Nothing tastes sweeter. (Open)

[Horigome Sukejuro]

This whole situation was how you’d say…alien to the male who was clearly armed to the teeth himself but regardless of the fact it was the reactions from Megumi that particularly was arming him with excitement within this trivial moment. Right now he sat in an interstice, some strange world that sat in a miniscule border between what was known as he wallowed in the great unknown. Flexing his fingers again and suddenly the shiny razors that lined his fingertips sank back into leather sheaths, quite a complicated mechanism of springs and vicious ingenuity to say the least.

Suffice to say, were it not for the fact that this woman was a dear, sweet, ally he would have been tempted to feed upon such insecurity, but instead he chose to bellow a warm chuckle as he sought to break the tension of this lovely night even as his eyes caught motions of flickering shadow in the dismal place which they stood. Chills though, the chills they came as a man he had never heard of…this ‘Dead Blacksmith’ was brought out as he cocked his head with clear and unmitigated interest.

“Pity, you’d be surprised what scornful people throw away, there is plenty of value in what slips through the cracks. Valuables, tools, even people, they all fall through the cracks and it’s up to someone to fish them out, right?” He would retort, his voice ebbing in and out of amusement to the cold assertion of truth. Though it was a bit out of place, or was it? He couldn’t tell, he stopped caring, he was a shinobi after all and what was right was more like what was left, Sukejuro quickly found himself reconsidering his prior concerns.

“Kotsuko, I think this would be a lovely idea, lovely red curtains will need to be drawn on future enemies and so I approve of meeting this ‘Dead Blacksmith’, perhaps comparing techniques with him…yes, I’m excited.” amusement again tapering out to hollow words, as if he was incapable of feeling much for too long, or perhaps incapable of allowing himself to have too much fun.

It is not our place, let us feed out mind,yes?

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

The walk was nice, the clear air filled his nostrils but trying to clear his nose only filled once more with the warming scent of the women cuddled close, the soft whispers of evil in his mind tingled. A pull in his jaw, fangs receding as he turned his attention from the women to the blade presented to him. He only looked for a moment, to notice the craftsmanship. "Yeah, definitely his work. Mostly find his clans name or their insignia etched into the Katana or the saya." He glanced back at the two following closely behind.

He did'nt mind the lot of them tagging along. It felt almost warming to have others around. It was a good test of his humanity. That he can keep such composure, the back of his mind a raging monster was nagging at him. Even the few mouthfuls he took from the thug not long ago.

The burning shifted through him, again and again with each dried breath of the cold night air his body shook and shivered in Megumi's grasp. "I need a drink..." He whispered, not really wishing to come off to Megumi as some drunkard. If she looked to Satou's eyes she could see a heavy strain in them. Under his deep ember glow were dark circles under sagged eyelids. He looked as if in a daze even, glass eyed and bloodshot.

The darkness had begun to ebb and flow around him, stopping his right before a giant poorly lit building that was boarded up. Yet one could distinctly hear the synthetic sound of club music not far. Satou guided the small group to a door crowded by all sorts of young intoxicated lot. Satou of course walked past everyone, shoving bodies aside till the bouncer halted the demon in step.

Satou only had to guess the next words and answered quickly. "Out the way, I'm here for the Blacksmith." The guard looked puzzled. Of course this was the only club Satou knew Kotsurugi owned and frequented to. And all followed his recent title. This guard was irritating the demon.

"Look, I need names. Or get back in the line like everyon-" The bouncer was silenced as Satou backhanded the man and sent him cartwheeling several feet before hitting the ground. Satou continued inside with hopefully the others tagging along. The doors opening with a wave of the demons free hand as the sound of the club music boomed to the ears. Satou wasn't fond to it but the noise blocked some of the whispers.

The headache numbing his attention on his thirst. Alcohol burned in his mind firstly even before his eyes scanned the room for potential danger. Young adults drinking and dancing about the room. Spacious, flashing lights. Very simple midnight party till you drop sort of place. His eyes, blinded somewhat from the constantly flashing of the lights. He did not find the Blacksmith in the crowd or see the man in any booths.

The demons feet slowly walked through the crowds of bodies, the moving and swaying. The bumping and grinding of bodies around him, the heath swelling to his skin, the smell of it all burning at his nose. He held on tightly to Megumi, regretting he pulled her across the dance floor. Wondering if the other two would take the same route or travel by other means across the room to the far end where there stood two thuggish looking men guarding a stairwell.

Once more as if on clockwork the demon had let go of Megumi to deliver one-two knock out punches to one guard, then a kick to the groin to the other when a sword was pulled. The demon looked about to see bodies move from across the room. His actions weren't subtle, but it could be seen on Satou's face. He was not in the mood for being subtle tonight. He did'nt rush up the stairs, he instead walked about to grab a pair of bottled alcohol from the bar, toss some coin and came back to the beautiful temptress Megumi, who was offered one of the bottles while he began pulling on his.

The crowd was somewhat unmoving by the display of violence at first. But everything switched then the lights became one bright egg white sting to the eyes. Guards armed to the teeth with blades, spears and blunt weapons. One guy even began prepping a crossbow at the entrance. Satou could only chuckle when two third the club dispersed to reveal a mob of armed young men and women. All the weapons had the flower petal etched into them.

The sound of electricity crackled through the room. Demon still drinking his beer.

mft

 

[Natsume Megumi]

Ba...Boom.....Boom....Boom.....Boom......

Were the rattling sounds of the music from this so called club, and the distorted music or lack there of could be heard before the building was even visible. A club huh....I could defiantly grind all up on the demon tonight. It's the least I could do to thank him for his companionship, plus he's a cutie. She thought to herself as they walked towards the building. The boarded up building was not what Megumi expected it was a dump. Tons of intoxicated youths were sprawled out all over the ground, many of then had lost their lunch all over themselves or the ground. But there wasn't much time to gander at the binge drinkers, because she was guided to the door by Satou.

Suddenly they were halted by the bouncer but that didn't last for very long. Before she could even open her mouth the strapping young lad had back handed the bouncer and sent him flying out of the way. As the demon opened the door he pulled her close to his hip and they began to sift through the crowded club until they approached two more thugs.

