Player Name: DeathstrokeSW
GI FILE # 211988

Name: Thomas S. Arashikage

Alias: Storm Shadow
DOB: 05-12-1979
Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri
Height: 6'1
Weight: 200lbs.
Tattoos: Storm Shadow has two tattoos, one of his 1st Marine Regiment logo and the second of the Arashikage Clan hexagram. Both tattoos are found on his right and left shoulders, respectively.
Specializations: Ninja; Assassination; Covert Ops, Intelligence. NOTE: Storm Shadow is exceptionally skilled at hand to hand combat and swordsmanship. If found, approach with extreme caution and request for backup.
Weapons of choice: two Ninjato; Throwing knives; Compound bow.

Alignment: Neutral

Known Associates [Established Rogues, NPCs, etc]:
Cobra Commander- The terrorist leader of COBRA, he has contracted Arashikage's services on more than one occasion and it is rumored he has him on retainder. The Commander is a genius and exceptionally crafty.

Snake Eyes: Storm Shadow's sword brother, at once both his best friend and bitterest rival. Arashikage met him during his tours of duty in Afghanistan and later during his training with his own clan. Thomas Arashikage is the only person outside of Snake Eyes' family and the military chain of command that the former member of The Foot has entrusted with his identity. While practically inseparable whilst fighting in Afghanistan, the duo had a drastic falling out following a failed operation at the tail end of their tours of duty, resulting in Snake Eyes' still standing vow of silence. Eventually, Snake Eyes migrated to Japan to train under the Arashikage clan along with his sword brother. Storm Shadow has not heard from or contacted Snake Eyes nor has he encountered Snake Eyes since his days with Zartan and becoming an assassin, though he does wish to reconnect with his sword brother.

Jinx/Kimi Arashikage-Storm Shadow's younger cousin and the daughter of the Hard Master. She currently leads the Arashikage clan and is the Young Master. She often played with Thomas as a child during Thomas' family trips to Japan and the two corresponded during the intervening years. She supported him when he joined the Marines and was overjoyed when he came to the Arashikage dojo. Her father's death at the hands of Zartan crushed her and since all evidence pointed to Tommy, she vowed to avenge her father. It is suspected that she has at one time been romantically linked to Snake Eyes. She currently uses Arashikage resources to hunt down Storm Shadow.

Background and Story So Far:
Early Years
Thomas S. Arashikage was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Little else is known of his youth but from what little school records available, he was a bright student and as a result of his father being an immigrant, and his mother a native of the US, he was fluent in both Japanese and English.

Training
In 1997, at the age of 18, Arashikage joined the United States Marine Corps and was sent to Parris Island, South Carolina. He went through boot camp and was assigned to the 1st Marine Regiment based in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, eventually securing the rank of First Sergeant (E-8).
From there, he was recruited into MARSOC(Marine Corps Special Operations Command) and attended Assessment and Selection where he was pushed to his mental and physical limits. However, his recruiter was surprised by how hard this boy worked, and even more surprised that the man went past his limits. Thomas was accepted into the program and went to Individual Training.

There, he learned the skills needed to work in small teams, and furthered his repertoire, before moving on to language training. It was here that his fluency in Japanese allowed him to progress, and he also learned Russian, Mandarin, and Italian.

Moving on from there, he chose MARSOF Close Quarters Battle Level II as his specialty. With his government training complete, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion and stationed in Afghanistan.

Time in Afghanistan
Deployed to Kandahar, he and a man who would come to be known as Snake Eyes served together, fighting against Taliban on an almost daily basis. It is unclear exactly what caused F. Sgt. Arashikage to leave the Corps, but what is known is that some sort of tragedy happened which left Arashikage with scars on his back and chest. The same incident left Snake Eyes mute. Speculation from Pentagon forensic psychologists suggest that it was not the scars he received but Snake Eyes' vow of silence that caused him to withdraw from active service.

Japan and becoming Storm Shadow
What is known, however, is that he resigned from the Marines and headed for Japan, arriving on his 25th birthday. There, he went to his family's dojo and learned the Ninjutsu, assassination, and swordplay skills that would later serve him as Storm Shadow. While training, he was delighted to learn that Snake Eyes had come to join him in his pursuit of training that would not fail him like his MARSOC training did at Kandahar.
The two were so good at their training that they became the pupils of the man known as Hard Master, Thomas' own uncle. Despite the familial ties, the Hard Master did not show leniency in any way towards his nephew.

