[RP Location] Kagane Village

[Oni Archives]

Focussed totality, the best way he could describe it. It being the limelight Kirinji put Zaku under and proceeded to observe him with profound scrutiny. You could see it in his crimson orbs, his furrowed eyebrows making lines in his once-smooth skin combined with that focused, cold glare that never seemed to even blink. Whether it be respect, or fear, he did not want to miss a single detail. As Kirinji made his way toward Zaku he noted the blood transforming into fire that not only consumed him from the inside, but on the outside as well. To which he showed barely any emotion towards it. No agonizing scream, no hurry to extinguish it — nothing. To him it was just there. It was odd, he thought, but it could be possible that Oda had a high pain level threshold and the fire simply did not meet standards. It could be.

Just as the flames consumed the man partially, Kirinji arrived hoping that his strike would catch the Oda even more off-guard than before. However, that was far from the case. Instead he found that his plan did not come into fruition, but the beast’s did. Upon arrival, not even able to put his plan in motion, the creature would extend his muscular arm and Kirinji would be met with a mighty grip that grasped his face. The strength of the grip itself almost felt indomitable, but that wasn’t the worst of it. The Oda had used his arm that had been ignited to grasp Kirinji and the flames had transferred onto him, which shocked Kirinji into releasing an agonizing, blood-curdling scream. It was like he was a child trying to get loose from their parents that were forcing them somewhere by the arm. His right hand immediately gripped the wrist of the man while the other followed suit just as the Oda’s hand grasped his face, his body and hands moved in unison attempting to shake free of the grip, his arms visibly shaking as he tried to, but to no avail. The scream of excruciating pain continued on, until it didn’t.

It wasn’t until the creature was in his downward chop motion, inches away from connecting, that the terrorizing scream abruptly stopped. What the Oda would find was that the chop did connect and cut through his arm like a hot knife cutting through butter, but also find Kirinji’s body beginning to phaze and that there was no blood, blood splatter, or anything of that sort around. Instead the roaring sound of lightning crackling and Kirinji’s body radiating a blinding bright blue, almost to the point where it was white. Just as the flames consumed him before the lightning did the same, sending a vicious voltage designed to paralyze even the scariest of creatures. But to momentarily subdue wasn’t just the plan. There was more.

As the lighting clone ruptured, and the wood enveloped Zaku, the real Kirinji would relocate himself from hiding back to where Kasami and Kiyoshi were, holding a ram hand seal snug under his chest. He needed a clone for two things, the first being to buy him some time to amass enough chakra. And the second being the need to mark the creature. His eyes never left sight of the chakra, continuously monitoring it, and now observing the creature stuck in wood, struggling to move, until it became eerily silent. It was momentarily, and odd, like the creature was summoning power. The silence shattered by a booming roar, and that was when Kirinji activated that complex seal he had left where Zaku had left him.

What Zaku would feel would be some sort of powerful gravitational force pushing him backwards, similar in way to Banshō Ten'in, a technique granted to those with the Rinnegan. He could try to fight it, but with the hidden seal on his wrist it would be similar to reeling in an animal by chain. If Zaku were to completely become the subject of this complex seal, he’d find himself in a separate fabricate of space constructed to banish them away. A completely white room, but not bright and blinding. This technique was in fact for individuals that exude negative emotions and would suck them into a quiet and peaceful box until they regained themselves. The fabricate of space can be anything Kirinji wants, but he allows for it to be anything positive the individual stuck in it wants, aiming to calm them down and rid of whatever has them possessed. The seal wouldn’t use Kirinji chakra either. While yes, the original set-up did, but once the opponent had been tagged it used their tank against them. As the force would push Zaku backwards, Kirinji would be on standby focusing on the creature, ready to push him into the seal if needed.

​

 

[Oni Archives]

It seemed as if their minds had been made. They would stay together in order to help aid Kiyoshi in this battle, but from appearances it appeared they were off to a bad start. His crimson optics observed the snow-haired individual, who appeared to be using a lot of his chakra. Not only did he use Kamui in order to buy them some time to rest, but he also summoned shadow clones, essentially splitting his chakra into pieces. Kirinij was skeptical about his approach, but he didn’t say anything. His optics shifted over to Kiyoshi who appeared to be having the upper hand, yet there still seemed to be an odd feeling lingering around them. As if they were not in control. And this feeling only solidified when the creature began to laugh.

What initially seemed to be a one-sided exchange of thunderous blows, the beast was slipping some in his own. Until suddenly the man himself was going blow for blow with the speedster. Was he holding back this whole time, or had he evolved in order to match his speed? There was one more thunderous clap his crimson optics noted the flaring chakra - the Eight Gates. It now made sense why he was able to augment his capabilities and force Kiyoshi into more of a defensive position. Kirinji wanted to jump in, but right now - it wasn’t .. it wasn’t the right time. Kiyoshi was sent flying, the beast roared, striking his chest over and over as he turned his attention toward the group. He could see it briefly, the Sharingan, as if the veil had been raised - probably done intentionally, in order to size them up. And it appeared he had no choice.

Kirinji’s skin began to shift into a sickening purple .. slowly and slowly .. until it was vantablack. There would be a radiating energy that began to emit from his body, and the nuances of purple danced under the moonlight. There was a roar in the sky, thunderous clouds seemingly began to coalesce together overhead the group almost immediately - blac lightning shimmering in the sky, creating a vortex.

”Come, Bentaburakku.”

His slightly raspy voice boomed as immediately the cloud vortexed downwards onto, and around them. Had Zaku, or his afterimages, come at them they’d become victims of a chakra so full of darkness, and malice, that even the strongest warriors fear its powers. The chakra was so potent, and heavy, that it gave off a repulsive smell. This was the mythical weapon known as Bentaburakku (ベンタブラック, “Vantablack”). During the Second Shinobi World War, there were rumors spreading like wildfire about another sentient blade being used in battle. Some said that they saw the weapon being summoned, and that when it is summoned the heavens rumble and roar from the black lightning coursing throughout the sky. Although, it was never verified. Yet, here it was, in the hands of Kirinji - pure black and moving slightly as if it was speaking - visible after a few seconds once the aura had dispersed. Kirinji’s skin was almost back to normal, other than the hand that he held the blade in, which was covered in that vialsome purple skin. The smell and the aura - it radiated a vile and loathsome aura, if one heard closely they could hear the screams coming from the blade; the manifestation of human negativity and greed - casualties of war.

Had Zaku, or his afterimages, decided to make their way toward them - the afterimages would be eaten up by that corrosive chakra. A magnitude of cuts would have been all over Zaku’s body, and if Zaku had access to medical techniques he’d find that these cuts - they weren’t normal - and they wouldn’t heal either. The weapon attacks the mind and the body of anyone it comes in close contact with, the consumption of soul is activated automatically upon impalement. This is what makes the weapon so unique. It never grows weaker because it only evolves from every soul it collects. Had none of that occured, he’d step out from his group, making his way past the other individuals and walking toward Zaku. The aura around the blade moved around arbitrarily, making a clicking noise as if it were communicating with Kirinji.

”I know, I know you bastard. It’s been a while.”

Kirinji chuckled insanely, the laugh of a man with a few loose screws. His chakra radiated outwards, expanding itself and covering their immediate area. His crimson optics looked up at Zaku, his sclera black and all that could be noted was that luminating crimson glow. A smirk on his face and he whistled at the beast, as if he were some sort of dog. There was something different about him, and from a simple glance you could tell that all his abilities had increased tenfold.

”Here boy.”

​

 

[Oni Archives]

There it was even amidst their collective measures of speed as students of Izanagi let alone their skill as shinobi. They had come to trade blows, yet Ikki’s would’ve been like the arrival of high tide in those moments. While Kiyoshi and Zaku were fighting Ikki and his clone had their blades pointed forward. This only prompted what came next as Kiyoshi and Zaku traded blows, Ikki expanded his chakra with haste covering a total of five meters in preparation for what was inevitably going to come in the event that Kiyoshi couldn’t handle this alone. As such it was like a hyuuga pushing chakra from their tenketsu without hesitation at all meaning that what came next was going to come crashing down on Zaku’s head. When this image of him stepped into the striking range of Ikki there was already a retaliation from the moment things began to unfold. His image clearly responding without hesitation at all, should this be the physical embodiment of Zaku he could find both forms of Ikki taking action. The first with its blade poised just the same as the original moving to sweep clean beneath the strike aimed for Ikki’s cranium. Their bodies low and their breathing perfectly in sync as they aimed to strike Zaku’s midsection. While he was likely just as well trained physically and mentally there was something about this strike that made it different. The distortion that Zaku made when he stepped into this field of chakra gave Ikki ample time to respond, however between the both of them their movements were likely just as swift. Had the collection of blades made contact with Zaku’s midsection it would appear and certainly feel like they had simply danced across his form not seeking to deliver a seemingly lethal blow at all. Had this in fact been Zaku in the flesh upon him in those moments his form would’ve likely been met with the blow of this golden blade.

