book2: alliance of nations [closed]

[Eboshi Seiichi]

“This is bullshit, Seiichi!” Onwa screamed. She reached to draw her sword, but a single look from Seiichi was all it took to stop her.

“This is the best outcome,” he coolly replied.

And that was the truth of the matter. Two days had passed after the initial invasion, and as predicted, things had not gone as planned. Despite the forces sent to hold back the hosts from Iwa, the Kamizuru had made it through and had surrounded the capital. The blood dragons had been called back, and without them, the rest of the Iwa forces were allowed to make camp. A dozen villages had been conquered in the name as Iwa as well; they were to be used as headquarters and supply depots, so that Tsuchi no Kuni always had its fingers deep in Taki.

Onwa had been especially pissed with the turn of events. Seiichi had shown up to stop her from murdering the Awaikage and sellswords, and she had turned on him in her rage. He flexed his left hand and looked at the bandages that covered where he had been burned by her sludge. As potent as I remember.

“When I was brought in to your village, I-”

Seiichi cut her off. “I had you pardoned of your crimes, Onwa. It was either join Takigakure or be executed. Now stop arguing and put away your sword. The Tsuchikage is supposed to be coming today.”

Onwa bit back another retort, gave him a dark glare, and threw her sword to the ground. The courtyard was as empty as the rest of the city, who remained in the underground shelters by his order. If Iwagakure decided to kill the taki-nin regardless of their proposed alliance, then at least the people could escape. Maybe. If the Tsuchikage was as shrewd as she was said to be, then if she willed it, no one would escape Nijiro alive.

Not even her, Seiryuu thought. Anger and rage slammed into him like a train, but Seiichi weathered it silently. The dragon in particular was infuriated by the turn of events, but he knew it was either this or have his partner and everything he cared about obliterated. I will keep good on that promise if you are harmed, Seiichi.

Kempachi jumped from the tower he was in and landed in a kneeling position just before Seiichi and Onwa. After he had been forced to give up the secrets of Nijiro’s power source, he had been far more quiet than normal. Seiichi wasn’t mad, however, and Onwa was even glad he had. She said it was rare that she got to exercise her talents so openly.

“The carriage has entered the city and approaches.”

Seiichi slid his hand back into his cloak and nodded in affirmation. “Open the courtyard gates and let her in. Go get Sun Jian as well.”

“Hai,” Kempachi said. He disappeared in a puff of smoke to go get the young Yun.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] “Are there any problems?” Yun Luán's gaze had fell into the scroll unraveled within her hands, the parchment spilling over into a long clump to the carriage's floor as they waited patiently before the gates of the capital. Lanquidly, the Tsuchikage lifted her eyes from the series of scriptures and brushed ink, taking in the blank fox masked ANBU who seemingly stared fiercely back at her. “No,” the ANBU answered curt, though obediently, his head lowering under the weight of Luán's eyes. “There was just a slight delay at the gates. We are proceeding now.” “It's a beautiful country.” Even behind the mask, the fox masked ANBU could not hide his perplexity. “My Lady?” Luán did not answer immediately as the carriage bucked back into motion. Almost with a demeanor of longing, the Kage of Hidden Rock took in the sights of the capital. Once sprawling with life, the center place of the nation was barren, frozen in time by her ambitions. A festival was likely to take place soon, she noted, with the fixtures of stands and booths now little else than shambles blown apart in panic. Whatever emotions that stired within her from the scene were elusive, hidden behind her own serpentine mask, as the carriage bumped and rustled through Nijiro. “It's nothing,” She finally answered. The rest of the trip was short, delayed only by the Tsuchikage's deliberate lack of urgency. When the drawn vehicle came to a stop, as if on queue, the ANBU slipped out-sword half drawn while he scouted the area as per routine. Luán gently rolled her scroll up, turning her head towards the exit as a familiar voice addressed her personal entourage. It was then, that a slender hand, palm upturned, was offered to take Luán's own. “Tsuchikage-dono. They await us,” spoke Sun Jian quietly, his words almost as silken as the fabrics both of them adorned on this afternoon. She placed her delicate fingers to the center of his palm and stepped out, before she could even shield her eyes against the aggressive sunlight, an umbrella was snapped overhead, a bowed retainer just as diligent in warding away the harsh rays as they were seemingly ready to leap into battle. Luán mouthed her thanks though it went unseen to the sea of bowed heads that formed a corridor before her. Iwagakure's finest, bent at the waist and a fist upon their chest, the legion that she had woven to siege the nation honored their leader where all of Taki no Kuni could see. “This way,” Sun Jian escorted, arms behind his back, hidden behind the large sleeves of well tailored robes. “The Lord will meet us in the courtyard.” Luán did not speak and merely faced forward, intent livid in her discolored gaze. In the distance, she looked to the horizon for the fabled dragons she heard so much about, but hid her disappointment upon finding none. It was no secret that her clan was widely fascinated with the mythical serpent, and for more reasons beyond that it often heralded the clan's greatest champions. Their divine representation embodied everything the Yun name strived for. A tempered ferocity checked just by the finest elegance only a sagely being could muster. And despite being born of Snake, Luán could not shake the kinship that pulled at her thin heartstrings. She sighed, Sun Jian raised a brow, but they both continued to walk in silence. It wasn't long before Luán felt Eboshi before she saw him, as well as the other beings in his dominating presence. Her steps were as ever delicate, both Yun seeming to strut between a thin line of nonchalance and authority within foreign lands. Even as they approached, pausing just before what could be assumed a 'safe distance' between the powerhouse figures of Taki no Kuni, Sun Jian only bowed slightly-way too shallow to be customary at all. And Luán did not at all. “Lord Eboshi Seiichi,” Yun Luán spoke, her words rivaling satin. “I hope I find you and your nation well...” Her grin, faint as it was, quivered at the edge of her lip.

