Riku walked along side the group, each step causing the shakujo rings to to jingle, giving any insects in his path the chance to move as to not be hurt. Thinking about the mission he was now to embark on, still unsure if the mission was as straight forward as it was presented. Looking over at Nakatomo as he speak a little about himself, Riku could see why the man became an archer. He spoke with a precision that required no extra words. Riku passed the time as they walked listening to see what the ronin's story was, muttering under his breath, “Sabba Dukkha.”
As Zakuro listened he couldn't help but dwell on the differences between himself and both men he found himself paired with. They both came from a completely different walk of life then he, in the years past he knew he likely wouldn't have even mixed with such people but his fate had changed and indeed it had lead him here to this moment. Why that was he was yet to comprehend, though he would keep his eyes and mind open as he search for meaning in his journey. ” Ah well, my story is more complicated. ” The ronin said before pausing for a moment as he walked, his eyes drifting towards the forest that was in the distance, the rice paddys coming to an end. ” I was once a Samurai, but things out of my control thrust me from that life. Let me just say, the Tokugawa clan played a role in the death of my lord, for which I can never forgive them. ” Zakuro said, feeling the emotion rising in his voice as he dug through the memories. ” That is enough of that, let us make haste through the wood. Mind you such places along these roads are havens for bandits, we should be on guard. ” Zakuro changed the subject as they neared the forested road ahead.
8:01 pm July 29, 2017
cooler
Member
posts 80
23
Shijou Nakatomo ——— The Ronin's story was one that gave caution to Nakatomo, as he was well aware how emotions could affect one's abilities. This mission seemed to become more and more personal for the Ronin the more that they learned, vengeance, anger, and sadness can cloud the mind and bring down the strongest of warriors. “Be careful of your emotions, they may doom us all,” Nakatomo warned the Ronin, knowing that it most likely would mean nothing right now, not without some deeper connection and camaraderie between them. As the introductory back stories were completed, the scenery around them changed from fields of golden rice to looming shadows of giant trees. Luckily for them, the sun was still shining bright and the road was not completely dark, however, amongst trees, there would be many places to hide. Not all bandits may hide though, some may be just foolish enough to attempt to collect a toll on the passing warriors. Nakatomo, while not arming himself with his bow, ensure that he was ready to snatch it at any time. He also had his blade hanging from his side, while not as skilled with it, he was a sufficient warrior. As they walked upon the path, his eyes darted back and forth, always aware of his surroundings.
7:47 pm August 2, 2017
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
24
Sengoku ~ Chapter 1
Walking along the road had become a cleansing moment for Riku. Calming his mind and allowing his Dukkha to pass as he travelled to his next destination. This was no different, mission or not. Continuing to phase in it out as he travelled. Raising an eyebrow towards the ronin, Riku wondered what caused the former samurai to become a ronin, “Samma-Sankappa.” Riku agreed with Nakatomo expressing one of the 8 fold paths about perfect emotions and aspirations.
The subtle morning wind caught Zakuro's hair as it curled and twisted through the leaves of the forest whose trees lined the road on which they walked. The sunlight above had been filtered and a calming coolness had overtaken the ronin, the worries of his newfound allies unfounded, though he could see why they might worry. ” I've agreed to a contract, I will not endanger my compatriots in this undertaking for personal gain. That is not the way of the Samurai. ” Zakuro said, his voice still and steady. ” Though I will admit, I have no quarrel doing harm to the Tokugawa clan. ” He continued, referring to the mission at hand.
Ahead the road turned, the dirt path lined with blooming flowers that were abuzz with insects. Zakuro instinctively felt his gait shrink and he looked on ahead, where a small wooden bridge curved above a dancing forest creek. Slowing to a halt the ronin felt his hand move towards his right shoulder where the sharkskin wrapped hilt of his odachi stuck out above the top of his pack, the odachi nestled safely between his body and the pack itself. ” I saw someone ahead, move into the brush. There are likely more than one. ” Zakuro said plainly, giving the others a chance to prepare.
11:13 am August 6, 2017
cooler
Member
posts 80
26
Shijou Nakatomo ——— The conversation had halted as they continued their walk through the forest. The orange rays of the morning sun gleamed through the leaves and scattered across the dusty path. A cool breeze blew through causing a chorus of leaves to call out, masking the smallest of sounds. As the road began to bend, the soft babbling of a river could be heard. Around this bend was a small wooden bridge, a place perfect for an ambush or to be ambushed. As the thought went through his mind, the Ronin Zakuro called out that he had seen someone. Quickly, Nakatomo grabbed his bow and rushed to the edge of the road and into the brush with an arrow aiming steadily towards the bridge. No matter how many there were, at least one would fall before they were spotted.
7:51 pm August 11, 2017
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
27
Sengoku ~ Chapter 1
Riku moved his left hand onto the top of his shakujo in order to keep the rings from chiming and moved into the brush with Nakatomo. Each step into the brush, Riku thought in the back of his mind that he hoped he wasn't crushing any insects though keeping the shakujo quiet could save them. Ducking low, Riku released his left hand from the shakujo and moved it into his right sleeve and after a low click pulled out a shot tanto from his sleeve. Riku's usually dull eyes pierced down the road looking for any sign of movement.
