valueoftheworld01: journey of a thousand miles

[Messatsu!]

Refusing to budge, Masuyo remained seated as his eyes burned painless holes into the dual doors that led into the main hall. His field of vision was relatively wide from the angle he sat and distance that separated him from whoever stepped through the door, nothing would have escaped his sight. What surprised Masuyo in the coming moments was not that something escaped his eye sight, but actually the person that stepped through the doors. After seven years, seven long years, the image of his crimson armour and jet black gloves still burned within the forefronts of his mind. It was that very image that made the mans identity discernible - Uchiha Faust. In a rush of overwhelming memories, the Sennin remembered the fateful day when he met Faust as nothing more than a starving child that housed enough hidden power to personally gain his interest.

It was during that seven years that he accepted Faust's tutelage which partly molded him into the combative monster that he had come to be. Thereafter, they split up, in-between then and now, some many thing happened that he wanted to tell Faust, everything except for being responsible for the act on Kami no Shima. He was a father figure in more ways than one, someone that Masuyo still looked up to in terms of strength, power, and dominance. Nevertheless, Masuyo hastily raised up to a full stand and quickly walked over towards Faust with a bright smile that stretched from ear to ear. Considering that his body rapidly aged far beyond his mere 15 years of life, having known Faust for so long he should have recognized him, even if just barely. After moving to a position where he'd have been within earshot of Faust, he spoke loud enough for his ears and his only.

"Faust, its me. Masuyo! its been so long and you look like you haven't changed even a little. "

Faust would have had enough time to respond, and once he had done so, sound of numerous rattling sets of armour filled the room as Samurai surrounded the collected shinobi. His head turned, panning left and right as he turned around to face the banister. The Sennin's smile swapped presence with a more serious expression the moment he looked upon Muramasa. Listening to his words intently, Masuyo decided to stay -not that he intended on even leaving- as he made his way down to the main hall's floor. Muramasa soon turned and demanded that the collection of ninja follow. Looking back to Faust, Masuyo grinned as he stepped forward and trailed a handful of meters behind Muramasa. As he stopped and thought about it, it made hadn't been outlandish to picture Faust in such a place, especially considering that he and Masuyo roamed a great many lands in the name of money.

With a few moments of travel, Masuyo came to another gate which then led to a teeming courtyard. Finally, after having taken in most of the scenery, Masuyo and the group (presuming they're present) was brought before the fabled Nakamura, richest man in the world. Quickly, Masuyo picked up the man when he referred to the bunch as "soldiers" which only caused the promise he made to his sister even clearer.

[Trigga]

There was so much he wanted to tell her; to vent, to confess and more importantly, to explain. His absence was by no means purposeful and his death was all but factual, given he stood in front of the woman whose graze seared abhorrence into his bearing. Words were nothing more than leaves falling from a tree of emotion; they were meaningless when compared to expressions of the body that directly articulated the sensations of the soul. As such the moment her gazed had turned, and she appeared as if she cared little, he’d treat it as such; he knew however there was much more than what came at face value.

The doors would sever once more, the sun escorting in another in attendance, though this person sparked a curiosity in someone other than the Sage. Crimson panoply as stainless as the eyes he wielded at times, Ryūuke found himself facing a man whose posture as just as strong as his own—if not stronger. (“Who is he?”) Head turning, allowing the entirety of his gaze to meet the steel-clad individual, rapid steps catch his ears and the Uchiha took a step to the side, allowing the rushing boy to pass. As their bodies were horizontally complimented, Ryūsuke took the moment to turn his sight towards the passing Shinobi, taking in the expression upon his face. Happiness, joy, and anticipation; all these emotions flooding each and every crevasses of his face as he stood before the man who he called ‘Faust’—so that was his name.

While he seemed familiar, Ryūsuke would digress. Having known, to some extent, everyone in this room, he could live without knowing one or two. Standing his ground, in the center of all the conversation and gathering forces, a sudden beat of metal called. Steps coated in steel rushed across the floor, the clatter from the boots introducing a number of Samurai into the confines of the initial vestibule. Neither alarmed nor doubtful, the Hokage simply sighed, not allowing his instincts to surface. They were of no harm, their intentions were rather submissive and as the butler, Muramasa revealed himself once more, their journey would begin.

Calling for only the brave to follow there was a small pause for allowing those who wanted to leave to do so, Ryūsuke didn’t move. As he led those wanting to continue through another marvelous garden that spoke well to the wealth one man held, the Uchiha found himself stopping just feet from the Sage, arms folded over his chest as they set their eyes upon the man who made all this possible. “So it begins,” A soft whisper escaping through his lips, he would wait as him and the fellow soilders awaited the next series of words from their host and benefactor.

[The Dude]

Eiichiro replied not only politely but also with common courtesy offering his name in return to Ekitai who smiled happily with the man. He was glad he had not gone ahead and made assumptions as this ninja was now held in very high regards with the Hozuki. The Kumo shinobi confessed having very vague details about the mission as well making a small observation about the host. So it was as Ekitai had assumed, no one here knew exactly why they had been gathered or what the old man had in store for them. He had considered the possibility of one of the shinobi gathered today to have some familiarity with the gentleman and perhaps a little insight into his goals but after having discussed with the Kumogakure genin and taken in minor observations of the interactions between the people in the room he came to the sound conclusion that knew no more than he knew for the time being.

Just as his lips parted to continue the friendly enough conversation the sound of music rose up commanding all in the room to cease their conversation and redirect their attention to the well dressed man making his way down the stair case. Takumi watched him descending oddly disgusted with the similarities between the two of them in appearance, they were both men of etiquette clearly enough but there was always a clear line between those who behaved properly for it being the proper thing to do and those who put on the airs of etiquette as a method of conveying their wealth and good fortune. "It seems you were right, he does enjoy a good surprise. Almost as much as he enjoys flaunting his considerable wealth..." Ekitai mumbled quietly under the music more to himself than anyone else.

The sound of steel pounding in rhythmic stomps could be heard and soon samurai surrounded the main hall, lining the walls looking inward with hands at the ready on their blades. Ekitai glanced to his left then his rich casually taking into account the number of samurai, they were in more of a ceremonial formation than any sort of battle formation he had ever heard of. Besides even that though, Ekitai had long forgotten the fear of a blade even when wielded by the samurai of legend. They posed no real threat to him and should the need arise they were still human, flooding an enclosed room like this would result in drowning and a convenient means of escape. But again, it was not necessary so Ekitai simply returned his gaze to the man who had now reached the floor. He weaved a gloriously vague summary of what they were here for and the rewards that would follow but Ekitai dismissed it as useless as the letter he had received.

The man turned to leave and Ekitai would not be left as a coward who turned tail and ran, he would follow the butler out to another gate escorted by the strange battalion of samurai. Ekitai did ponder curiously about the samurai however, after all they were a neutral faction from the land of iron a long way from home. Had the samurai taken on new policies of selling their loyalty and skills to the highest bidder? It wouldn't be too surprising in all truth if this man was their financial backer and a large reason behind why they still survived to this day, despite how outdated the seemed to the rest of the world. After sometime his mind could no longer dwell on the samurai as the company found themselves presented to the man of the hour, the one who had gathered them all here. The twenty-four samurai fell on one knee as well as Muramasa, Ekitai however remained standing with a crooked eyebrow conveying curiosity at the old man.

[~Kohana <3]

More ninja continued to come into the main foyer. None of them mattered though. So what if there were other ninja here from other villages. Iwa, Kumo, Kiri, Suna, even the newly awakened Kusa. None of them mattered to her. What more so mattered was coming back to Konohagakure as a victor. She wanted a reason to finally be able to look down upon those in her clan. With the title hero, how could they not revere her? Despite being invited for other reasons that was the only reason that she accepted. Besides, only person she was worried about was Ryuusuke, or rather, the fake Ryuusuke.

Sadly enough, deep down, she knew that it was the real him. No one she knew could pull off the presence that he carried. There were many reasons he had been such a successful Hokage, and that had been one of them. He had presence, one that somebody simply could not ignore. Unfortunately, that’s why her ivory eyes continued to flicker over to where he stood. It bothered her immensely that she couldn’t steadily avert her gaze. The more she thought about it, the more her blood boiled, and the more her blood boiled the more she wanted to punch the wall and revel as it all came crumbling down.

I doubt destruction of this giant manor would do me any good. These other ninja would probably have something to say about it as well…

Her idle musings and boiling blood however was quickly quelled as Muramasa appeared at the top of the stairs, signaling something with a hand as music began to play there after. Wincing some at the sound, she only turned her head to watch as the man began his descent on the stairs. However he was quickly lost to her interest as numerous samurai began to flood the room and line up. Immediately, most likely out of instinct, she pushed herself away from the wall she had been leaning and stood a bit defensively. Though it was brief before she went slack once more and simply stood there, watching.

Once he had made it to the bottom he had offered to let those who feared death a chance to leave. Clearly the status of hero didn’t come lightly. But death was always an option in the world of a shinobi. In fact, it was almost a given no matter where they went. But of course she stayed put, staring down at the man who would even dare to offer that. That’s when the realization also hit that she was the only woman here as well. Just another card stacked against her really, something that she would have to overcome and show all these men what she was made of.

As instructed though she, as well as the many other shinobi, all followed him outside of the manor and out through another pair of marvelous golden gates. It wasn’t so much the gates that caught her attention, but the gardens that they were let out into. Her breath hitched and she almost wished she could just stay here for the remainder of their time doing whatever the old dying man wanted. Each and every aspect she took in and it made her frown crack into a slight smile until it grew to that of what most would simply call normal. However a normal smile for her was far smaller. It had been some time since she felt so at ease.

That is, until they all stopped to face Nakamura, wrapped in red and brown robes while sitting in a wheelchair. That was when that she had found she had somehow managed to place herself in back of and slightly to the left of Ryuusuke. Immediately her nose crunched up and she felt like completely moving to another spot to stand. Of course that would be rude since the messenger guy started talking. Though it was brief, it was enough to cause her to stay in place and idly note just how much protection that the old man had. It was such a ridiculous amount as well.

