Ninpocho Chronicles is a fantasy-ish setting storyline, set in an alternate universe World of Ninjas, where the Naruto and Boruto series take place. This means that none of the canon characters exists, or existed here.
Each ninja starts from the bottom and start their training as an Academy Student. From there they develop abilities akin to that of demigods as they grow in age and experience.
Along the way they gain new friends (or enemies), take on jobs and complete contracts and missions for their respective villages where their training and skill will be tested to their limits.
The sky is the limit as the blank page you see before you can be filled with countless of adventures with your character in the game.
Kyojin Kuro stood at seven feet and weighed in at four hundred and fifty pounds. He wore a sand camouflage pattern heavy armor made of Takahashi fire-forged steel with matte-black transformation seals allowing it to switch from desert colors to pitch black dependent on Kuro’s vocal command or four tap sonic patterned code along his right thigh plate. Kyojin Kuro wore a matching belt and sheath around his waist where he had sheathed a pair of blade attachments for his battle gauntlets. Kyojin wore his battle pouch atop the belt it was a simple lizard leather pouch but easily camouflaged by rubbing it with sand or crushed stone if ever necessary just above his right hip. Kyojin Kuro wore his leg sheath on the interior of his left armored thigh just atop his silk gi shorts. A convenient slot in the multi-folded steel compartment hidden in his left thigh's armor plate allowed Kyojin Kuro full access to his items without showing exactly where it was till he motioned to grab it. Securing his Takahashi forged battle guards and lower leggings were enhanced runic terran sealed leather wraps for his hands, forearms, shins and feet. Kyojin had wrapped his armored tail around his belt making it appear that Kuro wore a belt of armor resembling hand-sized reinforced double blades. He wore his mane of silver hair in tight war braids in ancient ceremonial fashion making his oxen horns much more pronounced but also making him look like a serious battle veteran, massive chakra gems implanted into his flesh and endoskeletal structure stood out on the back of his hands. The chakra gem in his left hand was emerald green with a spiral of a star in its center, if you looked at it closely and long enough one could see where it interfaced with the flesh and bone with tiny bio crystal circuits. The chakra gem in his right hand was ruby red with a six point star in its center, this one also interfaced with his flesh and bone with tiny bio crystal circuits. These carmot stones allowed Kuro to dramatically pulse chakra throughout this body which was now one of the keys to his defensive capabilities. It also allowed him to control his metabolic rate to a degree that even he had never believed was possible. His dark flesh was runed with runic terran seals and tattoos. His horns looked as if they were part of his armor along with his gems but the discerning eye would know that they were actually a part of this giant warrior's body.
Like a giant monster guardian from tales of old he sat cross legged in a meditation chamber letting the cool air currents keep him from sweating through his armor as he waited for the young lady foretold to be capable of assuming his mantle and taking the clan higher.
Once her ravenous hunger took over, nothing had proven successful in calming in her frenzy. Nothing other than the passing of time, the great healer of all things.
But both length of these outburst's duration and the frequency of their occurrence were growing. At one point these brief fits of madness were temporary, and spaced few and far between eachother. But both the curse placed on her and the disease that had stricken her would work in tandem at playing havoc within her mind and body, to the point were where her moments of clarity were now the temporary occurrences.
Today was one such 'fortunate' day. But even so, her mind was weary; the signs of the turmoil within her took her toll. Her skin was pale, her eyes dull and her patience thin. Her dress, normally sporting the red-white-gold colors of the Aikayume in the most vivid and bold of hues, were now a faded and washed-out shade. Fabrics were thin and torn, wit no visible attempts made toward their repair. As if her torn attire was merely a formality to preserve some form of modesty.
Yet, the greatest testament to her change were her tails. Above all else, Azusa took pride in the five golden tails protruding from her lower back; each tail was normally luscious and lustrous, shining as if the desert's sunlight had been woven into gold silk. But her tails were dull today, and most days. Uncared for and knotted. With her moments of clarity single-mindedly focused on tracking Akkuma, her personal care had fallen to the wayside.
The only thing the fallen shrine maiden possessed still showing her former elegance was the blade she carried sheathed on her back. The Liberator of Darkness, a long katana blessed by the spirit of Byakko, granted to her by Kyuji. Unlike its wielded, the blade itself was untarnished, not a fingerprint blemishing is red-and-gold sheath, not a fiber missing from the scarlet tassel dangling at the end of the grip. Its appearance a sign of its sacred properties. The blessed blade had chosen the fallen priestess as its wielder despite her madness; perhaps it had felt some of her former sacred power still buried beneath her mindless hunger, masked by the demonic curse?
Her blade aside, the Daughter of Foxes had received a most curious of summons; luring her to the heart of the Toraono estate. Even before being lead to the chambers by Toraono clansmen, the Kitsune could detect the immense strength of whatever lay within. As the doors opened, her feral eyes fell upon the imposing figure, easily dwarfing her small size. "I am told you are the one who had called for me?" She spoke. The figure was huge; a great monster among men. But the hunger within her was undaunted; she couldn't help but to wonder what power and taste such a figure's lifeblood would hold...
Kyojin would raise in one fluid motion to her entrance and bow before the young Kitsune. It was indeed a blessing to see one in this day and age of Cabalists and secret wars as it were but upon looking at her he could see she was plagued by Akkuma's chaos nonetheless and some form of malady. His enhanced eyes and legendary chakra showed him exactly how to repair her but she must allow him to do so. Kitsune did not like demon blooded but then again the Toraono Clan did not carry only demon blood within them. It was time to expand their boundaries once more and in order to do so another family would need to be brought into the fold. Where once there was a plan for the Byakko family to take the lead and allow the main branch family of the Toraono's to retire to OTHER endeavours it was brought to Kuro's attention as an oracle that the Kitsune family of Aikayume was in deed capable of upholding honor and keeping the warrior traditions of the clan. Where once they were a mainstay of priests and spiritual guardians, they had fallen upon darker times after the Cabal's efforts. It was time to repair more than the Toraono Clan. It was time to save Suna's mystic population as well.
"I am Toraono Kyojin, a guardian of Sunagakure and the Toraono Clan... through the findings of our slowly returning Oracle order we have attained knowledge that your family would be an ideal lead for our clan as a whole. We understand you don't consort with demons but we would like to point out that despite our demonbeast blood the majority of the Toraono Clan is not demon blooded, only the main family and even that is restricted to the direct lineage of Toraono Kaibudo and Lady Azame. The remaining families are of Hengekoyai descent like yourself. As a descendant of the noble kitsune we offer you ties of power, a cure for your maladies, and a place of safety and respect among your peers. The Byakko family has already vouched for your purity. As Guardian I humbly ask you allow me to grant you freedom from your curse in exchange for the power to save others. Nothing will be forced upon you. What say you Lady Aikayume?"
Azusa would see that despite his appearance as a simple brute armored warrior he carried a massive reservoir of dense living spiritual and dark chakra. He was no full demon, he was something far beyond that. His violet and gold eyes sparkled with sincerity and energy. She could also detect that he told no lies and if he tried he would most likely blunder there was far too much honor in his character and projection of self. She would also note they had been left completely alone except a serving tray of meats, cheeses, wines, teas, and soft flaky sweets. Everything had been carefully set aside so that she could make a decision without durress or malice.
The great titan rose, bowing to her as he awoke from the trance-like state he had been in as she entered the room. Azusa returned the gesture with her own bow; the Aikayume were nothing if not fair. Respect for respect, slights for slights. Had Azusa's mind not been enveloped in negativity, she would easily have been able to see him as a gentle giant; displaying elegance despite being a fully capable weapon.
"The Toraono certainly have as much of an eye for talent as the Oracle order is wise." Mad or not, words of praise would always find its way to Azusa's ears. Yet, her eyes narrowed into a squint as she watched over Kyojin of the Toraono. His offered was most generous...And she did not detect any deceit. True, they had ties to dark forces. But the clan held honor and virtue for years on end, had never been tempted into depravity like so many other dark powers would. This is why the Aikayume held respect for the clan despite otherwise viewing even the smallest traces of demonic corruption as an unsightly cancer.
...But none of that mattered to Azusa as she was currently. To her, the only thing she had her eyes on was Akkuma; everything in the world either aligned as 'assisting' her toward that goal or...not. What mattered to the Kitsune was that he had offered her strength. Thus;
"...Very well." She spoke. "If you can offer me what you say, then...you may do as you wish. Lord Toraono." Azusa agreed. 'Trust' was not anything that her corrupt mindset could accept. But what she could accept was that the Toraono were strong; powerful enough to remain the steadfast guardians of the Sunan desert for years upon years. If Kyojin was dangling a promise of this power infront of her, then of course she would bite. And if her were unable to do this? Well...The Hunger within her was but a mild curiosity for the moment, and would likely remain so, so long as the Toraono did not do anything to threaten her.
"Just what do you require of me to grant this...freedom and power?" True, she noticed the treats to the side of their room. But her hunger had a very specific taste, and she was kind enough to give the titan her full attention.
"All that is required is that you add a portion of my power to your own. Nothing is taken from you, I must explain one thing. It will seem a bit on the sensual side as I must submit myself to you as well. I will give you my blood freely and as a being of distinct chakra it will allow you to properly control the ravages of Akkuma's energies while the elemental qualities will cure your malady. The Toraono Clan as a whole are immune to most diseases save the malady of Baranyx and even that is easily cured by filtering the blood. The difference between the main branch and other families is our natural immortality. Outside of battle or severe tragedy, nothing not even time can kill a Toraono. In order to take up my offer I must bear my neck to you and you must take up a moderate portion of my blood, mold the chakra transfer through the blood and once you have accepted the blood I will teach you how to use it to control Akkuma's Gift as it were. You will experience some changes however and may even develop a secondary seal. You will emit runic tiger stripes when invoking dark chakra and you will find yourself capable of attaining a twelve tail form. This is because you will inherit 3 forms of chakra, devil, ancient, and sage chakra. When you are ready simply remove your kimono and place yourself wherever you feel is comfortable for you to bite my neck. The removal of your kimono is so that your clothing does not get destroyed by the surge of multiple chakras. My armor is used to it but your kimono is not yet reinforced for such energies. My blood will alter you due to the ceremony of this action you will become a Guardian of Sunagakure and you will have the blood rite to become an Oracle. I make this offer freely in hopes that your family will establish a new compound here and assume a position of leadership for the Toraono Clan and join our families together. If you accept this, through my blood you will learn much of our history and how to control the power that comes with it.”<i></i>
Kyojin awaited her commands for a proper position for her especially due to his size. It would not do to have her in a compromising position that might make her feel uncomfortable and slow the ritual blood bonding.
His honeyed words were sugarcoated just enough for her taste; he offered a fraction of his power to be taken in by her, initiating her into the Toraono clan. This meshed well with her.
Afterall, Azusa loved being given gifts.
Furthermore; she was once Priestess of the Aikayume, and her body was built to house the power of her clan's Sacred Blood. And though that blood had been taken from her in the past, her body would nevertheless serve as an excellent vessel for the power offered to her by Kyojin and no doubt be capable of both harnessing and withstanding the power of multiple chakras. The same could not be said for her Aikayume robes however; and so, the fox untied the sash around her waist, loosening her robe enough for it to expose her shoulders while circling around Kyojin, like a shark stalking its prey.
"I shall accept your generous offer, my Lord Toraono." She spoke, hungrily licking her lips while gradually freeing more and more of her pale body from her torn robes; where they fell along the room, the vixen payed no attention. "In return for extending your power to me, I promise to lead the Toraono to a future brighter than the desert sunlight." She had no reservations about taking her time disrobing, but finally, she was ready, and her small body fell against the Titan's broad back. "Assist me, my proud Toraono. This ritual could be delicate...and my hunger, voracious. I shall allow you the pleasure of guiding me as necessary." She whispered towards his ear from her position behind him; she held no ill will towards Kyojin himself, but, at least until the Toraono's gift freed her cursed hunger, she would not be gentle in taking on his power. And while her mind was clear at the moment; the same wouldn't be true once her impulse to 'feed' took hold of her.
Not needing to be asked twice, she bit down. She could only hope the Toraono power worked quicker than her curse, or he had other ways of keeping her occupied.
...And that she was able to recalls her mental note on getting her own attire capable of withstanding such powerful chakra like the Titan's armor. Destroying her robes any time she flexed a tail would certainly not do well.
As Azusa bit into his massive neck a sense of intimacy would briefly surge to the forefront of Kyojin’s mind as he willed his body to relax and accept what could easily be taken as an attack. Hot, thick, dark blood, so crimson that it appeared to be black would flow into Azusa’s mouth and just then as the enzymes in her saliva began to break down the feverish fluid of the guardian power would erupt throughout her body, she did not even need to digest it. A euphoric feeling of success and freedom would wash over her. Her undead like malady was instantly dispersed by the ancient earth chakra that suffused her body causing her muscles and flesh to dramatically improve, tears knitted, strains abated, bones reinforced. Her eyes began to glow golden, her skin took on a healthy sheen and her hair became a little fuller. Her tails became a great deal fluffier as they developed a silvery sheen and faint stripes like a tiger. Her hair would turn red briefly and her under clothes would darken as devil chakra grafted runic lunar tiger stripes briefly across her body.
