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.
5:01 pm July 29, 2017
cooler
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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.
4:47 pm August 2, 2017
griff
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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.
8:13 am August 6, 2017
cooler
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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.
4:51 pm August 11, 2017
griff
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posts 75
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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.
6:10 pm August 14, 2017
cooler
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posts 16
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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.
4:34 pm August 16, 2017
griff
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posts 75
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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.
4:36 pm August 24, 2017
cooler
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Shijou Nakatomo ——— It took only moments for this new team to start to work somewhat together as they all began to make their moves. It seemed as though they all had a similar ideology, to not take a life unless necessary. They understood their abilities compared to others and knew that these bandits would die quickly and easily and therefore they all gave them opportunities to leave. However, even with their initial warnings, while the bandit leader appeared shaken, he did not quite back down, only discounting the fee. At this point, Nakatomo wondered what would happen next and as he looked on, Zakuro gave the leader another warning, this time one that he could see as blood spurted out of his arm. Anticipating a reaction from the other bandits, Nakatomo aimed his bow towards them and kept an arrow locked on to one of the three bandits. While they knew of his presence, he doubted they knew his exact location and regardless, he was far enough away to be able to kill at least one before they reached either him or Zakuro.
4:55 pm August 24, 2017
griff
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posts 75
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Sengoku ~ Chapter 1
Riku was disappointed when the bandit countered with an option that was not available. With a continued calm demeanor, the sohei moved behind Zakuro with a hit from his shakujo to the leader while his right leg found itself behind the bandit's calf, knocking the injured man to the ground. Riku placed the bottom of his shakujo on the bandit's chest and looked towards the remaining bandits, with bored, dead eyes, “Is 10 mon worth this?!” Riku raised and dropped his shakujo on the bandit's chest causing him to release a grunt, “This is the last time we shall be so kind. Yield or be forced to.”
Zakuro stood steady, feeling the movement of Riku as he swiftly and deftly moved from the forested area that grew up on each side of the road and with quick actions downed the bandit leader and attempted to reason with him. Sensing that the standoff would soon subside Zakuro let his arms relax but kept his blade drawn, though he suspected that Nakatomo could down one if not two of the other bandits before they could even cross the bridge. ” Gaaah! Just let them pass!! ” The bandit leader belted out from the dirt road, his arm oozing carmine red. rdquo; Twice in one day… ” he uttered under his breath as he rolled around in the dirt. With a quick flick of his odachi Zakuro threw much of the bandit's blood from the blade before arcing it behind his head and allowing the weight of the blade to act on it's own, returned it to it's saya. ” Twice indeed. ” Zakuro muttered with slight amusement as he stepped foot on the bridge, walking towards the three bandits who had stepped aside, noticing only now that each of them sported rather clear bruises on their faces—no doubt Ukioinin's doing.
3:31 pm August 25, 2017
cooler
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Shijou Nakatomo ——— The steady escalation of force eventually allowed the bandit leader to see reason, of course, had he not, Riku was in a position to kill him instantly. With the standoff now over, Nakatomo attached his bow to his back via a clip that also held his quiver. Afterwards, he made his way carefully through the forest and out onto the path on the other side of the bridge, meeting up with Zakuro as he did. “Unfortunately, I don't think these tactics will work once we reach our target. Blood will have to be shed…” Nakatomo stated, trailing off towards the end as he came to grasp that by the end of their mission, they would most likely have to take the lives of those who would prevent them from doing as they were hired to do. A human life is not something Nakatomo had ever imagined doing, yet he knew with his skills with the bow that he one day would be called to use it against his fellow man.
1:56 pm August 26, 2017
griff
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posts 75
36
Sengoku ~ Chapter 1
Riku moved his shakujo from the leader's chest and look down upon him, “Consider picking a different line of work, the next travellers may not be so forgiving, or simply become better at it.” The sohei moved behind Nakatomo nodding in agreement that if it were this easy they would not be paid so highly. Riku did not wish to take a life, but if it was something he must do, then do it he must.
Zakuro let a smile show on his face as both of his companions felt the weight of the decisions they just made and then connected that to the acts they would surely preform at the end of this road they walked. He was pleasantly surprised by the character and skill of both men, perhaps his early judgement of their youth and demeanor respectfully were not entirely accurate. ” I will never hesitate to shed blood that must be shed, but in some situations there are other options, as you both must know. ” Zakuro replied as he crossed the bridge and began to leave the bandits behind. Ahead the forest path seemed to twist and turn for miles, like a dirt stream that separated the forest in two. Zakuro knew that the trek would likely take them most of the day, allowing them to arrive at the Tokugawa estate near dusk, at which time Ukioinin could walk them through the actual objectives. ” Should either of you like we could take a short rest, perhaps steam of rice and have a small meal. ” Zakuro said as he slowed his pace, looking into the tapestry of greens and browns that surrounded them. ” Or we could push on straight through this wood to our rendezvous with Ukioinin. ” Zakuro continued, presenting the two options.
2:35 pm August 30, 2017
cooler
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Shijou Nakatomo ———————– The first real hurdle that the group had met was a resounding success where all three without so much as any communication were able to understand the situation and respond accordingly. Nakatomo was hopeful that the mission, while it would most likely be more dangerous, would go relatively smooth once they actually made a plan amongst themselves. They understood that these wars and constant strife drove others to simply do what is needed to survive and provide for themselves and their family. It took a significant amount of compassion and composure to understand this and not kill everyone that crossed you. As they all seemed to agree on the outcome and what the future would hold, they began to long walk towards the Tokugawa estate where Ukionin would be waiting for them. The sun would slowly move across the sky as the road twisted and turned through the woods and over small creeks and riverbeds. Small animals could be heard frolicking in the forest searching for food or just playing around. The sweet scent of the trees filled the air and Nakatomo was able to really clear his mind and think about why he had chosen to come here. He had told himself and the others that it was simply to test himself to make himself better, which was partially true. However, part of him knew that had he never put the bow down, he would have been able to protect his village and the love of his life. As these thoughts ran through his head, the words of Zakuro brought him back to reality. “I suggest we stop for a small meal, we don't want any distractions once the real mission begins.”
2:04 pm September 1, 2017
griff
Member
posts 75
39
Sengoku ~ Chapter 1
With the threat of violence gone, the focus from Riku's eyes faded as the ringing of the shakujo chimed with each step. The buddhavista knew that war created poverty and poverty drove good men to make poor decisions. Riku believed that was why the men had become bandits and felt this was their only way. Killing them would not have helped, but maybe after two near death situations may change their choices. Either way, Riku felt he and his comrades had made the right decision. Food. The idea caught his attention adding a hyper focus to his eyes for a moment, “A break would be good. Better to eat when we can than to be hungry when we can't.”
With both men having though it over and come to the same conclusion, that they should rest and have a meal before pushing on straight to their meeting with Ukioinin, Zakuro agreed with a nod and spotting a nice clearing by the road ahead he made his way for it with the others it tow. ” We should split the work, Riku if you would please search the nearby forest for some dry wood which can use to make a fire. ” Zakuro began to speak as he kicked the dirt around the small clearing. ” Nakatomo if you would, perhaps your bow could provide us with some protein. ” The ronin continued as he sat his pack down in the clearing, fetching the bag of rice he had bought earlier, and the cooking ware he kept with him. ” I will soak the rice and prepare it for steaming. ” He finished speaking as he began to untie the knot of yarn that fastened the open end of the bag of rice closed.
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