Week 5 - Yuudai
shibosho
The Face of Procrastination
- Location
- The Land of Oz
Week 5 - Yuudai
The base prison cells had simple designs. Each cell had a toilet, a sink, and a bed. The walls of the cells were very sturdy, enough to hold a superhuman with weak super strength, such as a ninja for example. The bars had been replaced with Ebon Steel, making it impossible to break through any non-magical means. Currently, the seven cells out of forty were occupied.
One of the cells had been in use for around a month now and its occupant was in a wretched state. Continuous energy drains and isolation had pretty much broken the would-be rapist in the cell. The guy had tried to starve himself but you had your golems force-feed the man. He was still a valuable source of energy after all.
The other six cells contained members of Kagemaru's Ninja Guards. Most of them had taken out easily thanks to your Neoshadows' ability to hide in other people's shadows and drain their energy while hiding. Only one of them, the leader of the small group, had been able to withstand being drained by several Neoshadows for a few minutes before collapsing. He was the one that you were most interested in.
Sifting through the memories of the ninjas, you learned that the leader's name was Yuudai. He was a shinobi from the White Moon Clan who, after witnessing the death of his siblings whose lives had been practically thrown away just so the White Moon clan could save face and maintain their position of power, had tried to slay his clan's head in order to take control of his clan. Yuudai had failed and barely escaped with his life. Now clanless and masterless, Yuudai had drifted from place to place, doing whatever work he could do in order to survive, all while holding onto the burning embers of hatred of the White Moon clan.
Kagemaru was just the latest in a long line of employers that were willing to take on the services of an unknown clanless shinobi.
His skill was definitely much higher than the average ninja, if he's been able to stay in his clan and make use of the resources they had, he would have been much stronger than he is now. If your Neoshadows hadn't drained him, he would have definitely been a pain to fight as Jacob. Not so much as Ebon but you'd probably be forced to pull out your more powerful tricks to keep the guys from running. He was also the ideal test subject for something you wanted to try out for a while.
With knowledge of Yuudai's background, you woke up the man with a shot of Life Energy. Immediately, Yuudai's eyes snapped open and the man kicked his legs out and swept his body around until he was back on his feet, ready to fight his enemy. Even weakened by the prior draining of his life energy, Yuudai's reflexes were still beyond that of normal men. After realizing where he was, the ninja let out a grunt of annoyance and sat down seiza-style, looking at you with a bored expression. You had the foresight to remain all his weapons from his person before hand so there was nothing he can do except wait and see what happen.
The staring contest lasted for a few minutes before impatience got the better of the clanless shinobi. "Who are you and why am I in a cell?"
With that, you put on your best-winning smile and proceeded to introduce yourself.
"You may call me Ebon and as I have an offer for you."
Yuudai scoffed, clearly not impressed. "And what would that offer be, Ebon?" He asked.
"I know of your past, Yuudai. I know of the wound deep inside your heart. I know of the betrayal you felt that day. I know of the heartbreak you experienced when you held your sister's - "
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK OF THEM!" Yuudai screamed, your words touching a nerve. "You. How do you know!? Answer me!"
"Oh, you'll know if you joined me but for now, let's say I'm a bit out of the ordinary." You answer cryptically, causing to ninja's face to darken in anger, "I know exactly what you want. You've been drifting from place to place, desperately trying to find some mean to make the White Moon Clan pay, Yuudai-kun. My offer is simple."
"Become my comrade, Yuudai. Become my comrade and gain the means to finally strike back at the White Moon clan. You will gain resources, soldiers, and most importantly, power. All you have to do is become a fellow servant of the Ebon Emperor."
Your offer on the surface didn't seem to affect Yuudai. However, his emotional energy was in turmoil. His own paranoia was questioning everything you said while his hate and desire to avenge his brother and sister made him want to accept your offer. Taking a deep breath to clear their mind, Yuudai asked a question. "What happens if I refuse?"
"Then, you get to stay down here and become a source of energy for my powers. Considering how much strength you have, you should last quite a while. It's not like you could beat me anyway. Nobody knows you're here and nobody cares." You answered honestly. It was true. While a couple of people like the bartender at the bar Yuudai frequent might be concerned for a little while, they would soon enough forget about him as time passes. "So what is it gonna be? Will you join me or will you become my battery?"
Yuudai scowled at you but stayed silent as he closed his eyes to think. Realizing that Yuudai wasn't going to answer soon, you left the prison area to go see Evetta. There were some questions that you wanted to know the answer to, preferably before Yuudai made a decision. By the time you return, Yuudai is waiting to ask you more questions.
