[Episode Ikki Pt1] Mebu Castle

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

He tried to remain attentive to Izanagi’s explanation of what he knew in regards to Kasami and Eiji both, try as he may he couldn’t shake the sensation of his stomach growling and eating away at his insides. In between pacing from side to side to somewhat sluggish movements such as turning his head to face the others may have made it quite apparent, but as Izanagi finished his deposition of information Sentou noticed a rather strange gaze from the latter’s eyes. Just what was he staring at exactly? At his dismay he saw the arrival of two individuals as he turned to the door once more. There was a man he had never met before, that male in particular stating he had serious business to attend to with Izanagi. The other male on the hand, Eien, Sentou would never forget that face. A jarred expression of disbelief and hostility soon kicked in as the young man recognized the man who had beat him unconscious only a couple of years prior. He wouldn’t say anything, but it was clear who his animosity was being directed to as if Sentou’s gaze could burn a hole straight through. It wasn’t until Eien had addressed Izanagi as father that he started to see a small resemblance between the two. Not knowing any better, he was only left with the assumption that the two were biological relatives, but it didn’t sit well with him that such a deranged murderer was in their presence. “I-I’m going to head out, get something to put on my stomach...If y’all need me you know where to find me.” Sentou stammered as he tried to remain as composed as he could, directing his motives to Kasami and Ko both with the others already disembarked. On his way out, Sentou’s gaze would slowly trail from Eien with a gentle scoff before leaving the room, hopefully he hadn’t missed his opportunity to eat something.

(Location: Mebu Castle -> Mebu Castle Courtyard)

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Izanagi didn’t have a good answer for her, but she at least hadn’t been expecting one. The question of who was wearing Mikaboshi’s visage- it seemed like only Tengu knew, and he wasn’t around right now to ask. Or maybe he didn’t know and it was a hypothetical jab? She’d like to imagine at least someone had answers. She left it at that though, just nodding in understanding when he was finished addressing her and moving to Eiji, a thoughtful look of disappointment on her face. To say she was invested in Mikaboshi’s origin, current whereabouts and who this imposter was- it was an understatement. She thought about it often, and would have liked to know more, but she couldn’t blame Izanagi for that. Not unless he really was hiding something…

When she heard the other footsteps, her gaze moved toward their direction. They were too big to be another talking cat, but she certainly hadn’t expected to see Kiyoshi. Especially not with Eien in tow. The feeling of having unity was starting to form in her mind, and it was worrisome to her considering her history with teammates. This was Naraka though, it was different, and she was the foreigner here. She felt like she could trust that these people would have her back, and her team’s, and that made her feel more comfortable. Kiyoshi’s expression was incredibly serious though, so she didn’t linger too much longer.

Kasami waved at Kirinji and Eiji as they left and was turning her attention to Sentou to see where he was headed when she saw him staring daggers into Eien. She watched him for a moment, looked at Eien, and then looked at him again with partial concern, and partial interest. A brow was raised and it wasn’t but a moment later that he said he was leaving to get some food. She figured she would join him as well, but she needed to wash up first. ”I’ll catch up with you soon, I just want to clean up a little.” She watched him leave for a moment before following. To be respectful, like she always was, she bowed to the three of them and smiled as she stood back up and left. Even at Eien, just like she had when she passed him outside Tatsumi’s ward, she smiled. Even if they didn’t acknowledge her, her smile was much more than for them. She felt at home.

She remembered the last time she’d seen both of them. The last time she saw Eien before Tatsumi swept him off was when she had taken a hit from Eiji for him. And Kiyoshi... Just before they met him at the pass to leave, she handed over her shinobi headband. It was symbolic for her- abandoning the waking world for the fight here in Naraka, and she still meant it. Replacing it for the haori she wore now, proudly, with Naraka’s symbol on the back of it. She wanted to be one of them, fight for them, and it showed on her back as she left.

As she set off to clean up, she thought about Eiji as well. She hadn’t missed the change in his demeanor and even the expression on his face as he left. She was starting to feel more confident in having him as a teammate. Maybe she’d meet up with him later.

Transitioning——> Mebu Castle Courtyard

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Izanagi didn’t have a good answer for her, but she at least hadn’t been expecting one. The question of who was wearing Mikaboshi’s visage- it seemed like only Tengu knew, and he wasn’t around right now to ask. Or maybe he didn’t know and it was a hypothetical jab? She’d like to imagine at least someone had answers. She left it at that though, just nodding in understanding when he was finished addressing her and moving to Eiji, a thoughtful look of disappointment on her face. To say she was invested in Mikaboshi’s origin, current whereabouts and who this imposter was- it was an understatement. She thought about it often, and would have liked to know more, but she couldn’t blame Izanagi for that. Not unless he really was hiding something…

When she heard the other footsteps, her gaze moved toward their direction. They were too big to be another talking cat, but she certainly hadn’t expected to see Kiyoshi. Especially not with Eien in tow. The feeling of having unity was starting to form in her mind, and it was worrisome to her considering her history with teammates. This was Naraka though, it was different, and she was the foreigner here. She felt like she could trust that these people would have her back, and her team’s, and that made her feel more comfortable. Kiyoshi’s expression was incredibly serious though, so she didn’t linger too much longer.

Kasami waved at Kirinji and Eiji as they left and was turning her attention to Sentou to see where he was headed when she saw him staring daggers into Eien. She watched him for a moment, looked at Eien, and then looked at him again with partial concern, and partial interest. A brow was raised and it wasn’t but a moment later that he said he was leaving to get some food. She figured she would join him as well, but she needed to wash up first. ”I’ll catch up with you soon, I just want to clean up a little.” She watched him leave for a moment before following. To be respectful, like she always was, she bowed to the three of them and smiled as she stood back up and left. Even at Eien, just like she had when she passed him outside Tatsumi’s ward, she smiled. Even if they didn’t acknowledge her, her smile was much more than for them. She felt at home.

She remembered the last time she’d seen both of them. The last time she saw Eien before Tatsumi swept him off was when she had taken a hit from Eiji for him. And Kiyoshi... Just before they met him at the pass to leave, she handed over her shinobi headband. It was symbolic for her- abandoning the waking world for the fight here in Naraka, and she still meant it. Replacing it for the haori she wore now, proudly, with Naraka’s symbol on the back of it. She wanted to be one of them, fight for them, and it showed on her back as she left.

As she set off to clean up, she thought about Eiji as well. She hadn’t missed the change in his demeanor and even the expression on his face as he left. She was starting to feel more confident in having him as a teammate. Maybe she’d meet up with him later.

Transitioning——> Mebu Castle Courtyard

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

-The Next Morning After-

=He stepped out upon cobblestone foot paths, all of which levitate through a starless sky...it was always starless when he was here. The red haired boy continued on through the other worldly traverse of black and abstract locations. Red bamboo, medical incense and those vaguely familiar bitoku seal tags, The Lucky Tiger Casino emblem and trailing droplets of blood floating off into the sky. They whispered to him - and as he always did, he followed the blood - casting his gaze along with it off into the sky as he beheld a montage of faces and bodies - all floating off into the sky above him. "You could have stopped....this.....why didnt you stop this....." Memories fragmented - recalling to back in that medical ward at Kagane. They blamed...and he felt guilt - though...it wasnt really his to own, neither of them. It was odd but when he was here like this he could feel the guilt, hear the subconscious blame - feel the remorse as a result of it but. . . it never phased him, never really bothered him. Unwaivering dudgeon sharpened like a diamond tipped lance aimed directly for his heart - but he could tell it wasnt his aimed to hit, no. . . they were just aiming through him. "No....No you couldnt stop any of this." -A voice called out above but behind him, causing him to look up and turn around seeing the visage of the green haired man...floating up and away with a satisfied smirk upon his lips - those eyes slit shut like before as he waved in departure, floating away with the others in much a way that signified willing participation...he was smug in his saying so but...he wasnt wrong. Ko did everything that he could have done in that moment...though there was a slight shade of guilt in his chest...the only thing he could think of back then was...why werent they floating off too? Would they float off? The longer they stayed in the area the more their chances of joining them grew....the more his chances of seeing her float off grew...off and away from him...of and to death - never to see her smile again. His expression was blank...lost - but a tear still stained his right cheek as it slid from his eye. Then - he looked down and on the path behind him stood a blackened silhouette. It appeared to be a woman of slender figure and ample bosom - long flowing hair approaching him with an almost motherly sense to her as she knelted down and set her hand - delicate and soft as cotton upon his shoulder. Her care-free almost spectral benevolence contrasted harshly against all of the death and indignation around him...and it was that. . . which brought actual discomfort to his heart as she spoke: "Wake up to reality. None of this was your fault - you did what anyone else given the moment would have. . . wake up."

=His eyes darted open as he shook back to reality, jerked free from his dream state as he looked around him, only so much as moving his eyes almost as if he couldnt believe that he was pulled into anything less then another dream for a moment. Before him stood Eien - pushing him with the upturned back of his hand as he himself had been leaning against the outside doorway of the dorm building just aside of the medical wing. Ko had dozed off...in truth he didnt get much sleep last night...he'd been training again - keeping himself up...he didnt find it easy to sleep at all when he was in a state that he felt ill prepared for anything that was to come. So what was there to do but train? So he could feel prepared enough to fix his sleeping problem. Eien looked him in the eyes as he stood there leaning against the frame with his hands tucked in his blood hoodie, most of his sleepy expression trying to wrestle up a ruse of irritation to cover up the lost look on his face as Eien smirked and pointed over to his left (Away from the building center of the courtyard.) The sound of clashing was already heard at this point - conflict of bone and sinew as the other monks and students were already out and about their morning combat to see who gets their place in breakfast.=

"Ha you look beat. Well sleepy head I dont know if the rest of your team is already out there, in the mess hall, or snoozing the morning light away still, but you look defeated already - rest is just as important a part of training as the actual conditioning ya know? Why dont you do us all a favor and go ahead and get out there - catch a quick romping like a good punching bag so you can get your breakfast and put some life back in you. Izanagi will be waiting to see you out by the main gate to brief your team on the incoming journey - but you may still be able to catch Kiyoshi in the mess hall or something....maybe not hell, who knows? Guys' fast."

=That being said Ko watched as Eien walked off down the side of the courtyard outskirts, making sure to stay clear of the combat and making subtle turns and tilted head movements to avoid the rubble that was getting cast and slung his way in the wake of the chaos that was going on. Ko didnt like him for some reason, there was something about him that seemed so sure...so cocky - then there was a bit more underneath that which just didnt sit right with him. His crimson red hair leaked from his raised hood as he pressed his rear against the wall and leaned forward watching him walk off. He peeled himself off the wall and watched the combat going on...he was right - he wasnt at his best and was having trouble keeping up with the movements of those out in the courtyard. He huffed and exhaled a disgruntled yell of protest as he came to grips with the fact that - the best way for him to wake up and get himself together, actually was to get out there in the mix. He wasnt gonna like it, but there very well may be an ass whooping waiting in his future out there. He looked diligently like a frantic child waiting for his opportunity to quickly cross the busy street and with grit teeth and protracted anxiety he jumped in to the chaos and fought his way to what he hoped would be a worth while breakfast.=

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Not too much now. Increment by increment. If you do too much and tire yourself it defeats the purpose. The body needs proper rest in order to function. And at the level he’s been training he needs all the rest he can get. This is also true for the mind as well. Thankfully, Kirinji was able to get a full night's rest with some peace of mind. The other days he had been tossing and turning, but here at the castle, it felt safe—even with the monster below—all thanks to Izanagi of course. The comfort he has when Izanagi’s around, it’s a weakness, something Kirinji knows he needs to correct or else he’ll be caught off guard.

