A Home Away From Home [Anarchy!]

[Sand Council]

A simply dressed figure paced through the Toraono lands, hands clasped behind his back. He wore only military-grade boots, black fatigues, and a skin-tight micro-mesh shirt. There was a serenity about the mystical lands the Toraono had sought to preserve and many people came to Wind Country just to see these lands, pilgrims obsessed with the super natural and religious zealotry of foreign lands. This stranger looked at it all as a battlefield, and while completely undisturbed he could see the trees broken and splintered, the lake turned a sickly pink from the blood of the fallen running into it. Even with that potential destiny only moments away from it, it maintained its demeanor and offered sanctuary to those who didn't know where to turned.

The sharp eyes of the military man could see people hiding about, some openly on their knees saying prayers in front of the waters. People spotted him and gave pause, but he simply nodded to their acknowledgement and continued his stroll. This was not his battle, none of the missions he had overseen had been, but they had been his orders and he respected that his superiors would guide his strength. Their attack had been like a surgeon's scalpel; deft, swift, and precise. Much like a Doctor, they had taken their time in learning their target before making their move, so they knew how to navigate their movements correctly. It had gone off flawlessly and the sleepy little village had been shaken awake to a state of alertness.

What would a village do without a leader? Who would they defer to in a time of need?

Or would they just default to their more barbaric nature of throwing their power around to get what they want and risk losing every single soul in the village. Shinobi were rash and short-sighted and didn't think about the consequences to their actions. Some assumed it was due to their self-obtained powers, that they viewed themselves as something more than just human. Had it not been for their arrogance, they might not have been forced into these caves, nor into their complacency.

Stopping just at the edge of the lake, he knelt down and brushed a hands across the surface. A ripple disturbed the once glassy lake, and there was a fleeting memory of the ocean that came with it. A deeper, more primal nature begged him to dive in, but his discipline hushed any such desires. Instead he patrolled the lake, taking note of faces of those near, watching Toraono guardsman pace their routes about the land in the time of emergency. Predictable, and if they stayed that way would soon be extinct.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Seated serenely in the midst of ancient ground hallowed by the valor of souls lost centuries ago. Sanryoukyogan Kuro sat amidst the forest at the edge of lake that was connected to the hidden chamber of souls. There was something, or someone immensely strong strolling through these sacred lands, it wasn't that it was disturbing the natural chakra of the area it was actually adding a disturbing amount of natural chakra to it. Acting as a relay and medic for Kuro's alternate bodies stranded within the underground city he resembled a steel statue as he attuned his spirit and chakra to the lands around him completely blending in as if he were an ancient gargoyle or statue as even the flourescent and darkeater grasses and vines grew across him and beneath him as if even the very nature of the ancient area sought to conceal him. It was unnecessary to conceal him in that manner as he was more than capable of removing all traces of himself from the area if need be. Still Sanryoukyogan Kuro could appreciate the gesture of the natural spirits. With a stabbing pressure to his left palm Kuro release a small amount of blood and formed a blood seal on the tree nearest him. With a quick surge of chakra he summoned the tiger warrior he was most bonded with Burakku.

Spoiler

A genetic rarity, the inverted white tiger known as Burakku was born with a body of sleek black fur striped with gleaming white lines. This body is large and formidable, with claws and fangs to match. Across his body hang heavy chains, one of many training methods behind Burakku’s superior strength. Burakku is second in command of the Tiger kin, and takes this responsibility respectfully, and with honor. Brother to Byakko, the two rarely qualm over anything. Burakku does believe that combat is never the correct solution to a problem, but knows such thinking is not the way of many others, and thus rigorously trains himself, and is always prepared for an attack. His sharp sleek claws can cut through solid steel with his fangs being just as, if not more powerful. The gleaming eyes of pure ice can stare any foe down with his cold gaze of unrelenting fury.

Burakku nodded to Kuro as he shed his heavy chains to increase his natural speed and stealth. Freed of his eternal training regiment he surged across the waters of the ancient lake at a speed nearly unattainable by natural living beings. He stepped on the opposite shore where he found a new yet somehow familiar scent. His summoner was being sought after and whatever was seeking him seemed to be familiar.

