neo had heard of how the Dovahkiin had usurped their power from the 3 clans of the forest as he had been told by Yonoowari himself, upon remembering that time Neo also remembered something that Yono entrusted him to do should he get the chance. Once again Neo's train of thought would be broken as more chatter began to arise once more. The only one whom had remained silent throughout the entire ordeal besides himself, the Doruido elder but it seemed now it was his turn to speak "We have not forgotten a thing, but from what I hear, at this time you have not a candidate that is eligible to take the kage spot correct?" The Dovah elder clenched his jaw shut as he was taken back by the comment, it didn't seem he would be able to counter the Doruido elder's words and smile seemed to spread across his face because of this.

"SILENCE YOURSELF DORU-" "there's no need to shout my friend I'm right here" It seemed the others seemed to enjoy the fact that with a single sentence the Dovahkiin were easily over powered and backed into a corner "I am not your friend, and I plan to keep it that way". Neo would continue to let this play out as it was getting rather interesting he would have his say when all was said and done.

I sighed as I listened to the argument ensue. I shot a quick glance at Neo and rolled my eyes before refocusing my attention to what could most likely become an all out brawl before the end of this. I listened to the arguments carefully and thought of a clever resolution before speaking again. Pushing up off the table to jolt into position, I waited for the last bit of argument to cease for the time being.

"Firstly, Elder Dovahkiin, refrain from shouting. The last thing we need is some dragon attack shit coming from an argument."

A small sneer crossed my face. Not many people had the balls to disrespect an elder in the manner I had just done, but it was also a technique I used to gain respect of the elders. Usually "pleases" were required in a statement, but as I recall, I'm still the higher up in this room.

"Now, before this senseless argument ensues any longer, how many of you clans actually have a possible candidate for the Kage position? The last thing I need is to waste my time in a back and forth debate about candidates that aren't even existent. The less time I spend arguing, the more time I can spend focusing on the war. As I recall, none of you want to lose. Imagine the tarnish on your legacies if you would allow for the Rebellion to rise up and take down the empire your elders built!"

Another ballsy statement, but it was sure to register on an emotional level. I was getting good at the shit. Tactics I'd picked up over the years from countless meetings and summits. I was now anxious to hear what the elders would say in response. I sat down and folded my hands.

Neo would catch the quick glance of the Taiyoukage followed by a swift roll of his eyes, it had appeared he wasn't one that enjoyed the squabbles of the elders, and it had appeared that he was about to make that known. Neo would watch as Haru would jolt himself out of his seat, in attempt to grasp the attention of those around no doubt, he would then proceed to speak his mind. Haru would first target the elder of the Dovahkiin first, before moving on to whatever else he had, Neo would take a quick glance at the elder and he did not seem to please to have someone not even of this village call him out on such a thing but it seems he would wait for his chance to speak. As Haru had finished what he had to say Neo would take a look around the room and saw that the elder from the Doruido clan was smiling, if only slightly, and Neo could tell where this was headed.

"As a matter of fact, we from that of the Doruido do indeed have a candidate for which we wish to be the successor" smiles spread throughout the room after hearing this but ofcourse the Dovahkiin would not be of those whom would be smiling " No! A candidate can be found amongst the Dovahkiin in time, but I refuse to allow the pact, of which every major Morigakure clan signed upon, to be broken all because I've yet to find my candidate, I shall not allow it". Everyone's attention was now drawn to him, in the end the pact was still valid no matter how much everyone attempted to fight it. For once the room fell quiet as no one had anything to say, was this it? had it been decided?

"Good it seems you've all made a decision and what not, now lets put er' to a vote" Neo would rise from his seat now and stare long and hard at the elder, it was obvious that this man has held way too much power in his life time and it was time he be put in his place, elder or not "I propose that I, Neo Magunetto, be placed as temporary kage of Morigakure until furthur notice, as I am a current kage already I have more experience then any of the newbies you put in charge and besides it is only temporary correct?" Neo would remain standing as he awaited the consensus. As he waited a small chuckle could be heard from that of the dovahkiin elder "haha well played young one but I am well aware of what the boy by the name of Yonoowari has told you to do should you be given the chance, you wish to become temporary and then once you have control you would amend the pact correct? afterward you would step down and let one of these other fools come in and take back the throne I know all to well". Neo was a little taken back but it didn't surprise him that Yono was being spied on in his younger years nevertheless the proposition was still on the table, all Neo needed was a majority vote and the plan would be put in motion. "no no no, we must follow the rules that the elders before us have followed, we shall find a way on our own young Magunetto but we thank you for your kindness in the end" after hearing this Neo would fall back into his seat as his proposition had been rejected although he wasn't sure why he was so upset by the idea, maybe he just wanted to lead once more, to be in charge of a village, or maybe it was something else. Neo would now wait for the final decision to occur, maybe someone else would stand up or maybe the Dovahkiin would remain in control all Neo could do now was wait.

