[Ryō no Eiji]

"Hm... wonder what I'll find?"

---

From one locale to another... so far this journey had been great!

Met a couple cuties, fought a guy in Kaminari no Kuni, even learned a new water-walking trick! Couldn't wait to tell Yama about his adventures. "Where's this?" The boy wondered aloud, entering a village strewn with all kinds of decorations. People were laughing, playing games, eating, kissing... seemed like his kinda party!

For some reason everyone was wearing more traditional-style clothes. With his orange patchwork yukata he fit right in! The youth's zori clacked along the dirt road as he took in the sights. Apparently there was some kind of festival happening. Didn't really know what for, and to be honest he didn't really care. "Ooh!" His eyes went wide upon seeing a stall selling yakitori. "Free food!" Walking up to the stand he nabbed a few skewers and instantly began chomping down. It'd been some time since he ate last... good thing too because he didn't have even a single ryō to his name! The middle-aged owner was saying something about it 'actually not being free at all' but he could barely hear over his own chomping. Quickly cleaning the sticks he sighed in relief.

"Thanks, ojīsan." A wide grin accompanied his words, the piece of straw he'd been chewing still held masterfully between his teeth. With a wave he made his way further into the crowd. Who would he meet? Another pretty lady he hoped... or any pretty person, really! He didn't much care.

Sure did like to look, though.

---

[Akatsuki]

 

- Two birds of a feather -

"Say that they're always gonna stay together"

Akatsuki did not fit in. There were some places where most wouldn't bat an eye, but in some regions, she stuck out like a soloist at a concert. In countries where shinobi nations resided, or those where there were strong relations to clans and other such unique communities--she didn't seem all that odd with her mix-matched eyes and pearly white hair. But for many countries, and many regions where most folk were civilians who had no lineage of clans, chakra, or other unique abilities--she stood out a great deal among them. From the color of her hair, the sword on her hip, to the scars that laced her skin--she was easy enough to spot, and her looks were often alarming to those who didn't understand what may have caused it.
    There was also, too, regions where her bloodline were more well-known. And in those places--it didn't matter if there were hundreds of people with red, silver, green, or even purple hair and eyes the color of the sun or moon. If she was identified as a Kyōbō, in a region where the clan was well-known... well, that usually meant trouble for her, regardless of how commonplace other clans might have been.
    It seemed, thankfully, that even while this nation bordered Hi no Kuni, and she was getting plenty of stares by the locals, at the very least--they did not seem frightened of her. So, at the very least, she had to hope that this town had not dealt with any of the clansmen from the Land of Fire, at the very least.
    She would like to hope so, at least.
    So, even when she found herself in her present predicament, at the very least, it seemed to be for reasons entirely unrelated to her clan. Instead, it seemed that this guy was just giving her trouble because--
    --Well, that also could have been a million different things. She didn't know exactly what was going on in his mind, but he made a mistake of trying to act as her opponent!
    "You think you can actually win? Go on and give up, girl! I'm a champion around these parts!" He was seated across from her at the table, and, defiantly, Akatsuki knocked her arm up in a fixed position.
    "Bring it!" she spoke with a playful grin, determination ringing through her voice. He was seriously underestimating her if he thought he could actually beat her in an arm-wrestling match! "Or are you just afraid to lose to a woman?"

eiji | 419 Words | Notes:

Blue Text - Tsuchi Branch Kyōbō Only
Pink Text - Sign language
Violet Text - Common Language

Shin of GS + Adox

[Ryō no Eiji]

"Mm? Ooh..."

---

If eyes could become hearts, both of his would be jumping out of their sockets.

A girl— no, a woman with startling white hair had caught his gaze. Locks the color of pearl with the subtlest purple hue. Eyes two distinct, but dazzling shades of red and violet respectively. "Woah..." He was dumbstruck. Lovestruck? Both maybe. But then, Eiji was like that with most attractive people.

Only thing he could think was that he shoulda left Kika Island years ago!

Some big guy was giving her a hard time, going on and on about being a champ. The boy's large eyes narrowed and he shot the man a dirty look. "Shut it, jerk!" The youth shouted as he pushed his way to the front of the crowd. His face though appearing rather innocent had a sincere look of distaste plastered all over it. Softening comically fast as he shifted his gaze to the woman. From this distance he could clearly see the scars on her arms, but they only served to heighten his interest. Meant she was tough! And he liked toughness.

"Hehe...~" A sly giggle sounded out as she taunted him back. Didn't even need to step in, she was obviously capable of handling herself. The youth rather childishly stuck his tongue out at the man before turning his eyes to face her again. "Kick his ass, pretty lady." Was his final remark as he grinned wide and set his eyes on the match. He couldn't wait to see how it played out... and the look on the guy's face when she beat him!

---

[Akatsuki]

 

- Two birds of a feather -

"Say that they're always gonna stay together"

Akatsuki turned her attention from her would-be opponent for a moment as she heard a voice shout out in disapproval of the male's commentary, and her heterochromatic eyes would land on the boy who weaseled his way through the crowd. Tanned skin, youthful vigor, and a head of wild dark locks.
    She grinned.
    "Hear that? Now I have no choice but to win!" she spoke in a joking manner to the man across the table from her. He huffed in defiance, then propped his arm up on the table--his large hand clasping around Akatsuki's smaller one. However, even despite the difference in their statures--Akatsuki was a hardened individual. Hands scarred and calloused from wielding a sword for almost as long as she could walk--and learning to swing around a weapon that weighed nearly ten times what a usual katana did. Even if she had a cute face, her opponent would falter for a moment as he gripped her hand.
    Still, he had to keep his constitution. "Well, don't go off crying if I break your arm," he asserted.
    She smirked. "No worries! I'm not easy to break."
    Another member from the crowd went up to the duo to announce the beginning of the arm-wrestle, and as soon as the command was given--the two commenced their test of strength.
    It would be over quickly enough--the man was quite powerful, Akatsuki could give him that! He certainly was strong, and she could tell that he'd put much time and dedication into his prowess! She could have easily been caught off guard if she had been someone else--but unfortunately for him, Akatsuki was a seasoned warrior who had freakish strength that outmatched most humans! Regular humans, at the very least! 
    With a crash, Akatsuki would slam the back of his hand into the table--careful to not damage the table or his hand, but certainly with enough force to get the message across. He stared in disbelief as various of the civilians watching shouted out in disbelief or applaud, and Akatsuki grinned and raised her hands in celebration of her victory. "Good fight!" she spoke with glee, slapping her hands together. Waving her hand up again, she'd ask, "Anyone else want to try taking me on?" The adrenaline was coursing through her veins, now!

eiji | 380 Words | Notes:

Blue Text - Tsuchi Branch Kyōbō Only
Pink Text - Sign language
Violet Text - Common Language

Shin of GS + Adox

[Ryō no Eiji]

"Hehe...~"

---

Another sly giggle sounded out as the woman jabbed back at the man.

Overconfidence was usually a sign of underperformance. At least that's what Yama always used to say. The boy's large eyes watched with excitement as the match commenced. Before long the large man was bested handily and he clutched his stomach in shocked amusement. "Ahahaha!~" Other cheers and sounds of amazement sounded out nearby but Eiji seemed to be the only one laughing. He didn't mind! It was hilarious.

Watching the man stand up and sulk away made him grin even wider... and when she issued a challenge to anyone else he punched his own hand in anticipation. Now was his chance!

"Osu!" The youth exclaimed, as he strode forward, bowing strangely formally before taking his seat. A martial artist would recognize the vocalization and the show of respect. Had to show opponents their due regard! Rolling up one baggy sleeve on his orange yukata the boy placed his elbow down and smiled mischievously. "Me next." He said, a throaty chuckle slipping past his clenched teeth. Now that he was closer she looked even prettier than he first thought... but there'd be plenty of time to stare later! He had to focus. "Oh!" Remembering something he tilted his head slightly and narrowed his gaze ever so slightly. "And no holding back this time."

It would seem he wasn't fully the wide-eyed goof he seemed. That sly grin obfuscating some sharp senses indeed. Eiji wasn't sure how much better he'd fare... but he was definitely excited to find out!

---

[Akatsuki]

 

- Two birds of a feather -

"Say that they're always gonna stay together"

Akatsuki was pleased that her challenge was so quickly taken up--and by the curly-haired youth who had caught her eye earlier, no less! She was taken aback for a moment by the boy's formality, but her surprise melted away into a smile--appreciating his gesture. To her--this was all just fun and games, there was no reason to be so serious about all of it. But she was quick enough to tell that even if the atmosphere was light-hearted and fun, this kid had a warrior's spirit and there was a reverence for any kind of battle, even if it was a simplified test of strength.
    And from one warrior to another, the gesture was taken in kind.
    The young woman gave a slight bow of her head, grinning brightly at him as he took his seat across from her. "I'll hold back as much as I think I need to," she refuted. Of course, his demand was made clear--he wanted to be taken seriously, and she was willing to oblige his request to an extent. She would take him seriously, and she wasn't going to underestimate the strength of an opponent she had only just met--she would not discredit his ability just because he was young.
    But if she thought she might hurt him--well, simply, she wouldn't allow it to get to that point.
    Even in her last test--she could have broken the man's arm, if she'd wanted to. She could have destroyed the table, if she'd not held back. But she had a respect for her opponent and her environment, and she didn't seek to cause such destruction--even though she could. Similarly--even if she would show her opponent the same decency of not underestimating him--that did not mean she had to be reckless or escalate things needlessly. Maybe he would be able to beat her! But if not--there was no reason to hurt him in her victory!
    Resting her elbow on the table and propping up her arm, she'd grin. "Alright! Ready?" She was ready whenever he was!

eiji | 339 Words | Notes:

Blue Text - Tsuchi Branch Kyōbō Only
Pink Text - Sign language
Violet Text - Common Language

Shin of GS + Adox

[Ryō no Eiji]

"Aw but it's no fun that way!"

---

For a split second his grin shifted into a comical look of disgruntlement. Like most things in life, Eiji did not enjoy moderation. Or maybe he just didn't understand it. With him, it was all or nothing!

Though something told him that he was about to get a challenge whether she held back or not.

Call it instinct. Or training. But he knew a strong person when he saw them. The boy toyed with the straw between his teeth in anticipation of the bout, clasping her hand as she offered it up. Instantly she would be able to feel his own callouses, as well as spot several small scars on his knuckles from this distance. Not the hands of a weapon-user per se but certainly one that had practiced with them before. It was clear his fists got plenty of use. "Nice grip." He said, his grin almost becoming feverish. The longer they waited the more excited he got. By the time she asked if he was ready he was nearly jittering out of his seat. "When you are!~"

A countdown was given. Then? It was on!

Though thin, a layer of dust seemed to jump from the table as every muscle in the youth's arm tensed. Moderation again, he did not know. "Hmm... !" A hum of effort sounded out as he placed all of his budding strength into his arm, pushing against hers. It was time to see just how tough this lady was... and if his initial guess was right. Despite his struggling he never stopped grinning. Even for a second. He was in his element!

---

[Akatsuki]

 

- Two birds of a feather -

"Say that they're always gonna stay together"

Akatsuki grinned slightly when he made comment on her grip. "Of course~ Fighting with a katana like mine requires nothing less~" she explained light-heartedly. Of course, he may not have even noticed the sword attached to her hip by the belt around her waist. And, even if he had, it probably wouldn't have clued him in on the fact that the thing was half of his own weight. To be able to use the thing effectively at all--she not only had to have incredible strength in her arms and core, but her grip strength was monstrous as well. Though, the boy's own skin was rough in its own way--the scars and callouses that he had didn't tell of a swordmaster like hers did, but it was clear that he was a seasoned fighter in his own right. Her weapon of choice was a blade, and it seemed quite possible that his were his fists.
    So, he undoubtedly had physical strength of his own as well! That certainly meant this would be fun! A good challenge--perhaps for her, or perhaps for him--but good nonetheless!
    His smile was contagious, and as soon as he gave the word the match began!
    Every muscle in his arm tensed as they began--the energy shifting around him as he seemed to release all of his focus and strength right away. His determination expressed clearly in his focused expression as he gave it his all--and his strength was certainly impressive! It was immediately apparent that he was no ordinary kid--his strength clearly telling of someone who had dedicated much of their time and practice to the physical arts and training.
    But he was not the only clan child--
    And while he had much merit, Akatsuki was all a Kyōbō, a Yōki, and also a seasoned warrior who likely had a long history of viscious turmoil to overcome--and likely more years of experience in her seniority over the lad.
    Her hand would slam his into the table--given the force needed to accomplish the task, but not going overboard so as to hurt him.
    The young woman would let out a laugh in her victory, but still offered him praise despite it. "Good fight!" 

