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Naruto Saga » Kaminari no Kuni » Kumogakure » Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei]

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1Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Sun Apr 17, 2016 4:23 pm

Kenji Chikara

Kenji Chikara


D-rank
Playing in the background:

The prison blacksmiths were going about their daily routine of sharpening weapons. They were also experimenting with new alloys for steel bars and other confinement means. It was as if the blacksmiths were placed in a trance by the constant scraping and clanging of metal. Whenever a substantial amount of time went by without the familiar sound, a look of panic would afflict them. Working down where they did changed them. They were currently the closest thing to androids. Their facial expressions were void of change. Their movements were methodical. Those in charge of Athos' Keep put a lot of pressure on them to insure the security of the Prison.

Chains and other confinements on the residents were a common sight. Another typical sight was the gleam. All the bars had maximum sheen. Almost everything metal had a pristine polish. This was by the request of the legendary Sanin of Kumogakure. Chikara, Kenji. It was to augment the effectiveness of Kumo's response to any kind of riot. Kenji was known and feared for his Genjutsu prowess, and he specialized in using reflection triggered Genjutsu. Therefore, the state of the metal in the Prison made it possible to cast Genjutsu easily on a mass of prisoners.

It was common knowledge that the most dangerous criminals were housed in Athos' Keep. This fact made hidden Cloud Village an intimidating place. It also caused villagers to view employees as fools, because not only were they in constant danger but their identity often had to be held anonymous, and they were often unable to have relationships with people. For sure, it was at the top of the list for most isolating and stressful occupations. However, it also made the employees cold. Even a lot of the sadistic criminals feared the guards and the blacksmith workers for their almost unhuman demeanor. The prisoners properly named them the "Hollow Hearts of the Keep".

The clanging metal was incessant. Entered was one of the supervisors. The clanging stopped and their eyes wavered as if something had been triggered. They all rose to their feet. "We are the keepers of the Keep. Our work will cut off the head of any unruly dragon. Together, our dedication is impenetrable."  A grotesque grin grew on the face of the new entry. "Very good. Now please, let that sweet sound resume."

2Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Sun Apr 24, 2016 8:27 am

Tenmei

Tenmei


D-rank
She knew her name. That much had always been certain. As had the nature of her clan and where her home had once been. There was something there, about how to get there and why she couldn't go back; however like everything else, it was starting to fade... to blur. Who was this person....this candle? Where was she going and what was she still doing here? Past moments would tell her that she came here searching for some semblance of closure, and yet the only thing that she could remember coming across; was more open ended questions with no end in sight. She was looking for someone but had lost pieces of herself. Then she tried putting them back together, but just kept falling apart. And now... now she was just wanting, searching, trying to make her way out. And yet.... the the young female had somehow wandered deeper than ever, in to this strange country. Oooh yes. Tenmei Sotsuji had no damned idea where the hell she was. One moment she was wandering the land between the Heaven's tower and the Thunder grounds, collecting up the pieces along the way. And the next, her body had wandered off, leaving her mind to race to catch up. Following each footstep in to a place where others feared to tread. Athos Keep.


Who are you? What are you doing here?


It was a prison. She didn't need her father's history books to tell her that. Separated from the clouds and crowds; with warning signs painted on every surface, and cautions begging at every corner; even the worst kind villians and criminals that were housed behind the steel bars within would rather find themselves facing their end inside Kirigakure's once standing prison. It was a place for the guilty and the misjudged... which was maybe why the young ebony haired female walked straight through the wary standing guards and ventured within it's candle lit depths. Never hesitating. Never missing a step. She didn't in fact even so much as pause until she reached the gleaming bars of the first holding cell. Until she caught the reflection of the creature staring blankly back with silver eyes and empty features.
What are you? Who are you looking at?

It was hard to tell within the dancing dark shadows of the Keep. She could only just make out the soft glow of ivory white beneath the darkness of her hood, and the slight red tinting. There was a flash of black metal within the cloak and the hint of a warm breeze that she vaguely recognized but the shrouded masked face belong to a stranger. An unusual individual who slowly made her way past the other unrecognizable faces and towards the eerie sounds that were coming from the very belly of this dank place.


Chink. Clang. Grating metal against metal.


She couldn't stand the sound. The scream of metal being whittled away by strength and stone. The resonating howl of hot materials being struck again and again until it was just right. That unmistakable groan of doors opening and closing, resisting the pressure that rebellious put on foundations. Focusing on the barely audible sound of her light, steady footsteps, was all she could do to keep her from getting lost in the screaming and pleading... the crying and sobbing. No one deserved this place. Not the murderers living out their life sentence nor the people who were doomed to work among them. And certainly not ever growing collection of people who were merely convicted for coming from a place that breathed mist instead of cloud. No, they may have betrayed the Sotsuji and they may no longer be her people..... Tenmei may not know who she was right now; but she knew who she wasn't. She wasn't the type of person to ignore the power that brought her here. This wandering nin was no hero and no villian. And she was certainly not the type of person to shy away from such injustice when it presented itself so clearly.

And so she continued through the darkness, through the noise.... through her doubts until she was only a dark corner away from the center of this chaos.

"I thought Athos Keep was where the vermin are kept....." the soft voice of the female echoed through the tunnels from her darkened corner, weaving its raspy, distorted, yet velveteen tones between the harshness of the orchestra of working metals. "So why is it that your Kage has thrown these helpless... harmless civilians in to these cages? How grievous are their crimes?"
As soon as the words had left her lips, the female backed further in to the corner, and ducked away to another position, blowing out the occasional lantern as she went. It only took a few less flames to give her enough of a shadow to creep around in. To blend in with. Though, those well kept metal  surfaces restricted where she could go.
"You can polish this prison until it shines like glass, but it's not going to change it from being what it is. A gold jail is still a jail and you people keep them in their cages like animals. Disgusting"

Another extinguished flame. A slight adjustment in position.
Tenmei slowly crept closer to the lit area so only the steely ginger eyes and the pale luminescence of her mask could be seen from beneath her hood. The remainder of the heavy cloak blending in with what remained of the shadows. The female didn't even feel her hand come up around the twin bladed dagger kept at her thigh.

"Let. Them. Go"

The hollow hearts of the keep were supposed to be frightening.
But so was she.....


-----------------

Words:966

3Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Sat Apr 30, 2016 7:18 pm

Kenji Chikara

Kenji Chikara


D-rank
At the beckon of their supervisor, the Hollow Hearts of the Keep resumed their work. Grinding metal until their meticulous nature was satisfied. From an outsider's perspective, their appetite for perfection was insatiable. "I thought Athos Keep was where the vermin are kept....." An unfamiliar note suddenly rang in their ear... it was too soft... it caused panic. Their eyes darted at the door... it was not their supervisor again...



