(POI) The Uchiha Temple

[Umehara]

Fuuton - Hikō (Wind Release: Flight)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Allows one to “fly” like a bird without the use of wings
Special: Handseals
Drawback: Must learn multiple times
Description: Through use of the Wind release, the user can manipulate the wind around them, allowing for actual flight to take place without the need for wings. But this cannot be done right off the bat. It takes multiple trainings to be done in order for Perfect flight to be obtained.
Clumsy: The creature can barely maneuver at all.
Poor: The creature flies as well as a very large bird.
Average: The creature can fly as adroitly as a small bird.
Good: The creature is very agile in the air (like a housefly or a hummingbird), but cannot change direction as readily as those with perfect maneuverability.
Perfect: The creature can perform almost any aerial maneuver it wishes. It moves through the air as well as humans move over smooth ground.

Limit: Must have Wind Release, Must have 500 TP in Wind Release. Requires Futon: Torihouto

0.10 - D Rank


My feet touched earth again, returning me to the weight that would enable gravity to keep me on the edifice. Though a small feeling of nausea had begun to creep up on me, I quickly willed it down with a forceful swallow. The maneuvers that I had taken had seen me further along the temple grounds, the piles of bones and equipment undisturbed as I turned toward the distance. It was as if the despair that I had felt so long ago was restored with every passing moment that I studied the plain. I began to amble forward and summon more chakra unto my core; the idea had already been set in place. The motions had already begun to take place. My intentions had already been manifest to the spirits that were continuously whispering their disapproval of the Uchiha's Bane treading across sacred ground. But I refused to listen. Taking care to place my hands one against the other with perfect symmetry, I broke out into a certain set of handseals. I would need to get closer to my objective before I could start pulling the pieces of this broken puzzle back into place. As such, the element of earth would need to do my bidding.

The shift and heave of terra beneath me brought satisfaction to my every sense as I remembered the mastery of this aspect of my Ninjutsu abilities. Aptly named a master of doton specialty, I pushed my chakra into the earth and began to move giant rock after giant rock by way of the plain rising and falling in a wavelike pattern. Stone and granite knocked one against the other, creating resounding noise that filled the air; if one was to guess, it would have sounded like an earthquake to bury the inhabitants of the immediate vicinity. As the winds whipped about me and debris fell from the large slabs of stone being moved, however, I could feel the hand of one of the spirits. Immediately, my attention was robbed of the current task. The boulders began to slam one by one into the earth around me as I turned. One of the monks that I had recognized during the days of old knelt down in silent homage.

"Rise. You know what I am.." I murmured.

But he would not. Tattered clothing and fresh wounds adorned his less than corporeal form. "My Lord, why have you returned here? There is nothing to protect....there is nothing left for us to hold dear.." he echoed. I merely allowed half-slated orbs to regard him with apathy, turning away from the common question that not even Ekirei could have answered. Instead, I would attempt to move closer as I watched the large slabs of stone miss their intended place by far. I had to be able to manipulate the wind currents once more. Breaking out into another set of handseals that were finished just as quickly as they had begun, I resolved to do more than simply jump or dive from the air. Nay, I would allow myself the gift of flight. Concentrating the winds and pulling them from their stray travel, I engulfed myself in the essence that would take me from the ground.

Unfortunately, the maneuver was far more difficult than I had anticipated.

Barely able to move myself as I hoisted my weight into the air by will, my form flipped and tossed as I struggled for some stretch of control. The spirit watched as I flew into the air before disappearing completely, its shaking head the least of my concerns as I braced myself for the consequences of my flight's ill-advised patterns. I felt my weight shift to and fro as my hands shot out to either side of me. With practice and breathing, I was able to stabilize myself to a hover that granted me a small forward acceleration. Small amounts of chakra kept the wind at my beck and call as I remained position among the heavens. Still, I would need to test my capability to a novice's limits. I gathered my wits and began to fly forward. Lifting a single leg so as to give myself balance, I struggled inwardly with any attempt to turn or increase my altitude.

I would even go so far as to slam my shoulder into the large stoned that poked forth from where the temple had once been established. Grinding my teeth, I braced for impact more times than I would have cared to admit. I would not be turned away from the rebirth of my legacy.

....Even if it was tainted with the Seal of the Curse right beneath the eyes that bore witness to inevitability.

I dropped back down to the earth just as languidly as when I had taken flight, turning a single front flip in midair before my feet crashed along the earth with little less than grace. Stumbling forward, I took a knee and came to a slow halt as my hand pushed outward to stay my awkward motions. "...Kouketsu. You leave me with an opponent that I cannot hear, see, or detect. Are these odds insurmountable?" I asked aloud. Such words appeared to stir the spirits once again, memories of old playing out as I witnessed tidal waves appear in the distance. The rush of ocean spray met me as I began to form my handseals once more - timing the expulsion of chakra so that the winds might take me skyward again, I was barely able to ascend above the waves just as they crashed where the core of the temple's grounds rest. This time, I was able to clumsily give myself a forward movement closer to the temple's main chambers. Completely exposed, I could only wonder what parchment had remained after all that had been treasured was lost at the hands of human condition.

