Shinramoto (012)

[Never]

This post marks the beginning of my Mission;
- Get over/through an emotionally demanding task (3)

---

There was a fine smell that found its way into Lena's nose, as she and Alicia got closer to their house the smell got stronger and more divine. The recognisable herbs and heat, Juliana was home. For some reason the Threaded monster felt nervous, an emotion that rarely peaked inside of her. She was just thinking of all the questions she was going to get bombarded with, the massive lecture and telling off that she was going to receive - The great monster of Shinramoto, scared of a Mother's lecture. Her hearts beat loudly in her torso. As they reached the front door, Lena just kind of stood there with her hand floating just shy of the door handle.

It wasn't the fact she was scared of Juliana, it was the fact that she had no idea what she was to say. Lena had been away for so long and it was no one but her own fault. She felt guilty, that pit in her stomach grew bigger and she let out a long trembling breath. Alicia got a bit too impatient however and opened the door herself without much care, going into the house and yelling to her mother that she was back. Lena blinked and looked through the door, eventually stepping inside and walking in to meet the fate of whatever this was.

The shuffling of footsteps and the clanging of metal pans came from the Kitchen where as the rest of the house was eerily quiet, like all the activity was focused in the kitchen. Lena stood in the living room, questions and answers going through her head, like a script she was trying to write out of all the outcomes and possibilities here encounter with Juliana was going to go. With Zeri it was different, he was mostly a talker of business and less about the emotional side of things; he wouldn't hold it against her that she was gone for a while. But Juliana cared more about that side, especially since Lena was so involved in Alicia's life.

"Shit."

She had to let slip something from her mouth, a little leak as her brain overthought and overwhelmed. The pit in her stomach grew as she sank more into guilt; the possible questions or things Juliana could say that could wreck Lena - even if it was something she would probably never say. But Lena felt that Juliana could be as savage as she wanted, because she deserved it.

Her legs felt stiff, it took more willpower than usual to drag her feet over to the Kitchen. Like those Leg Weights around her ankles suddenly weigh more than ever. She kind of wished something could stop her from proceeding, but no every step she made was unhindered - no mystical barrier of fuuinjutsu, no rudimentary bear trap. Lena stood in the doorway of the Kitchen now, he eyes diverted down - she slowly looked up - Juliana's back opposite the entrance doing some washing up; Alicia beside her chatting her Mother's ear off. The little girl hopped up and down and gestured towards Lena at the doorway.

"Look look! She's here!"

Juliana turned on the spot, her face was young looking for that of a mother - barely a crack, her lips gently parted as she observed the Monster in her Kitchen. She just stared curiously at her for a moment before looking down at her daughter with a small smile, "Looks like we have to set the table for one extra person Honey. Go, take her with you."

Alicia grinned and ran over to Lena grabbing both her hands and leading her into the Kitchen, they both go through some draws and grab cutlery and plates. There was no more words exchanged between the two, Juliana barely directed much attention towards Lena or even referred to her by her name when she did speak. Lena was just wondering like a zombie, letting Alicia lead with the items towards the dining table as she continued to think. As Lena left the room she quickly glanced back to Juliana, she was too busy concentrating on cleaning up - not paying her any attention. She looked away.

With the Table now set, Alicia sat down fidgeting with excitement. Lena didn't know whether to or go into the Kitchen and offer a hand. Again she was scared Juliana might snap or worse, just ignore her. She bit her lip, staring at the tip of a fork but not really concentrating on the fork - looking passed it, into the wood on the table, it's many grooves and wood-like patterns. Thinking. Her hand gripped tightly against the back of a chair she was leaning against - so hard in fact she could feel her nails get sore as it dug into it. Lena moved back to the Kitchen, Alicia tilted her head at the abruptness of her movement and watched as Lena disappeared into the other room.

The threaded woman slowly entered and made her way up to the dishes that were dried. She took a moment, gesturing to them before speaking- stuttering.

"M-may I put these away for you?"

"Yes of course."

Lena started taking the dishes one by one, moving swiftly over to the cupboards that they belonged to - cooking pots and bowls in separate cupboards and on alternating shelves. It may have been a long time, but this place was basically home after all - she still remembered where everything went. This place was basically home after all. Will moving to this new place still have that feeling? Lena was snapped out of the thought as Juliana spoke;

"So you can still find yourself around the house then?"

She just nodded, guilt halting words escaping her mouth. She stood up after placing a glass pot in a low cupboard, slowly turned her head from the floor in Juliana's general direction. She was getting ready to take the food to the table, Potatoes in a dish, meat in a large bowl - sitting in the juices and seasoning it was cooked in. It looked good; as always. Juliana swiftly picked up a pot in each hand, her head rocked back in Lena's direction and she gestured with a nod to what was left.

"Bring them please?"

Lena nodded silently and took the Vegetables and Bread into the dining room. She placed them down on the empty spaces left between the Meat and the Potatoes. She took a seat, and all was silent except the clanging of metal against pottery as food was dished out the Alicia, Lena and Juliana. They continued to eat together in silence, Alicia constantly asking Lena for Bread, butter or potatoes to be passed across to her.

"Nuh uh, I think that's enough Bread Alicia - you're going to get full before you finish your vegetables. Eat em."

"But the bread is sooo good!"

"Well the vegetables will make you strong."

"Like Lena!"

Juliana looked down at her food and agreed with nothing more than a nod of her head. It was sad, you could tell she wanted to say something more though. Alicia looked at her mother's expression and her grin faded, she looked down at her vegetables and started eating them. Lena didn't know what to say, plus at the moment it just didn't seem like the right time to say anything with Alicia right there - she didn't want to cause a scene if Juliana did decide to go off.

"Not to your liking today Lena?"

The threaded woman looked towards Juliana like she had just been caught in the act, but then realised what she was on about when she gestured to her food. Lena looked down noticing she had barely touched anything.

"U-uh my mind. Was elsewhere, sorry."

"Sorry? For what."

"Juli..."

"Alicia, no bread!"

The little girl was halfway reaching over the table for a chunk of bread, but quickly retreated when caught and finished the rest of her vegetables and quickly left the table. "Done!" She ran into the Kitchen and put her plate back, like the little girl knew the adults needed to talk.

"I'm sorry. For being gone."

"A Year. Alicia was upset for months. Worried sick. And when we finally thought she was getting over it. You come BACK!"

"I..."

"What if you leave again? With no contact, no way of us knowing what happened to you? It'll tear her apart. It'll tear..."

"..."

"That girl. She loves you, you're her idol. But you can't be unreliable. You know you've been such a reliable asset to this village and without you everyone has been depressed. You saved this place multiple times and then when we tried to get over some other life threatening thing without you we suffered. But we're still here. This village doesn't need the monster that protects it... because she won't always be here. But me and Zeri know better, someone strong like Takauji will come back and we won't be able to stop them. Because you'll be gone, gallivanting with that Golden Sabbath Leader."

Lena did feel horrible, she sat there like a scolded child. Her hands clenching the sides of the chair she sat on, her hair covered the sides of her face and a tear fell from her left eye over her scarred cheek. The droplet followed the thread indent in her skin rather than falling down the side of her face. She trembled slightly, it was upsetting - she missed them so much when she was gone and is so glad nothing had happened to any of them. She never would've forgiven herself if something did and knew that it would have snapped her, a rampage to follow. Seems Juliana had something against the Golden Sabbath and it's leader - Sado. Though it wasn't his fault, if anything he had done more for this Village than she had.

"I won't be here. All the time. Alicia doesn't deserve to be hurt over the fact that I have to be away. And I have a solution, to protect you - I've been thinking about it for a long time, at first I was selfish and wanted you all to stay here."

"Stay... here?"

"Sado offered for our villages to move north and live within Tsumigakure; there are tons of benefits to it."

"Move to Tsumigakure? Hahaha! So I was right, you have been living it up with that man? The monster of Shinramoto found love elsewhere so abandoned it here!?"

"No!" Lena slammed her fist on the table. There was quiet for a few seconds. "I would never..."

"Never what? Leave us here alone? Go without a single word? Leave the village to fend for itself after the fallout from the Battle that YOU CAUSED!"

"I'm allowed to be Free!"

Juliana slaps Lena, hard. "Get out then. If you feel so trapped here. Get. Out."

Lena didn't react much to the slap, her head turned of course - it was still a shock. She just looked towards the wall, she could hear her five hearts beating in her chest. She took a moment before responding with a single nod, turning on her heel to the door - Lena left the house, the door slamming behind her. Juliana covered her face and cried.

 

[Howard]

The clone had been sitting rather aimlessly in the pub, until a man came in shouting about a broken door.

"Damn." He thought as he realized he had been using his sensing to focus in on Lena's chakra signature for so long.

After a brief conversation, he paid the man for the door, the ale, and any other damages and tried to leave to find Lena.

He hunted for her chakra signature looking to meet up with her.

 

[Never]

This post marks the beginning of a new Mission;
- Continue planning the infrastructure of the new village. (4)

---

Lena sat on top of the roof of the Town Hall's bell tower, almost at it's apex. She relaxed there with her Ink and her Scroll painting a map of the entire village; or well most of it - she probably could have acquired a blueprint of sorts of the actual village itself, but she needed something to distract her mind at the moment - plus she could write notes of what she wanted in regards to the move. She drew simple roads and the placement of houses, shops, workplaces, painting each individual type of building with a different colour instead of labelling so her notes weren't cluttered.

It was a long process and cathartic enough for Lena so that she didn't do something stupid in the fallout of her conversation with Juliana. She wasn't a good speaker, it really showed, she needed to improve - it went as bad as she expected. Lena got down what she mostly could from these angles. She made a list of the places she'd need to go to get a more detail construction of for the move, she had already mostly done the Town Hall and parts of the Docks, which she needed to finish. As well as starting on the Local Tavern, The Farms & Storehouses, Mori's Woodwork Yards, The Medical Center. She would also need to add more, for citizens from the other villages to be able to fit, more farmland, more houses, more recreational places. Lena thought about adding a Hot spring to the new village and even a library, maybe a field or hall dedicated to sports too? And training? Hmm, she noted all this down. Once done she packed up her items and moved from the roof, leaping down to a lower building and travelling across the Village.

She turned up at the outskirts of the Village, the Farmlands. They were vast, not massive - but enough for the village. There was a lot of land she'd have to look over. She sighed and whistled sharply, it took a few moments for any response to occur; the sounds of giant flapping wings grew louder as Songbird swooped down. Lena jumped into the air, flipping upside down and the bird caught her by the legs. She hung upside down with her scroll in her hands, paint brush in one hand. She had manipulated one of her metal cards to float beside her, holding up an ink pot the right way up so gravity didn't punish her; though she almost dipped her hanging hair in it accidentally. Lena made notes on where the Windmills and Food storehouses were located and made notes on how big each plot of land was for the crops. She noted which crops were situated where and how the animal pens were split up, which were near the farm houses and which were close by - she made sure to note how much space she'd probably have to add on top of this, at least four times if all of the villages decide to move as one. Though with the help of Tsumigakure providing food, it may only need to be three times as big - however the stubbornness of these lot, they'd want to be sort of self-sufficient.

As interesting as a way of painting this was, upside down whilst being held by a giant flying bird, but as a skilled artist she managed to pull it off. Took her a while but the farmlands were all done, she rolled up the scroll and placed it in her pouch. Songbird gently flew towards the ground and dropped Lena with some forward momentum, allowing her to flip onto her feet, taking a few steps forward to halt her momentum. She let out a sigh, the view of the Fields where the battle had raged in front of her a year ago. She turned around and saw Sado's clone approaching her,

"Sado?"

@Howard

 

[Howard]

Hey, how are things going? I also realized Sado picked up this one artifact in Tsuchi Heiho, I think he still has it.

I think it could be useful for you and your humans if we get it off of him.

The clone went on to explain the artifact and what it could do. Unaware of what had transpired while Lena was with her family.

( Suna ta-jō no Kensetsu ) - The Construction of Sunomata Castle ( Reference )

Spoiler

Type: Artifact
Rank: A
Range: N/A
Chakra: N/A
Damage: N/A
Description: An artifact that surpasses even (Doton: Uitenpen) - Earth Style: Wheel Of Fortune in its usability ( Suna ta-jō no Kensetsu ) - The Construction of Sunomata Castle is a blueprint of sorts that can be altered to fit nearly any parameter. This artifact is a combination of Summoning Ninjutsu, Earth Release, Water Release, and Wood Release. When the wielder has altered the blueprints to their liking and offers the reactive paper a blood sacrifice similar to a summoning technique the blueprints instantly summon the materials needed to make the wielders wish, a reality. It does this by summoning forth a large amount of rock, mud, sand, gravel or stone during the process of being summoned through this artifact, the blueprints shape the substances to fit the design outlined previously upon the blueprints. It also summons forth any water the wielder wishes ranging from lakes, ponds, rivers, waterfalls, gullies, swamps, or wetlands. Additionally, it can summon forth wooden structures such as buildings, monuments, castles, businesses, and homesteads or trees, forests, or plants. This allows the user to change the topography and ecosystem of the map and create any feature he needs from pillars to gorges, canyons, mountains or simply plains forever altering the landscape of a single landmark. Unlike normal summoning techniques or even (Doton: Uitenpen) - Earth Style: Wheel Of Fortune these alterations are permanent and in truth are not the wielder using any technique related to the aforementioned abilities instead the blueprints themselves are what do all of the work, the wielder need only ask, and the blueprints provides what the wielder intended.
Note: ( Suna ta-jō no Kensetsu ) - The Construction of Sunomata Castle can only be used once, and is consumed upon use

 

[Never]

Hey, how are things going? I also realized Sado picked up this one artifact in Tsuchi Heiho, I think he still has it.

I think it could be useful for you and your humans if we get it off of him.

The clone went on to explain the artifact and what it could do. Unaware of what had transpired while Lena was with her family.

( Suna ta-jō no Kensetsu ) - The Construction of Sunomata Castle ( Reference )

Spoiler

Type: Artifact
Rank: A
Range: N/A
Chakra: N/A
Damage: N/A
Description: An artifact that surpasses even (Doton: Uitenpen) - Earth Style: Wheel Of Fortune in its usability ( Suna ta-jō no Kensetsu ) - The Construction of Sunomata Castle is a blueprint of sorts that can be altered to fit nearly any parameter. This artifact is a combination of Summoning Ninjutsu, Earth Release, Water Release, and Wood Release. When the wielder has altered the blueprints to their liking and offers the reactive paper a blood sacrifice similar to a summoning technique the blueprints instantly summon the materials needed to make the wielders wish, a reality. It does this by summoning forth a large amount of rock, mud, sand, gravel or stone during the process of being summoned through this artifact, the blueprints shape the substances to fit the design outlined previously upon the blueprints. It also summons forth any water the wielder wishes ranging from lakes, ponds, rivers, waterfalls, gullies, swamps, or wetlands. Additionally, it can summon forth wooden structures such as buildings, monuments, castles, businesses, and homesteads or trees, forests, or plants. This allows the user to change the topography and ecosystem of the map and create any feature he needs from pillars to gorges, canyons, mountains or simply plains forever altering the landscape of a single landmark. Unlike normal summoning techniques or even (Doton: Uitenpen) - Earth Style: Wheel Of Fortune these alterations are permanent and in truth are not the wielder using any technique related to the aforementioned abilities instead the blueprints themselves are what do all of the work, the wielder need only ask, and the blueprints provides what the wielder intended.
Note: ( Suna ta-jō no Kensetsu ) - The Construction of Sunomata Castle can only be used once, and is consumed upon use

It was nice to see the Clone again after the thing had happened with Juliana, he had no idea what had transpired and it was at least refreshing to not feel Guilty in his presence. Though the words from Juliana popped into her head like a gunshot, "Gallivanting with that Golden Sabbath Leader", "Found Love elsewhere but abandoned it here." She shook it off, and concentrated on listening to Sado. She was actually quite elated by what he had to say.

"That sounds valuable, I'm not going to deny it would be perfect for what I have planned and could be just the thing to make this transition easier and quicker..."

Lena unravels one of the scrolls on her person and shows the ink drawings on it to Sado, the structure of the Town Hall and the inside rooms, the materials it's made of and annotated details like sculptures and engravings. She bites her lip nervously and looks from the pictures to him,

"I though it would be a good idea to recreated the village over there almost exactly and expand it with similar places of interest from the other villages; do you think it's a good idea?"

 

[Howard]

The clone appeared a bit apprehensive, this wasn't as easy as what had been done in Qindong by Smith. These humans weren't in dire need, yeah, Tsumigakure could make their lives more comfortable but from what he knew they were stubborn, prideful and, might not accept his help. He was trying his best, for Lena, and for these humans but he wouldn't outright say that.
His eyes gazed down upon the maps looking though them seeing how artistic Lena was, he had seen her use ink before so he knew she had skills, he had just not seen them this closely before. The buildings were well-drawn, with notes about them it was plain to see that Lena deeply trusted and cared for these people. She wanted to recreate what they already had so they didn't have to lose anything and Sado could see that.
He also picked up on how she bit her lip nervously while looking to him was she looking for praise? Sado looked up to her as he began to speak with a kind and appreciative tone. It looked like she needed to hear some compassionate and sympathetic affirmations from someone. Something to steady her nerves and prove that what she was doing was seen, appreciated, and valid.

I think it's a wonderfully great idea, Lena, the notes in the margin, and the attention to detail are stunning. Making it easy to see and imagine the structures. I feel like you know your humans best, and they know you but I know the area of the Motoi Drylands well, and it's expansive and open, I feel it can fit all of this, and more. Right now it's made of one single settlement and an Uchiha compound so there is more than enough room to grow, and become a vital part of something bigger. Have you spoken to them about the offer?​

 

[Never]

Lena felt a sense of relief that her idea was appreciated and wasn't just good to her but to someone else as well. He even complimented her drawings, though she managed to keep her emotions under enough control not to show that she loved that. She rolled up her scroll and put it back in her pocket.

"I...I was planning on finishing the rest of these drawings first, I thought to convince them it may be sweeter to see something they like - see an actual plan literally drawn out. I also need to speak to Zeri first, he's not in the village. If I can convince him then it's going to work. Is the settlement fine with this? And the compound...populated?"

