Abyssal Negotiations [Daimyo Meeting]

It was trepidation that she was feeling, it took a few moments of reflection to understand that. Thankfully she had spent enough time dealing with her emotions that she had learned how to quell specific ones. She couldn't do anything close to a Dues but she had learned her own little tricks. Taking a deep breath, peace flooded through her and she made sure to check her mantle and hat, now that they had been modified to fit her properly, rather than the larger ones that Feng used to wear. She turned to the two guards that she had with her and both of them nodded. Each of them carried a sword on their hips, one of them holding Glimmer, the other holding Vexos. This was of course so they could pass the weapons to Summer if she ever needed them but if this devolved into a fight... Staying alive would be the least of her worries, things would be much worse afterwards.

Once she knew that her Guards had her back and were ready to come to her aid, she walked over to the door of the Daimyo's palace. It was unfortunate that she had to be subservient but after what had occurred with the old Dipugakure, she couldn't exactly act imperious and mighty. She needed to bring the Daimyo over to her side so that they would aid with funding Dipugakure and bring it to a true age of prosperity. If that meant she had to grovel somewhat and come all the way over here with her guards rather than the Daimyo visiting her, just so they could feel somewhat smug about having a Kage do as they say... Then she'd deal with it and do it with a smile.

With a tilt of her head, one of her guards walked over and lifted the knocker, slamming it down on the door a few times before stepping back and waiting to be admitted in.

The knock rang out loud and true, brass knocking against the slate stone doors wider than any man and taller by far. For a moment there was nothing, simply the echoes dying off in the breeze of the wind. Of course the Daimyo's guards had seen Summer and her entourage enter the palace grounds, after all they had to be let in through the first gates just to have gotten this far. Summer was expected today, the meeting having been set weeks previously and while no one expected a fight, people were still on guard throughout the palace. They were aware of how their Daimyo could be sometimes and had heard the stories of Summer's victory over the Gobi over a year previously. This was not a woman to be trifled with, but the Daimyo held himself in high regard. If anyone was to ruffle a few feathers on Summer's head, it would be this man. Finally the large stone tablets acting as doors began to slowly swing open, revealing inside a smartly dressed woman in conservative attire. She held her hands behind her back and her hair was kept up in a neat pony tail. On either side of her were rows of armed guards standing placidly, as if carved from the same stone as the doors.

The woman bowed deeply and stiffly from the waist, a sign of respect, Welcome Abisukage Summer Osuna. The woman stood straight once more and turned to the side, gesturing a hand for Summer and her guards to enter. We've been expecting you, the whole palace has simply been buzzing all day. I trust your travels were well, yes? The woman asked politely while waiting for Summer and the others to enter. After which the doors would be swung closed once more, a resounding "thunk" to signal the arduous endeavor. Unless there are any questions I can answer for you before your meeting, the Daimyo is ready to see you whenever you are ready. The woman looked at the guards carrying Summer's weapons, perturbed for a moment before looking back at Summer, Your people are welcome to join you in the hall with our Daimyo, or I will gladly have one of our people show them to a room we have prepared with food and comfortable seating until your meeting is over. The choice is yours, of course. And it was true, the choice really was Summer's, but in the same way a parent gives a child a choice, there was a right one and a wrong one. While no one would say anything if her guards entered the meeting hall with her, there would certainly be a more pervasive sense of unease and restlessness. However, the leader of a village could never be too careful, especially one so new to the post.

Summer's lone eye scanned around the soldiers on the other side of the door, a soft hum leaving her lips. There were definitely a good few guards in this establishment but Summer was certain none of them came close to the level of her guards, let alone herself. Part of her wanted to shout at them that this was nearly a threat to her safety but perhaps it was the opposite? Instead of saying anything about them, she simply smiled and put a hand over her heart, giving a nod before stepping forwards, both of her guards stepping in with her. It was obvious they were sizing up the Daimyo's retinue but that was always going to happen, she knew about the rivalries that such warriors had, Summer had simply been forced to learn how not to focus on them. "I thank you for your warm welcome. My travels were uneventful, which I take as a positive, it is good to get out and stretch my legs somewhat. Being cooped up in an office all day is not good for an active person like myself but needs must." She chuckled quietly and looked to both of her bodyguards.

