(This RP is a spot for people who's characters serve the Shogun to join together and establish character and relationships before the plot begins.)

War. It was not nearly as beautiful as the scholars and the history books had made it out to be. Akio had been in war before, but never like this. It had allways been against a foreign enemy and never against his own people.


Saddness. It was all that Akio was feeling at the current time. His head was bowed in respect to those that had passed in the past week and to those that would inevitably fall in the weeks to come. War was never a quick thing.

He was kneeling in front of a shrine in a large temple that laid in Akinai. Both swords were off his belt and set on the ground before him as he pade homeage to warriors and civilians alike. Akio hated death, he hated killing. But more importnat then that was honor, and honor demanded that he took life after life.

Although Akio was kneeling and paying his respects there was not a look of saddness on his face, nor did his composure hint towards it. It didn't hint towards anything, everything about him was neutral his facial features his body posture the way he walked, even the way he talked was without emotion.

Actions. They spoke louder then any words, even louder then Akios neutral demeanor. And those actions had been in the form of a calling, as a Kensai he had sent out a call to those willing to help him, he had not been specific in directions and had not declared his intent.

There were many rumors going around about what Akio was planning. Some suggested a small raiding party, others whispered he was planning an assassination of a rebellion key figure but no evidence was apparent for any of the rumors. One thing had been sure, he called only for warriors strong of spirit and of heart.

It was just after sun-rise, the time of meeting. Akio didn't know what kind of numbers to expect to his call, if any. But his directions had said that they were to meet in the Shrine of Water just after sundown, and so he waited in prayer for the first of them to come.

No sound betrayed Kensaki Kashou's presence in the shrine as he watched the man pray. He stood, leaning idly against the archway at the entrance to the shrine, his sword scabborded and held loose in his left hand, his seemingly often mended blue and white Haori hanging open over formal dueling garb. A tall man, at first glance it would seem that Kensaki stood over six feet tall, although further study would show that some of the height came from his platformed sandals.

It had been two months since Kensaki had reemerged into the world after five long years. Five years of near isolation. Five years of incredibly intense training that had pushed his body and mind to their absolute limits, beyond their limits. Whispers of a rebellion in Akinai itself had brought him here, seeking warriors who could push his limits even further through combat. It had not taken long for Kensaki to hear of this Akio's call; he was apparently a warrior of some renown in the city. He would hear what Akio had to say, and even if it did not interest him, perhaps he could find a duel with this man.

A slight clearing of his throat announced Kensaki's presence, just as the sun's last rays faded below the horizon.

"I have come to answer a call for swords. I am Kensaki Kashou."

The men of the Kumamoto family had bled and died for the glorious nation known as Cizok since what seemed like the beginning of time. Indeed, every male born into the family had taken up the banner and marched into whatever battle their master deemed worthy of their blood and sweat. Even if the enemy should be of their own blood this time … No mercy could be shown, no hesitation allowed. War came with a terrible and unforgiving price, but it was a price the Kumamoto family had been paying for as long as they could remember.

These were the thoughts that gripped the man’s mind, his solemn figure steadily climbing the long case of stairs, the almost foreign atmosphere resonating from the row of archways, leading up the stairs, were nearly as unsettling as the man's thoughts. He had seen hundreds of battles, witnessed the horrific sights of just what had attacked Ulster, aside from his own forces, and even participated in a skirmish against rambling, scuttling things from the Darokin capital. He was well versed and desensitized to war and death … But nothing had prepared him for what was beginning to unfold in Cizok. He couldn’t begin to put a voice to his concerns, to his doubts. So instead he had denied these things substance, pushing the blasphemous thoughts deep into the proverbial pit of his stomach, and instead focused on the task at hand.

The soft tapping of feet at stone steps brought the man out of his concentrated thought, it took a moment to not only register that the foot steps belonged only to himself, but also that he was not the first to make it to the shrine. He could sense the strong will and determination of others before him.

As the wind started to pick up and his clothing fluttered angrily about his body, the man would close the gap between him and the top of the stairs. His eyes, worn gray from the trials of life, instinctively narrowed at the two men, as if judging whether or not it would be wise to continue forwards or perhaps best to simply turn around.

