The Gyoukou Clan

[Celes]

The Gyoukou Clan

 

Country of Origin: Kaminari No Kuni | The Land Of Lightning | 雷の国

Village of Residence: Kumogakure No Sato | The Village Hidden In The Clouds | 雲隠れの里

Clan Progenitor: Namagusai Takeo. Known commonly as the First Gyoukou, despite the surname that existed prior to the change, he was the clan leader of his time that initially encountered one of the “gods” of old. It was through his blood or perhaps even his soul that the bloodline would eventually emerge in the generations that followed.
 

Clan Head: Gyoukou Kazuo. After his father, the previous clan head Gyoukou Naji, passed away of old age, Gyoukou took the mantle as head of the Gyoukou clan.
 

Clan Status: Renown. In the past, the Gyoukou were largely unknown to many individuals and ninja alike. After observing the horrific reactions to their initial appearances transformed by their Midaraku long ago, the clansmen have concealed their form from most, typically invoking their transformations in secret. A once dejected lifestyle they endured for centuries, following their involvement in the war effort, they were welcomed once more as though they were a newly emerging small clan. Whether their identity was known or not, they were see as worthy amongst the shinobi of Kumo.

 

Clan Age: Ancient. Although unclear, given the vicious cycle of separation and extermination of the clan over the numerous years, it has been acknowledged that the clan originated well before the age of shinobi, having roamed the earth alongside the so called gods of old. It was only recently when the Gyoukou became truly renown, their existence having been largely hidden given the appearance of their Kekkai Genkai.

Clan Emblem:

 

Clan Kekkai Genkai: Midaraku | God’s Depravity | 未堕落

 

Clan Element:

• Gyoukou Hijutsu | Gyoukou Secret Techniques | 行幸秘伝

Edited October 4, 2017 by Celes

[Celes]

Clan History: The clan’s history is greatly shrouded in mystery. There have been many versions of the ancient tale, but the most commonly accepted tale described the First Gyoukou’s encounter with a “god”, or so the story goes.

 

It was the early 500s of the Kongen Ato De period. Stranded in the wretched mountains of Rai no Kuni without food, water or even company, the Gyoukou progenitor as most consider him, whose surname was Namagusai during that time, grew painstakingly exhausted after returning from a village freshly raided by bandits at the bottom of the mountain that was their home. Though he struggled with every ounce of strength he could muster, climbing the arduous mountain, his body could no longer take anymore as he collapsed from exhaustion, extreme hunger, dehydration and blood loss to top it off. As he laid there, once a modest believer in religion, his people having always served as defenders and helpers of the weak given their resiliency, and the concept of gods, he proceeded to boisterously curse them aloud with his dying breath. Though the world began to fade around him, his consciousness and life itself slipping away, a long moment would past until he would succumb to death.

 

Alas, Lady Luck was a cruel mistress, seemingly engrossed in the suffering of few until the very last moments. Slowly, but certainly, the First Gyoukou stirred out of death, his heartbeat slow, his breath barely flowing and his eyelids weighing in about a ton and a half as he endeavored to open them. At first he believed he was in heaven or some form of afterlife, given the radiant light that obstructed his vision. However, after some meager adjustments to the white flash, he made note of familiar surroundings amidst his visions that faded in and out. It wasn't long before he couldn't handle the series of stimuli assaulting every fiber of his being, eventually rendering him unconscious once more. Before he fainted, however, he managed to piece together the source of the light. A man, shrouded in white, kneeled down at the First Gyoukou’s side, hand pressed firmly into his abdomen which felt like the fires of the underworld searing into his flesh. In the end, he vaguely recalled the man standing up, his hand extracting what appeared to be a floating, black orb from the First’s abdomen before it disappeared shortly. Or so he believed. He was, once again, out like a light.

 

The First Gyoukou jolted awake, noticing the sea of clouds hanging overhead and the mountain top which pierced the skies. He was still on the mountain. He was alive. How? It wasn’t long before his chaotic thoughts were beginning to make sense again, quickly recalling the man shrouded in white. He reached towards his abdomen, concealed by his shirt, and lifted it curiously. Etched into the surface of his skin was a hand-shaped mark with what looked like a counterclockwise spiral upon the palm area. The young man wasn’t sure what to make of the entire experience, except that he was saved. Saved by this mysterious man who had the power to heal him. No, it was more than that...he was wrenched from the clutches of death, certain that his life had ended. But there he was, full of vitality and life. His mysterious savior disappeared without a trace, unable to thank him.

