Thunderstruck! (Flashback)

Nariko smiled and clapped when Ryuko announced that she was promoting her students, Tamwyn and the Kurama boy. They'd been under her for a little less than a year, but they were certainly skilled shinobi and worthy of the rank of Chuunin. Nariko hadn't really interacted with Tamwyn, but his talent in Raiton alone was plenty enough to warrant the promotion, and the Kurama clan was a powerful clan anyhow, so anyone of that clan would be worth making Chuunin.

Shimiko's explanation of Kizzy Zikr seemed pretty tame, and Nariko nodded. Gift giving of weapons wasn't a bad idea, and certainly helped soothe the tensions a little bit, but the Twins might have ruined the benefit a little bit there. It was likely for the best, but Mora would probably need to be taken care of. Nariko had considered assassinating her, now that she wasn't in charge, but she was sure Shimiko wouldn't be thrilled by that.

Nariko mused at Tamwyn's speech that he seemed to be quite... passionate. Perhaps she'd track him down later, give him some first hand training. Perhaps he'd be the newest wave of high class shinobi that came out of Kumogakure. With her inching closer and closer to retirement, it would be time for someone else to take her place as Kumo's defender, and she could live out a life of normalcy now that things were settling down. It still wasn't quite time for her to exit the military, there was war on the horizon, but she'd do her best to train up the next generation while she could.

At this point in the 'performance', Rini was getting extremely bored, and there was no longer any need for her to be here. Connecting her strings to the puppet, her servant pushed her and her wheelchair out of the building. With her promotion out of the way, she was a Chuunin, and that was plenty fine with her.

She and Chel had a bit of a back and forth discussion, but they weren't particularly talking about anything that anyone would really be interested in. Well, very few people anyhow. It was all about the advanced mathematics behind the creation of mechanical functions and stuff like that, while they planned new blueprints for items and puppets.

-exit-

Mort would blink in surprise as he heard Ryuko call him up for a public promotion. Sure he had told some of his clan members he was up for a promotion, but to have it be done tight after Ryuko became the highest authority in the Thunderdome? It was wild, but he was glad that he absentmindedly thought ahead.

He'd get up and make his way from his seat and scooted by those who were near him, with several clan members giving him thumbs up in praise. Walking down the walkway he'd skip the stairs and make a light leap onto the stage, the back of his kimono glowing green as his scarf moved out of the way to reveal he had the Weaknessless Soaring Shortswords underneath. Those who knew of the Swords' power would've known he flew up instead of just jumped, but even so he couldn't help but show off a little.

Unlike Tamwyn Mort took a parade rest sort of stance as it was one of the few things he had found to calm his nerves when around bid crowds. He'd too give a bow, then wait as Tamwyn gave his speech to the crowd. His speech was really good , but then he pulled off that jutsu. It was only a matter of time before someone else figured out how to fly, and seeing as he was the first it was only natural Tamwyn was going to be the second given how they met. They really were a nice surprise that fit the aesthetic, but he couldn't help but mutter a little under his breath.

"Dear Lorde Tamwyn, and I thought we were the show-off."

After that lights show and the congruent second half of his speech, it looked like it was his turn. "Dang, that'll be hard to follow up on, but I'll give it the ol' try." Taking a deep breath he'd take his spot at the podium.

"Like Lady, no, Queen Ryuko said, I'm Mōtimā Kurama, and while I don't have quite as lofty goals as my teammate, my dream of becoming the greatest Warrior is still something I'll continue to strive for. But let's keep it simple." He'd unclip the sheathes from his back and would pull one of the two artifacts (still sheathed) above him. "As of today, the Sword of the Sky shall see action once more in the hands of your's truly, the 'Seraph of Swords' and that one day I'm truly worthy enough to make it's previous wielders proud. And who knows, someday I might even be worthy enough to wield the Garian Sword as well! But that's for another day, as today is about our new leader, so I relinquish the floor back to you." He'd lowered the sword after he mentioned the Garian, and back off to let Ryuko do her thing as he followed Tamwyn down till Mort got to his own seat.

Ryuko's song was rather cheesy and felt a little out of place given what just went down, but he couldn't blame her. It was a nice song and if it weren't for the incident it would've been a really nice way to wrap it all up. But it was that same reason he hadn't spoken any praise or hatred towards Kumo, something didn't connect with him. Her following speech was nice, but the more he listened he started to wonder, was he loved? He assumed so given his clan was his family, but he hadn't considered friendship as a type of love.

Mort would stay as many of the Kurama left with the show over. Eventually he'd get up, but for now he'd stay, as he didn't want to deal with the crowd that'd congratulate him quite yet.

Things continued to go normally, with more promotions, more talks of love.... To be honest, Seigi tuned most of it out, his mind drifting away from the pleasantires of festivals and ceremonies. His gaze would scan outwards among the crowd, the stage, trying to focus on the moment at hand. It was extremely difficult for Seigi to relax, to turn off his senses and enjoy things like festivals, but the cold hard truth was that this would simply invite threats into the village. Taking a deep breath, Seigi would relax a bit, attempting to calm his nerves. Adjusting his mask, he would cross his arms and continue to watch.