No. he thought. Fleeing would only bring me shame.

The Kumamoto samurai nodded his head to the two already present warriors, acknowledging their existence, but continuing forwards in an almost hasty manner. From his left sleeve slipped a small, wooden tablet with the picture of a bear engraved upon its surface. This was tied to the shrine as his hands clasped together, his body bowing in respect.

“My name,” the voice of the man was rich, almost fatherly. “Is Kumamoto Tanjiro, son of General Kumamoto Michio. My blade remains pledged to the Shogun and I have come to serve in place of my father."

With his introduction would come the straightening of his body, but not once did Tanjiro’s eyes ever waver from the shrine, from the ema attached to it, or the bear engraved on its surface.

"Grant me strength."

He prayed.

Gekido Kasai looked around the impressive town of Akinai. The city looked especially splendid in the dying light of the sunset.

Gekido took his time as he moved through the city. He was a samurai by nature, but he cared little for rules and expectations. Gekido had seen a notice asking for experienced soldiers and fighters. The posting had asked those interested to meet in the shrine of water.

Gekido had seen the shrine in the small town that he had lived in. He served there as a member of the local militia. He didn't hold any particular loyalties to anybody, shogun included, but it sounded like it would be enjoyable, so he had decided to come.

Gekido arrived at the shrine of water about five minutes after the sun set. He walked slowly up the steps, not in any particular hurry. When he entered the shrine he saw that a few people were already here. Gekido hung back, leaning against a pillar. He had never been a particularly social man, nor did he wish to. He was here for his own reasons, and nobody else needed to know what they were until he decided otherwise.

Steadily the Kensei turned to respectfully face the man that had addressed him, grabbing his ancestral daisho and placing the two weapons back on his left side. His grey eyes didn't simply pass over Kensaki as the man finished his introduction, they locked on to him.

Akio bowed respectfully to the haggard looking individual. His equipment had seen better days, but he was a warrior. Akio knew that, he could always pick out the true warriors from those pretending. It was part of the reason he had been so successful when he lead his troops, he knew who to take and who to leave behind, who to give a bow and who to give a sword.

"Welcome Master Kashou." It could have been noted that while he used the term 'master' it wasn' pronounced in such a way one would use an honorific, it was said in the same tone as if someone merely called him Sir or Mr.

Before Akio could further introduce himself the soft steps of another was hear coming up the stairs. Tanjiro was known to Akio the moment the mans face appeared over the top of the steps.

'Good.' Akio told himself as the generals son announced himself and showed the proper respect entertaining the temple.

"You serve your father well." Akio said in response, bowing respectfully to Tanjiro. "I will feel safer knowing your sword is with us."

It was all politics at that point, simply by who is father was Tanjiro would have been used to similar treatment from just about anyone that didn't out rank his father, even then, showing respect was never frowned upon.

"I am Satou, Akio. Kensai in service to the Shogun." For a third time since someone had entered the temple he bowed again with his introduction. "I thank you both for coming. I can assure you that the mission under hand is one of the utmost importance, vital to the Shogun."

"I would like to wait for more to show up before coming, please wait and make yourselves comfortable." His voice was so monotone! Combined with his dull appearance and grey eyes Akio had often been called the House Fly, because of his ability to blend into any situation despite his rank, there was nothing extraordinary about the guy.

He had noted the appearance of a third person, another warrior. But Akio did not greet him, the way Gekido stood leaned against a pillar and to himself gave Akio the distinct impression that man didn't wish to be bothered, and so nothing would be said until the warrior wished to make himself known.

As Kumamoto entered the shrine, Kensaki moved inside leisurely to make room in the doorway. As the man nodded to him, he gave the barest indication that he had seen. He saw the third man enter, but chose not to acknowledge him at that moment.

When Akio addressed him, Kensaki's posture did not change, although a slight inclination of his head acknowledged the greeting. When he was invited to make himself comfortable, he did so, cross legged on the floor with his scabborded blade across his knees. He was a patient man, he could wait; it would give him time to make a brief study of the two who had entered after him. Kensaki gave no sign that he was even aware of his surroundings, seeming lost in thought, but in reality, his eyes and ears missed very little.

