Ōkami Estate

[Dusmas]

The Ōkami Estate. Buildings span for miles, surrounded by the toughest of walls. Beyond the walls are houses, offices and clinics of all kinds, children playing and laughing, parents getting ready for their days. This is where the members of the Ōkami Clan reside and have done for generations. While in some places you will see modern houses and buildings, the structures within these tall walls remain traditional Japanese buildings and houses - Especially the Clan Lord's residence, found at the very back of the territory. Once you step through the large gates of the Ōkami Estate, there's no missing the Clan Lord's residence.

Inside of the Clan Lord's garden are flowers of various origins - Some common that you'd find in any land, some legendary that you'd have to turn a land upside down just to see if they're real. Each flower bed has their own soil from the region they grow and some are used by the Clan Lord herself for medicinal purposes. Some have even tried to break into the Ōkami Estate to steal flowers from this magical garden, though none have succeeded because while the Ōkami Estate is a place of beauty and happiness for most people, inside are vicious wolves that would happily crunch a persons bones in their jaw and a very special wolf is the protector of the Clan Lord's residence - Fenrir Ōkami. A 35 foot white wolf with the capability to crush a human to death under her paw.

While these seemingly demonic wolves reside within the Clan walls as well as have the freedom to roam the territory and land, for the most part they are harmless unless provoked or have orders. For those who wish to enter the Ōkami Clan Territory, one piece of advice is given:

Watch your words and respect the Hierarchy. Ōkami Clansmen may look human, but are far from it and are happy to demonstrate how proud they are of their origins.
​

 

[Dusmas]

The surroundings quickly changed once a small cloud of smoke disappeared as fast as it appeared. The two were now stood in the middle of Ayako's garden, surrounded by various colours and smells which were much stronger for Ayako thanks to her enhanced senses. Ayako took a moment to gaze at the flowers and then began to walk away, only to be pulled back by the fact she forgot to unlace her fingers from Enō's. She sighed, pulling her hand back and walking over to the bench in her garden. Her hand waved Enō over but she began to speak before he made his way over, if he did at all.
"Lets talk." Her voice was the same, emotionless tone as always. To her left were two dead petals that had fallen from a flower which Ayako had leaned down to pick up. She sighed and looked at the petals resting in her palm before putting them on the soil in the plant pot.
"You were fantastic today. I was very impressed. Though...It seems to me like you're trying too hard to show the people that you're strong and that worries me. " Ayako scratched her head for a moment, it was probably weird to hear something like this come from her - given her low EQ. "If you look after your people, your people will look after you. How are they supposed to empower you if you don't give them a chance? Be weak. Show them that you're human. You can cry, laugh, sigh and whatever else you want to do. The people should know their Raikage, but they can't if you shield yourself off from them. You don't need to put on a brave face, because the people will support you as their leader regardless, they will support you when you're feeling down and try to raise you back up again. All you have to do is open up to them. "

Ayako turned to face Enō and gave him a rare smile that very little people had seen in their lifetimes. "There are other ways to be strong that don't include physical strength or putting on a brave face." The Clan Lord looked up at the sky for a second - something she used to come out to this garden to do often when she was unsure of herself or her actions and the vast sky above would give her the answer she needed. She looked back to Enō and opened her mouth to speak again, having gained her answer "I can't come with you to the summit. I have somewhere I need to go. I need to seek out something that could give us a chance and...I may or may not come back from this mission, so I want you to know that you've been someone very important to me throughout my short life."

She stood from her seat at the bench and moved over to the narrow opening between the flowers. Her eyes fell upon a grave that was surrounded by bright blue flowers - Her mothers grave and her favourite flowers. She reached over and took the tea cup from the grave and walked back, cup held tightly between her hands "So, I know it's selfish of me, but while I'm gone please make sure my children are safe. Tomoko has a very sensible head on her shoulders so she will make your job a lot easier, Momo and Youi are pretty rebellious - Though Momo is rebellious on accident, her wolf is the sensible one and Kinro...Well, he's a pup, he'll cause no trouble." She reached into her pocket to pull out a large golden coin that was the size of her palm, much bigger than her usual coins. She tossed it in Enō's direction and cleared her throat of the emotion that threated to swell inside her. "That will give you full access to the Ōkami resources and Clansmen as well as open my office and Lab if you need to get inside. "

Ayako stretched out and then slipped the tea cup inside her kimono shirt. "Well, that's all I have to say. You're welcome to go now that you've listened to my ramblings." She sat back down on the bench, planning to enjoy the views of her garden for a little while longer. ​

 

[JigokunoTenshi]

Time-skip implemented.

April 12, 1205 AH
6:00 AM​

 

[Eno]

Pre-Timeskip
Following the use of Lady Ayako's space-time ninjutsu the Raikage's "mini vacation" had immediately ceased to exist. As the smoke produced from her technique cleared from view, both individuals casually stood with both of their eyes temporarily locked. The golden glisten caused by his dōjutsu were mirrored off his companions eyes. It was just happenstance that he'd grinned ear to ear when she attempted to walk away. It was only funny to him because his clairvoyant eyes allowed him to perceive not only her movements before they'd been made, but also the emotions exhibited. Rather than release his hand before she'd done he'd obnoxiously cackled knowing how things would play out. Simultaneous to his companion letting out a sigh, he'd began taking steps towards the bench nearby. As he began slouching onto the furniture the young lord yawned as he awaited the company of Ayako. Throughout the duration of her dialogue he'd ceaselessly observed her visage, mannerisms, and body posture. When she'd taken a brief moment to pause and view the night sky, Enō deactivated his Hakkegan as he'd read the conclusion that she was acting with genuine motives. It was clear that two years wasn't enough to diminish his subconscious tendencies to view every interaction with people as a potential set up.

Dealing with shady individual's on a daily basis had become routine during his travels to the Temujin Continent. His elder brother Mugen, had constantly nagged him about keeping a keen eye on dealers throughout negotiations. Over the years he's subconsciously soaked up the methods practiced by various black market dealers and interrogation specialist. As a result his guard is constantly raised when holding conversations regardless of his relationship to the person. Given the pocket of time created when Ayako turned back to face Enō and finished speaking on their being other paths to being viewed as strong; King Kuwabara snickered as he deduced her actions presented the perfect opportunity to seize the moment to and respond.

"I'm glad that you found my performance to be uplifting, but nonetheless we didn't share that moment of weakness due to simply wanting to grant reassurance to these fools. At first I found it ironic that the markings that appeared at the temple resembled those present during Shikki's appearance. However, it's evident that whoever or whatever is responsible for this mass disruption is a threat greater than what we're capable of dealing with. All these damn fools do is herd like sheep at the command of the United Republic. I'll be honest with you... As the standing Lightning Monarch my sole purpose is of course to exceed the expectations set by our predecessors. However, unalike those before us, I refuse to allow our citizens reside in the shadow created by the Pillar of Peace."

With the power delegated to him when appointed as feudal lord garnered global attention, Enō was unable to express his true disdain for the system his nation was affiliated with. Even as a youth he'd constantly received backlash in the academy when speaking out on the Shinobi-way. Most would think that after a decade of traveling abroad ones outlook on things would change after experiencing different walks of life. However, his hatred towards the system only grew as he found that in turn of living outside the bounds of the United Republic, boasted far happier lifestyles than he'd observed in his homeland.

Before he was able to resume speaking his attention would once again be locked on Ayako who herself was in the act of speaking. An ungifted silence was created when her words resonated with Enō. Upon hearing her request the young lord began to grin from ear to ear. While the golden coin she'd tossed floated through the air, countless canvases were formed inside the mind of greed-filled tyrant. Endless possibilities were sprung when hearing of his access to her lineage's resources and overseeing her children. Fixing himself from his slouched back position on the bench, he'd then continue to depart as she confirmed the conclusion of their meeting. The sound of his geta could be heard clacking against the ground with each step he took. The distance between them wasn't much, but at the tone Eno spoke in it would be impossible for a normal human to make out his words. He spoke in this tone knowing of Dr. Ōkami's heighted sense of hearing would grant her the ability to receive his message no matter their spacing.

"Of course the little brats will be taken care of. Leave with no worries that everything will be handled here. If this journey you're taking really gives us a chance at survival then go in with the intent of survival. I can't say that there's many people outside of you and Maihime capable of making me question my motives... But a wise man once said that the power of the tongue outweighs that of the heart. So watch what you speak into existence as this short life of you speak of will be determined by words. If you should die, then that would mean the power you've maintained to possess over all this time.. the power i've been searching to surpass this entire time was a façade."

Immediately following this interaction the young lord wasted no time in rushing to the side of his fiancé, Maihime. The couple would've returned the Raikage's office where he'd spent hours issuing out orders to be carried out throughout the village. They were said to have spent the remaining part of the day isolated without visitation until the next day. The job of a lord was never finished especially during a national crisis. Enō spent hours attending countless meetings around the nation ensuring that their borders had been closed off to foreign visitation, and updated with the latest advancements made back at the temple. Across every nation ninja and cyborg-ninja units were reporting and assisting with any and all disturbances caused by the markings. Sometime throughout these processes it was brought to his attention that the Land of Earth had requested an audience with a representative from the Land of Lightning to address unspecified trade possibilities. Curious to what another nation could be in search of during such times, an immediate response wasn't given. Prioritizing the state of emergency his people were experiencing stood at the forefront of his mental. Believing that advisory throughout these times was ideal, he'd awaited the arrival of Kumogakure's Strongest Shield whom seemed to be absent throughout these times.​

 

[Dusmas]

During the time skip

Ayako finally gained the approval of her mission from the UR and was given the names of her team mates. She started packing up immediately and then secured her lab and office, giving her scientists and medics strict orders to follow. The conversation she didn't want to have was going to have to be said and so Ayako waited for Jiro to get a minute before they sat down and talked. The two discussed the mission and the possibility of Ayako not coming back at all and so, Ayako posed divorce to save Jiro the heartache if she didn't come back alive.

Ayako wandered the Okami compound for a few hours and oversaw the construction of the Orphanage that was being built. She made sure that her patients in her lab and in the hospital were okay and that all machines were working properly with the aid of lightning release shinobi who powered these machines on shifts.

Ayako used a kunai to cut her hair that now stops just short mid of her back. She braided the locks of her hair and tied them at one end with a blue ribbon and a green one at the other - the colours of her eyes. Ayako went around to each of her children's rooms and placed the braided hair on their desks. There was no note or card, just the lock of hair. Her children would have known the tradition of keeping a parents hair and why the children keep it, so anything she needed to say was said already.

Ayako braided her hair and hid it under a dark cloak. She grabbed her bag and put the hood of her cloak up, leaving right after placing the braided hair. Ayako said goodbye to no one and didn't tell anyone but Jiro and Eno that she was leaving. Ayako and Fenrir quickly made their leave, Ayako riding Fenrir's back. Ayako took once last glance at her home before motivating herself to see this mission through at all costs. ​

 

[Hana]

”Just because it all can fall apart in a matter of seconds..doesn’t mean you can’t fight back." -Tomoko Ōkami

“..I am exhausted..”

The snow-haired child muttered out as she looked at her surroundings. The village seemed in great condition compared to what it looked like when she got home. 56 hours ago the young girl succeeded in making it home with her teammate Gamu, she felt exhausted and was able to put up a fight. But she sure wasn’t gonna let them sell both of them. As tiring as that mission was, it sure was exciting because it was something new and quite dangerous. But the moment she made it home she was filled in on what happened while they were gone, she couldn’t believe she missed all that. There was a world broadcast of course but it felt like a whole blackout to her, she was so focused on the mission that nothing else was getting to her. Now that the village was in bad shape because of all the accidents instead of resting she offered to help where she could whenever and wherever she could. And that included her helping carry the patients around, giving people with light injuries some examinations, and heal minor injuries.

