Test of Might

It had now been a couple of days since Nobunaga had arrived to the village known as Hoshi. Since then he has mostly spent his time walking around the village alone, getting a sense of his surroundings, the culture of its people and of course to get out of the slums which Maku had relocated them too. The village was quite large therefore it would take a couple of more days before he was comfortable with its layout therefore he once again found himself patrolling its streets. The people here were queer. Perhaps it was because he had spent his entire life in the desert and had grown accustomed to that type of lifestyle but he doubted it. These villagers were oddly manured and he felt their adoration and loyalty to the queen whom greeted them at the gates quite odd. From what he gathered they worshipped her like a god. Even if they truly were royalty, it was unsettling to Nobunaga, a relationship he felt was unhealthy. Perhaps if he spent more time amongst the people of the village or maybe if he even got to know her he would come to understand it.

Aimlessly walking around he ran these thoughts through his , not really knowing what to do with himself. He did not truly understand why he was here. They were suppose to be Maku's guard however he had not seen the usurper since their arrival and seeing as that was their only task, the Hiyu was left with nothing to do. For a matter of fact he hadent seen Kyon, Royalty or Kira since their arrival. Kyson was probably busy dealing with Maku, who knew about the other two. 

Now walking through what appeared to be simply a residential area, Nobunaga tried finding his back towards the central part of the village. Sporting a simple black t shirt with loose fitting black kimono pants, ninja sandals and a tiny weapon pouch strapped to the back of his waist, the brute of man stoically and calmly strolled through the peaceful streets of Hoshi. He was itching to do something, anything at this point for he felt uneasy doing absolutely nothing in this strange, foreign land.

Walking around Hoshi streets playing with his new toy. The boy would practice playing his saxophone as he was ordered. As he was playing, the notes were all off. The citizens were getting annoyed and everybody hated his music. He was off key, the melodies were not in sync. It was like an infant trying to play Beethoven. But the boy didn't really care, he just kept strolling through the streets playing his instrument. One particular civilian was bold enough to yell at Kyson while he was playing. "If you don't turn that piece of shit off!!" The man yelled.

"No way.. there's an off switch!?" The boy said out of curiosity. Wondering if this thing was electronic or something. He was almost positive it wasn't but this was the first time he played an instrument. So he wasn't 100% sure. As Kyson was closely looking for an off switch, the man replied. "You know what the hell I meant boy." 


As he continued to play his sax, the villagers were getting more and more pissed. More people began to look outside to see what was going on. And all they saw was a young boy in the middle of a crowd with a saxophone. The village was getting more and more annoyed. As the village felt their ears starting to bleed. Kyson was hearing art in the best form. "Would you like me to stop?" Kyson would ask the crowd. And just as he finished his sentence the entire crowd yelled. "YESSS!!!" 

"Really sad to hear that.." The boy would say with a fake frown. As he was just about to play some more random horrible notes. He sensed Nobu near. He hasn't really spoken to him since he has been here. It was time to put his art to rest. It was about time for the two of them to catch up on what was going on. The boy would put the saxophone back in its case and put it on his back. Making the ram seal to body flick to Nobu's location.


"What's up?" Kyson would say casually. His tone in his voice would be a bit more calm and serious than it was just a couple seconds ago. He was just enjoying being the center of attention for a bit. Which was really odd because he always been the type to hate attention.

His aimless strolling appeared to have led him straight to Kyson, sensing the kid's chakra fast approaching. Upon the Hozuki's arrival Nobunaga would continue trotting forward at a steady pace, now having a companion to tag along with him. "Just wandering around, aimlessly." Grunted the brute in response to Kyson's greeting. He had noticed the fairly large case on Kyson's back but did not question him on it. He seemed happy, something Nobunaga had not seen in the kid since their fates were intertwined with one another. "I would refrain from using jutsus in public my lord. Do not forget, we are strangers in a strange land." Referring to his use of body flicker he would instinctively scratch the scar that ran down from his left temple to the bottom right of his jaw line. "This village is unsettling, try to keep a low profile." With unease the Hiyu would cross his arms as his senses remained on high alert. Since their admittance into the village and arrival to the slums Nobunaga had noted that they were under constant surveillance. Currently he could not tell if they were being watched, either no one was assigned to him or they had just yet to be detected by him. He figure the latter, therefore he remained on high alert at all times. 

"I presume you have held audience with Maku." The taller shinobi would turn and drop his gaze upon his leader, all the while continuing down the residential street the two former Suna shinobi found themselves on. "How much longer must we idle here with nought to do but fiddle our thumbs?" Nobunaga was referring more to himself, Royalty and Kira, knowing Kyson was probably busy dealing with the trickster. Not only was it unsettling to be in this bizarre land, Nobunaga had no idea what his future had laid out before him and that was more unsettling than anything else. "What does the usurper have planned for us?

After meeting up with the Ex-Dust member. Kyson would be walking next to him with his hands behind his head. Just getting a good look at the new village. "I see.." The both would say in response to him. They havent seen each other much since they arrived. So it would probably be best to have him get caught up on things since he might be playing a pretty big part. Hearing the wordsw of Nobunaga, telling Kyson he should ease up on using jutsu wasn't a bad idea to him. In fact he was probably right.

"I'll keep that in mind. Since this place isn't known for respecting shinobi like back home. So letting people know we're shinobi would probably be best.. at least for now." Kyson would say. After that, Kyson could tell Nobu was getting a bit curious as to what was going on. So he would tell him the gist of everything that happened no too long ago with him and Maku.


"Yeah me and him had a long talk the other day. But for the most part, we're gonna be here for a little while. So we might as well get comfortable." Kyson would say as he paused for about a second.


"He put me in charge of an organization called STORM. Similar to Lord koroshi's Dust, which of course you know very well. Everything we do within the organization will be done under the radar.. not a trace.. not a sound. So I'll need to choose some people who are more than worthy enough to join." Kyson would say as he was getting ready to speak again.

"Maku might have other plans for Kira, so I don't see her being one. Royalty doesn't do to well with authorities, so it wouldn't really fit him. But you, you already committed to being my bodyguard from the jump. Also, you were part of Suna's DUST. So you have more experience than any other person I know. So, in the future.. we're gonna do a little scouting for some recruits. And they can't be just any ordinary shinobi. They have to be willing to get the job done with no questions ask. As harsh as it sounds, we can't let feelings get in the way of getting the job done." Kyson would say to Nobunaga. that was pretty much everything that concerned him. Though there was much other stuff going on. It was probably best to let it wait for another day. But that was basically everything that was regarding hm for the most part. Kyson would now wait to see what his response was to everything.

For a split second Nobunaga frowned at the mention of having to stay here for a while however if you blinked you would have missed it for his face instantly went back to the stoic, expressionless face it always was. Clearly not wanting to be here, Nobunaga would have to make the best of the situation he was in. Now that he actually knew he was going to be stuck here for a while he could actually find out why people were so obsessed with their so called queen. It could not simply be because of her radiance and elegance, there had to be another reason why she had such a large following. Time would tell.

With arms still crossed, Nobunaga turned away to face the direction he was heading in as Kyson briefed him and his last meeting with Maku. "Storm." Mused the Hiyu, sounding awfully similar to what Dust was. As he usually was, Nobunaga remained silent at the mention of Kyson having to choose members to follow him under the banner of Storm. He knew where this was going but let the kid finish. The mention of Royalty not doing well with authorities amused Nobunaga. In case he had yet to notice but Maku clearly found enjoyment in bossing others around. Well, that was something he would have to deal with and something that did not concern the Hiyu.

Once Kyson had finishes his offer, the Hiyu answered "Aye, I'll join." keeping it short and crisp for Kyson had said it himself. Nobunaga had committed to being his bodyguard therefore he would join Storm if that meant he could continue guarding the Hozuki. It was what Kyson had mentioned after that picked Nobunaga's mind. "Finding recruits you say?" Off in the distance Nobunaga saw the city centre, finally the two of them were leaving the random residential area he stumbled into and heading back into an area of the village he was a little more familiar with. "Our only pool of selection would be from the Kumo army. It will be a difficult task to recruit able and willing bodies." There was no way in hell anyone from Hoshi joined Storm, simply because of their devote love of their queen. The remaining Suna nin were also out of the question, as Kyson said himself. Picking from the army itself would probably pose a problem as well since it would be unfavourable to deplete their assault forces. Not to mention they probably would not enjoy following orders from former Suna shinobi. Unless he planned on venturing out, and finding wayward, wandering shinobi to join them. 