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Had they even remotely traded blows at all, Ikki's body would’ve been ready to take the repercussions of his own counter attack as Kirinji seemingly called a weapon of his own. Albeit he was a little late to the party in that regard as the fight likely would’ve raged on even as he called his weapon. Of course he would’ve had some modicum of time bought for him in the subsequent transaction between himself and Zaku. However the part that was likely going to be amidst an act of folly was acting as if Zaku were a dog and calling to him. Ikki couldn’t persay fix a cocky attitude or even one filled with confidence. It was important that they all kept a level head in the end as Zaku was likely upon the trio now with Kirinji standing to protect them.

Meanwhile back at the temple

Ikki’s clones were still gathering natural energy and bottling it up inside as they continued to meditate side by side with one another. They were becoming the catalyst for something that very well could save everyone’s life or at the very least buy time for them to figure out a better plan than simply playing the defensive. Zaku was fast, a force of nature in his own right even in the presence of Ikki. Who for a period of time was the only member of the saint beast he had ever known. Then came Ko who seemed to be just as fortunate as Ikki to be bestowed a similar power all his own. They were both strong in their own fields, creative no less and with the arrival of Zaku meant they were likely going to be pushed to their limits even as saint beast. These clones continued to gather the aforementioned natural energy and with that they were preparing for their departure. Had everything gone according to plan on their originators side things would begin to fall into place like pieces of a puzzle. Even as they meditated they were on alert to jump to their creators aid even if it meant breaking the plan that had been set in place.

In the end even if Ikki had even for a moment managed to lay his blade upon Zaku’s physical form things would’ve been underway. Had he missed however he was still keeping up this retaliatory field of chakra as a means of defense. This meant that even with his back turned or his gaze averted from Zaku’s face he would still be capable of defending himself. Had anyone actually taken a look at his form they would find that the most fatigued portion of his body was that of his eyes. He was one sharingan down and that meant he was at only a mild disadvantage. As for his reserves let alone his ability to pace himself he was doing quite well. After his brief fit of rage against Ai, his composure had returned. This meant Ikki’s body was back to pacing itself keeping up with the flow of battle whilst letting his resolve steel his mind against the ongoing battle. While Ikki was no bottomless well he was more than capable of going the distance meaning this encounter was no different. As it stood, Ikki managed to strike a blow or even simply just slip past Zaku’s blow and under his means of striking he would now be standing with his blade poised once more on the opposing side waiting to see if even Kirinji was going to able to stand his ground.

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[Oni Archives]

Kasami was still walking forward when she’d heard shuffling behind her. She had no intention of stopping until she looked over her shoulder and saw Ko getting down on the ground. Her brows knit together questioningly, but she also knew that Ko had every clue on what he was doing in most situations, and she trusted his judgment in this moment as well. This was the man whose hands she would place her life in.

Rather than continue forward, she stopped and stayed near the group to avoid making herself an easy target. Instead, she stood there and waited, watching in horror as Kiyoshi attempted to manage against the monster before them. He was doing alright, not too bad but suddenly Zaku managed to break through his guard and they were all at risk of being separated from their strongest ally.

It was pure instinct, and potentially the fastest reflex she’d had since arriving in Naraka save for pulling that ice spear away from Eien. The shadows beneath her feet came alive, and she put her hands together in a single seal as a large tendril fired off at the speed of a high wind past her face. Its speed was enough to disorient the hair atop her head, blowing a few locks in her face as it launched toward Kiyoshi while in the air. It warped to form a large hand which wrapped around the male’s waist and snatched him before he was too far gone. It pulled him back to them in time for her to drop him abruptly on the ground in front of her, a squeal of shock coming from her as she dropped the hand seal.

This squeal of shock was the product of an afterimage literally kicking toward her face. She promptly forsook her hand seal to put her arms up protectively and attempt to move out of the way, though his speed was far too great for her. His feet made it past her arms, but she’d managed to avoid the full brunt of the kick and took it to the side of the head like a champ. She merely staggered, holding her ear as it began ringing loudly from the blow as she looked to try and find Zaku. He’d already moved on though, and it was hard to truly keep up with where he was.

”Ko! Look out!” Perhaps she yelled too late, but at the moment she called out Zaku had appeared and was... her eyes shifted toward the blood on the ground. That was an odd maneuver but she couldn’t have possibly deduced the truth simply based off that. She’d never seen a Jashinist before.

Everything was coming to a head now as Ikki faced off with their opponent and then... did someone just whistle? She spun around to see Kirinji- or someone who had the same stature as him. She was absolutely floored, standing there blinking for a moment before she just had to shake it off and resign to dealing with it later. Everyone was losing their damn minds apparently. She moved to where she’d dropped Kiyoshi and if he was still there recovering she would frown softly at him. She was no healer nin, and she didn’t know if she had it in him to heal himself. ”Tengu was here, Kiyoshi. He was here and faced off against Mikaboshi.” She pointed toward the building where that short showdown had happened. ”There... Should I go try to find him? I think we could use all the allies we can get... where the heck is that Eien guy too.”​

 

[Oni Archives]

=Kiyoshi found himself quickly whipped over back to where the others were, looking down only to see a tendril of shadow pulling him towards the rest of them - before he could take time to be astonished, wssh, wssh, wssh images of Zaku all fired off towards them. His eyes widened and he started to warn and tell them to run but as he did so a cataclysm of lightning befell the Uchiha man and dispersed the energy after-images that had been about to kick himself and Kasami, saving them both from the blow. "Bucket of tricks this group is eh?" Kiyoshi thought a'loud as he was finally set down on the ground with them. He shook it off - twisting his neck with an abrupt pop as he huffed the pain away. Then Kasami came talking about the Tengu's previous presence here, but he knew better - he could feel that man's presence a mile away and it certainly was no longer here: "No point - he's definitely not here anymore." as he looked over at Ikki just in time to see his own squabble with the previous Oda lord. Something wasn't right - he could see it in the motions that the man gave off, he had just traded blows with him after all and this was not the cadence that he had just been at....why dial it down? It seemed like such a half measure. And then there it was - transpiring before his very eyes.

The moment that Ikki avoided the spinning backfist he would find that the very thing he was fighting was too - an afterimage...it was the sight of Zaku that was zipping across the ground upheaving the very earth beneath him that was the genuine article. He had his sights trained - as he always did. It was always his way, to be an assassin. To systematically cause the collapse and downfall of a nation through absolute eradication of its core personnel. He had trained his whole life for it after all, he had been trained by Izanagi for it as well - to meet his sole goal in the shinobi world. The complete and utter elimination of Heiwa Sozo and Kami'No Shi. He had passed before his time - needless to say these were tasks that he had long since missed his mark on. That would be the only mark he missed though - at least as far as history could tell per the very moment, for his plan had worked out to the point that he wished...this creature, was showing far more sentience. The after images were all a distraction, and he could see the chakra field around Ikki with no problem and saw that it would be no consequence to him. This man before him...Kirinji Uchiha...he'd fall - but not right now, eyes on the prize. Just as he was getting towards Kirinji as he was traveling at such high speeds he would avert his expectations. Not going to attack him at all, in fact what he did do was activate the next of the Hachimon - his speed boosting even higher as the sudden increase, along with focusing his chakra - would cause a sonic boom to exude from his body just at the point that he was passing Kirinji, leaving him with not attacks but a great shockwave that would threaten to blow him against the wall after it was created. The chakra did not impress him...he'd dealt with such kinds of chakra and worse...this was Naraka after all, and he had contested Mikaboshi himself in his true form, he wouldnt blink twice. His dash past Kirinji sent him like a bullet passed everyone else that was dealing with their own particular issues, leaving him the seeming gap to strike Ko..but in fact - that was only a plus. He spun on his hand even faster then originally intended, but he wanted to secure his opening and soon his foot came hurdling towards K-....nothing? Perhaps he thought that it went unnoticed...to everyone else maybe - but this body...it knew what it looked like when the seams of reality were being toyed with. He would have struck Ko, but in the moment that his foot would have connected - Ko's body blurred away and dispersed almost like a blend of sand colored to match him...and he was several feet away, across from Kiyoshi and Kasami. He had no time to decipher that nor break it down - he needed to focus one thing at a time...knock out the bottom block, and let the tower fall. It had all come together anyway, lifting his hand to the ventablack void upon his shoulders as a long, animal like tongue breached a gate of fanged teeth and dropped itself into the pool of blood that he had caught in his palm along the slide to hit Ko. That was the goal all along - a sacrifice, to the glory of Jashin! The man stomped the ground after focusing chakra to his left foot - and those around him in a twenty foot radius would find themselves burdened down as if the ceiling of a building had just collapsed in a solid slab on top of them...this was the pressure release activated by Zaku's Proverb of Jashin: Wresting Congregation. This was activated by a seal upon his body that could only be activated once Zaku had ingested another's blood - and once done so he would stomp his foot, where there was in actuality a jashin sealing upon the very bottom and it would apply a jashin circle upon the ground around him - while using his pressure release with the intention of "dropping the congregation to their knees in prayer". It wouldnt happen yet, not just yet. True jashinism required time...it needed to be savored - this was no heretical con-artist worshiping. His eye glanced up at the same, Ko's eye floating there while he waited in meditation and he couldnt help but wonder...no matter. The creature chuckled, shifting his feet shoulder length apart and fortifying them with a great chakra. It would need time..but as well, he was no normal jashinist by any measure of the term. He wanted him to know what was coming. Taking his right pointer finger, he tapped his side, on the left rib cage a bit almost as if demanding attention. Then, he would jab his finger into his side - and the young Uchiha would find that the very same pain from this would be inflicted upon him, and not only that but it seemed to be personified in full, bleeding and all as if he had let the finger upon him with his very own hand. The creature would have started to chuckle, bursting into laughter. All the while Kiyoshi grit his teeth, trying to ponder through this...he couldnt simple subdue the man...anything that he did would be inflicted to Ikki at this point...but he couldnt use typical non-violent tactics anyway...it was a body possessed...not the real Zaku, sleeping tactics, or unconsciousness would be off the table. "Think....think you fuck...", uttered as his wild glowing eyes dashed across the area over and over just as his mind raced through possibilities...he needed to figure this out and figure it out now.=​

