Alternative Arrangements [Kazuki]

[Takahashi Aki]

As Sousuke approached the tower, he watched in annoyance as the place was indeed crawling with medical nin. His break out perhaps was not the best thing to do at the time. His gaze shifted to the floor. "Kimi or Enzeru probably broke the glass and hit the Kazekage panic button."<i></i> He explained to Kazuki. "Let's go... to my house."<i></i> Sousuke explain before heading off. The last time Kazuki had been to the Takahashi household it had been burnt down.

Well, one would think at least. Perhaps to Kazuki's amazement, surprise or dismay they would find the building. Exactly as it was... as if Mikaboshi did not burn the place down and throw Sousuke out of a wall. The Takahashi household looked ... untouched. A little too perfect really. There was something uncanny about all of this.

The Kazekage would make for the door and opened it. At the door awaited Kitchy who looked quite happy to find Sousuke in one peice. The canine sniffed his metallic legs now and licked it. She looked up at him and shook her head. "Better get used to these old girl."<i></i> He spoke as he scratched her behind the ears. Sousuke gestured for Kazuki to come in. The place did not have a spot of dust on it. The Kazekage would find himself sitting on what seemed to be a relaxing lazy-boy chair which was not the same colour as the original one. There was no Shiori present this time wearing a towel and doing weird suggestive things with a sword. There was no Chiyoko. No Mako. The room was dead and silent save for the two men.

"Couldn't get everything back to normal... or the way it was. Couldn't get the exact hole Shiori made when she went through a wall because I woke up screaming and having night terrors."<i></i> He spoke. "That was a life time ago and right after the Cabal invasion."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

It wouldn't take them long to reach the Kazekage's tower, even in Sousuke's current state. But they would never even make it to the lobby. The Tower was crowded with medical ninja. At first glance, one could assume there were more of them there than in the hospital. Which would be a crazy notion. "Kimi or Enzeru probably broke the glass and hit the Kazekage panic button. Let's go... to my house." Sousuke would explain, not that the Senju Overlord required one, given the circumstances. Nodding, the White Wolf calmly followed Sunagakure's Kazekage toward the man's home. Reaper did not where the Takahashi was currently living, after all, Mikaboshi had burned it down before, in a fit of vengeance. He remembered hearing Sousuke talking about reconstruction, about rebuilding his home, but he did not expect what he was about to see.

The house was virtually the same, brick for brick. At least from the outside, the Guardian Protectorate had went into great lengths to recreate everything perfectly. "You have made a terrific job. Your house looks virtually the same. I don't know how you did it, but pat yourself on the back." the Sennin would commend him. It was astonishing the level of detail this reconstruction job had taken. If done alone, Sousuke was a monster.

The Kazekage would walk toward the door and, as he opened it, a dog would rapidly come to greet him with great enthusiasm. "Better get used to these old girl." he would tell her as he scratched behind her ears. After that, the Guardian Protectorate would motion for Kazuki to enter as well. Following the footsteps of the leader of Sunagakure, the Senju Overlord entered a house he remembered well, although he had only seen its insides a single time before it was destroyed. The White Wolf had near perfect memory, a byproduct of the numerous experiments his body had gone through. He watched as the Takahashi Highlord sat on a chair that was colored different than the last one. There was also no hole on the wall. And besides them two, it seemed the house was completely void of people.

"Couldn't get everything back to normal... or the way it was. Couldn't get the exact hole Shiori made when she went through a wall because I woke up screaming and having night terrors. That was a life time ago and right after the Cabal invasion." Sousuke spoke. Was it reminiscing time? Reaper couldn't really blame the guy if it was. The Sennin of Sunagakure had gone through two reconstructions now. First in Tsuchigakure after Konoha's downfall. And then right in Sunagakure as he housed his clan within the western wing of the Toraono Dojo. To this day he still remembered fondly how great Konoha's Senju Compound was. Not that he disliked his current one, but nothing would ever beat the first. How the leaves fell gently down from the trees that littered his former home. Sand would never give him that. "I know the feeling. Twice I had to reconstruct my clan's compound. I really wish I don't have to undergo a third." the Pale Rider would note. It was a painful process and he did not wish anyone to go through it.

"Nagato, come to Sousuke's house. The Tower was too well guarded for our taste." Kazuki would command via his headset. He would then remain in silence, still standing, waiting.​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Did Sousuke rebuilt the house entirely on his own? Most likely. He would not say. He had his own affairs to take care of. Mikaboshi was free to blow it up again. The house would somehow repair itself again. The Lord of the Deep Court was free. Free of the contract Sousuke had upon him. Why did he free him when Katuso was in control? Sousuke would not provide an answer, and few were privy to that knowledge. What there was, was a stinging since of annoyance. Sousuke had spoken what he thought was friendly words to Mikaboshi of a strange admiration for the man's wisdom. The Kazekage had put plenty behind him and could have said some strange or foul things to the man and if struck down then so be it. Sousuke was human and a challenged one at that. Perhaps the Lord of the Deep never knew what he was dealing with, and in turn Sousuke never knew what he was dealing with either. Someone, some day would record the relationship of the two and would make some judgment as to who the bigger or poorer entity was.

The still sore Kazekage nodded his head at Kazuki's remark of how he had done a good job of literally making the house the same. "Photographic memory... and it helps my household is not made from the same material the Toraono Dojo is. I have always seen myself as a working class man. I've never used my abilities and intellect to further myself financially. I save that for others who need it more."<i></i> Sousuke's nobles, a curious court it was, some would openly remark Sousuke was their secret to maintaining their life, others would do so begrudgingly. "I'm on round two for several things. The Kazekage Tower got destroyed - rebuilt it. The Diamond Throne - tried to rebuild that, Katuso didn't like it. So I stopped that project. This house? Most of the new residential zone got rebuilt from the fire. I suspect I'll have to go through it again and again."<i></i> He allowed his gaze to focus seemingly on the ceiling for a moment. "By the time I turn my head, Nagato will be in the door frame."<i></i> Sousuke did just that and expected the Senju to be present.

If present Sousuke would wave to the man. "So. Where do we begin?"<i></i> Sousuke would inquire of Kazuki, "Let's recap. Need to unlock Nagato's ultimate potential. Ever heard of the Mirror Noir or the Black Vortex?"<i></i> Sousuke would begin with an inquiry. Kazuki was a well learned man, but it was time to see how well he knew Sungakure's artifacts and what good and bad they held.Sousuke held his hands out " A mirror that showed one their ultimate potential, supposedly. The question or the problem about it a philosophical one. Do you let an object dictate to you your ultimate potential? Some have went mad about it. There are no records of those pushing beyond having seen what they become in the mirror."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

”Photographic memory… and it helps my household is not made from the same material the Toraono Dojo is. I have always seen myself as a working class man. I’ve never used my abilities and intellect to further myself financially. I save that for others who need it more.” Sousuke would explain how he had reconstructed his house into a near perfect replica of his former one. ”I’m on round two for several things. The Kazekage Tower got destroyed – rebuilt it. The Diamond Throne – tried to rebuild that, Katsuo didn’t like it. So I stopped that project. This house? Most of the new residential zone got rebuilt from the fire. I suspect I’ll have to go through it again and again.”[/navy] the Kazekage would reveal. If this was a contest of sorts, it would be hard to determine who was winning. Kazuki had to rebuilt his clan’s compound twice now, while the Guardian Protectorate had only reconstructed anything once, but he had done so on several different projects. Who won? Several projects but only once? Or the same but twice? Luckily this was not a competition.

”By the time I turn my head, Nagato will be in the door frame.” the Takahashi Highlord would say after a moment of silence and ceiling staring from his part. As on cue, the very moment Sousuke lowered his gaze toward the door, the Sunan Chuunin reached it. ”Kazekage. Overlord.” he would speak, bowing to each man. ”May I come in?” the Uchiha would inquire. After being allowed inside, the Senju young man entered the premises and stopped beside the Senju Overlord. ”So. Where do we begin?” he would inquire. ”Let’s recap. Need to unlock Nagato’s ultimate potential. Ever heard of the Mirror Noir or the Black Vortex?” The White Wolf would nod. He had heard of it, but had never seen it before. Did the Kazekage mean it was under Sunagakure’s possession? ”It is an object that allows someone to tap and fully unlock his potential, but at what cost?” he would answer. Only to have his response verified by the Guardian Protectorate. ”A mirror that showed one their ultimate potential, supposedly. The question or the problem about it a philosophical one. Do you let an object dictate to you your ultimate potential? Some have went mad about it. There are no records of those pushing beyond having seen what they become in the mirror.”

"I have a couple of questions." Kazuki would announce. "What made you change your initial plan of using Mako? How certain can we be he won't go mad from having his potential unlocked in such a way? I told you of the potential dangers we have." the Senju Overlord reminded Sousuke. Of course, he was not going to submit his cousin to such a method without the man's approval first. "Nagato, I will be blunt. You are an Uchiha and there is, within you, the necessary DNA to unlock the next stage of the Mangekyo Sharingan. The so called Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. There have been people, throughout the history of mankind, that have had such doujutsu unlocked and they have shown warping abilities. We are hoping to unlock your doujutsu and that you do have those abilities. With those, we hope you can send us to Neptulon's realm so we can deal with it. I know this is a lot to take in, but you are aware of most of it already. Would you allow us to try and unlock that untapped potential of yours?"

It was a lot to task of boy, especially in such a short notice. He remembered what had happened still, he dreaded that day, but also knew the risks of staying idle. "Aye, I am ready to do my part. Just like any Senju would." Nagato would acquiesce.​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke folded his fingers together and rested them underneath his chin. Kazuki asked Sousuke if he had changed his mind. "Not entirely. Exploring more options."<i></i> Yes Kazuki would go to remind Sousuke of the dangers in what they were doing. His eyes shifted over to the Senju Overlord. "Most things seem like risky options really. We're potentially pulling at straws and trying to find the lesser of several evils here or the least damaging disaster possible."<i></i> It was a mentally tiring process of trying to figure out which way to unlock the ability they needed and trying not to have Nagato lose his mind or kill several people and himself in the process.

Sousuke would lean back into his chair. "I looked into the mirror once. I didn't go mad, but some people might argue that. With all due respect I'm not most people. Neither are you, and neither is Nagato."<i></i> Sousuke would listen as there was an exchange between cousins. Nagato was a man of few words. He was more of a man of action truly. He didn't need to really say anything, he merely showed it. Sousuke would listen intently and yes the younger Senju would speak up and allow for him to be part of this operation. The catching phrase was 'just like any Senju would'. The Senju clan was truly something whole. They had numbers. they had resources. They had goals. Some of those goals drove them mad from what Sousuke understood. The Takahashi clan was far more singular, fewer in numbers. Sousuke thought of his cousin Matsu or Jin'ichi. Jin'ichi was gone, and Matsu ... well he was the black sheep of the family. Shiori was ... not the sharpest knife in the drawer but before she had found out who she really was, she was dedicated.

"Kazuki and I are trying to figure out a method that will not mentally break you or break those around you that care for you. My grandmother has shown some ... aspects of the Sharinghan but her clan is ... an offshoot of sorts. They have what we call Prophet Eyes. Different colour more or less same shape and some similar abilities."<i></i> He would make a waving gesture of sorts. He was trying to think of a nicer way of sorts to describe his grandmother who was vulgar and foul. "She is a military woman of sorts with not the best temperament, but I'm sure you've had worse teachers. While you are ready to do your part in all of this, I would ask are you afraid Nagato? If so, what of?"<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

”Not entirely. Exploring more options.” Sousuke would clarify after being questioned if the Black Vortex was their sole plan now. ”Most things seem like risky options really. We’re potentially pulling at straws and trying to find the lesser of several evils here or at the least damaging disaster possible.” the Kazekage would further note. Kazuki would nod. But they always had to have in mind of what could happen if Nagato went out of control. They were talking about the potential destruction of Sunagakure. Risking that amount of lives and material just because they were trying to find a way to reach the Water Elemental Lord and further thwart the Phoenix Force ultimate plan, was foolhardy, even if necessary. ”I am not trying to dissuade you, or me, from pursuing any of these plans. I am just reminding any of us what could happen if the worst comes to be. I have faith in all of us, especially him, but faith alone will not suffice.” the Senju Overlord would note.

”I looked into the mirror once. I didn’t go mad, but some people might argue that. With all due respect I’m not most people. Neither are you, and neither is Nagato.” the Takahashi Highlord would reveal. The White Wolf had no idea Sousuke had gazed the mirror before. But he also did not know how the Guardian Protectorate was before such event. Therefore he could not guess if there had been any changes with the man, or not. He was certain though, they were not most people. ”You are correct. We are not most people.”[/b Reaper would agree.

”Kazuki and I are trying to figure out a method that will not mentally break you or break those around you that care for you. My grandmother has shown some… aspects of the Sharingan but her clan is… an offshoot of sorts. They have what we call Prophet Eyes. Different color more or less same shape and some similar abilities.” the Kazekage would share with them. He would make some waving gestures before continuing. ”She is a military woman of sorts with not the best temperament, but I’m sure you’ve had worse teachers. While you are ready to do your part in all of this, I would ask are you afraid Nagato? If so, what of?” the Takahashi Highlord would inquire. ”Afraid?” Nagato would repeat the question. ”Yes, I’m afraid. The last time I lost control, everything around was turned into dust. I don’t want to have repeating itself ever again. I was younger back then, maybe I’ve grown enough to not let that happen again.” the Senju Uchiha would conclude. Was he right? Only time would tell.​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

The remark about faith almost broke Sousuke. The Kazekage could have broken out into a very disturbing fit of laughter. Yet the man held together and did so silently. "Faith is something I tend to not go by these days. Given the circumstance that my god is in fact an Ancient does not care for humanity, and wants to return to the old ways."<i></i> It was a disheartening thing and it certainly have an effect on Sousuke who spoke of it ... perhaps for the first time here and now. That was about as much as he would talk on the matter at this moment in time. Sousuke would listen to Nagato while he answered his question. The young man was fearful yes, and with good reason he stated that he had leveled everything. Sousuke did not like the answer he was giving them.

Sousuke ruffled his hair. He looked back to Kazuki. "When I looked into the Black Vortex, I saw myself as a member of the Shadow Court. Originally Mikaboshi possessed me, well he tried to. I don't know if the image I saw was me basically becoming the vessel or not. I did not submit to the image ever present. That was three years ago. The artifact has been locked up and it kept safe. Something Fuu once told me to do, to keep deviants safe from the artifact."<i></i> He was hesitating here. He thought about it more. "I don't think history has ever recorded whenever or not one staring into the object can have different visions."<i></i> He was going somewhere with this. "It's worth me revisiting it ... I've always had knowledge of things worldly. It's a risk but perhaps if I submit to it now ... I may gain the knowledge I need to help Nagato."<i></i> A suggestion. Sousuke had no idea now if what he saw in the mirror would still be the man in black. "Worse comes to worse, I've limited myself. I don't think I have that much room to develop any further."<i></i> Not the best prospect, but Sousuke was a man of tech. He was not always in the best of health and now more parts of him were mechanical. "I offer this willingly because while Nagato might not be of Sunan birth, I do consider him a member of Suna who is under my protectorate."<i></i>

MFT: 300+

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

"Faith is something I tend to not go by these days. Given the circumstance that my god is in fact an Ancient does not care for humanity, and wants to return to the old ways." Sousuke would declare. Kazuki could understand the man's sentiment, but it seemed the Kazekage was forgetting something important. "It seems I have to remind you of something. Faith does necessarily mean a strong belief in a higher deity like Mother Suna. Faith can also be a complete trust in someone or something. Don't you have faith in the people of Sunagakure? Don't you have faith in the people you command? She may have been a fake, but you still have all of us to count on. You would do well to remember that in the future. This is only over if you allow despair to overcome you. I lost my home Sousuke, but my will will never falter." the Senju Overlord would remind the Guardian Protectorate. The White Wolf knew very well what it was to have one's faith obliterated. He know how close despair walked on when the end seemed nigh. But great men never allowed their courage to vanish. Great men always succeeded and so would they, regardless of the amount of adversity they were going to face in the future.

"When I looked into the Black Vortex, I saw myself as a member of the Shadow Court. Originally Mikaboshi possessed me, well he tried to. I don't know if the image I saw was me basically becoming the vessel or not. I did not submit to the image ever present. That was three years ago. The artifact has been locked up and it kept safe. Something Fuu once told me to do, to keep deviants safe from the artifact." the Takahashi Highlord would share with them his experience with the Black Vortex. The image he saw was disturbing but the fact it never happened reassuring. "The fact you never became a member of the Deep Court might mean what you see does not necessarily represents your future, but a mere possibility. Ironically, I became a member of the Deep Court and I never gazed it." Reaper would note. Indeed it was quite an irony.

"I don't think history has ever recorded whenever or not one staring into the object can have different visions. It's worth me revisiting it ... I've always had knowledge of things worldly. It's a risk but perhaps if I submit to it now ... I may gain the knowledge I need to help Nagato. Worse comes to worse, I've limited myself. I don't think I have that much room to develop any further. I offer this willingly because while Nagato might not be of Sunan birth, I do consider him a member of Suna who is under my protectorate." Sousuke would say. As far as the Sennin was aware, he had never read any accounts on people gazing the Vortex more than once. There were no way to know what would happen, but it also seemed the Kazekage had resisted its nefarious effects once. He could probably resist them a second time. "Why we don't just go where the Black Vortex is and see what happens?" the Hybrid would suggest.

[MFT - 540]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke would motion for Nagato to stay, but for Kazuki to come with him. Sousuke would stand by and walk down the hallway. He would open a door and he would go down the stairs. The basement to the residence seemed ordinary. Well, perhaps boring even considering there was no mess and everything seemed a little too neat and tidy. They approached a wall. "When Mikaboshi destroyed my household I was afraid he might have unleashed Kyouzou the mirror. An old enemy of mine who was sealed in a shattered mirror. I kept him hidden in plain sight as it was a house decoration, one could argue."<i></i> Sousuke would walk Kazuki down the hallway of the room he revealed the moment he placed his metallic hand on it. As the wall opened up, Kazuki would see the mirror he spoke of. This was not the Black Vortex, this was merely Kyouzou trapped in his shattered mirror. He would remain there he hoped, forever at the very least. Forever was a long time.

The Black Vortex was beneath a black cover. It was probably one of the smarter things he could have done. This was at least gave the viewers some protection as they would not be subjected to its power. Sosuke would rub his temples. He would keep the artifact hidden for now. He would motion for Kazuki to stand behind the object. "In the event I start talking about an image of myself as King you immediately put the shroud back on."<i></i> Sousuke understood the dangers of ambition. His father oftentimes counseled him to always controlled his designs. The Kazekage would inhale and then exhale slowly. Sousuke in his heart never wanted to be the Kazekage. He never wanted to be a King. Perhaps the truth was what awaited him was ... maybe not the image of him being a King. Perhaps he might not see any of it. "Wind Country cannot have another madman come to power and remain in power even against the Daimyo."<i></i> In a sad truth, Sousuke did not really consider what would happen even after the Daimyo was gone, who might be left in charge. It might have been Susumu, maybe Katuso. Even then that was something that was not on his mind. For the time being they needed to focus on the one thing - defeating the Water Lord who was in league with the Phoenix Force.

"Ready when you are of course."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

After hearing Kazuki’s suggestion, Sousuke would stand up and motion for the Senju Overlord to follow him, but for Nagato to stay put. Reaper would get and leave his seat for his cousin to take. Following the Kazekage, the White Wolf would enter the hallway again and then he would begin descending toward the house’s basement. A quick glance allowed the Sennin to quickly conclude the Guardian Protectorate’s basement was quite ordinary. Sure, the lack of dust or any kind of mess was not normal, but it was still under the norm for such a division. ”When Mikaboshi destroyed my household I was afraid he might have unleashed Kyouzou the mirror. An old enemy of mine who was sealed in a shattered mirror. I kept him hidden in plain sight as it was a house decoration, one could argue.” the Takahashi Highlord would note as he stopped in front of a wall. With a single touch of his metallic hand, the wall would open up and reveal a hidden room.

The room was mostly empty but two objects stood out. One was the shattered mirror Sousuke had just mentioned. The other object was behind a black cover. Considering their purpose, it was not hard to deduce the other object was the mythical Black Vortex. ”In the event I start talking about an image of myself as King you immediately put the shroud back on.” the Kazekage would request as he signaled for the Sennin to stand behind the cursed mirror. He did not do so immediately. Was the Guardian Protectorate forgetting with whom he was talking? He was made of shadows, he could easily conceal them from the mirror if needed. But perhaps the shroud had the necessary qualities to shield from harm, when his shadows couldn’t. ”Wind Country cannot have another madman come to power and remain in power even against the Daimyo.” the Takahashi Highlord would further add as the Death Court Lord finally moved behind the object.

”Ready when you are of course.” Sousuke would announce. It seems Kazuki would be the trigger that could spell doom for man. Appropriate given how strange this Suna Sennin was. Part Ancient, part Human and, perhaps, part Reaper. ”Let’s do it then.” Would Sousuke evolve? Would he descend into darkness? Was this more than they could bargain with? They would know soon enough. As powerful as the Senju Overlord was and could be, he was not certain if he could contain the storm that could be brewing over their heads. For the sake of Sunagakure he better be. Or they would fall.​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Spoiler

Sousuke stared into the artifact. It had been a long time, and not long enough. The mirror in terms of the shape was always the same. Someone or something was holding the rectangle shape. It stood quite tall and towered down upon you. It was haunting. Most people who peered into it had an image of power presented to them, but it was oftentimes twisted and vile. Sousuke held his breath for a moment. He stared into the image that it was. The image did not come quickly. It seemed like it was going take a moment. There was a swirl of black, white, and grey. Was the image going to be of him as a member of the Deep Court? Was he going to no longer be human?

