[Hagoromo's Comet] True Darkness

Raijin was the first one to come out of the Society base. He was soon followed by his own Death Eaters they too were beginning to notice the phenomenon. In the sky streaking past the vastness of it, was large meteor. This comet was unlike anything the world had ever seen, within the pulsating rock. A power radiated that could even be felt on their planet. Raijin had come upon the knowledge of aliens, and that they were among them. Living as they did.

It was his best bet that untold powers lay in the other worlds where Chi and Merryweather came from. He went through a lot of effort and risked death, to rescue her. Now he wanted her for himself, she was surely powerful. Taking her from Merryweather would be impossible, but he was willing to find a way. He had caught glimpses of her as he faded in and out of conciousness. He was enamored by her. He would have her one day.

"Are you going to make a wish my lord?" Zhuge asked him, pondering on what the missing nin was thinking.

He had many wishes, and had many goals. But to narrow them down to something tangible was harder than he thought. His eyes narrowed, "Great question. I wanted to bring a home to the Cursed Ones. But that doesn't seem possible anymore with this...thing inside me. I would only lead them to further destruction. Perhaps they are better off where they are at now."

He turned his back and kept a focused look at the comet, his other wish would come ejaculating out of his mouth. "I have been scorned and defeated. Many look down upon me...no longer. I will be feared. For that, after I master the Zero Tails. I must become a Perfect Sage. The Dragons definitely want nothing to do with me. So be it. I will find an even more prestigious pact."

Zhuge nodded. Before he would have doubted such a claim. There were no Sages in the land apart from Honiko, but even she was leaving. However, in controlling the Zero Tails, there was a chance they'd be able to to find the means.

"Once I am able to do that. We will have the need to finally take control of the village Hidden in the Sand."

A tall order. Taking one of the Major nations had only been done once before. By the Hokage who was murdered. Satomi Uchiha. He united the Land of Earth and the Land of Fire, creating a devastatingly powerful nation. However he could not fully hope to achieve such heights. He only needed the Suna land and ninja for the purposes of strengthening the Death Eater's hold over the world. Though being the Kage of a prestigious land such as the Wind Country was also great. The Dark Lord needed to be in the shadows. Protecting others was not his forte. He needed power and destruction.

The Zero tails wanted nothing else from him but it. He would have to provide many lives to suit the bijuu. Weaker than the other beasts as he was spirit. Its hunger was unrivaled. It ravaged Raijin's mind. But he was at least used to such feelings as being a Cursed one sometimes fed into that rage. "But I must get stronger before that can happen. And Nozomi must return from her secret trip, wherever it was that Honiko took her."

Menza walked along the edge of the Isle of Whispers with his hands in his pockets. The casually dressed scientist hummed a tune as he analyzed the straits around the island. He was making calculations as to what was the best place on the Isle to watch the comet. He wanted to get the angles perfectly right as this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Menza wouldn't be carrying anything instead he left that task to his prisoner: Yui Kotoshura. He had given the explosively-tempered young woman his prized telescope and other astronomy tools. He told her that if she dropped and broke them, he'd destroy her on a molecular level. Hopefully she wouldn't test the threat. The weight of the materials was quite heavy and Menza's pace was brisk. At one point, he'd stop, turn around, and call out to her:

"Please try to keep up Yui-dear. If we miss the comet before it reaches its zenith, I'll gore a hole into your head."

The man yawned and kept walking until he came across Raijin and his followers. The Cursed One stopped in his tracks less than 10 meters away from the Zero-Tails host. He looked at the young man and his group curiously before smiling and greeting them.

"Hello there, you must be Raijin. Honiko's disciple. Fancy meeting you here."

He recognized him based off of the descriptions he had been given by his servants. The Dragon Sage kept them close at all times although they had noticed she tended to favor Nozomi. He wondered if Raijin felt some type of way about the situation. Menza wasn't looking for the lad. For one, his intentions were not malicious. He was merely looking for a place to set up his telescope and observe the passing Comet. However, now that fate had dropped one of Honiko's students into his lap he couldn't help but make the most of it.

