Ascension

'Cerise Tatsushiro', better known as Diana Moneta had found herself back at the Todoroki Shrine once again, though this time her companion Vyse was doing other things; mostly Kage work and watching the ongoing Chunin Exams. Technically she was also his best way of communicating with Jōmae no Sato thanks to Moneta being back there, but he did need to learn how to act as a kage without her assistance; doubly so given the pirates had made their lives a bit rougher and stalled the improvements to the village for some time.

Regardless of all those setbacks, the Shrine did give Diana some repose due to it's supposed connection to the Sage of Six Paths. A bit of morbid repose sure, but what was an end if not also a new beginning? In a way, she was perhaps one of the most experienced people in understanding such an idea. She just hoped that she wouldn't need to experience such an event again, at least not anytime soon.

Making her way through the Great Shrine, she'd listen to the whispers of those inside who couldn't quite hold their tongue. Apparently someone of importance had gone deeper into the Shrine; perhaps another Kage? Of course she'd also hear people whispering about her looks, the fact that even in a place of worship she wore armor, carried a large sword, and had horns larger then most yokai...bloodlines, beloved for war, despised in peace. Small steps. Activating her sensory, she'd look around for large chakra signatures, and sense the impressive one inside the inner sanctum.

Quietly walking in so as not to disturb the woman, Diana took a mental double-take as she saw the ex-kage Von Rose. As much as she wished that she could talk to her as Diana, she had an act to keep up, and with a grunt she'd speak up to the praying woman. "Didn't take the Priestess of Hope to be polytheistic, but with all that happened on the mainland I can't exactly blame you folk." she'd walk forward, past Ryuko and looked up at, well nothing really. "Then again I can't exactly claim to be any better whenever those scissors threatened to cut my string." She'd turn around, offering a hand if Ryuko stopped praying. "Cerise Tatsushiro, former Kage of the Land of Keys."

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185/185 CP
Perfect Copy; -5 CP (Appears as Cerise Tatsushiro)
Signature Swap; -0.3 CP (Appears to have 185/185 CP, Cerise Hyuuga's Chakra signature, no bloodlines, only Earth element)
Sensing Technique; -0.5 CP
Negative Sensory; Passive
179.2/185 CP

Ryuko had been deep in thought as she knelt in the inner sanctum of Todoroki Shrine, the quiet energy of the place wrapping around her like a comforting shroud. The murmurs of others passing by were distant to her, though she had heard enough to be aware of the presence of a celebrity nearby. It was Cerise Tatsushiro. Ryuko had been aware of her reputation and the strength that lay beneath her quiet exterior. As much as she respected Cerise’s position, she knew that the former Kage was far from someone to take lightly.

It was almost comforting, in a way, to know that someone else with experience and the weight of battle on their shoulders shared this space. It reminded Ryuko of the great shifts that had happened in the world, how so many of those in power had fallen, either through war or through age. She’d often felt the crushing weight of history’s aftermath, the need to rebuild, and the toll it had taken on the people who led.

Ryuko’s meditation was broken when Cerise's voice cut through the silence, a wry tone that immediately made Ryuko’s lips curl into a faint smile.

The words stirred something in her. Priestess of Hope—that title still clung to her like a shadow, and while she had outgrown it, it was the one the world knew her by. She winced internally at the reminder of her younger self, so sure of her ideals, so quick to take up roles she thought would define her. But that was the past, and this was now.

Cerise moved past her with the casualness of someone used to being in the thick of things, then spoke again, and Ryuko paused, curious at the words. The woman turned before she could ask further questions, offering her hand and introducing herself.

Ryuko’s mind snapped back into focus as she rose to her feet. The formality of the greeting wasn’t lost on her, nor the way Cerise had shifted into her more reserved, professional self. Ryuko extended her hand, meeting Cerise’s grip with a firm, but polite shake.

“Well met, Lady Cerise,” Ryuko said, her tone warm but respectful. Her gaze lingered briefly, sensing the underlying tension in the air—Cerise's presence held more than just the weight of a former Kage; it carried the memory of battles fought, losses endured, and responsibilities that hadn’t ceased to haunt. Ryuko had been there, too.

She could sense the stillness of the shrine, the quiet, sacred atmosphere wrapped around them like an unseen veil. She glanced around briefly, almost absently, then returned her focus to Cerise.

“You seem to know me, though, I don’t recall having the pleasure,” she continued, her smile softening. “Allow me to introduce myself—Ryuko Shizu Von Roze.” She gave a graceful curtsy, purposefully omitting her title as Queen and former Raikage. Both felt like relics now, no longer something that defined her in this moment. It was the woman in front of Cerise that mattered more—Ryuko, no longer tethered to the past, though those old responsibilities would always be part of her.

“As for your comment about polytheism...” she mused with a hint of playfulness, her eyes flicking to Cerise with a glimmer of shared understanding. “While I don’t follow any religion outside of my own, I respect the study of others. You never know when the knowledge will prove useful. I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking into Jashinisum, thanks to a friend of mine.” Ryuko’s expression softened as she spoke of her soul sister. “Tis fascinating, no? How different cultures, even those predating the Sage of Six Paths, talk about powers so similar to chakra, though they call it other names—mana, chi, prana… Tis makes you wonder if the Sage was simply the most famous to record what was already known.”

Ryuko paused for a moment, feeling the stillness of the shrine sink deeper into her bones. The walls seemed to hum with something ancient, and for a second, she allowed herself to fully breathe in the peace. The weight of everything outside of these walls, outside of the shrine, seemed a little lighter in this moment.

Her expression shifted, the softness vanishing as the weight of her purpose returned to the forefront of her mind.

“I’m here for my trial, to unlock the full potential of my entity,” she continued, her voice growing more serious. “The world’s been through a lot lately, and I need all the strength I can get. We lost some very dear people in the recent attacks—the Tsuchikage Diana, and my former student, Seid. It’s been hard.” The words hung heavy in the air, but Ryuko didn’t flinch at the admission. She couldn’t afford to. Her resolve was solid, but the scars of loss ran deep.

She exhaled, steadying herself. She had to keep moving forward.

“I can’t help but wonder…” Ryuko’s eyes narrowed slightly, her mind racing as she considered the larger implications of what they’d all been through. “Were all those Bijuu attacks a coincidence, or something else? Something bigger? Perhaps the aliens preparing for their invasion?”

Her thoughts sharpened, and she returned her full attention to Cerise, the question lingering in the air.

“Perhaps tis fate or even luck that brought someone as strong as you here. I could use some help, Lady Cerise. I’ve been preparing for this moment for years, but despite all my efforts, I’m not sure I can do it alone. I’d say my odds of success are about 75%, but with just a little help...” Ryuko’s voice lowered slightly, her smile returning, softer now, but still resolute. “We could push it up to 99%.”

She wasn’t one to ask for help often, but something in Cerise's presence—something about her strength and the shared weight of leadership—told Ryuko this could be the ally she needed.

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