Koga slowly made his way back to the clan estate. For the last 24 hours he had sat upon a building watching the terror below gathering information. However all he kept coming back to was what this vision of the village showed him. It was pure and utter chaos with no direction other than tearing down what they had come to know as home. The lust to kill these fiends knew no bounds but Koga had to be cunning and most of all he had to harden himself to the horrors of anarchy and never lose his nerve. He watched some die, and he saw others crying out for help. No one was safe in this village any longer. It probably didn't help that he had the Eye of Ouroboros active, and watched every soul leave their vessel. Battle ensued on the streets on all night, at the crack of dawn it seemed to end as if they bloodthirsty psychopaths had their fill and those defending their homes and stores had stayed stalwart. There was still hope for the village yet as the Sunans did not give up, but this pain was just too much for any one man to observe through this veil.
Retiring from his "penance" the Ikoji clansmen would head to his home, a place that he didn't even consider would be touched. Upon reaching the Clan Compound he found blood and dead bodies around the entrance. They were all crooks and criminals all impaled or beaten to death. Koga would grin at the sight knowing his clan must have faired well even though the compound took a bit of damage. Yet upon opening the gate he noticed something far less than what his expectations held. There were body bags, eleven of them to be exact. The bags were open, and some people were mourning them while others looked furious. Four of them were from the group that accompanied him to the tower and two of them were the Elders they found at the tower. There was a rather large group lined up with packs, and cases as if they had planned on leaving.
Another cluster of clansmen held fast at the door to the throne room. Koga was unsure what was going on but there was obviously a situation one that was going to rupture the clan's way of living. He heard chatter on his way to throne room, "Kenji's lost it", "Saizan's not standing for it", "He's done nothing but drink and cry for the last day", "Maybe Saizan's right, maybe he's too weak to rule us". These words were amongst the crowd and when Koga reached the door he heard muffled yells clearly people were arguing. Unlike the others he held rank within the clan and would not allow a door to get between him. Koga would burst open the door and immediately begin to observe the scene. Kenji stood there robe half torn off, Naginata in hand and a woman likely a whore by his feet. He reeked of boose, and his eyes showed signs of drug use. He was out of it, and looked like a wretch. Saizan stood across from his garbed in black and a blade in his hand. He would point this weapon at Kenji while yelling at him.
"You are a disgrace! You shame this clan, you shame your mother, you shame your grandparents, and you shame yourself. How my son became enthralled with such a weakling, such a coward I will never know. In one night, one night you've lost all hope and respect for yourself! I knew you were never fit to rule from the throne. I knew that your weak minded nature would be the ruin of the Ikoji. Look at Sunagakure, Look at us! What have we been reduced to. We once held acres of dune land pastured with exotic flowers. Our game was strong and we lived a good prosperous life. I had a dream to share the Ikoji greatness with my children and children to come but this damned village has brought us nothing but death and trouble. We lost three kinsmen to a harvester and they were never caught!Eleven within the past two days. How many more will we lose before you open those blue eyes and see that this village is our damnation not our salvation. What is wrong with you fool, what made you this way. You reduce yourself to drugs, alcohol and whores? Do you know how many we lost during this trek to Suna? We lost nine but I bet you didn't remember that. You're despicable Kenji, a stain upon the Ikoji rule that will never last. I'm going to save our people, we will leave this compound and renounce Sunagakure, if there is even one left to speak of. We will not raise a hand against the Cabal and if you, my son, or any other fool seek glory with these amateur shinobi be my guest. Strike after strike this village only knows destruction, preservation is something no one seems to remember. I hereby name myself Ikoji Saizan, Grand Kuma, and I will lead my people to survival. Unlike you I've found a way to restore our homelands, there's no reason why we need to stay in this forsaken village any longer than necessary." Saizan would sheathe his blade and walk out to the rest of the clan.
"Well you've seen your Grand Tiger in all his glory. Look at his pathetic state, his decisions, is this honestly what you want to follow? I've found someone whose become indebted to me. They have the ability to control nature, and they will return our lands to the lush dunes and peaceful land to what it once was. Do you remember the sun, and how it danced on our skin? Would you honestly condemn yourselves to this underground "haven" any longer? As soon as we get the chance we are leaving and those who wish to return to the life we built one that we survived on follow me. Not the scent of money like you Tiger has so chosen to follow." People would look around not sure but the deaths of eleven members moved many to, follow Saizan and his charm. Koga could do nothing but watch helplessly as his father stomped all over Kenji's reputation and everything the man once stood for. He was a shell of his former self that much was true, but this was just too much. They could have resolved this and if they were family they should have worked through it together. Not berate and battle for power, Koga grasped his face as he went to Kenji. His cousin would not listen instead he walked towards the crowd using his naginata to help him balance.
"House Ikoji.... Allow me a few words before you make your decision to follow a power hungry man out of his time. Look at me, take a good look. This is what we call failure. I have failed you all, and I've allowed deaths all over. There's nothing I regret more than what I've done, but I can't take that back. So I'd rather burrow my sorrow in the face of sin than look at what I've wrought upon us. Even so do you think Saizan is any better? He has no love for our baser traditions and does not care for things unless they bring him power. He forced his own son to brave our cardinal points and obtain a technique that could cause him death. His own son whose body was dying because of it, but still he fought for us and this village. When's the last time you've seen Saizan lift a finger to provide? He sits on a seat, looking down on the world plotting for his power. I've seen his look in many eyes before, he's nothing more than a common thug. Yet he's right about me, I bring shame to this clan and I've shamed myself. So my penance will be to never claim ownership over this clan. I am not fit to lead and I see this now. However by our traditions I feel that I can at least candidate someone to lead our clan. Some of you have found love for this village, but our home in the Northern sands have always been open to those who wish to go back. You don't need someone to lead you to those but if you wish to fall into his fold I understand, but I offer you this. For those who wish to stay in Sunagakure, for those who've come to love this village, for those who wish to not leave what our brethren have died to bring fruition to, I implore you to stay under the leadership of a true Ikoji warrior fit to lead you all. Someone who is kind and understanding, but enough nerve to make the tough calls. Someone who will put their family before themselves and die protecting what they believe in. The heir to the throne should have been Ikoji Koga, son of Ringo and Saizan. A unison of good and bad if you will. He is the balance this clan truly needs and the only one I believe that will truly care for you all since my mother. Koga if you would accept my nomination I would like you to head the clan. Your father sits there trying to gain power, but you've done nothing but serve. I realize you as a ruler to the throne. Will you accept this call?" Kenji's smile was weak, but he truly meant every word. Saizan looked outraged and you could see the anger seething in his eyes. Before a response was even made the Kuma interjected.
"My son? The one who gave his blood to dark arts? The one who released the power of an evil spirit we locked away long ago? You would trust the clan to another youngling who doesn't even know the first thing about war or survival?" Kenji would smile and nod at Saizan as the elder man sneered at his competition. Koga was on the spot now as everyone was gossiping making side chatter about this decision. A division in the Ikoji had just happened and either Koga could answer or he could fold. Looking at his father, for the first time in his life he held no desire to please the man. Normally he'd have just sided with him to appease whatever thoughts were forming, but things were different now. He held his head high and lowered his hood as he walked to the clan. Koga would begin with digging into his left eye and removing the false tool. "My brethren, my loved ones this is not what I expected to see when I witnessed the bodies of enemies outside. I thought you'd be in here celebrating but instead I find a few deaths tearing us apart. All night I surveyed people and watched innocents die or become victims. I saw people fighting tooth and nail to retain what was theirs never have I witnessed such dedication. It made me wonder, what happened to us that caused such a dissatisfaction? I don't know, I wonder if we can survive and some nights I worry for you all. Worry what we will let power, money, and greed make us. Yet I've come to a realization that this is evolution. For better or for worse the changes we undertake define evolution. I lost the power to see spirits and evolved. In order to adapt I sacrificed my left eye to be able to at least connect with a spirit's feelings and continue to gaze upon their presence. (Bone like wings would begin to expel from his back and become metallic like) These bones are the by product of rash behavior and they would have deteriorated leaving me unable to fight ever again. I struck a deal with an old Ikoji out of his time in order to get them under control. I never regret it because with them I can protect you all. These aren't the first changes I've made and they won't be the last. I will do anything to protect this clan and it's livelihood... I've never been one good with words, but I hope you take this if nothing else. If you accept me, for those who wish to stay here and fight for this village that extended it's arms to us and allowed us a place to build a new life, I will protect you all with every ounce in my body. You will always be engraved in my heart." Koga would kneel on the ground as he awaited the decision of the people.
There was a moment of silence, and for a moment they wondered if anyone would move at all. However soon someone stepped forward kneeling in front of Koga. Others would follow suit making a small cluster of people with determined looks, ones full of hope would support the young Ikoji. However Saizan still had the larger of the two, many were supporting him out of fear. The elder Ikoji sneered at Kenji and his son as he walked toward the gates. "Well well, you got more than I imagined. I will not battle with you for control of those foolish enough to still put their life on the line for a village such as this. However I will not condemn the rest. I have already purchased another place where we can stay, strong and stable, and we will hold out there until this disaster has passed. As soon as those gates are open again expect the true Ikoji Clan to be gone from these lands." People began to leave following Saizan. The remaining cluster watched as Saizan waved goodbye shaking his head at the people he deemed as fools. Kenji collapsed sitting with his legs crossed doing nothing but holding his head low. As if this war wasn't bad enough they had just lost about 60% of the clan to a power hungry tyrant. However with each tale there was a silver lining, and this one introduced the reign of a more loving King. Behold the Reign of Ikoji Koga, the "Grand Lion".
