The Lion in The Forest

[Toraono Kuro]

Sharingan Toraono Kuro, Senju Kazuki, and Senju Nagato arrived at was once the entrance to the Kazekage Tower. The area was mostly scarred earth and recently cleared rubble but what all three could now sense without reservation was the warp seal leyline from the dojo to the tower area was very much intact. Although the distance did leave all three of them with a bit less chakra from the high speed movement to an area where the chakra was greatly disturbed. "The communications system is down but I have other methods that I may employ to contact my brother the Steward. Give me a moment while I call upon some of our brethren to locate him.<i></i> Sharingan Kuro concentrated and relayed his search to Chouryoku Kuro whom then passed messages on via his sonic crystals to tell the Kazekage Steward that treaties were in order for the Senju clan and as such his presence was requested for formal and official documentation. The search was on and the message was being passed along.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Senju Nagato

The warp seal system while complex and chakra taxing was quite a hefty devise Sunagakure had employed. Traveling became much quicker that way. Defending a large area with a small contingent of men became quite a possibility under those circumstances, even if such strategy could only work for a short period of time. Such defensive mechanism would require shinobi with rather large chakra reservoirs. Kazuki, unfortunately, was not one of those. His cousin, Nagato, the man with the white hood was. If necessary, the Stone Chuunin would have to play his part in future defenses of Sand. The Overlord of the Senju Clan was much more useful in the sidelines, guiding the massive army he could deploy from afar. But the arrangement of defensive strategies was not what the Dread Lord was here to do. He was here to meet with the Kazekage. Unfortunately, the guy's tower had clearly seen better days. If moments before, the trio were in a lush scenario, their current location was quite the opposite. A crumbled tower and scarred earth was all that remained from the confrontations between Sunan shinobis and the Cabal attack. At least that was what the Silvery Haired Man suspected.

"Very well." Reaper calmly replied. Crossing his arms, the former ANBU Sennin of Konohagakure inspected his surroundings. Although the site of a furious struggle, the local was already showing signs of recovery. It was quite apparent that several areas had already been cleared of rubble. Life was returning to its normal course. Slowly but steadily. Sand had been attacked but bravely defended. Leaf was gone. Time to reverse it.

[Topic entered with my INCP as well.]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"I'm here."<i></i> Sousuke called out from beneath them. It was odd at first. Rubble from the tower moved. The rubble would be blasted away. Intentionally done of course the debris was blown off in a direction as to not obstruct Kuro or the visitors. Sousuke would emerge ... most surprisingly in one piece. Perhaps most interesting was the reveal of what he was coming out of, which was a tunnel. Sousuke walked out from the tunnel a series of large tomes. Ancient metallic old tomes, chained together. For a man of his size it seemed very strange that he was lugging these things with relative ease. The difference between Kuro and Sousuke was night and day. Kuro towered over Sousuke. Kuro was quite a bit more muscular than Sousuke. That was not to say Sousuke looked weak. He was strong in his own right. "The old tomes of our histories. All eight volumes of them. Still surprisingly intact. Couldn't quite recover most of my notes or closed researched products."<i></i> He explained. He sighed and shook his head. Not everything could have been salvaged.

The Steward's eyes narrowed at the two visitors before him. It wasn't annoyance. His eyes then widened upon the reveal he saw. The sigil of house Senju. "House Senju."<i></i> He observed. A look of concern formed over the Steward's face. He had known of one Senju. He spoke the name before he could even think of it. "Zenichi. Well. No. Neither of you are Zenichi, unless ... he had a massive ... physical surgery done."<i></i> He turned to Kuro, then back to the other two Senju clans men. "Ah. This is ... incredibly awkward. Takahashi Sousuke."<i></i> He greeted. The Steward wore a long red coat. It had been through some wear and tear. Still in one piece though. He pulled the series of tomes forward and placed them down. "Forgive the surroundings. This isn't very ... practical. I suspect Kuro has shared with you the ... scenario in which we were hosted unto."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro smiled as his little brother made his presence known doing what he did best preserving knowledge and researching for more. "Gentlemen, this is my brother Takahashi Sousuke, the steward of the seat of the Kazekage and maintainer of order in the hidden village of Sunagakure."<i></i> Kuro performed a traditional bow of respect so the Senju would know one of the ancient customs. Kuro then used his telekinesis to help with the books as he looked over Sousuke's efforts. As he memorized the plans he passed on the information to his alternate forms so that the engineers of the Toraono Clan would be able to assist in the Takahashi Clan's efforts of restoration. Many other families worked tirelessly as well, the giant baker brothers chief among them had established a series of protective bunkers in case of a true cave in or another attack.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

