A bright or a dark future? Who knows?

Okane was rather disturbed by this news of a murder at the emporium during the festival. There were investigators from every walk of life it seemed and yet answers were eluding him. Already some were getting nervous and guests were leaving. It had all started off so well and now....now the wealth accumulation this festival had been gathering for the emporium was threatening to decrease at an exponential rate. Not that he truly needed more ryo to his name. However it had been a tool to encourage other shop owners to invest their time and business on the floating island. Previously a safe haven that allowed trade between nations even during times of war. Okane had gained influence this way and had been able to stand above most other individuals. Some even equated him to the Kage. He had smiled having at least one of the world leaders crushing on him and partially under his thumb. Of course she was too bright for direct manipulation but he had a stronger ally in Kiri because of it. Yet now with one nobody womans murder all of it was at stake. It was truly a migraine building up in his mind. One he wasn't interested in dealing with directly.

Had his own people found it first he may have been able to cover it up. A body over the side of the floating island may never be discovered. But those questions the other shinobi had asked...if he felt secure when someone could bring it all down. It had Okane wondering if one of them perhaps was behind this. Zenaku perhaps for the argument they had at the time. Truthfully Okane didn't have any combat prowess and those he had hired that had it were not readily available. One in Suna and the other running the Iron country. He contemplated if paying them for their services may be a waste of a couple hundred thousand ryo a month. Though Kensai thought him a friend and the other...well he was convinced if need be he could come for Okane without recourse. Perhaps he was right. So the idea of partial retirement had returned to him. He needed a manager but each and every one he had come across so far had taken the job temporarily or not at all. Respectable members of their community that were simply too busy to work for his goals. A pity really.

So he had another idea. There was someone he hadn't heard of here. Someone who had sat at his table and drank his alcohol. A Mamoru in a panda mask. He would need to look into that one. If they held no real reputation in their village for it to not have reached Okane than surely they had time on their hands. So he had sent a dozen servants scouring the island for the man with an invitation to dinner at the penthouse of the tower. The top floor that towered above the rest of the heavenly emporium and looked out over some clouds even. The room itself was a startling white with redwood trim. Hardwood floors with a polish to them leading to a kitchen with a locked pair of double doors to the bedroom. To the right of the elevator leading in was a white carpeted area with a glass coffee table. A three seat white leather couch across from a crackling fireplace and to either side of the coffee table was a white leather chair. The walls were mostly glass looking out over the balcony that stretched around the length of the building with black Iron rails. Patio furniture scattered around here and there outside. Roses lining the length under the railing. With a redwood desk with depictions carved into it ranging from a story of romance on one side to that of war on the other with the legs carved to look like swords intertwined with thorn covered vines. A depiction of the battle of troy in the greek world. A different continent he had heard stories of from a traveling merchant. Behind the desk was a large black leather chair and in front of it were two lesser black chairs for guests. A computer that looked like it folded into the desk was open at the moment.

Okane himself was standing behind the desk. An ice bucket had been placed on a coaster filled with ice and an open bottle of champagne. Though only one cup sat on a coaster next to it. The other was in Okanes hand. Okane was wearing some simpler clothes now. Shined black shoes with charcoal dress socks. Black slacks with a pair of dress suspenders attached to them. For a top he had on a white button up shirt tucked into his slacks with the top three buttons undone. The sleeves folded carefully up to the elbows and his hair hanging loose about his shoulders. His free hand was resting on his hip as he stared out at the sunset. Orange clouds in the distance painting the sky. Glowing green eyes taking it all in. If Mamoru was right for the job...he could leave this responsibility to him. If not...he would share some more champagne over conversation. Another sip of his half empty tall glass was at least alleviating the head ache with the delicious cooled and bubbly liquid. If Mamoru came he would be directed to the elevator and security would instruct him to use his invitation card in a slot there to gain access to the penthouse. Sending him right away.

The night seemed perpetual. Its hours stretched to grotesque proportions, that more than once, gave Irui pause. When the Emporium's servants had found him, he'd been looking to the lazy, slowly arcing moon for signs.  With a flick of a finger, a spark of blue flame carved a dash onto a stone, and he stashed it into his pocket.

"You there!" A man called out from down the alleyway. "Yes you, the panda costume!"

But I'm not a panda? Irui mused, as a man bedecked in white and gold approached, flanked by an entourage of security personnel. Did Okane send his guard dogs?. With a heavy sigh, he held his hands up, baring bandaged open hands for the men to see.

"I apologize," Irui said simply, "I seem to have lost my way." He extended a thumb, and jabbed it in the direction of the Festival. "If you wouldn't mind, I need directions back to the festivities."

Okane's servant held up a hand, signaling security to halt behind him. He was fair and handsome, with brown hair and smooth skin. His teeth were all too white, they almost shone in the dark. Amongst all the Shinobi gathered, Okane's servants appeared almost pristine, having lived a life almost fully detached from the land below.

"Lord Okane will see you in his private quarters. We will escort you. Be advised this is his one and only invitation."

Slowly, Irui returned his hands to his sides. "Well, I wouldn't want to be rude then. Take me to him."

From a nearby rooftop, he watched himself go with the servants, traveling the winding passages, staircases, and ornate bridges back to the highest point in the Heavenly Emporium. He had other matters to tend to in the meantime, tasks that required him to be in two places at once.

Light seemed to spill from the strikingly white interior of Okane's residence. Trimmed with redwood, he found himself standing upon an equally contrasting dark floor. The theme continued throughout the residence-- more white on white, with furniture and rugs. It presented an illusion of immense space, bolstered only further by grand views of the sky, that seemed itself to be part of the interior. Here and there, dark and bold black features formed railings, the floor, even Okane's desk; grounding points in the design, of which Okane was its architect.

Standing amidst the opulence, Irui found himself looking down at his dark Kumogakure ANBU cloak, finding smudges of dirt, stains too. He held out his wrapped hand, and scowled at the yellow tinges, and faintest traces of brown and red from where scar tissue had torn. The space, it made everyone below Okane appear dirty. He looked side ways into a mirror, and studied himself in his panda mask-- a chipped and cracked thing. Even the eye holes appeared almost vantablack in their depth; a sort of fathomless, disconcerting dark with no light.

He cast a glance to the servants hovering in the mirror's background, and briefly considered the possibility of a fight. No, He decided, They have no weapons on them. Then again, this structure is the work of an unparalleled craftsman. Perhaps they don't need weapons. Perhaps they too are like Sero.

Well, he'd better not keep his host waiting.

Irui entered the room, to find Okane seated at his desk; more dark wood and dark furniture. A bucket of ice, glistening with condensation sat to the side carrying champagne. He met the man's eyes, and offered a thin, invisible smile behind his mask.

"Lord Okane, you wished to see me?"  Irui ventured, "The Shinobi in attendance have been hard at work deciphering the clues to the woman's murder. I believe we've already made progress."

----

1x Shadow Clone (80 CP)
Remaining Stamina: 180

Okane would listen as the elevator approached but made no move to turn towards the sound. He knew who was supposed to be coming if not exactly who. His contacts knew nothing of the mans name he offered in Kumo. In some ways masks had not been to his benefit for certain purposes. But in other ways it had served his purpose. His green eyes would look over the city and ponder to himself as the elevator finally came to a stop. He was not the strongest fighter....not meant to be the last one standing in a fight...but when it came to wearing a crown...he was born for it. There was a drive to him to be the best at what he did. And what Okane did was marketing. Providing a place where the strongest fighters could gather in peace. Where he could equip them to make them even stronger. Where his name would be whispered among the heroes and villains of the world alike. Yet there had been a murder at his party. It was under investigation but it put a black mark on his name. One that made him furious to the transgressor responsible. A game had been started on his temple and it was his move.