However just like the bouncer before he quickly dispatched of the two thugs with no sort of trouble at all. A bottle of beer slowly came into her view, Megumi grabbed it and slowly placed it upon her lips. It was somewhat bitter but it took the edge off the situation as it began to get more and more dangerous with every passing second. By this point the lights were on and there were an unknown amount of armed guards in front of them, but fear was not what Megumi felt it was more of excitement. Finally she could show her hotblooded companion what she was made of.

Thanks for taking out the first few, but I got this covered babe. She then gave Satou a cute wink and weaved a blur of hand signs and placed her hand on the ground. Normalized: Amped Ring of Fire with that said a huge ring of pure white flames circled the group of guards then suddenly the ground under them became electrified. But it wasn't normal electricity it was made of pure white chakra. The kunoichi could no longer see her assailants, but she could hear their screams.

A few of the lucky ones that were not instantly incapacitated by the electricity tried to escape through the fire but they were not so lucky. The white flames were much more intense than any normal flame, and theirs bodies were instantly engulfed by the flames. Once Megumi dispelled her custom made jutsu all the guards collapsed at the same time.

Well lets go see this Dead Blacksmith already......

{MFT}​

 

[Kazu]

The makeshift group headed out into the night, walking towards the fight that surely laid before them. They passed derelict buildings and pitiful sights, the young boy all the while wondering just what kind of man this Dead Blacksmith was. He knew the man would probably be tough and gritty, but he wasn't sure why the man would be in a place like this. Maybe for the easy henchmen? Maybe because people probably wouldn't expect an old criminal to be here? Who knows? Ko was just glad that they had a guide, showing them exactly where to go. Speaking of their guide, Ko wondered if he was doing okay. As they were walking, the demon of a man seemed to be getting a little bit weaker. It was subtle, but Ko could definitely see it. He wasn't too worried about him—the man could handle himself. Ko focused instead on the addicts and the junkies that surrounded him on either side, making sure these people didn't try anything funny with him. He didn't want them stealing anything of his, so he kept a close eye on the things he'd brought with him. As the group neared a door, the demon wasted no time in beating the bouncer to the side and walking in. Megumi followed suit, which left only Sukejuro and himself. Ko cast the masked man a sideways glance, as if to wonder who would be the first of them to enter in after her. He decided it would be him, and so he stepped forwards into the club.

The flashing lights and the loud music were deafening. Every which way he looked, Ko he could see scantily clad women and inebriated youths. None of them looked old enough to drink. Whatever though, that wasn't Ko's problem. He saw Satou and Megumi disappear into the crowd, and decided he might as well follow suit. He was a bit of a serious boy, but every man had their weaknesses. Ko relished the sensation of being pressed up against the various women who were dancing right up next to each other. Ko was enjoying this night—he would remember this for a while. He moved towards the end of the room, where the demon and his mistress were headed. He watched the two men being taken out by Satou, and stood frozen as the floodlights turned on. Was it a trap? Most definitely. The crowd swarmed out, and Ko realized that the people who were saying back had similar markings on them to the men from earlier. They were in the right place, alright. Ko was about to get ready to fight, until Megumi stepped forth to end the show once and for all. In a furious display of both power and ferocity, the edges of the club erupted into flames and the ground became electrified to the point of pain.

"Damn..." That was all Ko could say. Glancing over at Megumi, he found that he had a whole new level of respect for the woman. She was lewd, provocative, and downright seductive, but at the end of the day she was still an incredibly powerful shinobi. For that, she had a bit of his respect. Turning his attention towards the rest of them and the staircase that led them up, Ko said but a few words. "I suppose there's nothing left to do but to keep going..." He'd kind of wanted to take out a couple of the thugs himself, but he supposed that this was okay. He still got to see some powerful techniques, after all.

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

The demon stood of a bit shocked at the high level display of jutsu control and accuracy. Megumi was indeed a skilled fighter, more experienced then some and that was enough to put him at ease for bringing her along. Even to go along and whistle at the display after emptying his bottle. "Damn Megumi-sama. That, was bad ass. Though, the old man doesn't just gather common run of the mill thugs in this slum." He mumbled, putting his first beer down, grabbing a second and third. Walking back to her, handing her the bottle, after popping it open for her. He smashed his and started sipping.

In the middle of the gathered bodies, two stood from the corpses. Two men. One dressed all in a blue tunic, the other in red. "Shimo, Yakedo. Son's of the Dead Blacksmith. A select few of us he taught were deemed his children because of how we excelled. This place is a secret Dojo to train killers under Rurou Kotsurugi's command. His personal shinobi force." Satou tossed the bottle in the air. But it stay floating slowly through the air towards the two marked killers. Their masked resembled something close to Anbu.

The Blue flicked his hand, a long spear made of ornate blue metal and shaft radiated chilling air with a jagged ice bearing at the bottom of the spear. The Red summoned to his hands two kusarigama's that erupted in flames along the hellish looking blades the ebbed a heat like magma, with chains traveling up his sleeves. "Those forced to become Tsukumogami, their no longer human. Those two are living weapons. If I rated their fighting ability. I'd say B-rank. Both." He paced over to Kotsuko. "Yo Kotsu-kun, I don't think this will be safe for you to tussle with these two. How bout you head up those stairs. Go meet him, the old man is probably bored. He'll even play you some chess." He once again fluffed the kids hair with a quick hand. He did'nt want to endanger the boy. But inside Satou knew what he just said, might even offend Kotsuko.

"Less, you want to fight these guys with me." He playfully punched Kotsuko's shoulder. "I think we can double team the ice queen over there." Satou turned his attention to Megumi. The look in his eyes would show how sorry he was. "You think you got flamer over there?" He wasn't sure what to do, none of them would get out of this fight unscathed. The real test started now.

Both fighters took a fighting stance, the spear was low. Like a serpent ready to strike and stab with its frozen fang. The kusarigama's spin in wheels of hellish flame at different angles and height.