The image was nothing at first. Had the item been stumped? Did it no longer know what Sousuke's ultimate potential was? The image was still swirling about. It then proceeded to come to. Sousuke wasn't sure what he was staring at first. The image was of a grey haired man with all too familiar eyes. Sousuke was staring at ... himself? The man had his features but not his age. Physically he was the same height. Sousuke tilted his head to the side, and so did the man. What happened next was ... outside of his imagination. Great crystal towers that were floating? The man made a fist and his armour seemed to fuse in around his very being. Away went his age. It was impossible to tell how old he was when he wore this armour. It was not bulky or large. It was slim and form fitting. Too much like skin. Sousuke wondered how it functioned and how it worked. Would he not injury himself with such a form fitting design? It was a question of possibility. Perhaps he had gained the knowledge how to take minimal damage at all times. Perhaps he never felt pain. Perhaps he had the ability to push back all of it. That was hard to say. He could not tell because his reflection was not giving him the answers.

There were far too many unknowns here, but the power and the potential of it was intoxicating. He Reached forward to put his fingers on the image, but something was stopping him. It was, himself. The image of himself was holding him at bay and the image was shaking its head. No. No it told him. Do not. In that Sousuke understood why, it was because it would strip himself of humanity. He would truly become the machine. He may have looked human, but the image also showed him as old. The reflection seemed to know something that he did not. It would be that if he proceeded now he would become that much older. He would be depleting his time. He was given an answer of sorts. The image on the other side of the mirror was human, and it did not wish for him to destroy years of his life. He would have to wait for this to come to him, if it was a possibility.

Sousuke's shoulders slouched. "No."<i></i> He stated. "I can't use it. I would lose too much time. The reflection seemed to know this as well, but the potential it showed me was ... wonderous and truly ponderous."<i></i> He motioned for Kazuki to put the cover back on. "I need as much time possible, and ... giving in would take too much of it away."<i></i> He repeated again.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

This was going to be a test of patience. Being behind the mirror, Kazuki's only task was to cover the Black Vortex if Sousuke became too enthralled to escape its clutches on his own. Beside that, he had nothing to do but wait. It was going to be boring but, thankfully, he had always been a very patient man. Perhaps it could be credited to his own personality traits. He was rarely a man to rush in, he preferred to think first and act later. But perhaps, it could also be credit to the extensive training he had received since his youth. Relentless training to become a perfect hunter, soldier and spy would eventually shape the Senju Overlord into becoming the man he was today. Of course training was not the sole reason he was who he was, but a good part of it could be credited to it. Just like the way he conducted himself was in a great way, affected by how he was trained when he was younger, his evolution had also been severely impacted by it. Although, the greater leaps in power had come once he underwent the Senju's Ritual and he became hungry for souls. Once he started to absorb them, Reaper's power grew exponentially. Was he the strongest man in the world? No, not by a long shot. Was he marginally stronger than most? He was, but there were still plenty of fish above his hunting ground. He was not there yet, but he could be. All it needed was continuous training and non stop soul absorption and he would be there. Of course, given he had a greater lifespan than the rest of mankind, helped his case.

Eventually the Kazekage would speak again. "No. I can't use it. I would lose too much time. The reflection seemed to know this as well, but the potential it showed me was ... wondrous and truly ponderous." The White Wolf had no idea of what the Guardian Protectorate was talking about, but soon he would ask some questions. Noticing the Takahashi Highlord was motioning for the cover to fall down, Reaper would promptly do so. Moving away from behind the Black Vortex, the Sennin would approach as Sousuke spoke again. "I need as much time possible, and ... giving in would take too much of it away." Again, the Hybrid was not aware of what the Kazekage had seen in the mirror. He was not certain if asking about the visions was the wisest decision, but he would so anyway. After all, Nagato was to gaze into it as well. Unless the man in charge had changed his mind in the end. "Do you wish to talk about what you have just seen? Should I summon Nagato?" Kazuki would question. Was it safe to have a potential nuclear bomb gaze into something that had disturbed a man with suppressed emotions?

[MFT - 482]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke eyed the mirror with distrust. He would consider what Kazuki had said, if he wanted to talk about it. "No. No... I do not want to talk about it right now."<i></i> The riddle of the old man and the armour he wore. The problem now was ... of knowing how he would get there. Was it going to be his endgame? The problem of knowing or having a hint of the future was that it was an illusion of sorts. Sousuke was capable of making mistakes and he knew that trusting the image was a faulty sort of logic. All the same if he knew where he was going he simply had to fight harder to get there. It was a perplexing notion and one he was not entirely fond of having to deal with. It was like being given a puzzle piece that didn't fit, or playing with a rubix cube that had one block on a side that was neon pink when everything else matched. Sousuke inhaled, and then exhaled slowly.

Sousuke's mind snapped for a second to the eyes of the stranger. There was something weird about them. They were moving. Well, the irises in fact, much like a sharinghan. Sousuke did not have access to the skillset of his mother's side being the Masashi branch who had prophet eyes. He once upon a time though did have access to lenses that revealed him many things. The iris it shifted, it moved it deconstructed, when into the pupil, changed the colour of it, and then reconstructed itself.

