Gift of Inari + Training

https://narutojidai.rpg-board.net/t1992-fox-spirit-hammer-quest-l

Travel into Forge country was not easy as Asura kept to the shadows-- but it helped that the overcast weather kept him relatively in the shade. He was alone in this instance but he was making progress.

Forge country was a mountainous, forested region with several mines that littered the land. Some were in use, others were abandoned-- making Asura feel an odd nostalgia for him in IWA. He remembered the times he would explore the caves when he was younger, seeking adventures in the dark there even though half of them were just his imagination. He wanted to just escape from that area.

Looking back, much of him has changed since becoming a rogue ninja. He felt guilty about what happened but less burdened.

"So this is where you are!" a voice shouted.

Startled, Asura spun around. He drew his tiger claws-- but soon stopped as he saw him. The white-eyed, muscular bastard with the nodatchi at his hip. Unless it was someone with a disguise as him, he certainly was just as annoying as before.

"What are you doing here?" Asura asked the man, Ravana.

"Heh, you had to ask?" he said as he looked around, "Heard from Hayabusa's men you were heading to Forge Country. Like I would pass up an opportunity like this. They make the best swords a swordsman could ask for. What about you, kid? Still wet behind the ears with your own toothpics? "

Asura frowned. It was Ravana alright. The same rotten personality...

"You know better than my items are not 'toothpicks," Asura said bitterly. "I work my ass off to make these weapons, and I been improving the ones in the tiger's arsinal with Vulcan."

The man let out a loud bellow. "Hahaha... Relax, kid, I know," he said with a pat of a large hand on his shoulder. "Yeah, you been doing well. Honestly between you and me-- and Vuclan said he would shove a sword down my throat if I told you, but he really is proud of you since you worked with him. He is worry you will put him out of business."

A smile cracked on Asura's face. "Well... despite his temper, he has his own talents too," he said, "Anyway, I have my reasons to coming here too because of creating the weapons and tools. I didn't strike you as someone who was into it."

Ravana smirked as he reached behind him for his goard. He took a swig of the saki in it and let out a satisfied sound. "Well... I appreciate good swords. And anything good for it."

It was at that moment, Asura had something cross his mind as he saw his master. For the longest time, his master was a Taijutsu fanatic and taught him how to fight that way. Never once, had he seen the man resort to his own sword.

As Ravana walked past him, he spoke up, curious. "Hey wait a minute. May I ask you something?" Asura asked politely.

"Hm?" Ravana grunted, glancing behind his shoulder to Asura.

"In all our time together, I don't think I have seen you use your sword ever. Not once," Asura pointed out as he pointed to the nodachi on his back. "How come? Are you as good a swordsman as you are with Taijutsu?"

An amused snort came from the half-naked man. "Pfft. You think i sport this to overcompensate for something? Don't make me laugh!" he said, and turned around. He reached for his sword and unattached it from the holder at his hip. "Of course I am a swordsman-- but as I am sure you know, swordsmanship means little if the warrior isn't strong himself. I just have a joy for both-- and besides," he said as he tapped the sword in its sheath. "My friend here has yet to find a worthy foe worth drawing on. I think I haven't had to use it in 10 years. I shall only draw it against a foe I find worthy enough."

"I see..." Asura commented, amused to hear that. "Well your pretty bad ass as is, I'd like to see you actually use it some time. "

A wide grin showed on his master. "Be careful what you wish for , red," he said and reattached the sword to his hip. "Anyway, i enjoy a good rough-housing with just my bare fists. Nothing gets my blood pumping than a good fight. "

It was then Asura noticed something odd-- a small stain of red from his nose.

He rolled his eyes. "Oh god, tell me you didn't get excited by the idea." he groaned and quickly walked ahead of him. "What the hell goes through your perverted hell."

"Ha! Don't be a hypocrit," Ravana boasted and slapped his student on the back. "I seen how much you enjoyed our training in Dance Country. "

Asura blushed as he quickened his step. "C-can we just focus on getting to our location, or at least let me train a bit on the way," he said as he picked up the pace.

Asura took this time to train as well as move on towards his destination. As he did leaps to build up his strength and his speed--- he didn't know that someone in the distance was watching him. Not a person, but an odd little fox that hid in the trees. It eyed them with interest and a mischevious intent.

Training results: 4 for Dex, 3 for STR

The member 'Enjin' has done the following action : Destiny Roll

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'Dice 10' : 9, 1, 3, 10, 1, 7, 1

A walk further soon led them to Forge Country's main city. The roads soon became stone-paved walkways of smooth stone, with shops at every side of the street. The entire city felt like one big marketplace as Asura and Ravana walked by. Many shops sold things from weaponry, pottery, jewelery-- any form of craft people could think of. It was a naturally wealthy city from the lookds of it-- with towers and spires going up in every corner. It was easy to be distracted by the size and glitz of this city.

"Heh, looks like my kind of town," Ravana said, and scratched his chin. "WOnder if they got a casino somewhere."

"THey might of, but that is last thing on my mind," Asura replied as he walked through the street, looking at the different variety of weapons.

With his arms behind his head, Ravana looked to his student. "So tell me, Asura," he asked, "What brings you here anyway. You don't go out of your way here or this close to Iwa to just to see new sights."

Asura grumbled a bit at his master's obvious point. "No. I'm here looking for a legendary forging tool. YOu hear of the Inari Forge Hammer?" he asked.

"No, should I?" Ravana asked, not caring in particular.

"Supposedly, its a hammer of a legendary fox spirit-- said to be of great influence over craftsmen who made legendary weapons," he explained, "I figure I could use something like that to improve the weapons in Shinkoku. At the very least, find out secrets from it to better my designs."

Ravana gave a huff as he looked at a passing by woman in a kimono-- more interested in her than Asura's story. "You are in your head too much, kid. Stories, legends, research...." he said.

"Well someone has to work while SOMEONE, whom i won't name, spends too much time in taverns and brothels..." Asura replied without turning to his master.

Ravana's eyes widened, but he laughed it off. The man had no shame for his vices, that was for sure. "I'm just saying don't go following old wives tales, kid. You might be disappointed." he said, "And besides, you focus too much on your brain and not enough on your muscles. I didn't train you so you could go soft."

"I'll train more vigorously after I complete my missions here," he replied and moved on down the street.

It was easy to wrap up in the activities of the big city-- along with the wares this place had. For Asura, a person who had his own admiration of weapons and items like artwork, was easily impressed by the goods sold here. It wasn't just tools either-- but statuary, works of art. He should of considered using his crystal release here to impress some people with his art skills.

Of course the only works of art Ravana took interest was were the women who walked by, and used wind style to catch a glimpse up their kimonos.

Asura just ignored him as he questioned the people at the shops. He asked about the legendary fox hammer-- though many just knew the rumors. Nothing concrete that would point him to an actual destination or truth to the legends.

He spent an hour asking the different shop keepers and blacksmiths from the local forgers in the city. HOwever, the most he learned was the shrine.

"I know one thing," one blacksmith said-- a large guy as big as Ravana who had dark skin, a bald head and scar that blocked one eye  and rippling muscles. "Up north from the city about a half- day's journey from the city, there is a mountain pass that leads to a shrine. I think its the one you want. Its to pay omage to the Masamune-- and said to be respected by fox spirits. Many blacksmiths have gone there for inspiration." he said to Asura. "I don't know of any hammer, but its probably the one you are thinking about."

Asura gave a respectful bow to the smith. "Thank you, sir," he said-- and gave a sum of ryo to him for his information-- but also for a tip for his amazing wears. "Good luck to you."

"You too." he said with a smirk.

