WAB: Chapter 3

As we were led into Kobayakawa Castle, I noticed the Guards were not equipped and outfitted in the standard attire and with the standard blades for the usual Samurai. Oh certainly, there were the standard Katana that you would expect from troops like this, but they weren't wearing the usual Kimono, Haori, and Hakama you'd see on Samurai, but instead embroidered greatcoats and caps, a lot more similar to what you would see troops of the Polar People Wear. What really cinched things were the revolvers they wore on their belts opposite their Katana.

Such weapons were similar to the Steam Cannons in that they were universally banned by mutual decree of every Daimyo and Hidden Village. A revolver like that was a good way for even an untrained, Non-Chi, Non-Chakra-Using Man to be capable of wounding or even killing Genin or the Samurai Footsoldiers of Iron. They were considered the equivalent of the Doton: Iwa Dangan no Jutsu (Earth Release: Rock Bullet Technique). It was effectively a C-Rank Jutsu that could be fired by a normal person for as long as they had ammunition. You could see why everyone had a vested interest in keeping such weapons out of the Elemental Nations.

I frowned, tapping out a warning to my cousin in Konoha tapcode on the boar-shaped hilt of the Blade of Inoshishi-no-Kami. Kiba frowned and side-eyed the guards, so I know he heard it and took note. Kurosawa didn't seem to notice, or else maybe he didn't realize what I was doing was more than a simple display of nervousness, which was just as I had planned. Regardless, he led us into the Throne Room of Kobayakawa Castle without pausing to question my tapping.

The Throne Room of Kobayakawa Castle was highly traditional, a holdover from the days before the Polar People had opened their borders to large-scale trade just before the Third Great Shinobi War. It was all wood, lacquer, and traditional paper lanterns. All, that is, save for the music that filtered in from a gramophone that sat on a pedestal next to the throne. The sounds of Drums and Horns filtered through the recording, sounding halfway between a Viking War Song and a Nineteenth Century Military March. It was music that, in this world, was associated with the Polar People's Military, a force that enforced the Semi-Isolation of the Polar People from the rest of the Elemental Nations by dint of the fact that their technology allowed them to fight a war against every hidden village at once without immediately being overrun, while also making the war bloody enough to not be worth it.

Seated on the throne was a man who had accented his blue and red Kimono with the brass accents that the Polar People tended to wear. He had a hat, not too dissimilar from the kind worn by the Great Regional Lords that answered to the Fire Daimyo, and also had a Polar People Revolver in his Obi. The fact his Katana was lain at the side of his Throne as if discarded, while the revolver was put in his place spoke volumes, though not as many as the second man in the room.

He had Brass and Crystal Goggles pushed up on his forehead, keeping his brown hair out of his eyes. A full, bushy, brown beard covered the bottom half of his face, while an armored greatcoat trimmed in bear fur was buttoned up tight over his torso. Straps across his chest held a number of tools while his hands and arms were covered in clockwork gloves that seemed to be able to enhance his movements somehow. At his belt was a revolver, though this one was not simply any revolver, but seemed to bear the telltale signs of Fuuinjutsu scribed along its cylinder and barrel. That was a dangerous combination indeed, and the look in the man's Moss Green eyes belied a curious sort of cunning.

This then, was Harathoka of the Polar People, although if I had to guess, the real pronunciation of his name was something more like Hrothgar. Kurosawa led us over to just within sight of the throne and bowed. Hrothgar looked over at us with curiosity as he paused the gramophone, lifting the needle up and clearing his throat. Lord Kobayakawa looked over at us and gestured for Kurosawa to rise.

"Kurosawa, who have you brought before me and why do they not bow?" Questioned Lord Kobayakawa.

"I bring you two Shinobi, who have recently rented rooms at the Hotel Moeru. Your esteemed third cousin, Lady Yumiko thought you might have some interest in speaking with them." Informed Kurosawa.

"Is that so? Well then, introduce and explain yourselves, Shinobi. I can hardly be expected to speak with unknown parties, can I?" Queried Lord Kobayakawa.

"I am Akimichi Choji, Heir to the Akimichi Clan of Konoha, by the Grace of the Hokage and the Assent of the Daimyo, I have been accorded the Rank of Churo of Hakage Province in my own right, the same rank you now hold here in Natsu Province. That is why I do not bow." I announced.