 

[Oni Archives]

The after-images dispersed upon the impact from his weapon due to the conductive polarity which dispersed the regulation of energy in the area — one of the few very special abilities granted to him by Bentaburakku (ベンタブラック, “Vantablack”). Yet it came at an unfortunate price. Kirinji’s hand would shift from his normal tan skin to a sickening purple and the weapon would begin to shift around and make a clicking noise as if it were trying to speak. And the prolonged use of Bentaburakku would poison his mind, hence the whistle in the beginning. It was unnatural, he hadn’t ever done that before — taunting an opponent, especially one stronger than him, but it just came out of his mouth himself as if he had been possessed.

Kirinji’s crimson optics witnessed in perfect clarity Zaku zooming past him and he didn’t make a move only turned over his shoulder following the beast The sonic boom would indeed push him back, but it would only skid him back a few before he stabbed his sword into the ground, stopping his movement and tearing off his shirt a bit. Evidently, Kirinji wasn’t his priority objective right now — which was unfortunate because he had only summoned Bentaburakku in order to assume the role of “tank” so Kiyoshi, Ikki, and Ko would have an opportunity to execute whatever they have planned. But regardless, this was an advantage within itself as he formed a singular hand seal. Kirinji observed the creature move at an alarming rate, spinning on his hand — scooping up Ikki’s blood — and sending a vicious kick toward Ko. It seemed as if it had connected, but at the last minute Ko’s body faded away and he had relocated himself out of arm way. Heh. Kiyoshi was right, this group is a bucket of tricks — and his fascination with wanting to know who Ko really is only grew more. His focus was elsewhere and it’d be foolish of him not to make a move.

As Zaku’s foot came up, what appeared to be Kirinji right in front of him was as quick as a blink of the eye sending a lethal uppercut with his right elbow. From what Kiyoshi had stated before, he knew a few things about the creature before him. His name is Zaku Oda — heir to Hakai’s Oda legacy, someone he knew well and was the reason his three-tomeo optics were awakened. Just that information itself would make Kirinji weary and he knew that he’d have to send some powerful blows. But that wasn’t the only reason. He was also Izanagi’s brother. All he needed to know. His blows were precise, focused, lethal, and deadly. You could see hints of black and dark purple lightning radiating off his body with each blow, uppercut to the chin. Followed by a left hook with his left elbow and a vicious right hand straight into his diaphragm with enough power that at minimum would suck the air out his lungs. But at maximum send him flying back into the wall intended for Kirinji. With each blow odd black cuts formed all around his shoulder, neck, and torso area. It wasn’t ready yet, but it’d soon be. All he had to do was stall for some time and then both of them would experience it.

For now, each blow combined with emotion and yang would be similar to being hit by a truck. Dazing, but doubtfully breaking any bones of the previous Oda Lord.

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[Oni Archives]

While Ikki and his clone came to a stand after their interaction with Zaku’s after image their exchange wouldn’t have been in vain. Their goal in actuality was to seed Zaku with some modicum of Ikki’s own chakra so inevitably when the beast came and went that would be exactly what happened. If there was one thing Ikki prided himself on to some degree it was his ability to be flexible during combat even more so when it came to close quarters interaction. This was in fact part of the reason he had even begun developing the Kiln of Seiryu in the first place, creating a defense that eventually amounted to an oppressive offense. When Zaku found himself skidding through the blood of Ikki in hopes of using it for whatever nefarious purposes he had in mind, the clone that was there with the group dispersed. This wasn’t at the lack of chakra present between their division but because he was no longer going to be needed. In short when Zaku found himself darting past Ikki and into that field of chakra only to leave behind an afterimage it was like he had run face first into a spider's web. This web of course was Ikki’s chakra coating his body subsequently leaving him with an imprint of himself upon him. This only resulted in their altercation still taking place meaning Zaku came and went only to miss his target when it came to striking down Ko. However when he found himself bringing up that pool of blood to the tongue that lurched from his mouth, Ikki could be seen with a single hand nestled in his chest. A quick motion to say the least, but he had seen much of the world in his time as a shinobi which meant that the act of drinking or merely even tasting blood was quite easy to match up with none other than a jashinist. Whether or not Zaku was a practicing Jashinist in the sense of the late Hidan was another story, yet Ikki took this as an opportunity nonetheless.

When he promptly brought that hand to his chest with a seal formed consisting of his middle finger being crossed over the index it would signal the first step in his own plans. He was thankful that the entirety of the group was there holding their own as well as tending to one another when necessary. It was apparent that they understood not everyone could be protected by a single entity. Flames of Seiryu: Azure Mutilation, the beast opened his maw to allow his tongue a taste of succulent blood Ikki saw that as an opportunity. The motions of Zaku were pristine up to the very moment that he had come to take a taste giving Ikki just the opening he needed to conduct this jutsu. The seeding of Ikki’s chakra on his body in those moments of interaction as he darted between the collective group merely boiled down to this moment as the blood that now pooled in his hand caught fire. From blood to ashes Zaku had effectively sunken his arms into an oil slick. Ikki’s blood when combined with this hand seal and chakra would function as an ignition point. The entirety of that limb and soon to be the entirety of his whole body would be met with the azure flames Ikki called his own. Had things gone according to plan Zaku’s body would inevitably begin to break down. A consumption of flesh from flames meaning Ikki wasn’t going to even let Zaku come close to tasting his blood at all. The very moment his tongue lurched from his mouth would’ve been the same motion that the flames ignited. Had he still opted to plant his tongue amidst the pool of blood anyway these flames would move from not just his arm but the inside of his body. Even if Kirinji by some chance managed to stop Zaku and interrupt the tasting of blood Ikki still set out to ignite the beast hand to in turn engulf his body.

Meanwhile at the temple

Things were underway; the clones that sat there with a seal planted firmly in his chest for meditation was topped off. They were biding their time collecting natural energy from the world around them with little hesitation and while Ikki was no sage he knew how to take in natural energy just the same in order to aid in his recovery of chakra and subsequently extend the length of his own capabilities in battle. While it was true he was already a bulwark of chakra in his own right often using his ability in jutsu in lump sums he knew how to pace himself. Any bystander at a glance would likely consider such behavior reckless under normal circumstances. However this was no reckless endeavor at all as things transpired back at the medical ward.In those moments Zaku clearly revealed himself as a jashinist and sought to partake in Ikki’s blood, a machination that would certainly lead to his downfall. The building blocks were in place as the first of two clones dispersed, yet what came in response for Ikki was a rush of invigoration. His body taking on this well of chakra in stride and without issue. His usage of Souzou Subarashii was one of the stepping stones for such a thing in a scenario like this. Had everything gone according to plan on the front end that would mean Ikki’s reserves of chakra were replenished to a degree washing over him in hopes of aiding him in a battle like this.

Among the dispersal of the first clone the second would continue its meditation taking in the natural energy that surrounded him. They were functioning as batteries per say, holding a well of energy for Ikki to consume at his behest. It was a tactic he didn’t often need to use, but with the arrival of Zaku things like this needed to be done. It needed to be done and had everything gone according to plan there would’ve been no cause for worry. As it stood amidst the interaction at the medical ward it was up to the collective to keep Zaku at bay and inevitably subdue him. Of course this implied that Ikki had successfully stopped Zaku from tasting his blood and as a result lit him ablaze like a candle. Only time could tell what was to come of the entirety of the battle but as it stood plans on both sides were underway.

 

[Oni Archives]

It'd had been a while since the mark effected him removing his ability to mold chakra and his mind came to pieces at the loss of his very ability to survive in any realm of existence. His mind having shattered he barely knew what was going on he simply was lost in a void of his own thoughts. Inside his mind, Eiji's thoughts continued to wander around plaguing him deeply. Thoughts from his childhood up till now almost like his life was flashing before his eyes. A new perspective on his own outlook is shown to him through a mirror which was his own fleeting soul. Through these flashbacks and glances at himself, Eiji began to realize his own faults.

