Island Valley of Peace

[Ichimonji]

Valley of Peace #29
@Sea ​

Chorh-Gom Prison
Two weeks. Two weeks since Tai Lung was escaped from the prison. Two weeks since the wolf pack made their way to Jade Palace. The warden, Vachir, had been in a long downward spiral. The shame and failure had taken over the king fun warrior. The booze was his only solace, drunk alone. Akira did not wish to partake. Yet, he did wish to partake on the future of the island, partly because he caused it. The land did not have long. With a move that would shock even La Spada if she saw Akira do it, for it was wildly off his cold self, Akira revealed himself and offered an alliance. A growth served by a sense of duty.

Muramasa was the calling card, stabbed in the waning ground. A card which forced Vachir out of his drunken stupor and widen his eyes.

[Vachir] “T-T-That’s Lord Muramasa! T-t-that must mean you’r-”​

The rhino was interupted by Akira, who confirmed who he was by his words. The assassin noted it was he who led the wolves - Vachir knew the secret passage could only open to Takeuchi. Those words struck a chord on the Rhino. His drunken face said it all - anger took him. In front of him was the culprit. Yet, Akira was not fazed, and his words came. The last of his words, about the prophecy, forced Vachir to widen his eyes again, this time in a flashback.

A flashback which made him repeat the words once told to him.

[Vachir] “Master Flying Rhino once told me: ‘One day, the decision you make will determine this island’s fate. Let their heart guide your decision.’”​

​

[Vachir] “I have felt your heart, Takeuchi. I will help you.”​

Akira’s heart was felt. The rhino stood up. Comically, he fell backward a bit, using the long stick he had to balance himself. He was still a bit drunk. The rhino had a new sense of purpose. Master Flying Rhino’s words were stronger than his anger for the jail breakout. What’s more, the Rhino knew the prophecy well - he knew what Takeuchi stood for. They would save the island.

The Rhino would go down the icy mountain with Akira. He’s listen to the story of Akira’s plight so far, particularly how he met the wolves, if Akira would tell. At the bottom of the ravine, at the base of the mountain, Akira would see something grand.

Around five hundred rhinos were below, half of the original thousand prison army. They had an army. They had a captain. They just needed a general.

 

[Sea]

VoP #30
@Ichimonji ​

Vachir spoke, though his words cut off by Akira’s words that continues on. His thoughts quickly confirmed by the boy’s assertion in his words – cut and dry. Straight to the point that the Rhino can immediately recognize what is going on including the boy’s identity. For a moment of time Vachir reacted angrily but despite his drunken stupor he managed to withheld himself till the end of Akira’s words.

Silence took over for a moment. But soon Vachir spoke after some considerations. He spoke of his master, a flying rhino whom prophesize Akira’s decision whom will determine the outcome of the island and its denizen’s fate. And he would seemly choose to believe in his master’s words that he would help Akira. A pirate and a marine working together towards a common interest, not a common sight to see. While he succeeded in acquiring yet another ally, Akira did not truly put the same vested interest in the alliance that Vachir did. Not in the sense of betrayal. The boy despite acquiring help from him, only place a basic level of trust onto Vachir. That he will do what it takes to defeat Tai Lung, and for Akira, not just Tai Lung but also Kai. However, nothing is said from his thoughts. He knew the inhabitants of the island is religious, some to the point of zealotry like the pack of wolves, but Vachir is unlikely to be of that point.

Sheathing Muramasa back into its sheathe, the boy continues to keep his face hidden from view through his clothings. There is no need to give information to anyone for the time being. The rhino stood up, though his drunken state would cause him to fell back. Only using a stick to help stabilize him standing up. And they would depart from the prison and out to the snowy mountains pass. Answers and questions are thrown back and forth but in Akira’s part the only answers his willing to indulge are more towards the time spent with the wolves but nothing else. Yet he did make mention of a bull, Kai whom has escaped his prison and too threatens the Jade Palace. Though the origins of his prisons weren’t made specific to Vachir.

At the base of the mountain, an army of rhino could be seen spotted upon their way to the Jade Palace. Perhaps this is what remains of the prison guards. Dropping down onto the base of the mountain, a loud thud as Akira lands upon the ground, breaking the impact by only bending his knees for a moment before standing straight up – with Vachir. Without much thought, the boy unsheathes Muramasa once more, showing its red blade identity to the rest. Like Vachir they would know the blade well. It is their mythology and religion. A call.

“You should tell your men to head to the Jade Palace. Whether is it Tai Lung, or Kai or anyone else. We are taking back the island.”

Akira words were clear. This wasn’t a takeover by pirates, or World Government or anyone else. It would make sense to the boy considering his past. Akira’s life came from the destruction of his home. But with Vachir, Akira also made a point to him, much like the wolves, just more direct. He did not believe himself to be Takeuchi, the ancestor that has been harped by Oogway and even the wolves to be a reincarnation. Thus he would better take Akira not as Takeuchi but a different person entirety. The same way he told the wolves, it would be better to merely call him as ‘Raven’ than anything else. Though unlike the wolves, Vachir is less likely to follow through things like the wolves does.

 

[Ichimonji]

Valley of Peace #30
@Sea ​

Chorh-Gom Camp ———> Jade Palace
An army. They had a captain. They just needed a commander. The two arrived at the camp, overlooking the expanse that held the army atthe foot of the snowy mountain. A horn introduced their approach. Warden Vachir commanded such prescence. He too was a martial arts master, tutelage of a martial arts sage in Flying Rhino. The army was bruised but not beaten. Their will followed the Warden’s, and while the latter was drunk in depression, the army had not moved. Until a young man took command.

Akira, dubbed Takeuchi, walked forward. His blade was unsheathed and flung into the air dramatically. The red blade shined in the sliver of sunlight that began to break through the horizon by sunset. The visible faces of shock from the army was everywhere.

[Vachir] “WE ARE IDLE NO LONGER! LADY MURAMASA CALLS YOU! WE SHALL TAKE BACK THE ISLAND!”​

[Army] “AWOOO! AWOOO!”​

A two syllable cheer came from the army. Roused by Muramasa’s reveal and impassioned by their captain’s words, the army joined in a battle cry. A battle cry that would shake the mountain while. Over the next hour or so, the army prepped for the journey to Jade Palace. There were many questions, many speeches, until the army was confident and roused, ready to go. Vachir did not mention Akira was the one responsible for Tai Lung’s escape - that would plant a seed of distrust. Instead, Akira was portrayed as a savior, as the two apprentices were in the island’s lore. A savior who wielded the sword of legend. One who saved the island with the other apprentice who held the blue blade.

Vachir called the two strongest and fastest horses for him and Akira. The Warden Mounted his own at the head of the army, waiting for Akira. Before they set off, a scout, send hours before even Akira came out of the prison, reported in.

[Scout] “Report! Tai Lung and his army have finally breached the perimeter! To think they could breach the Jade Palace in only two weeks!”​

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[Vachir] “Calm down, son. Tell us. What happened to the king fu masters in the Palace Tower?”​

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[Scout] “T-T-they retreated inside the Dome of Meditation! I-I-I don’t know how long they can last. And... something else! T-T-There is a green plague that has taken over the Palace! Utter destruction!”​

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The scout hurried with the report. Vachir’s eyes widened. To think they had defeated the legendary army of Jade Palace. With no time to waste, Vachir gave the order, and the army set out at full speed.

Would they be too late? What truly awaited them?

 

[Sea]

VoP #31
@Ichimonji ​

The call to arms, he was right. No matter who the inhabitant is, they recognize the blades. Not only that but like the wolves themselves – the swords themselves is truly revered as a divine entity. A certain sense of spirituality. Though seemly not with the same fanaticism that the wolves embraced. But regardless, it is an effective tool to rally the men. Unlike the inhabitants, Akira wasn’t so much of a spiritual person thus understanding the idea of rallying under the banner of a divine entity, a sword no less in this case makes him wonder. So far he has not seen enough of this island history to fully understand and appreciate the weapon’s history that led to such reverence beyond in its use with Kurai Takeuchi.

Sheathing Muramasa back to its sheathe. The boy has no need to carry around Muramasa unsheathed for the time being. Vachir would call for horses to help Akira get to the Jade Palace, with Vachir already prepared and mounted upon the horse. The boy was about to do the same, but before he could do so, a scout appeared before them.

