Sengoku - Topic: ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

griff on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Mon, 11 Sep 2017 18:28:30 +0000


	Sengoku ~ Chapter 1
	Riku nodded to the ronin as he went about his task of gathering dry wood. With each piece picked up, Riku said a silent thank you for this plant life giving itself so that the three companions can eat their food and remain living. Smiling to himself, Riku enjoyed the conflicting ideas within his dogma and accepted as such. One should not kill, but one must kill to not kill one self. Animal, plant, Riku saw no difference. They all deserve to be recognized for their sacrificed. Bundling and putting the fire wood into a pile, Riku grab a piece of flint front his robes and started the fire using some dried up leaves. Riku sat around the fire for comfort and said another thank you for both the rabbits and the rice that the three were about to enjoy.
	OOC:

cooler on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:05:09 +0000

Shijou Nakatomo
———————–
With all of the men in agreement, they had decided to stop at a clearing close to the road to take a much-needed rest and fill up on some food. Zakuro came up with some simple tasks and asked each member of the group to accomplish them with Nakatomo being asked to acquire some meat to add to their meal. Upon hearing the task provided, Nakatomo nodded to signal his agreement and began to move towards the tree line and head deep into the woods away from the road. With his bow drawn, Nakatomo quietly walked through the forest with his mind singularly focused on tracking and hunting small game. While there were bears and boars in the forest, they would prove more cumbersome than necessary and with limited baggage and an effective means of transporting extra raw meat, much of the animal would go to waste. Therefore, he had settled on looking for some Japanese Hare, one for each of them should be sufficient and allow them to maximize the use of the animal.

It took Nakatomo maybe ten minutes before he returned to the clearing with three Japanese Hare tied to a rope around his waist. As the others were working on their own tasks, he sat down and began to skin the small creatures. Upon completion, he sat tied them to a small rack that he had furnished from some branches and set it nearby and waited for a fire to be made.

dystopia on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 17:20:35 +0000


	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.

griff on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 14:04:44 +0000


	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."
	OOC:

cooler on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 14:35:18 +0000

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."

dystopia on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:44:57 +0000


	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.

griff on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Sat, 26 Aug 2017 13:56:13 +0000


	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.
	OOC:

cooler on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 15:31:13 +0000

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.

dystopia on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 20:08:27 +0000


	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.

griff on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 16:55:39 +0000


	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."
	OOC:

cooler on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Thu, 24 Aug 2017 16:36:28 +0000

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.

dystopia on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 19:53:36 +0000


	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.

griff on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 16:34:07 +0000


	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.
	OOC:

cooler on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 18:10:03 +0000

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.

dystopia on ++ Chapter 1: Winds of Change

Sun, 13 Aug 2017 18:29:08 +0000


	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.