[Cha 1 Location] Kagetsuchi West

[Oni Archives]

::Kagetsuchi West huh, shit....sometimes I just come for the coffee. Gets some pep back in my step during the sleepless nights. The west district is probably my favorite one, if I had to pick one at all. It's where all the workers spend most their time. Her eall the casino hustle and bustle isnt as prominent and you can really see the bone of the village, ya know - the people that actually build it up to be what it is. Now I know Im not one for crowds - you neither, but theres so much foot traffic here I guarantee you, no one is gonna notice us. I know this nice coffee shop, friend runs it - The Blackbrand Brew; we just go on over have a few cups and relax - you know you need it. No one will be the wiser. I think you'll be shocked how easy it is to hide in plain sight there, and its got a real homey down to earth feel - even Tatsumi spent some time there at one point, opened up a clinic - there's plenty of them there. I know you don't like Kagetsuchi, nor Genichiro - I get it. But you gotta step away from that forge some time. I know - you dont like the high buildings, crowds - but Im telling you. Same Kagetsuchi label, new great taste - whadda'ya say?:: [sub]-Kiyoshi to ???[/sub]​

 

[Oni Archives]

He had barely taken more than two steps from the cellar door as when Sentou noticed an abundance of people prowling the streets. Just the thought of seeing so many strangers moving about made Sentou remember his time in Kyotoshiro village with Kasami and Eiji where they had met Jinsei, everything felt so lively compared to the week in perpetual fear he had experienced trying to escape from Hayato. All this time he had spent running, was he always underneath this village? No, that wasn’t the right question to ask himself, he had explored the vast facility of the underground prison finding nothing but a dead end or more vacant cells; he was definitely no longer in the initial area he was placed. Coming to the realization that he was in another section of Naraka on his own, he cursed himself silently as he should have asked Hayato if he knew who had brought him there to begin with. Peering over his left shoulder at the direction he came from, Sentou looked at the door pondering if it was too late to inquire such, but ultimately would sigh knowing he had come too far. For all he knew Hayato would snap his neck for returning so soon.

Returning his gaze towards the crowd of people, the young lotus warrior would have to follow his instincts at the moment and find some way to relocate the two individuals he had traveled with prior. For now he was in unmarked territory with no guidance, he would have to lay low if he didn’t want to attract too much attention as the mysteries of Naraka, the Takamagahara, hell even the Masked Salesmen would prove troublesome if he got tangled up with the wrong crowd. A strong resolve burned within the oculars of the Kenzai orphan as he moved forward taking no time to blend in with the horde of people. There was so much to take in, however as he ventured through the sea of Kagetsuchi’s population a strong smell of coffee brewing would alert his senses. Unintentionally, Sentou would follow the trail of the scent until he came upon one of the few shops that seemed to be selling coffee. A shop had to be maintained by a merchant of sorts, and with a town as big as this there had to be a possibility a merchant would come across valuable information due to so many people passing by right? He was trying his best to analyze the situation the same way Totsuka would have wanted him to. Approaching the door, Sentou would grab the door and slide it open before entering the building to find out if his hypothesis was indeed true.

Sentou: Well...here goes nothing..

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[Oni Archives]

[[Addressing: Sentou]]

"Hey...hehehehe...hehehehehe....hey guy - hehehehehe. How many sugars you take with your coffee?"

=The se were the almost immediete words that he was met with upon entering the coffee shop. If he looked ahead he would see that there was no one that was behind the counter , nor in the dining area, but if he were to look off a bit to the left of the counter he would find a gigantic vase of sugar - more then likely it came like this off the import docks...but there in the jar something would be sitting a'top of it if you looked beyond the lip of the vase. Though you would have to peek up close and over, only to see a head of silver hair slowly emerging and looking up at him with a smirk from in the pot:



"Welcome to Byakko Bean - finest coffee in Naraka. What can I, do for you?​

 

[Oni Archives]

Upon entering the coffee shop Sentou searched around for the one in charge of the business however no one could be found as he saw nothing more than a vacant counter and dining hall. There was no way anyone would leave such a place unattended with the strong smell of coffee brewing in the vicinity, that was until he heard a voice call out to him asking him how many sugars he took with his coffee. Alert, albeit a bit shocked from the sudden voice, Sentou followed the sound of laughter until he came across a large pot with nothing more than Sugar, or so he thought. Once he came within close enough range being able to look over the top; a head, no rather a person was casually chilling in a vat of sugar.

He was definitely caught off guard. Not far from the jar laid the top in which he believed belonged to it and without much hesitation he’d snatch the top before setting it over the jar concealing the male for a moment for him to get his bearings. It didn’t take long for him to realize it wasn’t a nice thing to do to such a person, but what would any other sensible person do in a situation like this? He sighed before removing the lid to look down upon the male hidden by sugar to hear the man welcome him to what was called ‘Byakko Bean’ and then inquire how he could help the child. He still wore a look upon his face that was unsure in the slightest of what was going on, or rather why a man who appeared to be the shop owner was sitting in sugar. Naraka was only proving to be stranger the longer he stayed in this world.

Sentou: B-byakko?

The child stammered as the name of the shop brought back memories of an old conversation he had held with Totsuka a year ago in which his mentor had told him of the great four guardians; Suzaku, Genbu, Seiryu and Byakko. The fact this shop shared the name with one of the four made Sentou step away as if he had seen a ghost. It seemed despite their lack of a connection, Totsuka was truly preparing him for the day he would enter Naraka, such foresight could have been good, but since his death at the hands of Izanagi, Sentou believed his teacher’s foresight was a curse.

Sentou: Sorry about that...Um, no I’m good I don’t drink coffee. Do you have any tea? I’m kinda parched and have been running for a while. Could definitely use something to drink… If not that’s fine too, I’m just looking for my...friends? If I can call them that, they’re not bad people. I only just met them though so I’m not sure if it’s too soon to call them friends...Would you know what direction Shimeru is?