"Both of you go and relax, try and make some friends. I will be more than safe in here." She told them both and although she could tell they were apprehensive, they knew not to ignore commands and both of them bowed with a quick "Yes Ma'am Kage." Before moving off. With that done Summer turned back to the woman that had greeted her. She adjusted the bracers she wore under her top and mantle and dusted herself down to make sure no specs had been left from her travel. "Please lead the way to the Daimyo, thank you. I would also like your name, it's possible that I will be dealing with you again some time soon and I make it a point of mine to know the names of anyone I'll be working with so that I can create a better working relationship." Her voice was genuinely friendly as she asked, she did love people, talking to them and learning about them and she found that being friendly allowed her to do more than if she acted arrogant and imperious.

Summer's guards would be met with a similarly dressed attendant, this one a darker male with wisps of snow white hair combed over the top of a bald head. He would greet them warmly and escort them to the aforementioned room where the shinobis' every need and want would be met until Summer's meeting was over. Ah of course, Lady Kage. My name is Mavis Quillian and I am the Daimyo's chief assistant. I've worked with our lord Daimyo for over ten years now and yes, you are correct to assume this most likely won't be the last time we speak. Mavis said with a smile and slight blush, realizing she may have overstepped in her summary of herself and did not want to bore the Abisukage with her life. It was a fine line between being informed and being bored. Now then, if you'll follow me, the Daimyo should be expecting you momentarily. If Summer followed, she would be escorted up an ornate marble staircase, down a decorated hall with art and sculptures lining the walls and then lead to two large wooden doors with two more guards posted on either side. The guards would creek open the doors slowly, giving Summer the grand entrance only a Kage deserved. Mavis would smile politely back at Summer as the doors were pushed open, the sound blocking out any sounds of whispering as she said, Please keep in mind our Daimyo can come off as a bit...abrasive at times, but he truly is a good man. Have patience Lady Abisukage.

With that, Mavis would step forward through the doorway and announce loudly, My gracious Daimyo of the Land of Abyss, it is with great pleasure I announce the arrival of Abisukage Sumer Osuna of Dipugakure. The large chamber echoed with Mavis's words and upon entering Summer would find herself in an equally ornate room with massive marble pillows, lavish drapes and in front of her a set of smaller marble stairs leading up to a large chair. Upon which sat what one would at first assume to be a skeleton, but upon closer inspection one could see it was a very old man. His skin was a deep brown like burned caramel, bald entirely with his skin pulled tight across his bones to create sharp features. The ornate robes he wore appeared more as heavy blankets than actual clothing on his slender frame. He sat with one arm on the armrest of his chair, a fist supporting his head by the cheek. The other hand drummed rhythmically on the armrest, bone against stone to create the only other sound in the chamber. Yes, yes, very well. Thank you Mavis, stay close as I may need you. Mavis bowed deeply and said, Of course my lord, I'll be just outside should either of you need anything. With that, Mavis turned and walked out the large doors, the guards closing them behind, but not before flashing Summer a quick smile of good luck.

Ah yes, the new Abisukage, so young. Honestly you lot get younger and younger with each changing of the guard. The old man sighed, Ah, but where are my manners? You've traveled far to be here today, and to be visited by the Kage no less, never mind an envoy...clearly this must be something important. The Daimyo continued, pausing to cough a deep, mucusy cough before finishing his sentence. So, what is it that I can help you with today? I assume you want something...or need something rather. Wanting, I've been told, comes across as too harsh and accusative. Though, it's the truth, you lot never visit this place unless you want something, so why shouldn't I speak the truth? I've lived long enough and dealt with enough of you to earn that right I'd say. The Daimyo nodded to himself, as if he were the only one actually part of the conversation.

