[Muramasa Uemon]

claret, in place of cold ryō

---

Na no Kuni, a nation that he had never had cause to travel to or through in the past. Miyamoto-mura was near enough to Tetsu no Kuni's southern border, but apparently he had trekked even further than he realized. "How?"

It was not just improbable, but impossible given the extent of his injury. Willpower could only take a human being so far, and all else being equal, he should have bled out in Hō no Kuni. "Karura, perhaps..." he thought of his bird puppet, and faint, hazy memories of the wind in his hair meant that it could be the only possible explanation.

So he took flight south, but with his chakra reserves as exhausted as they were, he must have dismounted somewhere further north. Minamoto forces had been at his family's forge in force, and Tetsu no Kuni steeds were swift enough to give chase. All of that combined with the trail of blood that he left behind told him all he needed.

A contingent of samurai were almost certainly hot on his heels, and if he remained out in the open like this, he was finished. "Muramasa Uemon." The wanderer replied to the doctor in turn, grunting in pain as he was helped to his feet and nearly toppled over immediately. "A silo... will work." A renewed sweat dampened his brow as he hobbled after Chitoku, clenching his teeth so hard he felt they might break. Though the worst of the damage had been repaired, his moving made his abdomen feel as if a white-hot blade had pierced him anew. Uemon could only slip his kodachi into his obi, wince, and clutch at his side as he walked, doing his best to stay focused on the immediate issue. Soon enough, the pair neared what appeared to be an old mine shaft. "Odd-looking silo..." he thought, then glanced to the many-eyed doctor as he proposed a plan. He nodded in agreement about remaining unseen, then stifled another grunt as he hunched. "Maintain your focus," he told himself, trying to ignore his body.

The nausea was returning quickly... but emptying his stomach had to wait. "I need... but a moment." He told Chitoku in regards to the distraction, as even a short one would be enough. Fortunately for him, the lad on guard duty did not appear particularly alert. Uemon waited for the doctor to take his leave, listened for their faint talking, then slowly limped forward. Injured as he was made skulking about a rather tedious affair, but his training served him well and his uneven footsteps remained muffled. "Behind those carts." He instructed himself, and tried to crouch... before a jolt of pain ripped through his midsection and he fell forward. "Shit!" He cursed mentally, gritting his teeth as the ground fast approached. Thinking quickly, he placed both hands out in front of him and did his best to catch himself, dispersing the impact with a bending of his elbows. Somehow... he managed to stay silent. "...gods damn it."

Uemon grumbled under his breath, barely audible to himself as he held his awkward position and waited. After a few moments, he rose with great difficulty to crouch, then limped past the carts and into the mine's mouth. A horn sounded in the distance, but he paid it little mind as he leaned on a nearby wall and trudged forward best he could.

---

[Dodomeki Chitoku]

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[attr="class","butt-box2"]Peering into the lad’s mouth while watching Uemon with an eye on his arm, Chitoku poked around a bit at the guard's teeth, his nose wrinkling from the rancid smell of his breath. When his patient fell, the guard tried to jerk his head back but he grasped onto his jaw.

"Stay still please!” he said while prying his mouth back open.
"Wha was tha?” the guard asked.
Chitoku tilted his head towards Uemon’s position. "Oh, just a dumb bird. You should worry more about this exam. My my I think you really need to start cleansing your mouth better.”

An eye on the back of his neck caught the opening of the wooden gate down the hill, accompanied by the churning of the mechanisms lifting it up and then the sound of horse hooves striking cobblestone. Three figures strode in, each clad in a thick exoskeleton of ō-yoroi.

Chitoku’s eyes widened, and as soon as he saw Uemon enter the old mine. Suddenly, he let the guard's mouth go.

"You better start taking better care, or those teeth will fall out in a few years,” he told the man.

Afterwards he walked away, watching the samurai riding and speaking with different vendors down by the gates where most of the commercial stalls were. He thought it was only a matter of time until a local tipped them off about the arrival of a wounded man, and he didn’t want to be interrogated. It was best he hid as well.

Turning a corner, he waited until he was out of eyeshot and then formed a handseal. Those who would peer upon him would see right past him as if he were not there. He used this to walk right by the guard, who was now picking at his teeth nervously.

The inside of the old mine was filled with little shelves that were carved out from the stone where various vegetables were stored in baskets and pots out of the light of the sun. There was a dim torchlight on the walls that spanned back into a deep tunnel. The cave smelled oddly pleasant, like a fresh salad.

Unshrouding himself, Chitoku leaned down and ushered Uemon to get behind a wagon parked near the deepest part of the mine loaded with watermelon. He plucked one of them and cut it in half with a kunai before taking a seat near one of the wheels. Digging his fingers in and grabbing a handful of melon, he took a bite and let out a deep breath as the refreshing juices wet his tongue. An eye fell to Uemon, and he held up the other half of the melon in offering.

"Three men on horseback are out there, but I don’t think anyone saw us enter. You’re in deep trouble, aren’t you?”

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NOTES
None.

JUTSU/EQUIPMENT USED
None.

SPECIAL ABILITIES
Chōmoku
From a young age Chitoku was implanted with preserved eyes of deceased clansmen all over his body. Coverage includes both his arms (5 on each arm), torso (9 eyes), and back (7 eyes) effectively granting him a 360 degree field of vision when his chest is uncovered and a plethora of eyes to use as visual triggers for certain genjutsu. When all but his arms are covered there are small pockets of the field which only fall into his peripheral vision.

This gift comes at a price, as he is more susceptible to seeing visual triggers himself or having the soft tissues of the eye damaged. In case of being blinded, covered eyes can be uncovered to provide sight as well, although the more eyes that are blinded or damaged the less coverage he has with line of sight.

Homicidal Medicine
Versed in traditional medicine including surgery, Chitoku can provide conventional first aid treatments to the wounded and practice medicine in general. Knowledge of the human body also grant him insights on vulnerable parts of anatomy and a deeper understanding of pain as well.

Exceptional Chakra Control
Compared to most shinobi of his grade, Chitoku's chakra control is exceptional. He is able to conserve a good deal of energy with his jutsu usage which allows him in turn to use more jutsu over time. His control is precise enough to channel complicated illusions and medical chakra as well.

TAGS
None

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[Muramasa Uemon]

to uncertain ends

---

Of all the messes he had landed himself in before, this one was among the worst. Half-dead, limping his way into a repurposed mineshaft to hide from a group of armored fools who were determined to see his head on a spike.

Thankfully Chitoku came through, successfully distracting the guard so he could finish skulking by without notice and into the shadows of the mine. Rugged torch sconces lined the earthen walls, providing some semblance of orange light as he limped further in. He could barely stand on his own, so remained close to the walls for support.

Before long, the many-eyed doctor caught up to him and directed him further inward towards a wagon. The scent of fresh fruits and vegetables pervaded the air, but he could barely smell them past the blood and sweat he wore.

Uemon sluggishly moved behind the wagon and leaned against it as he slid down to sit on the ground, wincing all the while. His breathing was as hitched as his gait, and it took him nearly a full minute to steady it as he finally came to rest. "...thank you." The wanderer muttered in regards to his assistance and the offered melon, taking the other half that was offered and digging in with his fingers like an animal who had not eaten for weeks. At least he would not lack for food if he was forced to stay here longer than anticipated. "I have hidden in worse places," he thought...

Thought it took only a short glance around for him to second-guess himself. "...barely." Still, it was suitably secure, and dark enough that he could conceal himself from any unwanted guests with little trouble. Chitoku mentioned the men on horseback and mused about his troubles, and Uemon grew quieter. "Deeper than I have ever been..."

Killing had become a trivial matter to him at this point, but up until a few days ago, he had never slain Minamoto men before. A retainer went missing when last sighted in his presence, and a lowly patrol was annihilated by the combined efforts of him and his uncle... but now, he had the shōgun's attention.  "I doubt they will linger," he continued, finishing off his melon and wiping his face with an already-soiled sleeve. "So long as I do not draw attention to myself... they should leave everyone be." It sounded more like he was trying to convince himself as he spoke, his somber tone colored with a hint of doubt. Samurai loudly and often preached about "honor", but in reality they were no less cutthroat than any shinobi or militarized force. They were soldiers, the same as any other. 