SPOILER: Click to show

『Great Strength』
Although she already was a strongly-built child due to her training from a young age, Akatsuki was gifted with exceptional strength from her deity once she devoted her life to him. Akatsuki is able to deal greater damage than what would be considered normal by any means. Although this adds more punch to her techniques and offers her the ability to lift more weight without assistance, she can also inflict far more damage with her strikes even if they aren't in the form of jutsu. Her body's muscles are more compacted than usual, offering her superior and surprising strength that would be considered surprising and unusual for her apparent physique.

eiji | 367 Words | Notes:

Blue Text - Tsuchi Branch Kyōbō Only
Pink Text - Sign language
Violet Text - Common Language

Shin of GS + Adox

[Ryō no Eiji]

"Hnnng!!!"

---

Struggle he did.

Not only was every muscle in his arm tensed during the match, but a vein or two in his neck even seemed to bulge. He was giving it his all! "Katanas... huh?" Eiji responded through grunts, desperate to keep his arm up. Despite his best efforts he was barely able to move her arm an inch. She was tough. "I like... bō's better!" There was a small red cylinder tied to his yellow sash, but it didn't look much like a staff in its retracted state. For just a moment he thought he was starting to make some headway...

But that's when the entire match turned!

Yelping, "Woah!" as his arm was thrust downward he instinctually stomped his left foot on the ground and heaved with all of his might. All the weight in his body fought against the sudden surge and the faintest second he managed to halt her push. Only for a second though. Soon the back of his hand crashed into the table and his dark eyes grew wide. "No way!" Childish disbelief or so it seemed on the outside. But in truth, it was genuine surprise. He'd spent much of his childhood being put through hellish training by his uncle, with the occasional surprise session hosted by his monster of a grandfather.  To be beaten so thoroughly wasn't something he was used to... but luckily the boy wasn't the worst sport. Just meant he had to work harder!

"Pretty and strong." He said, his grin returning as he locked eyes with the woman. "I like you." A giggle followed as the straw between his teeth flicked back and forth. Curiouser and curiouser he grew. Pushing his seat back the boy stood and punched his palm again, giving her another bow. "Thanks for the match!" It was the way of things. At least for a martial artist such as he. Cheers erupted once again from the crowd and Eiji gestured to the impromptu champ. Closing his eyes he let out another laugh. It was always nice when someone else got recognition... even if he was a little sore about losing. Without much warning he darted off through the crowd. Returning a minute later with several skewers of yakitori, one which hung from his mouth. "Dunno if they have prizes... but the nice ojīsan back there's givin' these away for free." A ways back there was a shout over the crowd's chatter that sounded something like 'No! I'm not!' but he didn't seem to hear.

Promptly he handed one to her, big grin still persisting. "How'd ya get so strong anyway?" An innocent enough question, though his eyes were locked onto her completely. As if awaiting some huge secret.

How indeed? He wanted to get that strong too!

---

[Akatsuki]

 

- Two birds of a feather -

"Say that they're always gonna stay together"