 

[Sand Council]

The once peaceful walk was disturbed by a ripple in their plane of being. While normal people weren't aware of such things, undetectable by those ignorant to the machinations of the spirit world, Saiga felt the invasion. Heel grinding at the pebbles beneath his boots, he turned to stare out towards the lake. Subtle, almost invisible to the eye, tiny ripples crossed over the lake, stopping his own as they met. Try as they might, they were not subtle. The Sunan people did not know the meaning of it and their every action betrayed them on a greater scale. Their minds hadn't been conditioned to understand their every action had a reaction, that every move plotted and executed had tells and signs for the trained to pick up on.

Someone hiding had made the first move, and Saiga would wait patiently for the first attack to be made.

If they were so foolish, then it would only further cement The Cabal's actions. Unidentified, unassuming, and non-aggressive would be short of killing an innocent in cold-blood. They knew of the various refugees they had received in recent times. Would someone be so rash as to attack any stranger on sight? How could they be certain they were not attacking an Allie and in this time of need, only making their situation worse.

What many of those trapped within the cave failed to realize was that this was not a game of cat and mouse. They had already been outmaneuvered; their leaders cowered, their shinobi fight among one another for power, and their civilians lay dying in the streets. How many more lives would be lost before they realized they had already lost? Once more, he stood at attention, eyes watching intently for anyone willing to step forward. Otherwise Saiga's job was being done while he enjoyed the ambiance of the lake.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

The massive black tiger stopped a few feet away from the militaristically dressed individual, the scent was him. He was certain attuned to nature just like him or perhaps even more so. Burraku sniffed deep of the being's scent and noticed he was indeed one with the water as well. He was remote, wary, a predator, a very precise predator. Luckily Burraku understood Kuro like few others and he knew how best to approach as Kuro would. Easing his mindand strengthening his will Burraku stood on two legs and summoned a pair of gray pants to be more civilized before the humanoid as he presented himself. "Hello, I am Burraku one of the summoned guardians of these lands, I do not recognize your scent or your face. Might you have time to tell me who you are? and if possible what you might be doing here? I only ask because your presence is very deliberate and slightly overpowers the balance of nature here."

Humanoid, Burraku was not but he was more than capable of assuming their manners and if need be a form more human than most.

 

[Sand Council]

Saiga smiled as he was approached by the "guardian", sizing up the beast in a single glance and understanding what he was faced with. His statements however were filled with ignorance and half-truths and it was just something more that had been tainted with Sunan influence, "I should not affect this precious land anymore than the other refugees here for comfort and safety."<i></i> He remarked, speaking calmly, "I am not like this village's fabled shinobi. I do not bend chakra like they do. I am just an old soldier."<i></i>

The Cabal were not ninja, they were not wielders of ancient shinobi arts or masters of jutsu. They were ordinary soldier; smarter, better, and prepared, but normal all the same. The spirit beast that was speaking on account of his timid master was reaching for something that was not there. In fact, there tearing between realities to summon this feline was more of an affront to these living lands. So casually abusing a bond formed with an otherworldly being was tantamount to stupidity.

"My name is Saiga. I came in with the numerous other destitute that have arrived in the past few months."<i></i> Again, the cool-headed warrior looked the beast head to toe, "And what of your purpose? Surely you would scare any others not used to something such as yourself. Many people have come here to pray and are faced with a talking predator; a demon to some cultures."<i></i> Reasonable concerns and more importantly a confrontation that Burraku would have to answer wisely. Saiga was nothing more than another face and to address him over any other of the numerous people in the area was unusual, especially since his spiritual presence was as generic as any other civilian.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Burakku laughed aloud as the man claimed to be just an old soldier. "Well greetings all the same Saiga. My current purpose was to determine your capacity as a threat but you seem to have a view of this village that is not shared by those that live here not to mention your scent is quite unique. None whom live in Sunagakure would be scared of me nor would they have anything to fear from me. I actually spend a great amount of time training others in physical fitness something you do not seem to lack. As far as being a talking predator I assure you outside this cavern shrouded village there be monsters far beyond me and mine. Since you have been in Sunagakure a few months and you believe all shinobi bend chakra then perhaps you have your own insight into the people around you. I would be honored to share it with you or perhaps you are here searching for someone or something? Soldiers do as they must, I am not without my own insights into common human culture. Again if you are wondering why you stand out to me it is not just your scent your presence does affect the land differently than I or any other Sunan. Look at the crystal grains beneath your boots. They react to many things and when beneath my paws the glow slightly enough to show I have strong natural chakra and residual energy. Look at how the environment here reacts to you, this is a spiritual sanctuary that allows for many things but your presence is unusual despite your features. If I were a lesser judge of character you would be much more suited to the title of predator than I am. What you seem to lack in claws and fangs I wager you more than make up for in competence and prowess. Since you are open to speak perhaps you would like to talk with the primary guardian of these lands? We can walk or would you prefer a swim? I assure you we have no predatory fish in these waters although we do have giant koi."