"Ah, a fellow Noble Lord, then? Tell me, Akimichi-Dono, what do you think of the improvements to Tetsumizu that I have made these past few years?" Asked Lord Kobayakawa.

"Many of them are quite. . .novel, Kobayakawa-Dono. I particularly enjoyed the Jinko-Onsen. However, I see many that could be construed as problematic." I offered.

"Problematic? How so?" Questioned Lord Kobayakawa.

"Perhaps you were unaware of the Ban on certain technologies from the Polar People? By mutual decree of every Daimyo and Hidden Village, the importation or creation of Polar People Weaponry has been banned." I informed.

"I am aware of the Terms of the Third Convention of Iron, however, I am sure that such things will be repealed in time, once the Daimyo sees the worth of such technologies." Huffed Lord Kobayakawa.

"It is not the worth of the technology that is in question, Kobayakawa-Dono. Quite the opposite." I tried.

"You are speaking of the backward methods of military organization in practice by the powers of the Elemental Nations, are you not? Such things will naturally be shed in time, once the methods are proven. One cannot outrun the avalanche, one learns to ski or one gets crushed." Spoke up Hrothgar.

"And you are speaking of forcing an arms race. How do you believe you will fare in such an event, Kobayakawa-Dono?" I queried.

"I am uniquely suited to supplying the Armies of the Fire Daimyo. Tetsumizu City is the only place where one can find a Mechanist of the Polar People in the whole of the Elemental Nations, is that not so, Hrothgar?" Grinned Lord Kobayakawa.

"It is, My Lord." Nodded Hrothgar.

"You are forgetting something, I think, Kobayakawa-Dono. This revolution in Military Power will not occur without bloodshed. These Cannons and Revolvers of the Polar People may well work against Genin and Chunin, or the Average Footsoldier or Lower Officer of the Samurai, but it will take more than that to fell a Jonin or Samurai General, and far more than that to fell a Kage-level opponent. Do you imagine the forces arrayed against you will simply allow this revolution to happen peacefully? Remember the lessons of Hidden Sky. They attempted to do this once before, taking advantage of the pre-occupation that the Elemental Nations had with the Second Great Shinobi War. Where is Hidden Sky now? Rendered to dust blown away by the winds of history, that is where. Have a care you do not seek to repeat their mistake." I frowned.

"I see. And who is your companion with the Dog? Does he feel the same way?" Asked Lord Kobayakawa.

"I am Inuzuka Kiba, heir to the Inuzuka Clan of Konoha, and Choji's my cousin. If he says it'll lead to war with everyone, I'm gonna back him on that. You don't undermine pack by doing otherwise." Nodded Kiba as Akamaru gave a yip of agreement.

"I see. That being so, perhaps this audience has reached its end?" Questioned Hrothgar.

"Quite right, Hrothgar, quite right. Kurosawa, you may escort Akimichi-Dono and his Companion out of my castle." Intoned Lord Kobayakawa.

The trip back was quiet, with Kurosawa as taciturn as he was leading us into the Castle, while Kiba, Akamaru, and I were likewise silent. As we were led through the corridors, past various guards, Kiba tapped out a question in Konoha Tapcode on the hardened leather of his Kunai Pouch that I immediately picked up on and began to reply to via tapping the Boar-Shaped Pommel of the Blade of Inoshishi-No-Kami.

'What do we do now?' Tapped out Kiba.

'We do not return to the Hotel. They will wait for us to sleep before killing us.' I returned in tapcode.

'Split up and infiltrate?' Tapped Back Kiba.

'Under Henge. Infiltrate, Sabotage, and try to find out what's going on at the docks.' I tapped in reply.

'Understood. Different Disguises?' Tapped Kiba.

'I'll Henge into an Ame Jonin. You do the same with a Taki Jonin.' I ordered in tapcode.

'Affirmative. Meet on the road east of the City after exfiltration.' Agreed Kiba in Tapcode.

'Affirmative.' I confirmed in Tapcode.

"Hold for a moment, please Kurosawa-San." Came a female voice.

Our tapcode conversation paused and we looked to our right to find a Noblewoman who was perhaps a decade younger than Lord Kurosawa in a beautiful blue and red floral Kimono. Kurosawa bowed to the Noblewoman before responding to her command.