"It is very much a pleasure, Mavis. I thank you for all the work that you've done and for treating my guards with such respect. I know that bringing armed men could be an issue but it was for traveling only, to think I'd be attacked in a Daimyo's palace is absurd." She laughed softly and warmly as she followed Mavis, keeping her hands behind her back, folded together. She scanned everywhere as she moved, putting it to memory so that she'd be able to find her own way out if she had to. You didn't get to Abisukage without a little bit of paranoia after all. "I promise you Mavis, I will have dealt with more abrasive people in my life, you'd be surprised how arrogant some Shinobi can come across as, especially when you're my age or younger. Regardless of rank differences, some of them think they are better than you just due to their age." With that done and another nod to Mavis, she entered the room with her to meet the Daimyo.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Daimyo." Summer put one foot behind the other and lowered herself forwards into a deep bow before rising and walking over to stand next to the chair at the other end of the table to the Daimyo. She'd gesture towards it and wait for him to give a signal that she was allowed to sit. Whether or not she was allowed to, she'd listen to what he was saying, watching him with her lone, pink eye. "Age usually matters little to Shinobi, Daimyo. Merit, strength and conviction are the prime attributes that we look for, as all do. Age brings experience but so does being out on the battlefield or leading a squad to advancement." She waited a moment after this as though to mull over her words.

"I would prefer that you spoke the truth to me. Despite my appearances, I am not a little girl. I can handle even the harshest of truths. You are quite correct however, Daimyo. I do want something from you and you are well within your remit to say as such. Things have been harsh recently for Dipugakure and I have been doing my best to restore the state of the Hidden Village, however that brings me to the primary issues... Xel and Epsilon. As we know, the latter holds a near monopoly on materials and skilled, civilian labour. There is only so much that I can do on my own but without the necessary funding and manpower, I cannot restore Dipugakure to the glory that befits it. Which is where my request to you comes in. As the Abisukage, ruler of Dipugakure, I require funding and a liaison to Epsilon to negotiate upgrades to the city, rebuilding the infrastructure, starting a proper economy and enhancing the equipment present for Dipugakure shinobi." She spread her arms as she spoke before steepling her fingers in front of her.

The Daimyo nodded and extended a hand towards the seat made for Summer, allowing the young woman to take her place before she continued her speech. The old man listened carefully and thoughtfully, smiling when she asked to not be judged for her youthful appearance and be spoken only the truth no matter what the consequence. He had to respect that level of confidence, even if he didn't plan to show that respect outright. After Summer finished, the old man slowly stroked his chin, staring off in the distance, deep in thought. He placed his hands together, the pads of each finger knocking against one another several times before shaking his head and saying, Ah, just as I thought, wants and desires. Quite the tall order I might add. Yet all I hear is what you - or rather Dipugakure - wants, what will benefit the village and its people. You would have been smart to have lead with what you can offer me and mine. The old man coughed into his hand before clearing his throat, Though you don't strike me as a bullshitter Miss Osuna, it is sometimes best to bullshit anyway. This room is a battlefield my dear, even if it does not resemble the one you carved a Bijuu on, it is a battlefield all the same. In the world of politics, play to your host's faults and sinful desires; their gluttony and greed...their desire for self-preservation.

The old man smiled, a wolfish smile as if he were amused by this whole situation, Ah but there I go again, surely boring you with my rants and lectures. That's what the grandchildren say, that I'm boring, they don't want to spend time with boring ole Pa because he just talks and talks and talks. The little shits aren't exactly my favorite cretins to be around either, but you can't tell that to a kid I imagine. More bullshit, you see? You spew shit and words you don't believe in order to maintain a relationship, so everyone is happy. So, with that Abisukage Summer Osuna I ask, with all these requests what shall I expect in return? I assume some form of military presence, that's what the previous iterations have offered me.

"I would not presume to know what you want, I'd prefer to leave that up to you to speak of. To assume is to cause insult and that is not what I am looking for. In a battlefield, bullshitting can lead to mistakes, false information and such things lead to death. I am no stranger to that concept and such things have nearly ended my own life, so I refuse to bullshit even when it would be advantageous. This may seem idiotic at times but I hold to my principles." She told him, her voice tranquil as she spoke. "As part of that, I'll say that you do not bore me in the slightest. It is refreshing to learn about someone who has lived a life fighting political wars rather than physical ones. Hearing people talk about the ways they kill people gets... Tiring after a while, very tiring." She chuckled softly, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back in the chair.

