A Column Broken in Two [Plot/Event/Kina]

The moonless sky awoke to rooster-song as the sun looked across Kina for his paler sister. The capital, Hakyu, still burned bright and acrid from the night’s festivities, but the fireworks had ceased before dawn broke. During these quiet hours, the layfolk rested their minds and bodies from the long week of the Kambutsu festival, winding down from the constant buzz. Then the morning came and the bangs and cracks resumed. Whistling from every engawa veranda and thatched roof were red firecrackers, quiet unlike those fireworks that had illuminated the festivities the previous night. That same quiet marked a notable difference between the last week and the coming days; the uninhibited celebration of ancestors had come to a close. It was time for the solemn matter of the Summit.



    Candles and lotus flowers held in their hands turning the morning air sweet, the layfolk began to crowd together into the main square. Some talked with excited murmurs while others stood in tense silence; all looked towards the Hinamoto palace. And the vaulted windows stared back. Below them, the golden gates that had always been firmly shut were now hanging open, gaping wide like some hungry maw. Emerging from this beast’s belly strode the prince of Kina himself, Akihiko, decked full in his finery and waving to the excited crowds,

    “Men and women of Kina, today marks the end of the Kambutsu festival! I hope that you have honoured your ancestors with the respect they deserve, and enjoyed yourselves in the stalls as well. But as the festival finishes, the Summit starts! This conference between the six Clans is a rare event, which reflects the serious nature of the matters needing to be discussed, but are such matters why you have gathered here today? No, you have gathered for this rarest of spectacles… So I invite you, my dear citizens, to watch the procession of the Clans!”

    With his speech ended, Akihiko motioned towards the wide avenue leading into the main square. As if summoned by this gesture, seven purple-robed figures appeared at the furthest end. Their mouths lay veiled behind a golden shroud but their buzzing chant rang out clear,

    “Atama soru yori kokoro wo soré.”

    Then the priests abruptly stopped their chant. An unseen gong sounded out one single brassy note. And a second. A third too. After the fourth, a gentle pitter-patter could be heard, growing louder and drawing closer. With the fifth, there was no mistaking the steady thuds upon the paved street; they were the sounds of marching footsteps. As the layfolk cheered their throats hoarse, pouring down the avenue came the retinue of the six Clans in full force, their samurai covered in menacing armour and their ministers dressed with finest silk. The Morihana bore green banners, the Shikizui their yellow headbands, the Toh waved burgundy flags alongside the teal of the Kazeharu ones while the Kogata held their navy banners, followed shortly by a colourful array of minor clans. At the rear of the procession walked the mercenary bands and wandering ronin, slightly apart from the main body.

---

The slaver was observing the situation. Leaving the majority of his mercenaries to work and keep an eye out for an irregularities at Mt. Raiji, since this moment could be used to strike a sneak attack at any of the clans. Eight was not welcomed beneath the Navy banner, unlike his two shinobi. Seeing Akihiko filled Eight with excitement, this man was the focus of Eight's pressure. Eight desired the downfall of the Shogun which would leave the Kogata with more power and might be willing to reward him, but even if that were not the case, the chaos within the Kina would be useful for him to take advantage and pillage what he wanted from each of the clans.

Naruto and Sasuke were dressed in navy yukatas, while Eight wore a black yukata with the Kogata symbol on his back. They followed along in rhythm with the procession. Naruto kept his eyes to the back of the procession where the mercenaries and ronin gathered, looking for Eight's safety. Sasuke's focus was on the other clans nearby, seeing who was attending of the clan leaders and who ended up joining each clan in detail to confirm their information for Eight's intelligence. Meanwhile, the slaver looked past the clans to Akihiko, looking to satisfy his own ambitions, preparing for the meeting that would soon unfold.

“You pick up some of the hair  closest to your scalp as you follow in the direction of your hair to keep it with more of the rest of the hair and a bit more flush and bam done.” Daichi said with a smirk. Dalia looking closely to the braid nodding

“Alight now show me how you put the rings and bands in.” Dalia requested leaning back in her spot  as he nodded grabbing some of the gold rings and small bands. Recently Dalia had been changing up her look a bit more… and by a bit. It was rather a lot. She was going to be revealing to 8 soon the news of who she was as Lara so trying to seem  like a cookie cutter savage was really not as desperately needed… that and she had wanted to see what the fuss with fancy clothes jewelry and such was and she sorta found herself enjoying the dress up game more fun than expected… even more than usual  then her usual outfits she had to pick out for her characters like Lara. Maybe it was due to this time it being for her not technically someone else. Either way with a big thing going on she figured why not dress up just as fancy.

That and this was the first time she was actively showing up around the others with her hair this short. She hadn’t shortened her hair since… She was pretty young the last time her mother tried to cut her hair and she freaked out back then so she just never got it cut. Daichi was the genius who thought of a controlled burn to burn off all the hair she wanted which was nearly 4 ft of hair that nearly dragged across the ground all the time. Now though it was just below the shoulder blade and her hair still looked a bit wild but almost stylised now. And to a lot of her shock a lot of headaches went away from all the lack of hair she even felt far lighter. Daichi had been helping her style her hair trying to find a nice style, and her hair down with some braids and jewelry in the braids felt perfect.

She also had gotten a new car cuff like earring that laced though her two piercings on her ear looking like a snake curling around her hair with some chains hanging off it all of it gold. Daichi had been surprised at the time much to Dalia’s amusement that the boy had never really noticed her piercings before then. As they were getting ready, Dalia had wanted him to show her how he did her hair so she could practice, that way she wouldn't need him to do her hair all the time. He showed her soon enough how to finish her hair and she got up to let him finish getting ready looking over her outfit. A nice black top with long black sleeves and a gap going down each sleeve with lacing loosely holding it all together.