For Four years the two continued in this way until the word of their prowess reached a man calling himself Zartan. Zartan believed that by twisting one of the two to his side he could lead a cabal that would span the width and breadth of Europe. So he set about doing so. After weeks of watching the pupils and the Master, he decided on Storm Shadow. Using the uncle as the linchpin to his entire plan, Zartan murdered the Hard Master and framed Storm Shadow.
Now forced to run for his life, he ran to Nagasaki where he encountered Zartan who disguised himself and agreed to find work for the boy. It was then that Thomas S. Arashikage began his life as an assassin.

BECOMING STORM SHADOW
From then on he spent from 25-27 assassinating whom Zartan assigned him. As the world of murder for hire became more closely related to the world of superhuman heroics, So too did assassination adopt its sense of theatrics. Yet all Thomas cared for was clearing his name and honoring the memory of his uncle. He furiously investigated it, eventually learning the fact that his handler was actually responsible. In response, Thomas used the same technique on Zartan that killed the Hard Master, and left him for dead.
Now fulfilled of his mission to honor his uncle, Thomas realized what a theatrical world he worked in and took up the moniker of Storm Shadow after the english translation of his last name. Still grounded to his military roots, he designed his current outfit and accepted a contract from COBRA.

APPEARANCE:


Sample Post (At least 3 well thought out paragraphs as well as some dialogue):
Several years ago
Kandahar, Afghanistan
The final week of Sgt. Arashikage’s deployment alongside Snake Eyes.

It was cold in the cave, and damp. This did not bother the two men moving stealthily through the maze of tunnels, however, and their pace was one of caution rather than anger. 1st Sgt. Thomas S. Arashikage cracked his neck, making sure to do so as quietly as possible. He felt stiff, the result of three weeks of capture by the Taliban. He, along with M. Sgt. “Snake Eyes,” had broken free of their bonds and subdued their guards, though not without the cost of the rest of the hostages. Tommy sighed, a quiet sound, and whistled. An enemy, dressed in a keffiyeh, rounded the corner, searching for the source of the sound. The man who would become Storm Shadow kicked out the extremist’s knee, and snapped his neck. Taking the sidearm, he tossed the AK-47 to Snake Eyes. They shared a look, and both men knew what had to be done. Vengeance for the fallen, and justice for the living. Tommy raised the sidearm to eye level, and took point, leaving Snake Eyes to watch his back. Knowing that these extremists wouldn't understand Japanese, Tommy whispered over his shoulder. "<Keep an eye out. Shoot to kill.>" Thus, they pressed on, using stealth and surprise to their advantage, eventually coming across explosives. Tommy grabbed the IED and slung it over his shoulder. Snake Eyes was at his back, laying down suppressing fire while they made a break for the cavern not 50 yards away. Tommy tossed the IED over to Snake Eyes. Shortly, the two were back at the mouth of the cavern, and Snake Eyes was wiring explosives while Tommy laid down covering fire. Snake Eyes tapped him twice on the shoulder and the two started running into the Registan desert. Snake Eyes was faster, and further out than Tommy. The explosives detonated prematurely, scarring Arashikage’s back.

Present day
The home of Brian M. Forrest

Storm Shadow moved silently to the rear of the house, sword drawn. COBRA had contracted him to kill the owner of this home, a JOE codenamed “Wet Suit.” He placed a gloved hand on the door, and slowly pushed it open. It was strange that the back door should be open at so late an hour, but Storm Shadow wasn’t about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Suddenly the light came on, and Wet Suit had a gun pointed at Storm Shadow.

“I don’t know who you are, or whether COBRA hired you, but you’re going to go away, and leave me alone.”

Storm Shadow narrowed his eyes, not bothering to sheathe his sword. “You knew I was coming.” It wasn’t a question. “Of course. The JOE initiative has more advance warning than one might think. Although, we didn’t know exactly whom COBRA would send.”
Wet Suit stood up, and placed his off hand on the bottom of the gun, the way it is common for US Military and Police to handle a sidearm. “A gun. I really don’t like those things. So unpredictable, and-“ With a single pass of his blade, he sliced off the barrel of the gun. “-Fragile.” Wet Suit dropped the remains of the Beretta and brought his hands up, balled into fists. Storm Shadow sheathed his blade, and widened his stance, lowering his center of gravity.

