Bound Together With Blood

The boat ride from the borders of Moon country to the Land of Hotsprings was quicker than Junko had anticipated. She primarily spent her time above deck, basking in the beautiful weather and reminiscing about her time spent traveling alongside her mother. Many days and nights were spent on ships similar to this, however, during those times she was surrounded by musicians to keep the atmosphere warm and full of optimism. Now she was traveling with a significantly rougher crowd, though admittedly she was happier by their side.

Junko requested that Akabayshi accompany her as she traversed the boat, not wanting to spend a moment alone in hopes of resisting being pulled into her mind. With him around, her stress and worries melted away so it was easy to keep her thoughts off the upcoming trials. The others were free to do as they pleased, though she often sought their company if they wanted it. She had quite a close bond with Takeshiyama, however, she knew he enjoyed his peace and didn’t disturb him other than to offer him some sake occasionally. Oda however was a bit… louder than her dear friend so she was sure he’d be able to find something to keep him occupied during their travels. Then there was Katsuragi, who she admittedly attempted to avoid. He seemingly was agitated by her, though she was unsure why, but figured it was best to give him space to think about his issues.

Junko had changed from her normal, girlish attire, to something more fitting of her station. A few months prior, she had Azuki craft her the perfect set of armor for an outing such as this so she figured it was best to give her new outfit a shot. It looked to be an altered version of the Tsukigakure Anbu armor, though it was tailored to perfectly hug her slim body. It was primarily made of black and purple fabric, along with black leather silver plating. The plaiting primarily covered part of her forearms, and shoulders, along with securely encasing her bust. Underneath, she simply looked to wearing a black, long-sleeved, black body suit with the Tsukigakure emblem embroidered in silver thread near her shoulder blades.

Around her mid-drift, a band of thick, purple fabric was tightly bound, ensuring that her posture was always maintained. At her waist, more of the silver plating was securely attached to leather straps that hung down around the outside of her legs, stopping just above her upper thighs. Hanging in front of her thigh gap, a small banner made from purple fabric hung loosely from her waist with another moon emblem embroidered finely onto it. For shoes, she wore tall, black leather boots with the same metallic plating as the rest of her attire adhered to the front, which stopped just above her knees.

A loose-fitting black cloak was clipped to the shoulder pads, which provided her with a hood as well, however, she chose to keep it down. Her long, thick, jet-black hair lay in loose curls down her back and billowed slightly in the salty air. As always, her pale skin contrasted heavily against her dark attire and crimson-red, siren-like eyes.

Adorning Lunar’s Embrace brought a bit of sadness to her heart, ever since Azuki had found out about her relationship with Akabayshi her dear brother had grown even more distant. Though she knew the truth behind his previous adoration of her, it still hurt to think about how he had now abandoned her side. She was a fool to think those who created the village with her would remain as close as they once were, though thankfully she had gathered plenty of new friends and allies along the way.

It was quite late as the ship arrived on the nearly empty dock, and unfortunately, Junko was still asleep upon their arrival. Should any of the others wish to scout ahead, they had the perfect opportunity to do so in the dead of night. A few hours passed and the sun soon rose in the cloudy sky. After waking up and preparing herself for the day, she’d gather those who remained on the ship and begin their journey. If anyone was absent, she assumed that they had gone ahead to make sure the area was safe, though admittedly she wasn’t sure if that was the true intention or not.

After getting some distance away from the harbor and far enough from any prying eyes, Junko would begin to speak to those who remained. Like normal, her voice was melodic as she spoke, however, it lacked its usual sweetness behind it. It was clear she was talking about a serious subject, to her at least.

”Now that we’re here, I suppose I could tell you what this is all about. I’ve already informed Oda and Katsuragi, but figured it was best to speak on the subject once again.” She stopped talking for a moment and turned her full attention to the rest of the group, halting their progress forward. If allowed she’d continue on.