[Tieren]

+10 TP
Learned

[Draven]

+10!

[j]

EYE OF THE TIGER FOR HOPE

AND EVEN THROUGH DISASTER

Ugh...

What's with this ridiculous noise. As a tiger, Jay knew that he was a heavy sleeper. It takes an exceedingly high amount of ruckus to wake him from his slumber. Perhaps giant slabs of stone and granite being thrown about, for example. He'd chosen his napping spot carefully, but apparently his instincts were incorrect; something that doesn't occur often.

[enter]

"Oi, Oi! You're so loud, mister!"

The tiger approached from just outside of what remained of a gate. He yawned and stretched out on all four, as a tiger would. All the while examining this new-found antagonist. His tail wiggled just a bit at the tip as he finished his exercises.

He was an imposing fellow, with long long red hair, and a mark on his face. He also wore strange clothes. Although, everybody that wore clothes seemed strange to Jay, the tiger.

Judging by his attire, the man was most likely a ninja. Also bothersome. But hey, maybe an introduction would inspire the man to submit himself as a man that's not as dangerous as he appears.

"I'm Jay, and you're disturbing my nap spot."

9001 words

Umehara

booya first post!

❖ nox ❖

[— Kyo]

-- Void --

[Umehara]

I'd been lost in thought, the wails of my kin eventually overpowering the sound of rock digging harshly into the earth as my Doton technique began to subside. Blasphemy and curse alike poured into every sense and threatened to chain me to the earth as I stepped forward upon my left foot, lowering my head and clutching the sides of my cranium in an attempt to still their roars of agony. My teeth began to grind together as my jaw tightened. Slowly but surely, I was able to stand to full height and quell their unforgiving volumes. But before I could truly grasp the magnitude of their presence, the sound of an unfamiliar voice forced my hand.

Without warning, my right hand shot across my abdomen to grip the handle of my sword. The kissaki screamed as it tore against the scabbard, the abrupt turn upon the ball of my right foot leaving no room for me to regret or deter my actions. Steadily, my fingers wrapped themselves around the katana and threatened to thrust straight through what I would lunge at - at least, what I thought I would lunge at - before I suddenly stopped in my tracks. Gusts of wind rose from beneath me narrowed eyes met what looked to be a....

"...A tiger...that speaks."

Twas' an oddity, to be sure. I could not help but quirk an eyebrow, visibly unaccustomed to this life-size plushie of a humanoid. Never before had these grounds been disturbed by such creatures, my senses furthermore heightening at the mention of the forestry beyond the temple being held as one's sleeping spot. I scrutinized the tiger long enough for it to be awkward, realizing the error of my ways before I slowly lowered my sword until the tip made contact with the terra. "These grounds have been undisturbed for many years...Jay," I began, his name slipping from betwixt my lips with neither welcome or disdain. I knew better than to have given him my name. Information was a shinobi's greatest secrets. He lacked a headband, but I would not mistake this for no less than deception. I lifted the blade and slid it into its home again - either a testament to my arrogance that I needed no weapon to handle this creature, or to the fact that he intended no harm if he hadn't attempted to flank me.

My Sensor's ability was able to gauge the general chakra of Jay's position, though more pressing matters presented themselves. "How long have you been here? What do you know of this sacred ground..?" The irony of my words as I turned to the wreckage before me. I need not keep my eyes upon the stranger to my south. If so much as his tail swished, I would be aware.

[Nira]

"Oh no, what happened here..."

Vi Gesic's brown leather boots came to a stop. The very tip of her toes met against a small featureless rock. She was looking towards a mountain several hundreds of meters away, which had barely come into view form the horizon. It was a place she remembered visiting during the course of a couple past lives.

Unfortunately, it wasn't in a pretty state.

The old soul lifted a large straw sunhat off her onyx black hair, letting the strands flow haphazardly into the gentle wind. The breeze helped cool her head. Seeing such an ancient place broken down was rather distressing.

The crimson sash of the Enten Kobushi Amaterasu joined the dancing hairs in the air current. Instead of being worn around her waist, Vi had her sash wrapped around her shoulders as an improvised scarf. It was tattered from all her battles, unlike her snow white sweater and cobalt blue jeans.

While Vi continued to gaze towards the temple, Tarah Featherook arrived from a few paces behind. Both of the girls existed simultaneously thanks to the splitting of their soul. They were identical in terms of power and abilities, though their attire clashed.

Unlike Vi's softer outfit, Tarah was clad in metal. It was the main reason that the girls had different hiking speeds. Tarah's hands and forearms were covered by glowing metal gauntlets; they were a pair of melody arms with different elemental enhancements. The left arm was yellow with electricity, and the right arm glowed blue for ice.

Tarah's shins were both covered with shiny metal half-greaves. Her outfit was the standard uniform of the Konoha Military Police, minus any badges and official identification. An electronic disruptor was buried in her right hip pocket. Her left eye was covered with a mono-goggle with various types of lens.