 

[Howard]

Lena felt a sense of relief that her idea was appreciated and wasn't just good to her but to someone else as well. He even complimented her drawings, though she managed to keep her emotions under enough control not to show that she loved that. She rolled up her scroll and put it back in her pocket.

"I...I was planning on finishing the rest of these drawings first, I thought to convince them it may be sweeter to see something they like - see an actual plan literally drawn out. I also need to speak to Zeri first, he's not in the village. If I can convince him then it's going to work. Is the settlement fine with this? And the compound...populated?"

The compound is populated, but they are allied with and subservient to Tsumigakure already. I currently have an Uchiha liaison planted there, I believe her name was Nakano Uchiha, she has access to the mangekyou sharingan, at one point she sacrificed both of her eyes for her clan. So I know I can trust her to be loyal to my cause, and therefore yours. That's what I meant when I said they could help you unlock your abilities, the settlement is small and could use more trade and the influx of new people can be supported by the vast stretch of land. The only means of trade they have it a tiny port crafted by myself, and some repurposed s-....

He paused for a moment, realizing Lena might like the story attached to those ships.

Lena, you're going to love this. Remember the news that Takauji Ashikaga's fled east on five ships bearing his crest? Well, I stole them. Repurposed them as massive trade vessels, they've been traveling back and forth from the Motoi Drylands to the Eastern Continent and through them, the Motoi Drylands and the Lost Shores in Tobusekai I've accrued a vast colonial income. All this to say, there's more than enough room to grow, and Tsumigakure could use sea-faring citizens like those from Shinramoto. It's like it was meant to be.​

 

[Never]

The information disclosed about the Uchiha Compound was a welcome one, a series of thoughts ran through her mind - it would definitely be a step forward in the direction of finding out about her past. She wondered how much they'd know about her and if they'd accept her. The Threaded Monster smirked at the second portion of what the clone had to say.

"Well, glad to hear Takauji's ships found a better use in the world. It does sound fateful; once I've got it all planned out and convinced the villagers - I can finally come over. Execute this... I know you've wanted it for a while too, I'm sorry for beating around the bush all this time."

Lena took a mental note of Nakano Uchiha, she'd probably seek her out in the future. Someone with the possession of the Mangekyou Sharingan like her would definitely carry information.

"So Nakano is blind? You get girls into a lot of trouble often?" Her mood had shifted from her chat with Sado, a little laugh escaped her.

 

[Howard]

The information disclosed about the Uchiha Compound was a welcome one, a series of thoughts ran through her mind - it would definitely be a step forward in the direction of finding out about her past. She wondered how much they'd know about her and if they'd accept her. The Threaded Monster smirked at the second portion of what the clone had to say.

"Well, glad to hear Takauji's ships found a better use in the world. It does sound fateful; once I've got it all planned out and convinced the villagers - I can finally come over. Execute this... I know you've wanted it for a while too, I'm sorry for beating around the bush all this time."

Lena took a mental note of Nakano Uchiha, she'd probably seek her out in the future. Someone with the possession of the Mangekyou Sharingan like her would definitely carry information.

"So Nakano is blind? You get girls into a lot of trouble often?" Her mood had shifted from her chat with Sado, a little laugh escaped her.

Nonono. I'd never leave a lady without the ability to see my handsome face. She had used these weird abilities on me, one let her return from the grave after I had bisected her with a powerful taijutsu technique that was when I first noticed the light in her eye begin to fade away. Then the other ability trapped me in some kind of looping genjutsu when I came back to consciousness she was blind and nearly crippled it seemed using both had taken a lot out of her.

The clone noticed her laugh, so played into it, telling her more about the Uchiha he had met.

It was best to help her prepare since Lena would be put in charge of the Motoi Drylands eventually.

After making a deal with her, I healed her eyes with Yang Release, and eventually, she regained even the use of her mangekou. She's a strong Uchiha warrior, she referred to herself as an "onna-bugeisha" me being the idiot I am, had to look it up later. It's a type of noble female warrior similar to a samurai. She even matched my flowing rhymes with some of her own.​

 

[Never]

Sounded like a rough interaction, though things must have patched up since then if she was loyal to his cause. A powerful ally indeed. Though the idea that she mirrored Sado's rhyming amused Lena.

"Heh, that I would've like to have seen. Well she sure sounds like walking fire herself; I hope she's more diplomatic when I decide to show up. Then we can team up and take your tongue." Lena winks at the clone, her jest - as exciting an idea it was to get physical with the Tsumikage, the idea of removing anything from him didn't peak her interest.

