The bright false noon sky shined in full contrast to the cold of the underworld. The giant sandworm caverns the village slowly roamed through had finally come to a stop after three days of movement to insure they couldn’t be found without extensive foray into the dangerous old roads; the tracks also stopped there. The village would need to continue plotting course and building tracks to their underground roads if they were to continue avoiding their enemy above but, for now, they could finally rest. For the first time in those three days the soft tell-tale rumble beneath the feet of the people had finally settled, and with it, justified unrest.
The government had much to explain. Not only had Michino’s attempted bloodless coup end up anything but that, no one had even began to explain to the common man that they would now be stuck underground once more. Merchants and crafters that weren’t tied to the Orders were the first to raise their voice, followed by what remained of the nobility that hadn’t jumped ship at the mention of a coup by the Old Council. Throughout the first day of rest more than just the economy spoke, and the common man who simply lived within Sunagakure for its protection also started to raise their voice in protest. Even those who had confirmed with the officials that had done a welfare check on their populace that they understood were starting to complain. Perhaps they had only expected this to be temporary as a shield to the explosions above, to rise once more and resume business as usual the next day.
However, that day was a far away possibility.
The Twins had taken a large control over the Wind Country. Initial scouting reports spoke of how the entire train enterprise was completely at the mercy of their new masters. The Nomads and their homes, however, were in a far better shape now without the might of Suna being thrown at them, but the once strong relationship between the two was currently shattered. Only two clans, one major and one minor, knew the truth of Suna’s attacks and continued to stand by them while the rest had started to kill shinobi of any kind on sight. Sunagakure had not fallen into the villain’s hands, and a great deal of bloodshed had been spared…but, the cost had been great.
Highly aware of this, painfully so, was the 13th Kazekage. He had agreed to the Old Council’s demands to oust way and had foolishly chosen to remove him peacefully as possible instead of sending a confident assassin. He even knew two that could have done it with ease, hailing from a clan that specialized in assassination. His hubris had lead to the downfall of the hidden village back into the caverns they had spent hiding from the Maelstrom; an emergency back up plan in case Wei’s forces proved too grand. Which they had. There had also been the problem of a leak from the Old Bloods themselves, people who were permitted to sit on the Council purely based on their bloodlines alone. A few of them, now dead at the hands of an ANBU Captain’s machinations, had nearly caused the entire village to be wiped out entirely. Heart heavy with regret for his actions, the Toraono Lord decided to make things right as well as he possibly could.
He was wearing the old robes. White trimmed with gold thread that had emeralds hanging from the sleeves, it had been resized to fit his enormous frame; he was the largest Kazekage in history now. The large white hat frequently used in old times was also upon his head, the kanji for “Wind” proudly displayed on the front surrounded in green to remind them of the fertile lands the desert had once been. He stepped out onto a balcony set in the Diamond District which had been opened up now to the entire populace with the exit of many of the noble families that had lived there. The Kazekage Tower had been reduced to ice and powder, and while it would have been best to wait until it was finished to make such announcements he was planning the 13th insisted that all repairs be focused on homes and businesses first. Even with only three days past, that was actually coming along swiftly. A small blessing of the crew who had laid out the tracks below in secret was finding pockets of chakra crystals yet unearthed. With the use of a handful of shinobi capable of the Wood Release, they had been able to turn the crystals into a force for reconstruction.
The people below stood waiting as Michino stepped out into view. Some called out jeers and some awful slurs, while others praised his presence knowing that as a Kazekage he would lead them forward into a better future. Outside of the 12th, who’s time had been cut short, most of the line had been good to Sunagakure, and those people expected he would be just the same. Raising one large hand, the crowd’s noise came to a slow silence. Chakra filled his throat and allowed his voice to echo out into the district so that everyone could hear his decrees.
“My fellow man, my brothers and sisters, we find ourselves in a time unlike any that has befell us since the time of the Maelstrom - perhaps even darker. A cabal of enemies above has forced us back into the Underworld, where we will find ourselves living for some time yet.” A dark murmur rippled before being quelled once more by his hand, “Fret not, for your life will not be stuck in this darkness we find ourselves in.
“Through the advancement of Crystal Technology, and a heap of new minerals mined with our proximity to the richest of veins, we have found a way to not only move across the Wind Country, but to also resurface wherever we want. In three months time, from this date, we will make our first rise back into the world above to open our protective dome. During that time, should anyone wish to leave Sunagkaure and make their life elsewhere we will not dissuade you. Be you shinobi, merchant, or commoner, no one will be forced to stay. I do hope that the advent of fresh air and the actual light of the sun will change your minds, but no one is to be forced into taking part of the changes we are pushing forward with."