Fancy black gloves, black leather straps going along her torso and black pants and boots with slight heels to them and a her usual hip scarf slightly set up a bit different on her hips adding just the right amount of splash of color of a light purple. She looked over to Daichi as he came out wearing an athletic outfit that looked rather fancy still, Dalia having forced him to get something for himself while they were shopping after all. “Alright… Let’s make a scene” She said with a smirk. Daichi grabbed his gear to put on while they were on their way there.

Arriving a bit later than desired due to the two wishing to gawk at their new surroundings and mock each others going though seeing where they were supposed to be in the matching troops they filed over looking rather professionally as they walked. All 6 clans were here today… she couldn’t help a silly thought of wonder… would that one girl be here…? She could be just a random person who happened to be at the clan area that day but… still the possible thought of her being here too made her mind wonder a bit as they walked. She looked up brushing her hair from one half of her face, freely shifting around a lot more now that it was totally down  rather than a high ponytail. She tucked her hair behind her ear cuff and smirked looking up at the palace before them. Her eyes gleaming joyfully at the sight as Daichi leaned over and whispered.

“Thinking of stealing the whole palace?” He teased Dalia looking back with a rose brow and widening one of her eyes as she grinned a toothy grin.

“Oh please we don't have the means to take the whole thing…” She looked back forward. “Yet.” She said partly joking. Daichi shaking his head with an amused smile though spotting some familiar faces in 8’s ninja he straightened himself up from a playful professional like stance to a more professional bodyguard one trying to not to look like he was slacking off to his fellow Kogata ninja. Dalia saw him straighten up from the corner of her eye and sighed a bit rolling her eyes. Play time was fully over the others were likely nearby enough. Time to actually start to focus. Her face became more mute and grumpy as she shifted her hands though to behind her one gently holding the other as they walked together.

"And let the games begin....."

Lagi was standing close by the back of all of the banners in his overlord garments. With what he represented, it probably had no sort of fame or weight just yet, but it did look like Lagi came from a wealth of some kind. But still, these things didn't matter too much for Lagi, it was all based on the appearance he had to maintain. With what's included in the 101 things that Lagi had to manage, keeping up appearances was one of them. It was rather sparingly, but he didn't mind it too much. Maybe this was a good chance that Lagi can have a one on one conversation with the leader of the Morihanna group? There were a few things that he wanted to discuss with them, mostly wanting them to have the thought of coming to Tartarus one day and take a look at the place that Lagi was building for dungeon beasts of all kind.

That was one of the reasons why Lagi was present, besides keeping his team some comng ready to do whatever kind of plan eight had in mind. That man was always scheming, but as long as he knew who his comrades were, Lagi didn't mind.

"I wonder what will happen today? "

The sound of the red firecrackers seemed to be accompanying every corner of the street in Kina, continuing the festive mood from last night’s flower shaped cinder blooming in the sky. However Altan’s expression wasn’t as bright as the other people around her, they were very happy, with smiles and bright laughters everywhere, excited to see what would appear behind the golden gates. The archer knitted her eyebrow, wondering if someone from the Hinamoto clan would begin today’s event, but as much as she wanted to show her bright smile, she couldn't bring herself to do it. All this happy people… they wouldn't be this happy once the truth began to unfold… perhaps… Then again, even Altan didn’t know what kind of secret those clans might have, she can only assume that there might be war…

‘So that's the prince of Kina…’ Altan thought to herself as she watched the man delivering his speech. She tried to loosen up a bit by letting out a sigh, trying to not feel... burdened? Nervous? She couldn't tell, but it was somewhere in between.

The archer would notice that some of her team was already there as well, Eight, Dalia and Lagi… but she would stay still at where she was standing at the moment. Not really bothering to approach them for now… She just wanted to focus on the procession.

"Ancestors eh…?" The one eyed man murmured to himself as he stood within the crowds, looking straight to the prince of Kina himself.. Akihiko. The red haired man with a well built body and handsome face, wearing such a grand attire to present himself to the crowd, giving a speech to officially end the festival.

Speaking about ancestors, Tenma was wondering if he should try to visit the Morihana clan. But it would be hard because he was affiliating himself with the Shikizui at the moment. Perhaps when the time was right and the situation was not as intense as this one, Tenma might try to pay a visit. However he had to focus and watch this procession of the six clans of Kina. It was amusing that all of the clans could still stand up beside each other in the same place,  even though Tenma was sure that they did a lot of stuff to each other like  a sabotage mission.

However it was not Tenma's business, he was here for diplomacy purposes, more like to remind the grandfather of the Kou's emperor that he still had a grandson doing his best to be the emperor of a big country. Well, he didn't mean to mock his responsibility, it kind of felt like it and it was just the swordsman trying to motivate himself to do his job.

'Atama soru yori, Kokoro wo sore.' Tenna crosses his arms together, repeating the words he heard inside his head. "Before looking at the head, look at the heart…” The swordsman covered his lips with his gloved hand, hiding the mischievous smirk he carved on his face upon understanding the meaning of the chant. If only all those six clans in Kina stayed true to those chanting… how ironic.

The swordsman would continue to watch the procession from the back, crossing his arms as he stared at the ‘stage’.

The old man known as Silva was currently in the procession with the other mercenaries along with his student Shou. A summit that would determine the future of the country was about to begin so They were all being gathered to show off to the people of Kina. Shou was nervous like usual while Silva was interested in getting a chance to finally meet the ones that were at the head of the hina clan and the rest of the country. Also this would give him a chance to meet some of the other underlings for the 6 mighty clans.

