Caging a Demon [Akkuma]

[Miroku Akkuma]

Those lips wore a mischievous grin, he had them bickering like they were children. Chaos itself seemed to flow from him & with a few words the right provocation. He could see emotions getting high once more, it seemed there was already a great deal of tension in the room. What strain they all seemed to be under so ready to burst open & unleash all that energy. They continued their exchange Akkuma answering as best he could, Neophyte's desire to undo his attempts seemed to do the exact opposite. Before long Reaper was breathing down her neck it appeared the trainee had overstepped her bounds. Even with she attempted to set a character for the Samurai as 'seeming good' he knew shinobi tended to have little empathy for Samurai. Besides seeing he had been insubordinate he was not entirely at fault. At least from the emotional profile they would have of him, none of them knew just what he was capable of doing. He'd set the facade of a fool, concreted if his recklessness & was ready to begin his work.

'Multiple measures of protection? I wonder if those Oracles have anything about that...perhaps I'll go have a look.' he thought making a note to himself to research the history of the structure & its possible inhabitants. "The fools are all mad from my experience, but this youth...he had a purpose to him I haven't seen in a longtime. I could see him becoming a problem in the future." he would say in response to the Lord Stewards words on Jashin. When Sousuke spoke of the possibility he'd had his mind altered he chuckled "If I was compromised I'd already be dead Lord Sousuke. In regard's to Riyota his path has changed, that is no longer a path he can take. However he may have a future in the leading of our people we will see at the next vote." he would say calmly. Reaper & Neophyte kept doing exactly what he wanted from them. Feeding the negativity that his demonic aura seemed to amplify.

When he suggested the Sousuke might find his forces outside his Tower he suggested the same about Akkuma causing him to chuckle. Reaper asked if he should be accountable for the actions of his kin & the demon laughed. "I believe from the very start I have claimed responsibility for the actions of my kin? My people follow every order should someone get a bit overzealous I accept the consequences. Do you claim responsibility for the death of my kin?" he would ask a calmness to his voice that seemed deadly compared to when he displayed rage casually. Neophyte continued to oppose the idea of him having a means to track her. Watching carefully he listened to her exchange with the Kazekage, moments later she handed him a piece of metal which he began to fashion into a charm. Akkuma disliked the idea of Neophyte potential dying in his vicinity & setting off the amulet but he didn't anticipate it taking him a great deal of time to discover who she was.

With a sigh he sliced his thumb with one of his nails & placed a few droplets of blood into the charm. It seemed they both had a memento of one another from today's events. Sousuke had revealed one fatal flaw the device was attuned to a set frequency if he could alter it before the effects had taken hold he might just be able to have a private moment with Neophyte. Neophyte tried to recommend they conscript him & he chuckled at her phrasing. However he would not hold his thoughts on that matter "It would be unwise to conscript me, my being returned he could possibly have been a test. Conscripting me would be akin to Sousuke openly declaring his support of my actions. He's taken perhaps the wisest of the options, at least in the regard of keeping all those who would be affected by today's outcome satisfied." he would say to both Reaper & Neophyte.

Truthfully he disliked the idea of the trainee having his blood, for there were many rituals used for demons that required their blood. In fact there were rituals that could bind him to ones will, but for that they would need his true name. The name of his first form & the only creature that knew that resided in the women he loved. Sousuke said his escort would be a member of the Senju clan & he would sigh. Perhaps Sousuke had been keeping a closer eye then he thought on him, with the Senju being so closely tied to the Toraono he would not be able to take any action against them. "Another wise decision it seems you are on quite the roll Lord Sousuke...if that is all I really should be going my people have been without me long enough. Have to get started on the conditions of our arrangement, once I've returned to my people i'll deal with my business affairs." he would say calmly if Sousuke said they were indeed finished Akkuma would give a small bow. "Then we have an agreement & I shall honor it." he would say to the Lord Steward before saying "So who's going to walk me out?" no doubt they didn't want him walking unaccompanied through the Obsidian Palace.

MFT
OOC: My sincerest apologies on the wait everyone. This past month has been horrible >>; I appreciate the patience.

 

[Michi]

Neophyte​

”I think you meant our army.”</B><i></i>

Kazuki whispered. As if... She did not own this army, hell she was a trainee. This was their army, not hers and at this rate of growth, it never would be.

Sousuke was quite paranoid, claiming that the Daimyo was brainwashing people. She was not going to bother defending the leader, it was not her concern. Something to do with 'Riyota' whomever he was as well as Aakkuma's alleged 'plans' for the youth. They apparently knew each other outside of here to some personal level. Troublesome. His tolerance of demons being just another reason for her.

<B> "It would be unwise to conscript me, my being returned he could possibly have been a test. Conscripting me would be akin to Sousuke openly declaring his support of my actions. He's taken perhaps the wisest of the options, at least in the regard of keeping all those who would be affected by today's outcome satisfied."

She scoffed in reply. He had nobody to answer to. What 'responsibility' did he take, he was 'set-free' after serving almost no time. No, this was actually the worst thing that they could do with Akkuma. Their reaction was to limit his 'other criminal activity'. HA! "I am sure those affected by your actions will be thrilled to learn of your freedom," she replied with sarcasm in her voice.

Sousuke went to work on the metallic 'trinket.' It was less a trinket and more a device, this thing he made. She trusted 'magic' more than invention because she understood the former better than the later. So she watched with curious eyes, seeing what she could discern from his efforts.

"Would you be so kind as to offer a simple droplet of blood?"

"Simple device really. Neophyte carries this. If Akkuma is in the area, it will glow green and heat up slightly. Should Akkuma end up killing her, then the device will go off and a thunderbolt will strike Akkuma based on blood tracking. It's tuned to a frequency I am attuned to."

That was all she needed, a few drops of blood and she would own him. She was not a Jashinst, she was no practitioner of blood magic yet she still had a use for the dark substance. She would wait for the trinket to be returned to her, it was something she would treasure for the duration of Akkuma's life because it was how she was going to track him. As an ANBU she learned an important tracking skill, having something that was -theirs- was the most relevant ingredient and a possession had to be something significant and could not be something like a cup they once used or a pen they once borrowed. Blood was something that belonged to him so she would be able to find him at the most inopportune time. "Thank you sir," she would state her gratitude with a tone of humility. She wanted to seem nervous and unsure, as if she was concerned that the big bad demon was coming to get her rather than the opposite, she was coming for him.

She had nothing else to say. She did not get everything she wanted but she got everything she needed. Akkuma was seeking his escort and that escort was not going to be her. "I suppose I am done here," Shiori would announce as she stepped away, taking the trinket when it was made available to her before she would attempt to depart. She still had other duties to attend to on this day. "I will be taking my leave then, sir."

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[Senju Kazuki]

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”I believe from the very start I have claimed responsibility for the actions of my kin? My people follow every order should someone get a bit overzealous I accept the consequences. Do you claim responsibility for the death of my kin?” Akkuma would question after hearing Kazuki’s words about holding him accountable for any deeds of the Miroku Clan. ”Enlighten me about the death of your kin, because I am not aware of anything of the sort.” the Senju Overlord would request. Of course he was aware, he was there when Roku snapped her neck. The Miroku civilian had entered forbidden territory and had paid the price for it. If they were part of Sunagakure’s military, things would have gone differently. But they were essentially rogues, potentially allied with Sand or not, and as such, she was treated accordingly. But it would be interesting to see what the man had to say about it.

”Would you be so kind as to offer a simple droplet of blood?” Sousuke would request. As knowledgeable as the Kazekage was, it was not certain if he was aware of the potential implications such a minor request could have. There were a myriad of seals and contracts one could do with a drop of blood. Especially if they were those beings known as Dark Sages. In this room alone, there were three of them. Such concentration was unheard off. ”Simple device really. Neophyte carries this,. If Akkuma is in the area, it will glow green and heat up slightly. Should Akkuma end up killing her, then the device will go off and a thunderbolt will strike Akkuma based on blood tracking. It’s tuned to a frequency I am attuned to.” Yes, it was as simple as the Guardian Protectorate claimed, but the ramifications were plentiful. And it was not foolproof. But it was what they had, so they would have to work with it. And hope for the best. ”As for your escort? A member of the Senju Clan.” Well crap. The White Wolf did not want a member of his clan to accompany the demon guy wherever he went. They were spread thin, wasting resources was against his wishes. But if the Kazekage ordered it, it would happen. He understood why Sousuke thought of that, though. It was a strategic act.

However, there were no one of the Senju clan in the room, so he would wait for the Takahashi Highlord to have a word with their leader before any of them could happen. Even if their leader was right there.

”I am supposed I am done here. I will be taking my leave then, sir.” Neophyte would announce after receiving the trinket. She was attempting to leave and not have to escort Akkuma out. Given their recent record, not even Reaper would think of that, although it would have quite a torture for both. She could leave, but she was not free yet. ”My office in 10 minutes Neophyte.” he would order her. It was to deal with her insubordination.

