Remain vigilant special Flashback

The mountain men would continue to charge despite Masaru laying waste to each one after another, he soon began to realize he would not stop them by his bow alone. Forming a string of handseals with his free hand masaru would begin gathering chakra into his arm, this was a dangerous move on his part. Not only did this stop him from firing more arrows at the approaching enemy, the jutsu itself was very destructive and would envelop his entire arm and could harm him if it not for his impervious armor that surrounded him his clothes on the other hand would not be so lucky. Masaru would flip the switch on Soulstring returning it to it's carrying size and retuning it to it's holster, there was no point in having it out when he couldn't use it right now anyway. Instead he would draw his katana Devorakos, the blood bringer. An ample name for the blade that had seen to the shedding of the blood of countless men, now more would be added to it's long list of names. With his left arm hanging limp on his side as it gathered chakra the man would charge toward the mountain men swinging Devorakos with his right hand and slaying any of the ones that got within striking distance of him, it would be clear that he was not just capable with a bow but a sword as well. Yet his next move would put both skills to shame, it would reveal just how powerful his Ninjutsu was as well. As he continued to cut down the mountain men his left arm would begin to glow as chakra took form and became visible as it shaped his arm into a spear starting at the shoulder of the arm, his entire sleeve would disintegrate instantly as would part of the shirt on the torso that touched the arm. Slowly it would grow until it looked as if Masaru had replaced his arm with a lance of chakra, when it was finally ready Masaru would jump back before thrusting his arm forward. Heaven Piercer, as Masaru called it was the strongest technique in the man's arsenal and would wipe out the mountain men as well as a portion of the mountains that got in it's path. When the dust settles there would only be a few stragglers left, who would instantly turn and run like a dog with its tail between it's legs. Masaru would let them run, let them return to their leader and tell him of the carnage that the land of Iron and the land of earth did to their men, and to tell him of what awaited them if he tried such a foolish task again.

When Oda rejoined him on the bridge masaru would smile at his words before deactivating the impervious armor returning his skin to the normal tone his form completely unharmed from the fight, yet scars would be visible long since healed yet marked a reminder of what he had been through in the past. "You need not feel shame for what transpired here, it is the men of the mountain who should be ashamed. This was unfortunate, however you held your duty and protected your land. I am honored to call you my ally, and I will ensure that your Shogun knows of your dedication to your land."

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Ooc: heavenly piecer normally takes a post to charge but since it's NPCs I hope y'all don't mind me using it in the same post since I forgot to do the charge last post.

Chen's attack had hit home just as he had anticipated. The entire underside of the bridge was awash with flame and for a moment he considered running away from it all. He had no clue how he was going to explain Oda's death to his master, assuming he even had a master. Last he had seen, Masaru wanted to take on an entire army of Mountain-Nin. Perhaps the man's hubris would be the death of him. Chen was about to turn away from the carnage when something caught his eye. There was movement in the fire itself and for a moment Chen thought one of his targets had survived the blow. Surely a mere samurai (a warrior not even practiced in the art of Ninjutsu) could not such an attack? And yet before Chen's eyes stood Oda Hinode. The man's clothes were burnt but even as the flame licked at his skin, it was somehow healing.

He can regenerate?!

Chen wanted to activate his Rinnegan to exmaine what was going on but he knew better than to do that. The samurai were far stronger than he realized and if he disclosed his own power then they might try to take it from him. Instead, he stared in awe at the seemingly immortal swordsman. Chen slowly fixed his face. He could not show fear or surprise. This was how the shinobi world worked. There were people with capabilities far beyond the norm even those who held themselves out to be "normal" had their secrets. The boy who went under the false surname Kimyōnakama shook his head in response to Oda's question. He had indeed been wise to avoid fighting such a man. This samurai was immortal or at least capable of spontaneous regeneration. Chen wasn't even sure where to begin killing such an individual. Oda wasn't just a mad dog, he was a mad dog with considerable power. Chen followed Oda to the upside of the bridge where he saw his sensei.

Masaru was totally unharmed. Chen looked the man up and down but he made a point not to show any emotion. The Tsuchikage was indeed a man of his word, he said he could handle things here and he did. Chen remained silent as to what he saw. Hopefully Oda would not tell Masaru why his clothes were burnt. He listened as Masaru praised Oda for defending his land. Chen looked to the direction the Mountain-Nin had ran off in. If these Minor Nations were so easily beaten was it really shocking that other Great Powers had snatched them up? What was stopping Iwa from following in their footsteps? Chen would need to ask his sensei about this later.

