The Clearest Stigma [Solo]

[Enatsu]

He sat in a world of darkness blinded by his own greed for power. He couldn't get the words out of his mind that burned the images of hell's playground. He brought himself here and who could he blame. The head of the fallen would tilt back drinking the sweet alcohol his cousin had so precariously hid. This village, was nothing more than a fleeting image in his mind now. He no longer had to "look" upon the pain that was caused here but at the very least he could hear their screams. He could hear the fire, the destruction being caused around him. A smirk would spread across his face as he continued to drink. Each gulp a sweet yet rough burning his very throat. It was a fine feeling for one so low as himself. Is this how Kenji felt when his world crashed around him. A familiar voice would trail off in his ear as he took the seventeeth sip from the jug.

"Is this the same pitiful state you wish to allow yourself to be in. I thought you were the Grand Lion? Where's your pride Koga?" A chuckle would leave his lips as he listened to his chastiser. "Oh what do you know Inu. What have you sacrificed. I gave everything for my father and got left with hate. I gave up these eyes in rash dedication to this village. I admit it wasn't smart but I was hopeful to bring unity through sacrifice. I don't know probably let the books and stories of heroes get to me..." She would chuckle as she glided toward him, kneeling by his side and washing the blood from around his empty sockets. "Yes you're right, it was rash and stupid. You should have taken the woman up on her offer of regular eyes at the very least. I find it odd she could do that much but nothing with the Byakugan. Maybe if I try the eyes..." Koga would slap her hand away from his sockets. "Stop... Don't I'm done with these stupid childlike decisions. I took an unnecessary risk and this is my penance. I was so amp'd for power...I think I was turning into my father. So quick to compete with him, and become stronger. He'd have laughed in my face. I'm lost without him you know. It's a shame to admit it but I've been biting off more than I could chew since I lost the power of the Eight Gates. I was so ready to progress but into what? I'm nothing more than a stain..." She would slap him firmly and squarely in the jaw.

"Enough! I don't want to hear another word of this self pity. You made some bad choices and put some faith into wrong things. You're a greenhorn at war and quite honestly irresponsible. You are stupidly ready to try something new and use your body as a tool to encompass it, but you want to know what? That's what makes you you. I don't want to hear another word about how useless you think you are. As a matter of fact for every useless thing you relate yourself to, I want two things that make you useful. I'll be damned if we fall to two different weak minded idiots in this clan and let that caniving bastard you call a father take over you hear me Koga? Enough with this exploration for power, enough underating yourself and thinking you aren't good enough. As sad as it is to say I'm glad you lost your eyes, this was they eye opener you needed to show you the truth. You hold the future of this clan on your shoulders start acting like it." Inu would stand and take her leave irritated.

"The hell does she know... Always saying the things filled with the most truth. Seems like everybody knows what's right for me these days, except for me..." Koga would throw his bottle against the wall screaming at the world as loud as his lungs could muster. Just who the hell was this person he'd become? Someone so desperate for power and acceptance from others. Just when did he actually begin to care what anyone else thought? When had he gone so astray from his path as a warrior who stood on their own two feet. Koga would bring himself a flat position placing one arm behind his back. Without effort he'd begin to push his mass off the ground rising and descending to create the push up motion. "I will never rely on another for my strength... Curse the man I've become damn him to hell. I'll never be weak again..." Eyeless and torn between what was right or wrong, none of it mattered anymore. His strength came from within and whether or not he could access it was truly up to him. He pushed out thoughts of the village, thoughts of his father, thoughts of his mistakes, and only focus on one singular fact. His path was the one he'd have to walk upon. Every choice he made would ultimately fall on him and relying on another to help him, fix it, or whatever would only lead to his downfall. He did not need to go out of his way to fix a village who brought so many enemies upon themselves. The only thing he had to focus on was surviving this and ensuring that his clan survived as well. He would whip himself back into shape, blind or not. No one would hinder him any longer not even himself.

 

[Enatsu]

Re: The Clearest Stigma

He had done thousands of one armed push ups alternating between each. Squats were nothing but the build up would contribute. He had to get back to the basics of a time where he focused on few things. His mind had to be clear, and purged from anything but the current. It was as if some otherworldly fate was shafting him, but he'd take the results in stride never giving up. If he did he'd allow this "anarchy" this, chaos to win. He didn't care for these folks at the moment, the only thing that mattered was survival. After probably two hours of warm ups, he'd move to yell out for his kinsmen. "Unagi!" it would only take her two minutes to respond. "What's up Ko-...." She would stop mid sentence and begin to grasp the bridge of her nose as she walked closer to him. "I know what you're thinking..." A fist would come crashing into his face followed by six more punches. When the seventh one came down he pretty much had a feel where this was going and threw up both of his hands in response catching her fist. "You'll have all the time in the world to beat up on me after we train. Just help me get my combat skills adjusted. If I can fight even while being blind, maybe I'll be alright." With a large sigh she'd lift her cousin off the ground and dust him off.

