How Resourceful!

Toraono Michino · Jul 6, 2014

The birds fell from the sky one by one, their destruction complete and the current task finished for the four shinobi who brought the battle to the avians. The puppet master would go about the gruesome task of converting one of the creatures into a new puppet for himself while the Stewart collected the metal feathers to further along his project. Tree Tama simply just felt tired though his heart rose and fell at the sight of Okibi running towards him, and then past his form. The sound of wood cracking as it grew thicker from his legs and began to take over his body completely. He let out a simple sigh of annoyance as he realized the nature chakra that had been used to create him was too wild to allow him to retain his implanted personality. Soon he would simply cease to be as the currents that flowed through the world would meld into his form, washing away the jutsu planted there in the seal on his forehead that granted him Tama’s memories and emotions.
He felt a little sad that he wouldn’t be allowed to live on as a sentient tree but the feelings that had been placed there inside of his wooden heart told him he was also proud to have actually helped his family despite his original body’s dire state. Tree Tama tilted his head back and closed his eyes as his body twisted around and grew, turning slowly into a full oak tree as it covered his body completely.

==========

The scientist’s dreams were being haunted. The darkness that he had kept hidden for so long was coming back to the fore of his sleeping consciousness. Faces of the mortals, both innocent and evil, whom’s souls he had devoured to keep his condition in check crowded him. They didn’t speak, just simply stared accusingly at him with dead eyes. He turned to face each person he had murdered to prolong his own life and felt tears welling up into his eyes. He had done so much evil in the wake of Okibi’s disappearance. Tama often feared that he had done this not just to prolong his life but because she wasn’t there to keep his evil tendencies in check more often. Her return to the village had all but saved his immortal soul even though he had long since found the cure for his aging curse and had stopped devouring human souls for at least four months.
Yet he could not shake off the guilt. The power that he had gained from the people he had killed, save the last evil little man whom he had stolen an eye from as well, was all used in a ritual that stopped his aging. Before he had done that they used to haunt him, speaking constantly into the back of his mind as he tried to go about his day. Either taunting him or begging their release. He knew that they weren’t really there; it was just memories of the person he had devoured playing tricks on him. Back then it had almost driven him completely mad, this time all he could do was drop to his knees in his dream, and weep.
“I’m sorry...” he would whisper aloud as he covered his face with his hands to try to block out the dead stares, but they found him even there. His soul quivered in guilt.

A small warm hand touched his cheek in this dream. He pulled his eyes away from the dead stares to look up, fully expecting to see Okibi as his savior, as he often did in these weird dreams, but instead he saw the sickly child they had rescued. The little boy that was blood of his mate and son of his heart. He had instantly fallen in love with Aki the very moment he saw the poor child. After all the dark things that he had preformed on that mission, to see one beautiful small light of hope gave him strength to continue despite simply wanting to just stay there with the building as it exploded. He thought his mate would now forever scorn him for knowing his one dark secret that he had kept squirreled away, but the knowledge of the child brought him hope that she could see past it in order to properly raise him. Being a father was something Tama had both yearned and dreaded because of his own Dad being something of a psychotic asshole. Now he had a chance to prove to himself, and possibly his mate, that he wasn’t the evil that he spawned from and could still be a good man.

“Papa.”

The very world shattered the images of the dead eyes and revealed a bright shining light behind them that slowly engulfed the sad man as he regained consciousness. His eyes opened up to the dark room he had passed out in after making the wooden clone. The first things his eyes met were the boy’s and a smile crept up in his face before he could stop it, his hand reaching up to gently stroke the boy’s hair as he said with somewhat of a tired rasp to his voice,
“Aye...I’m Papa...” His bi-colored eyes turned to his mate’s and he took a deep breath as if preparing to explain himself but then let it all out in a long sigh. It had been so long it seemed since they just had a chance to sit down and be a couple.
“I’ve missed you...”

Uri · Jul 9, 2014

There had been a time when Sunagakure's influences had attracted numerous figures from far and wide to its borders. Warriors, Leaders, Conquerors, Slayers, Slavers, Hunter, and Treasure-seekers came and went with the winds, but it was not so long ago that a man from a foreign land had been a reliable and most useful asset. During the reign of Kazekage Hiro and Steward Judori, this man had acted as both a war adviser and general to the Sunan forces during the Plague Wars. While he had left the village to its own devices after their victory, he had remained in contact with other factions within Wind Country. Deadline was a place he often visited, and it was by request of Diamund that he visit on this day.

Both, fortunately and unfortunatel, it had corresponded when Sunagakure was again in need.

Cloaked in black trimmed with gold, a hood concealing his features, he moved through the cave-like facility like a phantom until he had arrived to where the sounds of metal were echoing from. Hands gripping either side, he lowered the hood and looked to the Steward before him.

Hyakurai Ryuuto
~
Entrance Music

"Steward-sama, it is an honor to meet the new generation of Sunan leadership." When Sousuke turned to acknowledge the man he would see striking, golden eyes and dark, green-tinted hair. Facial features were sharp and worn, a man of considerable experience that had lived well into his late fifties, beyond expectations of a traditional shinobi expectancy. He wore a high gold collar and carried a presence that spoke of power and leadership. A hand extended outward, hands dotted with numerous scars from hard-fought battles. "I am Hyakurai Ryuuto, the fifth Raikage of Kumogakure, and a friend of your father's and Kazekage Hiro's. A mutual friend has explained to me your situation." A look of grim determination streaked across his features, making him that much more intense. "I'm here to help you take back Sunagakure."

Takahashi Aki · Jul 12, 2014

Sousuke worked at the makeshift forge he had. The sounds of metal thundered harmoniously. There was a musical quality to. This was the Steward's craft and his expertise. His body and mind fully attuned to the craft. First he began reworking the ebon blade. He removed the shadow power core, and began to fuse the ebonite with aspects of elementium. The weapon was known for channeling fire and lightning, but the Steward was opening it up to more elements, and even more the ability to shift. He super heated the blade and began to rework the detailing to allow it shifting. He held the hot weapon up and began asserting his chakra to. The weapon shifted from a long sword to an axe, one moment later it transformed into a rapier, then an arakh, then it turned into a sickle, and then back to a long sword. For each of the transformed states it had, the Steward spent a few moments on the altered form strengthen it.

The Steward was in a brooding mood. It was one of the few moods he could express. Yet this time he seemed to realize it entirely. Ever since being healed by the emeraldeon the Steward felt like he was on edge, like an exposed nerve of sort. It wasn't a physical malady, it felt unnatural for Sousuke. It was exhausting for him, tiring in the extreme. The Steward preformed a few axe chops with the transformed ebon blade. He held the axe face down to see his reflection in the weapon. Still the same safe. His eyes though were different. In that simple concept he was disturbed. It was like staring at a stranger in the mirror. His eyes seemed larger than usual. The pupils seemed to be larger, dilated. Sousuke lowered his weapon and preformed a few more chops, and then shadow danced into a thrusting motion the ebon blade swapping from an axe to a rapier. Even if I defeat the Cabal, do I simply kill them? If I don't they'll do this again and again. Are they simply misguided souls who need to be put back on the right track? Are they merely wronged individuals who are seeking out some form of revenge? This was a concept Sousuke had not thought of. Was it possible to take Sungakure back with minimum fatalities? Did the Cabal needed to be killed where they stood or should they be brought to justice? Shouki was clearly insane, could he merely be held accountable for his own actions? No. He knew what he was doing.

Sousuke transformed his weapon into an axe once more and hurled it at the ground. He hurled it with such strength that it firmly planted half of itself in the ground. He would leave it there to cool for a moment.

***

What Sousuke next worked on was his armour. He salvaged the MkII and began a rapid plasma plot out of his new design. The Steward's frustrations were clearly mounting as the armour's design was constantly shifting from a more traditional design to something more monstrous. A deep and severe hate for the Cabal was coming to realization. Upon said realization the design was automatically scrapped for something else. For one of the few times in his life the Steward was not his neutral self. It was understandable, but it was simply not becoming of him. Being hateful and vindictive was not becoming of Takahashi Sousuke who tried so hard to simply be superior.

Sousuke closed his eyes and thought hard. He drank in the setting around him. The MkIII's original form was dignified. It had gone through a series of changes due to the situation he was based in. His battle with Kravick had caused it to darken. Yes. Man is the cruelest animal. Not only did Kravick prove this, so did Kyouzou. He needed something new. Something different. Something that would surprise the Cabal. Something unprecedented. The thought came to Sousuke in an instant. It's not every day one of your childhood story book heroes come to live, am I right? Or am I right? The concept wasn't original, but it was for Sousuke. Kyouzou imitated him. Imitation was the sincerest form of flattery. Sousuke's mind shifted to his two favourite ''heroes' the first being his ancestor Shiro. The legendary Takahashi who was loved romantically by the Sunahoshi Kai. Shiro was the standard of gentlemen and honourable conduct. Shiro was duty-drive. Shiro was duty-bound. He was a paragon. Have faith. Those were the words spoken to him in his dream by Shade who was the other hero Sousuke would look up to. Have faith in what? Mother Suna? Primus? Or did he mean to have faith in himself like Katuso had told him to do? Perhaps it was all three. Sousuke turned to his failed armour and gripped his hammer. The concept of faith lingered in the Steward's heart. The Steward charged the forge hammer with lightning chakra and then took to his new design.

***

The design seemed antiquated, but there was something advanced about it. It seemed out of time, something from the past and yet something from the future? The tech behind it wasn't anything advanced. The Steward could conjure the armour to appear from beneath his flesh. It would protect him, but given his recent conditioning the armour would only be used in times of dire necessity. After all Sousuke had felt healthier than usual. He didn't use the MkI to battle the Siren Queen, no he merely relied upon his strengthened self. Should Shouki draw upon the device that he spoke of, the Steward would draw upon the MK IV in return.

Sousuke was so focused on his work he didn't realize he had company. A single man who seemed to be about his father's age. Surprisingly though he was more well kept than his father was, save for his hands. The man spoke of how it was an honour to meet the new generation of Sunan leadership. Inwardly Sousuke doubted himself for allowing this to happen in the first place, being the Cabal invasion. He reprimanded himself mentally. Have Faith. The words of Katuso and Seitoshi rang through his mind like great tolling bells. The man before him offered his hand to be shook. For a time Sousuke didn't take the hand, he merely analyzed it. Old habits do die hard. "Pressure pierce wound from a rapier. The ball point had dug in, but didn't dig in deep enough to prevent total nerve and muscle damage. Jagged scourge strike. Shredding healed quite nicely, but you had help in a quick and reinforced healing. Someone very dear to you had taken precautions in making sure this took time to close properly instead of merely regenerating over the wounded and broken parts of flesh." Sousuke coughed at his analysis, and then realized he had yet to shake the man's hand. He finally did so letting a nervous laugh. "Oh yes, Well met Lord Hyakurai. Sorry about that. Not quite used to the whole hand shaking business as of yet... like my father would be. I feel that I have failed in the sense that the apple ... fell too far from the tree. I wonder why the statement refers to apples when there are other fruits that come from trees..." Sousuke would make a bow of sorts. This man was a previous Kage, and not a Steward. He was owed this. The pleasantries were put to the side though as Ryuuto detailed why he was here. "Well then... let me brief you on what our current situation is and our current position. Sousuke would form an orb of plasma and begin the briefing for the Raikage.

***

Prime Diamund watched as little Aki left her arms to go back to his mother. A smile formed upon the rocky visage of the ancient matriarch as the child learned another word. Papa. There were now four words. Mine. Mama. Papa. Aki. The connection between father and child was made. Albeit late, but it was certainly late was better than never. Sousuke too should have been here for this. She wondered where he was. The answer to that would come from one of her fellow Kirishii, the ever resourceful Bosalt. The matriarch would be interrupted by Bosalt who would speak to her in the native tongue speaking to her of the Steward's workings and the horrors that were surfacing from it. The matriarch waved it off. She had opened a Pandora's box of sorts with Sousuke, and things would need to take their natural course with him. Of course she would have to explain to Sousuke-Sister and Spark what had occurred. The matriarch made her step forward, "Sousuke-Sister." She would begin, "I would think ... mmm..." She paused. Human words even with her mastery of them were at times difficult. "Change is not bad, especially for some, am I correct? Change may be sudden, but change can become ... oook ... welcomed yes? Changed is a word that I think is apt to describe Judori-son at this moment in time."

Okibi · Jul 20, 2014

Okibi smiled down at Tama, her eyes getting a little watery as she stroked his hair. He was so weak, but at least he was awake. Leaning down, she kissed him softly on the mouth, smiling against his lips. "I missed you too." She whispered. Truly, it felt like it had been so long since they could just . . . be together. Even if they werent alone, even if there were things they had to talk about, it still just felt good to show him how much he meant to her.

"Mama!" Aki chirped, pulling her attention away. When she sat up and looked and him quizzically, the boy grabbed her face and planted a sweet little kiss right on her lips. While she was stunned, he then dipped down and did the same to Tama. "Papa! Aki! Nana!" It seemed like he was just spouting all the words he knew at this point, and was copying her actions. They were sweet, but they left Okibi perplexed.

"Nana? Aki?" She asked the room, turning to look at Seven and Prime. The doberman coughed and cleared his throat, then laughed awkwardly. "Ah yes, well. Your son had his first taste of real food while you were away. Seems he's quite fond of bananas. He also, uh, picked . . . a name for himself, Aki."

Okibi rose an eyebrow, and was silent for a moment. Seven wasnt sure what she was thinking as her face looked fairly blank. When she looked down at the boy, who was now raining Tama's face with little kisses, the blankness slowly melted away into a smile. "Aki huh . . ." She murmured to herself, watching the boy play with his new Papa. "Yeah, I like that. My Aki . . . Akisame." She added the extra bit, because even in the midst of their sticky situation, and in the aftermath of the ordeal that lead her to him, and the bloody fight with the harpies, his presence was like a refreshing autumn rain.

Okibi looked up again when Prime mentioned Sousuke, and the change he had gone through. She laughed and shook her head, finding the matriarchs comments to be lacking. "Yeah, definitely changed. Wait till you see him Tami, you wont even recognize Sogay." She pet her mates forehead and then addressed Prime once more. "Grandmother ape, you healed me right? Can you do anything for my mate? I hate seeing him like this."

[MFT]

Uri · Jul 29, 2014

Hyakurai Ryuuto

Ryuuto listened intently as Sousuke manipulated the plasma sphere to create and project images; a Nara he knew could do something eerily similar. Hearing that Sunagakure was taken was both, a surprise and not all at the same time. Sand had always bolstered a hefty roster of some of the most talented and deadly shinobi the world had ever seen, but he was also similarly concerned for the village when it had gone underground. During his time as an adviser, he had warned about the risks it proposed and this was one of the numerous items he had touched upon. It was safe if one could keep everything outside from getting inside, but if the doors were opened frequently enough something bad was bound to get in.

In his absence it seemed they had suffered a few set backs with paranormal and supernatural forces, this world or the next. Even as he was fed all the information he had by the Steward, he was finding it a distinct lack of intelligence. A small smile formed across his slightly chapped lips. Intelligence was always bad.

That was why a wise man planned for all, left naught to chance, and knew when to wing-it when the plan wouldn't work. Ryuuto's entire life helped shape him into a perfect tool in order to help secure Sunagakure back once more and perhaps he could help shape the Steward a bit too. While The Fifth Raikage hadn't ever gone public, he had always made his presence as a shinobi felt and more importantly was the face everyone saw at the front of every battle and skirmish to beat back the demons that had invaded Lightning Country. Sousuke at least had no problem showing up at the helm of a charge. A good man in that alone.

Wringing his hands together, he recalled the schematics and excavation plans for the city-village and the numerous places of entry for their utilities; power generators, merchant tunnels, ground senors and the like.

"And they said they would know if you tried to sneak in?" A hand rubbed at his chin, his thumb brushing over the scar that resided there. He was reminded of Ryuujin, someone who had that uncanny ability to know one was coming before their arrival. "To a smaller extent, they could be using the equipment that monitors the maelstrom, but I imagine they probably have someone amongst their ranks that has a sensor ability of some sort. If their attack was as thorough as it sounds, they would have studied the village, it's hierarchy, and all its important players first. Have you ever met an Inuzuka? Once they learne your scent, they can smell you for quite some ways. I think this is similar. They learned your 'scent', be it your chakra, body odor, or how your armor rustles. Probably have it on all of your companions, Sennin, and leaders within the village." The inner-workings of the Santaru's brain fired at hyper-speeds, a nifty ability he learned when he was much younger and had earned his 'prodigy' title. "We could try having someone completely foreign snake their way in to test the waters, but that also comes with risk of mass death."

This mission, this large-scale siege on a village that was meant to be impossible to breach, needed to be breached. It was a task normally, but with a bunch of lunatics hiding inside with explosives threatening to kill thousands of people at the sign of interlopers it raised the stakes that much higher.

"It also implies that if they have a sensor, that he would know if we took out one of their own too. Even if it took time for their presence to fade, it would only buy a small window to exploit. There are probably times they're holes too, but they'll rely on your conscience to stop you from trying anything."

There was another pause and Ryuuto took the time to remove his gold-trimmed jacket, revealing a more modest sleeveless-black shirt underneath. Like his hands, his arms too were littered with dozens upon dozens of scars. Proof of his past exploits and all the hard fought battles.

"There's also the matter of their explosives. At this point, it's safe to say they'll be hard to find or protected. We should focus on finding the trigger man. Short out the control or switch, be it jamming, chakra absorption, or just plain death. What's worse is that they sound like, from what you've told me, they are incredibly familiar with everything there is to know about Sand. This kind of sting operation is similar to something I would run if I wanted to take over a locale. Granted, I wouldn't hole up. At least, without asking for something. That's also an issue. People who don't ask for demands have motives far beyond typical greed or desire to cause trouble, but I guess that takes us all back to who they are and if they work for someone, huh?"

The good news about the situation is that they seemed to be waiting for a response of some kind. It allowed them time to gather resources, recon the are and the village, gather resources, and put together a suitable force to counterattack with. How much time was that, though? Too many unknowns made it impossible and improbable to guess.

Waving a hand in the air to dismiss his train of thought, he changed gears and looked Sousuke square in the face, "Lets tally-up our resources. Find out where we have some holes and what we can improve on. I have a few contacts in Wind Country and surrounding countries that owe me a few favors; I'll call those in. We'll need the expertise." Sword-toting Raikage or not, he did to better understand what was available to them. The fact he had some abilities which offered significant advantages would come up later during planning phases.

"What say you, Steward-Kazekage?"

