[4] Kazekage Tower

[Flower]

Shihana looked over Shiki's cuts and scrapes as he walked over, signs of true battles and combat that only came through actual work. It was clear that he had been through hell, but Shihana already knew this -- she was learning more about it all the time. As Shiki poured her the drink, she took it into her hand and drank at least half of it, the ice clinking along the bottom of the glass as she pulled it away from her lips, and let out a satisfied, "Ah."

"Thank you," she said, "It has been too long. As for the Tsuchikage -- mostly what you would expect." Shihana wrapped her forefinger and thumb of her right hand around her white hair, twirling it in between her fingeres, and said, "She wanted to form an alliance with the Sand Village. Flies attracted to honey I suppose. The Tsuchikage wants to form an alliance with as many villages as possible, and requested no aid from us in their own fights. The alliance would be one of simple, non-action from the Sand Village -- allowing the Stone Village to continue on in peace. Although they would also not assist us in our fights unless it was with someone who was not their ally, an unlikely situation. Mostly she intends just to barter trade goods and live peaceably."

Shihana knew Shiki's relationship with the Tsuchikage and did not know how he would react to this, although she waited to see. She was afraid to bring it up herself, that it might anger him, but if he brought it up then she was interested in why Krystal of all people was seeking an alliance? Perhaps to evade Shiki's very wrath? "She gave me a gift for you as well --" Shihana reached into her pack, pulling out the Grass and Stone headbands that had been entrusted to her. Shihana would hand them out to Shiki, saying, "She gave me these as a peace offering. I wasn't sure how you'd take it." She decided that honesty was the best policy, and waited to see what would happen. She felt like she was standing between two giants, and although it excited her it also made her nervous.

She would finish off her drink with her other hand, keeping Shiki to his promise to down the whole bottle.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

"She needs to work on her definition. That's not an alliance simply a peace treaty. We are not at war with them and I don't see a reason to start one. She may have her trade and treaty." I said rather dismissively. I looked at the headbands and gave a small smile. "Perfect." I said with a hint of excitement to my voice. "Doing this task for me was a mission. A B rank one. Make sure you add it to your mission logger. Sometimes the clerks at this tower lose track of paper work. It's best to make your own copies to keep credit for what you do."

I walked over and leaned down onto one of my massive cushioned couches. I was lounging there with a cold drink in hand thankful for the break in my routine. "You seem to have a talent with people." I said in a curious tone, less of a statement and more of an observation. "What's more is you have seem to become an observer of my life. Well, more than those outside my family." I reached over to a tray of various snacks and finger foods. I pulled out an olive and popped it into my mouth. "I'd like to offer you a position working for me directly. If you would I'd like to take you on as my apprentice."

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

Shihana listened to Shiki and was a little surprised when he said the Tsuchikage could have her trade and treaty. But she didn't question his methods, only saying, "Understood." She listened to the rest that he had to say, and felt a strange sensation. Was this what companionship felt like? Being allies? Shihana didn't know if she liked it, but often went with her instincts especially when she was round Shiki -- for better or for worse.

"That's kind of you to say," Shihana said, admiring the tray of foods and reaching for one of the olives as well, its salty flavor satiating her wild taste buds. "Although, I've found myself in a few less than desirable situations recently, there is always much to learn." Shihana set down her glass near the tray as well, waiting for Shiki to fill it up again. With so many trips to the tower for drinks, people would have started to wonder -- if not for ever-changing faces and personas. She wondered to herself how many Shiki had already seen, coutning them in her mind.

"Of course, I accept." In truth Valerys had already considered him a mentor, whether or not it had been codified or said out loud (another example of her whimsical instincts), but this was something more. With all of the other events that were taking place in her life, it seemed to make sense that all of this would happen now. Fate. What a fickle bitch. "You know, I wouldn't have always been thrilled to team up with the Kazekage," Shihana said, "but you are different. Even when I came back to the Village, unsure of my place, you made me feel at home. Not an easy task. So then, I agree -- what does this apprenticeship entail?"