 

There wasn’t anything left for the young man to do except return to his home where his clan resided. Though he was met with inquiries about the food he was supposed to have retrieved, he delivered the grim news initially. However, he began to tell his brethren the grandiose tale of his revival by the hands of, as he attributed the man cloaked in white, a god. Clearly, the story sounded far too outrageous to believe, but he provided the proof that shook them all into belief: the unearthly hand print engraved into his body. Though they experienced the turmoil and hardships of the world, they could live knowing that there was some semblance of a god or perhaps gods out there. Whether they walked the earth or simply watched over it, all the same, it was reassuring to know they were real; that they would lend a hand to save a life, though their motives remained largely unknown. Nevertheless, so enthralled by the experience were the Namagusai that they took the mysterious brand upon their clan leader and adopted it as their clan symbol, to always be reminded of that day, those beliefs, that faith. In a way, they felt that they were touched by the gods themselves.

 

Little did they know there was some truth to that.  But even after they became “demons”, the Namagusai belief remained firm.

 

Hundreds of years later, the events that led to the widespread distribution of Chakra to the inhabitants of the world also bestowed the Namagusai clan with the miraculous life energy. It wasn’t long before the religion known as ninshu was also known by numerous practitioners, derived from the mysterious man that granted them the Chakra. It was a reminder to the clan of their history, a past clan leader having been brought back to life by a similar being. And so they took to the new practice with earnest, having already adhered to much of its ideals. A mostly peaceful people were the Namagusai who always strived to help anyone and everyone, though would resort to violence if they deemed self-defense was a necessity.

 

However, alongside the practices of ninshu were those of ninjutsu, which were known to weaponize the Chakra gifted to the people of the world. Although reluctant to employ its use at first, they clansmen were convinced into such by many who experienced its wonder, stating it could be used to help others efficiently, just as the clan always had. The Namagusai considered this possibility, unable to completely rule out that this is what the creator of ninshu wanted in the first place - to help others, just as the similar 'god' years ago had done for them, instilling in the Namagusai the principles they conceived of their own accord. In the end, the newer generation of Namagusai were susceptible to the ongoing events of the world and sought to partake in ninjutsu. To some, it was a grave mistake.

 

As they put to the test the amalgamation of their inner physical and spiritual energies through each of their given Chakras, something went wrong. This act sparked the catalyst that would transform many of the clansmen into demon-like beings, which followed promptly, coincidental or not, after the clan’s symbol materialized itself upon the abdomens of each Namagusai that attempted Ninjutsu, such as it had been etched into the First Gyoukou’s, emitting a mysterious and otherworldly white light. Their skin was replaced by a jet black layer of irregular, coarse flesh, while their hands became minimally elongated and clawed-like in appearance. The majorly dark hair and eye colors that most of the clansmen donned were inverted into shades of white and blue and the sort. Lastly, from the handprint symbol that glowed seemingly came to life as tattoo-like lines branched off from it, covering a great deal of the clansmen’s bodies, from their arms down to their feet. Not only externally did they look and feel different, their internal system was unusual as well. Specifically, it was their Chakra which appeared and even felt different from the others.

 

The radical change was not well received by the inhabitants of their village, having invited numerous foreign families and individuals into their home. Labeled as demons and monsters, many of the clansmen were chased to the corners of the country, living an isolated existence from those they once considered family and friends. The changed Namagusai couldn’t understand the cause of their unnatural transformation, but a great deal of them had an assumption: they were being punished. They reasoned it was wrong of them to attempt such a blasphemous practice as ninjutsu, deviating from the teachings of ninshu. They were selfish, arrogant even to believe they were meant to adopt the ninjutsu practice to become like their revered god from long ago. This was their curse to bear for their transgressions and they would live with it as best as they could in repentance, monsters and all.