Retiring from his "penance" the Ikoji clansmen would head to his home, a place that he didn't even consider would be touched. Upon reaching the Clan Compound he found blood and dead bodies around the entrance. They were all crooks and criminals all impaled or beaten to death. Koga would grin at the sight knowing his clan must have faired well even though the compound took a bit of damage. Yet upon opening the gate he noticed something far less than what his expectations held. There were body bags, eleven of them to be exact. The bags were open, and some people were mourning them while others looked furious. Four of them were from the group that accompanied him to the tower and two of them were the Elders they found at the tower. There was a rather large group lined up with packs, and cases as if they had planned on leaving.
Another cluster of clansmen held fast at the door to the throne room. Koga was unsure what was going on but there was obviously a situation one that was going to rupture the clan's way of living. He heard chatter on his way to throne room, "Kenji's lost it", "Saizan's not standing for it", "He's done nothing but drink and cry for the last day", "Maybe Saizan's right, maybe he's too weak to rule us". These words were amongst the crowd and when Koga reached the door he heard muffled yells clearly people were arguing. Unlike the others he held rank within the clan and would not allow a door to get between him. Koga would burst open the door and immediately begin to observe the scene. Kenji stood there robe half torn off, Naginata in hand and a woman likely a whore by his feet. He reeked of boose, and his eyes showed signs of drug use. He was out of it, and looked like a wretch. Saizan stood across from his garbed in black and a blade in his hand. He would point this weapon at Kenji while yelling at him.
"You are a disgrace! You shame this clan, you shame your mother, you shame your grandparents, and you shame yourself. How my son became enthralled with such a weakling, such a coward I will never know. In one night, one night you've lost all hope and respect for yourself! I knew you were never fit to rule from the throne. I knew that your weak minded nature would be the ruin of the Ikoji. Look at Sunagakure, Look at us! What have we been reduced to. We once held acres of dune land pastured with exotic flowers. Our game was strong and we lived a good prosperous life. I had a dream to share the Ikoji greatness with my children and children to come but this damned village has brought us nothing but death and trouble. We lost three kinsmen to a harvester and they were never caught!Eleven within the past two days. How many more will we lose before you open those blue eyes and see that this village is our damnation not our salvation. What is wrong with you fool, what made you this way. You reduce yourself to drugs, alcohol and whores? Do you know how many we lost during this trek to Suna? We lost nine but I bet you didn't remember that. You're despicable Kenji, a stain upon the Ikoji rule that will never last. I'm going to save our people, we will leave this compound and renounce Sunagakure, if there is even one left to speak of. We will not raise a hand against the Cabal and if you, my son, or any other fool seek glory with these amateur shinobi be my guest. Strike after strike this village only knows destruction, preservation is something no one seems to remember. I hereby name myself Ikoji Saizan, Grand Kuma, and I will lead my people to survival. Unlike you I've found a way to restore our homelands, there's no reason why we need to stay in this forsaken village any longer than necessary." Saizan would sheathe his blade and walk out to the rest of the clan.
"Well you've seen your Grand Tiger in all his glory. Look at his pathetic state, his decisions, is this honestly what you want to follow? I've found someone whose become indebted to me. They have the ability to control nature, and they will return our lands to the lush dunes and peaceful land to what it once was. Do you remember the sun, and how it danced on our skin? Would you honestly condemn yourselves to this underground "haven" any longer? As soon as we get the chance we are leaving and those who wish to return to the life we built one that we survived on follow me. Not the scent of money like you Tiger has so chosen to follow." People would look around not sure but the deaths of eleven members moved many to, follow Saizan and his charm. Koga could do nothing but watch helplessly as his father stomped all over Kenji's reputation and everything the man once stood for. He was a shell of his former self that much was true, but this was just too much. They could have resolved this and if they were family they should have worked through it together. Not berate and battle for power, Koga grasped his face as he went to Kenji. His cousin would not listen instead he walked towards the crowd using his naginata to help him balance.