Soldiers without a proper war to fight got bored, and when that happened, civilians paid the price. Just as the ninja of the Hidden Villages honed their skills on poor brigands trying to provide for their families, the samurai of Tetsu no Kuni were known to sharpen their blades on smallfolk with little to no provocation. "Monsters..." he thought.

But then, so was he. "Chitoku-san..." he began, turning a narrowed gaze to the doctor. "...why are you aiding me?" If payment was the real concern, he doubted the man would have lifted a finger to save him initially. And now, to go beyond and risk his neck for the sake of a stranger... it made no sense. He grew silent again, and waited.

---

[Dodomeki Chitoku]

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[attr="class","butt-box2"]Chitoku blinked for a moment, the stranger’s question illuminating the contradiction between his stated nature and his actual one. He was once a boy who wanted to be a hero, until he knew about famine and death. He knew that he’d let the boy in him make the decision to save the man, who he couldn’t be sure of them ever repaying him. The sellsword in him was annoyed at the stupid heart that he couldn’t seem to completely kill no matter how much it got him into trouble.

"I figured you wouldn’t make it, and to be frank it was good practice for me even if I couldn’t save you,” he lied, or at least omitted that it was predominantly an act of kindness. "Glad that you made it though, now you can pay me. It’s good for both of us.”

He kept quiet for a bit as he heard horses walking nearby, but those sounds quickly faded as whoever it was passed further up the hill. The samurai were still in town, but it didn’t seem like anyone had pinpointed their location.

"I’ve also heard rumor that some samurai can be rather brash, and since I’ve helped you I am worried they’ll not give me a chance to explain that I had no idea you were a fugitive. So I am betting that you’re the better bet.”

Smiling, he was satisfied that he’d portrayed himself as a selfish bastard well enough. His eyes lingered on Uemon’s wrappings. Even though he’d acted out of mercy, it was true that he wasn’t sure that he was skilled enough to save him. So far he seemed to be holding up as well as one could given the circumstances, but he was still second guessing his talent.

"Not to mention the eyes are a bit of a disadvantage in civil negotiations with such folks as them. Tell me right away if your hands start to swell, or anything else that comes up for that matter. Now isn’t the time to tough your symptoms out.”

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NOTES
None.

JUTSU/EQUIPMENT USED
None.

SPECIAL ABILITIES
Chōmoku
From a young age Chitoku was implanted with preserved eyes of deceased clansmen all over his body. Coverage includes both his arms (5 on each arm), torso (9 eyes), and back (7 eyes) effectively granting him a 360 degree field of vision when his chest is uncovered and a plethora of eyes to use as visual triggers for certain genjutsu. When all but his arms are covered there are small pockets of the field which only fall into his peripheral vision.

This gift comes at a price, as he is more susceptible to seeing visual triggers himself or having the soft tissues of the eye damaged. In case of being blinded, covered eyes can be uncovered to provide sight as well, although the more eyes that are blinded or damaged the less coverage he has with line of sight.

Homicidal Medicine
Versed in traditional medicine including surgery, Chitoku can provide conventional first aid treatments to the wounded and practice medicine in general. Knowledge of the human body also grant him insights on vulnerable parts of anatomy and a deeper understanding of pain as well.

Exceptional Chakra Control
Compared to most shinobi of his grade, Chitoku's chakra control is exceptional. He is able to conserve a good deal of energy with his jutsu usage which allows him in turn to use more jutsu over time. His control is precise enough to channel complicated illusions and medical chakra as well.

TAGS
None

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[Muramasa Uemon]

a many-eyed man

---

The doctor spoke and Uemon listened, noting the slight pause before he answered. A lie? He wondered to himself, before disregarding the thought entirely. It matters little. Truth or falsehood, motivations did not change the outcome.

He was alive— to fight and die another die. "A test of skill, then," he began, turning his gaze to the half-devoured melon. "I suppose that makes sense." The man's answer was sufficient enough for his purposes, at least. Chitoku followed up by mentioning payment and he felt his brow furrow a bit. "Yes..." he said. "Great."

A punctured kidney and the shock of his father's trespass may have affected his body and mind, but it seemed he still retained his snark... muted and pathetic as it was in his current state. Still, fair was fair and he did already offer up his services as payment. So like it or not, there remained a debt to be cleared. Uemon was too chakra-fatigued to sense the approaching beings, but the trotting of hooves outside echoed into the mine's entrance. Instantly he could feel his teeth set on edge. He set the fruit down as his hand found the hilt of his kodachi, and he held his breath.

