[Legends] Freedom 36; Blackpoint

[Trusted Grader]

The Future is Now!
phpBB [video] The sun was rising behind Chikara causing his frame to become a silhouette where only his purple eyes would shine through the darkness, his head was throbbing from late night celebratory drinking, which caused him to squint a little. A chuckle ran through his breath as he peered over at Yasu who looked at him with disdain, Wakana who was leaned up against the brute smiled and waved at him. Ayuma and Shiryoku were flying high up above while Chie was on her way towards them.

A cold wind blew from the west and caused the man to shiver, We aren't far from the ocean... Good... Chikara looked through his minds eye and could only see what appeared to be a heavy mountain range covered with thousands of waterfalls that spanned as far as Shiryoku could see, or at least what was visible through the heavy clouds. "Shit, today might not have been the best day to do this but at least we are here." Chikara tilted his head to the other side to speak to the man who has become his closest companion.

"But I do believe this would be a pretty good spot, it's covered by mountains, ravines and creeks, it's perfect to set up traps and fake compounds because it's pretty confusing." Chikara rubbed his chin and narrowed his brows, he couldn't believe that they had come to this point where they needed to create some sort of compound to train their fellow mercenaries, the war had been raging on and due to their first loss against Owl Country they knew that they needed to stay one step ahead.

Brawl who towered Yasu stepped up to Chikara and covered him in his shadow, would gently lay his hand on his shoulder and chuckle, it seems as if he as well thought that the Fabled Ravine would make for a great compound, hopefully so would Enzaragi.

[Mre-face]

Upon two successful campaigns with Setsuzoku it was about time they prepared for proper warfare. Sure they had a very literal small trained army but with a larger amount of money combined now with a larger amount of resources and skilled craftsmen. It was time to feed the war machine with more soldiers. More conscripts and both low and high level mercenaries, and even low level rouges would be trained up to the standard. The training would promise them not only glory but also land, money discipline and some level of authority as official soldiers of Setsuzoku not anywhere near the level of the founders. After the war, they could either retire or act as official military for their country. That was the plan, so far they weren't even sure what their country would be called as off yet. That would be discussed today, but what they did know was that they will make a compound for where these soldiers would be trained. Hidden within ravines away from the world. A dark point hidden within the ravines. Blackpoint

As they flew in closer and closer to the Fabled ravines in the southwest and filled with cloudy weather which Chikara found annoying but Enzaragi smiled at the thought it was perfect seeing as it hid the location even better. "Ironically, I think this even better, Kara! The clouds make it even more hidden! If it's like this often, it helps conceal it even more!" Sure, it would be more difficult to navigate and setup, but concealment is what they wanted. Enzaragi nodded at Chikara's comment of complexity, that added even more to their intent.

Everyone was here, everyone was involved to bear witness of the fruits of their labor. Is this what me and my friends are awarded for my servitude to you, Lord Jashin? I am forever grateful, and in your servitude… Enzaragi clutched his necklace and prayed before focusing on the task at hand. The time was not for prayer, but now it was the time for focus of which would be on forming their new country. It's structure, laws etc. They had a vision of freedom and fairness. Free from the big five and their power and control. Where the power would be in the hands of the people and under their protection. This made it an incredibly exciting day. Now Setsuzoku was truly coming into their own.

[Trusted Grader]

Chikara's gaze didn't change, he was still staring forwards and towards the yonder as the eagle flew over head, everything was sent back into his and his companions minds eye, which was still fascinating as it made life a lot easier for him, Enzaragi's words didn't escape him though, which was ironic because in a way he was sort of right but today wasn't really one of those days were the grey skies helped out, in fact, the grey caused the eagle to be forced to fly lower as it wouldn't be able to see as far.

So as Shiryoku flew over head, the owl, Ayuma would fly low and seek near the riverbeds that flowed through the massive ravine, this was perfect as they saved a ton of time searching every nook and cranny. Wakana and Chie sat by the edge and drew both a map over the ravine and the different hideouts Ayuma spotted, drawing both the entrance and bits of the inside. This was due to Wakana and Shiryoku casting their respective jutsu that allowed them all to see a perfect 3d map of what they all saw.

