The Prodigal Foreigners Return [Requesting Entrance]

[Senju Kazuki]

Table Title

Natsuru had been briefed as much as possible considering the sickness state she was in. As a potential hybrid, though in dormant state, unlike Kazuki which was an active hybrid, the Hyuuga was a potential target of the Sovereign group. The Senju Overlord would do his best to protect his sister, but he was not omnipresent. Reaper had no doubts in her ability to defend herself, in ways she was even better at fighting than the White Wolf, but the Sovereign were no normal threats, they were stronger than most ninjas and there was little chance of victory against them. Few were even able to survive such encounters, the Occult Sennin being one of those lucky few. After Michi had made a full recovery, it was finally time to head to Sunagakure. Deciding that forcing the last Oracle to walk all the way toward the gates of Suna would be foolish, the Deep Court Hybrid rented a horse pulled wagon and began traversing the distance between Soon’s Harbor and Hidden Sand Village.[lb2][/lb2] Despite being away for a considerable amount of time, Kazuki took his own time, taking the advantage of traveling slowly so Michi could fully recuperate. ”This is Sennin Kazuki approaching the gates of Sunagakure with two guests. Requesting immediate entrance.” the Senju Overlord would broadcast to the specific frequency for those on guard duty. If he was lucky and although they would certainly not be in gate guard duty, Roku or Sousuke would catch his radio call and greet them at the gates, speeding up their entrance tremendously. If they were unlucky, bureaucracy would delay their arrival even further. [lb2][/lb2] [MFT - 271]​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Uka]

With every single step the pull relaxed, the unconditional desire to return was being sated now that the gates were within view. It was... liberation for a lack of a better description.

Natsu hopped off the carriage, looking up at the two flags, pulling her hood down as she did so. It wouldn't be necessary now that they were actually heading into the village and she would have to do so anyway. Hopefully this time she wouldn't be attacked for no real reason, but that remained to be seen. Such were the joys of not actually being a part of the village. Maybe she should consider her brother's offer. It would make things easier, considering she had to return her either way. No, that was something for another time. It was time to actually get some rest, find a way to deal with the other problem, namely her arms and from there things would slowly but surely settle themselves.

"It has been a while and frankly it's nice to not have to deal with the pull for at least a while."<i></i> Natsuru would note as she caught up to her brother and the carriage. Now the question was how would they be greeted. Worst case scenario she would find out how badly things had gone for her in that little experiment for her quicker than she would like. Only time would tell.

[Topic Entered]

 

[Michi]

Michi, sans the facial hair (probably) was keeping to herself. In the dark, even her face buried in the bag as the cart dragged her along. The sea sickness had passed a long time ago, it was the voracious hunger she was trying to sleep off. It was not food that she hungered for but rather something else. It was a a line she refused to cross because she understood the implications of breaking such a taboo. Sunagakure's history is littered with references, not only is it embedded into their culture, suits the mores of their setting but also the logical consequence of stepping over that line. Barnyx went mad as did Orochi. Her mind was the only thing left that was hers after her humanity was taken. So she would work through this, she would endure.

As they drew closer to Sunagakure Michi would start to stir. The ruts leading to the village gates were deeper, smoother here. She would peer over the edge of the cart or wherever Kazuki was sitting or walking. Her hair was every direction besides the 'correct' direction. "Are we there yet?" Yes, she asked the most cliche question someone could possibly ask on a lengthy journey. She leaned outside of the cart, perhaps a bit further than she should and look at the Toraono banners that proudly waved over the horizon. They were almost there.

She should be relieved that she was home and a part of her was, she was not one to go with something as ephemeral as intuition but there was this knotted sense in her gut as the cart crept closer to the gate. The trip to Kohona and then to Tea went without great incident, her fears were utterly unfounded. Would this prove to be the same as well? She hoped so. The cart would come to an eventual halt.

”This is Sennin Kazuki approaching the gates of Sunagakure with two guests. Requesting immediate entrance.”

She would wiggle out of the cocoon she had found respite within and wearily exit the cart. Who would meet them at the gates? They had been gone for some time, a lot can happen.

[Entered]

 

[Raizo]

Entering as NPC: "Gluttony"

A figure in formal attire and mask would appear before the weary, well maybe little more lively, travelers. The sound through the headset proclaiming that a Sennin was present at the gate caused his heart to leap. It wasn't all that often he got to see one of them, even though in his line of work he was around two of them in masks at all times. This was different, much different than the masked man who led him, as a member of Tenken's personal group he had assigned to himself upon entering into the leadership role of the ANBU. A group that he trusted to carry out a multitude of tasks, so for Gluttony, he was not normally at the gates. Nor was he normally free. This was such a rare and beautiful coincidence.

"Oh, my! The Sennin, Senju Kazuki, welcome back to the humble..."