He absent mindedly held out his left hand open and then punched his palm with his right hand. He nodded his head at something unforeseen. "I have an idea..."<i></i> He spoke as he focused back. The eyes of the strange gone from his mind's eyes for the moment. "Uchiha may have went with the idea that the dojutsu was rare because they wanted to control the number of people with it, because it was meant to keep the deviants safe. That being said some people can work to attain it through hard work which Nagato had done. All he might need is a little push!"<i></i> He spoke with what sounded liked excitement in his voice. "Nagato needs to be aided... and I might be able to do that."<i></i> He spoke as he motioned for Kazuki to follow him. "Lenses."<i></i> He announced, "It was an old trick of mine I had that was slightly tech based. The lenses refracted light and showed me what I needed to see in order to see specters or hard cold source elements. I can try to do the same for Nagato. He needs to see the weak points in particular places to open up a path for where we need to go. He just needs to see it through a non-traditional means. We're going to my workshop so let's summon him there. I need to size him accordingly... and hope he doesn't blink too often."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

"No. No... I do not want to talk about it right now." Sousuke would declare after several seconds of silent pondering. If he did not want to talk, then so be it. Kazuki would certainly not force him to do so. The Kazekage would talk when he felt ready, regardless if it was with the Senju Overlord or someone else. Reaper patiently waited for the Guardian Protectorate to speak up again. Eventually Sousuke's left hand palm would be punched by his right hand. "I have an idea..." he would declare. "Uchiha may have went with the idea that the dojutsu was rare because they wanted to control the number of people with it, because it was meant to keep the deviants safe. That being said some people can work to attain it through hard work which Nagato had done. All he might need is a little push!" the Takahashi Highlord would speak, the words coming faster as he progressed. He was clearly beaming with excitement now. It would seem he had reached an eureka moment. Perhaos they were saved after all.

"Nagato needs to be aided... and I might be able to do that." the Kazekage would note as he motioned for the White Wolf to follow. "Lenses." Sousuke would announce. "It was an old trick of mine I had that was slightly tech based. The lenses refracted light and showed me what I needed to see in order to see specters or hard cold source elements. I can try to do the same for Nagato. He needs to see the weak points in particular places to open up a path for where we need to go. He just needs to see it through a non-traditional means. We're going to my workshop so let's summon him there. I need to size him accordingly... and hope he doesn't blink too often."

The Sennin listened to it all without whispering a single word. Perhaps the Guardian Protectorate was onto to something with that idea, but the Hybrid could not tell if it would work or not. In fact, adding lenses to someone with a doujutsu could be problematic. But they did not lose anything in trying that method. If it did work, then they had their work cut out for them. If it did not, then back to the drawing board they were. "Nagato, meet us up in Sousuke's workshop. He has an idea we have to try out." Kazuki would instruct via his headset, using Nagato's personal frequency.​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke would march himself upstairs and would wait for Kazuki to come with him. He was being mindful and turning off all the lights so as to make sure they were not using electricity that need not to be used. Why let such a thing go to waste when one needed power for more pressing matters? As the two would go down the hallways, Kazuki would see more and more of how the house was exactly the same except perhaps for the odd frame or pillow on the sofa not being the same. He entered his workshop which had been gathering some dust, and perhaps that was meant to be or perhaps it was because ... dedication to replication?

He expected Nagato to join them. Once he was there, Sousuke would give the Senju a long hard stare. Sousuke would stroke his chin and then stroke the bottom area of his nose. He would pace back and forth and would make small announcements as to exact size and shape. He would go to state Nagato's blinking pattern which happened but to the untrained it would almost impossible. He would then proceed to pace about the room. He would state out loud various materials to be used in the lenses, but he would denounce a few because they were flawed and or Nagato was allergic to them. How did Sousuke know? Good question, but this was a man who could get one's size down perfectly. "Your blinks when I am at the corner of your eyes are far less than if I were in front of you."<i></i> He noticed. He would then go to his work station. "I'm going to be using a diamond purist matrix interhexing lenses. No your sight will not be like that of an insect. "<i></i> He would state more for Nagato than Kazuki. If Kazuki were to approach Sousuke he would see little instruments sticking out of his metallic fingers as he was working. Sousuke would put a glove on his other hand and the same little instruments would pop out as he would begin working on the little device. "Do you ever wish your iris was a different colour?"<i></i> He would ask Nagato. He half expected him to say none, and somewhere in the back of his mind a part of Sousuke's mind told him to make the lenses pink just to mess with the two of them. That idea was swatted out of existence quickly enough at he seemed to be chipping away at the materials. "What was the longest time you've closed your eyes for? Including sleeping and not being conscious? Are you afraid you might leave the lenses on and have a hard time of getting them off? Are you concerned that this might be permanent?"<i></i> Quick fire questions, and upon them being answered Sousuke would do what he needed to help the young man grow confident in what they were trying to do next for him and what they were trying to unlock for him.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Upon letting Kazuki to finish the transmission, Sousuke would march upwards, making just the necessary pauses for the Overlord to keep up. Nagato would hastily leave the house and walk toward the Kazekage's workshop, which was not far off from the main building. The journey toward the workshop was quick, but it still allowed the White Wolf to further inspect the Takahashi Highlord's home. He also noticed how the Guardian Protectorate kept turning all the unnecessary lights off. Sousuke was actively sparing resources, which was a good measure on Sand's leader part.

Once they reached the workshop, Reaper would spot his cousin already waiting for them. The boy had a nervous look on his face, but he also seemed resolute on going forward with whatever plan those two had concocted. The Sennin would pat the Chuunin on back as he entered the shop. The Hybrid would choose a corner where his presence would not disturb Sousuke's work, while Nagato stayed standing right in the middle of the room. The Kazekage began his task by silently staring the Senju Uchiha and then he sprang into work. "Your blinks when I am at the corner of your eyes are far less than if I were in front of you. I'm going to be using a diamond purist matrix interhexing lenses. No your sight will not be like that of an insect." the Guardian Protectorate would announce after a while of frantic work. Nagato would shrug his shoulders and he would gaze his lord with a confused expression. Kazuki would stare back but his face would be quite serene.

