Awaking to What? *Shrugs* (Open or Solo)

[Basuta]

[Opening topic along with NPC Masuda Ava)

The Samurai wakes again to another morning in what seems to be a treatment area. He and his Young Master still seem unfamiliar to the processes and procedures of this land's clinic. This day is different from the ones before, for the feeling of not knowing has decreased. Rehabilitation however, is a first for the two in sense, at least to the Otandai experience this. Yet, more cumbersome than to physical process, were the questions that lead up to it. Many of these questions center around the leadership of the Village of Stone. Others, were concerning his more sudden attack by another Stone Official, or rather, the fact that he survived the assault. These topics are kept secret between the teacher and student.

While sitting at the side of his bed, Shoma oversees Ava's training within that very room. One hundred stroke of her sheathed sword in three different directions, for a total of 300. He watches while his hands rest atop the handle of his own sheathed blade as the other end touches the floor.

{Marked for Training}

 

[Michi]

OC: Let's get you up to date again.

IC:

Did Shoma know that Akkuma is still in prison for his assault? It was unlikely, after all he was in a hospital. Akkuma's unconscious body was dragged back to Sunagakure by a group of samurai, he was indicated in inciting a riot during the intervillage examination that caused the Daimyo to cancel the impending nuptials between the Otokage and his only daughter. Yes, the political climate in wind Country was tense and it was getting worse by the day, trepidation and rumor surmounted to fear-mongering in many cases on both sides and eventually it would boil over into war. Sunans were dangerous and needed to be 'put down' or at least that was the dialogue that Diamyo Ishii had submitted to the public and considering recent events he was garnering the support of the average civilian.

What has a shinobi done for them lately anyways?

They are dangerous.

Some might not even be human.

Neophyte, or at least that was what they still called her but that would not be for much longer had decided to learn more about the incident in Soons Haven. It was not everyday that a demon was left in chains, but sadly it seems like it was every day that Sunagakure decided to set one free on their own recognizance. She disliked demons more than she did humans, at least humans had their uses whereas demons had none. She contemplated who she would represent when she entered his hospital room, an ANBU, a medic, or a concerned woman that had come to check on his well-being. She donned the mask of Neophyte because it best explained how she knew what she did. Paranoia seemed to become something rather pervasive by this point. So she entered cloaked in a magenta robe and bandages that covered her body. If it was not for her gait and her posture, one might have thought her a patient but she was assuredly not.

She had to ask thrice before she got a reliable answer, it would have been helpful if she knew more than his circumstances. His room was on a medical wing, it used to be a rehabilitative unit when she was practicing medicine but that was years ago. She would stop at his door and rap her hand thrice on threshold of the door left ajar as most were in a ward so that the staff could check in with ease. "Hello?"</B><i></i> She would call into the room without entering, <B>"may I come inside?" If she was allowed entry or not, she would state her purpose simply, "I apologize for the intrusion Mister..." she trailed off hoping that he would be willing to supply her with a name, otherwise she would likely continue to address him as 'sir' or 'mister' until she had a good look at him. She would of course recognize him if she saw him, they met once before several months ago in one of the worst parts of town. He was almost a victim, his white knight syndrome would have gotten him into dire straights if he had followed up on her offer to follow her home. No, she had no intention of killing him, that would be wasteful. She was going to use him to create political turmoil of her own but it seemed that he did a good enough job without her intervention. "I am here because I have questions about one Miroku Akkuma, a terrorist recently apprehended in Soons Haven that incited a riot according to reports. You were one of the listed witnesses," she explained hoping to initiate a dialogue with him.

 

[Basuta]

After a few knock on the door to alert them, the pair hear a request of entry. This places the current training exercise on hold for the youthful one. She stops to look toward the swordsman for a response. Shoma lifts a hand only to extend and index finger and lightly roll his wrist. This serves to signal the student to continue with her routine. As he remains seated at his bedside, which faces the door, he utter, "You may." His voice lacks enthusiasm, akin to what seems to be a blank stare aimed in the direction of the door.

With the entry of a heavily bandaged figure, Shoma raises a hand in Ava's direction to correct his previous decision, motioning to her to stop her routine. Although this mystery person, assuming this is a human, did apologize for their arrival and entry, Shoma is not eased by the appearance of the newcomer. "Master Ava, please step behind me." Ava returns to him, "I am fine as I am." Shoma persists with, "And you shall continue to be, behind me." He straightens his back but let's his hands still rest on his sword handle. He remains still, not yet would a name be given.

The hidden figure speaks and as it does, the girl moves to the other side of the bed where the man sits. The... ?woman? speaks of the demon, of the incident at the contest, of her "intent" to question the samurai. To this Shoma finally responds to the figure, "I am,... Otandai Shoma. Forgive my hesitations to respond. Understand that, your appearance, the hiding of your identity also conseals motives. To be more direct, you do not have the look of one who merely seeks to ask questions but rather of one that has more malice in their intentions. Expect that some answers may be limited under these conditions." This man is not as swift to trust as he might have been in a time before.

[Marked for Training]

 

[Michi]

They met once before...

"You may."

A muffled voice replied and she strode inside. It was habit at this point to count the steps it required to enter the room and then to recall how many would be needed if she were to leave. To view, even out of the corner of her vision the number of potential exits, the only other being the window but from the looks of it the window was sealed closed. She did not like that, alternatives set her mind at ease since the resurgence of the orders. She stayed all the same as Shoma directed a young woman to hide behind her. He was not exactly welcoming, but she did not appear to be either for what little that would matter. "They call me Neophyte," she offered as she attempted to fulfill the social contract of designations or in her case monikers.

"I am,... Otandai Shoma. Forgive my hesitations to respond. Understand that, your appearance, the hiding of your identity also conceals motives. To be more direct, you do not have the look of one who merely seeks to ask questions but rather of one that has more malice in their intentions. Expect that some answers may be limited under these conditions."

She did not take a seat and she remained near the exit, not because she was attempting to trap them inside but rather so she had an escape if she needed one. "Again I apologize Shoma, this is not Iwagakure and I am afraid that paranoia is commonplace," she would nod in the direction of the young woman he demanded remain behind him. "I am simply here to learn about the samurais that apprehended one Miroku Akkuma," she carefully and slowly moved her hands through a handseal array in hopes of avoiding a reaction made in haste as she completed a common ninjutsu [Transformation] that she assumed he would recognize before she completed the array. What stood before him, temporarily was the demon that caused the ruckus that day. The same demon that fought Shoma and the same demon that was dragged to the Obsidian thereafter. The same razor teeth that set into each-other in a saw-like pattern. The same heavy, muscular tail that swished back and forth behind him. The same horns. Even the same scent, it reminded her of porn and shame. She would only maintain the transformation for a few moments, demons revolted her in ways she could not fully explain.

"He was recently released from the prison a few hours ago, I have my concerns regarding his freedom for obvious reasons." More aptly she was looking to kill him without setting off whatever defensive measures Sousuke and the Captain placed upon the demon. It was ironic that they had her force his confession and then for his comfort or concern for his safety they decided that she needed to be separate from him after he identified her. They were fools to believe that such a criminal would not be hunting her this very instant. They were also fools if they thought she would let this go either.

"The samurais reported to me that Mister Miroku Akkuma from Kiri attempted to assassinate your Tsuchikage and that he was inciting a riot in Soons Haven. Beyond the fact that his release might become an international incident I am also concerned that he will become a threat to my community." She let out a sigh as she gestured towards the door, she was offering Shoma's student, child-wife, daughter, whatever she was an out to leave if he wanted to protect her from the exchange of words that they were about to have. Shoma was right about one thing, there was malice in her intentions. She had every intention of making this an international incident, or at the very least causing there to be one less demon in this world. Either was a win for her, Yes, she was looking to discuss matters but she was also looking to put the foreigner to work [ OC: I am not looking to kill him -- death ends the game, just violence and terrible things. Besides Akkuma's activity as of late is poop. As always I am just causing troubles IC and some healthy abrasiveness. =o ]

If Ava left or if she stayed, Neophyte would close the door to Shoma's room before she would add a bit more. "He has insinuated himself with one of the most powerful families in Sunagakure, a demon clan known as the Toraono. He has taken the Sennin's sister Seika as a wife. Due to his political pull we cannot incarcerate him for long, but if what those samurais shared with me was true and from what little I have seen of him... I am looking to remove him from our community. I would like to know what you know about him and from your perspective what happened."