Instincts once at war with her mind swiftly became a controllable exercise of will as she found she could now access COMBAT INSTINCTS if she so desired. HIDDEN POWER also surfaced within her core as the blood went down her throat to reach her belly. A sense of fullness and sated hunger finally filled her hollowed being as a LUNAR crest appeared in a distinct and cute manner around her belly button. Where once she was haggard and strained well enamored curves and supple yet firm muscle rose to grant her once tiny frame the hourglass figure of a goddess of old. As Kyojin eyes glowed violet so too did Azusa’s as devil chakra made a new chakra circulatory system secondary to her natural holy one. Her left arm, left hand, and left shoulder took on dim violet markings briefly before fading into faint tiger stripes. Akkuma’s touch no longer ravaged her body as the guardian’s blood gave it a platform upon which to build itself instead of stealing bits and pieces from Azusa’s body. Azusa would not she had lightly padded fingertips now and her fingernails were now fully retractable/extendable claws. She noted she could change their color and chakra nature at will. Her heart began to beat forcefully in synch with Kyojin’s. Like a long lost lover Kyojin pulled Azusa closer placing his cheek against hers as he whispered with a shuddering breath. “You will find memories… of how … this power… came to be… DO NOT FIGHT THEM… listen to the whispers of the past… when you sleep. Train yourself … spiritually… mmMMMmm mentally…fffffff physically…. MY… SUCCESSOR.”
Like lovers unwilling to leave eachother’s embrace their spirits briefly synchronized and with that she briefly felt power over every element. Ferocity tempered by a calm understanding of necessity. A pact of honor, blood, and sacrifice tying the Guardian to Sunagakure and its bedrock. The eyes of a massive king of demonbeasts looked down upon her but these were not the eyes of a monster, these were not the eyes of intimidation or wrath. These were violet & gold eyes of understanding, loneliness, and power. These were the eyes of one whom knew ultimate loss yet persevered beyond death and reincarnation to keep its word. A hold upon faith and honor that existed beyond mere blood. The unbroken soul of Hyakujuuonouu smiled upon Azusa and with just a faint touch from the tip of his massive claw Azusa was completely engulfed in sage chakra. HUNGER...something Hyakujuuonouu and Azusa knew in spades but it seemed they would now both be sated, Hyakujuuonouu had now claimed a daughter, not unlike Kuro's wyrmborn daughter but his own by his power not Kuro's. It made the ancestral beast happy to know he now had two avenues of family as his power was blood grafted into hers and a new power was born. Violet flames would spill forth from her entire being as she unwittingly released her passionate bite from Kyojin’s neck as she screamed a roar worthy of the greatest of warriors as unyielding power set her free from her curse and her mistakes.
Lady Toraono Aikayume Azusa was finally born and woe to all whom defied her. A trifecta of unparalleled energies soon came to rest in her physical and spiritual form as her vision of Hyakujuuonouu faded from her mind. She felt rejuvenated, empowered, unyielding and understandably euphoric. Azusa would find fox fire of every color swirling about her body in tiny but powerful motes, cascading around her in a dance of light so pure and joyous it was like she was watching children playing. Kyojin’s neck wound having closed without letting a single drop of blood spill into waste breathed a heavy sigh from the intensity of the blood bonding. He was a bit lightheaded from passing 2 liters of blood to Azusa but it seemed to have worked and now that she was free of her maladies. Training would ensue after he fully recovered.
A brief vision of her terrible yet passionate majesty surged through their minds. leaving Kyojin smiling.
For the first time since being inflicted with her disease, Azusa had felt herself becoming full. Kuro's blood did not make her more ravenous; the once-endless Hunger residing with her was being satiated. To say her pulse quickened when she took in the Toraono's blood would be an understatement; It raced, with each beat pulsing with such an intensity that shook through her body. Her claws dug into the Guardian's shoulders for support, Azusa unwilling to separate herself from his neck throughout the process.
The chakra of devils, sages, and ancients. The power to control the dark energy that once cursed her. The freedom from her malady. The memories of both herself and of the Toraono; all these swept through her mind, body, and spirit. She felt as if she were standing in the middle of a fierce river, with her clutch to Kyojin her only support from drowning and losing herself. A river that was a baptism of chakra ushering her into a new life. The experience was one that was wholly euphoric for her body, and enlightening for her mind.
“You will find memories… of how … this power… came to be… DO NOT FIGHT THEM… listen to the whispers of the past… when you sleep. Train yourself … spiritually… mmMMMmm mentally…fffffff physically…. MY… SUCCESSOR."
Hunger and Anger once clouded her mind, but with the Guardian's power this fog was lifted. The fox saw her past;
She was Aikayume Azusa. Oh, how she had forgotten! The woman, no beast that she had entered this room as...was not Azusa. She could not recall when she had stopped being Azusa, and when she became the bloodthirsty vixen. It had only become clear now that she was capable of looking behind her.
Her mistakes...Many of them lined the path behind her. In forgetting who she was, she followed a path of self destruction. Her childhood dream? To become a medic capable of helping those of Sunagakure. What would her past self had thought of the thing she had become, the blood-starved beast thirsting for vengeance?
For once in her life, Azusa had felt unworthy; the weight of her sins was suffocating. While cursed and enraged she was able to ignore her own actions, but this accumulated guilt now came to the forefront of her mind. For her own pride and madness, she had even harmed everyone closest to her, even harboring the desire to tear apart her own family in her vengeance. Though she felt empowered, she had also felt this grief.
But...she had also saw her future.
She was Toraono Azusa. Though she could never take back the mistakes she had main and the pain she had brought, she could work towards ensuring the path before her was brighter than behind her. That was her duty.
As Oracle and Guardian, Azusa realized that Pride without Honor was simply Arrogance; the distinction between the two became clear within her mind.
There were other memories...visions. Experiences and knowledge that had not been hers before. Vague pictures she was unsure of for now, so soon after her awakening. But she felt assured that she would understand them in time.
Her bite finally began to loosen; the emotion and power she felt was not something she could contain in silence. Her cry filled her with energy, and her eyes opened from the trance-like state she had experienced. "I...I have forgotten...who I was..." Shining brilliant gold rather than a feral yellow. "I....I can see now, my Lord Toraono. I had mistaken my Pride to be Honor..." She had awakened. And would make sure to never confuse the two again. Where once she felt on edge and aggressive, she now felt fierce, but tranquil....and empowered. And indeed physically, her body had indeed become empowered in many ways, her skin hot as if warmed by the myriad of foxfire chakra surging across her. Her features more alluring, and most certainly her figure, fuller.
"...And I can see the weight of the solemn duty you have carried up until now." A weight that was now shouldered by her. "Tranquil Titan," The Kitsune smiled; there was no malice, no mischief in it. But an honest smile of pride that was for once, not related to herself, but another. Her hands, no longer clutching Kyojins shoulders, went to softly place themselves upon his face, before she moved to kiss his cheeks. "My proud Toraono...I thank you for all you have done for me, and Suna. Know that by giving me this chance and saving me from myself, you have fulfilled your calling as Guardian. You are not alone in your duty; the Toraono, and Sunagakure, are under my protection. If you wish...you may rest now, my Honored Guardian." Where once Azusa fueled herself with her selfish pride, now she would champion the honor she had inherited.
Pulling Azusa close in an embrace that many might confuse as someone in the clutches of lovemaking Kyojin would cover Azusa from the wilder remnants of her enhanced fox fires as the flames attached themselves to his armor instead of her. Kyojin on the verge of unconsciousness would pass her one final warning. "You will be tempted by my ancestor to take up the power of all elements, he is loving, passionate, and honorable but he is also PURE VENGEANCE, once enraged nothing, not even death will stop him from having his vengeance on those that harm his descendants. You are now one of us, therefore you will be able to follow that path but I ask you to choose carefully. The blade you carry will offer you secrets from beyond known as the Riddle of Steel. That is my mother's path and is not to be taken lightly as you give yourself to the blade it gives itself to you and then you become something beyond. You will be swallowed by memories soon. Don't rush to understand them, simply let yourself know of them. Even unconscious I will keep your body safe. Welcome to the Toraono Clan Priestess Azusa."<i></i> His eyes would flicker with power before going completely black. His body becoming an impenetrable shield over her that would allow her to sleep unfettered by worry of sneak attacks or assassins. In this state Hyakujuuonouu had taken over Kyojin's form and woe to anyone that would harm his chosen.
Hyakujuuonouu said:
The Tale of Hyakujuuonouu
Long ago when the world was new and Akuma and Tenchi roamed the world, beasts possessed great powers and the Gods had yet to create man. Hyakujuuonouu was one of the first great demon beasts. As The king of beasts was able to use the prowess and abilities of any beast he'd ever devoured and by the time man was created he'd devoured so many that he had attained the size of a small mountain. He was forged as a lion with swift power over earth, flame, and wind. Cunning, fierce, brave and loyal he accepted any challenge. His first battles were against his kin, which he didn't devour as it were. The bites and bloodloss gave him enough of their spirit to take on their abilities in mixture with his own. "Cousin Shiro-Toraono most beautiful of all our family I challenge you, for I believe Fire & Earth are stronger than wind." mocked Hyakujuuonouu as he stood at the base of the white mountain. Shiro-Toraono the white tiger of the mountains was larger, faster and blessed with claws of wind. "You are wrong little King for my winds and claws can freeze the earth and blow away the fire, you cannot beat me." Shiro-Toraono smiled as he beckoned Hyaku* to meet him on the side of the mountain. Their fight lasted 4 days and 3 nights with Hyakujuuonouu taking more damage than Shiro-Toraono, until at the crest of the mountain Hyaku* caused an eruption and with great ferocity struck Shiro* with the rage and fury of a volcano leaving scars which became stripes from his attacks all over Shiro's body. Shiro conceded the battle to Hyaku* and gave up a portion of his spirit, granting Hyaku minor control over wind and Shiro's ability to swim. "You are amazingly stubborn cousin and so I give you some of my power and I shall forever wear these scars with pride" smirked Shiro* as he bounded back unto the mountain.
The next opponent to fall before Hyaku* was Hyou the panther. Hyou carried an affinity for the jungle and with it great agility, stealth, and speed. Hyaku* too had garnered lights stripes from his battle with Shiro*. Smiling as he came to the base of the mountain Hyaku* saw eyes peering at him from a great jungle. "Think you can match me in the forest? For you see lost King I rule the jungles, my skills and speed would destroy all your great strength!!" teased Hyou, the great leopard. Hyaku* grinned as he approached " I accept your challenge little cub, but you skill cannot beat my strength, my bite is stronger than yours could ever be" replied Hyaku as he leaped into the forest to find Hyou. Hyaku* and Hyou battled for 2 days and 1 night. Stealthy as Hyou was he could scarcely damage the lion due to his great strength, every time Hyou managed a sneak attack Hyaku* countered after letting Hyou bite him, Hyaku would grapple him to the ground and maul him. After so many bite wounds, Hyou developed huge spots, which he hid by changing his once golden fur to night black. Hyou conceded to Hyaku* and with his spirit granted Hyaku* more agility, speed, and stealth. In response Hyaku's fur became black and his scars from Shiro became grey stripes. "Surely you ARE strong Great king I give you a portion of my power and knowledge and accept these spots as proof of our battle" Hyou grinned looking at his new spots from the multiple bite wounds and with them he stalked off to find his sister Cheetah so he might give her smaller neater spots from loving bites so they might race now and then a blur of spots. Hyaku* waved as Hyou left, tired from blood loss and content. Wiser from his battles with his cousins Hyaku stalked off to the great plains to recover.
It was during his 4 days of resting that Hyaku* came upon a bison of great size and of such power that his every step shook the earth. Hungry from his week of fighting Hyaku challenged the Ox King for the right to eat one of his kin. "I have great hunger Ox King, and I would feast upon one of your lesser kin if you would allow me, I am not a pauper or a Hyena so I will ask you first." spoke Hyakujuuonouu as he stepped from the grassy knoll he had been resting in. The Ox King turned to face Hyaku* as he spoke. "None of my herd is to be a meal for you this day LITTLE king, go eat a vulture… For I will not let even the sickest, lowest, or weakest of my kin become a meal for you or anyone else." Hyaku* was taken aback by the Oushi-ouja's reply as he had come to him and asked King to King. "I see, since I am not worthy of having one of your lesser then obviously you would have me best you and you would become my meal!!" yelled Hyaku*. The Oushi-ouja trotted over and stood face to face with Hyaku* as he spoke with a low and terrible voice... "You are alone little kitten and I can crush you as I do the grass beneath my hooves, flee before I decide to use your fur to decorate my horns..." Hyaku* interrupted him dis-respectfully... "Silence, you impudent grass eater!!!, I asked in good faith and honor and you could have just said No ,but YOU took offense, Now I will have a piece of your hide!!" At these words Hyaku struck the Ox King across the muzzle damaging his breathing. His second claw struck solid bone as the Oushi-ouja bashed forward gouging a tear into Hyaku*'s left shoulder. Hyaku* leapt back to gain momentum for a charge as the Ox King also reared back to charge. Running directly for one another, both Kings clashed in the middle of the field but Ox King's strength was so great that his charge knocked Hyakujuuonouu far away into a great lake. Knowing lions didn't swim to well he believed the match over and began to rub his muzzle on some broken aloe plants to speed up his healing. Hyaku struck the water's surface feet first, at first skittering and skidding across the water of the lake like a skipped stone before sinking into its depths. A crocodile on the bank of the river leading into the lake laughed for a moment till he saw Hyakujuuonouu swim faster than any feline he had ever seen soaked. With a great and terrible fury Hyaku* leaped from the lake angrier than he had ever been. With great anger and the abilities of his cousins augmenting his own Hyaku* became a blur moving nearly as fast as Pu-ma the cheetah. Wind, earth, and fire fueled his rage and great billows of dust kicked up behind Hyaku's charge as he screamed and leapt from the plains like a streak of night bowling over the Ox King. The Ox King's herd fled in the presence of such a great battle. Oushi-ouja struggled to his feet as a flaming claw bashed him into the sky, with a great leap Hyaku* leapt into the sky above him and struck him back down to the Earth. Oushi-ouja landed and with a great bellow as he called forth a storm while energizing his horns. Hyaku* and the Ox King clashed in a climactic battle that lasted 7 days and 6 nights. After such a long battle both demon beasts were severely wounded and tired yet filled with pride and rage neither King would back down.