Faults no matter how small were revealed to him almost like seeing small zits in the mirror of his own soul, his own mind, or his own being. From faults of his own inferiority complex towards other shinobi to how he treated his own teammates. For the sake of looking good and becoming a mission effective shinobi he had almost cast out his own humanity and his nature became distrusting towards others. This was the biggest fault he had, something that came from his father always comparing him to the late Hiruzen Sarutobi. Eiji came to one realization from this continuous look at himself, he was not Hiruzen, he was himself and he could never become his ancestor.

With this being the case Eiji knew that he had to work upon himself and polish the skills that he was best at, not try to copy his ancestor nor his relatives. He would find his own path and the struggles he would face in Naraka would become his first step upon his new path to becoming his own person, shinobi, and valued teammate to Kasami and possibly the newcomer Kirinji. He wished to grow not only in his ninja skills but in his interpersonal ones as well. As he came to this realization almost as if Izanami had been cast on Eiji he woke up, startled to see that he was alive and well. Even the curse mark on him seemed to no longer be in effect.

He turned to see Ikki or at least what he thought was Ikki beside him, he released a soft sigh before bowing his head to Ikki in an apologetic manner, "I'm sorry for the difficulties I've caused and the problems, I created but I truly thank you for all the times you've saved me and hope we can start off on a new foot." His voice trembled and his body shook as he waited for Ikki's response. After which no matter what Ikki said Eiji would then question the whereabouts of the rest of the team.​

 

[Oni Archives]

She’d never seen war before. Her hands had yet to wield a blade against man, no jutsu cast to strike a down the soul of mortal creation. Yet as she stood there amidst the chaos, she realized this was the closest she had ever seen to a battlefield- and she hoped it was as far as it would ever go. In a single moment, it could be her last time to gaze upon the world and its visage was foul. Destruction and despair in its unending wake. War never stopped, not even after the battles were won by man. The world still needed to recover, and that was a war in itself.

Having stood upon the edge of the void before, knowing exactly what her heart desired in those moments she accepted her fate, it was odd to watch this fight unfold- knowing that one slip up could bring about what could take that very thing away.

Death. The avatar of the end.

There was still so much yet to do, so much to become. Ko had entrusted her with his spoils and asked of her a task she’d never thought possible, but in that moment he had given her far more than power. He’d given her hopes and desires, a stronger resolve and will to continue on the path that she’d not chosen for herself. Not because of her father, but because of fate. Ever the believer in its course and karma, as if the very concepts were gods themselves. Her mother’s death had set her on a road paved on a lake of her blood and tears, and along the way she had begun to lose her sense of purpose. For so long she had felt her existence crumble beneath expectations, only to be within a shadow of a false family. She was meant to be strong but no one had ever trained her in a way that complimented her truth. She was no Nara, and while she could try to pick up their jutsu and fit in with them there was always something lacking. She’d been pushed in the wrong way, edged toward cliff’s end- and what was supposed to be her ocean of destined greatness at the bottom, was instead full of the failure’s jagged rocks. They were the beasts that ushered her from fate, and Ko was the shepherd that lead the stray lamb back home.

Amidst her thoughts came Kiyoshi’s response to Tengu’s whereabouts and though she heard him she gave nothing further to that matter. Abandonment was an interesting feeling and popped up even in moments where it was unwelcome and unwarranted. Why had he left? He was one of their strongest allies in this fight, but she reasoned that he likely had more important things to do. Like tend to Tatsumi, or find Eien. Or maybe he’d even still be pursuing Mikaboshi. A thought which caused her to shudder.

They needed to focus. She had a plan in mind but she was unsure how easily it would follow through given the shinobi she had in company and their rather... thoughtless actions at times. A seal was formed before her- that of the tiger. With a plume of smoke kicked up around her feet, its clearing would reveal a shadow clone standing next to her. It too formed a seal, though it was such a versatile seal it was difficult to know exactly what the intentions of this clone were.

Things happened in real time at a rate which her thoughts had run rampant and she’d still been given enough space to react to events. She was somewhat prepared for the moment that Kirinji appeared before Zaku and in an instant she knew it was a grave mistake. It was seeming to become a common thing with those she kept in her party. If Kiyoshi could not withstand trading physical blows with this man, it was only logical to believe that not many would be able to. And certainly not someone who was below the caliber that the oni seemed to be. Before the flames had even erupted within his grasp, she was already in action.

The Senju growled with a ferocity that was unseemly of her, her normally passive nature being overridden with irritation. Her features distorted to the oncoming flood of vexing factors, giving this battlefield the potential for a more devastating conclusion than the giant hole that had been burned through the medical ward. Her hand shot forward in time with the flames appearing and hopefully before hands could be laid upon Kirinji, he would be snapped back with enough speed to give the man whiplash. If she succeeded her shadow clone was at the ready, as she dropped her hand seal and Kirinji came hurtling toward them the seal maintained by her clone would command the shadows writing at her feet. Much like how she had saved Kiyoshi from flying too far from their group, a shadowy arm would come forward to snake itself around the man’s waist and capture him within its grasp, returning the man to the ground- though whether it was upon his feet was entirely up to him and his own ability to retain positioning.

Whether or not this succeeded though she would continue with her plan, creating a seal like that of her shadow clone as three veins of wood sprouted about Zaku’s feet and embracing his midsection- one of them even snaking closer toward beneath his armpit and around his ribs. He could set the wood ablaze but it would only serve to condemn his body to its flames were he ensnared among them. If she was successful in capturing her audience, she would add onto his current prison. Layering wood over wood until a tree had formed and the only thing that one could see was the hand that was burning. She did just enough that it sufficed as a proper means of restraining their assailant less he had the strength of fifteen men, which wasn’t an unlikely feat for people akin to demons.

Following it up, if Kirinji was no longer in front of Zaku and in the way, would be the creation which would leave her at a slight disadvantage, putting as much Yang into a rod the size of a thin javelin as she conceivably could, without being too devastating to her stores to leave her completely spent. She wanted to still be of some use, but she had always been a more defensive shinobi and even this approach was unlike her. It was almost as if she were trying to fill a different pair of shoes, though ironically she wore none. Kasami’s posturing shifted as one foot slid behind her and her body turned sideways, reeling her arm back as she took paces backwards before she made a small sprint forward. She stopped once she met Kiyoshi’s side again, or where he had been at least, and coated the spear in chakra so that she was not just relying on her own physical strength.

It left her fingers, hurtling toward its destination of Zaku’s chest with speed akin to how quickly a serpent could strike its prey.​

 

[Oni Archives]

There was something here that was very important to keep in mind when dealing with the previous Oda lord that was before them in this moment. Perhaps some of them were keeping that thing in mind. But on the other hand it would seem as if that was not the case at all as events transpire before the corpse. His hand full of blood...glistening - viscous, ever delicious and familiar to his pallet and hot - hot? Oh....thats fire. No not in a good way either. The blood had immediately turned to flame upon his hand. But the thing that was just as alarming was the fact that as his arm ignited - the point about fighting him would be apparent as well. This was not the Oda lord himself. But this was an aberration of his previous glory - formless corruption that inhabited the vessel that was his body and had access to his memory. When his arm ignited...his head shot back before it could taste in confusion and light irritation; however it was apparent that the pain from the flame itself was not there or at least in very minor regard. Even while its mind burned upon other matters the creature was no slacker - and the moment that what seemed like Kirinji had struck forward towards him he would be aiming to use that very trick played against him to his advantage. Before any blow could be struck - he would extend his arm, long and muscular to the face of the male looking to grasp his face in a single palm with the burning hand and thus ignite him as well. But there was something a'miss - the possibility in which he would be ripped from his clutches or potential clucthes in that regard - and from the darkness of his ventablack face there would come that one single sharingan glowing out..scrutinizing everything. It cast down upon his arm - and there at the seam would spot...a burden that need lightening. Focusing chakra and raw strength to the opposite hand - there would come a chop down on the shoulder of the male, ripping the arm straight from the socket in a crimson splatter of blood that cast into the air and all over the ground; deep arterial blood spewing off messily towards Ikki's direction as well as the body started laughing. Chuckles roar under his chest as he caught the now severed appendage in his opposite hand and held it like a club. It'd be apparent now - this was creature...beast, not the man whom it inhabited as of now. Just as it was started to larch back to get a start on running towards the prey that may have been pulled away it would find its joints snared - having already been distracted with the flame and other male the time was too late and wood interlaced between his arms and legs - pulling him together tight and soon raising him up - the beast roaring in defiance and slinging the arm at the woman with great ferocity. Soon the wood would envelop around and after setting - he was confused....darkness, thats all there was in here. It looked about - or at least tried, struggling to turn its head and motion as it was submerged in wood...this darkness....the inability to move...inability to be active...it was very familiar to the creature that inhabited the body. And it did not like that. Javelin struck - and sharp cutting of the wood only begat what would be unmistakably a deep, soft piercing sound of flesh and sinew. Then silence.....

