Maikumaru stood outside of the fortress. It was one of many. He had planned to drive out the Mercenaries from Earth Country altogether, as they would be a threat to his power. But he had decided to go a different route. If he could recruit them to his cause, if he could inspire them to do his bidding, he could gain a sizable army for the endgame. It was the Black Dragon Mercenary Group. The fortress was tall, and bulky. It looked haphazardly put together by the average person who looked on it, but rare has Maikumaru seen fortifications as fine as this. The guards watched him. The Black Dragons had been in Earth Country for some time. They knew who he was. The only watched him as he admired the fortress. He liked the rugged look. It reminded him of himself. “Excuse me. Who are you? What are you doing here?” Maikumaru looked at them. They knew who he was. But it was a bit unbelievable that the Tsuchikage would arrive to their base. “I’m the Nineteenth Tsuchikage. I’m here to see your leader. Let me in.” They looked at each other. They didn’t want to face Maikumaru. They knew that was resistance was futile. And the stepped aside, and they each pulled the lever, opening the gate to the hideout. Maikumaru’s eyes widened. It wasn’t just a fortress. It was an entire village. Granted the village was small, but the interior matched the exterior. Rugged and cruel. Everyone who was going about their business looked on him. They looked at the Tsuchikage. And in the center of the village was a hut, one of the many huts. But this one had the skull of a giant lizard at the top of it. Everyone around Maikumaru whispered and looked on him. He ignored their gaze, as no one attempted to stop him. As soon as he walked to the door, he opened it, and saw that inside was a man sitting on a hair, surrounded by women, who were lounging around. This man was particularly of a more on the larger and rounder side. A far cry from what Maikumaru expected to be a leader of a Mercenary Group. The man looked at Maikumaru, a bit startled, but unafraid. “Well isn’t it the Tsuchikage. And what a surprise. You have come into MY estate. And without guards. This is quite the situation you seem to have put your se-”

“Save it. Keep moving that jaw of yours, and I can guarantee that it will be removed from your face. If I were you I’d show me a bit more respect. Because if you don’t Not only will I enjoy butchering your fat ass, before I do I’m going to leave, kill any of your goons who decide to get in my way, and come back with all Iwagakure Shinobi to regn hell down on you. Do I make myself clear?”

His eyes were widened. He stopped lounging and leaned forward in his chair. And then he smiled. His smile immediately evolved to full on laughter. “Do you honestly think you can scare me? Huh? You are as bit of the fool as I would expect from a leashed dog. But let’s put these threats aside. You came here to talk business I’m sure. And I can be a very agreeable man if the price is right. And being a man of your status the price will probably be more than right. And as a sign of good faith, I will give you one of my females.” Maikumaru looked around. Women started to eye him hungrily. He inwardly shuttered.

“Your offer is appreciated, but I’m here for a grander reward. I am in need of your services. Your permanent services.”

“What are you saying, welp?”

“I want your organization to become officially part of Iwagakure. I have something big coming, and as of now, I’m in the need of the assistance.”

“If you want an army, you are going to have to pay for it. Just like everyone else.”

“I can assure you after the deed is done-”

“The problem with that, Lord Tsuchikage, is that we are an upfront organization.”

The Iron Lord glared at Maikumaru, who returned the gaze. “I’m not going to leave here satisfied.” The large man reached behind his throne. And when his hand reappeared, in it was a very big hammer. “Are we going to have to start this off on a bad note, Lord Tsuchikage?” Maikumaru reached behind his back, and unhooked the chains that kept a hold of his gauntlets. He placed them all, and pounded his fists together. “Looks like, I’ll have to use brute force.” The guards were about to brandish their weapons, before the Iron Lord waved them off. “No. I got this. It would be fun to do a little tussle with the Tsuchikage.

He made his move toward the Tsuchikage, his hammer hoisted up on his shoulder. He raised it up and heaved it down. Maikumaru was far faster than he could be. The Earthbound Brawer leapt to the left using his right leg, and then with his left, he pounced at the Iron Lord, his fist ramming into his side. With his left hand. And then, he used his right fist to cause an uppercut, one powerful enough to send the Iron Lord crashing out of his own roof.

