The blonde tactician nodded, listening to the woman's concerns, avoiding touching the subject of Belamos' accidental proposal. " Understandable that you would have such concerns. I promise you, I can alter such things." With an extremely slight pressure from his index finger, he pressed upon his own eye. Closing it, it would open once more, giving him red eyes, a far cry from his normal blues. " Skin and hair color work the same. Its no issue I assure you. As stated, Belamos can provide whatever you may need within Otogakure. " He paused, changing his position from his cross legged one to a standing once more, stretching his arms overhead as he turned back to face the woman, hand on his hip. " Now. What is your requirement?"
One by one as they cleared her concerns she had to admit she had no other real reason to deny the request. Letting out a sigh her blush returned when Belamos looked her over,"I was originally blonde." Though the way Belamos phrased his words she had to admit, a small portion of her entertained the idea of "Queen Tsuki." It did have a nice ring to it. Shaking her head quickly she let out a sigh,"I want to put my sword down. I don't mind fighting for what I believe in. But I don't want my entire life to be defined by that. I am... not exactly young.. anymore..at least in terms of shinobi lifespan." Clearly the subject of her age was a sensitive one.
Her doubts assayed, Belamos cracked a grin as he was finding his mission to be a likely success. With Tsuki on his team, more and more pieces of his army were falling into place. "You're naught but at the beginning of your life, but for peace to come we must earn it, for war is all we are entitled to" Letting his gaze drop, he bit his lip. He needed to seal this, and from the past it seemed she reacted most positively to personal sentiments 'I wish Takumi and the girl wasn't about to hear this...' He thought, as he continued his speech "After the UHV, after...everything, I too wish to put the spear down and raise a family. One under a new sun, a sun of protection and stability. I wish this for all my future subjects, and it's for this possible future I work now. I agree to your terms" His voice, gentle and soft. Embarrassment at the personal nature of his indulgence was evident in his speech but anyone with even an small amount of insight could see he was genuine
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Tsukina seemed to be wavering between the idea of helping the group and keeping her life in Takumi, and Rinka honestly couldn't blame her. She knew how it felt to have that urge to fight for what you believe, to destroy those who have wronged you. But Rinka also wouldn't be lying if she were to say she wouldn't mind just leaving it all behind and going back home to her tribe. "You have a really lovely bar," Rinka squeaked, finally speaking up after another few minutes of silence. "It really looked like you've made something for yourself here. I never had anything this nice before, so that's why I'm okay with going off to fight," her words trailed off as she took in more of the ambiance of the establishment, "You've got friends and family here who rely on you to protect them, and no one is going to blame you if you want to stay at home and protect them... at least... I certainly won't. I also think it's important to protect the ones you love," Her words broke off for another pause, this time by a most somber sigh. "But I also think we can't just sit around and wait for the monsters to come get us. If I... er... we don't get them first, we wont have any friends left to protect," Rinka was teetering on the edge of breaking down, and the quiver in her voice wasn't doing anything to help mask that. The little oni took a deep breath and sniffed her nose, recollecting herself. Couldn't cry in front of her new friend now, could she? Who'd want to join up with a gang of cry-babies?
Takumi would nod as the woman said she was once a blonde and with the simply extended hand and light touch, her hair would become a lighter, yellowed tone. Takumi had to wonder if Belamos was intentionally leaving hints of interest at the woman's feet or if it was all coincidental. It amused him, so he wouldn't call it out and spoil his time. Takumi, while polar opposite of Belamos, respected his passion and drive. His zeal made him quite the commanding type. With Rinka's unnaturally long speech, Takumi was slightly adaze. She had broken her usual three word replies. Her emotional testimony brought a gentle smile to Takumi's face. " We make war so that we may live in peace" he said, reciting the verse like it was biblical. " It's an old philisophical saying that has I find quite fitting. There is no commitment here outside your commitment to your own goals. When it is time, no one will stop your departure."
Belamos' flattery aside she had to admit it was interesting to see that side of him. Though of course she did not really know the man that well. Though it wasnt him that caught her attention at the moment, it was the young woman who had barely spoken two words to her. Her words rang true, and her compliment on the bar made her smile. It would be a bold faced lie to say she was not incredibly proud of its success. Letting out a sigh she had to admit the girl had a point,"I don't mind fighting and I dont mind killing. I just want to see the end of it all. A beautiful night when the dawn doesn't reveal more dead."
With a force of effort she managed to keep her left hand off her sword while Takumi did his thing with her hair. She still did not totally understand the process but hey, it was better then torturing her poor hair by stripping it back to blonde. Plus this way, no split ends. Once the process was over she dipped her head in thanks before lightly setting her claymore onto the floor. Reaching up with both hands she untied the bun which kept her hair tight and tossed it open to give it air. Shaking her hair she watched with an odd smile as the blonde locks bounced before her eyes. For a moment her femininity really really began to stand out. She even smiled a genuine smile and giggled before it was quickly erased,"I will join you. But I need to change. Go get something to eat or drink from downstairs. You guys can spend the night here as well if you like. I'll set you up with one of the good rooms." With that she retrieved her claymore and with one hand easily lifted the large weapon up over her shoulder. With that the woman returned once more to her much fancier room to change~
Belamos raised an eyebrow in surprise at Tsuki's girly giggle. With the blonde hair change, the contrast from the fierce warrior to the giggling girl was sudden and honestly he was not sure which he found preferable. As she accepted his invitation and left, Belamos smiled slightly. His trip to Takumi had been a success and thus his goal was drawing ever nearer. Taking a cross legged seat upon the center of the polished wood floor of the dojo. He placed his palms onto his legs and breathed deeply. As he did, a small ring of fire flared and faded in response to his inhales and exhales "I will wait for her, Takumi. If you have any business to take care of with your associate, training to do or the like, I would do it now. We won't be able to return for some time" He listened for Tsuki in the other room, awaiting her arrival. It was odd- he was more attuned with fire than any living person, and for the first time in his life he found a drop of sweat beginning to form upon his brow. Odd indeed.
Belamos arose from his seated meditation and outstretched his hand. In his grip, his mighty spear, Shōkyaku, appeared in his grip. It materialized from flames, the element becoming substance in his hand. Spinning it in his hand, he went through a series of poses and stretches, all the while manipulating his weapon throughout. He struck out, impaling imaginary enemies all around him. He was fire, burning and raging. He lashed out, biting and destroying imaginary enemies around him much akin to the tool he had mastered. Fluid and ever changing; he not only mastered the inferno, he was the inferno. His mastery of the spear was complete. His fundamental understanding of it, of it's uses and movements, could not be overstated. He could use this powerful grasp and apply it to all the different styles he would be learning. His thrusts, his parries; these were all things he had long since mastered. Nobody in the world could best him with his weapon. Belamos lifted his weapon into the air, reversing his grip on the weapon and throwing it as hard as he could. The fire burning as it streaked through the air. It not only pierced the training dummy, but it also impacted the wall behind it. It pinned the target to the wall and made it engulfed with flames. His power was now absolute.
The next thing he needed to work on was his balance. Stringing a thread up between two points, he began to walk on it. His balance was quickly becoming perfect. He began going through a series of stabs and stretches. When he felt comfortable he began running on the wire, flipping and jumping as he did so. His balance was improving and now he was a master of it. He could use this to further his own fighting styles.
His next technique was a rather simple block. He created a clone to use as a sparring partner, and had it attack him. Spinning his weapon in a circle, he caught the clone's attack. He used the blade of the weapon to drive it into the ground. His fortitude was slightly increased by it. The clone was disarmed. It was a simple attack to use. It would be a very useful technique to know in one on one sword battles. His strength was growing, as was his mastery of the spear.
The next technique was a feint. Instead of striking with the blade, he would hit them with the staff part of his spear. He had his clone come running at him and prepared himself. Belamos dropped down into a low pose and waited. When the clone struck out he lunged to the side and shot out quickly. The butt of his spear connected with the clone's chest and sent him flying back. It was a useful trick to make someone think he was going for a lethal strike. In the end he would just hit them with his blunt weapon. And interesting attack to be sure.
The next technique would be a harsh one. He would have to attack with such speeds that the wind sheared. He began swinging, using his masterful attack speed to strike out. As he began practicing like the scroll said so, he began to see results. The wind speed surrounding his blade picked up. His effective reach was increased. His blade began to cut things it didn't even reach, essentially making an invisible blade. It would be good for those who thought they could back out and escape the bite of his spear. He could definitely be using it in the future. Time to move on for now though.
The next technique he would learn would be more of a mental one. Getting into the state of mind to, temporarily, increase his effectiveness. He began to concentrate, releasing stamina and chakra to facilitate. He struck out, taking steps and advancing as he did so. He found that his blade was quick and he strikes stronger. He could easily carve into things he had trouble with before hand. He struck out, impaling imaginary enemies all around him. He was fire, burning and raging. He lashed out, biting and destroying imaginary enemies around him much akin to the tool he had mastered. Fluid and ever changing; he not only mastered the inferno, he was the inferno.
The next technique was a quick movement strike. He would use chakra and stamina to quickly cross directions. Placing the chakra into his feet, he took off sprinting. His speed increased, but not enough. He tried again, doubling his efforts. He kicked off and sprinted across the dojo. He was quicker, but still not there. He would have to try even harder! He began swinging, using his masterful attack speed to strike out. As he began practicing like the scroll said so, he began to see results. Finally, he thought he had it. Using all the power in his arsenal, he moved quicker than he ever had before. He crossed the distance in an instant and struck out. He was becoming very powerful indeed.
Final technique. It was time to truly test himself. He placed chakra into his blade and began focusing. It was a hard technique, that was sure. He had to really try in order to work with it. He swing his spear, and as he did so an arc of chakra shot out, cutting a dummy on the other side. His blade began to cut things it didn't even reach, essentially making an invisible blade. It would be good for those who thought they could back out and escape the bite of his spear. He could definitely be using it in the future. Time to move on for now though.
