House of Spades.

[King]

Though he was somewhat slow on his pivot, the overall effect had been achieved. The minor first and second degree burns that peppered the back of his exposed flesh, namely on his arms and legs, weren't nearly enough to cause the Oyabun any serious pain. Besides, considering the reward, he would've said it was very much worth the cost.

"Oyabun-sama!" a collection of voices cried out from the fleeing crowds; a handful of occupants, both men and women, rushed to his aid. He fended them off with a casual wave, to which they heeded.

"I'm fine." Despite what had just taken place, Kouketsu had remained apathetically calm. "Hurry and put out those fires - ninja from the village will be here any minute."

"Hai!" Instinctively, those that could perform suiton based ninjutsu began working their magic; others, incapable of such feats, took to patting down the spot-flames with cloth, and other flame-retardant material. All the while, the Oyabun hadn't moved from his position.

Kouketsu's mind was hard at work, the gears of thought turning furiously as he tried his best to salvage the plan at hand. Then, suddenly, it hit him like a ton of bricks -- he'd play the fence, safely, still achieving his ultimate goal in the end.

A single hand seal produced yet another cloud of smoke, this one far more contained and defined than the first. From the coffin emerged a man identical to that of the Oyabun, spare for the few imperfections the fire had painted upon his being. Mimicking his creator, the kage bunshin proceeded to sift through several brief hand seals, begetting more smoke.

When the veil was lifted, the bunshin no longer resembled the Oyabun - instead, it had taken to the appearance of the late Mizukage, Hiromasa. It only took a few moments for the ravaging flames to be tamed, the damage assessed, and whatever was left of the scene to be either collected or thrown away. Hiromasa's sword, for instance, while somewhat blemished from the explosion had remained fully in tact. Kouketsu tossed it, carelessly so, toward his bunshin. "You know what your mission is."

Without further word, the chameleon disappeared into the remnants of the crowd that was still evacuating.

SPOILER: Click to show

Kage Bunshin no Jutsu

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[Axcel]

Looting approved.

[King]

/Exit

[addy-hime ♥]

As you all know, I thought this was a great read. :3 I've been following along for most of the time the thread has been up, and especially during the battle. Honestly, I don't think you can have a good fight without a few arguments here and there.. A difference of opinion is necessary, and it's what makes roleplay fun.

---

Genbu: 138 EXP.
Comatose: 40 EXP.
Hiromasa: 81 EXP.

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[King]

The night had fallen, yet the house of spades was as lively as ever. Though a decent section of the establishment had been ruined from the events earlier in the day, the unsightly populace of the village couldn't stay away for too long; it drew them black like addicts to crack or opium. They ate, lived and breathed the toxic fumes permeating throughout.

On the second floor, surrounded by the more wealthy of drug lords, Kouketsu sat silently. His wounds had already been treated and bandaged, and though everything was goin' according to plan, there was still more work to be done.

A mere snap of the fingers brought several blurs about his person, three ebony-clad shinobi, one of which bore a scroll. Its contents were small, brief; however, the impact they had on the Oyabun was tremendous. It'd been almost ten years since he'd saw his little brother.

"So, Anotsu's found his way home, has he?" He spoke aimlessly into the smoke-saturated room. "Well, it'd be rude of me not to invite him. Gather the others, as well. I'll need to inform them of what's going on. Now!"

Without so much as speaking a word, the trio of shinobi vanished into the shadows of the room. They were already well into the mission, and it'd only be a matter of moments before they found their targets. Still, Kouketsu had other things on his mind.

". . ."

[Zammy<3]

Zamarron was perplexed. She hadn't seen her master in weeks, since that fateful day where her life seemed at an end. She remembered how although he had been violent with her, he had, in some sick, twisted way, saved her life.

And she would never be able to repay him for it.

Even so, there was no admitting to such a weakness; weakness, as debt was commonly deemed. If anyone asked, she was in it for the glory, and for the money, of course. As far as anyone else knew, she owed nothing to anyone. She held no secret admiration for such a dangerous man, saw no reason to impress or to serve him. Indeed, to hide such a secret was deadly to anyone's emotions... but Zamarron, being the actress that she was, kept her true colors hidden with flawless composure. She made her way to the House of Spades on silent footsteps.

Compared to the buildings rowdy interior, the outside was hauntingly quiet. And it was on the doorstep of this eminent structure did the musician stand. Her body was stiff, for she'd only been here once before. Honestly, she feared meetings with her master. He was always too quick to slay her with his words, and she was afraid of his high expectations. At the same time, though, it was safe to say that the woman experienced a sense of euphoria every time she saw the man. To please him meant everything to her, but as I've already stated, she wouldn't let that fact be known; not to anyone. She would be resistant, and rebellious... as she always would be.

She let herself in, stepping inside just as one of the fatter drunks had lost his footing- the songstress took a quick step forward to dodge the unsightly pig, and the man fell flat on his face. Giggling at his humiliation, Zamarron continued on her way, for she knew where to find who was looking for her. Her surroundings quieted down as she ascended the stairs, and she recognized no one once she reached the second floor. She was confused now, having not forgotten but became ignorant as to where exactly she was.

She would wait impatiently for the needed assistance.

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[King]

Kouketsu could see his newest addition to the Akumabito from where he sat, secluded at the northern most reach of the second floor. Aside from the closely-knit crowd that cluttered the space around him, patiently awaiting his approval or disapproval on a myriad of topics, the shadows had taken to him like a moth to the flame. All but his face, hatchet-lit as it was, were submerged in the pitch of the dim light of the room.

A woman, one of the many that littered this area, presented herself to the newcomer. She was polite in the fact that she bowed before speaking; however, the disdain she held for yet another women present among her lord was quite explicit in her sharp eyes, burning brighter than the flames of hell itself. "This way."

The former geisha, a fallen angel soiled by Lucifer's treacherous touch, would lead Zammaron across the short expanse to their master. Once there, she would perform another curt bow before taking her leave.

"Welcome back." Indeed, it had been quite some time since he'd seen her. He was glad to see that she hadn't tried killing herself again, though her life was no longer hers to take. Whether she'd admit it or not, they both knew this was true. "I've been told that you ran into my younger brother, Anotsu."

Chances were, if she had actually met his sibling, the beans had been overly spilled. Anotsu never really was one for secrecy, something they differed in entirely. "Is he on his way here?"

[Zammy<3]

"This way."

Words laced in a venom so sinister that naturally, Zamarron's attention was drawn to them. It was rather fortunate that she did, too, for the woman would serve to be an accurate guide as to where her master was currently located. Gliding into the room where the latter lounged in his relaxed, all knowing fashion, the woman's gaze would touch his, just as his tongue sprouted words of greeting.

"Welcome back."

The dark beauty blushed a light pink, but even so, her countenance was kept composed and her physique stayed stilled. The most simple of pleasured words from Kouketsu sent her thoughts spiraling. She performed no bow of respect, as was protocol. Rather, she let her eyes do the talking. They glittered with a raging fire of awe that threatened to overwhelm her.

"I've been told you ran into my younger brother, Anotsu."

She nodded her head in response. "I have," she confirmed. "Apparantly, you both enjoy handling women rather... roughly." She had half a mind to show him the bruises which his brother had easily left upon her apendage, but thought better of it; she didn't exactly want him knowing she had the skin of a peach.

"Is he on his way here?" he inquired.

"Yes," she assured him, remembering that Anotsu had been right behind her on her way to the infamous house. She looked to the side, breaking eye contact. Something was wrong. "Master..." she began quietly, but then her voice picked up its strength once she remembered who she was.

"Why have you summoned me?" she asked- er, demanded.

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[King]

"As one of my valuable assets, I presumed it would be best to keep you updated on current events." His eyes, dull as they were, thoroughly scrutinized her figure. It didn't take a genius to see that something was wrong, but he'd let her play whatever game she was trying to; there were more pressing matters at hand, anyways. "Besides, you should rejoice - not many of my subordinates are blessed with my presence this often."

When the topic shifted to Anotsu, one might've expected the Oyabun to show some emotion toward his sibling. Interestingly enough, it was quite the opposite. Kouketsu had remained indifferent despite the humorous statement, knowing it to be true. Even though he'd long since detached the name "Uchiha" from his existence, blood was blood. They may have been drastically different in some aspects, but they were uncannily similar in others.

"You could say it runs in the family," he replied with a mask of jest. "Did he hurt you?"

Depending on her answer, the conversation would've either come to a stand still or progressed to business. Assumin' it took the later route, as Zammaron felt it necessary to hide her softness from her master for whatever reason, the Oyabun would've spoke with a domination that made the woman's own pale in comparison.

"The Mizukage is no longer an issue to us. Kirigakure is entirely ours, to do with it what we wish." It was a cryptic response, though he was fairly certain she would understand what he meant. Considering she actually had ties to him, and was his original means to get the information he wanted from the late Mizukage, her purpose had become obsolete. "So, we're setting our sights on other villages. How would you feel about being deployed to Konoha, Zamarron?"

It wasn't like him to ask for their opinions; however, he could only afford to send his topic agents to do the job. Asato, from what he'd been informed, was tied up in Kaze no Kuni. Aside from that fact, the Hokage happened to be a male. If her mentality could handle the burden, he was confident her excessive, almost addictive sex appeal could handle the rest. Not many boys, let alone men, had the adamant resistance that her master permeated with every breath.

[zibishi]

Zibishi flew across buildings with a quick and amazing speed. All the while he took in the effects of his surrounding. Kirigakure was making due and progress with its rebuilding efforts and he was satisfied with the strides they had made as worked through some of the more fancier part of the village. He looked back at the Mizukage tower and hoped the secretary wouldn't be too ticked at him for rushing off like that, but it couldn't be helped as his nose became entangled with the smells of the approaching slums.

He was quite familiar with the area as the Sansutsomu dojo and area of Kirigakure was located a few kilometers away. He wondered what exactly the house of Spades was like as a toddler and young boy he had never entered into the famed building, but had heard plenty of tales and overheard much raucus. He slid across a building and let his light blue eyes scan the horizan searching for the building until he finally found it. He continued his leaps across rooftops and power lines barely able to control his speed.

He stopped once he was directly adjacent to the building and effortlessly he dropped down to the ground landing with a plop as the dust on the road slowly rose in the air as if to greet him. His eyes wandered around as decayed buildings, streetfights, and a foul stench characterized the area. He was glad he had made it out of this area, but it still served as humbling experience for where he could end up if he didn't do his duty. He was armed with his halbred and several Kunai and explosive notes, he didn't expect his visit to be all that pleasant and wondered if he would see Zammy or the Uchiha immediately.

He would keep a low profile as he lowered his head and slowly began making his way towards the building, who's outside was less than impressive and made Zibishi's heart drop for some reason, but once he stepped into the vaunted building his eyes were impressed as the setting was almost refreshing, but the Patrons made him feel other wise as excessive drinking and foul language polluted the air. He was only 13 and in a rough setting, but he kept his cool as he made his way towards a table and sat down quietly calmly looking for Zammy to appear. He also began fishing around in his pouch for the note intended for the Mizukage. He held it in his palms and wanted to open and read it, but he would wait for the proper time.

[Zammy<3]

"Did he hurt you?"

The woman's eyes widened; the question just seemed so intimate. And needless to say, intimacy wasn't exactly her strong suit. Should she open herself up to this man, who owned her very own life, or should she... lie? A lie is the beginning of a life of hatred, she knew. She had had enough experience twisting minds and manipulating men to know that lies only breed hostility. In the end, she didn't want a negative relationship with this man. Zamarron held out her arm in response, the marks of black and blue still screaming out with violence.

She was prepared for almost any reaction.

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[King]

Zamarron might've noticed the familiar ebon-clad being that appeared next to the Oyabun. After whispering something in his ear, receiving a nod in return, the individual vanished as quickly as they had appeared. With that business concluded, Kouketsu turned his gaze back to the bruised woman before him.

"I see." His response was surprisingly calm. Indeed, that was quite like Anotsu - always making a point. "I'll deal with that when he arrives, then."

The topic, like much of the Oyabun's life it seemed, was dismissed all too quickly. The information to follow would've been nothin' outside the previously mentioned, detailing the specifics of everything that had happened. Of course, he saw no reason to mention the late Mizukage's fate if she didn't feel the need to ask.

Still, something wasn't right. "Is something bothering you?"

---

The house of spades welcomed all sorts, people from all walks of life. However, they had a particular distaste for unwelcomed guests. Unfortunately for Zibishi, his concern over Zamarron's well being would cost him dearly.

Sifting through the crowded first floor like shadows, the child would find himself surrounded by a group of four. They, like all house operatives, were dressed entirely in black silk. Their eyes focused, intense; they seemed to burrow through the child's very body and soul.

"Sssssssstate your busssssssinessssssss, intruder." There that hissy bitch was again, her snake-like eyes the most defined out of the group.

The commotion downstairs wouldn't be loud enough, yet, for those of the upper regions to hear anything.

[zibishi]

Zibishi could feel men approaching his position and he shook his head. His early guesses had been right and he figured his luck would be running out. He sighed and slowly put the note back into his pouch as four ebony clad men approached him. He didn't have time to order a drink or a meal so he was hungry, thus souring the predicament he was currently in. They surrounded him and Zibishi eyed them quietly, patiently thinking of ways to get himself out of this without a blood bath.

His eyes responded to the threat by going into the preliminary stage of his Kekkai Genkai. His pupils began swirling and partially darkening, while his irises went through a mutation and began flashing white and blue streaks that may have been considered lightning to some and the veins around his eyes hardened and turned blue, showing how much focus was being placed into his eyes. He looked at the shadowy figures and stood up from his seat still not in a hostile or aggressive stance just yet.

Diplomacy may save him, as his tongue was a better weapon than his halbred in this situation. He wondered who their leader was and if he would have any interest in this note from the Daimyo. It would be worth a shot as the young genin cleared his throat and responded to the one that spoke with a hiss in their speech.

"I'm here seeiking a woman named Zamarron and I may have something that might interest your master if he's as powerful as he thinks he is."

[King]

"Think?" The woman laughed, a thick and rich one at that. "Our massssssster is the most powerful man in this village. Your Daimyo is merely a pawn in hisssssss plan. You'd do well to watch your tongue, boy."

Crouched low, her fingers - which were more like claws - twitched in agony. Their thirst for blood was quite explicit, almost palpable even; whoever this bitch was, it was obvious why she was the Oyabun's head of security.

"Hand me the note, and depending on itssssssss contentsssssss, we may ssssssspare your life."

Hopefully, he'd take the smart road and just give her the note. The last He-Man that thought it was a great idea to act tough in the house of spades ended up in a body bad. This chump would be no different if he didn't comply, even with that obvious dojutsu.

[zibishi]

"Hmmm, my daimyo? Please I wouldn't claim the rude barbarian as my leader and I would be disgusted with myself if I was actually one of his followers."

He still looked around seeing if he could play his cards right, but he realized that he wasn't in the Mizukage tower and wouldn't be able to get away from trouble so easily. It was obvious they underestimated him, but it was their place and they had numbers so they did have the right of course. After his first retort Zibishi smartly held his tongue as he dug in his pouch for the note.

He handed it over to her slowly with the insigna of Kiku and the daimyo being clear on the sheet of paper he offered her. He kept his eyes moving and powered up and looked at the various angles he would use to get out of being surrounded if they decided to spring upon him.