Once the higher ranks assured her that there’s nothing for her to help with anymore the female made it home with Gamu. She helped him gather his stuff and helped him with placing the stuff in his new room in the Okami residence. After that, she was sure to check on her younger siblings and her father… While she had been gone things got heated between her parents. After a conversation with her father, she found out that after some heated words and decisions they had decided to divorce… What was that what she was feeling? It shocked her, it sure did... But to the young cub, it felt weird. But not unexpected, her mother had always been rather busy making sure the world is a better place. Tomoko admired her mother for that for years, so it was no lie she couldn’t be tied down to the traditional married life most people had. And so without a conversation with her mother in person, she received a braided hair lock on her drawer when she made it to her room. She picked it up and closed her eyes, letting the message of it sink in. This meant her mother was leaving, and there was no way to guarantee she would make it back. Tomoko brushed the braid against her cheek as if her mother was there to give her an embrace. That was all the female needed to silence her words. This moment felt bittersweet, there were no tears but soft smiles. Even though she knew that the future remained a mystery, her mother had raised her to be the strong older sister the family needed... And so the female decided it was time for her to devote herself to the clan's traditions. She needed to become stronger... Stronger in case it was time for the next generations.

Now that those 56 hours finally passed she sat in her room. It was time to go report to the Raikage, and to her surprise, her mother had become a Daimyo while she was gone. She hadn’t seen her mother for a few days too, wondering what she’s doing and where she is. But that wasn’t of importance, she needed to know the location of the new Raikage. She left Gamu a note to let him know she was heading over to the Raikage’s office to arrange a time for them to report their mission. She would have done it much sooner but because of the chaotic setting, the village had been in after the technology was turned off by force.

“Hey Gamu, I will be heading over to the Raikage’s HQ to arrange a time for us to report our mission. I will meet you there.”

Her message remained short and direct, it suited her personality that was pretty cold in general. But she was sure Gamu had grown accustomed to it, and if not he will be anytime soon. To Tomoko, it was normal behavior after all. The female threw on her floral kimono, her usual sandals, and the outfit to match her. She would have gone in her new clothes but she did not want to show them off just yet, so she just went with her easy choice. Once the wolf had taken care of everything she headed out her room, making her way through the halls where she passed the maids. As well as playing younger children in the fields and made her way out of the Okami Residence. She left quickly before any of the maids were to chase after her to make sure she wasn’t stressing herself out by not resting, they had been worried about her recently but the young teen was just doing fine. She didn’t need them to check on her at all. With that she enjoyed her independence and calmly walked towards the Raikage HQ, hoping she’d meet Gamu along the way.

 

[ZimTheInvader]

It had been a crazy and exciting time for the tall gum-chewing genin from the Hidden Cloud Village. Not only had he and Tomoko managed to survive a dangerous mission where both a Genin from the Hidden Leaf Village and a Jonin from their own homeland both died. On the bright side though Gamu was lucky to no longer be stuck living on the streets as one of his sensei's and Tomoko's mother had offered him a place to stay in the Okami Estate. For young Gamu this was an amazing moment as he had spent much of his young life living alone in the cold in the slums. Now he found himself in a warm room with nice people, though unfortunately, his moving in came at an awkward time. It had seemed as though during his and Tomoko's absence they teach and Tomoko's mother Ayako had separated from Tomoko's father Jiro Raikyu.

For Tomoko and her family, this was a strange time, though for Gamu it was just another awkward day in his life. Now that he had returned and with the help of Tomoko, he had managed to get his room set up. Once they had finished Gamu decides to assist his friend in her attempts to assist the rest of the Village during this time of need. Other than help people and resting up Gamu didn't do all that much and then time seemingly flash by as the worldwide Blackout would cut all power to technology. This caused many issues and great panic and due to this Gamu and Tomoko hadn't managed at the time to visit the Raiklage about their successful recon mission. Fortunately, once the Village had quieted down Gamu would be greeted by Tomoko who was ready to visit the Raikage..

"No worries Tomo-Chan I'll catch up to you in a minute," said the young but tall genin as he quickly prepared his gear making sure he had all his Bubblegum and his Sword before heading off to chase down Tomoko. Luckily for Gamu, the white-haired wolf in question wasn't rushing as all so he managed to catch up in no time. "Yo Tomo-Chan, sorry I'm late. I forgot my sword," said Gamu with a cheeky grin on his face. For Tomoko though she would most likely not be bothered due to her personality and the fact Gamu was forgetful at times.