One of the workers began to smile manically. "Keepers... do you not know that sound?" His voice was brimming with excitement. There was one sound they adored even more than the sound of their work. The other workers looked confused. Then the foreign sound crossed the borders of their ears once more. "So why is it that your Kage has thrown these helpless... harmless civilians in to these cages? How grievous are their crimes?"


"Ohhhhh!!!! Yes, we know this sound! It is the faint and futile speech of an intruder. Their voices are always as soft and as frail as their bodies." It was the sound of an intruder that they loved more than anything. This was why they prided themselves in their work. I like the sound of the gurgling from blade piercing their neck. I like the sound of them panting, as the realization of their eminent demise robs them of oxygen. I like the sound of their initial confidence... this voice sounds more confident than usual. Get your best blades everyone.

One of the blacksmiths stepped out and met the faint flicker of the invader's eyes. "We are amused by your sound. You speak of things that do not exist here. Helplessness? No one is helpless, we are just enforcers. Harmless? I have wounds to show otherwise. Civilians? Not a familiar concept. Not even we are civilians... you will find soon there is nothing civil about us. Perhaps you need a full tour of the facility? The 'civilians' can tell you about their transgressions better than I can." His eyes were eerily wide, a product of his work environment and having to attend so strenuously to details. He had heightened senses, and could hear the intruder's faint breath.

You can polish this prison until it shines like glass, but it's not going to change it from being what it is. A gold jail is still a jail and you people keep them in their cages like animals. Disgusting"

"Jail... DISGUSTING?!!!" his teeth began to grind together as if he was back in the shop adjacent to him. "This is a keep. We keep peace. We keep strength. We keep security. The notes that make up the melody of the keep, could never produce something... dis---gus---... I do not know. Maybe you're right. Allow me to check with my colleagues."  The remaining 7 workers stepped out and filled half the width of the passage. The corridor had many entrances into other parts of the area. A little in front of them were two adjacent passages. One led to a boiler room. Even though the door was sealed shut, a few films of steam began to snake through. The other led to a spacious storage place. And more specialized area were behind them.

They all had similar crazed and distant looks. Despite the dazed expression, it also seemed to be the expressions of individuals so engrained and obsessed with observation. Their eyes craved stimuli, and they were hungry. Whatever their latched onto, they pursued relentlessly. "Sometimes it is hard to tell what they're thinking, but Im hearing they dont agree with you."


The worker that exited first and the one that was engaging in conversation was the presumed leader and stood in front of the rest. Behind him chatter and snicker began. The snorkeling laughs and high pitch and discontinuous laughter was eerier. "SHOW US YOUR METAL" "WE HEARD IT" "CHINK CLICK CLICK EEE---EE, YES THATS THE SOUND" "IS IT A FINE PIECE?" "WE'LL TAKE IT AND IMPROVE IT" "IF IT IS DULL WE'LL TORTURE YOU" "LET'S COMPARE"

"Let. Them. Go"

"Sure. On one condition. Your blade makes a sound that is pleasing to our ear. But you should know, we are very tough critics." His voice was unbalanced and constantly changing slightly, much like the sound of their work.

All the workers were of Chuunin rank but exceptionally skilled with bladed weapons. They were also all skilled in katon and doton nature manipulation. The main guards, warden, and the special emergency prison guard Kenji, were the only ones of higher rank. This contributed to blacksmith's reputation. They were of a low rank, but because of their sadistic personalities and them all essentially being sociopaths and psychopaths, they were still extremely dangerous. Also, their work called for keen eyes and few mistakes. This translates well into combat and makes them feared among most of the inmates. Many fear them more than the guards.

"I really am sorry for dragging you into the affairs of Athos' Keep. However... you brought this on yourself. A few dangerous men escaped years back, as a direct cause of your inability to obtain certain intel in a timely fashion. Then, after the escape, you conveniently left for training. Do not misunderstand, this is not punishment. Back in your special jounin days, you were at the top of the village's espionage unit. Those skills are currently needed. Since we house some of the most dangerous shinobi in the world, we are always a target for infiltration. Who better to contend infiltration than a person who is so good at it." The warden was always a reasonable man, making himself very difficult to disagree with. Kenji's head rested on his fist for most of the Warden's speech. "Halsu... I have been ordered to obey your commands, as I was ensured they were in the best interest of the village. Save your breath for whenever an uprising might ensue. I have been asked to assist the blacksmiths... or... the keepers of the keep... or... the hollow hearts or something. As a weapon specialists it has been suggested that we implement more weapons styles. Outside of kenjutsu and swordsmanship. Onojutsu can be very useful in a supplemental sense, by targeting multiple inmates, and adds versatility in attack. Also, Kyujutsu, so that we can launch counter measures from a distance. You just stay still, I will report back later." Halsu had a look of annoyance on his face. He could tell he was being belittled by Kenji. The Sanin claimed he was here to follow orders, but his tone said otherwise. The slick shinobi was keen to having his way and getting it by any means. He was also adept at taking seemingly disadvantageous circumstances and molding them to benefit him. Kenji left the Warden's office and was now on his way down the stairs to meet the blacksmiths. The stairwell was dimly lit and shielded with protective glass. Kenji could barely see some of the cells, and the ones that were in his field of vision was not even a third of the inmates. Kenji was still quite a way from the workshop BUT he could normally hear the infamous melody of the Keep by now. It seems the prison is starting to treat the blacksmiths better, they're giving them breaks now. Great, I hate that incessant cringing sound anyway. I still do not understand how they endure without going... Kenji's expression became solemn... The last time he interacted with them, even he was slightly scared. They lacked many human qualities.

4Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Thu Jun 09, 2016 7:01 am

Tenmei

Tenmei


D-rank

Noise.
That's all it was

-------


Just a horrendous symphony of noise. All those sounds of before. That chilling grating and frightening grinding. The jingles and jangles, the clinging and clanging and creaking and cackling of all those ravenous creatures around her. They all blended in together to form one chaotic melody that echoed through her ears and down in to her rib cage. Ricocheting around her bones.  Deafening the young female to her own voice that echoed out over the vengeful vermin hoard like an angry mother lion.... No. No, the only thing the female could hear over the din was the nature of the words that escaped her lips. The single command for "Silence".
They wanted to see her sword. Hear its call. Feel its touch. Well then... she would show it to them. And Tenmei Sotsuji would make sure that they remembered it until the moments that they took their last breath.

"I said... Quiet!" she called out again, raising her voice so that she too could hear the malice in her own voice. "You want to hear my sword? Learn it's song? Then stop this nonsense and hush. Listen. For this lullaby would be the last you will ever hear"

She would wait. With the patience of a predator, the ronin would wrap her steady fingers around the hilt of her sword and slowly... slowly drew it from it's resting place. Pulling it free from it's sheathe in a single movement before holding the blade out in front of her so it could catch the flickering candle light. This however, was not what she would use to grab the group of smith's attention. It was the slightly seductive whisper...the genteel howl that slipped out in to the musky underground air and the chilled breeze that followed the steel's path. This sword... this weapon that had been crafted within the depths of the Thunder Grounds and forged with the potent air from the pristine Kumo skies and the white heat from the forest of lightening;.... Her old sword Silver, was her last tie to the village she had once belonged. With that gone, the blade was not only sharp enough to cut deep in to it's prey. It was sharp enough to slice through the last bond she had from her former position back in Kirigakure.