"House Ikoji.... Allow me a few words before you make your decision to follow a power hungry man out of his time. Look at me, take a good look. This is what we call failure. I have failed you all, and I've allowed deaths all over. There's nothing I regret more than what I've done, but I can't take that back. So I'd rather burrow my sorrow in the face of sin than look at what I've wrought upon us. Even so do you think Saizan is any better? He has no love for our baser traditions and does not care for things unless they bring him power. He forced his own son to brave our cardinal points and obtain a technique that could cause him death. His own son whose body was dying because of it, but still he fought for us and this village. When's the last time you've seen Saizan lift a finger to provide? He sits on a seat, looking down on the world plotting for his power. I've seen his look in many eyes before, he's nothing more than a common thug. Yet he's right about me, I bring shame to this clan and I've shamed myself. So my penance will be to never claim ownership over this clan. I am not fit to lead and I see this now. However by our traditions I feel that I can at least candidate someone to lead our clan. Some of you have found love for this village, but our home in the Northern sands have always been open to those who wish to go back. You don't need someone to lead you to those but if you wish to fall into his fold I understand, but I offer you this. For those who wish to stay in Sunagakure, for those who've come to love this village, for those who wish to not leave what our brethren have died to bring fruition to, I implore you to stay under the leadership of a true Ikoji warrior fit to lead you all. Someone who is kind and understanding, but enough nerve to make the tough calls. Someone who will put their family before themselves and die protecting what they believe in. The heir to the throne should have been Ikoji Koga, son of Ringo and Saizan. A unison of good and bad if you will. He is the balance this clan truly needs and the only one I believe that will truly care for you all since my mother. Koga if you would accept my nomination I would like you to head the clan. Your father sits there trying to gain power, but you've done nothing but serve. I realize you as a ruler to the throne. Will you accept this call?" Kenji's smile was weak, but he truly meant every word. Saizan looked outraged and you could see the anger seething in his eyes. Before a response was even made the Kuma interjected.
"My son? The one who gave his blood to dark arts? The one who released the power of an evil spirit we locked away long ago? You would trust the clan to another youngling who doesn't even know the first thing about war or survival?" Kenji would smile and nod at Saizan as the elder man sneered at his competition. Koga was on the spot now as everyone was gossiping making side chatter about this decision. A division in the Ikoji had just happened and either Koga could answer or he could fold. Looking at his father, for the first time in his life he held no desire to please the man. Normally he'd have just sided with him to appease whatever thoughts were forming, but things were different now. He held his head high and lowered his hood as he walked to the clan. Koga would begin with digging into his left eye and removing the false tool. "My brethren, my loved ones this is not what I expected to see when I witnessed the bodies of enemies outside. I thought you'd be in here celebrating but instead I find a few deaths tearing us apart. All night I surveyed people and watched innocents die or become victims. I saw people fighting tooth and nail to retain what was theirs never have I witnessed such dedication. It made me wonder, what happened to us that caused such a dissatisfaction? I don't know, I wonder if we can survive and some nights I worry for you all. Worry what we will let power, money, and greed make us. Yet I've come to a realization that this is evolution. For better or for worse the changes we undertake define evolution. I lost the power to see spirits and evolved. In order to adapt I sacrificed my left eye to be able to at least connect with a spirit's feelings and continue to gaze upon their presence. (Bone like wings would begin to expel from his back and become metallic like) These bones are the by product of rash behavior and they would have deteriorated leaving me unable to fight ever again. I struck a deal with an old Ikoji out of his time in order to get them under control. I never regret it because with them I can protect you all. These aren't the first changes I've made and they won't be the last. I will do anything to protect this clan and it's livelihood... I've never been one good with words, but I hope you take this if nothing else. If you accept me, for those who wish to stay here and fight for this village that extended it's arms to us and allowed us a place to build a new life, I will protect you all with every ounce in my body. You will always be engraved in my heart." Koga would kneel on the ground as he awaited the decision of the people.
There was a moment of silence, and for a moment they wondered if anyone would move at all. However soon someone stepped forward kneeling in front of Koga. Others would follow suit making a small cluster of people with determined looks, ones full of hope would support the young Ikoji. However Saizan still had the larger of the two, many were supporting him out of fear. The elder Ikoji sneered at Kenji and his son as he walked toward the gates. "Well well, you got more than I imagined. I will not battle with you for control of those foolish enough to still put their life on the line for a village such as this. However I will not condemn the rest. I have already purchased another place where we can stay, strong and stable, and we will hold out there until this disaster has passed. As soon as those gates are open again expect the true Ikoji Clan to be gone from these lands." People began to leave following Saizan. The remaining cluster watched as Saizan waved goodbye shaking his head at the people he deemed as fools. Kenji collapsed sitting with his legs crossed doing nothing but holding his head low. As if this war wasn't bad enough they had just lost about 60% of the clan to a power hungry tyrant. However with each tale there was a silver lining, and this one introduced the reign of a more loving King. Behold the Reign of Ikoji Koga, the "Grand Lion".