[Eboshi Seiichi]

Yun Luan was as beautiful as the stories had him believe. Green hair, emerald eyes, and fair skin; she was, for all intents and purposes, far more attractive than the average woman. But there was something about her that Seiichi didn’t like. Without his doujutsu activated, he had no way of knowing it for sure, but there seemed to be just the slightest tinge of a smile on her lips. Even then, that wasn’t what put him off.

It’s her eyes, he thought to himself. Shes’ a viper coiled back and ready to kill.

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t play coy with me, Tsuchikage-dono. If you want an alliance, then you should have came in person a long time ago and offered your terms. But instead you do this,” Seiichi motioned with his good hand at the people standing around, but in reality, he was pointing at the entire country. “So we’re going to cut out the pleasantries you Yun seem to enjoy so much. Forgive me if this is rude, but the respect I ask for has not been given, and the damages you have caused will not be forgotten.”

When Seiichi finished, he nodded to Kempachi who ran to the gates of the castle. He pulled open the doors and ushered out the shadow within.

Awaikage Shirami looked like she hadn’t slept for days. Dark bags had settled underneath her eyes, and her brown hair was a mess of knots and tangles. A loose grey robe was all she wore, and her hands were bound behind her back with a pair of manacles mirrored on her ankles. Behind her was a cast of other prisoners, each one dressed the same, and each one as tired as the last. In total there were two dozen. Onwa was smiling as they were brought out, but Seiichi’s face was cold.

“These men and women were captured during the invasion from your side. I’m sure you have your terms for this alliance, but I have mine as well. These prisoners will remain out here with my men guarding them, and me, you, and one other person of your choosing shall meet within the interior of the palace.”

“Seiichi!” Onwa yelled. She stepped forward between the Tsuchikage and Taki Lord, her back turned towards the former. “This wasn’t part of the deal. You want to be alone with these bastards?!”

Seiichi said nothing. He turned on his heel and walked towards the castle entrance, beckoning for the Tsuchikage and whoever she chose to follow. Onwa would be mad, and was like to challenge him again, but there was no time for hot tempers. Taki’s fate depended on the dragon’s wisdom as much as it did it’s rage.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] When Eboshi Seiichi played his hand, the row of Iwagakure shinobi remained stolid, though the budding intensity poured over them like a tilted sieve. Some instinctively twitched for their weapons though their stares were as piercing as any steel. A few looked to their ruler, awaiting the order to charge, but was only met by a cool grin and feigned surprise while the Tsuchikage applauded tenderly. Her thoughts were muted behind her amusement, though Luán, best as she might, could not contain the wicked fires of intent that maneuvered within her gaze. A deft, subdued motion of her hand, the Tsuchikage snuffed out the aggression from her entourage, save for the vicious glares extended to their captors. Some of the warriors in chains looked towards her, the others were complacent to be ignored, forgotten in their shame for being defeated and presented before their brethren. Inwardly, they knew of the final fate that awaited them for their loss-even if the Lord of Takigakure had planned differently. “He's trying to control the situation,” spoke Sun Jian in hushed tones, watching Seiichi move away, ignoring the feud with Onwa as almost befitting of his station. “It's only fair,' she chuckled, nodding to the one who held her umbrella so ever diligently. “I've been playing this game, without even granting him the courtesy of allowing his pieces to join the board.” Her words were musical, even if something between malice and decorum waltzed between them. “Stay here and keep things under control.” “He asked to bring another of your choosing.” “And I'm choosing to bring no one.” Sun Jian allowed the briefest flicker of protest to cross his features but it was preemptively assassinated by Luán's glassy stare. “Very well.” He placed a fist to his chest and stepped back, sharp eyes following his lady move after Seiichi in a wash of silk and exquisite motion of her hips. With enough distance between her following and Takigakure's, Luán spoke towards the back of Seiichi. “I am thankful you decided to extend the same courtesy of sparing my men as I did yours. I hope, regardless of what comes from this discourse, we do not tarnish your act of benevolence with something...tragic.” Her words were honeyed, but no amount of culture or training could hide the malevolence behind them. Eboshi Seiichi had a handful of prisoners and still a standing resistance to retaliate but she was not about to let him forget that it took little less than a breath and her will, to see the nation bathed in the fires of her cruelty.

[Eboshi Seiichi]

When Luan spoke, Seiichi bit back another sigh. “Tsuchikage-dono, I understand that where you come from, pretending to be noble and veiling your threats is preferred. While you are in my land, however, I will respectfully ask for you to stop playing games. We’ve already come to far for that.”

And it was the truth. Seiichi already understood Luan. She was a woman who liked to play with her food. She thought she was more clever than she really was, and just like how Sun Jian had never met a real obstacle, apparently neither had she. Whether that was because of legitimate skill or sheer luck wasn’t known, but that didn’t much matter to Seiichi. Thus, despite his requests for her to show him some level of respect, he doubted it such was to happen.

The two walked in silence through the dark halls for several long minutes. Finally they came to a door, and Seiichi pushed it open with one hand. Behind it was a grotto filled with tall trees of every kind, with flowering bushes dotting the green field they sat on. In the center of the grotto was a massive pond, one easily large enough to fit in a smaller castle. The water rippled as Seiichi approached it, and a great chakra filled the air.

“I am not the only one who wishes to meet with you today, Tsuchikage-dono.” Seiichi turned to face her. His eyes were golden and the pupils slits. “I’ve activated this technique not to threaten you, but you remind you of what Taki no Kuni is. This has always been a spiritual land filled with spiritual people, and I want you to keep that in mind during these peace talks.”

The water rippled again.

“I’m sure a woman as educated as you know that the symbol on Taki no Kuni’s flag is a blue dragon. It is said that the dragons created the waterfalls and the forests of this land and brought in creatures from across the world to populate it. And, as you Yun in particular know, no dragon is greater than Seiryuu the Blue, the Dragon God of Taki no Kuni. Rise.”

At that command, the water rippled one last time. Two massive, barren trees began to rise out of the water, gnarled and twisted and having half a hundred branches. But, as they rose, it became abundantly clear that the massive chakra was rising with it. When long flowing waves of silver water became wet hair, and the sapphire and emerald scales emerge from the pond, it was clear that those trees weren’t trees at all--they were the horns of Seiryuu the Blue himself.

His head was massive enough to fill the whole pond, snout included. Long whiskers of silver danced on the wind like snakes, and a beard as long as the waterfalls of the Nijiro slinked back into the water. Great clouds of steam came from each nostril with Seiryuu’s breathes, and the sweltering heat of each exhale rushed over both Luan and Seiichi.

Perhaps most terrifying and magnificent of all was the golden gaze that fixed Luan. Each eye was the size of a person, and held deep within was a wisdom forged over thousands of years. They seemed to pierce through anything they saw, as if they were looking far beyond the person they fell on and into the murky waters of their past. Some even said Seiryuu’s eyes could see the cloudy future of any soul he looked at, but Seiichi knew that to be just a myth.

When Seiryuu spoke his voice was like thunder, deep and rumbling. The castle, no, the city itself shook, along with the volcano it rested in. The timbre was inhuman, yet elements of man and woman, child and elderly, could be found resounding with each word. “You are Yun Luan, kinsmen to Sun Jian, son of Sun Tsu Wu the Second, descendent of Sun Tsu Wu the First?”

Seiichi kept his own pair of dragon eyes fixed on Luan, to see how she reacted. Likely she knew the tale of Sun Tsu the Second who, after the Fourth Great Shinobi War, had attempted to make Seiryuu his pet. Even now the Yun’s legendary sword, the Soul of Dragons, sat on Seiichi’s hip, given to him by Seiryuu after he had taken it from the ancient Yun.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] Luán said noting to his retort, pretending to be distracted by the murals and regal decorations that filled the palace interior. The Lord of Takigakure was on edge, and for well enough reason, so she opted to allow a biting remark or two. The exchange was tickling at best, watching the Lord remain as poised and in control as he could muster while her grip hung loosely around the proverbial throats of his people. She only hoped that Seiichi was as wise as he was letting on and not drunk on zeal that would force her to remind him the difference in the strength he possessed-against those she commanded. The thought forced a small whimper of a laugh. Without a word, she took in the sights of the castle with tempered appraisal. There was something to be accounted for in the artisans of Taki no Kuni, who's aesthetics were far more delicate, fragile-than the cultural trend of Tsuchi no Kuni's own talents. Marvelously exotic, she had made personal note to have a few pieces added to the estates treasures, if anything else-to be personal anecdotes to her conquest. At least before her mother would swoon the Daimyo, claiming the Tsuchikage's victories as her own behind the closed doors of courts and gardens. As they continued to proceed, Luán felt something akin to electricity race down her spine. Like the heat from smoldering embers, the sensation was far away, fleeting, but there nevertheless, tantalizing each time she tried to center herself to find the source. Immediately she grew suspicious of Seiichi, and what was once unbridled confidence and bravado, melded into a level of alert befitting of a fighter of her station. She caught her wrist resting along the hilt of those twin swords. And you say I shouldn't be the one playing games... Feeling Seiichi's chakra ignite to draw out his dragon lineage only added to Luán's suspicions. The cold, amused demeanor allowed no cracks in the facade, even if her instincts demanded action. Again, her senses went wild in a brief flicker, the conflagation of her awareness lighting up then dying out, just as subtle as the ripples in the pond that stired while the Lord of Takigakure spoke. She barely heard him, the thunderous and then abruptly silent pounding of latent energies in the atmosphere lured her attention elsewhere. Despite her training, the situation confounded her. Seiichi's own chakra were being overwhelmed, dominated even, and the source that waltz and stirred...it was almost as if the very center of the palace were pulsing with mysticism. Then-the face of a dragon was staring before her. The beast, spoke and Luán braced herself for the roaring words that tempered with something in her soul she refused to recognize. To her hip, the rings of Bi Xue Jian rattled violently, a melodious panic in tune to the spirtual pressure that enveloped the room. The Tsuchikage did not quiet them, rather stared triumphantly, unfazed before the serpent deity as it called out her name, her lineage, and her kinsmen. “I 'am' Yun Luán,” she called back to it, her sense of authority outreaching even to beings well beyond mortal understanding. “Godaime Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, heiress of the Yun, child to Yun Liànshi and--” she paused, the hesitation burning her tongue like hot venom. No, she dare not declare her father's name proudly in this room of spirits and sagely beasts, just as much as she bit back the bile in announcing her mother's own. At least she, in her mind, was a bit easier to digest. She continued, masking the interruption with a slow swallow. “Yun Sun Jian is my retainer and adviser within the house of Yun.” She nodded her head in a cordial greeting, but never to bow. If there was one thing those of Yun rarely did genuinely, was to bend at the waist before another in reverence-no matter how sagely. Yet it was taking all of her will not to tremble before such a towering beast. And Luán was not certain if it was something instinctual, conditioned, or through the Dragon's own presence, that aimed to draw fear from her lithe frame. She shifted only her gaze towards Seiichi, amusement fading mildly. “I know many nations have a neutral arbiter during peaceful discourse, but this is a bit over the top...”