The one he had invited here was the piece he hoped to move into place. Insurance he had been perpetually trying to get put in place. He could keep playing from a different location but he would need someone strong to handle things here. To protect his investments. Allowing Okane to operate in multiple places at once. Of course it wouldn't be a simple thing. The masked man would enter the space and Okane could smell the scent of something strong and strange about him. Almost like...something medical. Irui would speak and Okane would turn to glance over his shoulder with a glowing green eye. Emerald colors that took the masked man in a moment. So even here in privacy the man would continue to wear the mask. Well at least he was polite. Even addressing the obvious concern and his part in the solution. So he was hard at work already. Or at least that was what the man wanted him to believe. Still Okane would nod a moment before turning to him fully. Okane was a spitting image of beauty even as casually dressed as he was. Even his voice was mesmerising.

"It is indeed a tragedy. One that someone brought up as a concern at our last meeting if you recall. A question of what measures were in place to prevent such atrocities. You see my friend I am not a fighter...I am a craftsman. I am a prince and I am a merchant. But I am no shinobi. Yet you are aren't you? I understand your weapons have already been delivered to you during your meeting with one of our more questionable guests. I hope they are to your liking....Please join me at my desk and have a seat. No need for a festival mask here my good man."

Irui approached the black chair and took his seat across from the Merchant. He smoothed his cloak, and finally reached into his sleeve. Chakra threads unspooled from his fingertips, and he proudly unwound a glimmering length of wire. It was impossibly thin; like spider silk, yet dangerously sharp as his threads confirmed. He held it aloft for Okane to observe for a moment.

"I could think of nothing more fitting-- A thread as sharp as a sword, yet as light as hair, with immense tensile strength." Irui said after a moment, and retracted the wire into his bandages. "In fact, I'd purchase more." He flexed his forearm experimentally, and folded his hands together in his lap.

"As a Kumogakure shinobi, I have seen my share of combat." Irui continued after a moment, and lifted the mask from his face. Irui flipped it over, regarding the panda face for a moment, and set it in his lap. With his head fully wrapped in white bandages, he was wearing another mask of sorts, and they only served to accentuate his comment. "I hope my appearance isn't disconcerting-- I am still healing."

The difference between the two of them couldn't have been more palpable. One had used wits and passion to lift himself above the land, accumulated vast wealth, and now appeared almost divine to the world below. Irui had crawled from the dirt, scrabbling with his clansmen and had seen more than his fair share of violence. Immaculate cleanliness against soot and blood.

He nodded back to the door.

"Your employees were quite intent on bringing me here. I'm glad you invited me, but why me?"

Okane would smile a moment as Irui took a seat. He would comment on the weapon Okane had made for him a moment and even displayed it. Okane would chuckle a little and reach out for it. The dangerous weapon was designed to cut straight through flesh and bone on contact. Surely the crafter of such material would know that yes? Still he reached forward and if Irui let him he would touch the spool. Only just before he did a black steel with green lines through it like veins would spread along his hand. Protecting it in the exact same material. The tetsudashi steel had been from him after all so it was equal in quality to his defense. Still he would feel along it a moment fondly before pulling his hand back as it returned to normal. A pale moonlight flawless skin. A small reveal to how someone so soft could be such a proficient craftsman. Still Okane would take in the sight of the bandages as he settled into his own seat. A glance over him a moment before he would let the corners of his lips turn up at the question. Almost as if by a sly smile.

"Ahh the question I hear so often. Why me? So many have come to me with that question. Staff, crafters, people with unique talents like yourself. It is always a question of why? The simple answer is why not? You see my good sir I am not just building a business here. I am building a kingdom. I am building more wealth than any of the major countries. With time more so than even your Kumogakure. That requires a great deal you see including investing into the neighboring minor nations. What I lack my bandaged fellow was pointed out to me at the party and shortly after again with a murder. I need people who can fight back against the monsters wanting to take down my kingdom before it even starts. So why you? Because I need someone just like you. A person that can be a shadow when needed or negotiate on the flip side of such a coin. Someone who can handle building up my security and buying up land. Tell me...have you ever worked with more wealth than you can carry? With your own hands controlled the kind of power that can change the world?"

He held the length of wire aloft for a moment longer than intended, and pulled it back when necessary, returning it to the interior of his sleeve. He flexed again experimentally, letting it rest comfortably, and returned his attention to Okane.

Irui threaded his hands together as the man spoke, listening intently.

Odd... He mused, He speaks like Sero. Maybe they are related.

"Perhaps your assessment was inaccurate," He replied after a moment. "As a shinobi, I do not necessarily have experience with financial matters, especially not to the...." He gestured broadly to the luxurious room. "Caliber you have curated. As Shinobi, we are trained to install ourselves into positions whenever the need arises; to blend in to provide services and assets, such as the Emporium."

"I myself have never held as much power as you, Lord Okane," Irui continued and breathed in, "However I have held jutsu in my hands--" His thoughts trailed back to Ashitaka's Wood Release "--Of similar potential.  I should note that I am versed in barrier techniques, and other forms of shinobi security, of the sort that would disrupt would-be attackers. I have a few thoughts on processes that could be implemented."

Irui leaned forward in his seat for a moment, and pulled a thin, small scroll from his pouch emblazoned with the kanji for "Kishin". He set the small map on the table, mostly to stoke interest and conversation.

"I've had time to review the Heavenly Emporium tonight on my walk, yet you intend to expand and purchase more territory?"

----

Shadow clone has left the thread to roam around HE

Okane would smile as the man basically spoke out a resume for him. He was content with the information but for now he simply would reach out with his own hand. Delicate purple chakra strings would reach out and with immense accuracy and grace. They would cup the chilled bottle of champagne as he pulled the cork free with a second string with ease. Pouring it with a mastered hand into each of the tall champagne glasses to about half full before putting it back into the bucket of ice and putting the cork back in place. All with what appeared to be idle manipulation of his right hand. He would then release the strings and collect his own glass a moment before lifting it as he listened and then taking a sip from it. The man was a security and barrier specialist was he? Well that would suit the security needs of the HE indeed. Of course Okane had no knowledge of the shadow clone wandering about outside and no way to know about it. Nor was he concerned with such matters. For to him he was an untouchable god at this point. Bordering on the idea of immortality.

Still Okane would nod a little and raise an eyebrow at the small map with a kanji on it. So this one had already gone so far as to ensure his own worth whether he realized it or not. Mamoru was showing considerable potential. Still Okane would collect the document and unravel it. Again unconcerned with the possible traps seals might provide in the process of him doing so. His overconfidence in himself was showing but still he would lay it out a little before he would glance it over with a smile. It was only a portion of the surface but it was impressive all the same. Still Okane would speak in return.

"How studious of you my friend. Yes my intentions are to expand. Entirely for financial gain. Real estate can be built up and provide a massive income. As well as improve the lives of anyone who can benefit from reliable housing and food. You would be amazed at the sheer amount of people on the brink of starvation and desperation. Provide for the poor and your status as the wealthy class will rise from their efforts. That said there are two things I would like to show you. Here on the map in this quadrant is a strong culmination of defensive structures. One Ashitaka Senju and myself constructed a palace out of senju wood and lined the inside with tetsudashi steel mesh. Even your weapon there might never cut through it. This would be your main office if you take the job. It is currently furnished but aside from the staff there its uninhabited. The other is a seal of my own design. If you will permit me. I assume a security specialist like yourself will appreciate this."