With both of his accomplices having moved into the brush that grew out from the edge of the path Zakuro took a deep breath, calming himself, and then started forward once again. The ronin came into view of the person at the foot of the bridge just moments later and there was a brief sense of measuring, Zakuro wondering if he would indeed attempt anything. ” Do you mean to block this bridge from my passage? ” Zakuro raised his voice as he stopped some twenty meters from the bridge itself, doing his best to remain composed and not to give away the existence of his allies. ” The price for passage is twenty Mon. ” The bandit's voice was harsh, as was his overall appearance. Zakuro noted that he wasn't a tall man, but he seemed wide and stout, he could be trouble in a brawl but how would he fair against a blade? ” I will not be paying to cross this public bridge, but I will be crossing. ” Zakuro raised his voice even louder this time, attempting to show the man he meant business but also to alert both Riku and Nakatomo to be ready to react. Zakuro waited for a few moments, hoping that his words would urge the man to step to the side, but was not surprised when he did not. Sensing that it would come to violence no matter what the ronin moved swiftly to his blade, drawing the odachi in a clean motion and bringing it out in front. He felt the weight of the blade in his hands, the balance, and watched the filtered sunlight from the canopy overhead reflect from it's polished steel. Zakuro's eyes focused on the bandit but he sensed something was off, the man had yet to budge from his spot or even draw a weapon of his own, that's where Zakuro heard movement from the bushes on the far side of the bridge, where three more men were moving into the road, blades in hand.
9:10 pm August 14, 2017
cooler
Member
posts 80
29
Shijou Nakatomo ——— Nakatomo stepped lightly, gently crushing the leaves and twigs beneath his feet, keeping the sounds from echoing throughout the woods. Quietly at his back was the Riku, who moved just as quietly, if not more timidly behind him. Upon arriving in the brush, the Ronin Zakuro began moving slowly towards the bridge. Nakatomo understood his intent, he wanted to draw out the bandits and use Nakatomo and Riku as hidden allies. Needing to be able to see the entire bridge, Nakatomo quietly made his way quietly through the woods, moving from tree to tree to avoid being seen. As he neared the bridge, he stopped and began to survey the interaction at the bridge. Apparently, the man indeed turned out to be a bandit and refused to allow Zakuro to cross, a sign that blood would soon shed. As Zakuro drew his sword, three more bandits began moving into the road and it looked as if they would have the advantage. Nakatomo was unsure if four common bandits could even take on a Ronin, let alone one with allies. Quickly, he notched an arrow into his bow and aimed it at the feet of the three other bandits. At this point, Nakatomo did not believe in killing unnecessarily and he knew had an advantage over them. Quietly, he pulled back on the string and released the arrow, aiming for the ground in front of them. He would attempt to hold them back, maybe even scare them away. Regardless, Zakuro would have time to strike down his own bandit if the man refused to yield.
7:34 pm August 16, 2017
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
30
Sengoku ~ Chapter 1
Riku followed in the bushes behind Nakatomo, wanting to give the archer a clear shot. And also avoiding a point blank arrow. Eyeing the four bandits that were approaching, Riku was tempted to wait until absolutely certain the ronin needs the help. The sohei was aware of how strong that he was, but was not sure how strong his alllies were. It was not until Nakamoto shot his arrow that he felt he had to intervene, namely because the two of them fighting the four bandits wouldn't be a challenge.
The sohei emerged from the bushes with shakujo held in right hand, the six rings chiming with each step, “See we have a lot more in common then we thought.” Riku pointed towards the additional bandits, “You have friends in the bushes.” Riku gestured to himself and to the bushes behind him, “We have friends in the bushes.” Riku moved to stand side by side with Zakuro, “Now you can try” Riku put an emphasis on the word. “to stop us and lose. OR. See there's always two options. You can act like you never saw us blackmail the next travellers.” Riku was conflicted with his concept as one path was followed while another was not, but Riku wished to prioritize life over a right means of making a living.
A cool breeze danced through the forest carrying only silence on it's back. The ronin was motionless, his long odachi held out in front of him, unwavering, still. He did not move when the arrow struck at the feet of the distant bandits, he did not move when Roku emerged from the bushes with words suggesting a draw, he stood square and focused on the first and closet bandit, his senses telling him there would have to be blood drawn. ” Perhaps, we could settle on… say.. uh, 10 mon? ” The bandit leader stuttered but held his ground as did the three on the far side of the bridge, not attempting to move forward but guarding their territory. Zakuro's eyes looked directly on the bandit leader, his body still firm and motionless, watching and waiting for the moment. As the bandit leader stopped talking he slowly moved towards his gi, reaching inwards. Zakuro moved swiftly, stepping forward with a small arc of his blade, it's motion on a few inches as it cut into the forearm of the bandit, his crimson blood spurting from the wound instantly, the clang of metal as the small knife he had drawn fell to the earth at his feet. ” Yield or my next attack will claim your life! ” Zakuro's voice was calm and composed, as he returned to motionlessness. The distant bandit's on the far side of the bridge seemed to hesitate as Zakuro attacked, though it seemed as they would step forward if need be.
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