Meeting with the Shogun

Oda Hinode. He had been the next in line to inherit the clan. The eldest brother of the current main family. Their father had recently retired from the position of clan head having allowed Oda to inherit the clan at the age of thirty. However this might seem odd to anyone who didn't know much about the Hinode clan. By outside appearances someone who may have just recently turned thirty was giving away clan head to someone who was likely around fifteen. Outside appearances being deceiving of course. All the members of their bloodline simply aged far slower than the average person. Usually at about half the rate of others physically. The old man may appear to be thirty but the truth was he was closer to sixty. Having served the clan himself for the last thirty years dutifully. Now it was Oda's turn to take the reigns and ensure the prosperity of their clan. Up until recently the Hinode had kept to themselves and didn't show much trust in others. Having overthrown warlords for their freedom from enslavement. They were naturally suspicious of others so they had to keep their own crops and herds. But times, they were changing.

Their was a new shogun that recently took over the villages outpost. Or at least there was rumors about him roaming around. Some said his strength was legendary and others claimed he was the embodiment of the Bushido code. However the truth of the matter was there was a play happening to seize power in the country. If the Hinode were to survive they needed to see what side they would remain on. In order to do that Oda wished to meet with this Kensai. The Iron Shogun as they were calling him. He needed to see for himself what kind of man this was. To see if the Hinode would prosper under him or if he was just another warlord that would abuse their power. Of course having kept to themselves mostly the Hinode were not people of great means. Mostly Farmers with some samurai trained and others actually pursuing medical practices to supplement their clans income. So a letter had been sent ahead of time via a courier that Lord Oda of the Hinode clan wished for an audience. It simply stated that Oda was coming and that he would be seen. After all he wasn't one for wasting time with platitudes.

Oda himself would arrive an hour before sunset riding on the back of one of his clans plow horses. His white robes were clean and pressed but open over a black button up high collar shirt and black pants with workers boots. Polished though. Even the clan head tilled the fields when he wasn't practicing. Across his back was a poor mans Odachi. It was in as good of repair as they could manage but it was old. Handed down through the generations and no longer the decent weapon it had been. Even in it's prime it was a weapon a slave had gotten their hands on. Mass produced crap. But it had his clan symbol on the hilt and marked him as the clan head. The horse would take the by appearance teenage boy to the front gate. His black eye brows furrowed over white eyes as a stoic expression held his face to a stern look. His white hair was only colored by naturally red sideburns. He would pull the reigns on his horse as he approached the front gate and announced himself. His voice clear and more adult that he looked. Commanding even.

"I am Hinode Oda, Head of the Hinode clan. I come seeking an audience with the Shogun."

The snow and cold wind in the Land of Iron was still something Kensai hadn’t quite gotten used to yet. When you live your entire life in the desert, it is certainly a shock to move to such a vastly different climate. It was funny to think, then, that the dark skinned Shogun had previously gone by the Desert Rose and the Devil of the Sand...but now he had gained his most important title yet...the title of Iron Shogun. Kensai was a liberator, a builder and a uniter, or at least that was his hope. There were many clans in the Land of Iron that were scattered to the wind, and it was his goal to seek them all out and bring them together to strengthen the bonds and alliances of the land in order to make them a stronger united front. This would be the first step in mending the rifts between all of the lands in the continent, and he truly believed that it was something within his reach.

Dressed in his full Samurai regalia, the symbol of the Tanahashi clan stamped into his armour and a heavy fur coat with the symbol of The Land of Iron sewn into it, Kensai should have likely been sitting in the manor that he had taken over as his office...but he really hated sitting at a desk. He was the type of leader who wanted to be out among his people, teaching people in the ways of the bow and blade, instilling the code of his ancestors, the Bushido Code, into the next generation. He loved people, and that helped in his quest for peace across all lands. On this day Kensai Tanahashi, the Shogun of the Land of Iron, could be found in one of his favourite places, the village walls. He was scanning for potential threats, and watched with great interest as a man approached on horse. Kensai assumed this was the man who had sent a bird to the village, and noted that it appeared he was one of the clan leaders he was expecting to have to hunt down…

How convenient

The man would get to the gate and state his business, confirming Kensai’s suspicions and causing a soft smirk from the Shogun. He would rest a hand on his companion’s head between his ears, giving them a scratch and causing a low groan from the tiger before he got onto Tora’s back and the Tiger stood up, Kensai moving to stand directly over the man on the wall and striking an impressive visage as show moved past him and his heavy cloak billowed in the wind, as did his companion’s fur.

”You seek a meeting with the Iron Shogun? Very well Hinode, he stands before you. Why have you come to Tetsumura?”

{10 exp)

Oda would look up as a man presented himself on top of the wall. A man riding a tiger of all things in the mountains. Snow lightly falling around them as White eyes met those of the man in his full samurai gear with a large fur coat. Oda would attempt to keep his expression blank for the moment to study the man. Clearly someone of power. However his horse would not remain so calm. It was a farm horse after all and rarely saw predators. So a freaking tiger in front of it? The damn horse had a hell no moment. It would rear up and throw Oda with a surprised expression from it's back. Slamming him into a pile of snow to break his fall before the horse took off running back towards home. Oda would wince a moment before looking in the way the horse took off in. Well damn. That was going to be a long walk home. Still he couldn't blame the beast. It wasn't a war horse after all. Still he would slowly rise to his feet. Straightening his back with a pop before wiping snow off himself. A frown on his face as he glanced back up to Kensai.

"I have come to see if you are what is best for my clan to follow or if we should avoid this place as per part of our constant history. I have never heard of you before recently so I assume you know little about us. If the lord would be a gracious host, I could use some tea and a hot meal. In return I will happily explain my clans history to him and see what you think of us as potential allies. For as much as I am here to evaluate you on behalf of my clan, I am sure you wish to evaluate us."

Oda would stand there in the snow as he finished brushing himself off. He was small. Looking to be around fourteen or fifteen maybe but his words and the way he held himself simply seemed older and more mature. He would adjust the strap over his shoulder and waist holding the sword in place as it had been shuffled in the fall. That tiger sure was a power move. Did the man wish to intimidate him from the start? Oda would steel himself for the moment. If the intent was to intimidate Oda he needed to face his fears and remain calm. For his clan he must be prepared to even dance against death. He knew if he didn't return the clan would move on and break ties with this shogun. Perhaps even go to war with him if needed. However that was not the goal of the day. The goal of the day was to peacefully introduce themselves and educate the man. If this didn't go to hell in a hand basket perhaps they could make more of it later. For now Oda stood there with snow ....melting around him? No wonder the boy was comfortable in simple robes in such freezing temperatures. The air ran so hot around him his clothes were already drying.

Kensai would watch the display as the horse ran, but not before throwing its rider from his back. Such a weak willed animal was clearly not a loyal steed. Tora hadn’t even roared, though had that been the case he wouldn’t have been surprised by what had just happened. It would almost cause the Iron Shogun to chuckle as he and Tora moved away from their position, waving another person to take the guard’s position as he went to throw the lever to have the gate raised. He would remove his Kabuto, fastening it to his sarashi and allowing snow to fall into his already snow white hair as his golden eyes met the curiously white ones of the boy in front of him. He wondered if this was blindness, which would be a curious thing indeed, but he didn’t seem to be blind from what Kensai could tell. He was extremely young to be in his position, which would be a cause of curiosity for Kensai as he would lead the man towards a small inn and tavern in the village where he would be able to sit, the innkeeper bowing before Kensai as he walked in.

”Please friend, no need to bow to me. I am but a man. A hungry man who has a guest. Would you be able to fetch us a couple of bowls of miso soup and a pair of oolong teas? I don’t know about him, but I’m freezing. You folks impress me every day with how you tolerate such a cold climate. I’m still having issues adjusting!” The innkeeper looked happy after the compliment as he went away to grab some food, Kensai kneeling at one of the low tables on a mat that was created for this purpose. Kensai was a kind and gentle soul, and the people around him had a tendency to react accordingly, as evident by the smile on the Innkeeper’s face as he brought two bowls of soup and cups of tea. Kensai would thank the man, and pay him before watching him leave and turning his attention to his guest.

”I must ask, because it seems odd to me. How is one so young the leader of a clan? What happened to put you in that position? If it is a sensitive subject I apologize, but I wish to know as much as I can about the more recent history of this land, as I haven’t had my father to tell me stories of it in...fourteen years.”

{20 exp}

Oda wouldn't hear the small chuckle from the man but would see an interaction with another guard as the position the Shogun Kensai had been in a moment ago became the new guards post. There was a moment of silence before the gate would be raised and behind it Kensai would be waiting for him. The man had removed his helmet which now hung from his belt. Allowing the striking features to be revealed. He seemed smaller than what Oda had pictured and more bold at the same time. For some reason he had been expecting a massive bearded man or something. It was almost comforting to see that the man was human. Still they made eye contact before the Shogun turned and escorted Oda silently to a nearby tavern within the gate. The moment they crossed the threshold it would be warmer within. A cozy place outside of the old lit with a large fireplace that kept the room warm. But this close Kensai would be able to feel the potent katon chakra flowing from the Oda boy. Well potent was a strong word but just being in a room with him made the temperature a good seventy degree's.

The innkeeper would bow before Kensai would greet him in a friendly manner. The inn keeper didn't seem to react like one in fear for their safety might. He wasn't just watching Kensai after all but his subjects. The way others reacted around him would determine the true nature of the man before Oda. Still they would be led to a small table with some privacy. Kensai would kneel comfortably onto his pillow before Oda would find his way to the opposing side of the table. Kneeling on his only after Kensai was fully settled. Sitting formally with his back straight. Kensai would pose a question about Oda's young appearance and already it had come up. He supposed explaining that much wouldn't hurt. So he spoke in a calm voice. His expression barely changing as those white eyes seemed to almost stare unblinking. There was an intensity to this boy despite his lack of physical power. "I am the eldest of my three brothers. Our father was the last clan head and I inherited it only recently when he retired at the age of sixty. I myself am actually thirty years old but due to our clans bloodline we age at about half the speed of the normal individual."

The tea would arrive shortly before the soup and Oda would produce some prayer beads from up his right sleeve. Quietly he would close his eyes and offer a silent prayer to his god before pushing the beads back up his sleeve. He didn't wait to see if Kensai would either or force his beliefs audibly. Instead he would simply pick up his tea and wait for Kensai to drink first. It was tradition after all. If Kensai would drink then Oda would sip at his as well. His own liquid almost starting to boil from him holding the cup but he didn't seem to be hurt by the heat of it. He would make a happy grunt before Looking over the top of his cup. White eyes studying the man. Finally he would set his cup down and speak once more. The bubbling stopping as soon as he let the cup down and stopped touching it. "I would be pleased to educate you on the history of my clan, however this is not to swear fealty just yet. This is so you know the reason why my people are slow to trust. We will not be slaves again."

Kensai would take a sip of his tea and even cocked an eyebrow when the man told him that he was thirty. That was something that seemed quite unbelievable to him, but to be fair he had seen many explainable things in his days...such as a woman who’s skin was hot enough to burn you. He would watch the man who seemed to watch him, curious about him indeed. Kensai hadn’t heard tales of the Hinode clan in the past, but he knew that there were many clans scattered across the lands. He, naturally, had heard the tales of the four because they were the things of samurai legend. It was fascinating to see someone from a clan he had never heard of, and with such interesting aging abilities. He wondered what else they could do. Apparently hold very hot things and drink them without cooling them first was the answer.

The last statement that the man mad was an odd one indeed. He had said that they wouldn’t be slaves again. Considering that the Land of Iron had been relatively peaceful for centuries, and Ken had never heard tales of such atrocities being committed in their land. It was a distressing thought to be honest, and one that he would ensure if it was still happening he would stamp out. He would frown as he thought of the slavers he had killed in the Sand Village, having hoped he would never run into such people again. He would prevent himself from closing his grip on the glass in frustration, knowing that if he did it would shatter very easily under his overwhelming strength. He would put the cup down as he sighed.

”The idea of Slavery in the Land of Iron bothers me greatly. I am a peaceful man, a man who loves people and believes in them. I have worked hard throughout my life to ensure that every person I ever met was left better than when I had met them...Slavery is a disgusting stain on humanity, and if I ever find slavers here I will stamp them out immediately, without hesitation, and in a way that will warn others to not step foot in our lands...Anyway, I apologize. Feel free to continue.” He had managed not to slam his fists into the table, but he had come pretty close before remembering that would be a terrible idea. He took another sip of his tea and continued to examine the young looking man.

{30 exp}

Oda would observe as the man clearly was shaken by anger. A righteous fury at the idea of slavery. That anything of the sort would happen within his lands seemed to bother the shogun. It was good. Uplifting the opinion of the young looking Oda as he would shift to eat some of the stew. It had been a small journey here and would be a much longer one back to the compound. He could hunt for food on the way but starting off with a full belly would be beneficial to him. If the hunting was scarce along the way he would need to not starve. It would only be a couple of days if he walked along the safety of the road and took his time. If he chose to go through the woods and the wilds though it wouldn't take more than a few hours. Still he didn't like the idea of endangering himself out there if he didn't have to. Damn that horse. He hoped some wild animal didn't catch up to it and eat it. They would need the horse to help plow the next seasons fields. If it just became somethings meal it would be a dramatic loss for the clan.

Oda would stop chewing and look up as the man mentioned his intentions to make an example of any slavers in the nation. How he hated them and wished to treat people well. This would be good news for the Hinode clan. A national focus to maintain the freedom their ancestors had fought so hard to obtain. It would bring the hint of a smile to Oda's expression before he collected a small fork off the table. He would open up his left hand and suddenly jam the twin pronged fork into the top of his own left hand with a wince. Yanking it out as two points of blood began to spill out. However almost immediately the tiny wounds would close. Oda would take a napkin and wipe away the small amount of blood before showing his hand. Now it was only two red spots that were quickly fading into their normal color. With that abrupt display finished Oda would fold the napkin to hide the blood and speak once more.

"Our clans bloodline heals our bodies passively. Much like medical ninjutsu would but without us having to focus on it. However long ago it was discovered that if our blood was injected into another, our power was temporarily stolen. Imagine warlords discovering they could heal from fatal wounds just by keeping a walking blood bag next to them. Generations ago there was a lot of infighting for territory. Anyone who had Hinode blood held an advantage. So most of my clan was rounded up and held against their will by these would be lords. It was a bit of an uprising when we picked up swords and fought back. Now we keep mostly to ourselves. Rarely trusting others not to steal away even our children to suit their ends."

The Iron Shogun watched the display of the man stabbing himself and then seeing the wound heal itself back up. Kensai would keep a straight look on his face, even though he found the sight to be somewhat repulsive. The idea of such things were bizarre to him, and in his mind were often associated with the shinobi...but it made sense that if they had evolved to be able to do such things, the Samurai would have too. He wondered where the clan had originated from? Which of the four kingdoms would have held claim to their particular power? He wondered...but not enough to press it. The young looking man certainly was an interesting specimen. Kensai had met people who could heal others by channeling their Ki into them, but this man was different. Kensai felt no flare up of Ki, nothing of the sort, just the healing...perhaps that was attributed to the heat?

He wouldn’t take long to finish his Miso soup, the meal being his first today as he had lost track of time while guarding the wall...a fairly common occurrence for the man. Kensai was a simple man who enjoyed simple things and prioritized the wellbeing of others far beyond his own. He would ensure that nothing could possibly happen to the villagers here, and the gate was his best spot to be able to make sure of that.

”I can imagine the advantages of such a peculiar skill and why people would want to be able to control that. I myself am more simple.” He would strip back his armour, revealing a scar ridden chest and shoulder. ”I tend to simply bandage myself and move on. You needn’t worry about me trying to use you for your...blood I suppose. A despicable thought to begin with. I wish to unite the clans, to bring everyone in the Land of Iron into the fold and to give them a home in Tetsumura. As you can see we are building, expanding, and trying to make this a place where people can live safely, freely, and be themselves. I don’t know what it is that you seek, but this is what I have to offer; peace. He would take another sip of his tea and smile softly.

{40 exp}

Oda would listen and continue to eat his soup until his bowl was empty. Once his stomach was full he was satisfied and sat back on his feet a little more. Taking the tea in hand as he sipped at the bubbling liquid. For this one member of the clan fire was a part of his nature. He provided warmth and comfort for his people and reduced his enemies to ash if needed. The wicked would burn beneath his blade. However this one did not seem to be wicked by nature. An idealistic shogun. Even as the man showed him his scars to show how little he sought out medical attention, Oda wished he could believe in this dream the man had. This ideal world where they could protect anyone from anything. Oda wanted to believe that this Shogun would be better than those before him. That he wouldn't dream the dreams of a conqueror. That this man would only let others join his fold and not force his hand against the innocent. However his world was too dark at the moment to believe. He had to consider these ideas naive. Greed and malice would always create madness in mankind.

"If only that can be true for everyone. However for those who live here to experience peace some select few must remain prepared for war. To live and die and honorable death. To face it with courage at the aid of his fellow man. We few must be ready to sacrifice everything for the greater good. We will walk with pride and be a beacon of hope. But we will never truly know peace."

Oda would sip the rest of his tea a moment before setting the empty cup back down. He would undo the strap over his shoulder and place his sheathed Odachi with his clan symbol on the hilt on the table. Oda would shift back a little and place his hands inwards on his knee's. Having done so Oda would bow deeply. Speaking as he remained bowed. "I am Hinode Oda and I am the head of clan Hinode. We are a proud clan but with pride must come honor. I will be watching but not from a distance. I will watch from beside this nation of yours. So long as you enforce honor among your people, The Hinode will stand at your side." He would rise from his bow to a formal seated position once he finished and stare intently into Kensai's eyes. Watching to see if his clan would become a vassal or if this shogun would push them away entirely.

The man would speak of honour and courage, sacrifice and hope. The last statement he had said irked the Iron Shogun, but again, he wouldn’t let it show. He would watch the display as the man placed his weapon on the table and bowed. He would pledge himself to Kensai, and Kensai assumed that he was waiting for him to accept, but he imagined that what he was about to do would surprise the man. When the Hinode leader would readjust his position Kensai would remove his bow, his prized weapon and the true representation of who he was. He would then remove his cloak, folding and placing it with the symbol of the iron country visible as he would lay his bow on top of it. He would bow as well, humbling himself before this man as he sat before him.

”I am Kensai Tanahashi, second of my name and the last of my line, Shogun of the Land of Iron, Devil of the Sand, The Desert Rose. I am the guardian of my people, and pledge to be the guardian of you and yours. I will give you my all and should I fail you I shall take my own life as for a shogun to fail his people is the worst crime he can possibly make.” He would make his pledge not only to the man, but to the Nation of Iron itself, the symbolism of the cloak not lost on him. He would sit back up, putting the cloak of his office back on and looking at the man in front of him to gauge his reaction.

”Needless to say I accept your offer, so long as you accept mine. Were all equals here in the Land of Iron, and for you to protect me and me not to protect you would be very wrong indeed...”

{50 exp}

Oda would watch as the man removed his bow and his cloak. Setting the cloak neatly down so the Iron country symbol was showing and his bow on top of it. A very symbolic set up. The man who was lord over these lands would bow before Oda which brought a widening of those pearl white eyes. However Oda would remain reverent and quiet as a pledge was made in return. This individual would pledge himself to those under his rule. Making those around him to be brought up and treated as equals. Oda would nod his head and smile before collecting his sword and setting it next to himself on the pillow he was kneeling upon. Not the floor. When a statement was poised to him Oda did not take it as rhetorical. "It would be a shame. As head of my clan I can partially understand the burdens and responsibilities of a leader such as yourself. Not to the same extent of course. For now, let us drink some sake to this new alliance. One night to celebrate won't bring the walls crumbling down around us and one must not focus entirely on duty lest they forget to live. For only by truly living do we truly know what we fight for."