"I'll go for the spear, when I have it. Hit him with everything you got Kotsu-kun." The demon grinned, it was weary. his eyes dulled in a hellish haze. His aura began to pour out. "Hey Megumi-sama, this a good first date? Or perhaps I'll spoil you with more wine and a nice dinner by candle light after all this." He breathed. A sharp tightening in his chest as his power spread out more. A feeling of death around him, the blackened aura began to expand little by little. Writhing and ebbing about him like a living thing. "Lets crank this party up a notch." His demonic voice shrilled the air as he lunged for the frozen spear.

He was successful when Shimo lunged far forward with a full thrust of the spear, it was wickedly fast. The bottle tossed in slow motion glided like bolt shot from a crossbow at Yakedo to catch the brother off guard. Barely enough for Kotsuko to catch sight of where the spear went at first. Satou did'nt take it with his hands, the spear was too fast. He took it to his midsection. "Now!"

One of Yakedo's flaming Kusarigama were soon hurled towards Satou. The two fought together, if one was being attacked the other would follow up to cover the other. But was caught of guard from a beer bottle thrown to his head.

(If you want you have control of these faceless NPC's in the fight. Just think B-ranked elemental weapon Tsukumogami using Mystic Transmutation on weapons already. Enjoy.lol )

 

[Natsume Megumi]

That was too fucking easy.... Megumi thought to herself as all the bodies collapsed right in front of her. These were a bunch a of low level punks. Where are the cold blooded killers Satou told me about? She then took another sip of her beer as chill bumps covered the skin under her skin tight cat suit. Which subsequently made the nipples on her breast perk up so that they were clearly visible for everyone to see, but to be honest the kunoichi didn't mind one bit in fact she loved and craved the attention.

"Damn Megumi-sama. That, was bad ass. Though, the old man doesn't just gather common run of the mill thugs in this slum."

Then the chill bumps registered in her mind, it wasn't from the cold beer. It was from the two men standing among all the corpses that she had just laid to waste. Both of them seemed to color coordinated one dressed in blue for his ice spear and other red for his flame kusarigamas.

"Shimo, Yakedo. Sons of the Dead Blacksmith. A select few of us he taught were deemed his children because of how we excelled. This place is a secret Dojo to train killers under Rurou Kotsurugi's command. His personal shinobi force."

They look like two color coordinated queers. Megumi whispered to the demon "Hey Megumi-sama, this a good first date? Or perhaps I'll spoil you with more wine and a nice dinner by candle light after all this. Lets crank this party up a notch."

The busty kunoichi then unsheathed her katana White Lightning and activated Snapshot as she lunged to towards the masked shinobi's kusarigma and used Zero Slash Counter to block it from Satou's forward lunge. As the two blades crossed the kusarigma gently slide off Megumi's blade and imbedded itself into Yakedo's thigh. Blood began to trickle down his leg as he quickly jumped back away from the armed kunoichi. But that was only a bluff, he immediately tugged on the chain of the other sickled weapon striking Megumi from behind, taking a nice piece of her left thigh as it returned to Yakedo's hand.


{MFT}​

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

That throbbing sensation, pulsations of agony shivering through your skin when the electric sting overrides into a scratching burn as the blood flowed from the wound. Satou struggled to keep the spear from digging deeper. The thrust was precise and he had to take this hit in order to keep the distance close enough for him to control the spear. Even as his hands began to burn from the frigid Icy spear, the grip was for life or death. Each violent jerk and pull caused the blade of the spear to slowly turn and twist. Satou gasped and coughed blood from the jolts of pain running up his side and caused his left arm to slightly numb. His feet barely keeping posture steady.

He was waiting for help from his third companion. But he guessed the boy had frozen up in heat of the moment. And with that the second part of the plan had to swing in motion. He had the spear in hand one moment. Roughly jerking the blade from the wound and sliding in closer to Shimo. But before Satou could act. Something hit him, something hit his sense of smell. A strong aroma that ignited his demonic aura in a violent torrent of black void that filled the room with a deadly chill. His hands gripped the ice spear tightly, too tightly. The smell of Megumi's blood erupted the hunger to the breaking point. His feral growls grumbled in his chest as the sound of the spears shaft creaked under the pressure.

Shimo was persistent yet he wasn't stupid. He let the spear go to begin casting what would appear to be a aquatic jutsu as pools of water began to form around him. Satou snapped the spear in his hands the next second hurling with intense force the pummel at Yakedo. Throwing of Yakedo's next strike at Megumi. The next second Satou was repeatedly stabbing the Shimo in the chest with his own spear. Soon enough jamming the blade followed with one final strike, he Falcon punched the blade through Shimo's chest as it exploded from his backside. Yakedo losing it in rage of his brothers death flings one of his blades at Satou.

The demon was lost in his trance of hunger, his hand was coated in blood. He couldn't hold on anymore, his tongue lapping at his fingers, noticing that a blade took him in the shoulder. The pain overlapped the hunger for the moment and he was back to his senses. His hand stopping the kusarigama from returning to Yakedo's hand.

(Sorry, had to roll things along. Skipping posting order along to speed this rp up.)

 

[Natsume Megumi]

Megumi slid back on both hands and feet as the blood began to trickle down her leg. Her keen eyes quickly glanced up at Yakedo as a glass bottle shattered on his head, but his facial expression didn't shift even for a second. His gaze stayed on Megumi's tight red catsuit as he started spinning one of his kusarigma over his head.

Goosebumps on top of goosebumps ran down her spine as Satou lost all control over his bloodlust. His rage was visible to the naked eye and to her initiate ability to sense everyone's chakra, but his energy was out of whack almost as if he was no longer a man but a grotesque monster. The demon's intentions were very clear as he snapped Shimo's spear and hurled it toward her opponent. Yakedo however was too clever for an attack out of blind rage, his body shifted to the left as the spear zipped past his body.

Then like clockwork Yakedo was the next to go into a blind rage. The visions of his brother being killed, and his blood splashing over the villainous grin of the demon was too much for him. With no hesitation the kusarigama over his head was being hurled toward Satou. This is my chance.......Its game over bastard. Megumi then ignited he katana. The blade instantly turned purple and she lunged to towards Yakedo exclaiming.

