It's Mutiny then

[Izanagi]

Ichiro sighed heavily as he overlooked the ocean from his villa in Kitakawa; Waterfall Country. He had just met with a young woman from Kirigakure, it seemed the hunters that had been searching for the former pirate king; Kaisui had finally turned their attention to him. Fortunately, ever the negotiatior, Ichiro had been able to spin the situation to his favor, though his heart was heavy. He knew Kirigakure wouldn’t ever stop, and that should Kaisui’s activity ever pick up within the Black Wake that they would find him and kill him. Kozan, the Dread Bannin, who had been tasked with hunting Kaisui, was a man that Ichiro would loathe to face in combat. And should he too turn his attention to Ichiro, he was sure his entire village would be massacred. He could not allow that to happen. His hometown was more prosperous than ever, growing from a mere 200 people to the second largest port city in Waterfall Country, boasting a population of nearly 3000 and growing year after year. He had spent the last 10 years using his connections to aid his people, he would not throw it all away now.

Something needed to be done. Draining the rest of a glass of port, the bearded man glowed with black chakra before the air around him twisted and warped and suddenly he found himself on the bridge of the Owashu, some 5000 kilometers away. It was docked in the hidden port of a small island off the coast of Fire countries Dragon Province. Fortunately, it seemed Kirigakure hadn’t been aware of the Black Wake’s own island that they had conquered during the great war, culling the various tribes that had resided here. The mountainous island was a treacherous land, surrounded by jagged rocks hidden just beneath the water and plagued by treacherous currents. Only an expert sailor with immense experience with the region could ever hope to reach their port. Kaisui was the best Ichiro had ever seen in the decade he had sailed with the man before hanging up his hat to return home. It had been an honor to serve as the former pirate King’s first mate, having grown up with him since they were teenagers.

Ichiro waved to a handful of sailors drinking on the dock, moving past another washing the decks. They had been holed up here for months at least, until the heat on them died down. Ichiro was their man on the outside, one whose skill in the shinobi arts had ascended to the level to manipulate time and space itself. As a student of the infamous Hiraku Kenji he had also inherited the Iwagakure MN’s expansive information network, the organization known as Chishiki. But like the Black wake, war had taken its toll on their members and the great expansion of the shinobi villages had left few safe havens for those in their line of work. “Where’s that drunken giant at?” Ichiro called out, grinning nonchalantly, as if he hadn’t just teleported half way across the known world. With a swagger in his step he scooped up a bottle of rum from one of the drunkards and took a deep swig. He drank deep, savoring the burn of the low-grade swill. The fanciest wines at his disposal, flushed with wealth and he still preferred the simple pleasures. Though truthfully, most of his wealth had been funnelled into Kitakawa, allowing only a few luxuries for himself to indulge in. He wore a blue haori adorned with swirling waves atop a black button up shirt, the first two buttons undone to expose his chest and black pants. Atop his head he wore a bowler hat, the latest fashion of the Heart Empire in this new era of railways and industry. Yet he still carried a Katana at his left hip, having taken up training among samurai. Ever adapting, Ichiro faced his past with mixed feelings as he made his way toward his former captain.

[Diatenshi]

Kaisui rose with a stretch, the silk sheets falling off his massive body. He glanced at the woman sleeping soundly in the bed and smiled to himself. Tis good to be king aye. He got out of his bed and began getting dressed pulling on sharkskin pants. His green eye scanned around for his boots before spotting them by the vanity. He pulled an empty bottle out of one, tossing it to the floor, before putting his webbed foot inside. He grabbed his favorite red coat throwing it over his shoulders, forgoing a shirt as usual, displaying a strong muscular torso despite being almost 50.

He had a busy day ahead of him. Turning a ruined island into a prospering village was no small feat and there was much work to be done. He paused glancing in the mirror as a chill wind blew in through the open window. His singular eye examining the familiar tan face as he thought how it'd changed over the years. There was the obvious eye patch, adorned with golden thread and pearls, hiding his ruined eye. But there were also subtler signs of the years passing by. The grey hairs taking overtaking the brown. The wrinkles in the corners of his eyes from years of boisterous laughter. He wasn't young anymore despite how he might act and the years of living freely were starting to weigh down on him.