"So what was the deal?" Lena wondered what Sado had with the Uchiha compound, it sounded secure - but she wanted to make sure she didn't go in breaking something Fragile after all. It wasn't common that you went in fighting someone and came out all buddy friends. She slowly approaches the clone and gets into his face, "Is it something you're intending to spring on me later?"

 

[Howard]

They were extorting money from the settlement near their compound as they were trying to rebuild and revitalize the once-abandoned compound. So, after defeating their leader, I offered them the ability to be paid as mercenaries for a while, they took me up on it and with time they grew into a sort of defense force for the Motoi Drylands.

Then eventually I built that port I mentioned and provided the stolen ships and put them in charge for a while. They've been dealing with the incoming goods, services, and trade from the Eastern Continent. They also trade with the capital and Takinomori. nothing too big or bad but I trust them. They've done right by Tsumigakure, and we've done right for them.

The clone didn't seem all that phased by the closeness as Lena had gotten right up into his face. The question was first met with a serious explanation of the deal, and how it progressed with time changing as both Tsumigakure and the Motoi Drylands adapted. Then after a moment of pause another joke this time at Lena's expense. Maybe she had forgotten that she had literally kissed him not too long ago, so if she was trying to push him off guard she might find herself failing in that regard. Instead a wry grin crept up his face.

Leaning in for another? I might not be so accepting this time.​

 

[Never]

No Skeletons in his closet. Regarding alliances that is, it was all clean cut and seemed like it had grown together and become assets. Lena probably didn't need to worry, though it didn't mean she was going to ignore them - they were an asset to her truth too. Nakano Uchiha, she would indeed remember that name. Sado ended up returning the teases and She grinned whilst looking down, slight embarrassment maybe. But she owned it.

"Heh. I didn't know you were a Clone at the time. I mean I should have known from your track record..."

Her foot twisted in the dirt and and she looked back up at him with a smirk that soon became more stern.

"Sorry about that by the way. It's been a long time since I had any kind of intimacy with anyone. The Desert doesn't come with decent company... Though I don't know if I should be offended, not interested in me?"

 

[Howard]

Interested in you? Of course. Though, I don't think in the way you may be expecting or looking for. You're a trusted ally, a friend who's hands I'd put the fate of my life into, someone who I want to alongside carve pieces of this map from. A woman I can build an efficacious nation with, alongside you, my council, my villagers, and our humans we'll build something none can rival. You are so different than the rest, then the kind of shinobi I've seen in this world, you are bright, efficient, kind, stoic, strategic, and tactical. Shimogakure and the other clans are scattering to try and catch up to what we've created together and I'm not going to let them. I always need to be one step ahead of them. I already expect something pivotal to happen any day now, something that will change the world, and it might not come from Tsumigakure for once. Though honestly, maybe they're not smart enough to, by all chances they may be too stubborn to do it, and it will hurt them. That egotistical outlook will cause them to fail.

The clone began speaking with a somewhat serious tone as things began to pick back up. He was literally explaining things as he saw them, directly and frankly with no humor. There was a lot, so much that it was time to lay his thoughts and feelings out there for someone to hear, and feel, and see. He lifted his hands as he spoke, motioning them through the air as if talking with his hands. His tone was so, charismatic and flowing, a man who knew what he wanted and exactly how to get it.
He really didn't know if Sado, had any time left to continue building, the Red Fever may end him before his time, so he had to make something that could outlive his name, and outlive his body, mind, and soul. That's what this clone knew without a doubt. That what Sado was doing, wasn't simple and wasn't easy, he wasn't building a small thing to be thrown away when he was gone. He wanted something that would survive without him.
A nation that once he was dead and gone would live on with his spirit and force of will. There was no more playing, there was no more game, this was an objective much deeper and more profound than that. He had built something, he wanted to keep it. He wanted other people to see it and realize that it was his, it belonged to him, and the various members of the Village Hidden in Sin. They were the warriors who built it, none could take it from them and none could make something bigger, or better.
They were, in truth the epitome of what could be done in this world, anyone who came after them would be nothing more than a copy of the one, true, and real village. The only one who built themselves up from the ground, and worked tirelessly to make their dreams into reality. To build a home for people like them, for people who had no home, and no family who were left on their own.

I'll be honest Lena the more strong allies I draw to my cause, the more trusted friends I can bind to Tsumigakure the more safety and stability I can bring into this world. Not just for us, we're secure in the sense that tomorrow we'll be alive, tomorrow we'll be here, powerful and ready to fight for what we want, but it's those humans, that need the safety and stability. So many of them can't fight, can't defend themselves the way we can, I know you've seen it here with the bandits, and Takauji but it was like that everywhere. Extortion, murder, pillaging, the shinobi of this world, the ones not like us have a "us vs them" mentality. They want to break things, they want to break humans, lands, creatures and other shinobi anything they can get their fingers wrapped around because breaking these humans, like throwaway toys, makes them feel good about themselves. Makes them feel mighty and righteous as they hammer and chip away at the world, and breaking feels like making to them because it's easy, and they're good at it.