Takahashi Aki · Jul 29, 2014

"The surprising thing is that they halted the Diamond Maelstrom. It was clear between the lift and Soon's Sanctuary, which is where I was coming from after my mission in Soon's Sanctuary." Sousuke took to his usual pacing back and forth. "Giving pause to it though was angering it, so I suspect their control over it was very limited." Ryuuto suggested that they had someone with a sensory ability. "I could deploy a locust swarm to test that theory. I would be able to provide Kou with some armour made from the Sirens we engaged to counter detection. It would confuse them seeing as how the Sirens are birds, so ... it would be a sheep in wolf's clothing. I suspected for a time they had a Sunaku who added his own sand into the mix, and was using an earthern connection to see everything. Like a looking glass of sorts. The problem with that theory is that Sunaku sand would be damaged and challenged by Diamond sand." Sousuke theorized. Ryuuto next detailed about how his enemy had gotten his scent. Having an idea how he smelled, his armour acted, not only him but his allies and companions as well. "We would have to go quite a way out to acquire someone foreign to investigate. They knew of the Kirishii even, how much they know is another matter entirely." Ryuuto himself for all he knew could be already known to the Cabal. "I'd prefer it if you didn't volunteer yourself as you're an asset in the venture." The Cabal knew of Ken. They did not know about the rest of the court of insects as Sousuke had only recently acquired them. The problem thought was that the court of insects was primarily universal.

"Speaking of the sensor, we went to collect the Siren Queen for my companion Hiku to contruct a puppet that could ultimately combine wind and water elements to form an ice prison. The intention was to render the doorman immobilized, in statis, but most importantly alive." Sousuke held up a plasma image of the Siren Queen they had engaged recently. He span the image around, and then twisted it to convert it to a puppet design. Sousuke seemed to have some problems stomaching the ultimate taboo. "I don't know how far along Hiku is in the process. I think the biology is giving him a minor issues considering they're part metal too." Sousuke paused for a moment. "It's not my specialty but we could use a massive genjutsu to confuse the sensor and whatever tech they have out there. Run interference, but then we're back to the problem of getting entry. Seismic activity would be detected unless we had multiple Kirishii confuse the matter with multiple echo slams. That's how I got into Soon's sanctuary, but Prime Diamund also used an advanced version of inner earth movements. Seismic activity isn't something easily worked around. Silencing it entirely is ... well I don't think it's impossible, but it's not in my skill range, or that of my companions."

Ryuuto did bring up the matter of motives and demands. Sousuke's eyes shifted over to him from his plasma constructions. "There's a motive of revenge to be taken into consideration. Maybe it's someone from Dad's past." Sousuke paused for a moment. It was one of his unnatural prolonged silences. He seemed to have an issue with this subject as it was something outside of his natural understanding which was mechanical. "The doorman described himself as a ... ... ... jester of sorts. I would suspect their leader to be more of the brains here. I don't expect him to be the trigger man though. He'd have the triggerman be someone else from himself, that's just simple planning. An army will fall if the leader falls, but this isn't an army we're facing. I'd suspect this individual to remain in the shadows, concealed."

It was time for a recap of resources. "We're short on man power. We have the Kirishii with us, but with you included there is five people.... not including my ward's son seeing as how he a child. I do not know if Okibi will join us seeing as she her newly discovered son to look after. Tama I can talk with. I have the court of insects. Hiku I'm including as a human ... even if his design is that of a puppet." He paused and made a gesture over to the metals he had acquired from the Sirens. "Weapons and armour shouldn't be an issue, nor is crafting them." He paused for a moment. "Tama is a medical specialist, Okibi uses gravity, Hikudori uses puppets, I myself am a specialist in metal and plasma. Being that you're from Kumogakure I suspect you have a mastery over the weather." He shook his head. "What we know of our enemy is limited, but it is better than nothing." The Steward continued to think about what resources they had and what the needed to improve on. "I would prefer having another medical expert... to round things out. I could approach Soon, considering they do owe me a few favours too."

***

A grin appeared on Prime Diamund's face as Aki cried out all the words. It was a very heartwarming scene as things unfolded. She watched Tama though with concern. There was something at odds with him, and it was Okibi's request to have it fixed. "Judori-Son had sands in his lungs. Sousuke-sister needed to be fixed on the outside. Spark needs to be fixed on the inside ... ooook, urrrk. Might be difficult." The Earthern Mother was silent for a moment. She would reach out and place her heavy hand on Tama's shoulder. "Spark." She would simply say. "Enjoy and hold all that is dear to you that is before you now. What water has passed the bridge is all gone now. Look not at the water, but what is on the other side of the bridge." Her words while simple were words of power. Something dreadful hanged upon Tama, for what the future was worth now he had to let it go.

"I think Judori-Son has met my honoured guest. You all must be very hungry right now. What say you little one, have some nanas in mama and papa's tummy yes?" The earthern spoke referring to Aki. She looked to Number Seven to translate of course, seeing as how he had done so already on multiple occasions.

