The Haven of the Hopeful [Anarchy! Event; Open to All]

[Sand Council]

Time Stamp: Day 3 - 1200<i></i>​

Despite Sunagakure having its issues retaliating against the Cabal's tactical invasion plan, the one thing they had spent much effort rallying around was the academy and turning it into an impenetrable fortress in which to house families of and students from the hordes of criminals and thugs flooding the streets. Much like Olgav's bakery, this had been a sore spot for a lot of the ne'er-do-wells. Some just wanted to get in to loot the stocked-up supplies, some wanted to see the younglings of the village bleed, and many just wished to further the agenda of their assumed masters. War was a dark place and it often summoned out the worst in all involved.

On a daily basis, criminals wailed on the towering walls of the school, looking to rattle and terrify those hiding within. The shinobi guarding the walls conserved their energy in case of a real attack and let them have their inappropriate fun. Many tagged the walls with grotesque images, some screamed profanities, but many just came and went knowing they had no chance of breaching the walls.

But this day, the third day in the Cabal pandemic was different. A large force had amassed outside the school, starting from the early morn and gathering towards noon. By the time the artificial sky lit up the cavern at its brightest most interval something close to a hundred attackers had gathered. As lightning bolts, fireballs, hunks of earth, and balls of water began to pelt and chip the defensive walls surrounding the academy, those upon its walls began to worry. The shinobi responsible for its defense were not the best the village had to offer. They were auxiliary forces normally tasked with paperwork and general policing. What had gathered against them was more than they had in man-power to match.

Someone was shouting orders from the walls and the defenders steeled themselves for the inevitable onslaught.

The attackers were riling themselves into a frenzy, preparing to charge the walls and siege until they cracked the shell.

Then it fell utterly silent on both sides as a figure stood in the open plane before the open side of the school.

Swathed in black and engrossed by shadows, many would mistake the man as Mikaboshi The Terrible, but it was in fact not.

Akio​

"Turn away from these walls."<i></i>

It was impossible to tell who he was speaking to. In a single smooth motion, he drew the dark-metal blade that he had become infamous for..

And turned towards the gathering of prisoners, bandits, and criminals pointing the shining metal blade as a warning.

"You may not snuff out what little light remains in this village."<i></i>

To a select few it was known that Akio was not a member of The Cabal group, but a man who worked with them to attain some common goal. He preached about justice and being righteous and how Sunagakure were bold-faced liars who now cowered when confronted. There was an agenda that he hadn't clearly revealed, but now he stood in defense of the village's children and their families, not knowing who resided inside the walls and if any of them had committed some of the atrocities he preached.

One man versus one-hundred.

Akio could fend off many of them, but could he do it forever?

The first wave rushed in, shinobi and fighters alike mixed together. They neared and he became a blur of motion and a flash of steel as limbs flew and bodies hit the ground. Ten men had fallen in a matter of seconds and all that was left standing was Akio, the tip of his katana hovering just above the ground. Blood ran down its length like it were a leaky facet. There was a cheer from the walls behind him, but then a more barbaric one came from the group in front of him and they all proceeded down the small embankment towards the swordsman and the school. Taking a lower stance and bringing his weapon parallel to his head, he readied himself for the onslaught and to do his best in defending the academy.

By the end of the day, whether he lived or died, many would later ask why this cloaked figure stepped in to save the lives of those who had so protested against.

Elemental projectiles sizzled, crackled, and whooshed on by. Crossbow bolts whistled past as he side-stepped them and knew that he would eventually move into the path of one at the rate they were coming. This would end bloody.

Perhaps aid would arrive and he would live to see the next sunrise, fake or not.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Toraono Kuro had five aspects his sharingan form was enlightening him at Olgav's bakery, his kyojin form had gone to help Kazuo Takumi with his investigation of the Obsidian palace. His Chouryoku form was performing at a bar while gathering intel on the Cabal leaders and his spiritual healer form was aiding the injured and sick wherever he roamed while seeking any clues he could as to the Cabal's plans. His beast ally form roamed between the academy and the dojo and unfortunately for the army that had gathered it was his Torazuka form which had found them attacking the academy and the lone swordsman whom was defending it. With his main body keeping the few students whom were actively seeking training safe and training his hunter form emerged with his demon tiger ally to wreak havoc upon the Cabal's latest endeavor.

His demon eyes were violet with a feral demonic gold slit. Twin orbs of enraged violet and gold that took in the irony of the scene before him, a single agent of the Cabal was defending the academy from an onslaught. Licking his lips briefly before reaching down to pet his demon tiger. His brow dusty and a little grimy from sweat from running about the village taking down criminals and placing them in special public holding cells until they could be used for a revival ceremony. His nose flared as he scented more forces attempting to flank the swordsman. His ears were slightly pointed. Long thick hair with a silver grey coloration shimmered in the flicker of light from jutsu and explosions allowing his natural discoloration pattern to be seen as obvious tiger stripes by the way the darker gray streaks in his hair settled. His 24 inch neck lead to massively muscular shoulders and an explosively developed chest and back. His biceps are 22 inches around; from his lower back to where his neck meets his shoulders this particular Kuro is covered with Runic Terran Tiger Stripes. His upper right shoulder bears a tribal black lion mark that serves as a Heaven Seal. Kuro is known by most Sunans as a master of the ancient Toraono Clan form of fighting known as ShiShi no Ken or Lion's Fist. Which he displayed in ample variety today.

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 karate belt around his thirty six inch waist. Mouku 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 ANBU serum 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. Tightening and re-lacing his arm and leg wraps Kuro covered the runic terran markings of his hand and leg wraps. Kuro’s tail swished back and forth its tiger stripes faintly surging with chakra. His black gi top concealed his overly muscular upper body. Mouku Kuro and his four legged ally Moukyo the demon tiger rushed forth to aid Akio knowing it may full well be a trap. As they closed in on the enemy from behind a quick slap of paw to hand and Moukyo became a bestial copy of Mouku. The twin assault began and 10% of the massed forces were left unconscious just as they reached Akio the black swordsman.

“It seems odd to us you smell of the Cabal yet you are protecting the students and faculty here. So we must ask, why are you helping save lives?”

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

The second night was a tad easier on the men. Sleeping in your own bed was always a good thing. And he managed to survive his father fury over him going missing for a night like that. Though he had a rather damn excuse for himself. In spite of his anger he was glad to see him fine. And it seems he wasn’t just idling, with teams of Sunaku clan members patrolling the outside a few blocks from the compound. A small token of resistance, but before there was more of a direct plan, doing any larger scale attack was too risky...though the statement did annoy the whole clan even more.

Still, the news of him making contact with other Shinobi and a plan being formulated was somehow reassuring. The fact his son wanted to head off into the village was less assuring, especially to his wife. Yet Haru knew he couldn’t just sit here ideally. If he could help in some way, any way, he needed to do it. And so, after reassuring his family he would take care of himself, he headed back into the village. There were many places he would wish to be, people to see. Yet something etched in his mind more than other places. The Academy.

He was a teacher there, and he knew just how many young Shinobi were inside. And he knew that if times were dire, it could be turned into a well-fortified base. And such a base while providing safety, was bound to gather attention. If anything, he just needed to see just how much attention, and just to ensure himself about it being safe for the time being. And there was always a chance someone had a similar idea. And as it turned out, he did...though not in the way he quite would have liked.

This was the largest group of thugs he had seen so far, even bigger than the Battle for the Donuts (Olgav's pastries...literary to die for at this point). And on the other side, with the Academy at their back, two lone figures. Powerful figures, but still, the odds were a bit off. As he watched from the top of nearby building he could feel the frustration build up again. He did some things to draw the ire of the Cabal by now...guess this was as good of a cause as ever to try and see just how much "resistance" they would approve of.

Jumping from the building and landing with little effort, Harupia dashed towards the large crowd coming at the academy. once somewhat close close enough for some of the to notice someone attacking them from behind, he would come to an abrupt halt, rising his foot before stomping down hard on the ground. Suddenly, the crowd assaulting the academy and those defending it would feel the ground under them break down, almost literary. The solid ground under their feet would grind itself down, until they would find their legs somewhat deep in pure sand, as if they were stepping on the dunes of the desert above them. The desert would span all across the area around them stopping just short before Akio and Kuro's path (roughly...he couldn’t quite judge the distance). Right after the Desertification was complete, he would perform a quick set of seals, achieving two things. The Sand around him would kick up, causing a thick mist to sound the area around him, covering him from being immediately seen, and from the desert ground, a large burst of Shuriken created out of sand would erupt, striking the attackers near Harupia. Once that was preformed, Haru would move slowly through the veil of sand in the direction of the walls, catching his breath a bit. that was quite a display...Still, the slight sand storm and the confusion of the attack would hopefully give him some time to move closer to the other people defending the academy, and give him a bit of rest to get there fast and safe.

Mft, Wc= 668

(Jutsu used here are Desertification., Sand Veil. and two instances of Sand Stars, which keeps me in the usual treshhold of Ap used in one post, heh. I know Sand Starts can’t be really aimed at multiple people, but I think I put across the effect I wanted to achieve with those and hopefully it isn’t too farfetched)

 

[Sand Council]

Akio​

Nicks of weapons left little bloody marks on his arms. Ninjutsu seared the edges of his clothes, barely dodging the projectiles before advancing forward into the thick, black weapon cutting swathes through those who neared him. Some of Sunagakure's finest arrived on the scene, as he expected they would eventually. One of Kuro's aspects, the hunter. He was aware of this beast roaming the village and it was most likely to arrive here since many of the other aspects had been accounted for. The flank wasn't a surprise. A single man wading into an ocean of enemies would inevitably face attacks from all sides. The oppression of the dual Kuro's stifled those who would directly threatened him and the Sennin neared Akio.

"This is not the time."<i></i> Akio performed a wild horizontal slash and it bisected a man in half attempting to near them.

If there were to be a conversation, it would come later, when lives were not at risk. Foolish was one who used words in a battle when a blade was far better at bringing forth a resolution.

Then came Harupia, the Sunaku Artist and prodigy of Sunagakure. While he was a modest person, he wielded a great power and as many of the attackers became swallowed up by it, Akio did not slow his attack and pushed forward into the swirling waves of sand. They were easy to walk upon. A student could walk on water. A genin could tread sand. Akio could walk through the Maelstrom. He had too. As the makeshift sandstorm engulfed the area around Harupia, sand stars felling damned souls, there would be a sudden upheaval as dark, armor-clad figures appeared through the haze. Those lost within the confines of Harupia's trap were lost and confused. Menacing figures would wade through the sand and find them, summarily cutting them down with a massive two-handed sword before moving on to find there next victim.

At a cursory glance, there was about four of them. Shining black figures that worked to stymie the aggression of the gathered criminals.

Slick with the sanguine essence of those being swallowed up by their new grainy terrain, Akio hoisted his sword into the air, "Take them, my knights! Leave none!"<i></i>

Akio was a man who was known for being brutal, efficient, and grand in his showings. While he had stood one versus hundreds, he had not come alone. Nor did he have any intention of dying. These aggressors, no matter how dangerous or well-trained were not better than him. Better than his purpose. Akio's shade would inevitably bring light to the world.

[Continue taking out Criminals. Be creative. Link to Jutsu/Skills when relevant.]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

"This is not the time."<i></i> Akio performed a wild horizontal slash and it bisected a man in half attempting to near them.

Mouku Kuro and Moukyo found this particular member of the Cabal easy to understand. "Good enough, then consider this battle just about done... Harupia!! It is good you have come, shore up these defensive structures and follow in my wake I know that you have mastered yourself so with what I am about to do you should have a similar capability! Whatever enemies remain after our rampage are yours! ...Moukyo... it is time." The hunter had heard enough and he scented nothing specific in this one's presence but his scent had been memorized.

The beast clone Moukyo stood back to back with Mouku Kuro, with a massive dual roar a summons circle appeared beneath them and eight demon tigers emerged and ran into the oncoming enemy, raking, clawing, biting and mauling the enemy as Mouku Kuro's chakra surged vibrantly as they both merged into one massive terrifying feline demonbeast which resembled Hyakujuuonouu but only half the great beast's true size. At its shoulder it stood eight meters, from the tip of his gray nose to the end of his black tail with its tip aflame in violet hellfire he was twenty one meters long. Ebon claws 1.5 meters long and catch spurs shimmered at 1 meter long. Large silver fangs at 1.3 to 1 meter long shimmered as violet feline eyes looked down upon the men in disdain as chakra surged around their four legged state before they launched themselves into the thick of the crowd tearing and shredding and literally disarming another 15% of the enemy forces. The fact that this was a trap to surmise his true capabilities did not disturb them in the least as any survivors of this battle would be used in the ritual. Akio and Harupia would be able to easily note that none of the men felled by Kuro were killed. Despite his deadly capabilities he limited their combined assaults to mauling, maiming, and severe injuries. Blood spilled and nicks, cuts, and futile stab wounds scored his hide here and there. The enemies were soon thrown into disarray on the right flank. While the massive beast expected a similar ally to arise in Harupia's efforts. Once these men were defeated there would be words soon enough.

WC: 366
MFT

Jutsu's used

Spoiler

Roar of the Pride - Summoning Jutsu</U><i></i>
A Pride contains more than two members, and upon unleashing a Roar of strong emotion, an Torazuka and their pet can call upon felines from around the land to come and assist them in battle. Though untrained in any shinobi combat, wild animals can be particularly ferocious and especially so when they feel like a member of the Pride is threatened.

Rank 3: Summons 8 demon tigers that will attempt to attack the enemy for 550 dmg each.

Costs:
Rank 3: 3 AP, 280 Cp per Tiger

Notes:
- Demon tigers use the user's melee accuracy, and can be buffed by the user's melee buffs.
- If a tiger misses, it will attempt again next round and then once more the round after.
- User may send each tiger at a different target, or even change targets each round.
- Once a tiger hits it flees the scene
- Cannot be scared off

Giant Demon Tiger - Transformation Jutsu
It is said that and Torazuka and their pet share the same soul, and through their bond of trust and companionship, the Torazuka clansmen and their pet can merge to share a body, becoming a monstrously huge demonbeast. While this prevents them from doing jutsu, their sheer size and strength more then make up for it.

Rank 3: User's melee attack now does 900 slashing damage at +1 accuracy, gain a bite attack of 1,100 piercing damage at -1 accuracy. User takes -2 dodge. All Suppression, Bleeding and Called shot chances are reduced by -15%.

Costs:
Rank 3: 3 AP and 3300 Cp to initiate, 1650 Cp/Rnd

Notes:
- When fused with their pet, the Torazuka takes 80% of the Damage, while their pet takes 50%. Should either be knocked out, this jutsu is dispelled.
- Attacks cost 1 AP, and may be buffed by melee buffs.
- While fused the user may only use Torazuka Bloodline jutsu, and Slashing Taijutsu.
- Partial Hits are treated as one rank higher while in this form
- The user may not use the Torazuka Jutsu Beast Clone while in this form.

Notes:
- When fused with their pet, the Torazuka takes 80% of the Damage, while their pet takes 50%. Should either be knocked out, this jutsu is dispelled.
- Attacks cost 1 AP, and may be buffed by melee buffs.
- While in Giant Demon Tiger Form, and the user loses access to all their equipment and cannot use of any jutsu except slashing taijutsu and Torazuka jutsu. Loyalty to the Pride is constantly Active.

<U>Double Piercing Fang - Jutsu<i></i>
The Gatsuuga, or Double Piercing Fang, is a ferocious move performed in combo between feline and master for a spinning explosion of power used to devastate opponents. Due to the spinning, it's hard to accurately track the opponent with the eyes while this is in use, so it is best used in combo with Dynamic Air Marking.

Rank 3: Rapidly spins into a tunneling fang, dealing 2,325 Unarmed Slashing Damage at -1 Accuracy.

Special Action - Tiger Fang Over Fang Technique: This can only be done while under the effects of Giant Demon Tiger. This deals an additional 50% Base damage -3 Accuracy. This costs 2.75 Ap and 2,310 Cp.

Costs:
Rank 3: 845 Cp; 2.25 Ap

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

Harupia could hear the words uttered by Kuro (at least one of the bodies he seemed to inhibit...there was a difference, but not being enough for him to not recognize) as he himself moved around the sand storm he created. He stumbled upon a few of the attackers, though with his visibility being much better in the created obscurity, he was quicker to react, black gauntlets formed around his hands which allowed him to swiftly knock out a few of them. Soon enough, he saw several figures doing the same, though with much more brutal efficiency. More reinforcement...though with their brutality and the size of their blades, he could easily turn into a case of collateral damage.

Soon Harupia would emerge from the sand storm he made, a cloud of sand forming under his feet as he now hovered over the battlefield. High enough to see the havoc wrecked by the other two. So many bodies ripped asunder by all these attacks...how many of them of their own choice? How many forced in one way or another. Questions , questions, so many of them...and all he could do is try his best to ignore them for the time being.

As Haru levitated over the crowd, unflinching as some projectiles attacks flew at him, most deflected by his own sands, his hands started to move smoothly through the air, as if he was directing a troop of actors before him. His jutsu soon came to work. From the ground a tempest emerged, throwing around the wretched thugs under him. Along the cloud he was floating on, more sand would gather soon starting to pour down on those under him in a Rain of Sand. Those pelted by this sandy shower or caught into he wind of the tempest would find both were infused by the most deadly of sand, the Sunaku being adapt in using the sharpest and most rough grains in their attacks, heavy gashes forming quickly on the bodies of those under him. And to top it off, a final cord in his little symphony, Harupia flew through set of seal and rose his hands, causing large, sharp tendrils to burst from the ground, harming many, pricing through the skin of some. In his mind, he aimed for his attacks to be both destructive phi scaly and mentally, the cutting rains and winds slowly witling the will of those attacking, and the final attack being the nail in the coffin so to speak. Along with the rampage Kuro as causing as well as the mysterious figure and his companions, he hoped they would feel at least a speck of the mental anguish him and his friends, and the entire village were going through these past few days.

Spoiler

Tempest
A powerful wind technique which creates a powerful tornado, capable of lifting those caught within off their feet into a shredding vortex of wind that tears apart even the toughest of victims.

Information
Prerequisites: C Rank

Rank 1: Creates a powerful vortex around two targets, attacking them 3 times at +1 Accuracy. Each strike deals 340 damage with a 18% chance of causing the 'Uplift' effect.
Master: Creates a powerful vortex around two targets, attacking them 3 times at +2 Accuracy. Each strike deals 405 damage with a 24% chance of causing the 'Uplift' effect.

Used as a Sand jutsu thanks to:
Sand Manipulation - Passive
"With sand, anything is possible." This is a quote of the Sunaku that perfectly describes their adept control over this element. Their affinity shows perhaps the greatest control seen throughout the land when it comes to manipulation, for the sunaku can use sand to create any image they vision within their mind, whether it be a complex jutsu, or even a small weapon. Nothing is beyond their capability to create, and so long as their is ground around the Sunaku, they will never be without their natural element.

Rank 1: May convert Earth and Wind Jutsu into Sand by paying an additional 20% Chakra Cost.
Rank 2: May convert Earth and Wind Jutsu into Sand by paying an additional 10% Chakra Cost.
Rank 3: May convert Earth and Wind Jutsu into Sand at no extra cost.

Notes:
- Sand Jutsu require no handseals.
- The Sunaku automatically has access to the Sand element.
- All techniques used with this are treated as Sand element.

Desert Nimbus - Levitating Sand Cloud
Using their basic control over sand, the Sunaku have found that by condensing the surface pressure of sand with chakra, they are able to reinforce the multitude of grains to become solid enough to stand upon, even when above the surface of the ground. With training, the Sunaku are able to levitate upon sand, whether it be in the form of a floating platform, or a grainy cloud. Though this allows them to levitate off the ground with sand, this technique is slow moving. While this provides a natural protection against close range combat, long range fighters can easily pick off the slow moving Sunaku levitating off from the ground.

Rank 1: User gains +1 melee dodge, -2 Ninjutsu/Ranged dodge. +3% chance of activating Protection of the Sands.
Rank 2: User gains +1.5 melee dodge, -1.5 Ninjutsu/Ranged dodge. +6% chance of activating Protection of the Sands.
Rank 3: User gains +2 melee dodge, -1 Ninjutsu/Ranged dodge. +9% chance of activating Protection of the Sands.

Costs:
Rank 1: 360 CP/rnd, 1.5 AP
Rank 2: 450 CP/rnd, 1.5 AP
Rank 3: 540 CP/rnd, 1.5 AP

Sand Shower
An advanced Sand technique that infuses chakra into the grainy dust around them, manipulating it into dark clouds of thick sand. These clouds then shower the area with small bullets of condensed sand that do not do much harm individually, but under the combined bludgeoning force of countless drops can harm those within the area.

Information
Prequisites: - Sand Affinity, B-rank, 2 Mastered Sand Jutsu

Rank 1: Rains tiny sand bullets upon two targets at +1 Accuracy. Both targets make 4 checks that each deal 510 damage. This Jutsu has a 21% chance to activate the 'Impale' effect.
Master: Rains tiny sand bullets upon two targets at +1 Accuracy. Both targets make 4 checks that each deal 600 damage. This Jutsu has a 28% chance to activate the 'Impale' effect.

Special Action: By paying +20% Cp and lowering accuracy by -1 and damage by -10%, this jutsu may target +1 target. This may be done twice. (Using the special ability Twice)

Rank 1 Cost: 660 Cp
Master Cost: 820 Cp

Notes:
- A target may only be hit by three checks, and may only be suppressed once per use.
- The 'Impale' effect increases bleeding by one level and has a 35% chance of dealing critical damage. Additionally, this disperses clones.

Desert Tendril Unleash
Gathers a vast amount of sand overhead, condensing it before having it erupt violently outwards in a series of irregular branching spikes shooting off around the area. These strikes are able to avoided individually, but the sheer amount of spikes covering the area makes this technique practically unavoidable, impaling those caught within the weblike maze.

Information
Prequisites: - Sand Affinity, A-rank, 4 Mastered Sand Jutsu

Rank 1: 3 Targets make checks against 4 strikes. Each deals 1290 Damage at -2 Accuracy. This Jutsu has a 28% chance of activating both Pierce and Impale simultaneously.
Rank 2: 3 Targets make checks against 4 strikes. Each deals 1610 Damage at -2 Accuracy. This Jutsu has a 36% chance of activating both Pierce and Impale simultaneously.

Special Action: This special action may be used only if performed with full handseals; regardless of any skills or abilities the user may have. This Jutsu does not take effect for a full round from use, and only deals 80% of the damage. This targets all in battle, and Pierce and Impale are activated automatically. This Jutsu cannot be used during the delay, and for a full round after it is completed.

Rank 1 Cost: 2640 Cp
Rank 2 Cost: 3300 Cp

Notes:
- Only 3 Strikes may hit a target.
- Bleeding may only be raised once per use.
- The 'Pierce' effect ignores DR, and destroys barriers, and increases bleeding by 1 level. This does not effect barriers of a higher level than this Jutsu.
- The 'Impale' effect increases bleeding by one level and has a 35% chance of dealing critical damage. Additionally, this disperses clones.

Jutsu used masterd, and used along the Sunaku Passive skills:
Sand Mastery - Passive
Born attuned to sand, the Sunaku have long been able to manipulate sand with mere thoughts and shape it to their will. The Sunaku's natural affinity brings forth the true strength of sand due to their control, controlling it subconsciously as they act as the artist in a broad range of fluid combinations with sand.

Rank 1: +5% Sand damage
Rank 2: +10% Sand damage
Rank 3: +15% Sand Damage

Blood Diamonds - Passive
Sunaku is their skill, and sand is their weapon. All shinobi keep their weapons in tip top shape as to keep their lethality at their peak, so to do the Sunaku. Naturally when manipulating their sands, the Sunaku add only the sharpest minerals from deep within the ground into their sand. These minerals allow their sand techniques to rip the flesh off the unfortunate victims that find themselves lost amid the onslaught of a Sunaku's fury.

Rank 1: Jutsu Levels 1-4 can cause bleeding rank 1-2
Rank 2: Jutsu Levels 1-6 can cause bleeding ranks 1-3
Rank 3: Jutsu Levels 1-8 can cause bleeding ranks 1-4

Notes:
- Works only with bloodline jutsu and sand jutsu

Iron Sand - Activated Passive
Over time, the Sunaku's control over sand begins to expand with the deepening of their affinity. At some point in their life, they begin to substitute finely crushed minerals in place of sand, grinding the hardest metals they can find into flakes of powder. Sunaku are able to manipulate this Iron Sand just as they could normal sand, though this heavier metal is a bit more difficult to control, though gives all their techniques significantly more strength.

Rank 1: The user may choose to use "Iron Sand" for their Sand Ninjutsu. Iron Sand Jutsu may inflict any bleeding levels 1-5, and they gain +5% damage, but lose -2 accuracy due to the added weight.
Rank 2: The user may choose to use "Iron Sand" for their Sand Ninjutsu. Iron Sand Jutsu may inflict any level of bleeding, and they gain +5% damage, but lose -1.5 accuracy due to the added weight.
Rank 3: The user may choose to use "Iron Sand" for their Sand Ninjutsu. Iron Sand Jutsu may inflict any level of bleeding with a +5% chance of bleeding, and they gain +10% damage, but lose -1 accuracy due to the added weight.

Cost: All sand jutsu using Iron Sand cost +25% Cp, including any Maintain costs.

Notes:
- This ability may only apply to Sand Ninjutsu. For any Sand binds/barriers, this increases Hp rather than damage.
- This costs no Ap, the user must simply state that they are using this technique with their Sand Ninjutsu.

Haru is equipped with his weapon approved here

Name: Black Sand Guards
Weapon Type: Arm and Shin Guards
Weapon Damage Type: Unarmed
Bonuses: -1 Acc/ +5% Damage
Augment: Vanguard, Lucky Dodge, Riot Shield.
While his father paid most of his attention to teaching Harupia the secrets of their clans Jutsu, he also spent time teaching his son how to properly defend in close quarter combat. Still, it took time to properly learn how to defined from such attacks, and even then parrying strikes could hurt as much as getting hit. One thing Harupia learned quickly though was to adapt and use his strengths to cover up any weakness.
As soon as he was sufficient skilled, he created something more practical than his early statues: a pair of guards for both his feet and arms, molded from the finest minerals of metal he could summon from the ground, giving it an almost pitch black color. The gauntlets were quite heavy to ensure proper protection, yet light enough for him to perform quick, twitch movements to protect himself. As Haru grew he modified the gauntlets to fit his size as well as making them more concealed. Unused they have the form two large bracelets, which he has around his biceps and tights respectfully,, or just simply has them in one of the pouches of his robe or jacket, containing the material for them. When needed he can will the iron sand within these out, forming solid, black guards which cover his arms to the shoulder and his feet to his calves. It’s the weapon he most carries with him in one way or another, as a keep way to bolster his own defense.

 

[Sand Council]

Akio​

The Suna-nin combined their efforts and the amassed group of attackers soon found themselves at odds with powers that they had never been privy too. Many knew the village contained its select few of elite shinobi, but none had truly seen their immense powers unleashed in a place so public. Had many known of these talents, the prison probably would have remained filled. Tigers from another reality rend targets and gnashed with teeth. Giant and stomping, the main form of Kuro and companion crushed and obliterated any foolish enough to near the monstrosity. Due to the shear power of the attacks, many died to opening barrage and those who were not fortunate enough to pass on quickly were soon caught up in the torrential sand storm Harupia had conjured, razor pellets of sand berating any that hadn't been swift enough to turn tail and leave.

Large clouds of red mist would explode outward from the mineral storm as the black-armored knights continued to cleave enemies in half. Not even those struggling in the treacherous terrain were spared by the unknown defenders, being slain while they struggled for traction.

Akio made used of the sentient sand, moving along its currents and allowing it to carry him to targets. Since Harupia would be avoiding casting jutsu towards Kuro, it would lead him on a path of all who needed to be slain. More time passed, seconds in the grander scheme of the fight, and it became more apparent that several additional of Akio's knights had emerged from no where. Their numbers were just over two dozen now. Criminals openly fled the scene, those capable enough did nothing to help their comrades and used every ounce of ninja training they had to survive. Those that didn't have any aid or any such training were not as lucky and were consumed by the combined might of the academy defenders. A sudden burst of speed, blurring from sight for a brief moment, and Akio was suddenly atop the hill the aggressors had original charged down.

A fierce battle cry radiated outward and he swept his sword to either side of him. Darkness grew outward from the gaping wounds her had left in the earth, gathering like a tidal wave. Menacing laughter left the man's throat and as the overwhelming cover of shadow became larger than the tiger beast Kuro, it fall downward, washing over the battlefield. Screams were heard for a few moments, but soon vanished, quieting at a steady rate as if someone was turning down their volume from 100 to 0.

All of the chaos was engulfed and once the wavering mass of black hit the academies walls, any signs of the attackers had been removed from the field. Akio's knights too had vanished from sight. At the center of the field was the shadowed swordsman himself, bladed weapon back in its sheath. Small streaks of blood formed patterns on his skin, parts of his clothing were singed, but despite it all his face remained consumed by darkness, a mouthful of pearly white teeth and a set of piercing eyes were all that could be seen.

"You had a question for me, Master Toraono?"<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro released his jutsu and placed all the wounded under special seals so that none of their lives or chakra was wasted, all whom faced Akio were slain immediately. Kuro had to admit the man was efficient and his usage of shadow was second only to Mikaboshi's. There was a surge of cognizance that clawed at the back of Kuro's heart as an evil grin emerged. Mikaboshi had returned from wherever he had been. Akio then turned to speak to Kuro as he crossed over the dying and dead as if they were nothing more than dust in the wind.Mouku Kuro and Moukyo the demonbeast regarded him sternly before Mouku Kuro finally stretched in an extreme cat like fashion before facing Akio. With Akio’s scent memorized he could now track and backtrack everywhere he had traveled.
"Why were you just helping save lives?"
Moukyo the demonbeast tiger pulled Harupia away from the two of them and spoke with his cat's lisp "Keep youurrr distance defenderrr of Suna, Masterrr Kurrro does not yet know the black sworrrdsman's motives." The massive demonbeast was already healing from the few wounds it had as the scent of cinnamon like blood dried and sealed the wounds of the demonbeast tiger companion of Mouku Kuro. With a deep intake over his palette and a quick memorization of the depth of his battle steps in the chakra laden sand Moukyo set off the trace Akio’s prior movements his link with Mouku Kuro feeding information to all the aspects of Kuro by proxy. Kuro’s aspects homed in on Akio’s previous movements as his scent was tracked and other scents analyzed for their strengths. The Cabal would be hunted down one by one, including the one whom could change his scent. They had taunted the Toraono Clan and harmed thousands all in some terrorist attempt for something unknown. Now was almost the time for resurrection and revenge.

​

wc: 310
mft

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

He could see it all. As he performed his assault from the air, his mind focused on maintain his attacks, controlling them as he guided the whirlwind and rain of razor sharp sand across the battlefield, careful not to harm those who were assisting him. He needed to see where he was aiming...and he saw the carnage wrecked by them. It was arguable which between the three was the most damaging, the charge of Kuro, almost savage in its brutality, the relentless assault of the Dark figures and the cloaked man guiding them, or the constant downpour of his sand, causing small lacerations, bruises one after another, with the spikes coming out to impale those who still stood. They all did their damn best to stop the attack on the academy, and he would continue to do what he needed to save the village. Yet, after the brief few seconds of their assault, he was allowed to relax. The fight was over, the attackers were running...those who were able to at least.

From his sand cloud he could clearly see all the mangled, hurt bodies they left in their wake. Some of them still alive, some of them now simply growing cold. His thoughts moved back to the day before, to the fight happening before Olgav's bakery...the exploded bodies, the fact some of them were forced to do the bidding of some other villainous scum...how many of these could have ben innocent, or simply misguided, forced into the attack? And regardless of their motives, did the really deserve such a gruesome fate? It was their choice to attack...yet he couldn’t help but feel a sense of almost nauseating bitterns that he was part of this symphony of destruction.

As Harupia softly guided himself down to the ground, calming the shifting sand (though the fact that a good portion of the ground was still a big sandbox would remain for a while) he was approached by the companion of Kuro, the large tiger who warned him of not napping the intentions of the third defender. Haru looked at the men quite carefully thought the fight, he saw his final cleaving strike through the masses, the eerie, demon like visage he hid under his hood...another sort of outwardly being, or perhaps a bit of paint over his face for dramatic effect? One way to find out. He would let his hand gently glide over the tigers neck, allowing himself a second to admire the mighty beast as he said “Thank you for the warning”. After that he would move closer to the two, standing to the side of Kuro, after which he would say “Thank you for your assistance... but I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around the village before. May I ask just who you might be?” It was always polite to try and find out something about a newcomer…even if in the back of your mind you were imagining him turning his massive blade towards your throat.

Mft, Wc= 491

 

[Sand Council]

Despite being a ninja village, there was little that The Cabal had discovered about the Sunan. Their isolation kept everything in tight, neat spaces and made valuable intelligence simple enough a chore to find. The catacombs beneath the Kazekage tower were mostly unguarded and under the right disguise even the disciples working down beneath paid no mind. While Kaito had his tricks, so did Akio. Akio was a wild card among a group of terrorists. His talents were vast and he had aid from numerous sources that dated back in Wind Country. This was why his face could not be seen, no matter how hard one tried to gaze upon it, why soldiers rose to rank whenever he needed them, why the shadows heeded his call and consumed all he desired.

Darkness had since embraced him long ago and now he was given the chance to turn it onto the village that had caused so my ire. Kuro's tricks were novel, but would be ineffective. Much like Mikaboshi, if Akio so too wished to vanish from the world, he could.

Hand resting casually on the decorated hilt of his katana, Akio offered a charming, but vicious smile; one of the only things that could been seen underneath his hood.

"Because many of those inside are innocent, children whose future should not be affected by the decisions of the past."</COLOR><i></i>

There was a lot to the dark ronin that many did not understand, but there, in that clearing he sensed a revelatory moment was nearing. Out in the distance there were cheers of shinobi from the academy's fortified walls as they looked unto their heroes. While they were caught up in the celebration, none would take notice of the black knights that had appeared on the outskirts of the academy walls. They stood on watch, sword tips placed into the ground waiting for any who dare make another move. There were also strange, crawling shadows moving about the outside of the school's high barricades. As if they had always been there, the five-sided symbol of a cut gemstone peered down onto any who would look unto the safe haven. This was a warning to all who neared whose protection the establishment was under.

Harupia decided to enter into the conversation despite the objections from the companion.

A brave boy.

The piercing, fiery gaze of Akio turned onto the Sunaku, and he smiled, but this was far less vicious by comparison, "My glory days are before your time, Harupia."<i></i>

No chakra was being used, but the air suddenly seemed heavy. Akio turned completely to face both Sunan and the hand that had been hiding in the shade of his cloak extended outward to reveal a black stone ring of two serpents intertwined together. A long time ago, a large group of Sunan warriors wore them. It was the signet ring of the Rangers.