He pondered over his actions as he walked out of his house and made his way towards his office. He'd lived a fair life, not perfectly good but not outright evil either. The genocide of the island's native people weighed heavily upon him. That and the neglect of his children. He hadn't a clue how many might be out there nor did he intend to seek them out. Better to have no father than an abusive wretch like he had growing up. He'd encountered one many years ago as a toddler and he made an effort to give him some of his attention hoping the effort might leave at least one positive legacy behind.

Despite his distraction, the people on Great Mountain made way for him without hesitation. They looked at him with both awe and fear. The Notorious Pirate King, Captain Patch. Few even knew his actual name anymore. It'd been at least 5 years since he dismissed his crew to retire here in isolation. It was too dangerous for him to leave according to the information given to him by Hotaru and Ichiro. He knew his own strengths and his actions during the Great War were finally catching up with him. He wondered who would ultimately claim his head.

He laughed loudly his signature smile crossing his face as he brushed off the morose thoughts. There's work to be done and planning to do. He glanced around noticing he'd spooked the people around him with his laugh and smiled. "What be ye scallywags alookin at? Cant a man be inna good mood? Dunt be such scaredy cats. Who's got a drink fer ol' Cap'n Patch? There's a good man!" Kaisui cheered taking a bottle from the first man to offer. Taking a sizeable swig he returned to his journey singin a song.

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me
We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot
Drink up me hearties, yo ho
We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot
Drink up me hearties, yo ho!"

A few lines in those around him would join in as he passed him by almost like a musical minus the dance sequence. Now there's a thought dancing pirates. As he neared his office he spotted a familiar face making his way from the docks and begun to sing even louder, his voice booming across the space between them.

"We're rascals and scoundrels, we're villains and knaves
Drink up me hearties, yo ho
We're devils and black sheep, we're really bad eggs
Drink up me hearties, yo ho!"

Kaisui smiled, a golden tooth flashing out from beneath his lips as he stopped singing. Despite, his exit from the musical, those around him kept the song going as they worked and went about their day. Their voices grew louder as they neared the end of the song, a chaotic cacophony of discordant harmony.

"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me!"

Kaisui clapped Ichiro on the arm and gestured to the people. "And ta think i dint even teach em to do it. Haha how've you been mate. So much finery upon ye and look a dat hat! Yous be a propa man now aintcha lad haha!"

[Izanagi]

Ichiro’s smile grew bright and wide as he laid eyes on the giant of a man. Kaisui had taken him in when he was only 15, he had been like a big brother to the bright-eyed youth, teaching him all he knew about sailing and the pirate’s life. Before that Ichiro had simply been a wandering healer with some skill with a sword, the son of a village leader in Northern Waterfall country, and a failed samurai. Though Ichiro had always been a scholarly sort, burying himself in books and ever learning all he could of the world wherever they ventured, he had learned to feel at home on a ship. Kaisui and Ume had become his family. Now, Ume was a grown woman, married with children and living back in his hometown of Kitakawa. Like him, she was a Waterfall country native and was welcomed to his home village with open arms. Returning a toothy grin, the 38-year-old man joined in singing, a deep bellowing voice that paled in comparison to the captains but matched him note for note all the same.

“we're villains and knaves
Drink up me hearties, yo ho
We're devils and black sheep, we're really bad eggs
Drink up me hearties, yo ho!"

He drank deeply from the bottle he carried before wrapping his free hand around the large man’s mid back, giving him a short, firm two pats. “Always good to see you, my friend. You seem in as fine spirits as ever” Ichiro had lost his sailors accent many years ago, though he knew if he spent more time among the men it would start to come back to him. Even now he still smelled of the Sea and had a slight swagger to his step, barely noticeable to those who didn’t have a well-trained eye or a lifetime of experience sailing. Ichiro chuckled lowly as Kaisui commented on his more modern clothing, styles originating from New Tea country and rapidly catching on through the wealthier circles across the Heart Empire. “Aye, the Takeda family are lords now, the old man says I ought to look the part, though I do miss the ol’ cocked hats from time to time” he said, his pirates drawl seeping into his words as easily as the rum soaked into his body. “We’ve done well for ourselves, haven’t we?” he said, smirking as he assessed the older man with a thoughtful gleam to his electric blue eyes. Unlike Kaisui, Ichiro’s hair remained dark and rich, no trace of greys. He seemed to have shown no sign of aging the last 5 years but such was the life of relative comfort for a man in his 30’s.