((Listen While reading))

=That silence was only momentary - and broken by an absurd roar, very similar to the first that they had heard from the creature in the beginning but this one shook the room..and suddenly - rubble and debris that had been made from before would be pulled against the floor rattling and towards the tree till suddenly it would stop - when the roar had stopped of course. In that silence there was only a hand...the remaining hand that had been unburned bursting from the tree grabbing what was left of the javelin sticking out. Apparent - that grabbing the javelin with its own flesh would disrupt movement ...such was the way of constructs of yang that the rinnegan allowed...but what was horrifying was how apparent it was at this point that the creature was moving against it with strength that made it as if he was moving against water weight at the most. It struggled however to pull the javelin out - indication that it had indeed struck and was doing its work on him...but it was definitely slowly being worked out. The hand desperately twisted, yanked - subsequently letting another roar or two out where the creature yanked and obviously pulled something in itself the wrong way before releasing and grasping to try again...but what stood out...was the hand...it had long claws...and there seemed to be an unbelievable pressure coming from the tree. Kiyoshi's eyes widened and he sprung up from his knelt position: "You have to stop him. Its weak - but finish it now while he's vulnerable. That thing - it must be really pissed cause right now I'm sensing Zaku's body entering False Oni mode and trust me, you do not want to deal with that." =Kiyoshi pulled his glove of his right hand off, and upon his palm there was a three-pronged seal with designation kanji set in a triangle: Chih (Wisdom), Jen (Compassion), Hsin (Sincerity). He would start to hold a seal to his lips and mutter incantations under his breath while holding his palm wide, obviously very focused for some reason or another. Whatever was going on, it was evident that he was looking to end it here and now, though he kept in mind and hoped that whatever Ikki and Ko had been working to buy time for - would go into effect before he needed tor esort to this.=​

 

[Oni Archives]

Focussed totality, the best way he could describe it. It being the limelight Kirinji put Zaku under and proceeded to observe him with profound scrutiny. You could see it in his crimson orbs, his furrowed eyebrows making lines in his once-smooth skin combined with that focused, cold glare that never seemed to even blink. Whether it be respect, or fear, he did not want to miss a single detail. As Kirinji made his way toward Zaku he noted the blood transforming into fire that not only consumed him from the inside, but on the outside as well. To which he showed barely any emotion towards it. No agonizing scream, no hurry to extinguish it — nothing. To him it was just there. It was odd, he thought, but it could be possible that Oda had a high pain level threshold and the fire simply did not meet standards. It could be.

Just as the flames consumed the man partially, Kirinji arrived hoping that his strike would catch the Oda even more off-guard than before. However, that was far from the case. Instead he found that his plan did not come into fruition, but the beast’s did. Upon arrival, not even able to put his plan in motion, the creature would extend his muscular arm and Kirinji would be met with a mighty grip that grasped his face. The strength of the grip itself almost felt indomitable, but that wasn’t the worst of it. The Oda had used his arm that had been ignited to grasp Kirinji and the flames had transferred onto him, which shocked Kirinji into releasing an agonizing, blood-curdling scream. It was like he was a child trying to get loose from their parents that were forcing them somewhere by the arm. His right hand immediately gripped the wrist of the man while the other followed suit just as the Oda’s hand grasped his face, his body and hands moved in unison attempting to shake free of the grip, his arms visibly shaking as he tried to, but to no avail. The scream of excruciating pain continued on, until it didn’t.

It wasn’t until the creature was in his downward chop motion, inches away from connecting, that the terrorizing scream abruptly stopped. What the Oda would find was that the chop did connect and cut through his arm like a hot knife cutting through butter, but also find Kirinji’s body beginning to phaze and that there was no blood, blood splatter, or anything of that sort around. Instead the roaring sound of lightning crackling and Kirinji’s body radiating a blinding bright blue, almost to the point where it was white. Just as the flames consumed him before the lightning did the same, sending a vicious voltage designed to paralyze even the scariest of creatures. But to momentarily subdue wasn’t just the plan. There was more.

As the lighting clone ruptured, and the wood enveloped Zaku, the real Kirinji would relocate himself from hiding back to where Kasami and Kiyoshi were, holding a ram hand seal snug under his chest. He needed a clone for two things, the first being to buy him some time to amass enough chakra. And the second being the need to mark the creature. His eyes never left sight of the chakra, continuously monitoring it, and now observing the creature stuck in wood, struggling to move, until it became eerily silent. It was momentarily, and odd, like the creature was summoning power. The silence shattered by a booming roar, and that was when Kirinji activated that complex seal he had left where Zaku had left him.

What Zaku would feel would be some sort of powerful gravitational force pushing him backwards, similar in way to Banshō Ten'in, a technique granted to those with the Rinnegan. He could try to fight it, but with the hidden seal on his wrist it would be similar to reeling in an animal by chain. If Zaku were to completely become the subject of this complex seal, he’d find himself in a separate fabricate of space constructed to banish them away. A completely white room, but not bright and blinding. This technique was in fact for individuals that exude negative emotions and would suck them into a quiet and peaceful box until they regained themselves. The fabricate of space can be anything Kirinji wants, but he allows for it to be anything positive the individual stuck in it wants, aiming to calm them down and rid of whatever has them possessed. The seal wouldn’t use Kirinji chakra either. While yes, the original set-up did, but once the opponent had been tagged it used their tank against them. As the force would push Zaku backwards, Kirinji would be on standby focusing on the creature, ready to push him into the seal if needed.

​

 

[Oni Archives]

Ikki had already made the exchange putting he as well as his clone on equal footing with one another. While he may have consumed his clone for a burst of rejuvenation in terms of chakra he couldn’t do it without proper balance which is exactly what came next. Even as Eiji came to and delivered his apology the clone couldn’t afford to break its concentration even if the sentiment was genuine it wasn’t the time for apologies it was the time for action. Ikki’s clone shifted its hand seal from merely two hands clasped together only to reveal a closed hand clutching an open one. Amidst it all even Ikki was reminded in the same way that Kiyoshi was that a false oni was no laughing matter so when this clone shifted its hands to form another seal the original followed suit. His mind rolled back to the time within the cave when he was originally brought to naraka it was like it was yesterday. The very presence of Soki Hojo steeled his nerves, even if he was still just a kid back then so when Zaku had begun his transformation amidst being trapped within the grasp of wood made Ikki’s eyes zero in on the situation. Kirinji pulling himself from the clutches of the beast meant there was no room for hesitation. They had all played their part and as it stood even if Ko brought himself back in the next few seconds the battle would likely be over. It was clear the beastly manifestation of a human corpse that wore Zaku’s face was like a ticking time bomb and no amount of sealing or caging the beast was going to keep it from the clutches of those that truly wanted to take advantage. If the theft of the coffin was any indication of the possibilities that had their own faults, this was going to be no different.

Ikki’s clone remained as the anchor for the technique to come as they both formed their collective seals. The blade of Ikki’s weapon pointed at the dirt as he mirrored the seal of his clone. They didn’t speak but when Ikki’s form snapped into action a sort of telepathy washed over the pair. Auspicious Beast: Seiryu’s Feast the technique received its name from the numerous times Ikki ahd considered himself a success in the field, even as a holder of the saint beast mask there was a sense of success about that. The celestial chakra he was bestowed all those years ago slowly but surely became a signature of his. So when Zaku found himself attempting to engulf Kirinji in flame he would find it to be of no avail as his form dispersed and delivered a streak of lightning aiming to paralyzed the body and potentially subdue him even further as his form was inevitably hoisted upward. However before he could tear muscle from bone and limb from body he could find the azure blaze spreading. Even in the likelihood that he still managed to still tear his limb asunder the blaze would still spread. Ikki was using nearly every ounce of the chakra he had taken in and balanced on a scale between himself and the remaining clone to activate this jutsu. It was going to be exhausting to use it on such a scale as this. While his celestial beast was designed to subdue and even in the past subdued a beast such as the nine tails it was taxing for him to cast after the ensuing battle with Zaku and previously Ai. The merely accenting the addition of Kasami’s wood release and Kirinji’s own seal before its completion they were all working collectively to rid the world of Zaku and hopefully rid the world they did.

Had they been capable of seeing the jutsu from start to finish in its vibrant glory they would find the flames shaped like that of a beast. Its maw soon envelops the position in which Zaku had been imprisoned. This was far hotter than when he was usually conducting a technique with his azure flames it was going beyond simply subduing and moving to the point of flash frying. Ikki was intending to exhaust himself to ensure that no harm came to the medical ward ever again let alone the people he intended to protect. His chakra functioning as an accelerant on top of the presence of wood release were nearly perfect conditions as the mouth of the beast curled over the wooden structure only to snap shut. This action was abrupt and likely akin to a shark breaking the surface of the ocean to collect its next meal. This technique was a culmination of Ikki taking a big risk with his understanding of both senjutsu and his own celestial chakra seeking to amplify his technique if only for a moment to completely cook the beast where he hung. Had everything gone according to plan that would mean the entire material make up of Zaku would be reduced to ash likely right alongside the tree kasami sprouted to ensnare his form. This break down was a result of the flames tearing apart the very make up of his being burning not only his physical form, but hoping to burn away whatever chakra he was attempting to muster in an attempt to go feral. Either way when things were said and done Ikki’s form would be hot to the touch as a result of pushing himself to this point. His body aching in an unimaginable fashion as he would soon be laying there on the ground where he stood his form steaming, burning a hole in the ground as a result of his extreme body temperature.