Higan hugged her knees together, eyes looking at the sky from the inside of her prison as she heard the sound of red firecrackers. How long has it been since the last time she saw those firecrackers, even though the only time she could saw it, was on Ajisai's birthday...but it wasn't his birthday... The cat eared girl slowly lift her hand to the sky, as if she wanted to be free, she wanted to know what was going on at the city. From all the chatters between the maids and the worker at Fuyuhana clan, she heard that there will be a procession between those six clans. Those wretched parents of her must be there as well... but she didn't really care, it was not like they will gain more fame or status just by joining the procession...

"Ahh... I hope my knight in a shining armor can help me to be free..." The girl leaned her back against the steel before smirking eerily towards her companion, "Right, Koinu?"

Noir's eyes sparkled with excitement although her stoic expression was still intact on her face, those red firecrackers made a loud sound, bringing the laughter from a lot of people. Not only that, the festive mood was really refreshing! Although the festival ended the night before, but it felt like the mood was still there and people looked really excited. But what made the magician excited was the procession that was about to begin, she was curious, she wanted to see those clans... gathering together in the same place. When she looked around, she saw a lot of familiar faces as well, but since it was very crowded, the black haired girl thought she should just stay where she was at the moment. Besides... the procession has just beginning...

The drifter dallies behind his fellow sell-swords with an aloof stride. His whimsies fancied him a theorist of sorts, and his current working hypothesis revolved around a sudden bloodbath set to ensue this civil gathering of "well-mannered" individuals.

Now, don't be confused, he wasn't actively seeking a slaughter on foreign soil, but it just so happened that his sword arm was a bit itchy today. Besides, if he didn't draw first then someone else was bound to, or so his theory presumed.

His eyes sought for his fellow bunch of interlopers and scoundrels. Be it a new face or old blood, he should get a feel for tonight's crowd.

Behind her family, behind the groups in a follow procession Naga's one friend would be with the others who had assisted. She marched firmly in her burgundy outfit, different from the black one she normally adorned. It was similar to her brothers, it was the clans color after all but she preferred her dark robes."Sigh" The ceremony was rather lovely at least, how long had it been since Kina had the need for something so grand? She'd been given minor importance because of her role with her brother, yet maybe her words would actually be heard. It was all just a daydream at the end of the day.

Her place was to just stand amongst the clans, her brothers might've taken her seriously with her intelligence. Yet standing amongst the crowd it was all just pomp and circumstance. The clan heads barely took each other seriously. She had the right to speak or say for her clan in small matters, it was possible some of there outsiders would be there to speak as well. Even if this was the case it would be to pry or prod, they may have had a small modicum of respect but as a native she knew, she had seen their selfishness.

Woes and worries pressed on the borders of her mind. The brewing storm clouds worrying about what might happen in a situation like this. She couldn't talk to Cas, to share her thoughts with him. Everyone knew things would change in Kina, yet with how the Kogata were, how the Hinamoto have acted. With how some of the other clans moved in small silence. There was one certainty she had about the situation. Whichever family it was going to be, this meeting wasn't going to end before the beast would awake. The only real question she had about it was, who would it be?

For a warrior princess Menat was finding out just how tense her nerves could get in unfamiliar situations. The Meridian heiress and current diplomat for her mother walked solemly among the mercenaries and hired bodies at the end of the procession of the Kinan clans. It was the first time she had been involved in such a large scale and, clearly, important event for a nation and it secretly terrified her. Of course she knew that, on the other hand, it was an amazing chance to get practice on such a thing before she returned home and had to take a more important role in her mother's regency than simply looking after her siblings. There was also the fact that, in a way, this was a spectacular chance to learn the ways those in higher standings properly hold themselves among their people.

They were boring as all hell. So posh and poised as they addressed the masses. At least the prince did. From where she was at the back she couldn't really make much out of where Lord Tobinara was, let alone what he was doing, within the throngs of Kinan people. She wasn't exactly too thrilled with being stuck at the end of the line just because she was, more or less, a hired hand. With pledging to help the Toh in order to foster a healthy relationship between them and Meridia she had at least expected to walk with them. If she had at least one person along with her that she knew, that pretty lady she had met when introducing herself to the Toh clan's siblings or even that girl Lara she had met, would have made her less cagey. Her mind actually wandered to the later girl, wondering where she was at that current moment or what she was doing. Perhaps even she'd be able to find her once this was all over? She only hoped that she hadn't left Kina already. She'd have liked to at least say goodbye to her and see her off after their short bonding period.

Light drips of sweat fell from his warm face, as the morning sun rose to meet a new day within the turmoiled filled fields of Kina. It was a good training session. Trently did what he had to do for his muscles and body can be kept in a well condition. For months however, Trently had been quite stumped with his djinn vessel of his, earned in the dungeon Furcas. It was quite odd for him considering his special affinity with things of that nature. It was an important, and very crucial day anyhow. Trently had just decided to wake early, and get in his breakfast and some light training in for he can be prepared for his day. It felt good light training. It refreshed him for a good day and cleared his mind. Today was a day of a Summit in Kina, one where various clan leaders were assembling for a meeting. It a vital meeting was to discuss the politics of Kina and address the clan conflict. It were to occur not more than a month after Trently arrived upon Kina. With beautiful and fun summer festivities ending, a new part in Kina's year rose in its place. It is a highly serious event, that many Kinan citizens observe as clans arrived in Kina's capital, Hakyu!

With the sun now up, and the roosters crying out, Trently sprang to his feet after having finished his training. His special kimono lied in a chest carried here to Kina for special occasions. Made by a humble Kinan man living in Kou, now was a great day for wearing his special crafted garbs. It was a kimono with beautiful cloud and bolt patterns on it, the blue bolts below the cloudy white clouds. Trently held it dear to him. From his chest young Trently grasped his kimono and would dress himself in its stunning fashion and design. It left some room open in his chest area and so showed Trently's chiseled chest. He smiled bright and would shut the chest. He would go and eat a few meat buns after the early morning breakfast, before acquiring Guaiwu from the fort in which Trently had housed his men and guild. He was up ready for Kina's great Summit!