Now that her catch phase was stated the fight was over. Her blade "White Lightning" sliced through her opponents neck and blood sprayed directly into Satou's direction. Hey big boy!!!! I got alil snack for you I hope you enjoy. I've read much about you but this is first time I've seen the vampiric demon in action. I'm very impressed. She then placed her arms under her breast and gave then a great big shake for newly found lover.

{MFT}

 

[Kazu]

The appearance of the two "sons" changed the atmosphere in the room drastically. Ko had almost been ready to climb the stairs, to see what was waiting for them at the top. However, it seemed they had one more battle to fight. Satou mentioned briefly that Ko should probably head upstairs by himself, mostly just to stay out of the fight. He was patronizing, belittling, and above all infuriating; however, he had a point. Ko didn't want to admit it, but these people were definitely far outside his power bracket. Having just seen the impressive display from the busty kunoichi a second ago, Ko knew that these two would almost definitely be able to cover this fight. That's why when Satou began the assault against the frozen brother, Ko wasn't quite sure what Satou was expecting him to do. The spear had pierced through the demon's abdomen, and it was Ko's apparent duty to continue the strike. Ko froze for a moment, then turned his head to look through the computer screen to speak directly with the audience. He did this, from time to time. "You see, there are two issues here. The first is that I have no real reason to help these people. I came here, from the beginning, to sate my own curiosity. Nothing more, and nothing less. The second is that, by not helping and feigning fear, perhaps I could help myself in the end. These two become weaker, though not enough so to not fight. That might play to my advantage later. I just have to be careful, and not recklessly throw away the bonds of camaraderie for the freedom of opportunism before the time is right..." Returning to the story, and the situation at hand, time had barely passed for all present. To everyone else, Ko just looked like he had been standing there, frozen in fear, for the last second. The sight of the man in front of him stabbed through the gut was a shock to the young boy, and he couldn't do anything to help.

It seemed, though, that it didn't matter. Satou and Megumi were hot-blooded, and the thrill of combat very much shifted their fighting abilities into high gear. The two sons were dispatched with record speed, leaving naught but stains of blood to show that they had once been alive. That, soon, would be gone as well. Trying to force some words out, Ko looked concerned and upset. "I'm sorry, I...I don't know what came over me. Maybe I'm not ready for this kind of stuff..." Of course he was. But they didn't need to know that. Ko was goal oriented, and right now he had a specific goal in mind. Turning away from the two of them, towards the stairs, the young boy pushed to rid himself of his self pity. "...I'll go ahead to see the old man. He shouldn't be any trouble, right? Why don't you two rest here for a bit—I'll go see if the Dead Blacksmith has a soft spot for chess..." Ko very much did love chess. It was strategic. You had to see the bigger picture with chess. All these little movements and actions only made sense when you look at them in the bigger picture. Ko was really good at seeing the bigger picture.

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

The world was a blur of red, everything had this sort of ebb and flow. The smell of blood filling his nostrils, it was a scent to relish in. Pure paint of red colored his eyes, the room shrilled with his demonic aura. The chakra whipped about hitting tables and chairs. The intense kinetic forces was crushing inanimate objects. The bodies that Megumi had burned were being torn apart as Satou moved across the room like a bullet to feast upon his prey.

Yakedo was snatched in the death like grip of the demon as his maw sank into the torn throat. Becoming lost in the blood lust just for once. The intense horrid sound of suckling pint after pint of blood from the youthful body. The mask fell way, Yakedo was no more older then Kotsuko. The boys face looking towards Kotsuko as the light in his eyes faded. The demon dropped the bloodless corpse to the ground. The creatures feral growl resonated through Satou's chest as he sucked in sharp fat breaths of air. Crimson staining his lips.

Still the intense feeling of death around him creeping into their skin. His movement was phantom-like as he used the full extent to reach Megumi within the blink of the eye. His gaunt slightly blood stained hands cupped her face, taking her to him closer in embrace. His ember bright eyes burning into hers. Closer and closer. His lips parted, the pearly white gleam of his fangs flashed for but a moment. Then he was once more a mortal man the next second. The room a bloody scene, but quieted.

Satou stood with her, holding her in the tightest most deepest embrace as his lips firmly pressed against Megumi's in a kiss. A kiss so soft and gently, the darkest hint of iron from the blood on his lips. Pulling back his burning eyes of a demon were once more that deep chocolate colored. Warm and accepting, wanting yet not the lustful desire. Megumi could see the yearning in his eyes. In this moment, feel something encroaching into her mind as his fingers gently brushed her temple. Images of lush forests she's never been too, fields of flowers the erupt like seas of color, winter mountains of icy frost and dessert sands of smoldering heat. These scenes continued to revolve over and over, like a blur in time melding them together to a point where everything grayed. Then left her standing in the middle of a vast blue ocean. Before her, something was imagine from the sea itself.

What she saw could only be described as a true horror. A creature that towered any mountain within sight of Kumogakure. A mountain of decaying flesh that resembled countless disfigured creatures writhing in pain and agony as the cries of countless pierced her ears along with the deafening bellow when it spoke. The creatures vast rancid maw opens up to show a chasm of razor blade teeth covering as far as the eyes could behold into the void. It was as though staring into oblivion. And the next second she was back in the bar, standing before a man with eyes that held so much more then sorrow or pain, it held a burden. He let her go, drew back from her slightly. Expecting many a different things, mostly the sharp edge of her sword against his flesh. He was a monster, and what was the duty of a shinobi to their village if something was too great of a threat. "I am that, and many other things. But it likes the taste of human blood the most." He whispered.

Only finally coming to grip that Kotsuko was still in the room, had spoken and was heading off without them. Satou would have followed. But he could barely stand. And he wondered if Megumi would even be stable after sharing to her his truest nature. The thing he carried within that has plagued him for all these years, years he could not even recall fully yet. A wave of the demons hand and Yakedo's red tunic was torn, the fabric fluttered to Satou's hand slowly. Almost struggling even that. The blood loss was heavy, The milky chocolate eyes wavered to a faded gray tinged in hue red as he knelt to one knee and tied it around her wounded thigh.