A bō huh? Akatsuki's eyes wandered momentarily to land on what she assumed the weapon in question was--though it seemed to be a bit smaller and more compact than she was expecting for a typical example of the tool. Still, even with her victory, the young man had put up a good fight! He'd given her a challenge--and more than anything, it had been fun! Even if he had been understandably disappointed in his defeat--he was a good enough sport about it! And, after all, he'd asked that she didn't hold back! So she'd only kept her end of the deal!
    Akatsuki grinned, blushing slightly at his praise and flattery and she waved him off with a hand. He's so upfront! "I like you too!" she replied back with a smile. He was strong--even if she'd overpowered him in the end. He was a good sport, she suspected he had a strong sense of--well, perhaps justice wasn't the correct word, but he fell in line to the beat of his own drum and followed his heart, and that was something she could admire! Plus, he seemed full of energy, was up to a challenge, seemed dedicated to his own art, and overall seemed to have a wild spirit about him! And it wasn't often that she met folk who were so open and spoke their mind so freely!
    All in all, he left a strong first impression and was a delight!
    Rising to her feet, herself, she'd return his gesture with a bow of her own. "Thank you! You gave me a pleasant challenge!" And she appreciated being able to actually test herself! It was no fun if her opponent was a complete pushover! Quickly enough and without warning, the boy rushed off before quickly returning, catching the woman by surprise when he had several treats in each hand. Her face lit up in excitement at the prospect of--possibly, greedily--being gifted one of them. "Ah--thanks!" Akatsuki said in gratitude, accepting one of the kebabs with appreciation, though her expression turned to one of shock when she heard the shout of protest over the chatter of the crowds. "Ah--! You can't just take things that don't belong to you!"
    At the very least, even though there was shouting and outrage in the distance--nobody immediately swarmed them to supply punishment. Hopefully it wouldn't escalate--and if the boy seemed completely unaware of the social ettequite, perhaps it could even be a teaching opportunity. "Here--" she'd reach into a pocket and pull out some change, giving it to the young man. "Go give this to the ojīsan as a thank-you for the food!"
    As much as she liked free food--she preferred when it was actually free!
    Hopefully, the boy would do as she requested. If he returned, she was happy enough to answer his question. "I don't know! I think it's a lot of things. My God gives me strength, and I've been training and fighting ever since I was a little girl. Plus, I think genetics probably play a role into my strength as well--between my brother and I, I've always been the stronger one between us. So I guess it's hard work, and a mix of good luck?" She smiled lightly. "But, you know, if you keep challenging yourself, and you don't fall out of practice, you can only continue to get stronger! You just need to allow yourself time, too!"

eiji | 570 Words | Notes:

Blue Text - Tsuchi Branch Kyōbō Only
Pink Text - Sign language
Violet Text - Common Language

Shin of GS + Adox

[Ryō no Eiji]

"Hehe, great!~"

---

It was always nice when the feeling was mutual, especially when it came from someone so interesting.

Rolling his shoulder the boy winced just the slightest bit, looking a bit silly with both his piece of straw and a skewer of meet hanging from his teeth. "Almost took my arm off!" He giggled, but it was the truth. Eiji hadn't gone up against physical strength like that since his uncle. Or his grandpa. Both inhuman in their own right.  "Thanks for not goin' easy... Jiji always says martial artists have to test themselves." It was their way.

Wasn't the most fun always getting smacked around during training... but it sure made him sturdy!

Saying that he couldn't just take things made him fold his arms and arch one of his eyebrows. "Hm? Why not?" His insight earlier displayed that he was no fool... but clearly there were things about the outside world he didn't understand. Back at his mountain home on Kika the laws of the jungle prevailed. Take or be taken! Least that's how he survived. "Is he an arm-wrestlin' champ too?" A look of surprise flashed in his eyes for a moment. No way he could handle two losses in one day! The woman offered him some coins and he nodded, swiping them and jogging his way back to the stand. A minute or two passed before he waltzed back, scratching the back of his head. "Didn't wanna go up against  me... but those coins sure made him happy."

Listening to her explanation his eyes widened. Attention hanging on every word. "God, hm?" He echoed the word, eyes drifing upwards. "Someone like that's gotta be strong." Religion wasn't a totally foreign concept to him. Plenty of travelers he'd encounter held different beliefs. For him, the material world held the most interest. "Maybe I should be a monk?" If it meant he'd get stronger he'd probably consider it... but he'd look pretty weird bald. At mention of her brother his smile grew. "That's funny, my sis is stronger than me too." Couldn't count the number of times he'd been beaten down by her. One day he'd win a bout, but he still had a long way to go before he caught up. "You close with your brother?" He and Sora certainly were. But it'd been some years since he last saw her... she was probably a lot bigger now! And tougher. Words of encouragement caused his grin to return and he cleaned the skewer of meat in one go. "Mm, thanks." He said, barely chewing at all before swallowing his food. Eiji winked and gave her a thumbs up.

 "When I get stronger you owe me a rematch!~" Another sly giggle followed his challenge but he was serious. It was on his to-do list! Along with a million other fleeting fancies and whims. So much to do, so much to see!

---