Finding a moment to gather himself mentally once more, Sentou would not only apologize for the stunt of putting the lid over top of the male’s head, but also ask for information he could use to find Eiji and Kasami. It had been maybe over a week since he had seen them, there wasn’t any guarantee they were even there still, hell if they were even looking for him to begin with. Maybe he really was alone now? Nah, he had to leave those negative thoughts alone and not indulge in such toxicity. Forcing a smile, Sentou would attempt to shake hands with the merchant before realizing the man was still trapped underneath the sugar. Whether he would free himself to hold conversation with him Sentou wasn’t certain, but he had no where else to go currently and would have to wait it out until he learned what he needed to know before returning to the road.

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[Oni Archives]

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"Butterflies are said to be the link and passageways into the next world, allow me to give you a firsthand experience..." ~Emperor of Butterflies

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How long had it had been...seconds seemed like minutes, and minutes seemed to stretch unto days. Exactly how long had it been since he had first arrived to this damned place? His normal levelheaded composure on the brink of breaking as he became lost unto the labyrinth of uncertainty and worry pertaining to his current situation. His irritation and disdain growing at an exponential rate, long past his breaking point as he reflected upon the locale that he occupied – his discombobulation ironically keeping him sane as his mind ran through a thousand scenarios at once, too many to realistically focus on and fall fully victim to the current state mental health. For an individual of his clan, physical health and well being was the least of ones concern, however things pertaining to mental matters were a much different story.

"Forced into a location filled by nothing but barbaric peasants lost in the hustle and bustle of trade, shopping, and underhanded shady deal making..truly a fate far worse than death..."

The words departed from the man's rather hoarse voice as he sat with his back braced against the worn down wallpaper of an abandoned building which had become derelict over a period of time. The dust upon the surface of the floor had been more visible than the texture of the splintered and swollen wooden floorboards which sustained it all. He had occupied it in the midst of his search for answers pertaining to his whereabouts, and exactly why he was taken here. The method he had been brought was rather...unusual, even for an individual with an arsenal of skills and techniques such as his. A drowning sensation – without a logical source for water to pool from, or as he referred to it, an internal baptism. Something synonymous to a symbolic resurrection from the right perspective, to be taken out of the old and brought into a new environment – yet regardless of how potentially symbolic or poetic it may be from an optimistic viewpoint, it was nothing more but a nuisance to a pessimist such as himself. Regardless of such, the drowning had had an effect on his throat and voice, an issue that seemingly continued to return occasionally despite how much tea he drank or natural remedies he concocted from the surrounding area.

The encroaching silence of the confines which he called home for now creating an unease, almost maddening, begging to be broken, til thus, it was. A humming aided by a green hue of light emanating from the palm of his right hand, as he placed it against his neck but for a moment before the illumination died down, followed by a clearing of his throat. Yet, when the illumination from his palm began to fade, the glowing of his piercing emerald green eyes remained. Panning up revealing his eyes scanning the few shady individuals and rodents who roamed along the outskirts of the nearby alleys from the comfort of his own "abode" by means of his clan's doujutsu.

"From royalty and riches...to residing in the slums of this god forsaken town."

His voice, now back to it's mellifluous darkened deep tones – healed and restored to perfection by the touch of his own hand. The hand which now had been pressed against the floorboards as a support for assistance with him standing to his feet, the thickened layer of dust smearing as a result.

"No sense in wasting away here, I suppose another trip for information would be in my best interest..."

He spoke to himself once more as he made his way towards the front door of the establishment, giving the knob a twist to the left with his right hand – a sharp exhale being released as he crossed the threshold from his domain into the outside slums. His prided silky orange hair, within an instant now a head of dulled brown and gray. His doujutsu now inactive, yet his emerald eyes still remained. He had learned from his initial inquisition within the location that although he was unfamiliar with the area, the individuals in the area had been all too familiar with his clan and their healing capabilities, and weren't afraid of causing a scene or creating crowds as if he were some sort of active miracle worker. Going about like that was all too reckless and made him an easy target to whomever or whatever it was that brought him there. Instead, he strategically approached ailing individual's in private, offering his healing services in exchange for information and currency. It had been how he had gotten by the last couple days. It sickened him to no end to associate with commoners, yet in this situation he didn't have much of a choice. Keeping his disgust repressed, he continued his walk, his eyes falling upon the sign of a nearby tea shop. Perhaps a calming cup of tea was exactly what he needed to bring him back to his senses, or potentially receive more information about the topic he so desired. As such, he began making his way towards the location without haste, being sure to blend into the crowds and sidelines as not to attract any unwanted attention.

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[Oni Archives]

[sub]((Addressing Sentou))[/sub]

=The moment that the young man set the lid of the urn over the top of the man's head there would be frantic and girly shrieking that would come from within - even claims of being afraid of the dark. A grown man here, in Naraka? Afraid of the dark? Funny - and even more so what was funny was the moment that the man had lifted the lid and apologized, turning down coffee and asking for tea he could look and see that the man inside of the urn was gone...or at least possibly concealed deep down in the sugar now. From the back behind the counter he then stepped out from a doorway with a tea set in hand, still steaming and filling the room with scent of lilac and strawberry. He would come over to the counter and smile - speaking back to the young man while simultaneously being both welcoming and warm - and egregiously horrifying and discomforting in what he had to say next:

"Ah Sentou - a man of straight forward heart and mind. I should have known you not be one for coffee - why yes. I do have tea. Strawberry vanilla infact - tastes like a pastry melted into your cup. Partake as much as you like, heh. I was wondering when you would emerge - you were...somewhere even my eye could not track. And by you telling me you were running I'm assuming such a place was not friendly at all. How interesting. **he contemplated the rest of what he said as well and chuckled a bit at an undisclosed thought. Contradiction of acceptance...and reluctance playing at the corners of his ever rising lips before he continued:** "Perhaps you are right to wonder if they can be called such. Friendships after all are fickle till tested in trust of ones life. But you and them have been through that once before hm? Even if not friends then mutual survivors I'd say. Shimeru - is quite a ways away, three days I would wager. But dont worry - your comrades will be coming to this very village rather shortly. Kasami and Ko at least. Eiji - has slipped my grips and there is another with them whom you have not met. But I'll leave that for them to explain once here. You all do need "something" to discuss once you reunite, no?" *he gested to the shop and smiled fondly of a memory obscured by the ignorance that comes with not being a mindreader.* "Yes, Byakko - you know the name well but dont fret. Its familiarity with your...*he took pause and caught himself at a thought*, sadly deceased Sensei - Totsuka. Is just a coincidence. The four Saint Beasts are celebrated in Naraka openly. Certain villages and parts of Naraka worship certain beasts. This shop particularly patrons Byakko. You may see others named for Seiryu, Genbu and the rest. Heh...you may even learn of the few that govern even those deity. But I've rambled your ear off - I do not have much time at all. So let me give you the best service a merchant can give and arm you with knowledge to stay alive." *he leaned in. This time speaking more gravely and serious - his expression even more so as well.* "Among you here in this district is a wolf. A starving wolf thats looking to put food on his table. He knows about you - and he knows about your friends. He is hunting all of you. When you leave this shop - his eye will be on the whole plaza. Use the crowd as your shield and get out of here. Your friends will be arriving in the East. The salesman uses those in the most pain first. He comes to those that are at their weakest and honeys their hearts with lies and deceit to coat their mind. Beware the silver serpent and remember - nothing in Naraka is as it seems at first glance. I know this is a lot to take in...more then a lot to take in after already having run so long - it must feel like all you've been doing so far is running. But you have to carry it on for just a bit longer. This serpent. He's not from here. He's from your world - and well versed from it...a true soldier. But you wont know that.

He's since discarded his labels"

=And from that point, he simply offered the young man asylum for the moment, and a scarf to cover his face, cloth for his hair - two of his most distinguishing features. But he could not do much for his attire which blatantly labeled him a warrior of sorts. Meanwhile...

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[sub]((Acknowledging: Tenrai))[/sub]

=There at the teashop that the well blended man contemplated coming to was a symbol that he would more then likely recognize. It was so brazenly displayed. A headband...Konoha - sitting there at the counter of the tea shop in the open. He had left it there knowing that anyone that saw it would have a certain reaction...if they were who he was looking for.



=Tap tap tap, a finger set upon the table. His eyes never left it - never would his eyes leave it....it was his sole objective in this moment and as far as he knew right now it was his best lead. He had been waiting here for a very specific reason. Off to his right was the main gate to the district - if anyone had tripped the traps that he left out on that pass then he was sure that the authorities or scavengers from that area would come in from the gate with their spoils or stories of the death they found. On top of that he had scoped out which of the shops were popular, this tea shop was getting traffic - so he bribed the shop owner to simply let him set his headband down on the counter. Why had he done this? It was a typical ploy that he used when he was in ANBU black ops when it came to drawing out fugitives in hiding in a new area. No one here knew of Konoha in a familiar manner - but he knew that if any of those he was seeking out did, then they would see the headband have a reaction out of the normal from the crowd and boom - there was the mark. He watched it like a hawk, intensely - intimately, and admittedly - with a bit of frustration. He didnt like this place. It was so crooked and all of the people that were so stuck in their shopping were like superficial, plastic, mice - scurrying around in places they had no mind. The village was beautiful...but it was lack luster to him - everything was after that day, so he couldnt really linger in his amazement at the sights. He was a man of focus...to an extreme degree and he would maintain that. He wasnt sure where the pink haired shinobi from before that had traveled with him went. Maybe doing his own recon or checking another district. But him? He would set here and watch that headband like a hawk. His silver hair casting in the wind as he lowered his face down behind the collar of the black cloak that he wore - reminiscent of an infamous terrorist organization from the waking world. If he could not find the targets that the weird sales man of masks had sent him for - then the next best thing would be this medicine man that he spoke of, another shinobi from outside this place and one that had a sense of the lawlessness that was around them from what he was to understand. Getting him on his side - would be a great advantage against what he had to face.=​

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[Oni Archives]

He took a moment for the male to free himself, however as he looked back over the edges of the jar there was nothing to be found. Interesting, or at least he thought so as the voice of the male reached out to him from behind the counter this time baring a cup of tea which aroma was pleasing to his senses after being in such a stuffy environment prior.

The merchant would call him out by his name despite never giving it out, was he in cahoots with the masked salesman? Sentou listened to what it was the man had to say, even going so far as to mention his late teacher, just who exactly was this man?

Sentou: How is it you know my name?

He inquired after receiving the scarf and cloth to conceal his appearance, it indeed was a lot to take in. Taking the cup of well brewed tea from the man, Sentou would look it over cautiously, bringing his nose over the top to smell if any foul play was involved. This man knew a lot about the others he had been traveling to prior and he couldn’t sense any hidden malicious intent from the man, he had to be an ally of sorts, regardless his quenced throat made it hard for him to speak as he thought about the death of Totsuka once more. There was no real reason for him not to trust this man, but who was to say this small talk wasn’t just a way for him to drop his guard? Relauntly, Sentou would take a sip of the tea to relieve his dry throat taking a moment to swish the small contents around to savor the taste while making sure it didn’t taste funny before swallowing it.

Sentou: I appreciate this I guess, the help and words of advice that is. Just who are you mister? You seem to know a lot about me, if you have time could you fill me in on who exactly this Salesman is and what’s his true goal? I’m trying to piece things together but I still don’t even know why I’m here.

As he finished asking the purpose of such a dangerous enemy he’d tilt his head back slightly to take a second sip. It was as he said, the taste was exquisite even more so than the smell. Setting the cup of fine material down on the counter, Sentou would slowly wrap the scarf around his neck to cover his face from the nose down while maintaining enough of the fabric to conceal the crown of his head like a turban. He felt silly but if it meant it would be harder for him to be distinguished from the crowd he would surely accept the gift.