He could only hope that just as the technique's name suggested everything was a success, a ripple effect in jutsu. Even if Ikki hadn’t gotten to engulf Zaku in flames entirely and kirinji pulled him away to wherever he intended Ikki couldn’t risk not expelling the technique as a result of taking in nature energy as a means of supplementing himself. As for what was going on back at the temple, Ikki's clone had not dispersed before turning to give Eiji a thumbs up and stating “Go back to the medical ward.” It was short and sweet as the clone didn’t have much time left given the circumstance of what was going on in the aforementioned location. It was likely that even Eiji would see the vibrant display from his location even if not in its entirety. Hopefully Eiji understood that even Ikki in his fit of rage hours ago merely wanted the best for their group collectively. His presence alone meant they were on the right track to being something great in the future so as it stood they needed to keep pushing forward. The clone dispersed and with that Ikki’s mangekyo sharingan would fade from view revealing his seemingly black eyes. He was tired in every sense of the word and as he laid there he could only think to himself. “What could Izanagi be thinking to keep Zaku’s corpse around? Was it supposed to be his trump card in a time of war like this could easily be considered.” This wasn’t doubt in his adoptive father's judgement but it was clear after a battle like this the risk was great and this was the unlikely outcome. The theft of a body being the cause of such destruction was all Ikki could think for a moment as he stared up into the sky. Had the dust settled? Had they all made it out alive or would something else come to ruin this potential victory. He could only hope the latter was the case at all as the ground attempted to cool his physique with its obvious temperature difference between the two.

 

[Oni Archives]

As Eiji finished apologizing towards Ikki, he would look up from his slight bow to notice that Ikki had given him a thumbs up. Eiji's expression changed a bit, lit up with a renewed enthusiasm towards improving himself and his qualities as a shinobi. He would hopefully be ready for whatever challenges came at him next but at the moment he would hear Ikki's clones words towards him. He was told to go back to the medical ward and a moment afterward he would see a blue light, light up the sky. He knew very well that a battle was going on and his team more than likely needed him. Eiji didn't know what he could do but nonetheless he would try his best.

With the vanishing of Ikki's clone before his eyes Eiji would head out running at top speed toward the medical ward to attempt to aid them in facing whatever monster they would be up against. Whether that be the Salesman or Izanagi themselves. He had a new feeling that had never hit him before, the emotions that he felt were somewhat joyous and enjoyable. He wondered if this is what it was like to have a team that respected you. He could only continue to work with them to find out and see where these new emotions that finally merged into his being.​

 

[Oni Archives]

Kasami’s eyes lifted to the light, the glorious blaze of an animalistic shape descending upon their prisoner. She was quick in action, reaching into the pouch behind her to pull out one of the smaller vials she had. Its contents appeared to be a loose mixture. Dried eucalyptus, ground into near dust, combined with rosemary oil, and contained within a small glass bottle. A glass bottle not resistant to heat, but her pouch was. The intent of this mixture was essentially a bomb. Eucalyptus and Rosemary were already highly flammable plants, and when combined in such a way and concentrated, confined to a small space where little gas had room to build up upon contact with heat- kaboom. The pressure within the bottle would build until it exploded, coating even the smallest area in the liquid. One of them was not so potent, but she retrieved about twelve more and piled them all in her hand.

She timed her throw, so that vials and flame would meet at the same time upon their target, but she was not done. As soon as the little bombs left her hand, she was forming hand signs. She’d not done this very often, so she was likely to have a hiccup here or there. Unfortunately this hiccup at present time was that she put more chakra into it than intended.

Like blowing dandelion seeds from her palm, she brought her upturned hand before her face and blew out across it. What followed was a gust of wind, not strong enough to move anyway further than an inch at its initial burst but would do wonders for feeding the flames that descended upon Zaku’s entrapment. She held it for as long as she could before the gale of wind would cease, a solid fifteen seconds maybe, ironically leaving the woman winded as she leaned with hands on knees and huffed a few times. Her pants were quiet though, and only lasted a couple before she knelt down and took a deep breath to steady herself and rest.

In the back of her mind she was wondering what Kirinji had done, since his clone as it had been revealed had somehow managed to avoid being pulled back away from him by her Universal Pull. There was nothing spectacular that happened after they’d said to finish Zaku off beside some odd looking hole, or whatever it was, and she didn’t know its purpose besides it just sitting there. She wouldn’t know what it was without being told, since the activation of the seal came amidst him being currently trapped in wood. He was within an unmoving force against the pull of the magnet.​

 

[Oni Archives]

=The group's onslaught continued, and as it raged on Ko sat in the distance that he had somehow moved himself to still in that deep meditative state. It wasn't long before everyone else's techniques came out and took their effective places in subduing Zaku as best as possible. But the moment that the tree erected itself and encased the Oni inside there came a sickly chakra and roar that followed. No one else seemed to react to this chakra that was so much sicker then the first burst they had experienced when he had appeared initially before, but Ko did...he could see it - that rinnegan that hovered up above them. It took some self control to keep himself focused in the trance and not start to gag a bit from the foul chakra - but he maintained as as Kasami threw her bombs out and Ikki's flames manifest in form of a great beast he found that this was the time. This technique he was using - when he was being controlled at the temple - he had used against the others. That moment, when Sentou had used his ninjutsu to create a flame geyser towards Ko but it had come out as steam to conceal him...it was no coincidence. Ikigai was a technique that Ko had perfected in which he focuses his body's yang to fuel a technique by focusing it through his eyes, and yin - to personify or alter a concept within a certain range of his view. However...as said before - he was being controlled and more or less was wild, feral - so the technique was not being used to full proportions or with very much sense to it at all. Now he could use it in its full scope...thats why the eye was there floating. He knew that there would need to be a life-line during this fight and he had the best one. He could see things transpire like this and alter it, transforming the course of the combat and keeping the tide of the battle in their grasp. Originally if Ikki had been caught in the Jashinist ritual Ko would have simply healed whatever wounds he sustained immediately after, Kirinji - if it had not been a clone he would have shifted his position off just enough to displace him from the grasp of the beast - he was keeping watch and ready to shift it all till there was a suitable opening to use his technique to its purpose and not strain his yin and yang too far thin. That was now. The moment that Ikki's flames were making their course upon the male, from Kasami's wood would start to form blooms of flowers. These blooms looked like lotus flowers however they were a bright vermillion color...almost glowing - releasing a vermillion tinted gas into the air all over the tree. The moment that the flames touched this gas they would explode with power - the flames enkindled and melded with Ko's celestial chakra as well as the blooms acted as an amplification gas for fire. Soon as the beast's jaws were about to lock around the body's position - it would no longer simply be azure blue but violet purple and much larger than before - where there was any form of controlled outlines around the beast there were now raging edges as its power was increased two fold. The moment that the jaws locked down - and were accompanied by Kasami's bombs even those explosions were amplified as well by the gas. Kiyoshi ceased what he was doing and his eyes went wide at this. He saw the opportunity in this and knew that this would certainly do away with the body; were Zaku's soul intact with the body then it would be different...this however was senseless spirit inhabited the corpse - Izanagi knew how it would have to end if it got loose. Kiyoshi pulled apart from the group and darted out in front with a flash and from that point it would have happened so quickly - Ijisu: Adamantine Rutsubo (Aegis: Adamantine Crucible). First a quick stomp on the ground and from Kiyoshi's shoe where there had been a kanji engraved plate at the heel (like most his sealing inventions), he would focus chakra to it and when he stomped this would cause his "base seal" to be summoned there; a simple circular sealing format that he used for all of his seals in order to ensure that they were bound to certainty. Though the way that Kiyoshi used Fuinjutsu was far different He didnt just slap a seal out no, there was now way that you would simply have a seal ready for any and every given scenario on the fly - so what he did was he broke down the method of sealing into parts and formula that he could combine and add together to reach the desired effect. The moment that he put down the base seal he was already throwing his arms out and when he did such adamantine chains came glowing from his palms as he twisted his wrist around and grasped them, striking the base ends of them both down in the center of the seal where he would then hold them in place with a single hand binding the two ends - and weave a handseal with his relieved hand before striking it down over the top of them. From that point the chains were bound there in the seal and suspended in place making a circle around the point that the jutsu was about to hit its apex and Kiyoshi weaved the final set of seals with extreme haste, making sure that Kirinji, Kasami, and Ikki were all clear of the chaos. As he did such he would strike his hands down just below that seal and another sealing formula would appear around the exterior of the base seal, linking in and binding to form one complete seal and in its completion gave birth to a bright orange dome forming around the tree and kept binded and held in place by the chains like a big rope cast around a balloon. It was open at the top and the moment that all of this hit the explosion and eruption of chakra and flame exploded out and struck the walls of the barrier quickly - shaking the ground and causing Kiyoshi to brace back for a moment...he was confident in the seal but you never knew what mingling celestial chakra was capable of. It would seem not as if the flames or anything was dying down..but like it was getting stronger - more intense...and thats because it was. The Ijisu was a technique that was meant to encase an opponent in the dome with their own jutsu, and once the chakra struck the walls - it was converted by the adamantine sealing around it from their own chakra to a volatile version of itself that echoed off the walls and only amplified more and more, given an opening at the top of the dome so that it could vent out from there and not overload the dome itself - ensuring that the structural integrity of the dome remained intact. The flames and bright purple glow of the chakra explosion would erupt out into the sky and cast off like a beacon, while inside there would practically disintegrate the tree itself and only the black silhouette of a long haired - muscular and knife clawed creature could be seen inside screaming - roaring out as it started to cast chips of its own form off into the light of the explosion and slowly start to disintegrate to nothing inside the dome...they were screams of pain...but screams of panic; the creature could witness with its own eyes that its shell was being burnt away quickly and that the time would come now...to be cast back to the ether from which it came. The jutsu still raged on but after a moment it would dwindle away...and once it had Kiyoshi unsummoned the adamantine chains once he was sure that it was clear and fell down onto his butt in a seated position shaking his head at how the events had unfolded...he didnt expect this. He looked around, left right - all around the room that previously Tatsumi and Tengu had been in and he didnt see it anywhere...that Jade idol. When he didnt see it his expression fell, you would think he would be in high spirits after this but the opposite was true. They'd got it....this encounter was nothing more then the products of a twisted experiment by The New Burning Dawn. They'd gotten what they wanted...the idol. "Fuck me..." Kiyoshi uttered under his breath, reaching into his pocket to get a sucker from his little stash as he unwrapped it, popped it into his mouth, and fell back onto his back to stare up at the sky. Meanwhile, Ko's rinnegan started to fade and dissipate from its free form view and the moment that it finished disappearing Ko opened his previously closed eye and there it was - vibrating and shrinking down to only a pupil and then blossoming back out into crimson sharingan like a kaleidoscope. His eyes did not bleed, but almost immediately he horked forward and spat up some blood as if a clot had liquified in his throat. Wiping his mouth, he shook his head a bit shaking off the slight pain and blurred vision before he sat back upright and took a deep breath...happy to be done with all of that. . .

