You are not connected. Please login or register

Naruto Saga » Kaminari no Kuni » Kumogakure » Entering the Fray [Mizuki]

View previous topic View next topic Go down Message [Page 1 of 1]

1Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Tue Apr 23, 2019 4:47 am

Kyousuke




C-rank
Mission name: A Game of Influences
Mission rank: C-A rank Quest
Objective: Convince your clan to rise against Hastur
Location: Kumogakure
Reward: 1 EP + 300 ryo (C-rank), 1 EP + 500 ryo (B-rank), 1 EP + 1000 ryo (A-rank)
Mission Description: Convince your clan to join the cause of the Resistance against Hastur. When every clan unites against a common enemy, victory is pretty much assured.
Development References: "Godslayer.", end of Hastur arc
Mission Details: 2000 wc (C-rank), 2500 wc (B-rank), 3500 wc (A-rank)
C-rank: No hostitlies. Try to influence the ruling power(s) in your favour, push your influence or win a game of wits.
B-rank: Minor hostilities. You'll have to take down the current leader, fight a champion or assassinate a present influence working against you. Whichever, their stats are B-2 across the board, B-rank equipment and have two elements/specs of your choice.
A-rank: Better call this a 'Game of Thrones' for blood will be about all there is to pay to get the clan rise up against Hastur. They are indoctrinated, stubborn or afraid and the nail that sticks out gets hammered - you, in other words. Your opponents are members of your own clan with A-0 stats across the board, with A-rank equipment, three specs/elements. There are at least 5 opponents.

2Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Tue Apr 23, 2019 4:48 am

Kyousuke




C-rank
Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Cropped-56293058_p0

A lone figure walked the empty village of Kumogakure no Sato, each step rattling the pair of blades that were strapped on the opposing sides of the young swordsman’s hip. Golden eyes searched the stalls along the streets, though none of them dared to remain open in the darkness of midnight. A shadow that felt everlasting loomed over the village. Much had changed in the three years of his absence, and the cloud that he had left behind was a far cry of the cloud that he now returned to. His eyes locked to the center of the district, a towering building that dwarfed the surrounding structures stood tall, supported by Kumogakure’s largest mountain. Inside he would find the man who called himself god, the man who had changed the home he had once known so well. “Hastur… “ The child spoke, bringing himself an inch closer to the building with each silent step. He had heard passing rumors of the man that took the Lands of Lightning by storm on his travels home, yet it was only upon his return and being briefed by his mother of the world's recent events that he had truly been educated on the new raikage’s regime. The elders of the Sasaki urged for the clan to dare not trifle with the actions of the self proclaimed god, fearing an attack on the clan’s district… or much worse. Yet despite the warnings of all but his mother, the heir still aimed to take matters into his own hands and see for himself the damage caused by this raikage.

Winds howled and the sounds of marching footsteps echoed. Keen to stay hidden, the shinobi took to the rooftops, observing the troops of hooded figures patrolling freely down below. Raising a black scarf from his neck, the boy covered the lower half of his face at an attempt to hide his identity in the worse case scenario that he would be spotted. Once more he looked to the raikage’s headquarters; it was a long ways away, yet he aimed to make it there in one piece. Hastur had denied all requests at an audience with the Sasaki, and now he was about to give one out whether he wanted to or not. Only then upon meeting the raikage for himself would Kyousuke be at ease with any decision.

Successfully sweeping the area and finding no civilians breaking the imposed martial law, the troops moved on to inspect the other streets. Now clear of the hooded figures, the boy made his move. He sprinted, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, heading straight for his objective. Suddenly though he heard a voice crying out desperately. “Help!” The voice called, “Anyone? Please!” He turned his head to the source of the sounds and then back to the building not so far away. He contemplated, seeing this moment as his only chance of ever getting an audience with the false god… eventually though his conscience got the better of him. The young swordsman cursed underneath his breath and his body began to move of its own will regardless of what was logical.

In mere moments he reached his new destination, arriving to the sight of four hooded men and one lone girl in her early twenties, surrounded. “No one's coming for you.” The men repeated, drawing closer to the girl with sinister grins. Two pairs of shurikens cut through the air, digging down into the skins of the cultists’ back as they struck on their mark. The group staggered with the unexpected stimuli of pain shooting through their backs. Though the momentary second of pain died down, and eventually all eyes were drawn to the lone figure. “One for each of you.” The boy quipped, dropping down from the high ground with a faint plop. “Now…” He said, pausing to draw his left sword, Shusui, with his right hand and pointing its edge in the direction of the hooligans. “Why don't you leave her alone? I might even show you mercy.” He urged, suddenly mustering a set string of three hand seals with his free hand in quick succession. “Get him!” The largest of the four commanded, sending the pack of three jashinists to charge at the boy.

In front of Kyousuke, five mirror images were summoned, immediately rushing the enemy in front as soon as they formed. Shadows, or the lack thereof, hidden in the dark of night. Surprised by the boy’s perceived high level jutsu, the group hesitated, stopping in their tracks to form defensive stances whilst the clones charged onwards. The original drew his second blade, Kitetsu, charging along at the sides and then lowering his stance once a clear path to the meat head showed itself. “You fools!” The enraged leader called. “Those aren't real clones!” The boy smirked beneath his mask, legs clad in an aura of blue lightning. Too late.

“Raiton: Shunpo!”

A crackling burst of electricity echoed in a thundering boom, leaving nothing but dust in the wake of the young swordsman. In less than half of a second, he closed all gaps between him and the leader. Preemptively his blades shot forth in a scissoring cut, aiming to slice at the man's neck and end his life before he could even hope to perceive the moments leading to his death.

The sound of steel clashing against steel resounded in his ears, feeling his blades stopped by the rigid exterior of the man's neck, Kyousuke’s eyes widened in disbelief. The entirety of the man turned into a gray silver, fully encapsulating his body in an impenetrable defensive shell of steel. Instantly the man countered, shoving the boy with a front push kick that landed directly on his chest. The heir was sent flying backwards, landing on his feet and hopping back again to create more distance. As he landed, the sharp sting of a blade pierced the skin of his lower spine. He flinched, clenching his teeth in agony. Another, stabbed his left hip and finally the last stabbed his right. The boy dropped to one knee. Three spears surrounded him, each digging themselves in his body. Using his two swords as beams of support, he kept his head up, eyes looking on the man clad in steel. “What do you think boys? Shall we give him mercy?” The man said, erupting laughter from his underlings as the boy began to taste hints of iron in his mouth.




1086

3Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Tue Apr 23, 2019 2:20 pm

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
The art of hiding in plain sight. If there was one thing the Raiu could be mildly proud about was how she had learned to use simple disguises as a means to hide her identity. The Herald of Hastur, a diplomat of Kumogakure who had decided on walking the path of the mystical mountain hermits, was generally a well-known presence within her own Village. And yet, by ditching most of her high quality clothing, wearing a sober looking cloak, hiding her face under a large hood and generally keeping to herself with eyes focused on the floor, most people ignored her. In a world of supernatural powers and superhuman beings, few cared to look at the most mundane as they searched for the greater threats that wandered around the Village. Granted, she had been gone for a long time, travelling the world in Hastur's name, meaning that few of the Jashinists knew how she looked like - an added advantage.