And if they thought that a Sotsuji would go in to a fight and not use the heat she was blessed with..... then they had another thing coming.

----

It would take a second. The moment the gentle whispering faded, it would be drowned out by a quiet roaring as a cloak of pure heat would rip through the air, rolling off her shoulders and then growing to form over her head to mimic the hood. Seamlessly taking the place of the resilient dark material cloak she had worn before. And then..... it would ignite. The heat formed shroud would burn like hot like magnesium in the darkness, illuminating every shadowy crevass for a fragile second, potentially blinding exposed eyes. It was brutal. Terrible. Cruel. And it was in that moment.... in that shard of time... she would embrace the full speed that the jounin possessed and dashed to place herself right before the leader that would dare taunt her and slice down with her blade. Aiming to slice the cretin from collar bone to hip. Using the sheer strength of the weapon to cut him down in one fatal slice. But that wasn't all that. Tenmei was never one to go in to a fight without being prepared for anything.
So, underneath the tanned layer of skin, heat was rapidly building. A fierce wave ready to explode if someone dare interrupt the one on one slaughter.... or challenge if the leader happened to block her attack fast enough. Or good enough. Either way it didn't matter. Whether the attack succeeded or not and that first attack connected, she would continue on to swing her blade around and slice at his neck.

And if that attempt succeeded. Well..... it would be on to the next with the reverse. Neck, then down the middle. Otherwise... she would be try... and try and try again. Slashing with her blade until she cut him down.
Injustice deserved no mercy.

"Listen carefully, you mutts. The only thing you are succeeding at is just wasting my time so I am only going to say this once. The only people I am concerned about here are not the criminals you lock up here in your precious keep, but the innocent Kirigakure nin your kage had arrested during his selfish little temper tantrum. I have come here, simply to see that this injustice has been corrected. So I will say this one. Last. Time.  Free them. Let them go....."

With her ginger tinged eyes glaring through the darkness at the hoard of strangers, the female held her blade still and kicked out with her left foot towards the male's abdomen, either getting him away or removing his bleeding remains, free from the metal. Creating another opening and maybe offering a final chance to the surrounding men. One last chance to run. Because really, the female shinobi wasn't in the mood for a blood bath. She had satisfied that urge for vengeance back in Suna. But that didn't mean that if she wasn't pushed, she wouldn't kill every breathing creature in this room. After all, she was but a candle. A small and vivid flame. Burning only bright enough to lighten one small corner of this little room.... but capable of burning a god damned house to the ground so there was nothing left.

"...Let them go. Or join the corpses you keep rotting in here...."

And there would be nothing left.

----
Words: 977

The Sword:

Chakra 225/250:

5Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Fri Jun 17, 2016 12:31 pm

Kenji Chikara

Kenji Chikara


D-rank
A ripple of concern propagated through his body, leaving him still on the staircase. He was halfway to the final floor where he was to meet with the blacksmiths when he became stunned by unknown worry. 

What is wrong with me? Why have I been stricken with sudden worry?

...Oh no! I did not clean my katana!!!! If those steel obsessed clean freaks see even a smudge, they'll pry it from me and keep for weeks!

Kenji would not allow such an inconvenience. He kept a special mixture on him just for this, since it had happened so many times. He took out the bottle and a rag. The mixture was very potent, and only a few drops were needed to bring the illustrious luster back to his long katana. Despite it's potency, Kenji still had to be thorough. Several minutes transpired before the katana was to his liking. The Supa Hane katana was an S rank weapon, and well known among Athos Keep, it was a certainty that it would draw attention from the blacksmiths.

A serene wave of relief seamlessly rushed through his body. He smirked and continued his route to "No mans land."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The keeper's taunting was halted by an emphatic explosion. The blast quickly contained itself and clothed the savior. The beasts' eye stayed open. Absorbing all of it with cringing grins. They were half crazy half confident in their other senses. However,  it did not appear that the woman would take advantage, instead, she would offer them one last chance to concede.

Conceding was inconceivable. A resounding boom of laughter expelled from them all. "You... think... we're it... We let intruders like you in, just to see them bleed out. You want to be with your Kiri comrades so bad huh! Don't worry, we can accommodate you all!"

This response will be their downfall. They were facing a missional woman. A passionate woman. Her rage and execution knew no bound. The leader stood with that bloodthirsty sparkle in his eye. The bloodthirstiness slowly leaked from him. Drip. Drip.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kenji entered the corridor to see scorched walls, blood puddles, and slain bodies. This time, it's not the bodies of outsiders... it's the blacksmiths. His vision wavered slightly among the carnage, but it eventually settled and in his sights  manifest the back of a hooded person... the assassain.

"I like to think you put them out of their misery... they were without any connection to this world.., I am ashamed of this."

There was something eerie about this person. The hall was hotter than usual, and it seemed to be radiating from her. It caused a familiar sensation. I want to know who you are.

6Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Thu Jun 30, 2016 11:56 pm

Tenmei

Tenmei


D-rank
She used to always hold back

No longer

-----------------

There it was. The slight intimate smile, privately dressing blood speckled lips. The twitching of heat rippled fingers coiling tighter around the hilt. The flickering dim light of dwindling candles sharing reflections with the ember like spark in her silver eyes; It was that one last chance for compliance. For mercy. For a quick end. Because the last thing they would hear was the almost whispering inhale as the woman breathed in the smoke scented oxygen, raised her sword in front of her and stepped forward in to hoard. And then... and then everything went exactly as she had wanted it.
The unique wind blessed blade almost sang through the musty air as it came crashing through the first's chest. Slicing through his flesh like frail fabric before reversing her grip, and slicing back to parry his slower strike away and split his throat. Forcing his head to lop lifelessly back as she bought her foot up to kick him in to the second who tried to side step the sudden burden, but was instead faced with the high, downward cut that deformed his features. A pain that was ended by the blade following the steep line down across his ribs to the gut. To the tender area jut above the belt line; where she gracefully pirouetted  to impale the third who charged forward in a blind rage. These people, they may have been masters at crafting these blades. But they were not quite as masterful of wielding them. Not like the masked female before them.

There were four more of them. Three had seen the mistakes of attacking her one after the other, so they charged at the same time. One coming from behind and two for each side. They would corner her and take her down without mercy.... but what they didn't realize, was that: There would always be mistakes. Misjudging, misinterpreting. A misunderstanding. The second they came within a meter of the young female they would feel the kiss of second degree burns caressing her skin. The one behind her would lose the use of his hands before he even got close to wrapping his bare hands around his throat. But the other two.... they got close enough that the woman had to duck to avoid one blade and make a move towards the second. Using her superior speed in order to get close and grab his wrist. To twist it. To break it. To then manipulate his forward thrust to stab his partner in the throat. Before using her own sword to do the same to him.

