The Wayfaring Dragons

[TheLacarix]

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The noon sun was high in the sky, cascading over the Dragon Country and more importantly the woodlands on the border of said country. Walking through this forest, following a beaten path that had formed by transients.

The sound of heavy breathing rumbled from a raspy chest of an old, overweight man who held a bottle of sake in his hand and a copper katana around his hip trudged through at a slow, almost methodical pace.

There in front of him a fork appeared in on the beaten road, he realised he didn’t actually know where he was going he was simply wandering and heading towards the general direction of the Dragon Country, hoping to bump into the Daimyo. Though he’d led on the help of strangers to get him to his point so far, those strangers were usually quite willing to help an old man something the man known as Aono, Ikuto used to his advantage.

Hiding the bottle of sake withinside his Haori he arched his back over and scratched the top of his head playing up the idea that he was simply an old lost man and needed assistance. In all honesty this was technically true, he peered over his shoulder looking for another wayfarer who could lead him down the right path.

[Zao]

The old sake drinker wasn't the only one on route to the country of Dragons, Dragon country. It was the first time in quite a a handful of years that he had journeyed back to his homeland, his birth place. Nearly five years ago he had left to follow his dream of becoming a strong swordsman, which was completely against the wishes of his family. But in the end he had made the hard decision to follow his heart and the strange swordsman he'd encounter helping others near his old hometown.

Much had changed as the dark kimono dressed man stood nearly a head taller than back then, the sleeveless robe showed that even in all the time his arms were still somehow strangely then then and long for his body. Hung from a thick leather waist belt was a pair of worn looking leather sheaths that fell on eother hip containing his special machete cleavers. A somewhat odd weapon that his master had crafted for him based on his original cooking knives that were a mix of a meat cleave and small machete. He traveled south west as he'd been in the north near Earth counth during his training of his mind and body, venturing to Star country for their recent festival and finally now he was almost back to the laege country's border.

The spikey reddish brown hair bounced slight with each long stride that Sato took as he followed the small foot traveled path, his wooden sandals clicking lightly against the occasional small rocks found along the pathway. A distinct set of slate grey eyes stood out on the rather normal featured face of the now young man as he glanced up to look side to side, the forest was ever so slightly beginning to thin out signifying his approach to the country's border. It was there the forest would begin to give way to lush grassy plains and farm land. It was at this point of scanning that in the distance along his current path that those special color eyes spotting an elderly looking gentleman traveling alone.

It was a welcomed sight for Sato who had not met anyone for a few days as few people traveled the winding forest path, addusting the strap over his left should that belonged to a simple looking brown ruck bag that carried everything that he owned and continued at his pace seeing the other man had stopped. As he began tonclose the gap between the two of them the slender, lanky right arm lifted from the side into a half wave. "Good morning, sir." A gentle, confident voice was projected from the ronin's then lips to the man as he greeted the fellow traveler. As he approached he took quick note of the bronze scabbard and the hint of sake that was drifting faintly from the man, the smell causing his nose to twitxh slight. This round little fellow seemed rather...unique.

[TheLacarix]

The sound of wooden sandals clip clopping across the floor behind him rung through his ears, an unsuspecting wayfarer would soon be upon him and Ikuto could take advantage. A smile ran across his face as he heard the stranger offer a greeting and called him sir, obviously someone who was respectful. Perfect.


He slowly turned on his heels, his back lowered down as though he was struggling to even keep his own vast weight up, his crinkled eyes and bright red nose facing directly at the stranger looking up at him from his lowered position.


“Ah, hello.” He muttered softly, he turned his head back to the forked roads and gestured towards them “I’m trying to find my way to Gullean markets, I have a meeting with the Merchant Seat.” This actually wasn’t true, he had no booked meeting, but he planned to get one the moment he arrived, though this young man didn’t need to know that.


“Aono, Ikuto.” He announced he own name as he trudged closer to the fork slowly barely even moving “Would you happen to know the way? I don’t want to get lost, I’ve heard there are cannibals and criminals looming around.” He said in an ominous tone.

