[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

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ShinobiTruth
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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by ShinobiTruth » Mon Jan 25, 2021 1:43 am

Maru had come to hate the snow. It came with too many a bitter memory.

As the world around him clashed and ebbed in the tides of chaos and war, Maru had been deployed to lead the Daimyo's troops on an invasion... if it could be really called that. The Land of White Death, the country they sought to take over, was a wasteland in large part. Though the temperatures became more mild near the south border, it was largely covered in snow. A land of no lord with no army and no government to speak of, there were only a handful of nomadic tribes residing near the south border, and to the north, in its tallest peaks, there was a rumored monastic order... and powerful spirits that lived in those very mountains. Though this victory was guaranteed and largely ceremonial, it would serve as a morale booster for the people and the village. They very much needed it after the needless defeat at Pebble. Additionally, the spirits that legends spoke of upon those mountains could possibly come to service the village. Perhaps they might be wielded as weapons of war... or even bring an end to the continuous calamity known as the catacombs.

Other than responding to the necessary orders from the Tsuchikage once they had received their orders from the Daimyo, Maru hadn't spoken much. They rode atop horses, their soldiers riding in formation behind them with the materials necessary to construct a garrison. Whatever they lacked Maru would be able to constructing using his Doton techniques. They would start roughly at the center of the country and establish outposts through out. Nomads would be offered the opportunity to submit to Earth Country rule, and they would be allowed to retain the majority of their cultural heritage, so long as they were subservient to Earth Country authority. Maru sincerely hoped the nomads would see wisdom and allow for a bloodless victory.

Their ride and travels would have largely been in silence. Maru was hoping his companion, another jounin, wasn't a particularly chatty person. He frankly hadn't been one for conversation for some time now.

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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by Kaitos10 » Fri Feb 05, 2021 3:07 pm

Nozomu would be riding on a horse silent like usual the whole way here from the earth nation unless asked a question by someone else. She heard there were no real threats in the area they were visiting so she had no idea why they were sent here when chunin could have easily have been sufficient. But since they were hear anyway they may as well make the best of it question was how would she do that. So as she rode she took a look around the area, being careful to remember her horse riding lessons. She hadn’t rode one in awhile so she wanted to make damn sure she didn’t make a fool of herself. As she looked around she saw nothing but snow they apparently hadn’t run into any clan settlements yet either that or they were all In hiding.

She kept riding along eventually getting bored and letting out a loud yawn. Nozomu thought to herself how much she hated the cold. Which was even more reason she wanted to get this over with she then started Hoping something interesting would happen soon. She knew her orders where to help set up a outpost she wondered how much longer till they reached the out post location.
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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by ShinobiTruth » Wed Feb 10, 2021 2:44 pm

His chuunin compatriot would likely find their entire mission here wanting in terms of excitement. The intel from this land indicated that there was no central government of any kind. If this were war, it would be perhaps the only bloodless victory to Earth Country's name. The only sound was the occasional grunt of Earth Country samurai riding behind them on their horses and the beasts themselves snorting and grumbling through the cold as the wheels of the carts they drug behind them clunked and drug through the fresh snow. Before, Maru likely would have reveled in this calm and quiet. And though now bitterness stole the peace that would have once been found in these still moments, there was a solace to be taken in the absence of change and strife. Nothing unusual to account for, nothing to preoccupy the mind... no one to worry about killing.

They had been riding since the early morning, and it was now mid-day. By his estimate, they should be right around where they were to build the outpost. Raising a single hand up, he closed his fist to order a full stop to their forces. Within nary but an extra stride, the entire force at his command followed suit. Cold green eyes strode forward a few paces as he surveyed the land around them. There was little of note amidst all of the white. The most that could be seen was a single raised hill amidst unmarked plains. To the south the elevation declined, to the east and west, they could see far unto the horizon, and to the north, many miles away, were the mountains, which were nothing of concern from a tactical standpoint.

Maru turned to the entire assembly of troops, unfeeling green eyes scrutinizing every last soldier as if taking measure of their character. "We'll set up the outpost on that hill, there. It's the most easily defensible position for miles. We'll have the towers, gates, and walls set up within the hour, and then we send the eagles to scout. Await further orders once the outpost is constructed," he commanded to the troops. "You all know your duties. Carry them out!"

Trotting over to his chuunin compatriot, he issued further orders, handing her a scroll. "These are the schematics for the outpost issued to us by high command, given the terrain and climate. Make sure they are followed to the letter. If anyone questions you, remind them that you report directly to me, which means, in my absence, you are their leader. You are to ensure their work is completed within the timeframe that was given. Understood?" he stated, the firmness in his voice commanding authority despite being so young.

It was clear this was not Maru's first time with conflict. Eyes of emerald stood stoic as the stones they resembled, and it would take an act of god for them to falter.

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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by Kaitos10 » Sun Feb 14, 2021 11:58 am

Nozomu was indeed bored and it probably showed though all things considered that was indeed a minor problem currently and it wasn’t like they were waisting time it’s just that the ride over to the outpost was a slog. But that combined with the real problem which was the fact that she was just recently getting use to cold weather meant she wasn’t really happy. When she saw that they had reached the out post site she was kind of relieved that there long journey was over. She then watched as her commanding officer handed her a scroll and put her in charge.

She then nodded and said “I understand I’ll make sure it gets done on time and built to the letter” she wondered what he would be doing during this time though she guessed he would be scouting around and looking for any threats to the outpost. The young jounin then made sure to get to work immediately creating a few shadow clones so could monitor the project from multiple vantage points and would then make sure everyone else was working on what they were supposed to be doing also. When it was necessary she would give out instructions so that the project got done too the letter.
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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by ShinobiTruth » Tue Feb 16, 2021 7:57 pm

Nozomu might find Maru's orders quite puzzling, especially given that, instead of riding off to establish his own tent or scouting as she might expect, he would go to work on assisting with the movement of materials and using Doton jutsu to create the major walls that would compose the majority of the outer line of defense for the outpost. Given his visible intensity and quick work, even the samurai would find themselves confused at first, but they would quickly recognize that Maru was not the kind of person to put himself above others despite being a shinobi. In Iwagakure, the laws and rules were clear. Though most people bore sufficient rights to survive and live comfortably, the shinobi were the ruling class. You did not dare cross a shinobi unless you had iron-clad merit. Some vain, spiteful ninja would use their authority to their advantage in trifling but ultimately unfair manners at times. Though perhaps such things occurred very infrequently, they most certainly did happen. This would be the environment that Nozomu grew up in. Thus, she might find her superior's behavior confusing.

He did not act as if he were superior to them. Though he did not hesitate to use his authority when necessary, he worked with them, not just over them. In his eyes, they were equal.

It seemed that despite her initial suspicions, the responsibility of overseeing the work and also maintaining the perimeter patrols would fall to Nozomu herself. It would not be particularly hard work, though it would be hectic. Multiple areas of the outpost would request assistance, which she would communicate to other areas of the camp through runners. Sometimes, it was samurai who would rush to assist. Other times, it would be Maru himself. Almost as if by magic, the outer walls of the outpost would be quickly constructed by Doton as sturdy as the mountains themselves (50 Strength), and these would be further reinforced with braces of lumber and steel. As per Maru's instructions, they would be finished in less than an hour's time, and one-third of their standing force would maintain patrol while the remaining soldiers would tend to building the barracks and other facilities in the outpost as well as setting up tents for storage of weapons and equipment. Fires would begin to be constructed to help warm the troops after their long trek through the cold. The coals of those fires would serve as kindling to light cooking fires and to heat water to be used for bathing. Their entire camp was designed to run efficiently, minimizing waste and any potential exposure to disease as was possible in these circumstances while keeping their soldiers clean, fed, and well-rested, ready for battle at a moment's notice. In the center were two large tents, one for Maru and one for Nozomu. Nozomu's tent, while largely practical, would have at least a few small amenities that she might have requested before departing. Maru's tent was a mystery to all but those who had built it. None were allowed inside unless directly ordered in.

Despite the cold weather, Maru had his jacket slung over his shoulder, sweat streaming down his forehead and back. The t-shirt he wore was drenched in sweat as well. He beckoned to Nozomu, calling her to him. "Good job keeping the soldiers in line. Give me ten minutes to tend to myself. If we seek to sway these people to kneel to our banner, I need to reflect the dignity and strength that Earth Country wields. Give the order to the men to assemble near the center of the camp once they are done with their current tasks."