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A large, stupid grin crept across Rinka's face as Tsuki agreed to join up with the crew, though it would be mostly obscured by her equally stupid mask. It's nice that the group was continuing to grow, even if her stay was only temporary. Even nicer still, was their new addition was another girl. Rinka would be lying if she said she wasn't worried about becoming a sort of diversity hire. Still, a new member is a new member, and Rinka was just happy to have someone new around. As Tsuki explained she needed to change, Rinka simply nodded and responded with a hardy, " 'kay," and ran back into the pub section of the building.
Takumi would nod. Noble intentions indeed paved the path to hell. His desires would begin to take root, soon he hoped to see the seedling of his plot. " Right then, I'll be taking a scenic tour about. Do some studying...maybe visit mother." with that, Takumi would turn, exiting the room and shutting the door behind him. As he exited the establishment, he stood at the door, waving to Rinka before exiting.
Once she was safely in her room she set about removing her armor and hiori while placing each piece onto the small stand she had in the back of the room. Heading over to the vanity she began to brush her hair with the simple pearl comb. Once her hair was straight and tangle free she set about braiding a bit of it. With the braid complete she quickly wrapped the rest into a bun and tied the braid around the bun to hold it all together. She had to admit, her blonde hair was quite cute. However if she was going to go shopping she needed to be "presentable" to her standard. So rummaging through her closet she set about finding a perfect kimono. A simple red one with white flowers. For the Yukata she chose a white kimono with multicolored flowers.
Sliding her choice in attire on she wondered what else she could use to bring the entire outfit together. Tapping her chin she chose a small flower broach and slid it into her hair. Picking up her parasol she pushed open the door and clicked her way back to the dojo,"I am going out to go get some things from town. Will you and your people be staying or would you all like to accompany me?"
His meditation was uninterrupted, hardly noticing the departure of Takumi and Rinka. He could feel something different within himself. Something...powerful. He knew not what it was, but in his introspective look he pushed towards it, outstretching his metaphorical hand. His serenity was broken when Tsuki came out, however. His initial reaction was annoyance, and he opened his eyes and mouth to communicate just that thought, but as he saw her the words were caught in his throat. For a heartbeat, he stared at her like a slackjawed moron, unable to figure out what to say for the first time in his life. She was wearing a very traditional outfit which accentuated her femininity, and her hair was also done in a very appealing way. She was, objectively, quite beautiful. However, he had no time to think on such things.
Quickly as he could, he composed himself and rose to meet her. He cleared his throat and quickly answered her query "I will accompany you. For the duration of this plan you will not be able to be seen as a shinobi or use your skills in plain view. You're a different person right now and we need to keep it that way. The UHV won't let anyone with any battle skills past the gates, however, a unassuming prospecting merchant is a different story. Until we get to the village I will pose as your..." He could totally pose as her husband. It would make sense, and completely keep them in cover. Yeah, it would actually work "...bodyguard" But he couldn't bring himself to it. He needed to stay focused, and a pretty face wasn't going to interrupt that.
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Rinka made her way back to the Dojo to see what was taking the others so long. Their business was over, so why weren't they leaving? The little oni poked her masked face back in to see what all the commotion was about. What she saw made her jaw hit the floor. Tsukino was... wow. Was this even the same woman? I mean, obviously it was, but... wow. Hearing the tail end of her comment about accompanying her into the town, Rinka nodded eagerly and replied, "I will!"
While their reactions got a tiny giggle from the woman she could not tell if she should be offended or happy. Either way she smiled it off. When Belamos stated his plan she had to admit it did make sense. A noblewoman would have bodyguards of course. Tapping her chin she nodded,"Though I am concerned they will sense my chakra. I dont know of a way to hide that." Facing the young woman she smiled a genuine smile,"If you see anything you like, any cute outfits, let me know and I will get them for you."
SB5K
Kondo Kaicho
Dexterous Prince
Jutsu Used:
Posted: Sun Jan 21, 2018 7:38 pm
He shot a quick glance over to the young girl. God dammit, if looks could kill that girl would have been burning alive. His animosity was only evident for the briefest of moments before it was quelled by his usual calm temperance. With a hard exhale he crossed the space between them and stood one pace to the left and two paces behind Tsuki. He was taller then her by a few inches and could see over the top of her head. With his red armor, polished spear and harsh eyes, hopefully his presence alone would stop any potential trouble. Not like she needed him though "One day, we'll have to see which of us the UHV has a right to fear more...but I suspect we'll need a much larger space than this. As for your chakra, to my knowledge the UHV has no precise sensors capable of detecting the finer points. All of the sensor shinobi serve me, and thus are of no issue." With those words, he would follow her out, escorting her wherever she went
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A deviously wicked grin krept its way across Rinka's face as she caught a glimpse of Belamos' reaction to her joining them, though it would luckily be hidden by her mask. Rinka nodded to Tsukino and trotted up to the woman. Once she was next to the two, she'd shoot Belamos a look. "It'll be me," she'd say in response to his comment. As she did, Rinka would place her index fingers above the cat mask's eyes, angling them down and inward to give the appearance of a furrowed brow.