His glance would turn to the blossoming pet project of the former Kazekage, the ongoing construction of an actual wall for the village.

"...humble, noisy, construction zone of a village!"

He would respectfully bow.

"And your guests? Travel companions? Who else is entering our wonderful village in your ensemble?"

Gluttony was too much. Tenken told him that, Usagi might have if she spoke more than a few words and manic only ever seemed to encourage him to be even more. He was over the top in his display, but it was not forced. Nor was it an act. He was just a grand person, so it was only natural that his presence would carry that same grandeur.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Table Title

As the gates became visible, Natsuru would hop off from the carriage and she would stop gazing the two immense flags that depicted the Toraono symbol. Kazuki still remembered the day he had seen those two for the first time, although he had been forced to get real close to them due to the sand storm that raged for years over the skies of Sunagakure. Hearing the Senju Overlord’s broadcast, Michi would finally exit her cocoon. "Are we there yet?"<i></i> she would question. Reaper would rotate his neck as much as humanly possible, so he could gaze her through the edge of his right eye. She was looking better but she looked ravenous. The Deep Court Hybrid knew she was extremely hungry and, despite several offers now, she stubbornly refused to sate such hunger. She was an Oracle, her mind was one of her great assets, but part of it was focused on fighting off that lingering feel that she had to consume or perish. ”It seems you are feeling better but you cannot continue like this forever. I do not say this because I lack faith in you, but because I know what you are going through and it is maddening. Accept what you are now, embrace it and live knowing you are not alone anymore. Do not punish yourself further than you have been punished already. You have been shackled for far too long, do not let shackle yourself now.</GLOW><i></i> he would tell her. Being a Senju, he was shackled more than anyone could know, besides another Senju, but those were shackles that he was not worried about and still gave him more freedom than most people ever had in the world.[lb2][/lb2]He would not stop the carriage and the Hyuuga would eventually get closer to them. ”It has been a while and frankly it's nice to not have to deal with the pull for at least a while.” The Occult Sennin would simply nod in return. He knew what she was talking about. After being linked to the Sacred Tree in Sunagakure, they felt the same longing they used to feel about Konoha. They were forever bound to Sand, unable to stay away for too long and unable to betray this Hidden Village for another. The Last Oracle had certainly heard Natsuru’s words but before she could inquire anything about what this pull was, a figure in formal attire and a mask appeared before them. Kazuki instantly recognized who he was. An ANBU officer, tied to Roku, known as Gluttony. Tenken, or Roku, had created a small cell of elite operatives that responded only to him. Not even Reaper had authority over them nor he would try to impose his will on them. The reason their co-Sennin worked was because they respected each other’s boundaries. The Senju Overlord had yet to create his own elite cell of operatives given he was still searching for the best of the best and he had yet to find people he deemed worthy. As a former ANBU Sennin, his expectations were actually very high, not to say Roku’s weren’t’, but the Ranger Lord had, perhaps, a different view of things that the Malleable One didn’t.[lb2][/lb2]"Oh, my! The Sennin, Senju Kazuki, welcome back to the humble... humble, noisy, construction zone of a village!"<i></i> Gluttony would announce as he bowed. "And your guests? Travel companions? Who else is entering our wonderful village in your ensemble?"<i></i> he would enquire. <GLOW glow="darkred">”I have used the word guests quite loosely here. They are Sunagakurians as well. Michi and Natsuru.”<i></i> the Occult Sennin would respond, pointing to both women in order. ”I am certain you have heard of them before and probably know who they are as well.”<i></i> he would add. Kazuki’s voice was quite calm, not showing he was slightly impatient in being allowed to enter Sunagakure at last. There were so much things to be done to prepare for the War that was being brewed and he didn’t want to waste further time due to bureaucracies, given he had done so already.​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Uka]

To say that Sunnans were often rather... eccentric is a complete understatement. Then again such things were to be expected when one considered the entire existence of ninja and their dealings with the world. This individual might be reaching a new level at this point, but that wasn't for her to judge, after all she was classed as quite out of it herself. Either way it would be better for her to remain quiet and not do anything at present. Her brother would deal with it after all. There was nothing for her to really do as it stood.

[Nothing for me to do at present really ]

 

[Michi]

OC:

Sorry I was on shift after being ill and dealing with Mikaboshi's job transition needs. I would have forgotten this thread ever existed if it was not for being poked, thanks Kazuki and sorry for the wait.

IC:

”It seems you are feeling better but you cannot continue like this forever. I do not say this because I lack faith in you, but because I know what you are going through and it is maddening. Accept what you are now, embrace it and live knowing you are not alone anymore. Do not punish yourself further than you have been punished already. You have been shackled for far too long, do not let shackle yourself now."