But something seemed... off to Seigi, and he quickly saw what. Staring into the crowd, Seigi began to notice that the faces of everyone in the crowd were quickly becoming distorted, twisted, contouring into something odd, their features becoming softer, almost out of focus, their expressions twisting through a range of emotions before their features disappeared altogether, becoming a sea of faceless creatures, and all sound quickly escaped Seigi's ears. The speeches, the cheers of the crowd, everything gone save for the flapping of Kumogakure's flags in the wind.

"What... is this?" Seigi would ask himself, remembering his last hallucination and what he saw. Keeping his composure, he would continue to breathe steadily. As he spoke, every faceless creature's head would twist in unison, "looking" at him. From behind the podium, where Ryuko had been standing, another figure stood, A white mask donned to hide their identity, but their robes were unmistakable.
"Kira...?" Seigi would mutter under his breath.

"It's amazing what the Fuuingan can do, isn't it?" Kira would say, stepping towards Seigi across the podium. His arm reached up to the mask, pulling it off. His features looked remarkably similar to the very last time Seigi had seen him, almost 6 years ago. His skin was tanned, darker than most other Kumogakure shinobi, and white bristles poked around his face before forming a white goatee and mustache. His hair was longer, white as snow, and in his right eye was something Seigi thought he would never see again; A 3D Fuuingan.

"We always knew it's fuuinjutsu capabilites were remarkable, but jumping universes? No one would have dreamt that for 1000 years," Kira would say, chuckling, "but you keep impressing me, Seigi. The question is, how long can you keep up the facade?" Faster than Seigi could track, Kira moved behind him, close enough to whisper. "The reason why you're dying isn't because of the sickness that plagued your father, but because you're not fit for this world." He would say, his words cutting into Seigi's mind. The hairs on the back of his neck would stand but he would keep his composure, not moving."This universe is rejecting you. And even if you manage to survive, this world is going to continue to reject you. Like antibodies to a virus, it will keep attacking until there is nothing left."



"Then why are you here?" Seigi would ask his former mentor. Kira would laugh, moving in front of him again.
"To offer you the chance to go home." He would say abruptly. Seigi would feel the breath leave his chest, but before he could say something, he would raise his finger. "For a price." Despite being a hallucination, Seigi was intrigued.
"And what is your price?" Seigi would ask, curious about his deal.
"Your life." Kira would say.

And as quickly as Kira had appeared, he was gone. Reality had returned to Seigi and the speeches continued, the rest of the world oblivious to Seigi's mental retreat.

Damien would reactivate his drones as Ryuko reapproached the podium and her and shimiko made the announcement of the jashinite holiday. When Ryuko mentioned the ceremony coming to a close Damien excitement would go up, finally he thought to himself it's almost over. However his hopes were dashed when she called out two of her students and promoted them and asking if they wanted to say anything. Damien would stifle a groan as he moved the drones to catch both of the male's reactions to the news, catching both of their speeches for the world. Tamwyn seemed to be the more long winded of the two delivering a speech that spoke to his character, while the one called Mōtimā kept it short but still spoke to his own character. "Zhu Li," Damien would say casually, though he need not say anything else as the woman knew exactly what to do. Both of those two would receive a letter when this was all over speaking of the opportunities of employment within Darhk Industries, if they were Ryuko's students then he had no doubt they would become exceptional Shinobi. Just the kind he needed for his company. Damien made sure to catch the rest of the event on the cameras, from Ryuko's song to her speech though he would start to tune everything out when it got to the part about love. "When will this be over," he groaned quietly to himself, he would have liked nothing more than to simply be working on something anything other than standing there working the drones but since he was the only one that could do it he had too. Once this was all over though he would be drinking a very large bottle of whiskey.

“Das't that was quite a speech Tamwyn. I’m almost sorry I didn’t skip you straight to Jounin now.” replied Ryuko in a light tone that implied she wasn’t all joking.  Well once he got a bit more experience under his belt she was sure it wouldn’t be long before he reached that rank.    For now she’d start by teaching him Black lightning a bit sooner then she’d originally scheduled to ensure he’d be fully ready once the time for his next promotion came.  

If only the ones who had been promoted from the exam had followed his example the entire ceremony would have gone so much smoother.  Well at least her other student Mort had also managed to acquit himself well.  Overall other than the one incident with someone trying to jump on the stage and the Twins blabbing about something in the wrong time and place the event had gone over swimmingly.

“Nope I don’t think I need anything else for today.  Feel free to train to your heart's content.” She added with a gentle smile as she took a look around to see that there were more people sticking around then she’d expected.

“The show’s over now.  Thank you for your hard work.” She said to Damian dismissing him for the day. She couldn’t help but catch the look of exasperation he had on his face for having to film such a long event himself.  For her part she didn’t understand why he hadn’t delegated camera duty to one of his employees but she was thankful for his help broadcasting just the same.  She’d have to send him a rare bottle of wine afterwards as thanks for the help.