Trently: "Aye! Guaiwu! Let us see ourselves a Summit, huh!? Enough of a relaxing festival, now it is for us to see what Kina is boiling up to! We go now, and witness the boiling point of Kina!"

Guaiwu: "I hear you! You think it will be alright? We keep hearing of conflict among the clans. Let us hope it is all okay."

Trently: "We will see, my friend! We are here for a greater dream!"

Guaiwu: "Hm. It is a truly big dream."

Trently: "Yeah, I know it is! That is why it makes me excited!"

Said both body chiseled men who have been eating as clean as can. Trently and his friend would join the procession with the Morihana, an advanced clan of magic who are great religious leaders of Kina. With him and his red haired friend, Trently would bring along four men of his guild that would rise up flags of Miracle, a golden symbol meaning Miracle. It was an ancient symbol of Kinan culture. It was a beautiful procession, with an appearance from a royal family member of the nation of Kina, prince Akihiko. From out the Hinamoto palace he emerged to speak to the Kina people who would view a great procession. Once the speech and priests spoke a special chant, the six great clans would begin marching forth! This would include a plethora of mercenaries and important people of overseas. It would include Trently and his special guild being hosted by Morihana. Behind lines of samurai and ministers, young guild leader Trently and his vassals walked forth for the great event. It was a beautiful display of military prowess, flags, and the six great clans. How would Kina's future be decided here now?

Trently: "May a great and exciting Kina Summit begin!"

Guaiwu: "Gahaha!"

Guaiwu The Red Ogre, Miracle General!:

Magic Weapons & Metal Vessel:

Magic Items:

Large Backpack:

Backpack Items:

Shards 1x:

As the procession began meandering towards the main square, the various bands of mercenaries and wandering ronin began mingling together. They disregarded the uniform rhythm of the samurai, ambling about the rear of the procession. They talked openly, laughed loudly and walked freely; they seemed the opposite of the discipline shown by the ordered ranks of samurai in front. This surprising sociability was displayed all throughout this broken column. One such mercenary left his companion and approached the well-groomed Lagi, his garments looking misplaced alongside the armour and robes worn by the other sell-swords. He wore a unique garb that seemed strangely distinctive from any other countries’ clothes, unrecognisable even to Lagi’s discerning eye. Entirely aware of his peculiar appearance, this man pulled his feathered hat above his blue eyes and joked in a deep voice,

   “That suit don’t look half bad, eh? But someone wearing something so evidently foreign? Yeah, I can tell you’re not from round these parts, just like me. I mean having Yussef as my name is a dead give-away, isn’t it. So where’re you from? You don’t seem like just anybody. I’d wager a businessman, nah, too shady for that... Hey, no need to look at me like that! I’m just playing with you! Looks can be deceiving, so who knows who you could be. Trust me, I know one or two things about that if you know what I mean, eh?"

The Peculiar Mercenary - Yussef:

   While the stranger teased the vampiric king, his companion looked across the interspersed crowd for someone new to converse with. Unlike the peculiar mercenary, this man seemed native from both his appearance and garb. His hairy torso lay bare in the morning cold while his belly spilled over the plaited rope he used as a belt. But that excess fat distracted a body rippling with muscles from his sturdy legs to his shoulders, and the powerful arms below. Spotting the elderly Silva and his rookie charge, he approached and began sizing up Shou with a sharp eye,

   “If I’m not mistaken, boy, you must be an aspiring sumo wrestler. Hmm, yes, your physique confirms it. I can tell that you have not yet qualified for professional wrestling though. Continue training and I’m sure you’ll get there in no time, boy.  That coach of yours certainly seems the sort who will definitely push you to those heights. Perhaps you’ll even reach the highest peaks and I’ll face you one day, boy, but who knows. Hmm, I didn’t introduce myself, did I? Terao, the second ranked in professional sumo, below the current yokozuna Kenshin. What are your names?”

The Wrestling Ronin - Terao:

---

Looking at the cloudy sky was a gaunt swordsman, his face worn with the passing of the years and his hands rough from constant fighting. He held himself high with the pride of a samurai, but his eyes held a deep sadness that betrayed himself as a ronin. Yet when his gaze alighted upon Tobinaga, they lit up with surprise and joy as he exclaimed,

    “Lady Tobinaga! It is an honour! What are you doing here with these sell-swords? Surely you should be walking alongside your siblings? Oh, excuse my bad manners, milady, I have forgotten to introduce myself! My name is Masahiro Hiroki, and I had the honour of fighting alongside your father. I fought by his side for my entire career, yet wasn’t with him when he… Forgive me, milady, I know it must have been hard for you.”

The Weathered Ronin - Hiroki:

---

Further along the procession, a brooding mercenary could be seen standing by himself, alone amidst the friendly conversations of his own warband. Those nearest to him - namely Menat, Khalik, Noir and Higan - could see that he and his fellow mercenaries wore matching straw hats, a feature which all these different mercenary groups had in common; their individual warband were distinguished by the subtle difference in shape. But he boasted a feature which none of his fellow mercenaries had. One arm was tattooed with a colourful dragon, which those four might have mistaken for some innocent choice of art. But if they listened to the other ronin and mercenaries around him, they could hear whispers of his name and history: Harubichi Kazuo, a former operative who sported the telltale sign of the Aomori group - the same Aomori group which had once been a criminal mafia working closely with the Kogata. But when the clan thought they could get a better reputation, they sold them out to the Hinamoto authorities and left their old partners to fend for themselves. Yet it seemed this man had not forgotten their betrayal and still harboured a deep hatred for the clans and their samurai,

   "All these damn samurai, parading about like they do shit. It’s us mercenaries who do the brunt of the clans’ work. Not even they trust their toy soldiers. I’m sure you’ve experienced that, right? They push all the dangerous jobs onto us and, when it goes right, they take the glory. When it goes wrong… Well, let’s just say it never ends well.”

