[RP Location] Takatane Village

[Oni Archives]

”... only a couple hundred years older...”

His comment pulled a giggle from the girl sitting at the table, nearly finished with her food as she all but curled up in a ball with feet planted on the chair and her bowl rested on the peaks of her knees. She didn’t find it at all surprising considering they were in a world completely separate of their own. She’d seen many things that defied the laws of nature since they’d gotten there, including floating people. It wasn’t hard to believe that, Oni especially, lived far longer than they did. She was speculating of course, but she was starting to think that Kiyoshi was one. He’d given her a very indirect answer when she asked before, and asked her if he really looked like he could be one. The beast that they had encountered among the bamboo was a creature, hardly a man, and she wouldn’t put it past the legend for it to take many forms. She’d know if she licked him of course, but she was attempting to use context clues. He was, um... strong, unnaturally so. Not to mention the other qualities he had, dangerous in a man and yet he never used them sleazily. Now that wasn’t necessarily a tell that he was Oni, just a good man, but she’d dredge up whatever evidence to support her theory that she could so she didn’t feel bad for trying to crack his mystery.

She eyed him from behind, her lips pressed into a thin line as she hunched a bit and hid behind her expression behind her bowl. Charming, charismatic, handsome. Quirky, and not in an obnoxious way. The way his lips upturned in a smirk… She rolled her eyes at herself, and tore her eyes away from him. Are you analyzing him or crushing on him?

He returned to the table, her gaze trailing over to him before she looked away and unfolded her legs, putting her food back down on the table. She glanced at Eiji for a moment before she turned her attention to Kiyoshi, tilting her head when he mentioned that he was an inventor. What could he offer them though, that was a good question to start with. Yet, she didn’t. ”I’d meant to ask about that, actually. I, uh…” She scratched underneath her jaw, trying to hide her embarrassment like it wasn’t already burning on her cheeks, “I’ve never been on a real mission before. I don’t know what kind of supplies are necessary, and given this is a very different situation, I was hoping you could provide some insight.” Before he could answer, she slipped her other question in. “And what are Sanzou?”

She was a naturally curious person, and sometimes it got her into… situations. Curiosity killed the cat, after all. Yet, she felt that Kiyoshi wasn’t one to lie. If he didn’t want her to know, he’d just deflect the question or blatantly tell her he didn’t want to. Considering everything that had happened though, and the information they had been given before, she felt it harmless to ask and was half expecting a truthful answer.​

 

[Oni Archives]

The shopkeeper has quite an appearance. Instead of being met with eyes he was met with a lock full of hair staring back at him. The silver-flowing mane of the individual reminded him of a wolf and it only solidified this thought when he noticed his mouth open and drooling. This prompted Kirinji to react with a half-smile, half-nod and his eyebrows floating up surprised. Odd, but he didn’t think much of it. But when he thought it could not become any more odd, it became even odder. The store owner went onto all fours and dashed at him, practically ambushing him! Well, not really, but from the corner of his eye it sure looked like it. It was as if a dog were running up one someone totally unaware and all they could hear were footsteps at the last second. And when they heard the footsteps and snapped to look at said footsteps, it was too late! The dog was already upon them. In this case, it was the store owner who was now cheek-to-cheek with the startled Kirinji. The man spoke to him in an energetic tone all while Kirinji moved back to create some space between them. While the store owner spoke, Kirinji took the opportunity to scan the scrolls in front of him and even replied to the store owner, "What are those about? - Bladed Thesis and Open Palm?" And as he picked out a scroll and began to open it, the store owner unexpectedly quickly smacked his hand causing him to drop the scroll, startling him. The store owner began to speak again and turned, prompting Kirinji to follow him as he picked the scroll up off the ground and putting it back where he found it.

He honestly couldn’t tell if the man was eccentric or just passionate and happened to display it in an odd way. Nonetheless he followed the man while looking around the shop to see what else was in there. The store owner took him to the counter and pulled off the cloth showcasing three scrolls in a glass case. He began explaining what they were and Kirinji nodded every time he finished speaking acknowledging that he understood. Scroll of Fuuka Hounin, neat - could be helpful. Scroll of Nirvana Temple, also not bad, could help him advance his genjutsu training. And lastly, the Scroll of Kita No Hoshi, the scroll that could help guide one to what they most seeked. They all sound wonderful — or they should. But from the expression on Kirinji’s face he was clearly unamused. He sucked air through his teeth like he was taking a shot of espresso and his lips closed inwards, thinking to himself. Kirinji’s mouth curled to the right side as the shopkeeper spoke about a riddle, which seemed interesting, but Kirinji wouldn’t let that on nor would he jump in. Instead, he’d stare at the three scrolls a bit after the shopkeeper stopped talking, debating whether or not to purchase one of them as a just in case. And then he remembered that the shopkeeper had talked about a few other scrolls as well. Since he was only browsing he may as well explore all his options. He looked up at the store owner, clearly unimpressed and nodding his head no, "Hmm" humming to himself in thought, "Do you have anything else?

 

[Oni Archives]

After hearing Kiyoshi's explanation of Eiji's night escapade, Eiji's face contorted into an even more confused face as he looked away for a moment, "Did I? maybe? no... This is... How does that... Where did I...? How could I...?" He was generally confused and thinking over every possibility of how he could even have the knowledge to make something this sophisticated even if it wasn't complete. He had no such skills nor did he have the understanding of something so complexed, even worse was those nightmares. It was as if something was "Guiding" him or maybe "controlling" him was a better way of explaining it. Eiji had no other explanation for the paranormal level of abnormality that he was experiencing here in Naraka and especially with the eerie, unnatural, and absolutely freaky salesman that has been stalking him both physically and mentally.

After a moment of thinking, he calmed down as he had no way to understand the situation and shifted his attention to Kiyoshi's explanation of what was said and the group's upcoming journey. Eiji himself was 100% apprehensive about the idea of leaving Kiyoshi's village unless it meant going back to the real world to get as far away from this place and shinobi life as possible. He couldn't know if there was a way out and at the moment it would be easier to get an answer about his next question than to ask them to politely send him home and leave him the hell alone, "So...What are these vouchers for and what do you mean you are an inventor? I also heard you removed the snake bite from me, what was that?" He had more questions but he would wait for Kiyoshi to finish answering him and Kasami before pressing further about all the info he was missing and all knowledge he needed to gain before even wanting to go to wherever Kiyoshi was about to send them.

While he waited for Kiyoshi to answer he would get a bowl sitting the furthest away from Kiyoshi and Kasami. As he ate and listened to Kiyoshi's answers he would explain the doll that had clung to him trying to get a better understanding and what use this thing would even have for him or why he would make such a strange and somewhat creepy thing. He was truly dumbfounded by the prospect of this thing being made by or for him. He could not even fathom what the doll could do besides being a toy for some children though he had always been curious about the many amazing arts of Sunagakure maybe that's why he made such a thing but he had no real knowledge upon them. He would simply examine it to understand it and maybe find a key to how he made it or his own missing knowledge about it.​

 

[Oni Archives]