When she stepped outside the building, blue-green eyes would take a brief glance of the surroundings. The streets looked mostly abandoned, safe for a few citizen quickly making their way home. The sky looked clear, if not slightly clouded by Kumogakure standards, but nothing that would hint at a coming rain. On one of the roofs sat a grey hawk preening its feathers, eyeing the hermit with a glint of caution before it decided this new arrival in the streets was not worth its time. With an irritated cry it left the roof to make for the skies. What few understood was that this grey hawk served as the hermit's eyes and ears. Where others were forced to take the rooftops for a better view, Mizuki was allowed to remain within the streets, adding another layer of inconspicuousness to her disguise.

Making her way through the streets to return to her personal little haven for a well-deserved rest, she was halted in her tracks as she heard the sound of someone crying for help. Sticking to the shadows while avoiding the breaking of her own disguise, she inched closer until she was close enough to notice someone else had already stepped in to deal with the situation. Mizuki would instead move on rather than step into the alley, acting like she was just passing by, and rest against the wall with her back. Pulling the hood over her head a little lower, she'd seemingly sink into a sense of light sleep as she opened her mind's eye and focused her chakra sight upon the situation.

A lone girl, four hooded men, one teenager. The boy hero coming to the rescue of the damsel in distress.

Were she younger Mizuki would have melted at such romantic heroism, but the woman she was could only roll her eyes. Though noble the thought, unless he knew how to fight, he'd pretty much be sacrificing himself in vain. For a mere moment, the boy would appeal to her expectations. Clones were summoned, giving him a temporary edge in numbers. Then, raiton was being channelled with a purpose similar to her own Celestial Step. He shot forward, closing the gap for what looked like a killing blow. And was stopped. If he had been opposing Mizuki, she'd have considered him too predictable. A reasoning his opponent too seemed to share as his own KKG protected him from certain death and left the boy undefended. A boisterous behaviour, barely thinking two steps ahead? She'd be surprised if he'd be chuunin level with that approach.

Releasing her chakra focus, Mizuki subtly nudged her Storm chakra to mingle with her aura and quietly stepped forward into the alley where the boy and the four hoodlums were. The enthralling aura that illuminated her presence was instantly caught by most of the men surrounding the boy, luring their attention away from him as it forced them to focus on her. Without a word she'd continue until one of them finally realised something was off and called her out.

"Hey, you. Scram."
"Official Raikage business."

They tried their hardest to split their attention between the captured boy and the quiet hermit, but with some effort the young genin might find a way to use the resplendent aura to his benefit as he was not the target of Mizuki's will.

"An unlikely situation, seeing as how you're lifting your hand against His shinobi."
"I don't see a headband.", one of them smirked. "Neither do I see one on you."
"Indeed. Yet it would be most impudent to lift a hand against the boy."

Standing at a mere five meter from her closest target now, the hermit would halt and slowly lift her piercing gaze to meet the group. The blue-green eyes of the hermit bore themselves within those of her opponents. Calm and determined, they reflected the eyes of a veteran who had seen more than her fair share of battle. Yet an almost uncanny serenity pervaded the immediate area around her like the quietude heralding the storm; inner peace of mind and mastery of the storm within barely whispering her skill in the ears of the opposition.

"I kindly request you to let the boy go."
"Denied.", he replied instantaneously, grinning despite the bead of sweat running down his face.
"Then I see myself forced to make my wishes understood more clearly."

With blinding speed, hand seals were formed under her cloak, invoking the signature technique of the Raiu - Laser Circus. They'd realise too late what the bright light emanating from under her cloak indicated, gasping as they saw a variety of beams split off from her hand to pierce every of the four hooded individuals with pin-point precision. The beams would strike their shoulders, hands and wrists, making future assaults on the girl and the boy increasingly more difficult. And should the boy not have found an opportunity to escape their dwindled attention, he surely would find one now that his aggressors had little means to hold their grasp over him or their weapons.

"A Raiu...", one uttered quite shocked.
"Raiu Mizuki, to be more precise. I believe my name does not need further introduction to your cult?"
"G-get her guys!"

And so another dance of death began.



1056

330/400
- 25 : A-rank Kagura Shingan
- 25 : A-rank Songbird's Allure
- 20 : B-rank Laser Circus

Jutsu:

4Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Thu Apr 25, 2019 11:55 am

Kyousuke




C-rank
Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Cropped-56293058_p0

Though he felt the sharp tips of their spears puncturing his body, it was hardly enough to drive him to the point of defeat. The armor-lined clothing he wore ensured his safety, bending around the edges until their fabric broke, yet by that time they had already done their part in staving off the initial force of the thrusts. His chest, however, was a different story. Even through the protective layer of clothing, the steel release user’s kick slammed at his chest hard enough to the point where he felt a small crack form in his sternum. He coughed twice, blood from his lungs rushing to his mouth. His golden eyes searched for the girl, brows furrowing upon the sight of her frozen in place by fear. He would have cursed aloud, were it not for the mixture of blood and saliva in his mouth that he intended to save. By now he had expected her to be far away enough from this place to be safe in the unlikely event of his failure… Now though? It seemed like he had no other choice but to rid the world of the criminal scum that surrounded him. Luckily, he didn’t see the confrontation end in any other fashion than his victory.

The metal man slowly walked towards his direction, each step ringing heavy in his ears. The man mouthed off words of insults that entertained the three fools that surrounded Kyousuke. To him, however, all noise would be nothing more than faint murmurs to be lost on the one desire his will demanded. The golden eyes of Kyousuke zeroed in on the man, each sense focusing directly towards the one target as he waited for an opportunity to strike once more. Blood a plenty in his mouth, he aimed to spit at the man’s eyes when he was finally close enough and cut him down in the brief moment of distraction.

A radiant glow captured the eyes of all parties in attendance. Enthralled by the sight of a cloaked figure who had entered his peripheral vision, Kyousuke’s eyes were suddenly stolen away from his target and forcefully glued to the newly arrived stranger. The words of another snapped him back to his senses, yet he remained his sights on the stranger for now. Despite the clear opportunity of escape that presented itself, he wanted to know how things would play out, and from the words exchanged between the opponents he faced and the mysterious figure, it seemed as though he was about to gain an unexpected ally to help tip the scales in his favor. The heir’s knight in shining armor grew closer with each passing moment and now the eyes of the four ran back and forth between the two, growing ever paranoid of a sudden attack by the minute.

The woman requested for his release and upon denial all further conversations would be ended abruptly. Rapidly forming hand seals, beams of light would then shoot from the stranger’s hands, striking all four of the boy’s opponents successfully and precisely hitting at targeted spots before any could react. Even the young swordsman had been caught by surprise, yet he would reserve all praise for a later moment. Lightning wrapped his legs, as the only weapons that kept him in place crashed to the ground. Round two.