Soldiers huh? First we’re told death is a viable concern, told that the title hero is on the line, and that also, we were now the old man’s personal soldiers. How lovely. If I could get away with it, I’d end his life for him now so he wouldn’t have to wait for that old, wrinkled body to give out.

Without realizing it she huffed a little, a hand coming to rest on her hip while the other stayed free and to her side. Those ivory orbs were focused into a glare once more, though not at her former Hokage this time. Instead it was set on Nakamura. After all, he dragged them all out here, it was about time, dying or not, he fully explain everything.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!!

[¤ SFS ¤]

The ebb and flow of the day was coming along nicely, though Sen was still far too busy taking in the details and nuances around him to notice the pace at which everything was coming along. One more man entered the main hall and the shinobi in black, white and orange moved to him immediately. Sen hadn't been close enough to make out the words he spoke to the other man nor had he been at a proper angle in which he could read the man's lips. Whatever the second ninja to arrive said to the seventh, it was lost on him. He did however catch the big smile that was slapped across his face and assumed that there was some important connection between the two. That second ninja to arrive had been just as stoic and neutral as Sen until that moment.

For all the analyzing he tried to do he was unable to come up any information that would further explain why they were here. He knew eventually

[/b] someone would shed some light on that question but if he could figure it out himself, and so before the others did he would inherit an advantage in whatever this was. After all there was still a chance, albeit a small chance, that they would be competing against each other in some manner. If that turned out to be the case the genin the would find himself at a disadvantage as he was seemingly the only one without a potential ally here.

It was true that he Ryu were friends but Ryu was old fashioned in that he always put his village first and thus, that meant putting it before his friends as well as himself. Besides if the Uchiha teamed up with anyone the chances were highest that he would do so with the Hyuuga. He didn't know how powerful she was or wasn't but he could see by the looks they shot one another when the other wasn't looking that something was there. If nothing her perky tits were a strong enough reason to team up with her. If you were going to face death and the unknown in the pursuit of guaranteed wealth and status doing it with a beautiful woman was the way to go. With the tension between them it wouldn't surprise the genin at all if Ryu got laid before this was all over.

Music cut through the air and a turn of the head caught sight of rows of samurai clamming into the area in an organized and disciplined fashion. Their hands came to the hilt of their swords and unlike some of the others who visible tensed up for the smallest moment in anticipation of being attacked, Sen had no reaction. The primary skill of any samurai revolved around how fast they could unsheathe their blade, strike at the opponent and then sheathe once more. The fact that more than a second passed yet no steel glistened in the air mean they were gesturing for show, for appearances. An voice of an older gentlemen spoke out to them with words of elegance and showmanship. Though his presentation and hyping of their still-unexplained objective did nothing to answer his questions.

He offered them an out, for anyone not willing to face death to leave at once and for a moment, Sen considered it. Even as the others began followed him to another area of the mansion, he considered it. It asinine for him to offer for them to leave if they weren't willing to face death when he had yet to explain why they were facing it. Everyday a ninja faced death, it was their normal way of life. Had this not been a neutral ground he was sure someone here would have attacked someone else by now. From the kids learning fundamentals in the academy to the Kage collecting their high pay signing off on paperwork; every ninja could bite the dust at any moment and though this was true for all humans ninja were supposed to be tools who killed on demand if need be. It was stupid to offer a way out when they still had not been told why they were here. That alone made him consider leaving but with what was on the line he moved forward with the others.

The beauty of the courtyard they arrived in was not lost on him but he was growing annoyed with the mystery of it all. Of the many nations he assumed were invited only seven answered the call and of those seven only one was from his village. Already his reward stood to be that much greater if more than half of those invited had not shown up, all he needed do was survive. His eyes fell on the man of the hour, the old tycoon himself. Not even his massive bodyguards could pull Sen's gaze away from the man whose body was a marvel in and of itself. The others probably pitied the old man or even mocked his form as he was no longer able to walk on his own if he sat in a wheelchair. In their arrogance however they were overlooking the fact that this man had done two things better than all his ninja guests.

He had amassed a fortune no other being on the planet could rival and the more important one with seemingly no ninja training, he had survived with that fortune well into old age. He doubted many of the seven of them would make it to such an age, there was still a chance that they wouldn't escape this[/b] day with their lives. Nakamura was at the end of his lifetime but what a long and epic lifetime it must have been.
[/blockquote]

[♠Solo♠]

The day was still set. He was the type to arrive late as is. He knew, however, that goofing on this mission and making poor of the proud Iwa name would earn him a punishment most undesirable, to which his usual choirs of cleaning the entire library, or helping to rebuild homes, would have been a paradise. He could see Yoko now. Eyes fiery and red with a violent anger.

We put our trust in you...and YOU BLEW IT!

ENTER KYOUSEI, KEI !!!

"Gah!" He was awoken still running in what seemed like a vast forest of grass. The image had blinded his sights temporarily. He slowly began feeling his heart beating at the pace he last left it for hours. His feet crunched into the tall grass, knocking it down and making a blind path for him to walk in.

"I hope this is North." The words echoed in his head. They swam through his cranium like eel. He ran and ran, until finally coming to a clearing. Standing just a few meters east of the large building he was instructed to get to. The large fields of grass seemed to almost surround the mansion like a protective shield of nature. It was definitely a different view, as opposed to his own village. The Stone Village was very earthy hard, not very abundant of vegetation. The grass was a whole new world, a scent, a feel to him. "Made it." He said to himself as he began running toward the front of the large towering construction, which would only take a few seconds to circle around for him.

The butler's eyes spotted the oncoming being as it approached the front of the gate. Definitely a wilder looking ninja. He anticipated all the guest to look a specific way, as he were told in stories. These manner of ninja were probably like nothing he could of even imaged.

"Hey, hey, hey!" He shouted, waving and flailing his arm, waving to the butler while still running at a controlled pace towards him. Slowing down and eventually stopping in front of the well dressed gentlemen, he hurled over, grabbing his knees to keep himself off. After taking a few quick puffs of air he inhaled as much as his lungs could take. His body rose with every bit of air that entered into his powerful lungs. "PHEEEEEW! Made it." He smiled at the man, extending his hand out to shake. "Kyousei, Kei. At your service."

The butler blinked frantically. His heart picked up faster than it had did in years. He wasn't accustom to people simply running at him like a mad man. "You must...be the last one." The butler muttered as he too took in a breath and fixed himself to perfection. "This way."

The two followed the route and steps of the other ninja before. His arrival would be spotted some time away had the other ninja fixated their vision to their recent entrance. The butler escorted the final man hired for this particular mission, like he did all the others.

"YO!" Kei shouted as loud as he could. He figured he was allowed. The massive size of the inside of this mansion made it seem almost appropriate for a fancy battleground. "SEN! YOU HERE!? HELLO!" He looked for a familiar face among the crowd, ignoring whatever eyes may have placed themselves upon him. He approached the crowd, his feet stepping upon the equally still and thin floor that was beneath his feet. The level of detail made in the construction of this mansion surely vouches for the reward he was promised for completion of this mission. Without quite entering into the background with the shinobi inside the main room, he made his way toward his friend once he found him. Catching him near the back, secluded, Kei waved and approached him, getting to a decent speaking distance.

"Crazy place."

OOC: Why do all you fags type with smaller font? Shits hard to read for the blind like myself. >

[☆ F ☆]

It was around the time when we'd pierced the elegant double doors erect before our group - a trait consistent with the rest of the manor - that I'd notice him, the young, energetic being which had at one point managed to instill within me a trace of hope for humanity. Several years had passed since we last interacted, however, my heart no longer as receptive as it had once been. Human it no longer was, for I cared little - if any - for my fellow meat puppet. However, a past was a past, and for these circumstances, a friend was never to be forsaken. He had changed but I had not; just my hair, longer, and more unkempt...

“...”

The moment was brief however, as the arrival 'en-masse' of our contractor's representation broke the memories formed at the sound of his voice; Masuyo. He had grown, yes, and after a few glimpses, something about him was different; but what...? I'd fret not for now, instead investing my attention into the spoken instruction before me. The first few words I'd missed as I drifted out of my dreams and back towards reality, but as soon as I set my gaze on the man surrounded by Samurai, I'd receive every words as if it were dogma.

Weak, eh?

Not knowing the meaning of such, I awaited his speaker's end before moving on, following his group through several corridors of amazement and otherworldly architecture before finally arriving at our desired destination. The soldiers took their appropriate position in the room, as did the speaker; now, as he knelt before a very aged man surrounded by two unnaturally large...things, it'd be clear what this was now. Summoned, we were, and like pets we responded; I wondered just what this old man thought of us...

“Just another job...? You've done well to last this long.”

A whisper to an old friend, spoken quietly while I stood to Masuyo's back, no more than a foot or so.

[/font]

[vegapunk]

As he and the Kiri-shinobi's conversation begun they would be interrupted by the arrival of the man that brought them all here. Would their purpose of coming be explained? Only time would tell as a figure appeared high above craddling a banister looking down on the suspecting shinobi. With slick black hair and dressed like a butler his gaze would peer down on the men and women positioned in the hall before issuing music play in the background. The sound would trumpet and bellow within an instance - coming from all sides echoing in a melody around the hall where they did reside.

This is all very much.. Eiichiro thought to himself as his eyes looked languishly around the room. He, and the rest of the shinobi gathered here, all seemed to be in the same book. All kept in the dark there was a silent hunger for knowledge on what we're all actually here for. Within that moment of inspection -flooding from the surrounding rooms- a number of samurai would appear lining the walls of the halls and looking awfully serious. With their heavy and armor and vision obscured by their helmets they looked like mare puppets - a group of nameless soldiers on call to that man's whim. As their procession finished Muramasa would begin to speak, specifically about what they would encounter, his voice booming from high above.

Mystery and peril, mythology and power; a world that has not been seen for a hundred years or more. Just what was this all about?! he reflected to himself. It was hard to imagine what was coming out of his mouth had the capacity to be true. But as he began to lead the group of selected shinobi outside Eiichiro was beginning to imagine that this man could make anything possible. The samurai would soon fall in line either side of the shinobi, a royal escort, for a few meters as they entered another courtyard; just as extravagant as the last. With traditional cherry blossom trees and a natural pond it was all that would be expected of a peaceful and idealistic area.

As a slight breeze picked up flowing through Eiichiro's hair his amber eyes would soon become fixated on a figure in the distance. An old man, unknown to his knowledge he couldn't help but think that this was the man orchestrating it all.. Old would have been an understatement as Eiichiro's eyes would force an analysis over the man in question. Weak and vulnerable he seemed; but there was an aura of power and wealth which naturally surrounded the man. Brittle on the outside a harden man with many years of experience still lingered beneath the wrinkled skin. With an assortment of additional guards surrounding him he seemed to be well looked after - so why are we needed? Eiichiro thought.

In that moment Muramasa would begin to speak his tone now much more sterile and pompous. He was now in the presence of his Lord, and his demeanor had changed enough for Eiichiro to notice - something which he found surprisingly interesting. “I have brought you your soldiers, my Lord”, Muramasa would say as Eiichrio's bottom lip turned upward slightly at the comment. Soldiers they were; but only for their respective villages and not this man. Slipping his hands back into his pockets, he would look in the direction of the man with a stone-like expression and a slight smirk across his face - he would devote his attention to what this Lord would say.

I think you may find that we're more than just mere soldiers..

[/justify][/font]

[adero]

The clatter of iron clashing upon the ground would bring a hush among the crowd as the samurai knelt with reverence.

“I have brought you your soldiers, my Lord.”

It was then that the man's gaze would avert from his loyal servant to those who resided before him. An awkward silence would remain unbroken save for the aeration of an oxygen mask which prolonged the thin thread that held Nakamura's life to this realm. His cold stark eyes were fixated upon the group, face emotionless and unnaturally unwaivering.

Whether this was the result of old age or hardening experience was unknown.

The silence would linger a moment or two more before being broken by the master the house. A sick wheezing cough would sound as he'd hack violently thrice, not out of illness but rather amusement.

"HAAH! Soldiers you say?..."

His words were broken by an insurmountable amount of phlegm rising from his throat. As if completely natural, Muramasa would move to lift the mask from his master's face, allowing him to spit his bodily excess into the grass. A venemous red hue colored the mucus as it exited. It was clear Nakamura's time was very limited. Upon wiping his master's lips oh so keenly with care, he'd replace the breathing apparatus once more and step aside.

Yet another slow breath was taken before Nakamura would resume.


"You've brought me nothing but babes straight from a mother's womb. They've yet to even soil their diapers once."

Muramasa's head would bow apologetically as he spoke. Lip quivering slightly, it was all to clear to the present individuals that he had fallen short of his master's expectations.

"My most sincere apologies my Lord.
If they are insufficient..."

His words were cut off however as a frail sickly hand that would arise. Upon a second glance it would appear that something had changed Nakamura's mind. His face began to grow more pale as yet another bout of ill tolerated coughing arose.

"Have the arrangement's been made Muramasa?"

"Yes my Lord."

"Very well. I leave the rest to you then."

It was with these final words that the ancient being would take his leave as both of the two hulking figures would assist with his exit.

With little left to be said or done, Muramasa's voice would project once more over the group he had assembled.

"Upon returning to the atrium you'll find that each of you have been placed within one of three groups. The expedition party leaders will be arriving shortly with your debriefing and the arranged transportation. Until then you are free to do as you wish. Please do NOT stray from the atrium however.

With that, he too would take his leave, following quickly after Nakamura's path. It was only upon departure of both the master and servant that the samurai would dare rise. It seemed as though they were waiting about to ensure the proper return of the shinobi.

Expedition Team 1:

[/u][/td]
[td]Expedition Team 2:[/u][/td]
[td]Expedition Team 3:[/u][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Masuyo Kekkai
Faust Uchiha[/td]
[td]Ryusuke Uchiha
Kohana Hyuuga
Kei Kyousei[/td]
[td]Sen Tokumaru
Eiichiro Munashi Yamanaka
Ekitai Hozuki[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]



OOC: Free posting order resumes. Btw, can ya'll leave a number from 1-10 on how we'll I'm doing w/ each GM post (10 being uber ofc)? Bit rusty so some feed back would be nice.
[/size][/blockquote][/justify]

[The Dude]

The old man was so sickly and near the end despite all the equipment he had donned to stave off deaths grim clutch, Ekitai looked at him with pity. Even as the man had his fun and criticized Ekitai the kiri shinobi smiled gently at the insult and how hollow it sounded to him. Who was this old man to criticize this young group of shinobi? He had spent his life how he had wanted and now he was here surrounded by treasures, but the one thing he wanted was out of his grasp. It was the shinobi gathered here today who would be the ones to achieve what this man could not, he had had his life and perhaps he hadn't wasted it but it had placed this goal far from his reach. He would simply complete this quest and in return for his service who would receive a large leg up in the world as far as monetary worth and with that money he would have the freedom of choice. He would not live with regret like this man likely had.

The old man would be carried off by his two large an ominous body guards before the servant turned around and addressed the shinobi gathered before him. It seemed that the large party was being divided and broken up into separate groups to work together. A strange practice but it would definitely prove useful as the proper number of teams was rarely above four. It seemed Ekitai would have to return to the Atrium and await his partners as well as this assigned expedition leader the servant had mentioned. Strange that they would take the time to hire shinobi from around the world but the man clearly had other resources for whatever troops he needed. Something didn't seem right about the mission to Ekitai anymore... at first it made sense that the rich man had hoped to use the best of all villages but he had such resources he could have easily found a trained battalion of forty ninja. It all seemed to much like a set up to the shinobi and as such he would have to proceed with caution.

"I'll be in the Atrium when you're ready to find me team." Ekitai said aloud to the group as he turned around and headed back to the Atrium to wait. He didn't care to spend time with the group at large he just wanted to speak with his team mates and get a little acquainted with his new team mates quickly so he could work at his best with them. When Ekitai learned of the members of his group he knew of the slick blonde shinobi but he failed to recognized the third name in their part, one Sen Tokumaru. He would await the two in the Atrium in the far corner where the could discuss matters somewhat privately.

So far their team would be composed of a kiri shinobi and a kumo shinobi, odds were good that they'd get yet another shinobi neither of them were familiar with. It stood to reason though that these shinobi knew nothing more of their benefactor and had no previous loyalty to him. As such, for the time being Ekitai would teach himself to confide and trust in them as true team mates. If he could trust anyone in this grand scheme it would have to be the other rats that ran the maze with him.

[/font][/justify]

[Messatsu!]

Upon arriving, Faust's voice crawled into the Masuyo's ears, so that even the hot air from his mouth pressed against the back of his neck. Smiling at his comment, the Sennin's mind mulled over all of the happenings that transpired and guided him up to the very moment where he stood parallel from Muramasa. Through all of the mentor that had taken the young, orange hair lad under their wing, he held Faust in high esteem just beneath his recently deceased mentor, Shiju. Nonetheless, it had been under Faust's tutelage that Masuyo managed to travel and comfortably survive without the help of his crimson clad teacher. Grateful, the Sennin's turned to the side and looked back towards Faust over his left shoulder and spoke in a whisper meant only for his ears.

"What can I say, I learned from the best."

Grinning lightly, the Sennin turned back to face Muramasa and wiped the grin clean off of his face thereafter. He contemplated and processed the mans sickly words that had been dampened from the aeration of his breathing apparatus. Momentarily, Masuyo found himself holding in a level of laughter that would have caused him to look like some type of madman. Fancying Muramasa's phlegm filled, Darth Vader like voice as one of the most laughter inducing sounds in the world, his cheeks inflated and soon filled with a red tint. As Muramasa continued to speak, it only appeared to have made it hard for Masuyo to restrain himself, evident by the trickles water that swelled around his eyes.

Finding balance, Masuyo swallowed the trapped air and breathed deeply to re-obtain his composure. By that time, Muramasa's voice projected for the last time and informed the group of soldiers that they were to be separated into expedition teams. Without even needed to thoroughly go over his decision or possibilities, he instantly wished to pair up with Faust, just like they had done seven years ago. Just as the so called 'richest man in the world' was escorted out of the courtyard, Masuyo turned and faced Faust.

"So, think we'll be teamed up just like old times?"

[Trigga]

He’d sit by idly, giving no word to his own conviction as the elderly man began his tirade of words. No single sensation could possibly define the level of restraint one needed to withstand the vocal lashing that exuded from the owner of this estate’s mouth. Nakamura, while wealthy and possessing every jewel in the world lacked the decorum that came with humility. It was also saddening, Ryūsuke thought to himself as he stood unmoved by the words that lifted into the air weakly from an even weaker mouth. His age would be the ultimate downfall and his indisposition to show compassion, his own demise. The Uchiha wouldn’t come between him and his destiny.

Arms folding over his chest, the young Hokage would listen thoroughly, allowing each word, phrase, and sentence to flood his consciousness as it meticulously picked apart their components. His tone was aged, positioned by the toxins of time that continuously infested each cell in his body. In a matter of years—if that—he’d perish from this world, and all his riches, everything he had worked for would have been in vain. Could this final adventure be his last attempt at repentance? Considering his firepower, it was unlikely to assume that he needed the shinobi who he gathered for mysterious reasons. What did they possess that his own army did not?

It had seemed his time here was short-lived, and after exhausting bodily grim upon the greenery and showing only the slightest form of interest, Nakamura took his leave. Maramusa had then promptly placed the participants in small groups, and from there, the Uchiha’s head turned to the Hyūga who was just within his range. This is surprising , his thoughts were sudden, but candid and surely the woman who had showed such a disinterest in him was possibly thinking the same. The Samurai making their exit as well as the butler and the remainder of the guards, everyone was asked to make their way back into the atrium.

Turning to make his way into the wealth of luxury once more, the Uchiha took to a corner. Kohana knew him as a Leader, and hopefully his presence on her aqudron would bring their relationship to life once more. Expecting his team to follow him, he’d begin. “Kohana, Kei,

[/color]” If they didn’t intentionally following, hopefully his words would meet them. Gaining their attention (hopefully) he’d proceed.

“It’d be wise to discuss our strengths and weaknesses now. That way would can effectively devise strategies to strengthen our odds against… whatever our opposition or goal may be.[/color]”
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/size][/font][/blockquote]

[¤ SFS ¤]

'hmph'

[/b] Through the insults to himself and his peers[/b] Sen saw a dying fire in the eyes of the old tycoon before them. Eyes he recognized as belonging to someone with a will of iron who had one last wrong to right before it was all over. What wrong that was he couldn't say or dare guess, he just couldn't figure it out he needed them to tell him what the point of all this was.

Next to him he could hear a familiar voice cracking rise, one he recognized to be his briefly estranged partner. Sen smirked to himself taking a good look at Kei whom he hadn't seen since the Sandaime assigned them to this mission. The kid was still missing a feel inches of height but he'd packed on obvious muscle.

Knowing what he knew about Kei's abilities and the fact that on a mission they had together Sen himself faced a similar ability. The part about it that made him smirk was that he totally called it that Kei was somewhere training. It felt good to see a comrade and upon Kei's arrival he was ready to find out what all of this was about.

The old man looked pleased enough with himself that they were here despite his comments. Thick red phlegm dripping from the blades of grass nearly made the genin's upper lip twitch. Time was one of the only things money still couldn't buy. Even still, Nakamura was on borrowed time and almost out of that as well from the look of it.

Returning to the Atrium he received bittersweet news. It would seem his unaware rival Eiichiro, as he announced himself to be earlier to the Mist-nin would be in the same group as him, also the aforementioned Mist-nin would be as well. He announced his name to be Ekitai which was name that brought to mind no specific clan but there was a chance Ekitai wasn't his surname. Still if he was from Kirigakure then there was an eighty percent chance he was a suiton user. He couldn't really see how the three of them would mesh together as a team based on abilities.

Famous as he was Eiichiro's status as a youton user was public knowledge to those kinds of people who bothered to know stuff like that. It wasn't everyday a small group of ninja stopped a legendary beast essentially made of the same chakra nature you yourself possessed. One of said ninja also having that same chakra nature and being close to the same age and from an allied village.

That sort of thing seemed.... sort of rare to him.

He was only guessing that the Mist-nin was a suiton user however Ekitai was still a wild card and there was a chance his abilities would work with two youton users well. The bitter part about the team was that Kei would not be a part of it. He was grouped with Ryu so there was a better chance of that group surviving whatever they going to be facing. The other two guys who knew each other were going off as a duo. He could only guess at the time they were about to have. Despite his dislike of his comrade being placed on a team where Sen couldn't watch his back he wouldn't allow himself to doubt Kei's abilities. He had been training hard somewhere until now.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sen was like... "this old ass nga Nakamura...". -__-
Oh Shi- I'm grouped with Eiichiro... Fuck Yeah. >.>
Damn Kei's not in the group... =\
Eh nevermind he's with Ryu he'll be fine... .__.


You're doing fine adero, 7 of 10.

[/justify][/blockquote]

[~Kohana <3]

Kohana didn't like the old man. He seemed entirely unappreciative of what his servant did for him and it pissed her off greatly. Just because he was rich and just because he was close to death didn't mean he had to act like that. If anything, being so close to death should have had him re-evaluate his life and find peace in it before he would fade away. This silly contest, race, collection, whatever, couldn't do that for him even though it was obvious that's what it looked like.

The interaction was brief though, and oddly, that only proved to anger her even more. If she could kill the man herself she would have gladly done it. However the samurai would end her quickly enough to where she would have likely failed in that endeavor. Grumbling to herself about it as Muramasa ordered them back to the atrium where their expedition leaders would be waiting for them to lead the preset picked groups. Great. All the Hyuuga wanted was to go by herself but it was obvious that wasn't an option at all.

So a boy from Iwa and him, great.

Kohana ignored the stare that the Uchiha had given her, choosing to leave her eyes on Kei, the boy that would accompany them. As they entered the atrium once more, Ryu took it upon himself to retire to a corner and as she hated it, she followed him, hopefully with Kei in foot behind her. The way he was standing and the way he was looking at her was annoying. Already he seemed to have appointed himself 'leader' Sad to say, he most certainly was not.

“It’d be wise to discuss our strengths and weaknesses now. That way would can effectively devise strategies to strengthen our odds against… whatever our opposition or goal may be.”

Immediately she glared at him, folding her arms across her chest as she did so. "Don't act like our leader, Ryu. The man we are to meet here is our leader. We're simply the brawn needed to get the job done. Ex-Hokage or not, you don't have that kind of power over me anymore." Her words were harsh, and perhaps not needed, but her tongue had always been a sharp one. Her arms fell from her chest and glanced towards Kei. "So you know, boy--er, Kei. I'm a Hyuuga, obviously, and specialize in my clan's Taijutsu. However I'm very efficient in Ninjutsu as well. I'm a Medical Ninja and can easily be the backbone of this little group. And so you know..." She would lean in closer to the boy. "Try anything and with one flick of the wrist I can crush you with my Souin strength."

Again, the Hyuuga would look back to her old Hokage, memories of when the village was happy and lead by him flashed across her mind, though only briefly, as she shrugged them away. Now all she had to look forward too was a torn village full of hate, a mad cult, and diseased streets lead by a friend she couldn't save from himself. As much as she hated the term, she had become a victim and that blame was all on Ryu's head. He abandoned them all, whether or not he would admit that, she didn't care. That's how it looked.

"Ryu. And let's get one thing straight. You and I are simply partners for this little quest. Any kind of respect or feelings I may have had have gone out the window the moment you didn't return." She breathed, keeping herself calm in the process. "So just stay out of my way and I'll say out of yours. And try not to get too hurt either, I may or may not be inclined to heal you."

Years ago, she would never have dreamed of talking to him like this. He was the Hokage, she was a Jounin of the Leaf, there to serve and there to assist him with the passing of the Will of Fire. At the time, all she wanted was peace. He was her friend. But those times were dead, and at this point in her life, she had finally been able to except that. Even with the emergence of the ghosts from her past, all she could do was be nasty and shrug them away. Otherwise, who knew how far she would fall.

We have a mission to accomplish. Places to find, things to do, whatever it takes to make the old man happy before he thankfully croaks. Besides, hero isn't a bad title either....

...you won't ruin this part of me Ryu. Not this time...

[Trigga]

To his surprise, it seemed that at least one of the two found themselves promenading over to his corner. Secluded from the world, as well as the others in attendance, they could meritoriously discuss traits, abilities, and flaws unique to their own person. Being strategically sound was just as important as the weapons within your arsenal. It wasn’t the instruments that won wars, but the men and women holding such tools. Spirits, fears, strength of mind and will and lastly, dedication; these traits were what effortlessly divided warriors from children. Luckily, and almost unfortunately, the Uchiha had the hard luck and privilege of being teamed with someone whose talents were recognized to him.

Kei would be wise to follow behind the beautiful Hyūga, though her brief glimpse, which hadn’t even exhausted a second in reality, lasted an eternity in his heart. This hate, and vindictiveness she had developed to Ryūsuke, it was sordid and truly not within her character. Had conditions been so raw in his absence? Her character and conduct, though perfection on face value, it was all but pure. Corrupted as she visually displayed the disgust towards the former Hokage; he didn’t require the perceptive capabilities of his Sharingan to see clearly how she felt.

She didn’t waste time, counteracting the words of the experienced as she argued against his simple request. It was almost depressing to see, such a loyal Kunoichi, and friend turning against him without any reason as to why. “I apologize, Kohana…I didn’t mean to offend you….

[/color]” He had given not an order, but a request. Her safety had become his priority the moment her soft eyes were visible through the grand golden gates. Rationally, from a Shinobi’s perspective, it was also wise to gather intelligence on both your teammates and your enemies. Devising plans and actions were the only means that separated men from animal, and while she was correct in her report that he wasn’t their leader, he was in fact, her companion.

As the Hyūga struggled with her posture, giving her eyes a diversion in the form of the younger Shinobi. She’d give her credentials. Sighing, finding her argument before counterproductive as she complied regardless, he would soon proceed to filling in the blanks of his own strengths. “An introduction, would suffice for now, Kei. I’m Uchiha Ryūsuke, Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf.[/color]” Kohana could dispute against his allegiance as much as she liked, though it didn’t disdain his heritage. While he wasn’t Hokage any longer, his Hitai-ate still spoke proudly to the Hidden Leaf. “I’m quite proficient with Katon Ninjutsu, and I have some training in the Medical field. I also wield the Sharingan.[/color]” withholding as much information as he could, the Uchiha did give a précis of his capabilities.

Kei would have ample time to digest the information at hand, and equally tell of his abilities, though another issue had to be discussed. Rearing his head towards the voluptuous Kohana, his soft eyes would settle upon her deathly gaze. “Is your hate for me that strong? Would you rather find counsel in my death, Kohana?[/color]” Regrettably, Ryūsuke could already assume her answer, if she decided to give one at all. Such malice in the heart of the once pure wasn’t easy to mask, and she gave no clear effort to mask it.

”I’m sorry for whatever my absence as caused…. I’m sorry for the harm I may have caused you.

[/color]”[/right]

His tone was low, mature as it was seductive. Words of apology sworn in the natural intoxication of the Hokage’s voice as his position remained unmoved in the face of true confusion. She didn’t know what she wanted, and her anger was just as puzzling as the reasons behind it.
[/blockquote][/justify][/blockquote][/justify][/size][/font][/blockquote]