"I'm here" a voice reached them from beneath the ground. Nagato opened up his mouth in awe, while Kazuki remained calm. Not that he was expecting the Kazekage to come from the ground, but because his many years of experience, compared to his younger cousin, gave him the ability to remain calm in every situation. That and his constant affairs with demons allowed the Overlord of the Senju Clan to expect anything from any given situation. "That is one of wars regretful things, the loss of history and books." the White Wolf noted. "Among other things." he quickly added. The Dread Lord knew that Sousuke had spoken with a Senju before. Zenichi had told him that in a visit to Sand, the boy and the Steward had become friends. So he was not surprised to see that the Kazekage's first reaction to seeing the Senju sigil tattooed on the former ANBU Sennin's chest was to say Zenichi's name. "Indeed neither of us is Zenichi. The last time I saw him was when he reached Tsuchigakure, after his visit to Sunagakure. I've received no further word from him since then. I believe everything with him should be fine since I left him in the company of a loyal friend of mine, with strict instructions to have him escorted to the Senju Compound." Reaper declared as he carefully examined the Steward Kazekage.

Sousuke was not what Kazuki had expected. Less regal than anticipated perhaps? The Overlord couldn't exactly pinpoint what it was though. "Takahashi Sousuke, my name is Senju Kazuki, current Overlord of the Senju Clan. The man at my side is Senju Nagato, my cousin and the Senju's greatest hope. Toraono Kuro gave us a quick description of what transpired in your village, yes. Unfortunately I also carry grave news. Leaf was overrun by loyal forces of the Fire Daimyo. We, shinobi of Konohagakure, have lost our village and were forced to fled it for survival. I am here to request aid to reclaim what is rightfully ours." the Silvery Haired Man stated. Feelings punctuated by his cousin's silent nod. "I am also here, because Toraono Kuro has permanently allied House Toraono with House Senju, which means I will relocate my entire clan into Sunagakure. And as Sand becomes my new home, at least until Konohagakure is reclaimed, I am here because it feels fitting that we Senju do our part in helping Sunagakure. We offer our services to repay our debt." the former ANBU Sennin declared.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"Our history is precious to us."<i></i> The Steward placed one metallic tome on top of the other. He listened to Nagato explain what had become of Zenichi. He hesitated for a moment. "I have to suspect that this was some time after he travelled to Moon country?" He inquired. The Steward was a man of intelligence, while he himself had a higher IQ, he did highly value intelligence of other matters, places, and people. "It is good to hear that he is well, and under watch. When I first met him, he was ... trying to gather intelligence on my ... now destroyed lab. I was in armour at the time, and he thought I was a puppet. It was a most ... ... unique experience."<i></i> He reflected upon the matter. There were more embarrassing things to be said about that encounter, but those were perhaps best left in the memory banks.

Sousuke shifted a glance to Kuro as he heard what the Senju recounted to him. The part about having a formal alliance between the two houses caused Sousuke to mentally give pause for a moment. It wasn't that he was distrustful of the Senju, but it was just that his brother Kuro was acting ... hastily upon certain matters. Hastily made decisions had ... sometimes unforeseen circumstances occur. Kuro's threats on the life of Kaito had an impact on Katuso. Sousuke himself was ... hesitant as to what to have done to the Cabal leader. Granted severe punishment was in order. Part of the Steward wanted to see that man reduced to ribbons, then put back together again, and then reduced to ribbons once more. Those of course were kept to himself. He monitored himself so as to keep that aspect truly hidden. Kaito while he had destroyed Sungakure, had in fact proven to have uses in revealing certain facts originally hidden from the village. Sousuke snapped back into focus as he reminded himself what was said about the destruction of Leaf. "The civil war came to a conclusion. I had heard whispers of it, but not is finality. Man-made cataclysmic events are terrifying to behold, once one because fully realized that we, as humans, can be our own worst enemy."<i></i> Sousuke went into a silent means of calculating things. Senju help would aid in Sungakure's revitalization projects, but Leaf's would then be down significantly. "It is by no means mandatory that you use your resources to restore us. A goodly host gives those who are in need food and rest."<i></i> Sousuke had been a host to Mist refugees before. Sousuke closed his eyes and rubbed the sides of his head. "Is the Daimyo aware of House Senju relocating to Sungakure? If so... I will throw him off your scent, by what means I can. I have very little business dealings with Fire Country... but I can certainly ... mmm ... put something on the books to avert their gaze. There is a fine science to the creation and structure of a dummy corporation to truly ... hide what one really wants. "<i></i> This was Sousuke in his fullest of mindsets. He planned things. While he was loathe to do it, he could easily throw the books off the grid, metaphorically speaking, and cause ... not financial chaos, but misleading.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro nodded at Sousuke's assessment, in matters of science and politics Sousuke was more than Kuro's equal and as such he frequently ran plans to assortec politics by Sousuke. He did not however run family matters through Sousuke for fear that a part of Sousuke's soul might come to recognize his body as foreign shell despite the years and rebel against the very fiber of Sousuke's blessed and cursed being. Kuro had always been especially careful to guard Sousuke's mixed hybrid soul heritage. If any were to figure out the process in which a soul could be binded to another to empower it they could create an army greater than the entire host of the Toraono Clan. Kuro shuddered at the thought of super soldiers with Sousuke's intelligence and Toraono Ferocity rampaging the world. Then the thought struck him full and wide, the relics the Cabal had been stealing had alot to do with those exact rituals. Allowing these thoughts to drift to Chouryoku Kuro's mental processes Sharingan Kuro focused on the moment at hand. "That would be most appreciated Steward Kazekage, I had planned to hide the scent of the Senju clan with that of the Toraono Clan and claim their knowledge had been stumbled across by research teams scouring the remnants of Fire Country as our explorations and diplomacy teams tend to do. This way I could formally announce any knowledge garnered as sacred to the Toraono Clan and treaty the Fire Country Government that any incidents in its retrieval and further study would be met with stiff trade embargo's and special ties of family cut as my mother's family has special ties in both Fire, Earth, and Water Country through the trade of Takahashi (basic) steel, Toraono training doctrines, Carmot usage and facilities training, and last but not least constant games of Regicide through the current and ever present warfare of Canly leading to constant assassination attempts and other forms of leverage. The Senju will be safe amongst us and only a boon to the village I assure you."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Kazuki could feel that Nagato was growing restless. There was too much talk involved and the youngster was still filled with impatience and hunger for action. The blond shinobi had started to move around, practically incapable of standing still for much longer. "Patience my cousin, trust is not gained in a day and alliances are not made in the same timeframe." the Overlord of the Senju clan advised. "Go spar with it." the Silvery Haired Man instructed. A tap of his right foot later, a large blob of some type of shadowy substance emerged and congregated near the Stone Chuunin. It was ever moving and growing. Said growth eventually stopped when it was neck to neck with the tallest Toraono present. The shadows also began to take shape. The shape of a large, very muscular humanoid. This being was entirely clad in black. The cloth, if cloth it was, covered its entire body. A white spider was clearly visible on its chest. And the most distinctive feature was the creature's jaws. They were wide open and showed two rows of razor sharp teeth. Its tongue was long and thin and was always kept outside.