Kirinji was out by the main gate sitting under a tree with his back resting upon the trunk and his legs extended out in front of him. He was relaxed, eyes closed and his arms resting upon his chest. The blue-haired Uchiha had decided to bypass breakfast in the mass. It wasn’t that Kiyoshi was a bad cook, he’s fantastic; rather, it was just a personal thing for Kirinji. For some reason, when he eats that early in the morning it upsets his stomach and makes him nauseous. And with the journey coming up, he felt it was better that he not take any chances that may discomfort him.

Which is ironic because despite his calm disposer and relaxed mannerism, he was quite stressed about the journey. You’d think with more information it would gain his tension, but unfortunately it did only the opposite. Before he briefly knew of the threat, but now he knows about the threat and just how large the threat truly is. Although, he finds comfort knowing that he won’t be fighting alone, but alongside others that are committed to the cause. As the thought came across his mind a slight smile was plastered on his face—which was outstripped almost immediately by a concerning look as his eyes snapped open. ”Well, almost everyone.” He thought to himself as Eiji’s face came up in his mind. Someone he was unsure of, perhaps someone he may even have to dispose of at a later time. As the thought passed, Kirinji began looking around to see if any of the others had joined him yet.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

=There in the midst of it all he walked down the corridors of the fortress. It had been quite some time - and the last time that he could recall doing such he never had the luxury of taking such a casual stroll...he never did get the chance to admire the architecture. One may find that notion odd however - for the man that walked down the hall was of a familiar stature; bright orange hair, hands inside of candy bursting pockets and a toothpick in his mouth. From the naked eye one would doubtless recognize the countenance of the Mebu lord - Kiyoshi Uzumaki. However, there was more then that stirring under the flesh and in this moment the darker side of the moon was the most prominent - none other than Gogandantes, The Greatest Swordsman of All Demons puppeting this vessel of flesh as he stroll down the halls taking a gander about. Last time he was here, he was an enemy...no - that was too simplistic a word for it. He was a challenger. Gogandantes did not have any need of the typical battle of ideals that went on between the sides at play here in Naraka - the only reason that he had followed Mikaboshi so devoutly was for two reasons. The absolutely unyielding power that he commanded and the unfaltering respect that it warranted him from the demon. He followed those with strength, because he knew where there were warriors with strong wills, morals, and the power to impose them - there would be even stronger opponents...and he looked to test his skill to the brink. Thats what lead him here. To Izanagi and his allies, and thats what lead him here rallied together with them against a common opponent. Gogandantes was a wild card. He had no other purpose then to test himself against strong opponents - and even on the same side a display of strength could lead him in just such a direction. . . maybe even right now in this hall. There were more shadows in this corridor then there should have been..something lingered - projecting shadow from the ceiling of the corridor. Hands in pocket and a smirk upon his lips - without so much as readying himself or adding tension to his mood he turned around to face his silent stalker. Only to find nothing on the ceiling. . . there was only one that was this quick. Reflexively - his body could not hide the excitement in his chest as he turned back around with a grin upon his face. One, two, one two. His feet made a leisurely pace down the hall...begging to be stopped on the way - have his path to destination interjected upon. One two, one two, three four, one two -

Stop.

Seemingly from no where there was a hand upon his chest as the man stood to his side. His grin widened as his eyes bolted aside to feast his eyes upon the visage of the very man....The Tengu The two were silent as they stood there. Gogandantes focused on the man with excitement, not just excitement at the fact that he was here now - but at the fact that he could nearly taste the palpable danger that he was in at this very moment and he knew that with the vehemence that The Tengu felt about his existence he would need to focus to be ready for whatever onslaught may come from the spirit himself. However The Tengu show the opposite. Hand on his chest - showing that even the Greatest Swordsman of All Demons struck not even an inch of fear in him. He stopped him in his tracks just as he would any other aberration of the will of Nirvana. The only reason he did not strike him down where he stood was two fold...for one - there must be a reason Izanagi had allowed him in the halls...and two...he took refuge in the body of a very close comrade to him. The silence broke:

"Only vile flame could cast shadow so dark. What business do you have here - vile swordsman of the Demons?"

"I've already told The Black Throne everything that needs be said, why don't you ask him then? I'm s-"

"I'm asking you."

=The two stood there and with this interjection The Tengu focused his visual addresal upon the man. Both of them looking each other directly in the eyes they stood there in silence for but a moment. In that silence it was as if one could see the friction of powers grinding against the force of one another there between them - sparks and blasts shattered off from the simple gazes as they read each other with pure body language. Although they stood in silence much was being spoken here between the two men...they both were of an entirely different level...so much so that even the enemies that Team 3 and company had faced up to this point would seem absolutely trivial in the wake of their ability...and that very ability - was about to seep through the cracks in this very corridor. -Crack- The seam of Tengu's scabbard came drawn, and the bright azure hue of the steel within peeked at its sought forth victim. With a flicker of a moment there was a loud burst from between the two of them - a sound like low pitch thunder erupting as they both went sliding backwards. Like the machinations of a poltergeist as the two of them slid backwards the gap between them was filled by a plethora of cuts and deep gashes coming from sword strikes unseen. Gogandantes kneeling there smiling, now held a blade in his hand of a wicket proportion. None other than the Bishoumon Blade - a legendary blade hailed from a place that only the most lost of souls would ever venture.

However it was evident that it was not at its absolution of power, for only one of the gems upon its guard was illuminated, this being the blue one. He started to chuckle after the moment of matched force as he rose to stand at full stature. Adjusting the headband upon his head with an almost satirical smirk upon his lips as if emulating Kiyoshi's cocky mannerism. When he did this, Tengu raised the blade to point it at the man and as he did so the straps on his headband slit, falling cut from his face and the straw in his mouth had been cut short. Gogandante's eyes widening only to cause him to burst with laughter at the sight...he'd not even seen it. The Tengu retorted:

"Mind yourself - vermin. You are a creature, not a man...and such symbols are reserved for the hearts of men. A beast of instinct such as yourself could never understand the importance of such a symbol to a man, never know what it means to rally yourself behind any cause but your own vile pleasantries. Make no mistake - "Swordsman Of The Demons." vermin can be replaced by better. Izanagi may think they need you. But we would find a way."

=The moment that he said this, Gogandantes chuckled. brushing himself off a bit as he spun the blade in his hand over and over, almost like a helicopter propeller in the way that he did such so expertly and flawlessly. He started to circle around the side of the Tengu as he did such and tilted his head back with a smirk, flowing orange hair curtaining behind him as he did such...perhaps he was right? He left said symbol upon the ground there where he once stood. Personally? No respect for the name of villages what so ever - and such symbols did just like that headband...only weighed him down. He flipped his blade in the reverse position and pointed at the tengu with his opposite hand:

"Heh, the Nirvana Dragon, Tiger gate temple Tengu...funny to be called a beast of instinct by such an entity - I thought that was...your, title. Heh, no matter. I guess the fact that I'm on your side this time around isn't good enough for you. Still ruled and controlled by that silly Tengu code that they bound you to. What? Do you really owe them so much of your life? Heh - I and Kiyoshi are a single being again. You think I don't know? The mystique is gone now - I know who you are under that mask. Beast of instinct, thats a laugh.You left Kiyoshi, you left the Alliance, your brother - the man that I followed with more devotion then even you in the end! Mikaboshi! Because you feared that the salesman had turned you into a puppet of his own design. And for what!? To become a puppet of the High Monastary Tengu!? The power you sought to put your fate into your own hands - are the very same machinations that pulled the strings to lead you to it. Haha - you've adapted their teachings oh so well. You're just as sanctimonious to judge me here and now just the same as they are. You're right, maybe I have no use for symbols and beliefs - but why would I? The only symbol I need is myself, the only belief that fuels me is that by my will, and my strength alone I shall carve a way to satisfy all my desire. Heh - a great man did once say after all. If you believe that your weapon wishes to raze all existence...then so it will. What say you Tengu? What say you we find out right here - right now, who; is the better!? I've no care for the design and grand scheme of things here. Perhaps my one true desire is here right in front of me - perhaps it will be you, that can put my soul to rest. Kagirinai Kouyou! (Eternal Expanse)"

[sub]((Chapter 2 Standard Battle Theme: Listen While reading))[/sub]

=In the moment that he said those words The Tengu's eyes shot open wide. Certainly he'd not - not right here and now!? The fool! The moment that he did this he dashed in towards Tengu as The masked man held a handseal to his chest and started chanting. The area around them in this mass corridor started to blur and it seemed that the space/time distortion was coming from Gogandantes.. . generating some kind of...field. "Ari Nari Tonari, Materabi, Kunabi, Ari nari tonari, materabi Kunabi, ari nari tonari materabi kunabi~" He started to repeat quickly, while avoiding Gogandante's onslaught with the Bishoumon blade. He backpedaled - holding the seal avoiding slash and strikes by hairline distances, there was an eruption of lightning coming from the blade - one of the symptoms of the blue gem affixed to it, this was no chakra lightning, but true natural lightning shooting from the blade - snapping and crackling around him as he moved. Finally the moment came in which he could stop. After ducking under a horizontal slash The Tengu lunged in and grasped the man:

"Sanzou Ziren!"

=As he said this a light surrounded both him and Gogandantes, concealing and containing the mass distortion that was coming from the body of the man just as it reached critical mass and expanded into the area. Soon they found themselves in the exact location that Gogandantes had wanted for them to be. It was a beautiful area...the skies were pink and the tree leaves were purple, they found themselves in a mountain oasis with several small lakes and puddles of an almost crystal appearing water sitting there within...the mountain itself seemed unreal - the stone gorgeous, almost like carved marble in itself. Where had he taken them?.....Had he taken them? The area, as beautiful as it is seemed . . . fictional. . . almost incomplete in a way. It was soft, distorted like a water color painting....they were not there in fullness, no - but it was as if Gogandantes had brought the presence of this place to them. Was such power even possible?