Uri · Aug 2, 2014

Hyakurai Ryuuto

"Not all people who come from my village can manipulate the weather." He smiled and let out a half chuckle. It was always interesting to see the misconceptions people had of other countries that were not their own. Ever since Ryuuto had left the village, the Santaru clan had taken extreme hits due to political strife and had dwindled. Being a stormcaller was more and more rare these days. A finger gestured to the golden color of his eyes. "These are not a deformity or artificial. I have dedicated my life to my heritage and through that have attained a level of understanding none have seen since the mythical days of Raiden. That maelstrom, when it comes to it, will not be an issue. I assure you of that." A greater understanding of weather was looking past just the simple creation of clouds, rain, or storms. It ran deep into the resource that shaped everything around them. The discussion would come at another time when things were less serious. Much like Ryuuto's discovery of the storm being controlled from another mind, another being.

Arms crossed over his chest, he let out a small breath as he thought.

"I could call my wife. She was one of the chief researchers that helped stymy the red death during the plague wars before we found its cause, but she's not back from her trip to the Lightning Country capital to oversee some of her family's business. My children...they're in the wind somewhere. Impossible to keep track of those two." A lot was passing through his mind as he went down the extensive list of contacts and cohorts he had at his disposal. Location and opportunity were most important, but the skill-set they possessed mattered a great deal more than convenience.

"There's a colleague of mine, a real sweetheart, but most importantly, she has an affinity for water and can transform her state into that of pure liquid. She could provide us with an easy in that would bypass any of the more obvious and watched avenues into the village." Ryuuto reached into his folded up coat and retrieved a folded up piece of paper, taking it and unfurling it upon a half-empty table. It was a map of Wind Country and its immediate neighbors. A finger tapped a small village that was far south, about a day's traveling from Soon's. "She spends most of her time there fishing, but does deep-sea reconnaissance for Soon's only a frequent basis. She's the one who found the kraken your village helped dispatch some months ago."

Dragging it across the length of Wind Country, he hovered somewhere near the far northern region where the deserts weren't as harsh and tapped it.

"I also have an associate there who frequently travels with me to Lightning Country. He once mentioned having a brother who lived inside your village. I'm sure he'll want to help and is good, reliable muscle to have. I've seen the man bend reinforced steel with his bare hands. Other than those two, I'm not sure where everyone else is. I can send out runners, but it may take some time to get responses." Golden eyes looked up to Sousuke from the map; still serious and piercing. Eyes of a man who had been through war on numerous occasions. "Who do you know in Soon's that will stick their neck out for something like this? Can you -trust- them?"

Toraono Michino · Aug 2, 2014

Spark. It was an interesting name. One that he had never really paid much attention to before but looking back on his short life it seemed rather appropriate. The scientist was always finding himself with different nick-names through his years but very rarely had they ever been positive with the nearly sole exception of Tami. Looking down at his adopted son he realized how much the name the elemental lord had given him meant and what he would need to do with it.
Carefully he raised a pale hand and placed it over the strong rocky hand that rested on his shoulder and nodded silently to Prime. Tama knew exactly what she had meant in those words but the muddy water that flowed beneath his bridge still looked treacherous enough that he feared, not himself, but others crossing it. He feared still for his mate and their child know that she knew the darkest of his past’s secrets.

A strong point had been made though, and that was he was indeed recovered physically and mentally, it was just a spiritual wound of the future that threatened to keep him from bringing to fore the old mad scientist everyone knew and loved. Slowly he sat up on his cot and looked Okibi square in the eyes, his heart speeding up a tad to do simply such a thing. He knew that she was the reason he was weak; in fear of her leaving him for any reason. Logic told him to be the strongest he could possibly be he had to cut all ties and forge ahead alone. In doing that, with nothing to lose, the man who had the blood of Ancients flowing through his veins could very well take on the entire Cabal...though he doubt he could do that and save the village too.

But logic be damned.

His hand gripped Prime’s and lifted it from his shoulder before he stretched out his upper and lower limbs, gathering his feet beneath him and with the help of the wall slowly began to raise his body up while his other arm hooked around Aki and lifted the boy up with him. The child weighed nothing it seemed and that made his heart ache a little to know. Food seemed like it would be the best course of action right now. Food and then strategy. As much as he would like to see this ‘new’ Sousuke in all his emotional tormoil his stomach rumbled in a way that would no doubt alert those around him that he too was starving. Using so much chakra in the way he had, had taken a lot of his strength.

The soft clatter of wood chips hitting a rocky floor caught his attention briefly. Looking at his fingernails where his nails had been transformed into wood for swaying his emotion too far to one side he saw that they had been returned to normal. The forbidden technique of his clan had been undone in his unconscious somehow and while it was curiously puzzling he couldn’t keep the stupid grin off his face to know he was free to feel however the hell he wanted to again. It had been terrible trying to keep his mind in a constant state of neutrality.
Turning his beaming smile to Okibi with their child on his hip he held out his other hand to help her off her knees so that they could forage together to look for a meal. For the first time ever he had the deepest desire to spend time with his newly forged family and as far away from anything shinobi or science-y as possible. These would be the golden bits of his memory, he decided, should something terrible happen when they finally did get around to breaking back into their village.

