[Uchiha Hotaru]

Crimson sun resting against hues of dusk peaked through dreary clouds over the Law Country. A man with long raven hair in billowing white robes walked across a field of zoysia grass that dotted the area with little bumps, making all but the beaten trails traveled by man an exercise in frustration. At his back was an expanse of a forest of gnarled roots and branches and a quickly approaching twilight. Ahead of him he seemed to be following the setting sun. The scent of the mountains north blended well with the fragrance of the seedheads. Crickets kept away the silence.

Ahead on the path was a rigid tower with six stories, topped with a smooth stone obelisk. Far from any civilization, there were still signs of upkeep being done. The closer that Hotaru drew, the more the sweetness of the fields was replaced with the scent of blood and decay. Along the tower there were a plethora of pikes, each that had been dressed with the body of a human. Some had been picked nearly clean by the birds, while others were still fresh. A vulture was present, eyeing Hotaru as it ripped carrion from one of the corpses.

"Ooooh smells like home!” a muffled voice said. It had not come from Hotaru, who kept his mouth covered with a high collar. Instead a cloth sack that he was carrying in his left hand was moving about slightly. Hotaru stopped and undid the strings of the brown sack, pulling out a head by strands of long red hair. A pale man with a sickening grin looked around and began laughing.

Tsuji was a jashinist that had gotten too close to his territory, attacking a woman on the border of Tori and Mori. Hotaru was reluctant to destroy the head. He assumed, perhaps wrongly, that the cult would take revenge on his land for killing him. He thought that if he returned the head, as well as the body that he kept sealed with him on his back in a large scroll, that the show of mercy would be repaid.

"Hah, so you want to meet my brothers and sisters? They will be so excited to see you,” Tsuji said. "I’m sure you will be repaid…”

"We could have found them sooner if you told me where the temple is,” Hotaru replied dryly. He had heard rumors of an underground city, but he wasn’t sure what he was looking for. This tower seemed like a good enough place though. He saw the triangular symbol crested on the door to the shrine. He was sure that this was as good a place as any to make contact with the cult.

"No way, but if you light the beacon i’m sure that someone will come,” he said with a giggle.

Rather than enter the building, Hotaru would walk up the wall to get to the top. At the center of the top of the tower the obelisk began to raid up into the sky. At the base of the obelisk were unlit braziers.

Hotaru used katon to heat a kunai and placed it against dry brush within the first brazier, repeating the action four times while the disembodied head laughed maniacally. Akatsuki had thought him a fool to try to negotiate with jashinists, but they were still people. In his eyes the villages were more evil than they, at least they were honest. Perhaps they would be able to work something out. If not, then he would have to earn their respect another way. Protecting Tori no Kuni was worth whatever struggle he might have to endure here.

The fires would cast bright orange light onto the obelisk, designed to glow from a distance to attract the attention of those nearby. Hotaru placed the head onto a ceremonial altar and then moved to the edge of the tower, watching the roads as he took time to refresh himself with sips of water.

Kyōdai Jirou

🗡️

[Kyōdai Jirou]

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Twilight was approaching. Not that you'd know it right off the bat unless you were outside, something which Jirou was not. He was lounging on a poor excuse for a bed, knife in hand. The blade was stained red, but... There was no wound to be found on the man's body. He seemed to be tracing the swirling scars on his arm. A line of red opened in its wake, but it closed easily before any blood could escape. It was odd. No sensation. Bereft of the pain, he had turned to other vices. Travelling and spending time with people of all manner. Golden eyes landed on the display on the floor. Body parts where they shouldn't be. Dried blood crusted against pale as well as tanned skin. A fun bunch. Though noisy. Awfully noisy... But it was quite now.
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The man would be sat there, contemplating the bodies, when the door was burst open and an out of breath Sister looked at him like she had seen a ghost. Her hand came to her chest, then her mouth and finally rested on the doorframe and her head bowed for a moment as she heaved in air. "Jirou-sama.. Hurrh, the- the beacons... To the south, they are burning!"
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---[break][break]

