32 Chapter 32 : Stone Cold......Steve Austin (1/2)
A YERRR YERRR. So I'm gonna roll with Kenji's perspective for a while and then continue to the others. Kenji's will probably be longer than the other characters. Then a few chapters to rap up this part. It'll be a good time. I guess. Esketit.
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Kaito explained the situation. A gang of mercenaries washed from the Mist into his home village. He was forced to move further North with his family along with the few villagers left. But the enemies followed. As far as he knew, there were around forty of them. The group flourished around the Mist, but picked up ninja from all villages, and they were well organized. When Kaito and his people arrived in town, they built houses, hoping the peace would last. The few people that lived here welcomed them with open arms. Common folk just trying to live in this nasty world. The mercenaries took shelter in the mountains above the town and came down every week, demanding over half of the resources from the small farms and hunters. The population of 48 in the town only had so much. It was a struggle to survive. Eventually, resources were spread thin and the people couldn't meet demands. So instead, on every demand day, the outcasts began taking women. One every time. And at the latest meeting, Kaito's wife was taken.
This man had helped Kenji despite knowing nothing about him. Kenji knew he probably lied a few times to Mist authority to cover him. There was something about this situation, something about the look on Kaito and his children's faces, it brought the killer out. He'd never felt this bloodlust before. But why? He hardly knew the man. Kenji felt the words of Jiraiya echo. He'd probably figure out these feelings eventually.
Kenji and Kaito sat there staring into the ground. Kenji got the overall objective situation, to save the eight women already taken, and neutralize the bandits. The part that was troubling was the no killing challenge. Kenji thought it would be much easier to wipe scum like them from the earth. He knew he was right, but within the short time he'd known him, Jiraiya had made an impact on Kenji. He might as well see where it leads.
”Mr. Kaito, can you gather the leaders of this town. I have a plan.” Kenji said with the greatest confidence.
Kaito stuttered slightly. ”S..Sure.” He turned to his kids. ”Wait here kids, OK?” They nodded. Kenji was left with them. They stared holes into his head, but it didn't bother him. People had given him that look his entire life.
About ten minutes later, four men and one women, including Kaito, entered.
”Kenji, these individuals have kept the village together for years and well respected, so you can say they're leaders.” Kenji nodded and greeted everyone coldly. He had to brace himself for his own plan. It was simple, but so were bandits. He knew it would work. The only thing Kenji had to worry about was the leader of the gang. His name was well known in the underworld as Stone Cold. Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The group sat in a circle. The woman, who radiated confidence and authority. ”Kenji, Kaito spoke of a plan you had.”
”Yes ma'am, but we have to wait till the next meeting.” Kenji spoke his simple plan. It reinforced the hearts of everyone. Afterwards, the leaders bolted to every house, informing the people of what to do.
It was dusk. The next meeting was in two days. Kenji graciously accepted Kaito's hospitality, although there was little to eat. Kenji sat on his bed, running through the plan one last time. The meeting always took place at dark. It was perfect. He took the black outfit from his bag and noticed a note. He opened it.
”Dear Kenji, I hope you'll learn something because if you do, I'll teach you the ultimate technique on how to peek on girls in the bathhouse. ~winkface~. But I know you wouldn't want to learn it anyway.” Kenji could see the man in defeat. ”The hokage asked me to teach you two techniques, so if you prevail, I will. Best of luck.” -Jiraiya
Kenji laid the note back in his bag and wondered about the techniques he could possibly learn. The curiosity alone was enough to motivate him.
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Two days later.....