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Post by Leon on Jun 29, 2020 3:00:59 GMT
Today was an important day for the Raijin Clan, and the Sudeki Family as a whole. A stand out prospect Ken Okazaki, had been loyal and determined for a couple of years now staying consistently for the organization. Today they were in the garden in the back yard of Leon's house where he kept a singular cherry blossom tree and a koi pond with a red wood bridge. Sitting under the tree Leon would be a ceremonial kimono and a tea set. All of the Sudeki Family were present to welcome their new brother as the tea ceremony was waiting for Ken to show.
Once he arrived he would be given his white kimono and a wakazashi to present to Leon during the ceremony. Then he would be allowed to approach Leon once changed and begin the tea ceremony.
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Post by Ken Okazaki on Jun 29, 2020 4:38:15 GMT
This was it. The day he had worked for was finally here. His feelings about it were conflicted. He had earned this through his own efforts. Collecting small loans, met people, assisted in any way they would allow him. Ken believed he had done enough to prove himself worthy and it would seem Leon agreed or he would not have been called here this day.
Ken would arrive at Leon's home, stepping from his vehicle as he puffed at a cigarette. He was slightly nervous, though he contained himself well and after finishing his cigarette, he would approach the building. When presented with the kimono and wakazashi, Ken would bow to whomever had given it to him and then proceed to the restroom to change quickly.
It had been a while since Kenjiro had dressed in a kimono, however he wouldn't have any issues. Once he was all set, he would head to the back yard. His dark hued iris' would glance about at the people that were present, his new family so to speak. He would work his way forward, finally finding himself standing before Leon.
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Post by Leon on Jun 29, 2020 5:01:52 GMT
Leon would be in a ceremonial sitting position on a mat under the tree, with a mat across from him, he would gesture for Ken to also sit on the mat. As he passed people standing and watching they stood straight and respectfully as Ken passed by. Leon would begin the tea ceremony and cleansing the tools in silence with water, deftly and practiced were his motions as he had chosen the perfect tea for this event, Genmaicha. A kind of green tea mixed with roasted rice. With it's origins as poor mans tea it is also very important to the past and present of the Raijin Clan.
The way Leon was preparing it, it would also count as a light sake as he added the leaves to the water filter, he could fill the bottom of a saucer with honey while the tea would steep, and lifted the kettle with one hand and used his other hand to hold the spout as he poured. He would then hold the cup in his hands in front of him and bow his head to the cup in prayer.
"Okazaki, Kenjiro-san. To drink with me today is to become my son. To be my brother... To join my family and take on all that is me as I take on all that is you. Your pain will be my pain, my happiness will be your happiness. We stand together, we die together."
Leon would spin the saucer of tea in his hand a few times before taking down about half the saucer. Bowing his head he would hand it off to Ken, who would be expected to then choose to either drink and forever become a member of this organization, or walk away forever.
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Post by Ken Okazaki on Jun 29, 2020 5:32:33 GMT
When instructed wordlessly, Ken would mirror Leon's sitting position as he lowered himself into the mat. He would carefully watch his movements. There was an odd serenity in the air as he watched the Raijin head perform the ritual. It was interesting to watch. He had tea before, but not quite like this. Ken was sure this experience would stay in his memory till his light extinguished.
Then came the oath that would bind. He would listen careful to every word spoken, both intent and tone. He would slowly inhale, before exhaling through his nostrils quietly. Was it nerves? Was he having regrets? No. It was something else. There was a sense of pride brewing within him. He had worked hard to prove himself and now he was being accepted. He had only ever felt this feeling a couple times in his life.
Leon would present the saucer to him. There was little hesitation when it came. Once again mimicking the way in which he had held it, before Ken would lift it to his lips and drink the remainder of the tea.
No turning back. Would I even if I could? I'm not so sure, anymore..
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Post by Leon on Jun 29, 2020 5:42:12 GMT
Leon would accept the saucer back from Ken and once again cleanse the tools and the saucer. One of the other members watching would bring over two small tables each with a promise note written out in big black ink. A promise to never betray each other and give everything to the family. A contract or a will however you wished to look at it. Leon would reach into his kimono and pull out his Wakazashi, pulling the blade out a little and cutting his thumb with it he would place his bloody thumb print on the paper, before grabbing the brush and signing his name in the same black ink next to his blood spot.