He was gentle, as if too much pressure would break her, not enough wouldn't stop the bleeding. Just tight enough to cut off from it getting worse. His however continued for but a few moments, the clear cut away fabric showed flesh slowly mending itself. Blood congealing into new tissue as his wounds became scars slowly over the minutes to follow.

_________________________________________________________

Up the stairs there was no guards, no sentries or shinobi. Just a stairwell, it was lit well from the lining torches of fire that flickered and crackled. Lighting up with each step Kotsuko took up to a single door that was unlocked, once opened would lead into a vast dark room, lit by a wall lined fireplace, the walls were screens, projecting what appear to be films of many people within the village living everyday lives. In the middle of this room. Sitting upon a throne of iron, blades of multiple origins garnish his throne of weaponry. Dressed in long flowing robes of ornate foreign but looked withered. He appeared to be well aged, his long flowing white mane and beard draped low. In front of the elder was a table, on the table a scroll with a pen writing without a pen to guide it. The elderly mans gaunt hand wave the pen, it stopped. His piercing eyes looked up from the parchment, to see a sole figure standing not far from him. "Yes? Who steps forward to disturb my chamber door?" His voice was calm yet held a strength to it, a weathered veteran who's very stare bore into people. The Elder stood, tapping the small table before him it rapidly expanded and changed with a simple gesture into a long dinning table that stretched out in a flare of metalwork as the structure was an entanglement of rough metals that gave off a Gothic look to it.

He gestured with his hand for Kotsuko to come forward as a chair of metal was produced from the table. "Sit, there must be something important for you to come to this place." He spoke rather calmly. He snapped his fingers, a maiden in a fine kimono came forward from a dark corridor with a tray of, cut meats, fruit and sweet bread and a fine tea set. A cup already being poured for Kotsuko. "Please, I insist."

 

[Natsume Megumi]

Visions of horror flooded the young temptress' mind just as she was coming to grips with the wondrous kiss that Satou had planted on her lips. It was almost like heaven and then hell right afterwards. The kiss was pure bliss, the man's lips were so subtle and soft. Then on the flip side the flashes in her mind were hellish and damn near torturous. What in fuck is he trying to do to me? She pondered to herself. Its horrible and yet It feel comforting at the same time. As if he is trying to show me his true nature and........I......can't......look away.

Fear was the first thing that Megumi felt but it was far from last emotion that would fill her head. She felt almost sorry for the man to have that much pain and sorrow in his head all of the time. As the visions subsided and her eye slowly came to she noticed that Sasaki was no where to found, but with snapshot still activated she knew that this would be put in his records once she returned to The Sileo Tempestas. A coward had no place in the world of shinobi, even a young boy such as himself can have heart and courage. Age and rank were no excuse in her eyes. When she was his age her father had already been slaughtered, and she was thrown into the battle.

Megumi's anger towards the boy was apparent all over her face, so much so that she didn't notice the strapping young lad on his knees tending to her wound. She gently placed her arm on his shoulder and exclaimed. I know your pain and I understand it all too well. Now lets go see the final boss already.​

 

[Kazu]

Ko couldn't believe how little security there was around here. He walked in, without a single bit of resistance, and entered into the unlocked room. The lighting was eerie, and the scene before him was strange. What kind of man was this? Ko sized him up, observing the way he observed the young boy. What strange powers he had, commanding the pen in such a way. The table, too, was odd. This man was odd, and curious, and fascinating. The young boy wondered if the old man knew if Ko was coming? Regardless, he seemed polite enough, if not a bit off-putting. Ko took a seat at the table, his eyes never leaving the old man's. This man's gaze was something, seemingly boring through Ko's mind and revealing his inner thoughts. Well, Ko could return the favor in kind. Ko watched him, every movement the man made was documented and evaluated. Ko was just as shrewd as this old bag of bones. "Thank you, I appreciate the hospitality." As the chamber maid poured the tea and the food was brought out, Ko left it where it was. He didn't come here to be seduced by morsels and appetizers. He wanted the main course, and was not in the mood to wait around for it. "My name is Kotsuko. This evening, I was given something of yours..." Ko reached behind him, fetching the blade Satou had taken from the thuggish samurai. It was the blade that channeled lightning, a curious item that Ko wished very much to learn more about. He laid the sword on the table, and continued. "It is my understanding that this sword is of your creation. Furthermore..."

Ko paused. He needed to collect his thoughts for a second. He would be walking into treacherous waters, and he needed to know where the rocks were. He sailed with caution. "Furthermore, I understand that this blade was made with a piece of your soul crafted into it. I understand all your blades and weapons are..." Those two from earlier were given similar swords. Is that what happened when you used the blades too much? They took you over? It was an interesting effect, no doubt. But Ko was less interested in the effects as he was the process. "I want you to teach me how you did that. Pouring your soul into an object...that's quite an astounding trick..." Ko had his reasons for wishing to learn of this. There were only so many things one can learn from books, and so many books were kept out of reach of children for being "too mature." Ko wanted to know this kind of knowledge. He wanted to know a lot of things. He figured, for now, he'd start here. "Why don't we play a game of chess while we discuss it? I do very much enjoy the game."

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

Pain, what was pain? The wounds that healed into scars, the emotions that blurred into suffocated haze. Pain was an extension of himself, something to remind him he was still alive, he still had a beating heart. Blood that ran through his veins. A human mind to feel sympathy and remorse. Satou had stayed kneeling for some time, the flow of alcohol, blood that stained his tongue. It was always there, the soft whispers in his mind.

Eat her....kill...her.....She smells so good....skin so soft....eat.....devour....

No.