This was something he hoped he could remedy in the future via ninpou, the ability to create the 3d map for the other comrades to see, the ones who did not share the doujutsu. This gave him an idea, he began to form a set of hand seals and cast out what appeared to be a chakra barrier, although this one was very different as it wasn't meant to defend anyone, no, it was there to project the 3d image the doujutsu had created within his minds eye, he shaped the chakra into what they all saw and soon it began to appear more like a 3d holographic map being created as the eagle and owl soared.

Chikara was amazed at the ease he created the jutsu but at the same time he knew that his mastery of chakra had grown exponentially since he created the mercenary organisation, he had Enzaragi to thank as well because their combative training had made him a stronger man. A chuckle escaped his breath as he turned to face Enza. "I wouldn't agree with you that it's a good thing that it's grey right now, but I do see the point in using it to our advantage in the future. So... What do you say, find anything that suits our outpost?"

---

408/400

MetaShow

[Holographic Map]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: Bijon no Kanji
A simple technique that creates a holographic image of what the user sees within their minds eye, works perfectly to show their comrades what they are all seeing at the moment and helps create a map on the spot, if combined with [Shared 3d Space] then the user is able to update the map live.

[Mre-face]

Everyone was here, everyone was involved to bear witness of the fruits of their labor. "Maybe you are right, but I do think one of these ravines caverns or waterfalls could give us the cover we need, look!" Enzaragi said with a point to further emphasize what exactly he was looking towards, "You others probably already see it with your hivemind or just by looking at Chikara's nice map, but those cavern systems could be used as well since want this place to be covert, right?"

Enzaragi turned around and looked towards his unit to see their response as he was thinking of different ways for them to settle upon a location. " So how do we do this? Do we split up, or do you all have your EYE on something eeeh? " Enzaragi said with a smile, but jokes aside, he wanted to know how they would approach this.

The fabled ravine made it difficult to determine where exactly they would place their secret base, worse case even the whole ravine could be a fortress and a military base the rough area could be used to train soldiers rigorously the mountains and rivers could build strength and endurance fit for soldiers.

As for defense the trees, the mist and mountains could be used to trap and confuse enemies allowing for guerrilla warfare and combining it with the strength of the rough terrain and a new fortress essentially doubling the defensive ability of this base.

But that wasn't his decision, as he was simply brainstorming on the possibilities. "So any ideas? The more I think, the more I see it's possibilities are greater than I initially thought, but I am curious to hear what the rest of you have in mind? " It had amazing potential, it truly lived up to it's name, which was a pleasant surprise.

[Trusted Grader]

Chikara leaned in towards Enzaragi and used his hands to zoom in where his comrade had pointed, he twisted the map and used whatever intel they had managed to capture to their advantage, with mental notes he sent information to Ayuma to fly closer to said cavern systems and peer around to give them a better view of the waterfall.

Ayuma, took a leap of faith and flew within the waterfall and revealed a large cavern, from what Chikara and company could tell this was the perfect place, his map showed how large the area within was and if needed they could always just burrow deeper into the nest. Shiryoku on the other hand flew above and spotted what appeared like the perfect spot to repel down and into the waterfall.

"I think you are right friend, Shiryoku has found a great spot for us to repel down from, we should try to dig a tunnel that leads to an escape route if we ever get hunter, probably rig it with explosives and other traps to buy ourselves time." Chikara smiled at the thought of having a safe spot, he closed his hands and looked over at Brawl before he waved the rest of their army to follow suit.

The crew found themselves on top of a peak, ropes tangled around their waist before they began to repel down the slippery waterfall, Chikara, even with the ability to run on walls found it dangerous, which was perfect because any fool who just tried to enter here would be in trouble. They slowly repelled down to the entrance, the maw of the mountain, where the unknown hid behind falling water, Chikara took a deep breath then leaped back and let the rope lead him in, he crashed through the heavy fall before he found that he had about 10 meters drop before he hit the ground hard.

"Be careful, the fall is far greater than expected!" He shouted towards the light, his back was turned towards the massive cavern as he was concerned with the wellbeing of his comrades.