As for the last... well. There was nothing he could do but watch as the silhouetted figure glided over towards him, the metal of her blade glimmering amber in the shadows, the white of her mask like luminescent pearl. All she had to do was glance towards the pile of corpses with that same smile, to tempt the man to raise his sword above his head... so she could jam the twin bladed weapon in to his belly... and twist. It was over.

They were through.

------------------------

Everything seemed to catch up after that. The violent female released a breath and lowered the newly christened weapon to her side while allowing the flame made cloak to be released from her shoulders. Letting the creation fall freely from her back before disintegrating in to a pile of ash on the ground. Adding to the mess that had become of this place.
Oh yes. As her cooling eyes wandered about the area, she had begun noticing it now. In the seconds it took to slaughter seven blacksmiths the setting of this stage had changed drastically. Where once, the ground had been cleared free of clutter and layered with dust; was now littered with bodies and blades; their red taint painting the grounds a deeper shade of red. The walls were marred with black scorch, the bars painted with both. And there was silence. Not a single sound to be.....

"I like to think you put them out of their misery... they were without any connection to this world.., I am ashamed of this."

"Yes, I suppose a better person would think that. But instead I merely delivered the consequences of their choice to stand in my way.... they should have run"

Keeping to the shadows, the female slowly turned to glimpse the next challenger through the corner of her mask. The tip of her blade raising slightly as a silent warning. For him to stay back. To stay away. To run...
She had never felt such a brutal reversal of feelings in such a short time.
There was some things that the female could never forget. Some people.... certain moments. Looking at the strangers face; she was forced to remember something that happened what seemed like a life time ago. Back in Kiri when she had thought that holding back was the best idea. When fate had saw fit to take away everything she had. It took her friends, it took her home. And it took her control so she exploded in the Water country's forest. But during that time, there were some to come to save her and the natural eco system of the country. The one who ever that she eventually succumbed to was none other than the one who was standing before her now. A ninja who went by the name of Kenji Chikara.

It wasn't likely that he recognized her in this garb. She wasn't even sure if he remembered. That time was worlds away and not even she knew who she was anymore.

"Believe what you will, stranger. My intention was not to come here and butcher a bunch of black smiths...." The female continued to say while carefully crouching down to search the leader there if he had a key or anything else of value. Never taking her eyes off the older shinobi as she went. Never letting her guard down. There was not a single ounce of trust in the female's cautiously tensed figure.
"I don't know who you are to these unfortunate souls, or what your role is here. But I suggest....unless you feel yourself deserving of the same fate then I suggest you turn around, and be convinced that you saw nothing today...." And hope that I dont accidentally release the wrong prisoner.


Truth the be told, Tenmei was beyond caring if she accidentally released a criminal or two in the process of freeing these water born individuals. Hells, she would free them all if she had to. As long as they didn't turn on her the second the chains fell off their doors; the Sotsuji would do whatever she needed to in order to complete her goal. Because despite how she felt about the place the people of Kirigakure had been good to her for a time. Even with their reluctant acceptance and the trouble she had caused them; they still allowed her to stay in their village where she felt it was safe. So, by freeing them from here, granting them a safe passage to the outside world so they may scurry off back to their rain sodden land; the woman would be repaying that unspoken debt. And just maybe....hopefully, finally it would mean severing that very last lingering tie so when she moved on. There would be nothing to look back over her shoulder at.

"These people you are ashamed of. They made the wrong decision. Make your choice now or I will make it for you" 

------
Words: 1275

7Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Wed Jul 27, 2016 12:50 am

Kenji Chikara

Kenji Chikara


D-rank
Kenji shook his head at the carnage that laid before him and the woman who searched the bodies untrustingly. As an experienced swordsman he could greatly deduce the events that took place based on the blood splatter and position of the bodies. His carnal side was screaming masterpiece. His carnal side marveled at the near spotless body of the garbed woman. His head continue to shake slightly. "I am... Chikara, Kenji... if this name does not cause you to rethink your expectations then I am worried for your health. I am one of the legendary Sanin of Kumogakure, trusted to watch over the prison on occasion. We all deserve their fate... but since you personally dealt it to them, I will make sure you receive much worse."



Naturally, Kenji would have blitzed behind blurring illusions... but something was holding him back. Normally, he had an absolute disdain for others' techniques, but he wanted to see a little of hers.  "You've already let your guard down, and you were so careful." The Sanin loved this cheap trick. It was a genjutsu designed to mimic the sensation of a poke to the target's back. This usually had a mixed result, based on what words Kenji prefaced the Genjutsu with. The plan was to plant the seed that Kenji had crept up behind her, giving him the moment he needed to attack. The lion sage would leap forward in the presumed moment of distraction and attempt a sweeping kick to the upper body. His sentiments from earlier still stood... he wanted to see what this woman was made of, as of right now he didn't want to hurt her... She was a beast indeed to be able to dispose of the blacksmiths... but what kind of beast. I just hope I am not starting this quarrel too casually, it really is not my style to play around given my poor stamina.

The scorched walls, the muggy air, and the ash. What was this concoction. One for destruction no doubt. It meant for a creature of passion, emotion, and conflict. Kenji could not see peace ever surfacing from such a combination. Only annihilation. Her voice... her body... her ... conviction! I know this person from somewhere. But... who is she, does she recognize me too but hiding her knowledge? Were we enemies, friends, lovers? I have had my share of all three. Remember, Kenji you're married now! Focus! If she falls for the Genjutsu, that would be too bad... it may be over before I can discern the nature of our relationship.

 
360/370:

8Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Sun Jul 31, 2016 8:06 am

Tenmei

Tenmei


D-rank

"You've already let your guard down,
and you were so careful."

Shit

-------
She couldn't help it. That semi subconscious reaction. The instantaneous reflex. His chilling words crept down from her ears to brush against her spine. Perfectly effortlessly, shredding away what flimsy guard she had gathered to sensitize her skin to the almost gentle push between her shoulder blades. It was so cruelly simple. The way it almost made her doubt.  Begging for her attention. Pleading for her gaze.... Oh no. No.... No. There was no helping it. Her deep tangerine eyes flickered behind her. Her attention slipped. And just as her precarious grip on her chakra loosened it's hold; a foot came flying towards her torso at incredible speed. Leaving the wandering female with only enough time to throw up her arms as he sent her skidding back towards the closest wall. Kicking up a cloud of soot and dust and particles of debris; before coming to a bone jarring halt against the wall.
It was a mighty clever trick. She could already feel the bruises start to form across her forearms and back... but the attack would not go without consequences. Because as soon as the female lost that vice like hold on her chakra... her birthright; the woman's own inner heat would tear through her skin and leak in to the air. Blessing him with minor burns, mere moments after he had made contact with her skin.

"So I see. Very well then"

No sooner had she made impact with the walls, the female righted herself and brushed off her clothes, with one hand while releasing the clasp on her cloak with the other. Leaving the dense fabric to fall lifelessly to the ground.
For the most part, the female had not changed much since she had left the village hidden in the mist, though there were some very apparent differences. For one, her hair was noticably shorter. After meeting the doppleganger in Konoha's forest, she had roughly sliced through the mass of ebony tangles in a moment of frustration and just left it to be shaped by the singing heat of her skin. What was left of her her clothes: shredded in Suna and eventually replaced. Her water made swords: all brand new. However; the most noticeable difference; was the look in her eyes. It no longer held the pain of keeping everything in. It embraced the terror of letting everything out. The anger. The frustration. Shame. But all that was hidden behind the mask and the ever changing layers of a forgotten identity. A monstrous visage which was all they would see.

-------

There was no time wasted. Before the cloak had finished fluttering to the ground; Tenmei had pushed off from the wall and swung her leg around in a perfectly practiced round house kick. Attempting to send a rolling crimson wave of pure ignited heat roaring towards him. But that wasn't all. The Sotsuji, was in fact, just getting started. As soon as her toes had touched back on to the dust coated ground.... the very moment before she felt the stability return to her stance; the young woman was once again in motion. Charging after the flaming tide with chakra building up within her fists. Aiming to strike him once with the jutsu and then again with the scorched fist that was coming straight for his left temple. Just that one solid, unrelenting attack that would hopefully send the message for him back off. To stay away, to run, and let her finish this business. Because of all the people.... of all the shinobi out of all these villages, in this god damned chaotic, twisted land; the one individual that she didn't want to cross in a  place like this: was Kenji Chikara. The person who showed her mercy when it was non deserving. The one person who saw through her pain back then and put it to sleep. Why did it have to be him?

Why didn't you just do as I asked?

The time for answers was long gone. If that attack didn't get her point across, then the next one would. Oh yes. While those first two moves were designed to deal damage. They also acted as a sly distraction. The real threat however, would come with the follow through of her empty hand. While one arm swung forward to land that brutal blow; the other would swing past and drop a tiny hand held ball of chakra to land slightly behind them. If all went to plan... if everything had succeeded the way it was supposed to.... then the second he moved backwards. Dodging, stumbling, somersaulting with finesse to get away; whatever. The moment he moved in to the planted projectile's range it would explode in to a devastating array of heat and light. Sure, it would most likely back fire and hurt her as well. But she had learned that victory came at a price. And at this point in time, Tenmei Sotsuji was willing to pay anything. After all, what more could it cost her when her when she had nothing more to lose.

"Who you are doesn't matter. The only thing that matters to me is the people wrongfully captured by the tyrant that is your Kage. And I will not stop until this wrong has been corrected"


--------
Words: 903

Chakra 160/250:

9Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Tue Sep 06, 2016 10:25 pm

Kenji Chikara

Kenji Chikara


D-rank
Just as fast as Kenji flashed forward, a smirk flashed across his face as the briefest of moments he needed was awarded to him with so little effort. As the intruder went sliding back, crashing into the nearest wall, he realized it was himself, who had let his guard fall. The increased temperature in the vicinity of the woman was no circus act, it was a legitimate offensive and defensive piece. A smothering pinch of heat attacked Kenji's upright forearms. Kenji skipped back and peaked through the a sliver of his forearms. He witnessed the woman already gathering herself. "She has some fortitude"

Her cloak feathered to the ground, her body tensed for her next response. "This passion, this unrelenting spirit... this heat, and this skill to dismember elite swordsmen..." As the heat wave which was propelled by a waxing kick galloped forward, Kenji smiled. "You have always been an unbridled flame, haven't you Tenmei?"

He was disgusted that he did not notice sooner. His calling out her identity was pointless, Kenji knew Tenmei too well. She was intentional, mission obsessed, fight possessed, Not even Kenji could deter her from her stubborn path now. "I have to try... I will give her a taste of my new strength" The sanin entered perfect sage mode. Even without sage mode, Kenji could easily dodge the attack, but he wanted sage mode to keep tabs on Tenmei at all times and increase his endurance. Precision attacks are needed to defeat Tenmei. She is too smart, too cautious. She had a back up plan ready to launch even while distracted earlier. She has also seen my speed. A brute force attack like this would not be her goal. It is a common strategy, that quantity and execution is used to defeat speed. Since she is charging me, I shall take advantage. The only noticeable change in Kenji's appearance was the faint green glow in his eyes, signifying a calculating and cruel vision.

Tenmei and the wave were almost at the same distance away from Kenji. On the surface Kenji appeared care free about the situation. "You should know this attack is too slow to worry me. I am the Sanin of Kumogakure now." He taunted. As soon as Tenmei and the wave of boiling air were within 5 meters, Kenji prepared his feet to propel himself out of harms way... but he lost his footing. He gasped in disbelief as he began to fall to the ground with the crimson tide rolling in.

Kenji prepared his hands to brace himself for the fall, but what he actually did was use the fall to shroud 5 deftly weaved hand signs. While in perfect sage mode, his speed was increased even more. With the heat wave obscuring his body, him in the act of falling, and him ultimately using his hands to catch himself from falling face first, he was confident that was all the time he needed. Besides, once the 5th sign was weaved... the Genjutsu would be launched anyway.

If everything went accordingly, a tree would emerge stopping Tenmei right in her tracks, but it would not hinder the heat wave. The heat wave was bearing closer. Kenji used wind charka to unsheathe his Hane as quickly as possible, then with the heat wave less than a foot away, he immediately pushed another surge of wind chakra to propel himself laterally out of harms way. Unfortunately for Kenji, this would push him out of range of his, possibly current, Genjutsu. His eyes would be staring her down though. If the Genjutsu was a success, after it was released she would certainly be off balance given her momentum when the illusion was cast. In her moment of re balancing, Kenji would unleash a spear of lightning chakra from his katana. Kenji would release two missiles, the first would be aimed just short of Tenmei, with intentions of colliding and exploding on the ground relatively close to her. This was to obscure her vision of the following surge of lightning force. Since Kenji was in sage mode, he could locate her easily, even instantaneously. The second missile would be launched at the arm of the reset Tenmei.