 

[Basuta]

The feminine mummy identifies itself as 'Neophyte.' It would be a start to at least have something to call this... interrogator. 'She' would apologize to the samurai currently in commoner clothing, referring to his concerns as 'common paranoia' as he would think of it. A retort would escape him, "Given the 'multiple' scenarios I and my Master have experienced, including two that have resulted in my current position, I have come to think of my mental status as one of 'preparation,'... Ms. Neophyte." Under normal circumstances the swordsman would not be so sharp toward others, even if cloaked in mystery. But after numerous figurative daggers housed in his spine, Shoma in some fashion has been bleed of some of his manners and etiquette and that too has yet to recover. Yet someone would be more willing to give a chance at least, to the one known as Neophyte. "Shoma calm thyself, it is doubtful she intends to be insulting."

Were she to continue into the discussion of The Demon that proudly dealt death to some of the other samurai, she would show interest for the captors of the Beast. Although Shoma was involved in subduing the corrupted one, he assumes that the Neophyte is more referring to the other samurai initially there to defend the arena rather than himself due to the fact that he himself had been assaulted to the point of unconsciousness. The living mummy then goes on to use the shinobi illusion to take the form of Akkuma. This image draws more than a memory from the samurai, for his eyes widens intensely, his hands grip the hilt of his blade firmly. Although he seems to stare at the floor or the feet of the beast, his makes use of peripheral vision in battle situations. This battle readiness remains as long the creature's image does, because to the sole surviving Otandai, this person could very well be a Demon wanting in revenge. To the surviving Masuda, this creature's image is fresh to her, bringing her to take knee and crouch behind Shoma, fearful yet ready. It would not be until the spell is broken and until the mention of prison, that the two's physical appearance of alertness would slightly decrease, allowing Ava to raise to her feet again. The words she speaks are only a slight comfort in that stranger MIGHT not be the Demon in question. As things are now the Neophyte hasn't won a reason to be trusted yet.

With what she reveals to the Fire Native pair, the two look at each other. Shoma's immediate response would be, "I see." Although he understands her words here, in that it seems obvious that he would be requested for this task given their brief yet deep-seeding encounter, the reporting of the incident didn't seem to match the experience itself. Though offered a way out, the Young Master declines with a head shake, believing herself to be ready to hear whatever may come next. She would not be, not completely. The mere mention of the Toraono name being involved perplexes them, drawing there gazes toward each other. Some might see fear, but to the foreigners gifted with hospitality from the same, the emotion being exchanged is disbelief. Kuro comes to mind for each of them, one admires his stance on honor and justice, the other simply admires him more than a relationship as a friendly acquaintance or even a crush requires. "Does not Kuro know about this, about this 'Akkuma' and his crimes? Surely, given the time span and his own proximity with his family he has to have known. (Shakes head) No, he would not sit idly by nor would he actively 'release' a monster,... would he?" The swordsman's mind stirs, Shoma is not so sure, for he sees that there are family ties involved now and that such a connection truly tests then reveal someone's moral coding. He has repeatedly been given reasons not to trust anyone other than his Master, let alone anyone calling themselves shinobi for typically honor is merely a fancy word to them to glorify one's self.

Shoma turns his attention to "investagator" now tempted to deal. "Well,... now I have questions of my own. Answers for answers sounds fair. Firstly, know that I shall personally tend to the Demon at the earliest of opportunities. Indeed it is more than a personal undertaking, it is my obligation. But I have wondered, what is the story of my position in this incident? And who else is involved according to them?" Would this be acceptable? The swordsman partly hopes so, but he knows to expect that he might have been, and maybe will be, lied to.

[Marked for Training]
{Understood. Didn't intend to anyway, he serves at a good plot device(if that is the right term or phrase), arch-nemesis. }
[Edited grammar and stuff]

 

[Michi]

"Given the 'multiple' scenarios I and my Master have experienced, including two that have resulted in my current position, I have come to think of my mental status as one of 'preparation,'... Ms. Neophyte."

Hostility and distrust, it did not really surprise her. She did not trust Sunans either.

"Shoma calm thyself, it is doubtful she intends to be insulting."

She transformed into Akkuma, she knew more about his anatomy than she ever wanted to. For their sake she kept his pants on. Shoma tensed, his hand readied near his blade and the girl hid poorly behind him. She did not make any grandiose displays or attempt to emulate his laugh, she simply announced after a few moments. "I will take it as a yes," she would comment as she released her transformation, returning to her previous bandaged form. She was much better looking than the demon even if she was dressed like a mummy. She explained the basis of her concerns, his recent release. She did not care about his guilt or innocence, but his guilt would be an important asset in the coming days when she hunted him.

"Does not Kuro know about this, about this 'Akkuma' and his crimes? Surely, given the time span and his own proximity with his family he has to have known. (Shakes head) No, he would not sit idly by nor would he actively 'release' a monster,... would he?"</U><i></i>

"I have no reason to believe that this has been obscured from him, after all I am sharing this with you and Sennin Toraono holds significant rank over me," she reasoned. She had no excuses for Kuro, but he was a demon and therefore he would probably assist his own kind if not for the sake of a like creature then for the sake of his sister. There is also the possibility that Kuro would try to hide this for the sake of his as well as his family's honor. He surely would have his reasons for supporting the demon Akkuma and to some level he would not be able to help it. It would be a part of his nature to support his kind just like it is her nature to bolster her kin. Still, those answers would defame him, potentially cause backlash not only from the foreigner if he has come to know the border Sennin as many foreigners did but also from the Sennin himself if he decided to exact vengeance for her efforts against one of his own or insinuating dishonor on his part. "I doubt the Sennin, a trusting man such as him, would believe that one so close to him would do something so terrible," she chose her words carefully. "But I saw the demon's true nature first hand when he attacked me," she was being a bit dramatic but she was not lying. "And considering your reaction, you have also seen him for the terrible creature he actually is." She was smiling behind the mask.

"Well,... now I have questions of my own. Answers for answers sounds fair."<i></i>

"I have no protest</B><B>[/color] She would interject.

<U>"Firstly, know that I shall personally tend to the Demon at the earliest of opportunities. Indeed it is more than a personal undertaking, it is my obligation. But I have wondered, what is the story of my position in this incident? And who else is involved according to them?"<i></i>

Weird question. "The samurais that delivered Akkuma claimed you tried to defend the civilians from his rampage," she answered "but come to think of it I believe that you are listed as a victim in his attack in the medical reports."[/u] She really did not know the details of his efforts during the exam, only the little the samurais shared when they delivered Shoma and Akkuma to Sunagakure. Their choice to bring one to the prison and the other to the hospital indicated their perspective of their 'guilt' and 'innocence' in her opinion.

As for 'who else' -- she was never given that information. She was able to infer some basic bits of information but nothing more. "I do not know, I know that Tsuchikage Hissori was attacked and that there were other shinobis involved as well as civilians." She shook her head, "I am afraid I will not be of much assistance. You and Akkuma were the only two that were delivered to Sunagakure and there were no Sunan participants in the exam."

 

[Basuta]

As time elapses, the complexity of the situation grows worse. The Neophyte's response to the Masuda confirms the Otandai's thoughts in her explanation of the Sennin's position. The more she speaks of Kuro, the more he understands why one would want to seek an outside source, and why Shoma would be the perfect candidate with the information given.'Indeed, Akkuma's heritage and current marital ties make Sennin Toraono's judgement unreliable. Would he cermate a demon blood as quickly as a human?'

With these thoughts it is not hard to see why anyone would come to see the samurai, even a shinobi. Shinobi are not trained to seek open combat like samurais, their heritage lies mostly in espionage. Though it is possible that this shinobi could very be playing an angle, the samurai still understands that her request for aid is still to be pursued as a quest from someone in genuine need. If not for her, then more so for honor and justice for the fallen, as well as the well-being of the potential victims of the Demon's future crimes. When addressed about the potential dangers of the Demon's fury, "Yes, I have a pretty clear understanding of the threat he poses," states the swordsman.

His question would be answered, yet he would not be enlightened. Instead, he only grows more curious at the reported results of his battle. Things are definitely being hidden from him. Even the facts that are available are not the complete truth. In addition, it would seem that other names were excluded from mentioning. In fairness, Shoma would give her something to go in the books. "Hmm, I did not realize that shinobi if the Sand and Wind were not in attendance. Strange... But there is something you should know or note, Miroku Akkuma and Tsuchikage Hissori have a friendship. And know too that it was not the Demon that attacked him, though he did use illusions to fool me into doing just that. The Kage of Stone attempted to take the head of Akkuma before the Demon could be interrogated about the occurrences in the stands, or about his relationship to Ii Hissori. There is much more then we know but I believe the Demon to be a... very convincing scapegoat."

