Chapter 64: Chapter 63 - Chasing Shadows
After leaving the three genin in team 1, Gin walked through the village shrouded in ice. The village was very lively, having the largest population out of all the shinobi villages with the hidden leaf following behind.
What made the village seem more advanced than the others were museums and different attractions they had, such as a cafe. It was all the first Kōrikage's idea and written down in the base villages plans. Although he never got to see the village become what it is today, many were surprised by his creativity.
Gin didn't really like walking the streets, people were always giving him attention. He wasn't sure if it was due to his status in the Asagao clan, being a member of the Shichibukai, or for having the blessing of the three tails.
Although he's learned to ignore the gazes, it still bothered him somewhat.
His first stop was to visit the Kōrikage tower which was located in the center of the village. It was tall being five stories high and at the highest floor, you could see a large majority of the village.
The tower itself was made of some precious stone that reflected the sun's light. It was painted blue and white, but even as time passed, the building never seemed to crumble or lose it's shine.
Gin entered the Kōrikage tower and went straight to the top floor. The place the Kōrikage worked day and night.
None of the staff bothered Gin, they all knew who he was so there wasn't a need to stop him from going to the top floor. If it was someone else who wasn't as respected then they may see what his intentions were.
The Kōrikage was strong, but they also needed to be protected. It was a lesson hard learned when Aito took over as the second.
During the second great shinobi war spies were numerous and betrayals occurred. That was especially true here in the village shrouded in ice, since the alliance with the hidden leaf both villages were powerhouses. The other countries still wary of their power devised a plan to weaken both villages.
The plan could be considered half a success, as both the second Kōrikage and second Hokage were betrayed by high ranking shinobi in their villages. When the two of them were devising a plan to counter the other villages, the second Kōrikage was stabbed by his retainer. The second Hokage managed to escape, but later on he was killed in battle.
Ever since then, security has been increased to safeguard the third Kōrikage.
Gin tapped on the door twice.
"Come in."
A voice called out and Gin entered the room.
The Kōrikage's room was very neat and organized, even though there was a pile of documents on his desk they were separated into two piles. Sitting in the Kōrikage seat was a middle aged man who had his silver hair parted to the left side while the right was shaved. A clean shaven face and crystal clear blue eyes.
Wearing the standard Kōrikage outfit, he took off his blue and white hat.
"I'm amazed you showed."
The third Kōrikage spoke in a refined manner.
"I'd never decline a summon from the Kōrikage, but for a father i'd ignore it in a heartbeat."
Gin replied as he stood in front of the Kōrikage's desk.
The third ignored the last part of Gin's sentence as he grabbed a scroll and tossed it over to Gin.
"You should have been assigned your squad already, be sure to look over them and guide them properly. Don't give Haruto any special treatment, just because you're his cousin doesn't mean anything."
"Wasn't planning on it."
Gin told him.
Although he was new to guiding genin, that didn't mean he was new to leading a team. He's experienced his fair share of teams that had the same family members on it and noticed the subtle differences in how they treat the others. Gin wasn't planning on doing that, to him Haruto was just another genin that needed training.
The third Kōrikage eye'd Gin.
"I'm being serious here. This year we are hosting the chunin exams, it would look bad for us if we didn't have any decent scores. Last year you outshined that Uchiha kid, and this year people are expecting Haruto to do the same."
Gin chuckled.
"Tough luck to him then. Easier to fail and have those 'expectations' lowered than try to win and be ashamed to show your face."
"This are different this generation, lots of potential in all the villages appearing. Last time I met the fourth Hokage, he spoke well of his son."
Gin nodded and tossed the scroll up and down in his hand.
"It's an easy mission, good enough to get them wet behind the ears. You'll find more details once you read it."
The third said.
Gin nodded and was about to leave, but he stopped.
"Heard anything from aunty Vi?"
Gin asked curiously.
"No, last I heard from her was the same time you did. She'll return when she realizes it was just a bunch of nonsense."
Gin shook his head.
"She used to tell me stories of when you were little, saying how you, aunty Sumire and her were close and had an unbreakable bond. Now look at you, you don't even believe Sumire can be alive."
Gin told the third Kōrikage before he closed the door and left.
After Gin left, the third Kōrikage looked at his hand and clenched it tightly.
"She can't be alive. I…"
Sighing, he opened his hand and cleared his mind. There's no need to think about it, nothing would bring her back, and Vi was chasing shadows.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone