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Post by Esperia on Sept 8, 2019 18:44:00 GMT -4
It all begun during Tetsuko's time in Itako. Although on the surface it might had appeared as a simple meeting between the various dojo masters of Japan, the truth was that there was a much more delicate situation at hand, one which the iron-blooded knight would take quite an important role in. It was early in the morning, when one of the masters working for her grandfather would have called for Tetsuko, the subtle alert making it clear that it was best for Elise to remain oblivious to the meeting, which meant that Tetsuko had to ensure her slumbering guest wouldn't notice that she was absent from their futon!
Nonetheless, once outside the girl would be greet by Master Hayate and his successor, who seemed much less cheery than before, in fact there was a certain gloom and seriousness in her expression that seemed unfitting for her usual demeanor. "Morning." Was all she said as a greeting to Tetsuko before gazing onto the gardens of flowers while Hayate merely smiled calmly, the tricky fox his demeanor unshaken as usual. "I apologize for making you attend this meeting on your own Tetsuko, but your grandfather requested for it, and for once I agree with him."
He smiled calmly as he gestured for her to follow, a short trip from the guest chamber into corridors that seemed to almost remind one of a maze, till at last they arrived as a spacious hall where several masters, including Tetsuko's grandfather, and the masters Tetsuko had met before were gathered.
"Good, guess we can begin now." One of the masters next to a familiar face: Master Shien of Tokyo who smiled briefly at her in greeting before turning his attention back toward the screen.
Hayate stepped forwards, gesturing lightly toward the projector began to speak. "There is a reason why we called you out here Tetsuko, because the matter at hand is quite delicate."
He paused for a moment before he looked at Shizune, who as the new screen came into display balled up her fists, perhaps anger, or frustration? The screen projected a young man, but judging from that clear look in his eyes and his lean muscles he was clearly a trained person. "This is Hotaru-kun, he was a former master of my school, although he had decided to travel around Japan visiting dojos to learn more about wisdom the various dojos their teachings could bestow onto him. He was a talented lad, a brave and honorable kid, but..." The screen swapped over to the next scene, a picture of the poor man's body covered in scars and burn marks and finally a picture where he seemed mostly healed aside from some bandages. "Although he was severely injured, he survived, at least physically..."
He gestured for the screen, the projection switching over to a video where Hayate seemingly was trying to hand him a sword, but the poor kid started to break out in trembling, his eyes wide with terror as he started to scream and yell in panic. "His heart as a warrior died, through several sessions we learned a few things: He was bested in a duel by a swordswoman who wielded both 'metal' and 'lightning'....
He paused for a moment, letting the information sink in. "It appears that in the wake of their battle he felt powerless as if every bit of strength and the teachings he worked for years to master were drained from his very being. The final knowledge we have is that... she uses a swordsmanstyle quite... familiar to you."
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802 Posts
1 EP
EXP
Total
17 Years
Female
"Steelheart"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Tetsuko Shindou on Sept 9, 2019 8:58:38 GMT -4
The Weight of my pride
do i really need that? Tetsuko always took her family business very, very seriously.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say almost every part of Tetsuko was built upon the foundations of her family name. Even as someone born with a special ability, she'd always been taught that she was a Shindou first, and a Quirker second. Thusly, there was nothing she wouldn't do to protect that name. To protect everything that it was bound to. Including the very art of swordsmanship itself...
For this reason, Tetsuko had very little hesitation in answering the call about the grim 'dojo hunter' who'd been plaguing the martial arts world for far too long. Departing from her room early in the morning, Tetsuko set out to the meeting, where she'd spot Master Hayate himself, alongside a much less talkative Shizune.
"Good Morning..." The ironblooded lass would utter calmly, her mind going back to yesterday's spar with the other girl. It was still a fresh and frightening experience in her mind, having come so close to the essence of 'Shura'. Yet, even a task as daunting as taming that aspect of her blood was worth undertaking for the sake of her family. That aside, it was unsettling to see the fox's so serious, though Hayate himself didn't waver.
"I'm sure my Grandfather knows what he's doing. I'm happy to help however I can..." Tetsuko said respectfully, almost choking on the thick atmosphere. This tenseness couldn't bode well. Following Hayate through the corridors, Tetsuko would enter a hall where masters were gathered... Including Ryouichi Shindou, and even Master Shien from back in Musutafu. Without delay, Tetsuko would take her seat, nodding wordlessly towards Hayate as the display continued on.
Once more Shizune's disturbed demeanour bothered her deeply. Even if she didn't know Hayate's star pupil that well, Tetsuko was still quite aware of how strong she was. Seeing 'strong' people waver never did much to put her at ease...
Keeping her focus on the meeting, Tetsuko cast her eyes up towards the projection, where one of the Masters of Hayate's Dojo was displayed. An esteemed practition of Katori-ryu... And, tragically, a victim of the dojo hunter. The Shindou girl gulped down at seeing his battered body, and his sheer rejection of the art he'd once practiced...