[Izanagi]

With the world at war, it was dangerous to travel about. Many countries were engaged in conflicts, shinobi nations, samurai, mercs and pirates alike each vying for land and turning the world into a battlefield. There were few safe havens left that hadn’t been engaged in conflicts. Ichiro had been in his fair share of skirmishes over the years, killing various bandits, pirates and even the occasional Kiri patrol. Sticking primarily to the islands, the Black Wake now boasted the second largest fleet in the world after Water country. But surprisingly the shinobi of Kirigakure had largely left them to their own devices, too focused on fighting on the mainland and supporting their Iwagakure allies. This left the pirates largely in control of the seas and any competition was systematically eliminated.

Ichiro had taken the Owashi, the fast and nimble flagship of the Black Wake on a venture. As first mate of the ship and effectively the second-in command of the entire allied pirate fleet, the young man was a influential figure though he went to great lengths to keep his name stricken from any records. He preferred to remain anonymous, letting the newly crowned pirate king, his captain Kaisui receive all of the infamy and glory. Truthfully, he had surpassed his captain long ago, but it served him better to be the man coming up with the tactics and controlling the scene from a distance. Such was the purpose of this endeavor, to deepen his connections and learn more about the ongoings in Dwarf country. This organization, Setsuzoku could be a powerful ally and he intended to find out exactly what they represented and whether or not an alliance could be reached.

Sailing white sails, he would not advertise his ship as a pirate vessel. There was no need to, all pirates knew this ship and none would dare to act against it. But they didn’t need Kirigakure taking notice of them, there was no reason to suspect that the mist shinobi had learned of the new pirate king and the small, unassuming ship that he called his own. It was for this reason that Ichiro had advised Kaisui to continue to helm the small schooner rather than upgrade to a warship, though Kaisui could sail on any ship within the fleet if he wished.

Steeling his mind, Ichiro prepared himself as the crew brought them in to the docks of Dwarf country. Ichiro was a man of many talents and professions and he had gained a reputation using this ship as a merchant vessel. They would smuggle drugs of course, mushrooms mostly, curtesy of his Kinoko companion, but so too was it common to sell all manner of exotic spices, animal pelts and of course rum. He had brought with him quite the haul of exotic offerings, as well as more practical knowledge and blueprints. It was best to be prepared after all, for he didn’t know what kind of men these merc leaders were.

Arriving at the docks his crew of some 30 men would anchor and tie the ship to port and Ichiro and Sumire would depart together. The man in his mid-twenties was rather unassuming, on the shorter side and of average build he seemed the typical sailor or merchant. Icy blue eyes contained a keen intelligence, observant and wary. And his wavy black hair hung down just above his shoulders, combed back to make himself appear presentable though naturally salt brine and oils shone through. He carried a sword at his hip, appearing to be a standard Katana and an observant eye would note a few conveniently placed knives located all over his body, but hidden well enough if one didn’t know where to look. He wore a blue cloak over a dirty white tunic and some leather shoulder and forearm guards. In such a time of war nobody traveled without some weapon or armor, even merchants. His companion, a young woman, perhaps 20 at most wore a tan cloak overtop of clothes made of fur and hide. Her hair was dark with a slight purple sheen, her skin a darker complexion and her eyes a milky white.

After asking some directions at the docks, he received some wary looks before being led to a man that was given enough coin to guide them to the last known location of the leaders of Setsuzoku. But Ichiro was no fool, he could discern these were loyal men and would sent their own, faster scout ahead to warn the leaders in case Ichiro were an assassin. But the message was clear, he was an interested party looking to discuss trade terms and potential financial backing. That was part of the truth anyway, any further details would have to wait for the men in charge themselves. Ichiro wasn’t sure exactly where the guide was leading him and Sumire but he would keep his wits about him and remain alert in case of an ambush. His men would guard their wares back at their ship, hardy, strong individuals who were experienced fighters he was confident they would deter most bandits or greedy military units. But time would tell if there would be a need for retribution against these people.

871/300 Willpower Training +2 Stats
271/300 Next Stat

[Mre-face]

Watching how the Map expanded and gathered more by using his birds to scout the area was rather remarkable this gave them the necessary info to intiate "phase 2" of their plan.

It appeared that Chikara and Enzaragi had come to an agreement. The ravine's natrual armor and caverns could be used to it's full potential with traps and false paths incase someone would finally come for their heads.

This second phase was the creation of this top secret military base which was were they found themselves repelling downwards. Jumping back into the waterfall before Enzaragi his own rope loose and flee towards where Chikara was before stopping his fall by 'jumping on the air' causing a loud crashing sound but allowing him to avoid looking clumsy unlike his shaggy dark haired friend.

Enzaragi smiled cockily before thanking his Nara comrade."He's right it's worse then even I thought but don't worry take it in the pace that is safest. No need to rush things we are gonna be here for awhile eitherway so no need to hurt ourselves." The zealot nodded towards Chikara before looking towards the covern. Which made Enzaragi's smile fade slightly as he realized that it wouldn't easy to navigate even with the map.

After waiting for the rest of the army Enzaragi gave a signal which gave the command to advance into the abyss of the cave.

Months later

---

The building of their secret base was going along well the money and resources from both Miracle and Dwarf meant that they never were short on supplies. The builidng of the actual base and it's fortifications went along smoothly the dwarves were builders, craftsmen and Stone masons. Having a man like Brawl made it extra easy his shear strength and size made it easy to carry things and build the more difficult parts easier.

This didn't mean it was easy it was still hard on his mind as Enzaragi wasn't the leader type. He and Yasu handled the training of the troops but he was also in charge of commanding troops, approving of ideas and other architecture for their base along with the rest of Setsuzoku making sure that things went along smoothly. Consulting whenever decisions need to be made.

Whilst training the troops with Yasu kicking their asses when needed and teaching them kenjutsu and the skill of fighting in battles. An envoy interuppted Enzaragi bearing a message about a man looking for them with a healthly sum of Ryo apparently he wanted to do business.

Things such as this made this one of the hardest things he has worked towards.Not physically but mentally rather his spirit being drained form the constant headaches and setbacks but he trusted in jashin and the practical progress they were reminding him what they were working towards. The reward would be gratifying for Setsuzoku.

"Yasu you take care of the rest I have to speak with Chikara." with that Enzaragi made his way to discuss this with Chikara who probably already knew that or he was ignorant for whatever reason be that him being drunk, distracted with Chie or maybe being busy with work.

Enzaragi wandered to Chikara's location giving him a wave as heads up. "I assume you heard?" Enzaragi asked but incase he didn't he would explain thesituation before givim his opinon on how to approach this issue. "I'm thinking we get our best squad of bowmen hold up the boat and make him talk. " it was simple and too the point. Chikara would likey agree leading to Enzaragi performing a 'wolf whistle' to alert everyone working on what they were doing.

"Me and Chikara are going on Setsuzoku business we will be back in a few. Get our best bowmen and the rest of you take a small break. But by the time you are back you better be working!" Enzaragi tried to issue his father's samurai spirit with his more commanding words and voice. It wasn't somehing he was used to but it worked.

The large cave system had been cleared and made easier for those who knew how to navigate it. Making their way to the ravine they spotted a small ship before taking their positions ready to intercept it.

---

Ichiro would be meet by a beared stocky dwarf who lead them through the country traveling by carriage acting as a tourist guide on their path explaining the history and showing of the pretty country side without staving of the path before making it to the outskirts of the ravine. Where a small vassel was stationen by the large river that ran towards the ravine.

"You sir are a brave man. The fabled ravine was 'arsh before now it's scarier than 'eva." The dwarf guide said with his harsh yet fearful voice making his way with the small ship navigating the rivers through the beautiful landscape that contrasted oddly nicely with the rough waters and terrain.

As they made their way closer and closer to the ravine the man's mumbling became more incoherent and nervous. Before their arrival the man stopped he boat turning to Ichiro to take over in a fit of fear.
"You paid me plenty take the damn boat! You's a sailor right? It's right upahead."

The navigator shook his head with worry before looking towards Ichiro yet again to issue a final warning. "You're a madman going down there. Anyone who passes thorugh 'ave neva retured. My brother and my bestest of buddies both of em soldias got called to sent there. And I ain't 'eard from em since. I keep getting told they are fine but I ain't so sure. And I'm not waiting to find out." The bearded dwarf warned said before grabbing the lifeboat leaving a spare and rowing away to what he percived to be saftey.

Leaving Ichiro and any other companions to make their way straight ahead where the ones in charged awaited them in hiding.

---

1001/1000 words
2+ willpower

[Trusted Grader]

Chikara couldn't believe how well things were going, to have found such a cavern system to be utilized for their compound was a great success, knowing that it was hard to find it and even harder to enter it was going to be of great assistance. He watched how his partner landed "gracefully" after his massive boom kick allowed him to leap another time in the air, he was a bit jealous, but he knew that whatever came with it required some serious strength, or technique he had never learned. A chuckle escaped his breath as he scratched the back of his head, he peered around the cavern and crossed his arms once they were settled that this would be the spot to be.

"Sure, there is no rush trying to get through the building facilities. We have trade improve, welfare and various prosperities to attend to as well, so it's not like we don't have the time to work through it. Fortunately, our local hero Brawl could work as our voice of reason. Considering that the master of coin isn't here, nor should he be." Chikara uncrossed his arms and chuckled.

The eyes of the eagle made sure that the entrance was safe and from Shiryokus perspective there was no way anyone could just guess that the military base was within the waterfall, considering that the massive water drop hid most signs of a cavern system. Chie, Yasu and Wakana soon landed next to Chikara and rejoiced, well, Chie didn't but the other two did as they knew what it would mean to build something here, their first home in years.

Months later...

Chikara could almost no longer count on his hands how many times someone got lost in their cavern system, he knew that this truly was the perfect spot as it was nigh impossible for anyone unfamiliar to this place to navigate, for even they themselves suffered consequences. Dead drops and labyrinths were the norm here and if one weren't too careful, they could easily get trapped down here. Spelunking wasn't a hobby of Wakana but due to them being explorers and builders they would need someone to make sure that things were going smoothly.

Chie made sure that there was sufficient knowledge being spread to the mercenaries and helped create a library for the organization, she knew that most of their soldiers lacked ninjutsu knowledge and had been working hard to make sure that it would spread, much to the delight of both Chikara and the mercenaries. It was almost liberating how well the spread of knowledge was going.

Yasu was busy tearing through training, in fact her and Enzaragi had almost stomped a flatground where physical knowledge was to be spread. Yasu blocked knives and swords a like and delivered swift justice to any mercenary believing that a single strike could take their enemy down, sure, she knew that it WAS possible, but one would need to train the ability to continue fighting for a long period of time if the enemy demanded it.

Chikara on the other hand was located at the center of Blackpoint, in the main building, standing next to a sprawled-out map of Jiyū no shuken, Brawl was next to him and explained that the trade routes had proven fruitful, that due to Shiroku's assistance they had managed to cut down days, meaning that things were going far more smoothly than they used to. That and the fact that there were no longer any tariffs between the states had made the citizens far more prosperous, but things were far from complete.

It would take years before everything settled in and the citizens of Shuken would come to gain what they hoped could accumulate into generational wealth, which Chikara and company believed to be the real reason why anyone worked. He cracked his neck as he peered over at Brawl then pointed to the map. "Clearly the ravine isn't going to work for trade, it is far too dangerous to make it a regular trip for tradesmen, one sunken ship and months of work goes down the drain. Currently we could try to spare mercenaries to guide them through it but eventually it will be far too expensive to send them out...

Considering that we already have a hospital full of wounded civilians who have travelled through the ravine... Had we had a doctor then maybe we could've sent them back." Chikara rubbed his forehead as he was stressing over the fact that currently it appeared that people were either kidnapped or killed in the ravine while in fact they had been saved. Due to them lacking the abilities to heal them properly things took longer than usual but they were still alive.

Chikara peered through the hive mind and saw an envoy make their way towards the base, he listened to what Enzaragi had to say as he burst in and nodded, he knew that sending their best archers to stop a boat was a bit excessive considering that Chikara could send his owl and eagle to track them, then from there they could decide if it was worth sending so much force.

He was rather baffled at first but seeing as Enzaragi felt like he wanted to take command then he could, a sigh escaped his breath as he peered over at his partner. "I get that the world has pushed you to take more of a leader role but remember that we are not here to intimidate people. For all we know it could be a mercenary prospect?" Chikara scratched his chin before he leaped into the air.

Shiryoku flew through the waterfall and placed himself under Chikara's feet, causing him to land on top of it, he waited for Enzaragi to leap up and land next to him, he then looked down on Blackpoint and snapped his fingers. With that the archers leaped out of the waterfall, bouncing from wall to wall as they made their way towards Ichiro.

Ayuma, had been slowly following the boat from afar, hooting and flying, the surveillance was on Ichiro and if he wasn't too careful then he would be ambushed, though from the looks of it, he didn't seem all too hostile, but if there was something Chikara had learned throughout the years it was to never underestimate anyone.

---

1045/1000

+2 Will

[Izanagi]

The bright-eyed adventurer took great interest in the information the Dwarf guide shared. He would ask several questions and seem to genuinely be engaged by discussions of culture and history and would stop periodically to appreciate the local fauna and signs of wildlife, acting much like a tourist with an interest in all things scientific. His companion, Sumire was notably less interested in boring subjects but would admire any interesting local fauna or wildlife all the same. What the Dwarf likely wouldn’t notice however was the careful and clever ploys, distracting him with questions and charm while each of them periodically placed fuuinjutsu seals or spread mycelium across local plants as they progressed. There was no malevolent intent, but they hadn’t got this far in life without knowing how to cover their retreat and create distractions in case negotiations took a turn for the worst.

By the time they got to the boat, Ichiro was feeling rather fatigued from the sun and the long trek and decided to lean back, resting his tricorn hat over his face to block the light as he attempted to nap. He heard the guide say something about the dangers of the ravine, “Oh, is that so?” he commented before yawning and drifting off into a peaceful sleep. Sumire simply smiled at the dwarf, resting her hand on his shoulder as spreading some spores onto him. “Don’t worry, we’ll protect you. I’m sure we’ve been through much worse” she assured him, smiling gently though her pale white eyes may have been somewhat disconcerting.

Sometime later, Ichiro was nudged awake by Sumire, now sitting next to him, as the guide wished to hand over the ore. The weathered sailor stretched and yawned, “Aren’t Setsuzoku your allies?” he contemplated, wondering what the Dwarf was so scared of. Perhaps these ‘Freedom Fighters’ simply were a typical group of mercenaries after all, one’s who ruled with force and intimidation. It certainly didn’t paint a very good picture of them that the locals were fearful to go near their headquarters. Scratching his chin, he contemplated what he might have gotten himself into. But one way or another he had come here to discover what kind of people their leaders were, and if they would make better allies or enemies. But as far as they needed to know he was simply a merchant looking to do business. It seemed they were a rather isolated group, forcing others into conscription and refusing to let them leave to go home to their families. But surely, they had to work with others to some extent. How else would they get their weapons and supplies? “Not the friendliest bunch, are they?” he considered as he watched several figures leap out of the waterfall and move into the treeline to take positions around them.

Ichiro sighed and stood to take the oar. The covered river boat was large enough for a dozen people and had two small, one- or two-man boats attached to it. One less with the Dwarf departing. As the boat approached the waterfall Ichiro observed the details of the two men standing intimidatingly near the hidden entrance. Anchoring the oar in a notch in the boat, Ichiro raised his arms up, spreading them wide for all to see. “Easy friends. I’m just a simple man in a complex world. My friend and I are here only for business. There’s no need for weapons and hostility, is there?” he quirked his eyebrow, looking to either side as he anticipated the archers readying their bows to fire. If need be he would defend himself to the best of his ability but he was no shinobi or even a samurai, simply a merchant who dabbled in some piracy from time to time. But while he may have been a thorn in the side for the great nations, surely he could prove a valuable ally to this growing band of mercenaries. Sumire removed her hood, revealing her attractive features, “We trade in exotics, medicinal herbs and recreational vices” she explained, smiling. While Ichiro was armed with a Katana and a tanto, Sumire seemed to only possess a small hunting knife.

[Mre-face]

As the boat crept closer and closer Enzaragi commanded the archers to nock their arrows waiting in the strangers immediately revealing their army of archers and commanding them to aim at the ship. But it appeared that Chikara may have been right all along which made Enzaragi feel a small sense of guilt and shame for his paranoia as he likely scared those on the boat more than necessary. They were luckily quick to reveal their intent on being here for business only looking towards Chikara for confirmation before proceeding as Enzaragi's nerves calmed signaling to un-nock their bows and lower their bows.

The man spoke with a certain certainty and charisma that allowed Enzaragi to put aside his current paranoia and find out what this man truly wanted. It couldn't be so simple that he just wanted to make some money he could have done it in the ports of Dwarf country or the cities of Miracle. Not only that but paying off one of the few Sailors who knew of what would become Blackpoint to get to them certainly raised an eyebrow. "No I don't believe there is a need for weapons and hostility but somehow I don't believe that you would sell herbs exotics, medicinal herbs, and recreational vices as your lady friend put it... To us and not Dwarf or Miracle. " Enzaragi paused as he looked towards Chikara in case he wanted to interject and ask something of his own. "Or what do you say C?" Perfeing to only refer to his first name's first letter to keep some of their anonymity before proceeding. The negotiations had now begun and they fully had Enzaragi's and by proxy Setsuzoku's attention.

[Trusted Grader]

Stealth wasn't something he had been working on but today was a strong reminder of why he should, it was something he would have to pick up in the future. He wanted to sigh but due to the tension of the incoming boat, he refrained. His hands had already formed the needed hand seals to make sure that they didn't do anything stupid, for even if he was the more laxed out of the two, he still wasn't too certain what the man wanted travelling this deep into the ravine, no one came here for a reason.

I might as well bust out this technique while I have the opportunity, there is no telling what this man is truly after. Chikara pulled out a kunai and imbeded chakra into it, his family techniques had taken a backseat for the longest while but lately he knew that it was best to start working on ways he could surprise his enemies.

He watched how they parked it before the merchant began to speak, and his eyes fell on Enzaragi before they darted back to Ichiro. Shiryoku on the other hand would swoon down and land on top of the peak, revealing its massive size and casting a large shadow over all of them. The kunai would land on Ichiro's shadow and before he knew it his body would freeze altogether, he would still be able to speak but it would be nigh impossible for him to do anything as Chikara's control was far higher than the mans strength, this was the gift of the Nara.

"I believe they do, but I don't believe either that they came all this way to sell it to us. Most that enter these waters know that it's better to not wander around here, lest they want to be recruited. We can't have people know where exactly the location is." Chikara peered over at Enzaragi, his eyes telling his partner that maybe they would have to erase their minds, for killing them this deep in would only draw suspicions from whoever they traded with.

They must have come here to find something, could it be that they want to know more about Setsuzoku? Whatever it was they were after, it intrigued Chikara, and got him excited over what was to come, mercenaries came in different shapes and sizes so the prospect of a merchant on their team could be wonderful, but first they would have to figure out what this duo was really after.

---

417/400

~Eiketsu • Umbra Projectile
D-rank Nintaijutsu Maneuver
The user will channel chakra whilst throwing a projectile weapon. If this weapon hit’s a targets shadow, they are bound with a strength of the users [Control] for 3 posts.

[Izanagi]

The merchant’s electric blue eyes flicked between the various archers, keeping his guard up but gesturing for his companion to stand down. This was nothing they couldn’t handle, at a moment’s notice the two of them could be miles away from here. Fighting would be an absolute last resort and not the sort of thing he preferred to engage in. Better to retreat and regroup with new intel and a proper strategy. Ichiro’s attention honed in on the first man to speak, a white-haired dangerous-looking individual. His hands slowly lowered as the signal was given for the archers to stand down. “Much obliged” he responded cordially with a polite dip of his head.

A calloused hand moved to run itself through the man’s scraggly beard. Several rings adorned his fingers, silver and sapphire, and another shaped from tungsten, twisted into the pattern of a serpent pierced by an arrow. “Perhaps I have stumbled upon the wrong group then. The way I heard it the leader of Setsuzoku was something of a celebrity and your organization held a controlling interest in Dwarf and Mercy. Why go city to city selling my wares when I could strike a deal with those with true influence and connections? But you aren’t entirely wrong. I am more than just one man. My own influence spans several countries and the largest fleet outside of water country. There is much I could offer in way of a partnership…” he began, dangling a little more off the hook. Perhaps they could discern the organization he represented. It would be better if they had heard of their reputation already.

Ichiro reached out, grabbing Sumire and took a step back so that he was on the edge of the boat as the kunai landed. His chakra began to swirl subtly as he contemplated the need to escape or retaliate. “Easy friends. Trust me, we’re of more value alive than dead” he warned. He would continue to play along for now, but he knew when to cut his losses when the risk became greater than the potential reward. The Black Wake didn’t need Setsuzoku, but he would prefer to at least have a proper discussion about what they could offer one another before burning bridges and marking each other as enemies. When Ichiro became visibly immobilized, Sumire similarly began channeling chakra. “What did you do to him? You’ll regret it if you make an enemy of us” she growled, the formerly sweet woman suddenly displaying a fiery spirit. She didn’t intend to go down easy. “Easy. I’m alright” Ichiro assured, calm as ever. “So, this is the infamous shadow paralysis jutsu. That means you’re a Nara then, is that right?” he questioned curiously. Information was as much a currency to the man as physical goods, and now he knew exactly who he was dealing with. “So you’re the true leader then. Nara Chikara” he surmised, taking in the man’s image. But would this man see reason or had the life of a rogue shinobi make him too untrusting of others for his own good?

[Mre-face]

"Let the man talk Chi I wanna hear what he has to say. He seems like he knows more then he should." Enzaragi said quietly looking at the mysterious man seemed that their visitor was slightly nervous rightfully so of course so when Enzaragi lowered the archer's. He politely bowed it immediately gave Enzaragi a better impression that the man was telling the truth.

The man had a rather smooth and slick sense of movement which told Enzaragi that his way of speaking by showing of the rings as he "scratched his beard" was intentional, he wanted to show off the wealth his connections began speaking volumes as the man had somehow managed to track them down perfectly and knew their who was truly in charge. The mention of fleets is what gave it way for Enzaragi he wasn't one to keep tabs on various missing ninja and organizations across the world but having a fleet large enough to rival the strongest fleet in the entire world was something different entirely so finally being able to meet with a black wake member.

Chikara had decided to pin the man which triggered his companion's fury Enzaragi thought that Chikara was a bit too quick to fire but also recognized the danger that they could potentially be in. The man remained calm as ever which spoke to his confidence as he then pulled out a piece of information that put his knowledge and intelligence on full display. Point out the man as a Nara which was rather obvious from the shadow paralysis but to not only do that but to then even name drop the man clearly showed that who ever this man was he knew what he was doing.

"Chikara I know you get real serious when this kinda stuff happens, but I trust in Jashin that this man is sincere." Chikara may seem like a drunken clumsy fool who doesn't know what he's doing half the time but when his life could be in danger it was like a flip-switched and what lies beneath crawled from underneath his skin a man with fiery ambition that would do anything to win.

The silvery man swirled with chakra yet he remained calm so Enzaragi saw this as a golden opportunity to ask questions seeing as they currently held the advantage "You clearly know us but who are you? You obviously have some connections. So I presume it's black wake that you spoke about but other than making a pretty penny why should we trust you?" Rather straightforward but ultimately the most important question as this could be the start of a blossoming relationship if answered with the honesty that Enzaragi put his faith in.

[Trusted Grader]

Chikara hadn't come this far due to his being neglectful, the drunkard was someone who always kept tabs on his surroundings, he knew better than to trust people who beelined towards them as it meant that he had either schemed to cause harm or wanted to use them, what was strange was that he hadn't used the channels which had been set up around the country, no, he had gone all the way to the entrance of their base.

Chikara lept down and landed next to Ichiro and his partner, he eyed the man before he removed his mask and revealed the celebrity that was Sly Force, he was shocked that he knew so much about them but figured that it was pointless to hide it now. "You know what?" Chikara's eyes narrowed as he stared into Ichiro's before he tossed him a coin purse. "I like you, you have guts and you seem to know how to talk." The Nara bent down and removed the kunai from his shadow, releasing him from his hold.

He knew from the point that he was paralyzed that he lacked the strength to outmuscle his jutsu so there was no need to fear this silver-tongued merchant, what did interest him though was the fact that he came all the way here. "I bet you weren't just coming here to sell us merchandise right? Why not contact us from the city, no, I think you came here because you were interested and if money is something that does intrigue you then let me tell you friend, that purse you got is lunch money compared to what we get paid."

He now turned his back towards Ichiro. "Not every member of Setsuzoku is a mercenary." He looked back and grinned, hoping to entice the merchant, while in his mind he started to take notes of his appearance as he was sure as hell going to look up this man on the bingo book or gather as much intel on him as possible.