[Eboshi Seiichi]

The dragon eyes made it so every secret of Luan’s body was made known to him. Despite the cold mask she wore, she couldn’t hide the accelerating pulse that showed in her throat, or that slight bit of sweat that formed when flight or fight kicked in. She was nervous at the feeling of Seiryuu’s chakra, and though he wouldn’t say she was scared, she had been tempered, even if for just a moment. This was proven when she finally spoke, and Seiichi allowed the slightest smile to cross his lips.

“What’s over the top, Luan, is invading a country, holding the people’s lives over the heads, and then asking for an alliance afterwards.”

When Seiichi spoke his words were complemented by a nod of Seiryuu’s head. The dragon began to slither out of the pond, though only partially, his head snaking through the air. It moved over the tops of the trees and came to rest just beside Luan. The shaking of her swords was loud enough for both the lord and the dragon to hear, and they shared the same sense of amusement at that. The water that clung to his scales, whiskers, and beard turned into hot steam that rolled from his body, creating towering white smokestacks.

“I fought a Yun once or twice,” the dragon rumbled, “when the first died, he said the Yun know nothing but greatness. Tell me, little girl, what do you think greatness is? Conquest of lands? Rape of the people? Amassing of power? Wisdom attained?”

Seiichi said nothing as his familiar spoke with the Tsuchikage. His face had returned to a deadpan, and his eyes remained trained on Luan’s slender frame, watching it for any signs of what she was feeling. He didn’t let on what the dragon was getting at with his questions, but he was curious at why Seiryuu was doing this. He had been asked the same questions decades ago when the two first formed their contract.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] “And you still stand? How curious...” Luán's brow went skyward. From war to peace talks to now a budding philosophers council, the Yun Tsuchikage couldn't help but feel perplexed by the seemingly unorthodox evolution of events. For all the wonders and strangeness that Taki no Kuni was known for, she had not written to being under the ever calculating gaze of a dragon as part of her agenda. Nevertheless, she remained collected, leaning to her hip as she addressed both Seichii and the Seiryuu nearly dryly. “To answer your remedial question, serpent, greatness is the shattering of limitations. The denial of rules, subjugation, and restraint. The motto, “We know nothing but greatness” is birthed from our religious pursuit to perfection. It originated from our claim to a prosperous destiny and our talent in turning ambition into reality. Where other struggle, we succeed. Where others waiver, we press on. Enlightenment is obtained from the utter domination of opposition and the dismissal of challenges.” She pivoted, facing Seiichi but the rings along her swords were drawn, seemingly reaching out towards the dragon that forced her weapons to sing in his presence. One step, she approached him, hand along the curve of her waist while she answered triumphantly. “Greatness is power. Power to form laws as easily as shatter them. Greatness denying mortal constrictions and adopting the divine. Greatness, my lords, is refusing to pause at anything-be it sagacious or heavenly, when your will alone is enough to rival such beings.” When she faced the dragon, her gaze was set. And while Luán's voice echoed in the hall, while it was she who stood before the Lord of Takigakure and his Dragon Familiar, while it was the Tsuchikage who answered with all the vigior and enthusiam she appropriate of one so driven for her people-there was something in her words that belonged to someone else. “And had it not been for Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, who strangled the life out of our ambitions those many generations ago-the greatness, would have been the moniker of those who had ruled the world...”

[Eboshi Seiichi]

There was silence for a moment as Luan finished her speech. She stood there regal and triumphant, as if she had just won some great victory. Seiichi didn’t care much for her speech, but he did see something interesting. It wasn’t that the Tsuchikage had been playing games this whole time at all, she actually believed that she and the rest of the Yun really were Kami’s gift to earth. Behind his mask, he was speechless. The arrogance was so baffling, that Seiichi wondered if anything could truly temper this mountainous ego she so blatantly flashed to anyone who so much as looked at her.

And then Seiryuu laughed, and Seiichi looked up questioningly. The castle shook with the sound of it, for it was thunderous and unnatural; or, perhaps, it was too natural. “You represent your clan far better than many others, little girl.” Seiryuu turned to Seiichi. “She is the one.”

Seiichi sighed and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they had returned to normal. Seiryuu had moved back to rest in the pond behind him, his head floating on the water and great clouds of steam being exhaled from his nostrils. “I figured as much.”

The lord of Takigakure no Sato looked back at Luan with defeat in his eyes. “You came here for an alliance, Luan. What are your terms?”

