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This article, Ikezu, is currently under active construction by the author(s) of whom this article's property falls under. |
 Ikezu | |
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| Kanji | いけず |
| Title(s) | Akashōkami (悪所神, God of the Perilous Road) Otogokamimikoto (命神様, God Emperor) Sansai no Shodainomikoto (三災之初代之尊, First Lord of Three Woes) Shūkyokukotomārōni (事もあろうに終局, End of All Things) Yakubyōgami (疫病神, God of Pestilence) |
| Age | 22 |
| Gender |  Male
|
| Height | 182.88 |
| Weight | 91.17 |
Professional Status | |
|---|---|
| Hometown | ??? |
| Affiliation |  Jashin Cult Jashin Inner Sanctum
|
| Personal Status | |
| Family | Yamakawa (Daughter) |
| Clan |  Hagoromo Clan
|
| Ninja | |
| Classification | Cultist |
| Skills | |
| Kekkei Mōra |  Kenmyōren
|
| Kekkei Genkai |  Byakugan
|
| Unique Traits | Can absorb chakra Sees into Issuinoyume Immortality |
| Nature |  Yang Release Yin Release |
| Jutsu | Ibaranokanmuri |
"Did I ask?" |
Ikezu (いけず, Wicked) is a high-ranking member of the Jashin Cult and affiliate of Jashin’s Inner Sanctum, and the current emperor of the Fukyutengoku (天国不朽, Eternal Paradise, or Eternal Kingdom of Heaven). With origins shrouded in mystery, he was integrated into the Budō Clan after they had stumbled upon him on an excursion to the once-great continent of Takachiho. Unlike most, he was born with no elemental affinity for the five base chakra natures, and possessed a ninjutsu ability that only catered towards Yin and Yang Releases. A product of his lineage's unique ability pool. Once he cultivated enough knowledge about himself and his origins, Ikezu would transcend to a level of enlightenment that most could only aspire to. An embodiment of malevolence and a prophesier of woe. Since his initiation into the cult, the dedication and unwavering belief in his god would bear its fruit, ripening into the blessing of immortality. Ikezu was universally recognized by the collective church of Jashin to have been handpicked by their Christ. He would construe a unique Jashindō in light of his complete understanding of just who and what his god was. The culminated wisdom gained through the observing of the inerrant scriptures that speak of the unholy day would earn the acolyte the moniker Shūkyokukotomārōni (事もあろうに終局, End of All Things). He has recorded secrets capable of turning the world on its head. A scholar in his own right, and a scrivener of many sins. Ikezu’s sermons and facsimiles pertaining to Jashin’s commandments speak of what will occur in the coming of their god. The day of woe that every Jashinist anticipates in sacrilegious ecstasy. He is a near-encyclopedic well of erudition pertaining to every aspect of occult practices, a pioneer in the cursed arts. Ikezu developed a triad of terrifying techniques in the name of his god, each curse serving a different purpose. The Akashōkami (悪所神, God of the Perilous Road), a deity of horror. In fact, he towered so high above the rest of his brethren that he was dubbed Sansai no Shodainomikoto (三災之初代之尊, First Lord of Three Woes).
Chosen by his god, the murmurs rumored to be heard within the Inner Sanctum were all but seldom for Ikezu. These minuscule ripples within his mind were the key to unlocking the truth behind this formless deity. Whispers and innuendos he had known since childhood. He is a firm believer in divine revelation, and zealously argues that he was chosen by Jashin since before the foundations of the world were laid. Yet despite his unwavering faith, Ikezu would be shown that there was more in store for him; something beyond. With his lineage, he would have the potential to amount to more than a mere follower of Jashin. His space-time ninjutsu connected him to several other planes of existence. This opened a chance for him to elevate himself even higher. Once he had perused through the scrolls and hieroglyphics left behind in the ruins of these forgotten worlds, Ikezu began to formulate his own identity for his god, and would ultimately conclude that, he too, could ascend to such a state. An existence between dimensions, beholding the actions of all in manifold witness. Ikezu created Jashindō that separates him from all the rest. Truly Satanic in mind, soul, and spirit. Ikezu will not stand to simply serve as an acolyte for all of eternity, watching in awe and horror as the daefic embodiment of fear and wickedness declares his return. He walks a path of enlightenment, biding his time until he can ascend. In the meantime, he wields the power he has amassed through both malefic rituals, as well as the mere sharpening of his own moxie, carrying out his god's will as an instrument of murder. He looks down upon the shinobi world from his egregious position of Otogokamimikoto (命神様, God Emperor). The confusion and anxiety his beliefs instill, the bloodshed instigated by his own hands, and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge are the trinity that raised Ikezu up from the dust. He patiently awaits the day when Jashin’s kingdom will come. The “End of Days” is nigh. When Jashin descends to rule the physical world, the Yakubyōgami (疫病神, God of Pestilence) will ascend and take his place.
Background[]
Prologue[]
Far away from the land mass that would one day house the Great Shinobi Nations lies a continent known by the name of Takachiho (高千穂). A land with a diverse geography, best known for the gargantuous gorges that seem to be randomly scattered across its entirety. In the current day, the once-glorious realm is now in shambles, left in an eternal estate of stasis and doom. Gods meddling in human affairs, and men not being able to contain the results when left to their own devices are what ultimately sent the kingdom established in this perilous abode spiraling into the darkness. Men were entrusted with something far too great. Without the help of their god, they were doomed to fall. The people of this kingdom would meet an unavoidable, unforeseeable demise at the hands of their own ignorance, folly, and self-exultence. It was due to a single infallible statement that they chose to disregard as foolishness: mortals cannot dabble in the arts of immortals. All people everywhere worship something, be it technology, ideology, possessions, pleasure, and in rarer cases, a god. Far before kingdoms, countries, and civilizations had been established, the concept of god existed in the hearts of mankind. Tucked away in the corner of every man's mind was the idea of a higher being that brought about the world as we know it. As humans, they were just that, and in their human understanding, there was no way for them to fully comprehend the controversial subject that was god. No man was unfamiliar with such a topic, but to grasp what it meant, and to realize the gravity of the name alone was an entirely different story. Humans remain human in all sorts of tales. No matter how high a man is lifted up, he will always be abased. He who is exalted will always be humbled in the end; no human can reach the level of a god. Neither power, nor understanding, nor thought of a man can ever graze in the threshold of that which is almighty. Every human hero has an Achilles' heel, and eventually, they are all struck down. Men can only worship gods, they can never become them. The catalyst for the land of Takachiho's fall; men being brought into needless contact with gods.
Radiance[]
"...and He stretched out His hands, filled with the power of the Dream. He would weave a blade of pure light, and slay the Abyss." |
On the continent of Takachiho, most people fended for themselves in the wild. Instincts were what kept them alive, feeding, reproducing, and repeating. There was no particular reason for men to live here. The only compass in their life was the animalistic impulses they happily gave themselves into. These obscure people could be found in all corners of the continent, in caves, forests, but mostly, in the gorges. Humans had decided that living within these natural rifts in the land would give them a natural protection against the wild animals, weather, and most importantly, other humans. Cannibalism was a dominant practice in this land's early days. Void of reason, will, or emotion, these people were almost like an empty shell of other humans. Some blamed the land for this phenomenon, as it was just above the cursed plane only known as the Abyss (深淵, Shinen). Deep underground lied a place swallowed up in darkness. Yet, despite being so far underneath the surface, it's influence permeated even into the open air that was topside. It is said that in the continent's oldest days, far before even these, that much of the continent was submerged in the same black fog that consumed the underbelly of the land. Either way, it seemed to be causing the obscene behavior and malefic tendencies of Takachiho's inhabitants. Evil men being guided by an evil presence; the very land itself seemed to be a place defiled by the Abyss.
One day, thousands of years before shinobi and ninjutsu were even a thought, a being bathed in light would descend upon the continent. It's form exuded a great amount of white energy, comparable to the likes of the midday sun. Night had appeared to have become day as the continent lit up momentarily. From the skies above, it gracefully lowered itself in the midst of the land. To the savages that inhabited the area, the light was frightening. Slumbering natives had been rudely awoken by the sudden appearance of this scorching light. As it continued it's journey down, people from all over rushed to see what was going on. Poorly clothed and dirty, they crowded around where the divine creature would touch down. The further it descended, the more the light dissipated, until nothing more than a pale glow remained. Finally, it would fall into the midst of the people. Not a soul dared to move. Some sort of understood awe fell upon the savage onlookers. A silence hung in the air as the circle of people observed the celestial visitor. He was clothed in white, and his skin was bright like the sun. His eyes like pools of gold, and his hair the color of snow, running down the length of his back until it reached his midsection. Atop his head was a crown, signifying he was of some sort of royal status. The higher being would smile at the savages, then, in a kind, benevolent voice, he would greet each and every one of them. One at a time, he called them by name, or whatever semblance of a name they had assigned to themselves. In comparison to this pale visitor, the inhabitants of the land were nothing more than dogs; filthy creatures wallowing about in the ways of their own foolish instinct. However, their new friend did not treat them as such. He conversed with them, or attempted to anyway, but no level of fascination could bring about the crucial intelligence that these individuals lacked. The extraterrestrial seemed to understand what it was that had handicapped the people of this land, and had declared to them all that he would free them of their shackles in exchange for one thing: that they be his subjects in the eternal kingdom that he would establish within this land. Though, as of now, speaking to these animals would be useless. The higher being would have to show them what he meant.
His hands would be bathed in a white light as his eyes glowed in the same way. The pale one would rise up above the people who had surrounded him, levitating skywards as he continued to emanate this energy. Then, as quick as a flash, a ring of purifying light would shoot from his body, cleansing the people of their impurities and blemishes. the influence of the Abyss was no more a thing in the minds of these people. Now, they were all in their right mind. Some upon suddenly being gifted intelligence were fearful of the ghostly being before them. Others desired to worship him. Most, however, simply sat in awe, beholding the grand sight. His voice rang out again amongst the crowd, declaring himself as their savior. In exchange for a mind, a will, and true emotions, they would serve as citizens of his eternal kingdom; the everlasting realm that would be built upon this very land. All he wished for was a loyal body of people who worshipped him as their god. If they bowed the knee to he and he alone, they would be able to enjoy all the freedoms and benefits of society. To these newly-sane people, this sounded like an offer too good to pass up. Thus, in unanimous agreement, the people of Takachiho all knelt down, one-by-one. A once savage people were now prostrating themselves, unified under their new king. Cries of praise filled the night air as they exalted their deity. Under his rule, guidance, and sovereign authority, the natives would build the capital city for their kingdom; an eternal empire known as Fukyutengoku (天国不朽, Eternal Paradise, or Eternal Kingdom of Heaven).
Inherent Rise and Fall[]
Within the next few years, under the divine watch and instruction of their new god, the kingdom of Fukyutengoku would rise from the once-desolate lands of the continent. Ever since the extraterrestrial's interference, Takachiho had started becoming a beautiful paradise. Lush, green grass spanned the length of the former wasteland. Trees with all sorts of fruits sprouted all over, and large patches of flowers dotted the landscape. It was in the most beautiful and vibrant part of the continent that the pale one instructed his citizens to build his capital city. Over an eon and a few, the large, beautiful city would be born in the once-barren landscapes that were now brimming with life. Pearly walls would line the circular perimeter, large complexes and pavillions were scattered abroad within the city limits, a marketplace for the townsfolk to mingle, and a massive tower dominated it all. Through the dedication of thousands, the one, grand, massive civilization was created from nothing. In a series of joyful events, the people would celebrate the city's construction, and would offer up a feast for their god. Civilians took up animals and offered up sacrifices to their king. Children made it their mission to see who could bring him the most flowers. It was a wonderful festival that lasted nearly two days, and their king sat in the midst of his people, rejoicing, laughing, and eating with the rest. The greatest trait their almighty deity possessed was his personal connection to his subjects. Despite being so powerful, he never seemed far off.