"As much as I would love to see the new man ol' Sogay has become, I think I'd rather spend what little time we have together as a family and...well...eat something. I'm starving."

Takahashi Aki · Aug 6, 2014

[got to access a mac at my cousins, yaaaay]

Sousuke had to think for a while about the Seven of Soon. Some of them he got along with due to mutual interests in walks of life. Others knew they owed him a favour or two for keeping quiet about a few fiascos that were not spoken of on a public scale. Sheena came to mind quickly because she didn't like being indebted to others, merely she wanted others to be indebted to herself. Sousuke's eyes narrowed. "I trust not in them personally but I would trust in the concept that they see me as a valuable asset that has always gotten them out of various binds, and has turned a profit for them. They believe in the risk reward paradigm, the greatest the risk the greater the reward, take Guchi Sheena for instance. She'll take a gamble with a 99-1 odds, but she has to know that 1 has ... not a zero percent odds to take the entire pot. She'll then take that 1 and adjust the odds to something most favourable. Would she bet it all on me? Quite likely but the Cabal probably know about this and would tip my odds to a zero percent success rate." Sheena was out. Another name came to mind for the Steward. One that didn't stand out amongst the Soon Seven. One person who had knowledge, illegal, legal. They knew it. "Oshrio Mako can provide us with information, but I need to approach her on the matter as if it is a trade. I could probably ask her about the Cabal but then she would want me to reveal something as well. The problem there is that I would need someone to visit her and approach the subject in my stead. It would require some charm, some textbook work, and precise wording. She loves precision." The last individual that came to mind was Fukui Shino. The Steward was a subject of interest to the man as Takahashi Fire-Forged Steel was in high demand by Shino... Sousuke had gathered thatching was interested because it was a quality product. "I can strike a deal with Shino. I can trust him because he loves a fight. He loves it when his wares succeed, and more importantly he wants Takahashi-Fire Forged steel in his armoury. If he betrays me, he'll be the laughing stock of Soon because then he blows all chances of future trade agreements with my family's skills with steel." Given that the former Raikage's aquatic aid was in Soon... things could move well their way. "Yes... two birds with one stone. I think that is an appropriate application of that phrase."

"All of those you've mentioned so far ... fill up our weaknesses. I would not endanger your family, but then again you wouldn't have offered their help if you were concerned. Your friend with the ability to transform into water... what is the range on her abilities? We can perhaps slip through a number of cracks leading into the Starlit Lake. I had engaged a group of bandits who broke into Suna some time ago. I closed the way by forcing the way to be collapsed through cutting rock with plasma and forcing a cave in. I didn't file it in my report. If we used that as our way in, then we little seismic activity." The Steward paused, "Your friend who has family in Suna... he's not a relation to Olgav is he? He is the first one who came to mind ... his description matches that of the you gave me, I suspect that Olgav is the smallest of the family." Time to gather these individuals... "Send word to gather them here. If we can get Shino to send wares, then we would be in a very good position to commence the operation to re-enter Suna."[/i]

***

Prime Diamund took Okibi, Tama, and Aki back into their jungle-like home. The Kirishii reached up and took down several bunches of bananas. She eyed Aki and handed him his bundle to hand out. "Here little one go now. Some for Mama. Some for Paaapaaa, and some for little Okibi-son ... ookkk... uuurrrk Akiii-saaammmeee. The earthen seemed to have trouble with the words, but she managed to master them even if some were prolonged. She picked up the banana holding child and twirled with him about giving him moments to hand out the favoured fruit. "Most of all... same some for Okibi-son, but this time ... eat slowly." She made a gesture for him to eat slowly instead of quickly, which she too demonstrated ... and what may result again if he were to do so.

"Oook. Akkk. Why is Judori-son called Sogay? Most strange. Foreign. Do explain for me will you not?" Prime Diamund requested as she were to take a seat with Aki in her arms. "Sousuke-Sister and Spark are quite a match. Are you ... mmmarried like..." She hesitated. She was going to refer to Judori and Chiyoko in her terms, but she reminded herself that Tama and Okibi may not make the connection. "Ooook. Akkk. Have you pledged yourselves to each other like Judori's son's parents have? It is a most wondrous ceremony. A bit long ... and lacking colour, but is still a wonder to behold." The earthen looked at Tama and then Okibi. "Spark ... have you made your pledge to Sousuke-Sister? More importantly did you tell Judori-Son about your intentions to make a pledge? Surely goodness Spark has done so, or does he have rocks in his head? .... Okkk.... Akkk. Spark would do just that, forget that is, too much, too quick, is why Spark is Spark. Spark needs to catch on and begin a slow and long burn!"