Tai Lung and his lackeys have seemed to make incredible progress for what is under 2 weeks of time, as the scout would mention the breaching of the perimeter which is Jade Palace. Time is running out. But what would seem to be a flicker of hope before Tai Lung would seemly conquer the island carried on with another bad news, an emerald fog taking over the palace. Vachir quickly ordered the army to move at full speed. But the boy did not mount the horse. He heard the report. There are Kung Fu masters left. Which means allies that can help against Tai Lung and Kai, or at least what Akira would believe so. They weren’t just normal soldiers. A vital group of allies, arguably even more so than the army.

“Which direction is the Jade Palace?”

Akira asked Vachir. The boy spoke as he turned around though not before patting the horse on its back to move it away. Once an answer is received, Akira would speak once more this time seemly spreading his limbs.

“Go on Vachir. When you are at the Jade Palace, defeat Tai Lung's army. I will take on Tai Lung and… this emerald plague.”

Soon, Vachir would notice Akira’s transformation into a full fledge Pteranodon. Large but not massive, perhaps twice as tall as Akira’s human size. With the horse, he would conserve much needed energy and stamina. Even though he is physically enhanced by the power of Zoan – one may consider it to be unnecessary waste of stamina. But the boy understood he cannot waste time. With his Zoan, he is much faster flying towards the Jade Palace than the horse and he would likely be there long before the army reaches their destination. It took hours from the port to reach the prison, hours that this time Akira would not have. With direction received, the boy would jump and take off. In his full beast form, the boy would fly towards the given direction of the Jade Palace, he would know when he sees buildings and the green plague. Given his speed, he should likely fly overhead and past the army.

​

 

[Ichimonji]

Valley of Peace #31
@Sea ​

Jade Palace Mountains
Roused behind the fable that was Lady Muramasa and Takeuchi, the army roared. Valley of Peace would be saved by their abled hand. To Iade Palace the army prepared to go. Two white horses took the front of the ready army, a horse for Vachir and another for Takeuchi. As Vachir mounted the white horse, a scout came running. The Jade Palace Army, in only two weeks, had fallen. A massacre. The green plague took the base of the mountain, and the kung fu masters retreated towards the Jade Palace, to the Dome of Meditation. Tai Lung had them corner, on the cusp of taking the island, and unearthing the Jade Palace Vault.

The Shadow told Vachir to continue their charge. With semblance of a leader, Akira took flight.

[Vachir] “Yes, Takeuchi! Count on us! We’ll take the army with the strength of the rhino! Good luck with your beloved!”​

​

The warden roared as the man took flight. Oddly, the army was not taken aback by the transformation. The legend was real. The army roared as Akira flew over the horizon, drowning out as the pterodactyl disappeared over the sky. Akira would have a good time to think back on the events on the island, from Oogway’s cryptic prophecy, to the painting, to the hieroglyphics in the tunnel, to the meeting with General Kai. It would take two hours, a normal trek would take four, but the Jade Palace Mountain would appear over the horizon. A mountain in the clouds that overlooked the island. Surrounding the top was a village from all sides, rough mountain terrains, and sgiant stone steps leading to the palace at the top.

The sun begun to set over the horizon. The Jade Palace came into view.

In the surrounding mountain, in the first valley, was the most impoverished village. There were slain Jade Palace soldiers everywhere, as well as villagers. Particularly, green veins had taken over the buildings, pulling them into rubble. Where once was a luscious village, now was a rubble wasteland with green plague over it, starting to infect the second valley. The second valley, right around the stairs leading to the palace, held a smaller village. Kung fu dojos were everywhere. This land was also battered by war. TheTai Lung army was here, slowly marching to the steps. The upper army of the Jade Palace was defeated. The green plague began to infect the outer rim.

At the top of the stairs, Akira could see Boss Wolf and a small sect of the best warriors kicking down the gate of Jade Palace. Screams of war erupted. From the sky, Akira could see a large courtyard where various kung fu masters were the final line. The kung fu masters were cornered. Heading the plight was a strong aura, a peacock. Tai Lung was nowhere to be found, though inside the actual palace explosions could be heard.

 

[Sea]

VoP #32
@Ichimonji

The boy flew overhead of the Rhino army, leaving the army to the command of Vachir whom probably makes better of a leader than Akira himself. He did not mind what Vachir did to bolster his own army morale. The boy did not know how big of the battle would be, nor the actual condition and state of the battle at the Jade Palace, only that they are losing. As Akira technically leads the charge – he would be the person to delay whatever he could, protect whoever he could until the army of Rhino would take over. The journey to the Jade Palace is long, hours would go.