"I told you we were going to be doing a lot of walking," Vi said as she heard Tarah's footsteps. "Why did you bring all your combat gear?"

Tarah smirked. "Paranoia won't destroy me, sis. I'll always be prepared. So what did you want to show me?"

"I'm not so sure there's anything left to show," Vi said. "The years have not been kind to this part of the realm. Can you take a look at that mountain with your goggle?"

Tarah nodded, then switched her sniper mono-goggle over to the zoom function. With her augmented range of sight, the girl began to scan across the rocky mountain base. It looked pretty damaged, everything that could have been a structure was left in ruins.

"Wait... I see someone!" Tarah said, pointing down towards something by the forests.

"Really? Who?" asked Vi.

Tarah rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah, just hand me my wilderness address book. I'm sure we can look him up."

"Oh for the love of gods, I'll just go see for myself." Vi said, while blue flames appeared in her palms and feet.

"Ah, hold on. He's not going anywhere," said Tarah. "Let's link up and fortify our general defenses first."

Vi sighed. "Stop with that. We did the usual ritual this morning, I'm going."

Without another word, Vi flew up into the air with a burst of blue flames. The fire shot out from the ends of her limbs, propelling her like a massive rocket.

The ritual that the girls referred to was a set of long-term defenses that were placed each day. After splitting their soul apart, the girls would use various soul techniques to remove fear, the influence of advanced genjutsu enchantments, and the discomfort of extreme climate temperatures. They also linked their souls together, and hid a small version of the other soul sister in their left pockets. After all that, they recharged their chakra with a special song, and filled their souls back up by taking life out of their surroundings.

It was a bothersome set of actions, but one that Tarah always insisted on.

Tarah was cautious, so she stayed behind and watched over Vi with the mono-goggle.

The jet propulsion technique had a time limit between uses. After Vi achieved a significant distance through the air, her azure flames went out and she began to fall towards the earth in a forward arch. Her flight ability returned a few seconds after that, so she had no problem slowing her descent.

If her flight was undisturbed, she would have landed roughly a dozen meters away from a man with flowing red hair. Her bright azure flames would disperse as her feet made contact with the unstable ground. She failed to notice anyone else nearby.

"Well, hello there," she greeted.

[j]

EYE OF THE TIGER FOR HOPE

AND EVEN THROUGH DISASTER

"Sacred?"

A puzzled expression lit upon his ferocious aspect. As he glanced around, he noticed at last just what he'd found. It was a temple. He settled in an upright position, only blinking for a few moments before seemingly carefully deciding his next utterance.

"Are you sure this is sacred?"

He continued to gaze upon the wreckage for a few more moments, before suddenly coming to some sort of realization. Abruptly his savage visage came to a halt. A blunt kind of cognizance slipped down his countenance, leaving his eyes wide and his mouth falling open.

"AH! You distracted me! Mister, this is my na-"

Just then another individual approached from behind his haunches. Drawing his attention the other way. More bothers?

9001 words

Umehara, Nira

booya second post!

❖ nox ❖

[Umehara]

He seemed altogether ignorance at the magnitude of his trespassing, offering me further knowledge that he knew not where he stood. "Do you not recognize this temple's former majesty? Surely, you can hear the envy of the damned as they wail beneath the granite? Can you not feel them nipping at your heels, threatening to rob you of the very air that you breathe?" I asked him, my eyes falling half-slated as I regarded him with incredulous manner. The plain stretched for hundreds of meters, patches of dry grass and weeds swaying heavily as the winds once more picked up. A blanket of dust and debris kicked up from beneath our heels as I lifted a hand to my visage to still my scarlet locks. They were growing restless - anger seeped from them and made it all the more difficult to breathe. Even above us, the clouds began to pass at a faster rate. What once were cerulean skies were now blotted out by gray, droplets of rain creating inaudible cadence against the giant stone slabs that stood "guard" over the vicinity.

The forestry behind the tiger slowly came to life.

"We have company.." I murmured.

My Sensor's perception had perceived her well before she had dropped into our vicinity, though I gave no visible inkling that I was aware of her presence other than a brief glance past the humanoid animal. I picked up my left foot and eased it backward to allow myself a stance of potential momentum, the cloak around me falling in place from the wind and concealing the handle of the katana poking out from my left side. Interesting, I thought, as I watched her flames extinguish from her appendages. I opened my mouth to speak a greeting in return, curious as to why the Uchiha Temple Grounds had gained such population. Unfortunately, the time to answer such questions was replaced with the necessity to perform a task far greater.

The task to live.

"You ignite the spirit of the dead with your flames, kunoichi." The earth once more rumbled to life as large pockets of terra split open, the once lifeless recesses now filled to the brim with the savage emotion of rage and violence. The bones of my kin began to lift from the ground, accompanied by weapon and shield alike that circled three meters about themselves before beginning to form assailants of supernatural creation. Lightning pierced the heavens and struck the center of where the three of us now stood, my feet carrying me in a jumping arc to the side in a narrow dodge. Quickly, I landed upon the soles of my feet and skidded to a halt. "Arm yourselves. Run if you want, but they will chase you into the forestry and behead you there. Live to hear the legacy of the Uchiha explained, or have your head upon a pike for all of eternity. The choice is yours..." I told them through a guttural growl. They stood before us now, the clickety clack of bones grinding together resounding across the edifice we now stood upon. They numbered at least fifty to our three.

Keeping Jay and the newly arrived woman within my peripheral vision, my left hand slid toward my butt bag to retrieve twin exploding tags. "I will lay you to rest once again, my brethren. The Bane will soon return you to your tombs."

[Nira]

Even without activating the sight of emotional aura, Vi could still feel the raw animosity pouring out from the world. Skeletal creatures rose out of the cracks, like flowers in the spring, though a lot less pretty. "Ah geez, the restless children that refuse to leave..."

Rumbles echoed through the gray clouds up above. The scarlet haired man leapt away just as lightning surged down the heavenly bodies. Vi back away as well, avoiding the bright strike, while shielding her face from any debris kicked up by the bolt.

Vi landed on both feet, balanced with the relaxed stance of a hitman boxer. She held up an open palm towards where she knew Tarah was watching from. It was a signal for her soul sister not to approach. There was no need for too much assistance against the frail undead.

"Dearest souls of the past, you've use up your lifetimes," said Vi. "Please leave peacefully. If you choose to attack, I will have to purge you in flame."

The azure fire rose out from Vi again. It surrounded her, a bright aura of heat that caused the air above to quiver.

[j]

EYE OF THE TIGER FOR HOPE

AND EVEN THROUGH DISASTER

Just when Jay was convinced there would be no more interruptions, lightning slipped through the clouds and cleaved itself into the loam. But Jay stood his ground. Rather than the utter fearlessness that Jay typically exuded from every pore of his being, this situation might better be represented by sleepiness.

His senses were marred by the rude interruption. His fur blown back by the lightning crashing within two meters of his location. It was probably a stroke of blissful luck that granted Jay with nearly the exact distance required in order for the lightning to not harm him.

And then the dead approached. 

It wasn't something that frightened Jay, but his face once again hosted a puzzled expression. It wasn't every day that you see skeletons erupt from the earth.

"Nnnn... Uuuuhh- hungry old ninja?"

Obviously that's not an impression a normal person has after seeing skeletons. But an uneducated person such as Jay might be surprised by this unexplained phenomenon. 

9001 words

Umehara, Nira

booya second post!

❖ nox ❖

[Umehara]

"....Yes, Jay. Hungry, dead, old ninja.." I remarked, almost in disbelief at how aloof this character seemed to be. I watched as the woman's flames erupted once more from her hands; I would take the initiative and begin my own set of handseals that would compliment the potential of our offensive. Lightning continued to strike the earth around us, harmlessly so as our adversaries began to pick up speed almost instantaneously. They began to Shunshin around us, diverging from the appearance of their delicate forms and taking true to the Ninja Ways of old. "'Lest your tail be tucked between your legs, tiger, I suggest you put those claws to vicious use." The final handseal done, I smacked a hand to the earth and began to gather the doton element to my command. Slowly but surely, a great outline began to etch itself into the terra. My chakra fed the earth with generous portion as I watched with interest; our enemies crept closer, the glints of silver within their hands signifying kunai and shuriken of various sizes.

"You disturb Uchiha grounds! We will feast upon the flesh of those unworthy of the Doujutsu! To our gullets, beast!"

Their words would engulf the azure kunoichi and our fluffed companion like incorporeal digits caressing every inch of her epidermis. While I was inclined to assist, I would leave her to her own devices; she appeared capable, a notion that I could not give Jay as my jutsu finally finished its preparation. Without warning, a pair of massive hands erupted from the ground and slammed their palms along the earth. A small number of our assailants were crushed beneath the weight of its grandeur, fingers cracking and bending with debris scattering like dirt raining from the clouds. A titan of earth, perfectly composed and crafted to mimic my appearance, pulled its torso from beneath the surface and rose until it sat upon its knees. "Doton! Dairasshu No Bunshin!!" I exclaimed, the gargantuan Uchiha clone's arms stretching out to either of its sides. I had managed to summon it from the ground only meters from the woman and Jay, my clone's left foot just shy of their position. "Stall them! I'm going to remove the boulders and give us entry into the temple! They will continue to spawn until I do so!"

With that, my Great Lash Clone took its first step forward and caused the earth to rumble under its weight. Slowly, I would begin to push the stone slabs that blocked the entrance from their resting place. Hopefully, my acquaintances would hold their own in the meantime.

"We are Uchiha! We were BORN in flame!!"

"And so you will bathe them and send them back to the womb.." I murmured, no doubt inaudibly toward the flame-bearing ninja.