With that Oda would hold up a hand and order a jug of warm sake. Along with two sakazuki for them. Oda would set a few ryo pieces down to pay for it. Not wishing for all of this to be at the charity of his Shogun. Patiently Oda would wait as their table was cleared, tea refilled and soon a clay jug with two clay sakazuki would be set before them. Oda would wave off any offers to serve their sake for them and instead he would take up the roll. Pulling out the cork and reverently serving Kensai first and then himself. Setting the jug back on the tray as liquid sloshed softly inside. The smell of rice wine was potent as he collected his sakazuki in both hands and held it up in a sort of salute. Waiting for Kensai to do anything similar or just raise his tea if the man refused to drink. Only once they were both ready Oda would speak once more. "To a strong and unified nation." And with that he would tilt the saucer in his hands back and drink the liquid within it. Not letting a single drop spill.

The boy...er man...ordered sake, and of course poured one for Kensai. He didn’t know why people always had to go with alcohol. Kensai didn’t like alcohol, he didn’t drink it generally, but for some reason people always felt the need to mark occasions with it. Kara had done it, Okane had, and now here was Oda doing the same thing. He, of course, wasn’t going to ignore whatever the man’s traditions were, but he felt at some point he would need to get a sign for his desk that said ‘I don’t drink alcohol’ so that he could avoid these situations. He, of course, would pick up the drink, raise it as people do, and throw it back so that it was done. He was a man who could appreciate tradition after all, and he wasn’t going to break it right now.

”And a long and prosperous peace where everyone will be treated as equals, and slavery will never again plague our lands.” The shogun would nod as he picked up his tea and wiped the taste from his mouth, looking back to the individual across from him. ”Now I do apologize, but was there anything else you wished to discuss? I have a nation to build, and unfortunately the work won’t do itself. I’ve spent more time with a hammer in my hand recently than a bow!”

{60exp}

They would drink and the Shogun would speak of his desires for peace again before cleaning his pallet with his tea. Oda would watch with that expressionless face of his while he settled more into his pillow. The man asked if there was more they needed to discuss at the moment and Oda would shake his head no. The man had many things to attend to and so Oda would not be one to hold him up. So he would speak in a calm demeanor. Respectful but his voice held so little in the way of emotion.

"It was an honor to meet you my Shogun. I will finish my sake here and find a place to stay for the night. Perhaps this place has a spare room. It is a long walk without my horse and I do not wish to set out when it will be dark well before I reach home. They will worry when my horse returns without me but I will send a messenger bird to quiet their fears and set out first thing in the morning. If ever you need aid we are just south east of here by about a days march. We will listen to anything this outpost needs."

Oda would smile slightly in a friendly way before he would bow his head. If the Shogun was excusing himself he would show at least that much in the way of respect. It would be unfamiliar territory for Oda to get too friendly. Politics being his upbringing as well as training with the sword. If the Shogun got up to leave Oda would refill his sake. Unlike the man he did enjoy his drink. Though to get drunk he had to drink the whole pitcher and even then it wouldn't last long. His healing factor would process the alcohol quickly.

The Iron Shogun would nod as the man would finish his peace. ”You may take a horse from our village, I’m sure yours has gone home. Just make sure it comes back when you do. Once you’ve settled in I would like to take you out with me so that I might gauge your combat skills and know how I would best deploy you in the future. Perhaps you will be able to learn a thing or two from me as well...and maybe I can do the same from you. In the meantime, I wish you a safe journey home.” Kensai would exit the tavern after these words, making his way towards a group of people who were working on rebuilding houses, which Kensai would gladly begin to assist them with as there as much work to be done, and he was determined to ensure that it would all finish in a timely manner…

{Exit Thread}

{70 exp}

Oda would bow his head in thanks to the offer of a horse. He would still leave in the morning as traveling at night was cold and dangerous. Besides a warm tavern with drink and food and a soft bed appealed to him. He would keep his head bowed until the shogun left. Speaking of wishing to gauge his power when Oda returned. To know how best to utilize him for future proposes. He was a little concerned about what might happen if he was asked to draw his blade. His rage taking over perhaps. He would take a deep breath and settle his mind as he poured more sake for himself. Sipping on it for a couple of hours before paying for a bed for the night. In the morning he would pay for a bowl of stew and some water before setting out with the borrowed horse. One in much better shape than his own.

8 = 80 exp
exit thread