=Kiyoshi's had noticed her eyes upon him a bit, even with his back turned every now and then when he turned back around he could catch her out of his periphreal just enough before a full turn to face was completed. He was just a generally air headed kind of guy - even to be as brilliant as he was said to be by his peers, and make no doubt about it - the man was truly brilliant. When she had talked about what would she need to go on a mission and never having been on one he would simply nod his head listening with a more serious expression upon his face - as if entering a teaching mode. When he was asked about the Sanzou a more self-inquisitive expression flushed across his face as he then heard out Eiji's rather peculiarly worded question. "removed the snake bite." "What was that" **Well....you dont remove a snake bite...but the bite did inflict a curse seal that he removed if thats what ya mean ya clutz. And as far as what was that...well - it was a seal inflicting snake bite, fuckin' weirdo.** his inner thoughts as he looked at Eiji in silence listening and contemplating how to word this as politely as possible.Then...upon much well taken deliberation he arrived at the solution that - there was no way he could do that. So he didnt. Hand setting underneath the table upon a sealing formula he always kept at his seat of the table - there came a big cloud of smoke, summoning: "Well what I did remove was the curse seal that the bite put on you - so theres that. Not sure fully what it did besides paralyze you. And it was...well it was a snake bitd. Kinda dense arent ya?" =The response was short and sweet - straight to the point. There was nothing disingenuous about it, he just really didnt have any inside knowledge besides what he told him. He saw that he was paralyzed in a high stakes combat scenario and he removed the only anomaly that he could see there at the moment...or at least so to his knowledge he had removed it. Then there was the matter of Kasami's questions - much more packed answers on those and soon it would be revealed as the smoke cleared and what came into the open was a rather large workbench. His workbench was...small - considering the kind of work that he did or at least so to the uninitiated eye. But if they looked closely you would see that there were several different summoning seals screwn across the bench...it looked like the work of a madman - it was a wonder how he himself even kept up with his own sealing. There were also a few little rounded pads there on the bench as it was summoned forth - looking like a disc of sorts. He started to toss it around with a smirk on his face as he explained as well as he could: "I'am an inventor of a great many things - mostly contraptions that have revolutionized the way that shinobi do their jobs. You think I'm fast, strong, can cook a mean Habachi oh ho nooo - where I really excel is inventing. For example. What you have here before you is what I call the Kickstart Pad. Its got a plate under the bottom side of it with a sealing kanji on it that attracts and sticks it to a source of chakra. Once connecting the secondary seal inside drains that source's chakra and uses it as fuel to propel itself forward - hence launching the intended target away. They have many different uses You can attach them to yourself to boost you across cliffs. Attach them to wounded team mates to propel them from danger, even throw them like shuriken and attach them to an enemy and completely redirect their course of action while simultaneously draining their chakra. Just one of my inventions. I also have an invention I call a Jump Jack. Similar sealing tech to the kick start pad - it looks like a common emergency flare. But each flare has a corresponding animal sign on it. Once the flare goes off? All the connected flares in the network alert the holders to which animal is activated. From that point you can focus your chakra to that animal symbol and the stick will activate a space time ninjutsu sealed inside and transport you immediately to their position. Heh - nifty huh? But I'm not gonna toot my own horn on ya here all d- pfffft yeah. Yeah I am. The best thing about having me as your personal engineer extraordinaire is I can make, just about anything you have a strong enough idea for. And with my speed? I can get it done in just a couple of minutes or hours depending on its difficulty, and **he slapped the bench as a punctuation as if to say "but wait, theres more."** I have personal envoys that can have it delivered to you in the field. You can always send me a letter at any Lucky Leo postal center in the major villages around Naraka. Now that there my friends - is service."
=He clapped his hands together and looked about at the two of them with a big goofy grin on his face waiting for expressions of astonishment and delight. Then his expression washed with disappointment and boredom as he remembered the less self-promoting part of the conversation= "But to be honest, about mission supplies. You should always take something to offset what your group itself lacks in the moment. If you have a squad with no medic shinobi. Take medical supplies first and foremost - I dare say you should take medical supplies regardless of even if there is a medic nin. You never know when you may get separated. If you're not going into hostile territory but are going into unknown territory - then I advise you keep a voucher free and waiting on you. That way you can buy a map, or any other aide and services that can help you get a footing on whats going on. Currency talks - and vouchers here in Naraka are an elite currency, you never know who you may have to bribe. And last - my personal principle need on a mission. Take something thats gonna help you make a quick escape if need be. Even if its as simple as smoke bombs, flash bombs - anything. Always have something with you that will distract enough for you to get out of a messed up situation and abort mission if need be. Sound good? Hm. Now as for Sanzou...how do I put this? Think of the oldest days you can remember, things you have heard in the history books or maybe seen from older civilizations and religions. Sanzou - are monks. Monks who value above all else purity and truth in the world. Now, theres two different things in that to Sanzou. There are Sanzou that follow the Path Of Compassion. Sanzou that follow this path are caring, compassionate and loving of all things - even their enemy. Even when they kill they dont do it lightly and they do it in love no matter what, it is against the Path Of Compassion's philosophy to kill in spite. For they believe to kill in spite is to welcome cruelty into ones heart. And that would corrupt its purity. We call Sanzou of this order, Sanzou Of The Open Path. They're very isolated and to themselves, believing that being in the presence of people that do not share their views will only welcome more and more risk of welcoming cruelty into their heart. Then - you have Sanzou Of The Closed Path, these Sanzou follow the path of cruelty. These Sanzou are whats infamously known in Naraka as a "Murder Monk." and they love the world too...in their own kind of way. Murder Monks believe that the only path to understand happiness is through suffering. That nothing good was ever gained without suffering and sacrifice and that only till you have suffered will you know what true peace feels like. As well, they believe that the only way to keep Naraka safe - is to fight. That through eliminating as many opponents as they can - it will be the process of elimination that reveals who the true apex is and once that Apex comes out on top they will know what their duty is. Some Sanzou that follow this path are not so far gone, and can be talked to and reasoned with - they just tend to be much rougher around the edges and see to most their communication and solutions through combat. Eien - whom apparently you've met now, is a Murder Monk, one of the most well known ones in Naraka. His name Eien Jigoku Satsujin means "Eternal Hell Murderer." He earns that name very well. He is the only other of two people that have mastered a Sanzou technique known as "The Raging Demon." in which an opponent will channel hadou of cruelty directly through their heart and body and become a vessel for it - allowing them access to jutsu that can be used to drag an opponents ensnared soul through one-hundred levels of hell, all of which, he continues to mercilessly beat and destroy them while getting stronger and stronger the deeper in you go. They say that the only way you can defeat this technique - is by jumping. . . . joking, the only way rumored to defeat this technique - is through using Hadou Of Compassion and places yourself in a meditative trance - in which you can endure the onslaught in a state of complete and total tranquility while passing through each stage. The Sanzou are the oldest here in Naraka, rumored to be possibly the oldest group in Naraka before even the Oni clans. But that of course, is only stipulation." =While he said this he picked up his coffee mug again and took some sips, his eyes shooting around his workbench that he had summoned wondering if there was anything that he had left on this at the time and forgotten about. He left it to their interpretation as to why he was so forward with that information, but in truth there was no reason for him not to be. If Kasami planned on staying here like she said - then its best that she know and otherwise its not going to hurt anybody for either of them to know anyway. He would shift between the two while his coffee mug was up at his lips and soon mutter - obviously lips still in his coffee by the garbled underwater sound: "So do we want to make a purchase?"

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((Kirinji))

=Not pleased with his wares? Not pleased with his wares? Why he oughtta....no no calm down - keep calm - take your pills, TAKE YOUR PILLS, he stood with a finger caught between his teeth giggling almost uncontrollably as he looked at each of his scrolls with such an expression of disappointment and disdain. The moment came that he had asked him if he had anything else and in a split second there was an abrupt laughter that slipped from his containing lips as he said such, it was almost like a panicked yelp in how high pitch and quickly it came out before it shrunk down to a giddy giggle. He was one of those types huh? One of those types? He had one of those types in his shop nyeh nyeh nyeh Do YoU hAvE aNyThInG eLsE? types in his shop huh: "Oh you're one of those types." =he repeated his thoughts a'loud as he looked at him and for a moment looked like his head was rattling - trying to contain an outburst of sorts. Then he kept his hand at his lips and rapidly nodded his head muttering to himself as he went off to the back behind a curtain: "Okay - okay - okay - okay - okay - uh-huh, okay, yeah. Mhm. Okay. Gotcha. Okay. Okay. Okay. Yep. Uh-huh. . . totally . . . you want a pickle. . . mhm. Okay. Okay. Okay - I'll give you a pickle. . . . " =As he muttered this there was rattling, banging and things being tossed around behind the curtain, it could even be argued that for a moment it seemed like another person was being thrown around, till finally he came out from the back with three more things. . . this time - only one of them was a scroll. He set them out on the table and looked at the Uchiha with a smile:

"The Red Sundial ring. This ring has been said to get quite possessive of its wearer once put on. The ring latches on with a spike inthe very bottom and once latched monitors the wearer very closely. The more that the wearer is hurt - the angrier the ring gets and in doing so in turn the wearer becomes angrier as well. This ring is said to boost chakra and physical strength the more injured the wearer becomes until the point that the wearer either heals or is calmed down by some other means. Besides that, it looks mighty fine too.

An unmarked Invitation: "This invitation...well honestly I dont know what its for - but believe me when I tell you. Despite my appearance I only get invited to the most exclusive of events with the most powerful of people. Here lately with the way that things have been going however - Im not sure that I really care to move from this little spot. I do suppose with it being unmarked honestly anyone could pop up in my place. You never know who you need to know or what elbows you'll need to grease - may hap you be more interested in this?"

=The last of which by appearance itself seemed to be something that was much more common to what he was seeing in here. A scroll. But this was the scroll that could get them out of a tight spot that he was talking about before - the way that he held it you could tell that there was something of high value in it and all that the man had to do to attain it was solve his riddle. He hadn't given up on that, you could tell by the giddy way that he watched as he held it in his hand and smiled at Kirinji as if to say: "You know you want it." then it would have clicked suddenly and his smile went to a slightly spaced out expression as he recalled his question about the scroll before: "Ah - Bladed Thesis. Bit of a here say if you ask me. Its a philosophical thing - tells of the legends and myths of the Sanzou Monk known as Bladed Thesis, said to have been one of the first monks and the first Oni to ever exist. The man that mastered the Sanzou Closed Path. I think its just a wives tale honestly. A way for the Sanzou to put a hero or representative to make learning their ways more entertaining for the less philosophically inclined. Aside from all the fiction and such it has some useful combat tips, techniques, and lessons about the path of cruelty for Sanzou and tactics for battle. Bah - boring really. Your expensive tastes wouldnt like it." =He waved his extremely dainty hands around as if to say yuck to that and struck his fingers into point at what he had brought out for him. Bouncing left and right with his fingers pointing down like a waiting crab waiting to see which one he would be selling today if any.=​

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-Cast gaze through the shadow...looking over the merchants shoulder to the back...the curtain he left from - there you would see it....the juice....a luchadormask that seemed to sit on a box by its lonesome. It was turned directly at Kirinji and
there it sat...unmoving. There was something ominous about it...while it sat there with such empty eyes...then suddenly the mask turned facing away, and walked off downwards as if descending stairs and away it went...it'd seen all it needed to.

 

[Oni Archives]

Immediately after Kirinji had asked if the shopkeeper had any more items an alarming panicked yelp escaped from the owner’s mouth which prompted Kirinji to look back at him with a confused expression. What is wrong with this man, he thought to himself with one eyebrow raised. He could tell that the shopkeeper was holding some thoughts in, but Kirinji meant it politely as possible. While some of these scrolls were useful, he wasn’t really wowed by any of them. The man stepped into the back through the curtain and Kirinji could hear the rattling and banging back there before he eventually came back with one scroll and a few items. The curtains left open and Kirinji snuck a quick peak as he saw an odd luchador mask sitting on a box. It was a brief second, but it radiated an odd energy from it. He quickly turned his attention back to the man as he didn’t want to seem nosy.

A ring — or better described as the Red Sundial ring, as explained by the shopkeeper. One could tell by Kirinji’s expression as his eyes narrowed into the ring and his lips got a bit tighter, examining the ring with closer eye. He couldn’t lie, the ring seemed to be a very useful item, but he had to think about it deeper than at face value. He wasn’t traveling alone anymore and had to worry about the team and he couldn’t risk becoming angrier especially with that thing that had attached itself to him. He looked over to his bandaged arm for a brief second and then back at the ring. It was hard to pass on, but he had no choice. He couldn’t risk the life of others and himself, but he’d be sure to tell the others about it if they were interested.

