In the wastelands of the northern desert, there was a small settlement that outstretched for a few miles. It was desolate, calm, and peaceful for the most part. However this to those native of these lands would seem to be the biggest problem. These lands were once wild and free. Full of game, passing strangers, and some very exotic desert plants. The sands became harsher and most of the animals either died out or migrated. The people who passed through the land offering work ventured to stronger forces such as Sunagakure or the Daimyo's armies. The plants could not survive the harsh sands and now some of those wonderful things won't even grow in these parts. For those who were natives to this land it was a shade, a hollow excuse of what once was.
Although this tale does not center around the land but rather the clan whom inhabited it and somewhat still does. The Ikoji Clan, a "branch" of Kaguyan kinsmen who sought to find their own way in the deserts. Kaguya were warriors who could manipulate their bone structure regenerate the bones they used instantaneously. They were fierce warriors with a gruesome cost, but their bodies could endure and would mend. Like any other warrior the Ikoji had to figure out ways how they could advance and transcend their abilities above and beyond the current standing. Eventually one Ikoji Clan member delved into that method.
Yuko the Grand Gazelle of the Ikoji Clan had "stumbled" upon the technique of the Hachimon. There were Eight Inner Gates, that worked much like valves that could control the very chakra pressure one had within their body. However she only recorded how to use 7 of the gates seeing as the 8th one was far too dangerous and could very well kill the person using it. Ikoji Koga, was one of the few people who had been able to utilize these techniques thanks to the scrolls provided by Yuko. Through her recorded tutelage he found a way to access the Inner Gates, but trying to pry open the Eighth one on his own proved to be fatal practically killing him, but thanks to his ancient lineage his body was mended and reborn as a Kaguya warrior.
Still the fact remained that the Gate of Death was still off limits to Koga, and he had to change that. The caverns he found these scrolls in were placed around the settlement of the Ikoji. Through some tactful research it didn't take long for Koga to realize where the 8th Gate could be hidden. While Yuko did not want people to use the technique there is no way in hell she'd never keep a record of the technique on hand. Especially since any technique that dangerous would be a last ditch effort type of technique. She'd have been a fool to toss it away when the Clan might have needed it most. Upon realizing his true blood lineage Koga had this thirst to complete his battle techniques. He could not simply cast aside these thoughts and the only piece left for him was to finish his set of Gates.
In the dead of night, Koga returned to his clan's land clear in his mind with his intent of action. This was not a social visit, it was one of a true quest. He'd make his way to the Elder's Chambers making small and quick talk with the few remaining guards of the clan. Ikoji Zanta, was a blind Kaguyan kinsmen who was somewhat of a relic. He was the historian of the Clan and had apparently been alive for more than 100 years. Zanta's body was more honed in regenerative and defensive abilities rather than bone manipulation to create weapons. There were rare Ikoji members who had such strong qualities it was said they could live for centuries if trained properly (although this was likely a stretch). Zanta was normally awake usually reading and studying the outside realm trying to understand the world for what it was and what it was becoming. Entering the chambers of this librarian he sat across from the elder kneeling a good distance away. The old coot who was also on his knees looked up from his scrolls giving Koga a warm smile.
"Ikoji Koga, Ringo's boy it's nice to see you. What brings you to these lands?"
A smile would spread across Koga's lip as he would immediately begin to respond back. "Hello Zanta I haven't seen you since I was a child. In fact most people don't "see" you. I'm here on business today, why else would I be disturbing your studying." Zanta would laugh casually as he began to close the scroll in front of him. The slender wrinkled fingers would begin to twirl eachother as if he was anticipating more to be said. The younger Ikoji would begin to speak again bringing more reasoning for his being here. However before speaking he would protrude a small bone from the tip of his finger. "Well as you can see I've gone through some changes. Before receiving these abilities I was met by the scroll of Ikoji Yuko, and learned a secret skill from her. The power of the Inner Chakra Gates. So far I can release seven of them perfectly but when I tried to unleash the 8th one I was met with disaster. Although by a stroke of luck, no fate from the spirits I was graced with the Kaguya gene awakening. So now I'm seeking that technique once more. I'm positive that I can handle it now, positive that my body is prepared. I need your help, I know the Eight Gate is here but where? I need this power in order to advance my position in Sunagakure please help me."