[MFT - 507]
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|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEeEUPrIDao]Let the Night Fall[/url]]"]

Reaper - ANBU Captain

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[Takahashi Aki]

Akkuma gave Sousuke a blood sample, now the curious thing to watch here was how Sousuke himself handled it. The blood dropped exactly where he wanted it to. It did not spill on the floor. Once the blood made contact the device Sousuke made began to fold itself up. Sousuke knew what he was asking and he was not going to let this slide by without a fail safe. Various clicks could be heard coming from the mechanical device as Sousuke allowed his little creation to work itself out. The little device was once a cross looking shape, then it cube, then it was a rectangular prism, and then it turned into a pyramid. The little piece of Takahashi technology transformed ultimately into a sphere. For a moment it grew spikes. He tossed it up into the air and caught it. The spikes detracted and once again it became a sphere. Trust a Takahashi to work metal, and to make it work in ways one could not even think of. That is what made the Takahashi dangerous, the power to create things far outside of the realm of man, demon, or Ancient. Underestimate a Takahashi and you might find yourself on the wrong end of one of their own inventions. None of the parties in this room save for one had this happen to them.

Of the matter of Akkuma being dead if he was already compromised? "I don't think parasitic brain residents are in the Daimyo's skill set yet. I will reveal though that one of my men ... were in fact brain washed by the Daimyo and used against this village. Part of it was his own will, and part of it was something the Daimyo put in there himself."<i></i> A scowl came over the Kazekage, or what seemed to be a scowl. Was it a scowl? What it seemed to be a scowl did not last long enough. The Kazekage was far too controlling over his emotions. It was always difficult to figure out what the man was expressing as it faded away so quickly.

Akkuma praised him as being wise but in truth, Sousuke did not feel wise. He did not have the years required to be truly wise. It was something developed over time. Perhaps he was acquiring trait he desired over time. He considered Mikaboshi to be wise above most, and Katuso a good second place. Katuso was not as old as Mikaboshi, but his decisions had merits. "The two of you are dismissed."<i></i> He would announce to the two of them. "Come with me Akkuma. I will see you out myself."<i></i> Was the Kazekage mad? Not in the slightest. Sousuke knew what he was doing.

The Kazekage would lead Akkuma out and into the light. Sousuke and him would not exchange words until they were fully out. "This war with the Daimyo is changing so to speak. I would advise you to keep a tight ... no ... keep a close watch over your household. He will use our loved ones against us. The man who betrayed Sand was my friend. He returned to me a broken individual, once he ... he ... got through the brain washing. He disintegrated me when his powers lashed out in error. I don't know if you've ever had that feeling. To simply fade away for a moment and then to reappear. I spared him."<i></i> He looked over his metallic hand. Sousuke was a young man still. He had been betrayed on multiple fronts. He was young compared to Akkuma. Heavy was the mantle and the crown of the Kazekage. "Keep Seika safe for me. Won't you? Older sisters are hard to come by. Especially the ones who held you fight your way out of a brooding depression and sickness."<i></i>

[Topic concluded/left for Sousuke]

 

[Miroku Akkuma]

A low rumble of a growl could be heard from within the demon at Reaper's words. "Ignorance is not the same as innocence. She was naive to the ways of the world & her life was brought to an abrupt halt." his gaze would meet the Anbu Captains gaze, a rage burning within his eyes. An unsaid warning that didn't need to be spoken he would be coming those responsible for his kins death. It seemed Neophyte was not yet done throwing in another sarcastic comment. "I'm sure they will...are there any who will rejoice at your return? Or is it loneliness that drives your cruelty?" he held her with a piercing gaze as he asked his questions, it would almost be as if he were looking into her. When he stared in her eyes he read everything he saw within them. Seeing through that disgust, all the rage of someone who had been trespassed by those beneath them.

With Reapers actions & the way Neophyte had physically responded to him she almost appeared scared of him. Like an animal that had been beaten & was now afraid of anyone who got close. There was something else hidden in the depths of those eyes but he couldn't work it out, he found himself almost lost in the vast endlessness of her gaze. Curiosity burned within that crimson orb & its diamond-like counterpart, within his gaze there was slight concern. Though if any of them were to comment on the matter he'd deflect, he'd be a fool not to be concerned with a fellow sage possessing his blood. Sousuke worked on the device when he handed the device to the trainee Akkuma could almost feel her excitement. Blood was something she knew could be used to track someone no doubt. Not only had they given her a way to tell of his approach, but they had given her a means to track him.

The dark sage could see nothing could transpiring from this matter being left for too long, he would have to deal with it swiftly before things got troublesome. "Well if the drones have everything they need..." he would give them a little wave as he turned around & began walking with Sousuke. Silence, not a single word was spoken by the Kazekage the whole time they walked towards the exit. Perhaps he was trying to decide the best way to deal with Akkuma, maybe this would be it he was going to quietly end it here with no one knowing where he was. But no nothing of that nature took place & the demon couldn't help but wonder if his soon to be cousin was going to say anything.