The next item was an invitation and the way the storekeeper spoke of it made him skeptical. How was the man going to sell him something that he didn’t know much of? It was something Kirinji would have to pass on. He only has two vouchers and he couldn’t risk one of them on a long-shot. And then the storekeeper played with his emotions a bit showing him the scroll noting how he held it giving him the idea it could be high-value. He chuckled briefly at the man’s attempt again. His expression faded a second after the man’s as he began speaking again, this time in regards to his earlier question.

He talked about a group that called themselves the Sanzou and philosophies and such. It all seemed fascinated and had he been careless, you could see his eyes light up. But he couldn’t show this behavior externally. No, no - the storekeeper would use this behavior to his advantage and maybe even upsell him. He looked at the storekeeper and then briefly over his shoulder through the curtains, the masked had turned, facing him and then suddenly faced away and left. His eyes snapped back onto the storekeeper nodding his head as he explained to him further and then made some movements with his hands as if he was getting filth off his hands. Kirinji chuckled at it lightly and with a smile spoke again, clapping his hands together and rubbing them quickly heating them up. His facial expression radiated nothing less than confidence and his voice had some hype to it. For an odd reason, he could feel his hands becoming sweaty and his heart starting pumping. A rush of excitement.

”Ya’know what mister? Let’s do the riddle. I’m feeling lucky today.”

 

[Oni Archives]

Kasami was a little surprised at how he was reacting to Eiji, but also kind of relieved. It meant she wasn’t the only one- which made her feel less judgmental and like it was warranted. She was quiet for awhile until he could get to her questions, not waiting impatiently but there was an obvious unappreciative scowl on her face toward Eiji for wasting his time with silly questions. They had gotten vouchers already, so he’d definitely seen them before. The question about the bite wasn’t so much silly, but the way he asked it was very... it just felt weird to her, and judging by Kiyoshi’s response she would guess that she wasn’t entirely off the mark.

There was something satisfying about it- watching Kiyoshi do his thing. He whipped out his bench and she was on her feet, moving closer as she leaned on her hands on the table and looked at it. She was fascinated, a small smile on her face, and there was immense enjoyment for her in listening to someone talk about something they had passion for. It could be the most boring thing or she could understand nothing at all about it, like inventing, and still enjoy it. It was about the person, not so much the topic. Their excitement, their pride- such pure and raw emotion. Something human, in a good way.

The Kickstart Pad was a brilliant invention, and it would be a useful tool to have, but the real question was whether or not it was worth the voucher. Would only one of them even be worthwhile? How would they get it between each other if it was on one person and someone else needed it? She could use her shadows, but what would Eiji or Kirinji do? It didn’t appeal to her to get an item that would be stuck to one singular person when it was at the disposal of the entire team- but that was something of an inevitability. She sat on the idea while he introduced the Jump Jack. Now that she could one hundred percent say that she wanted. A means of getting to her teammates instantly if she was needed? Her gaze trailed over to Eiji. Would he invest though? Well, if he didn’t that was his loss, because she already had to pick one up for Kirinji, and maybe she should grab one for Ko, since they’d already left and she wasn’t going to waste a voucher when he was sitting right there with them. It was nice to know he could invent them anything, and something she wanted popped into mind, but she wasn’t going to use a voucher on that just yet. She didn’t even have any mixtures left anyway, which she also wanted to make more and get a book to learn about Naraka’s flora so she could- but she doubted they would have time for her to sit down and research and experiment so that would be a wasted voucher as well. It could all wait, and in the meantime they would make do. Like he said as well- they could send a request in if they found a postal and had means of paying for it.

As he clapped his hands together, she stood up straight and crossed her arms, giving him an impressed grin. She didn’t make note of the change in his expression, not wanting him to be consciously aware that someone was worried about him. His face just fell so quickly and so randomly. While he continued on talking, she moved around the table in a circle and picked up all the bowls that were finished- her own, Ko’s and Kirinji’s, and passed behind Kiyoshi on the way over to the sink. There were small noises of confirmation that she was listening as she washed up the bowls from their meal. He explained what they typically would need, and in her head she was counting vouchers- not including those of her team since Kirinji had already left and Eiji was an unknown factor still of whether or not he’d cooperate. Ikki hadn’t even joined them or gotten his, but that didn’t mean she had free claim to them either. Where the heck was that man anyway? She glanced toward the portal, but there was no indicator that he was still lingering there. A quick scan of the area had her kind of frustrated. Was someone going to disappear at every turn too? First Sentou, and now she couldn’t sense Ikki. It’s fine, just relax. Maybe he is doing it himself. Hard to believe, but she kept telling herself that. Why would he have a reason to try to hide in Kiyoshi’s home?

He transitioned into telling her about the Sanzou, recapturing her attention and leaving her with something to consider in terms of what she would purchase before leaving. As she finished washing up, she dried off one of the bowls and walked back over to the table, placing it upside down on the remaining untouched food to cover it in case Ikki did come to eat it. She had returned just before Kiyoshi started to talk about the Closed Path and Eien, sliding into a chair as she listened attentively and gave him her focus. A murder monk sounded ominous and like he easily could have killed them if things had gone differently. She looked down, running a hand along her ribs. The bruising was still there, but it was fading nicely and would be gone in a day or two. If that ice had hit him, he’d probably have let loose on them faster than Tatsumi could get there. She looked back up at Kiyoshi and there was something about her expression alone that thanked him for telling her. Like he was trusting her with some information rather than making her figure it out herself.

Now came the time for the transaction, to which she glanced at Eiji again before she looked at Kiyoshi again and nodded. She’d ask Ko if he wanted one before using a voucher on it, just in case he didn’t, but she wanted to be able to get to Kirinji too. Ko could hold his own, but she’d caught Kirinji kind of confused in some moments before. It seemed the three of them would need each other more than Ko would, as much as it pained her to admit. She’d glue herself to him if it was practical. The Kickstart Pad wasn’t of immediate importance, as useful as it could be, and she could try to get the other two to buy some smoke bombs or something. ”I want two Jump Jacks- one of them is for Kirinji, since he already left.” She gave Eiji a pointed look. A ’get yourself one or your loss’ look. ”I also wanted to see if you had any inventions that were better than the baseline medic tools. Something to get us back in a fight quicker, maybe? If it’s possible... Hey Eiji, when you’re done can you catch up with Kirinji and tell him I’m going to handle the medical supplies?” She offered him an attempt at a smile, before she looked at Kiyoshi again. She spread the vouchers out on the table and slid two of them forward of the others for the Jacks.​

 

[Oni Archives]

After Kiyoshi responded to him, Eiji slowly faded into his own mind into a void of deep confusion and depression. His mind felt like it was crumbling beneath him. His memories mixed in a jumbled mess he did not remember the vouchers, probably because he did not really use his but that was beside the point. The doll-like creation that he supposedly made was nowhere with his mind nor his memories. It was like he didn't make it but that wasn't the thing that scared him the most, it was the fact that he was still being stalked, monitored, or hunted by the mysterious monster-like Salesman that gave him some sort of pill before.

Eiji continued to think back to his nightmares and the incident he had earlier before hearing Kiyoshi and Kasami seeming to end the conversation as Kasami asked for two Jump jacks while giving him a look. Eiji would turn to Kiyoshi his face seemed paler than before. His eyes became somewhat empty or rather filled with only depression and fear, it showed he worked up the courage for something but for what it was unknown. He tried to stand firm but only shook with a frazzled expression, "D...Do...Do I have to go on this journey? ...I...Is there no way for me to stay with you...?" His voice trembled so much almost as if it was breaking again as a teenager's voice would.

For the first time in his life, Eiji truly did not believe he could be useful, he could do anything, and the worse of all, Eiji felt like he was a waste of life. He felt everything and anything he accomplished in his life was nothing and that he was a joke. He wanted to be stronger better but did not think he could be of use to his team. He didn't even think he could be safe more than four feet away from Kiyoshi after his traumatic experience just now. His mind was racing in fear and regret. He wanted to grow but outside of Kiyoshi's help, he couldn't see any potential for it or a way to be more useless, stronger, or any form of helpful to the cause.​

 

[Oni Archives]

((Kirinji))

=The shopkeeper waited there for him to decide. The moment that the shinobi lingered after the mention of the Thesis scroll the shopkeeper started tapping his fingers together; light clicks heard from his immaculately manicured fingernails tapping against each other here and there as he did such. He didnt try to read his anticipation or anything of the sort - no that would be demeanor of someone with a plan, did he look like he had a plan? No of course not - quite apparently a mercantile mutt chasing whatever car that so happened to pass him by. Then the moment happened, in which the male had said that he would take the riddle and in that split second it was almost like you could feel his eyes widen in excitement along with his delicate and glossy lips as his smile widened to match. He started to clap his hands with his fingers jutted straight up like a giddy school girl before he pulled the mystery scroll out and looked directly at Kirinji, adjusting his hat:

"No cheaaaaaating hehehe......Seriously - no cheating. I'll kill you."

=The change in tone of his voice was so abrupt and did not match the goofy and feminine demeanor that he had been met with upon entering the shop at all, but it faded just as quickly as it came.=

"Until I'm measured - I'am yet, unknown. Though how you'll miss me, once I have flown."