"I will however follow your request. Military aid is an offer that is easy enough to give and is always useful. Things are tumultuous and Missing Nin are becoming more common, having committed, trained guards will be of use. I will also offer you monetary compensation, given over time of course. I am thinking a percentage of village and mission income. There is also space within the Village, due to what has occurred, that specific buildings could be created if there was something of that line you wished for. Lastly..." She took a breath and let it out with a bright smile. "...I offer you glory and excitement. This world is going to be changing, Daimyo and I will do. Too long have things sat stagnant, people worry about what will happen, about if we'll be attacked. I want to change that fear to courage and you could be at the forefront of it. You could be seen as an icon of a new age, no more shadow politics, hunting for the right deal. I need backers and I need support, Abisukage is not my end goal. There is much more that you, and I, could become, Daimyo."

For a long moment after Summer finished speaking, the room was completely silent. The Daimyo simply stared at Summer, his face betraying no sign of emotion or thinking. He simply sat there, staring at the young Abisukage. Then finally, a smile cracked his lips and he slowly touched the tips of his fingers in front of his face, his elbows resting on the top of the table. Sighing, My, that was quite the speech Miss Osuna. I can see why the people of Dipugakure elected you their governing body...and more importantly their protecter. What you say is true, but not for me. The world is changing, just as it always has, just as it always will. I've lived through many changes of the world, some good, some devastatingly bad. Each time a new generation rises up from the ashes, just as someone will take this very seat I sit in. The Daimyo leaned back for a moment, staring out the large windows to the left of the table. Outside was a clear day, large puffy white clouds floated lazily in the sky, and the air was crisp and fresh to mark the dawn of a new spring. The Daimyo breathed deeply before turning his attention back to Summer, Again, you're right and you're wrong. I suspect there is much you can yet still become Summer Osuna. I suspect you will make a name for yourself far greater than just Abisukage, but then again perhaps I'm biased. You do represent my country after all. The old man said with a smirk.

Where you're wrong is thinking there is much more I could become. I am at my limit of what I can become, but that is why I require a personal promise. A mission I need you to oversee personally in the coming months or years, or however long I last. The rest of it, the military aid and a cut of the profits from the oh so lucrative trade deal I'll build between you and Epsilon...that bit we'll hash out after I get your word on this. The Daimyo stared directly at Summer now, his eyes laser focused and his mind seemingly clear. Gone was the man prattling about, speaking each thought as it came to him, You see, my children are gnawing at the bit so to speak for this chair. I wouldn't be surprised if one of them gets fed up with waiting and just has me poisoned or smothered in my sleep at some point. The oldest is already 60, he has one foot in the grave and hasn't even had a taste of the power this seat holds. I don't intend for him, or any other of my kin, to ever taste that power...and they know it. The Daimyo stared at the massive wooden doors Summer had entered through before looking back at Summer, They may not know my wishes exactly, but I've no doubt they've deduced who I plan to leave the this seat to...even if she herself doesn't know yet. Her presence here for much longer puts her life at risk and I simply can't have that. What I need, Abisukage, is for you to take Mavis with you when you leave today. She will be an envoy between my office and yours and will not only be instrumental in brokering this agreement, but I will also have my contacts within Epsilon report directly to her once all the facets of the deal have been established. As a result you'll have a direct line to Epsilon and my office within your village limits...ideally very, very close to you personally. While my family may not be as physically imposing as someone of your status, they're rich and worst of all...stupid. Let Mavis be this icon you so highly speak of, let her usher in a new age...a new relationship between the shinobi and the office of the Daimyo. Is this something you can handle, Miss Abisukage?

Once he was done talking, the young Abisukage crossed one arm under her chest and brought the other up to tap her fingers against her chin. It was an interesting request to say the least and the logistics of what would need to occur flashed across Summer's mind as she thought about it. However, judging by how he was acting, she needed to do this. It was a good thing she already rather liked Mavis. "Mavis seems like a qualified individual and I would be more than happy to have her as my personal liaison between us. I will keep her protected and treat her with the utmost respect and courtesy. What you're doing is dangerous but sometimes we all must do dangerous things in order to get the best results out of life." She said with a wry grin before leaning forwards slightly, letting her body relax somewhat. "However, I would highly suggest that you speak to Mavis and... Convince her to go along with this knowingly. I am sure that I could help with that. People need to know what they are doing, it helps strengthen their resolve and means that if something were to happen, responsibility would not be dropped on her like proverbial bricks from on high." She told him.

