It has been a long time [Toraono Kuro]

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

"Lord kazuki it is then, although being in any way related to Mikaboshi means that by Ancient standards you can literally strengthen one another by merely being in eachother's presence. It is about the same way for Akkuma and I but with a severe difference, my bloodline is that of demonbeasts, warbeasts of feline make that follow a code of ethics and battle tested honor for as long as we have existed. We were once bound by Ancients, then we were freed by the human Toraono Clan and in their hour of need our Prince was bound in human form to the last blood and then dying son of the Toraono Clan. That Prince is my father, and his brother was the king and I am that King's reincarnation in a partial manner as I cannot contain all his power in any one mortal vessel. We are what you would call devils, evil beings bound by honor because believe you me some of our habits are evil by human standards. Miroku Akkuma is not of a law bound blood, his foundation is from chaos demons, my antithesis in many ways but just as I am bound by honor, he is bound by blood. We have made oaths to each other and by demon customs, blood, and spiritual ties we cannot betray each other just as I would never betray you. Now as for your lineage, when you have time and if you can get Mikaboshi to come with us I would be honored to show you to places that were once fortresses for the Deep and Flame Courts so that Mikaboshi may reclaim his lands and you may find some of your heritage." Kuro would explain. The Toraono Warlord's explanation proved Kazuki was correct in his assessment. Although sharing what could be labeled as demonic ancestry, they had different kind of demons behind them. The Overlord intertwined his fingers and sat silently for a while. He was, essentially, digesting everything he had learned from the King.

"How old are you?" was the first words that came out of the White Wolf's mouth, effectively breaking the silence that had filled the room. It was not an essential question, in fact it was just a query out of sheer curiosity. Kuro seemed no much older than the Silvery Haired Man, but given what he had just heard, he could very well be. "I hope you will never have to find out how some blood runs thinner than others. And how easily certain demons will break oaths, even blood oaths." Reaper warned him. He had seen it happen before. For Sand's and the Toraono's sake, it was better that Akkuma stayed true to his word, or there would be a river of crimson blood flowing from the Miroku compound. "Also I would like to understand why your sister is marrying Akkuma, can I know?" he would ask of him. It was an odd decision to an outsider, but perhaps enlightenment could come if he knew the reasons behind such arrangement.

"Mikaboshi coming to me?" Kazuki would inquire as he snorted. That was last the thing the Deep Court Lord would do. "There is no love lost between me and him. I don't think we will ever get along." the Sennin noted.

[MFT - 548]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKWoZFe0E0][b][u]He who brings the night[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Reaper

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro smiled at Kazuki's questions before he answered. "My original true wellspring body is 32 human years old, my second body is 28 human years old and has Sharingan abilities, my third body is not human he is an ogre-magi of old, my fourth body is 26 years old and possesses the heightened battle skills of the True Byakko clansmen, my fifth body was 50 human years hold and possessed of the same powers of healing and blessing as my sister Seika. My sixth and final body was 45 human years old an assassin of special songs and spiritual skills. So as a living being I am only 32 but the experiences I have from my ancestral memories and the powers I have inherited from fate and life make me feel as if I am 60 or more... As to why Seika is marrying Akkuma it is actually a very interesting tale and a twist of fate. The cycle of life occasionally returns the souls of those lost to others in new forms. Seika has the spirit of a Tenchi inside of her that heightens and magnifies her abilities and emotions to levels beyond even shinobi comprehension. The Tenchi within her can easily ravage me, my father or my brothers and just about anything or anyone with demon blood would be easily crushed by her. Her inner Tenchi has one weakness, LOVE, in the past it had fallen in love with a demon and the reincarnation of that demon is Akkuma. To make matters easier however both Seika and Akkuma are naturally attracted to eachother and actually complement eachother. She stops his excessive violent tendencies and she stops his. They are quite the couple light and darkness as it were."<i></i> Kuro sighed at the mention of Mikaboshi and his notorious stand offish attitude.

"Well Kazuki sama, the first part of being able to get along with anyone is to BE ABLE to accept them for exactly who and what they are. Mikaboshi is a King, a fallen King whom has taken the body of a primal human king, he cannot be bargained with, he cannot be forced, he can only be shown the options available to him and advised on what would be best for him then what would be good for everyone else. You don't have to get along to understand and possibly appreciate him. I am certain he only tolerates ME but I also know that he can understand that I mean him no harm and only want what is best for everyone. In this we can see eye to eye and make things work."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

"My original true wellspring body is 32 human years old, my second body is 28 human years old and has Sharingan abilities, my third body is not human he is an ogre-magi of old, my fourth body is 26 years old and possesses the heightened battle skills of the True Byakko clansmen, my fifth body was 50 human years hold and possessed of the same powers of healing and blessing as my sister Seika. My sixth and final body was 45 human years old an assassin of special songs and spiritual skills. So as a living being I am only 32 but the experiences I have from my ancestral memories and the powers I have inherited from fate and life make me feel as if I am 60 or more... As to why Seika is marrying Akkuma it is actually a very interesting tale and a twist of fate. The cycle of life occasionally returns the souls of those lost to others in new forms. Seika has the spirit of a Tenchi inside of her that heightens and magnifies her abilities and emotions to levels beyond even shinobi comprehension. The Tenchi within her can easily ravage me, my father or my brothers and just about anything or anyone with demon blood would be easily crushed by her. Her inner Tenchi has one weakness, LOVE, in the past it had fallen in love with a demon and the reincarnation of that demon is Akkuma. To make matters easier however both Seika and Akkuma are naturally attracted to eachother and actually complement eachother. She stops his excessive violent tendencies and she stops his. They are quite the couple light and darkness as it were." Kuro would explain. "Interesting." Kazuki would mumble. He thought the Toraono Warlord was much older, but it seemed, their age was not so far from each other, after all. "That means we are close in age, at least if I just consider your original body. I thought you were older. Maybe your demonic blood is the cause for it." he would note. Of the two, the Overlord certainly looked older. Silvery hair and a very pale skin were, usually, indications of aging. Although, in his case, it was far from the truth. Reaper also registed the Sennin's words about why Akkuma was marrying Seika. A reasonable explanation, but still not something he wanted to happen, not that he had any saying in the matter. "I hope they find happiness together." the White Wolf told him.

The conversation was soon turned sour though, as Kuro addressed Mikaboshi's notorious stand offish attitude. "Well Kazuki sama, the first part of being able to get along with anyone is to BE ABLE to accept them for exactly who and what they are. Mikaboshi is a King, a fallen King whom has taken the body of a primal human king, he cannot be bargained with, he cannot be forced, he can only be shown the options available to him and advised on what would be best for him then what would be good for everyone else. You don't have to get along to understand and possibly appreciate him. I am certain he only tolerates ME but I also know that he can understand that I mean him no harm and only want what is best for everyone. In this we can see eye to eye and make things work." The Silvery Haired Man would nod upon hearing those words. The Toraono Warlord had made sense, unfortunately, logic seemed misplaced when Ancients were involved. "That is all fine, but logic doesn't seem to apply when Ancients are around. I have not met Mikaboshi a great deal of times, most of those were tense situations, with little conversation time. In fact, in one of them we fought. But you have greater experience in this, than me, so I will accept your word. He and I are, probably, the remnants of the Deep Court, and I am not even a full blood Ancient. We may not like each other, but we should try to get along. I may be able to compromise, but I except the same from him. Fallen king or not." the ANBU Sennin stated. He owed Mikaboshi no allegiance, no loyalty. Things would have to be worked between them. Perhaps an ambassador was needed. Perhaps it did not. But if someone knew, that was Kuro.

[MFT - 313]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKWoZFe0E0][b][u]He who brings the night[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Reaper

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro would nod at Kazuki's assessments, and would definitely relax as the conversation steered towards Mikaboshi. "Well Mikaboshi is a true Ancient and by his very nature hard to get along with, were I not a demon blooded and easily despised by main stream society I would have little in common with him nor the ability to see active compromise. I have learned that the more human you are in personality, the more ethnocentric you are. It becomes far easier to anthropomorphize another by giving HUMAN traits to cats, dogs, birds, mountains, and the least understood Ancients. We do not necessarily destroy a mountain just because people have died when there were avalanches or were attacked by the beasts that populate its higher regions. The same logic applied to Mikaboshi until now... he has taken human form, he is now subject to human flaws, emotions, perceptions. He has bridged the gap between Ancients and humans in a profound and dangerous manner. He has not even registered the link he has become and when I speak with him again I must confer upon him what he has truly done. He will not be happy, but that too is for the best. The beings that do not want responsibility, the ones that are loners by nature and would rather sit back an observe and be selfish tend to make the best leaders because they have such distinct attention to detail that few things escape their regard. Do not worry your head over him very much I have taken steps to make sure he will NEVER be a threat to Suna or Sousuke again so long as I exist. Now, I do have a question that might be hard to answer what have you heard or have you learned of the being we called Mother Suna? I would very much like to talk with her as well. I am uncertain as to if you can sense other ancients by proximity but if you could help me find her and the Cabalist known as Fuu I would be most grateful. I remember an ANBU calling himself Zombie had escaped with her from a battle I had to endure with a Sovereign Mechina. I have had little time or luck to track them down. As far as Mother Suna is concerned if I could find a way to speak with her, perhaps offer her an olive branch that the rest of the world won't I can possibly divert her wrath upon Sunagakure and point it towards the man whom holds her people or their very essences as batteries. I am certain the Mechina I faced was powered by flame court Ancients as he easily overwhelmed my defenses and fire itself is one of my primal elements."

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

"Well Mikaboshi is a true Ancient and by his very nature hard to get along with, were I not a demon blooded and easily despised by main stream society I would have little in common with him nor the ability to see active compromise. I have learned that the more human you are in personality, the more ethnocentric you are. It becomes far easier to anthropomorphize another by giving HUMAN traits to cats, dogs, birds, mountains, and the least understood Ancients. We do not necessarily destroy a mountain just because people have died when there were avalanches or were attacked by the beasts that populate its higher regions. The same logic applied to Mikaboshi until now... he has taken human form, he is now subject to human flaws, emotions, perceptions. He has bridged the gap between Ancients and humans in a profound and dangerous manner. He has not even registered the link he has become and when I speak with him again I must confer upon him what he has truly done. He will not be happy, but that too is for the best. The beings that do not want responsibility, the ones that are loners by nature and would rather sit back an observe and be selfish tend to make the best leaders because they have such distinct attention to detail that few things escape their regard. Do not worry your head over him very much I have taken steps to make sure he will NEVER be a threat to Suna or Sousuke again so long as I exist." Kuro told him. It was reassuring to know that Mikaboshi's possession of a human body had given him weaknesses, flaws, emotions. It was also great to hear the Toraono Warlord had taken steps to prevent the Ancient from attacking Sunagakure. But he was only one, and how certain he was he could prevent such thing from happening? "Kuro you are only one man, well, demon. Despite your great prowess, not even you can contain a full storm. What steps have you taken to ensure Mikaboshi will not become a threat to us? Despite being one as we speak." Kazuki would inquire. Maybe those measures could be replicated. If known, the Overlord could try to recreate them in the event of Kuro's untimely demise.

"Now, I do have a question that might be hard to answer what have you heard or have you learned of the being we called Mother Suna? I would very much like to talk with her as well. I am uncertain as to if you can sense other ancients by proximity but if you could help me find her and the Cabalist known as Fuu I would be most grateful. I remember an ANBU calling himself Zombie had escaped with her from a battle I had to endure with a Sovereign Mechina. I have had little time or luck to track them down. As far as Mother Suna is concerned if I could find a way to speak with her, perhaps offer her an olive branch that the rest of the world won't I can possibly divert her wrath upon Sunagakure and point it towards the man whom holds her people or their very essences as batteries. I am certain the Mechina I faced was powered by flame court Ancients as he easily overwhelmed my defenses and fire itself is one of my primal elements." the Sennin would inquire. "I have met Mother Suna." the White Wolf would state as he went into silence. The Silvery Haired Man was quickly scrolling through his memories, recalling everything he knew about Shiori. "Mother Suna had assumed the identity of Takahashi Shiori, Sousuke's cousin. It was thanks to her that I have learned of my heritage. Sousuke killed her and she assumed a new shape. A blonde woman with milky white skin. Quite ravishing. She has, but one goal. To destroy Sunagakure, just like Mikaboshi. But I have no doubts she would redirect her anger, albeit temporarily, against the Wind Daimyo if she were to know he is imprisoning Ancients. At the same time, that would be a risky move, since if successful in freeing them, she would gather an army and would become unstoppable. I have a certain rapport built with her. I should be with you when you meet her." Reaper explained him. Kazuki cracked his knuckles as he went on. "Where you can find her, though, is a different beast to tackle. The last time I met her, it was outside the village. I cannot say if she has returned or simply stayed out there. She seems to have a thing for Sousuke, so we might find her lurking where he is." he noted.

Kuro had also questioned if he could sense other Ancients. In reality, the White Wolf was not certain if he had such a skill. Suna never mentioned as far as he was aware, and being one was something novel for him. "I have no idea if I can sense them, or if I need to be in the proximity to know there si one. Or if I can only sense of those of my own Court. It is something I have never considered before." the Silvery Haired Man shared him. There was only one other thing to answer. "Fuu is currently in Sand's Prison, under the care of the ANBU Branch. She seemed very eager to leave those facilities, and unless she has managed to evade its entire personnel, it is there you can find her."​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKWoZFe0E0][b][u]He who brings the night[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Reaper

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro nodded assistance in any form when dealing with those whom wished harm on those you are oathbound to protect was a great boon indeed. "Well that does bode well, at least Mother Suna is agreeable to conversation with someone. That alone gives me a chance to resolve whatever I can that makes her hostile toward us. As for Fuu I will make a request to have her placed within the Oracle under watch. That way her knowledge won't be lost again and the Oracle order may be hastily revived under the hand of the possibly last true Oracle. As far as the steps I have taken, I have gathered an array of knowledge that would provide an Ancient or even a hybrid like yourself access to things thought lost, I have tracked down three Ancient fortresses where traces of their people may be found. I will literally offer them all I can to find peace within themselves and a semblance of pride and stability a survivors of genocide. I am also prepared to beat them to within an edge of their existence. Make no mistake I do not want them dead or harmed, they are sacred treasures that must be preserved if only to attempt to understand the past. <i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

"Fuu is not going anywhere. She belongs in the prison, the only safe place inside Sunugakure's walls. She seeks to reunite with the Wind Diamyo and we must prevent it at all costs. You can still meet her if you wish, but she will get transferred. At least, until this crisis is over." Kazuki told him. He was aware of why Kuro was after Fuu. In fact, he had enrolled himself as an Oracle, before life shifted and he became the Ranger Lord. Thanks to Fuu, in fact. But she could not reunite with the Wind Daimyo, as it would spell disaster to them, and so the Toraono Warlord had to understand. Being a reasonable demon, the Overlord was certain, he would understand and comply. "As for meeting with Mother Suna, there is only one way. We leave the village, temporarily, and I will try to summon her. If she answers my call, great. If she fails to come to us, we simply wasted a few hours at best. There is nothing to lose in trying. Shall we go?" the White Wolf invited him.​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKWoZFe0E0][b][u]He who brings the night[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Reaper

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro nodded to Kazuki's assessment and smiled... "We can discuss Fuu and her location later, right now would be a good time to speak with Mother Suna as she is the only other Ancient remaining that could possibly fill in the gaps of history and help explain how all this occurred in full. Her aid may not come but her knowledge can be acquired indirectly without threat or harm. Whenever you are ready we can attempt to contact her. I will follow wherever you believe it is suitable."<i></i> Kuro checked his equipment making sure he brought writing implements, scrolls, and warp seals for a quick escape. He would do his best to avoid conflict with the source of of the Sunahoshi.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

"We can discuss Fuu and her location later, right now would be a good time to speak with Mother Suna as she is the only other Ancient remaining that could possibly fill in the gaps of history and help explain how all this occurred in full. Her aid may not come but her knowledge can be acquired indirectly without threat or harm. Whenever you are ready we can attempt to contact her. I will follow wherever you believe it is suitable." Kuro told him. Immediately after, he began checking his gear. It would seem that, just like Kazuki, the Toraono Warlord was crazy prepared for any event. "Meet me outside Sunagakure in one hour. After a two hours worth of travel, we should be far away as necessary to summon her. Do not tell anyone of what we are about to do, this could be considered treason by some." the Overlord warned him. Meeting a declared enemy of the state was treason, but sometimes you have to commit treasonous acts for the greater good.

[Topic Left]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQKWoZFe0E0][b][u]He who brings the night[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Reaper

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro would move briskly to retrieve some documents and books along with a couple of artifacts to have on hand should Suna really want proof of his sincerity. After checking over his equipment one last time Kuro left a note for his mother. This might be a time of sacrifice and he did not want his mother out after the last remaining Ancients should the worst befall him. She would understand that he had made his decisions to keep Suna and the family safe but he knew his mother's temper all too well better to tell her what was going on than let her jump to conclusions and go on a rampage. Akuma Kuro left for the outside of the village leaving his other avatars to fill the void and maintain vigil.

Topic left to wherever Kazuki deems we should meet up.