Spoiler

No verbal commands from the former ANBU Sennin of Konohagakure were needed as the creature immediately went toward the hooded shinobi. The pair then selected an area that was mostly clear of rubble and began fighting each other. The last view that the White Wolf had of them, was Nagato stopping large rocks, thrown by hand by the creature, with nothing but telekinetic feats. "I beg your pardon for this sudden interruption. The young lack patience that we possess." the Dread Lord noted as he returned his focus toward the Sand shinobi. "Where should I start? The Daimyo is aware of our current location, or I am inclined to believe. The Senju clan is currently housed inside the walls of Tsuchigakure because we first fled there. The late Tsuchikage was a friend of the Hokage and so he received us with open arms. Stone, however, is not my home nor it is the home of my house. Konohagakure is, but it is currently inaccessible to us. In fact, it may pass a thousand years before we can fully return. This man-made cataclysmic event, as you have put it, or the Red Rain Kinjutsu as it is known in the Fire Country, has lasting effects on the soil and air. Effects that will take their time to pass and prevent a full shinobi occupation. So you see, we are stranded. Therefore, we need a new home. One that values our strength and shares similar goals with my own house. Tsuchigakure is, by no means, no such thing. And do not take me for an ungrateful man, because I am not so. But a place where loyalty lies with garbage is no place for a Senju. House Senju deems Power, Loyalty and Commitment as paramount. I've traveled the world and I have yet to find a Hidden Village that had loyalty as high as Leaf used to have. Sand seems to be the first land that also values it. I can also assure you that we will not rest until we reclaim Leaf. Even if a thousand years pass and even if we have to do it alone, we will succeed. However, I also know that we cannot do this alone. We offer our services because we expect to have the same courtesy extended to us. We are a patient people and thus we have no problems in using our meager resources in helping rebuilding your village, aiding your wounded, killing your enemies. Because we know that House Toraono will help us in return. If the the full force of Sunagakure behind them, the better. " Reaper spoke. He was not over yet though.

If you believe that throwing our scent will be helpful, by all means do it. But what we need is allies, allies we can trust and depend. I understand your reservations. As the former Leader of Leaf's Information and Foreign Affairs Department, I know that we can't truly trust foreigners until we know them well. I and my house are foreigners in Sunagakure, however, we have no ill intentions toward you, your people and your village. If we did, then this conversation wouldn't be taking place right now. We would have attacked Sungakure in its weakest moment and strike the final blow. Yet, we have not. In fact, me and my cousin are the vanguard of the Senju. The rest are on their way here. If we are not welcomed, please say so and they will stop their journey and return to Stone. If we have to prove ourselves, allow me to do so in their stead. Just understand this, no one will prevent my vengeance upon the Fire Daimyo. He will get what he deserves no matter what. and that was it. Would Sousuke believe him? Or would the Senju clan be thrown away?