He stood slowly, his soft chocolate eyes had a burning in them still, it was faint in the background of warmth as he looked into upon this woman before him. Satou's soft smile looked genuine. "I'm sorry you understand it." His gentle fingers petting her cheek, sliding it slowly over her arm to hand that still rested upon his shoulder, taking it to place that soft hand across his cheek, closing his eyes. Breathing in her scent, the warmth and softness against his skin. Lights and sparks flashed about his mind, images of green beautiful fields filled with flowers. His smile stayed ever true. "You have no idea how truer that statement could be about the old man." The demon chuckled as he let the woman's hand free to her side as he paced slowly to the stairs. Stopping only for a moment, turning to scan the room. Sniffing at the air as if a bloodhound caught a scent. He almost walked away from the stairs, but he stopped and shook his head. "The kid wouldn't show up here? Would he?" He openly whispered before turning round and heading up the stairs with Megumi by his side.

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As Satou headed up first, Megumi had the chance to hear it, the movement of glass cup on the counter, a drink being poured. Turning about, she would see a boy, roughly teen in height, in a sea blue thick hoodie. His messy sandy blonde hair ruffled under the hood as he stood behind the counter sipping his drink in hand. Hair just parted enough to reveal soft coral green eyes. The next second he was gone. So were the bodies.
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The elderly man sat there, his facial expression was subtle. A soft smile warming in a chuckle as the boy talked. "Oh what forwardness! Are all young so quick to the point? Hmm, perhaps this village has hope yet with such youths." A warm cough laughed escaped the busy bearded lips. Slowly the old giant stood towering now. Even more so then the Demon Satou. Kotsurugi was a monstrous man in height as his wizardly robes flowed out as he paced over. A walking stick suddenly produced, it also being a solid shining silver metal stick that struck the ground gently with each tap of his limped somberness step. Favoring his right leg more so then his left. His breath as almost inaudible if not for the giants size expanding with a breath every few seconds. Held breaths, as if trained, meditating. As he approached closer the room seemed more quiet when the tapping stopped.

His old withered giant fingers graced over the metal, and then the metal began to sing to them both. A most beautiful orchestral chime as the metal began to vibrate, along blade it began to eerily glow with what appeared a pungent purple energy, chakra, ebbed gently from the blade to the old mans fingers. "My full name is Rurou Kotsurugi. I hail from a clan of Nanjirou, who have long since passed. Sadly the last of my bloodline to carry the name. And my families tradition of melding ones self to a personal weapon. The kinjutsu known as Tsukumogami. Many who have practiced the art take years to master the ability to become one with their weapon. And it is always said that one can only forge themselves to a single weapon. Nay, for I have gained over my years of pouring myself into this art. That I am able to splinter my Tsukumogami to all the weapons I've forged. I've taught others, through endless use of a weapon in your hands. It must become you. You and the weapon are one. There must be no difference between you, and this steel here."

He wavered his hand and the next moment the sword was sheathed in a black lacquered saya. Handing it back to the boy. "Please, keep this sword. Sadly the soul who left it behind was unworthy to hold it. But I think it was more happy when you held it. Did you not hear its call to you? I insist, this blade will shed much blood for you. If used properly." He spoke calmly even with melancholy words. "I may teach you, or I may not have the chance to."

Again, the few seconds held breath, softest exhale, inhale, held. "Chess." The word rolled off his aged lip. "European game of strategy." He nodded as his giant gaunt hand stroked his beard after the sword was handed back to Kotsuko. Kotsurugi sauntered back in the gentle, slow limp and tap. Once sitting down he exhaled loudly. "Sadly I enjoy a good game of the mind as the next lad. But for people like us, in this line of work. Its difficult to sit and enjoy a game when there are many more guests to entertain." The elders eyes narrow, that feeling of being cut through with his stare as he looked past the young shinobi to look upon the face of the demon.

Satou had opened the door and took a few steps inside, but stopped. Both their eyes locked, the room started to warm up. The flames flickering more violently along the walls as they shot upwards daring to engulf the ceiling.

 

[Kazu]

"The Forbidden Question"​

Kotsuko's unwavering eyes held firm as he listened to the elderly man speak. His face was a mask, more true and sturdy than any the ANBU could provide. He was shielded. His eyes gazed without fear of being seen, and his ears listened without fear of being heard. He was an observer, taking in everything that this man said to him. The subtleties of his words, to the meaning of the words themselves. Ko observed. He pondered the nature of the skills that were explained to him, and reflected on the implications that arose when someone could possess such a skill. To separate one's soul...

No, to have your soul increase in size...that was the skill this man possessed. It was rare, and impossibly curious. Ko's mind was itching at the very contemplation of such a skill. Questions buzzed and nagged, bit and gnashed, disturbing the very thought flow of his head. He contained them. "Kotsurugi, you are a man with great skill. I am envious." Truly, his words were genuine. A skill like his did not come every generation. "As well, I thank you for your willingness to share. Knowledge is a passion of mine." Ko's eyes were still locked to the man's. They were still just as unwavering as they had been. What was Ko thinking underneath that mask of a face, hmm? The young boy had paused in his words, allowing a short silence to exist. It was not uncomfortable or awkward, either. It just was.

Kotsurugi was the first to break it. Handing the sword back to Ko, the young boy looked as if he had been about to say something but held his tongue. He accepted the sword with a slight bow of gratitude. "Tutelage with a blade is not what I am interested in..." Ko didn't get to finish. He was going to, but the elderly man's gaze indicated something else was fated to happened. Ko turned, and saw the face of the demon Satou. As soon as the man entered the room, Ko could feel the tension rise. The heat in the room went up, the obvious friction between the demon and his teacher grew at an astounding rate. If this kept on...

"Satou, how are you doing now? Feeling better? Why don't we all sit down for a moment?" It wasn't really a suggestion. Ko's face was dead serious. His sands extended, pulling a chair out for him and Megumi to sit side by side. "Please. I was just asking your teacher for a game of chess. I'm not sure we'll have time to play it, though..." Who would move first? They might not have been playing chess with a board and pieces, but that hadn't stopped them from playing anyways. Satou was the Bishop. Megumi was the Rook. Kotsurugi was the King. And Ko?

Ko was the knight. The black knight or the white knight, though, remained undetermined.