He moved onto how he saw the other shinobi. The ones who weren't building something but instead stealing other's things. Trying their best to make a name from mere destruction. Destroying things was child's play, a game for shinobi too weak, and too stupid to build something larger than them. Anyone with the abilities they had could slaughter an entire land in a day.
Shinobi could reshape the world with destruction and devastation the way Tiamat had, but that'd make them no better than the beasts She birthed. Pitiful, and useless creatures. Sado abhorred weakness, but more than that, he hated waste and that's all those types of shinobi did nothing but waste assets, resources, and more than that time.
Though there was a chance for a few other groups, he had checked into them a while ago offering them a chance to create something better, a few held out, and we're now at a point where they were becoming a threat. They had a chance like no one else to redefine the world. Become something that rivaled Tsumigakure, but with each passing day, they wasted more time not making the moves they needed to.
The clone didn't know if Sado was more satisfied by their inaction when the ability and opportunities were there or annoyed that they didn't seize it. It was true, opportunities multiplied when they were seized, but this world didn't seem to exploit or seize them. Everyone wanted their own piece, Tsumigakure wasn't formed form one clan, or one person. It was many, the Golden Sabbath, the Reapers, the White Lotus, founded it, rogues joined it, Hellsing fell and became a part of it. Now, Shinramoto, finally, could be brought in, and Lena, Smith saw limitless potential in her the first day they met, and Sado saw it too, did she see it in herself?

I know how easy it is because I spent so much of my youth as a mercenary, my job was to kill, break, and take. It's a simple task and there is a comfort in it, knowing that a fresh start is always possible, it feels like freedom. Though a nation can't work like that it is a living thing, and living things defy simple fixing, we can't break it and walk away. It's tedious and taxing, I don't know why I'm explaining, you know exactly what I mean, it took you so long to build this place into what it is.

"The Threaded Monster of Shinramoto" is the name they gave you, but you're so much more than that, you can do so much more than that. You brought a terrified group of humans under your banner, you built Shinramoto up from dirt with these humans, then you brought in more from Degrashan in the middle of a war. You uprooted your enemies and made them your allies. You are a natural. You've been doing it for years and don't even realize, just what you're doing. You build.​

 

[Never]

There he went again. It was his true secret technique, to talk and to rouse morale - so charismatic with his silver tongue. Everything not regarding her she completely agreed with. The stuff regarding her... well... he knew how to be nice, there didn't seem to be much sign that he was only saying this stuff because it was what she wanted to hear; mostly because she didn't want to hear it. Lena knew she was a cut above the rest, though her 'gifts' were indirectly given to her, forced upon her to be like this...She still needed to fully realise herself and was still anxious of making a more forward presence. It was also true that Lena liked Sado quite a bit, possibly too much. Though again he was the only man... person she'd met who was so similar to her. He wasn't regarded to as a Human most of the time and was an Outcast - though he's found and built together his own home. Which he loves. More than anything. Just like her, he has just done it better. Sado loved nothing more than his Village, The Golden Sabbath and now Tsumigakure - it's what mattered to him, he'd put it above anything, his legacy and that's where his decisions always took him back to - barely thinking of his own personal lust, Sado's sins directly relate to his own mind's ultimate creation. Tsumigakure. Sado had embraced his loneliness, and would never be alone because of it. At least that's what Lena had finally concluded. Her hand reached for his face, her thumb gently traced over his cheek. She looked into his eyes.

"You talk well, you flatter, and you can unite. But you still manage to break my hearts every time."​

Her hand fell from his face and she wiped a tear from her left eye. She hurt, it was natural - she expected it. Though there was still the deep pit in her stomach from talking to Juliana earlier that didn't help. "Thank you. I may have been living a dream for the past year so... it's good to finally be hit with some reality I guess. I still have to find out who I am, and you're being a gem by helping me discover if I am a builder or a destroyer."

 

[Howard]

These words aren't mere flattery, I don't waste my time on frivolities like flattery. I say those things because, without a doubt, I believe them, with every part of who I am and the day you start to believe them and realize them and trust in yourself and who you are, is the day you grow into an unstoppable force for change, a mighty and thunderous revolution. You have that power and that potential locked within your hearts I see it deep within you roaring with a flame that could ignite anyone who tries to touch it, and here I am my hand firmly placed in that fire burning with you. If you just stop questioning who, and what you are and just be, exist as you are, and be Lena of Shinramoto, without the worry of who you used to be. Be greedy about the things you want, take pride in who you are and what you have, force wrath upon those who wrong you or would take what you have, envy and take what you want, lust for what you need and the people you want, glutton in excess, and be lazy when you need to rest because we adapt and grow becoming different people each day. I'm not the same man I was seven years ago. You're not the same woman you were seven years ago.