[MFT=831]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke chuckled a bit, which slightly seemed out of place. "My dear Kuro, I meant metaphorically ... scent that is. I do understand how you could be confused ... as I am usually literal in most ways..."<i></i> Sousuke stared deadpanned at the creature that Nagato was fighting. "Is the legend of the Black Knight not well received in your part of the world? My armour ... sometimes takes a form akin to that... except I designate it to be more military like in design."<i></i> Sousuke's version of the Black Knight wasn't as feral in design or slightly imbalanced in terms of muscular body type. Sousuke's attention center fully on Kazuki now. The thing that stuck out to the Steward was Red Rain Kinjutsu. While war was a man-made cataclysmic, it seemed that this went further than the what Sousuke had understood. "Wait. I thought the civil war came to an end, but from what you're telling me the land itself has been decimated and ... cannot maintain plant life? This is far more disturbing. Powers like that are meant to be held against others as an agreement that mutually assured destruction would go both ways, but... usually no one pushes forward ... until now."<i></i> Sousuke motioned for Kazuki and Kuro to walk with him. The ruins of the Kazekage tower were still present, but alot of the rubble had been moved.

Sousuke listened to what the Senju Lord speak of about his clan. What characteristics they valued. Sousuke remained silent for a long time. He wasn't ignoring his present company, he was merely drawing in the details. Once in a while he would stop mid stride and seem to think harder about the data he was acquiring. "A goodly host does not turn away a man's family when we already have their own without our house."<i></i> He answered at first. He paused once more. He looked up, as to what he was not looking at was not entirely clear. "As per the ancient rules of hospitality we will give you a place to rest your weary heads, food to vanquish your hunger, and water to quench your thirst."<i></i> He placed his hands in his pockets. "Suna is full of old clans, and new clans. My clan has been amongst the oldest of houses, and while we are not known for our material wealth we are known for our technique with the materials of the earth. Builders of homes, and forgers of arms. While we may not be your original home, and while your home may be outside of your range of touch, we will aid you in your undertakings to reclaim your home land."<i></i> He paused again. "What we cannot do at the moment, at this exact time, is crusade to reclaim Leaf. Change is coming for us, and we must begin to ... transition. You may be subjected to this change as you stay with us. What changes truly comes I do not know, I have logical and educated guesses, but temporal foresight is not in my skill set. I forge puppets, weapons, armour."<i></i> He turned to regard Kazuki. "I could not deny Zenichi, and nor would I you."<i></i> Sousuke held out his hand. A simple metal ball sat in the palm of his hand. He closed his hand. When he opened it once more, a coin now sat in his hand with a symbol of the Senju clan ... the tree. He held the coin out for Kazuki to take from him. "Tell me more about your Fire Daimyo. Our has remained ... quiet... and has not helped us since our descent."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro would chuckle at Sousuke's usage of scent but Kuro had meant every word even if it were taken literally. The Senju would need a place to thrive and if the Toraono clan could provide it they would. With Sousuke's commitment to the Ancient rites of desert hospitality.The Senju Clan would be received with open arms not just Toraono Clan members. There was a great deal of work that needed to be done but where Suna could not openly wage war yet Kuro could feel the time coming soon the five great clans of Sunagakure would rise from the desert like ants from a disturbed ant mound and seek out those that had transgressed against them. Soon all would understand that although Suna had been laid low from tragedy they were not so weak to succumb to terrorists, bombs, and guerilla warfare. Sunagakure when pushed were like a force of nature, unyielding, uncompromising, merciless and without malice. "We whom have endured shall remain forever to guard those under our charge, the oath of the sons of the Toraono Clan. You are now by the word of the Steward Kazekage and not just my own word forever under our guard as the Sons of the Toraono Clan will fight to the last breath for you and your kin Senju-sama." Kuro followed Sousuke with the ease of an older brother destined to guard his younger sibling till the end of days. There was a playful yet stern pride in Kuro's being when he was in Sousuke's presence. It was very apparent to Kazuki if he cared to notice.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

"That is the creature's main form. I have similar ones with different skill sets, but this one is usually a good contender for Nagato." Kazuki noted before being swiftly interrupted by a large growl. His focus quickly shifted toward his younger cousin right in time to see Venom being launched into the air by a powerful punch. Nagato's growth never ceased to amaze the Overlord of the Senju Clan. "The elders of my clan have stated that Nagato shows the most potential out of any Senju in all of our history. I don't know if that is true or not, but the boy keeps amazing me nonetheless." the Silvery Haired Man noted. It was time to add a second challenger to the bout. Using the same method as before, the Dread Lord brought forth another creature. This new one was quite similar to the last, with a few key distinctive figures.

Spoiler

For starters, the colors were swapped. Clad in white and with a black spider on its chest. It was less muscular, with a more feral appearance. Its arms were way bigger than that type of body should possess, yet it did not seem unbalanced by them. Joining its apparent inverted twin brother, both creatures began a co-joint attack on the hooded shinobi. "You got me wrong. The city of Konohagakure is capable of sustaining plant life. However, what kind of life can you have, if you are a shinobi, when the water itself drains you of your chakra? The soil has became so drench in it that I fear the ground itself may rob us of our vital energies. Sure, rumor as it that loyal shinobi of Leaf have managed to conquer half of the city back, but I cannot verify such statements. This may very well be nothing but propaganda spread by the Daimyo to lead us to our doom." the White Wolf explained.