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

Satou barely felt Megumi by his side, or even heard the words from the boys lips. There was nothing but shrouds of dark wisps floating about him as he paced forward with such speed his body blurred through the air. He did take the seat Kotsuko offered, instead of sitting, he picked up the metal chair with inhuman strength and flung it with such intensity it whistle through the air. Only to stop with a hand gesture from the old sage who did'nt even fidget in his seat. The chair seemed to hover for a few moments then slowly was brought back down and placed in order. The two seemed to keep their eyes on one another, before the old mans sharp gaze looked to the fine women. "Good evening. Welcome to my abode." He spoke rather sharply. Without raising.

Kotsurugi's gaze was back to Kotsuko's unwavering stance on gaining information. The elder was a good judge of character. This shinobi to be would become either a great asset to him or a problem. To which he did not know, but was just as intrigued as Kotsuko as to how things will play out. "If you will not learn of the blade or for that matter any weapon, then I can not teach you the art of Tsukumogami. If you wish to learn the method of how I gain power. Then I must teach you from the very beginning. As I have done for others." With that Satou slammed his fist upon the table. Ripples of vibrations traveled along the metal. The demon took a chair, any nearby. Hopefully beside Megumi. His body exuding a demonic aura so intense the air around him curves and flexed under tension of it. The elder tapping his finger upon the table with a look of disdain upon the Demonic man. "And you are here as to what ends Demon? To bother me in my retirement?" Kotsurugi laughed while Satou shook his head.

"I need to know what you got planned. Why are you sending former students to fight me or try killing me? It makes no sense." He mumbled leaning into his new chair. arms folded as he rested his head back, the cold metal felt great against his burning skin. The pain running through him was but minor tickles and tingles of flesh itching from healing so quickly. It was uncomfortable. "I've been dealing with enough of your crap old man. I wanted out of your games a long time ago." Satou had only finished his sentence before Kotsurugi started his.

"And yet here you are, back in the game. And you move like you should, I'm surprised this village isn't rubble yet because of you. I have been keeping the streets clean of poverty. That has been my ideal for the longest time. For this village to be prepared. Prepared to kill one of the most deadliest monsters I have had the pleasure of teaching. You." He stood, pacing slowly about the room, looking upon the fires as his large gaunt hand waved through the flames. The flames died down. Revealing walls of weaponry forged and crafted with perfection. All the steel shined like silver and had the deadliest of edges, the most crude and interesting designs as well the highest quietly materials. Kotsurugi's eyes softened over these instruments of death. "I will forge weapons for anyone who can lift them. So they may strike at you, when you finally let go and become that thing that dwells in you. The end of humanity would begin, the homeless, the weak. They will all perish around you Satou." He spoke his name ever so softly, almost mournfully.

"I must teach and forge for this boy, the women by your side as well. I must teach the young, the defenseless. For I fear for them! I fear for you! Most of all-" He sighed as he looked back, his eyes a soft simply honey color. His creases fell as his posture lazed. His tension eased and he somber limped back to his chair. "I love this village so much. I have lived here for two human lifetimes. And now, I have a heir to my name, to my blood. Yet he despises me for I made him powerful, I gave that boy such knowledge that he would one day succeed where I would fail." He was trailing off, looking to the flames. "So what say you demon, do you truly hate me? For giving the truth to these people?" He did'nt turn his gaze to look at Satou.

Whom was still leaned back, relaxed. Listening to the Elders speech. A soft whimsical laugh mixed with a soften sigh. "I've always hated you, I only tolerated you because you helped me from the beginning." He ran his hands through his long mess of hair which was stained a bit with blood, his own? I won't kill you or fight you. I kinda understand why you want everyone to fear me. And you know what?" He stood and pushed his chair back, politely this time.

Satou paced towards the door. "I'm ok with everyone being afraid of me." He looked to Megumi, wondering if she feared him, loved him? He merely smiled to her, a warmth in his eyes. Maybe she could never trust him, maybe she would be the one to take his life? Such thought brought a shiver to his spine. He turned his demonic eyes to Kotsuko. "Good luck kid, I hope you enjoy your game." He held out his hand for Megumi to take. If not his arm or side.

 

[Kazu]

Ko's eyes watched the scene before him unfold. A story of growth, of guidance, of trust, and one of betrayal and disgust. He felt the passion and the anger from both of them, the bubbling emotions building and culminating in a very sad and somber departure. The Demon, Satou, had seemed to admit his defeat. He resigned himself to the position allotted to him in life, allowing this man to define who and what he was. He had accepted it, embraced it, and had become it. He wished Ko luck, and turned to leave with the kunoichi who would grow to be his partner in more than combat. Ko watched his back, saw the man who had stumbled and killed in his drunken stupor teeter out of the room once more.

What a fool.

Ko's eyes were steely gray, like an unyielding metal plate, as they watched him leave. The man, to Ko, was a damned fool. Who allowed themselves to be told who they were but the foolish? Who accepted their lot in life as it was but the foolish? Who made nothing of themselves, except by the good graces of others? The pitiful. Ko was none of these. He would never be one of these. He'd sooner kill himself than see that day come. His ears listened only to the beating of his own heart, marching him forward with steely resolve. His eyes looked only to where his goals and ambitions would take him. His feet walked a path that he laid out for himself. And his soul shaped itself into what he determined it would be. Ko was the creator of himself. He was the god that would dictate how his own life would play out. No one else had that power but him. Ko pitied Satou, for the way in which he accepted his fate, and allowed others' actions to shape himself. He wasn't a Demon, he was a coward.

Ko cared not for him, anymore. He'd done his duty, and led him to his real prize. Ko turned back to Kotsurugi, the man who would make things possible for him. Ko's face was just as calm and tranquil as ever, showing no signs of the internal reflection he had just been through. He acted like that little interruption had never occurred. "Skills with a blade are not what I seek, though I do have a weapon to wield. It is not a weapon like yours, or even the men you sent to kill us. I have a more particular weapon than that." Ko extended his palms in front of him, facing them upwards towards the heavens. Energy coursed through them, his chakra becoming visible to the elderly man. It was a transparent gray, with a blue sheen to it. A most unusual color indeed. "My weapon is my chakra. My techniques, my Ninjutsu, and anything which I can pour this most versatile weapon into shall be my weapon..." Ko's eyes were alive. His request was a dangerous one, a possibly illegal or even impossible one. Who knew if it was even possible to learn the things that Ko wanted to learn?