"You do fully have my word on this, Mavis will become an exemplary beacon of what can happen when a Kage and a Daimyo truly cooperate." She smiled brightly and then let out a quiet sigh. "With that done, I believe it's time to get onto numbers, truly my favourite part of paperwork." Reaching under her mantle she pulled out several pieces of paper and laid them out in front of her. "To open with, I'll offer fifteen percent of the village's income and five percent of mission revenue. I will grant you access to a standing force of shinobi twenty strong, you can hand-pick who you would like. In addition, I will grant access to several construction projects within the Village for you to either oversee, choose or alter to your specifications. Let the negotiations begin properly." Summer said, sliding her terms across the table to him with a gentle flick of her wrist and then leaning back to see what he would say.

The Daimyo nodded, pulling a handkerchief from within his robes and coughing into it. He pulled back, looking at what he had produced and frowned with a look of concern, before folding the handkerchief back up and placing it within his robe. Everything she'll need for her new post will be given to her upon my death. All questions answered and everything set up for a seamless transition of power so long as you are protecting her. For now, knowledge would only endanger her more. She can handle the responsibility, I have no doubt. She's been under my wing since she was a child and is more prepared than she even probably realizes. I thank you deeply for your part in this request. The Daimyo smiled as Summer moved into the more financial realm of the agreement, Ah yes, all business I see. Good, that will get you far in your tenure as a leader. The Daimyo listened carefully, picking up the papers and offers from the table and reading them as Summer spoke. Once done, he placed them back on the table and thought in silence for a moment.

It will be twenty-five percent of the village's income and ten percent of mission revenue. The twenty strong shinobi force is fine and I'll only need to pick five, the other fifteen I want picked by those five. There's no point in forcing twenty shinobi to work together who hardly know one another or how each fights. I would like an embassy constructed within the village limits, somewhere secure and guarded at all times. This will be where Mavis eventually stays and where I stay should I visit. It would also be smart to house Epsilon representatives should they ever choose to come check in on trades, though they're a reclusive bunch so who knows. The Daimyo took a deep breath and paused for a moment before his final request, Lastly, I'd like a Temple to Cthulu built. I've...taken a likening to the Mad God's teachings and find it comforting in the twilight of my life. I'd like to spread the word to all of the Land of Abyss. Besides, the Shogunate has a temple in their land, so why shouldn't we? Show those western bastards they're no better than us. The Daimyo smiled and slid Summer's terms back to her, Now it's your turn. He fully expected a rebuttal offer from the Abisukage and honestly wouldn't be all that offended, in fact it'd show she was a true leader. More concerned with the good of her people than appeasing an old rich man.

Summer's face was neutral as she listened to his terms and took the papers back, looking over them for a moment before shaking her head. "Twenty five percent of the village income would cripple the village's economy before it could even start. We need a stable footing. I can equalise the village income and mission income to fifteen percent for both. Any more and we're either damaging the village itself or weakening motivation to perform missions which is dangerous. The Shinobi Guard I can agree on, having a well oiled machine is better than lone wolves." Summer then scratched the scar on her cheek as she leaned back in her seat, lifting one leg over the other. "The Temple and Embassy are absolutely possible and will be done to your, or one of your employee's, specifications."

A few heartbeats went past before she spoke again. "Another possibility is to ask for specific missions to be created for my more important Shinobi and Kunoichi, potentially including the ANBU. Everyone has hurdles and enemies and there are always ways to deal with such, especially discretely. It is what some Shinobi specialise in after all. Would such a thing be of interest to you? It might help secure the future for Mavis as well, if not aid yourself or your fortune." She told him, hands folded in her lap, her gaze steady. It was a risky idea but clandestine actions were a good way to tip the scales.