"I just don't understand how in one day you lost the only other good eye you had. Gohma said you'd done something stupid but figured it be best if you tell us. Roku's going to flip his shit over this." Koga would shrug and begin to extend a bone from his body long enough to be a stick. "My shoes not theirs. Now in my case I've thought of a few things. For one I'll need a walking stick but not necessarily. In truth I could extend any bone in my body and use it as a walking stick. Alright come at me Unagi for the next three hours I need hard training. " She would eye her cousin oddly not that he could see her. The red headed she-devil would pull two bones from her hip creating daggers. Without hesitation she'd rush Koga attacking from below. He listened carefully and focus on her footsteps. There was a sudden pause in her movements before the strike, but the blow he could not detect. The bone dagger would make contact with his chin forcing him to step back however his footing was off balance and Unagi would take advantage sliding her leg under him. The esteemed Clan head would fall backwards as his trainer would pounce him bringing the bone dagger across his neck. "All right pussy-willow, get your ass up we're going at it again." They would reset their positions once more providing that Koga had not given up yet.

Ringo, look upon your pitiful son and give him strength. Never have I made so many foolish errors and I let this world of power corrupt me. Never again I swear to you. I will strive to forge on with the Ikoji and using my own two feet. With an energetic leap he'd be back on his feet ready for round two.

 

[Enatsu]

Re: The Clearest Stigma

The next three hours were the most gruesome. If anyone told Unagi she wasn't an expert they'd be dead wrong. She was always a hard worker, always willing to put herself on the front lines, but she never quenched for power. She was content on her strength and if she died because she was too weak she could only hope her death would lead by example. Koga stood firm, cuts healing as he held on tightly to the bloody spire he'd created to use as a walking stick. "Well you're getting the hang of dodging. Close quarters you should be alright but from a distance you'll be a sitting duck. For now on you don't leave without guards someone should always be shadowing you to watch your back. Furthermore I'm gonna have Gohma go get you some books in braille. We'll figure out how to teach you it, but the rest really decides on your sense of touch. God this is so frigging weird, cover up your eye sockets for now on alright? I don't care if we have to get you false eyes or something but I don't want to see a headless klutz walking around. I'll go get everyone we need to get together on our plans." Unagi would let her bone daggers disintegrate as she began to leave Koga's side. In a calm, almost serene tone he'd call out to her. "Unagi... thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you people." She would throw a hand up defiantly against his words. "Ohhhh no, don't get all mushy on me alright. You just make sure you get your shit back together. Won't have you offering up your skeleton to science next." A small chuckle would leave his lips as Unagi left him to his silence.

Koga would stand using his stick to travel around the room memorizing the way it was. He would listen for the creaks in the wood knowing where to look for when he heard sounds. The loss of sight was so sudden but it was caused by his own frail confidence. Simply put he had dug this grave and it'd be up to him climb out. After having had his time in his own room, the lion would move towards a door hoping it to lead outside. It was there that an arm grabbed him accompanied by a familiar voice. "Come fool, we must head to the throne room. It's north from here. I've taken the liberty of adding some pottery just try to remember the patterns... I'm not sure how this works exactly." Gohma the ever faithful would help Koga move towards the throne room pointing his cane in the direction of pottery. He could hear whispers and hushed voices but unable to make out what they were saying. However it was unimportant all that mattered now was he focus on the tasks at hand.

They would soon come to a room with raised voices. Roku he was yelling, it was clear he was upset about something. "And you just thought it was a good idea to just let our idiot cousin walk out of the damned room! The only reason we tolerated his lust for power was because he is stronger than us. Let's face it the kid was fucking blessed by birth but no it's not enough that the spirits loved him, his hidden gene awoke, he got complete mastery over his bones, he needed fucking Byakugan too!? Just how much power does one guy fucking need. This is why we should have followed Saizan but I forgot he's a blood suckling leech for power too. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, only difference is that he doesn't mutilate his body!" Gohma would move to open the door, but Koga would grab his arm gesturing for him to wait.