"Exactly what are you can you do? You made me a very nice offer and threat but you've failed to demonstrate whether or not you can carry them out. Give me proof or your power and I shall consider joining you and serving this...Ebon Emperor."
You smile. That can be arranged.
The demonstration doesn't take long. After you show off your physical capabilities, your magical strength, your minions, and your ability to summon a near endless supply of weaponry, Yuudai finally admitted that you are the real deal.
"Fine, you are capable. Just answer me this. Why do you want me? You are obviously far more powerful than me. With your powers, you do not need an assassin or fear assassination. So why me?" Yuudai asked. It was a good question but one you already had an answer for.
"I need someone to take care of the...black ops stuff, you know, the kind of things that I don't want being connected to me. While I could do it myself, my time can be better spent elsewhere. That's where you come in. You once spent a year as an inside agent on one of the White Moon clan's enemies. Your ability to seek out information, kill without leaving a trace, and sabotage enemy facilities are superior to my own much less subtle capabilities. Does that answer your question, Yuudai-san?"
"Tch, I suppose you're honest at least. Very well then, just one last question. You're not planning on ending the world or something stupid like that, are you?"
"What!? No! My objective is to save the Ebon Emperor."
"Save the one who gave you your powers?"
"Correct."
"...Damn it. Very well then, I accept your offer. This clanless shinobi shall lend you his services so long as you are not found wanting." Yuudai finally declared. You grin widely pleased that you now had someone to take care of all the shady spy stuff. Now there was just one last thing to do.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
"...I was not informed that I would require offering my services directly to this Ebon Emperor." Yuudai stated, clearly not amused that he was being made to sit in the middle of a strange glowing magic circle. Evetta ignored the ninja as she adds the finishing touches.
Yuudai had taken the introduction of Evetta well, stating that while uncommon, it was not unheard of there being living puppets. According to Yuudai, ninja puppets were a thing and there were forbidden arts that were capable of giving a semblance of life to them. Evetta found Yuudai interesting since shinobi were quite different from the assassin of her creator's era as well as being amused at being compared to ninja puppets.
You shrugged your shoulders since you honestly have no idea how inducting someone into the service of the Ebon Emperor was meant to go. You're quite sure that your own induction was out of the norm.
"Do not worry, warrior that strikes from the shadows. The Ebon Emperor, even in their current state, will accept those who with to serve. If you are found wanting, then you shall merely be ignored." Evetta explained, sounding like a mother talking to her child. Yuudai nodded but stayed silent as the living doll continued her work. A couple of minutes pass before Evetta stood up from the ground. "There, I am done. All that is left to do is for Lord Jacob to use Ebon Power to activate the circle and Yuudai's consciousness will meet with the Ebon Emperor."
"Wait, Jacob? Hang on. You're that blonde - "
Without letting Yuudai finish his sentence, you reached down and touched the circle before injecting a shot of Ebon Power into it. Immediately, the circle began to glow with a dark purple light before a pillar of blackness erupted a second later, completely covering up everything in the circle, including Yuudai.
You stared at the pillar of black light for a few moments before turning to Evetta with a questioning look. "Is this what usually happens?" You asked.
"Yes, that is correct. Soon, we will either have a new ally joining us or an unfortunate broken soul."
"Wait what - " Before you could finish your sentence, the black pillar shattered, revealing the still form of Yuudai. You weren't expecting that to go so fast. Crouching down, you went to check if Yuudai was still alive - and mentally sound. Giving him a slight shake, you received a low groan from the man. You watch as Yuudai held his head in his hand, shaking it for a bit before looking up. His eyes which had been a very dark brown were glowing red but as moments passed the glow faded returning his eyes to their original colour. Yuudai however, stared at you with a blank expression. "...Are you okay?"
For a moment, it looked like Yuudai didn't hear your question when you hear a strange sound coming from him as his body begins to shake. It takes you a moment to realize that the man had begun laughing.
"Ha-ha-ha-HA-HA-HAHAHAHA!" As the soft chuckling quickly turned to full blown mad laughter, you were starting to think that Yuudai didn't succeed in gaining the Ebon Emperor's approval, not surprising since the last you remember the Ebon Emperor was dormant. "I understand now! I know what I must do now! AHAHAHAHAHA!"
Okay maybe he hadn't cracked but you were still getting a little freaked out. Suddenly standing up, Yuudai moved towards you before going down in genuflection. "I, Yuudai formerly of the White Moon clan pledge absolute loyalty to the Ebon Emperor and Ebon Lord Jacob. I shall do all I can to ensure the revival of our god and master, the Black King."
Huh, looks like everything worked out.
…
Gained Yuudai (Intrigue Advisor)
Stats
Martial: 17+3+5+3: 28 (46): Years of training and combat has made you into a skilled warrior and killer, and the power of Ebon has only made you more dangerous. The lessons of war and combat have long since been engraved into your body and soul.
Stewardship: 13+3: 16: You are an organized person. You have to be in order to make the money from your previous work last as long as possible without compromising combat effectiveness.
Diplomacy: 14+1+1+3: 19: A shinobi is trained to infiltrate and disguise themselves as all kinds of people. Being good at being sociable is a requirement to being a good ninja.
Intrigue: 23+5+1+2+3+2: 36: You are among the mortal masters of subtlety and stealth. Only superhumans and supernatural entities can hope to hide from you and obscure the truths that you would seek.
Learning: 19+3: 22. You are an intelligent man as befits a shinobi. For shinobi, knowledge is power for it opens up more path to take in life while wisdom guides you to the ideal path to take.
Piety: 18+5+3: 26. While not trained in magic, if you had been born a magician instead of a ninja, you would be definitely above average. For you though, it is a potential tool that you shall one day master.
Traits:
Ninja - Chunin Rank: You are considered a journeyman professional shinobi. Though no longer a student, there is still a long way to go before you can call yourself a master. +3 Martial. +1 Diplomacy. +5 Intrigue.
Servant of the Ebon Emperor: The Black King has chosen you to serve them and in doing so has granted you powers beyond the ken of mortal men. +5 Martial. +5 Piety.
Sly: Thinking problems through, and going for the best, out-of-the-way solutions is a hobby of yours. You can even turn the tables in talking with others better… +10 to Intrigue Rolls. +1 Intrigue. +1 Diplomacy.
Stacked Deck: One who uses a pragmatic approach to combat need not concern themselves with fairness when seeking advantages. ½ Intrigue to Martial. +2 Intrigue.
Forged Body: A body forged in strife, a mind crafted by battle, constant warfare can turn a simple stone into an impressive jewel. Adversity merely makes you stronger. +3 to all Stats.
Sneaky: You are very good at hiding. +2 Intrigue.
Yuudai's appearance:
[ ] Write-in (Picture or description)
The base prison cells had simple designs. Each cell had a toilet, a sink, and a bed. The walls of the cells were very sturdy, enough to hold a superhuman with weak super strength, such as a ninja for example. The bars had been replaced with Ebon Steel, making it impossible to break through any non-magical means. Currently, the seven cells out of forty were occupied.
One of the cells had been in use for around a month now and its occupant was in a wretched state. Continuous energy drains and isolation had pretty much broken the would-be rapist in the cell. The guy had tried to starve himself but you had your golems force-feed the man. He was still a valuable source of energy after all.
The other six cells contained members of Kagemaru's Ninja Guards. Most of them had taken out easily thanks to your Neoshadows' ability to hide in other people's shadows and drain their energy while hiding. Only one of them, the leader of the small group, had been able to withstand being drained by several Neoshadows for a few minutes before collapsing. He was the one that you were most interested in.
Sifting through the memories of the ninjas, you learned that the leader's name was Yuudai. He was a shinobi from the White Moon Clan who, after witnessing the death of his siblings whose lives had been practically thrown away just so the White Moon clan could save face and maintain their position of power, had tried to slay his clan's head in order to take control of his clan. Yuudai had failed and barely escaped with his life. Now clanless and masterless, Yuudai had drifted from place to place, doing whatever work he could do in order to survive, all while holding onto the burning embers of hatred of the White Moon clan.
Kagemaru was just the latest in a long line of employers that were willing to take on the services of an unknown clanless shinobi.
His skill was definitely much higher than the average ninja, if he's been able to stay in his clan and make use of the resources they had, he would have been much stronger than he is now. If your Neoshadows hadn't drained him, he would have definitely been a pain to fight as Jacob. Not so much as Ebon but you'd probably be forced to pull out your more powerful tricks to keep the guys from running. He was also the ideal test subject for something you wanted to try out for a while.
With knowledge of Yuudai's background, you woke up the man with a shot of Life Energy. Immediately, Yuudai's eyes snapped open and the man kicked his legs out and swept his body around until he was back on his feet, ready to fight his enemy. Even weakened by the prior draining of his life energy, Yuudai's reflexes were still beyond that of normal men. After realizing where he was, the ninja let out a grunt of annoyance and sat down seiza-style, looking at you with a bored expression. You had the foresight to remain all his weapons from his person before hand so there was nothing he can do except wait and see what happen.