The boy took the time to recollect his thoughts, contemplating what has happened so far. The boy did not hesitate to understand his implications in the future of the island. His actions have essentially led to the demise of the island and the inhabitants. All this is his fault. But with Oogway’s words back then. Is this all meant to happen? He trusted his blade like Oogway told him to, though he could also be misinterpreting Muramasa’s intention. Yet trusting the elderly tortoise has so far led to such predicament that either Oogway is completely off or that he expects such events to happen and he let it be for whatever reason. Akira could not understand Oogway. Did he think that letting all these chaos is paramount for the destiny of this Valley? And for Akira as well.

The boy is only still a young adult at best. He cannot see that big of the picture that Oogway seems to be painting. Yet at this point there is nothing else he could seem to do but to follow through the events that have been set in stone for him. Another problem is Kai. Muramasa wasn’t able to hurt him, though he wasn’t using Haki back then. But should such words be true how else would he take down someone that cannot be hurt? The boy continues to contemplate. Should he utilize another sword? No, it would likely break in the middle of a fight. It’s not as unbreakable as Muramasa is. Should he just use his Zoan to fight? It’s more of a complementary style, Akira’s specialty is swordsmanship, even though he possesses strong mastery with his Devil Fruit he does not possessed actual martial arts like those of Rokushiki of the World Government. What are his other options? Akira could not find an alternative beyond his own capabilities. Not only that, but the green fog seems to be something completely out of his hands despite the ‘promise’ he made to Vachir. Can he do something about it?

Further thinking back to what he has experienced, now that he could do so – he also recalled the hieroglyphics on the tunnel. He couldn’t really understand how the paintings managed to paint Kurai’s history so similarly to Akira’s own. It can’t just be a coincidence at this point. Was Oogway really correct he is some kind of ancestor to his disciple? But so what? His ancestor had nothing to do with him presently outside of a blood connection. Despite his lack of emotions, the boy painfully only keeps it up as a mask. This time with no one around, that mask isn’t well kept. His eyes portray a form of nervousness. There is too many questions and too little answers.

Before the boy know it, a mountain appeared on the horizons and before long – buildings could be seen. He is close to his destination he would bet. Continue flying, though not necessarily speaking increasing his own speed. It has been 2 hours or so, no sense wasting even more energy before the fight at hand. Observing the settlements as he flew past, death was abundant – and whatever the green fog is, has seem to be ‘infect’ the buildings similar to the Spirit World that he observed that now turns into a green wasteland. Atop the mountain peaks however, groups of Mink, from dogs to cats of various species along with Boss Wolf could be seen attempting to knock down the gate, though only seconds before the gate fell. Behind the gate stood several others, likely defenders. Behind them the palace – several explosions accompanied. A peacock seemed to be in the lead of whatever Tai Lung’s army has. Should he head straight for the palace and leave the defenders be? The boy took a few seconds. But soon he would dive down.

Aimed for the courtyard, Akira dives onto the courtyard, likely with incoming enemies headed for the defenders. In a single powerful dive bomb attack Akira landed hard in between the both sides but faced at Tai Lung's army – causing a powerful crater as shockwaves explodes in its wake as the boy flap his wings, creating a secondary shockwave that aims to blast away the enemies. Slowly transforming back to his alternate form, the boy unsheathed Muramasa once more, a single blood-stained blade. He didn’t use it as a form of rally, it is a warning. The blade glowed bright red – as Akira’s Haki flowed into Muramasa. A seemly unique feature of Muramasa, that it would glow red instead of the normal black.

Spoiler

Name: Apex Bomb
Rank: B
Description: Akira drops back down onto the ground with his feet and destroy the ground with immense force, generating a powerful shockwave around him accompanying by beating his wings at the same time. (51 Mastery, 51 Strength)

DPR: 120: 5. Town Level + B: +2 = 7. Mountain Level

​

 

[Ichimonji]

Valley of Peace #32
@Sea ​

Jade Palace Mountains
A war of attrition and the Flower Capitol was losing. The bodies were many. Tai Lung’s army had pushed into the palace, a thought once impossible, taking down a whole island’s army in such a short time. Only the kung fu masters remained, holding the line in the Courtyard before the doors to the palace. In the entryway from the stairs was the special soldiers, captained by none other than Boss Wolf. In the middle of the courtyard, a peacock held two beings underneath its feet, a mantis and a crane. Two kung fu masters of the five stood defeated, grunting in pain.