The old man smiled as Summer fired back her response, I'm impressed, stubborn but smart and calculating. I can't see the future, so I don't know if Dipugakure will thrive under you rule but I must say you're the horse I'd put my money on. Fifteen percent will be just fine, over time perhaps we can even decrease the amount I pocket if Dipugakure truly thrives the way you believe it will. Mmhmm yes, I'll have my people draw up some plans for the temple and embassy once everything with Epsilon is ironed out, that takes priority, you have my word. The old man then stared out the window, silent for another long moment. He seemed deep in thought, but no longer consciously in the room after hearing Summer's suggestion about the ANBU. Then, after several minutes he nodded slowly and coughed quietly into a handkerchief. Yes... He began, barely a whisper, and then louder in a more natural conversational tone, Yes, I've considered your ANBU to deal with my various...problems. I'm still mulling it over. It's one thing to take everything from your family and blindside them, it's a whole other to consider...more drastic matters. Though, I want to be clear that should your peoples' services be required, it must be under the pretense of absolute discretion. Word like that leaking to the rest of the world... The old man trailed off, shaking his head slowly as he imagined. As payment for such discretion I'd pay handsomely and waive any tariff we set up here today for that...errand. He stared at Summer again, as if seeing her, truly, for the first time, Now then, what else is there Abisukage?

"My scars have taught me all too well that this world is harsh and to survive, one must be in control. You must know when kindness is required and when it's better to cut down your problem before it can truly become one. I have learned that mistake myself and vowed never to let it happen again." Summer put her hands on the arms of the chair and drummed her fingers for a moment. "The ANBU is discretion at its finest, secrecy is what they do and they know that if they are caught, the punishment for giving out information is worse than anything that a foe could do to them. If you require their services, liaison through Mavis and ensure that it has your personal seal, anyone trying to copy you or frame you will be dealt with... Harshly." Her voice held ice as she spoke and she put her papers together and rose to her feet, her hands sliding around behind her back. "Would you like me to take Mavis with me just now or will you send her along later? I am more than happy to do either, one makes her safer, the other allows you to brief her properly and make her more comfortable."

Summer looked towards the door before looking back. "I am glad for your support, Daimyo. I hope you realise how truly grateful I am. Everything is falling apart in this world but I will make it stable, by blood, by sweat, by sheer determination. I vow that and I hope that you will be around long enough to see what I can truly do."

The Daimyo smiled, Have no doubt girl, a cruel, serious tone overtaking his voice now. For the first time he had not referred to Summer in a formal way, it is not kindness that holds my hand now. You're intelligent and ruthless when it comes to protecting you and yours, admirable qualities. In time you will learn something you may believe you already know, but in fact...you couldn't possibly. The measure of a man... He trailed off, looking at Summer for a long minute before picking up where he had left off, The measure of a person, is not how much he or she has, how many peace treaties or trade agreements were successfully brought to fruition under his or her rule, but instead it's how he treated those closest to him in life. Statues and legends mean nothing if they represent a false idol. It is not kindness that stays my hand, it's my humanity. The old man finished, his final word barely above a whisper, but his gaze as steely strong as a man far younger than he.

Make no mistake, it is not your ANBU or their many talents which I doubt. I'm sure they're some of the most skilled in the world. It's the nature of secrets which I put no faith in. They always have a way of coming out, nothing stays buried forever. The Daimyo stared out the window once more, his age now showing in the wrinkles of his skin. Lines of worry creased into his face from decades of rule. Many Daimyo are seen as simple symbols, fat aristocrats who do no more than eat and host banquets. While not untrue, no ruler sat simply and lavishly. They all had trouble in their life, they all faced worry and concern, just as anyone else might. I'm not a pacifist by nature, but I've learned in this life that the more problems solved with blood...the harder the stain becomes to remove. If you take nothing else from this conversation, make certain it's that. Be selective, always. He said, addressing the window rather than Summer, though his words weren't meant for anyone else in the world. Mavis will be going with you, she's already been made aware that she'd be leaving with you and your company long before you stepped foot on these grounds. The old man said, revealing he had already planned for a positive outcome from this negotiation. Though she doesn't know everything we've discussed here today and I'd advise you to keep it that way, for the near future. As far as she knows, she'll be acting as the emissary for the negotiations between my palace, Epsilon, and your village. Expect to hear word from my palace about Epsilon within the week.