Ichiro glanced around them, noting the proximity of the men. His expression hardened, “Let’s walk, there are some things we should discuss in private” he said, allowing his former captain to lead the way to wherever he deemed fit. The island was full of dense jungles and treacherous mountain ranges, but nestled in next to their hidden cove and small port a small village was being built, expanding year after year. In time he hoped to see if grow as large and prosperous as Kitakawa had become. Yet with so many eyes searching for the elusive Pirate King, their circle of trusted comrades was small indeed. Looking around, he wagered there were little more than a hundred people living here. “Have you decided what to call it?” he wondered, looking between the humble homes and shops. Naturally the largest building was the bar. He wondered who would take charge of this place once Kaisui was gone, perhaps he would take it upon himself to get more involved in its prosperity.

[Diatenshi]

"Hard ta say if its good or naw. Too much work. Too much responsibility. I miss the freedom of the sea. She calls me she does Ichiro. Making port er once ina while tis good an all, but itnt home." A forlorn look would cross his face as he gazed out at the ocean. Kaisui finally understood what it felt to be marooned on an island cut off from all that one loves. He hadn't been to sea in over a year and it gnawed at him. Freedom was there on the horizon and yet he couldn't seem to take a single step towards it.

He took a long hard drink of rum, trying to drown his sorrows. His Kasumi would certainly be chastising him if she saw him. Where was the wild arrogant pirate she loved? He shook his head free of morose thought, is body swayin as he walked. He looked around. At the hard work his isolation had born, but it was only the surface.

Kaisui smiled looking around at the people working on the port then shook his head. "I be callin this place the maw. This int the village mate. This jus be the port." He'd put a massive hand on Ichiro's shoulder and guide him closer to the channel that divided the port. They'd pass by people now singing as they work, though in a different language. Most of the people working being from shrimp continent, and were now singing in their native tongue. Kaisui hummed along his pinyin not quite good enough to use in song.

"If ya want the village ye'd have ta go fer a lil swim. Or is ser to noble fer us pirates ta get wet. Wes got an dive pod fer guest." He teased his voice growing louder as the roar of rushing water grew louder. He stopped by a strange wooden platform. Ropes and pulleys were attached to its corners. Above it a giant glass globe shaped similarly to a hot air balloon. "Twas jus joshin bout the guest part. Mose cant actually reach the village without it." He then gestures behind the platform to a massive pit in the channel that cut through the island. Water gushed in and yet view down the bottom couldn't be seen.

"Slike cliff divin er jumpin off from a crows nest into the sea. Care fer a tour?" he smirked offering a hand to his old friend.

[Izanagi]

Ichiro regarded Kaisui with a forlorn gaze, he could empathise with the man. Those were simpler times, before the war, they were often half starved in the early days, never knowing if they would earn enough to fill their bellies, having to lie and steal for every scrap and make a name for themselves that others would be drawn to. But they had felt free, sailing from one country to the next, with only the wind and naïve optimism to guide them. “The responsibilities, once they begin to pile on, they never let up” he sighed heavily, running a hand through his thick hair as he lifted his hat with his other hand. His fingers were adorned in various rings, unable to part with some of the fineries a decade of piracy had awarded him before he transitioned to a mostly legitimate shipping and trading business. He still smuggled the occasional contraband if the price was worth the risk.

These days Ichiro rarely sailed himself, though he owned 8 trading ships and commanded another half dozen warships on behalf of the Heart Empire. “You’ll be free again soon, my friend” he assured, one way or another, he would soon be rid of his troubles. Yet he wished there was more he could do for his friend, perhaps there was another way. But he knew if he didn’t end this himself, that someone far worse would come for Kaisui, and there would be no mercy, nor empathy. Better to make one’s peace alongside a friend, it was the least he could do for the man.

