Kintsugi First missions

da missions:

As the moving caravan camp of the family moved trough the swampy lands, Kakushin made it stop and settle down near the edge of the bamboo forest surounding a small village in key country. As the sun set and start to illuminate the town, the group of traveller is dropping off tents, beds and locking the caravan into place to accomplish a few missions before getting on the road again. As everyone is busy at the task, Kakushin get up on a carriage and adress everyone. 

''We stop here to do a few odd jobs, to make a few Ryo. I will need 3 others to accompagny me for this one. Lets keep a low profile, and to any civilian present as merchants and traveling artisans. You all know what to do in case of emergency. Today is the day it all start for real!'' Says the tall senju man, wearing this day his white kimono to appear more friendly and radiant than his usual dark self, as he jump down the carriage.

As he waited to see who accompagnied him into the village, the Senju man was neutral in his expression, his stature tall and his eyes looking around, to watch if they were followed.

The gentle breeze blew through the untamed blonde hair. Pieces of the loose strands swept up in the wind currents, twirling in the air as they set sail to their new destination with their new companions of dead leaves. The wind was warm, as warm as early winter could give with the storm retreating in the skies. For now, the dispersing storm had been merciful to the occupants that inhabit the ground for a short moment, letting those continue on with their business as the setting sun illuminated all those in the area. An action that held gratitude with the young Chinoike and his new friend, the butterfly. Flapping its colorful wings against the muting aura’s that outside life had to offer, it also let the breeze direct its direction. And so, it was off.

Akaime sighed, the warmth of the light fell softly as he looked ahead into the small stream. Small rippling effects even with the mild storm inevitable departure. The splashing effects and the golden hues gave him a sense of equanimity. He didn't know what it was, but it was almost as if it was washing away all the sins that he had done. To start anew. However, even with the bright aura around him, it was almost as if the skies were warning him about the journey ahead. He couldn't shake this ominous feeling of dread. Even though there was the sound of rainfall from the distance as the storm moved on. Something fell over him that made it seem silent.

Time lingered on, and soon a voice disrupted his thoughts. Turning away from the trickling stream to the origin, he listened closely as Kakushin spoke out. A few odd jobs and to keep a low profile, eh? Would Akaime join this particular quest? Of course, he would go only to make sure they were safe while completing these assignments. However, that came the topic of keeping a low profile which means he couldn’t bestow his tribalistic tattoos for the world to see. Luckily, he had more modern clothing with him just for this situation.

“I am with you, father, just give me a moment.” Akaime responded to the Senju as he walked towards the caravan to gather his attire. Quickly changing into a button-up white shirt with a black, leather jacket over it. Accompanying that was black, leather jeans and a pair of black shoes. Now that the outfit was complete, he would return to his father’s side. “Do you have any information that you think would be helpful regarding the contexts of these odd jobs or are we just trying to find listings and such?” Akaime questioned.

TWC: 444

Reo ran ahead of the caravan, wind flying through his pink hair. His youthful exuberance on clear display. He felt on top of the world now that he was with his family. His father and brother were both here and he loved them dearly. He twirled around in the crisp winter air, not much of a thought in his head aside from his clear and abundant joy. He was the picture of youthful innocence and naivety. At least until he spotted a target for his other defining trait, his bloodthirst. He swiftly changed gaits, like a young tiger stalking its prey and moved with a new determination and purpose. As he approached he palmed a senbon in his jacket, pulled back, his muscles tense in anticipation of his shot and-

He stopped. His quarry quickly drifted away in the winter breeze. The butterfly flew into cold air unaware of its recent danger. As it travelled further and further away Reo tried not to pout as he focused on what had stayed his hand. His big bro was also intent on the colourful insect, a look of calm and peace on his face as he watched it twist in the wind. That look was enough to stop Reo, even if he wanted to analyze the bug's anatomy and its menagerie of colours. He was a good boy and wouldn't annoy his brother unless absolutely, positively, remarkatutebly necessary. He began to skip away to find other game as they traveled but stopped as Father spoke.

''We stop here to do a few odd jobs, to make a few Ryo. I will need 3 others to accompagny me for this one. Lets keep a low profile, and to any civilian present as merchants and traveling artisans. You all know what to do in case of emergency. Today is the day it all start for real!''

Reo wiggled with excitement! He couldn't wait to show them what he could do. He was practically a big boy with all of his skills and talents. He vibrated, shuffling back and forth on each leg as he waited for Akaime to finish his response.

“I am with you, father, just give me a moment.”

Reo practically grew blue in the face as he waited for his turn to speak. His impatience was on clear display as he continued his strange shuffle. It probably looked like he had to pee. But he didn't care! He was a good boy and would wait until his brother finished speaking!

“Do you have any information that you think would be helpful regarding the contexts of these odd jobs or are we just trying to find listings and such?”

Reo had turned a shade purple as Akaime finished. He finally realized he had been holding his breath and let it out with a loud gasp. He gulped in the air greedily and stumbled over his words as he responded "I'mma do all the missions first, you'll see! Reo is the best and no dead weight. You'll see what a good boy I is!"

With that, he took off towards the village as fast as his little legs could carry him. However, due to his talking while trying to gulp in air to his lungs, he had gotten the hiccups. The others could hear him hiccupping away as he ran, along with the odd giggle. It wasn't until later that he would realize he had been given no clues as to what the missions actually were.

WC: 583
TWC: 583

The scenic ride with the forses drawing carridges, and supplies, various voices diffrent dialects vould be heard from the masses of the sorroundings as it had been quiet untill arriving into a settlement camping establishment. From the folds of the rear most carride it was silent except a small odd muttering here and there, Where most had avoided the rear area and lately at night heard the unmistable screeches unholy and otherworldly, opting q few prayers called out where slister occasionally after a long wait of half hour, offered prayers to the faithful and comfort that their departed kin were not enraged.

Although it was partially the case, but only he knew the truth as a yamaguchi nothing a petty scroll from the markets would offer so easily. But the recent nighr was quiet, he dozed off in the back comfortably ki ked in the back of the caravan and napping with his hoid over his eyes, and his glasses neatly tucked into the folds of his robes. Till people muttered something about a semi pernament establishment.

ah good breakfast he thought

as he yawned and sat up putting on his glasses and walking out to the bright light looking forward food, and headed over to the nearesr eating establishment spotting some decent women happy to serve him with a bit of extra ryo. A few waved and spoke in his ear as he held onto his bowl and alister dissappeared for a bit into some of the more pernament establishments with the posey of women. laugher errupted behind the doirs and hooting of joy.

Awhile later basically a few hours later he walked out of the establishment hood down and a few notable red parks akin to teeth marks and a few scratches, The robe was clean and he had the usual air of subtle dominate victory emmitting him that left a few others wondering where the decent girls went off to and eventually they came out suggesting free meals for the travelers. Apparently he was a decent negotiator of sorts. Regardless cleaned and full alister hid his hair of green and black, arriving to the group and readjusted his glasses to pointedly glance over the group.

"odd jobs are decent, i suppose there are a few taaks that can be done. Let us keep this quick i desire to be back before dinner, They will provide great food at their greatest skills, We do not need to keep tje women waiting speaking of which one of the women were adament that some bloke in a black vest was messing with the establishments leaders wife. Gotta say... good ties with people are important."

wc: 446

As Akaime got ready, Reo ran away, not waiting on the group to do missions, closely followed by Allister who went to town in advance to grab a bite. Or at least its what he said to Kakushin, who, with a warm smile and a nod acknoledged the man for his freedom, probably off to do something either undecent to talk about or immoral, none of wich matered to the tall senju. As Akaime came back with questions regarding the missions, Kakushin nodded in the affirmative.