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

Wonderful. I said getting up to make her another drink. "I'm happy to hear you accept. Well. As my apprentice I'm more or less putting you directly under me in the hopes that you may assist me in my rise to power and in the process become more powerful than you already are. It means my enemies become yours and your enemies become mine. It means I'll be personally teaching you all the secrets I've uncovered through out my findings. In return you are to be assistant for all matters revolving myself both personal and professional."

It wasn't anything too formal. I handed her over the cocktail letting the crystal drinking glass pass from my hands. "It would mean until you left my service you'd carry the weight of my name and house Senri. I'd expect you to conduct yourself publicly in a way that would bring honor to my claim." I'd take the two headbands and examine them. (Could you please figure out what village these headbands are from and which PC ninja they came from?)



"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

Shiki handed over the drink and Shihana looked it over, swirling it around in the glass and smelling it before taking a sip. She certainly seemed to drink differently than Valerys had, an interesting note. "Your enemies are my enemies, and I will always help you obtain more power. You know that I have no problem with that." Shihana rubbed at her left eye. It was starting to get a little red, but nothing she couldn't control. In an instant it turned back to its normal color. "But as you know... I'm not the most honorable person. I'm afraid that won't change. But for the public, I will wear even that face -- with Shihana it shouldn't be too difficult." The girl tossed back her long, white hair. "As long as in private and when others don't know it is me, I can still have my fun."

As Shiki looked at the headbands, Shihana didn't know how he would respond but felt that she should tell him. "Both headbands are from the one who caused you so much pain, the neko," Shihana avoided saying her name -- remind of what had happened last time, "to be honest, I already viewed the past of both of them. I saw many memories along the way..." Although she wouldn't say it, Shihana remembered watching Shiki's fiance being stolen from him. It had given her a new outlook on his pain, but she did not bring it up to him. She looked at the scratches and marks which covered his body once again.

"I don't know if perhaps she has other headbands that she can replace as her own, but she was willing to hand these over without much hassle." Shihana left it at that, not sure how much to say and waited to see if Shiki had anymore specific questions. She didn't want to say too much, as she was prone to do, and wanted to give him a chance to say what he needed to on the subject. Meanwhile, Shihana drank from her glass again.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

"And in return for your services. My goal is to help refine your power until you can rival myself one day and take on your own apprentice. It may be impossible for you to learn all my skills. Everyone has different fighting styles. But my secrets to unlocking magnetism through the lightning release, my skills with a blade and my skills as a monster hunter are open to you if you wish to learn from me." I'd pause for a moment. There had only been one other person I had taught some of these secrets. "If you choose other avenues of power I will still support your endeavors to get stronger as well."

The bottle of gin was almost halfway empty. The heavy handed pours were making short work of the container. A warm feeling had floated to my cheeks and very quickly a lot of my inhibitions about professionalism were finding themselves slowly pushed to the back of my mind. My posture had slackened, relaxing into a lounging position. Unable to physically sleep this was often how I passed the time pouring over literature and working on assignments.

"So I understand this was her headband. But unless im mistaken ninja only get issued one across the shinobi standard. Do we have any idea who the other one came from?"

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Flower]

As Shiki told her about the avenues that he could help her with, she found Valerys fantasizing about the all the things that she could do -- remembering them for later. Although many of them seemed that they'd be more aptly applied to Akumu than herself, magnetism would surely have given him quite the edge. "I'll take you up on that offer," Shihana said, continuing to drink as well and feeling herself also beginning to relax -- although, relaxation did not come as easily to Shihana as Valerys. "Blade and monster hunter skills would be invaluable to me, while I have a partner who would benefit from your abilities in magnetics and electricity. His name is Akumu, to be honest he is not entirely human and a bit of a monster himself (although he does quite like the taste of demon flesh) -- so I'd hope you would not despise him." Although, Shihana did not know for sure. This was a man of principles after all so she wouldn't push the matter until she knew that it would be okay.