=The moment that he told the riddle he slammed both his elbow down on the counter and watched Kirinji after the fact - almost looking as if he was immediately expecting an answer but he simply waited there. His back arched - rather femininely at that, and his feet floating off the ground as they kicked back and forth like a school girl waiting by the phone he awaited the answer to his riddle. He did love riddles, loved all forms of gambling you know...it was his absolute favorite pass time - especially when the stakes were high.=

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=Kiyoshi stood there as the two went about their subjective reactions to the stock before them as well as the situation at hand. The moment that Eiji started to inquire upon things he could clearly tell that the boy had, had it at this point. And who was he to say any different? He wasn't like Izanagi, Tatsumi or Genichiro at all - he didnt have an aptitude for teaching or at least he didnt have one that he openly wanted to admit was there. He wasn't going to do the same thing that any of them would have done and try to coax him into finding a better part of himself that can handle it...if he didnt think he could or he was afraid - then Kiyoshi was going to oblige him; saving your own skin - was afterall, a staple principle for a thief. He was mostly unmoved - then came the point in which he asked if he could stay with him, personally himself and Kiyoshi's lips upturned in an uncomfortable grimace. *Nah you cant stay with me. Im a grown ass man I like to walk around the Manor butt naked. Dick Swingin'* was his initial reaction to tell the man but then it hit him...those words, asking to stay with someone. His brow softened as well as his expression as he remembered those words leaving his very own lips. . . those very lips almost quivered in that moment - visibly so as he caught himself on an almost choked gasp and spoke lightly: "Yeah Eiji - just hang back and take it easy. Its your life and your choice, can't let you be pressured into taking a mission you aren't confident in. Just uh - try to be discrete when roaming the manor at night." **he paused** "Hm, well as the last thing you could do to aid your travel companions you could move along and help Kasami get that message through to Kirinji huh? Go on ahead.". With that he would have not so much as condescendingly fanned the male off towards the village roads - but his hand scurried back in the direction to get to the exit and where he could head towards to catch up and save time. After the fact he would have stood there with his arms folded before he withdrew a cigar from his pocket. With a sigh he placed it between his lips and the head of the cigar ignited then and there, having breathed the fire chakra into it, parting the corners of his mouth after to release a few clouds of smoke. He then took the cigar in hand and gest towards Kasami with the very same hand as he got to divvying her equipment and the vouchers that Eiji would have left on the table from this point in her direction: "Imma leave it to you to decide how those papers get sorted Mrs. Voucher sage. Jump jacks - good choice, shame though I do love seeing Kick start pads in action. Here take one on the house for good measure anyway. Now as far as your medical problem sure I may have a solution. Ehhhh - I dont really know what to call it. They work, and have been tested but I just having gotten to name them at all." **He then drew a roll of four syringes across the workbench for her to see, they each contained an odd teal liquid and the needle itself resembled more of an epi-pen.** "These healing syringes have a chakra packed kick in them. Injecting yourself shoots the serum straight into your blood stream and as long as its flowing it will keep track of the chakra levels in your body. Now as you know the more injured you are - and of course closer to dying, the lower your chakra drops. This serum? Well it doesnt like that. So it does everything it can to boost your system back up - even if you're knocking on death's door it'll jump start you in a heart beat and get you back moving...honestly - I dont even know whats fully in the stuff. Izanagi synthesized its formula without me and I ended up missing out on the juicy bits. Here - yours. One bandoleer consists of four syringes. How many ya want?=​

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[Oni Archives]

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That rush of excitement that jolted through his body quickly faded away and transitioned into a rush of doubt when he saw the shopkeeper’s eyes widen with excitement. There was a sense of duality in it all. As the shopkeeper’s eyes widened and his mouth formed a wide smile to match his excitement, Kirinji’s facial expression dropped. His confident expression dropped quicker than an anchor in the sea. His eyes went from being widened to a narrow stare apparent with the loss of hope. His smile went from joyful to upset. His whole facial reaction went from happy to as if his dog had died as the sudden realization had hit him. It was more than likely due to that Kirinji had played right into the wolf’s hand. Manipulating carefully to subtly steer him toward the shopkeeper’s end game. Which wasn’t the scroll, but the rush of the excitement he got from gambling. This belief only became reinforced by the store owner's rush of excitement once he had agreed. His insides became oddly warm as he stared at the shopkeeper who hadn’t stopped talking, ”No cheaaating” the store owner said prompting him to chuckle lightly, which faded immediately as the next words made Kirinji’s head cock and his eyebrows to furrow in confusion. The change in tone was immediate and it became apparently clear that this man was not someone to trifle with.

He’d be lying if he said he hadn’t thought of cheating. It all could be so simple and harmless. He could deploy a subtle illusion that alters the perception of the store owner that leads him to believe the answer was correct — regardless of the fact if it was or not. He’d done it before. Namely with some ancient Uzumaki Clan members which allowed for him to decipher their text. But then his mind thought back to everything he had encountered in Naraka. He’d encounter several things here that the normal realm had absolutely no idea about. He wasn’t even sure if his tactics would work here. And if they wouldn’t? Would he be able to defend himself from the shopkeeper’s wrath or would he run back to Kiyoshi? And what would Kiyoshi think? This wasn’t the only problem either. There was also that odd mask that was staring at him and left and paired with the eccentric behavior of the store owner — everything here was just weird. Besides, there was some feeling in his gut telling him to refrain from such methods and he noticed it. No, that was understating it. It was as if every fiber, bone, everything in his body was pulling him away from doing such. He knew why as well. The shopkeeper’s sudden tone was the reason. And somehow, he knew he wasn’t lying about killing him if he cheated. His words … they held an unfathomable weight.

”Until I’m measured — I’am yet, unknown” Sweat rolled down the side of his forehead as he put his hands down and leaned forward with his eyes closed tightly, tip toeing back and forth while keenly listening. His mind moving at a hundred miles per hour as he thought to himself ”Okay, okay! What is unknown until measured?! C’mon think!” There were so many things that are unknown until measured, he knew this, but nothing came to mind immediately. His fist closed up tightening and the store owner would be able to hear the audible sound originating from his hands as he continued, ”Though how you’ll miss me, once I have flown.” Flown?! he verbally yelled inside his mind, Bird!? No, no that can’t be it. Think!” Seconds had passed as Kirinji stood there in that position with his head down and his arm extended in front of him on the showcase thinking. A minute passed when Kirinji wiped the sweat off his forehead and did the pressure points on the bridge of his nose feeling the incoming headache. A few more minutes passed as now Kirinji was squatted down with his sweaty forehead on the class and one hand on the same pressure points and one hand holding up from falling backwards. It was damn near a sign of defeat and his mind was at his final snapping point.

He wasn’t even thinking about the riddle anymore at this point, but could only feel the incoming rage from his teammates when they found out he lost his two vouchers gambling them away. He inhaled deeply and breathed out, but it was normal inhale-exhale — he just kept breathing out and you could hear the sound of air escaping his lips. It was clear that he had, had enough of the mental torture. He stood up and began reaching for the vouchers as he muttered to himself under his breath, ”Damn it, you win. I’m sorry for wasting your ti—” His eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost and if one was looking into his eyes they’d see a glimpse of hope. He looked up at the store owner and confidently answered with his chest out, ”Time. Time is something you don’t know, until measured and once it’s flown away you’ll miss it.” Had the answer been right, he would show no signs of victory other than a big smile that he was hiding within a smaller one. Humbling accepting the winnings and asking for the Philosophy of the Bladed Thesis scroll as he’d pull out one voucher to pay for it and be on his way.

But had he lost.

No one would’ve guessed what was to come next. And he’d deny it if anyone ever mentioned it. He’d fall to his knees dramatically with his hands flowing through his hair from the front all the way down through the back, massaging the back of his neck to his throat and up into his face. His hands would be covering his face and soft, very softly, he’d begin to whimper. ”Please!” he’d yelp out choked up and snotty, ”Please! They’ll kill me!” He’d tilt his head down toward the ground and his shoulders would slump forward. Then, as if it was on cue, he’d begun to weep. Nothing too obnoxious, nothing too overwrought but perfectly in the middle. Balanced. He’d fall onto his side as his knees would come up to his chest as he’d keep crying without room for belief that he'd stop anytime soon.

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[Oni Archives]

Kasami had a flashback in that moment. It wasn’t a horrifically traumatizing thing to remember, but it was enough to instantly sour her mood. The moment her last team fell apart. As she stood there looking at Eiji in anger and disbelief, she no longer saw him- she saw someone she would have liked to forget, and did, until all the moments that Eiji reminded her of him. A chicken shit shinobi that she’d rewind time just to kill for being such a waste of air.

Susumu.

She remembered it like it was yesterday, standing in his tailor watching him hide and snivel like the weak piece of work he was. Kasami’s lips upturned into a scowl, the bridge of her nose wrinkling. In that moment all she felt was blinding hatred, and she could only hear Susumu.

”If it will help then I will follow you guys but I doubt I'll be of any help I am just a puppeteer, not much of a useful member of the squad nor a strong shinobi.”

Their similarities were uncanny. They were both puppet lovers, as she assumed of Eiji if he spent the night whittling away and making his own, and they were both the only two shinobi she’d ever met who she felt were unquestionably undeserving of their rank- even just as a genin. He had the audacity to be irritated with others for giving him anything less than praise or advice, or patience he didn’t deserve. He whined about how weak he was and he’d always avoid the fight rather than face it. After that day she never saw him or Itsuki again, and she was left team-less. Not like she hadn’t been better off, but that wasn’t the point.

It was a good thing that Kiyoshi sent him away, if he was smart enough to leave- what with her standing across the table like she was about to lunge at him and rip his head off and all. If he lingered, she wouldn’t hesitate to dispose of him and get him out of her damn hair. She didn’t want to come back from this mission and see his face. He wasn’t welcome on a team with her either, just like Susumu and Itsuki. If his priority was to cower in fear when they were about to go risk their lives, when she had given him forgiveness she shouldn’t have and swore she’d help him get out of this alive… He was dead to her, and would be literally if he didn’t get out of her face.