The Kumamoto samurai would not take long to get situated on the floor, sitting on his knees with the Hakuryuu, his sword, laid just before his body, and his hands folded neatly in his lap. The man’s seated position was almost as familiar to him as his own fighting stances, being born into a prestigious family often meant following certain standards and social rules. For this reason he could not help but personally feel a slight edginess towards the newcomer, the man who had came just before Satou Akio spoke. However he deemed these thoughts unnecessary, forcing them away with practiced ease.

With an uneasy silence taking over the room, Tanjiro would allow his senses to creep about the small confines, grasping, and crawling at whatever interested them. The first object to catch his attention would be the sword that rested in Kensaki’s lap, the dark color and shape rising to the surface of the samurai’s mind was turned into the thought of ink wasted on white canvas, his lips curved into a silent smile as he looked away and focused on the next subject, Satou Akio.

To Tanjiro’s surprise, Satou did not give off any particular color or shape. It was by these things that he had often judged others, attributing the shape and color of their aura to their personality and behavior. He was rather unsure of what to think of this, having never encountered such a problem before.

Tanjiro's thoughts on the subject would linger for only a few moments, instead choosing to focus on the third person, the newcomer, Gekido. Unlike Satou, Gekido would be associated with the color of red and a semi-sphere. Why? He could not say! These were merely his first impressions from minimal exposure amongst those gathered. Without openly questioning and getting to know those around him, he would not be able to find out more than what he now knew.

Without so much as stirring, Tanjiro would wring in his senses, giving off a slight shrug as he patiently waited for others to answer the call.

Gekido heard the greetings that passed from the man in front to each of the other two. None of them had approached him or spoken a word to him, which was for the most part how he preferred it. He had no interest in formal introductions, politics, or the rest of that nonsense. Gekido was here for one reason, and that was to sate his boredom with whatever task the kensai had for them, at least until it too became boring.

Gekido's patience proved exceptional this night. He managed to remain calm for a whole five minutes before he started to get annoyed at the lack of action. Gekido's eyes flashed red briefly as his frustration sparked. He straightened from his position of leaning against the pillar and walked into the center of the shrine proper.

"With all do respect Satou..." Gekido said with the slightest of bows. "The requested time for arrival has come and gone. Anybody arriving late can either be dismissed or filled in later. What point is there in waiting for people without respect enough to show up on time?"

The Kensai hadn't moved from his position over the past five minutes, he stood in the middle of the temple, his back to the door, facing the shrine. There was a lot on his mind, like why he had been pulled out of retirement for this conflict and how long something like this could go on.

He was dissapointed in the Shoguns decisions as of lately, they lacked the wisdom and knowledge of his own people. But no matter his own emotions Akio had sword his sword to him at an early age, a vow that was not taken lightly, and he would continue to serve as long as he could.

So, he decides to act.

Without so much as a blink Akio turned around to face the approaching warrior. Akio stood in a ver netural fashion with his back straight, arms down and infront of him with one hand placed over the other.

He said nothing during or for nearly a minute after Gekido had finished speaking. Not because he was trying to test the warriors patience but that was just how Akio had always been, he thought carefully on all words said to him and all words he was about to say.

He looked Gekido directly in the eyes with his own dull grey orb his face void of emotion and his voice montone as he spoke. "My orders are to lead a group of four others into the broken part of the city."

Akio left it at that, he didn't elaborate anymore then that as it was obvious. There were currently three others here, not four, hence he would wait any amount of time until the last person showed up. Of course, if no one did soon he would send someone off to find a lower-ranking soldier or kensai and order them to accompany them.

"I suggest you get to know one another. Your lives depend on your ability to work together." Akio would then stand there, stareing into his the mans eyes, if there was anything else the man wanted to say, then he could speak. If not then Akio expected him to step away.

Kensaki did not fail to notice the signs of frustration and impatience that precluded Gekido's suggestion. The man seemed to have either very little patience or else little control over his emotions. Waiting bothered Kensaki little, so long as the awaited event interested him. It seemed that there was little choice anyway; they could not proceed without Akio, and Akio seemed deadset on waiting for a fifth.

As to Akio's suggestion that they get to know each other, Kensaki could not fail to notice that the man had given no information about himself to start things off. Kensaki did not especially want to get to know these men; he was not here to make friends. Friends could get a man killed in a myriad of ways. Kensaki had no objections, however, if the other men wanted to talk. He would listen, and learn. For the moment at least, he would remain silent, seeming still to be lost in thought, all the while hoping that this venture would not prove to be a waste of his time.

The sound of a throat being forcefully cleared would come from the direction of the Kumamoto samurai, his seated position hadn’t changed, but his eyes had hardened ever so slightly. He was not overly happy with the direction things were beginning to take in the shrine, they hadn’t been waiting long, of course; but already one of those gathered had lost their patience.

“Kumamoto Tanjiro, age twenty-six. Samurai, veteran of the Darokin war and survivor of one of several fleets sent to Ulster.”

Each word spoken by the man was smooth, refined.

“What do you go by, rōnin?”

He referred to Gekido as a masterless samurai, assuming that the man held no loyalties to anyone other than himself, of course; Tanjiro could easily be mistaken in this.

“I am sure that whatever Satou-san has in mind will be most entertaining for one such as yourself, if only you will give him the time required.”

Tanjiro’s words held a tone of gentle compassion. Indeed, his way of speaking did not do justice to the focused, piercing gaze he had shot to Akio moments after he finished speaking to Gekido. Tanjiro knew only too well how little patience the impetuous held.

“I am sure another will answer the call,” he said in confidence. “Please allow just a little more time. Satou-san is merely following the orders of his superiors.”

Gekido's annoyance with Akio built quickly while the man seemed to ignore him. He was not a man of waiting, he was a man of action. With each passing moment the fire in his eyes burned brighter until the man finally turned around.

Gekido almost scoffed at hearing Akio's words. There was one of the biggest flaws in having a lord and taking orders. The man was going to be forced to wait for a fifth person when the four present could probably do most any task required. Gekido held the man's gaze, not even feigning that he was thinking over what the man had said.

In the end Gekido was the first to back down, there could be no other way. He simply turned and walked back to the pillar he had been leaning against before. His annoyance had calmed a little since he now knew why they were waiting for another.

And so Gekido waited, his eyes wandering to a random spot. He stared off into nothingness until a voice brokee the silence, one of the other two men introducing himself. Gekido's eyes locked on the man as he said the word ronin. It was a word that would infuriate most samurai, but for Gekido, it was a fact he was proud of.

"Gekido Kasai, lordless by choice to avoid the inherent weaknesses of both having a lord and being forced to depend and wait for them to make your decisions for you."

A statement Gekido had spoken often. Some men attacked him shortly after, taking offense to it, others gave him pity. Which happened in this case didn't matter to him, he would likely remain to see what task the shogun needed done that he was too weak to do himself.

Akio had assumed that something like this would happen. Having even a couple swordsmen in a single area often resulted in heated arguments, if not more. But because he had assumed that this would happen, he had been prepared to deal with rather large egos.

Akio was quick to speak, rather unorthodox of him, before anyone else could voice an opinion or throw in their two cents. He didn't want blood shed to stain the floor of the temple and so when he spoke to Gekido he did so respectfuly.

"Ronin," Using the term because it was obvious Gekido took pride in his choice. "it is not wise to insult those who have devoted their entire life to serving the Shogun. I do not know what happened in your past that made you choose to be a Ronin, but you must understand the inherint weakness of your own path. If you do not wish to be here or recieve your payment, then you are welcome to leave. But," Akio paused to address the rest of the group he assumed Tanjiro wouldn't have a problem with what he was about to say, but he did not know how the other two would respond.

"for those who stay, they will be taking their orders from me." His words showed no emotion again, giving no insight as to his true feelings on the matter. As far as it could be concerned, he was doing his duty with no emotional attachment.

"I am Satou Akio, a member of the Kensai. Once retired but now called into service to serve my lord again." He continued on like nothing had happened, hopeing the matter could be put behind them.

As Gekido announced his views on lordship, a slight chuckle escaped Kensaki's lips; the man was dangerous, his eyes flashing as the flames of rage rose behind them. It seemed that this would not be boring after all. If nothing else, this ronin would prove amusing.

Akio reacted as Kensaki had expected, quickly attempting to quell the momentary turmoil with his samurai's calm. Kensaki could almost have admired the man had he not shared Gekido's opinion of those who pledged their lives in service of another. It was true that he had taken his share of orders; however, he rarely felt any loyalty to those he had served. Loyalty was merely a delusion for foolish men who needed an excuse for their servitude. Kensaki made no such excuses; when, and if, he chose to serve, it would be for only two reasons: payment, and more importantly, the chance to further hone his skills.

As Akio finished speaking and a tense silence once again settled over the room, Kensaki saw no other choice but to speak. He was yet unsure of the other men in the room, and remaining silent could be construed as insulting after each had introduced himself. Still, this conversation of honor and weakness bored him. Kensaki's head rose, and he spoke in a tone that could only be described as amused, his tone contrasting sharply with the nature of his words.

"Very well, as everyone else has taken the trouble to introduce themselves, it would only be courteous to do the same. I am Kensaki Kashou, and my sword is for sale to any who can pay my price. I care nothing for either the honor," Kensaki glanced pointedly at first Akio and then Tanjiro, "or the inherent weakness," he shifted his look to Gekido, "of the samurai. When a fifth arrives, I will hear what you have to say, Satou Akio. If the proposal interests me, I will willingly follow your orders; if not, I will take my leave."

As soon as he finished speaking, Kensaki returned to his former position, seeming almost to forget that he had spoken, but would carefully note each man's reaction to his words.

Even if Satou Akio hadn’t spoken first, to cool the situation, no blood shed would have occurred, or at least not from Tanjiro. Despite the fact that he had piously served the Shogun since well before the average man, he could not and would not, allow himself to be blind towards the flaws in swearing one’s self to a Lord. No, far from it. To some extent, albeit rather small, Kumamoto Tanjiro was in partial-agreement with Gekido. The difference was, though, that Tanjiro could also see the advantages to serving those of a higher station.

A few seconds would be allowed to pass after Kensaki spoke, the seated samurai choosing to silently think over what the others had said, attributing their words and behavior to the images he had previously formed. But this would be only a short pause for the man, instead opting to once again break the veil of silence:

“It is fine to be of separate opinions,” he spoke softly. “To view things in a different perspective ... That is how we, as people, grow and learn. We do not necessarily have to agree on the same things.”

Tanjiro sighed, his body easing upwards, legs pushing off of the earth, and feet firmly digging themselves into the floor until they were flat against it. He was by no means a small person, his shoulders were broad, his body built heavy with training, but his face was gentle and compassionate.

As the samurai made the effort to stand from the floor, he had, instinctively, carried his blade with him; gripping the thing in his left hand until the knuckles became white.

“But do not misunderstand,” he stated, allowing a brief pause to punctuate his words. “It is no simple Lord we serve. My blade is sworn to one person and one person only,” the sword in question, the hakuryuu, would dip towards the ground as he spoke. “I do not mind if you find my way of life foolish. We each walk our own paths, my feet have traveled and bled down this one, and yours the opposite. But do not forget, Lord Shogun Gardini Almaster IV, is the ruler of this nation and its people."

Not once had his voice changed from its usual tone, his eyes, however; had once again changed to a hardened, almost piercing look. There was no offense in his words, although it could very well be taken as such.

What he said was true, Gardini Almaster was the Shogun of Cizok, and it was his country that the warriors took residence in. This was an undeniable fact.

“There is one other thing,” he said after a short-lived respite. “Satou-san, if I may, I’d like to know how important this mission or, its objective, is. After all, if they were to hear it out and decide they did not like it,” he gestured politely to Gekido and Kensaki, “I assume it would be a very bad thing if they told others about it.”

He did not entirely trust Gekido or Kensaki, although; he assumed that with enough money loyalty was up for bid on Kensaki's part. Gekido, however; was a completely different story. He did not seem to be a man overly interested in money and obviously, he was not here to serve his country or the Shogun.

OOC: I apologize for any odd wording. I'm a bit tired.