"We are no strangers to change Steward Kazekage." Reaper declared. Any Senju suffered great changes throughout their individual lives, and those that could adapt survived. The weak, the ones that could not follow the current of change, died. That was their fate today and the future would be no different. After a few more exchanged words, Sousuke had a gift for the former ANBU Sennin. A metallic coin with a tree. His version of the Senju symbol. It lacked the sword and blood dripping, but it was nice gesture nonetheless. Accepting it, it was Kazuki's turn to offer something. Mimicking the gesture of the Kazekage, the Overlord of the Senju Clan extended his right hand showing a blue crystal. Closing and opening it up, the crystal had been shaped into an anvil and a hammer, what he suppose to represent the clan Takahashi, at least judging from Sousuke's words.

"I can't really tell you much about the man, only of his actions. And for that I'll have to dabble with what happened in Leaf. Kami, the original Kage, exiled our main branch sennin. Right after that he disappeared and civil riots broke out all over our city. Bands of ninja fighting pirates fighting samurai. Eventually the shinobi forces won the day and the city calmed again. As I and the exiled Sennin went into the Hokage office, we found nothing but an empty room. On top of a desk, a letter containing Kami's parting words. It was then that the Fire Daimyo made his presence known via an announcement heard in the entire village. He claimed that the Samurai that we had fought were his own and in doing so, we defied his rule. And thus he was going to purge Konohagakure from all and any shinobi presence, starting by the Hokage. A bomb exploded in the office and, if I have survived, was in great part due to sheer luck. That and certain skills people would call unholy. A large army of metal clad samurai arrived while rain began to pour all over Leaf. Shinobi died by the dozen and whatever officers were still alive banded up survivors and fled the city. I don't know why he attacked us nor why he used such a Kinjutsu. Nor even how he managed to pulled that off. But I know one thing, I will uncover the truth about his treason and I will make him pay. I urge you to be aware that your own Daimyo may be a threat to Sunagakure. Perhaps all Daimyos are aligned to bring the Shinobi world to the ground. Perhaps this was a singular event that will not be repeated. I do not possess the answers. I do know that I will not rest until vengeance is done and my house is safe." the Silvery Haired Man tried to explain. He lacked so much knowledge it was laughable, but what he had, he shared with those two men.

 

[Takahashi Aki]

Sousuke rubbed his chin with his middle and index finger. He listened to a better description of the man-made cataclysm. "Most chakra types are blue or a variant of it. Red is the natural opposite to blue, and thus it makes even more sense why this kinjutsu is referred to as the Red Rain."<i></i> He stated. He very much agreed that this was no way of life with those conditions. He listened to the narrative further and how the city was taken back, but Kazuki could not advise him of the proper validity of the statement. "A trap most likely. His forces would push you back into these corrupted sectors, and even if you best his forces then you still lose due to the landscape. A most difficult position."<i></i> He paused for a moment to consider the situation further. The land would have to be torn asunder to the third surface. It was a difficult undertaking. He himself would not possess the strength to do so, and Kuro would tire himself out to the point of death. Perhaps Ken could do it... but even then Ken was a summoned entity made of chakra. He would suffer a mortal blow and be forced back to the land of summons in order to recover.

Sousuke listened more to the narrative that was provided to him. Leaf had endured combat for quite some time with various parties. Pirates were a deplorable sort. Most of them were ... insufferable social entities incapable of speaking properly, and furthermore they thought themselves entitles to take what they could based on marshal right. Luckily when pirates attacked sand, Sousuke had thrown them back and bested them. He had even taken one of them into his employee... and what became of her? Not even Sousuke was sure. Perhaps she had merely given up, or perhaps it was some unseen power that had put said pirate to rest in hopes for ... greener pastures in other parts of the metaphorical world. The narrative continued and from pirates samurai descended upon Konoha, and even then samurai provided to be a challenging foe. The last words of Kazuki stuck with him. "We had lost our crown family, and have had taken to living down here as surface living is not possible. The storms above and Diamond sands were no longer under our control despite several hundreds of attempts. Diamond sands destroy structures within months, plant life is impossible to maintain, and ... corruption of the lungs is a most painful existence I have known from time to time."<i></i> Sousuke spoke beginning his own narrative, "We have been in a stage of recovery for the last two decades and once we were finally in a position of power once more we were attacked... by a mysterious group called the Cabal. They were bested, but we are ... still ..."<i></i> He hesitated for a moment, "Figuring them out. Some of them have had conflicts with us in the past, others seemingly mercenaries for hire ... it would seem. Like you, I would have my vengeance or justice. Both are words people often ... coincide and will at lengths argue they're the same or different."<i></i> His gaze shifting over to Kuro, "Our enemies causing strife amongst each other, our enemies exploiting weaknesses but ... we will make amends to our habitat. Our enemies may have damaged us, but ... whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger."<i></i>