[Zao]

"The merchant seat?" The man was a little taken back at the claim of the older swordsman before him as he stopped a few feet away from the gentlemen to ensure that he didn't accidentally intrude on the man's personal space as they greeted one another. Perhaps he had misjudged the older man. If this man did really have a meeting with those merchants than the stranger either had much to offer in terms of money or something else. That was because not just anyone was able to get a meeting with even the lowermost of their members. Sato knew from the personal experiences as his family name was known through out that area for many years, yet they were refused to cook for any of the merchant seats up until just a few years ago. With an interested smile forming on his thin lips the spiky haired man nodded his head respectfully as Ikuto spoke his name.

"A pleasure to meet you, Ikuto-sama." His tone still respectfully but he didn't offer his free hand yet for any type of physical meeting gesture, this was something that the swordsman wouldn't do, that was to put himself into a position where both of his hands were tied up which would prevent him from being able to quickly unsheathe at least one of his cleaving swords if needed. After all, no all people were honest with their words, while Sato would give him the benefit of the doubt his training would not allow for him to willingly let down his guard even against an old man. This could be seen as the left hand adjusted the strap of the shoulder bag while the right hand fell ever so slightly to the front of the long worn looking hand on the man's right hip

"To the right leads down to Seledar and the left will take us to Gullean, sir." The man's slender fingers reached up, rubbing his hairless chin as he looked back and forth at the fork in the road as if remembering the way for himself before nodding silently and making a hand gesture to each fork as he spoke with a gentle tone now. He to was looking to head towards Gullean, after all. Having the old man accompany him along the way would only be a welcome after not having any traveling companion for some time after his master's demise. Plus, he to looked to try and earn a meeting with the Merchant Seat that currently imployed his family as their personal chefs. Everything he did for himself was to in the end propel his families name higher, to increase their status so that they could live a good life. "Do you mind if I join you?"

[TheLacarix]

Ikuto immediately regretted lying to the young man in front of him, it was apparent by his reaction that he was shocked and somewhat excited about the fake meeting with the Merchant Seat though he’d already committed to it now and he couldn’t let the stranger know that he wasn’t telling the truth. He certainly intended to get a meeting and was confident he could get one, so perhaps in the future this lie would no longer be a lie.

At least he hoped.


The young man was kind enough to guide him in the right direction, the two pathways so close together it was obvious why so many missing bystanders got caught up in a mess. Walking towards Seledars market certainly would be dangerous for anyone who wasn’t combat orientated, he’d heard the market was a hub for crime, though perhaps if he needed to, he could visit for work. Though he’d rather not stoop himself to that level anymore, he wanted to bring honour back to the samurai.

As the young man asked if he could accompany him, Ikuto nodded in response “I know I’m old, but unless I’ve forgotten it already. It’s always polite to give your name.” scolded the older, he rummaged through his bag and pulled out a set of freshly made egg and cress sandwiches, he passed one to his knew found friend and took a small bite from the other.

“Which country are you from? I assume one of the minor countries.” He scoffed at the phrase of calling them the minor countries “There aren’t many Samurai who train in the great five.” He made casual conversation, whilst Ikuto slowly shuffled along hiding his true speed, it was almost a snails pace as the pair followed the path.

The Wayfaring Dragons would wander.

[Zao]

"Oh!" The young swordsman instantly straightened his lanky body, the slight bit of reprimand causing him to have a momentary flashback to how his atrange, old master use to harp on him at first foe his manners back then as a novice swordsman. Bringing his empty hand up to his mouth he performed a somewhat embarrassed cough as if clearing his throat. "Please call me Sato, sir." Words slippes through his thin lips quickly, a slight apologetic tone to the man's voice.

Without realizing it the ma produced a sandwich and not wanting to show any more bad manners ro his new elderly friend Sato would extend his lanky finger hand out. Smiling and giving a gentle nod of thanks for the old man's gesture now of sharing food with him. Adjusrung the bag strap and freeing his other hand he unwrapped the sandwich while his new friend had already taken a bite out of another he now held.

'What an odd fellow.' The man seemed to send mixed messages with his words and actions but the Cleaving swordsman was no stranger to odd or strange people as he had meet a number of those along his path of the sword. His fallen master perhaps being one of the strangest in fact. Taking a bite for himself now the man's face stayed the same but his chef's pallet said no, thankfully he'd gotten use such dood items as on the road and in the wilderness one could only eat what they could find. It was in that moment that he'd already decuded that he must treat this old swordsman to a real meal once they arrives, his family of chef's would be welcoming of any friend od the country native.