Assuming the man didn't stop him Okane would pull out a sheet of paper and set it on the desk between them. His green eyes glowing with mischief. His finger would reach out and the tip of his index finger on his right hand would turn to a dark steel before he tapped he paper. Chakra ink would stretch out from his touch to a tiny seal. But an almost transparent bubble would rise up ten meters around them. Okane would smile before settling back into his seat with his drink in hand.

"It's a privacy seal. Nothing outside of ten meters can hear us. Not even with supernatural hearing. It seals away the sound waves as they move outside of the radius. So no one can overhear private conversations such as this one."

Jutsu used:

[ OOC: Kujira event has started, making pre-emptive exit post]

He felt it first as a creep along his neck.

Irui held up a hand to stop Okane, pointing his index finger towards the ceiling. Carefully, he placed the mask back over his face, and drew his hood forward. Whatever the presence was, his Shadow Clone had sensed it in the Emporium's cityscape as well. It came upon the Emporium like a great storm front; rumbling and looming.

"Lord Okane," Irui said after a moment. "Something has come for the Emporium. There is a massive chakra signature approaching," He continued.

He trailed off, and focused his sights towards the window, out towards the sky. There was chakra in those clouds, something immense moving towards them, with a form that sculpted the weather as it moved. He couldn't see it yet, but it was there, and it demanded to be witnessed. He ground his teeth as more and more of this presence pressed upon his own spirit; it was suffocating, oppressive, and yet unnatural. It wasn't human, this was no ordinary chakra he was feeling.

Irui looked back to the desk, and Okane. Suddenly, it seemed so small in the presence of this newfound threat. "With all do respect, Lord Okane, your barrier seems inappropriate at this moment, but time is certainly short. I'll assist you with the emporium-- but under no conditions will I be signing any blood or soul-binding contracts-- nasty works they are. If I help you with the Emporium, I will maintain my own autonomy and freedom, jutsu, and the ability to attend to things outside of the Emporium if required."

Okane would glance up in surprise for a moment as a change overtook the man before him. Okane had expected some impressed comments about his personally designed seal. Or perhaps awe of some sort as per usual. Instead he only saw alarm. Surprise as a man directed his attention elsewhere from the current conversation. Okane would pause a moment before following his gaze. There was a storm cloud in the distance but surely the heavenly emporium would turn to avoid it...though...where had it come from? He had just been looking at the sky a moment ago and no sign of it was to be had before. Which meant that at the crawling speed of the heavenly emporium...the storm cloud was moving. Which had its heading straight for the heavenly emporium. Whatever this was it had the trained shinobi across from him concerned. He had indicated for him Okane discovered as his emerald gaze returned to the man in front of him holding up a finger. He informed him of a massive chakra signature....ahh a sensory nin. Okane had heard of them and worked with a couple of them but that distance was surprising. Okane wouldn't have even noticed had his attention not been drawn to it.

The man had his mask on but continued to attempt to wrap up negotiations. Okane would smile a little impressed. Despite the dire straight's apparently approaching the man was still happy to manage this place. What a brave man. Intertwining his own fate with Okanes even now. Still it was the goal of the negotiations. Nor did Okane have any soul or blood contracts whatever those were. Which he would have to look into eventually. Perhaps it was related to the curse seals he had read about? Either way Okane would smile and snap his fingers as if happy with the arrangement. He would press down on his desk before a digital pad would rise up with two hand prints. The first Okane would place his own hand on and the other would be there for Irui. This technology wasn't readily available in the villages so fingerprint technology had likely never reached Irui before. Which meant it could not be used to gather information on him. Simply an identifier for him.

"Worse my friend. A legal contract. This will allow you to ask as overseer of the heavenly emporium. Gaining you access to the vaults of the Stag emporium for official stag business and authority to make purchases on our behalf. You will be free to come and go where you like and do what you will so long as the heavenly emporium is not involved in any legal allegations. At which point your contract will be terminated. AKA if you break the law and are caught all contracts with us end. In return you will be rewarded twenty percent of company stocks until such a time as your contract is terminated. Gaining you a gross income of around five hundred thousand a month. Oh and of course you will be given authority to hire as well and park the heavenly emporium wherever you like. Outside of village airspace of course. Simply place your hand there and it will be used as an identifier for you to act as overseer starting...shall we say three days from now?"

Irui eyed the panel, and then Okane.

All he had to do was place his hand upon it, and all of this would be his. Just like that? All of this power and wealth at his disposal? He pressed his lips together and chewed on the proposal. Life had taught him to be skeptical, cautious of those promising him everything. Okane's words were brimming with electrifying energy-- he was a man of science, looking for someone to protect his assets-- and yet here he was offering Irui a key to the Emporium.

At what cost though? A voice questioned at the back of his mind. There was no ninjutsu at work here. He sensed nothing chakratic about the hand panel-- no hidden seals ; there was no familiar buzzing, or charges of energy in the air. Yet he'd seen this man's work at the party; a clever use of a Generic Seal so deftly cast and withdrawn in the blink of an eye.

Irui hovered his hand over the panel, and looked Okane in the eye. He'd been betrayed before. He wasn't going to let a craftsman get the upperhand. However, this was an immense opportunity he'd be foolish to pass up-- perhaps the Gods were planning something.

"Three days...." He repeated, pressing his hand to the panel. "Of course."

He just as quickly pulled his hand away and stood.

"Lord Okane, I must investigate the chakra signature. I don't believe its human. Ready any defenses you have. I'll send a Shadow Clone to you if required."

[Exit?]

Okane would smile as he had let in that little part about being caught doing anything illegal. A little hint that was perhaps overlooked. If Irui were to do anything bordering on illegal on behalf of the company it would be by his decision and his hand. If he didn't get caught the Stag would benefit greatly from such an arrangement. If he did get caught they would sever ties and remove themselves from any recoil. Not that Okane had selected him for this purpose but it was an excellent precaution. Still Irui would inform Okane once more he needed to be on his way. Offering to send back a clone. A guard could be nice Okane would think to himself. Still he would nod before settling back in his chair behind his desk. The desk itself having served a function and returned to normal as if there were no panels there. The desk itself was a feat of engineering but one that was expected of Okane. Still he would smile and reply with a quiet.

"Very well than. Go save my company Mamoru. May your future endeavors bare fruit for you equal to your efforts."

With that he would watch Irui leave before collecting up a drink in his hand again. Refilling his champagne as the elevator could be heard leaving. He would sit back in his hair and eye the cloud before taking the whole drink back. Men like him would always be targets....but he would rebuild. He wouldn't fight like Damian had. He didn't know the man but he understood how that turned out. He would swallow the golden liquid even as it tickled his throat before tossing the glass over his shoulder. Letting it shatter against the window behind him. With a sigh he would reach under his desk and press in a small button. Holding it down for two seconds. Soon an airship would reach the ceiling. Set aside just for this purpose instead of evacuating the peasants below. Okane felt he was too important to die here or even risk it. The sudden shift from the Emporium itself though would stir him from his tranquil acceptance.

Okane would get up before moving to the window closest to his gravity engine. The cloud had made its move and quickly. Already it was bonding with his creation. Green eyes looked on with anger as his city shuddered and began to slowly fall. Doing its best to maintain height and velocity. Damn whoever or whatever was behind this....yet something else interested him. The thing consuming his creation was taking on form....a body and even Okane could feel its power. He knew of Bijuu of course but those were history lessons. This was man made. A creature equal to the bijuu. Equal to their destructive power. He had another engine hidden away in Suna to replace it but...what if he prepared to do even greater things....To become the next sage.....Wheels turned as he stepped back and collected the whole bottle of champagne with a smile. Someone had opened his eyes to possibilities. He would take a big swig of the drink with one thought left. Where was that damn airship?

The cold heralded his arrival. It was first felt in the room that Okane stood in. The Prince would likely be able to see his own breath as the comfortable office became a freezing tundra. Then it was felt in the temperature of the champagne bottle that Okane was holding. The glass took on a frosty texture and its surface was cold to the touch. The cold radiated from the bottom up indicating that its source was on a lower level and rapidly advancing towards him. The screams were next. There was shouting and sounds of a struggle as Okane's guards attempted to hold off the incoming threat. They were inordinately powerful but ultimately insufficient to overcome the intruder. As blasts went off in different sections of the Heavenly Emporium and the Indaina Kujira wreaked havoc on the city's gravity, a lone warrior would be sent to capture its founder.

Okane Tomi had been a thorn in Joki's side for far too long. The legendary crafter had come to his attention on more than one occasion. The rate at which he produced technological wonders and weapons of godlike caliber was concerning to the Society's long term ambitions. The Stag could equip the world's nations with the power to fight back against him and the other Disciples. With his talents, Okane could single-handedly turn a quick and decisive victory into a brutal slog of a campaign. Unlike most threats to the organization, Joki did not trust Nozomi to deal with Okane in the proper manner. There was no "deal" to be struck with someone like that. Either he was your slave, a corpse, or your enemy. Joki would prefer the first, settle for the second and never permit the third. Regardless of what understanding she may have had with the man, he intended to cut her out of the picture and keep Okane to himself. To achieve this goal, he sent one of his best operatives. A man that he knew could be trusted to execute the Prince's capture with ruthless aggression. Joki had worked alongside him for many years and though he would hesitate to call this individual a "friend," he was a trusted ally. With the basis of the trust being the warrior's near suicidal devotion to lethal combat. This shinobi had lost everything to the evils of the ninja world and so he had little to live for. He had a death wish and until he came across someone strong enough to fulfill it, he was content to create whole nations of widows and orphans.

The sounds of combat grew louder as the hunter grew closer. Men called out instructions and the building shook as the guards loosed techniques with the intention of stopping or at least slowing down the kidnapper's advance. It would not be enough. The final guard that had been keeping watch over the door was slaughtered as a sea of ice spikes perforated the door. The chill was now overpowering. The sort of cold that could be found in tundras of the Land of Frost or in the northernmost regions of the Land of Iron. Perhaps to this Stag it would even be familiar, except for one additional note. The stench of blood which clung to the ice spikes that were now protruding through his door. The door knob was frozen and then struck off allowing it to swing open and reveal the trespasser.




True to his nickname, Nikuyo was clad in a bearskin cloak. When he had taken up the mantle of Mizukage he had been fifty years old and the nine years since his tenure had only further aged him. The Pitmaster's beard was longer and riddled with snow. His eyes were meaner and his wrinkles more profound. The anger that he had felt since the day his family died had magnified tenfold. With each passing year he grew more cruel and violent. When Kirigakure had opted to shut down his fighting pits, Joki had to physically restrain him from attacking the city and laying waste to its people. He could not afford to make such an audacious play so soon, not when the plan was finally falling into place. For Nikuyo however,  the loss had been infuriating. The Pits had been his only source of release from the hatred that ran through his veins. Other excursions and tasks had managed to keep him busy but not for long. Joki promised that when this world fell, he'd grant Nikuyo the death he secretly longed for. So many had proven unworthy but if there was anyone that could take him down it was Joki. And so, he went off to the Heavenly Emporium eager to kickstart the final phase of the Water Disciple's plan and bring about the apocalypse. As far as the former Mizukage was concerned, this was the beginning of the end. For Kishin and himself.

Nikuyo entered the room slowly and at a leisurely pace. He never took his eyes off Okane. He was able to use his sensory abilities to sweep the room and the building. There was no one here for now but that was bound to change soon. He could stay and fight, but that wasn't the plan. Okane had to be taken off the board immediately and that meant his mission scope needed to stay as narrow as possible. In his right hand he gripped a spike made of ice that was soaked in crimson. He walked up to Okane and slammed the ice pick into his desk. Checkmate.

"Come quietly or die"

Okane would hesitate however the sounds of battle began below. Irui was long gone and likely his shadow clone would never arrive in time. As for that airship...green eyes would shift to the skies and scanning it. It wasn't out there yet. They still were yet to take off. Slowly his gaze would shift back to the door. He had thought it a battle before but now...he understood the only screams he heard were those of his men. Basic security meant to keep out idle threats. But never something such as this. He saw his breath escape his lips as mist and he would glance to that quizzically a moment. So one of those bloodlines had come...likely meaning at some point this one had come from Kirigakure. He didn't imagine Kitsuki would sign off on something as violent and direct as this. Especially not against Okane. So likely they didn't answer to that village anymore. Meaning they were a rogue shinobi? A powerful one at that. He had use of ninjutsu and a bloodline as well though...he might not have any formal training but he could hold his own. A surprise attack would do him a great deal of good in this building with steel release.

However the moment that ice spike pierced the door however that resolve wavered. He had never been faced directly with violence before. He created tools for it but had never actually seen a man die. Nor faced the possibility of his own death. He had met power before and made deals with it...with her....but now...despite that and his standing with the society...all he felt was vulnerable. The suddenly freezing bottle in his hand would hurt it was so cold. He would drop it with a wince before it shattered into solid piece on the ground. No liquid left. He felt his breath catch in his throat as he looked back up. There was a man there and this wasn't just some average shinobi. Before him was a man who had wiped out an entire building full of people with ease and boredom by the look of him. A hundred men hadn't even caused him effort. His words were cold but direct and simple. If Okane fought he would die. If he surrendered he may yet live. The airship was too far out to be of any use now...He couldn't reason with this man either. His mind did recall that seal on the back of his shoulder though....it may take some time but Kara would come for him once it was clear he was missing...he just had to endure. So his hands would raise in surrender as he took a breath. He couldn't fight this man...but maybe he could outsmart him.

"Quietly it is old chap."

He chose correctly. Disappoint but correct. Nikuyo's eyebrow twitch at being called a "chap." He'd have belted the Stag with a icy backhand if not for the fact that he had been told to leave him unspoiled. Okane had not resisted and so he decided to restrain himself. The inventor knew when he had been beaten which meant possessed a simple characteristic that so many of his stature lacked: self-awareness. Money did not make him untouchable nor did his intellect. The airship flying nearby could not save him and with his guards dead, he would come quietly.

The former Mizukage dropped a small tin-like object on the ground. The contraption made a mechanized sound before unfolding into the shape of a thin metal disc. Without a word, Nikuyo's hand shot out like a snake and grabbed Okane's forearm. He'd force Okane's feet onto it before joining. Now that they were both standing on the metal platform, he formed a Half-Tiger seal and sent a mental signal to Menza. The two waited awkwardly on the disc for a few seconds before they and the device were teleported to another location. With the chaos and mass death surrounding the city, it was unlikely anyone would have a chance to discover what had been done before it was too late.

The Iron Prince had been stolen.

[Nikuyo Exits with Okane via FTG]

Okane would follow directions as he was instructed. He felt a wash of anxiety over himself. He would not be able to negotiate his way out of this....his city was falling and his people were slaughtered....He was glad he had hired Icarus to play overseer in his stead. Still the disk on the floor spreading out was interesting. He couldn't help but be curious about it. Watching the mans hand seals and then stepping onto it with him and waiting. His eyes shifting over to the windows once more. The view of the monster demolishing his city and consuming his technology...it tore at him inside as he had simply gotten accustomed to standing above the world. The view had been particularly amazing. However in a split second it shifted away and he was somewhere else. It was nauseating for his first experience...but where ever he had been taken...it was not a kind place.

Okane exit thread via kidnap FTG
7 posts at 10 exp a post = 70 exp