A deadly dance ensued, with Wet Suit sending blows towards his assailant, who always blocked and redirected the force back into his target. It was quick, and lethal. Both men knew only one would walk away from this. Storm Shadow caught a fist, breaking the arm at the elbow, and slamming his own into Wet Suit’s face. Disoriented, his opponent staggered back to the wall. Storm Shadow followed up by unsheathing his blade. Wet Suit knew it was the end, but at least he could try to get a word out. Let the JOEs know that someone was killing them off. He slipped his finger over a distress button built into every JOE’s private residence. Storm Shadow plunged the Ninjato hilt deep into WetSuit’s chest, and the alarm began to sound. Retrieving his blade, he sliced off a finger, and placed it into his pouch. With proof of death secured, he disappeared into the shadows.

Player Name: Sloth
GI REINSTATEMENT FILE #223976

Name: Daiki Oroku (Highly Classified, need to know basis.)

Code name: Snake Eyes, "Hebi no me" (ヘビ の 目)
Previous Branch of Service: United States Navy SEALs
Rank: E-8 Master Sergeant
Date of Birth: Classified
Place of Birth: Classified
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Specializations: Covert Opts, Intelligence and Recon, Infiltration, extremely dangerous hand-to-hand combatant and martial arts specialist.
Weapons of choice: Snake Eyes' optimized battle kit most often includes a Modernized Ninjatō, Katana, and a dozen or so shuriken. While only used as a last resort, Snake Eyes is a more than capable gunman and explosive specialist.

Alignment: Neutral Good

Known Associates:
Oroku Saki - Snake Eyes' father is essentially a total unknown, even to the military's greatest intelligence officers. No records of birth exist for the mysterious progenitor of the Joes' Ninja Commando, and Snake Eyes himself has stated his father to be deceased. The most anyone has ever been able to dig up about "Oroku Saki" is tales of a mystical leader of an obscure ninja clan during Japan's Feudal Period, shadowed in intrigue and speculation. Although unusual, most of the armed forces choose not to inquire about Snake Eyes' family history.

Thomas S. "Tommy" Arashikage, "Storm Shadow" - Both Snake Eyes' greatest friend and fiercest rival, Thomas Arashikage is the only person outside of Snake Eyes' family and the military chain of command that the former member of The Foot has entrusted with his identity. While practically inseparable whilst fighting in Afghanistan, the duo had a drastic falling out following a failed operation at the tail end of their tours of duty, resulting in Snake Eyes' still standing vow of silence. Eventually, Snake Eyes migrated to Japan to train under the Arashikage clan along with his sword brother, to signify the completion of his training, Snake Eyes received the ancient Arashikage Tattoo on his right forearm. Snake Eyes has not heard from or contacted Tommy since his reinstatement in the military and transfer to the Joe Initiative, nor has he encountered the enigmatic assassin known as Storm Shadow.

Kimi Arashikage, "Jinx" - Daughter of the Hard Master and Storm Shadow's cousin, Snake Eyes became acquainted with Jinx during his and Tommy's time training under the Arashikage ninja clan. Despite Snake Eyes' selective mutism, the two bonded almost as quickly as Daiki and Tommy reconciled. Word quickly spread amongst the clan that the two were in actuality romantically linked, while this theory holds no solid evidence, the duo's relationship took a turn for the worse upon the Hard Master's assassination. Kimi, blaming her cousin, sought revenge, Snake Eyes being the sole member of the Clan who sought restraint and patience, was at odds with Jinx for weeks. It is speculated that Kimi's shift in personality caused Snake Eyes to leave the clan just as much as Tommy's murder of the Hard Master. With both of the Hard Master's star pupils gone from the clan, Jinx has taken leadership of the Arashikage, becoming the Young Master.

Personal History:
Birth and Heir to The Foot Clan

The man who would come to be known as Snake Eyes was born "Oroku Daiki" in a rather isolated village within Japan in the late 1970's, the first and only son of The Shredder, the Foot's infamous and long reigning Grandmaster. Snake Eyes was essentially raised from birth to be the ultimate ninja, trained in stealth, weaponry, and The Foot's black magic. Daiki was one of few members within The Foot that longed for the days of the Clan's storied past, when they were considered honorable and diligent. This resulted in a permanent split between Snake Eyes and his father. Despite his prowess, Shredder was always disappointed in his firstborn, who, according to Shredder, didn't possess half of the talent of his predecessors. Upon his eighteenth birthday, Oroku Daiki abandoned The Foot, the only known person to do so and live. He has not heard from his father since.

Enlistment and SEAL training

Having to manufacture an identity for himself, Daiki fabricated a history as a Japanese Immigrant with exceptional scholastic talent, complete with documentation of citizenship, and enlisted within the United States Navy. During basic training, Daiki's superiors took note of his exceptional talent and almost immediately referred him to the Navy SEALs. Despite his background within one of the world's most ancient ninja clans, Snake Eyes maintains to this day that the hardest training of his life was within the SEALs. It was during this time that Snake Eyes initially caught the attention of General Clayton Abernathy, who at the time had just pitched the idea of an international special operations team that would become the Joes. Daiki eventually graduated from SQT at the top of his class.

