Inauguration [Present]

[Uchiha Itashui]

Itashui stood against his desk, fists clenching against the table. He towered over the paper reports of Kumogakure ninja, studying each detail as if trying to make connections. "There has to be something... some lead..." He muttered, one hand ascending to run through his obsidian strands of hair. For once, he look disheveled, his hair a little unkempt as if from lack of sleep. Dark circles or a general weariness overcame his alabaster visage, lips pursing into a scowl. He couldn't stand how close the enemies were approaching. He knew what they were doing, too: testing the waters, seeing how Konoha could handle a little pressure and espionage. It angered him, exhausted him, knowing that the war was approaching the hidden leaf quickly. To think that the people would be in danger - no - he didn't want to fathom it. Hunching over the table, sighing softly, Itashui aimed to recollect himself.

Something tampered with him, something haunted him. He couldn't figure out what it was, but sleep was lost. He stayed up nights, mind reeling with countless thoughts. Whatever it was destroyed the very nature of his exterior. It ached him in a place he thought impossible: his heart. How could this be? Was it the thought of losing many good people to the tragedies of war? Possibly... but, amidst the crowed that he often saw in his nightmare was someone else... someone he couldn't believe would be there alongside family and innocent civilians. He didn't want to ever admit it, so he tried to lock up his thoughts. However, the anxiety and turmoil was interfering with his work ethic... something needed to be done. It was unhealthy, turning into an obsession that festered. Protecting the people was always on his mind, although many probably assumed Itashui, an Uchiha of high status, had power beyond his grasp -- they probably thought he was reaching for that, not the hand of someone who fell, someone who couldn't walk on their own.

Closing his eyes, right hand raising to rub his eyelids and temples, he'd yawn softly. He couldn't help but be surprised to hear his name called, deft ears honing on that very familiar voice. "Itashui-san, if you have a moment, please join me in my office."

Awakening from his own horror of rambling thoughts, Itashui turned to meet the gaze of the Hokage. He didn't utter much but followed with haste. Anything involving the Hokage was important, after all. The man himself didn't speak either, perhaps the conversation left for a private gathering. Still, he couldn't help but feel relieved to be in the presence of a man so loved. In a way, Itashui aspired to be like him, even if it wasn't through the right path. Maybe after his lifetime, Itashui would find the appreciation and love of his nation. Until then, he supposed.

Climbing the stairs to the Hokage's office, he'd calmly place his hand along the old man's back, helping, should he need, with the trek. It was a gesture of reassurance. Whatever the situation was, Itashui was always to be counted on, always a shoulder to lean on. This was a man who trained him, who mentored him, a man who never doubted his loyalties and where they might lie. He was a good man, one to be cherished for a lifetime. It was a shame that war would be brought upon a civilized and peaceful man.

When the two arrived at the office, the Hokage would muster, "There might be others joining us. So, we must wait. I have arranged messenger scouts to bring news for those to arrive here." He sat upon his desk, placing his hat against the surface of the table. Itashui nodded and leaned against the wall, patiently awaiting what this meeting would unravel and unfold. This momentarily blocked the thoughts that preyed upon his mentality and focus. That was good, at least. But, he couldn't help but feel uncertainty at the pit of his stomach.

[Hono Uzumaki]

Hono passed through the doorway and silent stood in the back, waiting for everything to start. He made sure to leave room for Neharo.

[Jinora]

        Jinora would slowly enter into the meeting room, her white garments gently swaying in the breeze. Her ivory eyes drawn towards her fellow clan leaders and important figures. She would nod to Hono-sama. 
         "Sorry I'm late I was delayed...."     
    

[Uchiha Itashui]

Crossing his arms, a few would gather, but judging by the Hokage, who didn't start the meeting, he deduced that not everyone was here. The hokage did respectfully bow and smile, greeting both Hono and Jinora. Itashui too motioned a nod of his head for a greeting, but didn't utter a word. They had to wait, which raised his suspicion. Who were they awaiting? Where was this person or people? Why were they late? Clearing his throat, he gazed out the window that spanned the city, watching with small interest.

[Neharo]

Neharo sauntered in, taking his place next to Hono.

[Tatsuo]

Hiroshi made his way from the Naka Shrine as hasty as his bottoms would carry him. He realized he should have been prepared earlier, but could not easily permit the events that transpired between him and his brother to be overlooked. Being late was a price he would pay and would to deal with later, should it be brought up. But, until that point in time, he had bigger things to worry about, such as the Inauguration. Before he entered, he stopped at the door and placed his hands onto his knees when he hunched over. His breath was short, and he needed to get it back quickly. Doing his best, Hiroshi would stand up straight, clear his throat, and then enter!