Whether he stayed or not, as Kiyoshi returned his focus to her, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, pushing her anger to a centralized point in her chest so that she could at least think with clarity without it. It burned, it seared away at her heart to force it back from being expressed when she felt like screaming, but she opened stormy eyes to cast them back to business. She muttered a quiet, moody little “thank you” as Kiyoshi added a Kickstart Pad to her pile and pushed Eiji’s unused vouchers to her. And as he continued to speak, the tension in her shoulders started to relax a little, and she could finally breathe again. She was definitely still mad, but it wasn’t as painful. They would make it without him, if he really was as weak and useless as he said then they didn’t need him regardless, but she felt like her kindness had been spited still.

”One bandoleer consists of four syringes. How many ya want?”

She looked down at the table again and sighed, pushing Eiji’s vouchers back toward him. ”Two, and thank you.” She still had three vouchers left, but she hadn’t even visited the market yet, and she wanted to make sure they had what they needed. A map would be a good idea, some bombs- there were things that would catch her eye and she’d realize were important outside she was sure. As Kiyoshi got everything she had asked for and took the four vouchers from her, Eiji’s and the two she’d already separated from her own, she picked up Ikki’s vouchers and tucked them underneath his waiting meal. In case he came back, like Sentou hadn’t, and he wanted to catch up. Her fingers lingered against the table next to the edge of the vouchers with this deep and distant gleam in her eyes. One that was broken on the next breath taken, and was gone as quick as it came. It was recognizable though, as grief.

Most of everything small enough to fit was tucked away into her pouch resting against her backside, but Kirinji’s jumpjack was kept clenched into a tight fist. She was ready to head out, glancing up at Kiyoshi with this odd look. It was both a goodbye and a “see you later”, but she looked kind of sad and happy and relieved at the same time. Her eyes were far too expressive for her own good, but she didn’t just stand there staring at him. She stood up straight and took a deep breath, offering him a smile. “Thank you, Kiyoshi. We will be back. Before I go though, is there anything you want me to tell Izanagi? I know you have your own means, but... I wouldn’t mind.”

If he gave her something, she committed it to memory, and if he didn’t- she bowed in her usual respectful way before turning to leave. She got as far as the opposite end of the table from him before she stopped again, pausing with her back to him. It seemed like maybe she was questioning everything, just standing there in silence, but what she did next was like the last nail in the coffin for her. As she turned around and faced the table again, her hand was nimbly untying her shinobi bandana from around her neck. She looked down at the metal plate sitting in her palm, smoothing her thumb over it as if she was saying goodbye, and sat it down on the table. And then she left it, leaving out of the kitchen satisfied with her supplies and having washed up for her team, and having solidified her conviction, and having… found someone she looked up to.

Her anger melted away, a smile replacing it as she walked to the market, and she called this place her home. The home that she would protect, til her very last breath.​

 

[Oni Archives]

Eiji would hear Kiyoshi’s words and would feel slight relief in his heart and mind. It was like a cloud of doubt was being cleared away. If he was able to train with Kiyoshi maybe he could do something, maybe he’d be able to be helpful, but right now he was far from useful. His ice release and genjutsu being his greatest ability and so far it only hurt those he had started to care about and almost caused his own downfall. He did not want to hurt Kasami again nor did he want to be close to dying again. He wanted to gain the ability to protect himself and those he cared for.

His great fear was from his lack of a foundation of skills, strength, and abilities but he knew especially after glimpsing at Kiyoshi the other day, if he trained him even a bit. Eiji would grow and grow to a place where he could be an asset to his already powerful team. He wouldn’t have to see his teammates fall before him or disappear without a trace. He wouldn’t have worry about Kasami or Kirinji ending up like Sentou nor would he need to worry about putting Kasami back into danger due to his own incompetence.

After realizing his relief he looked at Kasami’s angry face and something clicked inside him, *I hurt her again....* The first thing that popped into his mind and instead of trying to talk to her, he would instead leave trying to figure out on the way to Kirinji how he could be useful at the current moment or explain to Kasami his own worries about hurting Kirinji or her again even if it was by mistake. He had no clue about how to express himself to others, he never had before. He was either berated by others or held on a pedestal that he now knew was nothing but crutch for him to rely on.

Here in Naraka, everything his father had said was true. He was less than anyone who was useful, his skills had no impact on real shinobi or real warriors. His practice, growth, and training since becoming a shinobi amounted to not even a tickle in front of these creatures that called Naraka home and the worst part was one of the first people he could call friend was also one of the people he injured. He never was able to express himself to apologize properly nor was he able to understand why he had gotten in trouble. He came to know the ladder now by looking at Kasami’s face earlier.

He would need to find a way to talk to her and explain what he thought, felt, and about his past. He wanted to express this all to her and apologize thoroughly to her for his misdeeds that he was just starting to understand. He would need to find a way and he would need to ask Kiyoshi how he could be useful without staying and attempting to train with him or returning home. He needed a greater power, he knew Kasami had absolute power, the Rinnegan and Wood release. Kirinji had great power as well being a Sharingan wielder. Only Eiji who had no special traits or abilities seemed not to have the potential to help carry the great weight being placed upon their team.

He’d heard the stories from his father about Madara and other Uchiha’s, about Pein and about the great shinobi war. He knew the strength that both Kasami and Kirinji could produce if they even understood a bit of their techniques and the potential they wielded but what about him. What could he do, where was his potential, what power would come out of him to make him useful or make the Salesman interested in him. Eiji was normal for all intensive purposes. He had no great ability or potential to unlock or gain that. This is why he believed he would be a detriment to his team. He was truly scared of hurting the only people who ever seemed to be straight with him or care about him for something that didn’t require prestige.

As he found Kirinji he would tell him about Kasami gathering medical supplies though he couldn’t look at him directly. There was a look of fear and worry on his face though something more. What was it though? If Kirinji looked closely he would see it was doubt, and not normal doubt but something deep, scarring and damaging but before anything could happen Eiji would speak, “Can I ask you something?” He questioned Kirinji though his voice seemed to tremble a bit. He was going to ask Kirinji how he does it, how he lives up to the great potential of his ancestors, of himself. How he is so strong and seems so unphased by all the events here and is able to focus on his sole goal of reaching Izanagi. Only if Kirinji would allow him. Maybe he could get Kirinji to help him understand his own situation and fix his own doubts even if only a bit.

He was truly seeking a way to grow and be helpful even if he felt he was only going to cause them trouble. He wanted to change still and he wanted to be stronger so he could never see Kasami hurt again. She was one of the first people to show him genuine kindness and he wanted to repay it.​

 

[Oni Archives]

((Kasami))

=The moment came in which Kiyoshi noticed a massive shift in the energy in the room. Synapses were firing off like a dozen roman candles all at once and he could feel that there was something off. Then he saw it - Kasami's facial expression. The way that her features were twisted and contorted upon each other there was almost no other thought to be had about it except that this was a battle scowl - he traced her line of sight back to the point in which she was focusing all of this animosity and of course needless to say it was none other than Eiji. He should have known. Kiyoshi's lips turned into a nervous smirk for the boy as he could do nothing more then upturn hi lip and silently mouth out his only internal response, into the external world of interpretation: *Yikes*. The moment that such happened however it would seem that Eiji would shortly after come to the realization that he had done something to earn this and he would be out along his way. He knew what it must have been - his mind flashed back to that time and suddenly he remembered in full clarity where he knew Kasami from...of course she wouldnt fully know that he did indeed know her - it was vivid in his mind: *Here kid hold this!*, his words as he had given that little Hyuuga boy the candy that he had stolen to frame him up with the Konoha guards - he was part of her team. Hard headed little genin he was - Kiyoshi thought back to discussing the matter with his Lieutenant, a young Jounin with short black hair always having chains around his arms. They had been going back and forth through their dossiers - it was shortly after their accessment in the forest of death. His partner tossed her folder onto the desk and they both locked gaze upon it as he spoke with that ever constant creepy smile on his lips: *Shes a Senju sir, one of the last. What about this one?* Kiyoshi remembers then looking it ove and staring blankly at the picture trying to understand the ramifications of such a thing, and as he come back to reality here he was looking at the genuine article in the flesh. Two bandoliers - back to business, she slid him back the vouchers and he slid two rolled in bandoliers towards her in exchange as she did, observing her - the way that she processed the anger that was shooting through her system and condensed it down. That was good....that was good...."Yeah.....thats good...." a voice muttered in sinister tone next to Kiyoshi's ear - or so he thought as his eyes flashed a wild hue of active and alert casting a bewildering gaze to his side - almost thinking that the visage of Gogandantes would be right there aside him revealing in the flame of her spirit only to be met with open air. He recovered - shaking his head at his own cognitive distortion as he snapped back just as she asked him if he wanted her to tell Izanagi anything. Heh, if only she knew just how in touch the two were - but this was an opportunity....maybe it would be different from someone elses lips...maybe? Maybe this would be the curve ball that caught him off guard. Kiysohi smirked at the thought - the possibility and shot her a finger gun and smirk as he mentioned: "Yeah actually - you can tell him this: "My way - just isn't gonna cut it for everybody. Heh - good luck out there short stack. You guys got it in the bag. Just remember. When the Budda leaves - so should you." the last part was said a lot more serious then the rest of it that he had to give her - a reminder that when one of the idols is gone the salesman's influence is let free - it was important, he did have confidence in them...but that was one of the rare factors out there that could change the entire course of their success. After the point came that she would be gone he would look at the headband that she placed on the table. Moving around to the same side of it as she had been gone already and so he came around to it and gave it a look over. His eyes lit with inspiration as his eyes shot back to where she had exited from when an idea shot through his brain. His thumb, dug into the headband just to the side of the Konoha emblem and ran it straight through horizontal - with a slash straight through the leaf. He smirked, silently and repeated it to himself:

"Yeah....that's good. Real good."

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=There he was, out in the market with his most hated person in the world. Himself. As Eiji had left the manor and went along his way to go towards the markets and find Kirinji he would be left with time to reflect on himself. What was it that held him back? Fear? Dissatisfaction with his own stature? Ability? Accolads? What was it that he was missing? The shinobi went over it in his head over and over and over but his suspicions and thoughts confirmed really nothing in the grand scheme of things. The only element he had was Ice. To which he held an affinity. The Hunter ninja of the Yuki clan had only ice - and yet their cunning, efficiency, and calm under pressure had rewarded them much fame in the world of shinobi - and fear as well. He only could work in the field of genjutsu beyond that - and where would that get him? Though a skilled user in genjutsu could change the entire course of battle with something as subtle as the right scent - placed in the right location. A skilled genjutsu practitioner could sneak an entire battalion of shinobi right under the nose of a village gate. Everything had its quirks and could make you legendary if you applied it right - so why was Eiji not legendary? How was he applying it wrong? He walked along, making his way to the market which seemed to be taking forever as he dragged behind himself - taking his sweet time in getting there as he came up alo- himself?.....͕͗ʰ͕͕͗͗ᴵ͕͕͗͗ᵐ͕͕͗͗ˢ͕͕͗͗ᵉ͕͕͗͗ᴸ͕͕͗͗ᶠ͕͗?. As soon as the realization would have become harrowingly apparent he'd look up to see that the image of himself - that had been walking in front of himself, was gone. Only then would he realize he was grasped roughly and overwhelmingly by the back of his head and sent almost crashing with a faceplant to the floor - only to be stopped (or stopped by his own hands), to stare at his reflection in the pool of blood before him where there would be another image of himself standing behind him shoving him down to it: "The time for feeling sorry for yourself is over, idiot. Don't you know? We have people to see places to destroy - art to create! You've known it all your life. Seen it - you have the potential but ohhh such a sloth, such a sloth - you've yet to grasp it. Well you're our grand prize winner! Cause im going to drag it out of you kicking a screaming." The other version of him was odd, bewilderingly so - it wasnt even like it was attempting to be like him. It was a very obvious abberation of his own appearance, something in his body...his mind - veiled as him but something else entirely. It was like watching some haenous thing wear his skin. Suddenly he would be able to lift his head again - the mirror of him was gone, and the moment that he would have looked up he would see that he was in front of the open door of the scroll shop - Eiji and shopkeep right before him and....the puppet he created, sitting on the floor in the way of the door as if it was set there...looking without context as if Eiji carried it and dropped it there knocking the door open with it. Had he?...Had he found the shop, market, and Kirinji on his own and unconsciously so at that? Had his mind walking him Like a puppet while he was overtaken by his hallucinations? As he would be left standing there awkwardly there would be a voice..sounding like a whisper...only he could hear - as if it was coming from the puppet: [sub]"You dont need to leave. You are useful to your team...and the shorter they are on numbers the less likely they will make it and then...you can never go home....Kirinji doesnt know....you can always spin it into a joke...you were never leaving....you were only joking..no need to alarm anyone...just go with them.."[/sub] =This was the whispers of the puppet, as suddenly there was an outburst of a loud -

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((Kirinji))

"HA! - Wrong! Now give me your vouchers and your LIFE!" **the shopkeep said loudly just as there was the odd boy standing in the door way, rude to enter in such a manner but the fact of the matter was the shopkeep was to amused to care much about that at the moment: "No I'm joking - thats the answer. Good, good hehe clever boy. Here you are the mystery scroll and The Bladed thesis philosophy scroll - only one voucher my gambling buddy!" At that point he would have handed him both the scrolls, his dainty fingers picking the voucher for the philosophy scroll from his hand as he gave it forth for the thesis scroll and his eye then darted over to Eiji, wondering if he too was buying now that he entered the store but he soon could tell that the boy had no vouchers. Soon the shopkeep would grab a gigantic push broom and start sweeping Kirinji towards the door: "Remember Gambling buddy. This mystery scroll will get you out of a very tight spot, the type of spot that under any other circumstances all the other options are gone and out the window. So use it carefully and really think about it - THINK. Hehehe - now get out of my shop."

=And with that being said he would have placed the broom at his feet, looked down at the broom, back up to him, and given him one last big smile before he lurched forward and simply swept him out of the building, the door slamming behind it. Now Kirinji was in possession of an odd mystery scroll and an excerpt from the Philosophies of bladed thesis but most of all....he was in the acquaintance....of an all new gambling buddy.​

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[Oni Archives]

"HA! — Wrong! Now give me your vouchers and your LIFE!”

”Wrong?!” Kirinji thought to himself as his eyes closed and opened abruptly as his head jerked backwards, moving side to side in surprise. ”Oh god. He wants my vouchers and my life?! My life?!” He could feel his knees becoming weak and he would’ve fallen to his knees and busted out crying had it not been for the third person’s arrival. After taking a step backwards from being startled, he’d look over toward the person that joined them and his eyebrows furrowed in surprise recognizing that it was Eiji and from a quick glimpse of his facial expressions he knew he was in for some bullshit.

His optics fixated themselves back upon the shopkeeper, still widely in shock, even his body was a little tense from thinking that he’d have to give over his vouchers, the one’s he had just received. But that was ameliorated after a pause when the shopkeeper said he was just kidding and what came after was the loudest sigh of relief anyone in the shop would’ve heard in their life. Even a light chuckle as he pointed at the man motioning his finger up and down in a “ahh you got me” way. ”Heh. You had me, I won’t lie. Almost had a heart attack.” as he moved his hand over his heart briefly before he began to hand him the scrolls. He took the mystery scroll and the Bladed Thesis scroll with one hand while he moved one voucher from his back pocket. And just like that the transaction had been done. For now it felt like.

The eyes of the shopkeeper darted over toward Eiji and his own eyes followed them while in the meantime Kirinji threw the scroll into the secure left storage part of his pants while holding onto the Bladed Thesis philosophy scroll. He was midway done when the shopkeeper started talking again and didn’t even notice that he had grabbed the broom until he was already around the counter and close to Kirinji moving his head back toward the door as he turned his body toward the shopkeeper. ”Uhh..” and then he began sweeping while explaining the mystery scroll he had received. Sweep! Sweep! Sweep!” He was stumbling backwards startled by the man’s behavior, gripping the scroll in his hand tightly, and the thing that was going through his head was just how weird this man was. But he understood everything he said, even noticing how the man had called him his Gambling Buddy twice.

He wasn’t watching his steps and had Eiji not moved he would’ve bumped into Eiji causing both of them to fall as the salesman closed his doors on them. Had he bumped into Eiji he would use him as a buffer to soften the fall for himself and then backflipped off his body until he was standing over him. Though had he moved out the way he would simply be in front of the store staring at the doors with a dull facial expression, somewhere between really? and disappointed. Regardless of the outcome, whether it was colliding into Eiji or not, he’d turn (if needed) to look at the man studying his facial expression and then quickly looked down as he began to open the philosophy scroll to check out what he had gotten.

“Can I ask you something?”

The question irked him. No, the man himself irked him. Not because he knew the man or anything, but he just radiated an odd vibe that didn’t sit right with Kirinji. His teeth clenched as he remembered all that had transpired with the group of them and one memory came up vividly. He’d look up from the scroll he was reading, but his eyes didn’t go up to Eiji at first instead scouted around the area to see how many people were around them. Before he even made eye contact with the man he had already replied, ”Sure,” He looked to the immediate left of them and then to the right ”Too many people,” he thought to himself as his optics fixated themselves back upon Eiji. He smiled at him briefly, it was quite endearing actually and one could feel the warmth it radiated. ”What seems to trouble you, friend?” His eyes went back down to the scroll as he continued reading. Depending on the seriousness of the conversation, he’d may look back up at the man as he spoke, but had it not been serious at all he’d continue reading.

 

[Oni Archives]

As he walked towards the market district Eiji was quite stuck in his head. His dormant emotions seemed to have been ignited by a girl he barely knew. The feelings he suppressed being told they were a weakness by his father were growing inside him. His anger, sadness, envy, confusion, and happiness all revealing themselves onto Eiji as he continued to think about Kasami, about why she was so angry, about his mistakes, his past and the thing that was scaring him most the future. He did not know how to process these things to well nor did he really understand emotions at all due to him always being forced to suppress them and hide how he feels. He was always told by his father that Hiruzen and Asuma, two of his ancestors never showed how they felt.

Now he was finally feeling something and for someone he's only known for a week. He knew his feelings were unnatural but he wasn't against them. In one week this girl younger than him had shown him greater kindness and respect than he had ever received in Konohagakure or from his family. Such kindness was new to him and it made him feel like something was wrong but it made him feel... Happy? He wasn't sure, these things called feelings were not only new to him but they were almost foreign and with all the unusual shit that had been happening, he started to wonder more and more if he was under some form of genjutsu or something but he knew he wasn't the pain was real, the sensatations were real. He knew this was some form of reality just not sure what was making him feel. Looking back he noticed something even weirder than him feeling somewhat happy if that was what he was feeling. The thing he noticed looking back as he continued walking not far from the building Kasami was in, was that he had begun to like and trust her. Not just her but Sentou a bit too but Sentou vanished.

He wasn't sure how he felt about Kirinji, Ko, or Ikki but he knew fairly well that Kasami was the one he liked and trusted most and he felt bad because she gave him trust and he somehow seemed to hurt her. He felt truly bad for this but before he could reach a true understanding of these feelings he was met by a voice. Not just any voice, but His own voice?! Before Eiji could even react he was suddenly thrust upon the ground he was being beaten into a pulp before being forced to stare at himselves in the bloody reflection. He was confused and even startled at this before he came to not long after the more Demonified version of him had vanished away. And when he came to Eiji had appeared not only in the Market area but before Kirinji who was with a mysterious and weird shopkeeper. He had even less time to think as the puppet, that he thought he left back with Kiyoshi, was in front of him and even worse it was whispering to him.