 

However, their monstrous forms weren’t permanent. The Namagusai, after becoming more familiar and accustomed to their Chakra, discovered the ability to effectively turn this form on or off as needed. While it would soon develop over the years to not passively activate, it was the constant efforts of the Namagusai that would bring this change about. After joyfully returning to their original forms, they ventured through the mountains with the hopes of returning to their true home. Unfortunately, even though several months had passed since, they were recognized by the inhabitants of the village and terror overcame them. No one could forget the demonic appearance of the Namagusai from before, as fear of the unknown would not allow them to see reason. They were removed from the village again, destined to wander the mountains for much longer than they wished. Some of the Namaguisai left the clan, hoping to integrate into society elsewhere in secrecy rather than be damned with the rest. Still, those that remained loyal sought an eventual new home in the far-reaching mountains, though it would not be a permanent one.

 

Eventually, the Warring States Period would slowly but surely bring the end of the constant chaos that raged throughout every country in the world. Reluctantly though they were, even the Namagusai, who had long since changed their name to Gyoukou, participated in the war effort to protect those inhabiting Kaminari no Kuni. Even as they were rejected and cast out by the populace, the Gyoukou remained steadfast in their beliefs that they should protect others, whether those that can't do so for themselves or otherwise. This practice was emphasized further over the years of mastering their bloodline, noting its ability lessen if not completely negate all harm that would befall them. Engaging enemy ninja was difficult for the Gyoukou though, as they made numerous attempts not to kill, but since obtaining the kekkai genkai, they’ve been able to utilize their unique Chakra for a large variety of Jutsus that capitalized on defenses and restraining the target without the need to kill. From time to time, they had to rely upon their kekkai genkai’s transformative state to protect their allies and restrain their foes accordingly. They could only hope this selfless display would present the Gyoukou in a different light, especially within this new world filled with shinobi harnessing powerful techniques and bountiful mutations.

 

When this violent period came to an end with the construction of Konohagakure no Sato, the Gyoukou found this to be an opportune time to finally assimilate into society once more. Their endeavors were noted considerably in the war, thanked by the Raikage and welcomed as one of the first clans into the newly formed Kumogakure no Sato. It was finally time, after years of isolation, the Gyoukou were accepted with open arms. They knew that one day their efforts and faith would give them a place in the world once more. It wasn’t long before the Gyoukou contributed even off the battlefield, offering their services throughout the village. As something of a jack-of-all-trades family, they were able to engage in a multitude of organizations, from the police force to medical detachments to even the ANBU Black Ops, possessing the necessary skills to accomplish a number of tasks as they honed their abilities in isolation. No longer did they have to do that. They would grow stronger with the help of others, and serve as shields against all those that opposed Kumogakure.

 

This mindset persisted even with the formation of the NCIA. While the Gyoukou possessed mixed feelings towards the purpose behind its conception, they were committed to performing the duties assigned to them without question. That wasn't to say they were brutal or cruel in their methods, having largely restrained themselves from inflicting grievous harm upon those foreign to Kumogakure. To the best of their abilities, they did all they could for their home, even upon the NCIA's downfall. There was little issue in transitioning into their previous everyday routines, as they had always been holding Kumogakure's best interests in mind.

Edited February 18, 2017 by Celes

[Celes]

Notable Clansmen:

 

Gyoukou Sennin:

 

Gyoukou Naji | Deceased

Alias: Raijin the Second

Gender: Male

Shinobi Rank: Sennin

Specialization: Kekkai Genkai

Information: The first, and so far, only Sennin among the Gyoukou clansmen. He reached his rank thanks to not only achieving his effortsin the First Shinobi War, but also in part to his absolute mastery of the Kekkai Genaki. Per his alias, he was able to achieve a level beyond what all Gyoukou believed was the epitome of the Midaraku bloodline, the Jitsubutsu Midaraku. Harnessing the newfound power at his fingertips, his preference was the absorb the lightning generated from himself, allies or sometimes his enemies, to become something akin to a lightning god in his own right.

 

Gyoukou Jounin:

 

Gyoukou Kazuo| Alive

Alias: Fuujin the Second

Gender: Male

Shinobi Rank: Jounin

Specialization: Kekkai Genkai

Information: The eldest son of Gyoukou Naji, he inherited the title of clan leader after his father’s passing. Though he hasn’t reached the level of his father, he has become a considerable powerhouse in his own right, having similarly inherited an alias comparable to his father’s, given his preference to utilizing wind. He continuously strives to rightfully earn the title, although age has began to set in slowly, but surely, getting the better of him. Of course he doesn’t let that stop him, juggling his innumerable duties with finesse and wisdom.

