[Episode Ikki Pt1] Mebu Castle

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

In her mind she responded to Mikaboshi, looking up and over slightly as if she was trying to peer into her mind at him. ”I’m not sure if I like the idea of that either.”

Ko’s words left her bitter, but she didn’t respond at all. She just kept doing what she planned to do, which was beg Sakuya for answers, but they had never left her mind. Quite honestly, she felt it was too late to be asking questions like that. Yeah, if everyone had banded together they might have ended this threat long ago before it had even started, but there were a lot of things about the Salesman that they didn’t even know yet. What drove his intent to destroy, or where he’d even come from. The answers to those questions could lead them to understand things just a little bit more. Izanagi’s decision to seal him away rather than kill him. They could ask all they wanted, or speak about what would have been better in the past, but they were here now. The Salesman was sealed and their priority was keeping the idols intact so they didn’t have another situation like Kagane. It was the only thing they could do right now, and if Ko felt otherwise- well, maybe he was standing on the wrong side of the line. As great as it would be to just eliminate the entire threat, it was way out of their league and not their objective.

Her mind was wrapped up with thoughts and watching Sakuya, her hands still outstretched pleading to her, when the woman turned and walked away. Kasami stood there for a moment, frozen like that, before she dropped her hands by her sides and just stood there in silence. She was staring at the ground ahead of her, almost like she was still looking at Sakuya, and she didn’t really move after that. Kasami was, however, listening to the voices around her, and Kiyoshi’s words irritated the crap out of her. Her ear twitched slightly as they took them in and registered in her mind. Trusted confidants. Kasami’s hands started shaking subtly, until she closed them into a fist and continued standing there it was hard to tell. Her hair hid her face from those beside her and there was no one in front of her left. All of the monks had disappeared. Her heart beat achingly inside her chest within a storm of anger. Part of it was with Ko, part of it Sakuya. Part Kiyoshi and part herself. She never should have spoken up when she was still so unsure of herself to begin with, but she also felt passionate enough to do so. Sakuya could have helped them. Kiyoshi envouraged the secrets. And Ko- Ko was on a warpath and thought that no one else but himself would do the job. She knew him that much at least. That’s why they’d barely spent time together since they’d met. He had no faith in her abilities yet before and it was no different now. She was still developing, and it would take time, because she hadn’t been breaking her back to grow. Not yet at least. But she’d get stronger- she had plans. No one protects your passions they way you will your own. Would it be wiser to guard them in silence?

Kiyoshi started asking them what they wanted of him to make everything better and again, Kasami’s gaze went upward as she listened to Mikaboshi in her mind. It struck a nerve, though she had begun to calm herself of her anger by now, so it simply just caused her to wonder as she moved over to them quietly. ”Royal guard? Who is it then?”

A jolt went through her eye and she could feel it begin to pull in a certain direction, almost as if it wanted to look at something, which caused her attention to divert from Kiyoshi, Kirinji and Eiji, toward the stranger that was approaching. The girl had just looked away from her and seemed to be looking at everyone else, before she finally made her way over to them. Kasami watched her quietly, and when she said that Izanagi sent her, she offered her a strained smile. ”Oh, that’s great. Yeah, we’re team 3- welcome. What’s your name then?” She gave Gogandantes a slight side eye. It was nothing spiteful or angry or anything, just observing with hesitation, but it gave away that she knew. Of course without Mikaboshi she never would have even known there was a difference. She did feel kind of mad about his earlier remark. Shouldn’t the people going out in the field risking their lives for them when the threat is way above their capabilities be some of those trusted? What were they hiding?

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Sitting in bed, shaking and contemplating what he should do next, the sound of monks training in the courtyard would spur Sentou to reluctantly get up and move about the vicinity, after all his team was still waiting for him no doubt. A hefty drawn out sigh would escape the young man’s lips as he proceeded to get out of bed. To his right was his weighted flak jacket, hanging along the arm of a chair along with his two summoning scrolls, and beside that was a small box he had been given the night before. He hadn’t even peeked to see what was inside, so there was no telling what the contents of the box had in store for him, however that wouldn’t stop from finally prying the box open. About ten seconds passed as he busted open the box, with a look of surprise, Sentou would find it was a new pair of clothes with a note inside. Folded neatly was a black shirt, khaki shorts, and white gauze - he was stunned for a moment, he couldn’t accept these gifts, could he? Guilt sat heavily in the pit of his stomach as he reminecessed on the words he heard in his dream, was he really afraid to acknowledge that hate within himself? Could he really have saved Iroh? “..Enough, these negative thoughts aren’t going to make me feel any better..” he said aloud in hope of psyching himself out of his sour mood.

Taking a few moments to put on the shirt and shorts, Sentou felt odd. For so long he traveled wearing the same flak jacket he received from Totsuka, there was hardly any resistance from the light material of the shirt and despite being fully clothed - he felt naked. Having gotten dressed, Sentou looked at the note that was still in the box, ”Here are some new threads. ” was all it said. Oh well, it was appreciative, but it still didn’t feel right. Pulling his flak jacket from the chair he quickly put it on and zipped it up over the black shirt before exiting the room.

Shutting the door behind him, Sentou shielded his eyes with his left hand for a moment until his eyes adjusted to the direct sunlight, and as his eyes began to do so he would survey the area - from the balcony he stood on to the ground floor of the courtyard. He observed the monks, and in no time an altercation of sorts would arise. Incapable of getting a clear view of what was occurring, the young Kenzai would make his way down the stairs only to find his group in question staring down Ko. “Oi, what's going on?” he asked, having approached his team, sakuya, and kiyoshi alike in a dumbfounded manner once Ko left for the bridge. He would stand there idly as he awaited a response, but the sound of approaching feet would alert him and catch his attention as he swiveled around to meet the lady claiming she had been sent by Izanagi. “Team 3? Is that what we’re going by?” he chuckled at the thought before giving Misaho a nod of acknowledgement before returning his gaze to the others, “Nice to have another person around that isn’t trying to kill us..name’s Sentou. But hey..I’m sorry I haven’t been upfront with everyone.. Yesterday after we left Izanagi I was confronted by..by something. I’m not sure how to even explain it, but it wore Totsuka’s corpse like a mask..there’s definitely something going on that we haven’t been briefed on.” As he stated something was afoot he turned to Sakuya and Kiyoshi with eyes pleading for an answer.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

((Listen While Reading: Wind-Torn Agony))

[[With Misaho exiting the library]]

=He could see it in her body language as she had approached for just a bit rather reflexively. In his head there was conflict as the feline looked up at her thinking to himself *Here we go again. shes gonna pet me isnt she?* his eyes did not portray any kind of disdain or discomfort, he was shockingly very very good at keeping those kind of things to himself, and in his mind there was still conflict for at that same time there was a stray thought that followed - *Hey, pets would be nice right now though, If im being honest with myself.*. Equivalent anticipation and the opposite followed until in that very same moment and instance she decided against it. Moving to heed his directions as he gave it and thank him for his assistance to which he could only help but chuckle and wave his sleeve-dwarfed paw at her as she exited and commented she'd be lost without him to which he would comment back - more so with a certain set of individuals in mind: "Hahaaa I hear that more then you'd think! You take care of yourself out there." then with that being said she was gone. There was a pleased look upon his face as he watched the youth with great potential leave his library...however it was a short lived countenance at best as it was just as quickly overtaken by burdened frowns in contemplation. There was something on his mind as he watched her leave. He couldnt help but think to himself, another added to the roster...the potential roster of lives that could be lost if all of this did not go the right way. Then he started to think more about that very same thing. How many had he watched? How many wars did he witness? Participate in? Start? Lives destroyed by the chaos and torn apart by the blood that soaked their hands and the blood soaked in the very ground that they sought to protect....and then, count how many times anything was ever done to change that while those with power held back. Were they holding back? Were they doing all that they could or were they handicapping themselves - hoping for idealistic dreams to come true and prove to them that hope...was still worth holding onto. That mans words still echo'd in his head as he thought about it all: "The closer you get to the light - the greater your shadow will become! And with blood on your hands - what blood could you hope be undone!?" He couldnt shake those words ever since all of this happened. And it was something that he thought about every time that another young warrior went off into the battlefield again. When he was there....he was holding a book, not quite putting it into its slot just yet, he just couldnt let it go...like a great many things. Looking at the book once more in deep thought he stopped, before finally pushing it back into place and jumping down from the shelf. "The Legendary Six" it read, illuminated by the light of the library before he started to walk off to exit about to his daily rounds and started to think a'loud: "War...hmph...war is nothin' but when the young and bright, get tricked by the old and bitter into dying in their place..."

[[Outside]]

=The moment that Kirinji and Kasami started to talk to Sakuya, she had no more to say and that part was obvious. Kasami had picked up on the way that she was just walking off regardless of what was being said and she did not so much as even turn around at Kirinji's words. She was moving focused on a path to protect herself emotionally and conversationally from the ramifications of what could transpire here. As well, she as a Sanzou could see things here in the equation that the others were not able to. In the life of a shinobi there were things that had become lost to the waters of time trickling through the glass, diluting the potency of the final product that was indeed...shinobi. Part of that was that as a ninja, you lived in the shadows of the outlying world. A shadow meant to accomplish a mission and serve a cause in secrecy. Stealth, information, espionage - it was one of the foundational principles of the shinobi landscape and as such was something that the shinobi of Naraka took to, and took advantage of very fluidly. There was always something that someone here knew that others did not however the fact of the matter was that for the most part with any of them the main thing that could be looked at - and often was looked at to give solace to the secrecy was...intention. Never was secret held in the guise to cause harm to a comrade, and most the shinobi of Naraka would quicker choose their teammates safe being over classified information. But the fact of the matter was - that most the time. Keeping someone safe, and keeping a secret were two things synchronized unto each other. As she left Kiyoshi did not so much as bother to look back at her - the point that he was making was already being seen to and aside from that? Honestly this form of the man couldnt care less about her feelings in the moment. Though he could sense it, very well - the sadness and resentment in her chest, the same way that in the moment as Kasami stood before him - he could sense the anger, ideological loneliness, and protest within her. On the outside it would be a wonder - exactly what it was that caused it, but the man lightly smiled a bit; easy to mistaken due to timing for a silent reaction to what Kirinji said to Sakuya, but in actuality he lavished in the woman's feelings...not enough to taste his hadou or be influenced by it - but just enough to start his appetite a bit. Then, in the midst of thinking of "appetites" there was the questions from Kirinji, ending perfectly on the note of :"I'd love to see up close." which only caused Kiyoshi to smile a bit wider as he coyly responded without missing a beat: "Ha - you may just get the chance some time soon." of course having a double meaning that would not be too clear to the man. He slipped his hands into his pockets - stretching his back a bit as he postured upright thinking about how to really answer his questions...there were so many ways. He would stick to the most typical of himself - honest. "Shes a close friend. I helped train her when she came up into her position as Sakurai Priestess. Known her since she was a child, that one. Her, Tatsumi, and I spent a great deal of time training together. I suppose you could say that she was part of Tatsumi's special team. She needed something to give herself a bit of an edge so I helped - hence the similar techniques. (at this time he looked over at Eiji, responding quickly, and curtly - however questionable of his intention to truly do so) "Yeah, sure kid no worries." He'd said it that quickly and that easily, an agreement that in honesty - it was not for him to make....he himself couldnt invent a bit but it would need not be him that had to back that up, so he averted to conversation piece the same that he averted the mention of updating them on the investigation, he wouldnt. There were things going on in the back that right now - not only did he not feel that they were ready for, but if they knew about...it could very well cost them everything. Kirinji had requested a map, and as he did such he was about to deliberate a bit on that when they began to be approached by Sentou - as well as a new entry, a blue haired girl that had not yet mentioned her name but did indeed say that she was sent here by Izanagi. Kiyoshi seemed not entirely shocked but as if he had to process at the moment as he blinked for an extended period of time before his tilted head straightened back out and he addressed her with a chuckle and nod...not a warm smile like he usually did new people, and bowed his head forward a bit: "Yeah, he sent ya to the right place. This is good ole team 3. Ha, guess thats your name now - less ya find something more fittin." =He said looking over at Sentou and the girl. He stood back straight, and as he was rolling his neck a bit to get into the issue of the map - Sentou had begun to let them in on his escapades last night. However what was probably not expected was the reaction that he would get when he mentioned something wearing the corpse of Totsuka.

((Listen While Reading: Enter Oyodo - Intro))

=Seemingly from nowhere, to the naked eye and untrained mind - literally out of thin air there would burst a voice of urgency right there from aside the visage of Kiyoshi and out into the open where everyone could actively perceive him. Like snapping out from behind an invisible curtain appeared the black armored man in the demon mask - Captain Oyodo of the Tengu Legion. "Wore a corpse?! This is the kind of thing that just happens to you and you didnt say sooner? And here!? On the grounds!? Quickly - tell me where this happened I need to pursue as soon as possible!" the way that he burst forward was something to behold. Even Kiyoshi had to step back suddenly as it happened, sliding back a tad by how suddenly it was as if the man had simply manifested before them. Although for Kiyoshi...there was something more startling about this. He seemed in shock - almost as if he was in utter disbelief that the man had been here, so close to him all along from nowhere without him even knowing. When Oyodo came forth a heat blanketed the air - and for a second even the Jackal in the distance dropped his arms from their folded position to set by his side in shock at the sudden appearance. The man had successfully shocked all if not a mass majority of the eyes on the courtyard with his sudden manifestation, but it was very apparent that whatever this was that Sentou had mentioned was of great importance to him and the Legion as a whole - as now if anyone were to look up and around...the black armored Tengu were now positioned on the edge of rooftops all around them as if everyone of them save for the ones at the bridge were poised and ready to jump into action. The jackal looked up over his shoulder at the ones on the roof above and behind him, and gave a kind of shiver and head shake as if to say they gave him the hibijibies before going back inside and slamming the door as if to say he had enough. Kiyoshi on the other hand straightened up, looking over at Sentou in slight confusion and a bit of shock - processing something in very apparent disbelief but baited anticipation. At this point and time, all eyes were on Sentou...and from above them all at the observation window of the tower...were tentative resonate eyes of Izanagi...observing the proceedings in silence as he keep his perception on the conversation which had mentioned his . . . deceased - brother's name.=

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Kirinji didn’t know why, but he didn’t like the response in the manner it was delivered. It had another meaning to it; he just couldn’t pin exactly what the meaning was behind it. Paired with the glances Kasami was offering Kiyoshi, Kirinji could feel that there was some information he was missing which set an uncomfortable pit within his stomach. It was also what caused Kirinji to side-eye Kiyoshi in the same manner as Kasami, but much more skeptical. In response to his relationship with Sakuya, the blue-haired man did not ask anything further and simply nodded to his response. Soon enough another one seemed to have joined their ranks.

Initially the man was confused. ”Another member?” he thought to himself. He glanced around at the others and then back at her. She was young, meaning a possible chance of limited experience. Combining that with the other little experience, it was sort of looking rough. Regardless, he did not want to make her feel unwelcomed. So when Kiyoshi had responded that she was in the correct spot, the man offered a warm inviting smile to the woman. But before he could introduce himself after Sentou, a voice bursted out with what sounded to be of utmost urgency. Many were shocked at the appearance of the black armored man in the Demon Mask, Kiyoshi even stepped back in shock. Kirinji also did the same, but mostly covered his ear and winced in annoyance and pain from the loud voice. It was startling no doubt, but deafening as well.

Immediately after the man questioned Sentou, Kirinji felt the heat in the air taking a few steps back as he interrogated Sentou. Kirinji wanted no part of this. This wasn’t his battle and therefore he did not intervene in the dialogue. He instead scanned the crowd to see how the others were reacting to the situation. What he saw was that the Tengu Legion finally made themselves visible. Kirinji had a feeling from the moment they had come here that the place had been protected in some manner or another. After all, a civil war was brewing or had already finished brewing, so some sort of defense was present. He just hadn’t known what that defense was until now. Positioned all throughout the edge of the roofs surrounding them were black armored units. However silent, they did not need words, their presence spoke loudly.

