Some Time Ago
The legacy of the Jigoku-Mure spanned countless generations, and yet had come to near complete extinction before Sunagakure ever ventured beneath the earth. Lost were the days of cavernous dwelling among the now forgotten Taira mountains, when their people had spent their days advancing spiritual pursuits. Then, the preference was isolation to the developing societies around them. Now, all that remained were rumors, and tales of their demise. Through obfuscated efforts and cunning intellect, the so-called "Hell Flock" perhaps would have changed the face of Wind Country. It was one of their own who seemingly chose the village over his own clan, who would grow into a living and nearly forgotten legend. That Shinobi, was a man named Denrei... Intended to be a messenger for their cause since birth, and one of their brightest prospects.The tales say that it first appeared that he had gone rogue, after first slaying his own abbot and clansmen. A man he once idolized as the epitome of what it meant to be of the clan, a living archive of ancient wisdom and philosophy. Denrei was hunted by the ANBU as he traveled Wind Country, slaughtering every member and sect of the Jigoku-Mure he would find along the way. Once his mission was complete, he returned to Sunagakure and gave himself up. When all the evidence was brought to light, he had discovered the abbot to be a traitor and his clan as a whole plotting simultaneous assault on the nation. Not a word had slipped from the lips of any of the operatives, and every clandestine mission had been a success. Years later, one reviewing the case may conclude the coup might have succeeded, if Denrei hadn't turned against them.
When asked why he chose the village over his own people, Denrei's response brought thoughtful pause. "I didn't choose the village over my own, I chose right over wrong. Nothing more." This would be quoted in several textbooks for future generations. He was granted amnesty and word was that he could have been made ANBU Captain, but you know how unreliable rumors were. Nonetheless, he chose to retire and live his days out in solitude among the villagers. He made no friends, and found no love... Keeping to himself and studying the archaic scrolls of the dead. Bolstering his power, and mastering his abilities. It wasn't long before he was almost unseen entirely, an urban myth among the population as decades rolled by.
Most people knew little of the Tengu themselves, or the extent of their integration with the Jigoku-Mure. It was only around the time the clan neared the climax for their assault, that strange stories popped up all over the country. Extravagant celebrations as well as governmental meetings within smaller settlements were being attacked. The assailant, while often described differently in each situation had several things in common... They'd always disrupt the event alone, adorn themselves with a red long-nosed mask, decorated with skulls, and displaying birdlike features. The avian traits were described at times as wings, nails like talons, or simply feathered clothing. The wrought terror among the lesser realms, much like that brought to the enemies faced by the Jigoku-Mure of Sunagakure. Though, no definitive connection or evidence had ever been found to back those ludicrous claims. Only words from men and women frightened beyond coherence, and thought to be completely insane. Eventually, all of that would steadily be fictionalized over the years and then forgotten as the elderly died off. Few people knew the truth, or about as much of it as the Sunagakure council did. Perhaps, just a little bit more... There were many old clans among the village, one of which called themselves the Aikayume. Parallel to the Jigoku-Mure claiming descent from Yōkai, the Aikayume had a more pronounced relationship with the Kitsune. Likewise, the Toraono themselves were known to be descended from a self-crowned Demon King. Those sensitive to spiritual energies and natural ambiances, would note the tainted aura surrounded all Jigoku-Mure. Denrei himself included. While the clan kept itself separated from both prior to their extermination, it's unknown how much information either would have gathered...
During Sunagakure's transition from the surface to a life below, Denrei followed. Eventually taking up residence in the Grand Palais, he found himself at home in an old monastery within the deepest reaches of the district. More often than not, it seemed abandoned... If not eerily kept tidy as well. While almost no one bothered to venture into or pay attention to the old structure, it had a way of warding off the curios as well. Those that draw near are said to be invaded by an overwhelming sense of dread and doom... Fear, growing like flames fed crisp tinder. The edifice itself was mostly carved out of the very caverns, with unfinished cuts of stone scattered about. The religious abode had been there before Sunagakure's arrival, seeming ancient even way back then. Buddhist-like carvings of people, Kami, and Yōkai filled the vicinity with stony eyes that seemed to watch all. The lights that fed the underground illumination seemed to malfunction the closer one got to the seemingly dead structure... It was here, that "The Last Tengu" was said to reside. Yet, few ever saw him...
Those that stepped onto the property, and few ever did but foolish children on dares... The results were always the same, being overwhelmed by fear and needing rehabilitation in the asylum. No one ever seriously got hurt though, and the last time anyone had visibly stepped foot onto the property had been over a decade. What could possibly inspire any other youngster to try the same? Maybe too much time had passed, and the urban legends had died completely... Maybe, the one coming, was intentionally seeking that which terrified most all others...
Miscellaneous:
- Takahashi Jin'ichi is not in this thread.
- I will be RPing as the NPC, Jigoku-Mure Denrei.
- This is technically a "Flashback" since it's prior to Denrei coming out of retirement, as well as before Azusa's exam.
- Denrei's here, but I felt like setting up the atmosphere and letting you do your thing with it first.
- The pervading fear and sense of dread is Daunting Presence [Mastered].
- Word Count: 0,969
- Here we go.