As he spoke, Seiryuu’s insistence gnawed at his mind like termites in wood. He didn’t want to ask this woman for anything beyond her terms, but he knew that in order to complete his lifelong quest, he must. Perhaps, maybe, she would decline, and the ancient dragon would be proven wrong for once. But Seiryuu had told him with confidence that this was to be the one who would help him where others had failed.

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] Questions formed, threatening to spill over her lips, but the Tsuchikage retrained her curiosities in lieu of more pressing circumstances. Internally however, she still wondered about the purpose for this display. Though the Yun were seen as a spiritual lot, their sense of the metaphysical was less refined, less worldly, than their neighbors around the world. Many cultures refered to the self as being part of the universe as a whole, something that any other Yun would bark in trying to understand the function of a world that didn't eventually revolve around themselves. So the scene confounded her. Luán was not the one of prophecies or divination, though she kept that much to her chest. The thought of some sacred thread of fate or immaterial force that decided her future was entirely baffling, an excuse to be complacent and lazy. It was in the rebellion of such notions, that fueled her motivation to acquire power. In outright denial of some of the clan's dated doctrines, especially towards those born of the Dragon-did Luán aggressively pit herself to pursing a legacy that wasn't crafted out of heralds or fable, but from her own hands and ambition unrivaled. “War is coming, Eboshi-dono and I am not the only nation that desires to send the world back into chaos. Yet, I will not have a weakened institution be the only wall between the safety of my people.” She waved her had flippantly, gesturing to the interior of the castle as if presenting something unseen. “Your nation was felled in little less than a week and yet still I stayed my hand. The other forces of this world are far from as kind. Thus, my terms are simple. "Join Iwagakure in forming a new Empire of prosperity and strength. Watch your nation evolve from a 'lesser' state to one that garners the envy of kings...or perish.”

[Eboshi Seiichi]

Both Seiichi and Seiryuu perked an eyebrow when Luan finished talking.

She’s really the one you want to help me with this? The Lord asked.

Seiryuu’s own thoughts rumbled like a hungry stomach in reply. Seiichi bit back another sigh and held himself back from rubbing his own temples. He could feel a headache coming on. “I’m your first conquest, so I assume you haven’t practiced this speech before. Forgive me for my rudeness, but I asked for your terms, not your goal. It’s obvious you want an empire, and I’ve gleaned that much from your prisoners and how your retainer talks. Likewise, I wouldn’t be standing here if I hadn’t already known what you wanted.”

“There will be no alliance and no empire, traitor.” The voice cut through the air like a spear as Youei stepped out of the darkness behind Luan.

The flowing robes of grey, green, and blue flowed around his feet, and Youei’s pale brown eyes fixed themselves on the Takigakure Lord. His cheeks, normally clean shaven, were covered in a fine layer of stubble. He seemed even thinner than normal, but Seiichi couldn’t say why.

The Lord’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you out here, Youei?”

“Because I’m wise to your schemes, traitor,” Youei said, a smile dancing on his lips. He turned his head to look to Luan, and then to Seiryuu. “I see you’ve also abandoned your men in favor for the council of beasts and whores. As I always thought you would, just like that fool Kyoshiro. I wonder what His Grace will say when he hears of this?”

[Yun Luán]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] It was the Takigakure lord who was showing their lack of experience with dealing with the sorts of Luán' and the Yun. Her terms and goal were one and the same. Takigakure and the surrounding nation were to be accepted into her grand vision of a prosperous union, contributing to the well oiled machine of progress and cultural evolution-or they were to be destroyed. Whether by her own design or by the villains she sought over the horizon, it would make no difference. To deny and die or to adopt and prevail. There was merit in such choices. She opened her mouth to bark a clever retort but the spotlight was drawn from her by once again, an unannounced newcomer. It had been the second time that someone-or thing, had ran under the scope of Luán's sensory prowess, a notion she was not happy with. The unease manifested into a narrowed gaze, her demeanor now far less coy but cool, reminiscent of the tell tale cruelty the snakes were renowned for. The rings along her swords continued to rattle, seemingly taking on a less pleasant melody in the atmosphere of rising tensions. The serpent Yun sighed, her wrist idling along the hilt fastened to her hip as she cast a dismissive, languid glance towards the one identified as Youei. “Another one of your lackeys, Eboshi-dono?” The Tsuchikage cooed, a faint grin playing at the edge of her full lips. “Your hospitality has been well received thus far, but if this is how your grunts act in the presence of their betters then perhaps I need to start setting the example...”

[Eboshi Seiichi]

Youei’s lips twitched as Luan spoke. “I am no grunt of this traitor, you whore of a Yun, and you will not speak to me, High Priest of a Thousand Beliefs, with veiled threats.”

Seiichi was on edge and his eyes were narrowed. The dragon had returned to them, but his gilded gaze could not read Youei’s body. He was the only man he had ever met who had been able to control even his organs to the point that he could lie perfectly, and the man had no presence to speak of. Rumors had it the Second Tsuchikage held a similar power, something that Luan would be familiar with.

“I am no traitor to Taki no Kuni, Youei. Now--”

“Shut your mouth, you filth. I’ve stomached you and your infernal clan for sixty years now, and never once have I approved of you or your unsanctioned actions to rebuild Takigakure. And now you’ve given me the fuel to finally attain my goal.”