The staring contest lasted for a few minutes before impatience got the better of the clanless shinobi. "Who are you and why am I in a cell?"
With that, you put on your best-winning smile and proceeded to introduce yourself.
"You may call me Ebon and as I have an offer for you."
Yuudai scoffed, clearly not impressed. "And what would that offer be, Ebon?" He asked.
"I know of your past, Yuudai. I know of the wound deep inside your heart. I know of the betrayal you felt that day. I know of the heartbreak you experienced when you held your sister's - "
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK OF THEM!" Yuudai screamed, your words touching a nerve. "You. How do you know!? Answer me!"
"Oh, you'll know if you joined me but for now, let's say I'm a bit out of the ordinary." You answer cryptically, causing to ninja's face to darken in anger, "I know exactly what you want. You've been drifting from place to place, desperately trying to find some mean to make the White Moon Clan pay, Yuudai-kun. My offer is simple."
"Become my comrade, Yuudai. Become my comrade and gain the means to finally strike back at the White Moon clan. You will gain resources, soldiers, and most importantly, power. All you have to do is become a fellow servant of the Ebon Emperor."
Your offer on the surface didn't seem to affect Yuudai. However, his emotional energy was in turmoil. His own paranoia was questioning everything you said while his hate and desire to avenge his brother and sister made him want to accept your offer. Taking a deep breath to clear their mind, Yuudai asked a question. "What happens if I refuse?"
"Then, you get to stay down here and become a source of energy for my powers. Considering how much strength you have, you should last quite a while. It's not like you could beat me anyway. Nobody knows you're here and nobody cares." You answered honestly. It was true. While a couple of people like the bartender at the bar Yuudai frequent might be concerned for a little while, they would soon enough forget about him as time passes. "So what is it gonna be? Will you join me or will you become my battery?"
Yuudai scowled at you but stayed silent as he closed his eyes to think. Realizing that Yuudai wasn't going to answer soon, you left the prison area to go see Evetta. There were some questions that you wanted to know the answer to, preferably before Yuudai made a decision. By the time you return, Yuudai is waiting to ask you more questions.
"Exactly what are you can you do? You made me a very nice offer and threat but you've failed to demonstrate whether or not you can carry them out. Give me proof or your power and I shall consider joining you and serving this...Ebon Emperor."
You smile. That can be arranged.
The demonstration doesn't take long. After you show off your physical capabilities, your magical strength, your minions, and your ability to summon a near endless supply of weaponry, Yuudai finally admitted that you are the real deal.
"Fine, you are capable. Just answer me this. Why do you want me? You are obviously far more powerful than me. With your powers, you do not need an assassin or fear assassination. So why me?" Yuudai asked. It was a good question but one you already had an answer for.
"I need someone to take care of the...black ops stuff, you know, the kind of things that I don't want being connected to me. While I could do it myself, my time can be better spent elsewhere. That's where you come in. You once spent a year as an inside agent on one of the White Moon clan's enemies. Your ability to seek out information, kill without leaving a trace, and sabotage enemy facilities are superior to my own much less subtle capabilities. Does that answer your question, Yuudai-san?"
"Tch, I suppose you're honest at least. Very well then, just one last question. You're not planning on ending the world or something stupid like that, are you?"
"What!? No! My objective is to save the Ebon Emperor."
"Save the one who gave you your powers?"
"Correct."
"...Damn it. Very well then, I accept your offer. This clanless shinobi shall lend you his services so long as you are not found wanting." Yuudai finally declared. You grin widely pleased that you now had someone to take care of all the shady spy stuff. Now there was just one last thing to do.
-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-
"...I was not informed that I would require offering my services directly to this Ebon Emperor." Yuudai stated, clearly not amused that he was being made to sit in the middle of a strange glowing magic circle. Evetta ignored the ninja as she adds the finishing touches.
Yuudai had taken the introduction of Evetta well, stating that while uncommon, it was not unheard of there being living puppets. According to Yuudai, ninja puppets were a thing and there were forbidden arts that were capable of giving a semblance of life to them. Evetta found Yuudai interesting since shinobi were quite different from the assassin of her creator's era as well as being amused at being compared to ninja puppets.
You shrugged your shoulders since you honestly have no idea how inducting someone into the service of the Ebon Emperor was meant to go. You're quite sure that your own induction was out of the norm.