=Neither of the two were impressed nor aside from what had just happened. It took them no time to get right back into it, both blades clashing there in the middle and the moment that steel reign upon steel with every loud clashing sound like stars colliding in the cosmos there were an odd bright lights that trailed off and seemed to leave the blades with a life of their own. Finally they crossed blades and closed the gap between each other in a power struggle, face to face there testing which one was stronger as the Tengu started to push forward with an ever slight advantage....was it the physical strength of The Tengu, the will of The Monastery, or the power...of Hakai Sarutobi that gave him an edge who knew. Soon a voice rung from in his mind's eye. "Did he? Yes...he brought us here. He's a loose cannon, you hav- I know. I have to end it and close the rift now. This could disrupt the seal holding the creature." -The moment that he said this, the Tengu focused his yang to his palm, grasping the point where both their blades crossed in an "X" and as he did such he would close his hand, make a seal with his opposite hand and strike the top of his fist. What would happen would be another Sanzou art: "Spirit of The Hakurei Boulder" a technique that used a portion of the user's yang to focus chakra density and create an unfathomable weighted anchor to hold something down. In this case, he held down both their blades. As he let go of his knowing what was coming, Gogandantes still held to blade and as a result fell downwards with it. In doing so, The Tengu met him with a snap kick to his descending chin - causing him to stand back upright pried from the blade by the force as they set there on the ground weighted. His incoming onslaught was legendary. Taking off with a right overhead palm strike to the top of the head, Gogandantes blocked it by striking at the wrist cutting him off before he could land it. Much to his dismay his eyes widened at the fact that simply the invisible projected force of the palm strike caused the water behind him to burst upwards - completely clearing a mass of dry land there on the ground behind him before the water fell back into place as he did so...the sheer impact of the force hitting the water was like a depth charge going off at the surface of an ocean. This was a technique taught in the Dragon Tiger Gate, Blind Tiger - Palm Of Heavenly Virtue. Gogandantes was shocked, and his eyes betrayed the expression on the rest of his face as they were wide with shock and awe and yet his lips were curled in an excited smile. He'd only heard of the technique but never seen it done, this man before him - The Tengu...he was the precipice upon which myth became legend. Now he was the one backpedaling, ducking and rolling under strike after strike, parrying out what he could - with every parried strike the force blew a hole off the mountain, rearranging the very structure of the landscape as they went on and Tengu very evidently struck to end this. As they went on their footwork was pristine. Until finally Gogandantes had enough and with a grunt of determination he struck his chest forward directly into one of the strikes. The result was a mass explosion of force, and a clash that held after. the Tengu dropped his gaze back down to the man's chest to see that underneath it all, he had been wearing....That famed artifact...the very thing that arguably made Gogandantes....the greatest swordsman of all demons. It would not allow Tengu to strike him - though he would damn sure test his mettle against an opposing myth, formed to legend. Just as they were struggling, soon came forth a hand that seemed to materialize from nothingness. and just as seamlessly had they appeared in this strange place had they been ripped from it. Their blades - spiraling on the floor as if possessed before both pointed specific directions and darted after them. What the blades came out to find would be both of them wizzing over the shoulder of none other than, Eien Jigoku Satsujin - the Hell Murderer. Contrary to his name, he seemed rather pleasant. A smile upon his face looking between the two as they stood there still primed to go back at one another as both of them caught their blade in their own way - Gogandantes holding his palm out, letting the blade pierce his hand and slowly sink back inside of his body, and The Tengu, spinning, ducking down with his scabbard upon his back aimed to catch the blade and holster it accordingly before spinning back around to face the man with diligence. Then - Eien broke the stare-down:

"I detected the Ziren. That one was yours, wasnt it Gogandantes? Heh..never knew you two had it in for one another so much. Two figures that not long ago would have told me I had strayed from a path of glory on either spectrum of things. You could have cost us - everything. Tengu, I ask that you hold your dedication to the Monastery's pilgrimage to purity for after we solve our problem, and Gogandantes - you especially I would ask you control your appetites for the same. You'll both have plenty of time if we make it out of all this mess. I may not be THE Izanagi, but theres enough of him, -and- Mikaboshi in me that both of you should be able to respect what Im telling you. Tengu, .... you left her all alone with Izzy....what were you thinking?"

=The Tengu stood upright, looking at Eien almost in confusion, it'd slipped his mind in the wake of things going on. But now it came back to him and he almost seemed....bashful about it. Turning his head before adjusting his hoodie to look back at him and with a shrug of his shoulders say: "What? Its just Izanagi. He's the black throne, Im sure he wont do anything weird on a first impression, it'll be fine." After which the three of them stood there among each other looking at the Tengu...both Eien and Gogandantes looking at him with a look as if to question if he was sure about that and trying to convince them....or if he was absolutely unsure and trying his best to convince himself. There was silence...and then suddenly...Tengu spun on his heals and started jogging back=

[sub](Meanwhile In the Seneschal)[/sub]

"Hooo hoo tell me more about yourself! You're from the waking world? Im from the waking world too ya know, Izanagi Mikoto, some may say Izanagi Uchiha, Izanagi Senju depending on who ya ask - heh, big feared name, village destroyer? Eradicated all of Kumogakure under Ikkaku Kingu's reign? Best tea shop in land of fire? Pfffffft, nevermind - time runs differently here and there, probably before your time. ANYWAY - Tengu speaks well of you and says that you're curious as to making a future for yourself here. Love to see it - I think you're going to fit right in. Ugh, and I absolutely love your hair. Its so nice! Hahahahaha - *he leaned over her shoulder, looking down at her rear end and then back up to her* "You do squats?" Standing there in the middle of the Seneschal he remained arms folded in front of her with a wide smile upon his lips. There was many things that could be said about him especially from his body language and the way he was going on. First of all he had his arms folded, and this in body language could be taken as a few things. Eliminating the ones that it were not - the first would be discomfort or uncertainty. Most people did what was called a distancing behavior, folding the arms is one of the most common ones. Human beings at the end of the day are much like pack animals and all of the vitals and soft points were in the neck and open body, chest, stomach, inner thighs etc. Folding the arms is a way the brain's limbic system put distance and shielding between oneself and a potential stressor to make the mind feel more comfortable or at ease...to cope - essentially. But that was not the case here. Another main way was being submissive, non-combatative for the most part and that was majorly what was at play here, doing this as a gest of good faith along with his bright, wide smile upon his face - who was his dentist anyway? He was making sure that what she would pick up off him was friendliness and a welcoming demeanor, all the while very faintly and almost jokingly addressing the elephant in the room quickly and as if it was the smallest factor in the interaction. His past. He never was sure with people from the waking world. He did actually have quite the reputation there and for most of those that knew the legends and not the truth - coming here to see Izanagi would be like waking up to the devil himself. So he tossed it out in a rather non-chalant manner so that if there were any instinctive or big claims and concerns, he would know for sure and even cause question with how open he was about it, because she would double back to that and focus on that herself. No reason for him to bring it up - especially if she chose to come back to it through all the randomness he was tossing about. He stood there just a foot between them in his more leisurely attire, the young looking man's body adorned in blood red robes wearing bright red bamboo sandals as well as he awaited her reply or reaction.=

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

"Born to blossom, bloom to perish" - 不幸の放浪者

Several hours earlier

Echoes, faint screams and noises, panting and loud stomping footsteps…

The sounds were haunting her. Even the blurry images she could see every time she closed her eyelids, so as you can see she had sleepless nights. Insomnia made her able to keep her guard up for ages however, did it make her sane? None at all, the anxiety raised up as well as her trauma reminding her that she wasn’t safe. Reliving that day only gave her pounding headaches and so she desperately fought to stay awake as long as she could. That’s how she spent her first days on the run from him. She had abandoned everything she knew because she knew that it was what she wanted. It was a shame it wasn’t the two of them on the run together, perhaps the warmth of someone she cherished would keep her from going insane. She would have stayed hopeful, but she was too young to ever notice anything about the sinister environment she came from. Everything was hidden so well, the girl was raised with a bunch of lies... It was all a facade. Now that she managed to keep the distance from her threat she had been on the run for a long time, long enough she stopped counting the days. Because these days turned to weeks, then to months and before she knew it a few years. Now she wasn’t always alone in these years, along the way she met someone she could describe having a good bond with. They lectured her and taught her how to survive for quite awhile, but they weren’t planning on staying around forever. She never knew what the real reason was, but she assumed it was because they didn’t want to involve themselves in her dangerous life. There wasn’t a hero to save her… oh no. Childhood fairytales were merely a fantasy. There’s no charming royalty that’ll save them and make all their problems disappear with magic, she was left on her own…

A figure in a black cloak found themselves drifting ashore near a huge waterfall. They were unconscious for some time, and so the memories flew by their minds. However they managed to wake up. Blurriness filled their eyes as they couldn’t wake up properly, everytime they struggled to open their eyes it seemed to close again. They were too stubborn to give in and so after a few attempts their eyesight was met with the night sky and a bright shiny moon. They remained calm… for a few seconds because their brain finally reacted to a piercing pain from their abdomen and the rest of her body. They were bleeding, when they sat up with struggles of the pain rising they noticed something sharp had stuck into her skin. Because the wound wasn’t too deep she was lucky enough to not have a lot of blood loss already. And so hurriedly searched for anything to cover up the wound once they got the sharp material out. They ripped off a part of her cloak and wrapped it tightly around her abdomen, there weren’t any materials that could treat the wound but for now these would do. Things weren’t looking too good, however they weren’t in a fatal condition. But they were overall bruised as well. Who was this person? Of course once they remained conscious everything was remembered. The figure was a woman of the Soyokaze Clan named Misaho. The woman brought her hands to the hood of her black cloak that had been covering up her appearance, and so her features were revealed. She had short indigo colored hair, her hair was layered and appeared longer from the front and shorter at the back of her hair. A rough cut that pretty much resembled a cut when someone cut off their ponytail. Her eyes had a royal blue shade along with indigo lashes on top of her eyelids, surely a rare sight because they’re usually either brown or black. And her skin was caramel colored. Now honestly, Misaho wasn’t one to ever reveal her appearance; this usually kept her safe. But she made a mistake, the wrong person had seen her and so she was tracked down. She had run away so hard that she almost drowned herself. Now that she was awake she actually had no idea where she was. This place seemed nothing like the last place she traveled. But it was time for her to get off her feet and start to figure out where she was, because she needed to go somewhere where she could take care of her wound or she would be in much greater pain than she is right now. And so she traveled on until she caught the sight of a huge castle…

After the time she had managed to enter the castle that had an astronomical scenery, both terrifying and beautiful, she managed to get the needed supplies to attend to her own wounds. She wasn’t a medic by any means, but she knew her EHBO’s to a basic level. Luckily they weren’t difficult to be treated, just a bunch of bruises that were cleaned and cuts to be covered up by bandages to avoid infections. Of course she had other stuff nearby since she was hidden away in the cabinet. Everything seemed to pass by with a rush, the following events were her encounter with the masked man ’Tengu’, also known as Hakai. What started out as a battle turned out into a great conversation, a fateful event that would change her life supposedly for the better.And with a lot of thinking and doubts she had ultimately made the decision to go with him. To the place that would gain her a better lifestyle with the comfort of comrades she could grow with.

