The vast expanse of rolling green that stretches further than the eye can see, underneath a bright sun is a common sight, a common beginning to any tale. Albeit, a bit too average. Yet today there were no meteors, dragons, or an apocalyptic event happening. It was just another day. The rains from yesterday made the air heavy, humidity clinging to every part of the man uncomfortably. A loosely cobbled road beneath him as light blue eyes gazed into that incandescent landscape, the smells of fresh dew, petrichor, he believed it was called, mingled with the scent of mud and fresh air.[break][break]
His feet ached, his back sore, and the buzzing of insects seemed to drown out every thought. To suffer is to be alive, because without suffering, the simplicity of what makes life so beautiful would be lost. The harmony of the world, the beauty of every blade of glass that swayed, to the bright gold of a honey bee buzzing brought it all into perspective. Life was good, complete, and unbiased to each one of her creations.[break][break]
Sandaled feet took their first step from the small town, a fresh restock of supplies, from jerky, dried fruits, soap, and a sewing kit to patch any worn parts of his bed roll. A gentle breeze stirred, cooling the beads of sweat that clung to his skin like a bee clung onto a flower. The harsh road's loose stones dug into his lightly padded feet every other step, yet it was alright. Roads were safe, they meant people and security, straying from the path could mean danger, especially in these harsh times.[break][break]
The small town did bring him joy however; in these turbulent times, life would find a way. People would continue to eat, drink, sleep, and work. The only difference between a vagabond, a man with no name such as he, and the mightiest of Emperors or Warriors was simply what they ate, and where they laid their head at night.[break][break]
A vagabond like him however could have many stories for the common man, who will always exist even when legends fall. For that is how folktales are spread is it not? Legends are in dull classroom lectures, yet folktales are what we tell our children that will be passed with enthusiasm from generation to generation. It is good to be common.[break][break]
The lone man held to his walking staff, his back straight and postured as the muscles tensed to provide support. His bow was casually placed over his chest, the old sun bleached wood bounced off of his hip with each step, a quiver looped aroused his waist hanging from his backside, and his pack with a bedroll secured atop of it held the ensemble together nicely. The man looked simple, average, but his eyes were old, wrinkled and focused. The man's skin was tanned and becoming deeper still from his time beneath the golden rays of the sun. His mouth moved gently, a piece of jerky and a couple raisins keeping it occupied as he thought.[break][break]
What would befall him today? A simple day of travel as he moved through lands that smelled and looked familiar? An exciting detour that would shift his path to that of somewhere unfamiliar, alien and potentially hostile? Another traveler, curious, kind, or brutal and bloodthirsty? Who's to say aside from what the fates lay out, from life herself. This is the beginning of a story, the start of a journey with a destination shrouded by the future.
Traveling to wind country was not something Kozue did out of curiosity or wanderlust, but necessity. Only a few days ago, he had managed to find a suitable location for a hideout, but needed materials to the build the structure he imagined. The potential to create something great was high, as long as his trip was fruitful.
The grassy plains and sunny sky were an uncommon sight to someone from mountainous regions. The most green Kozue had seen in his time were the pine forests of stone country. Regardless of this new sight, he would need to remain goal focused. Walk into town, purchase supplies, get out. it was that simple.
As the young shinobi approached the small town, he would notice a figure leaving the area. It was an older man for sure, and dressed for a journey at that. Thankfully, the guy didn't look aggressive, only beginning to travel. Maybe it would be a good opportunity to ask a few questions, the man could be a local after all.
Kozue would raise an arm and wave at the fellow traveler. "Hey, you from around here man?" He would then approach the man with a friendly smile, hoping the guy could impart some knowledge. "If so, I was hoping you wouldn't mind answering a question or two."
Not shortly after his journey began, Sonam’s keen eyes caught a figure in the distance. The other seemed amicable enough, Sonam’s long history trading with others also allowed for his eyes to surmise body language easily enough. The traveler simply continued forth, a smile and a wave at the other’s approach, a customary greeting. He was prepared to bid hello, but the other spoke first as they neared each other. From here? Here, relatively speaking he supposed so, honestly the man wasn’t aware where his true nationality hailed from, so yes, he supposed he was from “here.” ”From the village? No, I’m afraid not. Though I have gotten acquainted with the locals in a way. My home is the open road you see.” [break][break]
He cut off shortly afterwards, assuming the man wasn’t a direct practitioner, or cared for, philosophy. Those eyes the other had spoke of ambition, purpose. Granted, many could have great ambition for lunch, so Sonam digressed. ”Though, I am available to answer any questions you may have, I’m in no hurry you see.” It was true, despite being a vagabond, on the road constantly, he was never in any hurry to get anywhere in particular. Who knew? Maybe this man with ambitious eyes held a strong story of their own. [break][break]
Being a traveler meant Sonam had a degree of connections, albeit no wealth to his name, yet it wasn’t about what you knew in a way, but rather who you knew. In his time traveling the man had met well enough people with their own stories, tales, and gifts. He wasn’t like other vagabonds, chased out for begging, or for being useless. He was met with distrust often enough when entering a village, yet when he left, it was typically on good tidings. Meanwhile the other appeared as though he had traveled some ways to arrive here. He had questions of his own, but figured it impolite to weigh them so quickly. ”Sonam Gyatso, by the by-” A smile. ”Humbly at your, and this world’s service.”[break][break]
Kozue didn't expect his fellow traveler to be this friendly, he hadn't met company this agreeable in quite some time. People from stone country could be quite cold some times. Despite the man not being a local, he seemed knowledgeable enough when it came to the area. Without much hesitation, Kozue would give a polite nod and respond "Well met Sonam. I'm Kozue Yung, a traveler from stone country... I actually came out this way for building materials. Wood and rope specifically. Plenty of stone where I come from after all." he would chuckle slightly.
Unfortunately, the small philosophy lesson Sonam attempted flew over the young man's head. He was somewhat well taught in school, but by no means a genius or bookworm. The guy in front of him however seemed, smart, stoic, well-traveled. Almost like some kind of monk. Maybe that was an astute observation, but the former shinobi couldn't be too sure.
Interested in keeping the conversation going after his mention of building materials, Kozue would continue "and this world's service? That's a new one for sure. I suppose you're a friend of the everyman then, rare to see one of those these days." A bit of resentment could be heard in the second part of the young man's statement. He still had a bone to pick with stone country, and if their kage was a man like this, then he would have never been sacrificed in the first place...
”Stone country huh? I don’t believe I’ve made it out that way yet. Oh, lumber tends to be a huge export in this little village, rope may be an issue however, I’m not sure of their loom work.” A hand went to his chin in thought, well it would make sense that they would use hemp and other fibers in the local area to make rope, but that was probably exported in shipping crates. Honestly it was more or less how he had seen trade conducted here in his short time, merchants would come with their carts, buy up large supplies of lumber and haul it themselves. Granted, whatever the man was looking to build would require a lot more muscle-work than just one guy. [break][break]
”A building project then? From what I’ve seen there’s plenty of those out there looking for a hard day’s work for food and coin, lotta folks displaced.” While familiar with the warfare in the world at large, Sonam was a refuge of that fact, but untrained in any knowledge of the shinobi aside from that they existed. There was a twinge of hurt in his heart, being reminded of his own family being destroyed as a byproduct of this bitter world.[break][break]
The resentment in Kozue’s words reached Sonam’s heart, he could understand at least the basis of hurt. Though just meeting could prod those feelings too far, and Sonam didn’t want that. ”Of course friend, the common man is oft forgotten about, and I have a ways to go before I can begin to be an ointment to those wounds the faceless man sees everyday. It’s not a sin to be aware of suffering, but it is one to stand aside while we can ease that suffering. One could say that’s the purpose of my journey, as unlearned as I may be.” You see, Sonam had no experience with chakra, healing arts, or anything related to jutsu really, but he had the spirit that would perhaps one day fester into something greater. [break][break]
”Ah, I do apologise for rambling. Perhaps I could introduce you to the man who runs the lumberyard here for your project. I don’t mind turning around as they have a wonderful blend of tea in this town.” He smiled once more, genuine in his desire to help, however he could. The man from the country of stone may even lead Sonam on an interesting path, or be part of a larger one. He waited for Kozue, if the may accepted his offer, for the two to enter into the village and give a tour.