"Do not worry, warrior that strikes from the shadows. The Ebon Emperor, even in their current state, will accept those who with to serve. If you are found wanting, then you shall merely be ignored." Evetta explained, sounding like a mother talking to her child. Yuudai nodded but stayed silent as the living doll continued her work. A couple of minutes pass before Evetta stood up from the ground. "There, I am done. All that is left to do is for Lord Jacob to use Ebon Power to activate the circle and Yuudai's consciousness will meet with the Ebon Emperor."
"Wait, Jacob? Hang on. You're that blonde - "
Without letting Yuudai finish his sentence, you reached down and touched the circle before injecting a shot of Ebon Power into it. Immediately, the circle began to glow with a dark purple light before a pillar of blackness erupted a second later, completely covering up everything in the circle, including Yuudai.
You stared at the pillar of black light for a few moments before turning to Evetta with a questioning look. "Is this what usually happens?" You asked.
"Yes, that is correct. Soon, we will either have a new ally joining us or an unfortunate broken soul."
"Wait what - " Before you could finish your sentence, the black pillar shattered, revealing the still form of Yuudai. You weren't expecting that to go so fast. Crouching down, you went to check if Yuudai was still alive - and mentally sound. Giving him a slight shake, you received a low groan from the man. You watch as Yuudai held his head in his hand, shaking it for a bit before looking up. His eyes which had been a very dark brown were glowing red but as moments passed the glow faded returning his eyes to their original colour. Yuudai however, stared at you with a blank expression. "...Are you okay?"
For a moment, it looked like Yuudai didn't hear your question when you hear a strange sound coming from him as his body begins to shake. It takes you a moment to realize that the man had begun laughing.
"Ha-ha-ha-HA-HA-HAHAHAHA!" As the soft chuckling quickly turned to full blown mad laughter, you were starting to think that Yuudai didn't succeed in gaining the Ebon Emperor's approval, not surprising since the last you remember the Ebon Emperor was dormant. "I understand now! I know what I must do now! AHAHAHAHAHA!"
Okay maybe he hadn't cracked but you were still getting a little freaked out. Suddenly standing up, Yuudai moved towards you before going down in genuflection. "I, Yuudai formerly of the White Moon clan pledge absolute loyalty to the Ebon Emperor and Ebon Lord Jacob. I shall do all I can to ensure the revival of our god and master, the Black King."
Huh, looks like everything worked out.
…
Gained Yuudai (Intrigue Advisor)
Stats
Martial: 17+3+5+3: 28 (46): Years of training and combat has made you into a skilled warrior and killer, and the power of Ebon has only made you more dangerous. The lessons of war and combat have long since been engraved into your body and soul.
Stewardship: 13+3: 16: You are an organized person. You have to be in order to make the money from your previous work last as long as possible without compromising combat effectiveness.
Diplomacy: 14+1+1+3: 19: A shinobi is trained to infiltrate and disguise themselves as all kinds of people. Being good at being sociable is a requirement to being a good ninja.
Intrigue: 23+5+1+2+3+2: 36: You are among the mortal masters of subtlety and stealth. Only superhumans and supernatural entities can hope to hide from you and obscure the truths that you would seek.
Learning: 19+3: 22. You are an intelligent man as befits a shinobi. For shinobi, knowledge is power for it opens up more path to take in life while wisdom guides you to the ideal path to take.
Piety: 18+5+3: 26. While not trained in magic, if you had been born a magician instead of a ninja, you would be definitely above average. For you though, it is a potential tool that you shall one day master.
Traits:
Ninja - Chunin Rank: You are considered a journeyman professional shinobi. Though no longer a student, there is still a long way to go before you can call yourself a master. +3 Martial. +1 Diplomacy. +5 Intrigue.
Servant of the Ebon Emperor: The Black King has chosen you to serve them and in doing so has granted you powers beyond the ken of mortal men. +5 Martial. +5 Piety.
Sly: Thinking problems through, and going for the best, out-of-the-way solutions is a hobby of yours. You can even turn the tables in talking with others better… +10 to Intrigue Rolls. +1 Intrigue. +1 Diplomacy.
Stacked Deck: One who uses a pragmatic approach to combat need not concern themselves with fairness when seeking advantages. ½ Intrigue to Martial. +2 Intrigue.
Forged Body: A body forged in strife, a mind crafted by battle, constant warfare can turn a simple stone into an impressive jewel. Adversity merely makes you stronger. +3 to all Stats.
Sneaky: You are very good at hiding. +2 Intrigue.
Yuudai's appearance:
[ ] Write-in (Picture or description)