The Disgruntled Mercenary - Kazuo:

---

Some steps away walked another mercenary group, whose members began to disperse amongst the crowds. Two such members began ambling around the procession together but quickly found themselves separated, intrigued by different people. The first, a slender woman dressed in fashionable clothes, struck up a conversation with Eight and Dalia as they looked upon Akihiko while her partner, a quiet young man sporting three different blades, spoke to Tenma and Trently,

   “He’s quite the sight, ain’t he? You know, the prince. Got those neat threads and all, don’t think there’s nobody people envy more than him, even Ryou there does. Growing up into all that luxury seems like a sweet deal, right? Well, I don’t think so. Yeah, he’s got girls and money but that don’t mean shit when nobody actually values him for who he is, just what he’s got. You get me?”

The Sassy Mercenary - Emi:

    “Hey. Weren’t you both on the ships from abroad? But neither of you look foreign. You two look native. Were you born here? Maybe you’ve got family here? Oh, sorry… Emi always says I come across blunt. I prefer swords. Not so much words. I’ve just not seen many foreigners before. It’s very rare that they’re allowed in.”

The Reserved Ronin - Ryou:

---

As these new faces began conversing with old friends, the foreign warriors would also start familiarising themselves with the meaning behind ronin and mercenaries; ronin were former samurai who had lost their masters while mercenaries was the encompassing term for hired warriors from all walks of life, including ronin. Milling all over the procession were mercenaries, some sporting headgear denoting their group while others seemed to work alone. They wore a veritable myriad of colours and symbols; most notable of all being twenty-odd warriors who wore black masks shaped like a crow's beak, an unsociable group of three mercenaries donning straw hats emblazoned with a red lotus and a lone swordswoman dressed in crimson leather.

---

As they walked Dalia caught a glimpse of red hair from the corner of ehr eye looking over a bit more just in time to see a glimpse of the girl. Menat. This was rather wonderful, it meant she could go and speak with her again as herself… she honestly had enjoyed their last talk so it’d be nice if sh- A man seemed to walk up to talk to her and some others blocking her view of the girl making her squint her eyes a bit annoyed. Then before she could even decide to spy on the collective group another person came over blocking her view of the enter group. They were like 2 seprate walls blocking her at this point taunting her to act out of frustration though she contained herself... mostly. Her eyebrow twitched as she slowly looked up to who had walked over to talk to her and Eight who was a bit off from her but close enough to pull into a conversation with.

She looking up to see a woman's face that was gawking at the prince. And honestly if Dalia rolled her eyes any harder they would surely pop right out of her own skull to be slipped on like marbles as they would roll from her body that still would be holding the same post that still felt just as bothered as it was before. She thought as she spoke about the man. “Being born into a world where you are handed everything, work for nothing thus gaining no skill of actual worth and likely being raised to be thin just by existing, you deserve an entire land and that no one could ever take it from you? It's sad. Honestly he likely has no idea that anyone here in this section alone could get in close and kill him, taking all his gifts he never likely earned all in but would be a single moment to launch an attack. "

"Yes the attacker may die as well but it would never change the end result. Besides… on top of all that he must lead an entire collection of people hoping to keep things alive knowing no matter if you want to steal from them to further yourself or help them to the bitter end you need them together and alive. But they all just want to fight amongst themselves to take your throne when all you do is try to keep them alive. So in essence… I laugh at those who would envy the position of someone like that. And pity the man for the position he was born into. Likely to never know how cruel the world can really be… but how strong it can make you. Nor the pride in knowing you gained everything you own… not it benign handed over to you for nothing.” She said simply and coldly.

“So I suppose in a way I do get you miss?” She let the miss linger in the air for the woman to fill her name in. As much as many likely only knew Dalia for being with 8 in terms of working with him, just something about her in this moment felt separate to 8 an air of holding her own more than just being there for 8 alone like usual. Daichi who didn’t quite know how to feel about the conversation given how he was brought up took it upon himself to look about the area at the others around them to keep his mind distracted from the group conversation but still focused on keeping Dalia safe while she was distracted.

Lagi had no idea who this guy was, the way he talked was peculiar. This man also had a bit of a swagger to himself from the way that he dressed, but he was willing to approach and throw a few words at Lagi to start a conversation, partly in jest. During the time that he was talking, for some strange reason, Lagi thought to himself that he couldn't remember the last time he had a drink.

"Well, if I was to say that neither of us is originally from here, I would be right on the money, no? I'm from all over friend, an outcast among outcasts, maybe even an anomaly?"

Lagu reached for a flask from within his suit and took a swig of his El Ragu. It was a little watered down in order for him to not be too drunk, he only really used it when he wanted to relax and maybe loosen up a bit.

"El Ragu, I'm sure you heard of the product? I made it, I might not be good at making clothes, but I have some pride in the things I'm responsible for. Like my brewery, alcohol has its many uses. Either physical, spiritual, emotional... you know. "

Maybe it was time to introduce himself?

"I'm Requiem Jynx, today... I'm nothing more than a businessman that's enjoying the parade. It seems to be honoring people like you, whatever it is that you did, thank you for your service, cheers. You served your country long?"

The black haired girl noticed Khalik standing nearby, but she was hesitant to approach the man, it was not the time to do that yet perhaps...Not only that, she noticed Menat, the girl she met at the Toh manor. “Good day, Miss Menat, it is good to see you again.” The black haired girl would greet the Fanalis politely, although her face would remain expressionless like usual.

She would still look around though, scanning all of the mercenaries who attended the event, wondering how many of them...and mostly which clan was using their service. But this… peculiar mercenary group caught Noir’s attention, they had a different feature compared to the others...matching straw hats. As she tilted her head, her eyes caught the glimpse of one man within that mercenary group who looked different from the rest of the other, that dragon drawing on his arm was really eye-catching. ‘Harubichi Kazuo…?’ She repeated the name inside her head as she heard people began to mention that name, the man who had quite a dark history with the Kogata it seemed.

“It never ends well?” The magician responded to the man’s word, “Why?” She would bluntly ask, her words were filled with a pure curiosity as she stared towards the man’s eyes, peering deep into his soul.

Somehow, the archer ended up standing in the same place with both Eight and Dalia, but she didn’t really mind, it might be better than roaming alone in this sea of people. She would stay quiet though, feeling no need to talk like usual as she observed her surroundings. However she noticed this woman approaching them, perhaps trying to mingle with them as she tried to start a conversation.

The redhead was glad that Dalia took the initiative to respond to the stranger, a rather clever answer if Altan could say. Well, she didn’t entirely agree to what that woman and this little girl said actually. Who knew if that prince himself actually had some kind of hardship in his life as well, what if that facade he just showed as he spoke was only his mask and that there was something else buried deep within that man, his real face. Also… being an important figure usually meant that you will be in danger for almost 24/7 and that you would get extra protection, hell, if people was foolish enough to try getting close and attack that man, the redhead would happily put a crown on that people’s head.

“Pfft…” She covered her lips with the back of her hand, holding back her laughter. People were so naive and judgmental, weren't they?

There were a lot of people gathering here, all these mercenaries...ronin and also these foreigners. Tenma recognized some of them, one of them was actually an old acquaintance of his as well. What a coincidence, wasn't it? He remembered that red haired girl back then when he was visiting the medic tent, it was during the civil war in Kou...and that girl was there as well, lending her hand to treat some of the injured soldiers. Altan was her name...and she was the one who taught him a lot of things about archery. Well, he would try to approach her later, it would be good to greet old friends. However… it seemed that she was in the same group with that man, Eight… interesting… Tenma covered his smiling lips, but his focus would change the moment someone called him and Trently.

The one eyed man would smile brightly to the stranger before answering, “Well, I was born in Kou, however my parents were from Kina, they settled down at Kou after they tied the knot together though.” He would chuckle when the man apologized for being blunt, “No worries, Sir. Name’s Tenma, it is a pleasure to meet a fellow sword enthusiast.”

Eight was still looking through the crowd to spot some of his acquaintances and the other members of Kogatan mercenaries, as well as Noir, Tenma, Menat, Khalik. Keeping note of the people surrounding the people, as he was sure Naruto and Sasuke would be doing so they could compare notes later. It was at this time that a woman addressed himself and Dalia. Her clothing immediately caught his eyes before looking to her. "Ryou, huh?" He turned to look at the person she seemed to be talking about. And there was Tenma, and another samurai figure who seemed to keep his own squad of mercenaries.

Dalia seemed to give her an opportunity to answer her name, letting her speak for a moment. Eight would listen to Dalia's opinions of the world, learning more about her. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Quoting from a book he had read. Pausing for a moment as he thought about the situation further. "Perhaps no one thinks much of him, but if it were as easy as Dalia said, he wouldn't be here leading these clans. Speaking of, which do you work for?" Eight was blunt unsure of how freely he could speak in front of strangers. The very act of the procession was in a way the culmination of political tension in Kina.

Shou would look up at the man that was approaching him and his teacher. He immediately recognized him as Terao, currently the 2nd top sumo wrestler. He had been a fan of his for a long time. "Y..yes I have followed your career for years. I am Shoy. I havent been in a match yet. My teacher insists on having practical experience first." Silva's ears would perk up hearing that he was a big deal sumo "I am Silva. I heard that you are a good sumo. Perhaps you would like to spar against shou here one day. Or even join us and become my student." he says grinning.

It was quite an intriguing procession thus far, with interesting faces any corner one turned. With his men, a young Trently marched alongside other foreign faces or ronin. Among some of the people behind the clans, a few familiar faces were to protrude out from the party. It were first and foremost the man known as Tenma, a friend Trently made in Kou before he set out with him here to Kina, in which after, both men parted ways. It was nice seeing Tenma once more.

Yet a man from the crowd would chat both Trently and Tenma up, seemingly interested in who both were and if both were of Kinan ancestry. An intriguing man he was Trently thought who would decide to converse with him. He looked to be a reserved man, a swordsman, a man of fighting and not so much of words to convey feeling. He would even say so when coming up to speak to the two Kinan men of Kou nationality, and one half ancestry.

Trently found himself to be very interested in the reserved ronin, sporting three katanas by his hip. From the questions the man would ask and the information he shared of himself, Trently would carry on the conversation but as he was about to do so, the young guild leader would catch a glimpse of him, that beast man.

Guaiwu: "You know him?"

Trently: "Hm, you have a keen eye of what I see, Guaiwu. I think I know him, but it is no cause for concern. I think he is someone who had walked a different path but with a similar ideology."

-

Trently: "I am of half Kinan ancestry on my father's side. I was not born here, but I was born on the east coast of Kou. I have family here, but I sure don't know them! Keheheh!"

Guaiwu: "What is your name, young man?"

Trently: "You are a man of swords, not words, huh? I ought to have a fun chat of swords then. I've not had a fun one in a bit. What are your katanas' names?"

The hairs on the back of Menat's neck rose as she felt the, by now, all to familiar feeling of someone watching her. She wasn't sure who it was this time or where they were but she couldn't shake the feeling. Her head began to swivel from left to right as she began to try and find any who might be looking in her direction, even doing her best to see behind her without actually turning her whole body around. The last thing she needed was to be seen in the procession and labeled a total oddball with such a responsibility as building a trusting relationship between the Toh and Meridia on her shoulders. Yet, just like that, the sensation faded almost a quickly as it had come.

A voice did address her however, referring to her in far more of a polite manner than she was normally used to. Though she did suppose if she were going to be doing things like this for her mother for the foreseeable future she should probably adjust to such manners of speaking. It was the pretty lady she had worked with to be accepted by the Toh. Noir? She struggled to remember. The images of her from their time in the hot springs with Lord Abe were still fresh in the young girl's mind. That raven haired wonder in that skin-tight bathing suit that made her face flush brighter than even the water could have. It was still a confusing reaction for the redhead, one she was sure she'd need to have a conversation about with her mother at some point when she returned home.

"Ah! It was Miss Noir right?" The younger girl asked upon seeing her, a slight blush tinting her cheeks as she looked at the older female. It was clearly hard for her to read the woman's expression as she seemed to remain rather emotionless despite Menat's slightly more upbeat nature. Their conversation would be derailed before it could even begin, however, as nearby one of the numerous mercenaries that had been hired by the clans was busy scoffing at those that hired him and his fellow group. Rather loudly at that as clearly both Menat and Noir seemed to catch his words. The older woman questioned his meaning behind his comment about how things didn't end well when things go wrong. Yet it wasn't this statement that Menat found herself focusing on. It was the man's, Harubichi Kazuo's, tattoos.

"Wow!" She exclaimed, finding herself practically bouncing over to him to get a closer look at them. "This is such an AWESOME dragon!" She exclaimed while studying his arm, her emphasis on how just absolutely amazed by the artistic piece she was. There was the bonus fact of his solid muscles that the design seemed to take full account of in its flow. It was as she was inspecting the tattoo that it finally dawned on her just how stupid of a mistake she had made. She had gotten herself up in the personal space of a, clearly, professional mercenary without a second thought all because she wanted to gawk at the dragon tattooed on his arm. "OH! S-sorry about that!" She said sheepishly as she tried to take a step or two back to put some space between them before he could react less kindly than she was trying to.

WC: 565
TWC: 910

“This ain’t my country, but I can’t exactly say which is mine. Things keep getting more complicated in our little world here, eh? Empires rise and kingdoms fall… I think I musta lived and worked in almost every nation that exists - and some that don’t exist anymore. It was a lonely life, wandering from place to place... Key emphasis on was, though. I got a new patron, and she don’t mess around with my coin. I really got a sweet deal with her.”

   Yussef shot Lagi a curious glance when he mentioned his alias Jynx, or perhaps it would be better to say a knowing look. But that was quickly replaced by a mischievous grin as he procured a small flask from his sleeve and took a swig of brandy.

   “I’ve drunk my fair share of booze, and I can’t say I’ve missed out on the sweet stuff. That El Ragu is the real deal, and props to you for brewing that stuff. Gotta say though, I prefer the traditional stuff - brandy and port, you know - call me old-fashioned if you like. But that’s enough yapping on my side, eh, Jynx? Let’s get some drink down the old pipes. Who knows when this parade will end, so we might as well have some fun while we wait!”

---

As he quietly listened to Shou and Silva, the stoic Terao began to chuckle. It was not harsh nor mean but soft - an inward laugh, like someone hearing their grandson say that he wanted to be a better pilot than them.

   “I’m glad that my career has inspired the next generation of wrestlers, and the art of sumo lives and thrives past mine! I have been looking forward to the day when the title of yokozuna will be seized by your generation, boy. You may just be watching us wrestle from the sidelines now but soon you’ll be standing in the ring yourself. But make sure you listen to Silva - there’s a long road from the bottom to the top, boy, and it’s not that easy either.”

---

The disgruntled Kazuo gave Noir a faint smirk, her curiosity met with mockery. He thought little of her, supposing she was some sheltered girl who knew nothing of the troubled world that lay outside - the world that he had suffered through and survived in. But he thought even less of the energetic Menat who had gotten too close for comfort.

   “You’re pretty innocent if you can’t use your imagination there, girlie. When I said it doesn't end well for them, I meant they end up dead. What else did you think I meant - Hey, watch it, brat! What’s your problem! Didn’t your daddy tell you not mess around with strangers? Hey, stop staring at my arm! You never seen a tattoo or something?”

---

“Emi’s my name, yeah, and I don’t really have a clan. I kinda mess around with the Shikizui but I don’t like to stay in one place. Instead, I made all my money by doing jobs here and there. Keeps the dough coming, you know? Helps especially when you know where the dough’s coming from. One thing I do know ‘bout where’s it from? There’s a lot of gold lining the Kogata’s pockets - not many clues where they got it. All I can say is that they might as well be richer than the Hinamoto! Well, putting aside all those treasures they keep stashed in that vault of theirs, but who even knows what’s in there.”

    She had a wistful look upon her pretty face, her pert nose wrinkled in thought. She stared silently at the palace’s gate, towards the platform where the prince had delivered his welcome, and sighed. When she looked back at Dalia, Eight and Altan, they could see something sad and complicated behind her eyes.

   “If you look at things from that perspective, it becomes easier to understand the prince. He’s trying his best to keep the impression that the Hinamoto - you know, the leading clan - is still, well the leader. Doesn’t help that the Morihana and the Kogata are always planning their get-rich-quick schemes or whatever behind his back. Honestly, yeah, I respect him. He deals with all that and still comes off as a nice guy. Like, whatever you guys might think, the people love him. Not just the people - even most of the nobles too. But they don’t see the struggles he’s had to face… The ones he is facing.”