The former shenobi was starting to have quite the lucky day, as the man he ran into informed him of the working lumbermill in town. There was the issue of rope however, and man power to build such a structure. In truth, Kozue had a lot of time on his hands, and didn't really need a crew of laborers. His doton techniques were capable of moving around what stone he needed, and placing down boards would be easy enough. On top of that, his base of operations needed to be somewhat of a secret... Even from such an isolated village as this. Steering away from this topic at first, the young man would reminisce about his home land...
"Yes sir. Stone country is quite the place, rocky, mountainous, well populated... It's my home. If you're looking for a good hike, it an excellent choice." Kozue felt like a travel agent after that spiel, but all of his words were true. He simply left out the part where he was sent to die.
It seemed Sonam shared the young man's own sentiments about the everyman being a pawn in another's game. The pair simply had differing views about how to change that. Sonam sought to do good in the world, while Kozue desired a change in regime. "Truer words couldn't be spoken my friend..."
Deciding to get back on topic, he would attempt to continue the conversation from before, "If you wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate you showing me to the lumberyard. That is what I came here for after all... And that only is, if you don't mind. Hopefully the foreman has reasonable prices, I have some money, but I'm not rich..." That much was true, but it wasn't like he could spend his remaining ryo in the stone village. They thought he was dead after all. He was sure the man would soon ask about his build project, and now was a good time to make a cover story. Thinking quickly, Kozue would explain "My family and a few others need the rope and lumber for a couple houses we're putting together in stone country. I guess you could say we're founding a small settlement."
”Maybe I’ll have to come visit someday, hiking is the rage among youngsters.” A small chuckle, he wasn’t all that old anyway, Sonam was just one of those with an old soul he figured. Otherwise he simply listened to Kozue, figuring the other just wanted business to be taken care of. The world of haste and progress as opposed to the world of methodology and understanding, or something like that. [break][break]
Sonam turned, moving back to the village, but detoured, keeping at a pace so the other could keep up. Granted in the reality of it all, Kozue could probably move faster than Sonam could, but the traveler was unaware of that…”Down this way, a little bit into the wood.” A short way off from the main road was a large structure, affixed to a large stream with a waterwheel behind it. [break][break]
”A beauty really, I think they explained that the running water moves the wheel, causing the large blade in the middle to shift up and down, allowing them to saw through trees in barely any time, with another set of gears pushing the tree forward.” With that, two halves of a tree fell apart from the middle of the structure into the growing pile of lumber. A loud crack echoing. Sonam’s rural (uneducated to the finer things) upbringing was probably drawn into the forefront with that statement. Even a simple machine like that impressed him. [break][break]
”Ah, Mr.Doragi! A pleasure running into you! Are you available for a business proposition?” Sonam smiled, meanwhile Mr.Doragi, a tall, extremely muscled man with a bushy mustachio had his arms folded over, but a soft smile was held within the bushy eyebrows and mustache. [break][break]
”Sonam. Well, that’s good to hear! We’re in a dry spell, and wouldn’t mind some business, even if it’s lighter than usual, especially to help a friend of a friend!” Thus the ball was left in Kozue’s court, Sonam simply there to guide the path.
For such a small town, the place had a good sense of beauty to it. The way the stream flowed into the impressive lumbermill was unlike any contraption he witnessed at the stone village. Most of their lumber was outsourced anyway, while what they did produce themselves was gathered by lumberjacks. The walk to the mill was a somewhat adventurous one, as his new traveling companion seemed have a strong traveler's spirit.
Kozue would let out a whistle as he scanned the large platform. "Haven't seen one quite like that before. I guess they do move a lot of lumber." He would then promptly follow Sonam to meet his friend, and head of the mill, Mr. Doragi. The pair seemed to be quite friendly, and from what he gathered the mill was having a dry spell when it came to work. Hopefully, that would help with the price.
As he was introduced to the man, Kozue would bow, and then begin to explain his business proposition. "It's a pleasure Mr. Doragi. My new friend here told me you were the man to talk to about lumber. I've got a decent sized project in the land of stone which needs a decent amount of planks, say around two hundred... I'm not rich, but I can transport the planks myself and I have 8,000 Ryo on hand. I know it's a bit light, but I was hoping for a discount since I'll be the one transporting everything..." The young man crossed his fingers in hopes that the offer would be enough. Aside form the 8000 Ryo, all he had was a bit of pocket change.