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[Oni Archives]

=As the man asked him his name the merchant only smirked. He waited till he was done sipping his tea before he answered his question the best way that he could.

"I'm a friend. And I knew your old mentor - Totsuka, quite well. As far as how I know your name and the other things I do, well I'am a merchant - one hell of a merchant at that. Its my job to keep a strong stock and information? Well thats valuable stock just like anything else. Its my job to know and as such I have my tools - heh. You wouldnt tell me every jutsu and technique you have in your arsenal for doing -your- job would you? As for the salesman. Well as grim as it is - it really is quite simple. He just wants to eat. Thats it. This salesman, is a sadistic and ravenous beast, that only feeds off the strong. Those of you that were brought here have some kind of connection - he only wants to devour the strong, and those that means something to others. Strength and suffering - thats it. So with your connection to Totsuka, I would wager the others you came with also have some extent of connection. It likes that. It likes to season its next meals thick with suffering. So, I would guess that'd be it."

=The way that the man spoke it was like he had known the salesman intimately. On top of that the way that he spoke of it was so normalized and almost sympathetic in a way it could be told that there was something else that the man knew that he simply was not adding to the conversation - but the question was, in the manner that heh was speaking about the salesman; was he protected Sentou and his troupe by hiding this information, protecting himself - or was he protecting the salesman? It couldnt be inferred simply from the conversation as they were here right now. He lifted his gaze from the tea cup in his hand to the young man before him - his eyes were oddly soft but you could tell by the way his gaze was for that moment that he wasn't even looking at Sentou - he was looking through him. . . and the way that he was gazing in transparency through the core of his soul. . . whatever that gaze struck was like it was dead - a long time ago. It was a brief gaze of mourning. His gaze snapped back to clarity - sharp once more as he straightened his posture like a bookworm school girl. Smiling just as empty as he awaited to see if the man had any other questions or if this was satisfactory to him in the moment.=​

 

[Oni Archives]

Sentou listened to the man explain how being a merchant it was his business to know what was going on as well the information regarding the salesman to be a ravenous beast with a puzzled face. It seemed there was a game being played, he thought as he tried to uncover why his connection with Totsuka would get him strung up with the affairs of Naraka. It was concerning to say the least, not only was this salesman a problem, but also this merchant seemed to know a lot about the situation at hand. Racking his brain for a possible second question, Sentou would find himself drawing blanks. It was all still so much to take in to put the pieces of the puzzle together so quickly. He would look towards the merchant catching his gaze as he believed the male was staring intensely at him, however it didn’t seem to be the case as the merchant started to return to reality from his thought.

Sentou: I see...I feel like there should be more to ask you, but i’m stumped…

The Kenzai muttered softly as if speaking to himself albeit loud enough for the man to hear him process his thoughts. Since his arrival he had so many questions, what was Naraka exactly, what were the monsters in the forest, who was Tengu, and why would Izanagi kill his brother. The latter was vaguely answered by Hayato, but there had to be more to the story right? This man said he knew Totsuka quite well, he was bound to have some more answers to fill in the blanks.

Sentou: So you knew Totsuka, right? What about the Takimaguha... what’s so important about it that Izanagi killed his brother?

The way he tried to properly pronounce the Takamagahara was cringe worthy even for his own sake knowing he butchered it, but he had only heard the name once more from Hayato. Apparently there were some subjects that Totsuka would keep hidden from Sentou during their time training. He would just have to gamble that among the vast knowledge this merchant had he would know the proper pronunciation and wouldn’t cut off his head for messing it up.

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[Oni Archives]

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"Butterflies are said to be the link and passageways into the next world, allow me to give you a firsthand experience..." ~Emperor of Butterflies

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After pacing for quite some time, the man had drawn in on his targeted destination – the tea shop. It had been further than what he originally estimated, as if the longer he walked, the farther the path before him extended. It hadn't bothered him much though, placing the thought to the side the man extended him arm, taking hold of the extended linear handle – the sleeves of his changshan riding up his arm in response to his movement. Pulling the door open, Tenwa was rather surprised to see that the shop itself had been rather lively, occupied by a handful of other individuals. Some tables in the establishment occupied, while others were empty and littered with light coatings of dust, dried tea stains, and other trinkets. One table in particular standing out from the rest as a glare reflected off the surface of an all too familiar item, one he in fact loathed, a konoha headband placed in the open. It had been in pristine condition, and placed plainly in the open. On a further observance, it hadn't been a table, but rather the counter. a Even a commoner without insight of what it was would find their eyes getting caught by it, as if the sheen in reflected had a gravitational pull all its own, naturally turning heads. It was placed a bit too obvious, in a manner that made Tenwa gaze across the entirety of the restaurant as if he was looking for an unoccupied table to seat himself, and disregarding the item in that moment altogether. Spotting an open table towards the back left, he began making his way there to be seated.

As he continued making his way towards his selected table, his thought process on the matter of the headband had been running rapid, as the conclusion he hopped to had been done in only a second or two, all in the moment of a glance. In his mind, for one, as much as he detested the village, he knew no one in their right mind would remove their headband from their body or attire without extenuating circumstances, such as in cases where shinobi had high probability of being targeted, or were outlawed in one way or another. Which also, in this case scenario would prove to be careless and improbable for an individual to simply set it down whilst vacated from the seat. Potentially a black market purchase, a traded item? In either case, none of the scenarios he pieced together in his head seemed to benefit him in any way, shape, or form. It was obviously a lure if he had ever seen one before. The only aid it provided, was the confirmation that Konoha had existed, and was known or connected to this area in one manner or another. Rather than approaching and examining the item closely, the Sozo figured he would collect more data if he simply sat and observed the individuals around him, and listening to the rather droll gossip that was undoubtedly going to occur. His best lead would be to spot the individual who owned it, or came to retrieve it, and perhaps following them off for a questioning about how the item came into their possession. Still pacing forward, the man's emerald green eyes take a singular place across the establishment once more, performing a swift analysis on the locals currently occupying it, before swiftly taking his seat and awaiting for an individual to come serve him – his eyes staring at the door of the building, on close watch searching for the one to reclaim the headband. He was at a loss, he hadn't understood the workings of the shopping environment all too much, if no one would approach to take his order in the next few moments, he would most likely make his way to the counter to place an order himself.