Akira from the sky could hear the chants to the commander’s name: Shen.

[Shen] “Prophecies mean nothing. We will create our own fate. Starting with crippling this regime! I will rule the kingdom, as was my birthright!”​

​

​

​

Suddenly, the army would gasp. A terrible meteor fell upon the courtyard, forcing the ground to shake. Some soldiers fell, others were slow to get up. The peacock, Shen, had jumped back, leaving his two prey to be blow to the other side of the courtyard. as the dust settled and Akira came into view, the peacock stood in front of his special soldiers. Behind, Boss Wolf leaned into Shen, whispering to his ears. Shen chuckled, before turning to the boy.

[Shen] “Just in time, Takeuchi. We were just about to take over the Capitol. The secrets they have been hiding from the people will be now revealed… even yours.”​

​

[Shen] “Take the rest of the Furious Five out!”​

The peacock pointed over Akira’s shoulders. Three beings tended to the two defeated from earlier. A female tigress. A green long snake. A yellow blue-eyes monkey. The Furious Five were the last line of defense. They slowly stood tall against the invaders. A showdown was coming.

Inside the palace, explosions could be heard. The prominent aura of two, much stronger than the kung fu masters here in the courtyard, brimmed.

​

 

[Sea]

VoP #33
@Ichimonji ​

Before the crash landing, the boy noticed the loud chanting of a single word ‘Shen’. Though the boy wasn’t truly aware of the identity of which. He has no context to the name after all. The names Tai Lung and Kai is etched upon his mind. Is Shen the name of a God that they worship? Or someone else? Yet as Akira finally crash landed, causing the peacock to backed off with the defeated masters – in turn blown away by the impact generated by Akira’s landing. Before long, Akira would notice the re-appearance of Boss Wolf whom quickly leaned upon Shen’s ears with whispers. Yet nothing could be heard. The peacock chuckled and he would speak. Words of conceit and secrecy, all of the island’s secrets would be his. All that he would need to do is to simply take out the remainder of the ‘Furious Five’, though once again such titles are lost upon Akira, the boy could only understand it as the masters that he would expect to be which is further confirmed by the peacock pointing upon those behind him.

The boy looked behind him – crimson ambers glints through the bandages on his face, piercing straight into one’s souls as he looks at the supposed target of his goal, as per the peacock’s words. Indeed, at this point – likely allowing the defenders to be defeated makes it far more easy for Akira to achieve his goals. Yet.

“No.”

A burst of Conqueror’s Haki suddenly emanates from the boy – threatening to knock Tai Lung’s armies’ unconscious with a sudden show of willpower forced upon them. The boy was once weak but became molded into an extension of the might of Spada Pirates, a symbol of the Reaper’s powers – the Shadow that is feared and dreaded by others, his Conqueror’s Haki is proof of that power. And unfortunately for Shen, Akira does not take too kindly towards being ordered around, for the Shadow could only be ordered by the Reaper herself.

Whilst Akira did not immediately attack any of them, preferring to see if he could force the armies of Tai Lung to back off through the use of fear and intimidation with the Conqueror’s Haki especially for those who could still withstand his will. Though considering what he has seen so far it is far less likely they would. Yet perhaps the one time being ‘Takeuchi’ may force them to reconsider however.

“Where is Tai Lung?”

The boy coldly asked Shen instead. He heard further explosions within the castle, a possibility for his suspicion. But he could not immediately confirm without leaving the remaining trio to fend for themselves. Those crimson ambers that looked at the masters now focused upon Shen. He has no hesitation; his answer is clear despite his questionings. No matter how the peacock would try to spin his words, the boy has long decided on what he needs to do. He has no intention of leaving them at this point, not without at the very least taking down Shen and perhaps Boss Wolf. A course of action that for someone from the Spada Pirates is unthinkable. His conscience would not allow it. Similar things have happened before, in Wano Kuni at the Flower Capital – the boy too attempted ways to save another through the guise of usefulness.