Asura walked away from that smith satisfied. He was half tempted to buy something, but he found more satisfied making his own weapons and gear nowadays than anything he could find in a store. It was after all the reason he came here-- to find the secrets of being a master smith.

"Well, at least I found what I needed to know-- then we just gotta find that shrine," Asura commented as he looked at the city lights began to illuminate the spires and streets. "Shouldn't be too much trouble."

A large yawn like a lion's roar came from Ravana as he looked at the now darkening sky. "Yeah, but let's get someplace to rest for the night. I think we both been on our feet enough."

Asura smirked at his master. "You're the last person who I thought would be tired, or you just looking for an excuse to enjoy the night life?" he replied.

"Heh... cocky punk," he replied, "Still you look tired yourself. No sense doing a mission when your exhausted. You walked what, 200 kilometers to get here?"

Asura rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright... lets find a place for the night, but if we end up sharing a room-- don't go thinking to bring 'guests' alright. I'm not going to do you any favors tonight."

"Prude..." the man spat, but just agreed. If he wanted, he could have his fun anywhere. "But fine. I'll do you a favor this time."

********

Thanks to the money Asura had, they were able to afford seperate rooms. They found a decent inn that overlooked the central square, a nice place for them considering they only just arrived. Asura had to admit, he was more tired than he thought but it didn't stop him from being careful. He had a small dinner and went to rest in his room.

However, naturally, Ravana was not one to miss out on exploring the night life. He had checked into his room, but went out to get a drink. Along the main road were plenty of taverns and bars to drink. Still, none caught his attention over the other. He soon went to one of the outdoor ones, moving past the flaps that consealed the outside and sat himself down-- almost taking up the 2 seats beside him by his sheer size he had to crouch down as well.

"Your strongest Sake," Ravana growled-- intimidating the bar tender a bit as he rushed to get his order.

As he waited for his drink-- he caught a colorful glimpse of movement beside him. "This seat taken, sir?" a femine voice spoke.

Ravana turned to find a black haired beauty dressed in a dark blue kimono with sakura blossoms on it. She appeared almost regal with her black hair tied into a braid behind her. Her skin was a light pale with a touch of make up-- and ruby red lips. She sat upon a stool with an arm against the bar-- a single leg revealed slightly from her robes. She also held a small thin pipe-- an elegant form of smoking for such a woman.

Ravana grinned at the presence of a young woman like her. "It is now, sweetheart. How's your evening so far?" he asked.

"Better when I get a drink," she said with a small sigh.

The big man chuckled and raised a hand. "Hey, give the lady your best drink on me." he said with a laugh.

The woman smiled as she saw the offer. "You didn't have to do that. No president on being a gentlemen on my account," she said casually.

"I don't mind showing a lovely lady a good time," Ravana boasted as the bar tender brought them their drinks.

"Trust me, handsome," the woman replied and let out a soft puff of smoke. "I'm no lady."

The obvious show of humor was enjoyable enough as Ravana raised his glass to her and took a sip. She reached over and drank herself.

Between the two people, things progressed as well as any night on the town for Ravana. They shared some drinks, his raw ******** magnetism seemed to overpower any reason for the woman, or rather the booze did a trick as they seemed interested.

That was till, the idea got to them both to go up to the hotel room.

Ravana led her up to his room, fully intending to heat things up. "My, you must be wealthy yourself to afford a nice room," she commented, but clearly feinting interest.

Ravana was far less poised as he was-- having had near a half-dozen saki. Though coherent, his balance did take a dive. He turned around and smiled. "Heh, this is nothing. You should see the digs I have in Shinjoku... But i care little for material things. They are only worth it with pleasant company."

He began to approach-- till he saw her bring out another bottle of Sake. "I fear I don't think I had enough for any plans you might have," she said, offering him the bottle. "Would you pour me one?"

"I like how you think, sweetcheeks." He said as he took her wine and took a sip for himself. He handed back for her to take a sip...