"You cannot sincerely appreciate Sennin Senju" Michi replied, her voice had a tone of dejection as the formality of her communication with him returned. "Inanition is my only profligacy," she claimed. Indeed she was ravenous but she was also dangerously brilliant. "I am used to being alone," she assured him. She was desperately lonely but the lack of love and friendship in her life was her own fault. "And I won't live long enough to change that, but it is my sanguine aspiration that you will." She swallowed hard, mortality was not a pleasant thing to consider but she was aware that her expiration date was swiftly approaching. She feared death as many did even if a part of her wanted desperately to die. Yes, in a way she was a coward to fear what she coveted, but that was why she was still alive because there was nothing for her to live for. "There is a taboo... you do not consume your own kind." Her voice cutting and harsh as she reminded him. It was not some old wives tale, rather a lesson learned throughout history. "Nothing is gained without something lost. Souls bring strength but at a cost, that was the fate of Orochi... of Barnyx," she took a breath, "of Shiro."

She would remain awkwardly silent thereafter.

"I have already lost my identity and my form, the only thing I have left is my mind." Life had been unkind, but it was not something she was dwell on. She only needed to live long enough to complete one more task.

Kazuki would have already moved on. He commented on a "pull," a specific term that she did not understand. "Why can't I feel it?" This 'pull', she inquired about. She felt a longing for this country, not this village or any specific site. The energies of this country sustained them, it was what was keeping her barely alive. Nothing pulled her here, but this place dulled her voracious hunger.

They were there, at the gates of the Toraono Dojo.

She was certainly defined as a 'weary' traveler. The masked ANBU that greeted the party, well Kazuki had a tremendous amount of energy. His vigor was simply exhausting to watch and she did not trust people that needed to make fanfares. Such flourish usually served as a distracter, much like a magic that says the magic words, releases a puff of smoke and makes a series of complicated hand gestures while their lady assistant ran behind stage. In her experience it meant that he was hiding something. Her eyes narrowed as she looked him over, he was too well dressed. In fact he was a bit tacky.

Lithe build for a man she observed.

”I have used the word guests quite loosely here. They are Sunagakurians as well. Michi and Natsuru.”

”I am certain you have heard of them before and probably know who they are as well.”

Kazuki would introduce them. If he knew who they were, he would not have asked. "Do you know him?" Michi asked cautiously. They regarded each-other with a tone and a sense of familiarity. "I am Michi," she eventually echoed, her voice tired and weak as she widened her stance. She remained quite paranoid, a trademark that has persisted now for several weeks. "However records probably use my previous name, Fuu or my previous vocation or affiliation." Oracle... Cabalist... "More importantly, who are you?" She did not like him, he was too polite. It was unsettling.

 

[Raizo]

Entering as NPC: "Gluttony"

His mind would begin to race upon the utterance of the following words of Senju Kazuki; "they are Sunagakurians as well". It didn't sit right, and there was a reason it didn't sit right. The Sennin would be correct, one of them he would know without needing further explanation and pointing out, but the other, she did not fit. The name alone was not attributed to anyone he could recall off the registry, at least matching what he would approximate her age to be, as the one known simply as "Natsuru". Maybe she was of relation to the Sennin, either by blood, adoption, as seemed to be a growing fad within the village, or marriage, but the name Natsuru was not a name found outside of some of the younger female of the village. So then she wasn't a part of the village. Neither was the other one...

His attention would snap to her briefly, the one called Michi

"We are very aware of who you are."


At that moment there would be a cold precision to his words before his tone and presence would turn back to his normal, pleasantness. The individual known as Michi, once called Fuu, was one that his leader had spoken of, in a pain and anguish that you would expect from someone betrayed by family. His words would always bounce from cold resignation to fiery rage when discussing this person, and the explanation of who she was he had covered very thoroughly within their group. Out of all the people present before him, he knew the most of her he felt like. But now wasn't the moment to be caught up solely on that. There was the other issue bothering him.

The Sennin lied to me. These two, neither of them, are members of this village. Maybe that is his intention, to make them, but to foolishly lie in the current climate... Tenken-sama did warn me to keep my eyes on the Sennin, but I felt his ire was always towards Toraono Kuro. Senju Kazuki... hmmm...

"Well, my apologies and my mistake for slowing you down. Please, Sennin Kazuki and company, enjoy your return to the village."


He would bow once more, before remembering to answer the final question that had been asked of him.

"Me? C’est moi... merely a gatekeeper."


Without anyone halting him, he would take off from the scene.