(I know this one isn't great but my cheap smart phone has been giving me problems. I'll edit when I can if I remember to.)
Marking for training

 

[Michi]

That was quite odd, his concern for the demon. She frowned behind her mask. She did not actually care about his guilt or his innocence, she just wanted him dead. She wanted every demon dead so it was hardly personal, but her blood-lust would have to wait. If he was anything like every other demon she had ever encountered, he would prove what he was soon enough. Of course Shoma had some interesting information that the samurais failed to share -- the fact that the Tsuchikage wanted Akkuma dead. She never knew that she would have so much in common with the 'rock king.' The newspapers painted him as an insufferable pervert with some not-so-nice references questioning the relationship between him and his canine companion. Of course the papers these days have painted a poor picture of most foreign and domestic leaders.

Little did she know, or care, that the Daimyo has been creating political turmoil through perception for decades. Shinobis often guard their secrets and their failure to disseminate information would likely one-day be their undoing. They never shared with the public what they saw and learned at the heart of that maelstrom that devastated Wind Country for over twenty five years. That this undead 'monstrosity' was once a Sunahoshi, a leader of Sunagakure tethered to the eye of the storm and acting outside of his control. All the people knew was that the storm ended. It would have been an uphill battle for them to prove nefarious intent, dangerous to state that the body of their former leader was used, and difficult for them to prove that they were without blame. Now that years have passed, no-matter the story they shared it would never be believed at this point and the worst would be thought of them. The Diamyo won. The storm had for over two decades isolated Sunagakure and the civilians felt that they were abandoned by their 'shinobi protectors.' They came to depend on the Diamyo's good graces as well as his private militia and benevolent efforts through his Soverign. In the years since the Diamyo has tested Sunagakure's defenses; they were poor. They had hired an adventuring party to attack Sunagakure, called The Cabal and for a short time the party succeeded but ultimately they were defeated. There were some associations found between this 'mercenary-terrorist group' and the Diamyo but those who learned this secret seemed to hold this truth close to their chest. Their aggressive actions and distrust of Sora seemed misplaced and paranoid because they never substantiated their stance. Yet they have taken every oppertunity they had to show Sunagakure's brazen and dangerous acts -- their disregard for human life, their dangerous hirelings, the attacks on free people at demonstrations and most recently the kidnapping of the Diamyo's daughter.

Even Shiori did not know these truths, they were hidden from her. What she did know was "Sunagakure has been tense these past few years... ever since the incursion." She was referring to the Cabal attack, something he has likely heard about several times since his arrival in Sunagakure, it is rare that something so awful and life-changing happened in your own home-town. Publicly it was recognized as a terrorist group known as The Cabal, the members of this group were either dead or pardoned for their crimes. It was confusing to most onlookers, herself included because the reasons were never shared much like most things. "I know that there was some negative sentiments between Sunagakure's hierarchy and Sora, but I do not know the details," she admitted. Perhaps Sunagakure knew that something was going to 'go wrong.' It was certainly a powerful coincidence.

Secrets could be dangerous.

 

[Basuta]

The pieces to this puzzle don't seem too scattered to the samurai that sit and stand in front of the Neophyte, yet truth eludes the pair. They know only the truth that is shown to them and from there, they may make inferences to better understand their own position and condition. Due to not only his subduing at the tournament, but to his ambush by yet another Stone Official, it grows harder and harder to maintain focus on a problem blanketed in the quilt of the unknown. The shinobi some time ago had failed to reveal the true nature of the samurai that perished those days ago. And with the total result, this only made a case in which the Fire Natives could sympathize and empathize in favor of those that may very well be aligned with what most consider to be darker forces. Who knows of the story of the Samurai that rest in the rule of the Daimyo of Fire? Is the same Daimyo a terrible tyrant in the eyes of those that served him more directly? Was the Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves the hero of those the gazes from afar?

The swordsman is told of an 'incursion'. Given the time gap since the last time they have heard of domestic raids and ransacking, it is hard for Shoma and Ava to immediately connect some dots to what the Neophyte might be referring to. "Incursion?" asks a curious swordsman. "Hmm." hums the Young Master as she gives thought to what the mummy means. After a few seconds, a thought does come to Shoma's head. "You mean... the violent oppressive group... from recent history in this land?" The name of the group evades his mind's eye for a while longer however.

She then speaks of feelings of a possible hostile nature between this land, or society, and another, Wind and Sky. This may explain the absence of Wind shinobi, offering a better understanding in the relationship as well as broadening the possible theories of the foreigners present. Yet, this doesn't connect the events well, not as well as Shoma growing theory that is more convenient for him to believe. "Are you inferring that it was this distaste that kept Wind Shinobi from showing to participate in the past Jounin Exam? I must say, it seems hard to believe that their would be no representatives of Wind Country present during such an attack. Unless there are other Countries with reason to be of ill content with Wind Country, it is hard to not see them as a possible threat to Sky Country. Furthermore, the Villages of Stone and Cloud seem to be in agreement with one another, at least then and there."

[Marked for Training]
[Sorry about the wait]

Spoiler

Initially when I came to Sand, I wanted to side with Cabal for a time as a mislead good type, but I'll play whichever hand I get.

 

[Michi]

"Incursion? ... You mean... the violent oppressive group... from recent history in this land?"

The 'violent and oppressive group' was an apt description but not one she had commonly heard. It sounded almost neutral with his choice terminology. It was strange how she resented that considering the fact that she aimed to do worse to the descendants of the first men. Sunagakure was in the midst of two wars, both silent in their destructive nature -- one against the Daimyo and the other against the remnants of the Ancient race. A war Sunagakure was losing on both sides because they treated both threats as irrelevant and those whom had the power or the clout to make a difference greedily hoarded what little they did know. "Aye Sir," Neophyte replied simply.

"Are you inferring that it was this distaste that kept Wind Shinobi from showing to participate in the past Jounin Exam? I must say, it seems hard to believe that their would be no representatives of Wind Country present during such an attack. Unless there are other Countries with reason to be of ill content with Wind Country, it is hard to not see them as a possible threat to Sky Country. Furthermore, the Villages of Stone and Cloud seem to be in agreement with one another, at least then and there."

Neophyte shrugged her shoulders, in all honesty she had no idea. Rumors had a way of spreading. "No idea," she admitted, "I did not come in an official capacity. I am just a trainee so politics are not my forte." It was the truth, she was just an ANBU in training and the information she had been afforded by her station was minimal. There was never a warning against joining the intervillage but there was hardly a mention of such an exam spread through the community, she did not even know about the exam until it was already in progress. Of course she was in no hurry to ascend the ranks, the higher you got the more people saw you. She perfected to work in places where she would not be noticed, that was why she donned the mask and took the moniker Kaza had given her. "But I am far from a fool. I believe that something happened... something is happening," she corrected herself.

She sniffed the air, he did not smell like a demon. She wondered out loud, "does the Tsuchikage share a demonic lineage?" She wondered if Stone was a community of demons, the thought revolted her but it was a non-concern for the Ancient as long as they kept their vile bodies and deeds outside her borders. Yes, she considered Wind Country hers even if she was more a neophyte than a Queen, in time all things bloom and she would be no exception. Regardless of Shoma's answer, she knew who she was going to have to find and extract answers from: Tsuchikage Ii Hissori. She would smile behind her mask as she bid the duo adieu, "thank you Sir" and bowed her head "...and young Miss." She got everything she needed from him even if it was not what she wanted. Akkuma had ties with Iwagakure, an interesting tidbit considering his interest in Sunagakure and association with the Toraono clan.

Was he a Iwa spy?

It did not matter if he was or if he was not, by the time she was done with him he would be. The truth is really a matter of narration. She would have to pay the Tsuchikage a visit. She pulled from her pocket a small, roughly shaped mechanical device. It was not warm and it did not glow. She needed to check such things. She returned it to the pocket without a word. "This has been enlightening," she backed towards the door.