Current time

It was scary, scary to believe she actually did it. She couldn’t believe it, honestly the place she was at was breathtakingly beautiful. It seemed as if Naraka held much more beauty than the waking world, perhaps that may be right but it’s more likely because this world is so unknown to her. What’s also not believable was her company right now. Of course she looked less bruised right now because she could freshen up properly. However she couldn’t help but feel slightly anxious without her cloak. She no longer covered her appearance so this situation was slightly nerve wrecking. Not only that, in front of her was Izanagi Uchiha. She didn’t know she would ever get to know them. It’s not like she knew a lot about their life, but the name was mentioned countless times in the waking world as if it was a fairytale. And well she wouldn’t think Izanagi had such a friendly and energetic vibe to them. Perhaps she got used to the grumps in the waking world who would do nothing but complain about life… kind of depressing but that’s the only conversations she’d overhear if she ever entered a public place at bars, errr in disguise of course! Her encounters with the Tengu and Izanagi were different. She listened on patiently despite her visibly slightly shy expression to his ramblings. It’s not like she was the bashfull shy type, but more the ‘anti social I need time to observe and open up’ type.“Thank you! My hair used to be much longer though but this is manageable. Yes I am from the waking world… many people reference to you as legendary or even mythical nowadays tho. Let’s see, I basically have been traveling a lot in the waking world because I kinda came from a dangerous place. Along the way I managed to get a training partner to learn a few things or two. But the running got me to this world.”She smiled slightly as she scratched her head she wasn’t used to opening up right away so she decided to tell the story with less details for now. “I hope for a brighter future here, where I get to grow stronger and change my life around completely! And uhh… I don’t really do squats often” She politely stepped back referring his last question about the squats thing. Surely it was a question she wasn’t used to at all, but she surely noticed he was gazing her rear behind. Mostly because he wasn’t trying to hide it at all.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

(To Misaho)

-Izanagi stood before her, hands on hips with a cordial smile upon his face almost like a used car salesman - but with none of the scammy demeanor. After she spoke he nodded his head after she said she did no squats and commented: "Ha....its the running isn't it? Good for the glutes." -Almost as if he was more focused on how she got her physique then the main portion at hand, but this was not the case. He listened, he always listened - even in times and moments that people thought he may not even be capable of such. Truth be told - Izanagi was perhaps a type that cared a lot more then he reasonably should have. She had said they hold him as a legend in the waking world, a myth - which he knew and somewhat resented them about...he had never even breached past eight percent of his ability in the waking world...there was much ignorance in them - as he repeated her words and let the flavor of such a premise sit on his lips for a moment: "Legend. Myth - heh." It was funny to him in a way. Most of his life in the waking world he had done not much but fight. His very presence ended wars. Literally. But how? By what machination? Violence. Destruction. Murder. Thats how you get fame in the waking world - by being a bigger monster then the next one across the field. A land of men and women putting themselves on a pedestal - a pedestal of bodies, a high horse of the dead. Such pride in the destruction and useless discarding of their own futures. Sending their young, bright, and ambitious onto the field to throw their lives away for the sake of the endless, paranoid power grab of the Kage. There...he was a legend, mythical - . . . and he hated it. A pacifying chuckle left his lips as he refocused on Misaho, a huff leaving his lips followed by a smile as if to bring warmth back to the insidiously regretful tone he had sampled in such a moment. He gest to her with middle and ring finger of her right hand, opposite hand on hip: "Well, in any case.I'm sure Tengu told you that if there was ever a place that someone could turn their life around its here, In Naraka - but in that same breath I'm sure he also told you, there's no quicker place you could lose that life too. Things are. . . different - here in Naraka. Its all high risk and even higher reward and where as it may be seen as savage in philosophy, such open and honest traditions among the world has made the people even more humble and welcoming. To properly introduce, outside of the waking worlds stories - I'am Izanagi Mikoto - and I'am the sole ruler of all Naraka, The Black Throne. You wont see any squabbling Kage here." - He moved over to the observation window looking over the entire compound and courtyard. If you listened close you could hear "MY LEG" as the battle below waged on.-

"Any other time, I would let you stay here with me and my companions - train. Go on some explorations and small jobs to meet the people of Naraka and get yourself acclimated. But you have caught us in the middle of . . . something of a civil war. I fear that at the current with my - heh, condition. This would be the worse place you could be in the event of an attack. So I'm going to send you with our brightest group of new entries. They too are from the waking world, you may even know a face or two. We call them Team 3, Ko Uchiha, a fiery young man with an attitude just as hot. But he's a good guy - he'll look after you all. Kirinji Uchiha, he's got the experience, determination, and skeptics eye that'll keep you all alert and your heads above water when things get tight. He's an Uchiha from the waring period of the world as well, like myself - and Madara. Kasami Senju - heh, and like most Senju, shes the heart of the team. Strong of body and even stronger willed - keep close to her if the other guys start to nag ya on. I'm sure you'll both bond over something in common there. Heh - oh, dont stare at her eye. There's also Sentou, a gentle giant from a society of monks and warriors. Look out for him, he has no qualms about throwing himself in the fire for his team. He...had a mentor from Naraka that met unfortunate circumstance. But his teachings show well. If theres more you need to know about Naraka on the way, he may well have the answers. And last but not least Eiji of the Sarutobi clan. Curious boy there - eccentric, hard to put a pin on where his head is at a lot of the time. And his fighting style is even more eccentric - a puppet user, from the Sarutobi clan - ha. But he has a nose for danger and when you're about to be waist deep in it. If that guy runs - just run behind him. They're supposed to be meeting at the gates to the compound - theres only one way in after all. So you should meet with them there. But first, here." (-It was then that he handed her what looked like a kanji lined baton, and five ticket like pieces of paper with a dragon on the face-) This is a jump-jack, if you pull the top of it and twist, it'll pop and release a chakra into the top end where the kanji are. It'll summon you back to your team. If you do the same to the bottom half - it'll summon the nearest active one to you. They're great for quick escapes and regrouping, as well as saving a team mate. These? These are vouchers. Here in Naraka there is a currency and more of a trade system - but shinobi here tend to live shorter lives then in the waking world - at least when things are actively requiring them. They are honored, and respected far and wide by the people and expected to give the same courtesy - so here, shinobi get these vouchers. As long as they have vouchers they can get items from any shop free of charge. So keep them close. Never know what merchant you may run into. Ha - speaking of which. I hear Echigoya's dead. Genichiro told him to stop pushing the Tengu - ohhh well. Hm. If you have any questions for me, I will answer all to the best of my ability. As well, we have a medical wing here for any medical supplies or remedies you may need, at the west end of the courtyard downstairs. The mess hall is at the first floor of the central building where we are - you can take the elevator behind us. There's also a library and archive to the east end of the courtyard if you want to take any books with you on the way with Team 3 to keep you up to date on anything feel free. You'll more then likely be briefed when you meet with them by one of my Captains. I know this is a lot to just come in on - but I promise you not only will I, and they as well do everything in our power to keep you safe and make sure you get out of this alive. But should you stick with us on this, you will see a change that you never thought possible."
-As he said this he would turn his back to the window looking back at her directly once again, his gaze was hard to pin for an Uchiha...in truth his Senju roots were always stronger and his personality never fit it, always seeming more caring then the heartless murderer he was in his past life. The gaze he gave her was serious and sincere - that is of course, until the rumble of a peron's body hitting the building jarred him from his conversation. He spun with bewildered eyes to look down at the courtyard only to see-

((Meanwhile, the courtyard - with Ko))

-Chaos....and not the usual chaos that someone who didnt see this kind of thing at the courtyard would typically call it. No, this was different. The courtyard usually had an air of routine to it. When they went out to fight there was always a kind of cadence - it was like a refined and well choreographed dance. However in this case there was something different, and to anyone that saw and knew the students on a first hand basis it would be apparent. The typical monk clothing was moving and migrating in a particular direction as a combined body - and the body of the man that had been slammed into the wall slowly peeled off the wall and fell to the ground, defeated. There in the mix would be none other than Ko, slowly lowering the leg that had kicked the man into his new found comfort zone back to the ground as he looked amongst the budding Sanzou and Senpu monks and spoke: "Well, dont keep me waiting then. Show me what Narakan willpower looks like. Attack me as a whole. So concerned with the taste of breakfast, come - taste defeat first." - The demeanor was a bit more cocky of Ko then usual. The boy was always sure of himself in a way but never so much so in such a calm and collected manner, almost as if he had already seen this play out. As he did such he smirked - it was almost as if he knew that the only way he could get a bunch of honorable monks to all gather against a single opponent would be to unite them against a singular opposing force; the words he spoke tailored to do precisely that and nothing more. There was a look of determination upon his face now - one that was more familiar with his demeanor as he readied himself and was quickly swarmed upon by several numbers of monks. The sight was hard to keep up with - whisking streaks of colors back and forth with the occasional stray one being knocked out as a monk went flying, flipping and hitting the ground face first only to skid across the stone floor to come to an unconscious stop. Every now and then a loud impact would ring out - where Ko was struck by a monk and sent skidding back to another position to recover only to be swarmed and enter the fray again. These were shortly followed by spiral bursts of flame and spark as he went along. He started to mutter: "No...no not yet....somethings not right....something's missing. Whats wrong with me? I- ....I don't feel any of this. Im not being pushed, not at all. Why? More.....more!" and with that a burst escaped from the crowd - and several of the monks dashed back, those that did not were pulled backwards and away by those that had. What was left standing there was Ko - dawning the mask of Shuzaku, Vermillion and almost resonate as if the flames of the sun were peering through the mask itself as Ko breathed heavy and stanced downwards towards the monks, He beat his chest twice with both fists, sending solar flare like whips of chakra off his body as he did before finally he started to get back to combat with the Monks, only to find himself struck by a radiant magenta streak of lightning following the sound of a gunshot like sound barrier. The moment that he was hit he braced himself back and looked up at the source, only to see precisely whom he thought would be the only of two parties capable of such a thing - Sakuya Sakurai. The pink haired woman stood there with a locked gaze upon him and he knew that there was no need for words - she'd felt that he was going too far, being aware of the power of such a thing as the Mask of Shuzaku, perhaps more then he was in this current moment. But he would not acquiesce to the doctrine of a woman that he sensed still was not telling them so much. He'd seen it in the subtle ways that she acted and did things. After they were reunited at the casino and the way that she so quickly knew what to do with the toxin that was upon Eiji. She'd have to make him stand down - something in him burned darkly, wishing her to enforce her will directly, not with cunning or deception as he felt she had been thus far. And with that, he prepared himself - the ground around his feet smoldering and steaming as he dug in and started to prepare for whatever lightning quick attacks could come from this pink haired hellion.

Near by, outside of the medical ward a distance away, The Jackal lean against the doorseal to the medical wing watching, arms folded in silence observing all that was going on.=

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

There was a time that Kirinji would be amused by the actions of the young, fiery-spirited Ko. He had been there before, mocking and testing his own power in the Waking World. Not only as an initiator but also as a spectator stirring the pot. Cockiness in his voice, mocking the opposers, finding comfort in his power, and a strong belief that not many could test him. It gave one a sense of self-importance. Perhaps that was what Ko was looking for or perhaps it was something else. As stated, he’d been there before and there was a time this would be entertaining. But now he was older and wiser, he knew that each action had a consequence. This would not be a moment that he would not want to be memorized by. He could only assume of course. Despite spending a decent amount of time with Ko on their journey, Kirinji didn’t really know the man. However, he was able to decipher that despite the lack of time, Ko was not acting like himself. Kirinji began standing up as it was clear an intervention was needed.

And an intervention would have occurred had the pink-haired woman had not arrived. Always on time, it seemed. Made sense for one of the speedsters to arrive before him. At the moment of her arrival, he felt it unnecessary to intervene as he had assumed that Ko would see his opponent and understand that he had gone too far. Also at that moment, he saw Sakuya his mind had wandered off to how they were capable of moving so fast. However, his attention swiftly reverted back to Ko who had a different idea. The ground around his feet steaming as they dug in. He was prepared to battle. Yet at what cost?

”I think that’s enough, no?”