"Ah, you are looking at it my good sir. Dragon country is my home, I just haven't been back in a long time due to my sword path..." A hinr of concealed pride slipped into the softly spoken words as he turned to his traveling companion taking a small bite from the mediocre tasting food item in the left hand. His words almost seems ro come to an unnatural end as his thoughts dridted back allowing him to realize that it had been perhaps half a decade already that he'd been gone searching out his swordheart. "Shaking the thoughts of his past for the moment he would flip the question now as his feet slowly moved to match the tremendously slow rate of match of Ikuto. "Where does a great swordsman like yourself hail from? "

[TheLacarix]

Sato a name he’d now store, in reality he hadn’t forgotten if the young samurai had give his name or not, but Ikuto realised that people were more likely to assist a somewhat senile, frail old man, his demeanour would play on their heart strings. He listened to Sato as he stated he was from the country they were treading through, that was very useful for Ikuto having someone who knew the lay of the land was nothing but advantageous.


A smile spread across Ikuto’s face as he was called a great swordsman, he almost snorted at the response and shook his head “Great swordsman? I’m not sure what gave you that idea.” His voice trailed off into a chuckle as he plodded on at his incredibly slow pace “Any fool can buy a sword, doesn’t make them a great swordsman.” He said somewhat firmly “But to answer your question, my homeland is ‘The Land of Tea’ but there are far too many shinobi stinking up the place for me.” He grumbled as the pair continued on their path towards the market.


They followed the trail through the forest, out in the distance a running river could be heard which would likely need to cross. As the river came nearer, it was apparent that the bridge had broken there was nothing but posts and a bit of old rope that looked as though it had been cut quite some time ago. Likely by bandits hoping to trap unsuspecting travellers.


Ikuto wasted no time, he sprung forward running across the water at incredible speed a soft splattering noise could be heard as his sandals slapped against the water as though it was solid. Once landing on the other side of the banking, he gasped and clung on to his sides as though he had a stitch, he dabbed at his forehead wiping away the sweat from his brow and pulled out his bottle of sake, taking a quick gulp before quickly hiding it once again. He looked over his shoulder and looked at Sato, wondering how he’d fair with the water that blocked his path.

Ikuto gasped out “I hope there is a good pub when we arrive, I’m knackered already!”

usedShow

[The Truth of Running Water]
D-Ranked Taijutsu Maneuver
Prerequisite: 25 Speed & Acrobatics
The user is capable of running at such speeds they are able to run across water without sinking, however once they stop moving, they will instantly sink.

[Zao]

"Hmm." At the initial response from the old swordsman the young man shifted his eyes to the side allowing for him to sneak a quick over at the side profile. Though one might just dismiss him as some old fart, but their was a certain atmosphere around the man that wasn't something a normal person would possess. It was something that Sato's sword heart was able to pick up on, when he was near someone like himself. His swords heart was something that took him years to grasp at, even now it was a long way before the man would be able to master this intangible thing. In the end he only smiled and took another bite, listening as the man continued to speak.

'Tea country...feel like I have been through there before.' "Shinobi, you say?" Though the man didn't let any air of murderous or killing intent leak from his body at the mention of the shinobi and the situation of Tea as explained briefly by Ikuto, their was a faintly noticeable difference in the tone spoken in those couple of words. "That is becoming a problem in other counties, as well." Speaking he turned his dull grey eyes back onto the small pathway ahead as they moved at the abysmal slow pace but it did give him time to finish the mediocre sandwich.

Time would pass rather quickly despite the pace of the traveling dragons, soon coming to one of the main rivers that flowed through this portion of Dragon country and yet for some reason the bridge had been either been destroyed in a recent storm or perhaps even purposely damaged by the rather unsavory characters that could be found in the area. Exhaling slowly, a bit agitated the man went to turn towards his elderly companion to speak but his friend didn't stop but displayed incredible speed and bodily control. "This old man...haha." Speaking a few muttered words he couldn't help but laugh a bit, this was a feat through diligent training and not something like the water walking of a shinobi.

Shaking his head and still laughing a bit he turned to his side after watching the old man safely make it to the other side and both his hands reached across in front of him to grasp the wrapped handles. Twisting to the side he drew out both blades as the two posts left from the former bridge were cleanly sliced off at the ground level, continuing to turn his body both cleaving machete blades found their sheaths and his palms struck out sending each log somewhat up right, the second log further then the first. With a smile he lowered his stand and transferred strength into the tiny legs of his and pushed forward leaping out onto the water landing softly with one foot on the first log before leaping a second time to land with the other foot on the chopped post before finally landing mostly dry on the other side of the river a short distance from his friend.

"Impressive, Ikuto-sama." A simple nod and a word of praise left the tall man's lips as he shook his head somewhat afterwards, the traveling companion that he'd picked up sure was an odd but interesting character. And it would seem that his sword heart was not wrong about the aura the old man put off. Perhaps this was the beginning of an interesting adventure..."There are of course a few good places like that where we're headed." Reaching over to pat the seemingly out of breath old man's back as he spoke, he brought his gaze back upon the path that had once more appeared before them, he'd have to notify someone about the bridge when they arrived.

[TheLacarix]

Ikuto took note of the young Samurais distain for shinobi, they’d push down samurai to nothing but cheap mercenaries and swords for hire, honour had washed away from the title Samurai they were second class citizens, no longer the heroes they were meant to be. Perhaps Sato would make a good recruit for his cause, for now he wouldn’t push things too much, he’d gauge the young man and see how he felt before pressing matters further.


The Samurai gasped and spluttered for air as his gaze fell upon Sato seeing how he’d make his way across the water, he could of simply swam and Ikuto wouldn’t of thought anything of it but Sato performed a simple yet elegant technique and was on other side within an instant. A resourceful young man thought Ikuto.

Sato patted Ikuto on the back who was struggling to catch is breath, he smirked at the thought of a pub at the end of the forest which gave him motivation to carry on. He picked up his pace walking slightly faster than before but still much slower than an average pace “The first rounds on me then!” he said with delight.

“You’re obviously a talented samurai Sato, if you’d like I could teach you my water walking technique. I’m sure you’d pull it off much better than I.” he admitted “And if you’re lucky, you’ll get another egg sandwich.” He chuckled as the pair continued through the woods, the market wouldn’t be too far now. In the distance he could hear crowds of people, talking, battering, laughing and the smell of good food flooded his nostrils, if he was in a cartoon Ikuto would of lifted off the ground and floated towards the smell.

[Zao]

"Oh really now?" Sato was surprised to see the man's pace and spirit pick up out of no where at the mention of his words from a moment earlier, even declaring the first round to be on him. The later part wasn't to bad due to the lack of funds the young man currently had on him. Of course he could acquire some from his family when he made it into the town and managed to locate their residence but perhaps it was his pride as a man or as a swordsman that would not allow for him to ask his family for any money. At least he had enough to get by, most likely. He could remember in the past living in the woods and on the streets because being a swordsman or ronin these days wasn't quite the best paying job and people just wanted to lump you together with all the mercenary types out there. That was something that Sato had never fallen into, he was there to help those who needed it and what rewards one acquired from that was enough.

"I had a good master in the past, Ikuto-sama." Sato quietly turning his dull eyes back on the small trail the pair were traveling, at least their pace was a snippet faster than earlier. But even the young swordsman couldn't help but be inticed by the old man's offer to teach him the water walking technique that he'd demonstrated a few minutes earlier to cross the stream. "It would be a lie to say that I wasn't interested in seeing that technique against. I almost thought you were using that technique the shinobi use..." He paused, not because of what he was talking about with shinobi but at the mention of the man and his egg sandwiches. "Thank you for your kindness sir, but I don't want to take all of your food." His voice came off very sincere as he spoke, holding his right hand up as if trying to make his words that much more believable. If it could be helped he'd rather not have to eat another one of those egg sandwiches any time soon...

[TheLacarix]

A master in the past Ikuto took note of that, pondering why the young man no longer had a master. There was no tone of sadness in his voice or anything that would indicate what had happened to him but the elder of the two samurai assumed death was the cause. The Shinigami were often following samurai, waiting for them to make a single mistake. A mistake Ikuto hadn’t made, at least not yet.

Ikuto snorted at the thought of him using a shinobi technique, shaking his head in response “I would never use any of those shinobi techniques, I’m for our kind using ki, but to lower yourself and use chakra.” He spat on the floor as though saying chakra, would put him under a curse “But if we get a moment, I will teach you it, it’s nothing complicated you just run fast.” He said with a smile over his shoulder at the young boy and produced yet another egg and cress sandwich “Think nothing of it, eggs are easy to come by.” He ripped half off for himself and chewed into it and tossed the other half to his newfound companion.

The pair followed the sound of the crowds just out in the distance, they emerged from the forest and there in front of them was the very market they had searched for “Good to be home?” Asked Ikuto, as he waved his arm forward for Sato to lead the way through his hometown.

[Zao]

'This man...really holds some hatred for all things related to shinobi. Even chakra.' Sato made another mental note to himself about the old man who now traveled with him, his actions only caused for the lanky swordsman to let out a light chuckle as the older swordsman spat upon the ground beneath their feet. Quickly regaining his composure as if nothing had happened he nodded respectfully at the elder man's words once again making mention about if they were to have a moment he would teach him. Speaking as if it was some easy technique, only saying that you 'just run fast'. This caused for the spiky haired young man to smile and shake his head from side to the other gently.

Though he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as the tell-tell movements of Ikuto as the man reached into the same location as he had not long after they had first exchanged greetings at the crossroad sign. 'It couldn't be...?!' As much as the young man tried to put some form of doubt into his mind about what the old man was reaching into his bag for, he more or less assumed what the outcome would be. "Ah, another. Um...thank you." His left hand reached out to catch the half of the egg and cress sandwich which had been tossed over to him now, exhaling slowly as he forced himself to take a few bites in order not to appear rude to the old man's hospitality. 'I really need to get him some better food...ewhwh...'

While his composure was the same as always, even given Ikuto a half smile as he took small bites of the sandwich the young chef couldn't help but wonder what it was that the elder sword master liked about this rather tasteless sandwich with all the other choices out there in the world besides egg and cress. 'Definitely need to change this old man's taste...' Laughing quietly to himself he glanced up as the dull grey eyes were able to catch the outline of civilization growing closer to the pair of travelers. His smile grew wider, probably the widest it had been in a long and time the biggest his friend would have seen from him. "It is good to be home, much looks to have changed over the years that I've been away." It would seem that progress waits for now one as old buildings had been torn down and new ones replacing them being taller than the previous ones.

Even from the distance they were still able to make out people moving to and fro, where there always this many people here? At least he'd be able to see his mother and father...a warmth within his soul that had faded slowly began to return at the thought of his family. He'd been the one to to leave to seek his own path, the path of the sword, much to the dismay of his family and friends who had never traveled outside the country. Their proud son had returned today...

[TheLacarix]

Ikuto turned his head, peering over his shoulder at the young samurai as a smile grew wide across his face. It was apparent Sato was delighted to finally be home and was proud of his homeland, he pondered if Ikuto’s future plans for the dragon country, he intended to bring honour to both the samurai and the infamous minor country.


He patted the boy on the shoulder, perhaps a touch too firmly and he nodded towards the centre of the market leading him forwards. His elderly gaze fell upon a pub just out in the distance a sign above it ‘The White Hart’ stamped across it in gold writing and a white stag painted across it with a crown around its neck.

His pace picked up moving with excitement, as he pushed through the market place and the crowds of people, almost forgetting himself. It dawned on him that his old man façade had dropped, he stopped in his tracks and immedicably crouched back down walking slowly “When you get to my age, you get random boosts of energy.” As he scoffed through the lie, the pair continued towards the pub, Ikuto’s hands greedily placed around the handle with excitement as he pulled it open leading his new companion in. (Assuming of course he followed).


Instantly there was a strange atmosphere, as the pair entered. Not because of them, but a group of Iwagakure Shinobi were sprawled across the bar, laughing loudly at rather obnoxious volumes, it was apparent they were from the village hidden within the rocks due to their uniforms. Perhaps they were on leave or in the midst of a mission. The other patrons huddled over their tables trying to stay quiet, perhaps not wanting to grab the attention of the rowdy shinobi.

Though Ikuto would not be deterred, nothing would get in the way of his pint “Find us a table? He asked his junior I’ll order us a couple of beers and get the bartender to send over a waitress.” as he made his way to the bar.