Purity[]
Release[]
His Welcoming Into the Fold[]
One’s birth is unimportant. Ikezu had never contemplated where he came from, nor why he existed. Here, within the stone walls of the citadel he inhabited, all that mattered was his Lord Jashin. He made his home within this hallowed sanctuary for the Wicked God and his society. Perhaps not the most idealistic abode for a seven year-old boy, but nonetheless, this was how he was to be raised. Immersed in the word, immersed in the truth, and immersed in the way. It was important that each child integrated into the brotherhood would come to understand what their duty was as a member of this sacred society. Thus, young Ikezu’s mind was being prepared from a young age. Daily lessons in the dark word brought to him by his caretaker — a nameless scholar. His sole purpose now, after being brought into the flock, was to pass on his knowledge to this child. The two shared a room. Both living inside the grand church that the accursed rituals and procedures took place. Weekly meetings hosted by the members of Jashin’s Inner Sanctum — the chosen of their lord — were held to constantly refresh the good news of their Lord’s return. Ikezu’s childish mind didn’t completely understand every aspect of what he was being taught, nor why many of the occult practices needed to be so…immoral. Nonetheless, whether he be in church, be taking part in these rituals, or simply learning from his roommate, he was fervent, and made sure to pay attention.
A seven year-old Ikezu, every night since he was capable of walking, had made it a habit to go outside and gaze at the stars. From the dark cathedral he called home, the infinite expanses of the night sky were laid out like a massive bed sheet. This desire to go outside and stargaze concerned his caretakers. At first, it only seemed like the innocent curiosity of a child. However, when every night ended with the boy staring out into the sky, those within the Budō Clan who alternated watching over the boy would be quite baffled, as well as worried about his mental standing. Eventually, it was seen as a distraction. It was disturbing, really. No matter how they tried to lure him inside, they couldn’t, as if he were under some sort of spell when looking into the heavens. Thus, on some nights, he was sent to bed early for standing out in the middle of the night, just staring blankly. Behavior like this had no explanation. When questioned, the young Ikezu wouldn’t respond. But try as they might, he could not be kept away from his beautiful night sky. One night, his scholarly friend insisted that he stay inside. Ikezu wouldn’t give him the luxury of an answer, and would attempt to make his way outside. After exiting the room he and his friend shared, a member of the cult would usher him back to bed. Over and over, until ultimately, he was locked inside. Ikezu’s roommate couldn’t help but laugh at the boy. The determination he showed to achieve such a small goal was almost admirable, but mostly foolish. What was it that was so important?
While everyone slept, one remained awake. Ikezu was outside again, looking at the stars. No one had seen him, but the young boy had made use of an ancient space-time ninjutsu that had been mysteriously ingrained into him for as long as he could remember. It wasn’t as though he knew where he came from, nor how he had gained this ability. All he knew was that it let him stay united with his beloved stars. When he gazed upon them, he felt as though all the questions in his head were instantly answered. For the meantime, this was all he needed.
He wasn’t alone, however. As Ikezu looked up into the sky, he felt a hand touch his shoulder. It was large, but somewhat cold. Behind him stood one of the high-ranking members of the Jashin church; a man tasked with delivering sermons to smaller groups within the cult. The boy’s first guess was that the occult leader was angry with him. Even a small child such as himself knew that elders in their faith tended to be ruthless and unforgiving individuals. When the clergy asked him what he was doing out so late, Ikezu couldn’t force the words out. The man seemed to find this funny. Looking up himself, he crouched down so that he was level with the boy. Hand still on his shoulder, the wiseman pointed out the different constellations and images created by the masterful arrangement of the heavenly bodies.
Ikezu simply stared in amazement, remaining silent as he was shown the glory of the skies above. Slowly but surely, he began to feel more comfortable around the older man. Stories came with the pictures. the clergy told the tale of a warrior Orion, the Bear he slew, and the Seven Sisters that watched from the sky above — the Seventh hid from them, being too embarrassed to show her face. But greater than everything that he had heard from the knowledgable man, the most wonderful thing he learned about was the god that would return to rule it all. The clergy explained that it was their duty, as his people, to aid Lord Jashin in his return. He went on to tell Ikezu that the power that he possessed could be used for much more than a means to get to his stargazing, and that one day, he too would be a powerful prophet of the god they shared. When Ikezu went to turn his attention back to him, however, he was gone. Now alone outside their church, he was left to think about what he had heard, or what the seven year-old boy was capable of understanding. As for the clergy, he watched from the shadows as Ikezu created yet another wormhole, one leading back to his chamber. He knew that a boy with such a lineage would be of great use to his master, and decided that he would continue to watch over him in his stead. Thus, even from his earliest days, it was apparent that Ikezu's destiny had already been preordained by his superiors. The innocent child who beheld the stars in his youth would grow to become a man, a man who held the stars in the palm of his hand, only to crush them.
But as it always seemed to be...no one who walked in Jashin's court would remain human for long...
Appearance[]
Personality[]
A thoroughly wily individual and a natural-born deceiver is what Ikezu is. A playful devil, but a devil nonetheless. Ever since he was a boy, weaving tales to avoid irritating situations and better himself was all but foreign to the Wicked Heart’s acolyte. As he grew, so did his skill in the art of deception. Hiding the truth in plain sight and coating it with a layer of ill-will; to make what is obvious obscure through his own devices. The habitual lying that he grew up on would ultimately evolve into something much less trivial. He would live a life void of absolutes, taking on whatever form he must in order to further his own goals. This carried over to all aspects of his life, be it religious, romantic, and even professional. Ikezu is whoever you want him to be. Among all the lies he lived, only one truth could be found: he lived for his god — Lord Jashin. It was, in fact, more often for his beliefs that a front was put up. Whatever his victim wanted to hear was what they’d get, whether they were one who wished to be brought into the fold, or just another sacrifice, they have all been masterfully stringed along by Ikezu’s immaculate lies. He manipulates himself, those around him, and the world itself to fulfill his ambitions; this was how he was able to worm his way into the heart of Jashin’s Inner Sanctum. Perhaps his god had taken notice of more than his unearthly talent and natural power. His silver tongue being a force to be reckoned with in and of itself.
But the swaying of innocents’ hearts and the pulling of strings that won Ikezu many a soul to the Jashin movement, as well as sacrifices, does not stand alone. Hand-in-hand stride his coercion and intellect. At heart, he is a scholar, and unbeknown to him, is a man after his god’s own heart. Wrapping his head around the universe’s inner workings and understanding everything there is about the cosmic plane that is space is all Ikezu could think about ever since boyhood — more specifically: he loves astronomy. Even now, many of the “pilgrimages” he takes in the name of Jashin are often to fuel his own desire for knowledge. Faraway temples located in the mountains make perfect observatories for Ikezu to set up camp and stargaze. Within his notes can be found all sorts of sky-related details, such as the stars he has chosen to chart the paths of. If he cannot understand something, it drives him mad. For the scholar, all things created were meant to be understood. Thus, he must understand them. Perhaps it was this pursuit of knowledge that became the catalyst for his utter and total devotion to Jashin; to learn. A chance to better himself is what he saw his discipleship as. By selling his soul to the devil, the sinful scholar would unravel every mystery and decipher every crypt his wicked heart desired. Nothing could escape his ever-pervasive eye. Not a single secret of this world will remain in the dark, at least, not without Ikezu being hidden right alongside it. He is a sinful soul that relishes in the dark, obscure things of this world. Discovery is the spice of life; without it, all would lack flavor.
On a person-to-person level, Ikezu is seen to be quite efficient at starting, maintaining, and redirecting the attention of a conversation. Knowing when to pull back, when to push, and all the other nuances of communication, he has the tongue of a serpent. If he wishes to be a deciever, it is no ordeal for his tone and mannerisms to shift and replicate whatever idea he believes will better himself. Yet, having been used to putting on and putting off for so long, this left a sort of void in Ikezu's heart. Constantly changing and changing, melding with whatever and whoever he came across, doing his best to mesh with the group he was currently surrounded by; he soon realized he had no true personality of his own. He was whatever he was needed to be; whatever you wanted him to be. He was hollow. Thus, when engaging in conversations that touched emotional subjects that held value in his own eyes, Ikezu had no idea how to pursue such a topic. It was almost like watching a small child try and participate in an adults' meeting. He knew everything about everyone else, was a genius scholar, yet, he knew nothing of himself. Who he was. His lack of personality, in a way, made him insecure. To this day, he will occasionally come across someone he takes an interest in, however, without some sort of solid connecting thread, he will avoid conversation and confrontation. This social anxiety stems from his origin: his birth at the hands of the White King - the entity who established the Eternal Kingdom on Takachiho. At the end of the day, Ikezu was not a real man. His birth was unnatural, and he was not special. There were thousands like him, all either lying dormant in the Issuinoyume, or having died prematurely. This makes Ikezu question himself, and doubt his worth. Falling in love, making friends, forming enemies, those same individuals would react the exact same to any other Ikezu that had escaped that world. It just so happened he was the only one. A hardened, satanic, crazed man is seen on the outside. But inside that shell, he is alone, scared, and nothing more than a screaming child.
That being said, he is rather good at distracting his mind from the more depressing truths of his circumstance. Watching the stars has always been one way he was able to cope. Women was another delight the Otogokamimikoto didn't fear to indulge in. Yet, finding a genuine relationship was difficult, due to his aforementioned anxiety and stress. At the end of the day, he didn't feel human enough to be happy like one. He had no real purpose other than the one he was given by his makers, other than to serve Lord Jashin. Ikezu had nowhere to run in his mind when he lied down to sleep at night. It was in inescapable truth that haunted his dreams. But no one would know that. None seem to have had meaningful, deep conversations with the cultist. On a personal level, there are very few with whom he has really connected with; his anxiety prevents him from doing so. Creating a bond that thousands of others could have, defeating an enemy thousands of others could have; knowing that he isn't unique, and that a multitude of copies of himself exist bears down on him. No matter how hard he tried, there would be no real achievements. If he remained the way he was, then he was just like the ones who had already died, or were still locked away in stasis. A hollow, mindless instrument. His own solution was to evolve into something greater, and become an entity that the others could not hope to match. He would become a God; this was when he decided that he would only serve Jashin for so long. Yes, Jashin gave his life new purpose, enough purpose to last until he took his place. Ikezu does not want to just serve God all his life, he wants to carry out his will until he can be God. To understand him, unravel the mysteries surrounding his whereabouts, origins, and capacity, then indoctrinate himself with everything necessary in order to become a being that was separated from all else. An independant existence. This would become his ultimatum, and what drove him forwards; his Jashindō. During his travels, he has, however, encountered individuals who seemingly sought him out. Being insecure as he is, having anyone chase him is a treat. More than often, whether they be friend or foe, Ikezu simply doesn't know how to react. Even if they seem hostile, he'll greet them with a wiley smile, savoring these rewarding moments. The more people he comes into contact with through these chance encounters, the more he develops a sense of self. Battle, interrogation, being captured, the chase; all of these are fulfilling moments in his eyes. Not out of sadism or misogyny, but simply because he believes these unique scenarios are what separate him from the others like him. As for the people he comes into contact with, whether they wind up being a long-term enemy, or a tolerable companion, he welcomes them both, hoping that they will be able to help him break free of the chains of self-hate. He is his own worst enemy, and wrestles with his own soul in combat more than with any physical foe. Perhaps all he needs is a loyal companion; someone to vent to, to talk with, and a source of reassurance.
Abilities[]
Taijutsu[]
Bukijutsu[]
Ninjutsu[]
Nature Transformation[]
Yin Release[]
Yang Release[]
Yin-Yang Release[]
Jujutsu[]
Intelligence[]
Jashindō[]
Trivia[]