“The first major change I would like to announce is the dissolution of the Old Blood, and the Old Council. This is due to their unchecked influence in military and government politics has lead us inevitably towards the first civil war in Suna’s history. From this day forward, we will work together to decide our leadership. No longer will certain sects of the populace have an opinion considered higher than that of the most common of man. We cannot move forward in these dark times unless it can be done together. As some of you may know, they were the first to learn of the coup and instead of stay behind to defend their estates it was decided to move from here to their vacationing homes in Sora. From this day forward, the Diamon District will be home to those that work hardest to see our future fulfilled in one day regaining control of the Wind Country."
“The second major change will be the direction of the Sunagakure Military. For the last three-hundred years we have had only one goal in mind - protect the village. Instead, I would like to change that focus to protect the people. Without your presence there is no Sunagakure, and then we are nothing more than just a monument to the past. The great Primus who freed our shackles centuries ago didn’t do it for a single village - he did it to save humanity from the clutches of evil. No matter what happens to Suna, from this day forward, our focus will be on making this a home and not just a military state to be used by the highest bidder. From this day forward, Sunagkaure is independent from the Daimyo, from the Twins, and from anyone who would use us to further their own ambitions. We now fight for our right to live!”
For the first time the crowd cheered, shocked and stunned by the Kazekage’s words and how much power he had just handed them. They had the opportunity to actually make lasting change that didn’t hinge on them being a merchant lord or ties to an old bloodline that held a higher importance over others. A wave of cautious optimism seemed to be on the rise among the people gathered there, and with his hand raised once more they fell silent faster than before.
“The final announcement, and most important of the three, is one that pains me dearly but I cannot forgive myself of the faults that caused the lives of so many. It was my plan entirely to oust Chikamatsu Wei from his seat and take control of the village - not the Toraono, not the other Old Blood - me.” A lie, as he had been selected to lead the coup not plan it, but it was a lie he felt necessary to give the populace trust back into the government after so much loss.
“I could no longer watch my clan being sent out against the Nomads, people who we had been partners with since the time of Primus. I could no longer abide by our village being taken control by greed and anger. The service of our military sold right out from under us, taking us into a path darker than the caves we now tread. I gathered those who would listen to my plan, and moved to oust the Steward with as little violence as possible - a hubris we are now paying for. As such, I have decided to step down as the 13th Kazekage, and to remove the position all together. One single person cannot be the voice to the thousands who live here, or the lives of those who fight to protect those they love. Leadership of the village will now be regulated to the Three Sennin; faithful protectors all.
"Miroku Akkuma, who sacrificed his most trusted staff to find a cure for the madness Wei had poisoned us with. He will be tantamount in insuring we fight any new disease and the health of every citizen. Shingetsu Sora, who kept the enemy from above at bay and kept the devastation of Sunagakure to a minimum that could have seen our beloved village in ruins. They now lead from the skies, keeping an eye above unchallenged for now by the powers above as we have thrashed their only airship. And, Tsurara Moriko, who’s very hand was the one to put Chikamatsu Wei to rest eternally. They took on a job harder than most and did so without a moment’s hesitation, and thusly, shall be rewarded for their services in ensuring our defenses are shored up against any and all that would see harm to our home. These three Sennin will guide us from now on, and in four years we will hold a vote to elect new members to take their place so that we may constantly change as is needed to ensure the village ever moves forward.”
Michino removed his hat, shaggy hair falling around his scarred face from within as he placed it before his legs and bowed deeply in apology to the crowd before him - an act by a Kazekage never previously seen before. He hoped that with his resignation from leadership, and taking the full brunt of the civil war’s actions, the trust in the military would be regained at least to some degree. They had a long road ahead of them, one that was literally being built right now as he spoke, and with his first and last decrees, the 13th lit a torch for everyone to carry into the darkness. He uprighted himself, and lifted a fist high into the air before shouting,
[The second event has now started! For the next three months, or, 1 year’s time ICly, Sunagakure will be building the railroad tracks for the village to move across the land, and experience their first time underground in decades. From today until the end of the Event, tag any thread that involves reconstruction, combating creatures of the Underworld, or establishing new trade with the world above with the tag [Second Chaos Era], and it will count towards the Event. At the end of the event we will reward everyone with a bonus in accordance to the number of threads finished with this tag. These threads can be Opened, Private, or even Missions - modded or solo. So long as their content is working towards repairing Sunagkaure, it will be accepted. At the end of the event another Large Scale Event thread will be open for anyone to participate in containing separate rewards that will move us into the next arc. Have fun RPing in Suna!]