Yui hated Menza with every fiber of her being, but for now, she had to behave, she had no way to escape his teleportation. Yui was tasked with carrying everything, this was not much of an issue as she was fully healed now, the scars showed but she was physically capable. The pair would approach another young man as Menza made another threat against Yui making her glare fiercely at him.

Yui would remain quiet not speaking unless spoken to, she did not want to fight right now and simply wanted to use this time to study Menza mannerisms and tells for when he would do something. Raijin was someone new to her as she would give a polite bow to him. She wondered if he was also part of this group, either way, she would learn something she was sure if she just listened quietly and watched the stars with them. She had her normal attire on with her gauntlets and her well-fitting outfit, she was certainly what some would consider a beauty. She had a lot of muscle tone and she likely used taijutsu.

As the two Death Eater's spoke to each other. The Zero tails and Raijin noticed an increasingly dark presence coming towards them. The Dark Lords eyes found a familiar figure, one that turned his stomach. It was Menza. Beside the pale scientist was a women he had never seen before, carrying items that befitted the man next to her. Though it was Menza who approached him and he spoke to Raijin.

Honiko had mentioned to them before. Be careful with Menza. However she was no longer here. On her own mission possibly never to return. He had taken her teachings to heart as they had increased his strength greatly. He had no doubt she had good reason for saying this about the man. He oozed a certain darkness about him, however the Zero tails began to make him like this sort of feeling.

"Greetings Menza. Since Honiko is indisposed, we have taken a gander at the great meteor above us. We believe it holds a great power as it radiates a strange chakra around it. Wishing upon a star possibly came from this comet."

He looked towards Yui. She seemed pretty uncomfortable. Who would blame her, with Menza for company. "Greetings to you as well. I am the Dark Lord Raijin. Perhaps you both can join us as we gaze?"

Zhuge looked stricken with fear and said nothing as his master spoke to the duo.

Raijin began to speak of the superstitions and fairy tales surrounding the Comet. Worser still, his kinfolk introduced himself to Yui as "the Dark Lord". Menza crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. He didn't even bother to hide his derision of Raijin's attitude. The young man wasn't strong enough to punish him for his disrespect (even with the Zero-Tails) and he wanted Raijin to know he didn't think highly of young people that took themselves so seriously. Menza replied:

"You've spent too much time with Honiko. Let me guess, she called you a 'Blessed One' and said something about Hagoromo choosing our people to be his heralds?"

Menza scoffed and then remembered that he hadn't quite fully introduced himself to Raijin. The use of the phrase "our people" must have confused Raijin. Menza didn't look or carry himself like a member of the Nature Clan, although the group had become so diasporic at this point their traits had become entirely heterogeneous.

"By the way, I too share your abilities" the Nature Clansman confessed. He held up his arm and a series of grey scales crept up his flesh. The flesh became thick and plated as his arm contorted into a hatchet. The entire right side of his face and body keratinized, becoming dense and dark colored. Even the scientist's normally black pupils shifted into a distinct orange color. He released the transformation and his body turned back into its regular self.

"As one member of the tribe to another: Don't believe what anyone says about us. Good or bad. We're no more special than the Uchiha, or the Hyuuga, or the Kotoshura" Menza turned and winked at Yui. "The sooner you can accept that, the sooner you can lead a more productive life."

Menza paused to look at the Comet and then the surrounding area. Perfect.

"This looks like a good spot to setup, Yui." Menza turned back to Raijin. "I'd like to take you up on your offer actually that is of course so long as we aren't intruding"

Yui noticed the man in front was quiet pleasant his aura he gave off was a lot different than that of Menza. His aura screamed evil and hatred, she would not be shocked his Menza hated the entire world. She was glad at least someone in his crazy group seemed rational, the other person with him seemed petrified with fear. Menza than said this was a good spot as Yui placed down the gear and set up the telescope, she hated this man but now was no time to test her luck she had to wait for the right time.

"So Raijin was it why do you call yourself Dark Lord Raijin, it certainly is an interesting title but I feel Menza fits that much more."

She was shocked to learn what Menza clan really was, so that was why he was so good at medical, she had to be far more careful learning what he was now. It appeared Raijin also used nature chakra, to defeat Menza became astronomically harder even if she used her strongest blast the nature of his clan would mean she would do little to nothing.

Yui would begin to watch the comet fly past, so many memories of her past flooded her head, the biggest one was thinking of how the plague began in the land she was born in Iwa. She remembered her family telling her she was not allowed outside and barring any visitors, there also happened to be a major upheaval as it appeared the nation was collapsing for many reasons. These memories were painful as she remembered a young girl coming to their door and banged to get in but her clan would not let them inside. She had the sickness as they called it and fearing she would spread it to the family blew the girl into pieces. This was a memory she had wished she did not remember she tried to suppress these memories but they recently started coming back.

It turns out that the pale man was actually another member of the Cursed Ones. Raijin's eyes narrowed as saw the familiar transformation that took place when he let his Sage chakra flow outwards. this was a rare occurrence for him. Never had he ever ran into one of his own before, and Menza was adamant of their place in the world. He mentioned that he spent to much time with Honiko, as she had described the Cursed Ones as 'Blessed Ones'. "Indeed she did. I was pretty young when I came under he tutelage. So I see why she presented us in such a light. But I'm still learning, that such a thing. Cannot be. I'm fine with that. My choices will set me apart from 'destines'."

He also mentioned the Kotoshura and turned to wink at the girl next to him. The Kotoshura were apart of village Hidden in the Stone. Assimilated into the Leaf village. Was this a ninja from the village? Menza seemed to be up to no good. Which was good news for Raijin. Sooner or later he knew he'd be running into the other Society members, as long as they were on the same page.

Yui spoke, asking why he choose such a name. "The title is just for flavor. As only you both know me as Raijin. But to my organization. I am a shadow. They are there to serve my needs, and in place, they serve the needs of the Society. A lot of attention has come upon us lately. This is will serve to divide the focus. To the world, the Death Eaters are mercenaries. For now we want them to think that. "

And turning towards Menza again. "You aren't intruding at all. Its a great honor to have an elder clan member among us. Please."

Menza glared at Yui when she said the title of "Dark Lord" would fit him more. He did not take it as a compliment. Sure, he could be considered "evil" but "Dark Lord" was such an edge lord title. He preferred "Cursed One", it was in theory just as coldsteel as Dark Lord but this nickname had significance. He had used it as a personal moniker to describe himself. He had done this precisely because Honiko believed that the people of the Nature Clan were "Blessed Ones", or the divine heralds of Hagoromo. By calling himself a Cursed One he was essentially making a veiled insult towards her religious teachings.

When Yui finished setting up his telescope and the appropriate supplementary tools, he gave her another command.

"Yui go fetch us some firewood....don't take too long now"

He knew that she hated taking orders from him but that only made it all the more delicious for him. Menza turned back to Raijin who informed him that he was young when he came under Honiko's tutelage. He spoke as though he had outgrown her fairy-tales. He then went on to explain the nature of his title and his new organization. It was a bit over the top but ultimately he understood the jinchurilkki's reasoning. People were irrational and emotional creatures. Titles like "The Dark Lord" inspired fear and mystery among civilians. It induced fear and superstition. It would allow him to cloak his actions and conceal his intentions. It was a rather intelligent play, especially if it drew the attention of the authorities while also serving the organization's larger interest. It sounded like Raijin was smart enough to recognize that Honiko's proselytizing was useless and that one could only put faith in their own abilities to make a mark on the world.

Menza also considered the possibility that Raijin could just be telling him what he wanted to hear. Either way, he was a smart cookie. He disabused the Cursed One of any notion that he was intruding. Instead, he referred to Menza as an "elder clan member" to which the scientist laughed.

"You are certainly more astute than I was led to believe, Raijin. I can see why you were chosen you to receive the Zero-Tails"

The Comet was slowly coming across the sky. Its bright tail drawing he eye as it burning across the sky. Menza looked up at the celestial body with his frighteningly malformed eyes. He spoke as he gazed as its wonder.

"Am I correct in assuming you have no knowledge of the sciences? If not, that's a tragic shame. So many people think those of the Nature Clan are mindless beasts. I find that the best way to overcome the difficulties of our bloodline is to master the principles of the natural world. Not from the perspective of the supernatural....but from the perspective of a scientist. As you increase your knowledge and mental discipline, even when you used our so-called 'gifts' you'll find your mind completely clear."