Still, the young boy's ambitions would not be crushed that easily. With conviction, he asked Kotsurugi. "Teach me how to extend my soul, just as you do. Not into a weapon, and not permanently, but into whatever I desire. Teach me to make my soul malleable and flexible, to shape it and use it like it were a weapon in and of itself. Teach me this skill which only you could possibly teach." His eyes were serious. His body language was filled with conviction. His soul was practically exuding out from his person. Ko's determination and ambition had led him down this path. His destination was still ahead. This was but a stop he had to make in order to reach that end.

 

[Ketsueki Satou]

The Elder watched the Demon leave but also noticed the eyes of Kotsuko. The aged weapon's master sighed softly as he drank from his tea. The warming aroma was pleasant to his senses. Almost as if knowing what Kotsuko was thinking the elders somber and soft voice sounded clear in the room. "He has his role to play, not of his choice, but of what he truly is. Do you see him as a man? Or do you know of the Monster inside of him? I have watched him for roughly thirty years now. Every waking moment he struggles not to give up and kill every living and breathing thing around him. When I first found him, I had to use almost every ounce of my chakra to subdue him and wound him enough for him to regain composure over himself." He smiled softly underneath his thick pristine beard as he gently stir the spoon by from his saucer. Memories of the old times gave the Elder a warm glow to his skin, almost falling back into the memories but paying attention to the boys words and actions.

He sat forward a bit when the boy produced chakra visible to the naked eyes without hand seals. His smile brimmed across cheek to cheek as the Elder stood and paced over to take the boys hand and examine the energy flowing from his palm. "Hmmm yes. Magnificent. I've not seen such control in someone so young." His honey colored eyes looked into Ko's, seeing the boys pure ambition to gain more power, more knowledge gave great joy to the Elder. "To find such a pupil, I must still have some devils luck." He chuckled softly as he let Ko's hand go and stroked his beard. "No, not a blade, not a spear or and physical weapon. But the Ability to force yourself through inanimate objects and bend them to your will. Such chakra control will take much time, but I think I can mold your body into a very deadly weapon Kotsuko-kun. But I must ask of you to dedicate yourself. Which, from how you seem now will not be much trouble." Slowly a radiant blazing white light enveloped Kotsurugi's hand as he held it out to the side, in his hand produced through blinding light a put white katana from hilt to blade. The sword shawn brightly like a star pulled from the nights sky and placed right in front of Kotsuko. But slowly the light faded and the blade vanished, The elder stretched his hand, as if this display of what he could do had strained something.

"I am not as I used to be, but I still hold this gift. I will pass on to you what knowledge I can bare. Hopefully with time in your training you will surpass many around you. You may be scorned for your gifts with the ninja arts. But I think nothing will deter you, am I right?" The elder laughed as he turned and paced slowly to the end of the room. Snapping his fingers to reveal a hidden door behind the farthest wall from them. "Come, I have much to show you my young student. You will have much to do in the coming years."

(Topic left)

 

[Kazu]

"Keeping the Endgame in Mind"​

The elder's words did not fall on deaf ears as he spoke of Satou. Ko acknowledged them, though they didn't sway his mind. He didn't display his attention at all, and merely continued on. It didn't matter much anyways, not with this most wonderful outcome. Things had gone exactly as the young boy had wanted — perhaps, it had even gone better than expected. As the old man grabbed hold of Ko's hands, feeling the energy flowing out of him, Ko stood still so as not to interrupt. He listened very intently to the man's words, his verbiage, and his praise. They were important indicators, after all. They told Ko how much the man needed a proper heir. "Thank you, I appreciate your praise." Satou had, apparently, been the next in line to take over. However, he didn't seem to be on exactly level terms with the old man. Ko's aspirations and his ambitions had led him to the Dead Blacksmith, and those same qualities may very well lead him to take over the aging man's role. That was all very far into the future, though. For now, Ko would focus his mind's eye on the tasks before him.

The Dead Blacksmith did not ask for much. He merely asked for dedication and hard work. He, himself, brushed it off as not being an issue, and Ko could not agree more. Persistence was a necessary trait if one is to learn anything of a higher level. That rule had no exceptions, and Ko had no illusions to the contrary. "It is as you say. To gain such a skill, hard work is a small price to pay." Was there even any question about it? Who wouldn't trade a small portion of their time here on Earth for such a powerful ability? Refocusing himself, he listened again to Kotsurugi's exposition. The man's warnings were exactly what Ko thought they'd be. He told the boy how he might be shunned, how he might be loathed, and how he might be despised. Ko cared not. His eyes remained steely and firm, unyielding and unstoppable. "If that's all it took to stop me, I would not be here now." And with that he bound himself to this cause — he was linked, inexorably, to the end he had now chosen for himself. For better or worse, it was the path he'd chosen.

As Kotsurugi revealed the hidden door, Ko found that his blood was beginning to boil. Was he excited? He must be. The prospect of what was to come excited the young boy. Ko stood, pushing the metal seat back. He paid it no mind, and instead focused his entire attention on the old man and the possibilities ahead of him. A halfway cruel and sadistically gleeful smile spread across Ko's lips, revealing a little bit of his true character. He turned to his audience, with a face that made even his writer's spine tingle. This seemed to please Ko to no end. "What? Were you expecting me to be a hero, happily protecting my village? I'll tell you a secret: you don't get to decide my story. I'm the one in control here. And I must say, I see a very interesting time ahead of me..."<i></i> He walked forward, towards the Dead Blacksmith and his hidden passageway. A new chapter of Ko's life was opening. Who knew where it might lead?

Just one. But not even I could tell you what went on in his head sometimes...

[Topic Left]