"I am the brother to a betrayed sister, the father to a shattered son, and the husband to a wounded wife."<i></i> His eyes moved between the two, but settled last onto the Sennin, "Kuro should know me, but like so many I was forgotten and lost to the dark. I am Kuroda Akio. It is a pleasure to formally meet you both."<i></i>

<COLOR color="indigo">Kuroda Akio​

Despite the grand explanation, the name still might not ring any bells. Kuroda Akio was the father to Kuroda Uri, the happy-go-lucky chuunin who doted on his father every chance he got. This man had allegedly fallen ill and passed during the first year of their transition into the underground. A man of little material wealth, but one gifted with stone like his son. Many buildings and beautiful works of art remained around Sunagakure with the same five-sided symbol that was etched onto the academy. While Harupia might not know him immediately, as a fellow artist, he might remember some of his work. Even one of his vases rested inside Kuro's dojo from decades ago.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Mouku Kuro looked upon him in shock and bowed deeply before a true ranger. As he stood he lowered his bestial form and returned to a near normal looking Kuro. "While it is true that your ring is genuine, and I do know of you... your scent is nothing like your son's and I attended your memorial service as a child. Even my parents believe you to be dead. What has Sunagakure done to warrant your return in this manner? You should be welcomed as a hero, not believed to be one of those whom bring death to so many. My clan and I have all but secured the residents of the Sietch and those criminals we were not forced to slay are to be repurposed for the revival of the defenders whom fell against them. ((quickly eyeing the few remaining criminals still alive)) Your family was one of the mason clans that rebuilt vast portions of my own home after the Sandwyrm wars yet now I smell nothing but criminals upon you. Even as you slew every one before you now in defense of the children and elders here why would you aid The Cabal in the first place?"<i></i>

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

As Harupia approached the two, he let himself turn his head just for a second as he heard the cheer's erupting from the barricades of the academy. It was...refreshing to hear such an outcry caused by something good. Most of the screams and cries he had heard for the past few days were of anguish and sadness. He allowed himself to smile just for a second, though he noticed the forming of the Symbol on top of the wall, the black gem shining into he artificial light of the village. He wasn’t quite sure how he felt about a foreign symbol being embeded on top of the Academy, wondering if it wasn’t as if someone hoisted his own flag on a defeated keep...though the symbol seemed familiar.

After he asked his question, the mysterious figure showed his hand, bearing a ring he quite honestly would never expect to see. A Ranger, one of the Orders the Sunan people were focused around in the past. Harupia gave a polite bow a second after Kuro, a bit dazed as to what this exactly meant. Also the cryptic nature of the first part of his introduction didn’t help much. Kuroda Akio...Kuroda...Bah, of course. He had admired the men’s pieces of work all across Suna...and he met his son as well. And he only realized it now. Well, to be fair when he exchanged pleasantries with Uri he had to focus on other things as well...

Hearing Kuro speak had made the situation all the more confusing, as if the sudden weight of the air wasn’t enough to make him worried. He was aiding the Cabal? But he just slain these people...did he want to personally slay them? Was this a show of their power? And how the hell an artist, presumed to be dead, was here in the firs place wilding such power? While he realized an artistic inclination doesn’t mean a lack of strength, all this...dark energy he seemed to manipulate seemed far away from the ability to control gems. The fact his face was shrouded in shadow besides his smile didn’t quite help either.

After Kuro stopped speaking, Harupia would chime in saying "A pleasure to meet you as well Kuroda-san. I am a fan of your work, especially one of your earlier pieces. They always had an air an enthusiasm within them, something. I try to capture in my own work. What I read about you never mentioned you were one of the rangers...but I guess books about art history or techniques are not a reliable source of information" he paused with a small chuckle, before growing more serious as he spoke "It is surprising that you walking among us. And it is even more surprising to hear of you company. Assuming Master Toranao-san's is correct in associating you with our Cabal guests" he concluded finally. One could see him tense slightly by the end of the sentence...the mere thought of possibly facing off with one of those responsible for the whole thing was something he had mixed feelings about. He wasn’t sure whether he was glad to be one of the people who needed to be stopped, or worried that one false move could cause the end of the village. Another joyous day in the New Sunan Order.

 

[Sand Council]

Kuroda Akio​

How wrong both had it, how wrong the whole village had it.

Akio wasn't some famous person that wielded any sort of prestige. Akio had been a man of little wealth, but of great heart. The Palais knew of his overwhelming kindness when many struggled to settle into their new environment. Even in his closing hours he had spent the time laughing and helping others. Perhaps head he been more famous, he might still be alive. Well, considering he was standing there before them, maybe it would have changed his stance in the scenario. Resting, but keeping his hand on the hilt of his darkened blade, he looked before the two bewildered shinobi.

"And what else do you expect the dead to smell like, beast master Toraono?"<i></i> Akio scoffed, letting out an abrupt laugh. "Or a Ranger for that matter? The last one that existed was centuries ago. The ring I wear is a heirloom of an ancestor who lived within the tradition. Somewhere in time the names of the families changed to protect them. Kuroda was once Varathi a long time ago. If history has taught you anything about them, it is that we are hunters. Our prey see, smell, and hear what we want them to before the finishing blow."<i></i> It was cryptic and not a straight forward answer. Akio enjoyed yanking them around.

"But I suppose you both wish to know what it is I am doing here, hmm? Why it is I do what I do and kill who I kill."<i></i>

The artificial sky overhead flicked for a moment, darkness creeping around them like snakes in a pit. Akio drew the blade at his side at wicked fast speed and held it out, the point direct towards the ground. The length of it was pitch black and while it was metal, it contained no gleam, even in the light. The cross-guard was intricately carved and curved, but coming to a point at either end. There was a cruel essence it carried to it, like it wished to drained life from anyone who stared at it for too long. It festered like an open wound in the living world.

"This is Retribution, a sword not forged in fire, but from desperation, demise, and darkness."<i></i> Slowly, he moved it and its presence was palpable in the air; like a bad feeling in the pit of one's stomach. "My sister had become lost and abandoned, so disturbed from atrocities the world had thrown unto her, that she attempted to fight back. When no one answered her plea, she took her own life. Another lost to the depths of this abyss, this village. Sunagakure has lost its way, forgotten its heritage and what it means to come from The First Men. Castes exist here. Impoverished and criminal thrive here, growing like a fungus. The rich take up homes and land and control import and export and the price of food. For as much good as either of your clans can do, Toraono or Sunaku, evil will always flourish because none will take a stand against it."<i></i>

Darkness reeled as he flourished the blade and sheathed it in one slick clack. Light seemed to be more comfortable being near them again.

A fiery gaze peered onto the two there.

"I am a necessary evil. As is all of this. Sunagakure has gotten complacent and its people suffer because of it. I will right the wrongs of the past, and take the price tenfold in blood."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Mouku Kuro was taken aback at the desperation of one man's clan and family and all the suffering, it practically swelled inside the black blade he wielded. "Are you certain you are evil? Surely you have been with people whose ideals have swayed you, but are you truly evil? Evil does not protect the innocent without a price, if you are truly evil then the service you have provided the innocent here will come at a terrible price. Righting the wrongs of the past are noble intentions, vengeance an instrument of demons and demon blooded like myself. If this evil you speak of is crime myself and my clan have long stood against it, infiltrated and eradicated it when possible. The Obsidian Palace was never so full as it was until the Cabal arrived. So what is this EVIL that has flourished that I have apparently not taken a stand against because I would like to remove my ignorance of whatever it is that has driven you so hard. The castes were old traditions that have slowly eroded over time, you have been here long enough to see the schools, the kitchens with free well made food for all whom can't afford the fancy restaurants. Clothing made by even my own mother clothes many of the children that once roamed our streets. Is there no way that our problems could have been solved by diplomacy? It is true that I have a bloodlust that by nature draws me into conflict like any beast would hunt down prey but do I not reason first. If I have learned nothing from my demonic ancestry I have learned one thing. It is that when one is too stubborn or prideful to accept a request for change that request for change may force itself upon them in death. So before you go forcing this change down upon those who may or may not deserve the method with which it comes about did any of your Cabal once try to talk to us? Because I suspect I have met the one whom leads you a being named Kaito whom claims that because I care about the citizens that I cannot raise my hand against him. His words were that every man, woman and child in Sunagakure will die screaming and it will be my fault; unless I care to -step over the corpses of every person in Sunagakure to let out all that pent up anger towards him out-. I understand that you seek true retribution but to make all of Sunagakure suffer for the wrongs of our past is a bit much. So I will offer you what I would have offered him. Make your demands and name your price for if I can pay it to end the suffering of so many I will do so. If the heart of a ranger still beats within you then help me end this like you have brutally done only seconds ago."<i></i>

MFT
WC: 495

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

Haru hoped that this conversation would be enlightening in some way, and it was...knowing that one of the rangers was apparently swayed by to join this Cabal, he could only imagine which that other people of Suna could possibly be involved as well. Heck, he learned that could be the case even earlier, even in spite of their own volition. Just how many people would they have on the inside? How many people living in the village decided to betray those who protected them, who gave them shelter and food, or who offered them money for providing goods? Was it for money, or a sense of injustice. He knew how the situation looked like in the Palais. If only a bunch of psychopaths didn’t decide to keep them busy for the past few days he might have had a chance to maybe start doing something about that...

But here he was now...listening as the two spoke, one about justice and retribution, one about peace and understanding. He stood there quietly, something boiling down within him, simmering into he back of his head. All the suffering and death he saw, the anxiety, fear he felt deep inside of him…And now someone was trying to justify it. As the dark warrior stared at him he looked back, gazing deep into the men's eyes, and after a few seconds he started laughing. It was a somewhat hearty laugh, which felt quite of in the middle of a field of corpse and wounded, though it quiet down after a moment. Rubbing his temple gently Harupia would start speaking in between slight chuckles, with a smile on his face "Ahaa...I am so sorry, but I’ve always found absurdity as one of the greatest sources of humor. A tenfold price in blood you say, Ranger Akio? Well, I would say you did a splendid job with that...out of all of these bodies, I’m sure there would be enough blood for your sister"

Holding his head up, as in in anticipation of a protest which might come from the other said he would carry on, still smiling quite widely "Now, I’m sure there is something more to it. The rest of you family, you comrades of the past, all of which suffered some kind of wrong doing. And of course there is also the fact that you see Suna as a shadow of its glory years, a wretched hive of scum and villainy, where the rich get richer and the poor are grinded into the ground." He would pause here, turning around to face the academy as he spoke on "I mean, it doesn’t matter what we do right? No matter how much my Clan, or the Toranao, or anyone try to do to help those in the Palais, how we try to cope with the fact were in an underground cave with limited space, and that we were unable to move to the surface, none of that matters. It doesn’t matter we created safe facilities like the academy here for people to shelter themselves. It doesn’t matter that all the Shinobi of the village are trying to make sense of this chaos, caused by god know how much of our own stabbing us in the back to assist a group of outsiders. That my family is risking their lives, spreading themselves as wide as possible, fearing for their families... It simply the higher "Caste" throwing breadcrumbs to those under them isn’t it"

He would turn back now, the smile still spread on his lips, but his eyes now watery, tears streaming down "You did a fine job of delivering Retribution here today, for sure. Attacking all the criminals...assuming of course none of these people were forced into this assault. But guess what? There are many other blades in this village, perhaps not as powerful as your blade, but let me tell you, they seem to cut through flesh quite nicely. And it might come as a Shock to you, but most aren’t turned towards the villains. I have seen countless homes pillaged, countless people assaulted, threatened that If I were to intervene, my home would be blow up to pieces... Did you leader tell you about the bombs in our village? I’m pretty sure the village dying in flames would seem like a fitting end to our rotten society wouldn’t it?"

The smile would now fade into an impassive, frustrated face, the marks of the tears still there as he said "You probably think my little tirade is ridiculous or naive? Or perhaps your seeing me as a crying weakling who finally lost his mind? I don’t know what kind of horror's you went through Ranger, but I’ve seen things myself. I’ve killed people, sometimes directly, and sometimes in quite horrible ways. I’ve seen an eldritch abomination try to destroy my village, and was almost crushed fighting another psychopath who controlled magnetism. So excuse me if I find your claims of not standing up to evil in this village laughable…and yet so very sad.”

Running his fingers across his cheeks, trying to regain at least a bit of dignity from all of this, looking Akio straight in the eyes “You are the reason Suna is suffering. You’re the one letting this evil spread in the first place. I know you believe otherwise…I wonder whether it because of the suffering you witnessed or if you friends in the Cabal are very convincing. Because if you have any idea of what’s happening across the village, then I have honestly no idea how you can be so delusional.”

Mft, Wc= 929

 

[Sand Council]

Kuroda Akio​

Kuro, true to his nature continued to attempt to reason with the chaotic nature of the personalities responsible for the death in his village. If they were willing to bring it upon them, it wasn't a far jump to assume they were willing to see it to the end. And yet, Akio was different. Akio wasn't of the Cabal, he wasn't some soldier sent in to do reconnaissance of the village and see how they would handle a precision attack. No, he was a shade seeking out vengeance in the form of death. He was a reaper to his former people and it did not taint his soul any further.

Akio shook his head, his gaze not breaking away from Harupia's, "My dear lad, you are of the breed that will see this village into the light. I am at least glad for that."<i></i> Now he turned, hand still on the hilt of his weapon and he looked the remaining dead on the field. Dark, grasping hands grew out from the disturbed earth and took hold, pulling their remains down into the depths of the earth. Shadowy and tainted, to be consumed by something bigger than either of them. "Hopeful beginnings can only come tragic ends. The deaths levied here will be the foundation in which the next generation stand on, like The First Men before us."<i></i> Akio's tone had switched from his sneering, sarcastic facade to a more somber one. A spirit hanging heavy with its deeds and its death.

Neither of them offered him salvation. They did not have the answer that he needed.

"If I told you that I was the answer to all the suffering your village has gone under, that I am the epicenter of this whole ordeal and that the Cabal, while not my companions, rely on me solely for this attack to work, what would you do? Would you angerly lash out and kill me and bring this whole thing to an end? Would you seek retribution for the injustices done to your people no matter the consequences?"<i></i> He flung his arms open wide and exposed his bare chest. "Then do so and perhaps you will better understand why I cannot simply relent my pursuit."<i></i> A hand reached down and drew Retribution from its sheath, holding the hilt of the cursed weapon for either of the Sunan shinobi to take. "Do so and take the retribution you so desire!"<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro would have cried if he could, he reached out to grasp the hilt but not to take it an exact retribution he wished to show Akio what it is really like to have peace. " What you fail to grasp Elder Ranger is that I would never kill one of Sunagakure's own, even if you were the cause of all this I do not find it necessary to kill to solve a problem. I AM NOT SEEKING RETRIBUTION I AM SEEKING AN ANSWER TO BOTH CAUSES. You want to see the system abolished and the people set free then fine I WILL DO SO! THE SIMPLE FACT OF THE MATTER IS NONE OF THIS SUFFERING AND CHAOS WAS NECESSARY TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE. There was a time when I had the power to call the dead back from the grasp of the reaper as long as they had not been under his care for too long but that time has passed. I am not capable of bringing back the dead but I can heal those near death, I can rebuild any structure and I can move mountains. That is all I have to offer Sunagakure, my truth, my honor, my life and my blood. You are a RANGER of Sunagakure and as such you have my blind, unyielding loyalty, YOU made the path that many of my own clan endeavour to follow and now you wish me to kill you just to end your suffering. I will do something far better I will simply share your suffering and find my own answer to what it is that makes you do this. Forgive me for this intrusion. "<i></i>

Kuro cut his left hand with Akio's blade and with a swift flicker of Retribution cut a flesh wound upon Akio's chest before placing his bloodied palm upon the wound passing his blood into Akio allowing him to pass a Gaia Seal over Akio healing him at the same time while using the curse of Kuro's own power he could now share Akio's anguish if he would allow it.