"Yes Roku it was incredibly stupid of Koga, but I can't fault him for trying to attain a power to get us out of here. The village was threatened with bombs and to show us the Kage tower was destroyed. Based on what Inu and Gohma found there's little to no luck finding the bombs without some kind of enhanced sight or earthern like sense. Koga doesn't have an Earthen like sense but he had access to Anbu files. He found files hinting to someone by the name of Otoha. Guy had eyes, hated them but could not destroy them due to a curse seal. So Koga pleaded to get them all in order to try and track down the bombs quickly. He had a thought that seeing the very fabric could lead them to finding a way to shut them down. If there's a point of chakra with eyes that can see the very workings don't you think he could shut them off? Least it was a shot better than doing nothing. I'm not happy about his choice either but I can't fault him for wanting to do more than shoot bones at people. In a bomb detection squad he's useless..." Roku would sigh and slam his hand on the table. "Alright, alright, I get why he did it but why be so hasty to tear out your own eye? It just doesn't make sense to me."

"Like I said stupid. He's got balls of iron, guess he thought things would work out his way. Kid was desperate to accomplish something and put all his faith into those damn eyes. Since they aren't in that guys head anymore I wanted to destroy them but Koga's keeping them around. Not really sure why I think he plans on giving them back. Either that or he wishes to try again. Anyways I've spent the last few hours putting him through the ringer, but he's no where near fighting ready. To let him roam around defenseless would be a shame so I've taken the liberty of making a schedule sheet. Each of us will have a shift to watch over him. Naturally Inu I'd like to have you there but I really think things won't turn out properly plus he's pretty adamant about you going to help out at the hospital." Inu would glare harshly at Unagi clearly showing some type of disdain to the woman's words.

"Right I take that as a hell no. Moving on Mayuri has some info but she's currently at Kenji's cell, Marriage stuff. Gohma's getting Koga so we can begin our meeting. Roku I know you're pissed and I'm not telling you to have sympathy but just try to understand his stance. We all think it was stupid hell even he does. However it's driven him mad, to the point where I think he's mentally sound. It's weird but he seemed to absorbed in his condition as if this was what he needed. Maybe it's a serene grace for him now, I think he's seeing the world in a different light." Gohma would then open the door and walk Koga to the head seat. His face was showing clear signs of annoyance as he stared down at the table lowering his head. Koga however had a smile, with nothing to offer but good cheer.

"Reports on each of your findings please. Roku please start us off how did the training sessions go?" It was straight to business for Koga as he felt no need to take the time and explain himself further. He fucked up, it was that simple. No amount of discussion would change that for now he had to move forward. "Alright, umm well the runts need more work. Their endurance and agility is better than I anticipated but they don't have tactics. They don't know precision striking, seems like Saizan got most of the skilled bunch. I took a small unit with me to patrol around to some stores and buy what supplies we could. We have more food but most people raised there prices. At this rate we won't survive on our small rations but I've been told about some small two bit groups gathering rations for themselves. Might be worth the investment to look into them."

"Good, I think we should go check out these groups. Raiding them would be me greater joy than raiding other Sunans. Inu status check?" She would sneer at Koga before speaking. "Well we're fine, medical supplies are low but we're alright. I'd suggest you raid those as well. We're spread thin for capable healers... Less than fifteen to be exact. Only about four of them will be able to get on the field, the other will have to stick it out here. Didn't realize that ass of a father could charm so many to follow him." "He has his ways. Right, your next mission is to track down a reliable source for supplies. I know the hospital won't be able to hold onto all their goods, and with the crazies being let free whose to say what's going to happen. Mine as well try to find them supplies too. I know you won't like this but try to offer your assistance to Shuu your talents could be worthy there." Inu would look him squarely in the face. "I'll consider it." A nod would come from Koga seeing that it would probably be the best he'd get out of her.

"Well guess it's my turn. I have successfully, acquired some books on braille for you. There's not much treasuring to do during such turmoil filled times, but I did do some recon. I also heard a rumor but it was about the Diamond District. Apparently some form of explosions went off there. People are injured along with the many other threats from this organization I think they are starting to enact utter destruction." Koga would lightly tap his chin before giving a response. "That's troubling, I'd like to head over there immediately. Unagi no need for your status report I've already received it. Where's Mayuri, with Kenji I presume? That's fine allow them their time, she's more concerned about his health than anything." Koga would stand now grabbing his bone stick and balancing himself. Gohma, and Roku come with me. Inu and Unagi hold down the fort, and when Mayuri gets back ask her to start looking into the applications of Sound Ninjutsu. I have some ideas I'd like to mull over." His trusted council would nod agreeance while preparing to head out. Koga, Gohma, and Roku's next stop would be the Diamond District to observe what destruction was there.

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