And so that was how Jirou found himself making the relatively short trek to the small shrine. Who the hell was so desperate they were hailing for him and everyone else at this our? Or perhaps... Perhaps some idiot thought it was considered wise to use the beacons as a way to warm yourself at... The dark-haired man would make his appearance, walking into the shrine without using the official entrance, so it might have seemed like she simply popped up like a daisy out of the ground. What he would be greeted by was some chump with... Fucking Tsuji???! Jashin be kind...
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"Heh.. Hahahha! Tsuji you fucking nut!"
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The man erupted in laughter, to the point where he had to jam the butt of the scythe into the ground and lean against it.
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Once he calmed down, he wiped his eye with the back of his hand. The jovial expression would be wiped and replaced with a serious one as his eyes bore into the one holding the redhead's head. Now this dude... Would look much better on a spike. Or on his knees and a few pretty bruises on his cheek...[break][break]

"Who is this?"[break][break]

The question was directed at Tsuji, for this could be a potential new initiate, or it could be an overconfident man who thought defeating Tsuji was a feat worthy of recognition.[break][break]

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Jirou + tga

made by gimmick

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[Uchiha Hotaru]

"Some idjit who cut me off my damn shoulders!" Tsuji said as he gnashed his teeth towards Hotaru. "...‘e took away my sacrifice to Lord Jashin, too. He’s a filthy heathen who uses chakra.”

Hotaru set the head in front of him carefully as he kept his eyes on the new arrival. A dark haired man who seemed oddly familiar. He knew of the long lives of Jashinists, though it had been about nine years or so since he last saw a bingo book. Could he have been operating that long? He may have been mistaken.

He worried interjecting would be a mistake since the man hadn't actually spoken to him. He wasn't sure if it would matter, they would find an excuse to attack him anyways if he did not interject with something to catch their interest.

"I go by Kazutoshi of Tori no Kuni," he said plainly in a monotone voice. "I've come to negotiate a delayed judgement in exchange for our mutual benefit in between that time. As a show of good faith I've brought Tsuji and his body back to you."

"Wha? Where's my fookin body?" Tsuji yelled with surprise.

Hotaru patted the large scroll on his back with two taps on the top. He gave a long pause with eyes open wide, as if he had climbed into the nest of a predator. A sudden sense of dread washed over him as he made eye contact with the man. He was much more ominous a presence than Tsuji had been. He may have been stubborn not to heed Akatsuki’s warnings about this religion, but Hotaru believed that they could not be completely without humanity. Now, something about the dark haired man’s eyes made him feel like he had been wrong.

"Eck, he’s desecrated it with chakra!” Tsuji said and then let out a shrill excited cry. "Kill him, kill him, come on.”

Kyōdai Jirou

🗡️

[Kyōdai Jirou]

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An offer? For what? He was being awfully cryptic for someone carrying a head and body of one of greatest religions in existence. Tsuji seemed might offended by the fact he had lost. Really, the man should actively be repenting for the disgrace. Jirou certainly agreed, Tsuji's body had been in contact with so much chakra it was disgusting. Clearly not enough for Jashin to view it as an act of disservice, as the man still drew breath and was able to talk to heathen's ear off as well as Jirou himself could have done it. [break][break]

"Oh, you gotta give me more than that if you want any form of mercy. The fool's head and body for starters."[break][break]
It was all which kept Jirou from just launching himself head first at this Kazutoshi of Bird Country. Had he not prayed today already he would have been at his throat in the blink of an eye. Tsuji could serve as just a head even if his body was forever locked away by the heathen's tricks. Until Jirou and the others found a way to fetch the body back to this world and reattach the redhead's head to the body. Or... He could have a new body. Either worked, though he knew Tsuji was quite particular about his body and the parts he added or subtracted. [break][break]

"Tsuji shut your cakehole or I'll eat your tongue!"[break][break]
 He barked, a crude smirk on his face as he returned his focus on the heathen which had been so kind as to bring chakra and all sorts of disgusting things into existence at a holy place like this. The fire was likely not created by natural means either. Man he'd need to sanctify the entire obelisk...  

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Jirou + Uchiha Hotaru

made by gimmick

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[Uchiha Hotaru]

Tsuji was prepared to talk more shit, his mouth coming to a halt and hanging open when Jirou threatened him. His tongue retreated behind his lips and his eyes darted between the two men.

"Yes, you can have both back," he replied. "I can stitch it back on without chakra, if something like that would help..."

He pulled the large scroll off of his shoulder and brought it in front of him like a walking stick tilted forward. Slowly, he broke the seal on the scroll and Tsuji's body spilled out. The neck had been slashed with a clean cut, no signs that it had been carved. It was definitely Tsuji's body, it had the thick red arm hairs and the stocky frame he carried.

He almost spoke, as he seemed to be excited to see his body. An unintelligible noise left his lips as he forced them shut.

"Have you ever tried fishing with live bait?" Hotaru asked. He wasn't sure if such a man had any experience with fishing at all, but most people at least understood the basic principle of it. "You might make me a sacrifice today, but there are better uses for someone like me..."

He thought maybe his idea might be implied by now, but he wanted to make sure it was clear and transactional.

"My people and I plan to butt heads with some mucher bigger fish soon," Hotaru said. "I imagine it'd be quite the bounty for you..."

Kyōdai Jirou

🗡️

[Kyōdai Jirou]

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Tsuji shut his mouth and the stranger started to explain. When he did fish it was usually with a spear or with worms. Never truly live bai, though... He had used it in other cases and it had been quite effective. He and his siblings had always feasted and danced after a successful prayer and sacrifice to their god. Jirou remained quite for a bit after the man finished speaking. He and his? How much would he need to hold back? How much would he need to pray for forgiveness simply for letting these heathens treat him like their equal and ally? [break][break]
They'd never be his equal. Not as long as Jashin held his hand over him as he did. [break][break]

"Sew the man back together."[break][break]
He demanded with an small gesture to go ahead. A shinobi, even a former one, had ties to the villages. Jirou knew where a few of them were. Kusagakure was the newest addition to his map and the others - the big ones- could easily be found by asking the right questions. Or you could summon them via a few different channels.  [break][break]

"Listen, pup. You are what... Barely out of your teenage years? If you plan is dumb, I will not follow. If Jashin says no, I will not follow. If you or your friends decide to test their luck with me I will gut them and sacrifice them. " He paused, golden eyes catching the firelight as they looked for any sign of the stranger withdrawing his offer. "You are shinobi, right? You sure as fuck look like one."  And only a shinobi - or one of equal make- would be cocky enough to walk up a light the fires of a holy ground littered with bones and dark stains. "Which means you are already a bounty worth hunting, but... Your leaders? Those who lead people behind the light and further from Jashin, those are the ones which could stay my hand and work with you and yours."[break][break]
No warnings. No surges of energy. Nothing to indicate Jashin was dissatisfied with him more or less accepting to work with these heathens. But... If the main institutions were dismantled and wiped from the face of the earth? More would turn to religion. To the truth. 

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Jirou + @sharp4

made by gimmick

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[Uchiha Hotaru]

Hotaru obliged, beginning the process of running needles through Tsuji's neck and into his torso. The red haired man winced with each poke, and looked at the Uchiha with a snarl.

"I was a shinobi," Hotaru corrected. "I am sure that our reasons differ, but I too want to go for leadership. I understand your terms, and mine are simple enough: I will not abide killing prepubertal children. They are young enough that I can remove shinobi indoctrination from their minds."

He paused for a moment to roll Tsuji to his side, keeping his hand on his head to prevent what he had already sewn from collapsing from the weight.

"I've still a great amount of work to do with recruiting," Hotaru admitted. "As I work, powerful shinobi will turn their attention to the west. So my presence will attract better sacrifices."

Tsuji's fingers began to twitch a bit, though he had been disembodied for weeks. He was too weak to do much, but he was starting to get control of his body back. He started to chuckle, making it hard for Hotaru to finish the left side of his neck.

"There is an art of shinobi old that predates the use of chakra, known today only by a select few," he explained. "Silent killing: a means to infiltrate deep into enemy territory to deliver a decisive blow."

