Diplomacy at its best

[ura_no_ura]

Who: Hatake Kakashi, Namikaze Minato, Erwin Smith, and possibly Levi
When: February 22
Where: The barracks
Summary: Kakashi officially introduces Minato to Erwin (and Levi)
Rating: PG
Warning: Spoilers for SnK

[ All things considered, this has been a long time coming.

Kakashi had wanted to introduce Minato to Erwin and Levi much sooner, but as it is, things have been so busy with trying to sort out the finer details of the alliance, that he hasn't had the opportunity until now. He'd decided upon the barracks as a good neutral ground to meet on, especially as they'd more or less decided that it might make for a good base for the alliance, with its wide-open training grounds, both indoor and out, and large meeting rooms.

For once, he's the first one there, but that may have more to do with Minato's presence than anything else. Even if he makes it a habit of being late around others, when it comes to anything that has to do with Minato, he's rarely, if ever late. (He doesn't need to give Minato another thing to be disappointed about.)

Since he's not sure if the others have had a tour yet of the facilities, he figures he can use the opportunity to give a tour as they get to know one another.

He waits outside in plain view, in front of the entrance to the barracks. ]

Comments

[derpivity]

[Minato, being the Yellow Flash, always arrives on time. Of course, there's a difference between being on time and being early. More often than not, he has a penchant for the former.

One wouldn't put it past Minato to have most of Luceti's grounds marked with his seal so it shouldn't come as a surprise that he arrives in the barracks using his renowned technique. With a fleeting gust of wind, he's instantly there, wearing his Hokage cloak as a sign that this is business. He usually doesn't wear it often, especially here where his title doesn't mean much compared to home. But now is a different time.

Spotting Kakashi already there (his student had always been very punctual so this comes to no surprise to Minato), he waves a hand and smiles as a greeting.]

Kakashi. I hope I'm not late.

[ura_no_ura]

[ Kakashi never ceases to be amazed at the way Minato simply materializes, at how the air tightens for a moment, contracting in on itself rapidly before expanding with a sharp, intense burst of Minato's familiar chakra, just before he appears, in a flash of gold. It's an impressive technique. Elegant.

He bows his head in greeting, a bit pleased to see the Hokage cloak, which he doesn't have the opportunity to see as much these days. ]

No, I'm just early, Sensei.

[ A slight pause. ]

And so are you.

[derpivity]

[His smile widens as he approaches his student.]

That's good. We wouldn't want to make our allies wait.

[Since they're the ones who proposed this alliance, Minato feels that they should be very courteous to those who expressed interest in it.]

[ura_no_ura]

[ Maybe Kakashi shouldn't tell him that he usually makes them wait... He more or less just smiles a little awkwardly and rubs the back of his neck with a hand. ]

Well, I'm sure they'll be here soon... I think you'll like them.

[corps]

[ They do arrive very soon, Erwin with Levi in tow, both, as usual, in full uniform. They're prompt people by nature, so it's to be expected that they're on time. But what Erwin himself doesn't expect, after the meetings he's had with Kakashi, is for him to be there before they are. It speaks volumes about his regard for his superior, the man they're meeting today--presumably the one standing beside Kakashi now. ]

I hope we haven't kept you waiting.

[reviling]

Given how often he keeps us waiting, I'd hope they'd overlook it if we did.

[Yeah that hasn't escaped his notice. Interesting, Kakashi. At least now you've proven to Levi that you can be on time for something.

His arms are folded over his chest, though he appears relaxed otherwise. He takes in Minato - young, for a leader, but he clearly commands a great deal of respect from Kakashi.]

[derpivity]

[The comment Levi made doesn't escape Minato's ears that he actually gives Kakashi a look, one that says "is this true?" though still with a smile on. Of course, he doesn't dwell on this for very long since they're about to meet with allies.

Without hesitation, Minato approaches them with a friendly smile.]

No, we were just early. My name is Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage of our village back home. [Then, he quickly adds:] Which probably easily translates as to being its leader.

[Still with a smile on, he extends his right hand to Erwin first then to Levi. He takes note of these men who were interested with the alliance they proposed. They seem to be prompt people judging by how they're on time and the full uniform suggests of a dedication to their work. They could use some of this dedication if they're to work for a better life here in Luceti.]

It's a pleasure to meet both of you.

[ura_no_ura]

[ Kakashi, for the most part, just gives Minato an awkward smile, and then stands back to allow for introductions to happen. ]

[corps]

[ Erwin takes the offered hand, shaking firmly as he returns Minato's smile as well. ]

Erwin Smith, Commander of the Survey Corps, one of three military branches where we come from.

[ By far the smallest of the three, certainly, but also the most active. When Minato's attention switches to Levi in turn, Erwin also performs introductions there. ]

Captain Levi is my second in command, as well as the leader of our special operations squad.

[ Not a peep from him about 'Humanity's Strongest' or any other such title that Levi detests. ]

[reviling]

[Levi shakes Minato's hand and allows Erwin to make the introduction, because he knows Erwin knows better than to add on all of the extra crap he hates to hear.]

There's just four of us here now, however.

[derpivity]

Ah, Erwin-san. Levi-san.

[He nods as he takes in their names and commits them to memory. After the introductions, his smile fades a little at what Levi just said. Minato doesn't mind the number, though. Allies are allies. He had already gathered as much from Kakashi's initial report.]

Mm. So I was told. It doesn't matter, though. We will need all the help we can get. [A brief pause as he considers his words.] Kakashi had already given a brief report mentioning the similarity of our backgrounds, so I won't touch on that further. However, I'm curious to know more about how you fight. I heard something about a gear?

[corps]

[ Of course Kakashi had given him a full account; by now, Erwin expects nothing less. He nods. ]

To fight, we primarily use what is called 'three-dimensional maneuver gear.' Essentially, it is a device which allows the wearer to fly through the use of gas cannisters and grappling hooks. There are blades attached as the primary weapon. Our gear was developed for the purpose of combating a rather specific threat in our own world.

[reviling]

Most cadets train for three years to be proficient enough so that they won't strangle themselves before taking on their first real missions within the military.

[not that the garrison or military police do much of anything to warrant even having maneuver gear most of the time - until more recently, that is.]