[Hono Uzumaki]

"We will be leaving here shortly; we need to show our support as a unified power. I will explain more when we are alone in travel."

Hono caught motion in the corner of his vision, and not to his surprise, the Hokage to-be entered. He looked a little worse for the wear, a little flushed as well. The Uzumaki wondered if everything was alright, because something seemed a miss.

[Jinora]

    Jinora moved towards the desk, her eyes traced the figures of the newcomers. She held her hands in a regal manner her knuckles white against the fair color of her wrist. Her eyes focused into byakugan as she sat down near Itashui. 

[Rinoa]

Just as predicted by the progidal Uchiha, there was another to have been present for this meeting. After all, this was Konoha and one Uchiha cannot be without the other.

The onyx haired female did not burst in as though rushed by the thoughts of being late to this meeting. In fact, she strolled in gracefully, her garments utterly professional. Her metal eyes weren't hardened, however they were void of light, eyes rimmed red as to display her lack of sleep. Her hair was tousled, not proper and straight but slightly moused from having tugged her hand through her hair over and over again.

Just like her partner, she had been looking for a connection between the recent attacks by Kumogakure ninjas, though she had distanced herself from her partner due to rumors that had been flying around her. She didn't want them to be true and had hidden herself, immersing herself in work and being at the Hokage's side. Her voice chimed softly as she spoke, poised posture like royalty. "My apologies, Hokage," she started. "Is this everyone?" Rinoa asked, glancing over the crowd and having hesitated by lingering her gaze over her partner.

[Uchiha Itashui]

Coarse, wrinkly hands clasped together as they sat upon his desk, the Hokage greeting each new face with a smile; appreciative that most of the leaders of Konoha's prestigious clans were present, as well as two potential candidates for things that would be discussed at this meeting. Clearing his throat, he stood, his body hunched in old age. His hands then reunited at his mid-back, but not before taking his Hokage hat. He was silent for a moment, his melancholy eyes scanning the room as if reassuring himself that everyone was paying attention and listening: the news would be difficult to share, as much as he disliked to admit, and even more shocking to hear. Inhaling deeply -- and almost remorsefully -- only to then cough because of his dry, aged throat, the Nidaime Hokage mustered, "You... you have all grown so much... I've watched as your generation sprouted from little pups to full-fledged adults... I'm truly blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing you all throughout my 'presidency', let's say." He paused, collecting his courage and strength, although the tears began to swell up in his eyes, and a lump of grief became difficult to swallow. "As you all know and see, I'm growing old..." He chuckled a bit, humor slightly relieving the pressure of his speech. He walked to one side of his desk, gazing at his Konoha brethren, "I've recently discovered that I'm sick... terminally so... and with the war a threat at our doorstep, I've been fatigued. I've had a few spells that some of you might be aware of, but... that's really beside the point." He paced to the other side of the desk, sorrowful oculars poised at his friends -- he could undeniably call them such. "I called this meeting for a few reasons, but... I'd just like to say that, in order to become a united nation and resume being a great village, we must seek a helping hand in one another; we must call one another family, despite clan heritage or upbringing; we must toss clan stigma and quarrels aside and focus on a future where all are accepted. But, most of all, we must never let ourselves or anyone else extinguish our will of fire..." He'd now stand in front of his desk, pulling the hat from his posterior side, "I'm stepping down as Hokage and announcing a successor, but for the many I've called today, the clan leaders of this generation... you are all here to witness and initiate this noble cause of unity. This is my wish... the dream of a dying, old man. Will you please honor it...? Protect it?"

His eyes surveyed the room again, pausing to observe the responses of those present, before he spoke. "It is decided that you, Hiroshi, will claim the mantle. Do you accept this position, the Sandaime Hokage?" He was holding the 'crown' out now, head bowed in respect. Hopefully, the Uchiha man would accept... otherwise this motivational moment would just turn awkward and downright embarrassing. Still, the Nidaime would wait and pray all would be right.

---

Meanwhile, Itashui paid great attention in detail once those had arrived, even if, at points of the Hokage's speech, he found himself prone to falling asleep. It wasn't that the man was boring, no... his gusto just started off slow.

He didn't understand why his partner shied away from him, but he always figured it had something to do with the Hokage. Maybe he had her following orders of some kind? Gathering information or studying that Intel together? He was a man oblivious to rumors, a man who shrugged people off; he wasn't aware words about the two were being tossed around the village loosely and carelessly. He knew one thing though: it was extremely difficult to gaze at her without something stirring up inside of him; without evoking emotion. Swallowing sharply, which caused his jaw to lock, he shared that lingering gaze with Rinoa, a longing gleam evident in those obsidian orbs. Seeing her, realizing that she looked as tired and tormented as he had, Itashui just... couldn't bear. It was that woman, the woman locked in a stare from across the room, that had plagued him in those nightmares. She was the last person he wanted to dream about - bluntly put - but he felt as if she was breaking through. As much as he yearned it not to be so, the she-devil was clawing through his shell to strike his heart. There was a subtle wince of pain by a scrunch of his brow and clench of his jaws as he broke the connection, hearing the Hokage out in full.

The Uchiha prodigy had nothing but sympathy for the man, respect. And, well, he couldn't agree more with what was preached. Although he was stepping down, it marked the dawning of a new day, a birthing of a new civilization -- one that didn't involve clan feuds or disputes, but a hopeful peace. People would likely deduce the old man was senile and insane, but it wasn't that far-fetched of a goal. It was something all the people could realistically aspire toward. The man would get a great audience, at least from Itashui. When all was said and done, he'd respectfully bow like the Nidaime had been, awaiting the acceptance of the next in line. If one were to notice the hints of sadness, well, then they had quite the pair of eyes.

He'd still protect that man, that mentor, and care for him dearly like anyone else would. And, well, with the news of his imminent death, Itashui knew this wasn't the last time they'd see this awe-inspiring man. Hell no.

It was now all up to Hiroshi. Would he fill the man's shoes? It was a heavy burden and large boot to fill, but Itashui noted that he was ultimately the Hokage's first decision. He had to trust he was making the right choice.

[Hono Uzumaki]

Hono kept his eyes on the Hokage to be. He smiled an remained quiet and waited to greet the man after he has accepted his title.

[Neharo]

The new Uzumaki adviser sat silently awaiting the nominee's response.

[Tatsuo]

Hiroshi, with his cranium graciously elevated, inspected those gathered. This was done to see if all of the persons he desired to address, after the gathering, had been present. So far so good. There were the leaders of their clans and then there had been Itashui, a man he had the chance to meet with a few times, and most occasions were not pleasant ones. When the two had been put on the same team, things were often too serious for them to chit-chat, but there was trust nonetheless. Regardless, Itashui would be one of the few he would have to converse with after his 'crowning' drew to a conclusion. When the present Hokage began to voice his feelings, Hiroshi listened to the male's words attentively, having been a meticulous individual. He then sensed warmness wash over him as the leader of this village, and his mentor spoke of obtaining an abetting hand in one another, a belief both he and Hiroshi held. Nevertheless, this was not the time to contemplate such matters, more-or-less, the inappropriate moment to do so.


When the Nidaime spoke out towards him, he stood at attention and then strode forward with no reluctance. This was what he trained for. This was what he fought for with every fiber of his being. But was he ready? He'd never know if he did not make an attempt now. So, with no repentances, he completely closed the distance between himself and his mentor, then bowed his head and placed his right hand over his heart in the form of a fist. "My Leader. My Teacher. My Friend. With all of the strength in my bones, and my unbreakable will of fire, I accept this position as the Sandaime Hokage, and shall do my best to honor your dream; the dream we share." This was a gigantic shoe to fill, yes, but Hiroshi felt not a single form of doubt within his person. He had a great teacher, and a great life, even with the events of current times. Hiroshi then crouched low enough for the 'crown' to be bestowed onto him. But, in the profundity of all his anticipation, he could feel the sorrow--of the man he would shadow anywhere--ascending. And yet, he knew better than to let it out at this instance, for the two would occupy the awareness of all--if not most--gathered, and he could not physically show his vulnerability. Showing weakness was not him; however, be that as it may, his eyes would betray him, and he did not care, for the only one who had been able to see those emotion-filled orbs, had been his mentor.

[Jinora]

Jinora stood proudly, a smile spread across her face. Her arms held folded against her body. She thought to herself, "Hiroshi deserves this title, this is someone I can lay my life on the line for. "


Jinora spoke plainly "As the Will of fire grows, a torch will always be passed. Lord Second, you have the loyalty of the Hyuga clan. May the Leaf prosper within your shadow!" 

The young Hyuga would bow to honor their new leader. 

[Hono Uzumaki]

Hono tugged on his friends sleeve and stood with a bow. His seal burned and he could hear Chomei mopping.

"Freedom.."

Hono urged his adviser to walk with him outside.

[Exits to Sweet Release]