Ichiro followed the towering man toward a churning channel, his electric blue eyes assessing the currents with interest. Kaisui had always talked about a dream of making an underwater village, but for all his ingenuity, Ichiro had warned that it would be a monumental task. Nonetheless, his time in Knowledge country had provided some rough blueprints for what sort of Engineering would be necessary. “You mad bastard, don’t tell me you actually went through with it?” he said, shaking his head. Tossing his hat atop a crate, Ichiro stretched and leaned over the edge of the ledge. “I could go for a swim” he assessed, smirking as his eyes gleamed with excitement. He was always fond of adventure, so long as he could mitigate the risks with some level of preparedness.

He chuckled, “You and I are not most men. Lead the way” he insisted, clasping the man’s massive hand, dwarfing his own. Ichiro had always been a man of mystery, keeping his secrets close to his chest. But over the years it had become apparent that he was more powerful than he let on, a man skilled in the arts of ninjutsu as well as kenjutsu. But there was more to him still, and he had come to feel nearly as at home underwater as Kaisui himself. “Well, what are we waiting for?” he encouraged, before diving in, launching himself gracefully into the water. Kicking off his shoes he would be able to swim much more freely, easily able to keep up with Kaisui’s pace and seeming completely unphased regardless of how long he would be required to hold his breath.

[Diatenshi]

Kaisui let out a boisterous laugh and gripping Ichiro's hand with a firm shake. "Ye know damn well there's nothin I don't dare do." He didn't bother to remove his hat or jacket his soon to be flippers all he needed to be able to swim with ease. With a flip he himself dived into the water his body transforming within moments. The giant stretched his transformed limbs, his bioluminescence illuminating the pit. The pit was filled with various sea life, blooming coral reefs, tropical fish, and the occasional eel swimming around. Despite his massive size Kaisui's presence didn't seem to cause any distress amongst the fish, though as soon as Ichiro neared they scattered.

Kaisui flashed a sharp tooth grin and opened his mouth, his words travelling through the water to Ichiro. "Stay close thers a few check points with air pockets along the way." With that Kaisui would dive down quickly leading Ichiro through the lava tubes beneath the shattered mountain. Every so often they'd swim by a drowned corpse, one of the unfortunate natives that got trapped in the caves as they flooded. The corpses were oft surrounded by crabs or bottom feeders picking away at the tissues loosely clinging to the bones. Every so often Kaisui would swim towards a channel on the side pointing up for Ichiro to replenish his air. Kaisui was impressed at how well he was keeping up. These were the spots they replenished the air for the diving tank. Only the bravest and strongest of divers could make it this deep free diving.

Eventually the swam deep enough that the pressure of the sea water would begin to feel heavy. Kaisui looked over at Ichiro this was the breaking point for most divers. Once the water pressure increased they struggled to hold air in their lungs. Kaisui didnt have this issue as he had no air in his body in this form. Once he confirmed Ichiro was good to continue on he allowed his body to sink deeper till he touched the bottom. Here the waters were darker than ink except for a glowing patch of coral that surrounded a doorway. Kaisui entered the door way and closed it behind him and Ichiro. The water started draining from the cave as soon as the door closed and Kaisui transformed back into his more human shape. "Well look at you, made it down on yer first dive. Impressive. Only one's who've been able to do that aside from me were the Shuryō folk. Haha. Welcome to Fushigakure no Sato!" The village was mostly empty. A few buildings here and there and it only inhabitants seemingly being a small handful of Shuryō. The buildings were made from coral and carved deep sea stone.

[Izanagi]

Ichiro chuckled along with his former captain, each of the men were well tanned, though Ichiro was a few shades lighter, their skin leathery across their face from many days braving the unrelenting sun. But it was their deep laugh lines along the creases of their eyes which stood out the most. They had shared many nights of drunken revelry together, whether it was in celebration, comradery or commemoration, they had always had one another’s backs. His heart felt heavy knowing what he needed to do. But before the inevitable betrayal, he could at least allow his friend to show him what he had been working on these last few years.

The former pirate, turned noble samurai of Waterfall country, took a moment to enjoy the natural beauty of the ocean life. Kaisui was as much at home under the sea as he was aboard a ship, and for many years Ichiro could not truly understand that feeling. Yet now, he felt completely at one with the ocean around him, the salt water replenished him, revitalizing his body and feeling as if an extension of himself. Though the fish regarded him as something unnatural to their world, likely due to his clothing and perhaps his corrupted chakra, but he fit in more than either Kaisui or the wildlife might have realized. For his form was no longer the one he was born into, he had transcended his mortal flesh in his pursuit of immortal knowledge and power. He had become truly a part of the ocean and yearned to further master the sea.