That could not have been all that was spoken between the two of them. Given their situation it felt unlikely that Maku had not informed Kyson on his plans. However the Hiyu would remain silent. He was Kyson's to serve and if the Hozuki felt it necessary to withhold certain information Nobunaga would deal with it. Continuing towards the increasingly growing crowd of people and sound of civilisation the Hiyu would ask his leader "What is your feeling about this village, Hoshi?" Nobunaga wanted to see if Kyson felt the same about this place as he did and if he could possibly find out why Maku had sent them here.

After explaining everything to Nobunaga, it seemed he was with it. Which came to no surprise for Kyson. He already knew he would accept. He would agree it would be hard to find recruits. There aren't any Suna ninja that he could think of to join. And he doesn't know any current Kumo ninja. But they don't have to rush the recruiting. He will meet some of the Kumo ninja in time.

"Yeah, it will be a bit difficult. We'll have to check out some of the Kumo shinobi and just see who is worthy. Even back when I lived in Kumo. I didn't know many shinobi there. So I have no clue on who to choose from them. But we'll find some eventually.." Kyson would say. As they were walking. He asked an interesting question. About how Kyson felt about this village. Kyson didn't answer for a few seconds as he had to really think about it. He didn't really have an answer right away.

"How I think about this place.. Honestly, I don't know what to make of it. I haven't met much people. No one seems to be giving me the evil eye.. probably because I don't look like a shinobi in my attire. But at the same time, I can't trust this place so easily. Since they were involved with Suna's destruction." Kyson would say in response.

((OOC: Invading your thread cause I need to meet both of you IC. We Kumo kids need to meet the sand recruits))

Senshi too had found himself wandering around Kumo, more out of curiousity since he had just arrived here like the rest of the army. He was still in his Maku Cultist Armor, the red cloud of the man who had become Raikage sticking it against the black of the metal chest piece. His mask was secured to his hip and his headband was out on full display marking him as a loyal shinobi of kumogakure. The massive sword known simply as Gureto on his back clinked annoyingly against the ninjato strapped sideways across his lower back. The two tantos he had made strapped securely to his wrists while two weapons pouches adorned each of his thighs. A single red earring glinted on his left ear and ic one were to look closely they would see the contacts secured in his eyes. He frowned as the few people he passed seemed to offer him odd looks, the looks had such a hostility to them that Senshi found himself confused.

He was beginning to assume that it was because he was a foreign shinobi wandering their streets. It was as he was walking through the father residential area he had found himself in that his sensitive ears picked up the word Kumo. Turning his head to look around his eyes alighted on the other two shinobi. A single raised eyebrow was the o my expression he gave as with a light jump he landed in the tree. He had been suppressing his chakra as he regularly did and as the two shinobi slowly approached their words were reaching him easier, allow him to over hear the final parts of their conversation thus far. He wondered why the smaller, yet dancing dressed, black haired man would want to assess Kumo shinobi. Especially as he continued talking and speaking of his distrust of the village here, due to its supposed help in taking down Suna.

Dropping from the tree as they approached he stated hard at the two shinobi, it was best to confront them. Now. He didn't like the thought of Hoshi taking credit for the work of Lord Maku and the Kumo army. Especially after the disparaging comments that Queensguard Arashi had already made against them. His gruff voice growled out, green/brown eyes glaring at the two shinobi before him. "Hoshi was not involved, don't give them credit for Lord Maku's and our hard work. What business do you have assessing my shinobi anyways?" It didn't even occur to Senshi that he was claiming ownership of the Kumo shinobi. He had worked with them so long and in his mind they had become his family. His to protect. His people. He willing bowed down to Lord Maku and Lord Youka, but they didn't interact with the Kumo Nin the way senshi did. They were their subjects, but not their people.

Kyson did not appear to actually know any Kumo nin. That meant that if they were to recruit anyone they would have to get to know them first, both personally and professionally. That was something Nobunaga would not look forward to therefore he would not entertain the idea, letting it slip out of his thoughts as he began listening to Kyson's response to his question. With his burly arms still crossed against his massive frame, the Hiyu would continue down the street along side his leader, his eyes focused on the road before them but his other senses were else where. Although the new comer was suppressing his chakra Nobunaga was fully aware of his presence. He was a highly experience shinobi and because he was already on high alert for he knew Hoshi would probably have put guards on their tale, his sense on high alert picked up the stealthy individual early on. He couldn't be one of the Hoshi shinobi tasked with watching them, he was too close, doing a poor job at actually concealing himself. They were in fact on a residential road, with not that many trees in sight. It would be very easy to spot the fully armored and weapon individual up there. 