Maru was not impolite, but he was direct. He turned away and entered into his tent with a cold bucket of water in hand. Even though their victory in this campaign was likey all but assured, Maru couldn't help but be on edge, and as he stripped down to quickly rinse the sweat and grime from his body, the shock of the nearly ice-cold water served to jolt him back to his senses. His father had never participated in war. He had nothing to go on but his training and his wits. Hopefully, that would be enough.

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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by Kaitos10 » Sat Feb 20, 2021 6:51 pm

Nozomu would look on confused as she observed Maru’s strange behavior saying it was odd would be a gross understatement on top of him doing manual labor that any ordinary ninja could do he asked her to supervise instead of doing it himself. It was utterly bewildering, but it wasn’t her place to question her superior so she just let it go and tried to ignore it. During the whole construction she just relayed orders through her shadow clones every time she needed to make a new order she just created a clone then told it the message then made it poof causing all the other clones to get the info. Of course she couldn’t do this all the time so she did use runners if it was a short distance and more efficient to do so.

Later on when she was called into Maru’s tent she would enter and salute him until told she could relax when he complimented her job with the soldiers she said “thank you sir!” Then when given a instruction she would say “of course right away sir!” Then would wait a little to see if he needed anything else. If it was clear he had nothing else he needed her for she would leave and start gathering all the ninja and samurai that were finished with there tasks and make sure the ones that were still busy were aware of the order.

Once she had informed everyone if ten minutes hadn’t passed yet she would check on the people with tasks intermittently to make sure they weren’t trying to leave once there tasks were done. Then once ten minutes had passed she would send a shadow clone to wait outside the tent and inform Maru that the order has been carried out. While her main body waited in the center for the rest of the troops.
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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by ShinobiTruth » Wed Feb 24, 2021 11:37 am

Maru would not take long. Five, maybe ten minutes, would be all he needed to arrange himself before exiting the tent to present himself to the soldiers. He and his second-in-command were, likely, the youngest of all of them. Many men far older than he, most of them double his age, stood at attention in the center of the camp. He knew that while working with them had won him some level of confidence and trust in their eyes, he was far from having won their loyalty outright. That would require more effort on his part. These men would be expected to die for him. He prayed that such a circumstance never came, but if such a grim fate befell any of them, he wanted them to die with resolve in their hearts, not fear, knowing that he had done all he could to ensure their survival and victory.

Maru thought for a moment to mount his horse, but he decided against it. Such might be seen as arrogant, looking down at his troops. Instead, he opted for a wooden box, which he grabbed as he made his way to the front of the troops. Tossing lightly in front of him, he jumped atop it. It still elevated him so that he might see the entire body of troops and they him, but it would be clear that it was for practicality's sake, not for making any sort of statement of his status. "Men! Our orders are simple. War is upon us. The only rule of war we can know for certain is this: expect the unexpected," he started. "I know that many of you, upon receiving your orders to take this land in the name of Earth Country, in the name of our Daimyo, may have scoffed. You may have thought it beneath you, coming to this frozen wasteland for what amounts to a snowy hill with some recluse monks to the north and nomads to the south. Some of you may have given a sigh of relief, thinking this an easy assignment."

The jounin paused, looking them in the eyes before continuing by doing something they might not have expected: agreeing with that sentiment. "Frankly, I hope that's the case. I hope this is a campaign that is simple, quick... and maybe even bloodless, if we execute our missions effectively. My sincere hope is that each of you returns to your families and lands none the worse for wear. Yes, that would be the best outcome."

He waited for their reactions. Many of their eyes widened slightly, now more at attention than they were before. Good. Now was when he drove his point home. "But make no mistake. Complacency and apathy lead to only one path: the grave. Do not be misled by your own hopes and aspirations. War is not kind. War is not merciful. War is not forgiving. This is not permission to act in a manner that is brutal or cruel. Rather, it is to warn you to keep your senses about you. We still march into unknown lands. We still march upon a country that does not welcome us. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security merely because of facts that are obvious. If you can avoid fighting, good, but always be ready for the possibility that you can't. Have confidence in your skills and in your brethren beside you. Have confidence in us, shinobi who have been graced by the Daimyo to lead you and who have been blessed to be able to lead the finest soldiers this world has to offer. Have the confidence to come to me with your observations, concerns, and grievances. If we work as one, we will come through victorious."

The men gave a joint loud cry of approval. Maru paused again and allowed them to settle before giving his final statement. "Without us, you are nothing. Without you... we are nothing. We will not win this through being divided. We are a team. If you help us succeed, we, in turn, will help you succeed. You all have your orders. Report to your company captains and carry them out to the full. Dismissed!"

