The Truth of Darkness - Open Event Thread

[Toraono Kuro]

Toraono Kuro was not an easy man to define these days since no one knew exactly where or when he would appear. A part of Kuro was cut off from him by the actions of someone or a group that was quite powerful. As such Akuma Kuro was still on the surface of the desert when the Maw was sealed leaving his eyes, nose, and ears in the midst of the turmoil while his giant side slumbered as it were in stasis recovering from Magnetica's attack with the earnest help of healing body Sanryoukyogan Kuro. Sharingan Kuro, Chouryoku Kuro, and Mouko Kuro. His eyes, ears, and nose began tracking targets. This was the first time that Akuma Kuro had not been able to call upon his alternate selves letting him know the true severity of the situation. Moukyo had actually lost Mikaboshi's scent, which was truly odd because it was too unique a scent to lose. What that meant to Kuro was that he had somehow been snatched or gone inside an elemental pocket of some sort as one's scent should never truly vanish. Even death could not stop a scent from lingering, the demon feline sniffed about as it hackles rolled in both confusion and alarm. They were being hunted and there was no way to simply whisk themselves away. With their shared senses they drew up their disguises and began their deliberate counter hunt. A Toraono was never truly hunted they simply waited to attack. Activating his ultra hearing Chouryoku Kuro closed his eyes and used his sonar to detect all possible attackers for one hundred yards. There was a great deal of commotion but there were organized groups within the chaos. Like these men Kuro's literal clones planned to blend in. Sharingan Kuro used some red dye upon his silvery white hair before altering his features via transformation jutsu to shrink his tail and horns. Mouko wrapped himself in the cloak of a desert nomad before placing on the traditional headwrap of a Scorpion bandit. An ancient group of highwaymen long since absorbed by the Toraono Clan although no criminal organization was ever aware of that and believed they were getting surplus weapons from the nomadic bandits never knowing the weapons were used to track criminals. Chouryoku Kuro shaved his head in an old basin using an well made razor and precise movements. After he was done he covered his eyes with an old blood stained wrap, also the mark of a blade fighter, by covering his eyes with a heavy bloody sash to demonstrate his trained blindness, he showed something Kuro himself was not known for despite having horns and a tail, it was already a trend in certain areas to resemble the devil senning meant protection as few really wanted to mess with so dangerous yet kind of a man. It was well known to all that you did not cause the nice guys to get upset. Small time gladiators dressed in this fashion so that they may be hired to put on a show. It was time to show them who was really hunting who as they headed toward a massage parlor that was secretly run by elderly retired Anbu.

Three things were on their one mind:
Find the cause of the Chaos
Track down and aid or secure aid from Mikaboshi
Punish those whom would harm his beloved city

WC: 550
MFT

 

[Enatsu]

Since the beginning of this destruction questions had penetrated the mind of Koga. Namely where were their leaders in such conflict? The ANBU Branch's Sennin Mikaboshi had been missing and even though Koga searched he could not find him. ANBU were likely scattered trying to get a grasp on the situation. Between the Kazekage Tower being blown to smithereens and the prisoners in the Obsidian Palace going rampant and getting free there was far too much going on that concerned ANBU's attention for their Sennin not to be found. Let's also not forget that normal communications were done albeit there were some already working on a way to communicate more efficiently rather than relying on letters.

The Grand Palais was probably one of the worst areas to be in at the moment. While shinobi surely fought off prisoners this place would welcome them since it naturally became the crime central long before this terror. It seemed for the most part they were docile here even though some were back to feeding their old habits. Blood all over the streets, bodies laying around here and there. People too scared to walk the streets. Some business still had the courage to stay open if they hadn't already been ransacked. This was horrible and Koga could not stomach it forever. Pieces in him wanted to lash out in rage tearing anyone he deemed vile. However it would be counter-productive to make such hasty moves in hostile territory. He could not rely on the badge of the Shinobi any longer he had to rely on his skills.

Equipped with armor made from the hide of dune raptors he had some impressive looking armor. Beneath that he bore black robes with a hood to cover his face. The goal was to seem more intimidating and sinister than the next criminal. To add to this ensemble he'd adorn his neck with bones like a necklace coming from his neck. No one seemed to mess with him so far keeping their distance from him or minding their own business. He was able to blend in and even catch the eyes of a few recruits most likely. However any offer to speak was met with silence as he moved intently to a certain destination.

Before leaving the palace he ransacked any official documents about ex-ANBU contacts of any sort who could help him track down Mikaboshi. He came to a "Massage Parlor" or so the deed said. Apparently this owners had some connection to the ANBU but the connection was obscure or at least missing. "It's now or never Koga...let's hope this isn't a fluke." He'd walk through the doors immediately checking for anyone who could assist him. There seemed to be some other folk in there but their affiliation was unknown to him. Koga would silently move to the receptionist counter even if no one was there. He'd take out half of a broken ANBU mask from his robes and place it on the counter. This would be used as a dual sign to cover his ass. If they were ANBU connected they might get the hint that he's "ANBU" or if they were just plain criminals they might ask him what this means. He would likely gloss it stating he's an ANBU killer and wants to know if they have any work. Maybe he could catch a lead to Mikaboshi in this manner as well.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

The proprietors a sly older woman with hands of steel, and an old man whom seemed stronger than stone welcomed Koga inside as a dozen girls came out from a well cooled chamber whose access was hidden within a seemingly whole slab of ironrock wall. As they glided towards Koga he could detect the calming scent of alluring oils and bath salts. The older woman took a stern look at Koga and he felt as if his soul was laid bare for a brief moment. "Welcome young master, I am Lady Tenga and this is my husband Gauto we welcome you into the arms of the Iron Lady where your every woe will melt away beneath the fingers of my trained ladies in waiting. Feel free to choose from any of them to see to your needs for the evening. The house fee is 2 sun stones or their equal, please tip the lady or ladies of your choice well or know that your visit will be short. Are there any questions?" If Koga looked about he would see a red haired warrior whom resembled Toraono Kuro but he was obviously not Toraono Kuro. This man's horns were too small and there was no sense of dread about him, as the descriptions would have him know. This man was clearly a fan to go so far to look like him and he even dared to wear the scabbard of a Toraono Clan blade although it was most likely stolen. He sat in a corner reading over something while being served an odd smelling drink.

The chamber was rather well made and the stone floor polished to a smooth gliding feel. The countertop for the bar/reservation area was ancient granite of coal black. The curtains that took away the dungeon feel of the chamber were a subtle violet. The girls were all beautiful and each one had the look of a trained warrior, their hands though delicate in size were still well muscled much like Lady Tenga's.

 

[Enatsu]

Koga would smell the aromas coming from the parlor as Lady Tenga introduced herself and her husband. A dozen girls would fill the lobby all ripe for his choosing. However when she went on asking about Sun Stones she had lost him for he had none of those nor did he know their value. Even more so he was not here for simple pleasures of the flesh. The only pleasure he wanted was to end this chaotic siege and for that he needed allies. Koga unsure of if Lady Tenga understood the message would stand and bow gently. He'd move closer to the counter where he placed the broken ANBU Mask and would speak once more. "I do have a few questions about your rates, could you please come over here so we can speak about them privately?" When the older women would come Koga would make sure to explain why he was here. The room itself spoke of danger, he knew one of two things were going to happen. Either this place was exactly as the file presumed, which was a hideout for warriors in the slums. Or he was in the trap of an enemy.

"I'm not exactly here to discuss your women. While they are indeed beautiful I have no desire for any of them. What I truly desire is a lead on people who wear these masks. Let's not play games Lady Tenga, how close are you with the ANBU?" Well he was bold in his questioning there was that much. However Lady Tenga should have expected as much seeing that his demeanor wasn't that of a man looking for a good time. Koga looked around as he asked her this trying to get a read on anyone's movements. It's times like these he cursed himself for not having better vision as he noticed a larger man with crimson hair and small horns to adorn his head. He looked like a smaller version of Toraono Kuro, as that kind of look was very unusual. He would eye each of the women taking note of their amazing physique not unlike those within his clan. These were not the bodies of pure man pleasers these were the bodies of warriors. If not Koga was going to have to ask them for their gym routine. Something is not right here, I just can't put my finger on it. The uncertainty is definitely messing with me. If this turns out bad I'm going to have to make a break for it through that window. I can always bulldoze my way through it. Let's just hope things pan out...

Even though he was only here to speak he was always prepared for battle. In his back pouch held smoke bombs and flash bombs to use at a moment's notice. He had prepared some Bone kunai in order to use as weapons if need be. While his talent for ranged combat was not amazing it was good enough to get him out of tough spots. Just about as good as any Ninjutsu would serve him. Well maybe a Rasengan would do more to get him free than bone kunai if things went south.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Lady Tenga took the mask eagerly as she chuckled about his demanding tone and outright demeanor. With a simple smile that made her resemble a kind grandmother the girls nodded to her and bowed as they went back to their rooms or returned to whatever tasks they had assigned to them. All but one girl left and she had amazing red hair, it took a moment for Koga to realize he was looking at Toraono Suzuhime, Princess of the Yamazaki clan and wife of Toraono Kuro. Toraono Yamazaki Suzuhime stood at five feet two inches. She weighed a reasonable, healthy, 140 pounds. She wore her thick, lustrous, silk like crimson hair in two long braided pony tails. Her eyes were royal violet like the clouds during the setting sun. She was overly gifted with a large ample bosom, her arms were lean and toned, her legs were like that of an acrobat or a kick boxer. She wore a black dragon embroidered fighting overcoat, a chain mail laced, silk shirt. Her skin was a creamy tan, she wore a pair of reinforced guards upon her forearms and beautiful silk and sandalwood sandals upon her feet. Around her waist was a gold and sand tone obi with crimson threaded runic terran sigils marking her as nobility. She tossed an Ancient Anbu mask at Koga's feet, it was heavy and chipped here and there but its weight actually made it crack the stone floor a bit. "Lady Tenga is a close friend of mine Ikoji clansmen by your look and scent. I wager you have many questions, perhaps my husband can answer them for you as a former Anbu Captain he trained most of the women here before he met me. Now I have completed their training and as such they are some of the deadliest women alive, and the most able bodied massage therapists alive... perhaps you should try one."

If Koga took the time he would notice the red haired Kuro look alike was in deep meditation and he was being watched over by two of the women whom made it appear they were giving him a very special oil rub down of his shoulders and neck, while they braided his hair.

 

[Enatsu]

Lady Tenga only chuckled at Koga as she nodded at the girls. The well fit women took their leaves pursuing their other tasks, as one stayed. She bore long red hair braided in two ponytails, her body was thick yet toned, slender in a sense but clearly she fitted herself. Her ensemble looked battle ready but luxurious. She came from royalty or at least she held that air about herself. The woman would toss an ancient mask onto the ground, clearly it was thicker and heavier than the ground it fell upon as it left a crack in the floor. "Classy, it reminds me of my old training weights though I'm sure they were far heavier. Who would wear something like this on their face?" Koga would walk over to the mask and lift it off the ground as the noble woman spoke to him. She explained that Lady Tenga was a friend of hers and immediately picked him out. Ikoji by his look and scent? He wasn't aware that people other than Inuzuka had such acute sense of smell and even more, that his clan gave off specific scent. He wouldn't mull over the specifics it just seemed more obvious that he'd have to hide himself better. She would speak of her husband being a former ANBU Captain making him wonder if that's how she was able to pick him out, seeing as an Anbu Captain were supposed to be amazing judge of characters. He would stay silent as he listened to her go on about how the women her had been trained by the couple specifically and became probably some of the most dangerous women on the planet. Clearly there was much confidence in this woman and her husband. She insisted that he should try one of the woman. "To fight or to bed? No matter, I am not here for the massages. I'm here about the war. I'm a simple new initiate seeking the whereabouts of our two Sennin and Kage. If you know the Ikoji then maybe you know me..." Koga would remove his hood revealing his face. Although those who kept tabs on his files would notice something was different.

First his hair was jet black, which was not normal for the Ikoji Clan or at least his hair for a long time was crimson red itself. Koga would throw his hood back up covering his eyes once more allowing the obscurity to take back over. "Ikoji Koga, van- No "Grand Lion" of the Ikoji Clan. As Clan head my people's survival concerns me more than ever. I need to bring freedom to this village immediately. This chaos is only getting worse but I have a few ideas on how we can fix this. I've been looking for Anbu exclusively to plan a siege and take control of the prison. Last time I went there it didn't seem like there was much protection. Not that most of them want to even be there. It also seems like there are some prisoners who've chosen to stay in there believing that the Obsidian Palace is the only home they deserve though that number is minuscule almost non-existant." He would take a closer look on the woman trying to pinpoint who she might have been. Her face was so familiar and the royal sigil on her person hinted towards something but he couldn't piece the memory together.

"Excuse me, but who are you exactly? Who is this man here? He seems devoid of the world around him. His power... I can feel it from across the room. Who are you people?" This evening was turning out to be more interesting than he initially thought.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

With an evil grin Suzuhime held out her hand to shake his hand after revealing himself and his purpose. I am Toraono Yamazaki Suzuhime wife of Toraono Kuro and what you sense before you is one of my husband's special kage bunshin. An aspect of him if you will as his true self is actually outside of the Maw figuring the best way to get in and purge Sunagakure of its problems. This particular aspect is capable of a great many things and two other aspects are fanning out around the city to locate and gather information on our current enemies. I take it you will want to speak with him. Feel free he is aware of your presence, his eyes are not as acute as your own would have me believe they are but I wager he sees chakra and its affects quite differently and in much fuller texture's than what your own may see. I will leave the two of you to get acquainted as my presence always causes other problems within his abilities to arise." Sharingan Kuro sighed like an old man would sigh after a rebellious child was away as Suzuhime left the chamber and took to the streets inviting danger although truth be told between the bodyguards assigned to her and her own abilities she was a bit of a walking arsenal.

Sharingan Kuro opened his eyes revealing his devil sharingan as he looked upon Ikoji relaxing his transformation jutsu so that his chakra could even out. As he did so his horns and tail returned to their normal bestial state revealing him to actually be a full on clone or aspect of Toraono Kuro. "Sooo, Shishi Soudai (Grand Lion) of the Ikoji clan, I am a part of Toraono Kuro, I am sure you have questions so ask what you may and I will HONESTLY answer all I can."

 

[Enatsu]

Listening to the woman speak Koga began to connect the dots of what he knew of the Toraono Family. It dawned upon him that the man in the corner did in fact look like Toraono Kuro. These bodies that he had as beckon and command did not seem very much like clones, to call them Kage Bunshin seemed to be underrating them. Suzuhime noted that she disrupted the powers of the aspects something that Koga would have to keep aware of during the final days. As she left he would focus on Kuro's clone, approaching him as it awakened and spoke.

"Part of Toraono Kuro but not him. Where is the actual Kuro? I assume he's hiding, biding his time before he shows himself allowing his aspects to take note of the field? We have not located Mikaboshi but I have gained much information in this short time. Yet what I want to know is Kuro's location, and can you take me to him? Strategic planning will need all of it's leaders and able bodies. I'm gathering what forces I can so we can maintain two things. The first being the survival of us and those around us. The second being the precise destruction of the Cabal. They stormed the village almost instantly and gathered inhumane amounts of knowledge on us, and were able to place numerous traps with no notice, makes me wonder how strong are they or how much inside help they've had. If they're so strong why haven't they just went for annihilation against the shinobis? They might be doing more planning, or maybe they just want to watch the village burn. Who knows, the only thing that's in my mind is that they are focused on our destruction which I plan to return. Now what does Kuro plan to do?" To believe he didn't have to search much further to find Kuro, at the very least there was the possibility of finding out what everyone else was doing and how they planned on moving. There was too much information being passed around and the Cabal were still magically ahead of Suna. They almost had all the cards, but the fight wasn't over. There was still much to be done, it only mattered if they could accomplish it.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro listened carefully and took the questions in the order they were received before responding.
"Your news of your promotion within your clan was from your own lips, hence I overheard you... as for what I am, I am what happens when an Uchiha's body is bonded by blood and spirit with the soul of a devil sage. I have been meditating for 2 hours, the current status of the village is complete chaos, and the Hyuuga whom gave up his cherished sight to you in penance is to be rewarded if he still lives. I also have an idea of the Steward's whereabouts, but I must first gain knowledge of the true instigators of the attack on the village before I seek him out. Mikaboshi has completely disappeared from my senses which is incredibly hard to do. Shuu fought hard for Suna when she did not have to, she has earned our trust. Our leaders are indeed scattered, and I will learn more of the Cabal, personally when the time arises. We proceed through guile, diplomatic yet obvious tactics which will be mistaken for traps. I will gather our loyal and suspect forces in strategic points around the village in a set yet unhurried pace so as not to divulge my true goal. We don't need to show them our army, we merely need to guide them to a point where they can eliminate themselves or find a wiser course of action. There is no true need to strike, through this chaos we can now take a different type of indirect control. I propose we gather information and prepare contingency plans to make sure the village does not suffer needless casualties. You are never alone and if you need either I or another of Kuro's bunshin can grant you a blood seal that will allow you to know our general location and well being and he yours. Above all don't panic, each and every criminal that has escaped the Obsidian palace is also marked in a fashion and when I am ready with or without Mikaboshi sama."<i></i>

Sharingan Kuro returned to an even more transformed form where he actually appeared to be fully human with red hair which Koga could now determine was red dye. As Sharingan Kuro stood he adjusted his sword scabbard to look more like a brigand than a trained slayer of monsters and men.