The government had much to explain. Not only had Michino’s attempted bloodless coup end up anything but that, no one had even began to explain to the common man that they would now be stuck underground once more. Merchants and crafters that weren’t tied to the Orders were the first to raise their voice, followed by what remained of the nobility that hadn’t jumped ship at the mention of a coup by the Old Council. Throughout the first day of rest more than just the economy spoke, and the common man who simply lived within Sunagakure for its protection also started to raise their voice in protest. Even those who had confirmed with the officials that had done a welfare check on their populace that they understood were starting to complain. Perhaps they had only expected this to be temporary as a shield to the explosions above, to rise once more and resume business as usual the next day.
However, that day was a far away possibility.
The Twins had taken a large control over the Wind Country. Initial scouting reports spoke of how the entire train enterprise was completely at the mercy of their new masters. The Nomads and their homes, however, were in a far better shape now without the might of Suna being thrown at them, but the once strong relationship between the two was currently shattered. Only two clans, one major and one minor, knew the truth of Suna’s attacks and continued to stand by them while the rest had started to kill shinobi of any kind on sight. Sunagakure had not fallen into the villain’s hands, and a great deal of bloodshed had been spared…but, the cost had been great.
Highly aware of this, painfully so, was the 13th Kazekage. He had agreed to the Old Council’s demands to oust way and had foolishly chosen to remove him peacefully as possible instead of sending a confident assassin. He even knew two that could have done it with ease, hailing from a clan that specialized in assassination. His hubris had lead to the downfall of the hidden village back into the caverns they had spent hiding from the Maelstrom; an emergency back up plan in case Wei’s forces proved too grand. Which they had. There had also been the problem of a leak from the Old Bloods themselves, people who were permitted to sit on the Council purely based on their bloodlines alone. A few of them, now dead at the hands of an ANBU Captain’s machinations, had nearly caused the entire village to be wiped out entirely. Heart heavy with regret for his actions, the Toraono Lord decided to make things right as well as he possibly could.
He was wearing the old robes. White trimmed with gold thread that had emeralds hanging from the sleeves, it had been resized to fit his enormous frame; he was the largest Kazekage in history now. The large white hat frequently used in old times was also upon his head, the kanji for “Wind” proudly displayed on the front surrounded in green to remind them of the fertile lands the desert had once been. He stepped out onto a balcony set in the Diamond District which had been opened up now to the entire populace with the exit of many of the noble families that had lived there. The Kazekage Tower had been reduced to ice and powder, and while it would have been best to wait until it was finished to make such announcements he was planning the 13th insisted that all repairs be focused on homes and businesses first. Even with only three days past, that was actually coming along swiftly. A small blessing of the crew who had laid out the tracks below in secret was finding pockets of chakra crystals yet unearthed. With the use of a handful of shinobi capable of the Wood Release, they had been able to turn the crystals into a force for reconstruction.
The people below stood waiting as Michino stepped out into view. Some called out jeers and some awful slurs, while others praised his presence knowing that as a Kazekage he would lead them forward into a better future. Outside of the 12th, who’s time had been cut short, most of the line had been good to Sunagakure, and those people expected he would be just the same. Raising one large hand, the crowd’s noise came to a slow silence. Chakra filled his throat and allowed his voice to echo out into the district so that everyone could hear his decrees.
“My fellow man, my brothers and sisters, we find ourselves in a time unlike any that has befell us since the time of the Maelstrom - perhaps even darker. A cabal of enemies above has forced us back into the Underworld, where we will find ourselves living for some time yet.” A dark murmur rippled before being quelled once more by his hand, “Fret not, for your life will not be stuck in this darkness we find ourselves in.
“Through the advancement of Crystal Technology, and a heap of new minerals mined with our proximity to the richest of veins, we have found a way to not only move across the Wind Country, but to also resurface wherever we want. In three months time, from this date, we will make our first rise back into the world above to open our protective dome. During that time, should anyone wish to leave Sunagkaure and make their life elsewhere we will not dissuade you. Be you shinobi, merchant, or commoner, no one will be forced to stay. I do hope that the advent of fresh air and the actual light of the sun will change your minds, but no one is to be forced into taking part of the changes we are pushing forward with."
