There were many buildings that could be considered fortresses in Kirigakure. My Tower was the most obvious of course but right next to it would be the ANBU HQ which had a layer of extra security to it as its location was secret to anyone without proper clearance. Then the Sensor Division HQ, Intel and Communications and now, perhaps my Estate as my presence naturally heightens security wherever I am.
But so few of these places embodied the definition of a fortress, the only one that does right at first glance would be the Seven Swordsmen Headquarters. On approach it exuded a dark and imposing aura, fog and treacherously infested waters surrounded it on all sides.
Junichi and I walked over the single rickety bridge that narrowed down a fog shrouded path before giving sight to its entrance, a massive stone gate adorned with water dragon and wave carvings— it looked like the dragon was a kami wielding the waves as its blade.
While I was almost certain most of the threatening features on approach— the creaky bridge, cold fog at our feet and imposing art— were little more than theatrics, I was a bit concerned the Seven Swordsmen hadn't taken time to address fraying infrastructure.
Junichi didn't seem bothered, no, in fact the young man I always felt was a bit too timid for my tastes was grinning ear to ear, his eyes sparkling with marvel at every dust mite and crude light fixture as we made our way inside.
"Is this your first time here?" I decide to ask, make conversation for the sake of getting to know the shinobi in charge of my daily schedule. At some point I'd like to bring let him closer to secure matters of state but right now, I feel his loyalty lies more with his clan than it does with his Mizukage.
"Ah...I've been here once before, with my mother. But I never made it past the bridge or the fog, I thought it would give away and drop me into an abyss of mist where I would never return from unless I beat the greatest Swordsman, Fuguki-sama. This is the first time I've seen the stone gates."
I nodded, smiled, "Well, I hope it's all you hoped it would be."
The stone gates in question swung open without a word from either of us yet on the other side there wasn't a sign of anyone that managed the gates. I briefly wondered how that worked before Junichi's excited gasps cut my attention.
Waterways flowed throughout the fortress, creating a tranquil atmosphere with the soothing sounds, though I knew that as well could be used as an intimidation tactic. Right ahead was the Grand Hall, a vast space littered with tatami mats and weapon racks, several swordsmen were already practicing their various Kenjutsu kata under the eerie glow of lanterns. Tradition said none should stop once they've begun but several did to bow a greeting to their Mizukage.
Unlike Junichi, I'd been here before; it was the dream of many young boys to become a great swordsman worthy of wielding any one of the seven legendary blades and I was no exception.
We entered through the east wing and so right before us were the modest personal quarters of the accepted trainees that chose to stay and sharpen their skills under the tutelage of the legendary swordsmen with hope to one day be deemed worthy of a legendary blade themselves. The few open rooms we glimpsed as we strolled were decorated with calligraphy and weapon stands reflecting the residents Kenjutsu style.
A sense of nostalgia washed over me at the sight. Though I didn't stay long as an acolyte of the Seven, I learned enough to know that Kenjutsu wasn't suited to me.
Junichi continued to marvel and I simply chuckled, as a semi-alumni or rather, dropout, I pointed out that the Armoury where the unassigned legendary swords were safeguarded was nearby, in the West Wing right alongside several other great treasures pilfered by past and present Swordsmen.
"Where did Kisame ask to meet?" As fun as living through the nostalgia of my boyish days were I couldn't stand the 'huts and ha's!' of the practicing swordsmen for too long without getting a headache. Not to mention I had a council meeting to attend soon.
Junichi hummed for a second, looked around and pointed with a surprised gasp this time, "Junko-sama!"
Sure enough, to my right was the tall, boyish and shark toothed woman that ran the Hoshigaki clan. She cat walked over in tight fitted trousers and a two inch heel. Her long fingers were adorned with rings and her grinning lips stained with azure coloured lipstick. Her eyes were concealed behind sharp tipped sunglasses— a useless accessory in Kiri but perhaps a weapon in itself— and her short hair bobbed with every grandiose step.
Forgetting himself, Junichi ran out to her with a grin, prattling on instantly about how marvellous everything in the fortress was. She was pleasant for a moment before squeezing his shoulder and placing a stern, smiling stare that shut him up. She held his hand and walked over to me, "Mizukage-sama, it's nice to see you again, it's been too long."
"I believe it has, you seem to be faring well as always."
She chuckled and wrapped her arm around Junichi's neck so his height forced him under her armpit as she ruffled his hair, "Of course, you blessed my aging skin by taking this one off my hands, thank you, even though you never took my offer you didn't renegade on what you'd already done for me and the clan, I am grateful."
It was too late to anyway. I'd already sent Kisame off with Samehada with Reina and introduced Junichi to the Tower staff. Plus, Kisame as Samehada's master is something I wouldn't mind seeing earlier.
"Kisame asked to speak with me here, I have some idea what he is intending but I don't have any intention of seeing it through, not today at least. Where is he? Is that why you're here as well?"
She smirked and started leading the way, "Why yes, got to be there for family. Kisame's in the meditation garden but the others are in the council room."
"Others?"
"Ah, Mangetsu-kun from the Hozuki is here to try out, that granny seems to be shoving him into every shred of power, I hear you've taken him up as an apprentice? Pupil?" She shrugged before I could say anything in response, "Fuguki is present of course, as is Juzo, witnesses."
"Witnesses…right." I rolled my eyes and overtook her, "Let's get this over with then." Without thinking about it my legs carried me to the meditation garden where several sat still as statues under the shade of ancient trees and the lull of musical wind chimes— I idly wondered how many were truly asleep rather than nearing their enlightenment.
Kisame sat at the top of the stairs that led to a large basin of water. Once my eyes set upon him he stirred, rose to his feet and bowed before walking across the garden with hushed footfalls for the sake of those deep in sleep or their meditation.
"Yagura-sama, thank you for coming to witness." He said, his entire demeanour held nothing that resembled the wild, ravaging Kisame I knew. Perhaps he found something in his meditation.
"Don't mention it, now, Fuguki?" Somehow Fuguki and Juzo had appeared behind us. Fuguki didn't look away from Kisame, he towered over all of us and his intense gaze bore that weight.
"Kahahaha, this will be fun to watch." Juzo said.
Junichi, Junko, Juzo and I gave Kisame and Fuguki space to stare each other down before rather suddenly, Fuguki pulled Samehada from his back to blindly hand to Juzo he grabbed it with ease though the Shark Skin bristled at his touch.
Kisame stepped up, "Honoured Mizukage, esteemed Swordsmen, and respected Fuguki Suikazan," Kisame begins, his voice clear and resonant. "I, Kisame Hoshigaki, formally challenge Fuguki Suikazan for the right to wield Samehada, the Shark Skin Blade. I believe it calls for a new master to further its legacy and serve Kirigakure and its Mizukage."
Fuguki's eyes narrow as Kisame continues, "Let our duel determine the true bearer of Samehada. May the outcome reflect the spirit of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist."