Oda Castle

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With each exchange between the Zenku and Oyodo, Kirinji was slowly beginning to piece the strings of information he was getting together and why it was so personal for Oyodo. Kirinji too would exact revenge in such a manner had his loved one’s become victims to this sort of violence. Then again, that was all just an assumption. Kirinji hadn’t had a home for some time now and the only one he’d truly call family was Kouwei, someone who was nowhere to be found. Kirinji was somewhat shocked to find that Oyodo wore a gauntlet similar to that of the Zenku wondering if that is what he meant that he was using a power that was not his own. The bright crimson eye spun to life and the Zenku roared loudly, prompting Kirinji to wince in annoyance as he reached toward his ear before he glanced around behind him in case the other beast had been alerted. By the time he looked back, the scream had been snuffed out and his head severed and the corpse set ablaze until it was reduced to ash. Was it worth it? Kirinji wondered as he stared at Oyodo, was it worth it or did he still feel as empty knowing that no matter how much blood he spilled of the beast, or how many times he exacts his revenge, it would not bring his people back.

Kirinji glanced around as Oyodo turned his attention toward him, but he didn’t see the rest until his eyes had reverted back to the Demon. One would be able to see the surprise on his face as well as his body language as he instantly tensed up. His hands tightened into a fist and his shoulders became tense as he looked at the others. It was a feeling equivalent to running into someone unexpectedly as you turned a corner, or even seeing something scary pop up onto your screen. It took his mind another second to realize that they were not the enemy in this moment as he breathed out, calming himself. They acknowledged what he had to say and not before long one of the shadows ran off covered in a silver light. Kirinji found relief the way Oyodo reacted hearing Toyotomi’s name since he had been skeptical about him, heeding his advice had paid off. Oyodo was right, Kirinji shouldn’t be here and how he got here, he had no idea. It was why when Oyodo began moving and opening the door, Kirinji followed close behind, taking into account the gauntlets and the orbs of light. There was a frustrated look painted on Kirinji’s face as he walked closely behind Oyodo.

There was a sizeable moment of silence before Kirinji finally spoke. “You said that I’m in it at this rate, what did you mean? I’m in what?”​

 

[CelestialBlack]

Oyodo's eyes from behind the mask did not glow as they did before but in a way they still carried some form of resonance. The moment that he had asked what he was in now his eyes darted to the corners of his eyes as if to look back at the male without actually turning his body, but in a way it wasnt that at all as much as it was him reconciling with himself what it was that he had to explain to the shinobi that accompanied him, and in a way he felt bad about it. Oyodo was a soldier by every means of the word - and even Naraka had tradition...when the Oda perished as they had...it was up to him and select few others to deliver the ritual dagger and remains of the fallen to the families and relay the news...he never felt like that was fair...to have to look all of them in the face and see the wash of sorrow as they realized what him being there - rather than their loved one, meant for the news that was to follow. He felt a similar tinge in his chest with this although he knew that the young shinobi would not be daunted by what it meant for him...at least not yet. "What you fought back there. What you saw, is whats known to very few as The Genma. If you encountered the much weaker fodder they cast out - then you may have gotten the inclination that they are mostly unkillable. You would be correct in thinking so. They can be relentless, their ability to regenerate and recover from almost any wound, unmatched - some as you saw have an exoskeleton armored unlike anything ever seen. I know how this may sound, but they are for all intents and purposes...undead. The only way that you can put them away for good - is to have been chosen." *He raised his gauntlet arm and let the eye look back at him, blinking twice before he lowered it again* "A relic - bestowed unto those chosen, by the clan whom been subverted by the Demons." *he recited the words, exactly as they had been spoken to him upon a fated day.* "With this, the chosen can trap the souls of the Genma within and lock them away forever. Using their Seishin to unlock untold power to oneself to use in exacting the revenge of the ancient clan. Otherwise they return to where they were born...Yomi." *He realized that would be a packed explanation if not explained properly, he'd spoken of Yomi as if briefing one of his own again on accident, a reflex.* "Naraka, was named by a gentile to our ways in truth. Mikaboshi. He'd not originated from this land but instead had come from your world - the impure world, in its infantile days. In truth most arent sure the true name for Naraka, it had only been named such because Mikaboshi knew no better fashion to name such a place that could be only a living hell to shinobi of weaker sort from his world. He named it for what it would bestow upon that world - had he maintained power and wrought its full force to bare against the impure. But Yomi? Yomi truly is as best that can be said, hell. The souls of true Oni pass on to Yomi, where the Genma torment them for eternity. Or so the story goes. But for quite some time a war has been fought, between three factions each of their own land.
The Genma - Of Yomi
The Oni and Sanzou - Of Naraka
And The Tengu - Of Tengoku Rakuen, or otherwise Tengoku No Onsen. Naraka's heaven.
These three factions have been interlocked in a war. Mainly against the Genma whom wish to merge Yomi with Naraka for eternity and next? With the waking world. Naraka has been fighting this war for time immeasurable, and The Tengu? Pfft sanctimonious as always - sit on high judging when they should or shouldnt get involved. Opportunists if you ask me. For all of our soldiers we have lost in the conflict they have sent a single entity of judgement: The Tengu, you've met. To exact their will and judgement to ensure the betterment of Naraka - or at least by their standards. I trust no one that wont step down from their perch and shed blood with me and mine on the same battlefield. Blood for blood - and in blood unity's ash." *he spoke the last part as if a mantra, evidently something he lived by personally which would explain his command of the Legion* "All this to say...what you're involved in now, is this war. The Genma...they have a way of an appetite. You've been smelled out....in a way tasted. It was using Hadou and in doing so it savored the tension, the combat vigor, anything you were feeling it felt it. The Genma at the lower levels, they're all connected and follow the command of a Genma scientists known as Guildenstern. They will look for you, find you, and seek to gorge themselves on your anger, your malice, anything you have to offer. You must deprive them of their meal." He spoke with conviction, disregarding the fact that hehad referred to the Genma encountered today as being in "the lower levels" which said a lot about the threat faced by the Zenku before and what potential there could be. It was obvious at this point that the fight against the Genma meant a lot to Oyodo; he was not just explaining to Kirinji in a way, but the way he spoke with fire and power in his chest - he was coaching him. At the end of his sentence after they had made some corners, crossed some rooms and traversed another long hallway he would place his hand upon a door and turn to look back at the man: "I will show you." And with that he threw the door open, swinging open the hall to the exposed moonlight up above that shown down over the Oda courtyard air. The ground was strewn with the remnants of battle. Barricades broken, filled with arrows, flesh and bloodstains all over the floor and walls. Here and there had been claws, horns, scales and weaponry all similarly broken and destroyed laying strewn across the ground as Oyodo looked up at the sky. He inhaled deeply - taking it all in while he wait. It would be insidious to think that there would not be a conversation to be had after that explanation.​

 

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Kirinji listened closely to Oyodo’s words and this was seen by the way his eyes were fixated upon him. Every subtle movement was captured and even when Oyodo had put his arm down to showcase the relic, his eyes remained focussed on it for some time. The way he worded things was curious and as he spoke of the ancient clan Kirinji asked his questions, “The ancient clan, who were they?” The man listened carefully to the explanation as well as Yomi. He’d heard it a few times now, mainly out of Oyodo’s mouth. It seemed that there was always more to the story. Wars here and there, conflicts, all of which probably relate to each other one way or another.

It was interesting seeing this side of Oyodo. When he had first met him at the courtyard, he had seemed angry or that emotion had gotten him riled up. Even now, with the creature, he had stepped in and he seemed emotional exacting his revenge. Now, hearing what the man had experienced and how the others have acted, Kirinji could understand the frustration. Playing by the rules was always annoying, but the way Oyodo spoke was almost invigorating. It made sense to him why he was the leader of the baleful shadows, he had a very commanding presence. Kirinji had a tired expression painted on his face when Oyodo explained that they were using Hadou, and that they’d hunt him down. He wasn’t worried about hunting him down, he’d survive one way or another. If he had to fight, he’d fight. If he had to run, he’d run. He’s a survivor, he’ll make it happen one way or another. What he was tired of was Hadou, Bitoku, and all of the Naraka elements they were up against that they hadn’t been completely briefed on, taught about or even given counters. They were fending for themselves. The playing grounds were unequal.

As they maneuvered through the estate, Oyodo looked back at the man and said he’d show him before opening the door. The courtyard came into the scene and Kirinji could see the dried blood that had been spilled, the weapons were broken and in pieces, and the marks of the creature's claws and horns. Oyodo looked up into the sky and took a deep breath in meanwhile Kirinji walked past him before stopping at almost the center, turning around and looking at what had occurred here by painting a picture in his mind. There was a moment of silence for the lives that had been lost as Kirinji closed his eyes. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry you had to do that...” Kirinji looked at Oyodo with a saddened expression. “Having to be the bearer of bad news is never easy. I guess those are the burdens of a leader.” As he spoke, he thought about Izanagi and all the responsibility that falls onto the shoulders of the Black Throne, wondering if, he has ever thought of just moving everyone away and deciding to take on the burden himself. Knowing him, he probably had. It was frustrating to think about. All the blood that had been spilled, whether innocent or not, a loss of life is .. a loss of life. “I don’t know much about the politics of Naraka, so I can’t say much outside about that. But what I do know is you saved my life and for that I owe you. So,” he looked past Oyodo and at the direction they had come from. “If you want to go back in there and rid of all those creatures, I’ll join you. If you want to hunt for the scientist that created these creatures and inflict unfathomable torture upon him, hey, I’m right there with you. It’s your call.” There was a pause before he spoke again, “But you could do all that yourself yet you allow for these creatures to roam around the Oda Estate, why? What was it that you all are looking for?”​

 

[CelestialBlack]

The man inquired as to the name, of the ancient clan. Almost synonymous with response he looked down at the gauntlet on his arm and then looked back to the man over his shoulder: "I can not speak it." And he continued to walk through the courtyard. He seemed to be looking for something, or rather just examining the remains of the area as he went through. It was plain that there was something more to this place then the grounds for an old battle, no - Oyodo treated it as something different. He treated it almost in the way that a detective would treat a crime scene....there was a mystery to be solved here. Stepping across broken armor, ash, and skeletal remains a strong gust blew the stench of the sea-side air into his nostrils through the mask, demanding his attention to the night sky as he stood and listened to Kirinji's words while contemplating the symmetry between any other night that he once stood here preparing himself for combat...and one of his comrades would tell him the same. It was funny just how much as Kirinji stood where all of those whom fought with him once stood, his words were almost on an exact parallel, and so too would Oyodo's; the last question the man posed to him being the more packed of the situation, though his response would address the entirety of what had been said in full. "The burdens that fall to the shoulders of a leader, would otherwise crush those he wishes to protect. Sympathize not for me, in times of dire need it is only natural that someone should shoulder the blow - and I do so more than willingly to protect what I believe in." *his gaze averted to the battlefield around them, before returning to Kirinji* "I allow them to flourish here. Not enough to make a bulkhead of it, or tarnish its sacred ground...but just enough to keep them hungry for a chance. It is one of the few places the Genma return in frequency and as such Izanagi has decreed that was allow their traffic for just a bit. I much prefer scorched earth - however I do see the value in it. The one known as Guildenstern, he is not here. I will continue looking. This is what Toyotomi referred to as the thing we're looking for. But we have gathered much information from our surveying the enemy's activity here. The genma return to this place for a reason, we'd thought Guildenstern had been here, by the way the Genma coordinate as if obviously being commanded. But with the news you brought it only leaves more questions...one of them is operating in the shadows here...seeking out something. I will bring to the surface who, or what." The man spoke it not as if simply intention, but a proclamation - as if he had already seen this come to pass and only needed to see it through to its fruition. Lifting his hand to the blade on his back as he had before he drew it from its sheath and a ghastly aura filled the air...it was like every survival instinct in the subconscious parts of the brain were going off in a natural aspect, but free of alarm or fear. It was almost primordial as if it was the body's natural response to avoid death struggling against the conscious state of being. The blade spun a crimson and black aura across its steel and Oyodo pointed it off towards the bridge that stretched long and far against the water ahead. In doing so a small fissure - looking as if a miniature black hole would clash with the blade and what was once a small orb would soon become a human sized gateway; the blade opening it to proportion as if the key to that very door before Oyodo sheathed it upon his back once more, and the aura subside. "Before, at the castle. When the boy known as Sentou spoke of being attacked in the quarters by a creature of ghastly proportion. That was a Genma, and a very strong one at that. It is unnatural for one so strong to latch itself to a person for no reason. Should you encounter him again, be weary of the possibility of attack. This portal will lead you back to that very location in the castle...we followed it to here at that time. Whatever attacked him...has been coming back here quite frequently. You said before that you owe me one." *he turned fully to face Kirinji. Reaching his hand out he would grasp the man's forearm in tight embrace and pull his arm up almost as if a handshake* "Blood for blood, and in blood - unity's ash. When warriors fight on the same side there is no such thing as saving your life. Your life is my own, as mine is yours - when you were locked in combat, so was I and as such I defended our lives just as I would if standing alone. Remember what I said. Deprive the enemy their meal. If I bleed, you bleed, and my enemy shall never see my blood if I can have a say in it." Again he spoke with conviction; everything the man said there was zero trace of doubt. He was a soldier of raw determination and focus, much like The Tengu in that way. What he said - he knew as truth and had no qualm speaking it forthright. He would let go of the forearm of the man, and await any further debrief he may have desired - treating him in this moment as if one of his own. It would only be until he clarified that he no longer had any questions that he would dismiss him with a nod of the head, and the portal - closing once it had received a body of travel. ​

 

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Oh, he liked Oyodo. The man spoke with determination and focus which reminded him of the Tengu, and he was one of Kirinji’s favorite people. Some would even say Kirinji was a fan so as Oyodo spoke the reminder caused him to smile subtly as he looked off at the old battlefield with him. There was also truth in his words, especially regarding the fact that if the burden were to fall on someone else's shoulders, they would crush another. A saddening thought to be honest for those who could not bear the weight, yet honorable for those that had stepped up to the mantle. Again, the blue-haired man only listened to Oyodo’s briefing as if he was one of the baleful shadows.

There was no doubt in Oyodo’s voice and therefore there was no doubt in Kirinji’s mind that he would find whoever was behind this. Kirinji watched as the man lifted his hand to reach for his blade and as it was unsheathed, an eerily feeling went down his spine. The tiny hairs on his arms raised up despite him trying to pacify himself by tightening both his hands into fist but that didn’t matter. It was surprising that Kirinji stood there and waited to see what Oyodo was coming because the thoughts that occupied his mind were his natural instincts all over the place causing him to freeze. The blade then spun an aura across the steel and Oyodo directed it toward the bridge causing a gateway to open. Kirinji knew it was for him and he looked back at Oyodo, who briefed him of something much more serious.

Listening to Oyodo explaining what was going on with Sentou, Kirinji hummed to himself in thought. “Hmmm..I see. So the Genma is wearing Totsuka?” Kirinji questioned in a manner that he sounded confused even asking the question. “Was it really Totsuka because Sentou had said that a large centipede was controlling the body?” Kirinji would await his response before asking his next question, but before he could Oyodo grasped his forearm firmly and shook his “arm”, Kirinji did the same with a firm, respectable grip of his own as he looked into Oyodo’s eyes. Oyodo recited the mantra to him again and Kirinji nodded in agreement. Once he was done and they had let go, Kirinji would ask his last and final question.

“You say deprive them of their meal yet you also said you have to be chosen to defeat them. How did you do it? Or rather, how should I do it?”

Once Kirinji heard the response of the man, whatever it was, he'd smile and nod his head in a thankful manner before he began walking towards the portal. Just as he was about to reach the portal, he turned around and walked backwards while talking to Oyodo. “You know, for the first time in a while, it almost feels like I have a brother within you. You bleed, I bleed. So let us not bleed and let us keep it that way, Oyodo. See ya around.” With the last words he’d throw up the “peace” sign as he would fade away into the abyss.

[Transition — Oda Castle to Mebu Castle Hallway]​

 

[CelestialBlack]