This was what the Dojo Hunter did to people... They took their very essence through sheer force, crushed their spirits... What a vile fiend...
Whoever 'she' was, she wilded metal and lightning, according to Hayate. Tetsuko immediately drew the connection. They had to be Quirked, which only posed more problems... Metal and lightning... Was it something related to magnetism? Theorising was useless now, not with so little information. All they could do was extrapolate and plan the best course of action... Which then came to the last bit of knowledge that Hayate revealed.
Tetsuko furrowed her brow at first, uncertain as to what he meant. Until it dawned on her, why it had been deemed necessary that she attend this meeting. The Shindou girl gasped slightly, eyes wide with disbelief.
"You don't mean... Jikishinkage-ryu?"
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Post by Esperia on Oct 11, 2019 11:51:22 GMT -4
Perhaps it was because of the way that Tetsuko handled her family business, that she might had been the perfect person for this task.
It was perhaps because of how closely the existence of Tetsuko's family and their honorable reputation was with Tetsuko's everyday life, that it was of utmost importance that the girl would be given a chance to deal with it. Of course, the fact Elise was an outsider in this world might had been a bit of a uncomfortable situation, especially with the promise they shared that there would be no secrets between them, and surely Elise would be hesitant about letting Tetsuko take on this assignment by herself. Certainly, Tetsuko was taught that she was a Shindou first, and a Quirker second, but was she a Shindou first, or her own person? Perhaps it was a theoretical question she would be exposed to someday, but for now the matter would be put aside for the explanation surrounding her mission.
The inquiry about the swordsmanship style she practiced led the room to go silent for a moment, Hayate nodded his head after a moment. "Yes, the Jikishinkage-ryu, one of our witnesses reported that he saw a 'demon of violence', a sword-wielding Asura. The demon unmistakably wielded the Jikishinkage-ryu, but there was something peculiar about it."
He paused for a moment, seemingly considering his next words carefully. "Of course, the link was quickly made to the Shindou family, however your grandfather is clearly not a female like the reports suggest, and the only combat-capable Shindou would be yourself."
He averted his gaze, a deep sigh escaping his lips as he continued. "But it appears some phantoms aren't vanquished that easily, especially not those of your own blood. We have reasons to suspect that... your aunt, Shindou Akane is involved in this matter."
A momentary delay followed as the tension clearly lingered in the air, the group of masters clearly uncomfortable at the subject. "Your aunt by all means was a prodigy even among masters, if she truly is responsible for this, your objective will be to track her down so I and your grandfather can deal with her together. Whatever happens, do not engage her yourself."
However, it appeared things were going to go from bad to worse soon, for a phone call ringed through the air, Master Shien confusedly taking out his cellphone and putting on the speaker. "Yes, this is Shien, what is the matter Takashi?"
The phone buzzed to live as a young man's voice resounded through the air. "Master Shien! It's the Dojo Hunter! She is here! Kenshin-kun is on his way but at this rate we won't last long! She already took down our head disciple and is heading toward the area we hid the new students- Shit she's here! I WON'T LET YOU GET THEM ALSO!" the sound of a loud static noise filled the line for a moment when suddenly a unfamiliar feminine voice resounded through the air, although her voice softened due to the distance.
"Kenshin hmm? Not exactly the one I wanted, but he will do for now..."
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802 Posts
1 EP
EXP
Total
17 Years
Female
"Steelheart"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Tetsuko Shindou on Oct 14, 2019 22:43:20 GMT -4
There was a certain invasiveness, a sense of violation, to learning her fears about the Dojo Hunter were being confirmed. It was a discomfort that settled itself in her stomach, upon learning that the very art she’d always admired, the art whose values were the foundation for her own, had been used to inflict indiscriminate and unjust violence.
Moreover, there was something even more unsettling about the whole situation. Not everything added up. Evidently the old fox sensed this hesitation, and spoke on.
Asura. Or, some say, Shura. The same name for the selfsame demon. Though the comparison was by no means exclusive to the Shindou family, the fact that it was her own Great Grandfather that devised the substyle forced Tetsuko to see the same troubling connections.
Shura was very much antithetical to the primary teachings of Fudoshin; the primary aspect of Jikishinkage-ryu. As a matter of fact, it had been created as a counterbalance within the style by the 21st Headmaster. To put it simply, although the school was large, this particular aspect of it was… Unique.
Furthermore, it was difficult to master.
That lead them to a roadblock… Who the hell could be the one behind these attacks, if one were to follow this line of reasoning? Fortunately, the Shindou girl didn’t have to wrack her brains. A conclusion had already been determined by the masters, and the bearer of the blame…
Was Akane Shindou.
”That’s insane!”
Tetsuko blurted out, rising up slightly before feeling the weight of her Grandfather’s piercing glare. She sunk back into herself, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. Her aunt… Of all people…
There were many things that complicated this sudden assumption. Not the least of which being that Tetsuko had never actually met her aunt before. Oh, she’d known about her, sure… But… All she knew was that Akane Shindou had set off on her own path, and distanced herself from the family in a respectful act of self-introspection.
