Chapter 44 - In the Shadows we move

Kazue sat across from Ernie on the first floor of a building, he was actually shocked that there was a village so organized. He wanted to know what brought them all together to form this place. What goals did they have in mind?

"So please tell me the story, what's currently going on in the land of lightning?"

Ernie got straight to the point and asked.

"Well, the same as all the other lands I guess. Fighting between the clans for land and power, but so far there are two clans that have the most power. There is the Yotsuki clan which is known for their powerful lightning release. Many of their members are famed throughout the land, and next to them are the Honda clan. They use powerful water ninjutsu.

Our clan used to be a power in the land, but due to the daimyo dying we were forced to leave the land.

Other than that, there aren't that many noteworthy clans. The Yotsuki and Honda clan are keeping each other occupied, while the smaller clans consume each other."

Kazue explained.

"What is your clan?"

"I am from the Chinoike clan, maybe you've heard of it?"

Kazue asked.

Ernie shook his head, he couldn't recall any clan with that name. Most of the information he's gathered was all from the land of earth.

"No, as you can see we aren't really in a place where we can receive news."

Ernie replied.

Kazue seemed to understand and nodded his head.

"My clan was pretty famous, not meaning to brag or anything. But, we active in anything that went on in the land of lightning. Some people even thought of us as the Uchiha's branch clan."

Ernie's ears perked up.

"Now why would they think that?"

"Due to our clans Dojutsu, both of our clans are able to conjure powerful genjutsu. That is all I can tell you for now."

Kazue said as he did not want to delve deep into his clans secrets. It was best for him to keep some information to himself, rather than reveal it all out in the open.

"Interesting. Still, if your clan could be compared to them then surely your clan couldn't have been driven off by them. With each of your clans having powerful genjutsu, it would be more of a test of ninjutsu and taijutsu wouldn't it?"

Ernie asked.

Kazue coughed.

"That is where they overpower us."

Ernie chuckled.

"So, what exactly did your clan do in the land of lightning? One must understand, before I can decide if you are able to join us I have to know of your background."

Kazue was silent for a moment.

"Well… we did a little bit of everything. Escorts, robbing, assassinations and so forth. Whatever deed you can think of, my clan has more than likely completed it."

Ernie interlocked his fingers and leaned forward a bit.

"That is more than what any of us have done, and i'm not sure how the others will feel about this. How about this, your clan joins us on a condition."

Ernie stopped talking as he looked at Kazue seeing if his expression would change.

Kazue felt that something like this might happen, but if it was for his clan he was willing to listen. As long as it was not something outrageous, he could talk it over with his clan members.

"What is the condition?"

There was a reason Kazue was being respectful to Ernie, one is due to him being alone and if he made a move the entire village would kill him. Another reason being he could sense strong shinobi here in the village as he came in, clearly they weren't weak. The last reason is, Ernie emitted a pressure greater than all the others he sensed. Kazue knew he wouldn't survive if he threatened Ernie.

Honestly speaking, if he came here and saw that this village was weak he wouldn't even seek approval. He'd just go gather his clansmen and claim this land as for themselves.

"Your clan will work for me for a limited time, doing activities you are already used to doing."

Kazue squinted his eyes.

"What do you mean by that?"

Ernie grinned.

"A man must keep his hands clean, but he must also get the job done. Your clan will help me achieve my goals by eliminating someone, or gathering information. Basically, you'll work in the shadows."

Ernie told Kazue.

Kazue looked down at the table as he gathered his thoughts.

"I need to think this over…"

"Take your time, i'm in no rush."