He burst forwards, summoning himself back in front of the man that had just previously humiliated his offensive capabilities. This time, however, the steel that once protected the man would no longer catch the boy off guard. Armor already damaged by the beams of light, the boy saw no greater opportunity to regain his pride than the present. Kyousuke’s twin blades chippered with an aura of raiton chakra, each simultaneously cutting down diagonally at the man’s chest to form a bloodied ‘x’, though the boy would not stop there. Unused to his steel being pierced so easily by the sharp edge of a blade, the man Immediately cursed out, flinching in pain and awarding Kyousuke with another opportunity to strike. The boy turned the cutting edge of both Shusui and Kitetsu back the way whence they had come from. This time he cut upwards, deepening the first cuts. Blades exiting the shoulders of the man whose steel now did little to defend, Kyousuke still remained unsatisfied. He dug his twins deep down into the ligaments of his arms, cutting down with a sudden slice. In a turn of events, his hind leg lifted off, teaping at the man’s chest with a front kick where the x marked the spot and sending the once loudmouthed fool to crash on his back unconscious and slowly bleeding out.

Spitting the now useless blood that he had stored in his mouth, the boy’s eye turned to the victim who had been shaking all this while in her place. “Now would be an ideal time to flee.” He suggested. Bowing and whispering words of gratitude, she obeyed, hurriedly running back to her home before any other jashinists could arrive to the scene. Now his attention turned back to the other three, who’s fate he had ultimately left to his savior. He would watch her movements and actions, already impressed with the one technique she had used. Once the battle’s dust had settled and all had been dealt with, he slowly walked up to her. “I appreciate the help, though I could have handled them myself. Raiu Mizuki, correct?” He asked, unsure whether her name was one of an important figure’s, though he assumed it was due to the jashinist’s reactions. He lowered the black scarf that served to cover half of his face as a mask and hide his identity. “I am Sasaki Kyousuke.” He introduced, gesturing his right hand forward for a shake. He had intended to hide who he was in the event of something akin to this battle happening, but she seemed more than trustworthy enough.




1006 | 2092

185:

5Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Thu Apr 25, 2019 2:17 pm

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
With an opportunity granted, the boy would seize the moment and deal with his oppressor in turn. Seething anger would restore his pride as he took the fight to the man now that they were on equal footing. A fair one on one fight, for the others had their vengeance set on the Raiu as they relied on their ally's skill to deal with the hero. The first one would run up, spear at the ready to skewer her. The metal tip glistening in the light as if to draw attention to its potential danger. It would lunge forward, only to loose its power as the purple shine of Seiun, Mizuki's own katana, cut through the lance. The tip would fall off ingloriously, leaving the spearman with a piece of wood moments before Mizuki's follow up strike cleanly cut off his left arm. The stump where once his arm had been attached to would be cauterised by the ranton chakra that altered Seiun's interaction, the only blood spilling on the ground being that of his lost arm.

Two were left to deal with, and Mizuki would continue her quiet advance. The next one attempted a strike of his own, finding that his opponent simply twisted her body out of harm's way with a minimum of movement. She'd allow him a few more attempts as her blue-green eyes searched for the ideal opening, but the last man's interference eventually forced her to jump up. As she flipped through the air, the back of her feet found the man's head and kicked it sufficiently hard to make him lose balance. He'd tumble forward, leaving his former spot open for Mizuki to land. His ally would not leave things to chance. Believing he spotted an opening in the hermit's defences, hand seals were formed for his own technique but standing in close proximity with a being of greater speed didn't prove to be the advantage he believed to hold. In retaliation, the Immortal Blade bore itself in his stomach with practically no opposition before raiton chakra coursed through the katana to electrocute the man from within. He'd die instantly, leaving but one man to fend for his life.

Seeing as how the boy too had dealt with his opponent, hesitation conquered his mind and allowed fear to step inside his world. The spear would tremble in his hand, his eyes sizing up the situation as he took minute steps backwards. Ready to flee. Before he had the chance to do so, however, the Raiu would set a sprint, aided by Hsien, her pair of pretty shoes. Her body blurred as she shot forward at 140 m/s to cut the man horizontally in two, halting a few meters behind him with outstretched blade. In the eyes of the untrained, mistaking her speed as teleportation or the use of the Body Flicker Technique in mid-battle was not unlikely even though that was far from the case. Wiping the blood of Seiun with a single sweep, the heavy thud of two separated body halves announced the man's final moments when she sheathed her katana.

"You Jashinists rely too much on the power of your god.", she denounced the dead men even though their ears could no longer hear her voice. Her gaze then shifted to the boy's dead opponent, analysing how he had come to his end, before she gave him her undivided attention. He'd tell her how he could have handled the four Jashinists by himself yet thank her nonetheless, and proceed to introduce himself as 'Sasaki Kyousuke'.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sasaki-san.", she'd state with respect, the diplomat of Kumo knowing his position as heir thanks to the revelation of his name. However, she'd bow respectfully towards him rather than shake his hand as her own way of greeting him. "I had heard of you before. Having seeing your sword skill in action, I do not doubt your clan must be proud of your discipline. It is most unfortunate the Jashinists did not realise this before they met an untimely end. If you wish, I can treat your wounds before duties take you further down the road? Consider it my thanks for your noble intervention."

With this, she'd await his answers. If he denied her offer, she'd give a curt nod in comprehension. He looked the sort to know sufficiently what he wanted; not the sort where she'd have to insist upon his health or future like a worried mother. On the other hand, if he accepted, the Raiu would channel benevolent chakra through her hands to heal the wounds he had suffered. Taking away the pain and any signs of a battle along with it. All the while, she'd listen to any further questions or conversation he'd offer - with no one having escaped to call for reinforcements, the two would be long gone before this skirmish would be discovered.



846
Total: 1'902

310/400
- 05 : Celestial Empowerment
- 15 : Heaven Sword, Heaven's Decree

Jutsu:

6Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Fri Apr 26, 2019 7:16 am

Kyousuke




C-rank
Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Cropped-56293058_p0

Upon vanquishing his own foe, the boy watched as the Jounin disposed of the last remaining cultist. In what looked to be a sprinted burst unenhanced by any chakra, she would launch herself in blinding speeds, putting the heir’s own chakra enhanced dash to shame. Kyousuke’s eyes would widen in disbelief and hints of admiration for the swordswoman. He raised each of his twins above his head, eventually sending them down to cut diagonally into the air and shaking the blood of their blades. Now returning both Shusui and Kitetsu to their scabbards, he walked to the adult and introduced himself, taking off his glove and offering a handshake as a sign of respect. To his surprise, Mizuki lowered her head, bowing to the boy. Taken aback, he would do the same, though lowering his head farther down and staying it in place until he was sure she had already risen hers. “Please, just call me Kyousuke. In return, I hope you don’t mind if I refer to you by your first name” He offered, raising his head from the bow. The two would exchange words, Mizuki noting that she had heard of him before and even praised his skill with a blade. Her compliments were kind, though personally he had been somewhat disappointed by the fact that he had allowed those three to damage him in the first place. Offering to heal his wounds, Kyousuke would not refuse. “I’ll take you up on your kind offer.” He would say, agreeing, and letting the adult tend to the cuts and bruises on his body.