 

Gyoukou Takeshi| Alive

Alias: The Unyielding

Gender: Male

Shinobi Rank: Jounin

Specialization: Taijutsu | Tracking

Information: The tallest of any Gyoukou in history, standing at a grand height of 7’6. Not only is he famed for his towering stature, he is also known for his excellent physical prowess, having mastered and contributed greatly to developing the clan’s own Taijutsu style, the Shinseidou. He was the next in line to become the clan leader, but he did not wish to do so, for it would conflict with his duties as an ANBU Black Op and he didn’t feel he was much of the leader type, passing it off to the more than deserving Gyoukou Kazuo.

 

Gyoukou Toshihiro | Deceased

Alias: Grandmaster

Gender: Male

Shinobi Rank: Jounin

Specialization: Hijutsu

Information: One of the few unfortunate casualties amidst the destruction of the NCIA. Gyoukou Toshihiro was a man many considered a genius. His innovative uses of the clan’s signature technique was utterly awe-inspiring in the eyes of his fellow Gyoukou. Whether for offense or defense or otherwise, there wasn’t a situation the masterful Jounin was prepared for, facing his adversaries with unwavering conviction.

 

Gyoukou Chuunin:

 

Gyoukou Daisuke | Alive

Alias: None

Gender: Male

Shinobi Rank: Chuunin

Specialization: Hijutsu | Kekkai Genkai

Information: A new face amongst the Chuunin ranks, Daisuke has shown exemplary skill and battle tactics within in recent exams, more than justification in ascension in the ranks. Though he can be a tad rash, he is nevertheless a gifted shinobi, having reached a level of mastery with his kekkai genkai and Hijutsu far above his Gyoukou peers.

 

Gyoukou Genin:

 

N/A

Edited February 18, 2017 by Celes

[Celes]

Cultural Information:

 

Clan Traits:

 

• More often than not, the clansmen typically appear the same, having done so for generations since they first discovered their kekkai genkai. They usually have dark hair, with black being the most frequently occurring color, but others like brown, grey, blue and even the rare red have been attributed to the Gyoukou. Their eyes are similar, the average clansmen donning simple black to dark brown eyes, though the most unusual color having been a goldenrod yellow so far. Even their skin tones are on the darker side of things, a characteristic most blame on their kekkai genkai, which turns the skin pitch black, having some sort of residue effect of sorts on those that harness it. When it comes to attire, the clansmen have a habit of sporting primarily long sleeved shirts and pants. Though people are more accepting of their Midaraku transformations, it has become tradition for them to wear anything that would conceal not only their blackened skin, but also the glowing tattoos present throughout their body that are dead giveaways in many ways. Typically, on the backs of the clothing they sport, however, are all emblazoned with the emblem of the clan. Another defining trait of the Gyoukou are their stocky builds, naturally complemented by their substantial resilience.

 

Clan Outlook:

 

• Although the clan has lost much of its strong religious followings, having experienced the ruthless, bloody wars time and time again, they still hold a considerable faith in people around them, always wishing to adhere to the core principles established by the First Gyoukou, especially the clan’s motto: embrace your life, embrace the unknown, embrace yourselves and each other. In essence, they never give up without giving it their everything, they face the unknown with caution and courage, and they protect themselves, their loved ones and anyone else (at times), close or not. Their dispositions are usually those of cheerful and spiritedness. Rarely the type to grow irritable and angry, these people are, at times, mistaken for pacifist, but they warn many not to be fooled. While taking away a life isn't something they're often willing to do, in the end, they'll do what's necessary of them as the turbulent events of the world have jaded their convictions over the hundreds of year. Not significantly so, but noticeably still.

 

Clan Professions:

 

• The Gyoukou clan, originally the Namagusai, never possessed many occupations in the ancient past, having at best bulky bodies and physiques that allowed them to carry significant loads and assist in the construction of buildings and the sorts. After developing their kekkai genkai, it granted them a plethora of abilities that proved useful in the shinobi world and outside of it. After having been isolated from the world, they minimized their use of their kekkai genkai, entering into varied studies pertaining to the many uses it afforded them. All and all, the Gyoukou have gambled in trades and occupations consisting of trackers, physicians, construction workers, spies, assassins and even bodyguards. Each of these and others have been many of the roles served by the clansmen throughout Kumogakure no Sato’s existence.

 

Clan Estates:

 

• The Gyoukou reside in one of the many peaks of the Lightning Country’s mountains, only a short distance away from Kumogakure no Sato itself. The exact location of the Gyoukou Temple, built by their own people, is unknown to the public, but most ninja of the Cloud have been there for one reason or another. The Temple itself rests on the very top of its stone foundation which is built from peak top down the mountain’s slope. Though the clan itself isn’t exceptionally large in numbers, its basis of operation is quite huge. The Gyoukou Temple is a giant complex that serves as the Gyoukou’s training facility. The Temple rests on an even larger foundation which inside is used for housing the clan. On the forefront of the foundation is the image of the First Gyoukou, on his knees, praying to the silhouette of a man depicted as the god that brought him back to life.

 

Clan Relations:

 

Sokudo Clan | Friendly

 

The Gyoukou are open to interactions with the Sokudo, having discovered their unfortunate experimentation during the brief era of the NCIA. It was a tragic set of events that they wished they could have prevented, and would have without question if they had known.

 

Nankan Clan | Enmity

 

The policies of the Nankan are not well-received by the Gyoukou, with their mistreatment and isolation of their branch members rubbing the, perhaps, overcaring clansmen the wrong way. It is not the Gyoukou way to treat anyone wrongfully, but to do so towards one's own family is simply scornful.

 

Senuskai Clan | Friendly

 

The ideals of the Senuskai, deviating from the path of Ninshu to harness the abilities of Ninjutsu to deliver peace and justice upon those that would oppose it, were similar to those of the Gyoukou. Whether their actions were right or wrong mattered little, appreciating their strong beliefs and commitments.

 

Fell Clan | Neutral

 

Despite the way some of their fellow Kaminari no Kuni residents view the Fell for their actions during the war, the Gyoukou don't have a specific opinion of them, understanding the consequences and the duties one must undergo when it comes to war.

 

Soradansu Clan | Neutral

 

The Gyoudou rarely encountered the Soradansu clansmen in much of their duties, despite sharing many of them over the span of years. All the same, they have no qualms with the "wingless angels".

 

Tenjin Clan | Friendly

 

With the Tenjin's recent settlement into Kumogakure, while not much is known about them, the Gyoukou are open to being on good terms with the clan of youths fixated with upstanding morals.

Edited February 18, 2017 by Celes

[Celes]

Clan Skills:

Edited February 18, 2017 by Celes

[Celes]

Clan Techniques:

 

Genin Jutsu:

 

Chuunin Jutsu:

 

Jounin Jutsu:

Sennin Jutsu:

Edited February 18, 2017 by Celes

[Celes]

Clan Items:

 

Clan Weapons:

Edited February 18, 2017 by Celes

[Celes]

Clan Rules:

 

Clan Positions

 

• The Gyoukou clan has a maximum of four available positions at any time.

• Upon reaching a total of four active characters, the clan will be locked and new character applications will not be accepted.

 

Clan Character Rules

 

• Gyoukou characters may never possess the skills ‘Sealed Ninjutsu' or 'Advancement Seal: Defense; Ninjutsu'.

• Any missing ninja of the Gyoukou clan will be marked for death by the clan, and the village.

 

Clan Skill, Technique, and Item Rule

 

• Gyoukou clan skills may not be taught to, or stolen by, characters outside of the Gyoukou clan.

 

Clan Roster

 

• Slot One | Open

• Slot Two | Open

• Slot Three | Open

• Slot Four | Open

Edited February 18, 2017 by Celes

[cntrstrk14]

Approved

Second approval needs to be Wolfnin as the head of Kumogakure.

[wolfnin]

Just a heads up, on a black or dark skin you've got a white border around your words. Might want to fix that xD. 

 

Clan looks great. 

 

Approved