''Well yes, in the early morning I sent a clone of mine to fetch notices and things to do for the village at the town post. A man is paying to beat up his wife lover, a merchant is looking to deliver supplies, wich we will take for ourselves and keep, and i've seen a construction site where I think i'd be much help with my abilities to creates wooden structures. There is also words of a criminal endeavor to stop a convoy. We are to interogate a kidnapped employee and make him tell us where the caravan will pass, so we can halt it without murdering anyone.'' Replied Kakushin to Akaime, calm and ready to go too, wearing his usual black loose Kimono, letting his bare chest seeable with strips of ritual paper sticked to him, keeping his unstable chakra in check.

''First lets catch up with Reo and Allister, and try to settle that beating thing. I trust we are all able to deliver such a thing.'' Said a grining Kakushin, amused at the tought. 

As they both arrived into the village and catched up with Reo and Allister, the senju man gathered the group and went toward the house of the would be lover, the man they were tasked to beat to a pulp to make him understand that this situation was to be resolved in the most short delay possible. Kakushin being a man of chance and opportunity, knocked on the door to announce himself before. 

As the man oppened the door, Kakushin pushed him into the house, entering immediately, probably followed quickly by the rest of the intimidating group too. As the man was scared and cowered on the floor, Kakushin crouched toward him, looking him dead in the eyes.

''Well hello there, Otuke. It seems your girl is a married woman, and her husband isnt too keen on you... well existing really. Here is for you to remember.'' Whispered the Senju in his ear, before letting the rest of the group beat him up. While the job was separated, Kakushin held the door down with his wood techniques, vines twisting and twirling from the ground to hold the door, preventing him to escape the beating. As the man was massacred with fists and kicks, Kakushin took the opportunity to loot his house, finding a few ryo and food for the group.

Once he was unconscious, the group would leave the house, letting him there in a pool of his own blood, beaten to the brink of death. But before leaving, Kakushin would do something that would make the blood of anyone sane curl. As a proof of his beating, Kakushin approached the man and ripped out of his mouth 3 teeths, leaving him even more bloody. 


The group exited the house, leaving it in disaray, and Kakushin had last words to say to the man.

''Good night sweet Otuke.'' said the Senju, his face neutral, unphased by the state of the man.

Now going toward the merchant to ask for the transport they were looking for, without the trader even knowing that they planned on robbing him blind for the supplies, taking them for themselves. Kakushin would let the others lead for this one, wanting to see the way of handling things of the others, if they had a way to be discreet, to not leave traces, if they worked in a clean way.

Akaime gave out a soft yet worrying smile as Reo ran ahead. While he knew the pinkette is a synthetic human just like Kakushin, his body did not develop as similar as their leader. The growth rate had completely halted and remained at the ripe age of ten. Even his mental status has also remained in stasis at that age, still thriving in childlike wonder. Akaime wondered if the child could ever mature in either of those areas or will he just remain like this for the rest of his days.

Just as Reo left, the cryptic unhooded figure known as Alister could be seen from the distance. Akaime wondered what the grim reaper was doing in the town so early in the morning. In fact, he didn’t even notice that Alister had left. Perhaps when his body is away, the aura of darkness still lingers in the traces of where he has been. Yes, that could be it. But the current thoughts on that matter still intrigued the Chinoike. What does someone so philosophical do in their free time.

Turning his focus back to Kakushin, he listened to him explain how and what sort of assignments he had gathered for them. “Ah, so petty dealings I see. Hopefully, they come with a good price for them.” Akaime chuckled as he began to move with Kakushin, only staying a few paces behind him to respect his leadership amongst those who would see. As they drew closer; the first person they came into contact with was Alister. He informed them about the already sought out lover and that he wanted to get back before dinner to dine with these so-called women. “Ah, are you having fun with the town's maidens, Alister?” Akaime gave a mischievous grin before turning stoic, “but you’re right. It is good to have some well-established relationships. Just try to not sleep with all of them. We don’t need a gang of femme fatales chasing us because you can’t keep it in your pants.” Akaime said as was scratching the part of his neck that replicated the bruised section upon Alister’s.