Ichiro followed behind, swimming normally, though the thought crossed his mind that it would likely be easier to channel a small amount of chakra and simply glide through the water, it seemed easy enough. Perhaps it would be a technique he would practice later, he was still coming to terms with his new body, having only made the alterations to himself within the last year, shortly before finding himself engaged to a young noblewoman. Fortunately, he had the forethought to take precautions and ensure he would still be able to provide heirs that such nobles held in such high regard. He regretted that he wouldn’t be able to invite Kaisui to his wedding.

He would indulge his friend and feign at needing to breathe as they reached the air pockets. He no longer had lungs to fill, the only organic part of himself left was his beating heart, though he had kept all of his former organs and various samples of his DNA stored away in case he ever had a mind to attempt the arduous task of reconstructing his body. Following deeper underwater, Ichiro regarded the corpses they passed with icy calm respect. He was no stranger to death, and though he had gotten used to mourning comrades he felt the slightest tinges of sadness for those who died by drowning, though it seemed a fitting end for any sailor and in that he could feel a sense of kinship.

Deeper still, the ocean’s pressure began to constrict his heart somewhat, though his lean body was well above the strength of most men. Despite his smaller stature, Ichiro wagered he was likely physically stronger than even the Pirate King himself. He nodded, bringing his finger and thumb together in an ‘OK’ gesture as his electric blue eyes gleamed brightly, his bearded face as calm as ever. Arriving at the cave, Ichiro hefted himself onto shore, taking a few moments before he remembered to inhale as if he was out of breath. “Quite the swim! I can see why most have trouble, not for the likes of anyone who hasn’t honed their bodies in the way of shinobi or samurai. I’m fortunate to have had such a good instructor” he said, smiling back at the man. Though Kaisui had been the one to teach him ration and expand his skill in Suiton, Ichiro had already learned the basics of the shinobi arts before meeting Kaisui, and had always shown a remarkable affinity for ninpou chakra manipulation. Ichiro smiled brightly as he looked over the coral buildings and the shark-human hybrid denizens. “Fushigakure no Sato” he repeated with great reverence. “I’d always wanted to create Takigakure no Sato, it’s the whole reason I learned ninjutsu in the first place. I found a new purpose in helping my people openly, in bringing prosperity to my countrymen, hell they even made me a noble. Kitakawa has become a place I always dreamed of, but sometimes I wonder if I should have hidden them away, or at the very least not resided there with a target on my back” he sighed, he knew eventually his own bounty would catch up to him. Now that Kirigakure knew where his home was, his people wouldn’t be safe unless he could prove to them he could be an ally. “I can see the potential. One day this this place will be remarkable, I hope to see it prosper for many years to come." he said before turning to face Kaisui with a solem look in his eyes. "I’ll do what I can to keep them safe” He couldn’t bring himself to say it but the shift would be enough for Kaisui to know something grim was on his mind.

[Diatenshi]

Kaisui noticed his old friend handled the dive particularly well. Most people took a moment to adjust to the pressure of being so deep. It made the old pirate wonder just what the man had been through. He gazed around at the village and despite the achievement itself he felt... Empty. Truth was the village was merely something to keep him occupied whilst waiting for the heat to blow over. He felt no love nor attachment to this place. He'd considered hiding out at Jinjeku but then he'd have to deal with unrelenting politics and that coy bitch Mana.

He shivered to himself thinking about her pale ghost like face. Definitely not a woman he ever had thoughts towards. Just as likely to bleed him dry as she was to work with him, the damn blood-sucking bitch. He listened quietly scratching his beard with a rough weathered hand. The shift in tone was ominous and the giant wondered what worries were weighing on his heart. He clearly hadn't come so far south for just a social call.

"Thas the second time yer tone has darkened my old friend. Tell me whats transpired out dere tis has brought you to me doorstep. I dare say your strength supercedes mine at this point. Don't think I didn't notice. Yer breathing is forced mate. Speak yer peace lad."