---

“I’m happy to meet other swordsmen. Especially foreign ones. I wonder what style of swordplay foreigners use... I doubt you use any of our schools of swordplay, but I see you both wield katanas - a specialty of Kina. They appear to have seen many fights. Just like mine. My three are special though. They are family heirlooms. This one is Juzumaru and that one is Onimaru. I’m afraid that I can’t say the third one’s name. It would be a bad omen if that name was spoken. If it is ever spoken. When its name is spoken, the sword is destined to take a hundred lives. Even if they are the allies of its wielder.”

   A bitter sadness clung to every word Ryou spoke about that third sword. What enthusiasm he had for the other two katanas, and his foreign audience, crumbled as he recounted that third sword’s tale.

   “My father once spoke its name against our clan’s enemies but he died soon after… He lost a battle against a clan allied with the Hinamoto and he chose seppuku for that shame... He was the sword’s hundredth life. All three swords were then claimed by the Hinamoto clan... But I couldn’t bear to see them be taken, and stole them back. My punishment was exile. My clan’s was worse. They exist no more...”

---

Whilst the various mercenaries mingled with their fellow sell-swords in their broken column, the procession continued its steady march towards the palace’s gate. The samurai and their ordered ranks soon passed under its high arch, marching into the open courtyard and out of the rearguard’s sight. But when the mercenaries' column reached the palace’s gate, they found not an entrance but a checkpoint, manned well with armed soldiers and priests. Most handed their arms to the guards with fair reluctance, but several concealed their equipment in the hopes that they might not be caught. Those who underestimated the ingenuity of the priests’ magics were either turned aside from the gate or taken away by the guards, led towards jail or worse. Those who attempted some form of trickery to distract the priests or disguise their arms were caught more often than not, but it would seem that several did succeed. Some cleverly disguised their weapon’s magical signatures from the priests’ scans while others concealed their equipment from the soldiers’ searches by cunning means.


    Having passed underneath the arched gate, the mercenary column was greeted with an astounding sight. The beautiful sight of the Hinamoto palace. Vaulted towers of red broke through the wispy clouds, their wooden columns strong and proud. Well-dressed nobles conducted business upon cobbled stone, their ministers and servants trailing behind a coloured entourage. Sombre priests knelt before golden statues; musicians strummed sweetly upon the street corners; merchants milled about in the marketplaces, selling their precious wares to the lords of the land. Kina’s capital may have been Hakyu and its bright lights, but the Hinamoto palace was a city of its own right - and a city greater than Hakyu.

---

It was quite an interesting yet short chat Trently would have with a reserved ronin. It gave the young Trently with a fair deal of information on the ronin and his katanas. Trently was fairly intrigued in the katanas of the ronin, but would not bother to ask for any further information. It was rude of him, and anyhow, Trently himself was quite reluctant of sharing very much of his own story. Trying not to divulge very much in his story, Trently would simply reply to what his new ronin said with a few mere words. His shiny blue eyes would become dull, and begin to look like a dark blue storm, before speaking again. It would be evident if anyone saw his eyes. Trently of the Kou Empire was hearkening back to the civil war, a very dark moment in history for him and citizens of the great oriental nation. In particular, Trently was being reminded of a very dreadful and gruesome battle. If the reserved ronin's past was so horrendous, then what was the young Trently's? It was like a nightmare which did not happen, but really certainly did. However, young Trently knew for a long while now, nothing could be done now. It is only now how you move on the path of fate which can dictate the future, and can change it for the better.

Trently: "Hm.. Tragic tale.. Anyway, my name is Trently. Nice to meet you."

Guaiwu: "Sad to hear your clan's demise."

Trently: "Oh and hey again, Tenma!"

Said the blue haired merchant as he and his general began to approach what appeared to be a checkpoint where people were made mostly unarmed. It was sad that Trently could not bring his precious equipment, but at least he could bring one item and one weapon, magic or not. Yet the merchant man would decide to just give one of his important items to Guaiwu before they were to be checked. Therefore, young Trently could pass in with his Shuriken of Storm he decided to bring with him instead of his katanas, but also bring one extra item as he could claim it to be one of his friends' item, Guaiwu's. Unequipping his precious ring concealed in his kimono, Spriggan's Call, the clever guild master would secretly hand it to Guaiwu to equip stealthily. So, his red haired friend would have one weapon and one item, and he himself, Trently, would possess one weapon and one item as well. It should be good and work out fine. Anyhow, both would begin to approach the checkpoint now and would have to surrender weapons and items. Trently and his friend would just comply.

Trently: "Here is everything. I am bringing just my arm and my weapon."

Guaiwu: "I am just taking my ring and my weapon."

He said as the men performed a body search, with a magical search following quickly after. It should be fine, Trently imagined. With the young Trently hopefully done, Guaiwu followed suit. If there were no extra other hidden policies, Trently and his friend should be fine. So both would proceed on, assumingly. If it was so, him and his red haired friend were to walk on forth for the palace where the Kina procession would be held. Upon entering the palace walls, one would see and witness an immaculate display of architecture and vibrant color. It was like a city of its own. Talented musicians strummed beautiful instruments, while other merchants milled about in what seemed to be marketplaces, offering precious wares to the very lords of the Kina Kingdom land. It could be easily said that the palace of the Hinamoto was perhaps one of the most beautiful areas in the lands of the Kina nation. However, Trently was sure more beautiful places existed.

Trently: "Hm.. I hope my equipment is in good hands."

Guaiwu The Red Ogre, Miracle General!:

Trently Takes: