The Coldest Winter [Village Entry]

The Coldest Winter:

In a realm where snowflakes danced through the crisp air and mountains towered majestically, a wandering swordsman embarked through a new territory. His dreadlocks, as black as night, cascaded down his back, adding to the air of mystery that surrounded him. Adorned with his horned mask, he was a sight that stuck out in the middle of the tundra..

Sakaiza's travels had led him to a land blanketed in a thick coat of snow, a frozen landscape untouched by time. With each step he took, the soft crunch of snow echoed through the vast wilderness, guiding him on his path. As he ventured deeper into the snowy country, Sakaiza marveled at the beauty that surrounded him. He explored the frost-covered forests, traversed icy valleys, and climbed treacherous peaks. This trek was unlike anything he had ever faced. The Shinkou had been far more accustomed to the desert and arid climate from Wind Country and Old Sunagakure, so this was a completely new challenge to him. The biting cold and harsh winds were his constant adversaries, but he pressed forward with unyielding determination. But as Sakaiza eventually reached the summit of a towering peak, his eyes widened in awe. Before him lay a hidden village nestled amidst shimmering glaciers, like a precious gem concealed in nature's embrace. As he looked down from the mountain top he stood upon, the sight stirred a curiosity deep within his heart, and he knew he had to explore this enigmatic place. 

Sakaiza's Point of View on Hyogagakure:

And so he'd carefully descend from the side of the icy mountain's face, until his boots sank into the snow covered ground at its base. Now level with the village, he'd proceed towards its magnificent frost covered walls. Sakaiza's heart filled with anticipation as he neared the village gates, as his footsteps leaving a faint mark in the snowy path. He knew that beyond those gates awaited a world of untold stories, and he was determined to unravel them, one by one. However, before Sakaiza could approach too close to the village, a figure stood in his way and 5 meters from the gate. At this point the Shinkou stood 10 meters from the guard (20 meters from the mount face which surrounded the village), waiting to see how he would react. Clad in a pristine white armor seemingly made up of cloth, leather, and metal the guard's gaze bore into Sakaiza, as if he were assessing the stranger before him.

Sakaiza met the guard's piercing gaze with calm resolve, his horned mask concealing his emotions as he broke the silence. "I come in peace, seeking shelter and the company of kindred souls. Whatever you request to confirm that, I'll oblige," he replied in a voice that carried the weight of his many travels and hardened lifestyle. The gate guard seemed to visually scrutinize Sakaiza, as if his eyes had been flickering with suspicion. Nevertheless, Sakaiza remained at ease in anticipation of how this guard would respond to him. 

But notably, throughout his entire aforementioned journey to the gates, the Shinkou remained on edge and watching for any signs of ambush. In such a foreign territory it would be vital to keep his wits and senses about him. And should anything give him reason to act any differently than described above, then he'd adjust accordingly. 

WC = 558

The guard, adorned in an intricately crafted suit of armor and a mask that concealed their face, stood tall at the entrance. The air hung heavy with an air of solemnity as Sakaiza approached and revealed his intentions, their breath visible in the freezing air.

"Who goes there?" boomed the guard, their voice muffled by the mask.

Sakaiza, let out a short response, telling his truth. "I am Sakaiza, a vagabond, formerly serving a nation that has since fallen. Like I said, I am seeking nothing but refuge."

The guard's gaze shifted over Sakaiza, their armor creaking as they surveyed the newcomer. After a moment's pause, the guard grumbled, "If you wish to find sanctuary within our village, you must first join us. We cannot offer refuge to those who do not share our burden."

Intrigued yet uncertain, Sakaiza pressed further, "What must I do to join?"

The guard's armored gauntlet pointed toward his post before taking a moment to walk over to it. He proceeded inside, then retrieved what appeared to be an ancient book. Upon grabbing it, he placed it firmly upon a stand just outside of his post and flipped it so that its cover swung, where the thick tome laid open in waiting. "Sign your name in blood upon the tome, and the page you choose will illuminate one of two colors, which will indicate your worth."

Sakaiza's eyes widened while his brows lowered, contemplating the significance of the act. With a mix of curiosity and determination, he stepped forward and examined the tome. It was filled with countless names, etched into the weathered pages, their ironized ink faded with time. He thought to himself, reflecting on the last time he had a dedicated affiliation. With it came service, camaraderie, and purpose...three things he had longed for over the years.

And so without hesitation, Sakaiza nodded and placed his hand upon the handle of his blade. He'd make eye contact with the guard, who exchanged a nod of authorization. And so the Shinkou gripped his blade, withdrew it from its sheath, and made a soft cut on his hand. It had been deep enough to draw blood, which should have been more than sufficient for signing purposes. Following this, he returned his blade into its sheath and took steps towards the tome. Carefully, he brought his right hand's index finger to his left hand's bloodied palm and signed his name upon the page presented to him, his hand trembling in an undetectable degree. As his finger lifted from the page, a wondrous transformation occurred—the page turned a brilliant shade of green, casting an ethereal and emerald glow that emanated from the page.

The guard's stern demeanor softened, and they nodded approvingly. "Welcome, Sakaiza. You are now a member of our village...Hyogagakure."

With his nod, he'd signal a wave towards the shinobi gathered behind the gates at his rear. Subsequently the gates creaked open, revealing a bustling community nestled within the snowy landscape. Buildings crafted elegantly, some even from ice and stone dotted the landscape, ironically giving a warm glow that pierced through the frigid air. Sakaiza returned the nod to the guard before walking past him and making his way inside, the weight of his journey lifting from his shoulders. Although it had been an abrupt, uncalculated decision, he was sure that he could integrate himself well within the village's ranks. Regardless of the principles the village stood upon, he would come to adapt. That had been one thing he had learned over the years. No matter the situation, location, or culture...his upmost priority had been learning how to blend in.

- Exit -

WC = 608. TWC = 1166
Claims:
- Entry into Hyogagakure
- Enrolling in Hyogagakure's Shinobi Force
- Hyogagakure Headband and Icebound Infantry Armor [Armored Shell - Chakra]
- C3 Rank, confirmed by Vlad in OOC Setting

WC Claims (25% Max Stat Discount)
- 23 WC to master ERR: World in Peril (3750/3750), rest trained here
- 1125 WC to Split Second, B (1125/1125)

Approved