"As for the headbands, yes, usually this would be the case. But it would appear that Krystal was actually once part of the Grass Village as well as the Stone Village, although they cast her out long ago for some unknown reason (although I could probably discover it if you wanted me to). This is where the other headband has come from." It was only natural that she wondered now why Shiki wanted all the headbands, but she didn't bring it up. She finished her second glass and finally Shihana stopped pulling her white hair away from her face. Her purple eyes looked rather deep and filled with unspoken emotion compared to the purity of her scalp, although the patch of black hair on her left side perhaps saying more about who she was.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

"I'll teach anyone willing to learn. But. Magnetic jutsu and the art of being a monster hunter are schools I only teach on a case by case basis. Most don't have the aptitude and those that do seldom survive all the stages of becoming a monster hunter." I said to her hoping she might understand what I was trying to get across. "As such I only accept the best to pass on my knowledge." I think that was more or less what I needed. I picked up the headbands and tossed them annoyed onto the end table. A deal was a deal. I guess I should have put in the fine print some sort of clause that omitted whores as viable candidates for headband recovery. But I was a man of my word.

"Keep the headbands. I'll honor the deal but I won't be using them for my project. It would sully the vibe I was going for."

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Tetsu]

A Sudden Return [Entrance] Sand was in her boots. It happened every time the spring westerlies came in. The airborne sand always seemed to find it's way into her shoes. Amira didn't complain. She loved the soft and warm sensation of the earth, but after a while it got annoying. She was dressed very casually. She wasn't prepared for combat like usual, but instead was dressed in a pair of white sneakers, knee length navy skirt with a matching white blouse and blue vest. She neatly tugged at her stripped neck tie that handsomely pulled together the business casual outfit. For someone who was a village leader, she now looked more like the receptionist. Her silver hair was neatly braided behind her in a french style, lightly hanging across her right shoulder.  She was nervous about seeing Shiki again. He was a married man, and her good friend, and now the leader of her village. It was strange how their relationship had evolved. She lightly placed her hand on the front door, contemplating entrance. "Will I even be welcome back?" She thought to herself. She was weaponless, and armorless, which made her feel a bit vulnerable. She of course had her training to rely on, but regardless she felt naked without a weapon. She sighed, tapping her face for confidence as she pushed her way inside the building. She saw a wonderful array of people moving in and out, which was pleasing to say the least. She knew the way. Making her way up the stairs, she knew where the reception desk was without any help. She had once called this building her own after all. She straightened er skirt before approaching, making sure she looked presentable. "ehem" She cleared her throat, "I'm Amira Kaishin, and I was wondering if the Kazekage was taking any appointments?" She asked politely. She didn't want to sound arrogant and march right into her friends office, not that he would mind. She was dignified, though her years of service would likely be forgotten in the annuls of history.  She looked on at the desk's occupier with a steady stare, hoping not to lose her cool in such an awkward situation. Post Number: 1 #Watercorner snowflake

[Flower]

"Understood," Shihana said, responding to both his statement about the headbands and about the training. She took the headbands in her hand, a glorious gift indeed, and wondered at Shiki's graciousness once again. It almost made her feel bad for being evil, but at least now it seemed to be serving the higher law. How horribly ironic...

She took the Stone and Grass headbands, putting them into her messenger pack from where they had come, and took another drink -- savoring the moment and knowing that there wouldn't be many more like this for a little while. She'd have to go back into the fields, and now she was working on several projects of her own, raising the stakes even more. "I am grateful for your generosity, as always, and look forward to our training. If I am to learn to become a monster hunter, what steps would you advise I take first?" She waited to learn the answer, ever-looking for knowledge as well as blood and death.

Shihana also prepared herself, as it seemed there meeting was coming to a close (Shiki never one to waste words) and wondered where her next paths would lead. She still needed to investigate the woman, Rize, in the Land of Fire and wondered about that -- as well as the Chuunin Exams and (more pressingly) the missions she needed to take.

[Deleted]

Flower:

I'd pause for a moment and smile. "We start by hunting monsters of course. I've got a pretty good lead that I wanted to follow up on, in the land of moon I heard rumors of a lava kraken near a dormant volcano. It should be good fun." I said with an edge of excitement in my voice. "I'm leaving within the week. I'd love if you participated or at the very least tagged a long so I could teach you a few things." I stretched out a little bit more as I nestled myself in becoming more comfortable on my sofa. "Venatores. Monster hunters and demon hunters unfortunately have a powerful spell associated with their teachings. Even if I wanted to show you the real secrets to my guild your... sensibilities would keep you from learning them." I said with a small smile.