One beat, two... and soon enough, the sound grew distant. Still, his grip remained on his weapon and his eyes pointed towards the entrance. "That they are," Uemon replied to Chitoku about the samurai, sparing the man a quick glance. "Most likely, they would cut you down without a second thought." It was not the most joyous of news but it was the truth. He was a wanted murderer now, and samurai were not known for their patience. As for him being the better bet... "I might have agreed with you a week ago," he continued on, returning his gaze over his shoulder, towards the only point of entry. "Now..." He was the fool's wager.

Unjustified in his one-man war against the samurai, badly injured, and more uncertain of himself than he had ever been. Not once in the past eleven years had he wavered from his convictions... but now, he did not know what to do. Uemon grew silent for a long while, listening for any more sign of approach as he contemplated his actions.
 
Chitoku spoke of his eyes which earned another passing glance. "Samurai are a superstitious lot," he began. All kami, yōkai, and myths for them. His gaze shifted to the man's arms and the many eyes housed there, though his expression did not change. "What are they, a kekkei genkai of some sort?" It was his best guess.

Blunt, but at least he was no longer mistaking him for a demon. "Fine," was all he said about toughing his symptoms out. He did not intend to die here, so being forthright was smart. "Assuming I do not die from infection before I get the chance." The dryness of his tone almost made it sound like a joke, but if it was, he was not smiling. Something had been nagging at him, so he asked, "These... 'endeavors' you want me to perform..."

Uemon could feel his brow begin to furrow as he met the man's gaze. "...what exactly do you have in mind?"

---

[Dodomeki Chitoku]

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[attr="class","butt-box2"]Chitoku waited for the footsteps to completely pass before he spoke again. It would have been a great benefit for him if Ayane was here, because she might have been able to track their signatures for him. He’d just have to keep his eyes open, trap one in a genjutsu, and hope that his poison could handle the rest if push came to shove. Luckily, it seemed like they had hidden themselves successfully for now.

"My clan developed a method of building optical nerves throughout the body through surgery and ninjtutsu. The superstition usually suits us, not a lot of people want to mess with things they don’t understand. Too bad samurai aren’t among their lot.”

With Ayane still fresh on his mind, he thought of a potential use for his new debtor. "I’m heading to Law Country, a contact of mine might have some work lined up for me. Really juicy stuff, with a good payout. Should be enough to pay your bill and it’ll save me having to round someone else up… but I will need you to find my companion, Ayane. She’s probably in Bird Country or something. Ask around, help her out if she’s gotten into trouble again, and bring her with you to Law Country after. I’ll give you the address where I’ll meet you once we clear out of here.”

She had sticky fingers, and he worried about leaving her alone this long. But if he didn’t go meet his contact, the job could slip through their fingers to another mercenary group. With a little more rest this fellow could probably at least minor inconveniences.

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NOTES
None.

JUTSU/EQUIPMENT USED
None.

SPECIAL ABILITIES
Chōmoku
From a young age Chitoku was implanted with preserved eyes of deceased clansmen all over his body. Coverage includes both his arms (5 on each arm), torso (9 eyes), and back (7 eyes) effectively granting him a 360 degree field of vision when his chest is uncovered and a plethora of eyes to use as visual triggers for certain genjutsu. When all but his arms are covered there are small pockets of the field which only fall into his peripheral vision.

This gift comes at a price, as he is more susceptible to seeing visual triggers himself or having the soft tissues of the eye damaged. In case of being blinded, covered eyes can be uncovered to provide sight as well, although the more eyes that are blinded or damaged the less coverage he has with line of sight.

Homicidal Medicine
Versed in traditional medicine including surgery, Chitoku can provide conventional first aid treatments to the wounded and practice medicine in general. Knowledge of the human body also grant him insights on vulnerable parts of anatomy and a deeper understanding of pain as well.

Exceptional Chakra Control
Compared to most shinobi of his grade, Chitoku's chakra control is exceptional. He is able to conserve a good deal of energy with his jutsu usage which allows him in turn to use more jutsu over time. His control is precise enough to channel complicated illusions and medical chakra as well.

TAGS
None

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