He felt the foreign chakra of another running its course throughout his body, slowly healing all the damage he had acquired as if it had not even existed in the first place. It was as if a heavy load had been lifted off his chest. He could now breathe clearly once more. “Thank you, Mizuki-san.” He spoke, eyes drifting to the center of the village. Visible through all areas of Kumogakure was the Raikage’s tower which he assumed still housed Hastur at this moment. The road ahead, had he remained true to its path, would lead him to a forced audience with the self proclaimed god, and after that he didn’t know what would happen. Now, however, having personally witnessed firsthand how far he was from the level that would allow him to take a high level shinobi on his own, his plan began to falter. His golden eyes then drifted to Mizuki, remembering how the followers of Hastur trembled just at the mention of her name.

“Mizuki-san, if you don’t mind me asking. Just who are you? How do the cultists know you?” Already, before she could answer, he had drawn together a couple of guesses in his mind solely from her interactions with their opponents. Much had happened since the boy was away, and no mention of Mizuki Raiu was given at his mild briefing. There was, however, faint whispers of a rebellion rising to take up arms against the raikage, a rebellion that was the very purpose of his late night adventure. With Mizuki’s seeming to be well versed in dealing with jashinists, he made the assumption that she was part of this rebellion.

“As I’m sure you know, I am the Sasaki clan’s heir. Next in line to lead. My clansmen have been faithful guardians of this country for generations upon generations, and in that duty we will never fail. The times now are… uneasy and war within our home seems to draw nearer each day. The Sasaki are divided, some seek to take up arms and join in the movement against Hastur… some refuse to act, regarding such actions as treason. Frankly, I don’t know which path to take. Once morning comes, they will hold a meeting and come upon a decision. I am out here right now seeking to know more of this man to make sure that we make the correct choice.”




676 | 2768

7Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Fri Apr 26, 2019 12:12 pm

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
With his acceptance, benevolent chakra would flow into her faintly illuminated hands and dissipate into his body as she allowed it to restore his wounds. The storm chakra she controlled offered a sobering experience as the suiton nature refreshed the body and the raiton nature revitalised it. Though control over her chakra was one of discipline and precision, the end result often felt rewarding - like how stepping out of a raging storm felt both bewildering and invigorating. Cold and clammy, but at the same time unexpectedly needed. And seeing how the boy's breathing improved with every second, Mizuki could only assume he was experiencing a similar experience under her medical care.

When she was done, his eyes glided to meet the Raikage's tower. Mizuki's eyes followed, her mind's eye seeing a different world than what he envisioned in his goals. Where the boy thought about a forced meeting with a self-proclaimed god, Mizuki's mind searched for options about how to take down that very same 'god'. As the visions of the hermit had foreshadowed, the influence of Thunder God was opposing that of the Lady of Storms as the Jashinist horde collided with the hermit's build-up forces of resistance. As if the boy had felt her very thoughts hanging in the air, he broke the momentarily silence with a question. Who was she exactly that the cultists knew her? Rising her eyebrows as she weighted his question, the hermit thought about her own answer all the same.

"You ask a question of which the answer alone may well change your very perception of this Village. I am a yamabushi named Raiu Mizuki, daughter of Raiu Kiyoshi and Kaminari Siri. I hold little position of authority within my clan, though I did inherit my father's dojo much like he did from his father. Seemingly, I am but a mere member of Kumogakure's shinobi forces, and yet my actions may have influenced the Village more than I'd like to admit."

Her eyes drifted towards the Raikage's tower once more as she folded her arms. It was not a pose in which a certain desire for self-defence rested, but one in which she temporarily withdrew to find the right words in this situation. How much exactly could she reveal about her past, her influence? Certainly, he did not pose a threat to her in terms of skill but only a fool disregarded the small pawn in the greater scheme of today's civil war. How close was this boy, or his clan for that matter, with the current Raikage?

As if to assure her, Kyousuke revealed his clan's current state of affairs from the perspective of an heir. Even if he didn't lead them, the political indecision of his clan occupied him. In many ways, his clan resembled her own while his worries reflected hers just as much. And that similarity was exactly the nudge that pushed the hermit's thoughts towards a more revealing answer. It put herself at risk... But under the boy's influence, the Sasaki clan might take a final decision in favour of neutrality or the resistance. And if that was not an available outcome, perhaps her personal experience would allow the boy to take a path she would avoid having taken if she only had the chance to return to the past.

"My roles in Kumogakure have shifted throughout my life, Kyousuke-san. When I was but a few years older than you, about chuunin rank, I was the Herald of Hastur. I searched for him when the previous Raikage Lin Katonrai, my mentor, disappeared and found him there at the centre of our Village. I believed him when he told me he'd make Kumogakure a nation to be reckoned with, and so at his request, a naive girl became the messenger-diplomat who travelled the world to demonstrate his power with the help of black raiton rods.

His name became known, and with his call many people flocked under his banner. Some sought new life, some sought glory under an impressive power, some found a rescuing embrace when Sunagakure was being destroyed by the three Destroyers. Some, as I've only came to understand much later, were Jashinists believing he was the avatar of their dark god."

She paused to let the words sink in. Yes, she had been the one to solidify his position as Raikage. She had planted the banner the Jashinists were waiting for, the black raiton clouds summoned forth by the rods more than just his business card. They had been a secret sign.

"Later, when my duties as messenger were over, I was granted the position of special jounin and became a diplomat to the nation. I lobbied between clans and the cities of the Land of Lightning, and even maintained diplomatic relations during the Siege of Inabayama when the four nations gathered to throw their verdict over a destroyed Sunagakure. Though I was already troubled by the lacklustre treatment Hastur had given Kumo's civilians and shinobi, the Jashinists had yet to rise. He failed us during the Chuunin Exams back then, but Lamya's rampaging bout was but an opportunity to bolster his own propaganda. Like many, I believed them to be human mistakes which would not be repeated.

But I had other concerns not relating to Hastur. My mother had died of illness and my grieving father no longer desired to serve this dark god. He craved Death's embrace, wishing to be reunited with his wife. When eventually he found his eternal rest, I left Kumogakure to find my own peace again. I intended to temporarily leave service, and ended up living the life of a yamabushi - a mountain hermit. This hermit is the person you see today, Kyousuke-san. A person who feels the need to rectify her errors from the past to find peace for the next generations."

Blue-green eyes shifted to meet the dead cultists of Jashin, her momentary glance revealing the unspoken words she kept for herself - once the Herald, she had now become the person who had sown the seeds of Hastur's destruction. Her connections and political clout had brought together people with a futuristic vision where Hastur would be replaced by someone who truly cared for Kumogakure. Mizuki was part of the resistance that opposed his cultists today and aspired to become the Godslayers of tomorrow.

"As for Hastur's disposition...? Know that in the eyes of the dark god, it is he who ordains his people. Not the way around. A mere genin, even an entire clan, are nothing but pawns to be sacrificed for the greater good of his own self-proclaimed divinity. Should you doubt the truth of my words, remember that what you experienced today is but one of many projects the Jashinists have been undertaking lately. They terrorise Kumogakure's civilians and the former refugees of Sunagakure. They oppose the Lightning Daimyo, his influence and his samurai. But their nefarious tendrils stretch far outside of Kumogakure. The cult was present during the Siege of Inabayama, bringing their gospel and propaganda. Genin were being kidnapped during the Konoha Chuunin Exams to indoctrinate them into Jashinism. And there is no saying where else they may currently be attempting to bring their dark schemes to fruition, emboldened by Hastur's divine approval...