"I faced something similar to this restriction when I wanted to enter the inuzuka clan and once more when I tried to become a user of soul magics. This doesn't mean I can't teach you how to be a hunter. And it certainly doesn't mean I can't teach you the secrets to my clan. The real question is can you mold lightning chakra already?"

Tetsu:

The receptionist would simply smile as she saw lady Amira return once more. It had been a while since she had last stepped into this building. "If you wish to speak to him now you may enter. He was training not to long ago and I believe another guest is visiting with him right now. If you wish to speak to him privately you may need to wait a few moments." The secretary said with an apologetic tone to her voice. If Amira chose to take the familiar path to the kazekage's office and find the decor had changed significantly since she was last here. The hallway had been opened up into a massive open air hallway where natural sunlight from the land of wind came cascading through a sandstone hall. Different levels of light were created by the stone tunnel around the hallway causing beams of light in different intensities to intersect in the hallway giving the air the image of a pattern of X's. Connecting to that hallway was a large lounge like waiting area that also served as a trophy room. Massive dragon skeletons, hydra teeth, a stuffed bandersnatch and other trophies of massive creatures filled the waiting room.

Beyond that if she would continue would lead to Shikis training room where he was currently lounging shirtless and in his training pants. Shattered puppet remains littered the floor as Shiki was laying on a sofa drinking a cold glass of gin with his appreciate.

[Tetsu]

The Waters of Change Amira could tell the receptionist remembered her, and she was thankful that a few people still knew of her. "It's nothing too serious, I'll just go ahead and see him. She would smile, curtly thanking the reception for their help before going down the familiar hall. She knew the way, but everything thing seemed different now. What had once held tacky art and cool water features now housed a long corridor lined with trophies from hunts of different kinds. This part of the building screamed Shiki. She could hear her shoes clacking on the smooth stone floor as he made her way down the hall until she came to the door that she had been directed toward. She inhaled gently before making her way to the door and opening it to find a shirtless Shiki and another person whom was having a discussion. She knocked on the open door, smiling with a warm expression on her scarred face. "Shiki, Gin while training seems just like you." She commented leaning in the door frame casually. "It's good to see you well," She said making her entry if Shiki gave her permission. She had to request, and she didn't want to impose on her predecessor. "I hope i'm not interrupting something?" She asked, casually making her way towards her friends lazing space.  Post Number: 2 #Change #Sexy

[Flower]

"I see..." Shihana said,"And no, I can't mold lightning chakra. Although Akumu can, I am much more powerful in the taijutsu arts and can only weild force and earth when it comes to ninjutsu." It was true, she was not particularly powerful in this area -- but that is why she had Akumu after all who covered her weaknesses such as lack of ninjutsu. She wondered at whether the two of them might get along, indeed, they were both ninjutsu users who obeyed some higher law. Only time would tell.

Just then a woman entered the training room wearing a sort of business casual outfit, with hair that was a similar color to Shihana's and dark eyes. Of course, Shihana knew who this was -- although she'd never met her before. Memories were a funny thing, and Shihana found that she possessed many of them relating to Amira Kaishin -- the former Kazekage and member of the witch coven she had heard in rumors. "Not at all, Darling," Shihana said and rocked back and forth her glass of gin as well, leaning back a little tipsy with the atmosphere but also with power, "always good to have company. I'm Shihana by the way."

Shihana stepped up from her seat to shake hands, noting that Shiki had all sorts of powerful friends. She remembered her trip to find Emi as well, feeling as if this were very similar. As they shook hands, Shihana would give Amira a pleasant look -- conveying that she was happy to finally get to meet the woman who she had heard so much about through whispers. Although she wondered, had Shiki succeeded in healing her disease?

[Deleted]

"As always lovely to see you Amira." I said with a rare smile forming on my face. "Amira, this is my new apprentice. Speaking of being a venator. It was actually lady Amira who taught me the basics to becoming a venator. While I focused more on the monster hunting aspects of our trade, If it had not been for her I'd have died a few years back." It was funny how far things had come since I was a young wayward youth. "I was a sailing on my ship traveling through the Tydeaus sea from the land of lightning. I found this very attractive stow away hiding in the cargo hold once we hit deep sea. After a few romantic days love making on the ocean we were attacked by a siren and I was caught quite literally with my pants down." I said with a wolffish grin.

"I wasn't quite the warrior I am today. I quickly found myself entrapped by a spell and it was Amira who showed up in the nick of time to save me." There was a note of actual appreciation to my voice. "I used to think true freedom was the pursuit of a life free of obligation. But now I recognize true freedom comes from power. It comes from the ability to resist all that would lay claim to you. My old life died the moment I found this truth thrust upon me during that thunderstorm. It changed who I was and helped me become who I am today. I traded a life under the ocean sun to walk the darkness. I traded my ship for blades and weapons. I traded a care free life for the power to control my own destiny." I took another drink of the gin in my hand.

Perhaps it was the alcohol muddling my thoughts. There were few people on this planet that I'd risk my life for. There were even fewer I'd sacrifice my life for. Lady Amira had made her way on that list whether she knew it or not.

[Tetsu]

The Student Becomes the Master "As it is always a pleasure to be in your presence" Amira chimed sweetly for her friend. She had grown to love Shiki like her own brother. Her family had been dead since the civil war, yet she found solace in Shiki and Loki's company. She slid along the floor, moving along the ground as if she were skating on ice. "It's all true, I remember the first time I met this gruff, half naked and crying of his lost love..." Amira reminisced on the memories that seemed so far away. She was a real warrior back then, a killer fresh from revolution in the rain village. She had seen horrors...which she would never part with. Yet Shiki had always been so kind and eager to help. He had turned into a fine gentleman. Perhaps being a father had mellowed him. She thought to herself with delight as he came to his couch. "But you've grown up to be a fine warrior, and a fine leader." Amira complemented kindly. She turned her head to the new presumable apprentice. They seemed a bit off putting, but Amira dismissed the thought. She would have said the same about most of Shiki's students before they came into their own skin. "It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Amira Kaishin, a close friend of Shiki's," She would offer her hand in a brief shake. "I'm sure he will teach you how to be yourself, among other things." Se chuckled with a cool tone. "Shiki speaking of the past, that's why I've come to talk with you..." Amira said, tunneling her previous statement into what she wanted to talk about.  "I want to travel to the Alleve Hallow, to train with Loki and catch up with the Coven...and I wanted to ask your permission to leave for a month so that I can prepare for the Chuunin Exams." Amira requested politely. She so wanted to visit the town, and see her friends again. [Current Events 180/125] " I've also heard that Krystal was in town, and I was thinking that we could make a trip of it...you know, you could come with me perhaps? Oh I don't know the notion might be silly." Amira said brushing her bangs in an attempt to hide her reddening face. She was a bit bashful at the notion, but she so wanted to spend time with her friend who she had not seen much up to now. She wondered what he would think. She was honestly most interested in seeing the children...that was the children of her good friends. What an exciting prospect? and training for the exams? Seemed like a productive idea.  Post Number: 3 #Besties #Venatorlife

[Flower]

Shihana shook hands with Amira and listened to her statement about being herself. Valerys found it quite funny, but Shihana kept up her usual demeanor and nodded. "I'm sure that he will," she said, "and it has been nice to meet you, a woman followed by such a powerful introduction." After this, Amira began to talk to Shiki about the past and about Krystal (of all people) and Shihana would stick around long enough to hear how Shiki would respond. But while all of this was interesting, and how Valerys did like to listen in on even the most trifling conversations, she could tell that her business with Shiki was done for now.

When there was a moment, Shihana would bow respectfully and say, "My Lord -- if you're done with me then I'll be off again. I must relay your message as well as finish several missions before the exams." She'd wait to see how he'd respond, wondering if there was anything else that he wanted to say. Shiki was often full of surprises. She finished off her glass of gin as well, feeling much better as she often did after a trip to the Tower. It'd be nice to walk out of here slightly tipsy, the sun of the desert shining down on herand sweat beading from her body as her mind swam in a pool of memories and personalities.

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

"If Krystal is going with you then I'm not going to be participating sadly. I'd literally rather nail my dick to this table than voluntarily be around that whore." I'd say rather plainly. I'm not sure how much more I need to make my distaste for this woman known before people stopped suggesting I interact with her. "You've both already been approved to leave the village. Amira, If you swing by the hallow make sure you come and visit the manor. I'd love for you to meet the kids. Just make sure you don't bring the cat with you if you do."

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[Runeska]

A ripple in space and time produced by a teleportation jutsu of sorts tore a hole in the air of an office. Materializing all at once, a youthful man appearing about 20 years of age appeared, his silver locks of hair catching the light as he looked about. He was not dressed in rags, as someone might remembered, but far more regal and civilized attire of someone simple yet somewhat important. He winced his gray silver toned eyes as they adjusted to the light difference.

Their map and compass stay tucked within their tactical vest with their bingo book with his robe back atop, attaching Kyuushi and tokehage on either side of his belt and Benihime on their back. His gauntlets and grieves once more adorned their limbs. In 3 shinobi pouches, he held 30 hirashurikens, and 1 gas mask with a D filter. In another, there were 4 kunia, 1 knife, 40 exploding tags, and 32 makibishi. In the last, they carried 130 Saddilia nuts.

Normally, he would be on the defensive, reflexively reaching for a weapon just in case, or just taking an imposing stance, but he chose to stand relaxed. After all, he seemed to have been invited as a guest. None of his weapons or belongings had been taken, a huge courtesy, so he would behave as an honored guest. It took mere moments before he took note of everyone present, including the man they were looking for. "I see. Teleportation. That would be one way to invite someone without necessarily giving away one's location."

He then turned to Shiki's location. "Gekkido Runeska... or whichever name I may have given you before I don't recall. Pleased to meet you Shiki, for the second time. I'm quite surprised. I had no idea I was actually expected."

[Deleted]

[The White Wolf]

I took a small pause from the conversation I was having with Amira. It seemed she was going to be thinking about some of the things I was saying. Which was perfectly timed with the arrival of a familiar face I had let slip my mind. "A pleasure to meet you as well, although this time I'm happy that we both know your name in advance of the conversation." I said with a small laugh. It was crazy to me how strange that he had lost his memory and the following events after that. "Glad you're not attacking the countryside this time either." I grinned.

"Anyways. What brings you to me?"

"Player Speech is A25428 "

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[kinko]

[Enter]

Yunka entered the tower for the first and what seemed like forever. He had completed a mission way back before even going on the hunt. Then soon after he had to recover and limp his way back from The Hunt. But most importantly he was fully recovered and ready to be sent out on missions once more. Having selected a new mission he walked up to the receptionist desk with the paper for his previous mission along with the new mission he selected."Turning in this mission and trying to take this new one.FInally recovered and back in action." promptly replied waiting so he could go train.  


Mission Completed

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Escort the Middle Class
Rank: "C"rank
IIC Length: 2 days
Difficulty: low
Objective: a group of fairly wealthy people need protection on their journey.
Description: carpenters and merchants alike transport goods from one place to another. It is also just as common to have those goods coveted. Protect the middle class merchant/craftsman/citizen at all costs. Their goods drop location will vary depending on information you are given by the informant at the beginning. So attention to detail and directions are important here. Also if any of the merchandise is damaged the ninja or team will be responsible for their replacement. This mission may be taken by one ninja of any rank or a team consisting of up to four members (one Captian). This mission may be repeated after 1 real life week!
Reward: 10,000 Ryo

Mission Taking

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Master the body (repeatable)
Rank: "C" rank
IIC Length: undetermined
Difficulty: Hard
Objective: Training your body to its peak physicality is only half the challenge. The technique and discipline you show to your art must be perfected. Find a taijutsu fighting style that works for you. Master it (500 tp or more) and present your skills to the tower. The village will recognize your accomplishment and pay you a stipend for honing your skills. Note mastered fighting styles that were accomplished before taken this mission do count but minimum post requirements must still be met.
Reward: 30,000 Ryo