Approaching the Takahashi Highlord, the Senju Overlord would notice how tiny instruments would sprout from Kazekage's metallic fingers. "Ingenuous." Reaper would note once the Guardian Protectorate placed the second glove. "Do you ever wish your iris was a different colour?" Sousuke would inquire. The Sand Chuunin would shake his head. "I like my eye color thank you!" the Senju Uchiha would exclaim. The Kazekage, however, was not done with his questioning. "What was the longest time you've closed your eyes for? Including sleeping and not being conscious? Are you afraid you might leave the lenses on and have a hard time of getting them off? Are you concerned that this might be permanent?"

Nagato would again eye his Overlord before answering. "I have no idea. I don't even know what they are supposed to do. I have never used lenses before." His voice was somewhat faint, as if he was quite uncertain of what to say.

[MFT - 422]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke would find it amusing to hear Nagato seem uncertain. A small smirk would form on the face of the Sousuke, yet said smirk would not see the light of day in fact. He found it interesting the number of responses. "A shapeshifter known as Mystique, I have heard, considers it a holiday when she pretends to be someone else and lives their lives out for a week on her own terms."<i></i> How of course Sousuke knew that was ... perhaps something he did not want to share. The woman in question was far older than Sousuke, and did not like looking at herself in the mirror. He would look back at Kazuki and then Nagato. "I'm sure your brother knows who I'm talking about for sure, but more importantly how she ... is quite moody."<i></i> He looked to the ceiling for the moment as he considered something else. "At least I wasn't caught in a crossfire when she got into a rather large battle involving a particular red and blue wearing captain who is known quite well for punching people."<i></i> Well, there was more to it than that. She did have flaming hair, the rumor was but that was she really was pushed to her limit. It was not hard to imagine, considering his grandmother did something similar except her skull would ignite and burn steadily as she was using genjutsus to subdue to foes.

Sousuke would continue his working with the lenses and some sparks would fly. He would turn his head slightly to face Nagato to answer him, "Usually one wears lenses to help with their eyesight because wearing glasses is far too clumsily looking."<i></i> He explained, "People try not to sleep with them on because ... well, it might get stuck and removing it then is not the easiest thing to be done."<i></i> Sousuke would continue to tinker and work on the lenses. "Lenses can also be used in a disguise. It's a more practical effect which ... well let's put it this way sometimes people can see through a transformation, so this helps in those cases if one is truly concerned about being recognized by their eyes."<i></i> This was perhaps the most he was ever getting out of Nagato since he was so emotionally reserved. He would raise his hand and the toolset would fall back into place. He would then begin using plasma to cut down on any imperfections that the lenses would have. This was the hard part because it required a particular focus. Sousuke would fall silent for several moments as he focused on this particular task. Small beads of sweat could be seen forming on his forehead as he focused intently.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

”A shapeshifter known as Mystique, I have heard, considers it a holiday when she pretends to be someone else and lives their lives out for a week on her own terms.” Sousuke would say after grasping the uncertainty in Nagato’s voice. Why he had chosen that example was something he did not explain, at least not yet. ”I’m sure your brother knows who I’m talking about for sure, but more importantly how she… is quite moody.” the Kazekage would note after looking at Kazuki. The Senju Overlord would simply nod back in response. Yes, he had heard of her. In fact, she had been slain by his hand and was one of those doing his bidding now. The Guardian Protectorate would gaze the ceiling for a moment before continuing his tale. ”At least I wasn’t caught in the crossfire when she got into a rather large battle involving a particular red and blue wearing captain who is known quite well for punching people.”

”Sousuke is talking about this individual.” the White Wolf would declare. A blob of shadows would drop from his back, landing with a thud sound. The air temperature would immediately decrease a notch or two as he used his dark arts to bring back someone that was dead. The shadowy blob would begin to mutate, slowly taking shape of a humanoid. As time passed by, the more resemblance to a human the blob would be, eventually gaining color and finishing gaining mass. A woman would stand before them. Blue skin, fiery red hair and dressed in white. She stood silently and absently, as if she did had not notice where she was or with whom she was. Or as if she was incapable of such. ”Behold Mystique.” Reaper would announce to them, not that Sousuke required any introductions, given his previous words. With a simple thought, the Sennin would return his slave back toward where she rested, along with countless others that were now under Kazuki’s possession.

”Usually one wears lenses to help with their eyesight because wearing glasses is far too clumsily looking.” the Takahashi Highlord would begin explaining why he had chosen lenses, after going back to work. ”People try not to sleep with them on because… well, it might get stuck and removing it then is not the easiest thing to be done.” Nagato would visibly, and audibly, gulp upon hearing those words. The Senju Uchiha was, at the lack of better term, lacking in confidence. A severe case of such. Given his background it was understandable the young man was afraid of possible complications. But sooner or later, he would to get past over it. ”You will be fine.” the Hybrid would reassure his cousin. He had lots of confidence in the young man’s ability to overcome his handicap and become what he was meant to be. Time would prove him right, as long as, Nagato was willing to take some risks along the way. ”Lenses can also be used in disguise. It’s a more practical effect which… well let’s put it this way sometimes people can see through a transformation, so this helps in those cases if one is truly concerned about being recognized by their eyes.” Sousuke would further add before going permanently silent. It was easy to see, and understand, he was solely focused on the task at hand. In fact, distracting the man would be detrimental to the task at hand. The Kazekage was using plasma to refine the lenses into perfection, any slight deviation, any slight miscalculation would severely damage the work he had done before, forcing him to start over. Because of that, both Senju also stayed silent and simply waited.

OC:
Nagato is Kazuki’s cousin, not brother as you’ve said.