“The first major change I would like to announce is the dissolution of the Old Blood, and the Old Council. This is due to their unchecked influence in military and government politics has lead us inevitably towards the first civil war in Suna’s history. From this day forward, we will work together to decide our leadership. No longer will certain sects of the populace have an opinion considered higher than that of the most common of man. We cannot move forward in these dark times unless it can be done together. As some of you may know, they were the first to learn of the coup and instead of stay behind to defend their estates it was decided to move from here to their vacationing homes in Sora. From this day forward, the Diamon District will be home to those that work hardest to see our future fulfilled in one day regaining control of the Wind Country."
“The second major change will be the direction of the Sunagakure Military. For the last three-hundred years we have had only one goal in mind - protect the village. Instead, I would like to change that focus to protect the people. Without your presence there is no Sunagakure, and then we are nothing more than just a monument to the past. The great Primus who freed our shackles centuries ago didn’t do it for a single village - he did it to save humanity from the clutches of evil. No matter what happens to Suna, from this day forward, our focus will be on making this a home and not just a military state to be used by the highest bidder. From this day forward, Sunagkaure is independent from the Daimyo, from the Twins, and from anyone who would use us to further their own ambitions. We now fight for our right to live!”
For the first time the crowd cheered, shocked and stunned by the Kazekage’s words and how much power he had just handed them. They had the opportunity to actually make lasting change that didn’t hinge on them being a merchant lord or ties to an old bloodline that held a higher importance over others. A wave of cautious optimism seemed to be on the rise among the people gathered there, and with his hand raised once more they fell silent faster than before.
“The final announcement, and most important of the three, is one that pains me dearly but I cannot forgive myself of the faults that caused the lives of so many. It was my plan entirely to oust Chikamatsu Wei from his seat and take control of the village - not the Toraono, not the other Old Blood - me.” A lie, as he had been selected to lead the coup not plan it, but it was a lie he felt necessary to give the populace trust back into the government after so much loss.
“I could no longer watch my clan being sent out against the Nomads, people who we had been partners with since the time of Primus. I could no longer abide by our village being taken control by greed and anger. The service of our military sold right out from under us, taking us into a path darker than the caves we now tread. I gathered those who would listen to my plan, and moved to oust the Steward with as little violence as possible - a hubris we are now paying for. As such, I have decided to step down as the 13th Kazekage, and to remove the position all together. One single person cannot be the voice to the thousands who live here, or the lives of those who fight to protect those they love. Leadership of the village will now be regulated to the Three Sennin; faithful protectors all.
"Miroku Akkuma, who sacrificed his most trusted staff to find a cure for the madness Wei had poisoned us with. He will be tantamount in insuring we fight any new disease and the health of every citizen. Shingetsu Sora, who kept the enemy from above at bay and kept the devastation of Sunagakure to a minimum that could have seen our beloved village in ruins. They now lead from the skies, keeping an eye above unchallenged for now by the powers above as we have thrashed their only airship. And, Tsurara Moriko, who’s very hand was the one to put Chikamatsu Wei to rest eternally. They took on a job harder than most and did so without a moment’s hesitation, and thusly, shall be rewarded for their services in ensuring our defenses are shored up against any and all that would see harm to our home. These three Sennin will guide us from now on, and in four years we will hold a vote to elect new members to take their place so that we may constantly change as is needed to ensure the village ever moves forward.”
Michino removed his hat, shaggy hair falling around his scarred face from within as he placed it before his legs and bowed deeply in apology to the crowd before him - an act by a Kazekage never previously seen before. He hoped that with his resignation from leadership, and taking the full brunt of the civil war’s actions, the trust in the military would be regained at least to some degree. They had a long road ahead of them, one that was literally being built right now as he spoke, and with his first and last decrees, the 13th lit a torch for everyone to carry into the darkness. He uprighted himself, and lifted a fist high into the air before shouting,
“We stand strong! As the Maelstrom blows!”
[The second event has now started! For the next three months, or, 1 year’s time ICly, Sunagakure will be building the railroad tracks for the village to move across the land, and experience their first time underground in decades. From today until the end of the Event, tag any thread that involves reconstruction, combating creatures of the Underworld, or establishing new trade with the world above with the tag [Second Chaos Era], and it will count towards the Event. At the end of the event we will reward everyone with a bonus in accordance to the number of threads finished with this tag. These threads can be Opened, Private, or even Missions - modded or solo. So long as their content is working towards repairing Sunagkaure, it will be accepted. At the end of the event another Large Scale Event thread will be open for anyone to participate in containing separate rewards that will move us into the next arc. Have fun RPing in Suna!]