Kaisui clasped the man by his shoulder. He looked him dead in the eye trying to discern the man's intent. Ichiro was clearly both doing well for himself and had a lot of work on his plate. As nice as it would've been for him to visit purely for a social call, Kaisui wasn't born yesterday something big had happened. Last time it was the destruction of Iron Country. While Kaisui wasn't phased too much, his cook Shindo had been devastated by the news worrying about his family at the border.

He wondered who made a move this time Iwa, or Kiri. Both had been increasingly aggressive as of late especially Iwa. Seemed another great war may be just on the horizon. He thought back to Jinjeku wondering if it was time to send the call. His hand absent-mindedly played with a charm hanging from his hair. "If it be dat war is comin' again, may be time to get those old bones over on Jinjeku movin again. They been a lazy lot since they took lava island and turned it to a turist spot."

[Izanagi]

Ichiro sighed heavily, looking the much larger man in the eye as he towered over him. Ichiro stood only to the great pirate king’s naval, looking almost like a child in comparison. “It’s Kirigakure. They wont stop looking for you, and in their search, they’ve come to my doorstep. My people, everything I’ve worked so hard for these last 10 years are at risk. We can’t fight them, they’re too powerful, we’ll lose everything we hold dear if we do. It needs to come to an end, my friend” he said, his heart heavy. He wished there was another way, that he could fight alongside his friend once more or perhaps round up enough wealth to pay off their bounties and take the target off their backs. But he had more to live for now, his own family and ambitions more powerful than friendship.

The former first-mate hardened his heart. He would do what was necessary if he must, but he couldn’t bare to deceive Kaisui, he owed him enough to tell him to his face. “I’m to be married soon Kaisui, a proper noble woman, everything I’ve ever dreamed of is at the tip of my fingertips. I can’t risk making an enemy of Kirigakure. The only way forward is for you to turn yourself in, make your peace, my friend. Better I bring you to Xincha, allow you a proper trial, than to let those savages in Kiri kill us all” he stated. With the pirate king captured by Heart, Kirigakure would be forced to back off less risk war with the entire nation. And if Kirigakure focused their ire on Heart then perhaps the pirates would have a chance to rally against Kirigakure. But Ichiro could have no part of their revenge. Those days were behind him and now he wished only to live a peaceful life and build a legacy of his own as a noble ruler within Waterfall country, using his experiences and skill to protect his homeland as he had always intended.

[Diatenshi]

Kaisui's face darkened as he listened to Ichiro's words, hearing the heartache in his voice. He knew that his friend had resolved to turn him over. His thoughts went to the pirate lords on Jinjeku and how smug their faces must be. They had much to gain from this. With his death the throne would be vacant and they could even use his death itself as an excuse to declare war so to being about another election. His hand tightened its grip on Ichiro's shoulder as his deep voice thundered with rage.

"So... Aft all these years its ta be a mutiny is it? Ichiro... You wound me. I kept you as a brother in me 'art. I even trained ye myself, how ta sail and make a livin off ta sea. And this is my thanks? Treating me like a passerby on da street. If my life is what ya needed all ya had ta do is ask." The giant's words turned soft and kind, a smile making its way back on his face.

He saw in Ichiro a better man than himself one he could never aspire to be. Getting married and settling down. Being a proper father. These were all things Kaisui had the opportunity to do and yet chose not. The emptiness he felt in that moment wasn't his longing for the sea. It was longing for Kasumi and his boy Yōsuke. The kid didn't even have his name. What kind of father had he really been? What kind of lover? Regrets rapidly began to weigh down on him like an anchor caught in a reef.

"Give me a moment of respite ta get me affairs in order lad. I won't fight; I won't run, there be no need. Simply, theres few things that need doin before I'm sent down ta ol capt'n bones. Me boy 'll need lookin aft'r. Don' coddle 'im but don't let 'im be bullied eye-ther."

He patted Ichiro on the back and let out a heavy sigh before his face filled with resolve. A wicked grin he was notorious for spread across his face as he began laughing boisterously. "Ey lad, I want a festival. Make it a big one. Flavor it as fer me capture fer da public. But fer me and mine it'll be a proper send off. I want news the notorious capt'n patch twas caught by you and sentenced ta death. Turn yerself inta a hero. Kid's need eros, someone ta look upta and inspire 'em." His peace spoken he slowly walked back into the sea, heading back up towards the port.

[Izanagi]

Ichiro struggled to look Kaisui in the eye, his face twisted in guilt. He cursed himself for his weakness, that even after decades of training Kirigakure was too great of a threat to even consider going to war against yet again. Though Ichiro had many allies, even his connections were not a great enough power to face the combined might of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and the Head-hunters Division should Kirigakure send their most fearsome shinobi after them. It would be easier if he didn’t care for his people, his own life he could preserve but it would come at the cost of the thousands of residents of Kitakawa, including his elderly father, Umiko and her family, and perhaps even Ichiro’s younger sister, though she resided elsewhere. There was also his soon to be wife to consider, the noble Tokudai Kaiyo and her esteemed family that would surely fight and die to defend Kitakawa. No, the sacrifice of defying Kirigakure would be far too great and far-reaching. “It’s the only way. I take no pleasure in this Kaisui. I’m sorry, my friend, my captain” his eyes watered as he recalled the decade they had spent sailing together. The man was the closest friend he ever had, more of an older brother and had a more instrumental part in raising him than his own father did.

His stormy blue eyes were heavy with nostalgia as bearded face twisted into a pained smile. He would remember his friend fondly and honor his sacrifice. Perhaps he would name his first born son after the man. “I wont ever forget your sacrifice. It’s more than should ever be asked of a man” his eyes gleamed with respect and as Kaisui spoke of his son, Ichiro nodded. “Yosuke” he realized, it was the only one of Kaisui’s children that he had ever talked openly of. “I’ll guide him as you guided me” he promised. He nodded again, a man’s final requests were a sacred thing and he would honor them each. “It’ll be done” he said in regard to the festival, though his eyes continued to water and he found the words catching in his throat as he considered the idea of being celebrated for betraying his friend. “I can’t. I won’t. Not for this. Never for this. You’re a good man Kaisui, I’ll see to it your son knows that. You’ll turn yourself in but I’ll be there with you. I don’t even want the bounty reward but if I have to take it’ll only be to clear my own name and ensure a future for my family and yours” he insisted. He knew Kaisui wouldn’t let the money go unclaimed, not when it could be used to better the lives of their families. If that required him to anonymously take credit for Kaisui’s capture and to wear a mask when turning him over, then so be it, but he wouldn’t be celebrated for such a thing.

Ichiro would then form a series of hand seals and apply the link Fuuinjutsu to both himself and Kaisui, “This will allow us to communicate freely. 2 weeks is the most time I can give you, for both of our safety, and if you run into any trouble” he performed another set of handseals and then touched a ring worn on Kaisui’s pinky finger, creating an exact duplicate for himself and placing on his own thumb, even then requiring his thumb to swell slightly in order to accommodate the size. “Just channel a small amount of chakra into the ring and you’ll be teleported to me. I’ll keep in touch. I cannot ever repay you enough for this Kaisui” he said before turning and glowing with black chakra before vanishing, teleporting instantly back to Kitakawa. When the time came, he would teleport to one of the anchors he kept in Xincha and before then arrange for an amicable hand off with the authorities there. And then there would be a festival and a proper send off the infamous Pirate King.

Jutsu UsedShow

*Augment Fuuinjutsu • Link
C-Rank Fuuinjutsu
By performing the necessary hand seals, the user will then touch their target’s ear and on the lips, this creates an audio link between themselves and any targets they personally place this seal combination on. While hearing is always active, channeling chakra into the seal allows affected targets to speak, their words being stored and transmitted to the other seals. The act of speaking charges negligent chakra.

*Recycle & Open Space: True Link
A-rank Jikukan Ninjutsu
The user will do a series of hand seals then place one hand on an any object small enough to fit in their grasp. Upon doing so, they will Recycle Space, creating an exact duplicate of that object. The duplicate of said object will act as an Anchor, turning both objects into links to each other. Should any party aside from the Architect come in contact with either anchor, they’ll be instantly transported to the other Anchor either a) they elect to or b) their control is less than the control of the Architect. The Architect can opt to use the Anchor at any point as well, should they so choose.