[Attempting to Leave -- Seeking Hissori obviously]​

Potential Story Offers:

• Hissori is reactivating -- you might want to protect him (from me) because I am going after him. I am a respectable player and will not kill him (or you), this is all story and fun. You should be able to conclude that my character has made a connection between Akkuma and Hissori. I would assume that your distrust of masked people would be enough of a reason to 'encourage' you.
• Akkuma is in danger -- yes, my character wants to finish torturing him. He needs your protection or perhaps I do. Again, I am no monster OC and refuse to kill players but my PC is not a nice person and I have a feeling that Akkuma has something nasty planned for me as well. I am sure the victor will be determined by a coin flip because I am more interested in a story than a victory. Again, it is pretty obvious, my character really has not been too secretive about the fact that she has a disturbing interest in Akkuma.

 

[Basuta]

[Roleplaying with Akkuma is actually pretty fun, and indeed he is pretty nice in the OOC manner.]

Shoma notes that the woman avoids the questioning of Sand Shinobis' absence at the tournament. Though is possible that she does not have knowledge of such relations, she as a shinobi of these lands is likely to have something more than she is giving. The Neophyte did seem to believe 'something', perhaps the same 'something' the other shinobi were going on about the day of the tragedy. They at that time threw blame on a foes with no name or face. The Samurai believes he has a better grasp of the situation, a better chance at uncovering truths and unraveling falsehoods. The woman then questions about the Tsuchikage's linage. Shoma had never gave thought to the idea before, it was not farfetched at all. All he could say himself is, "I am afraid I do not know, Ms. Neophyte. But it is possible."

With that, there would be nothing else that needs to be said between the three. The mummy respectfully prepares herself to leave, declaring to have learned something of value. "Be well," says Ava as she nods to the woman. Shoma nods as well allowing the woman to dismiss herself, only for a second before deciding to inquire further. "Wait, he states as he stands his feet. "There is an air of zealousness about you. What are you eager for?" He then slowly approaches the interviewer slowly as he speaks, though his steps seem a bit stiff. "Have you faced down a demon before, Ms. Neophyte? Are you the fighting type,... or are you a mere carrier of which many secrets are withheld? As demeaning as this may sound, I do not think you are up to completing this quest on you own."

He would turn around and head back toward to bed as he continues, "But I will not stop you should you choose to do so. But know that I will be attending to all parties upon my release, possibly sooner. As for the demon, I intend to lash him until he ceases to bleed or breathe, whichever may come first. But I doubt you see me capable... (slight chuckle)Hmhm, this seems fair actually, as I too doubt your ability. Like ninja before you, you will need to rally much assistance should you choose to go yourself." She could indeed go to handle the demon in her lonesome, or she could send one samurai. Shoma was not going to physically stop the mummy should she go, yet he decides in his own mind that she would would not go far beyond his sight. He does see value in a possible learning opportunity. Perhaps she has a samurai's warrior spirit. If even she had not her own, whether she knew it or not, she would have his present.

[Marked for training]
[Allowing to leave, if you do, just type exit and I'll wrap up.]

 

[Michi]

"I am afraid I do not know, Ms. Neophyte. But it is possible."

She glowered beneath her mask. Another demon... Demons were vile creatures on par with dangerous, disease-ridden vermin in her mind. An enduring race, while not nearly as long-lived had existed in one form or another as long as she could remember. They sought power and played cruel games, the irony was that they were not very much unlike Ancients and perhaps that was part of the reason she hated them so. They represented everything she hated about their own nature, about human nature, about the nature of every sentient being she had ever encountered. In fact it was a mark of honor on her court that there were no half-breeds, no mutts and no hybrids. Demons like humans were always trying to change what they were, trying to defy their nature which was something she was ironically doing now as well. But that was not why she hated demons, her reason was much simpler. It was like the hatred or perhaps better termed fear man had for the simple snake, spider or wasp. Fine if left on its own, but its existence was a danger. They offered her no noticeable benefit beyond their inherent risk and therefore they had to be destroyed when found, when their nests start to grow, before they start breeding.

She reached for the door and gave it a tug. She did not know where the Tsuchikage had went but she knew where she could start, Soons Haven.

"Wait,

Shoma called after her as she took a step out the door. She stopped.

"There is an air of zealousness about you. What are you eager for?"</B><i></i>

She did not turn around, she did not need to because sh could see him clearly without looking at him. Her ears twitched. <B>"Justice," she lied. It was truly a personal grudge and stubbornness that compelled her to seek Akkuma. In this word so much has changed, so much was out of her control but her hate was something that was hers. Something that they had yet to take away. She would satisfy this vendetta, sate her wrath until she was strong enough to do something about Sousuke.