He was startled so much today and before he could regain his composure completely Kirinji had came barreling towards him as he was being swept away by the man. Eiji simply side stepped Kirinji who would look up at the door before he responded to Eiji questioning if he could ask him something. He wasn't sure whether to actually ask what he had intended or listen to the whispers of the snake telling him to eat the apple. But succumbing to fear, which was another of the emotions that had been suppressed in the mortal realm but here in Naraka everything he suppressed at the behest of his father was coming up and revealing itself unto him. Thus the fear which he felt at possibly being abandoned in this place, losing his possible first ever friend and the girl he thinks he likes. Caused Eiji to take a bite out the apple, "I made a joke I think, well I was um trying to make a joke... I think but point is my joke was apparently bad I think and Kasami was upset by it." He was stammering through as he did not know how to convey emotions well nor tell people how he felt but was asking for help for the first time since he was a kid and wanted Kirinji to tell him how to apologize and fix the "Joke" he made towards Kasami. He was going to continue on with them and hopefully he would be able to do something for them. Maybe even return to how he was before entering Naraka in some ways, maybe greater and being able to take down the Salesman.

He was generally trying to change, grow, and evolve into someone or something greater than he already was and after hearing Kiyoshi's explanation he somewhat believed it was possible but first he had to make up with Kasami and apologize for everything, apologize better and see what they could do as a unit. He was ready to see what the future held for this group that he was hopefully still apart of.​

 

[Oni Archives]

From the moment that she left the manor, her thoughts were a bit of a jumble- but she was happy. That happiness kept the flow of her mind regulated from going to either side of the spectrum, where she could analyze their situation without negativity or even being overly positive. She was skating the line of neutrality when it came to her outlook on this mission, but she was more than aware of how quickly that could change. That pain was still there, the one that she had stuffed into a small little space within her heart so that her team could thrive. She wasn’t okay, but no one needed to know that. No one needed to struggle with her, and they wouldn’t. She compartmentalized everything going on, between the rage and the pain (old or new), and forced herself into a state of clarity and calm. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if all of them were falling to pieces or struggling with coping. Kirinji seemed fine, but that didn’t make her feel better. For all she knew, he could be doing the same thing that she was. Ikki disappeared just like Sentou had as well...

She came around a corner and saw Kirinji and Eiji standing together. A sigh heaved from her as her chest deflated. She had really hoped he wouldn’t be there by the time she made it to the market. Seriously, how hard was it to just give a quick message and skidaddle? As she walked closer though, she realized that that wasn’t what he was doing at all.

“...point is my joke was apparently bad I think and Kasami was upset by it.”

If Kirinji looked over Eiji’s shoulder as Eiji finished his sentence he would practically see Kasami’s eyes on fire. They might as well have been at least, with the anger that burned hot within them. Her neck hollowed out as she sucked in a breath, and every ounce of muscle in her arms and her shoulders became more defined as her hands clenched. There wasn’t a lot of it, but it had definition, and it was a clear sign that this anger she was feeling was rippling through her body and, well- a Senju with unchecked rage was a bad thing for the target.

Hers wasn’t unchecked though, she refused to lose herself to it, so as she came up behind Eiji and grabbed ahold of the collar of his shirt, she held back how she was feeling from her actions. She jerked him back toward her, and then shoved him face first against the building they were standing next to. Just before impact though she eased up on the force she was applying, or she very well could have done significant damage to the shop or even his face. A courtesy he didn’t deserve, but one she would be besides herself with if she hadn’t. He was just a scared little boy, even if she was mad at him- that didn’t mean he deserved to have his face shattered. Of course she didn’t know that would have been the outcome, she was still learning about what being a Senju even meant, but she did know she could have hurt him and that wasn’t what she wanted anymore.

Her arm tensed as she held his clothes, pinning him against the building as she glared at him. She looked like she was going to kill him, glaring up at him for a moment in stretching silence. And then finally she breathed, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. Her grip loosened but she didn’t let him pull away just yet. Her thoughts were racing, but there was one thing she knew for certain. Beneath the anger that tried to cloud her judgment... was understanding. She couldn’t blame him, not in the slightest. As she let out the breath she’d taken in slowly, she loosened completely before she let him go and stood up straight. She turned away from him partially, before she stopped and opened her eyes. Her gaze slid to the corner of her eye and settled on him, the wild Rinnegan set on his face.

”Don’t lie. That wasn’t a joke. If you want to go then go. Not everyone wants to put their life on the line- but remember that this fight won’t stop here if Kirinji and I fail.” She looked toward her teammate, the one that didn’t ask to abandon them and then claim it was a joke, her expression darkening. She spoke again but it wasn’t to him. She was looking through him in fact, avoiding eye contact with them both. ”Youre not the only one that’s scared, Eiji. I had faith in you.” The disappointment was extremely palpable in her voice. It was so thick that it practically weighed on the air around her. She really had had faith and trust in him and he made her regret it.

Her attention finally moved to Kirinji, as she held the Jump Jack out to him, and held one voucher out in her other hand to Eiji. ”If you’re staying then go get one. We can figure out how to use it together- as a team... and don’t make me regret it.”​

 

[Oni Archives]

(Kogaijii)

...Earlier...


".......Boy.........."

"......What is your name?........"

=.....He was shaking....trembling...what was this? Mouth hung wide open there had almost immediately begun a flash sweat dripping down his distraught and taught back features....there he stood - Kogaijii Uchiha...motionless in the middle of the clothing shop. He had walked in and was met by this man...this mysterious shopkeep that before when he first entered was so happy go lucky: "FINALLY A CUST-..." the shop keeper had stopped mid-way through his sentence when he turned and saw Ko, his own features had looked shocked as well until finally he recomposed himself and it seemed that all the fun, all the goofy demeanor everything about him had shifted as if unveiling a mask when he looked at Ko and asked his question "....Boy......" . . . and here we are now. He'd never felt this before - it happened so quick that his mind had to catch up to what it even was, what to call what he had seen and felt. His eyes were snapped wide open and his pupils were rattling inside his skull against the boundary of ever alert eyes focused on the man. . . he waited so patiently after what felt like what must be hours of just standing there. Ko couldnt get the words out....there was no defiance in him at all at this point, for the first time in his life - even after the incident at the last village he was unconditionally, absolutely afraid. He wanted to tell him his name. He wanted to for the love of god - anything to save himself from what he was feeling....death...it was death - thats what he felt the moment that this shopkeeper had spoken so seriously in such a different tone and focused on him. His body rattled and it took almost every ounce of effort in his body - a single tear....falling down his cheek from the sheer trauma of exertion and fear that coursed through his body as he spoke in a voice no one that knew him would recognize....timid...afraid...alone...he'd felt himself die....seen himself die...:

"K-.......Ko.........."

=He replied in simplicity that brought a coiled gator tail grin upon the shopkeep's lips. He pushed his hair up, removing his tophat with his opposite hand as his lips parted: "Ko." he repeated - letting the name sit on his lips for a moment as he stare at the boy...then something most horrifying to Ko happened right there before his eyes....he screamed in his mind..he was certain that he screamed out loud...he'd wanted to: "Ko......Kogaijii?" the man finished...he'd never met this man in his life...he knew his name. He'd seen the devil and felt his presence and it knew his name. Ko hit his knees there on the spot - still shaking and petrified in terror and from that point the shopkeep chuckled...and the delicate step of his shoes upon the marble floor closing towards Ko - broke the silence between=

.....(Currently).....

=Ko stood there. A'top of a light pole at an altitude above the village. He was observing very particular details down below him in silence, one hand in his pocket as the other hand held a box - bright and beautiful ruby red with a platinum sash wrapping it up like a perfect little christmas present, it was hand packed but that was hard to believe - its detail and how delicately it was handled made it look as if it had gone through a machine. It was a gift for Kasami. One that he got from the clothing store. He stared at the emblem on the seal stamp, a clock thinking back to that shop and its keeper...he had gotten a few things from that shop. It wasnt so much the item itself but what its emblem represented and reminded him that he experienced. He sighed - and looked up to the sky. And with a deep inhale and exhale he stepped off the light pole and let himself fall straight down to- =

---

(Eiji, Kasami, Kirinji)

=Thump....the sound hit the shop very lightly but it was like that was all that it took for the moment that Eiji hit the shop if one was looking at the shop window they would see the curtain move slightly and the shopkeep staring out the window cradling an anatomy mannequin to his chest, the way he was watching was....so still....so motionless...he looked like some kind of lizard that was in the middle of posing for its camouflage before prey come into striking range. He stood there in the window holding his little friend to his chest and every now and then his body would pivot - looking at Kirinji and then back at his friends in a "You better get em." kind of way. But eventually they would break off and away from the wall and the moment such was done if one looked back at the window they would observe that he was gone...maybe it was the paint? After they had gone back and forth on the matter of Eiji's joke, silently behind Kasami would land Ko. Only to stand there a moment and wait with hand on hip as he would only shake his head at the two of them, having heard what the matter erupted over he couldnt say that he was shocked. He kind of got that vibe off Eiji the moment they had met when he destroyed Jinsei, but at the same time...he couldnt quite blame him. Anyone with a brain would consider leaving very strongly. After they were done he would grab Kasami by the rear of her waistband and pull her to him with a kiss at the side of her head as he set the box in her hands. "For when you feel like changing to something a bit different. No rush, just when you feel like it. I thought about you." and with that being said he would look around at the market - pull all of his vouchers from his back pocket...indicating that despite getting something for Kasami - there were no vouchers spent; and with that he started to walk off: "I'm ready to get along the road - I'm gonna swipe a little something but when you're done - remember to meet me at the gate, Kiyoshi said he'll see us off about our way there." He didnt want to show his eagerness to see Kasami's reaction to the gift so he had already booked it - stepping way far off and away from the group with hands up behind his head as he waved off with his right hand. Quick, simple and to the point he kept it..already itching to handle that feud that was started with that odd boy with the puppet bird...hell at this point he was ready for anything that he could actually handle and not have to deal with a monster.=​

---

---

 

[Oni Archives]

While Eiji is talking to Kirinji right before he could finish his statement, he would be grabbed from behind and slammed into the building face first. Without even knowing from who or why due to his guard being dropped when he opened up a bit to talk to Kirinji. From behind he would hear Kasami's voice speaking to him in a disappointed voice, "Don’t lie. That wasn’t a joke. If you want to go then go. Not everyone wants to put their life on the line- but remember that this fight won’t stop here if Kirinji and I fail." He shook for a moment as could not look back at Kasami, he once more hurt her something he was truly trying to avoid doing to her.