It didn’t make sense.
Surely… It was a misunderstanding…
Operating on that assumption, Tetsuko settled. It was ludicrous to think one of her own family would be behind any criminal activity, it was most likely the masters present were just being cautious. Understandably so…
Right.
Placing her own feelings aside, she listened on to hear what her goal was in all of this. Tracking down her aunt, and trying to ascertain the truth… Yes, it was simple. Or so she told herself. Truthfully, the fear with which Hayate spoke of her aunt had her concerned, but far too focused on her duties, and far too afraid of any potential reveals to address that concern.
”I understand. I’ll do what I-”
Her words were cut off as Shien’s phone rang. Odd. Surely his students would know he was busy right now.
It became clear they were indeed aware… But more pressing matters had arisen.
Tetsuko’s heart leapt when the panicked voice resounded through the air. The Dojo Hunter!? At Shien’s Dojo!? Even Kenshin was in danger it seemed, Tetsuko’s eyes widened with shock at the realisation of the sheer peril of the situation. That shock swiftly morphed into something else, when she heard a voice…
That voice…
Must be… The Dojo Hunter.
”Grandmaster!” Tetsuko called out quickly to Hayate, quickly standing from her position with a steely look in her eyes. This entire ordeal was getting out of hand, and they needed to stop it as soon as they could. For the sake of her school, her family, and all the masters, it was time to step up.
”We need to do something! We need to head there now!”
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Post by Esperia on Oct 19, 2019 18:41:32 GMT -4
Hayate was quiet, considering the information they had just gathered from this sudden attack on Shien's dojo. Was it a trap, an attempt to rill up the martial arts world? Or did the Dojo Hunter have another reason in mind for this evil? He turned toward Tetsuko's grandfather, the exchange of glances seemingly conveying a decision soundlessly to one another as Hayate finally spoke. "Tetsuko Shindou, you are hereby given the task to travel to Shien's dojo and confirm the identity of the Dojo Hunter. Should it indeed be your aunt, you will contact us immediately."
He turned toward Shien and continued his statement. "Shien, you will return to your dojo and ensure the safety of your students." He turned his gaze sideways, a glimpse at Tetsuko being made when finally he finished his instructions. "Take the Eisenberg lass with you, she might be a foreigner to our world, but her medical skills are undeniable, request for her to tend to the injured and support Tetsuko in the aftermath."
With his instructions clearly made Shien nodded his head firmly and started walking toward the doorway. "I'll meet you at the dojo Tetsuko-kun." He said calmly, although there was clearly a fire burning in his eyes. Meanwhile Shizune stepped toward her master and before she could speak the man shook his head lightly. "I have another task for you my little fox."
Turning toward Tetsuko he gave her final words of advice. "Before you depart, take a moment to talk to your companion, I'm certain it will help the two of you before you go into this mission."
It appeared the hunt for the Dojo Hunter had begun in earnest!
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802 Posts
1 EP
EXP
Total
17 Years
Female
"Steelheart"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Tetsuko Shindou on Oct 23, 2019 9:57:51 GMT -4
Much to her relief, she was given the all clear to head to Shien's dojo and try and confirm this Dojo Hunter's identity. Though her worst fears still remained, as stubborn insistence on the truth still called out from within her. Her family's pride was it stake, she would not allow it to be tainted any further. "I understand. I will not engage her myself." It would be vigilantism, for one. Not only that, but Tetsuko knew how strong her mother had been in her prime... Her mother's twin sister was likely to be just as dangerous.
Not that Tetsuko truly believed she'd find her aunt at the cause of this, of course.
Shien would be escorting her, and to her surprise, Hayate requested Elise tag along too. "I... I see... I'll take her there to help with the medical treatment." Tetsuko uttered, lightly clenching her fist. No matter what, she swore to herself, she would not let Elise get into harm's way. She accepted Elise's role in helping her with these family matters, but if it came to it, the Shindou girl would do all in her power to prevent the Eisenberg lass from being caught up in the combat that was destined between her and whoever had disgraced her family's name...
Tetsuko nodded firmly towards Shien as they began to depart, noting the lightly glowing flame in his eyes. Of course, it only made sense he'd want to give his all to protect his students, after everything they'd been through, to have the Dojo Hunter target them too was a pin undeserved...
There was some more advice given too, and Tetsuko nodded firmly. This was beyond her, and she'd need to get all the help she could...
Yet, the Shindou girl had a coldness to her expression, the seriousness of this whole situation not lost on her.
"Thank you for your advice... But I can't waste any time..."
She started toward the door with intent, knowing time was not on their side.
"I won't let this go unsettled."
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566 Posts
EP
EXP
Total
27 Years
Female
"Quizzity"
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Post by quizzity on Oct 26, 2019 14:21:26 GMT -4
Elise Von Eisenberg earned 12 exp! (I'll do the math after I post this/get the #'s from your profile.) 12 + 59 = 71 exp total. Tetsuko Shindou earned 13 exp + 779 exp previously = 792 total
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