Next, the trio was on the move again. Whether Reo found them or not, they would arrive at the house that homed the wife’s lover. Being the gentle giant that Kakushin is, he gave the courtesy of knocking on the door. The man quickly answered and with that, the gentle nature that Kakushin usually provides disappeared and shoved the man inside. Following his new father inside and watched the events unfold predictably.

The man cowered in fear as Kakushin quickly met his gaze, intimidating him, but also giving him the reason for it. ‘At least, Father, isn’t omissive in his dealings,’ Akaimer thought as the tall Senju took a step back to allow the others to initiate violence on the man. If Reo is here, Akaime was sure that he would be thrilled to enact any pain on the individual; as for the Chinoike, it was almost sad that Otuke had to go through but that must be the cost of the price of love.

Forming the hand signs: Monkey → Dragon → Rat → Bird → Ox, static electricity began to fluctuate in his palm as sparks began to fly across the room. Akaime stared down at the man as the sound of a thousand birds chirping began to fill the room. “Nothing personal, it’s just business.” Akaime said with no remorse as struck down at the man. Not using all his power cut through the man’s flesh and bones, he hit him right in the chest. The man immediately started convulsing as if he were having a seizure. He could see saliva from his mouth start to drool down his chin as he flopped on the floor before becoming completely paralyzed. Some could say, it was harsh on what he did. But Akaime saved him from the pain he would have endured if the others started before him. But still, he would have to experience the vision of everyone tormenting his unusable body.

Moving out the way, Akaime watched the others take turns on him. If they even did. As soon as they finished, Kakushin would just immediately rip three teeth out of his mouth, root and all. Akaime slightly grimaced at the sight before ultimately exciting the house once the Senju unbarricaded the door.

Next stop, the merchant. So, Akaime followed the leading man there.

Five minutes after that ordeal with the man, he, or they, arrived at an area full of multiple story structures built with brick blocks separated by wide dirt roads. Scaffolding made of thick wooden beams covered many of the building’s entrances, and although it wasn’t very crowded, their arrival had already caught the attention of several locals. Women carrying large straw baskets atop their heads and wearing colorful wrapped skirts, men standing at small kiosks on either side of the sandy road with multiple crates of goods nearby, or citizens who were simply going about their day all gave either puzzled or weary looks at the new face. 

“Something doesn’t feel right, here.” Akaime whispered to the group.

At the other end of the block stood a tall wooden gate that was surrounded by an even taller wooden wall which was easily two to three stories high. If not for the imposing wall, one would be safe in assuming that it was just a normal setting. Still, something was irking Akaime. He wondered why there aren’t any children out here, it’s almost like it’s too calm given the circumstances. Akaime knew better than to let the semblance of calm lull them into a false sense of security, since “expect the unexpected” had become a mantra in his line of work.

“Perhaps, we should stay cautious in this part of town.” Akaime concluded with the others.

WC: 976
TWC: 1,420

Reo ran as fast as his little legs could carry him, eager to prove his worth. As the village came in sight he smiled broadly and put on another burst of speed. It wasn't until he was well into town that he slowed down. It was as he looked around that he finally realized he had no idea where to go.

The town gave off small and peaceful vibes with houses placed in long rows to to divide the streets. People bustled about with no real pace to them, slowly going about their business. Families smiled, children played, shopkeepers peddled. It was noticing all this that Reo lost his smile. He didn't love villages. The amount of people and things going on always felt unusual to him after growing up in a lab. Additionally, it was in villages he had found people to be the most cruel. After his Pap-paps death, he had been in quite a few of them with each ending the same way. Oh people would love him at first, admire his pink hair, compliment his smile, try to get him to play. But as soon as they learned anything real about him they were quick to cast him out. The sheer volume of people teaming up and using their sheer mass to force him from town. It was mean! Mean, mean mean! And so, Reo wanted no part in village life.