Seiryuu had began to snake out of the pond, but as he did something began to tug on him. Seiichi looked back in surprise, and his eyes went wide as a thousand small seals began to cover the scales of Seiryuu.

“What is this devil magic?!” the dragon seethed.

The voice that came in reply was both human and demon, as if two souls spoke from one mouth. It was coupled with a chakra that only Luan could feel, and it seemingly manifested from the shadows itself. “You know who it belongs to, Blue Dragon.”

Seiichi’s eyes went wider still as he looked to the lip of the roof on the other edge of the massive garden. Standing there with weapons in hand and masked don the clan he had never wanted to see again.

“The Botsu…!”

---

One man exited the castle, his eyes hard and his face harder. He was dressed as a monk, with the beads of his order wrapped diagonally from his left shoulder to his right hip. He stood in the overhang of the palace, the shade darkening the furs and cloth he wore. A powerful chakra wrapped itself around him, threatening and preparing.

Onka looked up, smelling the evil aura, and fixed her eyes on the monk. Kempachi did the same, as did the Iwagakure host and the prisoners. She outstretched a foot to her sword that lay on the ground, and her hands slowly came together within their sleeves.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

The monk said nothing. His hands quickly weaved a dozen signs before his palm crashed into the ground. An explosion of smoke exhaled from the interior of the castle, and when it settled down, an army stood there. Five hundred monks stood on the castle walls, the interior, and all throughout the courtyard. Each one exuded a powerful aura and killing intent, and then everything became clear.

For a moment the prisoners were caught off guard, as was the Iwagakure host. But Onka was not, and she kicked up her nodachi and reached out to draw it.

She was a shade too late, and paid dearly for her mistake as an orange claw of chakra exploded through the scabbard and rooted itself deep in between her breasts. Before he wrenched his hand free, the other monks had began to perform similar jutsu and they descended into the courtyard to slaughter everyone there.

---

Explosions shook the castle as the Botsu jumped from their perches. They walked slowly through the garden, each one wearing one of their traditional evil masks, and each one carrying an equally evil weapon. Seiryuu had descended back into the now black waters, and a white kanji rested on the surface of the pond.

Seiichi turned from the Botsu and back to Youei. “What are you doing. The Botsu are evil, Youei. And why is there fighting outside the castle?”

“Why do you insist on asking such stupid questions? Your Takigakure is stained by the Eboshi, and thus I’ve made an executive decision. There are other shinobi clans in other countries, you traitor, and for the right coin they’ve come to me. I will build a new, stronger Takigakure, exterminate the Eboshi, and then proceed to do what this country needs: protect it.

“As for you, Tsuchikage, three will be no alliance between Takigakure and Iwagakure, nor between Taki no Kuni and Tsuchi no Kuni. Here you will die, and I shall burn your bodies with the rest of your men.”

[Yun Sun Jian]

[atrb=cellpadding,10,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=width, 460, true][atrb=rules,none][atrb=valign,top][atrb=style, background-image: url(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v303/WholeLottaChaos/asian-rice-paper_zps6ad0fe3b.jpg); -moz-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -o-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; -webkit-border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-radius: 20px 20px 20px 20px; border-bottom: #101010 solid 6px; border-right: #101010 solid 6px; border-left: #101010 solid 6px; border-top: #101010 solid 6px;][atrb=style,padding-top:10px;][atrb=align,center] Sun Jian had only been tossed through a wall three times in his life. Once, by his former master, who insisted that he lived up to his elder Sun Tsu Wu's impeccable legacy by beating experience into him. It was after being tossed around about the tatami mats that he eventually found himself looking back at his teacher through the cavity left in wake of his missile pursuit through the air. The second time, albeit more affectionately but no less physically devastating, was by the woman would who grow to be his wife. While both of their mothers looked upon them horrified, completely distraught that they had paired together such rambunctious children-their fears were quelled by the bright smiles a son and daughter offered to one another. And the third time, he found woefully so, when an army of threatening strangers enclosed upon him. And as if a great force plucked from casually from the earth, the Dragon marked Yun smashed through from one end of the castle wall to the other. His momentum ended with an eruption of dust and debris, the rocks blanketing his form finally to lay still. The capital was once again enveloped in chaos. Though the pristine city had only recently survived one period of conflict, the battle was tamed, strategic. The example of a woman's ambitions as she disassembled a nations entire fighting force into little else but a game. Now, the reality of war had possessed the shining jewel of the Waterfall nation. And with that, the flowing waters that gave the land it's namesake was tarnished with red. Moving through the chaos as a stone parting water, a masked monk stepped through the cavity of a castle wall. His stance, stoic. The aura of unwavering might radiated from him in a tangible force of violent chakras that pushed the very air away as if it weren't worthy to touch him. Fists in tight balls, the monster of a man peered evenly upon the lain body of Sun Jian, his long beard, push under the cast of his stern mask, waved to the very pressure of air that flowed from his center. “Stand up.”The masked monk commanded. His tone, dry and empty, his words sounding inhumane. “I cannot be fooled and I can sense there is fighting spirit in you left.” “My apologies then...” Speaking with his face to the gravel, the dirt puffed away from his exasperated sigh as the Yun slowly, but evenly, lifted himself from the debris. Rocks cracked and popped into dust as the fell of shoulders, his body still wrapped in the elaborate robes of red-the emblem of Yun fluttering in the gust of wind that plucked the shroud of grains away. As if without a care in the world, he nonchalantly dusted himself off, thoughtlessly went to tying his braid once more within the gold loop that slipped off in his collision. “Have you prepared yourself?” The masked monk asked, once again devoid of emotion, yet the crackling chakra that flowed over his body conveyed the aura of malice where his words did not. Sun Jian met the cold, human-less gaze of the monk with a serene look of his own. “None of us are truly prepared for what fate doles out to us,” he answered back, knocking off chip by chip of the rocks that settled upon him. “But success is determined in the moment and how one acts wisely with what present tribulations await.” Though Sun Jian could not see his face, the warrior monk almost radiated curiosity. “I have heard those words before.” The Dragon Yun nodded. “A teaching among my family. Though wisdom is not governed by bloodlines or national borders.” “This too, is taught among us.” The same ethereal voice echoed over the crowds of struggle and bloodshed. “But we have no time to dole out philosophy.” “A shame,” Sun Jian sighed, adjusting into a martial stance. As if his very pressence had stilled the earth, the air around Sun Jian came to a halt, where even the trees refused to bend, the gravel held down simply by the aura of his discipline, drawing a literal line where the masked monk stood. His side of the impromptu battlefield, the world raged with chaos. A cherry blossom, pristine and luminous, what Taki no Kuni was famous for almost as much as the waterfalls that surrounded the nation, fluttered in the air between both combatants. Aimless in it's plumment, seemingly uncaring of the stain of crimson that discolored its pure hue, moved through the air with nay a concern. Until it touched the ground. And the strength of which both warriors collided tore the pink leaflet apart. They stood firmly in the ground, giving little in the means of steps nor distance as blows were whirling past each of their forms, kicking the ground up into a cyclone of wind and dust. Red and white moved brilliantly, flowing over each other in violent strokes, a paintbrush through the air of murderous intent, while chakra threatened to tear apart the very earth they stood upon. Sun Jian moved nimbly, ensuring to break the preferred grapples and powerful strikes his opponent seemed to favor. Though he moved swiftly, evading attacks at a hairs breath, he found it difficult to find an opening. The masked monk was talented in his martial art, and worst yet, the shroud of chakra that enveloped him made it difficult to sense the direction his chakra flowed-hampering his senses. “Stay your hand-” The Masked Monk grunted, barelling through the Yun's defenses with a elblow blow. “And you'll die!” His backhand shot forward, finding purchase in Sun Jian's ribs. The warrior of Iwagakure went sliding across the street once more, forcing himself into a kneel when he rolled out of momentum. “If you will not take me seriously then I will have to end this.” For the first time, the once dead voice, tainted by some presence far from human, had expressed frustration. Yun Sun Jian frowned, though it took him awhile to rise up. “Once again, my apologies. You were a strange element...and in my eagerness to learn more, I forgot myself in the heat of battle.” Strangly, the masked monk seemed understanding. “And now?” “Now,” The champion of the clan returned to once again, the opening stance of his signature martial art. “I am reminded of my duties...and so I will be forced to wrap this engagement up.” The Monk scoffed. “Do you think me so easily dismissed?” “No. I just simply cannot entertain the thought of failure.” And the sigil of a Dragon snaked to the side of his face. The menacing beast providing a stark contrast to the focused, placid demeanor that enveloped the Yun. Sun Jian puffed up his chest...and roared. Before the masked monk, something he had no expected, a towering wave of flame barreled towards him. The heat slammed into him long before the flames could, even during his leap back to escape the blazing conflagration that reached in murderous claws. The shroud of his chakra protected him, unfaltering before the storm of flames, though the Masked Monk recognized the destructive power of such a technique-as even the nearby buildings began to catch to the lingering haze. He would have had more time to appreciate the skill, had a palm strike not slammed into the apex of his abdoment. “Lóng Duànzhǎng-Dragon Breaking Palm” There was a clap, perhaps three blows, as Sun Jian's palm met the protective chakra shroud, before his own energies and momentum hammered into the monk with the force of a thousand explosions. There was a delay, as if his opponent refused to have been swayed by such an overwhelming force, before the laws of phyiscs ruled in Sun Jian's favor. The Masked Monk turned into a bullet, hurtling through the foundation of several buildings, until where he finally came to rest-the tea house collapsed entirely upon. Sun Jian sighed, then bowed, no longer feeling his opponents' energies, he offered respects to the mock grave of timber and concrete. His hand burned and with looking upon his fleshed, noted the sizzling sensation that captivated where his strike had landed. These warriors were a strange phenomenon, and while fear did not stir in the heart of the clan's champion, something else more alien threatened to give his heart pause... He then hurtled through the same cavity that brought him to that section of the capital, and rushed forward for the castle courtyard. Barreling through the opposition just as relentlessly, as a torrent of water... “Unfortunately, as history is written by the victors, those will not be the last words that the world will remember you by.” Luán strolled forward, the step of her heels echoing loudly in the sacred champers, her pacing almost as ominous as the explosions that bellowed outside. The ringed swords sung a threatening tune, rattling against the steel that encased them as she approached Youei. Several of the masked warriors moved, threatening to descend upon the Tsuchikage in in a tidal wave of steel and wickedness. Yet see graciously ignored them. Her intent stubborn to the ringleader of the commotion. “Instead they will know of a tale, of a man foolish enough to stand before his betters. They will come to know that the name Youei, is synergistic with damnation. And that sons, daughters, and families about the world, will spit at the image of a man, who blindingly pledged so many to their graves, all for a cause that is baseless. To have power that's far beyond his grasp.” Somewhere, the Yun's words struck a chord, because several of the masked fighters rushed towards her. Their battle cries cracked the walls, their sprints trampling the gardens into flattened earth. By count there was ten who charged for her. Each with raised weapon. Each with villainous chakra cloaking their forms. Too all but perhaps Seiichi, and even then questionable, Luán's slender figure flickered from view-and then, before eyes could finish a blink, returned to her spot once more. Ten had charged at her, their thoughts singular and unanimous on spilling her blood. Eleven had died. And whatever thoughts they had afterwords, were swallowed in black. “However,” she continued, cracking the knuckles that had just stole so many lives in a fraction of a moment. “I will add a personal anecdote. It has been nearly a year since I was forced to take someone's life personally...you will have the honor of being the first significant trophy in a long while of idle time.” Once again, the temple thundered, though whether it was by an explosion or the Tsuchikage's wicked intent, remained in the air.

