Just a Normal Day [Open]

[Retsu Kinata]

Just a Normal Day

---

A short distance from the Valley, sitting atop an island on a lake residing to the east, A small township was beginning it day with the rising sun. A large tower oversaw a glorious set of homes and buildings built into a natural edifice; A small mountain that made up the islands frame. A horseshoe. Many of the structures were still being constructed, with many of the villagers already working hard. A humble hamlet.

Atop the highest tower, meditating on their own needs, a young man would seem to be at peace. Ears perked open, listening to the area around him as he'd focus the flow of chakra through his body, harnessing it in his ear canal.  Everything was as clear to him as if he were seeing it with his eyes. Black hair, with a blue streak, swaying in the breeze as open windows on all four sides of him let in a nice crosswind. Yet this was ignored, as too were the sounds of birds. The chirp of cicada. Nothing mattered.

For the Kinata-nin leader, he had to keep a constant vigilance, for the Daimyo's army, for the other clans. It was equal parts duty, and equal parts fear as life in the Land of Fire was not as guaranteed as one might hope. The Kinata clan had traversed much sufferage to get to this place, to begin reconstruction. The deal he'd made had assured them home, an area to use their skills in mining, and an arrangement that let his people survive, feed and live. In truth, he should be pleased. Not so on edge. Yet in the end? He was terrified. 

This hadnt been what he'd hoped for in his life. He hadnt the slightest inkling of peace. Not even remotely. Everynight he was worried that they'd be caught by the Daimyo's militant forces, telling them that they hadnt come forth with enough information. Hadnt come forth with enough secrets. Sometimes, with his 'nightowls' in the field, members of his clan whom had volunteered to use subterfuge to sit on the absolute limit of their range, outside of villages through the Land of Fire, and relayed htis information back; Retsu wasnt sure if they'd survive, and that too bothered him. They were so few..

As he sat there, in his posture, chakra flowing like water, a sound would catch his attention. The motion of feet shuffling up the tower. The hesitant step of each motion made it clear whom it was. A simple gesture. It was Madame Archa. The eldest of the clan, and also his overall caretaker. She must be coming with Tea, as timely as always. Everyday at this time. Without fail. Retsu didnt make a gesture, but internally he smiled. While he'd not make a movement, he'd maintain his vigilance around his island. Aware of everything.

Should someone come, he was prepared to greet them directly. There would be no need for others to offer consolitary advice towards political needs. Diplomacy was his job, his duty. He had to keep his people safe no matter what. 

coded by benetnasch of THQ

Music::
Artificial Nocturne

Stats:

• Rank: D
• Ninjutsu: 6
• Taijutsu 3
• Genjutsu: 1
• Technique: 1
• Toughness: 2
• Speed: 1
• Stamina: 2
  
  
• HP:340/340
• CP: 17/17

Tags:
Character Sheet

Words:
514/514

[Kozakura Senju]

just a normal day kozakura returns a spy For weeks on end, Kozakura had been tirelessly scheming and plotting, strategizing attacks against the daimyō's trade routes that snaked through the lush Maboroshi Forest en route to Tonika Village and Yosuga Pass. With her scouts and small squadrons, she had aimed to hit her enemies where it hurt the most, hoping to cripple their resources and demoralize their troops. But all her efforts had been for naught, as each mission was thwarted by an unexpected and inexplicable surge in defenses. Time after time, her men had returned from their failed missions with grim reports of ambushes and casualties. Kozakura had been beside herself with frustration, unable to fathom how the daimyō had become so well prepared. She had lost a dozen of her finest soldiers in these skirmishes, and was determined to uncover the root of the problem. Days stretched into weeks, and Kozakura's hunt for answers became ever more desperate. Finally, a breakthrough came in the form of a captured nightowl, one of the Kinata Clan's many spies. They had capturing vital information about her movements and plans, and passing it along to the daimyō's forces. As the spy was delivered to her, she constructed a wooden cage around it and placed it on the back of her palanquin. Her voice was a low and commanding rumble as she called out to Eiji, the palanquin driver. He hurried over obediently to her side, eager to hear what she needed of him. "Come, Eiji," she spoke softly, but with a stern authority, "We must make haste to the Shūmatsu Valley. I intend to confront the Kinata Clan directly about their spy." Eiji's eyes widened with surprise and concern. "Are you sure about this, Keikan?" he asked cautiously, knowing full well the Kinata Clan was a dangerous foe. Her eyes narrowed as she responded, "I am sure. We cannot let their treachery go unconfronted." Without another word, Eiji took control of the palanquin, his skilled hands expertly animating its many legs as it lumbered away, hastening towards the Shūmatsu Valley with a sense of urgency. The journey ahead would not be an easy one, but Keikan was resolved to see it through to the end. As the palanquin glided across the tranquil waters of the lake, the surroundings shifted to an island dotted with mountains looming in the distance. Kozakura gazed ahead, her brow furrowed with a sense of apprehension, and her fingers clutching the railing tightly. Eiji skillfully maneuvered the vessel through the currents, his eyes never leaving the path ahead. Finally, they reached the village of the Kinata, perched atop the mountains and overlooking the lake below. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and spices, and Kozakura's eyes scanned the architecture that surrounded her. She spotted a tower in the distance and urged Eiji toward it. As they arrived at the entrance to the tower, Kozakura turned to Eiji. "Wait here," she ordered. "If anything goes wrong, signal me immediately." With a determined stride, Kozakura entered the tower, dragging the unconscious spy with her. As she stood in the entry room, she could feel the eyes of the Kinata on her, their gazes intense and probing. "You left something behind in the Senju Compound," Kozakura barked, tossing the spy to the ground as she called out. "And I'd very much like to know why he was there!" Retsu Kinata Items: Shinobi Armor

Ninjutsu: 5 Taijutsu: 2 Genjutsu: 1 Technique: 1 Toughness: 2 Speed: 2 Stamina: 2 CP: 17/17 HP: 560/560

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS & THQ

[Retsu Kinata]

Just a Normal Day

---

 It was the sound of the palanquin that caught his attention before the arrival of a person. His eyes shifting down towards the main gate, from this angle taking in everything without issue. Visual confirmation indicated that they did indeed have arrivals in their small island village. The elderly lady offered him a look, her own ears picking up on the sounds. A hand was risen. His voice barely a whisper as he gave his command.

"Offer no resistance, let them pass."

Standing up from his position, he'd take a single sip of the tea before placing it down by his Sho board. This was going to be an interesting day. Moving to sit in the single large chair in the ante-chamber that was this towers center, Retsu would compose himself for a meeting. Though, from the steps he was hearing bare their way towards him, at the top. The dragging sound wasnt good though. A stern look upon his features that maintained its presence until such a time as the moment the woman entered his chambers.

The elderly ninja, one of his Night-Owls, was tossed to the floor, unconcious. Though he didnt seem 'too bad' for state, considering he was discovered. A surprise, all the same, but not an unwelcome one. He'd stare forward, his eyes focused and narrow. He'd time it perfectly to the steps. Almost as if precognition. As soon as the door was burst open, she'd be greeted by the sight of Retsu on his chair. Hands foled in his lap.

First, as she'd speak out, angrily, he'd calmly address a bigger elephant in the room. Something that was more pressing to him. He'd begin.

"Well, greetings and salutations to you as well. Madame Archa; Please, take this gentlemen to be looked after. Im sure his treatment was stern but fair." Retsu's voice was monotonic. There was no question to his order, the elderly lady made her steps forward right as the young master stood up. He'd stare forward towards her for a moment, his eyes focused in on her features before he spoke. Trying to figure out whom she was, though from everything he was garnering he had a very good idea. It relayed with his network of spies, after all.

"...and you must be the infamous Kozakura Senju." A look that could cut glass in half was passed over towards her. Two predators in a room staring one another down. This young man was not timid, nor was he tame. The wild mane of black hair was not just a style preference, but more of a lifestyle choice. He'd continue, slowly. Though his body showed no indication of threat.

"I've heard so much about you." A pun?

The question of why was brought up, and a sigh escaped his lips before a laugh. As if this was all a big misunderstanding. Though, the pair knew it wasnt. Even if he was releasing a slightly more jovial frivolity to his presence. A child-like shift in persona. It was an oddness, but something he'd worked on to keep people guessing. Still, he'd shoot straight.

"I believe the question of 'why' he was there is a bit silly dont you? We both know why he was there. To spy on you of course." He'd speak lightly, his voice barely above a whisper, yet in this room it travelled perfectly. Though there was no matter of fact nature to his voice. Even admitting to it sounded a pain. Nevertheless, he'd continue.

"As part of our deal with the Daiymo; In exchange for the safety of my people, and our stake in a place to call our own, My people and I have had to make...concessions. Agreements if you will."

As he stood there, making sure Madame Archa could take the Night-Owl away, Retsu continued, gesturing with his hands.

"Our abilities, make us good at such things as listening, and relaying things. As such...I have deployed Night-Owls across the Land of Fire, near each of the many clan-villages...these men and women gather information and 'secrets' and relay them back to this place here..."

A gesture ended.

"Where I go through them, and determine whats worth the Daimyo's time of hearing...You know, the small things. Talks of inssurection, rising rebellion. Im sure you get the picture..."

For all she could be telling, he was threatening her. Yet he wasnt. Because if he had, wouldnt that mean he'd of already brought things down upon them? Its clear he knew whom she was. So whatr was the deal? He'd continue.

"Of course, being forced to do such by 'bladepoint' is not my choice of fun. So you'll forgive me and mine if we literally dont have a choice..Now, can I get you some refreshments? Im sure you and your two fellows would be tired after your travel...Shall we talk like civlized people, or should we just skip to the hard part?"

He seemed jaded, if anything. Retsu was prepared for pain, for misery. He had been waiting for it for nights now. Coming from another clan? That'd be just the icing.,

coded by benetnasch of THQ

Music::
Artificial Nocturne

Stats:

• Rank: D
• Ninjutsu: 6
• Taijutsu 3
• Genjutsu: 1
• Technique: 1
• Toughness: 2
• Speed: 1
• Stamina: 2
  
  
• HP:340/340
• CP: 17/17

Tags:
Character Sheet

Words:
850/1,364

[Kozakura Senju]

just a normal day kozakura returns a spy As Retsu spoke, his words seemed to drip with a sense of insincerity that set Kozakura on edge. She watched him with a predator's focus, her face a mask of stoic neutrality as she waited for him to explain himself. His words were redundant, stating the obvious that any shinobi would know, and she suppressed a sigh of impatience. Retsu elaborated further, and Kozakura nodded once. She had heard a great deal through her intelligence and the chain of secret-thieves she employed throughout the land of fire of the deal that Itsuki had offered the Kinata. But she had also expected that any shinobi clan, self serving as shinobi families tended to be, would be able to appease the daimyō without making themselves more enemies than absolutely necessary. As his explanation continued in a far more specific direction, her attention sharpened, her eyes narrowing. Was he making a threat? Did the Kinata know too much about her plans? More importantly, how much more had they already given away to the daimyō? She would need to find this out. As he finished explaining, he rationalized his actions with a simplicity that made Kozakura's temper flare. It was his position that the Kinata had no alternative. "There is always a choice," Kozakura said in a low, dangerous tone. She stepped closer to him, her posture tense with the threat of violence. "Right now, you offer me two: to either endure a fight, or accept your hospitality." She paused for a moment, considering her options. "I decline your offer of refreshments," she said, her voice icy and her body loosening. "Instead, we shall parlay. Perhaps we can find an accord." Her refusal of his hospitality was a deliberate message, making clear to him discreetly her displeasure and her mistrust. It showed that despite the formal roles they both held as clean leaders, that she would not be placated so easily. Retsu Kinata Items: Shinobi Armor

Ninjutsu: 5 Taijutsu: 2 Genjutsu: 1 Technique: 1 Toughness: 2 Speed: 2 Stamina: 2 CP: 17/17 HP: 560/560

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS & THQ

[Retsu Kinata]

Just a Normal Day

---

He'd wait, his eyes never leaving her as he measured her bodies movements. The tensing of her muscles. The increase in her heartrate or the elevation of stress. Nothing, at this range, could escape his hearing. It was unique, that was for sure. Still, she'd seem more and more agitated by him, and he could understand the why. His very genuine matter-o-fact nature came of smarmy, and to be honest, It was just his personality. He oozed niceness because he was - genuinely - nice. Still, he'd note her ruffled feathers and hear her words of Parlay.

When her body loosened, her stance relaxed, then Retsu finally spoke. He'd let her decline his hospitality for the moment, but he was sure she'd come around. It wouldnt be a very hard conversation to have because he already knew what he was going to say from the moment he began hearing their approach. So when the time came to speak, of everyone having a choice, and the parlay of words, she'd find him smiling still.