"Have you faced down a demon before, Ms. Neophyte? Are you the fighting type,... or are you a mere carrier of which many secrets are withheld? As demeaning as this may sound, I do not think you are up to completing this quest on you own."

She had to let out a chuckle. "I am only a novice ANBU, I am capable otherwise," she claimed. Had she faced him down before, not really. They shared a cage for a brief time, so the altercation that took place was hardly a 'fair' fight but she was not the 'honorable kind' so fairness was utterly irrelevant.

"But I will not stop you should you choose to do so. But know that I will be attending to all parties upon my release, possibly sooner. As for the demon, I intend to lash him until he ceases to bleed or breathe, whichever may come first. But I doubt you see me capable... (slight chuckle) Hmhm, this seems fair actually, as I too doubt your ability. Like ninja before you, you will need to rally much assistance should you choose to go yourself."

"They would find me," she muttered to herself in a barely audible voice to herself. "With the political power he holds... I am a long way off from a show-down," she lied again. In reality she just did not want to get caught. She was not supposed to hunt him, he was an innocent and a free man in the eyes of Sunagakure. It was not a lie that he held power and that was what made him dangerous, it was a lie that she was would to delay a show-down against him. She would likely find him before she found Hissori. She would falsify the things the Tsuchikage would say or claim he came at the Kage -again- in an attempt to finish the deed so she intervened. Yes, she would lie and the only way two people could keep a secret is if one of them is dead. Yet, he was of use, perhaps he would complete the deed as he claimed he would try to. If he did, he would likely be caught. If he did, he would likely not lie. He seemed simple to her, the dim-witted sort that believed in veracity and honor over pragmatic 'vices' that would earn him a better chance at survival. So she would beckon him one way while she went the other, "it sounds like a race to see who can bring the demon-fiend to justice."

She hoped he would seek Akkuma. She hoped that he killed Akkuma in a slow matter. She hoped that it happened when she was far enough away that she could claim ignorance. That she could claim innocence. But sadly, plans never go as intended do they?

[Topic Left]

OC: Feel free to stalk or run ahead to Akkuma. You know where to find me on DM. Akkuma is also around and takes DMs, I am sure he would be super excited to start something up.

 

[Basuta]

Shoma would not normally permit someone, especially a female, to go chasing beings of pure evil. If Shoma were to have not experienced one betrayal after another by those ranked as shinobi, the woman's leaving to seek what could be her doom would not be allowed. Or perhaps it is better stated that even the illusion of such would not be shown. The samurai's concern for the woman's safety, however, starts to take a lesser value of priority when weighed next to demon's extermination, due to her claiming ninja rank. Which would one say has been most affected by the events of recent pass? Shoma generosity? His chivalry? His chauvinism,... if one would consider him such?

As the one called Neophyte leaves, the two Fire Natives decide to have a serious conversation. "Otandai Shoma, will you be aiding her on her quest?" Ava asks this as she moves from behind him, toward the swordsman's front. "You know I must," Shoma states calmly. "You are not fully ready for combat. You need rest." "You know I can not stay here until the end of my days." "I see. Given your age, they are already fast approaching." *Sighs*"You jest now? I am glad to see you in a health mood." "In seriousness, give yourself at least another day or two of rest." "Every day I spend here, is an allowance for Akkuma to bring doom to others. The Neophyte is likely speeding toward her own as we speak." "As you would speed toward your own, if you are to face that devil-beast while lacking. How many would suffer then if I should find that you are deceased?" "...Reasonable suggestion when stated this way, Young Master Masuda. I have one for as well." Ava folds her arms, "Speak,. Otandai Shoma?" "Keep great distance from the Dojo of Toraono. I know you want him to be innocent, but he too is ranked with shinobi. Trust only me, for it is my life to safeguard your life."

They both look at each other in silence for a bit. They each know that they ask much of each other, but wonder if their request is too much. For each of this pair, it would turn out to surely be too much to ask as both refuse to audibly comply. "Now, back to training. You were at 77 I believe, almost finish. Ava sighs, *Sigh of Annoyance*"Very well Shoma, very well. Uuugg." She waves him off as to dismiss him, yet still restarts her exercise. They each play along, knowing that disobedience comes by night.

[Topic left]
[Thanks for roleplaying with me. ]
[Edited]