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[Oni Archives]

[[Addressing: Sentou]]

=The young man was curious, and the merchant had a great appreciation for that - knowing well that knowledge is power and the value that this kind of power held was a trait that most shinobi lacked. A common one at that - but the new generation valued brawn over all...ignorant to the fact that majority of battles fought in the shinobi world - would always be fought with information, a victory won before even a punch was thrown. He couldnt help but chuckle at the way that he tried to pronounce Takamagahara, but it wasn't a boisterous laugh so as to make him feel silly or anything - in fact it was the type of laugh that could be shared between individuals - contagious laughter they called it, a tone of someone that has seen botched attempts themselves or maybe even been guilty of the same. When he asked the question the merchant took a deep sigh...you could feel the thoughts in his mind almost physically being pushed back with every bit of pressure his sigh released from his chest as he commented to the young man's inquiry:

"Ha - it really is a mouthful just for a single name isn't it? Taka - like a hawk, Mag - more like a long "mog" sound, ah, hara - Takamagahara. You'll get the hang of it - practice it a bit. But....yes that and the matter of the two brothers. Its simple really...no, thats unfair to say - in the same token it isn't quite as simple as the short version. I would say, to make it short - Totsuka was simply in his brother's way. He'd not have that. How do I say this...in a way that can truly be comprehended. Ha - yeah that's pretty accurate. Look at it this way."

=The moment that he said this, he would have done something that . . . was altogether unique on its own - truly a marvel performed that no one else in the shinobi world Naraka or otherwise could say they could emulate. He set his hands in a very specific handseal, none that was native to the shinobi world or for the most part of what could be seen....Naraka either. Once he set this seal he clapped his hands together and then widened them - what came to fruition was the fabrication of what seemed to be...stars. It was like a nebula was opening up in the expanse of the merchants hands and once they expanded out fully this nebula would form a...semi-familiar entity. The Jubi, in a form so small and compact that they could view it right there before the counter top. He smirked - and then looked up at Sentou as he began to explain, his hands shaping and moulding over the image giving it what seemed to be...animation:

"In your world - the strongest being is perhaps the Jubi - what happens when you reunite all of the nine bijuu back into their solid, original form. This perhaps...may be more comparable to the Mask Salesman himself. Next in line perhaps the Otsotsuki, the original bloodline from which Hogomoro - the Sage Of Six paths was descended from. Now take this, the Otsotsuki, Jubi and put them together....Now introduce an entity strong enough - to crush them with a thought. **at this time the image of the Jubi started to shift, the light in his hands shifting and animating as a being far bigger in comparison to what was in his hand moved over and set its hand down over the top of it - crushing it as a burst of light came out and flashed from over it. What stood tall there now was a gigantic silhouette that seemed human in shape, but bore three faces upon a single head - one seemed to be smiling, another frowning, and the third weeping profusely.** That is the Takamagahara. Perhaps the sole source of dwarfing power in existence. No one knows where it came from, how to get to it, or that its even an item at all - most believe that the Takamagahara is a place. The last person that knew - was Totsuka. Believed to be that Totsuka was the gate-keeper to this item or place of unthinkable power. That, is precisely why Izanagi killed him. He was faced with the Mask salesman's power - not even at full force and as far as Izanagi had come by that point it was not enough. He needed more power - and when he learned that it was so strong his desire to protect Naraka and those he cared for turned inwards on his mind and gave birth to the question: "What if the salesman - is not the only one?". He became enthralled by the desire to obtain more power and so he searched - and heard of the Takamagahara. Truth be told Sentou - what he did was not easy for him. He did not wish to do it. But the lives of Naraka weighed against the singular life of his brother. Izanagi would not be stopped. And Totsuka, would not back down. And so it happened. Ever since that night - Izanagi had been, unstoppable."

=With that being said the merchant chuckled - picking up his own cup and holding it before his nose, inhaling the tea as he took a generous sip from it and set it down with not even so much as a sound. He was uncharacteristically elegant and refined for someone of his . . . disposition. His eyes were closed - and the expression upon his face one of somber satisfaction. It almost looked as if he was simply sampling the tea but it soon became apparent that there was more then that coming out of the mind of the silver haired merchant. His chest jumped in a chuckle...repeating a few times over before soon he was descending into a barrage of boisterous laughter. His lips spread wide as the fit of laughter throttled him more and more to the point that it was like his body was convulsing involuntarily as he even so much as backed away from the counter and made an "excuse me" gesture with his hand towards Sentou as he stumbled back a pace in laughter. His dainty black nailed hands raked over his face and through his hair as he seemed to wash the wave of hilarity from his being and calmed down into a series of deep, recuperative breaths before looking back to Sentou:

"Eheh, ehehe, I'm sorry. Its just...heh its just so funny to me. I guess that Naraka should honestly be very grateful for the seated of the Black Throne. Who else would go through such exsanguinitive extents of madness to make sure that everyone in their country was protected? A bunch of people, that he doesnt even know - that at one point never even wanted him. Ha - what foolishness should the Burning Dawn be afflicted with - to even oppose someone willing to sacrifice everything in such a way? Ahahaha - its all so funny. . .

. . . But then again . . .

They are still alive even in opposition to someone so strong, that could find them anywhere - aren't they?

Don't you find that, funny?"