Dairasshu no Bunshin (Great Lash Clone)
Rank: "S" Rank
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Creates an 80 foot tall earthen replica of the user which can be controlled by the user. The golem is capable of using techniques if the user performs the required handseals for the technique, but for an additional chakra expenditure.
Special: "Hand Seals"
Drawback: The user is incapable of using any techniques beyond Doton-based techniques for five turns, or while the technique is active, whichever is longer. The user must be careful on where they use this technique, for using it in cramped places could result in massive destruction. Drains a "D" Rank amount of chakra per turn that the creature is active. The user must keep physical contact with the golem in order to keep it in existence.
Description: A powerful Earth-based Ninjutsu that is often used to combat against opponents who have powerful summoning allies. The user, by performing the correct handseals, will channel their chakra into the earth around them. From underneath the user will rise a perfectly proportioned, although 80 feet tall, replica of the user. The golem is controlled by the user's will and can do anything that the user is capable of doing, including having the capability of performing earth-based Ninjutsu. The Earth-based ninjutsu that the golem uses causes the user to expend an additional amount of chakra equivalent to one rank higher than the rank of the jutsu being used by the golem, but it is also proportioned in size to the golem, meaning that the attacks would seem much larger than usual. The golem, which is covered with the user's chakra, requires an "S" rank amount of damage before it will break.
Limit: Must know Rock Creation "B" Rank. Must know Ishikyojin Kuchiyose no Jutsu. Must know Mimicry of the Earth. Must have Doton no Jutsu.

[Nira]

The voices of the dead did not intimidate Vi. Half of that was because of her soul defense against the emotion of fright. It wouldn't strike much fear into her heart even without that defense, though. They were rather... petty.

Vi slowly shook her head from side to side. "You chase away those who take interest in your heritage. When you've done that, in the end, who will be left to remember your name? Would you really rather it fall to the shadows of lost history?"

The young girl didn't stay still while she spoke. She wasn't naive enough to think that the right words would calm aggressive souls. Still, she couldn't help voicing her opinion in the matter. It was unfortunate that the tethered spirits were so bitter about those that walked their ruins. Was their knowledge so sacred that it must be erased from those beyond their blood?

While in thought, Vi watched as the opponents circled around her. The two others, which for some reason included a toy tiger, where a decent distance away. They were far enough for her to avoid striking on accident, in any case. However, before she began her formal attack, great earthbound hands erupted from the unbalanced acre. The arrival of the glorious giant brought about a small scale earthquake.

Stall them? Sure.

The Nova didn't use any of her physical explosives. She didn't want to unsettle the land too much. Cracking the earth up any more might also release more spirits. Instead, she stepped away from the gigantic creation, then ignited her location in a tall azure blaze. Her flames rippled along the cracked floor, then rose high above, obscuring vision and consuming every nearby entity in it.

Vi's fire occupied everything within ten meters of her, so she made sure she was at least twelve meters away from the two strangers and the giant.

While the blue blaze burned, Vi swept her arm across the field. An invisible ray of soul shot out from her hand, then exploded outwards, blowing away any entity forty meters in front of her. The invisible explosion also targeted the soul, which would slow down everything hit by it.

[Umehara]

I continued the ministrations of my construct as the kunoichi aided me, the grandeur of her flames licking the bone of my ancestors as they dare attempt to move closer. Large hands pushed aside slab after slab of stone, the earth below rumbling and quaking as our united efforts seemed more than capable of holding our assailants at bay. I could feel the ascension of few of them beginning their climb to my Great Lash Clone's shoulder to thwart my progress, and thus I would alter my path for but a moment. Ordering the gargantuan Anotsu to lift its right leg, the sole of its foot struck the plain and dislodged their numbers. A large chunk of earth rose meters into the skies, not even my eyesight able to keep a visual of Jay and the fire-wielding enigma of a shinobi. I cared little for the condition of the Temple Grounds. I could feel a sense of restoration birthed deep within my gullet, the strong sense of pride I once had piercing the darkness of the Curse Seal and causing it to run rampant through my veins.

I had to unleash its pent up aggression.

I grit my teeth as the Curse Seal began its spread across my form, the burning of my epidermis reminding me of the torture I'd experienced at the hands of the Abaddon and Legion. But this was a sweet torture; no longer did I experience pain. All I felt was the increase of my abilities, my muscles and chakra roaring to life underneath this human vessel and pouring out into the atmosphere. Even the spirits could feel my considerable increase in power, their howls like broken repentance as they were baptized in the fires of the stranger's jutsu. By this time, my Great Lash Clone had finished its work. Far beneath me, I was able to see what looked to be a half open entrance. The rocks that blocked it easily rolled away as my creature's digits gripped them, tossing them backward slightly so as to crush more skeletons under its mass.

"Lord Anotsu!! Lord Anotsu, we have arrived!!"