Oda would respectively bow his head as the Tsuchikage complimented him before pearl white eyes shifted to Chen. Watching him quietly a moment before rising back up to stand where he was. Stoic in nature but still he did not seem to hold any hate for the young man across from him. Instead he would take a breath and let what happened go. He was unharmed after all. And now this one knew just how hard it was to kill someone like Oda. With Masaru finished speaking though Oda would glance across the bridge. Wolves were already trying to drag off a couple of bodies. The enemy had left their dead behind and now...Oda felt no pity for them. They had come here for their own gain and even if they were starving, negotiations should have come first. He would not tolerate greed being the base for violence. They had come for blood instead of words and they had gotten it. Truthfully he was impressed but he was being careful not to show it. The only other person who might be able to challenge this kind of power in the entire country was likely the shogun himself. Even Oda would be no match with his healing powers.

Still he would turn back to them after only a moment and speak in his usual friendly tone. No sense of anger or disrespect. Perhaps he feared them. Perhaps. "You two have indeed shown the might of your nation. Few could have managed what you two did here. Even you're companion wiped out the enemy below in a single blow. All I managed to do was be in the way. Still I doubt the mountain will dare try again as long as you two are visiting. Our messenger should have reached the shogun by now and gained permission for you to come to the village. We can return to the fire if you wish and wait for them to return. I would escort you myself but I can not leave one lone samurai to guard the bridge. If anything we will be increasing the guard and patrols. Please, Join me by the fire."

With that he would smile and turn to move as ash fell from what was left of his clothing. The lone samurai remaining had moved to the tent and returned with a fur cloak. Handing it to Oda reverently. They both know had it just been the three of them guarding the bridge before the Tsuchikage had arrived they would be dead now. So even the foot soldier bowed to the Tsuchikage as he honored him. Having actually witnessed his power. Oda would shift into the fur cloak and close it around him to hide his burnt clothes. His Odachi set to the side beside him in the tent as he casually poured the old tea out and set about brewing a new pot. Making it fresh for the two of them.

Masaru would nod at Oda's words he was right, to leave a border unprotected would be foolish after such an attack. Still his desire to speak to the Shogun was growing inside him, he knew his patience would pay off in the long run. A while longer of waiting for the messenger to return would be worth it, that is of course if the Shogun accepted his request for an audience. Masaru would move with Oda back to the fire, his energy was low after his last attack. Seeing the wolves coming to feast upon the dead left behind would bring a small smile to the man's face as he turned to follow Oda, those who lack respect while among the living did not deserve respect after they have died. It was a fitting end for the would be invaders, and it was made all the sweeter by the knowledge that he may have earned the trust of the Samurai before him. If he can prove himself to a samurai that has the Shogun's respect, perhaps he would be more willing to listen to his purposal. As they walked back to the fire, Masaru would turn to Chen to address what Oda had said about what he had done. "I am prouder of you than ever my boy, you have shown the true will of the earth. You shall receive the proper commendations when we return to Iwagakure, however know that in my eyes you have more than earned the rank of Chuunin." His voice was lower than normal, partly because he was speaking only to Chen. Though he did not care if the samurai heard him or not, though his title wouldn't change officially until they returned to Iwa. He hoped hearing him say it would show Chen how much he truly was proud of his protege. His voice would return to normal as he would speak to Oda, "and you my brother of Iron, you give yourself too little credit. It was the combined efforts of all of us that drove back the would be invaders, and we should all celebrate to the continued protection of the Land of Iron thanks to the most honorable Samurai."

Chen held his breath as Oda explained what happened. He tried to make Chen out to be the hero but it was obvious from his scorched clothes that he wasn't just "in the way." Still, he didn't seem to harbor any hard feelings about Chen's accident. The goth decided that it was best to stay quiet for now. The less he said, the less he could be blamed for. The group began to walk back to the fire and as they did, Chen heard something he hadn't expected to hear. Praise. Masaru said that he was proud of how Chen had conducted himself during the battle. The kid's eyes momentarily widened in surprise as he looked up at Masaru. He quickly relaxed his expression back into the dull and emotionless state he often kept them in. He promoted Chen to Chuunin and stated that he would receive full honors when they returned home. Home. It was weird that he was now thinking of that formerly defunct rock nation as his home. The alien said: "Thank you sensei" He was surprised and intrigued to know what his new powers and duties entailed. Chen hungered for power and influence of others so the promotion was welcome news although he wasn't sure what he had done to deserve such an honor. Chen suppressed a smile. Maybe Masaru was rewarding him for scorching that arrogant samurai.

Masaru's next line suggested that wasn't the case. He thought of highly of these people and though Chen thought them rather primitive he couldn't help but acknowledge their skill and power. That regeneration was nothing like he had ever seen before. Chen stared at Oda without blinking as he tried to re-create what had happened in his mind. No handseals. No sign of agitation or pain. Was this some kind of lost magic?

Oda would smile and nod quietly as he was once more complimented by the Tsuchikage. He knew not to continue to discredit himself further. He would be either seen as a fool who could not take a compliment or someone fishing for more. It was not his way to be the fool or to seek out vanity. Instead he would prepare the fresh tea and pour himself a cup before placing the tea pot where either of them could reach it if they so wished. He would sip his tea and create whatever small talk the two would allow for about another hour before the sounds of men marching through snow could be heard outside in the distance. To which Oda would rise and exit the tent to see a dozen men approaching with three horses in tow. That alone told Oda that the Tsuchikage and company would be encouraged to come to the village after all. He would call into the tent calmly. "Our reinforcements are here. We will likely be embarking soon to the village." With that Oda would walk to meet the men and as he walked the snow melted quickly around him. Never getting close enough to actually touch him.

The head of the men appeared to be a more weathered man than the rest. Tall and bulky with a thick beard and dark hair. He stepped forward and nodded his head to Oda with some respect which Oda returned. As soon as it was done he handed Oda a piece of parchment sealed in wax by the seal of the Shogun. So word had reached him directly than. There was a small exchange of words before Oda would nod as if understanding something before returning to the Tsuchikage. Bowing his head once more before handing the sealed document to him. "This is for your eyes my lord. Directly from the hand of the Shogun himself." With that Oda would return to prepare the three horses. Making sure the saddles and stirrups were tight as he busied himself while the two from Iwa read the paper. It read as follows.

~ Emissary of Stone,

While it is generally not our way to have people walk up to the gate for a visit, I have heard intriguing things about you and would like to allow your presence in my lands. You are to attend a meeting in the Palace of the Iron Shogun. You will find me outside, in the archery range. We will speak over our combined love, the sport of archery, and I look forward to hearing what your reasoning for coming to my lands are. I will remind you, however, not to stray from your guide. Oda Hinode is to accompany you at all times until the point where you are in my possession. Don’t dally, promptness is something I greatly appreciate.

With due respect,
Kensai Tanahashi
Shogun of the Land of Iron

Masaru would pour himself a glass of tea, despite his distaste for the tea earlier the man was a creature of habit and nothing soothed his soul after combat like a nice cup of tea. Taking a sniff and allowing the aroma to wash over him Masaru would smile, it seemed this man did know how to make tea after all. Masaru would sip on his tea as he listened to Oda, in truth the Tsuchikage offered little to the conversation preferring to listen to Oda speak and only making comments when appropriate during the man's pauses. Masaru's ears would twitch at the sound of crunching snow, it was the sound of snow beneath a few feet it was the sound of the snow crying in agony beneath the feet of many at least a dozen or more men. Based on the direction it came from Masaru knew it couldn't have been an enemy, so when Oda stood and exited the tent masaru would simply finish his tea. His suspicions would be confirmed when Oda would call into the tent about heading to the village soon, sitting his cup back down on the table Masaru would stand and look at Chen. "Well now I guess we shall see how the Shogun will entertain uninvited guests," Masaru's words would be calm as though he was not worried, truth was even if the Shogun was inhospitable Masaru felt no treat from him or the Samurai. Even if he had come alone, if his intentions were to destroy the Samurai he could do it. However this was a mission of peace, Masaru didn't want aggression towards them. He didn't want aggression towards the mountain men, but they left him with little choice on the matter. He had offered to hear them out, but they decided to take his gesture as an insult. They brought their death upon themselves, Masaru just had to believe that the Samurai weren't so foolish. As he exited the tent and saw the horses and the small battalion of Samurai, Masaru would smile, it had been a long time since he had rode a horse even in these circumstances the opportunity to ride on again was quite promising.

Taking the note given by Oda Masaru would open the note, he wasn't too surprised to see that the Shogun appreciated archery as much as he did. It was common practice among samurai, which was why his Sensei had taught him it. 'The Way of the Samurai is the way of Honor' his former sensei's words would echo in his mind, he had to believe what his Sensei had told him was true and that he did not bring Chen with him for them both to die. His doubt would not show on his face as he looked from Chen to Oda after reading the letter, "Well then it looks like we shall be off, Oda whenever you are ready we can depart." Knowing that Oda was to stay with him, made him feel a little easier as he had a small trust in the man not to lead them into a trap. Masaru did not wish to make the man think that he was trying to rush him, no Masaru had already waited this long, he could wait a little while longer.

Chen remained silent as his sensei got himself some more tea. Apparently Oda's prowess in battle had improved its taste. The lad sat quiet as he was wont to do. It wasn't until he heard sounds marching around outside that he "came to life" so to speak. He turned and listened as the Hinode mentioned that reinforcements had arrived. A bit late but better late than never. Masaru told him that they'd see the Shogun's hospitality for themselves and he nodded in response. They had come all this way to meet the man and it'd be a shame if he left them out in the snow, pun unintended. He was given a letter to read presumably from the Shogun himself. Chen readied himself for departure eager to meet the man they had traveled so far to visit.