He had met other Nature Clansman. The moments were either fleeting or decisively unpleasant.

Yui had set everything up as she was prepared to view stars Menza demanded her to go get firewood and not take to long. She would clench her fist tightly and grind her teeth a bit as she would walk away. She was sure those two would be discussing things about their stupid bloodline she didn't care she could explode both of them if given the time to prepare. She would move off to get some firewood, granted he didn't say how she had to get it. She would move toward a standing tree and begin to focus her chakra inside her gloves before she would start to obliterate the tree into smaller pieces using her blast. She clearly had great control as she managed to make the pieces of the tree the perfect size for a fire.

She would begin to carry the pieces up and take several trips to gather it all with her mumbling under her breath the entire time. It was clear Yui had a lot of spirit and fight but she was not foolish enough to test her luck on someone that could teleport to her exact location at any time. After gathering the wood she would once again appear next to the pair, she had no broken a sweat doing this little chore, she was in great shape and something so trivial wasnt even a challenge to her.

"There is your stupid firewood, and I think the comet will be at its peak soon."

Menza listened to his explanation, he seemed to be interpreting Raijin's reasons for his organization. In the midst he told Yui to fetch them some firewood. Whatever their relation, it seemed she was not privy to taking orders from him. He noted why he was chosen to be the Jinchuuriki of the Zero-tails. "My focus has been narrowed to the goal of the Society. We must collect artifacts from around the world. It will take some time and know how to do so. That's where I come in."

The pale man spoke of his knowledge of science and what it could mean for their clan. Though he was right about one thing, the Nature clans great ability was more of a crutch at the moment. They weren't able to tap into the full power of the Sage transformation. Mostly because one went crazy and mindless the moment they usually did.

"I'm not familiar with the science. But I have been studying the great Dragon Sage. I believe that is my way of curing our one weakness." The Dragon Sage in question was Honiko. Though the dragons did not choose him, he would force them to his will once he became strong enough. And become the new Dragon sage, rather they wanted too or not.

Yui had returned reluctantly with the firewood. She pointed out that the Comet was at its peak. Even the Zero tails quieted his raging murderous intent for a moment to gaze upon it.

Menza heard the subtle explosians far off. A tell-tale sign that his prisoner was hard at work. He smiled imagining the anger and rage consuming her. She had wisely chosen to remain obedient as opposed to rebelling against her situation. If Rin was half the man she thought him to be then her situation was only temporary. He'd deliver the Ōtsutsuki to Menza and then they could go their separate ways. Menza ignored the distant booms and listened as Raijin confessed his ignorance of the sciences. Menza already knew that the boy had no such skill, his spies had told him that much but perhaps he had been hoping that Raijin would express interest in learning. Much to the Nature Clansman's surprise though, his kin had his own plans of dealing with the murderous rage their bloodline limit put them in.

He referenced the Dragon Sage. Menza knew he was talking about Honiko and in response the man rolled his eyes and scoffed. Raijin stated his intention to become a Sage. If one had advanced knowledge of Senjutsu they'd doubtlessly be able to control the wild passions that came with the Nature Clan. Menza shrugged. He was mildly interested in that route but as Raijin probably knew it was easier said than done. The Dragons despised their kind and though Menza would have been a phenomenal candidate for the Snakes, Honiko had blocked that avenue off to him. He didn't mind that much. With his superior intellect he was able to mitigate the effects of his bloodline. Raijin had lofty goals it seemed. Becoming a Sage was rather difficult but then again so was surviving as a Nuke-Nin. The young man had defied the odds thus far and so Menza saw no harm in observing his attempt to become a Sage. It appeared as though this generation was surprising him at every turn. First Rin and now Raijin.

"That it is. However, the Dragons, Snakes, and their ilk are notoriously selective when choosing their champions. I'd be very wary of relying on their generosity."

Yui eventually returned with firewood. She dropped the wood on the ground and informed him that the Comet would soon be at its peak. Menza turned to the blonde and smiled.

"Yui-dear. I know you're upset with me, but I'm sure you understand its just business. If Rin gives me what I desire I will release you. If he does not, I will break your pretty neck and do things to your corpse that not even Raijin here would be able to fathom"

The threat was vicious and accentuated by the wild look in his misshapen eyes. This cretin was serious.

"Please try to be more positive though. I have treated you fairly thus far. Rin has proven to be a good asset and I am optimistic about your chances of survival."

Menza pointed to the Comet. It was rapidly reaching its zenith but wasn't quite there yet. Even a man as cold and rational as Menza could feel the power it radiated. It brought his Sen-chakra to a boil and even now his skin shifted from grey to pale white every few seconds.

"That Comet represents hope for you. Take this opportunity to make a few wishes....I won't be offended if you wish for the power to kill me....so long as you also wish for the sense to know when to even try"

He was mocking her now. More or less openly and without remorse.

Menza turned back to Raijin and winked. He was clearly getting a kick out of this and was hoping he could entice the young man to join in.

"What say you cousin? Do you think this walking uterus could defeat the both of us? Maybe we should wager her freedom on it?"

Any charade of gentlemanlyness that Menza had put on when she had first met him were now gone. He was as crass and disrespectful as the most ignorant of men.

Just as Raijin had thought, Menza pointed out that the Snake and the Dragons were extremely picky about their champions. Not matter. There were other contracts that would be willing to choose them as champions. "I've picked up their distaste for us. No matter. Perhaps my research will find another contracts that are more willing. "

Menza began to jab and prod at the young women's obvious displeasure about being there. Then he told her to make her wishes to the comet. Even it seemed as if he joked that she could wish for a way to defeat him. This seemed to light an idea in his head, offering to Yui a chance. If she were to defeat him and Raijin, perhaps her freedom would come with it.

Raijin had not completely giving himself to the dark nature of the Zero tails. So whatever things this man had planned for Yui he could only imagine. But to give your capture a chance for freedom was honorable. However he had no doubt in his mind that she would not be able to defeat Menza in any form of combat at the moment. And this was just a jest.

"Defeating both us? A tall order Menza. But a way to earn her freedom would be worthwhile." The Dark Lord looked at Yui. Though they knew nothing of her skills, who knows she could probably be an important asset. "What village is she from?" Intel would be just as valuable.

Yui would look to the sky as she hated looking at that man's face, he said she could wish for anything including killing him as she would let out a laugh. That was far too weak of a goal for her just revenge, no she wanted much more she wanted to become the most powerful shinobi in the world so strong no one would dare cross her.

"Wishing for your death is far too small of a goal, no I want the power to control the entire world, I want to be so strong they must listen to me. My goal is much higher than defeating you, that is just a small stepping stone in my way if I wish to truly make my legacy I must change the entire world."

He then said something she never expected he said maybe they should wager her freedom on a fight against the pair. She was unsure if he was serious but Raijin would pipe up and say he didn't mind. He then asked her village she had no reason to hide where she was from she was hostage after all.

"The name is Kotoshura Yui and I am from Konoha, if this offer is serious even if I can't beat you Menza you know full well I will fight with my full power. I won't hold back at all so I hope Raijin here is tough."

Menza laughed out loud when Yui proclaimed that killing him was a small time goal. The young upstart argued that she wanted enough power to make the world bend to her will. She wanted to leave a mark on the world. A truly noble goal except there was one simple problem.

"Hahaha, I do admire your tenacity Yui....but you see, all the power in the world is meaningless without the intelligence to use it"

Yui proudly stated her name and village affiliation in response to Raijin's question. She appeared ready to accept Menza's challenge even though she knew she could not beat him. Raijin on the other hand she appeared more sure about. Raijin figured it was honorable to at least give her a chance but Menza had no such desire. He wasn't interested in honor. While seeing the two fight might be interesting, Raijin was not under his jurisdiction and if the boy died then Honiko and her padawan would be up in arms. He simply couldn't risk it. That, and he had taken a liking to the lad, it'd be a shame if the Bijuu-Killing Blast Princess sent his innards across the Sea. Perhaps Raijin would be able to hold his own, perhaps not, the scientist was too risk adverse to even experiment. He had really only wanted to get Yui riled up and he partially had succeed. Although judging by her words, she knew that actually beating him was a fool's errand. The hope wasn't as strong as he'd have liked but it was present enough to make him chuckle.

