Seeking Training

[Yumiko]

Well, here she was. The Toraono Dojo. It was admittedly far more intimidating than she had imagined; the enormous sandworm bone structure harrying her progress as she fought to just turn around, head to the much friendlier looking hospital, and try seeking out Shuu first. She steeled herself forward, forcing herself to progress through the almost cult-like menagerie of Toraono-family banners. "Uhh... Hello?" she asked, fighting to keep the minor tremors of apprehension out of her voice. She shook her head to clear it. She was a ninja now, however low rank of one. And ninjs were not scared of locations.

"Zetsumo-sensei?" she tried again, stopping for a moment. Maybe he wasn't around? Despite the thought she still decided to wait for a few minutes at the very least.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Yumiko had arrived at the Throne of Bone in short order with markings on the wall showing the halls of each branch family within the actual training facility. Yumiko could easily read the diagrams and the plaques dedicated to each family which explained a great deal as to why so many people were part of the Toraono Clan.

The first plaque was set beneath a large life sized crystal tiger with the wording in common and runic terran relating the second eldest family within the Toraono Clan... The Kindred of Byakko: Some of the Toraono Clan descend from the blood of the celestial beast Byakko, the great white tiger. As such they are normally born with white, gray, or blonde hair with exotic gray, blue, or ever rare completely white eyes. These warriors are able to use taijutsu that combines their inner energy flawlessly with their movements resulting in a combat style known amongst the Toraono Clan as Tora no Ken or Fist of the Tiger. Mistress Hanone stood at the wait to meet those whom would come for the strictest of taijutsu training. She was intensely beautiful as her skin seemed to sparkle, like snow on a sunny day. To see her standing there with her white hair tied up in a tight bun with white lace and her shimmer silk white battle robes she could have been made of unmelting ice. Eyes as blue as the true clear skies looked upon Yumiko with a smile.

Another plaque sat beneath a large life size onyx statue of an Ox with actual lightning sparking between its horns' tips. The second plaque was written with the wording in common and runic terran relating the history of the youngest family within the Toraono Clan... The Kindred of Ox-King: Some of the Toraono Clan descend from the blood of one of the demon beast Kings the Oushi-ouja Ox King whom was actually defeated and absorbed by Hyakujuuonouu, the King of demon beasts and cousin of the celestial white tiger Byakko. Those whom show traits of descent from this line are known to be born larger than most babies. Many are born with special chakra seal crests upon their foreheads, chests, abdomens or backs. As they grow older they show off their inhuman strength and tend to be taller than many of those of the Toraono Clan, the tallest of these warriors actually tapered off at eight feet by the time of her twenty third birthday. The males of this lineage occasionally grow ox like horns, sometimes the women do as well but it is very rare. They are also able to master jutsu’s that allow them to turn into giants. They tend to be born with full heads of black, blue, or brown hair with large brown, blue, or rare jade green eyes. These warriors are able to use taijutsu that combined their great strength and massive size to level mountains, forests and young sandwyrms. Guardian Vajura stood at the wait leaning against a wall with his massive arms crossed. At seven feet in height, broad chested and strong, Vajura resembled a man that had been made from a bull, even his shoulders were thick, so much so he seemed to have no neck. A spark of jade green lightning leapt from his left horn to the right. As he stood near the main entrance in his black and brown battle gi was slightly ragged at the shoulder and at the base of his feet from years of training and use. His jade green eyes seemed humble and calm as he nodded to Yumiko as she passed him by.

The next plaque Yumiko found sat beneath a large life size marble statue of a Panther with amazing smoke gem eyes. This third plaque was written with the wording in common and runic terran relating the history of the third eldest family within the Toraono Clan... The Kindred of Hyou: Some of the Toraono Clan descends from the blood of the celestial beast Hyou, the great black panther. As such they are normally born with extremely dark skin and hair. These members are often born with gold or completely black eyes. These warriors are able to use ninjutsu and Genjutsu in a way that allows them to remain undetected until they strike. Their stealth is so naturally and flawlessly accomplished that their movements can influence the shadows. They tend to be lazy when not challenged but when a hunt is brought forth there are few that can match their natural stealth and hunting skills. Kaiyu leaned against a wall seemingly asleep as a black mask covered his face, but his completely black eyes peered from beneath long eyelashes as he opened his eyes for brief moments in response to sounds and smells, it was said no target had ever escaped a descendant of Hyou and few would ever doubt it. Covered in all black combat gear he was one of the few Hyou Clan whom seemed to openly enjoy his laziness.

She would then come upon Sanryoukyogan Kuro. He stood at five feet, ten inches, weighing in at two hundred and eighty pounds. Kuro’s silver gray mane of hair had a reasonable amount of muscle mass to conceal. With a twenty one inch neck Kuro’s hair couldn’t conceal very much even as it cascaded to the center of his upper back. Violet eyes with gold slits peered from a chocolate brow with large ebony horns growing from where a normal man’s temples would be. He wore a sand tone obi around his thirty six inch waist. The obi allowed Kuro to carry a set of scrolls and medical equipment. Kuro wore his battle pouch on a second sash just above his right hip. Kuro wore his leg sheath on the interior of his hakama just atop his fighting gi shorts with his area seals and summon scrolls. A convenient cut in the silk cloth of his left hakama pants leg allowed Kuro full access to his ANBU gear without showing exactly where it was till he motioned to grab it. Sanryoukyogan Kuro proudly displayed the runic terran markings of his hand and leg wraps while his tail swished back and forth its tiger stripes faintly surging with chakra. His black gi top failed miserably to conceal his overly muscular upper body. His flesh where it could be seen seemed to glint like metal or steel.

He looked up from his preparations to wave at the young lady before coming to sit before her.
"Hello young Kunoichi I am Toraono Kuro, Sennin of Sunagakure. I am expecting some rather interesting guests to invade this place so before that happens is there anyone I can help you find?"

 

[Yumiko]

Yumiko had trouble absorbing all the information but she was... needless to say, highly, highly intrigued by all the plaques and the information they provided. Most especially the one near Mistress Hanone. She smiled back and gave a shy wave, but was quickly startled when she was verbally addressed by Toraono Kuro. She spun round, eyeing the individual up and down.

"Oh... I... Sorry, i'm Aihara, Yumiko. I was wondering if Zetsumo-sensei was around? He uhh... promised to train me." now it was very hard for her to mask her shyness. She was now interrupting several people she wasn't good enough to warrant getting the time of day from, much less training. On top of that she was bothering these people at pretty much the worst possible time. She balked, just a bit, unsure of what to do. "If... he's not here I can leave you alone if you need me to." she offered. After she spoke she realized she had pretty much stated the obvious. "I mean-" she started to correct herself but froze, swallowed, and straightened her back. She was giving a horrible impression, so she focused all of her energy in trying to look more confident than she felt, "It's an honor to meet you." she tried, doubtful that it would help very much.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Sanryoukyogan Kuro nodded to Hanone whom bowed graciously before him before taking a good look at Yumiko then with a swift series of gestures summoning a gray and black urban camouflage training gi with black sand weighted materials in the leg and arm wraps which she bundled up and slipped into a leather satchel with food and water as he turned and took a knee before Yumiko so that they were eye to eye and she could see his eyes were like gems with pretty colors all around. Despite his demonic features she could actually feel the aura of holiness and safety he gave off. " No, my dear Yumiko san it is my honor to meet you. Byakko Zetsumo Sensei is currently keeping the housing districts safe with some select members of his personal class. If he promised you lessons I am sure he is waiting eagerly to train you. Mistress Hanone one of Zetsumo Sensei's daughter's will escort you to him now if you like?"<i></i>

 

[Sand Council]

Saiga​

The Cabal leader had taken the invite and brought his people into the dojo despite knowing of its dangers; not proposed by the inhabitants, but by the placed threats concealed within by others. Their reach had tainted deep into the Sunagakure village's most sacred areas. While the rest of the refugees sought comforts, Saiga had taken to exploring the impressive compound. While he would never own anything as grand in his whole life, he saw the spoils of war and conflict build this place up from scratch in his imagination. Built on the blood of the clan's enemies. As a warrior it was a small point of appreciation, but as a Cabal it was nothing more than an overly-sized building to be reduced to dust later on. Just not yet.

Toraono Kuro was known for his diplomatic ways and Saiga viewed these as a tremendous weakness in his character. He had essentially allowed a shark a midst his own staff and people of his village. The soldier did not kill for fun like some of his compatriots, but he did understand that a battlefield did not discriminate age or gender and that all could succumb to its terrors. A questionable tactical decision at best.

"It is not wise to have children wandering about with such adversities in the streets."<i></i>

Saiga had come upon the group, having already been through this grand hall some time ago. He knew all of their faces and their historical bloodlines and talents of combat. Intelligence wasn't a difficult thing to gather when people of a grand nature flaunted their heirtage and history to all who would listen. They listened intently and dug deeper. Polished boots stopped just on the outside circle of the gathered's realm of defense; a calculated choice made by the stern-faced man, "Besides, it is useless to train under a single master, young one."<i></i> The cold gaze of a man who had seen much death trained onto Yumiko, "You would do well to learn that early on and learn from all, instead of just one. Enemies and friends, adolescent and the elderly, the rash and the patient. Do not allow the old ways of this village to ruin your still growing mind. It is the teachings of such people that have brought this cataclysm down upon the village."<i></i>

[Topic Entered; Anarchy!]

 

[Yumiko]

(Oh come on. What exactly am I supposed to do here? That's not even fair :/ )

Yumiko glanced between the two and felt far more at ease. She smiled a bit at Kuro, wondering what jutsu he had used to summon clothes of all things. She fidgeted slightly, "I... would like that very much, if it's not too much of a bother." she said, and was about to promise to try her very best when they were rudely interrupted by the Cabal. She immediately lost her feeling of ease and turned to face him. She stared back at him, her face the exact opposite of his; youthful, innocent, full of spirit.

"Y-you're wrong." she said. That was all she could do. She knew how far above her this was. She may as well shout a mountain to the ground as change anything when it came to this invasion. "You did this, not us." eight years old, she was far less metaphorical than the adults and generally took things as they were at face value, and in that regard she wasn't exactly wrong. The only thing she was left with as an option was to try and stand her ground. She was a ninja now... but why didn't she feel like one?

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Re: Seeking Training [Anarchy!]

OOC: ((No worries... it's rp so have fun))

Sanryoukyogan Kuro stood and placed his hands behind his back and approached in his natural state as the lunar event had passed so had the pull it had on his powers. "It's okay Yumiko, never lose yourself to politics or propaganda even if it is the truth. In Saiga's case it is true, you can never have too many teachers and you will take your own lessons from many events, and people just as he stated and yes our ways and open hand instead of a clenched fist did invite the problems we have amongst us. What he apparently forgot to mention was you will make up your own mind and create yourself from any and all lessons intentional or otherwise. Yumiko will choose her own path and forge her own destiny. Yumiko will become as great as she allows herself to be, she does not need a bitter, disenchanted sea dog of a soldier frightening her for no other reason than his military presence is unnecessary around children under the age of twelve. Your words although they ring with truth also ring hollow when faced with the simple fact that every crisis is an opportunity for greatness in others. Perhaps you forgot it because you are angry you are alive and well where those you led or cared for are not. I could divine an answer but that is not my place. I can heal your wounds, cure the diseases of the sick, I can even return a recently departed soul to the living as long as I know where they are but I can not change a closed heart. Your dedication and your nature are an obvious boon and a feat to be appreciated, but your choice of work and your reasons behind them leave much in doubt. Would you like for me to show you to some open quarters or prepare a special meal? I would never be inhospitable. As a man of personal integrity and strength perhaps you would prefer to spar?"<i></i>

Mistress Hanone came to stand beside Yumiko and eyed Saiga for a moment before noticing Kuro was completely carefree about the man and his entourage, then she remembered how he had face Djinn and similar threats and came to her own conclusion as she waved at Yumiko to join her as they left the area. She took Yumiko by the shoulder and led her away as her Byakkogan activated and she expanded her senses to avoid any true dangers as she led Yumiko back towards her home where her parents and Master Zetsumo were waiting.

 

[Sand Council]

Re: Seeking Training [Anarchy!]

Saiga​

The edges of Saiga's lips turned upward as he listend to Kuro, "I at least do not presume to understand someone as profoundly as you do. We have only exchanged a few words, but you do not know my history, my ideals, or my purpose in your home. A warrior does not need banners and grand halls to be proud. Nor a simple observation mean a blanketing statement meant to be forced down someone's throat. Admittedly, Toraono Kuro, you have lost some of your tact. I'm quite disappointed."<i></i>

The female mistress made an attempt to lead the young girl away, but Saiga raised a hand to stop their exit, knowing that making a physical gesture would be met with hostility.

"You would send the young one away when opportunity to observe combat is at hand? Let her stay and watch the two of us fight. Bring all of your masters too. Battle is the purest form of expression and offers insight on a more primal level."<i></i> There was nothing remarkable about Saiga's features or the clothing he wore. It was simple and clean, devoid of weapons or instruments of war many others often used, "Set the rules of engagement and choose the battlefield. I will abide by the house rules."<i></i> There was a flash of excite in the man's eyes, "A fight reads like a textbook would, actions translate to sentences and punctuation. When two individuals fight in a controlled environment, it is a dialogue. War is different, but ideally you will not see such a sight well into your young career."<i></i>

His gaze passed between those in the room, resting on Kuro, "Lead the way."<i></i>

 

[Yumiko]

Re: Seeking Training [Anarchy!]

Yumiko balked a bit. Well, she'd been thoroughly shut down by both sides and now it was time for them to showdown. It was surely going to be an intense battle, and they both seemed to want to teach her by doing so. But all Yumiko could think of was I don't want to learn anything from that man. However childish it was, she would not be used as another one of the Cabal's pawns to force their tainted message down unwilling throats. She had heard all she needed to hear from the Cabal when they had sent that first message barely a handful of hours ago for all the events that happened. So Yumiko did the one thing she was capable of doing to exercise her free will in a room filled with so many powerful individuals: Yumiko defiantly closed her eyes.

Let them fight to tell their stories if they want. Let them flex and show their power and wreck rooms and buildings and undoubtedly leave onlookers in awe. But Yumiko refused to be the conduit for such debauchery. "I am a ninja." she whispered. Mostly to herself. She'd made her choice. Her teachers would be Shuu and Zetsumo-sensei and Koga and the other people she respected. And that would be that.

 

[Mikaboshi]

Re: Seeking Training [Anarchy!]

Katuso had come to the Toraono Dojo mostly to make sure that everything was secure there. Word on the street was that the Dojo was one of the few gathering places which were holding out against the criminal element of Sunagakure. As he'd come to understand it, the Palace was the place where Sand had holed up all of their undesirables. The murderers, the psychos, the thieves. And now all of that was running loose on the ground floor of Sunagakure doing whatever they wanted. It was terrifying, really. For the average person this must have seemed like the end of the world. The shinobi which they'd relied on for so long to keep everybody safe were in chaos while the monsters that they'd spent the better part of a decade corking up in the darkness to stew in their anger and helplessness ran roughshod over the village that they hated. The only thing that had prevented him from going all out on the streets to take as many criminals down as possible had been the cautious warnings of Tatsumasa. The blade's wisdom acted as a powerful buffer against Katsuo's temper and impetuousness. The sword had reminded him that recklessly engaging the scum on the streets would only get him taken down by the ringleaders of the whole she-bang and right now he couldn't risk an encounter like that. There were too many missing variables to the equation.

Still. It killed Katsuo to leave so many to their fates at the hands of the villains that now roamed the streets.

So far, everything was to satisfaction. They didn't need him here; not really. He'd been getting himself up and ready to leave the dojo when he'd stumbled across this scene. He knew Toraono Kuro-- it was hard not to. Kuro was unmistakable from the stories which were told about him. Even though Kuro was not overly tall, his features marked him easily as the border sennin of Sunagakure. The "Demonbeast of Sunagakure". Katsuo had always planned to come and meet Kuro, if only to take his measure, but he wished this first meeting were under better circumstances than the invasion which was taking place in Sunagakure. The other man... he didn't recognize. But he knew a warrior when he saw one. It was written all over his face and in his stance, most of all. To untrained eyes Saiga probably looked relaxed. Even at ease. But a martial artist was always ready for a fight even while relaxed and that showed in the way that Saiga carried himself. And from the way Kuro and Saiga talked... they were not friends. There was an energy of hostility between them, latent in nature certainly but unmistakable.

It was a jump but for the legendary Toraono Kuro to be on such terms with another, he likely viewed him as an enemy. And if he viewed him as an enemy...

Saiga and Kuro exchanged a challenge and Kuro began to send for someone to take a young girl who had the look of a young warrioress in the making about her to be taken away from what was soon to become a fight scene. This was not the place for that. If Saiga was indeed one of the enemy's number then a fight with him could endanger people around them and Katsuo wasn't about to stand for that. This place needed to remain safe for the people who were hiding here from the violence of the city. Bringing further fighting into their presence was just doing the Cabal a favor. Stepping out as Saiga raised his hand to stop the woman who was attempting to usher Yumiko away from the scene, Katsuo shifted his arms to push his large white coat past his pockets, pushing the magnificent blade sheathed at his right side with along with it, and placed his hands into them before stepping forward and clearing his thought. As he strode forward, he passed the Toraono woman and Yumiko just closely enough to hear her whisper the words of encouragement to herself. So she was a Sand-nin, he thought briefly as his thoughts strayed to her. At her age she couldn't have been much more than a student-- maybe a genin if she were particularly talented. She was brave to even be standing in the presence of someone like Saiga. He didn't know her but he decided instantly that he liked the cut of her jib. His mom used to say that the path of bravery began at the impossible and it seemed that Yumiko was embracing that with all her heart. Nothing could be more worthy of respect.

"Mind if I cut in, Lord Toraono?" Katsuo said, confidence clear in his voice as he swagged out of the crowd."If we're gonna have a ball, I'd like the first dance. But it's getting a bit crowded in here, right?"

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Re: Seeking Training [Anarchy!]

Sanryoukyogan Kuro bowed as he stood up he placed his hand upon a wall and the round 12x 12 foot circle rose from the ground becoming an even ring 3 feet off the actual floor. Six ornate elderwood poles rose and with them a crosshatched well made and lightly enchanted rope fence rose attached to them. The tiling of the ring center sunk down and opened to revealed matted, cushioned and reinforced floors that were bouncy but solid. The poles rose twenty feet to touch the ceiling, they parted easily at two points to provide and entrance and an exit. A rope cage as it were with easy access and exit that placed itself together in under 1 minute. Sanryoukyogan Kuro then pointed to the open entrance as he stepped inside he spoke quietly to Saiga before he announced the rules... "It's not that I know your past or your actual reasoning. I can see your soul with these eyes and what it shows me is honor and a closed heart..."<i></i>

A scent of fireforged steel and Suna's light approached, it was apparently one of the Masashi clan requesting to have the spar. Kuro knew for certain that Saiga wanted to embarrass him which would be incredibly hard to do but he had no doubts in his minds.
He looked to the warrior swordsman and asked Saiga to step forward as well.
"It appears you have another challenger besides myself Saiga so would you rather face an unknown or a battle with someone you think you know? I am capable of being a referee and healer just as easily as I am capable of being the cause of your bruises and bumps in the future. As one of the Masashi he can be a referee as well or we can forgo referees if one of your comrades doesn't want to referee and we can simply choose weapons and limitations and have ourselves a good time. Either way I leave this decision up to you Saiga, it is not the Toraono way to force options upon another."<i></i>

 

[Sand Council]

Re: Seeking Training [Anarchy!]

Saiga​

"It is closed to stay wary eyes, Toraono-san."<i></i> He retorted.

A new challenger did approach. A face that Saiga did not recognize, nor one they had done any extensive intelligence for and suddenly the meeting had become far more interesting. The new man and the cabal lieutenant were much one in the same in that their stances betrayed them. A warrior had a way about them, a posture that truly never set aside their more cynical nature expecting everyone in the room to turn against them. He shifted slightly in place to better accommodate the newcomer.

Teeth shown briefly as a grin came and went in an instant, "Quite right, force isn't the way of the Toraono."<i></i> Decades of experience embodied Saiga's martial prowess, in both a micro and macro level. Fighting someone hand-to-hand to settle a dispute or commanding thousands of soldiers to overcome an opposing force, he had seen the worst of the world and wading through pools of blood while doing so. Despite the actions of his group, his superiors, Saiga would never raise a hand against an innocent. Unless he was ordered to.

Saiga was a soldier.

Saiga was a great soldier.

Now that a new face had presented itself as an opponent, it offered a chance to alter the rules Kuro had initially set forth.

"Our new friend is quite right, it has gotten crowded. We should relocate to the forest where we have less concerns of property and civilians. Follow who may."<i></i> Fingers played with the silver band located on his right ring finger, and after a moment of hesitation, he would remove it and pocket the small piece of jewelry. One last look at the group present and he turned towards the main entrance to head towards the forested lands outside the Dojo, "And young one, be willing to stand by that when you're faced with a true enemy because they will test your fortitude, both physically and mentally."<i></i>

Considering the hell in the streets, that moment could come a lot sooner than she'd expect. The best of the best were forged in the fire of survival and death. Fight or die. A harsh lesson all had to learn at some point in their lives. Not even Toraono Kuro could preach peace forever.

[Topic Left; Moving]

 

[Yumiko]

Yumiko waited until she was sure he was gone again and then opened her eyes again. Well, that happened. She breathed a small sigh and looked up at Mistress Hanone, wondering if she would still be escorted to Zetsumo, or if she would have to go alone in light of the recent events. Seeing the newcomer Katsuo now, she gave a small wave. She really should feel terrified and exhausted, but it seemed she'd run out of both of those emotions for the time being. There was only so much of either one had in them for a day. Either way, she would head off, away from the dojo and back towards the city instead of the forest, possibly led by Hanone, possibly not.

[Topic left, possibly with escort?]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Mistress Hanone quickly led Yumiko to the area where her Zetsumo was patrolling the neighborhoods. Not many criminals had actually managed to make it into the housing district. Many more had went for the Grand Palais and the Nobles district to have fun or settle old disputes. Only those whom were twisted attacked hardworking families and it was that type of criminal imparticular that Master Zetsumo was all too sure to take down.

Topic left to return to this topic: http://www.ninpocho.com/viewtopic.php?f=367&t=26935&p=132822#p132822


Kuro was relieved that Yumiko was now able to do as she wanted, it made things feel right in the world when a future Kunoichi could step up and be what she wanted to be. Now he turned to the Masashi Clansmen and Saiga and nodded to Saiga. As Saiga walked off preparing himself for a rumble in the jungle Sanryoukyogan Kuro turned to gather the items necessary to heal either of those whom took up the match. After placing some tape, gauze, wraps, petroleum jelly, and some light pain relief medications in his hip pouch he retorted to his personnel the code phrase to begin the evacuation of the throne of bone itself and the movement to the ancient training halls that rested beneath the statue of Djinn. It would be a great deception as only a skeleton crew of guards whom were more than capable of accepting the worst would remain behind making the facility appear occupied while the real set of the clan and its students returned to the ancient structures that had survived even Baranyx and Djinn's actions simply by appearing as natural caverns. "We await the return, so resume your posts and keep the halls clean... I will be off to deal with Saiga one way or another. (nodding to Katsuo) If you care to beat me to him feel free to follow him close. I can sense him just about wherever he may go at the moment."<i></i>

The Healer aspect of Kuro patiently gathered his summoning scrolls which contained access to a vast amount of medical supplies, herbs, food, and clothing. It was time to show Saiga the other side of the Toraono Clan. We didn't need to FORCE anyone to do anything we simply avenge the wrongs done and right them. They didn't have to be the most proactive clan as many of them were true monsters in their own right and it was their desire for peace yet being prepared for anything that allowed them to maintain sanity and levity in almost all occurrences. Saiga had truly underestimated his opponents.

 

[Mikaboshi]

Katsuo grinned stupidly as Saiga seemed to excite at his challenge but at his side the sacred sword he carried vibrated with spiritual warning. It cautioned against the impetuousness that was flooding his reasoning but the warnings fell upon "deaf ears". In the moment where he'd realized that Saiga was likely an agent of the Cabal, Katsuo had already made up his mind that he was going to fight him. The tactical part of Katsuo's mind wanted to take Saiga "off the board" so to speak to prevent him from aiding any further in the atrocious attacks on Sunagakure but there was more to it than that. In his heart of hearts before anything else, Katsuo was a martial artist. A true warrior. His soul called out for battle against Saiga; to compare its power against Saiga's strength, and Katsuo was more than happy to oblige that. Saiga gestured and then began to leave, announcing that he'd fight anyone who chose to follow him.

And so Katsuo followed.

[Topic Left]