A Kage's Promise[IO]

It had become common knowledge throughout the Land of Fire of all the events that took place within the last month, the headliner being the news and Death of the Johokage which had shaken Johogakure to its core as Kiba Benimarus secrets and wrongdoings went public for the entire Shinobi World to view followed swiftly by his explosive execution at the hands of Rei Kaguya, The next Johokage. The battle that took place had been filmed live and many of Johogakures residents watched in horror as the fight shook the famous monument known as the Johokage Mountain. While Kiba Benimaru wasn't exactly the most loved Kage the Village had ever had, he was still well respected and it came as a shock to its citizens just how deep his villainous intentions ran. Tenri had been one of many who watched in horror at what was being streamed live across the world. 

Personally the young blonde knew very little of Kiba Benimaru but what she did understand was that this man was Homura's Uncle and worse yet Rei's Father, two members of the Uchiha Clan she was especially close to. After the battle had ended, Tenri had been sure to search out her best friend Homura to see how she had taken the news only to be surprised by the vague response she'd received from her childhood friend. Perhaps she was embarrassed by the fact her Uncle was in fact a criminal. Regardless Tenri had not pushed her friend any further for details. At the very least the vibe within the Village had shifted considerably In the small amount of time that followed.

For once Tenri had been given free reign of her day, normally the young blonde would have been out the door at sunrise and on her way to a mission or helping with the preparations for the upcoming Terumi Clan annual meeting that was nearing with each day. With a schedule as busy as hers the young blonde is barely given the chance to simply relax and look after herself and so days like today were a miracle that the young blonde would not give up so easily. Tenri had requested the house servants to draw her a simple bath so she could relax and as usual they had gone beyond expectations. The bathroom had been transformed into a luxury space as lit candles lined the walls and floors and rose petals lay strewn across the floor and within the bath water. Large fluffy bubbles overflowed the giant bathtub and the sweet aroma of the candles created an ambience that was made for relaxation. As much as she hated being pampered, things like this always made her second guess giving up such a spoilt lifestyle. 

"This is exactly what I needed after all this stress" Lost in relaxation the young blonde would simply allow the heated water and bubbles massage the pain within her muscles. It had definitely been a month of hardships.

Mmmmm…

Whatever it was Tenri Terumi was doing that day, she would find herself in the presence of another shinobi. An ANBU that seemingly just appeared there, their presence undetected until they made themselves known from the shadows or her blindspot. It was a female shinobi who wore a dragon mask to hide her identity. First, she would raise a hand to stay any surprised attack Tenri Terumi might try. Second, the ANBU operative's other hand would extend a sealed black scroll towards the young Terumi heiress. "Lord Kaguya sends an official summons. Please make haste." she would say and leave the scroll with Tenri. Upon opening the scroll, Tenri would find that the new Third Johogake was requesting her presence in the Johokage office for important business. Furthermore, she was to dispose of the black message scroll immediately after receiving the summon. Unknown to Tenri however, the ANBU operative would remain close by, waiting until the scroll was destroyed. And then she would vanish, her mission complete.

In all her years Tenri had never felt so annoyed by being interrupted and while she was bathing no less. The anbu had been smart to raise a hand to stay Tenri as the young blonde was prepared to melt the woman into nothing more than a smoking puddle on her bathroom tiles. In her surprise the young blonde had abruptly stood from her bath with a kunai in hand ready to impale whatever idiot deemed it necessary to interrupt her relaxation, the only covering of her privates were the thick soapy bubbles that lingered across her body. After reading the scroll Tenri admitted defeat and in a swift series of motions left her bath behind and disposed of the scroll into the very water she had previously occupied. If that wasn't enough for the Anbu the young blonde would leave it for the Anbu to finish out of pure pettiness.

It had taken barely any time for the young blonde to leave behind her clans compound and find herself outside the door of the Kage Office. On the journey over the young blonde had gone over the possible reasons as to why she was being summoned and why there was so much secrecy behind it. Currently her career as a Kunoichi had been clean, give or take a few murders of bandits that deserved every bit of punishment they received. There was no possible reason the young blonde could have that required her to meet with the new Johokage known as Rei Kaguya. As it stood she barely even knew the man other than the prowess that had been streamed live across the Village. He'd been impressive and his use of bone techniques had sent shivers up the young blondes spine.

At a crossroads the young blonde simply counted her blessings and politely knocked before entering the Johokages Office with a proud strut and back straight. Whatever was to come she refused to be intimidated by the new reigning Kage "Tenri Terumi reporting as specified Lord Kage" the young blonde would state plainly trying her hardest to swallow the annoyance she felt for her interupted bath.

The gaze of the new Johokage was nothing to scoff at and every fibre of the young girls being screamed out in warning to remember her place. There was a time for pride and a time for submission, neither points Tenri was welcoming to. Instead she'd meet halfway and allow herself to remember where her loyalties lie, to Johogakure and to the Terumi Clan above all else. With a simple and formal bow the young girls years of training would come to her like a second nature as she lowered her body for the briefest moment to show respect to the new Johokage. Before she could even utter a word Rei words would undo the sentence she was forming in her head, words that shocked the young girl into curiosity. Curious that he apologized for interrupting my day.. either he's genuine or wants something from me.. the only question is what do I have that he wants. 

Without warning a massive torrent of Wind would enter the room from one of the office windows causing the young girl to have to grip the bottoms of her kimono to keep it from riding up and revealing the undergarments she wore beneath. It had taken a few moments for the young blonde to register that the cause of the wind had been a small fair haired boy who looked roughly her age though the muscles that protruded from his clothing told another story. He had greeted with a simple bow that she returned as she studied him closely. Whoever this boy was he definitely had some kind of strength enough to earn the respect or at the very least the notice of the new Johokage. To enter from the man's window no less spoke great volumes as the girl made sure to make a mental note of this boy's face. He would be one to watch in the future of Johogakure. Tenri watched as he casually spoke to the Johokage, a smoke in hand. What a curious one this one is.. if I didn't know any better Rei and this boy has some kind of history. Especially if he can so casually smoke in his presence.

It had taken every fibre of her being not to slap the new Johokage across the face as he took it upon himself to casually grab her hand and plant his lips upon them. It was a social custom used all throughout the game of politics within Johogakures social scene but the men in those circles that Tenri was accustomed to knew better than to even approach her with conversation. Tenri was well known within the political clan scene and more often than not rumors often made the rounds about the men who had dealings with the young blonde In the past, the most infamous being a much too handsy Uchiha who was found in the fetal position one morning outside one of the Villages many Brothels with a missing hand. The slightest smirk would cross the young blondes face as she recalled the memory of the fated night. Fortunately for the safety of everyone present the awaited explosion that had been building within the young blonde simmered at the words that reached her ears. "I.. huh.. What.." were the only words to escape the blondes lips as she looked into the eyes of Rei Kaguya.

Tenri for once in her life was at a loss for words and dumbfounded by the offer that was now out in the open. She'd heard rumors of the tailed beasts roaming the land and had even caught wind of a certain mission that had previously taken place. Searching her memory, the battle that had taken place to ensure Rei's claim to the rank of Kage had come to the forefront of the young blondes mind. So could the Bijuu Rei and Kiba fought over be the demon in question he speaks of?. With a scoff the young blonde would flash a menacing smirk aimed directly at Rei. So this is what you wanted… Having little time to think the young blonde would go over the risks and benefits in her mind. The power of a demon would help her in more ways than one, she wasn't one to fool herself with the illusion she was selfless, she wanted… no needed that power to surpass her Father and overthrow him in order to change both her own fate, but the fate of the very clan  she so desperately loved. It was a selfish desire but for the betterment of the ones she called family and for them she would risk her own life if it meant they had a chance at being more than livestock to a man whose greed dictated his every decision within the clan. 