Oda would quietly make sure the saddles were secure on each of the three horses before placing a foot into a stirrup and quickly in a fluid motion swinging himself up with his other leg and back over the saddle as if he was used to this. Masaru had mentioned they were ready when he was and he would smile before waiting for them to climb into the saddles. Looking back to them and speaking with a warm smile. "We will avoid more than a trot for now since the mountain roads can be perilous when slick. Though with me leading the snow won't be a factor. If you are not familiar with a horse just focus on remaining in your saddle and they will follow the lead horse as they are trained to do. Feel free to ask any time you wish to take a break." With that he would wait for them to look fairly secure in their saddles. Riding horseback was a common practice for samurai. Their treatment was of the highest degree and their coats were kept clean and brushed daily. They looked well built and well trained but they also appeared to be bred as war horses. Their were plow horses as well of course but even those were treated well. If your horse died your family would suffer a difficult year in most cases.

Oda would expertly turn his horse and begin to trot back up the road the way they had come from as the men took up positions along the bridge and began to gather the bodies. However they did not simply throw them over the bridge. Instead it appeared that they were gathering wood for a pyre. Moving the bodies to it as they collected all the dead. Even for an enemy the intended to give them a proper burial. Or in this case to burn them to ashes with a prayer. Oda would still lead them away and just before they were out of sight the pyre would be lit and the men would bow their heads in prayer for the souls of the departed. Oda himself paid it little mind as they trotted along the mountain road up towards the village and in this case to the archery range itself. Oda would speak once more with a bit of pride in his voice.

"Even if you have visited the village before I think you will be shocked at the changes. We have been rebuilding and at this point we almost compete with the major villages. At least some of them. Well that may be an exaggeration but construction continues. Our shogun even has support from the Grand merchant who has been made royalty here for it. Indeed a lot has been changing here."

Masaru would approach his temporary horse brushing it's coat lightly with his hand before mounting the horse as if he had done so his entire life, with a simple nod to Oda to show he was ready before looking to Chen to see if the boy managed to get on the horse at all. He did not have much idea of the boy's past before he came to Iwa, though he had never seen the boy ride a horse since his arrival in the village. The horses all looked to be well bred and trained mounts, and from what Oda had said all Chen would need to do is get on the horse and not fall off. Once Chen was ready they would set off, Masaru wasn't shocked to see the Samurai show respect to the dead. It was one of the things Masaru had learned to admire about them during his tutelage under Hansuke, they held more respect for the dead then shinobi had for the living.

When Oda made mention of the grand merchant being a prince in the land of Iron, Masaru couldn't help but chuckle slightly. "Yes, I have heard my cousin has made quite a name for himself. And his work is truly great, my own bow Soulstring was of his creation. Your Shogun is truly lucky to have such a master of the crafting arts support, and while I have never visited your village before, I am sure it is a marvel."

(Wrapping this thread up since Masaru is on absence)

Chen mounted his horse with little difficulty. He had been secretly practicing back in Iwa. Horseback riding was an expected skill of any high ranking Iwa-Nin. He wasn't perfect but he could pass. Chen listened without speaking. Oda was giving them important information and Chen expected that his sensei would want him to keep his ears open. Iron was rebuilding quickly and given Oda's display of strength, the nation was no pushover. Kiri had cracked them good and they hoped to come back even stronger. Chen doubted they stood a chance against the Major Nations but with the current instability anything was possible. Both Masaru and Oda spoke in familiar terms about this "Grand Merchant." A legendary figure whose craftsmanship skill was unmatched. He had equipped the Tsuchikage and was now working with the Land of Iron. Chen's understanding of the situation changed. If Tsuchi no Kuni and Land of Iron were being supported by the greatest crafter on Earth then perhaps there was a future for the rocky nations of the Far West. Chen's horse continued forward and his gaze remained fixed on the horizon. He had nothing to say and would leave diplomacy to his sensei. Eventually, they'd make their way into the Land of Iron where they would get the chance to meet the illustrious Shogun.

Exit

Oda would smile and nod as they began to trot along. Both men had mounted with relative ease and he was impressed. Both by their combat and ability to ride. For now they would use idle conversation regarding things they had in common while they rode. His eyes shifting occasionally to the ever silent Chen. He was a potent young man and had brought out a part of Oda that wished to show off. He was a student of Masaru so that fire attack had been on a level Oda should have expected. Had it hit anyone else they would be dead. Still he was happy at the idea of having them as allies. As the day drew to an end they approached the Iron city gates and were allowed through to the shoguns palace. There the horses would be taken from them and Oda would prepare to bring them to the archery range around back.

Exit thread fade to black until Masaru and Kensai can both thread
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