"We shall finish this battle with this final charge..." murmured Oushi-ouja all bloodied and torn. Even his great healing ability was severely taxed. Hyaku didn't reply he simply trotted off in the opposite direction until they stood equal distance apart from one another. The Ox King bellowed once more and lightning energized his horns. Hyaku*s panther enhanced wisdom and cunning helped him think up a killing technique for use against Oushi-ouja. The Ox King charged for Hyaku* like an avalanche falling down a mountain. Hyaku* rushed forward as well but at the last possible moment leapt to the side with a sweeping claw strike to The Ox King's throat as he revealed his latest technique "THROAT RIPPER!!" he screamed. The Ox King fell before Hyaku*s panther inspired technique and with a powerful and thunderous roar he declared himself winner and devoured Oushi-ouja body and spirit. Such was his hunger after such a long fight that not even bones were left uneaten. After such a feast the son of the Ox King approached the now sleepy lion. "I lead the herd now, my father has paid for his pride, and from now on you may have the weakest of us as a meal when you request it from us." Ox King Jr. bellowed and a lesser storm answered his call and he led his herd away. Hyaku* half asleep lazily replied "He only had to say No." as he watched the herd leave.
Having slept for 14 days he awoke even stronger and enhanced, He was now graced with the horns of the Ox King and power over storms, He had attained a heightened level of strength, a good knowledge of herbs, plants, and streams and was now twice his original size. Having not looked at his reflection in quite some time and having awakened to horns Hyakujuuonouu trotted to the lake and before drinking looked at his reflection. He believed himself to be quite debonair. His fur had a new thicker, healthier, sheen. He had grown massive horns that were as black and shiny as his fur save his grey stripes. His claws were 3 times their original size and his chest, legs and rear haunches were now excessively muscled and defined. Extremely pleased with himself he stalked off to find new challenges it was after his adventures he came upon a celestial woman. This celestial had been severely wounded and was lying against a huge boulder with her hands pinned to it. Approaching it the Tenchi looked up at him in wonder and a small twinge of fear for she had never seen such a massive beast. "I am Hyakujuuonouu, King of Beasts, What has happened here?" asked Hyaku* as he sniffed her breathing in the sweet aroma of heaven yet tantalized by the scent of blood. Carefully flicking his claws he removed the crystals stakes pinning her hands and licked them with a purr hoping to help them mend. Seeing the intelligence in his eyes and witnessing the kindness in his actions Amaterasu whispered "Run... before HE returns, he leads a rebellion against all in a mad quest for power and he will slay any who aid me." Hyaku* was taken aback for a moment, "What is a He?" Amaterasu would have laughed if their situation wouldn't have been so dire. "He is a Shinigami named Okibi but he has become something far more ...." Amaterasu replied as she enticed Hyaku* to follow her. Hyakujuuonouu took a rather confused look as these concepts were far beyond his simple understanding and just nodded and grinned as if he understood. Amaterasu fell as she ran and so he helped her unto his back and ran with all the powers he had gained and those he was created with.
"Where to?" he asked but Amaterasu had fallen asleep upon his back. Grinning Hyakujuuonouu took her to a large cave he had used as a den a few times before. Despite his massive size they were both able to fit comfortably while he guarded its entrance for a couple of weeks. It was then that a large column of fire burst from the ground in front of him and a being of flaming light stepped before him.
"I am Okibi, scourge of the earth, leave my sister so I may finish her torture or die." Hyaku* didn't understand everything but he did understand a threat when he heard one and his anger bellowed forth once more. "YOU LEAVE Pitiful (adding a bit to Okibi's name) I am THE KING OF BEASTS Hyakujuuonouu and I do as I please. I find her scent quite nice and I will be talking with her when she awakes." Okibi laughed hard a horrible wilting, grating sound as he pulled a flaming sword from the very air. "Pitiful? Humph... God does love creating such unusual things but like the kitten you are I shall end this now." At that Okibi vanished and just as suddenly as he had done so a sharp horrid pain riddled Hyakujunuuoou's heart as he slowly turned his head to see Okibi had stabbed him through the side. Dropping to the ground as blood poured forth Amaterasu slid off his right side. Okibi walked over Hyaku*s body and grabbed Amaterasu by her hair and just as Okibi did so with his last ounce of strength Hyakujuuonouu tried to perform a leaping throat ripper on Okibi but ended up only gashing the side of Okibi's face. It still forced him to drop Amaterasu whom awoke to see the beast king dying. Okibi was preparing to hack Hyakujuuonouu apart when Amaterasu used her ultimate sharingan ability to gather all that Hyaku* was into a spirit ball and with her dying wish send him into another dimension where he would be reincarnated one day.
Okibi watched contently as they both became dust. "Poor little Amaterasu, you always did love animals..." and at that comment he laughed hideously before disappearing as quickly as he had come. Amaterasu's dying wish had been granted as she returned to her servitude in the heavens and Hyakujuuonouu was left to slumber in a pocket dimension to await the birth of man and the tribe that would serve her as warriors of honor and vengeance as the King of Beasts.
[*] Elemental Techniques
Members of the Toraono Clan tend to be gifted with an affinity to Flame, Earth, Wind and Lightning. A rare few are gifted with an affinity to water and with that special affinity they are treasured and protected for water is precious in the desert. Those of demonic descent tend to be especially skilled in Kinesis, while those with more celestial blood are able to wield photons.
The Toraono Clan has many fighting styles within its training regimen but there are six core skills that all Toraono Clan members master before or while they create their own styles and techniques.
[*] Shishi no Ken (Lion’s Fist) [*]
Much like the name of the great King of beasts that this style of unarmed combat evolved from. The essence of this style of fighting revolves around all out open combat.
Shishiken or Shishi no Ken (Lion’s Fist) or Tora no Ken (Tiger’s fist)
A Toraono Clan Warrior can unleash kicks and punches that can cause slashes like a lion's claws (when focusing their inner energy)
Effect: From 1 to 12 ft. beyond their normal physical reach, a Toraono Clan member can cause a variety of wounds that normally result in bleeding or bruising that closely resembles the attack of a feline.
Hienshipu-kyaku –
A Toraono Clan favorite technique is to combine kicks or knee strikes into a Double kick
Zanretsu-ken –
A Toraono Clan take on a barrage of fists or kicks, this technique is commonly used as a counter attack
Haga no Shishi/Tora (Spirit of the Lion or Tiger)
A Toraono Clan warrior can summon their inner energy to heal or cause wounds in a variety of ways. The practice of calling upon this inner strength is called Haga no Shishi or Haga no Tora.
Master ability: Shishiku (Lion's Roar)
Roaring with intense anger a trained Toraono warrior can unleash a burst of chakra energy that can cause damage to friend and foe around them.
Master ability: Shishimai or Mai no Shishi (Lion Dance)
When using this clan fighting technique a Toraono can focus their will to move extremely fast, and hit extremely hard, causing huge claw strike markings upon their enemies. When using this enhancement jutsu their eyes become cat like, their endurance becomes inhuman, their fingernails become claws, and their teeth elongate.
-- 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. It is said that a Grandmaster of Tora no Ken can kill a being with a single strike without leaving a discernible wound or cause a wound so terrible that it causes blood to erupt from every orifice, even the pores of the skin. Some of these descendants are able to bond with the rare sand tigers that roam the deserts and become a formidable hunter team.
-- 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 combines their great strength and massive size to level mountains, and forests.
-- 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.
Clan Responsibilities
Members of the Toraono Clan are guardians of the royalty and frequently guard the KazeKage or other Kage’s themselves whenever they travel. Those whom are bound to service of Sunagakure or other villages have lesser responsibilities to the clan in order to allow them to fulfill whatever their duties may be after becoming full-fledged ninja. Not all Toraono Clan members become ninja, some become artists, chefs, masons, carpenters, scientists, doctors. With the many avenues of life available to a member of the Toraono Clan, they are able to maintain ties to distant relatives in many places and offer an olive branch for diplomacy for those of the Toraono Clan whom carry royal blood.
[*] Missions and Events [IC]
Members of the Toraono Clan (which are members by virtue of birth, adoption and or ritual blood ceremony) are allowed to undertake missions under the name of House Toraono or the bloodline virtue they claim from within the clan. While these missions don't reward anything extra or give any additional bonuses, this aspect of the clan provides its members with a more in depth understanding of the internal workings of such a multifaceted and diverse clan. Such missions easily lead into participation in special events.
Toraono Clan Main Bloodline Family & Friends
Mother: Nobuku Azame
Father: Toraono Kaibudo
Toraono - Nobuku Seika (Azame's 1st born daughter from a previous disastrous marriage adopted by Kaibudo , a Jinchuuriki whom bears the soul of Amaterasu the Tenchi of Lunar Flames)
Toraono - Nobuku Natsumi (Azame's second daughter from a previous disastrous marriage adopted by Kaibudo, a natural master of shadow and swords, she has been given honorary status and strict training by the Hyou family)
Toraono Raizen (Kaibudo & Azame's 1st born son, Stormborn with great powers, he served as an Anbu Captain from the age of 10 till he was 16. Retired from Anbu to work as a private investigator- travels wind country updating maps since the end of the diamond malestrom)
Toraono Taizen (Kaibudo & Azame's second son a natural healer gifted with celestial power, Taizen took up training as a monk and now serves as a Priest of Mother Suna in Soon's Haven)
Toraono - Nobuku Midori (Kaibudo & Azame's 1st born daughter from a set of triplets, Jade mistress of the blade and bow, recently took to mastering handguns & rifles)
Toraono - Nobuku Shiro (Kaibudo & Azame's 2nd born daughter from a set of triplets, White mistress of the fist, first child to master Kaibudo's style of martial arts able to see & strike tenketsu, she is also a trainer for many of the Byakko family)
Toraono Kuro (Kaibudo & Azame's 3rd born son and last child from a set of triplets, known the world over as the Black Tiger of Sunagakure)
Toraono - Nobuku Haizame (Kaibudo & Azame's 3rd and youngest daughter from a set of twins, smartest child ever born of the Toraono Main Family, able to figure out nearly any puzzle)
Toraono Tsume (Kaibudo & Azame's 4rth son from a set of twins, as a baby he was a child whose powers were so great at birth that his body began to fail, his soul now resides in Takahashi Sousuke to reinforce his own due to mysterious circumstances) (Physically deceased only Toraono Blooded know Tsume is part of Sousuke)
All the women of the Toraono Clan are considered royalty should they choose to hold an estate and title after their 18th birthday."
Kuro's Close Family Friends and live in Masters:
Toraono Aikayume Azusa - Priestess of Sacred Blood - Kuro's blood bonded sister soon to be announced to the rest of the family and the world.
Sunaku Sashi - Crimson Sands- Sunaku (Taizen's Sensei)- family medic/ swordswoman and cousin to Azame- Jutsu Mastery, Weapon Mastery Giant Sword, Medical Knowledge, defensive technique, Bull's Strength, Seal Expert
Daibatsu Toa - House Engineer/Prosthetic Surgeon/ Genetic Docto- Santaru (Raizen's Sensei)- puppeteer
Memories and Knowledge would continue to pour in as battle lessons began to rear their genetically ingrained heads. Styles of fighting known and unknown to her poured into her mind and body. Muscle memories not her own soon rested within her. She would find herself quite capable with a blade but even more terrifying was that she did not even need one, she could literally master the ability to use any weapon technique unarmed.
She was pulled closer to Kyojin. She was fortunate the Titan was there, because under the pressure of information flowing through her, her body gradually lost the strength to support itself...But even the mighty titan seemed to be fallig t the exhaustion of the ritual bonding between them. Still, he spoke to her; and the Fox listened.
---Vengeance.
It was something Azusa knew all to well about. Something she herself had been consumed by. No...something that she had allowed herself to be consumed by. Even though her eyes had been opened to this flaw, she knew it was still there within her. It was not something she could easily forget.
...But she hoped to never let it blind her again.
Azusa had wanted to ask about her sacred blade; about the Riddle of Steel. But before she could, her mind and body were overcome with a feeling of vertigo; she hissed, telling herself this was not the time for weakness, but quickly dismissed it. (No, he said to not resist these...visions.) She opened her mind to these memories, accepting them...and the information rushed through her, hitting her like a wave of exhaustion. "...In that case...Indulge me...for a moment..." The room she was in began to fade; until she could no longer see it. The Toraono she clutched onto began to fade; until she could no longer feel him. Even her body felt as if she were fading...
...But what she could see were visions. Dreams.
She saw the promises and heritage of the Toraono, Of who they were. Their valor. Their bloodline, their ties to their kindred...and how far they stretched.
She felt the power they wielded. Power over the elements. Skill through refined combat arts. "....." This information flowed through her, though Azusa's body remained still throughout all of this. To anyone else it would appear as if she were in a deep slumber. But rather than resting, her body used this meditative state to ingrain this information into her very being. While she in her feral state had already had the strength of beasts, these visions gave her the capability of wielding that strength with skill.
But perhaps most of all, she saw dreams of of many great beasts fighting many grand battles in a world similar, but different. Battles fueled by frigid winds, cunning speed, steadfast fortitude, and perhaps most of all, strength and pride. Of course Azusa herself was not present; and yet these visions felt familiar to her. As if they were....memories? She saw visions of a stunning woman, who's presence felt far too pristine for the world of beasts and battle...And of a being seen only as terrifying flames. She felt saw the final battle of this undefeated king of beasts; Azusa cheered for him, but was powerless to do anything other than watch as he was finally bested. And right as the final blow was about to be dealt to him...
*Gasp* Azusa awoke, clutching at her side and expecting there to be a painful wound. Her breath was loud and strong; as if she had just emerged from being trapped beneath a surface of water. She was disoriented of course; if felt as if her head was being torn in every which way. "....U-urgh..." She struggled awake, seeing the somber presence of the the Titan acting as a sentinel over her. He too seemed to be in a trance...
How long had she been (for lack of a better word) asleep? How long had he watched over her? She was unsure how long this process took...
...Though she did not want to disturb the great beast's rest after all he had been through, the visions were fresh in her mind. Driven by sadness and curiosity, the Toraono kitsune touched at the armor along the Toraono's side, wondering if he had a scar from the wound she saw in her vision. "...How tragic. For such a majestic beast-king to fall like that." To face an unbeatable enemy, and be taken away from the celestial woman of the sky. "I may not be from divine...but I will be your light." She was unsure if the titan beast could hear her, but she was mostly speaking aloud.
Hyakujuuonouu having temporarily taken Kyojin's body and stolen his consciousness away smiled down at Azusa. With all Black eyes he raised up from his protective posture over her. Giving her room to move and stretch. Azusa would be able to notice in his mannerisms and completely black eyes that this was no longer Kyojin.
"Thank you for the offer of guidance little fluffy fox and welcome to my family. I am honored that you would share my blood, and my shame. I have long failed as a hero and now my descendants valiantly fight to overcome my failings and save all that they can. As a priestess you will have many opportunities to commune with gods and spirits of greater importance and far more power than me. Please accept their advice and whatever aid they may offer. This citadel is now your home. Before Kyojin wakes up do you have any questions of me?"<i></i>
The source of the Toraono Clan main bloodline literally lived within all of them and Azusa had been deliberately linked directly to him as well. This meant as a Priestess she could commune with Hyakujuuonouu whenever she wanted to for advise, or times of need. What Hyakujuuonouu had just told her was that she could commune with other elder beings as well. Byakko, Ox-King, Hyou, Suzaku, Genbu, and many other beast gods were within her reach now not just the kitsune. All of these beings were in opposition to Jashin and could even grant her powers similar to a follower of Jashin. Sacred relics, their locations, and how to use them were all literally a series of prayers away. This was how the Toraono Clan knew so much.
Here she was, in contact with a divine beast. A grand spirit of the highest degree, who was granting her favor. The Aikayume respected spirits of all types, down to the lowliest of them, and this was only magnified by Hyakujuu's memories she had seen. She felt tiny; beyond the sheer difference between their physical forms. No, she felt her existence was small in comparison to one as old as Hyakujuuonouu.
"...I will not abuse my connection to these spirits, Great Beast. I swear upon each of my tails, " Her connection to spirits was a powerful skill to be sure, but one that she had lost since coming into contact with Akkuma. His cursed chakra had corrupted Azusa's attunement to the spiritual energy of the world around her; to do this a spiritual being such as an Aikayume, it was akin to locking them in a padded cell. In hindsight, no wonder she went mad...But being connected to spirits once again? This was akin to a refreshing breath after being submerged and drowning.
Whats more; she had the opportunity to speak with one of these great spirits through Kyojin. Having only just awakened from these visions, the Priestess of course had many questions; some of which hadn't even occured to her yet, as her body and soul attempted to ingrain these memories and capabilities into herself. But something from Hyakujuu's memories stood out to her... "That woman in the visions...Your memories. Do you know what became of her? Who, or what, was she?" She was brilliant and stunning; she could not blame Hyakujuu for having been captivated by her strange appearance in his world. Had she existed in the current world alongside Azusa, the fox would of course have been envious of her. Even now, just through memories, she felt somewhat drawn to her...Or was that perhaps lingering thoughts of Hyakuujuu himself, that she felt through their connection?
Hyakujuuonouu sat before her in a cat like manner inside Kyojin's body before resuming a more human posture. She was a servant of the gods, a tenchi, a heavenly being. She had apparently defied the warriors of her line by doing something to help the beasts and mortals of those times. Her scent was intoxicating, enlightening, and full of overwhelming sorrow laced with fear that was not for herself but for all mortals. Tenchi were powerful and divine, your scent reminds me of hers as well. It would be very nice if you yourself were of her lineage after she forced reincarnation upon us to escape her tormentors. My brethren have fought evil and sadistic beings of the like ever since I fell to Pyriel. In my core I know he still exists if for no other reason that Jashin exists. One day my male descendant will face another of evil bent and he may well relive my fate. I hope that should that day come you might lead the remaining Toraono Clan with all the families it has united under its banner out of the darkness and into the light you naturally exude. Kyojin will awaken now as we have exceeded the limit I can remain in the physical world. Be safe young fox and may the spirits guide you."<i></i>
With that Hyakujuonouu returned to his chained form and resting within his unyielding body made from mystic stone and darkened rune emblazoned metal. Inside his chained statue he awaited the call to war. His power would regenerate as easily as it regenerated others calling upon the natural chakra within the ether of the void as he lay in wait for what must come. There would be a reckoning.