All eyes were indeed on Sentou soon after, even Kirinji’s eyes. He didn’t know what the man spoke of, but he did know the name Totsuka from the prior conversation Sentou had with Izanagi when they had arrived. The thought prompted Kirinji to glance up toward the seneschal. He knew if Izanagi had not been listening prior, he was definitely listening now.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

As Eiji began to approach Kiyoshi he could hear the conversation between Kirinji and him, Eiji sighed a bit as he waited for a moment to hear Kiyoshi's reply before putting his hood over his head to hide his face which was flushed with depression from Kirinji's comments. It did not matter if he explained himself or not he could tell that Kirinji had no trust for him and he had felt this for a while now. So once Kiyoshi responded to Eiji's inquiry he nodded under his hood and gave a quick last question to the man, "When do you think it would be possible sir?" His gentle voice had a much more timid and frail tone behind it. As he said this Eiji began to move away timidly once more beginning to isolate himself.

Eiji had begun to remember his previous teammates and how all of them had shown distrust towards Eiji and it was starting all over again. His once excitement and enthusiasm for the team were slowly killed by Kirinji's distrust as the battles that Eiji was there for he was attempting to help with. As with the Eien fight, he came late and only saw his newly acquired teammates and friends being attacked by someone he had never seen. In such a situation he wished to help them and protect them as best he could and was not expecting Kasami to redirect his attack towards herself, the battle with the green-haired man from the burning dawn Eiji was helpful until he was struck down by him as whatever the man did cause Eiji's body to be unable to move and work properly and both Kirinji and himself had to be rescued. Kirinji was not there for their first two battles at the temple and against the giant beast of Naraka so he would not know of Eiji's worth or how he fought to protect himself and the others.

He continued to think for a bit before thinking that Sentou could be the only one to understand him as he was subject to Naraka's magic tricks which separate them and put them in weird situations or at least Eiji assumed he had something similar happen as when he was separated he somehow met a member of the burning dawn and was beaten up by them. None of this mattered at the moment as he simply listened to the others and their conversations waiting for Kiyoshi to respond once more as someone new walked up to the group questioning them, "Is this team 3?" Eiji looked confused for numerous reasons one being he wasn't sure if it was a team or if he was considered part of said team, two being that he never knew they had a squad number or a team name which Sentou swiftly addressed as Eiji looked at the young lady, "Welcome... I don't know what the name is but if you were sent by Izanagi I assume you are in the right place." His timid tone became stronger as he pulled his hood down further before responding to Sentou, "Um... Do you have a name in mind that you thought of...S...sentou?" He questioned him as his voice was so soft that if someone wasn't paying attention they would not be able to hear him. Eiji continued hiding himself as everyone was responding to the new girl and speaking about their business as he was not sure how to interact well with others nor if he could interact with the other members of team 3 whether they would interact with him anymore or even saw him as someone they could give him a chance to be close to them and talk to them.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

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

’Oh no! I spoke out, I cannot run away anymore huh… what did I bring myself into!?’

These panicked thoughts couldn’t escape her mind the moment they laid eyes on her. She was stuck in feeling guilt, of course, there wasn’t anything wrong with the atmosphere and the people in front of her. But she couldn’t help but feel discomfort in this new surrounding, especially since this would become a long-term place for her to live her life away from the troubles of the past… well that’s what she’s hoping of course. There was always a slight percentage of chance that He would come back for her, but there was no telling if this were to happen or when. She liked to believe the Tengu’s words, in fact, she was desperate for it to be true because she felt exhausted, mentally and physically but how horrifying her past might have been… in some twisted way that nightmarish experience was her only comfort. It was all she knew for the past years so for everything to change in a short span of a day was shocking and nerve-wracking for her, heck it probably would be for anyone who’s scared of change.

Despite what her interior complex might be, she was sure not to display any of it to her exteriors.
Her discomfort and anxiety were hidden and locked away for the outside world to view or let alone gaze upon it. To anyone who saw her see seemed calm and laidback, that was exactly the expression she showed them. Even from her body language, she made sure not to seem too closed off and not too open either so it remained neutral. As well as the tone in her voice, a slight monotone but with some life in it not to seem bored or too aloof for them because she was trying to seem neutral at all cost. Her gaze went back to the white-haired woman when she was approached by her, she wore a strained smile as she spoke. Misaho felt warmth, something she had been feeling from the moment she got here. Everyone she had met was so different here, friendly and well mannered and thus she was actually starting to feel happy she decided to interact with them. She returned a polite smile towards the woman when she welcomed her and asked for her name. “Well, my name is Misaho…” She doubted for a slight second but decided to leave her last name out of it, for now, it wasn’t important right now. “It’s nice to meet all of you.” That is when she heard the voice of the man with the black hair, it seemed the team was unaware that is the name they received. She gave him a nod with a smile back when he mentioned to be glad to have someone here that wasn’t there to kill them and then listened as he continued to speak out on something. Obviously, she didn’t know what he talked about, but the tone in his voice made it clear to the purple-haired woman that this was something serious and so she remained silent and simply listened and observed the others. The seriousness was confirmed by the tone of Kiyoshi’s voice who spoke with obvious shock from Sentou’s confession. Her eyes grew slightly larger out of confusion and surprise, she had no idea what just happened but this wasn’t anything like the warm atmosphere there was a few seconds ago. She took a few steps back and looked around herself that is when she noticed the black-armored Tengu that surrounded the place from above, she wondered if they had been here all along? This would probably be the case here… it was no joke when Izanagi warned her that the civil war was active right now.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Thanks for the information, I guess.

Kasami huffed at Mikaboshi internally, and if the action wouldn’t have translated outside she’d have rolled her eyes at him. She could tell the help she was going to get from him was come and go. For now all she knew was that was not Kiyoshi, and that was enough for her. She tried to rack her brain about who it possibly could be and if she’d ever heard of anything about this since she’d been there. In the middle of everyone, she placed her hand on her chin and looked as if she was in deep thought for only a moment. It wasn’t until Sentou mentioned the confrontation he’d had and the sudden appearance of Oyodo that she withdrew from thought and looked up. For Oyodo to be as intense as he was right now, it had to have been really important and dangerous. After meeting him yesterday, she’d realized he wasn’t completely stiff- so she knew this was serious.

She looked at Sentou for a moment before directing her attention to Misaho, who had taken a few steps back now. Kasami felt that this behavior translated to discomfort, so she wanted to try to help as much as possible. If she was going to be traveling with them it was something she was probably going to have to get used to. Weird things happened all the time.

The small woman circled around the outside of the grouping and came to stand next to Misaho, and once she got there she realized she was felt a little awkward about it. She saw her looking around at the Tengu legion a moment ago so she decided to make that her ice breaker. Her voice was low so she didn’t interrupt what was happening in front of them, but it was still loud enough for Misaho to hear her. ”Intimidating, aren’t they? Always watching and hiding in plain sight. You’ll get used to it- someone is always watching us. Izanagi always knows what’s going on. But~ that also means that people seem to show up at the right time. Kasami looked up and over at Misaho without turning her head and smiled at the woman. Genuinely- no longer strained, the chimes in her hair tinkling in the breeze. ”Naraka is scary. I’ve seen things I can never forget. I have nightmares every night, and my life is at risk just being here. But… Her smile never wavered as she looked at the rest of Team 3 and Kiyoshi, Oyodo as well if he hadn’t already left. ”I felt like I could make a difference here, and I met some amazing people worth my loyalty along the way. Welcome to the team, Misaho. I’m glad to have another girl along the way.” Kasami glanced at her team but it seemed like her eyes especially lingered around Kirinji as she said she met people worth her loyalty- and then she turned to walk off, waving goodbye to Misaho to give her some space as she left to go catch up with Ko. She wanted to apologize, even if she meant what she’d said she shouldn’t have been fighting with him. They were on the same team, she loved him, and without him she wouldn’t be where she was. She owed him more than just loyalty.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Sentou’s eyes shifted between Sakuya and Kiyoshi alike as he awaited either of the two to provide an answer on the matter, however, the one to speak was neither of them. The spontaneous booming voice of Oyodo would startle Sentou to an alert level - his muscles tensed as he wound his hands into fist, he was in the survival mindset of fight or flight until the realization of who the voice came from became apparent. The head of the Tengu Legion would pelt Sentou with question after question in regards to the events that had transpired the day before, to be honest it was so sudden he wasn’t sure how to answer. He looked nervously towards the others surrounding him, all eyes were on him; fellow monks had ceased sparring once more as they looked at the cause of disturbance. Hoping to find guidance from any of his companions, Sentou found they were either slipping away from the altercation. Well, all except Eiji, that is, he was only concerned with any possible names Sentou may have had pertaining to their group. Sentou’s shoulders slumped in defeat and disappointment for a second before focusing on his breathing and looking up to meet Oyodo’s gaze, “Uh..right. It was shortly after we had been briefed about our task with Izanagi when it happened.” Turning his head towards the eastern wing of the courtyard, Sentou would direct a finger for Oyodo to follow, “It happened over there, matter of fact, it was just before I ran into you and Kiyoshi yesterday too.. Dammit, how was I supposed to know it wasn’t just sleep deprivation and hunger..” he grumbled, he felt guilty for not saying anything sooner. Truthfully speaking he had dismissed it as a hallucination, but with the urgency that Oyodo spoke it seemed that was the furthest thing from the truth. Eye contact with Oyodo started to wane as more men adorning black armor began to stick out in the background, he had been here for an entire day and not once had he noticed so many of them.. “Oyodo, what is it y’all haven’t told us about yet? I saw this large centipede burrowed into the corpse controlling its movements..but it said my name. Was that really Totsuka?”

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

((Listen While Reading: Demon Slaver's Pursuit))

The moment that Oyodo was upon Sentou his very presence was undeniably overpowering. In the mokment that he stood there he was even discomforting to Gogandantes himself - although he was in the body of Kiyoshi the tension there was apparent and still commendable considering the constitution of either individual. Oyodo was an entity of puure domination and force alone, and it was hard for him even knowing that the response was a reflex of its own, not to meet the young man with a merciless hell-flare of attack upon attack when he saw that his fists curled in. Neck, shoulder, knee, ribcage, all burst - from base of torso up rip and shred - or at least it all had in the spectruum of his mind as the over-famished hungering need for violence flared up inside of him, visible yet not quite distinguishable in the way that his eyes widened and flared and the otherwise human green pupils burned into a deep orange dragon-like set of eyes upon the man. Every second counted, but there was no way that he knew that and no way that he could explain it in time. Oyodo knew that the only way he could get the answers he needed was if he stopped and waited for the answer in its own pace, though with every second that passed Oyodo started to loom more and more over the young man, you would think that he was a wolf on the other side of the glass from a butchery, as if there was an invisible force keeping him from getting to Sentou and that if he could he would. Then came the moment that he woiuld say which wing it was and when it had been that he had encountered such a thing and as he did Oyodo did nothing more then cast a look over to the Legions that were above that very doorway to that wing and with a black wisp five of the legion flooded through the door at a blinding speed and doubtless, were on their way. Oyodo wanted to do the same, but he knew that he needed to control himself as much as he could. The politics of the castle and sensetive sensibilities of those within needed to stay intact and he knew he would hear it from Izanagi had he not. He did not care for such, and it was not so much the call of Izanagi that kept him - but it was the fact that he had a strong point...and in a way Ko had been right. They all knew what they were up against and that if the worse case scenario happened they would all have to fight...and would be at ground zero. Most of the monks here had moved, migrated - coming from lands far across like the very temple that Team 3 was set to go to...but they had chosen the castle because it represented safety. For all intents and purposes the people here were the sheep of Naraka herded to the potential slaughter for mainly the most sensible, intelligent and political figures and factions were here...while their best and brightest fought and died on home soil...but it was important that they survive and keep their minds intact - they'd need them to rebuild if worse came to worse and for that reason appearances were being kept here. At least...for the most part. There was still one of the main things that made people uncomfortable around Oyodo the most when he was upset and that was as his question was answered the man huffed heavily and steam literally vented from his mask at the sides of the mouth as he walked off in a hurried pace...around him was a very dark aura, tinged in blood red silhouetting the shape of a great winged being around him. It was like living shadow as he moved off to follow them with a gigantic wing span hovering behind him as he stopped at the man's second question...not the first - for right now he had no intention of answering. If the mission that team 3 was on was critical 1...then what he was doing would be considered Terminal 0 - and he would not plague their minds with the gritty details of what he was keeping at bay. However the last question struck a spot in his chest, and for a moment all he could think of was his face...and his dying curses at him...a man that he once knew very well. He felt sympathy with the man's situation - for a student beholden to his sensei to genuine proportions was honorable, and deserved to know what he could of such a man's state of being. So not to give so much detail that things would throw their minds into a hellscape....but just enough to make sure he got at least some answer...he retorted unto his question as plainly as possible:

"...Yes..."

((Listen while reading: Everyday thing))

And with that he was off once again, disappearing into the corridor to make his way to the last sight of emergence that Sentou had been in before. As he left, Kiyoshi watched him with slight gritted teeth - witnessing his departure with a bit of a snide look as he went away. Pushing his hand through his hair sweeping it back he couldnt help but exhale slowly at the fact that the man was now gone. Now that this was out of the way he tapped his forehead a few times as if getting his thoughts set back together, casting an off wave of his finger towards Eiji and then out as he shot him a quick: "Tell ya what? I'll get back to ya on that." and with that he started to walk forward towards the main gate where they had been told to rendezvous for briefing and supply. As he walked he would begin referring to a few things:

"I know it seems hard to push out of the back of your head, but try and not think so much about that issue with Oyodo and whats going on. Its critical that your mind stay focused on the mission at hand. You're about to enter into dangerous territory, its been a while since you all were out on the road on your own again, Genichiro's place is dangerous, but its still considered within friendly borders and you had plenty of friendly support even behind the scenes. Out there? There wont be much else you can trust besides each other - even if some of you feel like that trust is fragile, keep this in mind. To The Burning Dawn - you're enemies. Completely and always and they have nothing for any of you to gain except matching coffins. I'd imagine there would be no sane traitors among you - they'd just be killed when their usefulness ran out anyway. As for the map? **he shuffled around in his pockets, candy spilling out as well as Ryo all over the place as he pushed it around and finally grasped it, handing it over lazily to the first person walking closest.* "This map will lead you through to the next village, however - the Senpu monks of the Southern temple are very particular about the layout of their monastery - and you will need to confer with the deaddrop set up for you at a dilapidated teahouse on the outskirts of the village. There you will find a map of the village and interior, some more vouchers, and particularly important tools to aide you in dealing with the wildlife in the Monastery pass and Temple Grove. Getting there is the hard part, but once there you should be fine. The Senpu monks are a peaceful, Hadou of Compassion based division of monks. They'll welcome you with open arms but getting through the Temple Grove and dealing with the wildlife will be, heh - quite a fun adventure. Remember - do not allow the idol to be destroyed. You have to recover it in one piece. *He stopped and folded his arms looking between them all* "Now remember. . . you are a team, but that doesnt bind you to such. Do what you know will keep everyone alive even if others are not ready for that. Just remember, if not a team you all have a common and very compelling foe to deal with that wants everyone in eyeshot, dead. You are at bare minimal, a group of survivors. Are there any questions?" All the while he said this by the time that they stopped they were standing just before the bridge's starting point and close by was a rock upon which Ko leaned against. His arms were folded as he listened to the full briefing, having been listening and watching the legion troops as they appeared and like everyone else would have....nearly slipping his mind that they had disappeared again. He watched as they went on and over his shoulder he could tell Kasami was approaching. His mind was already as Kiyoshi had said it needed to be - focused on the mission, as she approached he continued to look ahead, not ignoring her but he figured off the note that she had been speaking prior - if she was still upset or wished not to say anything to him he would not push otherwise.

((Meanwhile))

Izanagi was gone...he had already gone down to meet the group of exiting shinobi at the gate when Gogandantes guided them there. All that remained at the top of the Senschal now was The Tengu, and the now entering small feline that strut his way in. The moment that he did such The Tengu turned to him and curled inwards in a deep bow unto the cat, though he was urged that he need not do so. the cat came to the observation window looking out at them while The Tengu attention seemed to be somewhere else entirely, as if he was looking through the walls of the Castle straight at something else going on: "Oyodo is on the hunt again. It would seem another doorway had been opened some time ago right within these walls."

"Yeah, I reckon its getting closer and closer. We've had a lot of time to prepare, it feels like its just been spent buying more time. We wont get our choice in home field advantage, and if we do it seems that it doesnt really matter."

"...Let me go gather them. If we appeal to their sensibilities - mayb-"

"We will ask them...for nothing. This is our battle...you know this - ain't no doubt about that."

"....It feels like your battle."

"...Maybe it is....you might be right. But looking to them for help will do nothing but escalate things. You know what they say about knives? If you're in a fist fight - theres a zero percent chance you will get stabbed...until you pull out a knife. A knife fight? Well theres no way for anybody to get shot unless you pull a gun. Right now...we're in a nasty knife fight...and there's really no reason to go grabbing for nukes unless we're ready to get blown up to...We just have to trust the process."

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Just as always Kirinji was listening closely to the information they were being given. Whatever was going on with Sentou and Oyodo, as well as Totsuka, was another problem but it was not the priority at the moment. Even though Kirinji got the odd feeling that this would come full circle and bite them in the ass sooner or later. It felt as if the more information they were told, or the more information they uncovered, the problems plaguing Naraka seem to compound tenfold. One step at a time, Kirinji thought to himself.

From the sound of it, it seemed Kiyoshi agreed about staying focussed on the current task at hand. And as Kiyoshi began walking toward the front gate, Kirinji followed closely beside him and was even the one that took hold of the map that he relinquished. The mission seemed simple: Get to the supplies, meet up with the Senpu Monk, retrieve the idols in one-piece. If only it was ever that simple. Kirinji was no stranger to missions going awry. That’s where adaptability became an important factor in encounters. The question was: would a team consisting mostly of inexperienced shinobi be capable of adapting?

Kirinji wasn’t worried about Ko. Outside of fighting his demons, something Kirinji never asked about, Ko was more than capable of handling himself. In reality, he was the only one that Kirinji could truly rely on in terms of combat. The others, eh, not so much. The blue-haired man glanced around the team as Kiyoshi said those last few sentences. He wanted to see their reaction because Kirinji had none. The reason he had none was because this was a standard procedure in the shinobi world. While it wasn’t exactly “every man for himself” concept, the mission came first.

Kirinji rolled up the map and then walked toward the tree he was under. There he had an ordinary common backpack that would carry some of the supplies they had acquired throughout their journey thus far. It was inside where he placed the map before putting the backpack on and looking around at the others. ”We ready to get going? We can ask questions all day, but the more we wait, the higher the chance the Burning Dawn gets to the idols before us. If they haven’t already.”

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

As events were moving along rather quickly Eiji got an answer from Kiyoshi about when he could help him which shocked him a bit not believing that Kiyoshi would help him at all. Seeing how Kirinji openly spoke about not believing in or trusting Eiji at all he assumed everyone else felt the same. As such Kiyoshi responding at all and giving him an almost direct answer was a welcome boon to his shattered confidence and ability to trust people. After this Eiji looked at the new member who introduced herself as Misaho and nodded at her as Kasami began to welcome her to the team.

After listening around to what was going on and watching Kiyoshi and everyone head off towards the gate, Eiji would follow suit soon after. He followed behind at a distance of ten feet keeping away from the group as to not cause any more trouble or disturb anyone as he could tell his lack of people skills and interactions with others was one of the many reasons that things were so awkward. He felt it would be better to keep his distance again until he found a way to talk to them naturally and get along with them. He would avoid acting without having a clear plan or the need to so he could better aid the team rather than be a continuing hindrance.

As such when Kirinji put the map away into his bag and asked the team whether they were ready to get going, Eiji nodded under his hood and looked back for a moment at Mebu Castle one last time trying to prepare mentally to once again face the Burning Dawn and possibly the Mask Salesman again. He was terrified to face another incident where he sees the Salesman eat an entire village again but he hoped he was mentally prepared this time.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

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

Her distancing behavior didn’t do unnoticed…. As much as she stepped back to show respect and tranquillity by not interrupting the current interrogation of the man named Sentou.As well as the Tengu legions entrance as they had been watching over them the whole time, the white-haired woman had approached her with the intent to comfort and ease her into the situation. It wasn’t until their distance closed as they stood side to side she realized a voice amongst her, low but loud for her to hear as she listened to her comforting words. She knew there wasn’t any harm of them being watched, but Kasami’s words of turning the intimidation into something positive sure did help ease her a little bit. She glanced over to her side and hummed in tune to her words to ensure she was listening but as well as to show she was agreeing and slowly easing up. However, she couldn’t help but feel bitter-sweet when she mentioned the terrors, pains, and nightmares she had because of her stay in Naraka. Although the two of them were different and probably had different pasts, she felt less alone and realized that all of these may carry baggage of traumas with them. Her royal blue orbs followed the woman’s gaze, as she spoke lightly of her teammates whom she met that was worth her loyalty. Although, they had bonded and their bond made it possible to keep on going and change for the better. Misaho, too, had hoped that she could change for the better with a fresh start here. Right before Kasami would have left she spoke as a final response before she would head off to Sentou.“Thanks for welcoming and having me on the team! I sure hope I could make a difference here too, I’m also glad this isn’t a team full of men!” She warmheartedly smiled at Kasami as she waved her goodbye and was left alone along the side.

Her expression, once warm turned back to her neutral one; aloof and what one might describe cold. The moment she was left to herself she was tuning in to her surroundings, careful not to miss anything that was important for her to know. After all, it was still unclear what she could expect from them and what they expected of her other than her traveling along with them for her own safety. What would be up against? From now on she wouldn’t be traveling alone after all and every traveler had their own ways of traveling, would hers fit with theirs? Would she fit in with them? These were all the pondering questions that filled her mind. Once her ears picked up the words ‘Dangerous territory it caused her to start listening attentively and snap out of her thoughts. It seemed they were heading out the burning dawn, to Misaho the name didn’t ring a bell. But she was sure the rest of her new teammates would be aware of what this place is or could potentially be. She carefully listened to the rest of the details and mentally took note of them, really working hard to not skip over any or forget them as they’d travel although she kind of assumed that everyone around her already had done the same considering the experience they had. Although her gaze shifted for a moment to the man who seemed distanced from the rest of them, by his body language and the distance he took on his own she realized that he didn’t have the best relationship with his teammates at the moment. She wondered what kind of stuff they had already been through up until now, whatever it may be it must have been awful if she remembered Kasami’s words. It was time, time for them to leave as the blue-haired man had asked if they were all ready to go. Misaho remained silent, as she waited for them to agree and take off.’Am I prepared for this?’

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Ko didn’t look her way as she approached him, but she didn’t take it personally. It wasn’t as if he was blatantly ignoring her, he just wasn’t that type of person, but rather giving the situation its space if it was wanted. However, Kasami moved right next to him as he leaned against the rock and snaked her arm around his, leaning in to whisper something quietly. After she did so she rest her chin on his shoulder with her face hiding behind the back of his head and neck and it wasn’t visible to the others that had passed them by whether they were just sitting there like that or if she was speaking. A moment passed and she finally moved to sit back against the rock next to him again, looking at their team with a stoic expression.

Words continued to be exchanged between her and the red haired boy, but before long she was rubbing his arm and leaving him as she came back to her team. She stood there with them with her arms folded, glancing at “Kiyoshi” out of the corner of her eye for a second before she looked at Kirinji. There was information she had to relay to him and it would be best if it were done when they could talk with some semblance of peace as they travelled. Likely as they had when they traveled to Kagetsuchi- fallen behind the rest of them. But maybe they wouldn’t get the chance. He’d find out eventually right?

Anything else you can tell me Mikaboshi? Or are you just a… dark passenger.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

He wasn’t sure what the true severity of the situation at hand was, but Sentou watched Oyodo carefully prior to his departure along with the other black armored individuals. A sigh that was both distressed yet relieved would escape the boy’s lips at their mass disappearance; however Oyodo’s final response would leave chills within the young man. Just what did he mean, yes? Was Totsuka dead or alive? As much as he wanted to investigate the truth of that statement, Oyodo was already gone and now, Kiyoshi was demanding their attention. As requested, Sentou did his best to not let what had transpired plague his thoughts as he listened to the orange-haired male. Focusing on the main objective, the young kenzai orphan would nod while simultaneously swallowing down such harsh responsibilities.. At the very least he wasn’t alone, together maybe they would be okay. As Kirinji grabbed the map from Kiyoshi, Sentou placed both of his palms upon his face before smacking them a few times to psyche himself up. “Alright, what are we waiting for? We’ve got some idols to track down, looks like we’re finally hitting the road again.” He said aloud, but not directed towards anyone in particular as he was still looking for the motivation necessary to rid himself of his fears.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

=There came a short reprieve in the moment that Kasami and Ko were able to converse as privately as possible about the fallout of what had transpired before. During that time as things started to wrap up Ko focused his attention back onto the group after Kasami had finished up with him. He started to fall in line a bit behind Kirinji as he was finishing up with Kiyoshi, looking over at the new girl whom he'd not had the convenience of being close at hand to upon her arrival meeting her with a curt nod of the head followed by a decisive and discrete: "I'm Ko, of the Uchiha clan. Pleasure working with you.". It was more formal then really what one would come to expect of a guy like Ko, and in a way a good bit of his ANBU, Jounin at best - started to show through in the aspect that he did such because he was more focused on not missing any details of the brief. But it seemed that everyone that had been accounted for were willing and ready to go with no questions at all. Ko stood there hands in his pockets rolling the corner of his bottom lip under his teeth as he scanned his mind trying to figure if there were any key questions that were rule of thumb checklists for a mission like this that maybe they were missing. Nothing that was common sense came to mind and he knew that if any of the obvious questions were a factor, climate, militant force, political condition, native fauna etc - then he would have already told them or it would be explained along the way. Ko shook his head confirming that he had no further questions. Meanwhile Kiyoshi nodded with a smirk and jested across the bridge with his thumb. Ko didnt need to see who he was pointing at..he could feel his eyes upon them as they had been talking to Kiyoshi.

=He didn't need to be present for all of it. Everything at every corner of this stronghold was at his fingertips. He could see, hear, even savor the taste of the vapor on the very air at every dark corner that this castle had to offer and even while he stood there in his labcoat across the bridge waiting for them he was well aware of what was going on inside. Oyodo was on the prowl, and with such that would mean that things would begin to fall into place and be put into motion. Even Izanagi himself was guilty of a pacifying exhale as he folded his arms over his chest at the events unfolding that no one else from the outside as they were would be able to see but him. Oyodo found the trail...the dimensional breach there where Sentou had encountered the creature...and just as a man of his talents and skill would have he reopened it and him - along with the Legion that had followed him slipped away to the inside of the aperture. Everything was on a timer for him now. He knew that something like this would be the initiating event that would set things in motion. Kiyoshi pointed over his way with a thumb - and promptly he started to adjust his glasses with a finger as the group doubtlessly would have began approaching. He had last words for them before they started to leave. Allowing them to make their way to the end of the bridge first he would wait until they had closed the gap towards him before he met them all with the smile that was very typical in the last decade and a half or so for Izanagi. Charming, warm, and deceivingly unimposing as he bounced on his heels: "All prepared it seems. And with no hesitation, none staying behind. Ha - Misaho, had I not known any better I would say that it was destined to be. You fit with the group nicely! At least, by appearance at least. But appearances can be deceiving. Thats what I'm here to talk to you all about before you leave. You're about to embark on the true beginning of your journey. From this point forward you wont be operating in parts of Naraka that I have such a heavy presence or foothold in. The fishing hamlet had Kiyoshi there in case you needed him. Kagane? Tatsumi, Eien, and in the Flagship city of the capitol despite how venomous he may seem - you were untouchable so long as Genichiro had anything to say about it...with Sakuya along the ride to boot. Moving forward, they will be assigned to missions and duties of their own; and the places you seek to venture have no foreseeable companions to guide you. It reminds me of my first trek through Naraka before I was an Oni. I came with a squad of three and only I came back out of that. I implore you. Pull from everything that you have gained and know thus far. Every item, every tool, use your vouchers wisely, every asset and relationship that you have to call upon keep it in mind. There have been many that waked this path as you have. My team...failed to complete our mission, though I still carry the torch on our objective to this day. My first group of young protégé failed in their mission entirely, and now the only member that still knowable walks the face of the globe is the man you met in the pitt. The man that carries the crest of the Oda upon weighted knees. We carried one thing in common with every other group that have tried to stop the salesman's ploy. A wedge was driven between us, and after that we shambled apart. As long as our goals remain the same, even apart we can still endure. Though I wont lie to you - chances would be very slim. This is not the waking world. You can be a team, and be yourself at the same time. Just remember the backbone if not anything else. Always remain loyal, and never miss an opportunity to ensure that when you roll over at night, your comrade still fills that bunk beside you. There's nothing heavier then the burden of a bed you let become empty. (he paused at a thought). Anyhow, even with that in mind try not to let the weight of the world burden your shoulders. Theres still plenty of beauty out there and plenty of things to see. Traders will give shinobi vouchers in exchange for the pelts of any creatures you come across on the way and dont forget to try the local cuisine! If there's nothing more to be asked of me in any regard. I would like for each of you to take one of these." = As he said this he would reach inside of his labcoat and remove a set of Jade magatama attached the a necklace, one for each member and even more oddly - there seemed to be one extra that was there as well..perhaps having been meant for someone else or simply too many created? As he pulled these out he would hold them up with a smile so that each of them had a clear view and range of grasp: "I used to run my own chain of Antique shops you know. This was one of my most famous trinkets. A bit of something that I would give only my closest and most memorable customers. Ha - to think I had made one before for an old Kingu friend of mine from the past. Never seemed to pan through or come back to my shop though. Regardless, their yours now if you should accept them. A brand of friendship from the Lucky Dragon himself to you!"=Had they accepted it and had no further questions then that would be the end of it. He would let them in about their way and wave them off as they passed through the canyon again to get back to the main city, where they would find Genichiro's men waiting to show them to the fork in the road that leads to each of the perspective provinces that house one of the temples they would need to make it to. Otherwise, he would await their questions and answer them promptly if there were any at all. His visage was very out of place relaxed. Apparent even for him that he was concealing his true thoughts and anxieties about the situation.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

As he listened to the farewell message that Kiyoshi delivered to them, the uncomfortable pit within his pit began to settle down as what “Kiyoshi” said enlightened them. There was something off and Kasami’s glances at Kiyoshi and him only made him even more skeptical. The moment that set the lightbulb of skepticism off was when he talked about himself in third-person, or rather, as if Kiyoshi was a separate person entirely. Kirinji didn’t interject until the end after having taken a jade magatama. As he spoke of a Kingu gentleman, Kirinji himself knew of only one Kingu specimen, one that hailed from the Land of Lightning, Ikkaku Kingu. After having taken the magatama and slipping it into his pocket he responded to the man before them. ”Thank you,” there was a pause before he spoke. The whole time Kirinji maintained direct eye contact with the gentleman before them and the next word that escaped from his lips was tinged with a tone that only the man before him would understand. As well as Kasami.

”Kiyoshi.”

He knew. The two would be able to tell from his tone. The others? They would find it odd on his tone. Kirinji wouldn’t know who exactly it was, but he knew that it was not Kiyoshi. However, he would not ask any further questions. For now, it appeared that the man was helping them and that was enough. However, it would be something that would be revisited the next time they run into each other. With that being said, he turned and adjusted his backpack that carried various material. Map in hand, he began walking toward the canyon toward the main city. Eventually, they’d run into Kami no Shi’s men which would lead them to one of the temples. A lot of anxious thoughts went through his mind. He couldn’t remember the last time he was this anxious. Hell, even his palms were ever so sweaty. As they walked he’d have to wipe it off on his thigh. Evidently, a lot was on the line. As always and he could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. But at least this time—he could share that weight.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

As they began to move forward Eiji's heartbeat began to sound louder and louder in his own ears that he could hear the sound of war drums beating harder and harder. His nerves were flaring up worse than ever before as he knew the next part of their journey would be far scarier, more dangerous, and much more of a strain on both their physical being and their psyches. He listened to every word that was being said to them after they had approached Kiyoshi. His words were scary but even more so, Eiji knew Kiyoshi was telling them about not only his own struggles through Naraka but other teams that came through.

Eiji took note of a few things that were stated and the number one thing that he knew would be helpful for the team and began to process ideas, strategies, and plans to help the team through the use of the shinobi vouchers they could earn. Outside of that he also listened closely to hear more about what was happening with the seniors who were going to be given missions as well. At the end of Kiyoshi's speech to Eiji would reach out to grab the pendant which he held out for each of them. Eiji was preparing mentally and trying to think of other ways that he could be useful to the team and to Naraka.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

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

What would happen now? She stood still as her eyes were caught on the group as a whole, all of them were preparing to leave and discussing stuff amongst themselves. The stuff she had no idea of because she basically just got here. One by one, she stared at them once more, clearly trying to remember their names as they introduced themselves to her and also taking in that she would be a part of this group now. All she knew was that they would have to be crazy strong, just like most people in Naraka were. This got her thinking how much stronger they would be compared to her, what was the difference between Naraka and the waking world she was born and raised in? Were they even stronger than him? Then she made eye contact with one of her team members, one she hadn’t been able to converse with yet as well. Followed by their eye contact came a nod, along with a formal introduction. Just like she thought, this was Ko Uchiha the one that was described as ‘hotheaded’ although the first impression she had of him was formal and aloof, first impressions are almost never correct and only judgments that are created in thirty seconds. “Pleasure working with you as well Ko.” She replied in a polite but formal tone to match his formal speech. Truthfully he seemed like the type who would do what was ordered of him and nothing more or less, imprecisely.

After their short interaction, she switched her attention back towards Kiyoshi who started to speak to us. It wasn’t a lie that she didn’t feel welcome here, what made her a little comfort is that Kiyoshi thought she fit the group nicely… up to a certain level. Of course, there wasn’t any saying she would fit perfectly yet, she just got here. They were all still just acquaintances, well she was to them and they were for her. This was the time when going back wasn’t even an option anymore, especially once she heard guidance wouldn’t be in their reach. That means she would have to fully depend on working together, something she hadn’t done at all. Misaho couldn’t lie and help but feel slightly anxious, this journey is no piece of cake, and while she didn’t expect it to be she had hoped she wouldn’t feel so blind. The blindness of not knowing what to expect, she was sure her teammates might sort of know by their heavy and traumatic experiences within this world. They had already trained, fought, and gone through stuff together for some time now. Could she really live up to these expectations to fight alongside them? Could she protect them or would she need to seek protection? Besides the anxiety of the possible scenarios and dangers that hid from them, she was partially excited to see more of the world as well. She was a traveler for years and it was something she loved doing the most, if the waking world held beauty she knew that Naraka would have even more beauty to offer.

After listening to his speech she gazed at the necklace he offered them. She awaited her chance to receive it until the others took it, she overheard Kirinji’s gratitude but his slight tone change caught her attention as well as raised her eyebrow slightly. Another member she hadn’t spoken too so she couldn’t make out what caused the tone change or why, so she dismissed it and didn’t mention a word. No… it was best to stay silent for now, she didn’t wanna miss out on anything. Once it was her turn she reached over to accept the necklace and stuck it in her pouch. “Thank you.” She then followed the group as they were led away, although she couldn’t help but wonder why there were necklaces for all of them and an extra one. Had they expected a member to join their team?

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

Looking up at the sound of Ko’s voice, Sentou would direct his gaze unto the red-haired male before giving him a firm nod of his own to greet him back. He hadn’t been there for the initial outburst earlier and failed to get a grasp of what had occurred, but he knew there was a time and a place for explanations, now just wasn’t that time nor the place. For the time being there were altogether, however before he looked up to acknowledge Izanagi’s presence the young man would look his team over a final time. Whether for good measure to account the expression of the others, or simply his nerves getting the best of him, he wasn’t quite sure yet - but as he observed Eiji he could tell something was bothering him. Silently without interrupting the Lord of Naraka, Sentou would shuffle over to Eiji’s side and nudge him with his shoulder with nothing but a caring yet stern look on his face should he gain the male’s attention. Sentou’s face alone would hopefully paint a picture, to convey a message of ‘You’ve got this. Get it together.’, but it was Eiji’s and Eiji’s choice alone to truly interpret such a look without a verbal exchange.

As he tried to focus his attention onto what Izanagi had to tell them, at the back of Sentou’s mind he felt like a hypocrite. Who was he to tell someone else to get it together when he didn’t have it together? He felt even more frustrated with himself to the point he couldn’t hold himself still from that short encounter alone. Folding his arms over his chest and thrumming his index finger along his bicep, if it wasn’t for the fact they were still getting information from Izanagi he probably would’ve been pacing back and forth calling himself stupid over and over, but he tried to maintain that sliver of respect he had been taught to have for others. By the end of the conversation, Izanagi would brandish several necklaces, one for each of them it seemed, a friendship from the lucky dragon? Was that another one of the King’s many names, or was that this Kingu friend he spoke of? Nonetheless, Sentou took his and examined it for a moment, inspecting its color and material. He couldn’t lie, the look of his face would betray his thoughts as he was confused for the purpose of these tokens of friendship. Couldn’t they be friends without jewelry? With a slight shrug, Sentou would put the necklace on around his neck and as he looked back up to Izanagi, noticed there was an extra pair. Strange… “So what exactly are these for? To let those we run into know we’re good friends with you? Seems like we’re either getting good discount prices wherever we go, or.. he paused for a short moment, a voice in the back of his mind speaking ‘or a bigger target on our back.’, but instead of showing any strange signs, Sentou just shook his head, “Nevermind what else. Appreciate the gift though.” he said very dismissively. Whether or not Izanagi had disclosed any other purpose these necklaces had, Sentou was ready for departure. Truthfully he wanted to get this done and quickly as possible with as little casualties as possible. Despite not feeling prepared for whatever was in store for them, they would have the advantage to move sooner than later. Noting as Kirinji was the first to move, Sentou followed suit, however not at full speed as he didn’t feel like leaving anyone behind. Had the entire group left together, Sentou would look at Genchiro - it was his second time seeing him and something about him just intimidated him from first glance. Good thing he was seeing them off.

Oni Archives · Mar 4, 2022

=In the moment that their newest member had addressed him in kind he returned the nod that she had met him with as she walked off. There was something of a simplistic formality about it and although he knew that he should have more then that with his team - he couldnt help but appreciate the quaint polite discretion she carried in such a thing. It did not give much of an insight to the personality under the skin of the woman but at times people forgot...that was the typical norm of the world; with most people with any kind of sense or societal standard about them you wouldnt get that kind of thing at first meet and greet. He couldnt help but appreciate such a nuance callback to the way that normal life and meetings had been...after all, he did make his first impression on his current team, save for Kirinji - by bashing their guide's head in with his baseball bat...he missed that bat. Soon Sentou followed along the concourse the cross his path and met him with a nod as well, to which he returned it in kind and comradery. Sentou was one of the ones that he in kind felt a slight kinship to. Not to say that he didnt towards Kasami, Eiji, or Misaho, but in the manner that he could imagine himself working or having had worked with Sentou and Kirinji on missions before. They were a type that understood his outlook to combat and conflict or if not he could at least understand theirs. He wasn't certain how Sentou in truth felt about killing to survive or complete a mission first hand yet, but he could look at Kirinji and tell that he would do so with no hesitation nor judgement to anyone else in the position. Internal judgement between teammates would be a rudimentary and honestly annoying hurdle to need leap on such an important mission. Ko started to follow behind everyone else contemplating that bit for a moment. Mission. Could such a thing really be called that? It felt like so much more, no saying it "felt" that way would be downplaying the actuality of the situation. It most certainly was something more then that. But Ko had to compartmentalize in order to make sure he didnt get caught up on contemplating the gravity of something that could potentially just get worse or that he first off couldnt grasp in the first place anyway. He kept on walking, eyes to the ground until finally he caught a sudden shock in the air. It was the kind of feeling that was almost electric - but in a biological sense. The kind of feeling you got when you put your tongue on something potentially poisoned or spoiled and your body gave you that last minute jolt of "what the fuck are you doing!?". His eyes shakily darted up to address what he was getting the feeling from when suddenly it locked eyes upon:

(Izanagi)

=He had been standing there looking at Sentou after he had made the comment inquiring in his own particular way about why they were getting the necklace. Suddenly a blanket of tangible intent overlapped the small area around where they all stood. This was the very moment that Ko was catching up and started to look up only to fixate his eyes upon Izanagi, who was looking directly at Sentou after he had asked such and spoke dismissively. Izanagi was an odd type...in truth - anyone that knew the actual origins of himself and his eccentric nature, he wouldnt be odd at all; there was a very distinguished and clear method behind all of the madness that was the crazed shinobi scientist...and up to this point there had been a reason behind his demeanor leading to this point. Sentou in particular - was one that had prodded a sensitive spot to him in the first place. His brother. And as much as he knew that at some point there must have been an oncoming reckoning from someone that must have cared about his otherwise reclusive and fanatic brother - feelings were feelings, and it did not change his emotions constitution towards the subject of what happened between him and Totsuka. Now, here they were - a gesture coming from the man that with few exceptions had been keeping back the biggest threat to Naraka and possibly the waking world at bay single handedly, and it was being questioned so....facetiously. There was talk among the Tengu Legion...for only such a powerful clandestine group of operatives could be privy to the small droplets of information that would even allow one to imagine such. It was that Izanagi's personality...everything about his demeanor...hadn't just changed on its own so drastically...but there was more to it. Some said that it wasnt truly Izanagi at all. A proxy, a path. Some said that Izanagi had extensive psychological training and conditioning to keep his true self under wraps. and tucked away till the time was right to unleash it upon his enemy. Some even said that there was no Izanagi. That it was a demon...an avatar of death hidden under his flesh - acting in ways that it believed the real Izanagi would...yearning for a semblance of living essence that the spirit itself could not capture alone. Either way whatever it was - one thing was fact...far more then fiction. The glimpse of Izanagi that could be perceived in this moment...was not the kind man that they met in the tower with a chest full of regrets about his past. That killer intent was tangible...literally so - for those facing away it would feel as if someone had poured ice water straight down their back. For others, it would feel like the vacuum door of an airplane in flight had just been opened in front of their face. If you were observing Izanagi directly, with a slight tilt of his head it was as if he shifted the entire weight of everything that he was feeling directly on the shoulders of Sentou...even his physique was more pronounced - outline of his broad shoulders, lean biceps and chiseled abdomen could almost be seen straight through his labcoat...he looked like a lion ready to pounce on an empty belly. With a deep inhale he chuckled...perhaps it was at the situation, perhaps it was at him going in explaining a business trade secrets...perhaps it was even at something that only he could know, his initial mindset and reaction that he had to swallow down at the moment...what his instinct wanted to do or say - that he otherwise would refrain from. Regardless it was a horrifying sight, to see Izanagi one moment, shift to such a threatening presence and with a single inhale it was as if he swallowed the very murderous intent that had just before spilled out into the area as he smiled wide and looked up to the sky. He started to step past them all, Ko and Sentou being the last as he stopped, back towards them as he turned half way giving them his right shoulder:

"The necklaces are a ruse. I've been using them for years. I pass the necklaces out everywhere I have a shop. Konoha, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, The Uchiha Clan compound, The Hidden Sound village. I pass them off as if they were simply a knick knack. But what you're looking at is a very sophisticated compact fuinjutsu and space time sealing aparatus. The jadestone acts as a crystal. The particular cut and manner that light shines and reflects in its prism forms a kanji - particularly attuned and calibrated by myself coordinating with the telemetry seal fixated upon my body. Essentially, each of these specially attuned jadestones have one thing in common. They send information to a particular thing, and are ready to receive from a particular thing at any given time. That thing being me. Consider these necklaces - a personal "Get out of jail free" card from me. I can keep track of you, and your vitals including chakra levels. And should I ever have a moment that I can spare between the battle with the Salesman and myself - assist you if at all possible. Make no mistake about it Sentou...everything I do, everything down to the last letter - is for a specific reason. Your mentor knew that, and knew that there are much worse things roaming around in the shadows of Naraka then bandits. He always said - true evil lurks in threes. These necklaces - are for in case either of you run into one of those. Trust me, you'll be glad you got one by the end of it.....Because damn dont they make for a great fashion accessory as well! I mean look at it, they say black goes with everything but pffft - who do you know that can make jade do that huh? Huuuuuuh?"

=He said once again, re-assuming that kiddish eccentric nature that he always did that made so light of even the heaviest situations. Whether or not it would here was another story entirely, he had been known for two things in his past on the battlefield. Ending conflicts simply with his presence, and laughter on the battlefield...what kind of laughter that may be in the moment was always up for debate and ever particular on your position in the scenario. He clapped his hands together, fully turning to them as he raised his sleeves up and did something not many got to see, removing his red gloves from hand. When he did such it would be seen that his hands were riddled with a litany of complex and very finely articulated seals all over his hands. Rows and rows of formula banding his fingers like wedding rings all the way up to the nail and kanji upon each knuckle, and fingertip - punctuated with one big one on each palm. He smirked with his hands clapped together and as he did anyone who was sensitive to latent chakra could tell that the very fabric of the world around them seemed to be crackling with a kind of chakra based distortion. He would then begin to explain.

((Listen While Reading: "And so...it begins a'new!"))

"Hang on tight, I may be apprehended with the salesman but I can still pull this off, its been a while. You're about to embark on a journey that will test every ounce of your being. Not like Naraka itself wouldnt do that whether there was a crisis at hand or not, but out there right now this mission is going to test everything that you are. Remember those words: Its going. To test. EVERYTHING, that you are. Ouka Prefecture is far from here, where Kiyoshi is going - even he will take a minute to get to you action potential or not. Save for a few allies I have that are strong enough to combat the salesman's tricks and dark corruptions you are all you've got, for better or worse. I'm going to use a technique of mine that will drop you off right at the border of Ouka where I set up one of my relay seals. From there, you're on your own. Hold on tight.

Hiraishin: Azure Shift!"

=As he said that from the position that his hands were clapped together he dragged them across one another, a bright blue chakra clinging and exuding from his hands and arms as he did setting one hand to his chest and the other bursting forward through the grouping. When he did such - suddenly they would all be cast away - dispersed in a bright azure flash very much identical to that of the Flying Thundergod save for its unique color. Just like that they were here and then they would be gone. Izanagi standing there setting his hands down at his side as his right hand twitched a bit as azure lightning sparked from it. His only retort to this was an ever slight wince as he started to pull his sleeves back down and walk back across the bridge. The moment that he would have caught up back to where Gogandantes was the man would have begun walking beside him and speak: "We have much to discuss. But first, we'll need the to make a stop. We'll have to get The Jackal involved with this one."

[Episode Ikki Pt1] Mebu Castle

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