Burakku offered a chance to speak with the actual Toraono Guardian of the underground area.

 

[Sand Council]

Saiga allowed the beast to speak his part, but simply shook his head once he finished.

"You mock me and make accusations, marking me as a liar. Clearly, your understanding of human cultures is limited as even the most base of people understand not to insult their guests,"<i></i> He gestured around the lake, eyes landing on the small heads of those hiding or out in the distance, "Not everyone is a sunan, cat."<i></i> He used the phrase almost as a derogatory slur, "Many hail from the frozen wastes of Water Country where they observed an act of something supernatural obliterate their homes and kill nearly everyone they knew. There walking, talking beasts are not as common. Do not presume you understand everything; it has been a greater downfall for beings much more tactful than yourself."<i></i>

While the man spoke, his composure did not falter and his tone remained controlled. Clearly a man of discipline despite speaking as if emblazoned with passion. There was a subtle twist of a silver ring on his hand, almost as if a nervous tick.

"Death, much like life, will distort things that are sensitive such as these crystals. When you have spent your lifetime wading through blood and gore and sorrow a little bit sticks each time. I affect these lands because I am a soldier. I smell different because I am a soldier. I have spent much of my life on the seas; as have many of these people here."<i></i> Once more his eyes looked around, spotting out groups of people, "Takeshi Aeromaru, a fisherman, his wife Hana. Azuma Baruka, lifetime sailor, and his three kids Bao, Taka, and Mina. They came to this lake because water is so scarce in this country. They have been forced to live in poor housing, deal with criminals for food, and have seen many predators take away their previous lives and ruin any chance of finding one here. They only find solace in familiar faces and water here. If your 'Guardian' wishes to speak to me, he may come meet me. Otherwise please leave me to watch over these people."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Burakku turned his head in his cat like manner as the man took everything he said as a slight or insult when he was just making personal observations. "You really are a military man to be so obstinate and stubborn as to take personal opinions and observations as an insult but be that as it may, your people have come here for solace and relief and they shall have it. Ignorance is no excuse but I can honestly tell you that had anyone sought the aid of anyone in these lands before now they would have been met with open arms and all the aid these clans and families had to offer. You can not blame a society that does not know you are there for the problems that befall you if you do not make yourselves known. You have now, despite your intentions and efforts a crisis has emerged and it will be handled as directly with as minimum force necessary. Hopefully your people are not so fearful as you perceive them to be for the people of this land are not fully human, they are the descendants of slaves, gladiators, demonbeasts and even ancients. Your lands may have fallen to dark magic but here there be devils and they are not those whom would do harm. This is my word to you and I shall tell the guardian where to find you and hopefully you welcome him as he would aid all of you if you let him."

Burraku disappeared in a cloud of old magic leaving the refugee's to do as they felt they must.

 

[Sand Council]

Burakku was right. Ignorance wasn't an excuse and he should have stopped speaking then. To place the blame on the down-trodden and weak is horrendous, and Saiga simply nodded as the feline vanished back into his realm. Next time it would do well to not try and sneak up on a predator bigger than it. Next time it wouldn't be such a tame exchange. Pace kept him moving around the lake, watching those from the corners of his eyes. The 'guardian' of these lands was just another abomination even worse than that spiritual monster that had just left.

Once a man, but no longer, Toraono Kuro had long since lost his humanity and lived in a world were dark magic and otherworldly rituals were common. The human soul was a much more powerful tool, but many of those within the village had willingly thrown it away for power and the mere thought of it was grotesque. Ninja were so ignorant in their ways to realize that dabbling in such areas caused massive ripples that affected everyone. The constructs at the gates during the attack from that metallic witch had been more than enough to prove how far many of them had fallen. To manipulate and twist nature into such perverse things was beyond forgiving.

Saiga was indeed a predator, a hunter, but still a human. A man who had conquered many a foe who thought their gains would be more than enough to topple him. Sunagakure was treading a similar path, devils on their shoulders and in living form.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

It was the twilight hour and as with every twilight moon Kuro naturally took on human form in all his bodies except his ogre magi body which was not human at all. He could not call upon his dark power without activating his cursed seal to control it and that meant he was just as normal as any other except his silver highlights in his hair. Releasing himself from his meditation Sanryoukyogan Kuro made his way around the lake to meet the visitor that claimed to know so much about the village and its residents even after only being here a few weeks or months. As Burakku's report spoke he should simply seek out the most militant man on the shore and he would know him. Nodding to himself Sanryoukyogan Kuro strode toward his destined meeting in his healer's robes, barefoot and unarmed. It would only serve his purpose to speak if he approached without weapons. With his common diplomacy in mind he carried a large bundle of food, enough to feed ten or more should there be others present. The meat was wrapped carefully in waxed papers to keep it clean and fresh and the bread was only a day old so it was crisp and easily broken. The night apples were sweet and pungent as ever and the lake pears which he had just fished from the lake also were lightly damp but he had them packed so that they were at the bottom of his large sack and could not affect the bread or the meat. It did not take long for Kuro to find refugees and as Burakku had iterated the man walked briskly and confidently as if patrolling or seeking a fight in a place of rest and tranquility. Taking a deep breath to steady himself Sanryoukyogan Kuro approached with a wave in greeting to all but had eyes for only Saiga. Kuro stood at five feet, ten inches, weighing in at two hundred and eighty pounds. Kuro’s silver now black mane of hair failed to to conceal any of his obvious muscle mass. With a twenty one inch neck Kuro’s hair was very much the show all even as it cascaded to the center of his upper back. Violet and gold gem like eyes peered from a chocolate brow with dark black and silver eyebrows. He wore a sand tone robe with a silver obi around his thirty six inch waist. Twenty two inch biceps displayed innate martial prowess and the runic terran runes that resembled tiger stripes made him appear to be a bestial monk. Without his horns and tail he made quite the dashing figure. He was quite solemn yet easily considered handsome in a muscle bound monk kind of way.

"Greetings, you must be the man known as Saiga, I am Toraono Kuro, Sennin and primary Guardian of these lands and Wind Country itself. I bring food and counsel to all whom need and I come to ask a favor of you if you might indulge me. Yet before I ask a favor might I grant your countrymen quarters at our lodge they need not wander the lake and or get lost in the elderwoods we should have enough housing and food for all. We of the Toraono Clan are set to help all in need of it. I was also informed by Barakku that you did not like ninjutsu so I will make sure to use neither ninjutsu or genjutsu in your presence as it was told to me you found such things offensive. Might we converse a while or is there something else on your mind that draws you here?"<i></i>

 

[Sand Council]

Saiga​

The Demonbeast King had arrived bearing gifts as if it was Saiga himself in need. A kind, foolhardy gesture that was met with the same flat, unresponsive expression he had offered Burakku.

"They are not offensive to me. They are simply just a crutch to those who do not understand or cannot manage martial combat."<i></i> The peak physical condition of the man before Kuro was all the evidence needed to prove he was one chiseled into a fighting machine, even if he was not aggressive, "More importantly, they have no place in simple conversations of men."<i></i>

While Kuro did well to appear normal in his form, it was deceiving, like most shinobi were. Saiga paced around the creature holding the basket, sizing him up and taking note of the attire, but knowing just how futile it was memorizing the look of a person that could shape shift or change forms on a whim. Afraid to wear their own skin, terrified to be held accountable for any sin they committed. Even though the Sennin found himself at the advantage of being able to be in multiple places at once, he was profoundly optimistic and accepting of any strangers wondering about his land in what should have been considered wartime. Not that the could prove intention or identity of anyone will so many new faces to the village. To condemn strangers to death or to safeguard some and pray for forgiveness of the stray deaths caused by hasty decisions.

"Surely you've seen the act of terrorism that sank the grand tower. I would believe anyone safer elsewhere than in the walls of the infamous Toraono clan dojo."<i></i>

Saiga had been here with a purpose, observing and learning.