Despite that, the man eventually made his presence known. Making sure he remained just a foot ahead of Kyson, the 6ft4 Hiyu would come to a stop, his stern, stoic gaze locking with the new comer's. A Kumo nin, clearly by his headguard and the fact that he was dressed for war despite being in a residential area. How clueless. 

"Our hard work?" thought Nobunaga. This man was no where to be found during the Suna takeover, odd that he would claim 'our' hard work as if he had something to do with it. But as usual, the silent sentry would keep that to himself. 

"That concerns you not." Grunted Nobunaga with his hoarse voice in response to Kobayashi's question. If this man was important Maku probably would have informed them of him therefore he felt no need to let him in on anything. Nobunaga wouldn't say anything, unless Kyson felt otherwise, of course. Noticing the weapon on his back that looked more like a door than a sword, despite its ridiculous size even for someone like Nobunaga who wielded a great sword of his own, he noted that the man was clearly physically strong to hold such a weapon and clearly skilled in the use of weaponry. "What business do you want with us stranger, interjecting yourself into our conversation and cutting off our path?

As the two shinobi were walking down the street. It seems like someone overheard their conversation. The unknown man jumped down from the trees to come approach the two. Guess made have been a bit too careless to just talk about such topics freely. But he didn't really care, it wasn't anything shocking or too classified. Paying attention to this guy approaching them. Kyson noticed the headband on the man. It seemed Kumo soldiers had arrived. Its been a while since he seen that headband worn by someone else so proudly.

Hearing the words the man spoke really annoyed Kyson. The man spoke as if he was there, when there was only just two. At least, Kyson was almost positive it was just two. Kyson could tell by Nobunaga's tone that he was getting a bit worked up. As much as it annoyed him bring up what happened in Suna. The two of them were Kumo shinobi now, so fighting wouldn't be the best decision now. Though judging from this guy's looks. He could possibly be a recruit for STORM. Though, his attitude could use a little work.

"Easy there Nobu, lets not get too riled up." Kyson would say to Nobu. Kyson would then put his attention towards the other shinobi. Going into his left pocket and taking out his Kumo headband. "Your shinobi, huh? Well hate to break it to you.. but I was born and raised in Kumo. So they're pretty much mines.. well at least soon to be." The boy would say referencing the meeting with Maku. Though from his stand point, he wouldn't really understand the reference since it was just between Kyson and Maku. 

"Though I did leave because I wasn't really feeling that place's energy. Especially that Youka guy.." Kyson would say, Youka was the main reason Kyson's family was killed. Though he is right back where he started. He's a little higher in the ranks. So he can make some changes to ways he see fits.

Senshi's eyes narrowed on the two. Snarky little bastards that they were. His six foot seven frame towered even over the giant who too wielded a massive blade of death. His ire was mainly directed towards Nobunaga, for anything that dealt with Kumo concerned him. Especially if it had the possibility of affecting the shinobi that he trained and worked with on a regular basis. Before any cutting words could exit his mouth Nobu continued speaking. He was quickly silenced before he could speak again as the smaller suit wearing man spoke up as well. Senshi felt the aura of leadership that the man projected over the larger individual and though Nobu felt more of a threat his attention shifted more to the suit man. If he was giving orders than he was more likely to be a threat, and Senshi felt the threat thrum through his being. 

His hands lifted him hovering near the weapons he kept on his waist. A deep, guttural growl issued forth from his threat at the suited man's words. He thought because he was born in Kumo that, that made them his shinobi. Senshi would quickly disabuse him of that notion. Then he continued on to disparage their Raikage and admit to abandoning the village. What could this traitorous swine know about Kumo if he abandoned them. 

"I've never encountered either of you, and as the Jounin in charge of Kumo's defences I know all of our shinobi." Senshi's voice broke the air again and he slid his feet slightly apart making it clear that he was planting himself in their way. "You dare speak ill of Lord Raikage and claim us, as yours when you abandoned the village. I'll sooner see death than allow a traitor to wear the hat, not that I'll need to defend Lord Raikage." Senshi paused again hoping the threatening presence that he could project himself. His hostile intent was more marked on how much he hated his place. How much he hated the fact that the Raikage had allowed Maku to send them here. And how insolent these men were in discussing commanding Kumo's shinobi like they had any business to know who they were. 

"I am charged with the protection of Kumo's shinobi, and their deaths should then need arise. Anything that concerns my shinobi, concerns me."