Uri · Aug 15, 2014

Hyakurai Ryuuto

Ryuuto was hesitant to agree to Sousuke's suggestions. People who dealt in wares and information usually worked for a price and someone offering a larger sum normally won their loyalty. They were not certainties and they introduced more risk into the plan than the Raikage would have liked, but they didn't have a lot in the ways of time and more was better. Contingencies would need to be set in place. While this was not his village he was planning on taking back, anything short of utter perfect execution meant death for thousands of people and that outcome was unacceptable.

"Her abilities are adequate; half-hour to an hour duration. As long as it's not air tight, she can make her entrance without too much hassle." Then there was a raised eyebrow on the part of the older kage. "Yes, yes he is indeed. Olgav is the oldest of three from my understanding. Olaf, his youngest brother has acted as a reliable companion during my travels to local countries. Glad to hear that his brother has done well enough to earn some attention. Odd one, that Olgav. A baker, I hear."

Golden eyes moved over the map, routing their paths and looking at all the potential areas they would need to be in hopes of recruiting everyone they desired. People were important to have, bodies to operate the machines of their plan, but there were other deficiencies they suffered from. Equipment was covered, yes, but rarely did normal help tip the scales in an escalation like this one. They would need to pull all the stops and be able to drop the hammer if it called for it.

"I wouldn't mind speaking to Mako. One of my brokers deals with her regularly. It's likely she would like to meet me since I've had my fingers in little bits of everything for the last decade or so." Ryuuto smiled awkwardly, admitting to being involved in many things that probably wouldn't look good for a Kage's reputation, but he had always been a better soldier than a leader. "I also don't know the credence to these claims, but I've heard whispers of some ancient technology that can temporarily tame sandworms." The rumors of hammer-like devices that could send out vibrations to influence sandworms really only spoke of one thing. Last move, desperation. While it was not always a favored option, going into such a scenario with a last ditch effort was poor planning. "Y'know, just in case things go real bad."

But they would talk about the details of that on their trip to Soon's. Before anything else, they needed intelligence and they needed their infiltration specialist. A hand gestured to the folded up coat and it floated over to the Raikage; magnetism at its finest. Sliding his marked arms back into the garment, he straightened his appearance and looked to Sousuke.

"But lets not dally. We can talk and walk, yes? How do you propose travel to Soon's? I have a sandrunner outside."

Takahashi Aki · Aug 17, 2014

"Yes... I was raised on stories about a particular hammer that was used by an ancient hero who rode a sandworm... though should we lose control of the device Suna maybe in a situation worse yet. I would sooner rely upon my companion Ken of the insect court. Ken is strong, how strong I am not sure... considering I've never had to test his maximum potential." Sousuke paused for a moment. "When I first met the Cabal he spoke of having an ancient device redesigned. Unfortunately he was playing a game with me, so I could only get as much as I could out of him. He wasn't the brightest...so he couldn't answer our questions to the fullest extent. They could have already put their hands on the hammer." Sousuke paused for a moment. "I could consult with Prime Diamund on the matter of the hammer. They have an oral tradition. Maybe they can detail it in ways the stories I was raised on did not."

Sousuke turned to the armour he had been crafting. He tried to phase it over to himself. Doing so would allow himself to absorb his armour, and then he could call upon it. He held out his hand and made a grasping motion. "Strange..." He remarked. The armour didn't move. Well. He still had the MkI on his person. He tried summoning it. Electricity crackled upon his form. It wasn't harmful. "My Mark I armour is failing to manifest..." The Steward's eyes narrowed. "Yes... we can talk and walk..." He walked over to the armour and began removing it from the stand placing it on bit by bit. "... My skillset to call my armour to me seems to be ... malfunctioning." He held his breather in his hand, and the helmet in the other. Sousuke began minor adjustments for the helmet to integrate the breather. "There. That should do it..." The Steward placed the helmet on his head, and began to lead the way. "Let's head to Soon's first... and then we'll consult Prime Diamund. I just need to inform them of where I'm heading. I don't think Okibi or Tama would appreciate hearing that I went back to Soon's considering we just ... went there not twenty-four hours ago. You know how family is."

(MFT: 378)

Uri · Aug 27, 2014

Topic Continued: Here

Takahashi Aki · Aug 27, 2014

(Topic left)

How Resourceful!

Toraono Michino

Mayor of Flavortown

Uri

Member

Takahashi Aki

Well-Known Member

Okibi

Member

Uri

Member

Takahashi Aki

Well-Known Member

Uri

Member

Toraono Michino

Mayor of Flavortown

Takahashi Aki

Well-Known Member

Uri

Member

Takahashi Aki

Well-Known Member

Uri

Member

Takahashi Aki

Well-Known Member