The doors to the chambers opened wide as Toraono Kuro’s mother Lady Azame followed by her husband (whom was an exact twin of Kyojin minus his horns, chakra circuit implants, and runic tattoos) came in to view Azusa in the hallway servants awaited their call. A small legion as it were of specialists in many things domestic and necessary awaited the announcement of the new Lady of the Toraono Clan, the one whom would lead the multiple families united under one banner since the Fall of Homura. Toraono Kuro’s siblings had gone elsewhere to finalize their deeds and sever ties as a new family was to take over. The old was now free, all except the Guardian and it broke Azame’s heart to know no matter what she did she would have to sacrifice one of her children so that the rest of the world might live free.
Toraono Nobuku Azame stood six feet two inches. She weighed a reasonable, muscular, 180 pounds, Toraono Nobuku Azame was Kuro’s mother. The resemblance between Kuro and his mother was in the thick lustrous silk like fervor of their hair, the eyebrows, eye lashes, and the cheekbones of his face. Azame’s eyes were green blue like the sea. She was perfectly proportioned for the skill of a swordswoman, her arms were lean and toned, her legs were like that of an acrobat or a circus dancer. She wore a white embroidered, sand tone, chain mail laced, silk kimono. Its colors were white upon a sand tone background with the image of a tigress and her lion king basking in the setting sun atop the corpse of a giant serpent. This pattern wrapped around her kimono several times. Her skin was a creamy olive, she wore a pair of reinforced guards upon her forearms and beautiful silk and sandalwood sandals upon her feet. Around her waist was a gold and sand tone obi with crimson threaded runic terran sigils marking her as nobility. She carried herself with an aura of domination and power that accentuated her natural grace in a manner that could only be attributed to her being a full grown woman. She exuded a sense of pressure that could only come from being a warrior, a mother, and a leader. Her Kimono was not traditional either, it was more along the lines of an armored fighting robe. It easily allowed her full movement without showing any of her unmodest skin.
Toraono Kaibudo strode forth placing a massive hand atop his lady’s hand in a state o protection but physical submission it was obvious that in most matters Azame dominated their relationship but from the gleam in his eyes it was also obvious that there were things HE DID NOT ALLOW FROM ANYONE. He then turned and adjusted his seven feet of height to look upon Azusa. She was most definitely the source of the scent that had reached him and she bore an odd resemblance to the fallen Tenchi that had sealed and reincarnated his elder brother Hyakujuuonouu. That aside Kaibudo had never met her before. At three hundred and seventy five pounds of reinforced muscle Kaibudo was already a force of presence but it was the ancient spirit residing in his eyes that gave away his place in the world every time. A black silk and cotton robe humbly covered his body. A pair of matching black silk drawstring pants allowed him to look debonair yet infinitely relaxed. His voice was as deep as the sea, yet as smooth as a baby’s bottom. “Welcome next Lady of House Toraono, my name is Toraono Kaibudo and this is my Lady Azame, We felt the passing of the covenant, which was well ahead of schedule. We had always believed that Kuro’s daughter Reikiko the Wyrmborn would one day succeed him but for the Guardian to choose a priestess and of all things a fox as the new liege of our households is very exciting and utterly unexpected. Even though this has occurred outside of predictions and time frames the protocol of ascendance is struck and by rites you are now the de facto Leader of the Toraono Clan and the families within it. The Senju and Miroku families are allies and equals so they are not subject to our laws unless they themselves acquiesce to them by their own free will. As per the covenant the main quarters of the dojo now belong to your family and we of the former main branch will retire to our own lands elsewhere out of the limelight. Dr. Daibatsu the clan engineer and Sunaku Sashi the house doctor will be at your beck and call regardless of where we may stay or go. Long live the Lady of House Toraono and may your leadership bring us all into the light.”
Lady Azame bowed followed by Kaibudo and all the servants in the hallway vast. After Lady Azame stood she smiled and removed her kimono revealing her personal armor. She placed the slightly heavy reinforced garment around Azusa and hugged her close and spoke in a manner that only Azusa could hear…“May your blade never rust or falter, may your heart be free and before any decision is made look into your own heart first then let the mind decide. I wish you all that you need and can handle to succeed. May the spirits continue to bless you.”
Toraono Kaibudo and Azame then hugged Kyojin and for a brief moment Azusa could see him as a tiny dark haired, dark skinned boy hugging his parents with love and hope in their hearts before they left the chamber leaving the servants kneeling to await Lady Azusa’s commands.
A radiant woman of heavenly origin, a celestial emissary....that was who the woman in the vision had been. Azusa had felt a distant familiarity with her...or perhaps it was merely longing. The Tenchi's visage would be a memory in her mind she couldn't resist; it was the scene of a beautiful artpiece. "...Rest easy. If that evil is ever to return, then know the Toraono will remain strong and ready. If the evil is ancient and patient, then the Toraono will be timeless and enduring." The Priestess spoke to the ancient spirit as faded into his resting state. This was her duty; under her protection, the clan would remain ready for whatever prophetic conflict awaited.
Her ears twitched when she heard the doorway open, and the new party entering into the room. Azusa rose to her feet. This woman...was strong; as expected of the mother of the Toraono. As was her husband, another being of ancient wisdom and experience. She lowered her head in a slight bow; uncomfortable in unfamiliar territory...But Kaibudo's welcome had pushed aside that discomfort and let her know this was her home. And she felt the cumulative weight of the gaze of all before her upon her. And the warm feeling of welcome. this feeling...
...was family. Acceptance. A feeling of warmth that the Demon Akkuma had stolen away from her by turning her clan against her. A feeling she had forgotten, replaced by her thirst for vengeance. Oh, how she had forgotten how comforting this feeling could be! Her face felt hot, her breath heavy...But she fought successfully to not allow a single tear to be shown, even if it was one shed out of joy.
She felt ashamed at her past actions...But she maintained her composure, fought to allow not a single tear to be shown. To be able to exude an aura of resolute pride like Lady Azame and Lord Kaibudo. "...Thank you so much. I promise to you...to everyone here; though our body and origin may be different, we share the very same will and desire. Though the covenant has passed onto myself, our purpose remains unchanged and eternal; we will forever be the proud guardians of our home and our people. We will watch over the blessed lands of the desert. This...is our home. And I swear; under our watch, the Toraono will not allow anyone, any power that be, to defile our sacred homeland." And....the Kitsune bowed, giving thanks for all those before her. "I thank you...for everything you have done...And for everything you will do." And most importantly, for saving her from the calamity she otherwise would have brought upon herself.
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