All the more it made Sousuke wonder if his cousin Katuso, the Kazekage proper, who refused to take the crown would broaden his endgame. He wanted to make Wind Country a better place. Sousuke was merely concerned with the realm of Sungakure. Given what Kazuki had told him, perhaps it was time to broaden his horizon too. Konoha and Sungakure were devastated by man. Man would claw their way back and out into the sun, one way or another. "We will find out the truth about the lies that surround us, together."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro was heartened to hear Sousuke's words and note that there was not just his normal depth of analysis he was actually showing true sympathetic response without the customary Toraono surge to bloodlust and battle. It seemed Sousuke's mind and soul would indeed be okay. The worries although still prominent within Kuro's heart were greatly lessened and thoughts of how far Sousuke could go allowed Kuro a great deal of refreshing respite from all the Cabal had done to undermine him and the Toraono Clan. Content that his allegiance to the Senju Clan would remain uncontested Kuro set aside the thoughts of vengeance for a while as Sousuke mentioned it with a knowing look to Kuro. It was true he did want vengeance, just not in the way that most humans thought of it. Kuro did not want to kill anyone, even Kaito he would rather simply cause an unbearable amount of pain on an annual if not weekly basis for the rest of eternity. No what Kuro wanted was a Reckoning, he wanted to literally crush their minds of any thoughts or desires of ever contesting Suna again. The suffering they had caused was completely unnecessary when a simple exchange of ideals and needs would have easily sufficed. "I hope so Little Brother, there are many unanswered questions and with these questions will come answers we will certainly not agree with. I would see all of this settled in less than a decade if possible. I have patience just not the likes of which is necessary to encompass needless suffering of the people and the environment. There will come a 'Reckoning' Sousuke san, and when it comes I will stand beside you and keep you safe and whole."<i></i>

Sharingan Kuro turned to admire Nagato’s fighting prowess and nodded to himself, if the Senju were comprised of people half as capable as Nagato then Sunagakure had indeed doubled if not tripled its capacity for war and defense. A true Reckoning was definitely on the horizon and Kuro would make sure he saw his part through.

WC: 340
MFT

 

[Senju Kazuki]

A small shockwave reminded Kazuki that his cousin was nearby, fighting two of his creatures. Their conversation was so interesting that he had forgot where he was. Turning his neck, the Overlord of the Senju Clan saw Nagato stopping both being's punches with a single hand for each. He then tossed them around with apparent ease. "He must be trying to impress you, I've never seen him best two opponents so easily before. It seems it is time to up the challenge." the Silvery Haired Man noted. Exactly as before, the Dread Lord brought forth another creature from his massive army.

Spoiler

This new being was of the same branch as the others. It had a few similarities, but his appearance was quite different. It was entirely clad in crimson red, unlike the black and white combo of the others. It was quite lean, but it seemed way more feral and dangerous. The Stone Chunnin had to be more careful around this one than he had to be with the others. "They say that the Overlord of the Senju Clan is the strongest Senju around. I believe that was true until Nagato was born. This boy has already surpassed me, and only Zabucho knows, how much stronger than me, he will be, once his growth stops." the White Wolf declared. The more the fight went, the more clear it became that Nagato's power level was rising. A faint golden glow began to emerge and surround the young Senju's body as he harnessed his power. Did he have a chance against three powerful creatures?

Reaper carefully listened as the Kazekage explained a bit of Sunagakure's recent history. Driven from the surface by a powerful, relentless storm. Attacked by a strange group. Sand was licking their wounds, just as Leaf and Mist were. Konohagakure had been targeted by the Fire Daimyo, his samurai army and his Red Rain Kinjutsu forcing any and all Leaf shinobis to leave the Fire Country. Mist was now a frozen wasteland. Three Hidden Villages that had been either destroyed or forced to relocate due to massive cataclysmic events. Tsuchigakure's kage had been attacked by the Earth Daimyo and killed. The Daimyo had then attempted to become Tsuchikage. Kumogakure was apparently safe so far, but its gates were closed to all foreigners. Too much was going on around the world. Too much events targeting shinobis. Was it all a big coincidence? It could be, but the more the former ANBU Sennin thought about it, the greater his belief that something in the shadows was brewing. Something whose main goal was to purge the shinobi nation from the face of their world. Kazuki had gone silent for a while. Silence was now so great that they could hear the fighters panting. It was time to break said silence. The Overlord hardly knew those two men, but he felt he could trust them enough with sharing the theory he was formulating.

"Are you aware of what caused the storm above to start? If not, I urge you both to consider the following. Konohagakure was targeted by a man made cataclysm known as the Red Rain. It was also attacked by an army at the behest of the Fire Daimyo. Leaf is lost. Sunagakure was forced to go underground because of a storm of the century. Sand was also attacked by an organization that was bent on destroying you. Kirigakure is now a frozen wasteland. Mist is no longer capable of sustaining life as well. Tsuchigakure is plagued with internal strife. The Tsuchikage was killed by the Earth Daimyo. Kumogakure is apparently safe so far, but their gates are permanently closed to all outsiders. Is this merely a coincidence? Three major disasters either destroyed a village or forced it to relocate elsewhere. Who can say that these cataclysms aren't all man made? One is, but what about the other two? Two villages were attacked by the Daimyo's of their country. Who can prove that the other two, Sand and Mist, weren't as well? Perhaps I am just paranoid, but I am starting to believe that we are facing a world wide conspiracy. A shadowy organization perhaps, that is hell bent on destroying the shinobi. If my suspicion is true, we may be facing the single greatest threat to our existence. We need to band together or become extinct alone." the Silvery Haired Man spoke. Perhaps he was just paranoid, but after what had happened to the Dread Lord, who could blame him?

"Me and my clan pledge our loyalty to Sunagakure, Steward Kazekage. We will by as loyal as any Sand Shinobi can be. You can trust that we will not betray you, as betrayal is severely punished among our ranks. But, if you ever raise arms against Konohagakure, rest assured that we will not help you in those endeavors. We may not fight you, but we won't move a finger. Any Senju is incapable of betraying Leaf, that is something so entrenched in our genes, that nothing will ever change that." this was a strong declaration from his part, but truthful.

[MFT=850]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"He deserves praise. He is indeed exceptional. Should he wield blades, I would fashion him a blade of Takahashi Fire Forged steel."<i></i> Sousuke spoke in reference to the young man fighting his way through enemy and enemy. He watched for a moment as the fight would continue. A powerful ally to be had indeed. Sousuke turned slightly to regard his guests slightly more. "I can't say we have a most powerful Takahashi. Some of us have designs that last for ages, some of us improve the design of others. Kuro here is exceptional for his clan. He is older than me, and I would admit he is my superior in physical combat... but I have outfitted him with exceptional tools. He has taught me quite a bit ... but judging from your relation ... self taught I would think?"<i></i> Sousuke studied his combat. The style was refined, but it was not something taught, or so he thought.

Sousuke considered what Kazuki had said. "Ah. I should have ... corrected myself ... the Sunahoshi controlled the storm. The last of them is lost, and the predessor died in a time of plague. It was a ... difficult thing for my father, the former steward, to grasp. He brought the village under the earth. We've been licking our wounds for a long time, and trying to assert control over the storm with the Sunaku, who are ... related to them in ways. We had to build the underground and while we seemed to be almost in a place of power ... we were attacked."<i></i> He paused for a moment. "That is not to say of course that you're wrong. Plans to undermine powers old or new require timing more than anything. Certainly I would suspect that in the case of Leaf that ... ... that particular kinjutsu took time. We could have been subjected first and ... left for dead which then caused the Daimyo's to turn their eye to undermining and destroying Leaf and Mist."<i></i> He shook his head. This was something that needed some time to outline. There was cause for paranoia. What came next was far more comforting. "I am not a man for war. I have no expansionist desire. We have had those with expansionist desires attack us, but in turn we have repelled them."<i></i> He detailed. "Be that as it may... the expansionistic desires of an enemy upon our allies will not be tolerated, and thus by reference ... yourselves. I would, if it is in my power, would see your Leaf village restored."<i></i>

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro swelled with pride for his little brother in spirit. It was one thing to deal with the Cabal another to deal with your brother's union to a Clan that could bring even more misfortune down upon Sunagakure or be the source of its salvation. Kuro felt it would be for the salvation of Suna if nothing else he could save their clan from Annihilation and bring something new to Kaze no Kuni. There was a significant feeling of fate and providence in his talk with the Senju and Sousuke and it felt as if Suna had finally reached a turning point to rise from the feeling of entrapment. "I am of strong faith that the Senju will be a great boon to Suna in our time of need and we in theirs. I have given them access to the sacred lands beneath the Throne of bone to revive their sacred tree. I have also taught them about the warp seals and will re-install them throughout Sunagakure once we have stable structures. Thank you for welcoming them as I have little brother your faith and intellect always guides my own to the needs of all the people and not just what would be best for business."<i></i> Kuro gave Sousuke one of the ward keys newly made since the attacks of the Cabal. "When you are ready, Mother has a gift set aside for you at the Throne of Bone."<i></i> The ward key would allow Sousuke to use the warp seals to move around the Throne of Bone and the Toraono Dojo after the seals were altered to provide for surveillance as well.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

"You may offer him a sword if you so desire Steward. Although my fighting style does not favor the use of a blade, I do have one. We can never be sure when a sword will be handy." Kazuki noted. "Self taught indeed. I am a master at Ninjutsu. That I can teach him and I have done so. But he seems to favor taijutsu. I have no doubt that it will change as he grows, that is a trend that seems to run in the family." the Overlord of the Senju House stated. The White Wolf's emergent theory suffered a heavy blow as Sousuke explained that the Sunahoshi controlled the raging storm above their heads. If those people were truly lost, then stopping that aerial destruction could be impossible. "I'm afraid the efforts of the Sunaku are fruitless so far then. Although my reasoning may be at fault since I cannot compare the previous storm with the current one. In case there was a change." the Dread Lord said. That was correct. He and Nagato only knew the current iteration of the Storm. Without knowing how it was when it started, there was no way to ascertain if the efforts of the Sunaku people were for naught or not.