Maikumaru leapt to the hotel he made, and jumped on the roof. He saw that the Iron Lord had fallen to the ground below. The Tsuchikage walked over to look down on him. He smiled. He walked off the edge of the Hutt, and landed in front of him. The Iron Lord stumped to his feet, and looked up at Maikumaru, clutching his hammer. He stood back, while Maikumaru assumed his brawler stance as his always does. The Iron Lord began to spin around, holding out his hammer. He picked up a considerable speed until he was a tornado. “Wind Release: Iron Tornado!” He started to move closer to Maikumaru who held out his hand. Immediately, he caught the hammer, putting the vortex to a halt, and baffling the Iron Lord. The Brawler pulled the Hammer out of his hands, and threw it to the ground. He took off his gauntlets, and set them on the ground. He dashed forward, and, with his bare hands, drove his fist into the man’s jaw. Maikumaru grabbed his shirt before he could fall over. And jammed his fist into his side. Maikumaru lifted him up on his shoulder, and dashed forward. The Tsuchikage charged like a relentless rhino, with everyone watching, wondering or not if they should help their leader. His charged stopped, finally slamming into another hut, causing a crack in its exterior. He let the man fall on his butt, and allowed him to lean up against the cracked hut. He looked around. “Don’t just stand there! Do something! KIll him!” Maikumaru looked at everyone with a hungry look in his eyes. He wanted some more action. But they didn’t want to be pounded into a red paste.

Maikumaru turned to them all. “You all are now in service of Iwagakure. For the time being, you will do as planned, until further notice.” Maikumaru smirked. I can assure you...you will be rich beyond your wildest dream. I swear, on my title as Kage: this will be worth your while.” They all looked at each other. The only thing these mercenaries cared about was the bottom line. They all looked back at Maikumaru. They also knew what would happen if they refused. In the end, they would be getting riches and they wouldn’t have to feel the wrath of the Tsuchikage. “As your first act in my charge…” Maikumaru pointed to The Iron Lord. “Kill him…”

1327 WC

WC Banked For Taijutsu training

Maikumaru’s work was far from done. There were other companies he had to go to. But this one was different, and of the illegal sort. It was a gang of bandits. Maikumaru would frequently have a run in with them when he lived in the mountains, but they were far too plentiful for him to stamp out completely. He was able to somewhat keep them from getting too much power by regularly thwarting them or attacking their members, and disappearing off into the mountains. They had once sent twenty of them in order to capture them.

They were known as Shi no Soshiki. They were the most persistent and vicious gang Maikumaru had to deal with. Some of their members gave him a run for his money. Some were even able to defeat him. He knew where there fortress was. He rendezvoused with some of his ANBU and members of Kuroi Ryū. They were going to Siege their HQ, and declare himself it's new leader. They had their weapons and jutsu ready. The Tsuchikage stood with them all. The fortress was built into a mountain, similar to the types of homes in the Land of Mountains. They weren't as carved into buildings as Iwagakure was. It was just a giant mountain with cave systems carefully built in. Maikumaru held out his hand. One of the Kuroi Ryū handed him a map. He briefly looked through it. Special sensory ninja were able to get the layout of the entire fortress. “Try not to kill too many of them. We need most of them alive. Kill only if you have to. Now, go have fun out there.”

Everyone, including Maikumaru, rushed towards the fortress. Taijutsu and Weapon specialists were to lead the charge. In the back were those who used long ranged weapons and jutsu, firing it all at the mountain. By the time they started to fire back, the Rear assault kept them busy while Maikumaru and his allies rushed through one of the entrances. There was an archer in front of it, and when Maikumaru made the great leap to the inside. It caught him by surprise. Maikumaru placed his hand over his mouth and nose, suffocating the archer. The inside of the mountain was a system of caves. It was dark and light by Raiton Chakra clung to the wall. There were trophies all over the wall. Most of them were weapons, with slits of paper below each one, explaining who was defeated, and how the weapon was obtained.

The archers aimed at Maikumaru who smiled, and held his victim up in front of him. This was a test. A test to see how much honor and comradery they had for one another. Would they be willing to risk killing a potential ally? Was money and the bottom line all that kept them together? None of them fired. It was a good sign. However Maikumaru noticed that they all gestured to one of them. He had his arrow trained on him. Maikumaru made eye contact with him. They looked at each other, glaring in one another’s direction. The other archers didn’t look as confident. The archer in Maikumaru’s hand finally passed out. He let go of his mouth and nose, letting his head slump to the side. Giving the archer a clear shot. The arrow whised through the air. It was fast, but Maikumaru was just a tad bit faster. He raised the archer he was hold and allowed the arrow to shoot through his shoulder. He instantly woke up and shouted in pain. His screashes were heard, but Maikumaru tossed his body to the side. It wasn't out of uncaring for his fellow bandit member that drove him to the attack. It was his overconfidence in his own skills. It gave the Tsuchikage the answer he needed.