"Of course, Lady Kurosawa-Sama." Affirmed Kurosawa.

This then, had to be Lord Kurosawa's Wife, the Lady Michiko. Lady Michiko was the Daughter of Lord Hosokawa, Daimyo of Nikko Province, and descendant of the famed Minamoto Clan of River Country, who themselves had claimed descent from a Bastard Son of the Ochre Emperor, and thus from the Jade Emperor who once ruled all under heaven. Such auspicious blood tended to be rare in this day and age, and like my own Clan, which was descended from a Bastard Son of the Pearl Emperor, tended to produce unusually powerful Warriors. How the previous Lord Kobayakawa had managed to get the match made between Lady Michiko and his son, the Current Lord Kobayakawa, was unknown, but presumably, there was some measure of bribery or extortion involved.

"Shinobi, walk with me if you please." Intoned Lady Kobayakawa.

"Apologies My Lady, but your Lord Husband commanded I see these Shinobi out of the Castle." Insisted Kurosawa.

"Surely their exit can be put off for a few minutes for a walk about the Gardens?" Queried Lady Kobayakawa.

"They are Shinobi, My Lady." Frowned Kurosawa.

"You have my word as a Churo of Hakage Province that nothing untoward will happen to your lady and that we will both return to this spot once she has no further need of us." I offered.

"But. . ." Began Kurosawa.

"Unless you are attempting to gainsay the word of a Noble of the same rank as your Lord, Kurosawa-Dono?" I asked.

"No. Forgive me, Akimichi-Sama. I would never claim your word false." Bowed Kurosawa.

And with that, he let us go with Lady Kobayakawa into the Gardens of Kobayakawa Castle. I could tell Kiba wanted to say something about how he didn't think that would've worked, but my Cousin hadn't just spent two years on a Diplomatic Posting as an ambassador. You couldn't be on that sort of mission for that long in as traditional a hidden village as Tanigakure and not learn how Courtly Manners and Etiquette worked for the Nobility. True, we were Shinobi, but the fact that I was a legitimate Churo of Hakage Province meant that I was still the same Rank as Lord Kobayakawa now was, which meant that if I gave my word of honor, it was above reproach by anyone less important than someone of Koshogumi Rank, which meant a Lord of a whole Province. As we walked through the Gardens of Kobayakawa Castle, Lady Kobayakawa favored me with a small smile. It seemed that the byplay was not as lost on her as it was on my cousin.

"That was skillfully done, Akimichi-Dono." She opined.

"Thank you, My Lady. I am returning from a diplomatic posting in River Country and one does not spend two years as an ambassador without learning a thing or two about Courtly Etiquette, even if I am more at home on the field of battle." I demurred.

"Still. It is not something that many in my Husband's Court would expect of a Shinobi." Insisted Lady Kobayakawa.

"You get many Shinobi in Court?" Questioned Kiba. Akamaru made a low whine in his throat that showed how doubtful he found that statement.

"No, not many. I assume you know that the moment you leave the Castle Grounds, Hrothgar will be sending men after you?" Queried Lady Kobayakawa.

"The thought had occurred to me, My Lady. I must confess it is interesting that you would warn us, however." I mused.

"Yeah? What gives?" Asked Kiba.

"My cousin did not put it in polite speech suitable for a Lady at Court, but he makes a salient point. There must be something you wish for out of this arrangement. What would that be, I wonder?" I questioned.

"I am not a fool, nor am I blind, Akimichi-Dono. I know what my husband is doing is illegal in the worst sense of the word. That he would have the entirety of the Elemental Nations seeking his head should word spread." Admitted Lady Kobayakawa.

"You believe word will spread, then?" I queried.

"Let us be frank, Akimichi-Dono. Even were Hrothgar's Men to succeed in gunning you down, once his pet project is complete, there will be no amount of hiding the armaments within the Castle Grounds that will keep my Husband's activities a secret. And I sincerely doubt that you would be gunned down unless Hrothgar and Kurosawa-Dono worked together on the issue. I recognize Tokubetsu Jonin when I am in their presence, after all." Smirked Lady Kobayakawa.