Akkuma listened carefully to the Kazekage's words as he looked out at the village ahead of him, his gaze not yet meeting that of the Lord Stewards. He spoke of the indoctrination that had been forced upon one his friends, only to discover this when that friend nearly killed him. A powerful lesson for any man of responsibility & often an essential one. When Sousuke asked him if he knew what it was to fade away & re-appear he chuckled, would the Steward have believed him if he'd told him the truth? That this had not been his first journey through this world nor fates willing would it be his last, not now...not when he'd found them. The being he'd waited lifetimes to reunite with & the woman who'd not only restored a lost love but inspired another. Perhaps not now, another time when the Lord Steward had less to concern himself with.

Sousuke said he'd let the man live this person who'd betrayed him. Even though it had not been their fault they were compromised & he had allowed them to continue? Akkuma stood there & as he looked upon Sousuke he saw flashes of a previous life a noble hearted leader who carried the weight of his people & encroaching on all fronts those who sought only the spreading of misery. He had the potential of greatness but stood at what was no doubt one of the most testing times any leader had dealt with. "Thanks for your warning...I know you didn't ask for it but I have some advice. Do with it what you will..." he would say calmly as his gaze moved to the dojo. A look of concern on his face as he spoke his next words "Save yourself the heart ache...it may hurt to do something about it but you must. These types of matters they never go away...you're only placing yourself & those you care about in further risk. Besides think of your friend...is it fair you let them live with this burden? Never knowing if they are going to attack someone close to them again? What if next time the person they attack isn't so lucky?" he casually ask his tone said he knew it was no doubt something Sousuke didn't want to hear but perhaps needed to.

When the Kazekage asked him to keep Seika safe, while revealing a bit more about himself. "Sousuke worry not about Seika anymore...her life is mine to guard & I will not fail in that duty." he would say matter of factly, he had no intentions of letting any harm befall the two beings he loved. If Sousuke looked closely now that they were in the light he would see the fatigue in Akkuma, hear the strain of his breath. The demon had exerted everything in his defense of the Obsidian Palace & even now when he was free he kept up that leaders facade of stalwart-like resilience. Perhaps he would even note the many brand-like scars that held the various kanji for his kin. What looked like runic glyphs at a distance were actually hundreds of seals intertwined, every now & then one looked as if it had been burned into the flesh with a brand. But to those in the clan they new each one represented someone they had lost. Most of those who had departed had down so during the Great Winter but a few had perished on the journey they had taken when they fled their homeland.

Lastly & the most recent was Touka her brand was upon his wrist. The flesh was still tender from the change he rubbed the kanji-scar as he looked back towards Sousuke. "Speaking as a man of experience on matters of a dark nature & underhanded tactics I give you this warning...beware your anbu. They may very well be your undoing...in what swift movement they risked jeopardizing village peace in a time of turmoil all to send a message." he would say raising a hand to silence the Kazekage if he began speaking for he was not finished. Turning his head he would make contact with the Lord Stewards gaze "We will never have true peace among our people if this matter is not dealt with...I would be a fool to do nothing when they're already so stressed." he would say he wasn't lying yet there seemed to be something more he wanted to say.

"Given the current situation of both parties I say we have a tribunal on the matter, perhaps an investigative team compromised of two teams & one third party to objectively make a decision? Yourself perhaps? Until then I recommend the recruitment of one or two of our shinobi squads. They shall swear an oath of fealty to Sunagakure & yourself. Though we may have to discuss the wording of it...I am a stickler for those things. Nonetheless we shall discuss this all on my next visit cousin." he would say as he began walking towards the dojo away from the Lord Steward. With a wave he would shout back "Oh & do find yourself someone...those reports in soons haven are too entertaining. If you don't put the stories to bed they'll never believe you...that pun was very much intended!" he'd chuckle as he turned the corner no doubt leaving his kin very red faced.

Leaning back against the wall he sighed feeling his ribs & the pain that throbbed within his torso. He knew he had at least a couple of broken ribs, a possible punctured lung & a badly bruised ego. Things had not gone as he had planned, but in saying that he couldn't say they had gone wrong. He now had the means to track on of the anbu, not only due to the materials & snapshots she had created but the artifact she would now carry. Things seemed to at least for now be stabilizing to some degree & for a brief moment he thought he might just be able to pull of one last legendary feat before the end of his days.
[MFT]
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[Edited to fix & once more to fix again xD]