In many ways you stand at the precipice of a path not all that dissimilar to the one in my own past, Kyousuke-san. It is not my right to decide upon your course of action for the future, but I'd ask you to learn from the brief history you've heard today. I believe it may aide you to reconcile your clan towards a more favourable future. A first, albeit weighted step towards the difficulties of leadership."

With those last words, she'd offer him an encouraging smile. If only she had been given half the insight Kyousuke was offered today, would the hermit still have walked this path? A question to which she'd never know the answer, of course, but one that would nonetheless pop up in the back of her mind. Pushing the thought away, the hermit slowly started to walk away from their current position. Away from the dead Jashinists. Away from the Raikage's tower.

"Other than your clan's turmoil on the matter, I can't help but be curious. What vision do you desire to see fulfilled for yourself?"



1428
Total: 3'330

8Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Tue Apr 30, 2019 4:01 am

Kyousuke




C-rank
Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Cropped-56293058_p0

After asking his questions and saying his piece all the boy could do now was listen to the mountain hermit. At first she simply introduced herself as Raiu Mizuki, claiming to be a mere ordinary shinobi, yet also claiming that her actions had influenced the village in ways she had not expected. Her words were vague, seemingly wary as to where Kyousuke’s loyalties lied at the end of the day. She was of course correct to refrain from being so trustworthy, after all if the Sasaki decided they would remain loyal to the raikage then the two would surely be fighting on opposite sides. The heir began to speak of his clan and the branching paths that they now stood over, undecided on which to follow. While he wasn't yet able to lead the Sasaki and make important decisions, he certainly possessed great influence as the next in line to the role of leadership. It seemed as though the hermit understood his worries. Empathizing, she began to share her own story beginning from her time as a chunin after Hastur’s first appearance. Eyes locked to the woman, Kyousuke would listen intently as she recounted her tales and experiences with the self proclaimed god.

She told him of Hastur’s great promise to bring Kumogakure at the forefront of all nations and her own actions to help spread the Raikage’s power and influence throughout the hidden villages, causing refugees from the defunct Sunagakure, shinobi from all walks of life, and deranged Jashinists to all unite under the banner of Hastur. Though that was when the man’s downfall began, slowly the treatment of the village’s own civilians and shinobi began to degrade and seeds of doubt began to be planted within her. Eventually it would all come to ahead on the chunin exams where the Raikage allowed a criminal to rampage freely within Kumogakure’s walls, effectively failing the first mission of a kage, to protect his own people. After that it seemed as though things took a turn for the worst, with the hermit’s family left in disarray by the death of her mother. Her father eventually passing as well, she was left with nothing but regret, fleeing from service and living the life of a mountain hermit, until now.

All words eluded the young heir. There was nothing he could say nor do, except to take in her experiences and use it as a warning on what would happen were his clan to support Hastur going forward. His golden eyes followed hers, looking to the now lifeless corpses of the jashinists that the two had fought and then back to hers. Her eyes gave away what her words would not, it was then that he would realize that she was more than just another shinobi that sought to oppose the raikage’s rule. His eyes widened, thoughts lingered to apprehend her for it would have been the lawful thing to do, yet his body failed to move a single inch, knowing it was not the right thing to do. As if aware of his inner struggle and hoping to fully convince the heir of which path to walk, the mountain hermit gave one final warning. Hastur was not a man that cared for anyone but himself, the citizens of Kumogakure and the all refugees that flocked to the village seeking safe and peaceful lives were all betrayed by this raikage. She brought to light the unspeakable crimes the false god and his cult had committed during the chunin exams, to which the heir could only force his eyes shut in disgust. Fighting alongside her to help the innocent gave him little to doubt her words, which only meant that the raikage was indeed the vile and corrupt man rumors made him out to be. The future of Kumogakure was dark, yet his eyes opened to look at Mizuki seeing only light.

With a smile written on her face, she asked the boy what vision he saw for himself in the future. He lowered his eyes, harkening back to the reputation the Sasaki had as the loyal knights of Kumogakure no Sato, protecting those who could not protect themselves and upholding justice. Determined eyes rose, meeting Mizuki’s light.

“From the moment I could walk I was taught how to wield a sword and cut others down with skill and grace. Being my mother’s son, I naturally excelled in my training and many began to sing praises of my potential, yet to me they all fell on deaf ears. At that time I hadn’t yet understood the importance of what I was being taught. Inside I was empty, just a husk of a child that spent hours upon hours each and every day locked inside my family’s dojo. I was surrounded by so many that devoted their time to my improvement, whilst my heart longed to simply run around like other children would and spend days and nights playing with friends I wished to have. Such are the traditions of the Sasaki, and though I often look back wondering what life would have been like as a normal child, knowing what I now know, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

One night, I remember wandering around my home and stumbling upon a room filled to the brim with shelves of books and scrolls, far too plenty to all read under one night. Curious as I was at that age, I picked one from the thousands of pages, sat down on the floor, and read them all that night. I remember starting with ‘The Tales of Sasaki Kenpachi: The First Dragon.’, a book written on my ancestor and the man who lay the roots to the Sasaki clan’s birth. He was a hero, praised by the common man to the daimyos of their time. An honorable swordsman that never hesitated to give his life for the sake of others, one whose skill with a blade struck fear into the hearts of every criminal in every land. And then, I moved on to the next book. To my surprise it was another story about one of the Sasaki clan’s many heroes. After I finished that, I moved on to the next and lo and behold it was another book dedicated for another honorable Sasaki.

Slowly, as I continued to move on from one book to another, I began to realize just what it was that that the Sasaki clan stood for. Up until then I had never read of our history, nor was I told of those that came before and their actions to help shape the world for the better. That was when I came upon the final book, ‘The Tales of Sasaki Kaida: The Silent Dragon.’ It was a book written about my mother, detailing all her feats and accomplishments up until her retirement as a shinobi… up until she had me. She was a brilliant swordswoman with more than a hundred battles as well as an intelligent medical ninja that saved countless of lives, more than anything she was and still is a loyal servant to Kumogakure. Eventually, with her use of iryo ninjutsu in combat, her body began to weaken, and having me even made the state of her health worse. After I was born she was left with no choice but to retire from her duties as a shinobi, instead raising me to be who I am today.

Knowing what she had gone through, I immediately went to her, asking why she had kept so much from me. She just smiled and told me that I needed to find out on my own. She never intended for me to be weighed down by the decisions of my ancestors, wherever I decided to take the Sasaki clan in the future would be a path she would accept. Hearing her words lit a fire within me that has burnt bright ever since. Since that day I’ve given my heart and soul to become someone worthy of a book written in my name. To protect others as those before me had and seek justice for those that can not do so themselves.”

Suddenly he unsheathed his two blades, letting them sing in the dead of night, their shimmer rivalling the moonlight. Bent on one knee, he laid both swords to touch the floor, lowering his head to ask of the hermit a favor.