"That is reassuring Steward Kazekage and I'll trust your word and I will see that you live by it. Betrayal is not tolerated among my kin and I do not take it kindly. But I believe I am among trustworthy men, or I would be offering my allegiance to Sunagakure. Speaking of which, there is much I need to be brought up to speed if I, and the rest of my clan, is to be integrated among the good people of Sand. Where can I learn your history? Who can teach it to me? Who can show me the way around my new Village? And as much important as the other queries, what do you want us to do first?" The Senju house had to earn their keep and the former ANBU Sennin would see it done.

[MFT - 347]

 

[Takahashi Aki]

"Well."<i></i> Sousuke was holding onto one of the history books that was inquired about. He lugged the chain forward and offered the books to be taken and read. "The first tome contains the history of many noble houses. The second contains the history of the first three years, and ... the third tome contains a geography of the region prior to the storm."<i></i> He hoped that lugging the books about would not tire out his guests. Who to show around their new allies? Kuro probably had enough on his plate. "I think my grandmother could show you about, supposing her mood is good. There is my father too. He is ... well humored compared to her. Uh ... yes. I think my father would be the better guide."<i></i> He paused for a moment. If he left his grandmother to give the tour, it would be to several bars, and there would be lots of drinking to be had. The Senju's final question gave Sousuke a moment to think. "First I would like for you to be comfortable. Then fill your head with knowledge of our the realm."<i></i> Ever the gracious host he was. It seemed very rude just to push their new found allies. Sousuke blinked for a moment, the conversation had been very grim. "Any psychotic ex-girl friends I need to worry about? I am sometimes a marriage manager sometimes... alongside to consulting detective, blacksmith, corporate think tank, and book keeper. Granted in contrast to the rest of them, I'm not very good at a manager of marriages or their reconciliation."<i></i> Sousuke attempted to make light of the conversation in some manner. Sousuke had indeed observed that a little humor does indeed go a long way in making better of all the things.

Sousuke took the key from Kuro and studied it. "I'll drop by later."<i></i> He pocketed the key. He wondered what was it that Lady Azame had for him. The giantress of House Toraono was another mother to him. He wondered what it was that she had for him.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro was content that the Senju would be accepted and even somewhat incorporated into Sunagakure as it was now. It made things easier for when there came a time when there was no further need for warriors like Kuro and he could devote himself to things like terraforming a reasonable amount of the desert. Taking one of the large historical books Kuro remembered his days in the academy and all the library books he had read between taijutsu and ninjutsu training. Things were alot less obvious or simple now. The book was knowledge and power but Kuro was still working hard to develop the natural wisdom and capacity for understanding all that is necessary. Instead of seeking all that one lusts or wants. " Sousuke-sama is always capable of surmising the situation and usually finds the most considerate or simple manner to solve the problems ahead. Long live Takahashi Sousuke. May the odds be ever in his favor."<i></i>

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Books. That was Sousuke's answer to Kazuki request for knowledge. Were the Overlord a different sort of man and he would have laughed and turn the Steward's offer away. But, the Silvery Haired Man loved his books. His personal collection had been grand, but unfortunately, it was lost among the rubble of what was now Konohagakure. Even if Leaf was to be returned, there was no guarantee that his books were still in one piece or not burnt. Sighing for their fate was more than appropriate but this was not the moment for that. Nodding, Reaper extended his hand toward the three books Sousuke was dragging along. But instead of using his own flesh to pick them up, his shadow extended toward the Steward, taking the shape of a large hand as it went toward the other man. Once contact had been made, this shadowy hand completely enveloped the three tomes and receded back to body of the former ANBU Sennin, shrinking along the way. Once it had reached Kazuki, the books were no longer visible. "Worry not Steward, those tomes are safe and will be returned once I finish reading them. Rest assured that I value knowledge and books as much as you." Reaper calmly declared. He had no way to know if Sousuke was a book lover, but he certainly pictured that image to other observant people.

"Anyone would be nice. It shouldn't take long before I can walk around knowing where everything is, but until I'm familiar with Sunagakure, I can't be a great asset." the Overlord of the Senju clan noted. He could use any guide, even a dead one. He could feel their meeting was coming to an end. There was much to do and the time to start was near. "No ghosts of my past will come to haunt me, I know how to close those doors and leave them shut tight behind me, ergo your marriage counseling will not be needed. I believe we are done here. Kuro, if I am not mistaken, we have to repair the Toraono Dojo so my clan can come to Sand. When you do want to start?" the White Wolf questioned.

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[MFT - 364]