The request was lain out and there was nothing more for him say. Zanta would observe Koga and tap his chin. There was a long silence and it for a while Koga thought he would be turned away. However the elder stood from his kneeling position and walked towards a wall. With a swift movement of strikes imbued with Chakra a wall began to move backwards opening up a pathway that lead to an elevator with only one way to go. He motioned for Koga to follow him, and the pair went to the elevator descending into an everlasting darkness.
[MFT]
Although this tale does not center around the land but rather the clan whom inhabited it and somewhat still does. The Ikoji Clan, a "branch" of Kaguyan kinsmen who sought to find their own way in the deserts. Kaguya were warriors who could manipulate their bone structure regenerate the bones they used instantaneously. They were fierce warriors with a gruesome cost, but their bodies could endure and would mend. Like any other warrior the Ikoji had to figure out ways how they could advance and transcend their abilities above and beyond the current standing. Eventually one Ikoji Clan member delved into that method.
Yuko the Grand Gazelle of the Ikoji Clan had "stumbled" upon the technique of the Hachimon. There were Eight Inner Gates, that worked much like valves that could control the very chakra pressure one had within their body. However she only recorded how to use 7 of the gates seeing as the 8th one was far too dangerous and could very well kill the person using it. Ikoji Koga, was one of the few people who had been able to utilize these techniques thanks to the scrolls provided by Yuko. Through her recorded tutelage he found a way to access the Inner Gates, but trying to pry open the Eighth one on his own proved to be fatal practically killing him, but thanks to his ancient lineage his body was mended and reborn as a Kaguya warrior.
Still the fact remained that the Gate of Death was still off limits to Koga, and he had to change that. The caverns he found these scrolls in were placed around the settlement of the Ikoji. Through some tactful research it didn't take long for Koga to realize where the 8th Gate could be hidden. While Yuko did not want people to use the technique there is no way in hell she'd never keep a record of the technique on hand. Especially since any technique that dangerous would be a last ditch effort type of technique. She'd have been a fool to toss it away when the Clan might have needed it most. Upon realizing his true blood lineage Koga had this thirst to complete his battle techniques. He could not simply cast aside these thoughts and the only piece left for him was to finish his set of Gates.
In the dead of night, Koga returned to his clan's land clear in his mind with his intent of action. This was not a social visit, it was one of a true quest. He'd make his way to the Elder's Chambers making small and quick talk with the few remaining guards of the clan. Ikoji Zanta, was a blind Kaguyan kinsmen who was somewhat of a relic. He was the historian of the Clan and had apparently been alive for more than 100 years. Zanta's body was more honed in regenerative and defensive abilities rather than bone manipulation to create weapons. There were rare Ikoji members who had such strong qualities it was said they could live for centuries if trained properly (although this was likely a stretch). Zanta was normally awake usually reading and studying the outside realm trying to understand the world for what it was and what it was becoming. Entering the chambers of this librarian he sat across from the elder kneeling a good distance away. The old coot who was also on his knees looked up from his scrolls giving Koga a warm smile.
"Ikoji Koga, Ringo's boy it's nice to see you. What brings you to these lands?"
A smile would spread across Koga's lip as he would immediately begin to respond back. "Hello Zanta I haven't seen you since I was a child. In fact most people don't "see" you. I'm here on business today, why else would I be disturbing your studying." Zanta would laugh casually as he began to close the scroll in front of him. The slender wrinkled fingers would begin to twirl eachother as if he was anticipating more to be said. The younger Ikoji would begin to speak again bringing more reasoning for his being here. However before speaking he would protrude a small bone from the tip of his finger. "Well as you can see I've gone through some changes. Before receiving these abilities I was met by the scroll of Ikoji Yuko, and learned a secret skill from her. The power of the Inner Chakra Gates. So far I can release seven of them perfectly but when I tried to unleash the 8th one I was met with disaster. Although by a stroke of luck, no fate from the spirits I was graced with the Kaguya gene awakening. So now I'm seeking that technique once more. I'm positive that I can handle it now, positive that my body is prepared. I need your help, I know the Eight Gate is here but where? I need this power in order to advance my position in Sunagakure please help me."
The request was lain out and there was nothing more for him say. Zanta would observe Koga and tap his chin. There was a long silence and it for a while Koga thought he would be turned away. However the elder stood from his kneeling position and walked towards a wall. With a swift movement of strikes imbued with Chakra a wall began to move backwards opening up a pathway that lead to an elevator with only one way to go. He motioned for Koga to follow him, and the pair went to the elevator descending into an everlasting darkness.
[MFT]