I watched the conflict unfold after stirring the pot, metaphorically speaking. Elders shouted back and forth, shot down my comrade and one of the commanding officers in the Imperial Army. I felt offended that these elders disrespected him. He was one of the few I'd considered my friend, next to my mentor and the Emperor. I waited for the squabble to cease before chiming in. I slammed my hands on the table as I forced myself up. Anger could literally be felt reverberating through the table.

"Alright, listen the fuck up you older bastards. Dovahkiin, I don't give a fuck about your ancient pact. You don't have a candidate who can take control, therefore I dismiss you from this meeting. Riku, show him to the door."

One of my ANBU walked over to the elder and began to escort him from the room.

"Now, onto the actual matter of business at hand. I'm throwing my pitch for this position. Though it may be temporary, a leader needs experience. We are on the verge of a war. My scouts said the Rebellion was massing and preparing to move. A battle could be here any day! I have no time to let bueacracy take its course. There needs to be action. To do this effectively, I need a quick way to communicate to my army. What better way to do so than lead this village? Just let that sink in."

I crossed my arms, but remained standing. I was hoping to intimidate the shit out of the elders, who would stand no match to me, Neo, and my remaining ANBU if they tried anything. I just wanted a decision and I wanted it soon. There was little time to waste.

I had been standing outside the door for some time now, attempting to find the most appropriate time to enter without causing an even larger disturbance but with the elder of the dragon clan being taken from the room I would be forced to act now. I pushed open the door dressed in my lab coat and normal attire with a large green scroll attached to my back. As the realization of what was on my person sank in the elders of every clan turned and started to speak to each other. I signaled the ANBU to release the man he held and while he refused to physically release the man he no longer made any attempts to escort him outside. "Well then, from a long night of research on your concordant of leadership I have come across some rather interesting details. Ones that all of you may want to hear, including the commander of the imperial army..." I would walk forward and stand next to Neo, for it was my kage that had thought of this plan and it was him I would make sure saw the fruits of my labor the closest. Placing the scroll on the table I held it ready to be opened when all in the room were back in their places and in a state of mind to listen.

Takeru slammed the door open with enough force to crack the wood. His body was wrapped in the chakra cloak of the Hachibi and the chaka boiled across his skin letting bubbles of chakra spurt and float away from his skin. Two medical ninja hurried in after him and tried to restrain him. After coming to in the ruins of Elkwood he had recieved only the barest of medical atention before making his way to Morigakure with all haste. The Hachibi had aided in his recovery enough to allow him to tavel but his skin was still scarred by partially healed burns from Bryn's last technique. His eyepatch was back in place and he glared at the gahered group with one eye. "So this is where the might of the Empire is hiding, cowering like little children behind the walls of your city! Why was no help sent to Elkwood, the village burns with the blood of Empire shonobi and the Rebels have sacked the town! Where were the Kage and the General? Where were the Hebi, the Lacerta the Dovakhin! YOU LEFT YOUR MEN TO DIE WHILE YOU SAT BICKERING ABOUT A POINTLESS ARGUMENT!" As he finished yelling he slammed down his fit on the tble, sending splinters of wood into the air where the edge of it shattered.