It was thinking on this, wondering what to do that his family caught up to him. He pouted at Father and Brother, displeased that he couldn't show them he was a good boy. He continued this as they moved forward, even as they greeted him warmly, Akaime gently tucking him gently beside him. He noticed his cousin was there as well. Oh, the man hadn't admitted he was family yet, but Reo knew better. Sometimes that was just how relatives behaved, as if it gave them some clout to not be directly linked with their household. If Alister looked at him he'd give the man a shy smile, hoping with time the man would give in and become his uncle.

It wasn't long before they arrived in front of a house and stopped. Nothing really separated it from the others surrounding it that Reo could tell, but he trusted that Father knew what he was doing. Kakushin knocked politely on the door and as a short, burly man answered he was promptly shoved into the house. Reo followed behind his family, fascinated at the proceedings. The man was quite simply, treated like a sack of meat. The other members of his family took turns beating him to a bloody pulp, with Akaime even taking a moment to electrocute the man. Reo watched the performance quietly, wide eyed and his mouth open in a round O shape. While he didn't mind violence, as he was a bloodthirsty little lout, unbeknownst to his family he didn't crave it. It was only the bodies afterwards that he longed to cut into. He cherished the scientific thrill of discovery, seeing in a person what no one could see while they were alive. The first cut of his scalpel was like an opening gambit in a beautiful game of inspired learning.

Before he knew it the man was near the brink of death, unable to move and just panting through the pain. It was then that his father ripped out a few of the man's teeth for some insurmountable reason. It was only then that Reo participated, walking up to the man and opening his mouth. He stared at the empty spaces where his molars used to be with utter fascination. He continued to gaze at them in wonder until he felt himself get tugged away by his brother.

He followed along as his family took him to their next destination. His pout long gone, Reo smiled with wonder at their surroundings, no longer resenting the small town with his relatives at his back. He occasionally stopped and stared at a variety of things before being tugged gently along. He stared at various wares and merchandise, buildings and architecture, but his gaze found itself most fascinated by the people. Their interactions with each other seemed foreign to him and thus worthy of study. From the way a woman smiled shyly at a man's retreating form, to an angry exchange between two strangers, each was an act of interest to the boy. However, he was jolted out of his reverie at Akaime's warning. He placed his hand in his jacket and palmed a couple of senbon in preparation. It was time to actively pay attention and show his family his value. He was the absolute best, bestest, bestie! They would see!

WC: 790
TWC: 1,373

The notions of the flesh and desires that followed the masses. Nothing changed, the many moans of lost souls said many things in his sleep and waking hours, wails of regret, wails of loss, and even wrathful and envy filled complaints. Something Alister only learned to figure as the dead only watched helplessly and silently, only to watch the decendents make mistakes,and surely the mistake this day was the act of adultery.

Alister quietly observed the group glean the infomation for the mission all in the light of as he would observe was a level of self efficenvy, each member had to a degree a idra of their roles although words spoken aside all seemed to have the idea to follow. Although the question directed to him from akamie questioning his buisness within the tents.

"women talk so you make them talk with charm, They cannot help a new person, and i cannot help a free meal. Easy to get what you desire if you Surf the masses. There are more women then men, so more warmth for oneself. So i do not think its bad except for the youth that haplessly fall on unfortunate situations of famine or lack of wealth.... even then."

his voice was cold and no need for a grin he was merely stating fact and moved on from the fact emotions outside of it the fact was the irrifutable fact.

"a good example is the client, why is the random man getting freebies as opposed her unfaithfulness? She ultimately chose and well we will do what is nessccary to save a clients face and reputation. However it wont be the last time"

Alister implied now a cold grin on his face his glasses obscured in the morning sun but one would know the corrupted preist was merely speaking human nature fact one that was even among the many men would all silently give a mental nodd. But after sometime the shadier part of the establishment, Several rows of disjointed homes and even amid the nature of quiet lands it was clear that the ill fortunate were cursing in their last moments.


hmmmm desperation, despair, and the blind endless starvation of the greedy. clwarly the man is here.

and soon enough Alister and crew emerged before the door step The shadows of the group was slighned in a odd shape of like mountains as akamie knoced on the door and alister lazily looked around as the interval of steps within were noted, either he wad short, or was amid the deed, regardless the bullying was apparent due to as soon as the door opend akamie went to work and while the others looked it over with the msn screaming in pain a tooth even rolled to alisters feet, he was glancing at the house.

and man did she down grade, short and balding, he must've had ok sorf play well... for then.

alister steped on the tooth and it crumpled and now his gaze fell on the man.

"prayers do not work my man, But of course you will have use. We are only doing a fellow man a favor,But i do not see why you were worth it. But i suppose a womans teat will suffice when you recover.. just be glad you are alive. For at least in their hands they will bruse the flesh and rip the teeth.... but if dead of course. You will fall into my hands"

slister took a step and knelt before the man as he straightend his glasses to make the point.

"perhaps That is why you waste your life in this shack, the warth of life only a simple means of taking the taken women. At least you earn your bread and can feed a street worker. But free my freind equals servings of dimner..."

alister spoke and stepped on the teeth that were largest and the molars. it was only fair.

"Dont have me return to your death bed by being bad my freind, Because at least a quiet death will mean i will not have you put to work at least. Or my kin."

with that the man was left in pain shaking and the group left as the idea was a interesting state, the idea of a merchant as it swwmed the group were moreless aware where they walked into. Not the kindest place as the group glanced through ally ways of drunkkards and substance consumers. And occasional flashing knife although many shivered seeing the group and it was unwise as few glanced at alister where he looked and offered an occasional word of consoling.

"your son will be ok"

occasionally heard by the yamaguchi and a small prayer offered by him to others. This was routine but it was perhaps forgein to the group despite the words he spoke earlier. For it was his way to subsitize the pact eternal although aloof it was his duty he swore on from a young age.

wc:863

As they arrived more deeper into the marketplace, leaving behind the dark and unscrupulous back alleys, Kakushin was sad to see no one took the reins of the mission. Oh well, after all, he was the father of Kintsugi, so it was only natural to have him lead. As they entered the shop of the merchant, contrary to the gazing and suspectfull eyes of the denizens of this hamlet, the merchant was enthusiastic to see them all. After all, he was expecting them, as Kakushin previously had sent a clone toward the town t scout ahead and see if there were missions to accept. 

With the information that a merchant of the village was full of supplies and was looking for some man-for-hire to do his dirty work of carying it over to the next place, Kakushin knew that it meant he had resources to spare. The group entered the shop, with the merchant greeting them.

''Ah hmm... welcome good fellows! Mister Tsu is that it?'' asked the merchant to Kakushin. With a mere second of pause, Kakushin smiled and answered. ''Yes Tsu it is. We are here for the supplies. We will do your mission of transporting it, but as a group in need, we will require payment in advance for the mission.'' Answered Kakushin, a serious look on his face. 

The merchant seemed hesitant, but in the end, after thinkning a bit about it, he allowed them to leave with the supplies and the money for it. 

''Best of luck on the road then! I trust my package will get into the right hands, otherwise i'll be obligated to...'' Said the merchant, but Kakushin left almost immediately afterward, not listening nor letting the time to the merchant to finish his sentence. As he waited outside for the group to get out, Kakushin weaved the handsigns to summon forth a clone of himself, and gave the supply to it, letting it leave toward their caravan with the supplies to deliver them. As this village didnt possess any ninja force, Kakushin didnt even try to act in a way that was more subbtle, knowing that citizens didnt pay attention, and didnt know he didnt pay for those supplies. The fact would only be known once the caravan was far away, days from the place, and their faces would be forgotten since then.

''good job. Without you all, he would have never dropped the money first.'' Said Kakushin toward all his group. But of course, the goal wasnt to be remembered as bad individuals inside the village. As Kakushin saw the citizens building a large wooden structure, his face harbored a faint smile, and he knew what he had to do.

''If you all dont mind, we should also help those villagers to build. There is good pay, and honnest work get the people behind us, a good covers, as respect command silence too.'' Added the tall senju man. 

After a bit of walking the gang arrived toward the construction site. about 3 houses were being built one against the other, a large expension project for the village. Kakushin had a secret way of helping them, but for the other houses, he figured if the rest of the group put their hands into it, they could finish the 2 others houses, as they were already started and about half way done. 

As Kakushin presented themselves with the group to the quartermaster of the place, he watched and studied the plan meticulously, to be sure he knows how to build it correctly.

''If you dont mind good sir, my man will help you finish the 2 started structures, and I will personnally build the 3rd one and more ot solve your housing issue.'' added the man toward the quartermaster with a respectfull bow. With a raised eyebrow, the construction man was skeptical of Kakushin ability. 

Without listening, the tall senju dropped to his knees, chanelling the energy and chakra within himself and the surounding nature, and removed his kimono from his torso, letting it hang by his waist around his hips, tied to him by its lower end with his sash belt. As he meditated, deeply breathing, Kakushin started to weave handsigns. First Hare, then Boar, followed by the seal of Unity, and Hare again and finally the sign of Dragon. As he ended, giant logs and wooden pillars emerged from the earth, shaking the very ground of the village and the construction site. As the man kept concentrating, the logs distorted, shaping into beams of solid wood, branches flatening into planks, and all of it dancing in a symphony or coordinated movement, shaping itself in the perfect representation of the house designed and drawn uppon the paper plan representing the said structure. As he held the sign of dragon, multiples other houses were built in the same maner, spawning too in the same manner, shaking the ground of the whole village. As the buildings were done in mere minutes, if not seconds, everyone around was baffled, supprised at the construction of such structures in the snap of fingers almost. The structures were perfectly made, structuraly sound and solid, made of a single piece of wood each, all held together without weak points or links.


As the Senju oppened his eyes and got back up, towering over the construction worker with his muscular stature, and porcelain skin shining under the sun, he put back non chalently his kimono on his shoulders, barely covering his shape and muscular chest, and turned toward the quartermaster.

''My work here is done. I'm sure my men will be efficient too.'' Said Kakushin, holding out the hand to receive his payment without an ounce of remorse. Impressed, the quartermaster paid him without saying a word, too baffle to know what else to say. 

As the rest finished their word, Kakushin waited, sitting on the top of the newly built house he made, the wind ruffling his long and loose brown hair, sitting with his legs crossed, enjoying the weather and meditating.

With the intake of fresh air, the cool breeze of the sun could be felt upon his skin. A faint voice could be heard over the air. However, not everyone could hear. Soft words and wishes of Jashin started to weave in Akaime’s determined thoughts. Phrases, commands, and demands regarding the eradication and sacrifices of humans, beasts, and even treasonous Jashionists interwoven into the blonde’s routine, walking past the busy streets of the village. However, Jashin's requests only fell on deaf ears. Every so often, he could hear the deep husks from the god, but nothing that could influence him in any way. 

Adorned with streetlights and horses galloping loud enough for passersby to step aside as the large carriages that followed the steeds' suit, it’s safe to say that the avenues and alleyways of the village were bustling with conversations and social interactions. Much like a puppet show where each and every human individual danced in their futile and fickle behaviors, their mortality running a cruel yet fragile course where the idea of their days being numbered only caused such foolish individuals to overcome their limits and capacities with such unrealism and wishful thinking. It was the same for the Chinoike, on the contrary, it further fueled his lust for risk and excitement. A smile slowly crept up the pinkish lips of the blood seer, all the while tilting his head to the side.  

Finding himself somewhere near the construction site of this village, he could hear the faint sounds of talking individuals who were either heading towards the town's bar or going back to work. Which he paid no mind to. This town, while small in size and some areas are extremely decrepit, it seemed fairly extravagant. Akaime wondered what kind of trade they did here to seem so well off. Nevertheless, he moved on with the group into the lower part of the town.

Gravel roads made up the main roads, which made it easy for transportation, either on foot or by wagon. The only light that was offered was the one of the sun that was starting to droop into the sky, hoovering above the far-off mountain ranges, and the few lights that were still active in homes and stores alike. Now, he figured some sort of police force should be patrolling the areas but for now, he hasn't seen anything that resembled such a thing. Maybe they were disguising themselves as regular citizens. 

Positioning himself in the alleyway beside the marketplace Kakushin entered, he decided to take a break, resting his back against the stone wall that made up the tavern inside. He could hear the loud music being played from a distance. Joyous laughter and conversations from those that passed by him. Which is contradictory with those that he saw when he first entered this part of town. Perhaps, they were curious instead of hesitant.

However, during his eavesdropping, he wasn't aware of the shifting presence that lingered further into the alleyway until the sound of a sword unsheathing itself with a shrink noise. A small smile curdled to his lips; it seems to be that he was the target for something. Turning his eyes, he was met with a young boy. Fourteen-fifteen, even if that. Akaime could see the fear rise off of him as he read his eyes. He knew what he was. He had dark hair with the same dark eyes. Wearing some sort of uniform. He was holding out his sword, pointing it at Akaime. But the way he was trembling, it seemed he could drop it at any second.

"Should you really be pointing that at a tourist?" Akaime snickered. He could tell that this child was one of the ones from before. Did his genjutsu not work?

"You're no t-tourist, you're a monster! No one else remembers. But you killed them!" The boy screamed and lunged at him, swinging his sword as if he had no training done. Quickly side stepping his slow swing, before tapping his shoulder.

"W-what was that?" He questioned, panic starting to set into him.

"Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough," the Chinoike answered the boy. 


*Swing*


*Missed*

"You really are too slow, how do you expect to kill me, even if your body is going to start failing you?" Akaime chuckled.

"What d-do you mean?" The boy questioned again, until he realized what Akaime meant, his arm couldn't move, it was almost like it was paralyzed. Fear and dread overtook his entire eyes as tears began to swell up. What he could see was not reality but an illusion. A bright red sky with Akaime’s eyes in the center being of that monumental size. However, that wasn’t the worst part of it as he started seeing visions of those that he killed before. The child’s friends and family from that time ago. Tears have begun to free flow down.

“Revenge can only be sought out when you have enough power to follow through. How unfortunate you will never reach it.” Akaime said as he formed his chidori in his right hand and struck through the teenager. “I can’t have you trying to actively search for me anymore, this is farewell.” Akaime said as he retracted his arm and formed a series of hand signs, placing his hand on the falling body, teleporting the body into his Blood God Dimension for his being to never be found again. “A tragic end to such a tragic life.” Akaime said as he heard rumblings from a distance.

Walking out from the alleyway, he saw Kakushin walk out from the shop after meeting the merchant. Joining up with them, he would receive information about what they were doing and where they were going from at least one of them. If the other two were still around.

Following Kakushin to the construction site, they were met with the quartermaster. He began to tell them what needs to be done and the blueprints of the buildings that would need to be built. Unfortunately, Akaime is not a construction worker like Kakushin. Where he is able to build a series of buildings in mere seconds to the state of perfection. It was utterly magic to say the least. However, even to his dismay, he still needed to help to the best of his ability. Therefore, Akaime would create blood clones and then begin to teleport around the area to bring supplies and equipment needed to the construction works to complete their projects. He would even create refreshments for them to keep their bodies stimulated through the work. It was nowhere near the accomplishment of Kakushin, but it did help speed up the building tremendously.

As the works finished their final touches on the few remaining buildings, Akaime teleported to the roof that Kakushin sat calmly on. “It seems everything has come together quite nicely and quickly.” He announced as he walked near the wood release user. “Care for a drink?” Akaime asked as he held out a cup containing ingredients that made up the contents inside. “It’s hibiscus tea. These villagers are quite fond of it, you might like it.” He said, waiting for Kakushin to take it or not.

“So, I assume our next stop is to deal with the convoy?” Akaime asked as her stared off into the distance, waiting for an answer.

WC: 1,221
TWC: 2,641