There was a certain something that went off in Oyodo's head when the question was asked to him. You could see it in the way that he looked over at the man once he had. There was a thoughtful hesitation in the man's motion but not in a way as if he was not wanting to indulge him...but more so in the way you hesitate before telling someone something that could possibly mess them up for life. Though despite that very nature it would be something he couldnt help but inform. One of the few bits of information that even though it was quite possibly carnal knowledge...it was one of the few nuggets of information that he was not under any direct orders not to speak of. He'd take any opportunity to put everyone as far in the know as he could within the narrow conversation confines he'd been provided.
"...It is very likely that the Genma is in fact, Totsuka. From our understanding Totsuka went to Yomi when he died. The day he and Izanagi fought, The Black Throne used a technique that had not been seen in Naraka in centuries. A power of such magnitude and devastation that it has been known that only a handful of gifted Oni even know of the technique, much less even are capable of executing it. As far as we know, Izanagi is the only Oni that is able to do so. It is known as Oni Shiren. When Totsuka was defeated it is said that Izanagi tried with all of his ability to preserve his life. Not wishing to kill him outright but Totsuka gave him no choice but to take it as far as he could. But in his last moments Totsuka not only willing chose death. But decided to excise it upon himself before he could be saved. In Yomi, the Genma torture the souls of fallen Oni to submission, either till they break and go entirely insane - or give to their will and join their ranks. We are. . . unsure which of the two Totsuka falls under now."
Oyodo stepped back towards the manor, pacing a bit as he contemplated the gravity of what it was that he was about to say next. But it was important that the man hear it and likely...very important that others are made aware of it as well. It was only his question to the matter of the centipede that prompted the thought in his mind.
"The Centipede found inside the body of the Genma is but one of many parasites carried by the blood of those born in Yomi. And as the centipede - or as they are formally known Fuhai Gaichū (Lit: Putrid Vermin) has been known to control the minds of less capable men, it is only a means to the immortality of the Genma's physical vessel...there is a chance that Totsuka is well in control, but using the Genma's cursed gift of immortality as a tool to do their bidding. Though it is important for you to know...the Gaichu, there is a large portion of Naraka's sacred waters that have been infected by it. Anyone that has come in contact...could be infected to some degree. Only very specific springs have been confirmed to still be pure. So be careful, many of the temples religious dignitaries have fallen mad to its influence, as their springs have long since been corrupted to sabotage them."
After a moment of this he would allow Kirinji to drink in all that he said. There was a lot to unpack there within it all and he did not wish for him to believe he spoke as he did frivilously, knowing not the weight that such words and implications may have. After all, most of them on the inside, Kiyoshi, Izanagi, Tatsumi, Eien especially struggled with this information and it had effected all their lives to some degree. He was no stranger to the way this can turn the gears in someones mind. But then he asked about how it would be that he could work to those ends he spoke of, the deprivation of their enemy's sustenance. He lingered upon it for a moment and as Kirinji commented that he felt as a brother to him, in arms or otherwise Oyodo chuckled and nodded his head - as such was the way that one should feel when bonded in the clash of war with one another; he felt good that if no one else had made him feel that he had a genuine and transparent comrade in this fight - that it could be him. But just as he was leaving Oyodo would look to him and leave him with a parting answer and perhaps - the most important one among them:
" Kirinji. I fight the Genma with the power thrust upon me, by the clan subverted by the demons. If you wish to gain their favor and be reborn with power matching such. Then you must do only one thing. Die. Die and show them that you are unafraid of death, if it means to see a true end to the enemy that stands before you. A true defeat to an immortal threat that we know - as Genma. I look forward to fighting side by side with you, do not leave me disappointed to not find you when the final battle will commence."
And with that he was off again. That same determined march that he had before took him back to the doors that they had once departed from and without bothering to close it he would fade into the distant shadows...where he had consigned himself to belonging so that he too may fight the darkness in every corner that it'd reach. He disappeared and with his visage shortly after so too would the sound of his armor clattering with the momentum of his stride. Needless to say, off to not only fight another battle, but bring it to an indisputable end.​

 

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Drinking would be the wrong word to describe it. It was much more swallowing half-eaten food and it was getting stuck in your throat as it went down. It wasn't confusing, but he was confident that there were more layers than Oyodo had explained. The whole time Kirinji was just staring at him like a deer in headlights as he explained everything. More times than not, Kirinji would've been frustrated by the hesitation but not this time. For some reason, he couldn't hold it against Oyodo after all he had done and the knowledge he had given Kirinji. It felt as if everyone had been bound by some oath of secrecy to an extent. Regardless, one way or another, he'd make it work. He'd figure it out, Kirinji was confident in his own ability. It wasn't until Oyodo had chuckled that Kirinji snapped out of his trance while taking in all the information while thinking to himself. They shook hands and Kirinji asked his final question which he received a parting answer from Oyodo before he marched off. Truth be told, it left him bewildered to some extent wondering had meant that literally or meant to conquer his fear of dying. It had to be the latter, right? With an eyebrow raised and a concerned look, he looked at the back of Oyodo's mask as he walked away before turning into the portal with the same confused look.

[Oda Castle -> Mebu Castle Hallway]​