"You're correct! Everyone does indeed have a choice. Though when blades are at your throat, and with no lands to call your own, the noose does tighten, and so too does your options seem limited. However.."

A finger was raised, a point was given.

"Even in that, choices are made. Like how its been my choice to keep the current rising of forces in the Land of Fire to myself. Not speaking of it to the Daimyo outside of...how one would say...'normal day to day drama'. A misdirection here, a claim of growth there. Of course there's the odd report of 'bandits' in the land. These are all normal things."

As his words were spoken, a grander understanding might be garnered. Though if it wasnt, one wouldnt need guess long.

"Just like how one uses their newfound 'position' as the Daimyo's ears to...listen. To hear whom could help my people out of this mess. Its not like we Enjoy being eavesdroppers. Quite the opposite. We're miners. We find our place within the depths of the earth finding rare minerals, and rarer gemstones. The Daimyo thinks otherwise."

Madam Archa would indeed leave the room with teh injured spy, before Retsu would hear the door click. Locked. None would bother them.

"Just like one learns to listen and hear whom potential allies, and potential enemies may be. So tell me, Kozakura Senju..."

Retsu rose his tea to his lips.

"-Your supply lines have been unimpeded. Your rising forces, undetected outside of a rare raid, here, there, Small losses."

A sip.

"Are we to be enemies? or are we to be allies? I think my people have shown their good faith, no?" A smile, as he'd mention these things. Showing a network of knowledge? Or maybe a good bluff. Its not like any of this wasnt easy to guess at. Some of it was known, He'd been listening for weeks. Though some of it was a full bluff. Whether or not it worked who could tell. One could only negotiate if they were on an equal position of understanding.

"I'd say the Parlaying, long since began."

coded by benetnasch of THQ

Music::
Artificial Nocturne

Stats:

• Rank: D
• Ninjutsu: 6
• Taijutsu 3
• Genjutsu: 1
• Technique: 1
• Toughness: 2
• Speed: 1
• Stamina: 2
  
  
• HP:340/340
• CP: 17/17

Tags:
Character Sheet

Words:
525/1,889

[Kozakura Senju]

just a normal day kozakura returns a spy Kozakura refused to allow her face to twist or shift an inch in response to Retsu's words. She could not refute that being held at knifepoints did wonders for motivating you to do anything, even if it's immoral or something you would otherwise refuse to do. But she also knew that the Kinata were not ordinary people. They were a clan of shinobi. They were trained from childhood to withstand pain, to hold their tongue, to keep secrets even if that meant dying for the sake of their clan or their people. It really was just a matter of what cause they decided was worth dying for. In this case, as Retsu explained, it seemed the answer to what cause they would martyr themselves for was not yet decided. They were the daimyō's dogs, and performed their duties well enough she gathered, since they were still alive. But Retsu posed to her an interesting point, and she sat there pondering it. He knew far more of her operation than the daimyō seemed to. His clan gathered information for him at a rate far faster than he shared it, and though he had seeded the information that had cost her the lives of her men... he had also kept vital information from the daimyō many times, which might have cost her the entirety of her rebellion. "Whether we are to be allies or enemies remains to be seen," Kozakura said, staring Retsu. "but I expect that you understand your debt, just as I now understand mine." The words were simple, without a call to action. But their purpose would be crystal clear to any shinobi. Kozakura proposed an exchange. Information on the daimyō in recompensense for the death of her men, and then she could offer something in exchange for the Kinata being selective with the information they chose to share. "Talk." Retsu Kinata Items: Shinobi Armor

Ninjutsu: 5 Taijutsu: 2 Genjutsu: 1 Technique: 1 Toughness: 2 Speed: 2 Stamina: 2 CP: 17/17 HP: 560/560

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS & THQ

[Retsu Kinata]

Just a Normal Day

---

Sipping his tea, Retsu would hear her words. It seemed she did understand. That'd make things easier. Retsu used to be more kind about his interactions and dealings.However being threatened as he had been by the Daimyo, he'd hardened. Become more like steel. As she asked him to speak, he'd begin.

"He who controls the information trade controls the kingdom. I am that man. Its easy for me to drop a tidbit here or there. Im tactical, I know ive cost you some lives. Im sorry for that.." There was a sadness to his tone as he'd say this. Wondering just about what was more to say on that.

"So to that, I offer you this. Beyond the knowledge of the paranoia our dear Daimyo holds in his heart, in his mind. He fears being challenged most of all. Its clear by the way he threatens his heavy hand. Just as I hear for him, I could be persuaded to hear for another..."

Retsu paused, to take a cookie from the tray. 

"You really should try this, its to die for." He'd eat the cookie and sip the tea and smile warmly as he felt relaxed. soon after he would look towards Koza and state very clearly.

"All I wanted was a home for my people. A place at the table. A place where we can belong. All ive wanted this entire time was for my people and I to have the same rights as anyone else. Its not rocket science. Its just simple math. We want to feel at peace in our home, and have friendships among our peers. Not be used this way..and most of all? We want to Mine again. Not Be relegated to the ears of the Daimyo."

That was it. The whole of it.

"I want to make sure that if he falls, he knows that its because he didnt 'know' something. That he was left in the dark. I want to make him suffer an embarrassing defeat. All of it. I need him to know that this isnt going to be how we stay forever. This isnt going to be how our story ends. Instead, he will soon know that the people of this place are clearly not just his toys to use."

Retsu was very passionate in this. and the young man finished with his tea putting it down.

"...So, Kozakura Senju. What is it YOU want?"

Music::
Artificial Nocturne

Stats:

• Rank: D
• Ninjutsu: 6
• Taijutsu 3
• Genjutsu: 1
• Technique: 1
• Toughness: 2
• Speed: 1
• Stamina: 2
  
  
• HP:340/340
• CP: 17/17

Tags:
Character Sheet

Words:
417/2,306

[Kozakura Senju]

just a normal day kozakura returns a spy It was difficult to contain herself as Retsu gave apology for the men who's lives his words and information had cost her. He looked to be saddened as he spoke, but Kozakura could not tell if that was about these lost soldiers, or about something entirely different. Perhaps a misery at the state of the world, or what tasks he had been reduced to. But she refused to believe that he genuinely mourned the loss of her dead. No shinobi in this world ever truly did. The lives of your allies and kinsman were all you could afford to care for. Once again, Retsu extended his hospitality, offering refreshments. Kozakura, bound by the strict codes of formality, recognized that declining this gesture would be a grave insult in the intricate court of shinobi politics. She wasn't yet ready to provoke him further. Accepting the cookie, she cradled it delicately in her hands, refraining from consuming it just yet. Attentively, she absorbed Retsu's words as they flowed from his lips. He spoke of his people's yearning for a sanctuary, a place where they could reclaim the lives they once lived before becoming indentured servants of the daimyō. No longer did they wish to be relegated to the ears of an empire, their existence controlled by a tyrant's whims. Their hearts longed for emancipation and tranquility, and for the comfort of toil beneath the earth. Kozakura understood that sentiment, even held a measure of respect for it. Yet, she knew all too well that every clan head pursued a similar dream for their people. It was the unending struggle that bound the lives of shinobi. They waged ceaseless wars, striving for liberation and autonomy. However, it was Retsu's subsequent words that truly captured Kozakura's attention. His ambition surpassed mere emancipation from the daimyō's rule. He wanted to have a hand in the orchestra that brought about the tyrant's fall, to have him be acutely aware that the reason for his loss was that the Kinata had witheld vital information was withheld from him. Kozakura's lips curled into an understanding and wicked smile, tugging subtly at the edge of her lips. "If your ambition is to free yourself of the shackles that the daimyō has on your clan, I believe we can find an accord. It is an open secret in the Land of Fire that I move against him. Most shinobi know at least this much. However, what remains hidden, even from your clan's keen ears, is that the Senju clan does not stand alone in this endeavor. I have rallied a formidable alliance," she declared, perhaps embellishing the number of valuable clans allied with the growing Tasogare Alliance. "And as I see it, our alliance would benefit from such keen ears... that would serve to satisfy both of our debts, would it not?" Finally, she answered his ultimate question. "I want to see Itsuki Madoka burn." Retsu Kinata Items: Shinobi Armor

Ninjutsu: 5 Taijutsu: 2 Genjutsu: 1 Technique: 1 Toughness: 2 Speed: 2 Stamina: 2 CP: 17/17 HP: 560/560

MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS & THQ