“Raiu Mizuki, with all that you have told me, I could not possibly let the Sasaki stand idly by while our home continues to be corrupted by Hastur and his cultists. You have convinced me to act, yet I fear I may not be able to convince my fellow clansmen to do the same. Our beliefs are rooted in undying loyalty to the village and they will always hesitate to break those traditions. As the Raikage, they will undoubtedly see Hastur as the rightful leader of the village, but if you’ve managed to convince me, then you may be able to convince the others. Please, I beg of you, help my fellow Sasaki to see the light.”




1535 | 4303

9Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Tue Apr 30, 2019 6:44 pm

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
Kyousuke's story felt similar to her own. He and herself were both children of a prestigious clan, bound by loyalty to Kumogakure. Both were raised with the blade in hand, expected to carry on a legacy. His legacy carried him towards books and legends, visions of a heroic future, a noble purpose. Hers had been revealed the dark side of the moon, being taught the Executioner Arts from her grandfather and unquestionably expected to walk in her footsteps in opening the dojo. It had taken years for Mizuki to find the noble goal that already fuelled Kyousuke's heart. He the sun and her the moon. Melancholy filled her for a moment as she quietly hoped his early gains would not result in an early burn-out of his own beliefs. Life had its ways of making things understood, and those lessons were not always the easiest to learn.

"Unlike other dragons I have met, your parents sound wise. They shape the foundations you need to weapon yourself in life while allowing you to discover your own adventures. It is true that certain lessons can not be learned by word or example; some must be experienced and taught by life itself. I believe this is why your mother, the quiet dragon, didn't tell you anything."

The hermit had smiled when she heard about his mother. It reminded her of her own mother, Kaminari Siri. A woman of great warmth, but unlike the Quiet Dragon, she knew how to raise her voice; one only surpassed by the woman's father - the Roaring Lion of Kumogakure. Siri had been a passionate, fierce woman with a will strong enough to let her live on for several years despite her deadly illness. All that for the sake of her children and husband.

"Every legend holds an unspoken darkness. One must often venture through the depths of the night to find the brightest star. Should you ever come to a point in life where your goals become a burden as heavy as the weight of the world itself, remind yourself to breathe. It is a simple act we're so used to, that many forget how much power it can bring to our lives."

With those words, the hermit would impart a bit of wisdom. Dull words in comparison to the heroics of a dragon; the Noblesse Sage revealed with it how she had achieved enlightenment and rekindled her own desire to safeguard Kumogakure from spiritual destitution. Breathing. Meditation. Solitude.

No longer alone now, she watched how Kyousuke drew his twin blades in the night and ritualistically laid them down as he kneeled. Mizuki blinked, not quite used to such an approach of devotion, quietly listening to his plea. The same curse of placation had struck his clan like it had hers. So bound to their traditional loyalties, they no longer differentiated between the Village or the leader. Though she had been able to convince her own clan, the same might not be the case within the Sasaki clan - diplomat or not, she had little to say in the personal business of another clan. Double so if it concerned something as sensitive as age-old loyalties.

Blue-green eyes looked up to the night stars. Her mind connecting with the inspiration of her personal techniques. As if seeking those brilliant stars out meant they'd bring her the answers she required. A slow, measured breath escaped her as it crossed her mind that there was no point in speaking of knights and dragons if she had little intention of acting like it. This path was Kyousuke's, but could she deny a request when he humbled himself so?

"Please rise, Kyousuke-kun. I'm no goddess in need of worship. If you, as the heir of your clan, believe I can be of help somehow, then I'll endeavour to aide you.", she'd agree to his request, hoping that he'd rise quickly to his feet as it made her somewhat uncomfortable. "Your clan and mine sound very alike, both being loyalist guardians stuck between protecting the Village or its political embodiment - the Raikage. To influence your clan, you need not to know where their loyalties lie, but what its spirit seeks to preserve. You desire to walk a path in where the civilians are protected from harm. A person walking among mere men. But does your clan share a similar mindset?"

Her hand gestured for him to lead the way towards his clan grounds so they could share what they knew and how they'd proceed while they walked. From where they were, the clan grounds were not all that far but the night had fallen already and there were other dangers lurking behind the corners other than the Jashinists.



799
Total: 4'129

10Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Fri May 03, 2019 6:25 am

Kyousuke




C-rank
Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Cropped-56293058_p0

Though she humbly asked for him to rise from his gesture of respect, the boy remained still, showing his determination to ensure that the Sasaki remain the heroes that they had always been in his eyes. Only upon hearing Mizuki accept his request would he stand, looking her in the eye and making his gratitude known. “Thank you, Mizuki-san.” He’d say, nodding his head to another bow. Immediately, she'd comment on their two clan’s similarities, noting how they are both fiercely loyal to Kumogakure whilst also being torn between their duties to protect and their duty to serve the raikage. The hermit offered some much needed advice, giving her thoughts on how he would be able to influence his clan fully. Finally she spoke about his noble desires and ask whether the other Sasaki shared in his beliefs. Without a moment's hesitation, he nodded, eyes lit with determination. “I know deep in their hearts that they feel the same as I do. Had it been any other Sasaki here tonight, they would have done the exact same thing and come rushing to oppose the jashinists we fought together… all they need is to realize that our loyalty to Hastur is misplaced. I will follow your words and make them remember what it is we stand for.” Though spoken to her, the heir’s words were directed to himself, convincing him that they would succeed. A cold breeze passed by, followed by the warmth of the now rising sun. Morning had come and with it the meeting that would decide the future of the Sasaki clan.

The boy looked to the sky, seeing the bright yellow rays of the sun begin to descend. “The meeting is about to start.” He spoke, an air of urgency in his voice. Mizuki gestured for the heir to lead the way to the clan grounds. With time now against their side, Kyousuke nodded and immediately flocked to the rooftops. He leaped from one building to another, using his full speed confident that the mountain hermit would more than be able to keep up. Shortly the two would reach the entrance to the Sasaki district. Contrasting that of the buildings outside, the district was full of structures with traditional Japanese architecture in mind, most notably the bright red tori gate attached to walls closing off the any other point of entrance. Two guards stood tall at each ends of the gate, turning their attention to Kyousuke and Mizuki as they approached. With Kumogakure in its current state, the Sasaki had retreated to isolating themselves, preventing any but their own clansmen to enter the premises. It was a temporary state of emergency for the clan, one that would be solved upon the decision of their next move. Nearing the guards, Kyousuke turned to Mizuki. “Allow me to take care of this… and maybe keep the cloak on.” He'd say briefly, walking ahead of her to draw all attention to himself. He wasn't sure whether others would recognize the Raikage’s former diplomat, yet it was best to be safe. Unlike the others, after all, it was only he who was made to spend three years away from a majority of the world causing him to be vastly unaware of recent events and important figures.

Instantly, the guards would recognize him, bowing and greeting the heir. “Kyousuke-sama, welcome back.” The two said, greeting him in complete unison. “Good morning, I'll be bringing a companion with me to visit, I hope that isn't a problem?” Hearing the boy's words, the two would look to one another, unsure whether they were allowed to break the imposed rules especially when an important meeting had now just begun. “I assure you, no one will find out.” Sensing their doubt the boy spoke, prompting them to stand aside and allow the entrance of the two. Kyousuke would look back to Mizuki, a nod gesturing that they were clear to enter. With that out of the way, he'd lead her to his home at the center of the district, Ganryu manor. As if prepared for war, shinobi of the Sasaki filled every corner. Each and every one were coated in weapons and armor, patrolling the rooftops and streets. “They're prepared.” The boy said, pausing to draw the attention of Mizuki. “In the event that the verdict is to oppose Hastur, they're prepared to defend against an attack.” Kyousuke halted in front of another gate that walled off the insides of his home, though from the seemingly unending walls, one could already realize the size of the manor. Just from the outside the two would be able to see the castle like buildings on the inside. Here was where all Sasaki alike were officially trained, young children all taught within the clan’s own academy.

Knocking twice on the wooden gate, the structure slowly opened, revealing more guards on the inside clothed in formal attire much akin to that of Kyousuke’s. All, however, were discreetly lined and padded with armor. Gesturing for Mizuki to follow beside him, Kyousuke walked straight ahead, acknowledging the greetings of the guards with a wave of his hand. One man would walk on his other side, rushing to speak to the heir. “Kyousuke-sama, I don't think it wise to invite an outsider into the manor while the meeting is taking place.” Though understanding the man's concern, the boy would simply shake his head. “I'll handle this, please just guide us to the room.” He respectfully asked, immediately turning to Mizuki after speaking to the man. “I apologize if the others have offended you. As I'm sure you can see, the Sasaki are in a delicate situation as of the moment.” The man guided them indoors, not delaying even a moment to allow one to take in the gardens or cherry blossom trees within the estate. Eventually they would arrive to their destination on the highest floor, only a sliding door separating them from all the important figures within the clan. Already loud murmurs could be heard from the outside, a debate seemingly occurring within the room.

Kyousuke thanked the man who had led them, and after a bow he would leave the two alone to a brief moment before entering. The heir inhaled a deep breath, looking to the hermit for aid. “Any advice on dealing with nobility?” He'd ask, taking in whatever words she offered and pausing for a moment to let them sink in. Exhaling slowly his hand reached for the handle, sliding the wooden door open and abruptly entering with a bow. All eyes would be drawn to the boy as he entered the wide room. In each side of the room stood a key figure within the clan, each seated on a grandiose chair. At the center of all was his own mother, Sasaki Kaida who sat on a throne like seat at the end of the room. “What is the meaning of this?” An old man asked immediately, erupting a surge of questions all being asked at once. “Silence.” Kaida spoke, shutting all voice but her own. “What is your purpose here Kyousuke?” She asked, a hand raised to silence everyone but herself. The boy's golden eyes wandered throughout the room, addressing each figure present with his gaze.

“Mother, I am here as the voice of the Sasaki clan’s future. I refuse to do nothing whilst our future is left in question. Last night I sought to earn an audience with Hastur that the Sasaki have yet to receive, but instead I came upon someone else that has affirmed the path we must take.”

His arms gestured to Mizuki, stepping aside to pass the eyes locked on to him.

“I present to you, Mizuki-san of the Raiu clan. A figure I'm more than certain you all know. She knows Hastur more than anyone in this room and is able to impart to us her experiences and dealings with the self proclaimed god, himself. Please allow her to help us all decide upon the clan’s future.”

The figures at the sides began to look at one another, each passing information to the other of the shinobi known as Raiu Mizuki. Though skeptical looks would befall her, Kaida’s eyes bore no look of question. Instead her hand gestured for her to speak, silently intent on hearing whatever she would have to say.




1422 | 5725

11Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Sun May 05, 2019 6:27 am

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
The road to the Sasaki clan would be one where Mizuki shared few words. Her ears were attentively listening to what the heir had to share about his clan, mental notes helping her to think about the words that would be required to influence them. Then, at the clan compound, she'd quietly follow him through the guards, through the estate, the manor and into into a gathering. The hermit had kept her simple cloak on, hiding her face in the shadows of its hood, and kept to herself unless she was spoken to. It was only when he asked for advice when dealing with nobles that she subtly nodded and said, "Avoid offending their pride and don't forget complements will get you anywhere.". It was common practise for politicians to hide sneers in carefully wrapped compliments, forcing confusion in the mind as compliments and insults pretty much sounded alike. A difficult art, if anything.

Questions about her presence would be asked and replies granted leeway for the hermit to present herself. Feeling her current attire hardly did her position as diplomat any credit, the hermit allowed enlightenment to awake within herself. As she pulled back the hood that had hid her face, the resplendence of the Noblesse Sage form cascaded down to emphasise she was not to be considered a mere civilian at this point.

"Honourable members of the Sasaki clan. As stated, I am Raiu Mizuki, a diplomat of Kumogakure once named the Herald of Hastur. It is true that my position has allowed me a keen insight into the Raikage's mind and much like you today my clan and myself found themselves torn when it comes to the priorities in loyalties. Do we protect Kumogakure first and foremost, watching over the civilians and the future it takes, or do we serve the Raikage, following him in every of his decisions?"

The Raiu would proceed to explain the current situation and repeat the hidden agenda of the Jashinists under the Raikage's commands she had revealed to Kyousuke too. Sharing information and enlightening them on the matter, the Raiu would explain how she had talked with her own clan before and what the final decision was of its leading council - the safety and future of Kumogakure preceded that of the Raikage, certainly when the last named held no intention of putting his Village before his own selfish desires.

"I can not decide for your clan which path to approach but I do believe that the Sasaki and Raiu clan are two pieces of the same cloth. If so possible, I'd like for our honourable clans to stand next to each other in the preservation of the Village against the ruination of the Jashinists rather than to oppose each other. Let us not work towards an internal war that would only further weaken the Village but strengthen each other in this conflicting matter."

Ending with those words, Mizuki stepped back. The senjutsu chakra of the Noblesse Sage dissipated, taking its avian resplendence with it, and left the playground to Kyousuke-kun again. She had told them what she knew, it was now up to him and his clan to run the last mile.



537
Total: 4'666

12Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Sun May 12, 2019 11:33 pm

Kyousuke




C-rank
Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Cropped-56293058_p0

An intense wave of natural chakra exited Mizuki’s body forcing the atmosphere of the room to shift around her. Her aura brought the heir in awe of her power, golden eyes widening upon his first sight of a true sage. All within the council stayed silent, not a single pin drop could be heard. Were she not given their full attentions before she had surely received them now. The boy took notes mentally, seeing her display of her power as an ingenious method to demand notice from highly positioned individuals, a tactic he assumed she learned from her years as a diplomat. At the same time as her display of power, she had pulled down the hood that covered her face, revealing herself to indeed be who the heir claimed she was and not just another shinobi from the streets. Though her display of power caused admiration to grow within the heir, some of his fellow clansmen did not see the sage’s sudden display of strength in the same light. A few of the elders turned their eyes to Kaida as if waiting for a burst of anger for interrupting and then boasting her strength, yet she simply raised her hand to once more bring those eyes back to the mountain hermit. With a gesture of her palms she allowed the diplomat to speak. At first Mizuki introduced herself and gave her respects towards the elders before diving straight into their reason for interrupting the council's meeting. The Sasaki’s stand against the raikage was one topic that was difficult to speak off, yet she did so easily by bringing up the Raiu clan’s similar and recent troubles. Immediately the elders turned to each other, whispering of the new knowledge they had just acquired.

Kyousuke stood at the sides watching the mountain hermit continue her words despite some of the elders now faintly debating amongst themselves whether they should warn of the Raiu clan’s waning allegiance to the raikage. Though as if realizing the growing uncertainty of the elders, she began to speak of the tribulations she faced under the self proclaimed god’s service. At first they would continue in their whispers, the information regarding the mistreatment of Kumogakure’s civilians was an unfortunate predicament but one not warrant of a complete turn against the raikage, yet upon hearing of the kidnapped genins everyone froze in place, no one so much as uttering a single word. It was then that they realized just who Hastur was. He wasn't the neglectful ruler who failed to help his people like they believed, but a criminal that actively sought to take the lives of the same people he had sworn to protect by taking the mantle of the raikage. Suddenly they all realized what would have been truly good for not just Kumogakure, but also the Land of Lightning itself. Mizuki continued to speak once again reminding them of the possible ally they would have in the Raiu clan. They were not alone in questioning the leadership of Hastur. With the power of her sage mode now dissipating, the mountain hermit made way for the heir to close off the council's minds against Hastur’s rule. Kyousuke stepped forward, slow and steady. He looked each of the council member's eye eventually drifting to his mother's at the center.

“You have each heard of what will continue to happen if we allow a madman to rule Kumogakure… I ask, can any of you stand idly by while our home is desecrated by the crimes of its own raikage? Will the Sasaki simply sit on the sidelines and allow others to fight for the soul of our home? We are protectors, are we not? Do we not have a duty sworn by each of our ancestors to ensure the safety of every single person within Kaminari no Kuni? Mother, you once told me that wherever I took our clan in the future would be a future welcomed by you. I may still be young and inexperienced, but this is the path I choose. I know that it is not easy to uproot our ways and resist against the raikage for the first time in the Sasaki’s history, but what is one man against the good of the entire land? Honor dictates that we guard the lives of our people and to continue that promise we cannot let Hastur reign over Kumogakure. I urge you all to keep my and Mizuki-san’s words in your mind. ”

He stepped back, each thought left out in the open for the council to discuss. Outside he was calm and expressionless, yet inside he hoped with every ounce of his strength that he had done enough to sway their minds. For awhile the lips of each council member remained shut, not so much as uttering a single word. The tension within the room grew thicker with anticipation as each councilmen gave each other looks and nods. Finally, one would stand to draw the eyes of all those around. The man was Sasaki Kenichi, Kyousuke’s own uncle. First the man looked at both the heir and the mountain hermit, his head gesturing for a slight bow, afterwards Kenichi looked to their leader Kaida. “I stand with your son on this one.” Finally breaking the silence each council member followed, standing and then professing their loyalties. All but one supported the notion of the Sasaki to rise against the self proclaimed god, yet it would all mean nothing if the clan matriarch said otherwise. All eyes were no locked on to Kaida whose face and expression remained shaded by her throne like seat. All one could see was her lips, and slowly those lips move to a smile. “Mizuki Raiu, you have spoken true. The Sasaki will not abandon their mission on this day, and like my son said that mission is to safeguard the lives of Kaminari no Kuni’s people. Our clan will stand by the Raiu and all others that will aid in restoring order to Kumogakure.” Her head turned to each of her councilmen. “All of you leave, tell the others to open the barrier. Bring every single Sasaki, genin or jonin back to our home and make sure none are left in the service of the raikage. Mizuki-san,” She paused, turning her head back to the mountain hermit.

“Though I'm more than certain you would wish for the Sasaki to silently oppose Hastur from the shadows, know that with the kidnappings you have brought up I will not risk the lives of my clansmen in further serving the raikage. From this day until he is ousted of the throne the Sasaki shall be considered a shinobi clan separate from Kumogakure’s military forces. Though our hearts may lie within service of the village, we will no longer follow the orders of Hastur. However he decides to take action against us, we will be ready to both defend ourselves and take action against his rule.”

The boy turned to Mizuki as the council members left the room to fulfill their duties. His eyes switched between his mother and the mountain hermit, unsure what the future would bring. “What now?” He asked, golden eyes gleaming with energy ready for whatever fight awaited.


-Exit-





1228 | 6953

WC Breakdown:



Last edited by Kyousuke on Tue May 14, 2019 11:09 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Forgot to add mission WC cost)

13Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Empty Re: Entering the Fray [Mizuki] Tue May 14, 2019 9:48 am

Raiu Mizuki

Raiu Mizuki

Retired
Mizuki, sitting in seiza, patiently waited until the Sasaki clan members had finished their internal discussions. Where she had paved the road ahead, Kyousuke had delivered the final blow. Even if he held little political clout at this point, none could simply discard the heir as being irrelevant to this matter. His decision, and his direct approach, had already influenced some minds even before they'd realise it themselves. Her eyes scanned the room, perceiving the mannerism and mood of the active members to gauge the general direction the debate was taking. It looked favourable for the most part, their deepest thoughts of contemplation remaining hidden to all but their own minds. One by one, final decisions were made clear. One by one, they gathered around the heir's choice to preserve Kumogakure above its Raikage. And lastly, even the current leader understood the sagacity of the revealed road towards the future.

The decision of Sasaki Kaida not to join the resistance but remain an independent force was more than sufficient in the eyes of the resistance leader. She had not searched for them to join the resistance, merely desired for them to renounce support towards the current leadership. Every clan that did not support Hastur against the resistance was a hurdle less for the resistance to jump over. And with the Sasaki clan stepping away, another small victory spoke in favour of the resistance.

"I would not have asked for more.", Mizuki replied, content with the clan's decision. "Should you find yourself targeted by Jashinists or the kage's personal forces, the kami might yet smile favourably on the honourful Sasaki."

A subtle hint that in times of need, they might yet find allies assisting them in times of need. With the decision concluded, she'd rise to her feet again and ready herself to move on when Kyousuke spoke up. What now?

"Today you set a foot into clan politics and emerged as victor, Kyousuke-kun. I believe a glass of fine wine in joy of a brighter future is an acceptable reward. However, as a Sasaki and its heir, it is paramount you set the example to build up the credibility of leadership. The Sasaki will remain neutral, therefore Sasaki Kyousuke should too."

At those words, she'd wink meaningfully to him. The hermit had used his full name on purpose, hoping he'd catch the hint that hiding his real identity and picking up an alter ego was the only way for him now to join the resistance. An approach the ANBU were well-known for, and one she had used herself when Raiu Mizuki lived in the mountains of Iwagakure as the hermit Suzume.

The first steps of a shinobi's arts; hiding in plain sight.



[EXIT]

462
Total: 5'128
- 4'200 wc Raiton: S to Legendary
- 900 wc stashed

Sponsored content



View previous topic View next topic Back to top Message [Page 1 of 1]

Naruto Saga » Kaminari no Kuni » Kumogakure » Entering the Fray [Mizuki]

Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
Naruto and Naruto Shippuuden belong to © Masashi Kishimoto.