As Neo awaited the final decision on the matter things escalated out of control rather quickly. First Haru, whom seemed to be rather upset after witnessing the Dovahkiin reject yet another, rose from his seat and abruptly started cussing the Dovahkiin out and ordered that he be removed from the conference, he then proceeded to through his name into the hat once more as it seemed he wanted someone to be selected and he wanted it done now. Neo would sigh as this was getting rather intense {never thought I would ever get caught up in a debate as heated as this one is}. Everyone in the room would remain silent and stunned as the ANBU proceeded to escort the Dovahkiin out of the room, and naturally he himself would not go quietly. "UNHAND ME YOU FOOL!! YOU SHALL NOT TREAT ME LIKE THIS, DO YOU HEAR ME!" after listening to the man scream and shout in protest Neo himself was just about to ask the ANBU to stand down for it wasn't really necessary for him to be removed, it was just a matter of Haru, having little to no patience especially when the subject of power is being tossed around so carelessly.

Before Neo would rise up to request the ANBU release the elder, the door to the room would swing open and someone would enter, someone whom could probably get this whole situation, which erupted so quickly, settled in only a few minutes, that someone would be Shitai Aburame. Neo would relax a bit as Shitai's presence would bring him reassurance and the words that followed would only boost it. Chatter was tossed around the room as Shitai would make his way over to Neo side as he would place his scroll on the table. Neo would look to his comrade and nod to him "I see you finally decided to join us my friend, can honestly say you couldn't have picked a better time to arrive" there would be a hint of sarcasm toward the end of Neo's sentence but he was sure that Shitai would probably just ignore it or play along either was fine, Neo could use a minor distraction from all the chaos."Who is this, young Sabakukage? we weren't aware you would be bringing a guest", Neo's attention would be drawn to the voice of the elder and he would respond with a smile "well if you haven't guessed this is one of my subordinates, Shitai, although I'm sure he could have introduced himself I shall be the one doing so, he shall be with us throughout the remainder of this conference"

Neo whom had finally found reassurance and had prepared himself to finally get this conference over with, would find himself tossed into yet another situation. The door to the conference room would be obliterated as someone with a sort of demonic type of power surounding him strolled into the room with such rage. Medical shinobi were quickly upon him, attempting to restrain him. As the man spoke of the siege on the area known as Elkwood, Neo would get the sense that he knew this man, upon taking a closer look he noted that he did in fact known this male as he was a former shinobi of Sakyugakure, Takeru. Neo would rise to his feet in a rushed but calm matter, this was getting out of hand this would all have to be settled later, if Takeru's words rang true then that meant the Rebellion had lead an open attack on area under the Empire's jurisdiction this would not stand. "Takeru! Calm yourself this is the first I've heard of this incident tell us what happened!?" "What is there to tell?! while you fools were attempting to usurp the Dovahkiin's place at the top we were attacked, that's what happened" Neo's temper flared for a second as this elder was indeed starting to irritate even the calmest man in the room but he would remain calm and listen to what everyone else had to say on the matter, especially Haru for he was the one whom would probably be the most effected from this news.

Haru had been listening to the conversations as he surveyed the situation. What the hell could a medical ninja have on me? Then again, I was familiar with the profile on this one. One of the very best in the Desert Village. I was about to speak as another man burst through the door and spouted off the words I had feared. We'd lost Elkwood. I clenched my fists and slammed the table, my arms stretching as the structure collapsed. A fire now raged in my eyes, I could feel my skin getting redder. If I wasn't careful, I'd enter Gear Second from just anger.

"Released him! NOW! Now speak Takeru. Give me a full report on what happened. I need every last detail; names, faces, numbers. Don't spare the details. The rest of you, shut the fuck up or I will personally kill you."

I walked over and pulled a chair for Takeru with me. I placed it behind him by stretching my arm around him, then pulled my arm back. I need answers.

As Takeru entered the room cloaked in the chakra of a bijuu I watched in interest will my full attention, he spoke of a battle over imperial territory that resulted the confederacy claiming victory. Such a tale was a serious matter and if proven correct in the next few minutes would mean quite a bit of action to be taken on his part as no doubt there would be countless injured soldiers on their way. I then looked at the table and rolled up the scroll and then slid it across the table to the elder of the Doruido clan who seemed confused when the document reached him though he held it in his hands on top of the table while returning his attention to the irate commander of the imperial army. I closed my eye and whispered so that only Neo could hear me, "It seems freedom shall have to wait another day old friend..." I then returned my gaze to my older friend and crossed my arms, giving him a nod to know that all were focused solely on him save for the Dovahkiin elder who gave me a murderous look before walking back to his seat.

Takeru stood shaking as he looked around the room. Open wounds across his body still bled and he felt shaky on his feet. These pompous officials were sitting around sipping tea and arguing over power while the people of the Empire suffered. He glared at Haru, the so called commander of the Imperial army as he casually pulled out a seat and asked for a report. Takeru spat on the table. "You want a report? How about you get off your pompous arse and go see for yourself. The rising smoke over Elkwood should tell you all you need to know. Look at you ll sitting around like a pack of dogs grown fat off the spoils of their hunt. You've lost your teeth gentleman and I'll be damned if i listen to a pack of toothless pups anymore." Takeru turned and walked out of the room, he waved off the medical ninja once more and strode out of the building.

Neo would hear Shitai's words that were only meant for his ears alone and would nod at his friend and whisper back his reply "yes yes its only a matter of time". Neo would refocus his attention on the situation at hand, Haru whom had dropped everything due to this recent news, which was naturally to be expected, had pulled out a chair for the veteran shinobi asking for a report. Due to Takeru's rage however he rejected the idea of giving out a report to anyone as he just instructed for everyone to go and take a look for themselves before insulting the entire group before him and then turning to leave the room. Naturally the elders took offensive to this and began muttering amongst themselves but Neo would remain quiet, he would not rise to challenge the man's words, he just remained seated but it was not for the reason one would think, in fact Neo would not speak due to the fact that weather or not Takeru was right or wrong about them they still just let an entire section of Imperial land get ransacked right under their noses and with this thought in mind Neo's own rage was boiling deep inside. {All those people, those innocent civilians who just wanted to live their lives are now either dead or being held prisoner and I could have prevented it....} "Enough of this foolishness this whole kage thing will have to be resolved at a later time, for now we must focus on this newest situation" the Dovahkiin's words lingered in the air as everyone waited for someone to speak up next. "I shall lead in a team to investigate the siege, at the least their could be survivors" Neo would rise from his seat and began heading for the exit, motioning for Shitai to follow if anyone he would need him at his side when they arrived at the scene and it seemed no one planned to object to the idea for the moment.

The air was eerily still as Takeru spoke. I couldn't help but grow angrier. My skin grew redder and redder by the second. I screamed and entered Gear Second. There was no time to fuck around. The dovahkiin elder said a single thing that resonated. For once he wasn't obsessed with leading his clan to power domination of the village. I heard Neo offer to lead a team to Elkwood, but I cut him off.

"I'm going it alone. All of you, stay here and deal with a plan. Neo and Shitai assemble a recovery team. Takeru, do whatever it is that you do. We need to think of a counter attack. And a good one. I'll return with a damage report of my own."

There was a firm tone to my voice, with a large dose of anger on the side. The tone said, "Don't fuck with me or I might have to kill all of you." I drew Lionheart and charged a blast, then in a flash of blue light, unleashed the power of the Seven Swords of the Divide. I charged out the 'door' I'd just made for myself, directly toward the column of rising smoke in the distance.

[Exit]

Between his general attitude and his display with the gunblade there at the end I could only look at Haru and speak so Neo would hear me again in a sarcastic tone. "Ladies and gentlemen, our fearless leader. A tall man among midgets as it were." Shaking my head now that he was gone I looked to my kage and spoke professionally again, "I will go to the hospital and gather a team of medics to recover the wounded, I suppose the best course left for you would be to gather some warriors from the great clans sitting here and meet me there. See you at ground zero..." I would walk out the door and pass Takeru in the hall, no words were spoken but the look I would give was one of empathy for a split second before I took off for the clinical wards to get my team together.

[exit]

Neo would smile at Shitai as he listened to his comment about the fearless leader. Neo would sigh and turn to face the elders as he now had the duty of recruiting warriors, how fun. He would watch Shitai leave before refocusing his attention back on the elders "alright so listen I'm not familiar with anyone amongst your clans fighters and warriors therefore I must ask that all of you, and I mean all go out and and bring at least 2 shinobi from your houses and get them to meet me here from there we'll move out to the designated zone, you got it? good time is of the essence". Neo would watch as all the elders would disappear from their spots {old but fast what a nice combination} and now Neo was all that remained of the meeting, he hated being the last to depart but it was for the best. He would walk out of the building and head to the roof, there he would wait for his squad to arrive.

[Exit]