Wind of Change

Shinobi villages, lead by the powerful and ambitious. A symbol of the land they inhabit as the secret fighting force that kept the rest of the world in check from potential conflict and a deterrent of war. Each village was built with a goal in mind and a leader that could enforce it. Some had histories that spanned such a length of time and history that thinking of a world where they didn’t exist was impossible to fathom. Others were like the start of a forest fire, suddenly catching wind and growing to a size that threatened to overtake all around them. These few villages either burnt themselves out, were snuffed by others or left their mark on the world and forged their standing to this day.

Hyogagakure was one of these new villages both built on a history of an older standing and as new as a child learning to take its first step. It drew off the lineage of Yukigakure a long lost village of the Yuki clan, a people whose very DNA adapted to the harsh storms and blizzards of the land to become wielders of its destructive power, while bringing a new wind of change and power in itself with its leader Satoru Jugo. A former Missing-Ninja that traveled the world, spreading his name to be known by even the other leaders of the various villages. With his guidance and ambition he drew those of like minded individuals wandering the world and bringing back the very people who called the Land of Snow their home. These people who strived for power and strength to make their will upon the world around them known and felt. With his leadership Hyogagakure was made into a what the world would consider a Major Shinobi Village quickly.

Today though a new change was being announced and the Shinobi, former vagabonds, missing-ninjas and old citizens of Yukigakure, could feel the energy in the air of this new development. They gathered near the Royal Palace to hear this announcement. Normally there would be muttering and whispers of the people while they awaited to hear what was to come but the militaristic reign had instilled a discipline into its inhabitants. They stood in their places, at ease, focused and alert, those of the shinobi force donning their armor and masks. Each uniform and yet a uniqueness to the person who wore it to showcase the changes and achievements they had been awarded for their services.

Ryko was one of these many Shinobis, his mask plan and simple beyond the scars on his mask that matched his own scars that he had on his face. These slight differences spoke of the young man’s own growth and power he had gained since joining the village. Normally he would be one to be rowdy and loud, voicing his annoyance and impatience at ceremonies like this one but he was not yet a point where his strength and position allowed him such freedom so he stood there unbothered by the cold and wind his Yuki bloodline making it feel like a summer breeze. He knew there were others in similar positions and this would be the first chance that he would have to interact with them and he looked forward to seeing where he stood in placement of those closest to his standing. He had not yet met their Kage or Diamyo and he knew not the reason for the assembly but he could feel the charge in the air and he hoped that he would not be disappointed by what was passed to them on this day.

WC: 602

Upon the balcony of his apartment he stood looking out into the distance of both the village and the visage outside of it, he pondered on the days that have recently passed by him. Months ago he had been within a cell smaller than the combined cubic feet of his apartment and now he had been free. Shackled and fed the same thing everything, he now enjoyed his own freedom and foods of his choice. The only thing that had reminded him of that time was the scar he had upon his face. Touching it gently with his left hand, he would run his index finger down the jagged scarring that had left him a reminder of his past and the path of his future. It may have been unknown and winding, but he knew what he would do to achieve it. Bringing his hand back to the railing of the balcony he would continue to stare outward as he figured out his day. He never did anything haphazardly, and if it was not planned in some capacity on his end it would ensue chaos and unpredictability and both of those things he could do without. Already dressed in his normal attire; his long sleeved long jacket with black fur, white pants and accompanying black boots, Midori turned to look at the mask that had been neatly placed on his dresser and walked toward it. To him it was still a foreign concept to wear. Duty to his home. Duty to his village. His right hand ran against the material of the mask before picking it up and attaching it to his belt that had held his jacket neat and together. Taking in a deep breathe he would begin to straighten out his jacket and with one final look at his appearance he would head out. Stepping into the frigid climate of Hyoga, he would smile as the day was just beginning. For most the kiss of winter was bitter and nipped at them, but for a native and one who's body has constantly conditioned itself for it, the kiss was always welcomed.

Midori walked at a decent pace toward his destination which had been The Palace. Today was an auspicious day as most who finally get to meet their Kage and Leader. He was one of the fortunate ones that had met him prior to this day, even under the circumstances it was something that had been needed. Still pondering upon that fateful day, Midori still had a pair of shoes to fill to make sure that his new life was not squandered. He had been walking for some time before he stopped outside of the Palace and placed a hand upon his mask. Looking down to it for a moment he would nod and continue onward into the palace. He wore his brand given to him by his Kage with pride, and now he had been a shinobi of the great village of Hyogagakure. As he walked in he would become silent and reserved taking in those that had already been here. A variety of different masks and armor littered the lines, and even a few he could see as those within his same rank. It was amazing how they could all pool together to welcome their new leader while also showing their dedication to the village itself, but what would truly come from this meeting today. Taking his place among the many, Midori's hands would find their way nestled into pockets of his coat, standing in silence for a moment as he awaited to see when the meeting would begin and what would come of it. His green eyes remained low as he continued to look around, placing mild interest in those that kept their faces covered with their mask and those few that had them off awaiting the start of things to come.

647 WC

It was another big day as Shibai donned his faint purple jacket in preparation to leave for the Royal Palace. His stomach tied itself in knots over a combination of excitement and anticipation! The Yume had required so much time and attention to get settled in, and learning the foreign ways of being a ninja was so demanding, that there had been virtually no time to acquaint himself with the rest of the village. Truthfully, other than his forced interactions within the academy, he had been avoiding it since his arrival! The culmination of events that led to the arrival of the Yume clan in Hyogagakure has left many pockets of hate and distrust between his clan and the villagers within!

Today it was unavoidable to make an appearance. His clan could not cling within the shadows of the village forever! If this was going to be their home now, then they should be proud to walk its streets with their shoulders back and their purple heads of hair held high. The Yume have always survived the frozen wilderness by being a very close-knit group. In time, maybe the entire village could share that connection and could just be a much larger version of the family he had come to know and love. It would require a lot of work to mend the deep wounds of the past, but it was not impossible!

A single knock thudded against his door signaling it was time to go. Shibai departed his room and his large bulking frame took to the streets of Hyogagakure. Two large purple haired gentlemen with matching eyes fell into place on either side of Shibai to act as his escort. It only took a couple minutes before they found themselves outside the Royal Palace along with what seemed to be most of the villagers. Shibai’s brilliant purple eyes scanned over each person to try and get a feel for his new neighbors.

Most wore masks so it was hard to get a feel for the individuality of the crowd. He did spot a few people who seemed to stand out from the rest. Such as a man with insanely white hair who had his hand in his pockets, or an interesting man wearing a mask with weird engraving that looked almost like scars. The occasional patch of purple hair could also be seen signifying that his clan was starting to blend in nicely, at least on the surface level, with the other villagers.

Shibai slowly made his way to the front of the crowd to get the best view. Members of his clan naturally made way for him and then proceeded to look down at their feet as he passed in their unique traditional way of showing respect to their clan leader. Once Shibai had a good viewing there was nothing left to do but to wait for the main event. He made sure to stand tall and straight while remaining completely still and silent. He knew his clan would adopt his mannerisms and be respectful during this event as long as he led by example.

WC 518

"Glory be to Boreas,
and to Yuki-onna,
and to the Sacred Frost.
As it was in the first winter, is now,
and ever shall be,
in ice without end.
Amen."

Anticipation. Curiosity. Patriotism. Determination. Tension. Pride. Acceptance. Hope. When Jupiter entered the palace through its grand doors after making a short prayer, the crowd around him part in two to make way.  He could sense the various emotions in the room through their whispers, and their vibes in general as he passed through close proximity from the various huddled up crowds in the assembly. His new ash hued shell hugged his frame, the mesh protecting his flesh under the plates welded with the purest of metals. The whole set had an iridescent from some angles, ashen from others, and glistened in a pearly white from afar.  His mask was especially curious - the helmet covered his skull, and the antlers on his adorned helmet were curved inward until they touched to form a halo in sharp contrast to the horns all around him. Across the center of the helmet was an insignia in the shape of a bold cross. The same pattern was on the white cape-cloak that shrouded his ashen grey shell, as well as on the fists of each of his gauntlets. As he meandered through the hall, he raised his brow under his mask upon noticing the distant stares and murmurs directed towards him from all across the room.

As he observed the crowd, he noticed that his shell stood out. His Reikonmen and Snowfallen Sentinel set that he received earlier were noticeably more decorated than the vast majority of shells worn by the other shinobi who had showed up. He noticed a few of them had distinct sets, however. He noticed that most shinobi in the room had light hair and fair complexions, but there were a few with peculiarly purple hair.

His light blue eyes looked around for Sakaiza and Travin, and when he could not spot either of them he wandered towards the grand window overlooking the village. The colors around him were vivid, and every smell and sound came through to him with  extreme lucidity ever since he regained his senses. Looking out from the tall window, he let out a warm exhalation, puffing out a cloud of smoke when his inner body heat touched the cold air through the narrow gape in his skull shaped mask. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a small metal flask to take a swig. The purple spirits warmed his blood, and kept his ears warm.

---

WC: 430

Sixth Sense

Within the apex of the Royal Palace was a moderate sized room, where shinobi of high rank and revere gathered in preparation of today's ceremony. Despite Sakaiza incessant rejection of hosting a grand function, the village elders insisted on it. And so the Wretched found himself endowed in the Formal variant of his Coldblooded Commander Shell. The robe was snow white, with blackened cuffs and grey accents riddled throughout it. Equipped to both sides were his trusty weapons, a katana and Bashosen. Draped from the robe's waistline was an intricate chain, which hung Sakaiza's horned mask from it. And upon his head was his glacial helm, or his Kage hat, resembling a fortified kasa with tassels of ivory fabric suspended from its brim. In the center and front of the hat was the symbol of Hyogagakure, embroidered with shades of blue and black.

For the first time in what felt like ages, he was without his mask. In a sense he felt exposed, vulnerable, naked. As all of his comrades and soldiers could look upon his bear face. It was devoid of any scars, despite his years of service. Yet it carried a sense of experience beyond his years, perhaps due to the stubble beard upon it.

From the window of the room, he looked down upon the crowd gathering at the base of the palace, eagerly waiting for the announcement to be delivered today. Those privy to Hyogagakure customs would understand this was akin to a coronation event, where the next Hyogakage was officially named. But for those newer to the village, they could be completely oblivious to the upcoming news. Regardless Sakaiza would depart from the window and exit from the personal chambers of the room to meet his team in the gathering chamber of the apex. Should Jupiter choose to partake in the briefing, this would be the first time he'd see Kai's exposed face. And ironically, this would be the first time Sakaiza would see Jupiter's mask. It was befitting, equipped with a crown of thorns and an aesthetic which complimented his complex nature. Kai would offer a subtle wave to his friend, the Archbishop. And if he had not been in the room, then he'd refrain all together.

Upon the conclusion of the briefing the group was dismissed to descend the tower to the floor above the ground level. On it was a large corridor where its walls were adorned with decorative pieces highlighting Hyogagakure's art and relics of Yukigakure. These were symbolic of the former failures of the Land of Snow, as well as the rise of potential in the country. They were stark contrasts of each other, but were inspirational to remind those who walked its walls of the past and the present, with the balcony at the end of the corridor representing the future. For over this balcony a wonderous view of the village could be seen. It towered 30 meters over the ground level, allowing whoever stood upon it a bird's eye view of the crowd which gathered beneath it. And today those individuals would be Sakaiza and Jupiter.

When the time came, the Wretched waltzed out to the balcony, embellished in the attire of the village's Commander. As a result the crowd chattered, where nary a single soul recognized the bare faced, dark skinned man with dreadlocks hanging from the rear of his hat. As he continued to walk forward towards the balcony's railing, his left hand would tighten around it as his right hand raised in the air displaying an open palm. He bore this pose momentarily, before lowering his hand, where the crowd would silence accordingly. As it would, even the wind would stifle momentarily, as if the entire Land of Snow stood still to await his words. And in turn, his voice would boom out in vibrato, loud enough for those beneath him to hear him clearly.

"Villagers of Hyogagakure," his voice rang, while his narrowed eyes surveyed the crowd. Internally, he detested that he had to give this speech but for the formality of his position, he accepted the responsibility of it. "It is a new day for the Glaciers. As strong and formidable we have become under the tutelage and iron fist of Lord Satoru, even he recognized it was time for change. A change, for us to grow stronger. To expand our influence by exploring into uncharted territory, and connecting our lands. To be inspired to become shinobi greater than we are today. And to do that, Lord First suggested a change in our regime.

Now it is I, Sakaiza Shinkou, who bears the mantle of Hyogakage. And I bear it with heavy shoulders, as the weight of Lord First and your own expectations are tremendous. But for that same reason I shall never falter nor fail. Just as you, the vanguards, sell swords, and ronin of the lands never waiver. Each of you shall aid in ushering monumental leaps for Hyogagakure's strive towards greatness. And I will be closely monitoring each of your growths. And so, set your hearts afrost!" He'd exclaim, with his right fist raised proudly in the air.

Mere seconds ensued after Sakaiza's conclusion, before a thunderous roar of applause and cheers would exclaim from the crowd. Though they did not recognize the man's face, they knew his name as a formerly highly regarded C grade shinobi with the favor of Satoru himself. The majority of people unanimously accepted this regime change, inspired by the high motor and strategic decisions they could expect of their new kage. But a handful of detractors carried some quiet yet visual animosity. These level of details were impossible for Sakaiza to see from his position, even if his Meigan had been active. And their clamor was conspicuously covered up by the proclamations of his supporters.

Having felt as if his message had been well received, he'd lower his right hand and relinquish his left hand's grip from the balcony's rail and raise it to usher his brother Jupiter to step forward. "To aid me in uplifting Hyogagakure, I have recruited my brother Jupiter, as our Archbishop."

Kai would take a step back, allowing Jupiter to take his place. And only loud enough for the Archbishop to hear, Sakaiza would say with a serious expression upon his face, "Win them over."

WC = 1056

Ryko kept his composure and his tact as he stood there in formation with the others, he noticed others showing up as the time went before the leaders were suppose to come out and give whatever announcement was going on though to Ryko no one stood out to him though that might be more because he was simply to annoyed to care about others in the area and wished he was already heading back to his training. If he didn’t have a respect for those with power he would have already dipped out of here and called it a day but he was hoping to get a sight of who the leader of this place really was. He had heard of the kage back when he joined the village but he rarely caught sight of him that wasn’t some far off sighting or some poster.

There was movement from the balcony of the Royal Palace and the atmosphere of the people assembled noticeably changed as the anticipation of what was to come built. Out walked a man of respectable height wearing the Commander version of the very armor that Ryko and many others wore. This was the first sign that this person was someone high in the hierarchy of the village but upon more sight of the man Ryko noticed that it was actually the armor that was only given to those who were the leader of the village. It was recognizable to anyone who lived in this village even more so to those who fought for it. “Hmm that isn’t the one I have heard about, who is this one?” Ryko thought to himself as others seemed to recognize the man on the balcony, from the whispers it was a known shinobi of the village that had been out and about for some time which would explain why Ryko didn’t have explicit knowledge of the person on the balcony.

The man started to speak and told the people here that he was the newly appointed kage as Satoru had left the village to him. It was certainly a surprise to those in the area though there was noticeably some that did not share that sentiment though they were those of higher standing then Ryko. It was certainly strange to hear someone say Lord First and it reminded Ryko just how new the village truly was as this man Sakaiza Shinkou was now technically Lord Second. Ryko’s thoughts were drawn more to the strength of the new Kage more than what happened to Satoru. After all if he was left in charge by that man then this one must have substantial strength to lead those who were here. The mention of some person named the Archbishop by the name of Jupiter was disheartening to the young man. Did this speak on the kage’s ideology as someone who would use some higher power as their guidance going forward? Or was this someone who would support the old religion of the Yuki people and those who have lived in the Land of Snow their whole lives? Ryko would save his judgement of this new regime once he had a chance to see what this Archbishop had to say and the actions of those newly in charge.

WC: 544
TWC: 1146