235/370 :

10Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Mon Sep 19, 2016 1:21 am

Tenmei

Tenmei


D-rank


He was right

"An unbridled flame"

---------

It was hard to imagine that twelve months ago, she would have refused to believe those words. That, back then, she would deny them. Try to fight them. Waste breath, arguing again and again against all of them. How the Sotsuji  female would swear that 'she wasn't like that'. She 'wouldn't hurt anyone' [/i]because it wasn't who she was. 'I promise. She would say Please believe me. Please...'
But that person who she was.... was gone. Stuck in the past. In that different time. In that different place. In that slowly fading space in the back of her mind. That suffocating little ember from back then stayed in the burning forest while the rest moved forward to stand before him now. Holding her own as an unbridled flame. Raw and exposed daringly dancing her way down along the line to the fuel littered floor. Staring him down from behind the mask with those glowing tangerine eyes and heat waves rippling across her slightly reddened, tanned skin.
But oh yes, almost a year ago now everything was different. Everything had been holding her back. Her fear of what she knew and didn't know. Fear of herself, fear of them... of her fate and the world she was trapped under. But now, here in this moment... in this second the only thing standing in her way was Kenji Chikara. And that was not allowed to happen any more.

Every move she made, came as easy and as effortlessly as her next breath. The perfectly performed pirouette that sent the wave of scorching heat, rolling off the woman's leg like water over the shoreline. The swift shift of momentum that propelled her after it. She was so completely focused on him... on the chakra that bloomed in her hands and the fleet footsteps tracing their line to him, that she almost missed it. Those words taunting her as she ran. The mocking tone telling her that she was too slow for him. That she wasn't good enough for the Kumogakure Sanin. Perhaps, even now she might have believed him too had she not witnessed the male's folly as he seemingly tripped up mere moments after he spoke, and was about to fall over, giving the Sotsuji the easy option to end this fight sooner than she had expected when.... when.... Nothing. Everything stopped. Her focus was shattered. Broken. Gone. Done. What....

What happened? How?

Time slowed as her mind raced over time to keep up.
Think. Concentrate. What happened?

Her attack had been flawless. Tenmei could recall the orb had partially formed in one hand, while the other coiled back for the unforgiving blow. Feet moving as fast as the wind that she chased, her heart beating a little faster with every centimeter that she drove closer. But then something caught her attention. Caused her to hesitate. He fell. Yes, that was it. But there was something else. He changed. In the space between those quietly passing seconds, something about him altered. And that was when things turned. In that one tiny fleeting moment, the Sotsuji's attention shifted enough so that her resolve trembled. Leaving her wide open. Open enough to get caught by a tree that had clearly not been there before. And just like that she was trapped. Unable to move. Unable to grab for her sword. But not even this could stop her panic fueled chakra from exploding out of her being with a fierce roar that echoed through out the prison hallways. Tearing though the 'tree' and scattering what was left of the scarred corpses that littered the ground. Nothing directly around her would be left untouched by the scorched wind..... well. Everything but the tree.... which disappeared a moment later.

What the hell is going on?

The thought barely crossed her mind as time cruelly resumed it's normal pace just as the first bullet of lighting shot straight for the female's feet, illuminating every darkened corner for a mere moment before colliding with the newly cleared ground. Throwing up stone dust and gravel in to the already smoky air; raising an arm to protect her face was all the female could do to protect herself against it's carnage. But there was nothing that she could do to defend against the next that pierced straight through the lingering shadows of the first and struck the female hard in the forearm.... At least, that is what it looked like... That was what was supposed to have happened. But instead, she was simply gone. Replace by heavily charred torso of a deceased blacksmith with nothing but a puff of smoke..... and the suddenly chilling feeling of possibly not knowing where she would end up. Where would she appear.....



"You were wrong. Kenji Chikara"

It didn't matter if he saw her movements. It wouldn't matter if he reacted fast enough. Within that same moment the kunoichi would appear behind  him with her twin bladed dagger poised at the steadily pulsing artery. Not quite touching. Not too hot. Just... there. So only the thought, the presence, and the quiet crackled words would brush against his skin.
    "In the forest that day. You told me that they wouldn't blame me. That they would forgive me. Even after all I had done" She would say, her position whatever it may be, holding firm.
   "They were lies. All lies. I was stupid. Thinking that those Kiri could forgive me after I marred their home and scarred their people. That Konoha could simply forget how I fought their Kage and threatened to burn down their forest. I am forever grateful that you saved me from back then but perhaps it was better for me to have burned with the rest of them"

If everything had gone to plan, the female would slowly draw the weapon closer. Only so it's obsidian tip would press against the skin but not drawing blood. At least not yet.
  "It doesn't matter right now. Listen to me. Your Kage has crossed the line. Imprisoning Kirigakure citizens just for being in this country. Making demands and unreasonable threats for what? Because one of his own people turned tail and walked away on their own accord. I may have done things that I am not proud of and I will face punishment for it but these people have no right to be held by some bitter child in charge of a country.

I will give you one last chance Kenji Chakara, sanin of Kumogakure. Right the wrongs of this so called leader and see those people to safety, or I will give another country another reason to not forgive me"


The land hidden in the clouds had taken a lot from her. They took the people she once called family. They took the oppprtunity for her to make this place a home.... and most of all, worst of all.... they took away the last person that she was close to. Her one last remaining friend.
Whatever his choice, he was dealing with a dangerous person. Someone who had nothing left to lose and would go out and take everything.

-------------

Words: 1207

Chakra 160/250:

11Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Sat Oct 01, 2016 5:05 pm

Kenji Chikara

Kenji Chikara


D-rank
Unbridled, undeterred, unmoved... a beautiful beast. It is time...

The stable of time shattered momentarily. Kenji's thoughts galloped back in time. A sweet reminisce was like a bunch of honey to his mental. His mind at ease now, what was it that brought him serenity...

Flashback: Kenji was staring at his watch, he blinked forcefully a couple of times in disbelief. He was running late for his interview to take temporary watch over the prison. Even though this was his punishment, they still wanted to sit down with him. A part of Kenji was happy about the current circumstance, best case scenario, his tardiness would reflect poorly on him :)

True to his indifference to the occupation and even more so to an interview, for a position he was overly qualified for, he showed up in blue jeans a pressed faded black shirt. This was an obvious annoyance tactic. A move to illustrate, despite Kenji's ability and resume, he was still not more important than the village. An idea he admittedly flirted with on a few occasion. Call it a symptom of his foolhardiness. A potentially fatal one at that.

The questions began. He scoffed through all of them without giving any of them much thought. One did cause his eyebrow to rise. "What is your greatest success abroad?" His eyes sparkled with pride. Kenji was not known for mercy, reason, or even subtlety in some cases. However, there was one incident that he deemed pivotal in his development as a shinobi and a person. He described encounter with the Kiri shinobi. A fiery princess that he dowsed in affirmation.

A muffled chuckle rang out. "Sounds like your greatest failure abroad." Kenji gulped as he reeled back slightly. He finally opened up, and delivered an actual answer, and they had the gall to insult him. "This shinobi was obviously very dangerous, and from what you described was not only a danger to other villages, but her own for crying out loud" Kenji stared them down. "I know Te... this gir... shinobi. I read her heart. I saw her bleed flames of sorrow. I heard her scream scorching bellows of despair. A person does not fly that close to the sun and not return reborn." Kenji pushed up, "I will start next week. From what I hear, this place needs to be reborn. The morale of the staff here is deplorable."

End of Flashback

Were they right. Should I have substituted their thoughts for my own. Was Tenmei reborn, but into a creation I did not design??

Almost everything went according to Kenji's plan. He had artfully fended off Tenmei's heated barrage. He was now setting in motion his chained counter. The smoke screen was set. In the dust, he could sense Tenmei's position clearly, thanks to his unison with nature. Kenji involuntarily winced as he released the second missile, heading right for Tenmei. Right as contact was due, he sensed Tenmei presence flash away...

Kenji sensed the substitution... she's behind me now, weapon drawn... I am in a tough spot As the smoke cleared he saw in Tenmei's place with a hole in the center, was one of the blacksmiths. Kenji was disgusted, but he didn't let it show.

"You have eluded me, not so skillfully, but with shear determination... a trait I am enamored with. It is why I was drawn to you to begin with... I knew the impact your passion could have with the right direction... but I was blinded to the consequences." Kenji's arms ascended slowly, his katana now upright. He slowly and slightly shifted the angle of his katana, his eyes glanced over at the steel. "I could not see myself hurting you then... I still cannot. How about you? What do you see in yourself? Do you see your people's freedom,and at any cost?"


If Tenmei eye's skipped over to the Kenji's blade, and was to see even a flicker of her reflection, an illusory and invisible dome would weave around the battle field. This dome would cast Kenji's image several meters away from Tenmei. In reality, Kenji would have not moved. He would use the shroud of Genjutsu to slash at Tenmei's legs at a blistering speed. His intentions were to severely hurt her legs, if it was a hit, he would reset from a distance. Giving her a chance to rethink her predicament. However, internally, plans of debilitating her were still brewing. An intent he would suppress for as long as possible. His focus would waver as he contemplated it, his vision blurred momentarily... "I still cannot see it..."

If Tenmei's eyes remained pierced on him, never shifting: "That is not what I wanted to hear, and neither is this..." I might have lost my grip on you for now, but I have not lost my grip on the Steel spirit...


205:

12Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Mon Oct 17, 2016 3:56 am

Tenmei

Tenmei


D-rank

"No. You cannot see"

She should have been shaking. Her hand so tight around the knife that her knuckles had paled. The other crooked in to a hand sign just behind his back. The young female was standing so close to him that he would feel the cooler temperature of her breath at the back of his neck through the greater heat that radiated from her skin. Oh yes, any other time she would be trembling like a leaf, but this time was different. This time Tenmei was as still as the stone that held this place together. Calm. Controlled. Patient. Listening to his words. Feeling for the slightest change in his posture beneath her grasp. It was an odd sensation. Being this physically close to someone yet being unable to get them to grasp your understanding. She didn't want to hurt him. But if he still refused to listen. To see her line of reasoning. Then.... then she.... No. She shouldn't focus on the 'what ifs' and 'maybes'. The man before her was a Sanin. One of the most powerful ninja in this country, the known world maybe; the Jounin needed to stay vigilant in case he did something unexpectedly unexpected. It was almost a shame that Kenji Chikara didn't disappoint.

Bringing out his sword, she could have predicted. Raising it up to do a quick turning slash to get her to back off. It would make perfect sense.
But instead, the older male suddenly disappeared from her vision before her and reappeared halfway across the room. It was a simple trick. But it was enough to catch the female off guard. Thank goodness her fortune had not run out....Yet.  It was only out of pure sheer dumb luck that she made that split second connection to move. To jump back out of the way. Out of the blade's reach..... Had her adrenaline racing, over active mind not reasoned that she didn't do anything to trigger a substitution and she could still feel the tingling breath of proximity, she would have lost her legs.
As opposed to getting a nasty gash right down her calf, adding another layer of blood to the crimson stained floor.

"You don't see anything!" the female all but yelled through gritted teeth. All while heating up the blade using her natural heat and placing it on the wound, cauterizing as she stood, half crouched with her eyes fixated firmly on him (or who she thought he was).
  "You want to know what I see? Over a week ago a shinobi by the name of Kaekio fled Kumo on her own volition. She abandoned her country. She defected and went to Kiri where they lawfully executed her as is their way
Then, in direct retaliation to this event, your so called kage ordered the arrest of every kiri ninja in the lightning country's border and had them thrown in here with murderers and people that deserve to be here.
Tell me Kenji Chikara, did you think that's right? Do you think its fair that people should be thrown in prison for the choice one other irrelevant shinobi made?"
Tenmei suppressed the wince as she stood up and once again took on offensive stance; the heat within her core growing with each steadying breath. The volatile control she was holding together was slowly starting to shake and she found her fingers trembling once more. But it wasn't enough to make her fall just yet. Not yet.


"You want to talk about what's inside me? Doesn't matter. No one cares. The only passion I have right now is for correcting this injustice and repaying my debts to Kirigakure.... and to you. I owe you for saving me that day and some day I will repay you. But right now I must put these people first.... and if that means risking my life and hurting those who are undeserving of it; then so be it. I wont let this wrong go unanswered"

This was it. His last chance. If he continued to inhibit her path, then she would unleash every last trace of heat she was holding within her being. Sure it might lead to her being cut down and joining the mess of bodies by her feet or being hung by the last tie that kept her bound to that old life. Either way, she couldn't stop after coming this far. That would mean going backwards in to the scared little girl stuck in that forest all those months ago. And that was a fate worse than anything else that could happen down in this prison.

"So how about you then? What do you see in you? Or are you going to stop looking inward and pay attention to the shit that is happening right before your eyes. Because I wont stop. You can cut my legs off, shoot lightning at my chest and play your little mind games all you like. I will keep going until I stop breathing"

That sorry little ember that succumbed to his sleep back then woke up. And now this candle wasn't going to be put out so easily. Her father was right. She was better than then. So with a deep breath she raised her sword one last time in challenge. Daring him to push her that little further. To stand in her way a moment longer. Because what came next, there was no escaping from. There was no forest to hide in, no water. Just musty air and a will that burned hot enough to scorch everything inside.

----
Words: 943

13Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Tue Nov 01, 2016 8:13 pm

Kenji Chikara

Kenji Chikara


D-rank
She's... bleeding! Hopefully that will... No!!!


Tenmei was still persistent. Her words rang out, echoing in his head. Injustice... That is what she spoke of. That was her pillar of truth. Kenji knew that would be difficult to topple... But... I have to try.


Kenji placed his Supa Hane Katana on the prison floor, very slowly. He took several steps back away from his prized weapon. The fuuton chakra imbued in the blade created a thin layer preventing Tenmei's blood from sticking onto it, her blood could now be seen being whooshed off. He smiled at his blade's stain prevention ability. His smile vanished even quicker. Kenji did not know what to do with his body, he wanted to display non-violence, and assure her that he was indeed attempting to reach a truce, but he had this feeling that no matter his disposition he would seem dangerous regardless. Therefore, he ultimately puffed out his chest and raised his chin. 