The men gave another single, loud chant before quickly moving to their assignments. Maru would mount his horse and signal to Nozomu to follow him. The loud thunder of hoves rose up behind them as they exited the camp, two hundred soldiers riding at their backs as they rode south.

They would be traveling for some time. If Nozomu had any questions to ask, she would find ample time to present them to her superior officer.

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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by Kaitos10 » Thu Mar 11, 2021 1:42 pm

Nozomu would be surprised her commander was ready in 5 minutes instead of ten maybe he just wanted the extra time so he didn’t have to rush? It was hard for her to say though when he arrived she stood there with the other soldiers and listened to her commanders speech it definitely hit the nail on the head. But it did bring up a important point and that was that because this was a war anything could happen even in a backwater place like this.

When they decided to move out it seemed like the best time to ask questions and Nozomu would definitely be curious as to why she was chosen to lead the troops in the building project. But she waited until the commander didn’t see, busy and got next to him while they we’re riding on horses again she would ask a few things. “I have a few questions I was thinking of first off why did you choose me to lead the building project when Your the commanding officer? Second is I know some shinobi and samurai are faster then horses when running so why not give horses to the ones that are slower and leave the faster ones to run? Finally shouldnt we leave some people behind in case locals show up and try to sabotage the newly created outpost?” She would then casually wait for her questions to be answered while riding.
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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by ShinobiTruth » Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:39 am

It seemed that his subordinate had the good sense to choose her moment to speak carefully. Good. That skill of observation would prove useful in the battles ahead she would no doubt face. Though Maru kept his eyes on the path ahead of them, it was clear from his demeanor that he was listening closely to the questions Nozomu had for him. The questions themselves showed that her deduction skills could be more thorough, though. This wasn't bad in and of itself, but merely a point she could improve on. "I will answer those questions with questions of my own, Nozomu. Let's consider a few things," Maru started, holding up his hand and counting as he mentioned each point.

One finger went up. "These men and I have never worked together before, never fought before. And all they were given were mundane building materials for which to make this outpost. Meanwhile, I can bend the very earth and make walls tougher than any steel that will stand forever unless they are somehow destroyed. Additionally, neither of us has commanded soldiers like this. They had no reference point for our abilities as leaders or as a team. Knowing all of these things, what do you think I accomplished by not only working with them but putting you in charge of overseeing the work?"

A second finger went up. "Now, look at the terrain around us. And think about the distance we have to travel. Your point is not incorrect, but perhaps there's another thing you should consider. It may take us more time, yes, and riding for long strings of time can be taxing. Still, generally speaking, who will have more energy to fight: those that have had to trudge through thick snow and ice on foot, or those that have been able to make that journey with the full assistance of a war beast?" Maru questioned, letting the logic sink in.

A third finger went up. "Lastly, the men at our back presently number two hundred. Do you think two hundred men are enough to establish a foothold in any country, even one as sparsely populated as this? Also, we ride forward away from the outpost, but we do so without care or concern of what we left behind. Why do you think that is?" Maru asked. If Nozomu had been paying attention, she would have noticed well over a thousand men at the initial briefing and speech Maru gave before they left the outpost.

Maru allowed those questions to sink in, but it was clear they were not rhetorical. He was expecting an answer.

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[Legends] A Marriage of Rock and Snow

Post by Kaitos10 » Sun Mar 28, 2021 2:22 pm

Nozomu would think about those questions carefully and she then decided to answer the questions making sure to choose her words carefully then would answer the first question by saying.

“ I know that you showed them what you could do and that I’m able to command them if I need to? As well as your possibly willing to view them as your equal? As well as other possible things such as your willing to help them with there work? There are other possible things they could’ve inferred from those actions as well of course.”

She would then pause for a second and say though “though I assume you choose doton instead of kouton because even if someone does manage to break the walls the pieces that broke off remain while on the other hand with kouton even though it resists jutsu better if they break the pieces of wall then that portion of the wall that broke off is no longer usable.

She would then proceed the answer the second question by saying “good point I wasn’t exactly thinking of exhaustion as a problem for some reason and if they ride on horses they won’t get tired like they would if they were on foot”
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Konoha geninIzumi haruka
Kiri genin Karagata Nozomi
Minor country genin Desumonsuta
Iwagakure jinch Enkouton Hiroko

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