Ken was expected to mirror his motions and once completed Leon would stand and wait for Ken to stand before giving him a full bow, which would be mimic'd by the rest of the present Sudeki Family. Leon would rise and everyone else would as well.
"You are now Okazaki, Kenjiro-san. Sudeki Family Enforcer. We have one other tradition specific to my family."
Leon would grin wide as those gathered began to cheer and clap and greet their new brother.
"See, the Raijin originated as a Street Gang known as the Lightning Gang and when we inducted someone back then, they had to get a tattoo. Lucky for you our tattoo guy is inside, ready and waiting. We'll get you tatted up, we'll get drunk, and we will sing KARAOKE TONIGHT!"
The place would almost explode in excitement, a stark difference from the atmosphere before.
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Post by Ken Okazaki on Jun 29, 2020 6:19:20 GMT
Ken would continue to observe as the small tables were brought over. He would gaze upon the note placed before him, fully understanding it's meaning. He would redirect his attention to Leon as he cut his thumb and then placed it upon the paper.
Ken would glance downward at the Wakazashi he had been given and pull it from the sheath. He would then slide the blade across his thumb and press it against his note, before signing his name - Okazaki Kenjiro
He would then stand after Leon did and watch in her peripherals as the rest of the family did. That feeling he felt earlier was only surging. When his new boss bowed, so would he. His words that came after would be met with an inquisitive look. As the crowd began to erupt in claps and cheers.
For the first time, Leon would see a sincere smile crack upon his face. There was no mask here and the lovely crowd's energy was infectious. He would join in the cheering as Leon explained the last part of his initiation. This was going to be a good night, he felt.
"Thank you, Oyabun- This means a lot to me."
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Post by Leon on Jun 29, 2020 6:37:29 GMT
Leon would pat Ken on the shoulder.
"Well if you knew how cliche the tattoo looked, you'd change your mind."
Leon would laugh before taking Ken over to the tattoo guy who has his chair and equipment ready.
"Where you want it, how big you want it?"
Leon would remove his Kimono top and show the very large lightning bolts that spelled out LG between them on his chest that spiraled out over and under his shoulder on his ribs and back all on the left side of his body. Everyone else, men and woman alike took off their tops as well showing their LG tattoo's and bringing out the drinks to start getting smashed, a drink being poured for Ken.
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Post by Ken Okazaki on Jun 30, 2020 4:31:31 GMT
"Large. Center back, between my shoulders blades. All I care as that I can represent the family."
That would work. He could build off it later as he saw fit. He was sure could get access to the same tattooist if he requested. He would move to sit himself in the chair, laying it down flat so he could rest on his stomach.
When the drink came, he would receive it would a hearty thank you and begin to sit at it was the artist got to work. He wasn't too worried about the pain, he would get use to it as the time passed.
"I won't let you or the family down, Oyabun- You've given me direction and meaning."
Could really keep those words true? Who knew. He sounded certain, at the very least.
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Post by Leon on Jun 30, 2020 18:29:41 GMT
Leon would sit in a seat next to Ken as the artist went to work placing the outline to follow with the traditional japanese tattoo and ink style. He listened to Ken with a half smile on his face and sipping at his own drink.
"I have no doubts of that, Okazaki-san... But, you must know it isn't just you who has direction and meaning. I'm sure from your time in the military you know it's about the understanding and safety of having each other to watch our backs, no matter what. Be it past troubles coming to haunt you, or future problems we can't even begin to predict. Some of the people in the family, or even prospects are simply lost souls, angry at the world. They feel trapped by the laws, rules, and system that surrounds us in an unfair light. It's those people that need us the most."
Leon would sip from his glass again.
"That is our standing order here, it's what it means to become strong. Fighters, fight to test themselves against their past self, but in reality they are fighting their weaker self, so that they can be strong to protect those they care about."
Leon's voice would probably hit a point Ken would of never heard from him before. It was soft, full of worry and concern. Leon stared at his glass as if seeing a reflection of his own past.
"I won't risk your lives over my own feelings, but I will risk my life for what I believe is right. That is our way."
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Post by Ken Okazaki on Jul 1, 2020 3:31:02 GMT
Ken would nod to affirm he understood what he was saying. He could tell that Leon was a man who experienced a lot over time and it brought certain wisdom with it. He couldn't pretend to know all the details, however those experiences seemed to forge a man worth respecting.
Whatever pain came would be washed away by thought, with the help of the alcohol of course. He would finish his first drink and request another, before shifting to look toward Leon again.
"Do you have ambitions, Oyabun- What does the future look like, to you?"
It was an honest question. Kenjiro was actually curious to see how he would respond. He might have been digging for a little information, however he was honestly interested in what made Leon tick. It took a certain kind of person to fall into organized crime and he wasn't so naive to believe that all of them were outright bad.
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Post by Leon on Jul 1, 2020 20:24:55 GMT
Leon would finish off his own drink before handing a new one to Ken and getting one himself. When he came down to the question Leon would kind of chuckle.
"Yeah, I have ambitions for the future. But, I'm also somewhat of a cynical type. Right now the future looks bleak with a lot of unknowns and turmoil. The streets have been peaceful for so long it's kind of hard to remember what the outright conflicts were like."
Leon would rub his scarred hands together for a moment as he relived a few battle where he got those marks. He would continue.
"The Black Mist and the Demon associated with it will be a major issue, and with it comes action from every direction. RIOT, Orochi... Even groups we may not know about are likely getting involved and making big moves to prepare themselves and their groups for whats to come. In a perfect world the future I see is still peaceful, with no need for The Lightning Dragon to rise again. But, I also fear The Lightning Dragon won't be enough, and the monster God, The Raijin to cover the city in a storm that it may not fully recover from."
Leon would take a big gulp from his drink.
"And that scares me."
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Post by Ken Okazaki on Jul 7, 2020 6:29:11 GMT
"The unknowns are… jarring. The possibilities, infinite. My life has been full of the unknown. Often I walked forward, blind to danger- Embraced it even. That much won't change. It made me who I was."
It was nice to see some semblance of insecurity within Leon. It was one thing to be strong, confident and commanding, but only a fool wouldn't acknowledge the fact that nothing is set in stone and that there are always difficulties that would arise in times of the unknown. Leon himself had mentioned the Black Mist and the Demon. Who knows what this meant, or what it would bring in the future.
"I will do my best to ensure that the Raijin Clan will weather whatever storm the future has in store for us. I'll be the stone that doesn't erode under the heavy rain."
He would sip at his drink again, trying to remain as still as possible as the artist continued to work. He meant what he said, he was in this for the long haul. Despite what his other obligations were, he would full-heartedly play the role needed until he no longer could.
"Riot, Orochi- Are they a danger to us?"
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Post by Leon on Jul 8, 2020 21:04:16 GMT
It was nice knowing Ken was going to maintain his support or even more so now with the possible future outline. Leon didn't like the idea of what they may have to do to counter act advancements of other groups while also dealing with this new group, but if he had to, to protect the future... He would demolish the entire city. Though with his question Leon rubbed his chin.
"That is to be seen honestly. They are dangerous, powerful, been at the table for a very long time. I do not however, suspect they will sit idle if they are also dealing with the black mist. They may try to make deals, expand, or even capitalize on the chaos to get in on it. A danger specifically to us? Depends on how this new threat approaches them, but for sure they are a threat."
He'd sip from his drink again and roll his neck.
"Besides that we don't really know much about either group. I know general territory locations for RIOT, and I can recognize people from their organization, about the same for Orochi. I also know a lot of the business RIOT is into. I know jack shit about Orochi's business."
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Post by Ken Okazaki on Jul 27, 2020 7:39:13 GMT
Ken would continue to nod as the chairman spoke. They could be dangerous, however they weren't directly enemies right now. This was good to know, at least. His time this far had seemed relatively peaceful, in terms of relationships with other organizations. At least they weren't already at each other's necks.
Ultimately, none of that was entirely his business to comment on. If it came to it Ken would gladly fight for him and it only served his purposes. He would simply have to follow Leon and let him lead as he would see fit. He had faith that at heart, the man before him was far less a threat than other elements within the city at this time. "Well, come whatever may, I'll do my best for you."
He would lift and tip back the remains of his drink once again and shake his head, allowing the numbness to wash over him and dull the little pricks of pain that accompanied the tattoo that was being finished. "What course of action do we intend to take?"
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Post by Leon on Jul 27, 2020 18:39:12 GMT
The question Ken asked was a tough one. Shit was happening all over the city, he wasn't sure what the course of action would be, but he knew the current best plan.
"We will investigate what we can, set foot patrols of the Western District. You specifically though, I have a job for."
Leon would down his drink with one big gulp.
"After some karaoke! How's the tat? Almost done?"
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