"I do not know the full details of how these prisoners came to their current fate. This makes me wonder how you could be so sure. You were not here during the arrest, thus how could you know the circumstances of their capture. Perhaps he ordered the arrest on other grounds... At this moment, this line of questioning does not interest me. There could be several reasons. My Kage could have been as bold to say just that, 'I am arresting these for no good reason' in order to send a message. IF that is the case, forgive me. My domestic role within my own village has been tarnished. They have found me to be negligent to my duties here. Why in the narutoverse do you think I have been demoted to a prison guard? Ultimately, I cannot kill a comrade and if this intelligence was coming from any one else... I would blow my nose with it. But it is you. You are brash, bordering impulsive, dangerous to know, but I have never known you to be deceptive or a liar."

"There is no more personnel here to stop you. Once they brought me on, they severely cut down on staff, they figured I would be more than enough in addition to the blacksmiths and a few others. I trust you have an escape plan. So... i will leave you to it."

Kenji turned away, moving toward the walkway that led to the stairs. Kenji stopped, and turned around, to face her. "You are apart of me now whether you know it or not. Killing you would be killing myself, and visa versa. Hopefully the next time we speak it can be over another hot liquid, may tea instead of blood. Either is fine in moderation. I will have my associate retrieve my katana, he is very skilled in concealment. He will be here soon to tend to this... you should be gone in... 10 minutes. Let's just say... he is more ferocious than you." Kenji stood a few moments longer, embedding Tenmei's face into his memory. Even now, she looked as beautiful and as peaceful as the last time he saw her, when she was resting in his arms. She now had something solid to stand on. So solid it endured him, the blacksmiths and everything else she had to go through...

14Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Empty Re: Staying Steel[Invite Only/Tenmei] Wed Nov 09, 2016 11:37 pm

Tenmei

Tenmei


D-rank
He was right, of course. She wasn't there at the time it happened.
When the arrest was made, the Sotsuji was still in Suna. Shedding ties, putting together her new face... her new identity. So how could she have possibly known the truth about this matter when she didn't witness first hand? How could she have known? The answer was simply everywhere. In the general knowledge of Kiri's trade. In the softly spoken thoughts of those who would rather watch the world that be involved in it's chaos and the boasts of those that couldn't stand to not be apart of it. It was lying in the back of the minds of all those that could see something was a miss. However, the truth of those rumours came from some one directly involved. A friend. A stranger. A cherished lost soul. Someone's whose secrets were not her secrets to share. And so the only answer he would get from her was an apologetic look and a mightily desperate hope that he would simply believe her. That for once, she didn't need to explain her reasons or defend her logic; that she didn't need to fight with words to make them understand. That for once, someone would simply trust in her so that maybe one day she can return the favour and bestow on them the same kindness. And so, with sword raised and defences poised she silently prayed for that miracle.


Trust me. Believe me. Please.....

Her prayers were answered.

The female found herself transfixed by him once again, but this time, it was not out of wariness, but out of awe. Disbelieving almost. As he laid down his sword and stepped back away from her, the appreciation in her eyes was unmistakable. And as he spoke those words that she had been begging, pleading silently to hear, she could feel that same sense of gratitude spread deep down to her core. Urging the young woman to slowly lower her own blade and quell the fires that burned within. She never wanted to fight him. She never wanted it to come this. And the female certainly didn't want to leave this meeting with having lost yet another ally.... another friend. Just knowing this fact had not come to pass, was enough for the Jounin to drop the mask of pride for a moment and not fight the soot tainted tears from tracing a line down her blood smeared cheeks. It was enough that instead of dashing them away like she would have, she instead took a step back herself, and focused what remained of her energy in finding her voice that had been caught somewhere behind the lump in her throat. It was harder than she thought.

"Kenji...." she called out to him before he disappeared completely from her sight. "Your village was wrong. You're not negligent. Not at...." The woman internally cursed again as she tried once again to get the words right.
  "You are the saving grace of your village Kenji Chikara. Knowing when to leave the village to learn and knowing when to step in is not negligent. It's being a good leader. That's what I see in you. That's where you really belong. Not hidden down here with those soulless beings but out there where people can fully appreciate your kindness and wisdom.
I wont ever forget what you have done this day and I will pay you back. For both then and now. Until then, you better stay alive. I wont forgive having to pay my debts to a grave"
As soon as he left with her words following him, the woman stepped forward to his katana and reached down. Not to take it, but to leave something behind with it. A small tangerine tinged glass bead which she tied to it's hilt. A small reminder to represent the promises that kept her bound to him. A connection that couldn't be broken by the pull of conflicting interests and cutting words.

And now... it was time to finish what she came here to do

-------

With mask and cloak covering her form once more and the sword resting comfortably in her sheathe, Tenmei raced through tunnels and around corners. Dangerously flitting from one cell to the other until she reached the Kiri prisoners....the handful of tired, hungry and beaten citizens all huddled together for warmth and comfort. She would have broken them out then and there without a thought had his words not lingered in her mind. Concerns that maybe they had done something to warrant the arrest. Doubts that maybe she was perhaps being mislead. No. She couldn't think like that. The female hurriedly rifled through the keys until she found the one that fitted and swung the door open. Allowing them to leave... but before they could pass by her, she stood in the doorway.
 "I need to be sure. Everyone show your headbands"
If they were indeed normal Kiri people, their headbands would be unmarked. Sure there may have been wear and tear and marred from age, but this Sotsuji was thinking straight enough to tell the difference. So as each person passed the masked nin they showed their headbands and if they were not purposefully sabotaged  or missing, or they had no other proof to show her of their innocence; they would be allowed out and directed towards the only lit path remaining.

One by one they escaped to the outside world until all that left was Tenmei and someone who badly sprained their ankle in trying to get out earlier. An inconvinience that was mostly forgotten as soon as they reached the crisp late evening air. It was such a shame that there was no time to pause and appreciate the sense of liberation. As soon as the group had come together, and she had passed off the injured to someone else who hadn't just been in a battle; the female continued to lead them passed the unconscious guards and out towards the edge of the village. Not stopping, or slowing until they had made their way through the quietened cloud country and were a good quarter mile over the border. Now the only thing that threatened them was the mother nature and her elements; but she had a feeling they would fair alright with them.

"Are you not coming?" the young man with the sprain had asked before he departed with the others. "I am sure the Mizukage would grant you a reward for your service this night. I am sure that all of us would vouch for you if you accompanied us the rest of the way"
It took her a moment but eventually Tenmei shook her head with a small smile, her eyes turning towards the direction of Iwa. A place that she almost felt drawn to after everything that had taken place here.

"No, I cant, I am sorry"
 No, I can't I am sorry

"I owed Kiri and now my debt has been repaid"

"I can't go back. Not now. Not yet"
 I can't go back. Not now. Not ever.




~End of thread~

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