Clearing her throat the young blonde would address the Johokage "With all due respect Lord Kage, as it stands I require power to reach my goals, something I'm sure you're more than knowledgeable of. With that in mind I assume you believe that if you grant me the power to reach such goals I'll be forever in debt to who? No… I should say what" the girl would say a hint of amusement to her tone referencing the Village. "With that in mind Johogakure has been the home to my Clan, to my Family since its founding and is my birthplace. My loyalties have never once been in question when it comes to the Land of Fire BUT" before a dramatic pause the young girl would continue "If the needs of the Village ever put my Clan or my people in harm's way under your orders I will not stand idly by." With an end to her sentence the young girls eyes would remain fixated on Rei Kaguya, this she would not back down from. "I agree to these terms but if I shall die, I want you to kill my Father for the sake of my clan" were the girls last words as she cautiously glanced at both Rei and the young white haired boy.

To Tenri's surprise it was the young fair haired boy to speak next, silencing the Johokage with a simple gesture of his hand. It had been the most the boy had said since he'd arrived otherwise he looked bored by the events that had taken place so far. Either he was confident in his skill and prowess or his ties to Rei Kaguya were deeper than she initially realized. Following the boys words Tenri's interest would display visibly upon her face. These Demons, these Bijuu clearly wield a power the Shinobi World has not yet heard or seen before and judging by this boys reaction, they're should not be taken lightly. Once again the girls eyes would fall upon the Large scroll visible upon Rei's desk, a shiver sent up the spine of the blonde girl.

After his brief conversation with Rei the fair haired boy finally brought his attention to Tenri, a volley of questions for the young girl. The nature of such questions  caused a suspicious gleam to the girls eyes. How does he not know who I am? How does he not know who the Terumi are?. These were the thoughts within the girls mind as she prepared to answer the boy. Clearing her throat the young girl would prepare to answer the boy in full, regardless of whatever information he or Rei held, no information would be left to imagination. If she were to fail and death came knocking, then at least the two males before her had any and all necessary information they need to successfully execute her dying wish. ''I'm intrigued as to why the Terumi Clan is not common knowledge to you.. Regardless of that fact the Clan I hail from is the Terumi. The Terumi is a clan well known for their use and prowess of the Lava Release Kekkei Genkai, a bloodline that allows us to create, manipulate and control the various components of Lava. Due to the teachings of our forefathers we have learned to access the other variants of Lava thus we are capable of utilizing Four elemental types in relation to Lava. These are: Lava, Quicklime/Acid, Rubber and Volcanic Ash. Three of which I've already unlocked and mastered in less than a year with my fourth on the way. An accomplishment that had taken my Father many years to bring to fruition.'' the young girl would state plainly, a hint of pride to her tone at the mention of besting her Fathers skills. Truthfully Tenri had mastered the Lava release so far thanks to the training she'd received from both her older cousin and her Grandmother.

With a brief pause for those in the room to process the information the young girl would continue ''Onto your second question as to why my Fathers death is a necessity. In the habits of being candor I'll start with my own personal and selfish reasons I want the man dead'' the young girl stated coldly. The use of the word WANT rather than NEED the young girl had said purposely. Tenri saw no reason for her to lie about her own selfish desires. ''My Father, Ōshima Terumi is a cunning and ambition man who leads the Terumi Clan as the current Clan Head with the view that my kin are no more than bargaining chips to be used. I myself am victim to such views. I could go on and on about how my parents didn't love me and how I was born to simply bare the children of whoever my Father sold to me in order further his own goals but I wont, those are meek frivolities compared to what the man has made my Clan suffer through.'' the young blonde would add with the simple shrug of her shoulders. ''As it stands my Father cares very little of the hardships my kin have to suffer under his leadership, he has the firm belief that those who aren't useful are worth no more than cattle. Cattle that unless they bring something of worth in the form of monetary gain are to be sacrificed and slaughtered to feed those who will.'' the young blonde would add, a darkened look to her face.

''As a business man currently my Father owns 92.3% of the Manufacturing Businesses within the Land of Fire and due to the Terumi Clans specialty over the uses of Lava, Earth and Fire Releases it is my kin who work for the barest of scraps in the many factories scattered across our country. As I'm sure you're aware,  Johogakure is a Village that thrives upon its technological advancements and as such anything created or made within the Land of Fire first passes through one of these many factories under my Fathers ownership. With that in mind my Father in all his ambitions and wealth has already begun the process of trying to elevate himself above not only the Uchiha Clan, but the title of Johokage'' with the last of her sentence Tenri would send an apologetic look toward Rei before continuing ''In my experience, men of both Ambition and Greed are never easily satiated and I believe my Father means to become the first Feudal Lord to reign over The Land of Fire, should this happen, suffering will spread farther than just the Terumi.'' the young girl would finally finish. In truth she believed if left to chance her Father would more than likely to succeed unless someone with the strength to stop him rose up. This was her Family's problem, her problem so if she could, she'd be the one to end it. To end him.

On the fair haired boys final point the young blonde would simply nod in agreement He really means to kill me.. I like this boy. As she'd already stated to the new Johokage, if death came for her then so be it. She was reserved to die if what she was being offered allowed her even the slightest edge in killing her Father. As she was now she was strong, but her Father had many years of experience and she'd seen first hand his prowess. As much as it hurt her pride to admit it, she wasn't yet ready to fight him. There was a reason he'd remained the Terumi Clan head from the time he was Nineteen years of age. Over the years many of her kin had tried to overthrow her Father and each time any resistance within the clan he had snuffed out to the point that rebellion was no longer even an option for her people. The young blonde would meet the eyes of the young fair haired boy without a hint of fear, without even a hint of wavering ''I do not fear death. Whatever slim chance this grants me to kill my Father I have to take it. In the event I die, the next in line for succession is my first cousin Kazu Terumi. I've made the proper preparations to ensure that he will take care of the Terumi in my stead, a matter I trust he will perform without issue. I trust him more than my own Father... So you see, whatever direction this goes, the Terumi will be properly cared for if the Johokage keeps to his word of my Father dying''.

Finally finished with her own speech Tenri would then follow the conversation from the Johokage in regards to the Bijuu and loyalty. Truthfully she had not believed she'd been offered a weapon as powerful as a Demon without some kind of payment or expectation in return. Rei's words had been surprise, clearly displayed upon her face for the briefest moment before transitioning into a look of annoyance and suspicion. Perhaps.... At the mention of more Bijuu Tenri's ears would perk up. The fact there were more of this creatures out in the world was both concerning and amazing. What exactly were they and where had they come from? & why where they making their presence known to the world now? Truthfully Tenri had heard very little information in regards to the Bijuu or on the betrayal by Shikigakure. There had to be more to the story than what was stated, it was something Tenri would be sure to research at a later date if she survived. Afterall, if she had to carry such a creature within her she would need to learn about the other creatures currently out in the world.

With the mention of Shiki's troubles Tenri could not tell if she should feel pity or happiness for their circumstances. If Chozo had gotten their hands on the beast that was being offered to her, would Chozo not have sent Joho into the same state of affairs. Perhaps the Shikikage saw helping Chozo as their own way to  survive their own predicament. If so they had chosen the wrong Village to back. It was the residents of the Village who Tenri felt bad for, woman, children, sick and even elderly were suffering for the foolish decisions of their Kage, a man who clearly wasn't fit to lead a Village, a Country. If Johogakure were going to send support efforts, Tenri wanted to be there to help in any way she could. Regardless of what they'd done, it was only their Kage who was to blame. A suspicious gleam would reach the young blondes eyes at the mention of Makoto's original birthplace. So that's why you don't know about the Terumi... Interesting. What could have caused you to leave your own Village and throw your alliances in with Rei Kaguya.. At least now she understood Makoto's lack of information regarding the Village as was as finally knowing the boys name. Neither Mak or Rei had even mentioned the boys name previously and so the young blonde had taken to calling him ''the fair haired one'' up until now.

With a final glance upon the now opened scroll the young Terumi would take the Kunai from Rei and begin by slicing two lines across both of her forearms, being sure not to hit any vital veins, a slight wince at the pain and mild lightheadedness it brought. Blood was necessary but not so much that she'd need to completely bleed out. With precise movements of both her left and right arms the young blonde would cover the scroll in her blood to match the circle upon the scroll. With a scoff the young blonde would interject ''You knew this whole time didn't you? That I'd accept your offer, no matter the circumstance. You knew what my terms would be. You just needed to gouge where my loyalties lie...'' as she spoke the young girl would remove every article of clothing without hesitation. Even as a child she'd never been shy or ashamed of her body and likely never would be. If she could parade around before a never ending lineup of arrogant Uchiha males, then this was comparable to no more than a walk in the park. Regardless of the company Tenri simply performed the duties she was instructed, nothing would keep her from acquiring this power that had been offered, not even the beast itself who lay waiting for her would get in her way. It would become hers, and in turn hers to use as she deemed fit. For the Terumi. For Johogakure and for herself.

Once completely nude the young blonde would lay upon the now blood covered scroll and give both Makoto and Rei a simple gesture to let them know she was prepared for what came next. The warmth of her still fresh blood warming the nakedness of her bare back. For a few minutes Tenri lay upon the scroll idle, nothing was happening and she feared she'd done something wrong. ''Did I do something wron-'' before she could finish her sentence an ear piercing scream would be released from the Terumi's lips as her body began to spasm and convulse from the pain coursing through the entirety of her body. A pain she hadn't been prepared for sent the young girl in and out of consciousness as she fought to remain awake. Never before had she experienced such a painful experience and all she could do was scream so hard that her throat began to become harsh.

Tenri could barely breath as she felt the demonic chakra invade her body, every ounce of her being screaming for the pain to stop, for it to stop. Tenri could feel the presence of the Bijuu as four eyes peered at her while she screamed, it's malicious intent evident by the loud hissing that rang in her ears that then began to echo within her mind. It was as if the creature was trying to speak to her. Tenri wanted to die. The pain was so unbearable that she wanted it to end, to give Makoto her life in exchange for the pain to stop. It felt as if she was on fire and every part of her body was being repeatedly burned, every tendon, every bone burning and burning with no end in sight. Fire....

Flames trickled in the young girls vision, flames so hot and blazing that it caused Tenri to become calm, it somehow warmed and told her there was no reason to be afraid. No reason to give up. In a flash before her stood Homura and their kitten Nishi in a field surrounded by trees. Homura was performing handsigns and from her lips she released a giant ball of flame that brought wonder and amazement to Tenri's eyes. It was then Tenri realized that it was a memory. It was the first time Homura had shown her the great Fireball technique she'd spent so long trying to perfect. That Morning Tenri had felt especially depressed due to an argument she'd had with her Father and she'd wanted to run away. Homura as always had quickly tried to cheer her up the best way she knew how and somehow that simple gesture of showing her improvement had given Tenri the will to continue. ''You see Tenri! Once we get big and strong we can go on as many adventures as we want'' were the words she'd said to her that day and if she were here now, those were the words she'd be saying to Tenri at this very moment.

The screams that were coming from Tenri slowly turned into a roar as the young blonde fought for control over her body and her mind. This power would be hers and nothing, not even the Bijuu itself was going to stop her from making it's power her own. ''Your mine now!'' a final scream would escape Tenri's lips before finally she passed out unconscious.

Silence and Darkness. All around her was darkness, no source of light emanated anywhere around her. Only the shallow breathes she took was audible to the girls ears as her eyes look around franticly. ''Rei? Makoto? Am I dead? Did we fail?'' were the words that escaped the young Terumi's lips, its sound echoing throughout whatever dark confines she found herself in. As if in answer a loud hissing would reach Tenri as she tried to focus her eyes enough to see ahead of her as before her loomed a giant create she'd not yet been able to see. ''Are you the demon who was in the scroll then creature?'' she'd ask the foreboding shadow before her. This time the hissing that responded came as if multiplied, as if more than one snake was speaking to her. Still she could not understand a word that was being said. At this point the young blonde had enough of the darkness that surrounded her and without a second thought she released a flurry of lava from her mouth to cover the surrounding area. In that instant light exploded within and Tenri could finally see her surroundings. Tenri found herself in a large stone room that looked empty except for the giant creature that glared at her from the center of the room.


The beasts looked similar to a common snake but this creature had two heads and its colors and physical appearance was like nothing she'd seen before. ''So you are the demon. This must mean I was successful in absorbing you inside myself'' she say to it as if expecting an answer. For a few minutes Tenri allowed herself to study the creature before her where she noticed the beast was chained down like a common prisoner, even both its mouths had been chained together. The chains themselves were red and looked as if they restricted the monstrous snake easily. ''You have some potential Food'' a snake like voice would whisper shocking the young girl. ''Brother why does Food look confused? Normally humans look fearful... also I'm hungry'' a second voice would interrupt. ''Shut up you idiot I'm talking to Food'' ''No you shutup Brother! Your not the boss of me! and I'm not stupid'' the second voice would interject a sob to his voice. ''After today you're not the boss of you either you idiot, Food is!'' the first voice would retort. At this point Tenri had realised that she was ''Food'' the two snakes had been talking about, a look of pure confusion upon her face. The conversation that follow the snakes would tell Tenri she would be required to feed them chakra every so often if she was to earn their trust. Then and only then would they converse with her and not a moment before.

After a few minutes Tenri found herself back inside the Johokages office. Her body felt like utter crap and the blood that had been wet earlier now felt sticky and dry against her naked skin. Large red tattoo-like lines zig zagged across Tenri's body, the evident curse mark that displayed her as the newest and very first Jinchuriki. Tenri could barely speak as her throat felt raw and hoarse but after much effort the young blonde finally spoke, her eyes upon Rei ''Is it done..''.

It had taken whatever remaining strength Tenri had to even remain conscious and the effort it took to stand caused a lightheadedness to rush over the new Jinchuriki. The ghosts of pain still plagued Tenri's body as if the memory itself was enough to send shockwave after shockwave of pain to course through her body, a reminder of what she'd had to endure to acquire her new found power. Reaching within the depths of herself Tenri would feel for the power that now lay dormant within and upon contact a hissing sound would give confirmation as an echo within her mind. She had to be sure that it wasn't all a dream, that the two headed snake she'd met within the depths of her mind were in fact as real as the red markings that now permanently adorned her skin. It had been successful and she now bore the power of a demon within her. From today onward it would be up to her to unlock the power she now held at an arms length but the first step would be earning the trust of the twin snakes within her. They would be the key to not only her own future but the future of Johogakure.

With Rei's Johokage cloak wrapped around her the young blonde would excuse herself from the room to freshen herself up. The heat from the shower was a welcoming feeling as Tenri allowed it to wash away the blood that caked her body. Pain aside Tenri felt relief. It washed over her just as the heated water from the shower did, she was thankful her time of death had not yet come and she had the chance to kill her Father and save her clan. If the power that now welled within her was as powerful as she was lead to believe then her Fathers time was soon approaching. There would no mercy no matter how much he begged. He would die and that would be the end of his rule. It was no the young blonde would need to start growing seeds of discord within the clan and she knew exactly how she was going to do it. First she'd need the assistance of three males within the Terumi Clan, the three who would be placed on the council she planned to create if she succeeded. The council of Elders were now outdated, their ideals too old fashioned for the new direction the Terumi Clan were headed. If they refused then they would be put on trial. As much as she wished she could kill them, she refused to be like her Father and so their fates would be up to her kin.

After a few moments Tenri would return to the Johokages office freshly cleaned and back in her Kimono she'd originally been wearing. Thankfully she'd been required to remove it for the transaction or she'd likely have been mad. As she was about to converse with Rei Kaguya the young blonde would begin to choke without warning. Panic enveloped the young blonde as she felt something begin make its way up from her stomach. Tenri wasn't sure if it was the stress from her body but as much as she tried to hold it back it refused to give way. Much like a snake Tenri's jaw seemed to stretch as a giant scroll vomited forth from her mouth landing upon the Johokage's floor with a slight loud and squishy thud. The scroll appeared covered in a weird. Tenri's eyes would fly to the Johokage as she bowed slightly ''I apologise, I did not mean to do that'' she'd say just as quickly as she'd vomited. ''I don't understand, I never ate that so where did it come from?'' the young blonde would add slightly panicked. Tenri was pretty sure she knew but was too worried about having vomited on the Johokages floor. Stupid Snakes.