The brawny man would twist his mustache in though for a moment. Eight thousand was a little light, but the majority of their cost was spent on transportation anyhow. In reality, the offer was quite good. The man would clear his throat and respond, "Huh, self-transported for 8000? Tell you what youngin', I'll throw in a cart if you move the planks yourself. That's a much fairer deal."
With an excited grin, Kozue would quickly shake the man's hand in agreement and respond "That sounds like a deal then." Mr. Doragi would wave to the other workers and shout "Oi, we've got a bulk order lads, fire up the saws!"
He would then turn back to the pair and explain, "It'll take us a couple hours to cut everything up just right. Until then, feel free to do as you please, enjoy your stay at town, walk the road a bit."
With that instruction, Kozue would turn back to Sonam "Well, I guess I've got some time to kill. Anything I can help you with? I owe you that much."
Sonam was glad that the interaction with Mr.Doragi and Kozue went smoothly, it felt good helping others, even if naive to the machinations of what such a thing held further along the road. Yet that was a thing of legend, something to arrive. ”Thank you, Mr.Doragi. I’ll have to come by with venison for you later.” With that, the traveler was turned to and asked if he needed anything. It was an odd position the man found himself in. [break][break]
”Well, company is never something I balk at. Hmm..” Being put on the spot like that was hard for Sonam. Usually he was giving, but to be asked if he needed anything, well he had never considered it. He had enough food, water, and a sleeping roll. Well, there was one thing, but it bothered him to ask. ”Walk with me for a bit.” Sonam then trailed a bit further along the path, wanting to avoid prying ears as he contemplated. [break][break]
”Well, the roads have become more… hostile as of late, and I have to admit that peaceful talk isn’t always the road to peace. I’m adept enough with my bow, but I assume you’re fairly confident in yourself, Mr.Kozue. Traveling the country's borders isn’t a thing a lone man can do lightly.” He prostrated himself to Kozue in reverence, and in some forgiveness for his request. ”I understand you’re busy, but do you know of any further way for me to defend myself? You see, my staff is my way of fending off wolves, and my bow for hunting.” The question pained Sonam, as much of a pacifist as he was, Sonam almost wished the man’s answer was no. [break][break]
Yet, he had to humbly accept that the road ahead was one rife with danger, and even a few hours of training his body would have at least started his road down… something. ”If not, I do apologize for asking such a thing.” However, in Sonam’s eyes, Kozue did appear to be capable, though how capable Sonam was blindly unaware. Simply assuming that the other had perhaps maps, or capable of using weapons more adeptly than Sonam could. While internally, Sonam had the capability of using chakra, it was merely that he had never been exposed to its use, and was even unaware that it existed beyond the metaphorical.
The young man's offer seemed to entice the traveler, yet it was accepted with some reluctance. Sonam spoke of a bubbling economic climate, where the roads and trade routes were being beset upon by bandits. That much was true. Bandits and brigands were the people who Kozue sought to punish, for the most part.
At first, he assumed the mission was to take down a few bandits. Surprisingly however, his new friend asked to be taught some form of self-defense, beyond ranged weaponry. That was something the former shinobi could manage, even though he only knew the basics himself. The question was, should he pass off some of his taijutsu knowledge or some of his tantojutsu. Both were fairly common methods of combat, but Kozue knew a little more about the latter.
"So, you're asking about self-defense advice... I'll admit, Sonam my friend, I do have some training. I did some time in the Stone Village ninja academy as a child... Never graduated, but got some training." This was a half truth, but justified the former shinobi's previous experience.
Kozue would unsheathe a small blade from his jacket, and toss it toward his traveling companion, "Catch." Assuming the man did, in fact, catch the weapon, the younger would explain "The dagger is a Tanto. My taijutsu was never the best, but I can wield these blade like few others. If you have the interest, accept that weapon as a gift, and I'll impart what knowledge I can." That much was true, to his own knowledge at least. He had to make his fighting style seem interesting after all.