”I have been told a tale from a fellow clan member of a temple deep within the Land of Hotsprings that could grant us another chance at life. For the rest of you, that’s all you’ll be able to achieve with your... dedication. For me, however, this is something I need to do to reach my full potential as a member of my lineage. The deity dedicated to the temple is Lord Jashin, and he is who we would be binding ourselves to at a second chance in life. You each can decide to forgo this opportunity if you wish, but I ask that you remain with me until my binding is complete in order to ensure my safety while away from the village.”

Her bright red eyes scanned the faces of those around her, attempting to gauge any sort of reaction to the proclamation she just made. Standing there steadfast, she remained silent with a neutral but warm expression until given some sort of affirmation from each of those around her.

WC: 1029

Akabayashi would think for a moment, before speaking. "How do we gauge whether or not this temple truly brings a second chance at life?" If it did, Akabayashi was willing to bring the whole temple down to prevent such an outcome from happening when he inevitably killed someone only to see them return. Maybe, he would blow it up for good measure either way.

"What does binding yourself to a temple of Jashin entail? I am not the religious sort, but I do have some base knowledge of Jashin. It is a god who enjoys sacrifices in his honor." He hoped she had carefully thought either her word choice or future actions through. Also, during these times of peace and prosperity surely Junko did not need this much protection, how many of these men were potential sacrifices? He knew none of them save Junko to care, he would probably save Katsuragi his skill as a relic hunter was a waste to waste on a false murder god who would bring back the dead.

Either way Akabayashi would speak to his paths. "If a person splits from the group follow them, we go nowhere alone." After that the doctor would move toward Oda. "Would you like to herald our arrival from the cliffs or are you fine with keeping our arrival a secret?" He knew this one's spite for subtlety.

After arriving at the Temple of Jashin and reconvening with his companions they would begin to walk together further away from the port. He would be sporting a simple fit, his black loose shirt now tucked and secured tightly by his new flak jacket. His black pants would be loose but secured tightly at his ankles and hips by standard issue shinobi footwear. He would have a small pack made of light grey canvas that held a few simple items. His headband would be tied tightly to his forehead propping up his mane of orange hair.

He would greet anyone who convened with them with a simple nod and a friendly smile as the group that had gathered began to slow and pull away to a more private clearing.

As they finally pulled away to a more private place, Junko would turn to them and have them convene, her voice would hold the same calm melody as it always did, but Oda could hear it in the tone she spoke in that this was a serious matter. He would remain silent as she spoke. His mind would race with thoughts of the task ahead, he already had a guess as to what she was going to say- and yet still in that moment he was slightly unsure. His mind raced with the possibilities, and the costs. In his search for resolve his mind would flash to the many people he had helped in the village once again, the same way it did when she first told them of her plans.

She would echo many of the same things she already had to him and Katsurgi, and as she finished speaking and looked at each of them, up until the moment she looked at him his mind would continue to race. Finally, as Junko finally looked at Oda and he was forced to make a decision, a calm would wash over him as he decided.

He would give her a big grin and a thumbs up as an affirmation, “You got it boss lady” , the orange in his eyes flickering with resolve at the task ahead. He had decided at that moment that he had chosen this life of being a shinobi, and he cared about Tsukigakure and all it had given him. With a deep resolve he had decided to follow this to its conclusion, if it meant it was for the betterment of the village.

As the group each gave their responses,and there was a lull, Akabayashi would have his statement go unnoticed until it was too late. As Oda in his excitement would bound up onto the stump of a dead tree, his thumb out and a grin on his face as he proclaimed “Temple of Jashin! We have Arrived!”His sentence would falter at Akabayashis words and he would freeze a bit before turning, giving a sheepish grin to the veteran shinobi. “Eh sorry bossman. Yeah, a low profile is probably best." He would step down from the stump quietly and fall in line, listening to whatever orders his superiors had for him as they continued their journey to the Temple.

WC: 525
525||5000 Jashin Binding

Takeshiyama stood at the edge of the group, his large frame casting a long shadow in the morning light as he listened to Junko’s proclamation. His expression remained calm, though his brow furrowed ever so slightly as she spoke. Wiggly-Woo, nestled snugly under his loose kimono sleeve, remained silent, observing through Takeshiyama’s eyes.

When Junko finished, Takeshiyama let the weight of her words settle over him. The mention of Lord Jashin and the binding ritual stirred something deep within—unease, perhaps, or maybe just caution. He took a slow breath, grounding himself before speaking.  "Junko," he began, his voice low and steady, his words measured. "I have no quarrel with your choices or your need to seek your full potential."

He paused, glancing toward the horizon as if seeking guidance from the distant mountains. "But you know my thoughts on matters of the spirit. I’ve never placed my faith in gods or rituals. The scars on my body and the strength in my hands are what have carried me this far, not the blessings of something intangible. Binding oneself to a deity, especially one with a reputation like Jashin... that is not a choice I could or would ever make."

He turned his gaze back to Junko, his dark eyes meeting her crimson ones. There was no judgment in his look, only the firm resolve of someone who had long made peace with his own beliefs. "That being said, I promsied to see you saffely, and that is what I will do, and when the time comes for you to step into that temple, I will be standing watch outside."

Wiggly-Woo shifted slightly, its voice brushing against Takeshiyama’s mind. "You’re not entirely comfortable with this, are you?"

"No", Takeshiyama replied silently. "But it’s her choice to make."

Outwardly, Takeshiyama shifted his kanobo slightly, ensuring it was secure. He gazed around at his fellow traveling aprnets, none of which he had made any partiuclar investment in getting to know during the travel.  Preferring to stick to the railing and watch the ocean flow by, then pass time with idle chatter.  

The words he wished to say, being said, he'd fall silent and watch the rest of the group.  Oda's voice piercing what otherwise would have been a still moment.  It appeared their time for travel was done, and it was nearing time to continue on foot.  Walking away from the group, he'd keep watch as the boat made its way to dock.  Being one of the first to step out and back onto dry land.  The solid earth a comfort.  Wiggly-Woo gently letting him know that the others where nearby, and eyes always seemed upon them

TWC - 444

Akabayshi, her beloved, was the first to speak after her proclamation to the group. He inquired about how they were supposed to know if binding oneself to the temple actually granted them a second life. In all honesty, she wasn’t sure how to give him a clear answer. She couldn’t simply tell him that for the past few months, the voice of her creator had been swirling around in her mind, beckoning to visit the temple. That would make her seem insane, and well, maybe she was. Admittedly, she had only gotten confirmation from Akaime that the ritual he performed assisted him in gaining new abilities, but nothing about others who had undergone it. She didn’t want to lie to him but knew if she told the whole truth, he would likely doubt her leadership.


”In the various tomes I’ve been able to get my hands on, a handful of them had confirmed the fact that Lord Jashin would provide a second chance to those dedicated to him. Other than that, I’ve heard it through word of mouth as well. Though that may not be enough proof to you, it’s enough for me to at least look into it more”

His next question was one that she also had. Through the various books she had read, it seemed as if each ritual was different, tailored to the person attempting to do the binding. Akaime said that he had bathed in blood, though Junko was unsure if that was something she was willing to do in front of the group. She was sure Akabayshi would have an issue with her becoming nude and delving into a blood-filled pool with her allies witnessing.

”From what I’ve researched, the ritual depends on the person undertaking it. Each experience is different and tailored to fit the needs of the people involved. I’m hoping since I’m one of his chosen, it will be relatively simple, though who knows, Lord Jashin may test me.”

She smirked slightly and shrugged as she finished her sentence. Though she wasn’t the one for senseless murder, if that’s what was needed she could be persuaded to do so. However, if he asked for the life of one of her companions, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to go through with it. On one hand, she wished to grow stronger, but on the other, she’d be weaker without them by her side. Each of those with her held a special place in her heart, Takeshiyama was the person who had been by her side the longest and helped her get through some difficult times. Akabayshi had captivated her from the moment they met, he had shown her things she never thought were possible and he continued to impress her as the days went by. Oda was the most recent addition to the group though he was still important to her. He was among the next generation of Shinobi within Tsukigakure, he had already managed to reach the rank of Chunin and held more potential than most within the village. Each of them was dear to her, and should Lord Jashin ask for a sacrifice, she was unwilling to part with any of them.

As she looked to Oda for confirmation, he asked no questions and simply responded with what he had said at the gates. Junko was unsure of how he was handling this or what he even knew of Jashin, but she was happy to see that he had at least put his trust in her. Was she worthy of that trust, however? Surly she was, she had led the village to great heights and was able to protect it from any harm that had come its way. There was truly no better person to take on the mantle of Tsukikage, at least in her mind.

Finally, Takeshiyama was the last to speak up. He was always the person to ground her and give her a small dose of reality when she needed it. While she was more like the ocean, he remained as steady as an unmoving mountain. Junko nodded at his words as he noted that he didn’t have any issues with her reaching her full potential, though he paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. Continuing, he spoke of his views on spirits and deities, how he had only put faith in himself without assistance from any higher-up powers. Junko bowed her head to him slightly as he finished speaking, she figured he would be against doing the ritual himself but that wouldn’t stop her from attempting to sway him in the direction she wished. Looking up at him with her warm neutral smile, she spoke up.

”My friend I’d never ask you to do something that would compromise your beliefs. I only ask that you think it over as we walk, you are one of my closest friends, and should something happen to you I’d be beside myself with grief. I don’t need you to put your faith in a deity, I ask that you put your faith in me instead.”

Though she was sure his opinion on the matter was unwavering, in her mind it was worth a shot to get it to change. For the past year, she knew him to be hard-headed and steadfast in his personal beliefs, though maybe his dedication to her and the village would make him think twice. Should he respond she’d happily listen to his words, though she wouldn’t continue to press the matter.

With that part of the conversation coming to a close Akabayshi would begin to ask Oda if he wanted to announce their presence or if he could keep it secret. However, before he finished speaking, Oda had already hopped on top of a nearby tree stump and announced their presence. Junko snickered as she watched a bit of fear strike the young man as Akabayashi’s words settled into his mind. Hopping off the stump Oda apologized briefly before fully returning to the group. Junko spoke up once more as she wrapped her arm around Akabayshi’s, her voice lacking the serious tone it carried before.

”Go easy on him my love, even if the world knew we were her, I doubt any harm would come our way.” Addressing the group once more she’d continue. ”We should keep going though, we’re wasting daylight” She’d offer them a cute smile before tugging Akabayshi’s arm slightly, indicating she was ready to move on.

Hours passed as the four of them made their way to the temple. Various small settlements have popped up along the way, though most of them were quite dingy. Quite some time was spent by Junko asking the communities if they needed any assistance in return for some directions to the temple. Fortunately, only small tasks were requested, simple things like healing the sick, helping move building supplies, and various small missions she requested her allies undertake. Though there was much more they could have done, Junko knew there wasn’t enough time for them to undertake each task.

It was night by the time the temple came into eyesight. Its tall, black spires poked out high above the tree line. As they drew closer, the finer details were easier to make out. Red stained glass was seen in each of the windows, dimly lit candles lined the walkway to the entrance, and crimson banners with the Jashinist symbol hung from various ledges. Ornate symbols had been etched into the stone, similar to how the gates of Tsukigakure were carved. Admittedly it looked a bit worn down, though she assumed it was due to how old the building was.

As they approached, the clicking of her heels could be heard against the dimly lit stone path. In a bit of awe, she didn’t speak much as she soaked in the stunning appearance the Temple had to offer. Roughly 20 meters from the entrance she’d stop her stride and look to the rest of the group once more before speaking up.

”Thank you all for following me here, should you wish to not partake, feel free to remain outside. However, I ask that you stay within the general area just in case something should happen. Those of you who will join me, are you ready?

The air around Junko usually buzzed with positive energy, though now, standing close to the embrace of her creator, something more sinister began overcoming her happy and cheery demeanor.

Outside of the Temple:

WC:1426
TWC: 2455