Watching most of the rest of the crowd leave she breathed a sigh of relief once again wondering if she had done the right thing overthrowing the Daimyo and transforming the country into a kingdom.  Only time would be able to tell.

[exit]

[7]

Hearing Ryuko's tone would cause Tamwyn to raise an eyebrow before deciding to make a joke of his own. "I mean, the audience is still there." He would say, shifting his head to the side with a cheeky grin. "But really, that means a lot, thank you Ryuko-sensei. I look forward to the day you decide me worthy of the rank of Jounin." He would say, giving a slight bow of respect and deference to his teacher, and now, his Queen. With her dismissal he would smile back to her and give a wave before heading out himself. He had a great deal of training to do and every moment he wasn't doing that or on a mission, or with his team, was a moment wasted in his eyes. He would make note of the looks and stares he received as people left the chamber. They were simply from those who looked upon him with curiosity.

None looked at him with contempt, which surprised him. Although none were able to meet his gaze. They didn't believe him, or his words. Part of them wanted to, but they didn't yet. That was fine, he could handle skepticism. He'd just dismantle that uncertainty with his actions. He would become stronger, he would protect them all to the best of his ability or die trying. It was as simple as that. Nodding his head toward Mort and Eli, he would leave the chamber. Mort had given his own speech, he had taken with Tamwyn's decision to base his 'title' on the team name. Becoming the 'Seraph of Swords' was certainly an interesting decision. The pale haired genin would be interested to see how his purple haired teammate progressed. Would be interested in helping him to do so too. That however was for another day. He had become a Chuunin today, and while that meant he was now able to take higher rank missions. Hell, even lead them, he felt he still had a great deal of work to do. He had only just begun after.

Time to put his nose to the grindstone.

Exit

6 Posts

Seeing that he didn't need to stay, Mort would make his exit back to the clan...well it wasn't a district quite yet, but in a few days it would be. The event would definitely be something to remember, seeing as now there was more tension between the Jashins and the rest of kumo. Honestly, it was a bit much for him as he wasn't cut out for politics. He just liked being able to practice his swordplay and other fun things, not try to do what Ryuko had taken the mantle of. Maybe Tamwyn could, seeing as his mindset was more built for that sort of thing then his own, but that'd hopefully be a while yet.

{Exit}

Damien would nod to Ryuko when she dismissed him, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will have Zhu Li send you a copy of all the footage for review." Damien would reply with a polite bow as he recalled the drones to him, "on another note, whenever you have some free time I would like to discuss some extra protection from assassins." He wouldn't smile at the words not because he thought it was funny, but because of what he was thinking as he said the words. A new type of armor not on the outside but a protection for the organs themselves, mainly the heart as it is most often targeted. He knew Ryuko could protect herself, but he also knew and never heard to have a backup plan. with another bow to the queen Damian would take his leave from the audience chamber heading back to moonspire.

{Exit}

Seid had spent most of the time beating the attacker. Though he was able to keep an ear out for the announcements. After the craziness was going on. He was able to see people filing out because of the bombshells being dropped. Yui and Shimi were first. Shimiko did not seem entirely pleased. The ANBU assassin was more than likely picking up disappointed vibes. From what he heard, his suspicion would deepen further. For another time that is. He had to take the attacker to jail.

[Exit]

It seemed as if the assembly itself was over and the festivities of the day were only beginning, which meant Seigi's work was far from over. Cursing at his headache, he would watch the crowds begin to clear out, moving outward into the city. He figured he could use this time to go find Shimiko and make sure she was alright. Double-checking to make sure that he wasn't needed, Seigi would sink away behind the stage, exiting toward the streets of Kumogakure out of a staff exit, and then quickly jumping, escaping the area to go find his sister.

[EXIT]

Nariko headed home, a productive day having been around. Minus the little hiccups, everything had gone well, and she was finally free from the duties of Kage. It was like a massive weight had lifted off of her shoulders. Perhaps she'd go and check out a bar, or do some gambling? Then again, she was still publicly recognizable as the former Raikage, so maybe she'd need to start having a disguise when she went out in public or something like that. It was too much of a pain. Besides, she was getting up there in age, and going out and partying wasn't something that was on her mind too much anymore.

-exit-

A lot had happened during the coronation ceremony for the new Raikage who had now officially taken the stage as the next leader, but for Kuro who was just another rank and file soldier, it was not as impactful as it had apparently been for several others. Still, it was an official ceremony as she was his ultimate superior like she now was for everyone else in the village, so Kuro clapped, cheered, and nodded where appropriate and remained silent wherever appropriate.

This ceremony sure is taking a long while...Please let it be over soon...

He had gotten to thinking silently towards the end and thankfully with the uproar over the new Raikage's attempted assassination now died down and the last few speeches given, it seemed that everything had drawn to a close as well as it could have given the circumstances. With that done, since everyone else was leaving, Kuro decided he would follow suit and excused himself, after which he headed off towards the Chinoike clan compound and from there back to his own residence within its walls, looking forward to the next day and hoping that it would treat him at least a little decent.

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OOC:

[4 (FINAL POST)]

[KURO'S EXIT]