[center][i]The ceremony was absolutely beautiful through the eyes of Jiang Baji.  He had never been treated so well or held in such high regard.  The warrior felt guilty, he felt as if he betrayed his brothers and sisters by receiving such honor and praise from others, something that they were all fighting for in a foreign country.  This display of respect and praise wouldn't fill his head up and he knew that in the end, it wasn't the exact honor that they were seeking.  His family's mission was still a priority and they had to be recognized back in that foreign land.  

Jiang turned his attention to Lord Shima, the man who took him in and gave him a place to stay and bowed respectfully to him.  Baji hoped that this man would survive the chaos long enough in this land so he could help his family out when they really needed him.  He hoped that Shima would be the one to prosper.  Jiang baji took in a deep breath as he stared down at the earth and spoke to his temporary lord.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"Much obliged for the ceremonies and appreciation from you and your people, Lord Shima.  I, Jiang Baji The Dog, shall carry out this task and do everything in my power to right the wrong that your clan has been delivered."[/color][i]  Jiang then hopped off of his feet and unsheathed his blade, pointing it to the heavens while pointing his forefinger at his lord.  His legs were bent forward with one leg extended, yet slanted behind him and his other leg more frontward with his knee also pointing towards Lord Shima.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"May everyone else's ancestors, the ones who built this land, the ones who laid the very foundation for this clan watch over us, guide our decisions and council us when all hope seems lost!"[/color][i]  He purposefully left out his own ancestors.  Jiang then turns his attention to his traveling allies, looking them all over and seeing nothing but imperfections, things that make them stand out and look like outcasts just like himself.  He lowered his head and smiled a bit, this made him feel like he was home with his family and the young man hoped that his brothers and sisters were also able to share a similar feeling while they were out as well.  

Baji had been acquainted with these people since he was chosen to partake in this mission and so far, he had nothing but love and respect for all of them.  The vagabond adorned in blue walked towards them each individually to assure them that he would do his part to keep everyone safe and inspire hope within them all starting with Yuudai.  He places his hand on her shoulder, makes eye contact and grins at her.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"During this journey, I ask for your culinary skills to keep us healthy and full and in return, you have my blade to protect your flanks."[/color][i]  He then makes his way towards Kenji, repeating the gesture and looking straight at him.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"I ask for your tea to compliment every meal and in return, you have my word that the history of our culture shall forever be respected and protected."[/color][i]  Jiang makes his way over to Jin, looks down at him with a smile and gives him a thumbs up.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"I ask for your tenacity in all challenges to come, and in return-"[/color] [i]Jiang places his hand on Gin's head and playfully rustles his hair.[/i] [color=royalblue]"-You have my height!"[/color]  [i]Baji then makes his way to Hibiki, plants both of his hands on the monk's shoulders and briefly sighs.  Part of him really didn't want him to come with them, he felt as if this mission could not be accomplished without the loss of life.  He didn't want to have to surround an honorable pacifist with so much bloodshed.  Still he persevered throughout his doubts and smiled once more.[/i] [color=royalblue]"I ask for you, my friend to guide our hearts and protect us from becoming the devil that we all set out to face.  For this, I give you my eyes to always be your sight, your back and your front shall always be protected."[/color][i]  Jiang made his way to Tarou and placed his hand on his shoulder just like the others.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"I ask for the speed and cunning of the Sasaki Clan's heir and in return I give you and your clan The Dog's loyalty."[/color][i] His rounds were almost over as he made his way towards Metou.  Jiang sat down before her Indian-style and smiled at the old veteran.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"I ask for your wisdom and your accuracy and in return you have my body as your shield.  You will see the end of this journey."[/color][i]  Jiang Baji finally ended with Nana.  He leaned back and pointed his thumbs and forefingers at her with an enthusiastic grin.[/i]  [color=royalblue]"I ask for your agility and in return you have my energy to ensure that it's never a dull moment during our travels."[/color]

[i]Jiang had hoped that they all received his words well, he didn't want anyone to have any doubt in their hearts about their allies during their travels.  You have to be able to trust the man by your side or you both may fall.  He had done enough talking for now, and decided to be quiet and give the stage back to his lord or anyone else who wanted to speak.[/i][/center]