My head jerked toward the sound of human voices that did not belong to the woman or Jay. From the nothingness of the skies did three forms suddenly appear, my Sensor's Perception familiarizing itself with their signatures moments before I leapt from the shoulder of my clone. They began their assault on the spirits, temple monk's garb adorning every one of their figures as they easily swept through the multitude of enemies whose numbers had grown since our initial engagement. "Seal them. Now." My only command, and yet they were as obedient as they had been so long ago. Handseals quickly formed across them as they circled the mass of skeletal spirits, crimson tags tossed and stuck to the ground in a triangle formation. With a single word of activation, the damned found themselves separated from the physical plain. The contents of the tags connected one to the other and emitted a deafening sound similar to a thunderous boom. Within moments, those that the kunoichi had pushed back were now reduced to lifeless piles once again.

I landed meters away from them, the last of my Curse Seal's appearance withdrawing until naught but the mark beneath my right eye remained. With my clone's return to the earth finally settled, the ground was calm again. With Jay nowhere in sight, I could only have assumed that he'd tucked tail and departed. "How convenient that you show up just as the door is opened, Akuma. Gouken. Oro." Each one of them responded to their names with a humble nod. Akuma, the eldest of them, quickly stepped forward and took my hand into his own. This was the treatment that I had not truly missed. As he took a knee and placed his forehead to the back of my hand, I could only wonder just what they had heard of my ventures. "Lord Anotsu! We knew that the King would return! Our faith was not misplaced! Kouketsu's flesh and blood yet lives!" Akuma exclaimed, Gouken and Oro following closely as they knelt and bowed their heads deeply.

I merely shook my head, my peripheral vision wondering if the kunoichi would judge such acts of reverence. Regardless, the once sealed temple was ours to enter. Inexorably, I would be the revival of all that had born and perished here.

[Nira]

There was some kind of pressure, coming from behind. An aura of aggression that poured out like a magnificent flood. Vi's eyes adjusted to the visions of colored soul and emotion. She looked back to see the origin of the power, to find that the man with scarlet hair had transformed. Into what, she wasn't sure. The appearance was definitely unique.

Through the blue flames and trembling air, it looked all the more terrifying. It probably would to anyone else, at least. Vi's perspective on the world was odd while her mind was without fear.

The emotion and power reached the skeletal creatures. They cowered, which made brushing them away much easier to do. Whatever the augmented form was, its presence provided some decent assistance.

In the next moment, right after Vi brushed the damned souls away, voices came from the skies. Out from beyond their notice, three figures stepped into existence. They were old ones, priests, clerics, or maybe monks. Certainly divine, given their clothing and method of entry.

Lord Anotsu, they had addressed the man. They carried the tone of worship and recognition. It appeared that Vi had met with a more important figure than she anticipated.

The three newcomers had joined the fray, which was a relief considering how endless the horde was growing to be. Vi contributed as much as she could, but she avoided using wide area attacks now that so many allied entities were in the battle. She resorted to smaller balls of fire, which shot out from her fingers with more precision than force.

Anotsu gave the three newcomers a command to seal the restless souls. They were quick to obey. A ritual of sorts was performed around the broken ground, while the three worked in unison. When completed, the troublesome spirits lost their connection to the world. Vi saw with her aura sight, how they faded away from their fragile bone bodies.

Convenient.

Immediately after the battle's end, the divine three knelt at the feet of their lord. They named him king, descendant of people beyond Vi's knowledge. Vi raised an eyebrow with curiosity, but did not disturb what appeared to be a significant moment.

Instead, she glanced over to her soul sister's location, gesturing with her head for Tarah to approach.

Tarah saw the invitation, so she complied. Violet flames erupted from her limbs as she launched into the skies. She traveled in an arch just like Vi did. Her flames cut off near the end, then she slowed her eventual descent as the flames came back on.

"Watch it, sis. Don't let your flames touch the ground," Vi warned. "You might wake the spirits again."

"What, you mean they aren't taken care of?" said Tarah. "Can't that fancy spell from the bald triplets hold em down?"

[Umehara]

Casting my gaze skyward, I once again picked up the perception of another entity lingering within the distance. Far be it from me to turn away any who desired to know of my clan and the power that they once held, but it was a curious thing that life continue to exist among the dead. My servants of the temple stood to full height and turned toward the woman who had just dropped down from the heavens, her own flame extinguishing as I had seen her counterpart do. "Sis?" I asked, silently watching their interaction until it seemed fairly obvious that they had come together. An intelligent tactic, leaving behind a support unit that could assist if matters had taken a turn for the worst.

"The Sealing jutsu will ensure that they stay where they belong. The Hidden Mist Village caused this unrest. My brother, Kouketsu, was once a figurehead here. They murdered him. They murdered his bride-to-be. All that's left is a bitter history. Had I the means, this temple would be moved altogether." I lowered my gaze, images of Kouketsu's happiness playing through my mind like a reel of sorts. Gouken, turning toward the twin sisters, offered a deep bow before his hands crossed over his stomach. "Forgive our intrusion, m'lady. Are you, too, of the Uchiha Clan?"

"Gouken."

In that single word, I had spoken my disapproval and my surprise. Surely, the girl had had no inkling of the temple or its function. He pursed his lips as I took a single step forward, Oro and Akuma muttering among themselves as they backed away and began to make their way toward the temple's entrance. "...My name is Uchiha Anotsu," I stated to her. "The ground you stand on belongs to the Uchiha Temple. Years ago, we were seen as kings. But today, we're nothing more than trump cards on the battlefield." How many years had I lived with this knowledge? I wore my emotions upon my countenance as my once aloof appearance morphed into a scowl. Luckily, there was a distraction at my disposal. "Tell me. Who are you? What business have you here?" I inquired, turning and beginning to amble forward toward the temple doors.

"The same would be asked of you three."

Oro adjusted his necklace as we began to walk; I expected the two of the female shinobi to follow. "My Lord, we are here because we heard word of your arrival to the country. There are some shinobi who are aware of your return. But they fear the consequence of treading cursed ground. But we knew, Lord Anotsu. We knew that you would have the means to cast away the spirits that protected this plain. We're here to offer our services." The evening was starting to set in as the skies descended into orange and amber streaks. If I was to make the most of the Temple's discovery, I would need to work quickly.

"Tell me more."

[Nira]

"I am Vi Gesic, and my sister here is called Tarah Featherook," said Vi. "Believe what you will, but we're of one ancient soul, which has lived for many generations. In the passing of time, I assure you I have heard tales of your bloodline's name. We never met one, unforunately."

Tarah shrugged and gave half a nod, not too concerned with the details of what was being said. Together, the girls followed Anotsu and the three other followers.

It wasn't terribly difficult to follow. The old and honor temple had fallen into a temporary state of ruin. But, given that there were still loyal followers, it's return to former glory was a fair possibility.

"We pride the restoration of old history, since we're a lot of much in the past," said Vi. "If there's anything we could help with, please let us know."

[Umehara]

"I know what you are. You, too, are a Soulcaster."

I'd made a simple gesture with my arm, a sweeping motion that meant little more to any who were not of the same ability. I could feel the spiritual presence of Ekirei rise once more from within me. The dragon had succumbed to the taste of the Curse Seal, though I could often hear small mutterings from the confines of my dreams. An aura of silver pulsated from both their forms as I witnessed their emotional state. They possessed no fear. There was only what looked to be a certain indifference. Regardless, I would not deny them the knowledge of who - what - I was. "That changes today. I am one of the last who have the cursed blood of the Uchiha running through his veins. Truth be told, I've not seen another for quite a long time," I confessed, stepping over the threshold that would lead down and into the temple's first sanctuary.

The three monks before me continued their path of travel ahead, simple jutsu originating from their fingertips igniting torches that had been built into the walls. Stone panels were overturned, the flames bursting to life and feeding life into the desecrated sight before us. Pillars lay overturned and propped against the wall, sticking out of the floors like serrated daggers. Fabrics and relics littered the floor here and there, parchments and books charred or ruined lining shelves that contained dust and cobwebs. The smell of must and death lingered, permeating even through my senses to disturb my nostrils. Truly, there wasn't a single scrap of life.

I stopped in the center of the large, circular room. Much of it was covered in rubble, more bones and garments crushed beneath the weight of the temple's very composition. I pursed my lips as I lifted a hand to run it along the dust of an altar that sat in front of me. I could feel Burakku's unease as he awakened to speak to me.

"Destroyer. You have returned.."

Though only I could hear him, it seemed as if the shadows from every nook and cranny began to crawl toward us. Oro stroked his beard as Akuma and Gouken set to tending to various sections of the room, ensuring that none of the traps originally crafted would spring. I glanced at the sisters who followed, ultimately denying Burakku a response. All in due time, perhaps.

"Help?" I asked almost incredulously. Before I could protest, Akuma turned quickly and held his hands forth as if attempting to gather Vi's attention. "Yes, child!" he began, clear indication that he would address her by her youthful vessel. "Lord Anotsu requires the servitude of those who would seek his blessing. In return, I offer you a spiritual guidance unseen by mortal coil.." he muttered. Gouken's back stiffened, the scowl upon his features signifying his disapproval. "Akuma! Such augmentation is forbidden! My Lord, still his mouth!" he spat. The volume of Burakku's groans forced my forehead to my palm, but I would not forestall my reply. "And what does it benefit you to assist me in restoring this temple?" I inquired. I flipped through a set of handseals as I awaited a response. Within seconds, clones of crystalline fortification rose from the ground and began their work to remove the chunks of rock that would block further investigation down and into the inner workings of the temple.

The inside view was magnificent, to say the least. Depictions of the Sharingan rest on the ceiling, rose windows and furniture rotten and falling apart with every step. I stopped just at the threshold to an entrance further in, waiting for confirmation of their commitment.

[Nira]

The sisters each raised a brow upon hearing Anotsu's declaration. He spoke the modern name for those with an ancient soul, and implied to be the same. The gesture of the hand was a familiar one, but not something the two girls had to do in a long time. Vi already recognized the strong soul when she was drawn in by the pressure of Anotsu's transformation, but she was too occupied with the restless spirits to consider it's meaning.

Tarah, having missed the brief burst of the lord's unnatural power, chose now to activate her own vision into the soul. While the man looked upon the sisters, Tarah looked back. He did have a strong soul, but the emotions that plagued him were chaotic. There were many hues both displayed and suppressed. Quite a colorful work of art, but composed of sorrow.

When the praised man admitted to his isolation, Vi's eyes flashed a look of pity. She didn't hold it for long, not wanting to gift such a useless emotion. Still, to have kith and kin divided to such great lengths was a terrifying misfortune.

And before... when he spoke of the past, of the Mist Village's misdeeds. There was sadness there, as well. Vi didn't require insight of the soul to hear grief in the voice.

Elsie, The Saint, a past life's fragment of the cunning seducer, spoke a thought in the minds of Tarah and Vi. There could be ways, perhaps to imitate the bloodline. To reflect the soul and provide some hope for the man.

Vi denied that thought, and pushed the fragment back into the depths of their subconscious.

That was deception, and should be nothing more than a stray thought. This man was strong, worthy of respect even with so little time spent learning of him. He was a lord, a vessel of a magnificent soul, and of a bloodline which once had control of this sacred temple.

Yes, even while they walked through the dim remains, the temple definitely spoke to a time of glory. To be a wreckage did not deprive it of its clues. Had everything been clean, had every bit of rumble been some part of the structure, then it would be most wonderful.

And, Tarah couldn't help but think about it; he would be a friend worth making.

The girls continued to follow behind, reaching deeper into the lifeless ruins. The stench struck them like the thrust of a needle. They paused for a moment. Vi continued walking right after, while Tarah absently held up her right arm to guard against the odors.

They continued, but when Vi offered to assist, they were something resembling a quiet uproar.

A forbidden augmentation? It definitely caught her curiosity. Though, the monks were a bit fanatical about the dedication of it. The one that spoke up, Akuma, did strike a bit of a nerve when he addressed Vi as a child. It was something she'd rather say, not be called. It was a common occurrence though, not something to complain about. Anotsu's query was what required her focus.

"There is wealth to be gained in culture," said Vi. "Not wealth of tasteless gold, but the riches that empower our souls. The world does fine enough to preserve what it already has, but so many turn away from what can be restored. People too readily accept loss. It's long past the time for this place to be saved."

Tarah smirked. "Being friends with a king isn't too bad a thing, either."

[Umehara]

I could not help but chuckle at Tarah's forthcoming personality.

"Is a King truly worth his crown if he has no throne to sit upon?" I asked, almost in self-reflection as my clones continued their journey in moving rubble and the like. Tapestries were pulled from beneath wooden pews and cast aside, the ministrations of the monks and myself to provide space enough to maneuver. My Sensor's perception felt no presence in the immediate vicinity; even the spirits gave homage and would not act upon the eternal turmoil that had settled. Gouken and Oro were resigned to the fates of beginning their observation of each room; as the doors were cleared, so would they travel inward. I turned toward Vi and Tarah, shaking my head slightly. "We'll go no further for now. I sense no other disturbances, but this temple was designed with intruders in mind. Even the floors will turn in chasms at the slightest pressure," I told them, thoughtfully allowing the toe of my boot to kick at the floor beneath me.

Akuma had fallen silent at my disapproval, but inevitably I would give him a glance that confirmed his desire to continue. "Lord Anotsu is aware that the monks of the Uchiha Temple are capable of Ninjutsu and the like that are set apart from what is conventional.." he began, stepping closer to the two and allowing his old form to stand upright. Noticably taller when standing up straight, his old eyes opened fully to reveal a scarlet glow of sorts that spoke whispers of the power that the temple once controlled. "The gods, Amaterasu, Susan'o, and.." he muttered, looking at me, "Tsukuyomi. Their divine gifts have been passed down to those with the aptitude. Though not uncommon by practicioners everywhere, we are gifted with the ability to grant an incorporeal form to the bearers of our works. Among many, we know much. Rituals were performed here upon these very tables until our King and his kin were forcefully removed from Mizu No Kuni. A terrible day, indeed.."

I merely waved the tension into dissipation. "Regardless, your help is much appreciated. I hail from the Sound Village. Of course, I can tell you little more than that. Your arrival is welcome. But under other circumstances, our roles one toward the other would have been vastly different." I spoke with an attempt at neutrality. As much as I had revealed about this dilapidated temple, I would trust none no farther than my own personal ambition. Not even the Raikage, as helpful as he had been, would know of my ministrations. I silently contemplated Mayu's involvement, as well. I would withhold that information for now. "The restoration of the Uchiha will bring about a new era for those of the shinobi world. Slowly, surely, I will bring about a contrast to the damnation of my kind. In return, I will give you knowledge and power....beginning with the potential of Akuma's word."

Akuma nodded sagely. "Have you any money to spare, child? Our rituals are not without monetary requirement."