=As he said this the merchant simply stood upright and relaxed, as if what he had said was just a passing, fleeting thought that had crossed his mind and held no consequence what so ever. But in truth . . . it was an amazingly good question. Why all of this? Why this war? Why not just end them? Certainly none of the members of the burning dawn even combined against him would be enough to fight him off for long. He could eradicate them all and just be done with it. . . or could he? There was something going on in it all - and the uncertainty of it all put a weird tension in the air...not between Sentou and the merchant personally - but simply when contemplating the ramifications and possibilities. The potential and imagination could spawn ideas and thoughts that were downright asphyxiating to think.=

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LittleMrs.MuffetsatonhertuffeteatinghercurdsandweyThenalongcameaspiderthatsatdownbesideheralongcameaspiderthatsatdownbesideher͕͗ᴀ͕͕͗͗ʟ͕͕͗͗ᴏ͕͕͗͗ɴ͕͕͗͗ɢ͕͕͗͗ᴄ͕͕͗͗ᴀ͕͕͗͗ᴍ͕͕͗͗ᴇ͕͕͗͗ᴀ͕͕͗͗s͕͕͗͗ᴘ͕͕͗͗ɪ͕͕͗͗ᴅ͕͕͗͗ᴇ͕͕͗͗ʀ͕͕͗͗ᴛ͕͕͗͗ʜ͕͕͗͗ᴀ͕͕͗͗ᴛ͕͕͗͗s͕͕͗͗ᴀ͕͕͗͗ᴛ͕͕͗͗ᴅ͕͕͗͗ᴏ͕͕͗͗ᴡ͕͕͗͗ɴ͕͕͗͗ʙ͕͕͗͗ᴇ͕͕͗͗s͕͕͗͗ɪ͕͕͗͗ᴅ͕͕͗͗ᴇ͕͕͗͗ʜ͕͕͗͗ᴇ͕͕͗͗ʀ͕͗
[[Addressing: Tenwa]]



=He came into the shop, and the moment that he came to the door - from the courtyard distant the eyes of the Hatake male were hot on him, his normal pupils snapping wide and narrowing into serpentine slits before relapsing back...he seemed to be hot upon the male but not quite invested enough to get over-excited about it. He came and made his way, sitting down and not too long after the fact of him sitting down would the Sozo find the Hatake coming to the door and stepping in. His demeanor was calm - lazy even with his eyes drooping as he approached the counter. He looked down at the headband that he had left and his initial thought was to pick it up. But it wasn't until now that he had to pick up the symbol of his nationality that he realized...just how heavy it had been carrying it in the first place. He'd not pick back up what had already let him down. He looked at the teashop clerk and pointed over at where Tenwa had one to sit, speaking of how they would need to have their orders taken cause they'd be sitting in. Then he would come over and sit down right across from him at the table. No need to leave in reference to whom left the headband...he was now sitting right before him. The Hatake would do something, very small - but that held a lot of meaning behind it and the mindset of this man.=

"Good evening. Excuse my intrusion, Hatake - Saitou Hatake. May I ask what your name is?"

=Manners. Because what more seperated us as human beings from the rabble and filth that walked the earth, slinging its own stool and rubbing together dry sticks then...manners - social interaction and how its managed. The way that he asked and spoke, then sat there so calm and carefree - it was like he wasn't even here. Were one so inclined by the razing of madness upon the mind they would humor the possibility that the man that sat before them was simply a figment of their subconscious mind. . . he embodied the definition of pleasant and polite...it was fictional - no. . . it was stranger then that. He'd await an answer or a significant enough moment of pause to continue, leaning forward to the table at which he tapped his right finger upon the surface a bit as if counting his thoughts as he spoke: "You know. There's just something. . . different about you. My particular skillset - comes with a curious amount of knowledge about the inner workings of people in general. I've learned that people...when they want you to believe them - tend to speak and take to demeanor and actions meant to be seen, with their shoulders forward - heavy. That's because in the moment of doing this they want someone to believe them - perhaps everyone depending on the motion. Typically in an environment or conversation that risks exposing something the natural reflex would be repulsion, fight or flight kicks in and knowing this - at least an individual with ample enough brain power knowing, the counter is to offset that expectancy- subversion. So instead of back and away...the shoulders, head - maybe even common body language comes forward. Your shoulders...your body - its heavy, heh. But not with poverty or social indifference. No...you're countenance. Its one of thought...in a world of back end shoulders among the shoppers yours...are forward." =As he said this he leaned back once more...perhaps in parody of what he had just said before hand, though in parody or not the irony certainly could not be offset. As he sat back he set one leg over the other at the table, the black cloak he wore over settling on the chair as he arched his left arm over the backrest of the chair - his finger still lightly tapping on the table. His eyes were cast aside at everyone around them before they came back to Tenwa - his eyes scanning his features ever subtly as he stopped tapping and gest openly in a "Hm...well.." kind of manner: "You look nothing like the man I was told to seek aide from. Never the less, I know an off demeanor when I see it. That said, certainly I need not explain to you. Pandering like some pretentious kage or Daimyo bustling at the pockets - you know we're trapped here in some sick little game. If you and I share any sentiment of thought - which I have a strong feeling that we do. You want out just as much as I do. We were solicited for help - to save this place from the dictator in power at the moment. Izanagi Uchiha, perhaps in the shinobi world you've heard of him, perhaps not though I find it hard to believe. Plenty of ghost stories about that one and if not - still you too must be able to understand the ramifications that must follow an Uchiha in a seat of major power. You probably also could care less about the struggles and problems of bluthering fools too naïve to realize the danger they're all in, in the first place; I get that, me too. Though just like me you know there's math behind this and its very simple. We play our part, we get let out. As frustrating as it is to be moved about a shogi board you dont even recognize...thats the hand we've been dealt." =As he said this the waiter assigned to them came over and requested their order. A bright eyes young man with auburn healthy hair. Hatake looked at him then at Tenwa and jested towards him: "I'll just have. What he's having, thank you. The bill is on me." =Those manners again. There was just something about them. Something about the situation as a whole. He had just briefed him on this situation as straight forward and rudimentary as possible - but rudimentary or not it didnt take a rocket scientist to see the way that their control of their lives was being played with by this war...and almost as if medicine, prescribed for this specific illness he makes even the smallest of gestures - a vivid echo in his actions - offering to take the bill and saying he would have what Tenwa orders....immediately relinquishing control, as if to imply a spirit of willing trust as he made his presentation of the matter at hand. He would sit there at ease while the waiter stood looking to Tenwa to finish off the order.=​