Kirinji spoke out from behind the man in a whisper, aiming to hopefully calm him down. Had Ko not turned around and seen Kirinji come closer and closer, he’d hear the footsteps inching toward him. While maintaining precaution of the flames, he whispered to the man as he glanced around. ”Look around at their faces. It isn’t pretty, is it? Is this really the image you wish to be memorized by them? We’re still new here. Let us not make noise.” Had Ko headed his words and let down his flames, Kirinji would walk past him after placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. One that would give a feeling of “it’s okay” and “I’m proud of you” at the same time, which he would be due to the young man pulling himself out. Kirinji had a charismatic smile plastered upon his face as he looked around the crowd of civilians. ”Sorry about that folks! My friend here sometimes gets carried away. He has an unfortunate condition—hypospadias. He’s been quite stressed!” As he circled around the crowd with a smile, he stopped at the monks and his disposition began to align with his natural state of calm and seriousness. He made eye contact with the monks and respectfully bowed to them in a manner of apologizing for the actions that had occurred.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

"Born to blossom, bloom to perish" - 不幸の放浪者

“Yeah it must be because of the running I suppose”

She mentioned with a small grin. It was true she ran a lot.. for hours, days, months heck years even. This was a new beginning, the next arc of her life. It was nerve-wracking because she’s exposed to a whole new area of new people as opposed to the time she had no one with her. The change was good… but scary and overwhelming to her so it wasn’t a lie she seemed maybe uptight and slightly tensed by her body language by now. She almost thought she said something wrong when she heard his repeating of her own words, while humanity had seen the man legendary she could see by the tone of his words it was something he didn’t agree with. While she was curious as to the why’s and what but she figured this wasn’t the right time to ask anything about it. Who knows maybe someday she’ll know their stories and they would know hers… but she had struggles with opening up and because of that, she felt it was right to not be too nosey. And so she listened on to Izanagi’s words, remembering Tengu’s words and promises of how they both mentioned how this place was something unusual and different from earth. Naraka was the place of both success but also danger, seemingly more dangerous than earth. So again, this would be something she definitely would need to get used to. Especially that there were no roles as Kage’s here, sure she didn’t have many memories of interacting with one let alone being near one. But during her travels, she learned enough about their positions in the world.

Honestly, she expected to stay with Izanagi or Hakai for a little longer since well she wasn’t that social, and she somehow already opened up so that seems close to somewhat a bond to her… despite her not having any bonds. But from Izanagi’s words, she knew this wasn’t the time to express uneasiness to social regards. She would be sent with a group of people, for the time being, the only thing probably thought was comfortable was that they were from the waking world like her. Perhaps they could help her get used to this world and teach her things… Especially Sentou since it was mentioned he was the right person to ask questions to for more information about Naraka who knows what type of bond they could have. From the details of Izanagi, they all added their strengths to the group to form it into a great team with various attributes and skills. When Izanagi reached out to give her the kanji-lined baton, used for summonings and evasions. These would definitely come in handy if she were to deal with threats. tickets with a dragon face on them, vouchers she could use to gain items from merchants. She reached out to grab the items from his head and stuck them into her pouch. Now the mention of Echigoya made her think back to the castle where she met The tengu. Surely she was aware of his death she was a witness to it. “That’s kinda how I ran into the Tengu…” She mentioned after he confessed his death. Surely she continued to listen to further instructions especially about where the medical wing is, that’s an important place to remember. Well honestly all the given information is important but some stuck more to her than others, hell it was a lot of information to process but it would be processed for sure. Now did she have any questions left? “I don’t think I have anything right now, you already let me know most I wanted to know. Thank you kindly, especially for offering a new chance and safety” She bowed down slightly to show him her regards. Hopefully one day she could truly pay them her regards for this life-changing opportunity. Now it was the time for her to meet this new group.

And with that, she took off to the stairs that headed to the east. Trying to remember the directions that were told she searched off to the library. It was important she knew what to await before meeting them, mostly because she wasn’t sure what they were gonna do after all. That’s why she headed towards the Courtyard, perhaps she could head west after she got some books for some medical supplies. As she wandered through the halls in silence her footsteps were the only noise coming from her she couldn’t help but feel slightly anxious… who truly were these people? And what would await her?

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Kasami hadn’t been around for breakfast- in fact, since the night before at the tea shop none of her team had even seen her. Not even Ko. She never mentioned anything to Kirinji that would explain her disappearance, but there wasn’t much cause for alarm just yet either. Even if she was late, as she unfortunately often was, she never made them wait long.

After deciding the day before that it was time to get serious about training and change things up a bit, she started considering her options. Susumu was a tailor and she’d seen a million different things in her small time with him in that shop of his. Perhaps the bits and pieces that she remembered could inspire something for a new look. She hadn’t slept much while she was undergoing this change, but it felt worth it. When she did wake up the next morning after her few hours of sleep, she felt incredible. Looking in the mirror felt right. She felt like herself. Enough exposed skin to feel comfortable, but this time she was actually wearing clothes. Pants even, which was a rare occurrence for her. It was time to join the others now.

As she stepped outside into the courtyard, things with Ko and the monks were starting to amp up beyond just casual sparring- and Kirinji and Sakuya were there to step in. She watched quietly for a moment, her thumb resting against her lips in thought, and then she stepped out from the shadows beneath the roof out into the sun. The breeze blew the braids trailing behind her gently, which caused the small chimes attached to them to make the softest twinkling sounds. Her posture was better than it usually was and the power within her? It was pulsing, alive. It was a feeling she was still getting used to, but it was kind of comforting to know the man that gave it to her was right there with her for the ride. Both of them- Ko and Mikaboshi both.

She walked over to them in the courtyard, tilting her head as she observed them and then looked around. Judging by everyone’s reactions, Ko had went a little overboard, and Sakuya was interjecting herself combatively as a means to end it. Kirinji was choosing words. If he hadn’t heeded his words and Ko continued on, Kasami would throw the caution that Kirinji displayed into the wind. She’d walk right past him toward Ko despite the heat and stand a few paces away from him. She didn’t say a word, but the look in her eyes said enough of it. It was a mix of disappointment and readiness to stand in the way of harm. He was going overboard and needed to stop.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

"Memorized?"

[sub]((Listen While Reading: Iaito))[/sub]

=The moment that he thought about what that word meant to him he couldnt help but repeat it, his eyes shifting back and forth between all of them there around him as he conflated that very word to all of the faces here staring at him. What seemed like a young boy caught in the riptide of his new found power was a lot more then met the eye...a lot more, and it was easy to forget just how little anyone around him knew that - even Kasami for that matter. He was a well trained, seasoned ANBU Black Ops Captain, and had seen a great many things in his time of service. . . nothing that he had seen held a candle to what they had dealt with here in Naraka...not even by a slight bit. The moment that he said this and he lingered on the word Kasami came by in front of him as well. His blood vessels coursed searing hot embers....his veins and arteries? Battery acid. And his heart pumped to the beat of a war-drum that even he could not describe. He was enamored with her new look, for a moment not noticing that it was Kasami at all. And then - her disappointment stared into the eyes of nothing but a fun-house mirror...reflected back at her, twice as big and unimaginably more warped as his hand raised and pointed a finger directly at Sakuya. His voice was altered - but certainly more in control despite the low growl it came out as:

"Memory. What good is the memory of the dead? Because that's what we'll all be if we keep thinking that there is a level of "too far" in this war. Look at the Burning Dawn - I bet no one tells them that its too far, that its over-doing it. No, they push - and dont believe in boundaries - hell, this entire war is based on a principle of excelling potential beyond what someone told you was "the boundary" thats the entire premise with them wanting to fight that monstrosity. And I get it. . . we need time - now is not the time to fight it. But what good is time going to do us if we dont push each other further then what our limits allowed before!? What good is how you are memorized by a group of people, if all those people will be dead anyway because they rather be soft then break their limits down to the bone? Look at this - yeah, its intense but what is it really? Practice. Repetition. Routine...heh yeah - routine. A "norm" to keep you in to help assure you that this is a day like any other. . . how many days like this have they all lived? Because its not a day like any other. There is a corpse puppeting, rebellion inciting, world eating - monster, parked right at the center of everything and an organization of terrorist trained in abilities far beyond our understanding to degrees far beyond our capabilities waiting to bust it out. What about Kagane? How quick do you think it happened for those people? Really? Sleep in their homes minding their business - minding their -routines- and suddenly, whisked off their feet by an unseen force completely incapable of doing anything about it. I bet they were kept in their routines as well. The only way we fight this - is by unconventional means. Everyone here, they cant beat the Burning Dawn on their own - thats why WE are here. So what? You dont see it? Im fighting all of them. EVERYONE. Because if they cant beat the burning dawn...but they can beat me? What would that say about me? My ability to fight? Memory - . . . stand upon the ashes of a million dead civilizations and ask me - does how someone remember me, matter more than saving a million lives that wont in the future anyway? And you. . . *pointing at Sakuya* there's been talk about a traitor all along within the ranks. None of you thought to ask yet? Coming to her aide? You're pretty fast. Where were you in Genichiro's casino? You're pretty fast - you could cover that whole building twice before spit hit the ground, I didnt see you in the pitt - and you got separated pretty early in. Where. Did. You. Go? I - heh...I dont know how no one else sees it."

=He was shaking, not in fear - but quite visibly shaking as a pacifying behavior...but it was not working in the least bit. He had celestial chakra coursing through him to an extent that he had never felt before - something was happening in his body, something intense. He was writhing with rage - feeling played, and betrayed by Sakuya in the moment. She had been acting afraid from the moment they mentioned Genichiro, from the moment they ran into Ai at the Shrine, exceptionally more when they had gotten inside. She had not helped them fight, and so far - she seemed to be keeping the most secrets then anyone that had ran into save for that odd merchant they kept bumping into. Ko was already good at it...reading people, sensing prey in social standings - but the mask brought it out of him even more...they were bonding - and it turned Ko into a monster of a beast when it came to focusing down on these things. His body was trying to shake to knock off the excess energy that was overloading him, and around him the heat blazed to overwhelming levels - and yet was highly contained to a point that the heatwaves compressed away from Kirinji and Kasami and focused around him to the point that the blurring of the air around him would turn into small flickers of white light forming into mini-solar flares. His eyes were trained upon Sakuya - and in the distance the black veiled men all around started to turn their heads - seeming to turn the very fabric of reality when they did so all at the same time looking at Ko and Sakuya - they had always been there...as per usual, but perception was filtered away from them and the moment they turned and looked they broke the veil that concealed them and were made apparent to the world. So in sync you could almost hear the exact same shifting of helmet flaps looking their direction all in unison. However, Oyodo - the Commander of the Tengu Legion raised his hand in an "at ease" motion and as soon as he did...they all remained still until they finally blurred out of existence like a chameleion camouflaging. The man's armor was horrifying, resembling that of a feudal warlord's armor - all pitch black and shiny with a demon skull embroidered on the front of his helmet. The skull was smiling and underneath maybe he was too - something was amusing to him, confirmed by a light chuckle and shifting into comfortable position to watch what was going on. The man was...curious about something. Sakuya's expression was bewildered and exasperated by anger. . . but it wasnt the kind of anger someone gets when being disrespected. It was the kind of anger someone gets when they know they have been challenged in a valid sense...and they hadnt expected to have to defend their case. She was distancing - you could see it in her body language. Often, when someones hands were moving otherwise or their body was grounded either in stance or against a surface...the feet told you what you needed to know about where their subconscious mind was. . . hers were pointing away from Ko - she wanted to get away from this subject, away from this confrontation. . . away . . . from the things that she had been told. She stood back upright and at ease, looking to Kirinji - now addressing him instead of Ko at all entirely as she said: "You should get your. . . teammate." Meanwhile - Ko went into a change that they had not even seen the young dragon - Seiryu, Ikki Uchiha do when he used his mask, unknown whether it was for lack of having the affinity with his mask or just choosing not to; but his eyes ignited - going from black to scorching bright scarlet and wide, there was an inferno burning in him as you could hear the smile under his mask: "Why dont you...come get me - Princess. Leave my team out of this. Or whats wrong? All that speed not going to do much when your opponent is too hot to hold? I think, everyone - will want to know the answer to my question." =The moment that the young man said too hot to hold, he would bring his thumb up and across his chest almost like dragging a knife, and as he did such - his thumb would burn a bright smoldering mark across the chest of his hoodie...the boy was not even an Oni...and he was starting to become a demon. Was this a glimpse of what it looked like? Is this what it was to truly fall into the savagery of Naraka? His power and words were a whirlwind of conflict and confrontation - but it was a whirlwind that he had complete control of and knew how to control, was even he - more in line with his goal and mission then his two teammates were before him? Caught in the midst of hospitality and appearance that they did not realize this war pushed them into a place where such things did not matter...only got in their way. Ko rolled his neck and stared at Sakuya as the woman turned her body to face away from him and walk away without so much as a word...but she hesitated - getting the feeling that this was not an . . . optional question at all. To be a fly on the wall, you'd have quite a story to tell - but:

[sub]((Meanwhile, above.))[/sub]

"You'll just have to settle for the cheap seats. No need for you to go getting involved in that down there. Let Kiyoshi handle it as he sees fit."