CRPJ usage

Akuma Ishindenshin ((Devil Link))

Spoiler

- Using a demonic blood transfusion, and a cursed seal Kuro forms a light telepathic link with the bearer of his seal. Once this link is established it can be broken by evil sealing, and five elemental sealing which disrupts the chakra paths so violently that telepathy cannot be maintained. This seal also causes an alteration of some physical aspect of the bearer. That physical aspect can be changed through rp.

The aspects changeable by choice are hair, eyes, fingernails, growth of a catlike tail, tiny horns, extra long tongue, and last but not least skin darkening.
Up to two of these aspects can be changed.

This jutsu is a seal and not a genjutsu or a taijutsu.
It does not have any affect other than to provide the location and health of the bearer to Kuro or other bearers of a cursed seal given by Kuro.

Note:
The telepathy is broken by evil sealing, five elemental seal, and special abilities like those possessed by ghost walkers, and Yamanaka's. The link can be reset by intense concentration of both parties. Because of the specific strengths of the abilities and the rare abilities required to break this link it is an A rank Jutsu. Those in use of the link can only tell what Country the person with the seal is in, but as they get closer to said individual they are able to home in on them.

"Your pain runs deep... share it with me..."<i></i>

Kuro places his hopes in the sharing of memories and hopes it will at last explain what is going on and why Akio would allow the Cabal to do what they have done. Kuro will relinquish the blade to either Akio or Harupia, whomever reaches for it next.

Spoiler

ooc: Hoping to take in whatever memories Akio is willing to share in exchange for a link with me and a small unnecessary boost of power. Seeking the truth in Akio's needs since he won't outright tell unless he truly wishes for some form of death. Akio does not have to accept the seal or the link, it cannot be forced only given.

WC: 403
MFT

 

[Sunaku Harupia]

It was hard to say whether his speech fell on deaf ears or not...it was enough to earn him a compliment, though really, by this point those were the last thing he was thinking about. He knew damn well he would lead the village back into the light...but he didn’t need psychopaths to remind him just how dark these caves could be. He kept on talking, with some dark powers erupting from the ground to consume those dead around them. "A foundation for the next generation...a noble cause, though the stench of the bodies upon which they stood might sully this new world for those who will walk upon it...and just what gives YOU the right to judge all of these people unworthy of a peaceful life? Can you point to at least one person here who hurt you or anyone close to you?!" he asked, his tone still quite angered.

What came next served only to confuse him more. He was the lynchpin of this whole ordeal? Was this just some kind of mind game, a test to have him strike him down? After all, the warning was still there...it was easy to put your life at stake when you knew just how well defended it was by you earlier manipulations. And even without those strings attached...wouldn’t his death prove him right in a sick way? Though really, did he care? A corpse with a sense of moral superiority was still a corpse... Would it solve the issue at hand...

As he thought about everything, Kuro spoke his own piece, both having him agree and wonder about what was going through the Sennins mind. And then he attempted some sort of technique on Akio, cutting both himself and the Cabal member and then reaching to touch the wound. As that happened, he watched at the dark blade of the sword the Ranger wielded. Retribution was so close at hand...both figuratively and literary, assuming it was really the blades name. All served to fuel the chaos in the Sand users mind further.

Nft, Wc= 342

This took way to long for me tp make. Im sorry, from the bottom of my heart. Even assuming I was away for a bit this shouldnt have take so long. It wont happen again, I promise.

 

[Sand Council]

Kuroda Akio​

Techniques like Kuro's were novel, but weak. Ancient techniques could revive the dead, bend and twist reality to a master's whim, but this was a scratch on the surface and only the bearer could decide what would leak through. Akio had memories he wished to share and share them he did.

Kuro's mind would go completely white, like staring at the surface of the sun. Out in the distance is a small black speck. Overtime of slogging through the blindingly bright luminescence, it would be like stepping inside. Clarity would consume him and he would be in a small sandstone home. The dry smell of sand and earth hung on the air and a platinum-blonde haired man stood over a high stone table, the tools of a stone-worker dangled from his belt and the racks on the walls. After a moment, the man would turn around, a wide smile spread onto his face, one that rivaled the brilliance of the sun. In it was comfort and confidence, love and reassurance.

Don't worry. We'll be back out in the sunshine before you know it.

The memory wavered and the light dimmed further and further until everything went completely dark.

The same man was helping people move belongings into a hastily made home. All the same brightness like before was completely gone and they were engulfed in shadows. Despite this, the man's smile illuminated all around him and he worked with such fervor and selflessness, that many came to him when they needed help. Images raced by, this benevolent man aiding those in need, while never taking anything in return. Always turning around to smile at Kuro after each chore. Time accelerated, and as it flowed by, the man's appearance was wearing, his skin tone more pale each passing event. Eventually it slowed and the man lay in a bed, white as a ghost, sweat beading his brow. Even in the throws of death, he smiled still. On the other side of the bed was a woman with stark white hair, holding the hand of the man, comforting him. Tears clung to the corners of her eyes.

One day you will see the sun again. One day.

A torrent of emotions; grief, anger, despair would wash over Kuro. A dizzying rush would return him to where he stood among Akio and Harupia, the shadowy swordsman tossing away the hand of the sennin and retrieving his weapon. His arm remained outstretched, hilt still readily available to be taken once more.

"Ha, no child. I cannot. Because all these men here are dead and are being consumed by the darkness."<i></i> The hate-filled gaze cast itself onto Kuro. Akio's chest wound knitted itself back together through some dark means. "Good men die and wicked ones rule and if they are not wicked, they do nothing. How many more will have to die slowly, in this hell that was created before you, the Sunan defenders decide to do something? At least, if the threat of these great bombs hold true, their lives will be short and swift, with as many as you manage to save. Otherwise, they wither away and die in this dark hole you so affectionately call home. What say you?"<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro nodded accepting his memories and his hatred, it was a simple thing really. Somewhere along the way Sunagakure had forgotten to return to the lands above and had instead festered and stagnated in the caverns made by a mad ancient sandwyrm. "With a heavy heart I must agree with you, we apparently have forgotten a promise to return to the light above. I will solve your dilemna as I reopen the way to the surface on my own. Whether you have bombs in place or not I will save everyone I can and make sure the other members of the Cabal meet the fate that they were destined to. You Akio-san already have your own hell to live with and though I wish I could've helped you sooner I wasn't even born when your family was dealt the wrongs you so justly abhor. Harupia, help our Ranger with his choice I am going to go free us once and for all."<i></i> Kuro bowed deeply to Akio, his question had been answered and he now knew why a ranger would betray his own. It was because he had been betrayed and lied to. Kuro understood that and he would now set what he could to rights. With his other aspects working in concert Torazuka Kuro and Sharingan Kuro headed for the maw. It was time to remedy this assault on the people whom had grown complacent in the dark.

Topic left unless stopped