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[Oni Archives]

He simply watched as the merchant provided answers with the use of his words, but more at the scene he created within the palm of his hands. The first image was that of Jubi, a being of great terror that Sentou had only learned about through the text of the Lotus Society and word of mouth from Totsuka during a few training sessions. Seeing it for the first time disgusted Sentou as he watched the animation of it move, it held a grotesque appearance and looked like something that could only haunt you in your nightmares. The merchant would then mention the Sage of Six Paths, another name he had heard from passing but wasn’t as knowledgeable on compared to that of Jubi, however he did know his origins were not of his world to say the least. He was confused why these two different beings were even being brought up until the male told Sentou to picture taking them both and imagining a being who possessed their strengths but with the capabilities of crushing foes with just a thought, it was almost unfathomable for the Kenzai however what he did manage to conceive from his thoughts only made him shudder from his core.

A cold sweat would break out over the side of his head as it ran down the length of his neck making him shiver as the third entity would appear from the impressive star show. To say he wasn’t scared would be a fool's lie, how did his teacher manage to protect something as wicked looking as that, let alone it’s raw strength. Looking up from the male’s hand to see him smiling at him with a cup in hand, Sentou’s facial features were concealed from the scarf previously given to him however his eyes told it all -- he was in a panic.

Trying hard to swallow it all, a knot caught itself in Sentou’s throat as the merchant continued on to give the information in which he had asked for. Just like Hayato before, the man spoke of the fate of Totsuka was not an easy choice to be made by Izanagi, what other options could he have taken besides slaying his own kin for power? It seemed the more he learned about the Uchihas he would only find more pain following in the wake of information. How could something so important as family be seen as nothing more than a stepping stone in the pursuit of conquest? He felt sick to his stomach, but now wasn’t the time to get cold feet, he was already thrown so far into the deep end without a means of returning home that he couldn’t falter now. The sounds of the merchant laughing would bring him back to reality as the man regained his sense of composure to make a statement about an unknown faction such as the Burning Dawn. Who were they?

Sentou: H-huh? Who are the Burning Dawn, and what do you mean Black Throne? I-i’m sorry...all of this is so new to me. I’m trying to wrap my head around it, but I can’t seem to. Are they the one’s hunting me? Are they in cahoots with the Salesman? What the hell do you mean there’s a war going on?

It seemed the more questions the merchant answered would only leave Sentou with more questions to ask. He had hoped he wasn’t overstaying his welcome, but if he was safe inside for the time being he would have to use everything at his disposal to find out the truth of all this.

​

 

[Oni Archives]

"Huh....he really hasn't told you much of anything has he? He must have really been trying to protect you from this place. He'd turn in his grave if he knew you were here now."

=The thought crossed the mind of the merchant when Sentou asked him about the black throne. It wasn't too hard to believe that the man didnt know anything about the Burning Dawn - but the black throne? It was curious, it was the most sought after and powerful position in Naraka, the equivalent of being trained by a Konoha jounin and never hearing mention of the Kage. The merchant adjusted the thought in his head a bit as he pondered the meaning or why that would be in the first place. Then he started to tap the counter as he began to explain this with a chuckle upon his lips at the man's uncommon manners:

"The Black Throne is the equivalent of being the Kage of a village. The thing about being the seated of the black throne - is where as the Kage runs the village itself and military forces, the black throne controls all of Naraka as a whole. I suppose you could say - if the world of shinobi was united under a single banner, then the black throne - is who that banner would answer to here. As for the burning dawn....hm - well that is a packed question isn't it?"

=With that being said the merchant lowered himself into a chair behind the counter - he then gest to Sentou that he can sit by raising his hand towards the space behind him...but there was no chair there was there? It hadn't been when he came in certainly he passed no chair on his path to the counter but sure enough - if he would look back there would be a chair sitting there right behind him. Quaint, polished wood - nothing special but it was a nice chair regardless. With that being done he would look at his tea and nibble the side of his lip - quite obviously pondering how to word the upcoming explanation before he simply began:

"Much familiar to how the world of shinobi has the legendary sannin - Naraka has The Burning Dawn. Originally this was the name for the legendary four shinobi who had been granted the boon of the Saint Beasts of the cardinal gates. North, South, East, and West - Byakko The White Tiger, Shuzaku The Vermillion Bird, Genbu The Obsidian Tortoise, and Seiryu The Azure Dragon. Each of these Saint beasts quite some time ago granted their blessings to a man by the name of Kintenko Senju - a mentor to Izanagi from a time long long past. When he died - the Masks were scattered and Izanagi was left as the holder of Seiryu's mask. He decided that it was time that they all come back to their rightful owner, him. After a very bloody pilgrimage - he gathered the four and discovered that there were an entire annex of these celestial beasts. Seeing this - he decided that Naraka must do right by the beasts and honor them so he created The Burning Dawn - an organization comprised of four shinobi granted the blessings of a beast through a mask, and these shinobi would act as the guiding and honoring hand of Naraka. The Burning Dawn you have encountered, is the New Burning Dawn - self proclaimed. You met their leader - Daikokuten, the son of Mikaboshi himself. They believe they know whats good for Naraka, that by freeing the salesman - they can kill it and be rid of its curse on Naraka. But thing is...heh, they are so full of themselves and certain to a flaw - for they've yet to even consider the possibility of - what if they aren't strong enough? Heh, foolish if you ask me - but I would wager to say that theres more going on between the pair - Izanagi and Daikokuten rather then just a debate on who can solve Naraka's salesman problem the best. Anywho - the new Burning Dawn, is for all intents and purposes a terrorist organization using the name, much like the former Akatsuki. The masks of the beasts have been scattered quite some time ago. And as for your questions heh, no worries. I appreciate a studious and curious mind. It is a trait I had believed to be all but lost to the shinobi world. Heh...just so long as it doesnt bleed into my next appointment - but dont worry about that."​

 

[Oni Archives]

Taking a look over his shoulder, Sentou was sure there wasn’t a chair when he had entered, however as he looked in the general direction in which the merchant pointed he would begin to ponder whether it was some special space-time ninjutsu this man used to move about without skipping a beat. It was much more comfortable than his make-shift pallet while journeying beneath the village he thought as he immediately slouched against the back end of the chair whilst simultaneously keeping an ear out for the rest of the information he was receiving.