Eiji felt truly bad as he sighed instead of looking back he would hear her continuing to say, "Youre not the only one that’s scared, Eiji. I had faith in you." Eiji wanted to speak up and wanted to scream at the top of his lungs saying, *Of course I am scared, to death! Are you being haunted by a ghost of something that you don't even know what it is or why it is haunting you? Do you understand what it's like not to have to have the strength to even defend yourself let alone people you've come to care about?* But he could not speak up to her for fear of hurting her again.

Instead of speaking up he listened to her as she handed him a voucher, he would take the voucher as he looked away from once more as he grabbed the weird doll that had been stalking him forever, he knew somewhere deep within, that he could not get rid of the thing so he would watch it carefully and he believed it possibly gave him some sort of good advice though this was probably moreso due to the stress and fear of losing one of the few real connections that he had gained within his life. He would head back to Kiyoshi with the voucher as he began thinking about how he was going to be ok as he didn't take any vouchers and he was not sure what useful things he could have gotten for himself and his team had he taken them and just continued forward. He would try to ask Kiyoshi about this before they left and see what he thought and maybe he could give him more advice on how to fix things with Kasami and possibly Kirinji.​

 

[Oni Archives]

Lies.

Kirinji thought to himself as he looked up from the scroll after the first few words. It was easy to tell he was lying by the way he was stammering his words. Although instead of calling him out about it he was rather amused by it. Even chuckled when the young man mentioned joke followed by trying as he tried to imagine the awkward boy trying to make a joke with everyone around, but failing horribly at it while everyone gave him an awkward stare. He listened as a courtesy, but his attention was on the scroll as he had gotten a decent bit into the beginning, being a fast reader and all, as he looked up at the man once again to make him feel he was listening.

It wasn’t just his body language and voice that made him assume he was lying, but it was confirmed by the storming Senju that came toward the two of them. He could see it in her eyes — that fire — and with it the flames that danced in her eyes. But his expression quickly changed as he realized what was about to happen. She’d grab the collar of Eiji’s shirt pushing him against the wall and it was almost as if he had seen it in slow-motion. His own arm extending outwards reaching out to them as if he was shouting stop from the top of his lungs, but nothing vocally came out. His perception reverted to normal when he heard the thud against the shop which was followed by the sound of a slap which originated from his hand slapping his forehead. His hand stayed there for a split second, realizing what they had done, and he fully assumed the shopkeeper was coming out with a weapon much more dangerous than a broom. Probably something to wipe them all out with.

His hand slid down the side of his face as he opened his eyes staring at the both of them. And as the curtains opened his eyes followed looking at the shopkeeper who appeared to be holding a mannequin to his chest. Had the shopkeeper looked at Kirinji’s expression he’d clearly see the face of an apologetic man searching for no problems. An expression that radiated, Sorry!! .... Gambling buddy?” trying to use their new bond as a favor. And from the shopkeeper’s expression he understood what he meant. He’d roll up the scroll so he could hold it in one hand in case he needed to break them up. But it was unnecessary as Kasami spoke to him straightforwardly. There wasn’t just anger in her voice that he heard, but also disappointment. As well as sadness. She was hurt by it and at the time, he didn’t understand why completely. She looked back at him and he looked at her, even though she was avoiding eye contact. Moments later she extended out something towards him and he reactively took it, analyzing it in his hand while she spoke. By the time she was done speaking he’d finally speak, ”What is it?”

Had the answer been suffice he’d simply nod his head and put it into his pocket. ”Huh — that’s pretty handy!” he’d look at the small item in his hand again and then back at her with a smile, ”Thanks!”. The smile wasn’t necessary, rather only a mechanism he tried using to ease the tension in the air. Soon Ko joined them and he knew that the tension would ease up quickly. He listened to what the man had to say, but his attention had gone back to the scroll now. Opening it up again and reading it while Ko and Kasami spoke.

It was rather interesting really. The scroll. It revolved around a peaceful monk who was not only kind, but open minded as well. It spoke of the tales of the monk known as Bladed Thesis, even some philosophies, but the general gist of it was about the monk and his origin. Which was neither of the Shinobi World he knew nor the Narakan world, but rather lived in a place known as Onsen. The scroll itself was insightful, but it felt incomplete. It gave him that feeling that there was more to it than just this, especially since the shopkeeper said that it contained a variety of information.

He rolled up the scroll once he had finished and redirected his gaze out toward the market and rest of the shops, thinking where to go next. He moved the scroll back into the storage department of his pants. There were some intriguing shops around, but with one voucher left he thought it better to keep the one on him as an emergency. And with that thought he began walking toward the rendezvous point with his hands in pocket. Of course, looking around at all the shops that he passed by.

 

[Oni Archives]

Kasami nodded, her explanation satisfactory and thankfully she hadn’t botched any details. She had repeated near verbatim what Kiyoshi had when he explained the contraption to her himself, give or take a few word substitutes. ”Yeah, I think it will really help us. You weren’t with us before that, but there was actually someone else traveling with us too. His name is Sentou, and he just... disappeared. While in a closed barrier no less. It was like the blink of an eye and he was gone in the middle of the fight.” Her gaze shifted toward the manor for a moment and that was when she saw him out of the corner of her eye.

Ko dropped behind her, his finger dipping into her waistband, creeping chills up her spine as he pulled her back against him. She was surprised by the gesture, and mildly confused about what had gotten into him. First he caught her, covered her with her jacket and seemed genuinely concerned, they kissed before their fight with Zaku started and now he was pulling her against him and kissing her head? She looked over her shoulder at him and smiled despite the odd feeling circulating through her stomach, unable to tell if it was nerves or the cliche butterflies, and when he put a box in her hands she jumped slightly. Her brows furrowed and she turned to look at the gift even more confused now, opening her mouth to speak when he started to excuse himself and remind them of the meeting spot. By the time she managed to even get a word out, he was already too far gone to ask anything.

She watched him for a moment longer before looking at Kirinji and then down at the box. Her teeth dug into her bottom lip for a moment before she crouched down and sat it on the ground to open it. A gift he had gotten for free... because he’d thought of her? Something strange happened to him, beyond his change in appearance that they had yet to address. She pulled the ribbon off and wrapped it around her hand, and as she pulled the lid off of the box she just stared at its contents for a moment. It wasn’t confusion or surprise this time it was- overwhelming emotion. Realizing that someone understood her, and knew what decision she’d make before she had even made it. Staring up at her in the center of the fabric was a symbol that they hadn’t really seen too many times. But she recognized it. She’d seen it on the back of Ikki’s clothes. It made her eyes sparkle like it was the most amazing gift she’d ever received. This symbol meant more to her than just what it stood for. It was like finalizing her commitment, encasing it in something so fortified that it could never break. Her will could never break. She beamed down at the clothing with misty eyes and picked it up, letting it fall unfolded as she stared at Naraka’s symbol for a moment longer. It was perfect in every way. In symbolism, in color, in size.

She pulled it on and it hung down to the middle of her upper thighs, and the sleeves came down to just below her elbows. It was a beautiful haori and matched the red bindings around her body well. Kasami took the ribbon from the present and folded it several times to make it small enough and then pulled her hair up into a ponytail, her shorter bangs falling free from her hands, and used the ribbon to tie up her hair. She felt like a new person, with a new purpose. Kneeling down she picked the box back up and tucked it under her arm, reaching inside and back to her pouch as she pulled out the bandolier. “Here, this too. Our medical supplies. I have one as well. We should split them with the others. Two for each. Now what else do you think we need?” She came over next to him as he walked and peeked at where he had put the scroll, wondering what it was. ”Kiyoshi suggested we get some tools, like smoke bombs or similar, and suggested we at least keep one voucher on us in case of emergency. I have two left. What about you?”​

 

[Oni Archives]

=Ko had been there for most of the time that they had been carrying on conversation. In fact...he was there before that - enough time to see the way that Eiji shambled on to the shop and the way the odd manequin like doll moved off ahead of him as well. Puppetry? He thought to himself about the matter...seemed odd especially of a Sarutobi..and the way that he came walking around was just odd. As he had walked away from them all he was silently thinking to himself about what Eiji had said to Kirinji. He too could tell that it wasnt the full truth - but that was a matter that was irrelevant to him. He was glad that he decided to stick around...easier to keep an eye on him that way. By the time Kirinji would have been approaching Ko had already gotten to the gate and Kiyoshi was speaking with him. They were discussing the route and Kiyoshi was confirming that Ko could handle it - informing him that Ikki would not be joining them, he had previous engagements to get to. "Previous engagements huh? Hm...alright, keep your secrets then.". He commented with his arms folded over one another as he looked up to the taller man whom only snickered back at him with an odd sense of amusement. When Kirinji started to approach, the happy go lucky Kiyoshi smiled goofily and waved - meanwhile Ko simply stood there arms folded and awaited the rest of them. His expression wasn't displease but it wasnt goofy like Kiyoshi's either. They would inevitably sit here and wait for the others to catch up. One last briefing before they head out. It would be the last chance they get to touch the rest of the village=​