[MFT - 614]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Mystique would not be missed. Her presence was not unnerving but it was her talents that were. Her impersonations of another individual would be spot on and even Sousuke would be left second guessing himself when it came to figuring out who was who when she was involved. The fact she served Kazuki? Well. Not surprising. Comforting? Somewhat? Should Kazuki find his mind being warped by the Daimyo then Sousuke would have a very difficult time having to combat each and every single individual that the vile man would stand to inherit by controlling Kazuki. Uri could have been a one and done case, when dealing with the Daimyo? No one was ever truly certain.

Sousuke had erred with his words. He would stop his work to momentarily rectify this. "My mistake. I said brother. I meant cousin."<i></i> He spoke correcting himself. He wiped his brow with a towel. He took a deep breath and went back to his work for another two minutes before he stopped entirely. He would get up from his work space and return with four glasses of water. He would put the lenses in one of them and he would put that off to the side. One was for himself, and the others were meant for the Senju present with him. He would have to explain this pause. "The lenses need cooling. Natural water is the best method to cool them. Using frigid steel is a problem. Zenichi once observed me going into a cold cellar with a parka one to obtain a piece. It was educational for him ... but I think he had ulterior motives. Not bad ones. He was trying to pass by as a lab assistant of mine."<i></i> He sat and recollected. It was a funny thing. The first time he had met a Senju, and yet here he was with them again. "We spoke of trees... or rather the theory that our world sits on the branch of a great celestial tree of sorts. Myths and legends of how our world works and what is beyond."<i></i> Sousuke once upon a time had thought the dead were to be with Mother Suna and she took them into the afterlife to keep them. Sousuke had eyes the glass of water that the lenses were in. The lenses were a white colour but now they were a very strange neon purple colour. It was something of an oddity to behold really. The rapid change of it all.

For a brief moment Sousuke would notice his flesh hand was shaking. Yes he wore a glove, but there was that feeling that was ever evident of stress. Yes. This was hard work, and it was taxing. Sousuke held his shaking hand with his metallic one. He exhaled. "The cooling period is going to take some time. Several people seem to ... not know how incredibly hot plasma beams can get. More used in building and construction to cut things, but yes it can be used in combat. I used quite a bit of plasma energy to defeat the Kraken."<i></i> He explained.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

The Senju duo watched silently as Sousuke worked diligently to finish another one of his masterpieces. Eventually the Kazekage would momentarily stop to wipe his eyebrow with a white, fluffy towel he had there. After a deep breath he would resume working. Two minutes, more or less, would pass before the Guardian Protectorate would stop completely. He would grab four bottles of water. In one, he placed the lenses. The other three were for the present individuals in the workshop. One for himself and the other two for Kazuki and Nagato. The younger Senju would immediately open his own and gulp it all down. The Senju Overlord was much more restrained, taking his time to open up the bottle and eventually he would just take a small sip. He was not exactly thirsty and he really did not need much nourishment for sustaining himself. ”The lenses need cooling. Natural water is the best method to cool them. Using frigid steel is a problem. Zenichi once observed me going into a cold cellar with a parka one to obtain a piece. It was educational for him… but I think he had ulterior motives. Not bad ones. He was trying to pass as a lab assistant of mine.” the Takahashi Highlord would explain why he had placed the lenses submerged in water. The Senju Overlord had enough information about what Sousuke was doing. In terms of working metal, it was the heating and subsequent cooling that gave those materials their characteristic hardness. Maybe it was the similar for the lenses, of that he was not sure.

”We spoke of trees… or rather the theory that our world sits on the branch of a great celestial tree of sorts. Myths and legends of how world works and what is beyond. ” the Kazekage continued. The White Wolf remembered Zenichi, he was an odd boy that bore remarking resemblance to a certain mythical figure in Senju lore. If he had not disappeared during the exodus, perhaps they would have learned the kid was Zabucho reincarnated. ”I remember Zenichi. Sadly, I do not know his current whereabouts or if he is alive still. His loss is quite shameful but, unfortunately, there is nothing I can do reverse that outcome.” Reaper would note before addressing the other part of Sousuke’s sentences. ”You spoke with Zenichi about Yggdrasil? I am actually surprised he would know something about it, given his general education level. Although I really do not know how, or who raised him. I rescued Zenichi from a burning house before we were forced to move out of Konohagakure. And really never had the time to press him for his background.” the Sennin would confide.

The three men would grow silent, all watching the lenses. Curiously, they would undertake a shift in color. When Sousuke had placed them under water, they were completely white, but now that the cooling process had started, they had assumed a neon purple coloration. Were they going to go through more changes or were they going to remain with that color? ”Are the lenses going to stay with that color? I’m not certain if I wish to have neon purple eyes. When can we be certain if they would do what you wan them to do?” Nagato would question the leader of Sunagakure. He was obviously worried, though not even Kazuki was certain what worried him the most. The color of the lenses, if they were going to work or not, or something else he had yet to share with the other men.

”The cooling period is going to take some time. Several people seem to… not know how incredibly hot plasma beams can get. More used in building and construction to cut things, but yes it can be used in combat. I used quite a bit of plasma energy to defeat the Kraken.” the Kazekage would assess. The Senju Overlord remembered well their fight against that beast. The Lieutenant of the Water Lord had taken its toll on them as he had not been an easy opponent to defeat. It was the creature’s death that led to them to this day. Defeating the minion was not the same as defeating the actual King of the Seas. Reaper noticed one of Sousuke’s hands were shaking. A visible sign the man was tired. ”You need to rest.” he would calmly state.​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VGJGXMUhmc][b][u]Avenger's Assemble[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]