"An abomination of a man who has tainted his soul and split his being, a demon who preaches peace and humanity, a leader who does not lead and instead claims land and title to do nothing with it."<i></i> While Saiga kept his cool demeanor, he was pointing a metaphysical finger at Kuro. Pausing in front of the monk his hard gaze locked onto Kuro's own, "I was drawn here to see what Sunagakure's only standing figurehead was doing while his villagers die."<i></i> Saiga was a man who did not mince words and spoke plainly, "Your ability to inhabit numerous bodies is not a well-kept secret, and it was almost certain one would be here, at your compound acting as a watch dog. All the reputation and power afforded to you by the village and yet you take no action. Even your other bodies remain idle or pursue trivial matters."<i></i>

The soldier paused in his speech, still watching intently, "We"<i></i> He starts off with, implying an allegiance, "Planned to neutralize other influential leaders; The Steward and the other monstrosity that acts as his bodyguard, but you,"<i></i> he gestured at Kuro with an out-stretched hand, "We didn't care to afford any effort on. You simply exist in this village as a legacy, a figure to the people who doesn't actually do anything. You have a clan that has warriors that extend deep into the village and resources that cross all of Wind Country and even still you do nothing."<i></i> There was clear contempt for Kuro, and while it did not alter his voice there was a clear look of disappointment in the gray eyes of the accuser, "You have done -nothing- even prior to these happenings that we have brought to your village. Bluster and recite past deeds all you want, but this village would still exist without the Toraono. Think long and hard Toraono Kuro, Demonbeast King of Sunagakure about what you want from your existence because your village is close to being another memory consumed by the sands of Wind Country due to the inaction of many in the past."<i></i>

Each sentence revealed more and more about how extensively The Cabal had done their reconnaissance and knew about their targets, and while much of what was said was Saiga's opinion, there were nuggets of harsh truth hidden within. Refute as he might, the real concern came with the deep understanding of what Kuro was and what he was capable of. The presence of one of the big seven was not coincidence and even though he had said they didn't bother with countermeasures for Kuro, it had only insinuated the initial attack hadn't bothered to include Kuro; not that they didn't have anything prepared at all.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Sanryoukyogan Kuro sat and left out food for all whom might need it. With the steel flesh he wielded his strength was not unlike the titans of old as Saiga sat to insinuate that the Toraono Clan had done nothing and he had done nothing despite their actions. "The Toraono Clan was once a group of slaves and gladiators, we suffered like no other and bore no one ill will not even the ancients whom had enslaved my ancestors. You have all done your surveys of me well and no it is not a well kept secret that I wield multiple forms. Nor is it a distinct matter that you have not seen my clan in action. We do well to bide our time and our strength for your group's acts of terror do not fall upon deaf ears. I am by no means doing nothing I am simply keeping as many people alive as necessary and soon I shall revive those you have slain for that is my true capability. Your group will say I am a monster, but what they fail to understand is that I was NEVER a man. I was born with demon blood and though I live and breath I knew as all true men do where I belong. I belong to this land, it does not belong to me and I have protected this land in spirit and in blood because it allows me to save those whom wish to live. Since you have made yourself known to me allow me to make myself known to you. I am the healing light, I am the keeper of Darkness (shout out to Mikaboshi), and I have learned all I need to learn of your plans this day. I grant you all the safety of the Toraono Clan... BUT should you specifically... and I do mean you Saiga... completely separate from your cohorts as you have shown me what honor you wield, should you directly or indirectly cause any further harm to law abiding Sunans or your own fellow refugee's then you yourself will know fully exactly what martial prowess is. IF YOU so much as cause anyone aforementioned harm a single aspect of myself will come to you to bring great vengeance and furious wrath. For though you may have researched me and gathered what information you could have simply asked of me, you do not know what I am truly capable of nor what I keep at bay simply to protect those whom would seek to do Sunagakure harm. I bid you safe journey and thank you for your conversation." Kuro turned and left without looking back at Saiga, he had marked him as a man of honor and though he was misguided in his actions and those he followed he was not without his own purpose and his own desires but throughout it all he sensed within him honor and that alone would turn the tide.

Topic Left unless stopped

 

[Sand Council]

Saiga​

Saiga simply nodded as Kuro finished and left.

Those who died would not simply come back. None within Sunagakure truly knew what was happening and The Cabal had painstakingly taken steps to ensure this ignorance. Before there was shadows, before there was light, there was complete nothingness. That void consumed all with an endless hunger and soon the people of the hidden village would experience that infinite depth. The beast king was gone now. Saiga placed a pair of fingers into his mouth and whistled loudly, screeching through the lake area. A hand motioned towards the Toraono compound and numerous figures began moving in that direction.

They had invited him in.

[Topic Left/Closed]