"You mean Gogandantes. Dont call that thing Kiyoshi."

"They're on in the same now. You have to realize that. Kiyoshi can control Gogandantes but who knows? Those two might be passing the controller on this thing like an arcade game - you cant try and guess their agreement. You of all people know what deals with true demons looks like."

=From on high Eien looked from the window of the top of the tower. When Misaho had left, he passed her by - coming in as she was leaving. He looked very strikingly like Izanagi given the fact that he was a genetic clone and Izanagi was one of the key progenitor genes that made up his genetic structure - simply younger looking and with black hair. When she exited and he passed her he would mutter to her on her way out: "Whatever you do dont try the bacon downstairs. That aint pig they make it from but it'll have your stomach squealing like one." It was funny really...here they were in Naraka where demons, monsters, and shinobi that had power to rival monsters could, and were - popping up every second, such a serious, militant, and strong place and yet - age old veterans were able to pass complete strangers that were given the clear by someone else and make passing jokes like this as if they had been there the whole time. It was apparent after looking around enough, maybe less so if you didnt have much else of Naraka to compare it to. But if you were here at the castle? You had done something right - and just being able to walk around was enough confirmation that you were an ally in their eyes. Even knowing that he had not seen her at all before - Eien didnt blink at the joke...of course - some things would never change, and Eien was still Eien despite whatever change happened to him after Tengu emerged in Kagane, and he definitely did not - properly introduce himself...he usually never did unless asked. They had been at the window watching and at this point Eien was burning to know the truth himself...he already had a very strong bit of insight on the matter as he inhaled deep and exhaled his comment to Izanagi:

"The Kazumasa brood? Shes been tasked with a great burden. Do you really want to let Sakuya take that on down there? Less people would probably get hurt if we tell them, let them in on it."

"No, you know we cant do that. I know you know. Everyone that makes up your genetic structure and your Hadou Engine would do the exact same thing if in my position so I know - the answer is burning in you. We have to let it play out. There is certainly a spy, or some leak in our midst and this will be the only way we know for sure. Its a heavy burden - you know I understand how heavy a burden that is. I shouldered that same burden myself. But if people dont get hurt now, in the process? Then people die - in the end results."

-Eien didnt like it...funny - that the man with the title, Eien Jigoku Satsujin (Eternal Hell Murderer) seemed to have the most concern for the people involved in this tangled web of complications that they all seemed to be wrapped up in. He looked back down out the window as he said this unable to deny what it was that his genetic father, one of the man was saying. But he didnt like it any more. . . he had neglected the most important part of his developing as a warrior - never thinking that his battles would take him to this venue of combat.

This was a mental, emotional, and political warzone now. And the stakes were far higher then anyone in this fight even understood. There were only three people with a firm grip on even slightly where this could all go, Izanagi, The Tengu, and the man that Eien hoped would help his friend, perhaps one of the only ones that he had in the Sakurai clan in the pink haired woman - Kiyoshi.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

These were not words of a man consumed by rage. Nor were they words of a man that was rambling nonsense. Ko was channeling his anger and in need for answers, but he was in control. It could be seen in the method he controlled the fire around him and kept it away from Kasami and Kirinji. Or it could be noticed by the precise language and words he used. In actuality, Ko actually had a point and when that point registered, Kirinji couldn’t help but look at Sakuya skeptically. Not only that, but it also made him think about their own group and how one specific individual had not been there on multiple occasions similar to her. Eiji.

Sakuya glanced over at Kirinji and began speaking and before he could respond Ko spoke up, causing him to glance back towards him. By the time he finished speaking, Kirinji reverted his gaze back onto Sakuya with a smile and stepped out of the way to his left. Hands in his pockets as one of his shoulders was facing her while the other facing Ko. With a chuckle he responded to Sakuya, ”I think he wants you to get him.” As he said that, he took a few steps back until he was in the crowd as a spectator.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

"Born to blossom, bloom to perish" - 不幸の放浪者

The noises of her sandals touching the floor with every step she took filled the hallways. As she finally left the room the remark of the man who just entered the room she was in with Izanagi made her chuckle lightly and was probably heard by them. The atmosphere of this place held such warmth she hadn’t ever felt. Her home never had this comfort or warmth feeling despite she always believed to be happy. Even with places such as Inn’s and bars she stopped by during travels to bring people together but the only warmth it brought her was only the room's heater. This place was different…

She paced around in the hallways surely it didn’t take long enough for her to find the library? She memorized the directions so she wouldn’t get lost, however this place wasn’t small so even with the directions she could still get off track. Not like that ever meant bad news to her, she was able to find solutions in no time. Despite her panic of going the wrong way she managed to make it to the library in time. And there were endless aisles filled with papers and books. “Let’s see here…”she mumbled softly as she scanned them, she needed to know the history of Oni because she needs a LOT to catch up on. And so she managed to grab a few books that related to the topic, as well as other books that sparked her interests. She quickly flipped through the history book and read on a few pages, she honestly couldn’t wait to fully read these books but she knew there were people waiting and so she put the books in her pouch and took them with her, surely there would be an opportunity for her to read them soon after the meeting. “Wait- … where did I go again?” Just like she thought she memorized the directions she forgot them all in the excitement of the library. She cursed herself and tried to desperately remember where she needed to go. Then she remembered again, behind the compound at the gates. And so she wandered out of the library hoping to find someone to aid her in finding her team because she had no idea how to get there.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Kasami’s face shifted as Ko spoke but it was hard to read exactly what this expression meant. A storm was brewing within her, one she couldn’t yet come to grips with herself, but it was one of familiar territory. She’d seen the eye of this storm before, laid bare within the peace inside of it as it caused destruction all around her. In her actions, and in her heart. Resentment was a foul thing, and it was quick to take hold. Like weeds could grow in renewed soil, when one’s path changes it as if fresh earth is there to walk upon. Yet what the path is made from could always shift with change. Any change. A change of heart. A different direction. She didn’t resent Ko, she loved him, but violence? It was her new enemy. It was inevitable eventually, but…

As Kirinji was quick to back off and allow this to play out, she was not the same. She didn’t share the same sentiment and she made it known as she stood her ground, watching Ko, standing close to him, without even glancing over her shoulder at Sakuya for even a moment. And then her lips parted. Perhaps what was to come from them would be unexpected for some, but this is what she truly felt in her heart. This was the path she wanted to walk on. A path of peace, even if that path was paved with blood in time.

“You’re right, no one tells the Burning Dawn that it’s enough, or that they’ve gone too far. They keep pushing, and have no concern for who or what gets caught in their path. You can’t reason with monsters. Is that what you want to be, pushing too far? Their senseless killing and destruction has lain waste to an entire village so far. They’re the reason all of those families died. All those children. Those babies. The ones we watched get swept from their parents arms- the ones that mothers and fathers had to kill to ”save” them. What did we do when that happened?!” Her voice started to raise slightly, and when she asked what they did in Kagane, she motioned to her team. All of them. What. Did. We. Do? Nothing! We ran, we ran out of there as fast as we could, as their blood rained down on the sky. I can still hear the screams. I still feel it caked onto my damn skin. But what the fuck does fighting here do?! What does targeting these people as if they don’t do enough outside of their routine, do for you? Maybe you want to break your back to excel, but don’t expect to force others to break theirs. We’re new here. You think that they don’t know what kind of hell they live in? That they just carry about their day blissfully unaware? Safe! And why should that be a problem? What if they aren’t the fighters that Naraka needs? Not everyone is meant for fighting this war! Not everyone can! And not everything,” her voice returned to normal as she turned around and faced Sakuya now, looking her dead in the eyes, even if the gaze wasn’t returned. She continued speaking as she walked toward her. ”not everything is solved with violence. This is their home. Their way of life. You shouldn’t disrespect her so openly, and you shouldn’t be causing unrest where there is peace. Now please calm down.” In her head the thought continued, and she’d thought it a couple times after meeting him for the first time, especially the identical behaviors they had.

You’re acting like Izanagi.

She stopped about a foot away from Sakuya, lowering her voice. She tried to keep the conversation personal, and she didn’t try to force it on her either. ”Sakuya, I know whatever it is that you don’t want to talk about- it must be something that’s shaken you… but we’re here to fight this war. It’s not hard to tell we’re out of our depth here. We need as much information about what’s going on as possible. I’m not saying you’re the spy, people disappear. Eiji did too- and he was never very useful in our fights when he was there. Weird shit happens here. But please, Kiyoshi held you in high regard and I trust you as much as he assured us we could. Talk to me, if no one else, and it can stay between the two of us. But one of us at least needs to know- one of us being aware is better than none of us.”

Her hands were folded in front of her as if she were pleading with her, the gentle chiming the her hair sweeping across the courtyard and she was holding her breath- truly. Praying. Praying to everyone, that this worked out. That for once when she spoke up it did some good. To Tengu. To Kiyoshi. To Izanagi. To Mikaboshi. To the gods among them and to the god above them.

”Please.”

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

All throughout the night Sentou tossed and turned in the confines of his bunk until the brink of dawn, he couldn’t get a wink of sleep… How could he? The task he and the others had been given by Izanagi, witnessing the mask salesman’s physical form along with the severity of the situation given Izanagi was constantly holding it at bay - it was just so much to digest, but of course, how could he forget that thing.. He had already been suffering from night terrors regarding Totsuka since his arrival to Naraka, encountering a foul monster wearing his former master’s corpse was nothing short of nightmare fuel. For a while he laid on his back, eyes open with a deadpan expression as he stared at the ceiling. Didn’t help any when that jackass Eien was around, he huffed at the thought, it was like he could still feel the impact of that bastard's skull against his as he did. How was it that despite the two years he spent under Totsuka’s tutelage, he was so entangled with his affairs? His eyes closed shut as he rolled over onto his side and pondered on that for a moment. It wouldn’t take long for his thoughts to wander, and before he knew it, he was recalling the words of the merchant he met at the Byakko Bean shop from the day before. He mentioned it was because of his connection with Totsuka that he was brought to Naraka. Just what did he mean? Frustrated with his thoughts, Sentou managed a frantic flail as he tossed over to his other side. The mask salesman was looking to devour the strong, whether it be Totsuka, Izanagi, or another individual it appeared that everyone he had come across had some ties with someone of this world. Of all times it had to be now? After his teacher’s death, surely this was some plan orchestrated by the salesman to pit him against its only enemy, Izanagi. The Merchant did also mention how it was known to use those hurting first..

He sat with that thought for a moment. He didn’t really know the others he traveled with very well, hell he wasn’t even sure who he was. It seemed everyone was on board with Izanagi’s task, willing to put their lives on the line for this unknown world. He didn’t blame them, not after everything Kasami had told him about their time in Kagane, innocent lives slaughtered while they were helpless to escape for their own lives. He deeply regretted his verbal assault on Izanagi in regards to running being a valuable option, he was remorseful to those that had perished, but nonetheless content Kasami and Ko hadn’t lost their lives. During their exchange before nightfall, Sentou couldn’t happen to notice that something about Kasami was different, it was like a fire had awoken within her. Their previous engagements were usually short prior to his disappearance, but since he had been reunited with them he was beginning to understand her more. Kinda odd though that she recommended to cut his hair, but he was grateful since it gave them more than enough time to make up for lost time and talk about how they felt about their newfound responsibilities. Heh...now that he thought about it, didn’t Eiji look different too?

Uncomfortable on his side, Sentou rolled over onto his back once more while taking the pillow he rested his head on and placed it over top of his face . He reflected on his time in the Pitt, meeting Kirinji for the first time as well as watching an injured Eiji lay in a small crater. Fucking idiot, he scoffed at the thought. There was no telling what had happened to him, but he was the eldest, that he knew, of the group. He shouldn’t have been so reckless to wander off on his own. Kasami did explain that Eiji stayed behind when they left a village, just what was his intentions for such a thing though? He must’ve had his reasons, but he couldn’t help but feel there was some kind of tension within the group - much more than his first introduction to Ko. Sure, Ko seemed like a hot head, but it seemed he was just worried about Kasami’s well-being - the one he couldn’t read well was Kirinji. He and Sentou looked to be around the same age, but there was this strange well of knowledge he seemed to possess. He had met and heard of quite a few Uchiha’s, he never thought he’d call one an ally. He would remain wary though, given the history that clan seems to have.

How was it they were so fearless? He never asked for any of this, if he was honest all he ever wanted was to grow up as a normal kid with Youri and Iroh… Just the thought of his foster father brought tears to the child’s eyes as he held the pillow tightly over his face to fight back the waterworks. Whatever semblance of a family he had was stripped away from the very beginning, ever since his mother dropped him off at the Lotus Society as a newborn. All he ever wanted was love and nourishment, sure he was lacking in his training at the society, but only for the attention of his parental figure. Instead once he was set off on a journey to search for Totsuka, Sentou had been given hate, angry at the world for its twisted machinations. He got stronger not because he wanted to, but necessity. Everyone and everything was out to get him, he was forged this way against his will. Heavy, yet slow breaths were put into the pillow as Sentou continued fighting back the urge to cry at the loss of a good man. His sadness slowly broiled into deep-seated hatred for his biological father, the last thing Sentou would be able to recall consciously was his father before he asphyxiated himself with the pillow and finally put himself to sleep voluntarily.

Slipping from reality into the land of dreams, Sentou would dream of a desolate forest as he stood at a fork in the road. The skies bled, sanguine rain casting in a downpour until everything was red, all he saw was red, and in it a beast within the child would stir itself awake. Fragmented, ever changing, the scenery stayed the same, however between each cut away the pieces on the board would shift. Bodies laid broken along the ground, tresses of grass torched as the earth beneath was scorn. There was laughter, sickening laughter following an ear piercing scream and as the scream echoed through the horizon, Sentou’s vision would clear only leaving the child in dismay to find himself kneeling above a corpse as he was drenched in enough blood that it caked onto his skin. He shivered for a moment, trying to process what had occurred, but as he looked up he found a mirror image of himself. Its eyes black yet a fierce fire burned from the window of its soul as it looked back to Sentou. As Sentou raised a hand in disbelief, so too did the doppelganger as it wore an angry yet blank expression on its face,
By any means necessary, isn’t that right?’ it spoke in a distorted voice before breaking free from it’s mirrored movements and lunging for the authentic Sentou to wrap its hands firmly around his neck. Much like any other dream, Sentou felt his strength being restricted as he fought desperately to pry the deranged copy from him. The harder he struggled to get the other off, the easier it was for an aggroed entity to take advantage of such meek strength until he had Sentou laying on his back and sitting over top of him. ’ Did you really think you were safe sleeping your problems away? Stupid! Stupid!’ it resumed while proceeding to strangle the air from the boy’s lungs, ‘It just led you back to me! That hatred you hate acknowledging so much, that’s me. And Lemme tell you, there’s no one else I hate more than our father, than you!’ the digits of his fingers would curl ever so tightly around Sentou’s neck as he thrashed and kicked at his alleged hate. An occasional jab was thrown here and there, but to no effect as this Shadow only shrugged it off as if they were mere cotton balls assaulting him. ‘You always play the victim card, blaming yourself for things that have happened when you have what it takes to make a difference. You’re just too scared to realize it. Iroh? This is his blood and its on your hands!’ The shadow would shove Sentou, releasing its grip as it finished its sentence and leaving Sentou gasping for air. Standing back onto its own two feet, the shade kicked Sentou over the face in defiance. It wanted this side of him dead, his gentleness was a hindrance and it knew that. ‘Lets see how you like it being locked up and abandoned!’ A flurry of blows caught wind of Sentou’s face as the shade towered over him, his only means of defense being to raise his arms to ward off the attack. The sound of full body contact reverberated through the dreamscape with no clear signs of the aggressor letting up, it found satisfaction in taking out its pent up anger on itself. Just before the altercation could escalate any further, Sentou would erupt in a fit of his own rage as he pushed his attacker off him. “Get the hell off me!” he shouted, fed up with being belittled by none other than himself. ‘See, I knew you had it in you. C’mon, fight back. If you aren’t going to step up and take charge, then allow me!’ its words were laced in venom as its mind was set. It would root out such human compassion, it was a weakness, all they had ever experienced together was pain and fear and it was [b[sick[/b] of it. It refused to die in this strange world. Wiping a trickle of blood from the corner of his lips, Sentou stared at his counterpart begrudgingly, was he really avoiding his problems? Why did it have to come to this, what even was this? A momentary silence befell the two before they clashed in mutual combat, bare arms locked against one another, the impact in which they met exploded like thunder. Streaks of lightning flashed overhead during their silent struggle as neither one gave an inch. ’C’mon, show me that fire!’

All he could remember were those distorted words as his eyes snapped open, jolted out of his sleep from the sheer intensity he felt from such a dream. The pillow that laid over his face had long since fall off the edge of the bed in his sleep, his fist were clenching the sheets still as he sat up without hesitation. Was he experiencing another bad dream? It felt so real, like his own anger was going to consume him whole. Jaded oculars shifted as he had to reassure himself he was safe, at the time being at least. He was losing control it seemed, perhaps this was a wake up call? Fixating his eyes at the door to the room, Sentou could hear the very active commotion of the monks sparring outside along with the busy feet shuffling from the other end of it. He wasn’t even sure what time it was...last he caught a glimpse of outside it was early dawn, now it was bright and sunny. Did he oversleep? Rather nonchalantly, Sentou lowered his gaze back onto his lap with a heavy sigh. He was lost. On one hand he wanted to get out of bed and tell the others what he had experienced yesterday in the courtyard, while on the other hand he wanted to stay in bed and hope someone else would take his place. As he pondered the consequences of the latter, he would find a flame burning within him as such a thought was the very reason he hated himself. He wasn’t a warrior, he was a coward.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

=By the time that Kasami had gotten down to the point that she was asking Ko to calm down...it became extremely evident that he already very much was - and was very much in control. This was now even more evident by the way that he silently looked at her without saying so much as a word...without even moving - then suddenly the mask would wash away from his face in a crimson dust and reveal his emotionless expression looking at her unphased and unblinking as she said all of these things. Not because he was pissed off with her...at least not in that sense. But because he was processing what she was saying and the way that he would - if he even should respond to her. In this current moment was she wrong? Not entirely - but she was acting off emotion...off idealistic dreams and compassion...in a world that compassion was very much in low supply. He couldnt help but think of history at this point...his history, and the history of the places that he had been, Konoha mainly the subject of this. "Not everything is solved with violence." - This was - "This is their home. Their way of life." - Not if its taken from them. "You shouldn’t disrespect her so openly, and you shouldn’t be causing unrest where there is peace." - Disrespect her? So openly? Had she not disrespected them when she left them alone and defenseless in the home of a madman that could exterminate them with ease? Did she not already disrespect them by holding information that could shift the weight upon which their very lives hinge? Peace? There was no peace - this was a war...what they had here was just a waiting room for the mortuary. He thought a lot about the Uchiha clan - which drove his gaze back over to Kirinji from the side of his eye for a bit. He had seen it...an entire clan - exterminated by two individuals. They too had thought, fighting did not solve everything, they too thought that maybe some people just werent meant for combat...and when the time came that combat found them? Indiscriminate of who wanted to fight a war and who didnt - what happened? It took it's price unrestrained and uninterested in who was meant to die and who wasn't. Would they have turned out different in that time if more had pushed themselves? Some werent willing to break their backs for it...thats true. Just like in some times Eiji - appeared not to be willing to break his back for it; yet there was no differentiation with him. The fact of the matter on both hands remained in Ko's eyes. In a war like this - if you werent willing to break your back for it...then you'd best be willing for it to break you. By now he turned and looked about the monks - most were gearing up and had a fire in their eye, ready to jump back in. Others? Were afraid - fear struck into them as to what it was they had just witnessed, ashamed that they were made a victim here in their own home. Ko saw no wrong in it...that shame would be something to fuel them...something they'd aspire not to feel again at anyone's hand and if that wasnt the case? Nature rooted out the weak. But most of all what was apparent between them was that they were more shocked and put off by the dispute between Kasami and himself right now - as well as the questions posed at Sakuya...though they were not of disrespect or anger...but almost as if he had brought up an elephant in the room that no one wanted to talk about. That awkward thanks giving diner - and it seemed....some were curious as to see the pink haired woman actually answer a question or two themselves. By now? He grew bored of it. He felt like Kasami had forgotten. Forgotten that he too - felt things...that he too, was at Kagane with a heavy heart and filled with fear that she would be the next one to float off next and that he would have nothing he could do to prevent it. He coped in his own way. And that way at the current - was by getting as strong as he possibly could. Knowing that for what they were facing - he would have to get stronger then he ever imagined that he could be. After all...what happened at Kagane....wasnt even a physical effort to that thing. It was only the manifestation of its will and influence...a feeling. The thought of what would happen if he could wipe out an entire village with a feeling? How many feelings did a person have a day and that thing took countless lives with -one- . . doubtless. . . the power cap he would need to achieve would be astronomical. . . and as much as it would be a nice thing to be able to do. He simply would not be able to do that by respecting people's comfort bounds as if whether they wanted to or didnt want to fight would matter. Though right now he was done being someones spectacle to gawk at, and he would remember this small engagement in the future. With a sigh, stepping right past Kasami only to stop and speak to her in a discrete and soft tone:
-Mikaboshi stood at her back, commenting at her thoughts-"Heh reminds me more of myself then Izanagi."
-he whistled and chuckled at the implication. Though there was a culture reference there.-
"Did it ever occur to you. That the people of Kagane died because the idol was removed...an idol - that was set in place to contain the will of a beast, that Izanagi opted to seal...instead of kill. Did it ever occur to you, that if people were willing to break their backs for it. That creature would be dead. And Kagane would be intact?"