[Topic Left Unless Stopped]
[All three granted entrance into the village]

 

[Senju Kazuki]

Table Title

"You cannot sincerely appreciate Sennin Senju. Inanition is my only profligacy. I am used to being alone and I won't live long enough to change that, but it is my sanguine aspiration that you will. There is a taboo... you do not consume your own kind. Nothing is gained without something lost. Souls bring strength but at a cost, that was the fate of Orochi... of Barnyx… of Shiro."</COLOR><i></i> Michi would reply after Kazuki’s nth attempt to convince her to consume a soul and accept his invitation of companionship. He was getting weary of trying to convince her there was another way. He had fought the same kind of battle with Takahashi Sousuke, fought to a standstill. These people of Sunagakure were so mired in their traditions they refused to see past them. Their past was great, learning from it was even better but they had to let it go and accept the world was changing and they had to evolve with it. He too had been like them, a long time ago, so focused on his job and his traditions, but he learned a lesson, the hard way. His eyes were forcibly widened up by the destruction of Konohagakure at the hands of the Fire Daimyo. After losing his home, the Senju Overlord was compelled to change, to discard what wouldn’t work in this modern world of theirs. The Senju clan changed with him. They were no longer simply obsessed with gaining power, though there were individuals that still were. The clan had changed from a power hungry coalition of people to a group whose individuals were obsessed with something throughout their entire life. Reaper was obsessed with gaining souls, just like Natsuru was preoccupied with fighting Fate and its agents. They had changed, but Sunagakure and its citizens were resisting such change. Perhaps the Occult Sennin had to be the means to allow such evolution could take place. ”If you say so.<i></i> he would respond as he shrugged his shoulders.[lb2][/lb2]"Why can't I feel it?"<i></i> the last Oracle would question after hearing Natsuru mentioning a pull. It seemed little was allowed to pass her attention and whatever she did not question was probably stored to be discussed on another time. ”That is because you are not a Senju.”<i></i> the White Wolf would answer. He was cryptically vague on purpose. If she wanted to know more, then she would have to make the right questions and on much better place than the gates of Sunagakure.[lb2][/lb2]"Do you know him? I am Michi. However records probably use my previous name, Fuu or my previous vocation or affiliation. More importantly, who are you?"<i></i> the Deep Court Hybrid would question Gluttony. Her paranoid trait ever present. Kazuki was aware of who the man was but he couldn’t exactly tell her who he was without revealing he was one of the leaders of the ANBU branch, something he couldn’t do. <COLOR color="#8040BF">"We are very aware of who you are. Well, my apologies and my mistake for slowing you down. Please, Sennin Kazuki and company, enjoy your return to the village." Gluttony would answer he bowed to them. "Me? C’est moi... merely a gatekeeper." he would answer her with a lie.[lb2][/lb2][Topic Left]​

Black Omen [lb][/lb] Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin[lb][/lb]

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[Uka]

The kunoichi, having nothing else to do, focused her attention on the gate guard and his rather flamboyant personality. It wasn't strange at all for ninja to be....eccentric. She had thought as such of Sunans before, but this one in specific was taking it to a whole new level. Heck he was making her think the same thing again, which was rather surprising really. No matter. It wasn't as if they would be held up at all. Being in the company of one of the Sennin did have it's benefits, especially if records of your existence in general were... sparse to say the least and nonexistent to be specific. That would change slightly if her brother was to comply with what she had asked of him, though not by much. ANBU were phantoms overall and it was likely she would be one even more so than usual. Either way it was time to move on as there was a lot to be done.

[Topic Left]
[Village entered]
[Pardon the short posts. Got a lot of work to do as it stands and id rather not hold the progress back.]

 

[Michi]

OC: I should finally officially make my entry.

IC:

There was an enduring legacy of blood in Wind Country. Of sacred tradition and family. Sunagakure was not meant to forget its past but rather to learn from it. Much like religion was created for a reason -- to create order among the masses and to ensure their place in the hierarchy, similar could be said of taboos and rituals. There was always a reason. She could trace the legacy of cannibalism back to Barynx, the most human=relevant example as it happened since mankind landed on Wind Country's sandy shores. There were incidents before, relegated to legend and fear. The Court of the Wild Hunt being the most notable example. How partaking in the flesh of their own kind caused them to devolve into madness, how their hunger became overwhelming and consumed them. The consummate glutton. She feared for Kazuki, he lacked the edification to truly realize the risk each soul represented. She wondered if he was already too far gone and neither of them had realized this fact. A woman that only knew how to think did not want to think about that any longer. She crossed her arms in front of her defensively. She was as stubborn as she was brilliant but one day she would crack and then it would be a slippery slope. After she was able to convince herself that this one time she could, circumstances would arise and the same logic would apply. Over and over again.

She could not consume, not yet. She knew one day she would break. The hunger too great. Her pride too small. That day was not just yet.

The sentinel spoke strangely. Used words she did not know. She did not like it. She did not trust it. But it allowed her passage and now was not the time to make a fuss, to contest whoever he was. "And I, merely a watcher."

[Topic Left]​