. . . Or were they really . . .

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((Meanwhile, in Eiji's view outside))

[sub]((Listen While Reading:He sold it to me...))[/sub]


=There on the roof that Eiji would certainly have to come back across to trace back the light of the jutsu going off to the location that he was supposed to be in the light show would have only gotten brighter and turned to a violet beacon into the sky before dwindling down....however once it had dwindled down there would be something about fifty feet away - moving against the light of the pale moon above them as it proceeded...It was the image of a man...someone there in white robes - short hair......and a mask dancing there in a very odd...slow....manner - almost intimate but there was no one dancing there with them...they giggled a boyish little giggle of mischief as they continued there in a circle on the roof a bit away...if you could focus enough you would be able to make out features on the silhouette that was cast by the moonlight and see that he was smiling wide - a big toothy smile with broad pearly whites as he danced...the smile was unwavering...it didnt even flinch and the mask had no eye holes at all...in fact it only covered all of the face except the mouth and where there should be eyes there was only a big black circle. He could not be sensed....he could barely even be felt...and he did not acknowledge the boy at all or at least not noticeably at all - he just continued to dance....on his rooftop...in a circle...soft elegant dancing that was almost...hypnotic...it almost tempted you to come share a dance with him...as he drifted around in a circle...seeming to mind his own business.​

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[Oni Archives]

While Kirinji was holding his seal and concentrating on the void he had constructed to absorb Zaku, he noticed how nothing occurred and it was more than likely due to the immovable tree he was caught within. His hands began to part and the void began to close upon itself and vanished as if it never existed, all while his optics lifted toward the mesmerizing beast that would come down upon Zaku with full intent of destruction. When he looked up at it it briefly strained his eyes, lifting his hand to and squinting his eyes to block out some of the light and taking a step away from the shockwave of heat that may erupt upon contact, noting that this wasn’t normal chakra at all and switched off his chakra detection mode so he wouldn’t be blinded.

From appearances it seemed as if everyone added on their attacks in one last hope to securely put down the beast, for good. Kasami threw in her gas vials as she added wind to the flames that Ikki had summoned and added some glowing blooms that released a vermillion tinted gas in the air, and when they all came in fruition together the azure flames shifted into a violet purple hue and was stronger than before. The shockwave and heat it radiated caused Kirinji to take a few steps back as he witnessed the onslaught continue. Even Kiyoshi added on through what appeared to be the Uzumaki chains entrapping the creature with them in a dome structure. All that could be seen were the violent purple flames and the clawing beast inside them. What was Kirinji doing? Simply spectating.

The flames would eventually cease through an eruption and when they did the chains would be retracted, which prompted Kiyoshi to gaze around as if he were looking for something to which Kirinji would follow. He had no idea what he was looking for, but if there was something odd he’d point it out. His crimson optics stayed active as a precautionary just in case somehow the beast would rise again though it felt unlikely, he wouldn’t take the chance to find out. He looked over at the other individuals, first at Kasami who was leaning over with her hands on her knees. Exhaustion, maybe? Next at Kiyoshi again who had laid onto his back and pulled out a sucker. Following lastly at Ko, who was coughing up blood, who he was sure Kasami would rush - his optics snapped back onto Kiyoshi, his optics almost zooming onto the sucker like in those cliche movie cinematic, his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes were piercing and following the candy wherever it moved.

Damn he wanted one. All this fighting had made him hungry. Should he ask? No, no. This seems like bad timing and everyone probably wants to get some rest and heal, but he was ready to grub and whatever better way to get to know these people more by sharing a meal, again. Hopefully this time in better spirits. Ya’know what - ”Well, since that’s over. Lets get some food yeah? On me.” he chuckled slightly, aiming to bring humor into their straining few hours.

​

 

[Oni Archives]

Ikki’s body continued to burn a hole in the dirt he laid on. They had actually done it, they won but in reality what did it cost them? Perhaps it would all come to light when they encountered his father or maybe even kiyoshi would be capable of shedding some light on the whole ordeal. In the end it didn’t really matter to Ikki as he sunk a little deeper into the cool earth. It was soothing to the say the least as he had practically burnt up all of his chakra for such a technique and when it was all said and done the vibrant culmination of all of their techniques led to their victory. It would seem even kiyoshi was laying on his back taking in the small victory while still considering the bigger picture whatever it may be. As he lay there however something else came about his form steaming as it began to cool at a snail's pace and the young man that had recently joined their troupe exclaimed something about getting food, which was something that had completely escaped iKki’s mind since he made what easily could’ve been their last meal. In the end something reared its head in his moment alone with his thoughts, the sound of soil being moved aside.

He was so focused on trying to cool his body down and recoup from what had just transpired that he almost didn’t notice this creature's arrival. It crawled from underneath the dirt and it’s bulging eyes darted around just the same as a Shinobi ensuring the coast was relatively clear. It scurried along with a purposeful intent before slipping into the couple inch deep hole that Ikki made with his own body. However once it got closer it was clear there was something different about it. It’s bulging eyes were filled with crimson as it no sooner curled up on his chest. His dark eyes dialed in on its form for only a moment and in that moment alone things had become clear. The chakra signature of this beast was so familiar because it belonged to his real father. The man that had so quickly pawned his son off on Izanagi was still thinking about him even after all these years apart.

He could only hope the arrival of this beast meant the end of another chapter of his life. The end of the very man he had strived to kill with his own hands but perhaps someone had beaten him to it and yet he still left behind a piece of himself. It was almost annoying in a way to think that the curse that loomed over the Uchiha clan as a whole. It certainly was troublesome to consider the thought that someone had beaten him to it, that would mean a lot of the years he spent looking to finish the job himself has gone to waste. A sigh escaped his lips as he laid there for a moment longer and the chameleon that resided on his chest scurried underneath the fabric of his hoodie finding a place to call home. It was clearly biding it’s time until the proper moment presented itself. In the end things were beginning to settle down for the most part and with that IKki’s body had finally cooled down to a more manageable temperature. He could soon be seen sitting upright, his snowy white hair bounced a little before he ran his fingers through his hair. This was only followed up by him looking around to ensure that everyone was in one piece for lack of better words. It was certainly a relief to see that everyone directly involved in the battle was okay and the last he could remember from his clone Eiji was intact as well. Things were beginning to pan out for the better even if the ward was in shambles. He soon called out to everyone with a tired tone about his voice.

“Glad to see everyone is alright..”