🗡️

[Kyōdai Jirou]

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Tsuji would soon enough have his head back in place it seemed. Sore as hell, but... Whole. And with a body he knew. Jirou listened to the stranger and his proposition. The veiled suggestion he would kill children? Those incapable of fighting? It was not something he indulged in too often. Jashin did not prey on those who couldn't protect themselves and fight. [break][break]

"I sacrifice those who are capable of fighting. Children usually are incapable. If one can..."[break][break]
He thought about it. Mulled it over. Searched the man's features, then made his decision. [break][break]

"It will not stay my hand."[break][break]

He was... reasonable to a degree. Gracious enough to not maul this heathen. He was not rolling over for this man or any child capable of bringing down a person. Would that be a deal breaker? Rin did come to mind. He had not been far into his teens when he had started to work on putting distance between him and his village, but... Some progressed through the system faster than others and Rin was capable of taking down a man with little trouble. 
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"I have seen it. Never cared for it. Sneaking, that is. The first strike doesn't matter if Jashin holds his hand over you..."[break][break]
He had fought humans who had studied the shadows and imitated them. It was quite the opposite of what he had been taught. Stand your ground. Educate those open to it. Declare your loyalties and be truthful in matters concerning faith and sacrifices. 

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Jirou + hotaru

made by gimmick

[googlefont=Hind:400,700][googlefont=Poppins:400,700]
[newclass=.sidelongcredits]width: min-content; margin: 30px auto; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelongcredits>a]display: block; text-align:right; margin-top: 4px; font:700 7px/10px sans-serif; letter-spacing:.8px;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong]width: 620px; position: relative; display: grid; grid-template-areas: ' bodybox headerbox'; background: #f9f9f9; -webkit-box-shadow: 0 2px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.15); box-shadow: 0 2px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.15); --accentRGB: 138, 53, 36; --accent: #8a3524 [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .headerbox] background: linear-gradient(-180deg, rgba(var(--accentRGB), 1), rgba(var(--accentRGB), .45)); grid-area: headerbox; width: 50px; display: flex; justify-content: center; padding-top: 40px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .bodybox] padding: 30px 0px 30px 30px; background: #f9f9f9; grid-area: bodybox; display: grid; grid-column-gap: 30px; grid-template-columns: auto 1fr; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .border-box] padding: 8px; border: 1px solid #dcdcdc; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .image-space] width: 175px; height: 525px; overflow: hidden; background: lightgray; filter: brightness(1.25) contrast(.65) saturate(2); -webkit-transition: all 1s linear; -moz-transition: all 1s linear; -o-transition: all 1s linear; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .image-space:hover] filter: brightness(1.35) contrast(.75) saturate(2);[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .image-space::after] content: ' '; background: #666; opacity: .25; position: absolute; width: 175px; height: 525px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .text-space] height: 525px; overflow: auto; padding-right: 40px; margin-top: 8px; text-align: left; font: 13px/18px 'Hind'; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none; color: #000;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .text-space.icon] height: auto; overflow: hidden; padding-right: 0; margin: 0;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong img] padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #dcdcdc; float: left; margin: 0 20px 10px 0; max-width: 150px; filter: brightness(1) contrast(.75) saturate(.8); -webkit-transition: all 1s linear; -moz-transition: all 1s linear; -o-transition: all 1s linear;[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong img:hover]filter: brightness(1.1) contrast(.8) saturate(1);[/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong b] font-weight: bold; font-size: 14px; color: var(--accent); [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong i] font-weight: 400; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong u] text-decoration-style: dotted; text-decoration-color: var(--accent); text-decoration-thickness: 2px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong .text-space br] content: ''; padding: 0 0 6px; display: block; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong h1] font: 700 12px/12px 'Poppins'; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1.8px; color: white; writing-mode: vertical-rl; font-size: 15px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong h1 a]font: inherit; text-decoration: none; color: inherit !important; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong h2, .sidelong h3] margin: 0; font: inherit [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong ::-webkit-scrollbar] -webkit-appearance: none !important; background: transparent; width: 4px !important; border: 0 !important; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong ::-webkit-scrollbar-horizontal] width: 4px; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb] background: rgba(var(--accentRGB), .5) !important; border: 0 !important; [/newclass]
[newclass=.sidelong ::-webkit-scrollbar-track] background: #f9f9f9 !important; border: 0 !important [/newclass]