Menza walked up to Yui. The taller man looked her in the eye and spoke plainly.

"The difference between you and I, Yui is that while you wish for raw power I wish for knowledge. You act first and think later. You never consider the consequences of your actions and that's why you'll never truly amount to anything. Power is useless without the proper know-how and wisdom...it is what seperates the mediocre shinobi from the great ones. Its why I'll be remembered and why you'll be forgotten."

He pushed past her and made his way to his telescope.

"Oh and I was joking by the way. I have no intention of letting you earn your freedom through combat. Your my prisoner until I get what I am owed. Until then, make yourself useful and get the fire going. Our guests will probably be hungry so fetch some food and cook....I'm sure even you can manage that."

Menza bent down and switched out a few lenses for the telescope. He fidgeted with the gadget for a few more minutes before stopping. He had calibrated the ultra-powerful telescope perfectly and know all of its settings were just right. The man bent down peered into the scope. He angled the instrument towards the Comet and analyzed its composition.

"Fascinating...." he mumbled to himself.

He was now lost in a sea of calculations and ruminations. It was almost as if he had forgotten about his companions entirely. For the moment, Menza only had eyes for this magical space rock.

Raijin kind of figured the man would not wager the womans freedom with something like a combat ritual. Raijin shrugged at the women's challenge denial. He saw no point in fighting a random stranger for no reason either. She had hoped he was strong. That lie for the world to see, as everyone thought they were strong till they met someone stronger. He had more important goals in mind. One was moving their base to the Land of Grass. And he personally had a beef with the Grass military. Destroying them would be his top priority. There needed to be more training before he could do that. Then he could focus his attention on the Great Five Nations. Suna. It would be important to collect these artifacts for the Societies needs.

Yui despised this man as he belittled her and told her to start a fire and fetch food, she wanted him to die so badly. She knew now was not the time however she had no way to win and part of what he said did strike true to her heart she did always act without thinking. This isn't the first time someone told her this but this time she was taking it seriously. He had a valid point not only did she put herself at risk Rin and Tachi were also at risk. She did all of her actions to protect her loved ones yet her very foolish and not thought out actions could end their lives.

She would not say a word while she was very angry she clearly looked like she got hit with a gutshot, she did have power immense power but he wasn't wrong she didn't use her brain. She wasn't dumb but her emotions controlled all her actions and this would lead to her death someday. She would head out and begin to look for food, she would quickly spot a target as she dashed and immediately killed the boar she saw ahead of her.

She would gather the boar using her kunai she would take it back to the camp and prepare to cook the meal. She would light the fire with little to no issue as she looked to the sky her one wish. She had one wish and that was to be in Rins arms and be at his side forever, but she would never admit this to Menza. If he knew just how much she loved him he would use that against the pair and he already was causing massive issues.

She would begin to skin the core as she would place a pot down and add water planning to make a stew of the meat. She was actually a decent cook though she did not have the usual spices she had gathered various grasses and other natural herbs to make it have flavor as well as potatoes. She would continue to look at the comet as she could not be more impressed, she would be in Rin arms again someday and make sure he understood she did not want any of this happening.

The Death Eaters had gazed upon the giant comet for long enough. It was time to get back to work, pushing their influence to all parts of the world. It was a long road to get to that. "Menza. Another day we shall meet again. Yui." He only mentioned her name and gave her a nod. It was interesting to see him logging the girl around. He anticipated her usefulness would be outweighed soon. Which prompted him to want to take a trip to Konoha one day. But then again he was still working towards his number one goal. Suna. He waved his hand, and Zhuge fell behind and followed Raijin as he began walking back to the Death Eaters hideout.

[Exit]

Yui would enjoy what she could of the night before Raijin would leave their sides, her anger still high toward Menza but it wasn't as if he didn't understand her desire to kill him. She was sure he expected her to eventually try to kill him after all she was a prisoner and restrained from her normal freedoms she was accustomed to. As the night ended she was stuck with the least favorite person in her life she simply wanted to go back at Rin side and be with him forever.

-Exit Thread-