... but she just smirked as she held it.

He waited for her to sip-- but then began to feel light headed. His vision began to blur a bit-- soon seeing three of her and his head dizzy. "You okay, big fellow?" she asked-- her voice echoing from the three of her that swirled in his vision.

"Heh... you should of said you had sisters... ugh..."

Ravana fell backwards and his back hit the back of the bed with a thud. He had passed out from the wine, now completely knocked out from whatever he drank.

The woman, on the other hand, just smirked. "Typical man... you always let your ego be your downfall," she said as she leaned over him. With a mischevious gleam in her eye, she unhooked the latch that attached to his sword and picked it up. Though heavy to most-- she held the nodachi as if it was a feather.

"Oh, this is going to be fun..." she said, her form changing suddenly like mist from a woman, into a humanoid orange fox.

The morning came and Asura had earned a good night sleep. He was dreaming of the jungles of Shinjoku, training and playing with the tigers and laying in the sun with them as he rubbed Boss Byakko's tummy like a kitten's.

It was a good dream... till a loud roar of anger echoed through the entire hotel.

"GHAAAAAA!!! THAT BITCH!!!" Ravana roared, almost rattling the windows.

"GHAAA!" Just like the tigers he dreamt of, Asura jumped from his bead so fast he was almost on the ceiling-- his survival instincts kicking in. At first, he was confused--- till then a sudden force tore down his wall! Someone had punched it and Asura flipped back to bedside. He put on his Tiger Claw weapon and got ready.

However, all he saw was Ravana, heaving deep breaths as he rested a hand against the hole he punched through.

"... I'm not paying for that, you know..." Asura said, the only thing he could think of to tell his master.

The grip on the wall tightened, almost crumbling the plaster to smitherenes. "That whore. That deceptive, smoking, bitch... I'll get her for this!!" he seethed, likely alerting room service to the distress. At the very least, the jump in motion

Asura's brow tigthened as he looked to him. "Who or what are you talking about?" the red-head grumbled.

"My sword!!" he growled, stepping angrily into Asura's room with booming steps. "I had a few drinks with this dark haired woman, and we were just getting in the mood." he explained, "Next thing I knew, I fell asleep-- and woke up to find she was gone and my sword with her!!"

THe red-haired shinobi blinked baffled by the turn of events. "Huh... well, that's a shame." he said as he thought. He then brought a fist to his chin in thought. "Isn't it ironic after all your time screwing women left and right, karma comes along and one figuratively does the exact same to you---"

"SHUT UP, BRAT!" Ravana snapped-- seeing the shadow of a grin show on Asura's face.

He had to admit, he appreciated that Ravana finally had the wool pulled over his eyes. Sure, Asura was growing to like the life of debochery that Ravana would force upon him-- but still he had enough sense to see it was a vice of a shinobi. Now he had been the victim of one.

"Grrrr! When I find that bitch, I'm gonna split her right in two!" he growled, his fists clenched tight.

"Um, by 'split in two', you mean your usual lewd metaphrorical or literal---" Asura replied, but was interrupted again with his shout.

"DON"T GET SMART, ASURA! OR I'll SPLIT YOU IN TWO AND YOU WON"T EVEN KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!" he spat.

The mental image was enough to make Asura cringe as he slowly wiped a hand over his face, cleaning the spit that Ravana had flung with his shouting.

"Alright, alright..." Asura urged, holding up a hand to calm him. "I guess you cannot summon your weapon with a summoning jutsu, right?"

He grumbled, a clear indication of 'no.' Asura shrugged. "Alright, then we do it the old fashon way. Let's start looking for clues and find your sword." Asura calmly walked into his master's room through the hole-- determined to find traces of the person who dooped his master.

Training Roll: All Dex 10% bonus from quick learner

The member 'Enjin' has done the following action : Destiny Roll

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'Dice 10' : 1, 1, 4, 6, 8, 7, 1