The clone continued onward, more words, hoping that she would see and hear them and realize they were true. Though he didn't know if they could reach if she would even let them reach. He wanted her to realize that all she could do is be who she is now, who she was, wasn't as important as who she is now. Though, finding out her past, seemed so important to her.
It felt like it defined her, and made her feel bad about the possibilities of who she could have been. It made her feel like a monster, and Sado understood that. He-... he felt like a monster, but honestly, he was worse than she was. She showed restraint in the Battle of Shinramoto, using non-lethal force, she showed moderation and control in the Razing of Degerashan saving lives when Sado only took them killing them like animals to the slaughter, he truly didn't care. Anything to complete his goal, she had morality, she-... was a good person. He was not.
Why couldn't she see that the way he could? The reason he felt like he needed her to be a part of Tsumigakure was she was such a voice of reason, she was like the moral compass he needed. A person who he could trust to make the compassionate, and caring choices when he said "kill them all" and the Golden Sabbath agreed she would say "save the deserving" without hesitation. She would give a contrasting viewpoint that he believed in and respected without a doubt she could help build what he wanted.​

 

[Never]

"But I want to know what happened, I want to take pride in what I had, I want to dish out wrath on those who took it away from me and tortured me. I want to learn in excess and I will **** and rest my way through the shit that gets thrown at me, just to get by. Maybe before I found out I had the Sharingan, I would have gotten over it - but I'm supposedly tied to this Uchiha Clan and I still have no idea and it kills me inside. Why am I an Uchiha? Why was I forgotten and turned into this MONSTER?" Her mouth trembled, as she belted out words she truly meant - it was clear she was passionate and it caused her pain. Her eyes scanned over the Clone's face just mere inches away, a slight tremble in how she'd proceed with her actions. Ultimately she just rested her forehead against his Chest.

"I'm not the same woman I was yesterday either. But how do I know that my past won't come back to haunt me, Shinramoto, Tsumigakure, you? If someone ever came looking for me, and you all got hurt in the process I'd....I just want to be there first."

Her arms had wrapped around the Clone and clutched him tightly.

 

[Howard]

We would do to them what we did to Takauji Ashikaga! What we did to the Mother of Beasts! What we did to Shimogakure! And you? You'd be right there with us, I'm not asking you to stand behind me, I'm not asking you to stand in front of me. I'm asking you to stand beside me, and our allies. Shoulder to shoulder. We are a nation molded by our sins, but they no longer have to define who we are. We get to be, whoever the hell we want to be. That's the point. This is our story, and I'm going to make the world listen. You can be you, while searching for who you used to be, just accept who you are now. I was a bastard, an orphan, just another waste of time and space on the tribe I was born into, look at what I've become! I am the Tsumikage of the first real village, the first true organization that can use that name. Knowing where I came from, doesn't change what and where I am right now.

His tone had never dipped from the way it was before he let her sink into him.

That's what it's all about, that's what I want more than anything. I'm tired, so tired, I need others, I need to build something that can last longer than me. When I'm gone I need a system that can function without me. I need people like you. You can be who you are, and search for who you used to be, you can have a whole nation backing you while you do. We are a target, always have been, since the first day I stepped out from the shadows and said "Hi, nice to meet you, my name is Sado" I had a bounty on my head. I had one just last month. I'll probably have another one in the near future. I have broad shoulders and a strong back, let me help you carry that weight.

He let his right hand rest on her back, she needed support right now. His words cut in a way he didn't mean.​

 

[Never]

Lena laughed holding onto Sado, a sad giggle if one could describe it as such. Her hand moved around his back as if she needing to fidget it in thought.

"I wonder how much you're fetching now? I can only imagine how many people you've pissed off since last I saw Smith."

She paused for a while. Standing together; something she needed to embrace and was trying to. Yeah. Bringing Shinramoto into Tsumigakure was something that would help her stop worrying too much about their safety if she could rely on others to protect it as well. She parted from the Goliath and looked up at him,

"I'll take a page out of your book from now on. What would Sado do? Speaking of which, I better get back to what I was doing. What're you going to do?"

 

[Howard]

I'll find something, I always do.

Try to figure out what you have to. I'll be here.

He honestly didn't have any clue on what he'd be doing, but couldn't exactly let Lena know.

She had too many things to focus on.