[Eboshi Seiichi]

Even as Luan killed eleven of the men in shadows, the eight Botsu who stood on the castle walls were unphased. Seiichi’s golden eyes danced to each one, taking in the details of their maska. Though he didn’t recognize any of them, he knew that this was the Ghost Council; these were the strongest and most spiritual of their clan, each one a master of forbidden techniques. The soft sound of metal on leather brought the lord’s attention to one who wore a pharaoh mask.

“She is loud,” he stated plainly. Behind him, Youei smirked.

He knows something I don’t, Seiichi thought. It was the only explanation he could come up with. Even if they were outnumbered, Luan and Seiichi were famous. Youei himself personally knew just how strong Seiichi was after seeing him unite the five clans of Taki no Kuni.

“Yes she is. And as much as I’m sure she would love to impress me with her arrogance, I have other affairs to take care of. Kill them both, Sebone.”

Youei stepped back after he gave the order and the katana in Sebone’s hand came alive. White steam trailed from its edge as it slowly moved through the air as if the steel was breathing, and the white tassel that hung off the end chimed loudly. Bells were interwoven into it, each one marked with another seal.

But all of these details were washed away as a single thought pounded through Seiichi’s skull, strong and demanding. Hold her. With it came a sense of dread that dug deep into Seiichi’s stomach. A chakra so dark even he could feel it began to fill the garden, and an ominous wind came as its lover. It sighed through the trees, causing leaves to shake loose and flutter to the ground. When they landed, Seiichi noticed, they were brown and broken. The leaves are dead.

“Tsuchikage, Eboshi, I regret to inform you both that neither of you shall receive a proper death. Normally we of the Botsu do not waste our meat, but sacrificing you both to the gods, we of the Ghost Council believe, is the only way to handle things properly with your kind.” Sebone spoke the words cooly, and he pointed his katana at Luan first. “We take her head first.”

Sebone dashed forward at that, but Seiichi had read his movements and was a step ahead. He moved at a speed powered by the lifeforce of dragons, so fast that neither Luan nor anyone present could match. In the blink of an eye he was behind the Tsuchikage, his right arm wrapping around her waist as he pulled her in tightly. He didn’t have time to explain or apologize. Chakra spilled forth from his hand as he grabbed the pommel of the jian he held to his side, and he ripped it from its scabbard to slice cleanly through the wave of blackness that had suddenly appeared before the two.

Time seemed to slow for Seiichi as he flipped the Soul of the Dragon into a reverse grip. The scales and bones that made up the blade rippled in the light, appearing in every color of the rainbow. The Yun mon that made up its handguard likewise seemed to glow, and the chakra that sharpened its edge faded away as it was quickly resheathed. From the shadows cast in the grass he could tell the other seven Botsu had leapt at him, and Sebone had dropped his sword and began to run through a long line of hand seals.

Hold her tighter. Seiryuu commanded as he exploded from underneath the garden. Trees, bushes, and boulder-sized chunks of earth went flying in all directions. It all fell along with the waters of the Nijiro, the droplets turning into dragons of water that swept the Botsu off their feet. Youei howled in anger in the distance, but it was overshadowed by the thunderous roar of the Blue Dragon. Seiichi looked up, noting that seals were still carved into its scales, and a grim realization blossomed in his head.

“SEIRYUU LEAVE, NOW!” Seiichi screamed, but the dragon did not listen. His mouth opened up three times too wide as he devoured both the Waterfall Lord and the Tsuchikage. The moment he did, a phantom pain burned through Seiichi. It was a pain birthed from the pearl, and so great Seiichi’s vision went black.

For several long moments only the sound of Sebone giggling could be heard. He stood beside the hole created by Seiryuu when he devoured the two shinobi. He was soaked to the bone, and his shirt and pants clung to him like a second skin. And he laughed still, uncontrollably.

“What’s so funny?! I told you to kill them, and you let them escape!” Youei shouted. His flowing robe had been torn and soaked as well, and his face was distorted from anger.

Sebone fixed the priest with a black glare from beneath his mask and lifted his sword into the light to see. It was stained red and black, and droplets of blood fell into the newly created pool beside him. “I didn’t kill them, you’re right, but I did kill that dragon.”

Again Sebone broke out into laughter, this time far stronger than before. Youei’s twisted face turned into a smile as he too began to laugh.

THREAD END