=With that he walked off. He was moving on to the bridge out in the distance that they had originally come from in the first place to get here...that doubtless there were plenty of Tengu Legion there that he could not even perceive naturally. His stride was steady, and leisurely - walking with his right hand in pocket and left down by his side. He didnt even care what Sakuya had to say at this point. He'd hear soon enough from them if it was important enough. He had the answer that he needed to his problems. An answer that he was able to come up with just fine all on his own. That this would be something that he would only be able to depend on his own strength to protect those he loved and what he believed in. Because at the current - he felt that the only person that had the willpower to use it without hesitation would be himself. Though as he walked off, Sakuya was paused there in her tracks watching him leave. In a way - she looked betrayed, put on spot because for the most part she absolutely was. Kasami addressing her did not make her feel any better. Her jaw got tight, brows tense as her eyes distanced from the woman over to the staircase exiting down from the messhall and main floor of the central building and Kiyoshi could be seen stepping out with a wide grin on his face. He gest to Sakuya in silence, waving a finger side to side and then cutting across his neck horizontally with a flat hand before pointing back behind him into the building with a thumb. He was signaling her that she need not say anything - but what she did need to do at the moment, was see herself out of the situation. As Kiyoshi stepped out and was fully out before everyone - the monks started to do the same funneling inside of the door and building as much as they could. They'd skip the combat for this morning and just get straight to breakfast. Now - Kiyoshi stood in front of Sakuya whom was now walking off behind the monks with her head begrudgingly lowered, Kirinji, and Kasami. Kiyoshi looked at Kasami a bit...no - for a moment it was almost as if he was looking through her...into her, before he stepped forward to the edge of the courtyard central walkway and brushed across his eyebrows with his thumbs. He couldnt help but chuckle at the thought of everything going on and the situation itself: "Now, now, now. Every country has trusted confidants and an intelligence system. Some things are confidential though at the same time yeah, there really is no excuse for her leaving you guys high and dry like she did. No excuse for Eiji to have done so either - heh...we're investigating that actually." **As he looked over at The Jackal outside of the medical wing, whom seemed to be looking back at Kiyoshi with a particular focus and arms crossed, never bothering to look away as the two exchanged gazes. Kiyoshi looked back, setting his right palm flat against the front of his face as he pacified, blowing into it as he rubbed his face and quickly removed it, clapping his hands together with an almost reluctant chuckle** "So - how do we make this better? I'm sure after all of that theres some things that are not quite sitting right and all. But this isnt the best time to get on about this, at least not in this way when you're about to embark on an important mission. So lay it on me. What can I do?"
(Mikaboshi spoke into her again: "Heh...that's not Kiyoshi. Watch your step. My royal guard is friendly, but he's not to be trifled with.)

=Meanwhile, in the library as Misaho started to try and find her way around - she would find herself coming to meet with a small Cat, dressed in a rather large hoodie with a katana hoisted upon his back and eyepatch over his face. This cat was rather acrobatic - flipping from bookshelf down to the floor where there was a cart of books before he took it in his teeth and flipped back up, off a shelf and onto another as he slotted the book back in its rightful place. He would look down at her - oblivious from his perch on the shelf that the sight of him in this manner was probably not normal for someone who was new to the area - especially as new to Naraka as the young woman. His paw pointed out down the corridor - cartoonishly covered in a sleeve that draped over it as he commented in that robust voice that was not to be expected of such a tiny, and cute feline: "Newbie huh? Ahhh its okay kiddo - just go down that corridor and book a right. You'll see the light at the end of the tunnel that'll lead you out to the courtyard. Figure out there be a good reset point to get wherever ya need be going. Thank me later - and welcome to Naraka. Trust me, may be the friendliest welcome you'll get."

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

After a long time inside the Medical wing, Eiji started to come out sighing a bit as he looked down in a bit of confusion. He looked at the Jackal for a moment as he still had many questions left unanswered and wished to know so many more things about where the toxin came from. He also wanted to learn as much as he could from the Jackal but time was limited and their mission would not wait forever.

It was time for Eiji to reconnect with the rest of the group but he was still pondering upon many things the whole time. The time he spent inside the Medical wing was not wasted though as he made sure that all his puppets were fitted with his personal summoning seal and reconfigured to exact specifications to be able to be used well during any upcoming battles alongside trying to get as much out of Imperious as he possibly could. Though Eiji could tell he missed a lot as he saw Kasami and Ko standing there together while the Monks around the place seemed to have a startled but surprised look upon their face.

He did not want to ask about the situation, he felt only awkwardness would come from it. Instead, he looked at the Jackal with saddened eyes for a moment, before stepping away to walk towards the rest of the group. He was not sure he could convince this man to teach him anything else and he definitely did not know of anyone else who could teach him anything within Naraka outside of Kiyoshi and even then he was not sure he would be willing to impart his knowledge onto Eiji. He would stop by Kiyoshi however for a moment and question, "I remember you are a great mechanic and skilled in building Mr.Kiyoshi, I was wondering if sometime you could help me improve on my puppet designs and ideas. I want to be useful and less of dead weight but I still need to grow a lot. I think this is something that could help." Eiji said before looking back at Kasami and Ko as he began to feel his insecurities rise up within him again dwarfing his curiosity and excitement to learn.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

He was positioned just by Sakuya. Not directly by her, but his chest was facing her and on one side of him was Sakuya and the other Kasami and Ko. Kirinji’s attention was fixated upon Kasami, listening to what she had to say. It was long-winded and he was scared of the response she was going to get when Ko had made eye contact with him. They say the eyes are a window to the soul and his soul spoke to Kirinji. It was that of a survivor, which comes with great baggage. On one end, congratulations, you’ve survived. On the other end, you’ve bare witness to things your loved ones would never see. That was if they were still alive. Kirinji couldn’t hear what Ko said back to her, but he could read lips and it was enough.

Eventually, Kiyoshi came into the limelight and the crowd moved on with their days. The chatter commenced once again as they moved inside for breakfast. They were moving at great pace too, and with Kiyoshi cooking, he would too. Unfortunately though, Kirinji was not a breakfast person—it left him with a nauseous feeling. While Kirinji listened to Kiyoshi, his eyes followed his gaze toward the unknown man outside of the medical wing. Kirinji had not known of him, but clearly Kiyoshi did, and it seemed like they had some sort of history. While they were locked in a mighty eye staring contest, Kirinji spoke ”I’m sure Sakuya had her reasons as I’m sure she can understand our reasons for suspicion. We are here, locked in a civil war, and when in war—it is easy for us to be on guard to an extreme level.” He glanced at Sakuya with a warm smile, ”Being left in the dark does not help any of us. The more transparency the better.” Kirinji’s attention reverted back to Kiyoshi

”Please keep us updated with your investigation in regards to Eiji. I’m not quite sure where his loyalties lie and with him disappearing during battle, it does not sit well with me. However, I’ve set up preventative measures if it ever comes down to it. I don’t want to jump the gun. He’s young.” Kirinji had been skeptical about the boy for quite some time now. It had started with their first encounter when he had come screaming to Kasami asking for help when there was nothing there, his lethal attack attempt on Eien when the group was attempting to subdue, their encounter with the green-haired man, Terumi, where Eiji was of absolutely no assistance. Zaku Oda, the list goes on. The list of reasons to remove Eiji from the equation goes on. It was as if his thoughts had manifested and conjured into reality for just as Kiyoshi finished his sentence, they were joined by the boy himself.

Kirinji glanced over at him briefly with a piercing gaze before reverting back onto Kiyoshi. ”I don’t have anything on my end. Perhaps a map? But what I want to ask is” Kirinji looked over at Sakuya then at Kiyoshi. ”What is your relation? I have seen her in pictures at your estate and you two seem to share similar techniques, which I’d love to see up close.” Kirinji chuckled as he gestured toward his eyes with his left hand. He smiled at him in a charismatic manner awaiting his response.

By that time, Eiji had chipped in about being dead weight. At least, he was aware and truthful with him. Kirinji had to give him some credit for that. However, that was not enough. In times of war, the whole group has to run like a well-oiled machine. Even one bad part, or loose piece, can cause the whole machine to become damaged. That was the situation they were in. If the whole group did not form together and run smoothly, they would be their own downfall. This was the gravity of the situation they were in. Especially here in Naraka.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

"Born to blossom, bloom to perish" - 不幸の放浪者

The library was a beautiful place, well truthfully there wasn’t anything in this castle that didn’t catch her eye. The place was truly bigger than the place she grew up in, and the library wasn’t even half the size this one was. Her skipping through the aisles and scanning which books were interesting to her reminded her of the happier days, Oh how she loved to read! A small grin appeared on her face as she recalled the first books she ever laid her eyes on, of course, we’re talking about the time she was practicing to read them herself. Her actual books were of no comparison to the real deal. She truly missed that time, and so the memory that haunted her brain remained bitter-sweet, just like most parts of her life so far. It was back then that while she was distracted by all the books she possibly all wanted to take with her but her bag was too small and well… it would be bad manners to take too many at once. The figure of a different creature had captured her attention and well... She was in fact surprised to see them in front of her. ‘A cat… managing the library?!’ Her eyes grew large and she slightly parted her lips out of shock, she was so impressed by the little thing that she wasn’t aware of her starings. Of course, she’d seen summonings before but never a cat, the only cats she’d ever seen were pets roaming or strays. Now, there was one weaponed, acrobatic, and pretty much taking care of this lovely place. She felt grateful that he guided her with where to go even though she was up and ready to pretty much roaming around the place only to probably get lost. Honestly, her being the cat lover she was she had to hold herself back to not approach and try to pet it… who knows they might take offense to that she convinced herself…

“Thank you so much for the welcome and for helping me out! I would be lost without your help!”

She politely smiled at the feline with a soft and subtle bow as an expression of thankfulness. With that she continued on making her leave from the library, she wasn’t sure when she’d be back but she would love to visit it more often who knows what else it had to offer techniques-wise or honestly just something entertaining for distractions and relaxations. And so she followed the instructions from the feline; down the corridor, to the right, to the tunnel that finally let her end up at the courtyard. At the moment she finally was happy to make it to her destination she saw a group of individuals already there. Were they the ones she was supposed to meet? She stopped in her tracks and silently watched them for a second… what was stopping her from approaching them? ‘Ah… People… haha….’ What is it they say? A social battery drain? Perhaps that was the case or was she just too shy to approach them… especially since they were kind of in the middle of a situation. She looked at each person, one by one, and tried to apply who fit who’s descriptions best. That way she already recognizes who’s who and there’s no awkwardness of name mix-ups or anything. Her eyes laid on the woman with the white hair and well… for a brief second the captivating eyes that were probably the ones she shouldn’t look at, which made her avert her gaze. That’s most likely Kasami, now as for the rest… a tall blue-haired man in the suit, rather intimidating she couldn’t see her approaching him at all. Then a man with shoulder-length brown hair was conversing with another man that had the name Kiyoshi. And there was one more individual that was interacting with the man in the suit, a woman who stood by their side. After observing them and mentally debating if she should make a run for it or walk up to them she finally gathered enough energy to go with it. She stepped forwards in the moment of their silence in a calm manner.

“Um, I was sent here by Mister Izanagi… is this team 3?”

[Episode Ikki Pt1] Mebu Castle

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