He slammed his fist the the ground, causing a shockwave that knocked everyone away from him. He raced forward, using his sprint burst jutsu to travel through the narrow tunnels system. They were littered with fighting of all kinda, and Maikumaru was just fast enough to avoid them all. He delved deeper into the mountain, until he approached what he was looking for. By using Gaia’s Eyes he was able to spot his target. Their leader. He raised his fist, and smashed it through the floor ground. He fell to the center of the mountain. The War Room. This is where the inter circle would meet. But all their was was their leader. He was naturally shorter than Maikumaru. He said nothing and sat in his chair, staring at the Tsuchikage. "Lord Tsuchikage…to what I owe this pleasure?"

He had a mysterious vibe to him. One that was businesslike. He was very formal. It unnerved Maikumaru, but he didn't show it. But he didn't need to. The leader of the black dragon was known Neiko. Maikumaru didn't know much about him, other than he was the leader. "I'm here to inform you that you will no longer be leading Kuroi Ryū. Step down peacefully." Neiko smiled. And then he bursted out laughing. "Do you honestly think that they will follow you, Lord Tsuchikage? They are loyal to only me. Money isn't the only thing that drives them. It's adoration for me. For my strength. I command respect from them. What makes you think that..."

"Then I have a business proposition. One that can make you very wealthy. And further my goals."

"Im listening."

"As you know, Imai, the son of the Daimyo is trying to reestablish the Dynasty. He has a lot of followers. But I'm looking for followers in the form of more capable people."

"You want us to be your mercenaries? Now…listen Lord Tsuchikage, I know a great deal of you. Do you think with your history with the Kuroi Ryū that I'd comply?"

"Here me out. If you and the Kuroi Ryū can stop committing crimes, and fight under me, I can make you a wealthy man. I can call off my army right now. You call off yours. And then we can talk."

"Alright, Tsuchikage. I'll give you that much."

"You won't regret it."

1047 WC

Jigoku. The pit. An underground prison. It was a prison known the suck the life out of its inmates. The lack of sunlight. The lack of human interaction. Maikumaru was very strict when it came to following the law. He aided in its construction some time back, using Doton to systematically form complex tunnel systems. It took the guards weeks to familiarize the seemingly random cave system. The Tsuchikage wanted to do more than just build a central prison. He wanted to utilize its construction in order to make a statement. The statement of fear. It was easy for rumors to be implemented into the heads of the Citizens. Into the minds of all of Earth Country. Some say torture is frequent. Some say the prisoners are forced to beat each other. Some say cannibalism occurs.

While a lot of the rumors are just that, some of them are a reality. A lot of the more "distasteful" convicts suffer the worst treatment. They are play things to the guards. The are put through physical and emotional abuse. Some of the prisoners have committed suicide. The Tsuchikage not only knows about this, but he relishes in the horrible deeds. It was a hobby to him, like it was enforcing his will upon the bandits in his time in the mountains.

The Tsuchikage walked through the cave. The lights that were installed were very dim. Guards patrolled up and down the halls, wearing Oni Masks. The each bowed to the Tsuchikage as he walked by. Passing one of the cells, Maikumaru could see shadowy silhouettes on the wall. He could see a figure, beating down on another. Blood stained the walls. There were quiet sobs. When entering Jigoku, there was a horrible wretched feeling of hopelessness. Of sadness. Of pain. Of suffering. Of anguish. It truly was Hell. Maikumaru created Hell. The Tsuchikage was proud of this creation, however it garnered the eyes of his rivals. Those who are making bids at the Daimyo position. Maikumaru still pretends to be uninterested. He knows that they plan to put him in line if any one of them become Daimyo. But they didn’t know of his own bid for power. His own plans that he was determined to bring to the light. His own vision for the future of Earth Country. But he had to be patient. Time will come sooner or later. As of now he was going to spend his time in Jigoku.

Maikumaru reached out, and placed his hands on the walls, dragging his hands across them. Maikumaru smiled, letting his hands brush against the cell doors. He stopped and opened one up. Inside there was a skinny looking inmate. His hair was long, and a beard had grown. Grey streaks in his hair were visible. He flinched away from the door. “Guards. Take this one to the room. The Oni Masked men ran in and subdued the man, shoving him around, and grabbing him.

This was the interrogation room. Its where torture was done. Blood painted the floors, and small bits of flesh that have yet to be fully picked off the walls remain. Maikumaru had him strapped in his seat. He went over to the sink and washed his hands. “Hello there. You are the unlucky fucker who will be my plaything for today. I’m in need of learning some more medical ninjutsu, and you were just the most unlucky fucker to be randomly selected.” The man struggled in his restraints. His mouth was sealed shut by a Fuinjutsu, markings over his mouth. The Tsuchikage required no words. He placed his hands on the man’s chest, feeling his heartbeat heightened make a frantic and fast rhythm. He was feeling fear. The way that Daremo used his medical was in a very offensive way, degrading his enemy's health over time. Maikumaru had a different approach to it. He would weaken his enemies and use both taijutsu and medical ninjutsu to strengthen and heal himself respectively, sometimes even a combination of the two, allowing him to use his preferred style of offense.

Maikumaru needed to weaken this man. But he knew that he could do so much more with a bit of imagination and ingenuity. The Tsuchikage took out a sharp Kunai and made a cut along his own arm. He stepped back and went into his brawling stance. He breathed and focused his chakra around him. The inmate before him looked tired. And the wound on his arm was healed. Maikumaru flexed his wound, and smirked. He smiled and leaned his head towards the inmate. “How are you enjoying your stay at Jioku?” The inmate shook his head. He breathed heavy. He slumped in his chair. Maikumaru reached out and touched his chest. His heart was beating even faster. And sweat dripped from his forehead. His stamina had been sacrificed to Maikumaru, healing himself. This was a very advantageous jutsu, one that allowed Maikumaru the ability to punish his enemies for damaging them. For ever time their power was decreased, Maikumaru’s would increase. And rather than ebbing away at the target, The Tsuchikage would then go head first into his preferred style of combat afterward. And it would be a lot easier. Maikumaru decided to do another test at another jutsu. He broke into his brawling stance once more. Maikumaru continued to siphon his strength away from him. Until the inmate couldn’t handle it anymore, and passed out. Maikumaru’s muscles tensed up, and twitched with raw power. He walked over to the inmate and used a jutsu that scanned his body. His muscles had lost a lot of their density. His stamina was lowered drastically. And Maikumaru had an increase in all of those factors. And because of his Kekkei Genkai, he was empowered even more than the average shinobi would. “Guards! My work here is done.” The Oni Masked men dashed in the room, grabbing the inmate and rushing away. Jigoku. This hell was Maikumaru’s personal playground. A masked man walked through the door. His Oni Mask was a lot more fearsome than the others. He was the Warden. The Head Demon. Maikumaru turned around. “Lord Tsuchikage. The Special prisoner has arrived.” The Tsuchikage cocked his head. “Has he revealed any information?”

“He’s revealed much. He’s the cowardly sort, giving up information easily in fear of torture. At any rate, we do know that along Imai is getting suspicious of you. He is the only one who is recognizing you as a threat.”

“Then I must hurry. How is Jigoku running?”

The Warden answered quick and suddenly. “Very smoothly, Lord Tsuchikage.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”


1119 WC

In front of Maikumaru was the head of construction. This man, Aramusha, was leading the the construction of the Juggernauts, powerful machines of war being secretly built by Iwagakure. “What do we have so far? And when does testing start.”

“Well, Lord Tsuchikage, so far they are are amphibious as requested. We had a special hammer installed into the center of the vehicles. It needs chakra to be used to its fullest. When used properly, it slams to the ground and creates a large earthquake effect. We’ve recently tested this, and the results are astounding. We’ve installed the Chakra Canons, updated the metal plating, added infantry carry. Lord Tsuchikage...this is a force to be reckoned with. No one will stand against you for long with these at your beck and call. And were we able to have inferior models built for smaller units. Operable for weaker shinobi.”

“You’ve done well, Aramusha.”

“Lord Tsuchikage. May I ask you a question?”

“What is it?”

“When you use these in actual combat, I would like to be among you to witness the use of the Juggernauts.”

“You’ll be the first to know. What about you?” Maikumaru turned to the other participant in the room. Her name was Shiho. She was head of a different project. She was antsy, and pasted throughout this meeting. “It was...a success, Lord Tsuchikage. A complete success.”

“We’ve made several. And are in the process of making more. We tested on animals, it's a complete success.” The Tsuchikage nodded. He waved them away, and left the office. He had a meeting to get to.

Sitting before the council, Maikumaru leaned back with his feet on the table.   “Lord Tsuchikage. You called in this meeting.”

“I wanted to tell you all that I am going for the position of Daimyo. In a sense.” The elderly council members looked at each other. “Is that the cause of this Secret Militarization.”

“Yes. I have a dream for not just the Hidden Stone, but for all of Earth Country. We’ve completed the construction of Warships, and the Construction of the Juggernauts. Completion of the artificial chakra systems.  I have to strike fast and strike hard if I’m going to be successful. . I have assimilated mercenary groups into our ranks. Including bandits. I’m gonna go to Kumogakure to get more.”

“But how will you obtain the money to support all of this.”

Maikumaru smirked, and looked at the Council. “We invade Gold Country. Soon. And I mean very soon.”

426/3919 WC [Exit]

Perception, Speed, and Dexterity B~1->B~2