 

[Oni Archives]

As Eiji began to travel towards the light which illuminated the skies above the area, he had a new joyous feeling surging through him though this feeling was probably going to spell out disaster for him. He felt as if the illumination in the sky was telling him that he and his team would be able to make through any situation within this place known as Naraka, survive any battle, and become pillars for the future of mankind.

As he landed atop the rooftop Eiji he would see a mysterious person dancing alone upon the rooftop though it seemed like they were dancing with someone who couldn't be seen. The eerie smile that the person gave off sent a strong chill and the fact that he could sense nothing barely any life force let alone chakra from them made Eiji know that he should avoid this at all cost. Before the person could even look at Eiji he would move off quickly continuing towards the area where the powerful light that illuminated the sky came from. Once he found his team Eiji would begin to apologize to them and attempt to make amends for their rocky past.​

 

[Oni Archives]

Everyone was feeling it, some more than others. Their victory had left them all worn, expect for the missing member of their team. She trusted that Ikki had gotten him to safety, so her only concern was that they could make it to each other before something else happened. They did it, everyone was intact and they all collectively played a part in it. A team she could rely on, unlike her last. Kirinji mentioned food, and it wasn’t a terrible idea. They’d eaten before bed but all of them could probably use the pick up. She’d love some ramen. Despite the circumstances, the corner of her mouth lifted to show how pleased she was, but it was quickly swept away with her words. “Kiyoshi,” her gaze drifted over to him with candy in mouth, “what happens now?”

As she waited for him to answer, she forced herself to her feet, fatigue heavy on her as she made her way over to Ko. She sat down next to him with a soft sigh, placing her hand between his shoulder blades. She rest her head against his arm and closed her eyes. “I’m glad everyone is okay too.” Her agreement with Ikki came not long before Eiji finally made it back to them. As he started to apologize, Kasami opened one eye and looked at him with tired patience. She waited until he was finished, and then closed her eye again. Her tone wasn’t dismissive, but it was obvious that she didn’t want to rehash what had happened and just leave it in the past. “Just remember what I said, we’re a team. I stand with you. Please think before you act next time, broken ribs didn’t feel very great, that’s all I ask of you.” Or being encased in ice but she’d let it go. She’d already admitted she was partially at fault for that though, not having expected to pull it toward her so fast she couldn’t avoid it.

She nestled in against Ko a little more and smiled to herself, a curtain of hair falling over her shoulder to hide her pleased expression. He probably knew how much his praise in the heat of combat had meant to her, because it wasn’t usual and she had worked hard. He’d also seemed concerned, which had butterflies dancing in her chest as she relived the moment. He looked different, refined, and handsome as he ever had. She didn’t mind it at all, and she was very used to things she couldn’t explain happening in association with him. Maybe it was him, or maybe it was something Tatsumi had done.

Tatsumi

Her throat tightened at the thought of him, and then his visage swept into her mind again. That sickly feeling from before bloomed deep in the pit of her stomach. Was Tatsumi still alive? Did Tengu save him in time? Where was Eien? And why did Mikaboshi turn her stomach so quickly? These unanswered questions made her nervous, opening her eyes to stare at the hand in her lap as she clenched it into a fist to keep it from shaking. Maybe it’d be beneficial to keep the eye covered from now on unless she needed it. As if she could hide it from him or his allies, but she’d try.​

 

[Oni Archives]

=Wheezing....heavy breathing - he couldnt quite get it together. He hadn't used that technique on a scale like that before...he......he really hadn't used that technique - at all come to think of it. He had this knowledge, these memories and no place to really put them...they were just worms...slithering around in his head. Gray...black...it all twisted in his blurry vision till he felt a hand upon his back and struck his view up to see Kasami's face - his clarity, bringing his vision back to the same. Blood dripped from his hand and a bit upon his lip before he pushed it aside with the back of a fist: "I'm good don't even worry about it." precautionary words against the inevitable worry that he knew would spawn from Kasami, she was going to lay there with him but this was not the time....a lot had happened and he could tell that this battle was only the beginning of a war. Everyone elses senses may have been dulled to the grouping that had just spited them prior to all of this...but the face and book of that man whom claim leadership of this bunch still burned in his and at this point he knew that the orange haired Uzumaki before them was the most knowledgeable in the room as far as what really just happened here and what it meant went - Kasami had done well to ask him what happens now but Ko's perception on the matter struck forth a more refined question: "You seem worried friend. I heard ya - something was supposed to be here and its not and you seem to have taken a loss, even after what we would call a victory. So tell me, what got stolen and what does it mean for us?". His body stood upright and firm - strong, but conflicted itself in the same breath as he inhaled and clenched his chest, curling in on himself a bit not quite boosted back from the strain of the technique. He was running off adrenaline at this point...but even that couldnt puppet an exhausted body for too long. / (Kiyoshi) Kiyoshi's head struck up to him - he didn't even bother standing up like any normal person but instead he set a hand upon the floor and his body seemed to animate itself upwards into standing position, orange colored lightning stemming off his body and webbed to the ground as he seemed to magnetize upwards and now stood with his back to Ko. He adjusted the sucker in his head and tapped his chin...no one could see but there was a serious expression upon his face - not only about the statue, but about the data that he had pulled from this. Izanagi's words from their meeting some time before this were ringing in his head: "If they use it, then it'll be there in Tatsumi's area. They know its the best way to cause the biggest distraction to take the idol. It sounds crazy but I need you to hold back, let them handle most of it. There is something that I have to know.". He had been told that it was important that he maintain his secrecy about that - even if it did not feel completely right to him. They could have been killed, but he needed to trust in whatever it was that Izanagi had planned or needed to know. He turned towards Ko just as Eiji was arriving on the scene, and looking between them all he sighed a moment before he started: "The Jade Idol that they took from this location was the cap on a containment seal set around all of Naraka. There are six idols in total. Once this Jade Idol is removed from its focus point - the Idols in the other temples, North, South, East, and West will begin taking on the focus of the seal to try and maintain it without the Jade Idol. The last Idol ascends the North one even further - even more north known as the "Heavens" idol. In the case that something were to happen to the other idols, or they were to be at risk - they would need be collected so that their sealing properties can be consumed by the heaven's idol, and create the Idol Of Earth - to take the seal to the next level and solidify the full containment of the entity within. These idols...were containing the Mask Salesman's true nature, and if we don't get to the other idols before The Burning Dawn do and they displace or even worse, destroy the other idols; then his full force will be unleashed upon Naraka. The fools think that their power - "sheer Naraka brutality" as they call it; can stop him - and that by unleashing him they can kill it and prove to Naraka that they are whats needed and Izanagi's way is nothing but dogmatic bureaucracy...idiots." -He breathed deep- "We're in no state to face them right now as worn out as we are. And luckily for them, a very certain someone guards the barrier seal that keeps the cardinal Sanzou temples protected - even we cant get to it right now till we speak with him and have him lower the barrier to access the temple..but he has gone dark some time after your arrival here...my home is north of here - about half way through the trip to the Northern Temple. We need to get out of here - now...we can eat and rest once we get to my home. But you have to believe me when I tell you this. We don't want to linger near any Sanzou temple after a Budda is removed, not for too long - and Tatsumi's ward - was a temple before he repurposed it into a medical ward." =Kiyoshi's body surged with action potential, and it burst into the ground, across to Ikki, Ko, and Kasami so that he could accelerate their recovery a bit and get them just well enough to get on their feet and going without worry, weakening his own action potential in the process - a move that was a bit desky, and quick to touch...but something was happening that perhaps no one would pick up on just yet. By mid way through his explanation he had started talking in rushed pacing and extreme enunciation on leaving; he was supposed to be keeping up the image that he had tried and had not much left to spend in the fight with Zaku but bursting his action potential to three different people with ease - would have made that questionable factor. He was being sloppy.....he was rushing...and thats because he was afraid; legitimately. After that - Kiyoshi started to look around this time obviously not looking for a particular thing, but the direction away and off North.He started to move out, opting that everyone get their things, get their spoils and go to follow him and Ko stood behind watching./ (Kogaijii) His eyes darted about and finally over to where the idol had been sitting...he couldnt imagine that such a small thing be so important. By this point he would offer his hand to help Kasami up and look to everyone else around him...he didnt say much. For some reason in the wake of their victory he felt even more at risk then before they got here...he kinda wanted to be back in that medical jar Tatsumi had put him in. Uncomfortable, he didnt bother speaking at all - at least not vocally, his eyes addressed Ikki, Kirinji, Eiji, then Kasami - in that order before he whispered to her for assurance: "Good job out there. Im proud of you - fuck any of the shit we're leaving behind. Lets just go. I'll grab from more things with the vouchers they gave us from the other village on our way out; but I really just wanna get rolling huh?" he was speaking to her in a gentle and hushed tone for one not to make her think anymore that he was as worried as he was and as well to hope not to be heard by the others so the idea that there was something to worry about wouldnt spread between them. Perhaps they would make that assumption on their own - but in his own mind and in his own experience it wasn't like him to leave information hanging out in the open to get peoples thoughts racing; and soon he too would follow off behind Kiyoshi.]​