"Smart Lady. Smarter than her husband, at least." Grinned Kiba, Akamaru yipping his agreement.

"More to the point, what pet project would this be?" I asked.

"You have noticed all the materials going to the docks, yes? They are heading into my Husband's Private Drydock to create something of monstrous power. My Husband is calling it the Mizumi-No-Ou (King of the Lake). It is a Warship made of Iron, with a full deck of Steam Cannons, each of which has been scribed with Fuuinjutsu. This is to be Hrothgar's Masterwork and my Husband sees it as his Method to Herald in a new age." Informed Lady Kobayakawa.

This was bad. I had thought maybe there was a foundry for steam cannons on the docks, but this? An Ironclad Battleship with seal-scribed guns? That would allow Lord Kobayakawa to demolish entire armies of Shinobi or Samurai, even some Jonin wouldn't be safe. Not only that, but it would allow Lord Kobayakawa to project power not only around the shores of Lake Moeru, which was a big lake, but also through the rest of Natsu Province and into Rekka and Nikko Provinces. Depending on how shallow the Draft Was, it might even be able to enter Mizutani Province at Lake Tou and down into Taika Province and the Capital of Fire Country via the Hougou River.

"I see you understand the seriousness of the situation." Remarked Lady Kobayakawa.

"So what would you have us do?" I questioned.

"Simple. If I know Shinobi, you are already planning some sort of mission, yes?" Queried Lady Kobayakawa.

"Perhaps." I allowed.

"I can give you information on how to destroy the Mizumi-No-Ou in Drydock. Hrothgar thought I was not intelligent enough to read his schematics. He was mistaken." Intoned Lady Kobayakawa.

"And in return?" I asked.

"When you tell your Kage and the inevitable attack on the Castle Comes, I wish safe passage for myself and my infant son out of the Battlefield to the Court of My Father in Nikko Province. My son is an innocent in all this, he is scarcely a year old. In consideration for the aid I provided, you will negotiate that for me." Laid out Lady Kobayakawa.

"Sure. We're not in the business of killing kids, anyway." Shrugged Kiba, Akamaru letting out a chuff of annoyance it was even insinuated.

"I can make no other promises than to try to negotiate such. It will ultimately be up to the Hokage and Daimyo whether or not to agree. I think they will, however. The Hokage is more fond of healing than of harming, as she was a Med-Nin before taking up the Hat, and the Daimyo will listen to her advice on the matter." I nodded.

"That is all I can ask. You will need to get on board the Mizutani-No-Ou and find the Engine Room. From there, according to Hrothgar's Schematics, there should be a boiler that runs off of Fuuinjutsu allowing power to flow to the engines at a constant rate. Supposedly it will allow the Mizutani-No-Ou to achieve speeds only reachable by the Polar People's Fastest Warships while carrying the armament of some of their heaviest. Destroy the Fuuinjutsu Boiler and it should create a chain reaction that will destroy the entire Ship, as well as put the Drydock out of action so another cannot be built before the inevitable attack comes to oust my Husband." Explained Lady Kobayakawa.

"Very well, My Lady. It is a bargain struck." I nodded.

"May the Kami smile on you both. You will need the fortune that comes with it to succeed." Intoned Lady Kobaykawa.

And with that, Kiba and I headed back out of the Gardens. Lady Kobayakawa had taken us on a circuit, leading us right back to the spot we started from. It would seem that her Bloodline did not manifest in being a powerful warrior, but in a cunning and intelligent mind. I'd negotiate the best I could with Tsunade-Sama to get that safe passage for her and her Son. For now, though, Kiba, Akamaru, and I returned to where Kurosawa was waiting for us in the corridors of the Castle, on the way back to the gates. He nodded as we approached, leading us through the rest of Kobayakawa Castle and to the front gates.

As we exited the Castle, Kiba and I both went our separate ways, looking for a good spot to Henge into, unaware that we were being watched by more than Kurosawa and a few gate guards. . .

XXXX

Hrothgar of the Polar People smirked as he watched these Elemental Shinobi try to play games with him by separating. As if that would be enough to stop his men from hunting them down and silencing them. As he sidled up to the Samurai, Kurosawa, he nodded at the man. Kurosawa was useful enough. Honorable and a damn terror in battle. Hrothgar had known Infantrymen in the Konungrherr who were like Kurosawa. It was just a shame that the Samurai was Loyal to the fool who was seated in the Throne Room right now. Otherwise, Hrothgar would be willing to keep the Man on as a General after the Coup.

