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.
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."
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."
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...
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."
Kozue had only been gone a few months, but his mind was on revenge that whole time. Someone had set him up, made him a sacrificial lamb to a pack of ravenous bandits. First, he would deal with the bandits, and then he would deal with the hidden stone... For now, Kozue could do neither of those things. He lacked weaponry, and the training to take on such large forces. He needed a place to train, a place to lay low, a home, a hideout...
This thought process lead the young man to a forested area in the mountains around stone country. He found himself searching for a suitable location to set up shop. Somewhere he could build his own base of operations.
Gazing at a rocky ledge, several meters above ground, the man would mutter to himself "I like the mountains, but this spot doesn't look too stable... Damn, thought this would be the place."
Taking a seat upon a rock in the middle of the forest, he would continue to ponder and grumble "I've been looking all day... No wonder people haven't settled out here yet..." That was certain. Maybe he could convert some sort of cave or other natural structure into a hideout. Those would be fairly common to come by, but he needed something that was just the right size and shape. He was being picky, but finding the right place would be important for strategizing and organizing attacks.
"Conquest. Something many wish to achieve, yet so few attempt to do so." -Kozue Yung
Some leaders are born, they have natural talent, charisma. Other leaders are made, forced into positions at young ages, elected based on popularity. A select few leaders however carve their own path. They care little about the blood they spill, and take power by force. It is a difficult path, but an open option to those with enough ambition. While Kozue was not born with much natural charisma, he was given much ambition. This ambition would twist itself in a strange way, eventually leading to his one goal, total conquest of the ninja world.
Kozue was born in the slums of the hidden stone village. Like most other men, the boy's father was a stone mason, while his mother primarily took care of the household. His father was a rough man, and a stern disciplinarian, but by no means abusive to either him or his mother. The small family had an incredible average early life... That was, until Kozue began displaying potential to become a ninja. By the time their son had turned three, the noticed him walk up a stone wall vertically! It seemed to be entirely accidental, and only lasted for a few moments before tumbling down. From then on, It was clear that their son was destined for greater thing than masonry.
A few years later, the young lad would be placed into the village's ninja academy. His time there was as expected, meaning he did quite average over all. Before long, he was out of the academy and officially a ninja for the village. While he had previously been quite shy and reserved, Kozue finally began to show some of his true personality. The young man wanted to take on some of the village's hardest missions, impress those above him, and that he would. For an average genin, the new ninja was surprisingly efficient.
Shortly into his career, an important mission would show up and change everything. His task was simple on paper, escort a merchant with a pile of goods to a trading post a few miles away. In reality, he was being sentenced to death. Upon arriving with the merchant, the pair would not be greeted by traders, but by a horde of bandits. Outnumbered many times over, Kozue was doomed to fail, and was brutally beaten down. Only holding on with a sliver of life, he would manage to hear the bandits talking. "Looks like our tribute's here. One load of supplies, and one ninja. Just as requested."
It was a set up all along, and he had fallen for it. The hidden stone would shortly list Kozue as KIA, leaving the boy's parents in despair. In actuality, their son had survived, but barely. The young stone shinobi was rescued, and revived by a powerful healing jutsu. Kozue would awake in a tree, to see a masked woman standing over him. Her face covering had the stone village symbol crossed out, the calling card of a missing nin. She would say few words, only pressing a finger against her mask, requesting the young man to keep quiet. Once she had done this, the ninja would leave a quickly as she had arrived...
In the treetops, many miles from the hidden stone, Kozue would have much time to think as he recovered... Too much time, some would say. He grew angry with the village for allowing this to happen, angry with the Tsuchikage. If he had been in charge, this would never have happened. It was from this moment, that Kozue decided he would strive for change in the world. It was time for a new ruler, a new government. This was his chance to change everything... And he would take that chance.
Proficiencies
Taijutsu [Apprentice] Though it's not his preferred way to fight opponents, Kozue was trained in hand-to-hand combat, just as all the other kids in the academy. What the young man lacks in raw strength, he makes up for in reaction time. Even still, fist fights tend to be a last resort for him.
Tantojutsu [Apprentice] Though some ninja can afford to throw an assortment of blades at their foes, Kozue has a limited supply of weaponry due to his isolation. This has lead to him training with a pair of Tantos, which serve as his primary form of melee combat. Why throw his blades when he could simply reuse them after all. He had his earth release for ranged attacks anyway.
Stealth [Apprentice] As with most others in the Ninja Academy, Kozue was trained in the ways of stealth at a young age. Being able to slip out of view became second nature to him, as it was to the other academy students at the time. Earth Release (Doton) [Apprentice] While Kozue has a few different skills, his most practiced and useful is that of Earth Ninjutsu. He was born with an innate connection to the earth, despite not coming from any well-known ninja clan. This lead to him quickly picking up various jutsu that fell under it's mantle. He can use Doton to improve his mobility, allowing him to run up solid brick/stone walls, or even briefly travel underground before resurfacing. On the defensive side, he can create walls of earth to protect himself and allies within close range, or even form a globe-like barrier around himself. Offensively, Kozue can reshape loose pieces of rock or dirt into stone weaponry which he can launch at opponents. Currently, he is working towards advancing his offensive Doton capabilities, as he feels his current attacking options are limited.
Enhanced Dexterity Kozue may be pretty average in the physical strength department, but his reaction speed is far beyond normal for his rank. The young man is able to react to incoming attacks, dodge, and counter at extremely high speeds. Many times, he brain moves faster than his body, allowing him to strategize mid-combat.