He remembered the names of the beast faintly only hearing about them briefly from Totsuka, it was refreshing to hear something he could relate to without feeling like his head was going to drift away from vertigo. Sentou was familiar with the title of Kage, believing it to be a position only those of great leadership and prestige were capable of obtaining such rank, but it seemed the child whose heart was once pure still had much to learn. As the mysterious male continued to divulge in the information of the Burning Dawn he would mention how Sentou and the others had come across their leader, ”Daikokuten, that’s his name? W-wait, so you know about what happened at the temple huh? You weren’t the one responsible for carrying me off to Hayato’s hell in a cell, were you?” he asked out of both curiosity and caution, given his past run-ins with those who had known his teacher prior, he had a hard time trusting others. But it seemed this man was giving Sentou nothing but knowledge to say the least, if he was the one responsible there might have been a good reason. ”You didn’t answer me before when I asked who you were, sir. I don’t sense any malice from you, but can I truthfully trust you when you say Naraka’s currently on a warpath? Isn’t deceit the strongest weapon in warfare?”

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[Oni Archives]

=The merchant chuckled as Sentou questioned about who he was - referencing the point that deceit is the strongest weapon in warfare. He was right about that matter, but in a way that was a bit more isolated in perspective to the situation as a whole. He couldnt help but chuckle before he started: "That's true - deceit is a powerful agent. But only to those that lack the power to speak freely; supported by their own strength. Speaking as the guy thats materializing solid items from thin air - as well as the man who's tea you've been sipping - poison's a pretty effective tool too. No, in actuality Sentou - consider me doing you and your group a very - very big favor in not telling you my name. It could bring you great hardship in the future. As for the matter of , this "hell in a cell" as you call it. No, that had nothing to do with me. Interestingly enough - I couldnt even see you anymore when that bit occurred - you've enlightened me on that matter more then I have, you. . . Hayato, hm." = He tapped his chin a moment as he contemplated and let that name process in his head for a moment, an oddly satisfied smile spreading across his lips as he did so before finally leaving it off with a chuckle and setting his hands down on the counter. His pupils glazed - and as they did so he almost seemed to be looking directly into Sentou just before him - were it not for the absent manner in which his gaze was directed at him, no - he was looking at something entirely different all on its own at this point. Suddenly - it was quite apparent that his perception came back to the current - his pupils snapping back like a lenses had been removed from his eyes and his head adjusting to address Sentou more accurately and directly at this point.=

"You've not too much longer. Your team is here, in Kagetsuchi - and they're entering the Lucky Tiger Casino over in the central district. They're continuing on you guys directive to go see Izanagi - and it seems the only way to get to the village beyond is to get the approval of the pitt lord - Genichiro Of Seven Winds. This is as close as you have been in quite some time - working in parallels practically. I advise that you hurry and catch them, heh - Genichiro may be hard pressed to have another audience entirely separate from the one he'll have with them should it come down to it." [sub]**With that he drew something from a pouch at his side and set it on the counter. An odd shaped food pill - a deep green like iron supplement sitting there as he present it**[/sub] "One more thing. Someone in your team may need this. It is centripetal in ensuring survival of whomever consumes it. Hold onto it - you never know what you...or someone else may need."



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[Oni Archives]

A dry if not almost forced chuckle would leave his lips as the merchant teased about poison being an effective tool for warfare too, considering he had drank the man’s tea from earlier. He may have been joking, but that wasn’t a very assuring way to let him know he was an ally. With the man going on about the incident between Hayato and Sentou, a puzzled look came across his face as the man mentioned not being able to see Sentou any more once he was in the cellar. He tried not to think too deeply on the subject, perhaps it was another thing he needn’t know about to preserve his safety.

It seemed that the merchant was out of it once again though at the mention of Hayato. He did remember Hayato mentioning he no longer wore that name so there was a chance Sentou was causing this unknown man to reminiscence on the past should he know Hayato as well. Although the merchant was staring intensely ahead of him, Sentou felt like he wasn’t the intended target and took another gander behind him to see if someone else may have entered the shop while he was caught up on gaining information, however there was no one.

His focus would snap back to the merchant as he told him the location of his team, it seemed they had traveled safely to Kagetsuchi. A sigh of relief escaped him, he was glad mostly that they were okay, but more so that he wouldn’t have to travel randomly throughout Naraka to find them. For the time being they were the closest thing to home for him. The sheer excitement of being around people he knew brought a tear to his eye, but now wasn’t the time to show such sentiment he thought as he wiped his eyes dry with his forearm prior to the revelation of the food pill presented before him. Nodding in response to the man’s somewhat ominous warning, Sentou snatched the food pill from the counter and safely tucked it into the confines of his satchel located on the back of his right hip, ”I see! Thank you very much. I appreciate everything you’ve told me and I hate to run now when I feel like there are many more questions to ask, but if what you’re saying is true I’ll need to hurry along… It was a pleasure speaking with someone and not being chased for a change, hope to see you around mister.”

Sentou said with a smile, concealed by the scarf adorned around his head, and a wave before taking his leave from the small shop. As the door closed behind him, he looked out onto the busy streets of Kagetsuchi with newfound purpose before darting off into the crowd and making his way towards the center of Kagetsuchi for the Casino.

[Sentou >>> Kagetsuchi Central]

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