See, he hadn't been completely forthright about his reasons for being here in the Elemental Nations. He had not been exiled, exactly. Instead, he was one of a number of like-minded venturers who sought wealth, fame, and glory in foreign lands. They'd been inspired by the Journeys of Men like Haakon the Far-Traveled, who found a Sea Route back to the Homelands, and Floki the Island Master who discovered the Lightly-Populated Islands of Hvalirsey and Beinsey, with their abundance of Whale Oil, Walrus Ivory, Amber, Copper, Tin, Iron, Furs, and Timber. Floki had conquered the Skraelings that had called the Islands Home, defeating their Totem Warriors in Battle with Guns and Steam, and established thriving colonies on both Islands.

Hrothgar hoped to do the same here in the Elemental Nations. He already was halfway there, it had only taken finding a suitable fool to pull the puppet strings of from behind the throne. He had found such a suitable fool in the person of Lord Kobayakawa of Tetsumizu. Once he had completed his Masterwork, he would be ready to overthrow the fool and rule openly. The Castle Troops were already more loyal to him than to Lord Kobayakawa, and when the time came, they would be able to force the Fire Daimyo to acquiesce to his presence thanks to his Masterwork. He would effectively have colonized Fire Country that way, similar to how Floki Island Master had done for Hvalirsey and Beinsey. Jarl of Eldland had a nice ring to it, in his not-so-humble opinion.

"They've split up." Spoke up Kurosawa, drawing Hrothgar out of his musing.

"So it would seem." Nodded Hrothgar.

"Should I lead the pursuit?" Questioned Kurosawa.

"No. You and I will head to the Lord's Drydock." Insisted Hrothgar.

"Why would we do that?" Queried Kurosawa.

"Because if these Shinobi are half as sneaky as they are claimed, then they will try to sabotage the Mizutani-No-Ou somehow if they should manage to slip the net." Explained Hrothgar.

"You think they will?" Asked Kurosawa.

"Possibly. Besides, when it comes to strategy, it never hurts to hedge your bets." Shrugged Hrothgar.

"I see. Then I will meet you there." Agreed Kurosawa.

"Take half the available Guards with you when you do and send the other half into the City after our two Shinobi." Ordered Hrothgar.

"Very well." Nodded Kurosawa, as he turned and headed off to carry out his orders.

With a sigh, Hrothgar shook his head, heading for the Drydock in the opposite direction of Kurosawa, He really was going to miss the Samurai when he had to inevitably kill the Man. He was dependable in a way that few were. Good help was so very hard to find in these lands, after all. Still, the marriage of his People's Technology and the Seal-Scribing of these Elementals would more than make up for the loss of Kurosawa in terms of competence. There was a reason it was to be his masterwork, after all. There was still just something about having a dependable subordinate he would miss, though. Shaking his head, Hrothgar of the Polar People made it the rest of the way to Lord Kurosawa's Drydock to await the Shinobi.

He would be proven correct about their sabotage attempt before the night was out. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, so here we have the next chapter. Intrigues abound and Choji and Kiba have gotten caught in Hrothgar's attempt to use Lord Kobayakawa's idiocy and ambition to create an East India Company-Style Pseudo-State out of Fire Country by marrying Polar People Technology to the Fuuinjutsu of the Elemental Nations. The worst part about it is that even if the Fire Daimyo Complains to the King of the Polar People, Hrothgar is technically not here under Royal Sanction, he's an independent venturer. There's not much else to be done there.

You may be asking yourself, where did Hrothgar get the information on Fuuinjutsu from? Well, that's going to be explained in a future chapter. Let's just say he's not the puppetmaster he thinks he is, but has someone else pulling his strings even as he pulls the strings of Lord Kobayakawa. Someone who is very much a Naruto Character and not one of the additions I made to the Setting to flesh out a wider world beyond the Elemental Nations.

At any rate the next chapter will include the attempt by Choji and Kiba to sabotage the Mizutani-No-Ou. I'll also have some images out before then as well.

Stay tuned. . .