Deployment, Vow of Silence

Due to his rather unorthodox skill-set, Daiki was given the code name Snake Eyes upon his graduation from SEAL Training and immediately placed in Special Forces. During his time in Afghanistan, Snake Eyes' squad often spearheaded cross-branch operations with the Marines and Air Force, resulting in Snake Eyes' and one Thomas Arashikage's close friendship. During Snake Eyes' final week of deployment, his squad was captured and held hostage by Taliban Extremists in a remote region of Afghanistan's Registan Desert. Rather recklessly, Snake Eyes and Sgt. Arashikage went AWOL and assaulted the compound, during this unsanctioned mission, Snake Eyes' squad members were killed in action and Tommy received brutalizing scars along his back. Snake Eyes barely escaped a dishonorable discharge and subsequently left the armed forces, taking his vow of silence as a form of repentance for his failure.

Training under the Arashikage Clan

Though reluctant at first, Snake Eyes sought out the Arashikage Clan in Japan at his friend's request. The duo was reunited and swiftly became the top apprentices of the clan, inevitably being placed under the man known as the Hard Master.The training continued for years, and Snake Eyes even has rather disturbing memories of being watched by a man calling himself Zartan. Following his master's death, Snake Eyes was the only person within the clan to not immediately blame the Hard Master's nephew for the deed, and even attempted to contact Tommy following his disappearance from the clan compound. Feeling his training complete, Snake Eyes left the clan after receiving his synonymous tattoo.

Reinstatement and G.I. Joe Initiative

Returning to the United States and taking up residence at the base of a mountain in Alaska, rumors spread that Snake Eyes was in fact a werewolf due to his never emerging from the building and the vigilance of his not quite pet wolf, Timber. For some months, Snake Eyes survived on what he could find in the arctic nature of Alaska, until his door was practically knocked down by one Sergeant Duke, who had mysteriously become aware of the former SEAL's reappearance in America and sought him out to become the final member of the up and running G.I. Joe Initiative. Snake Eyes tentatively accepted, and has spent the last year as the hand to hand instructor and covert ops specialist of the team. He has only had one encounter with the famed COBRA organization, where he left the nefarious Cobra Commander a facial scar as a token of his esteem before the latter's escape.

Appearance:

(Honestly the best thing I could find.)

Sample:
Several Years Ago
Kandahar, Afghanistan, 23:47, 11:47 PM

It was all his fault. The team had been ambushed and captured. Good men now lie in unmarked graves, and Snake Eyes had led them blindly into their death. Snake Eyes was abruptly ripped from his thoughts as a fist slammed into his cheek, nearly causing the wooden chair he found himself tied to to fall over. Daiki Oroku could feel blood accumulating in his mouth after the action and regretted that he couldn't spit it in his interrogator's face. Sergeant Snake Eyes and the less pompously named Sergeant Arashikage were brought into the interrogation room some ten minutes ago. Snake Eyes couldn't theorize just how long they had been blacked out, but it couldn't have been long, judging by the fact that his suit and balaclava were still on his person. A much less intimidating figure stepped out from the corner of his eye. Taliban, couldn't be taller than 5'11", disheveled beard, smelled of dirt and alcohol.

"I know you understand me." the newcomer calmly asserted in the Pashto Language. "You can understand my excitement at capturing the famed Snake Eyes. You and your team are legends, even to us." the man in question had all but drowned out his assailants, he was too focused on the bindings around his hands. Not handcuffs, just a very tight and thick cloth, perhaps? He would need to keep the man talking in order to divert his attention away from his prisoner's hands, which were already fast at work. He had to get Tommy and his squad out of here, even if it cost him his own life.

"Just what lies behind those goggles and balaclava?" the former Ninja almost cringed at his captor's smirk before one of the faceless extremists there purely for intimidation delivered another right cross, knocking the Snake's goggles almost clear off his head. His breathing hardly changed when they were subsequently ripped off and thrown into the low stone wall to his left. It was at that time that the interrogator grabbed him by the chin and looked him straight in the eyes. Strands of black hair fell over the prisoner's eyes from the impact of the last punch.

"How disappointing. Luckily enough, you and your friend here's lives are worth several of our brothers'." So that's why, hostage exchange. "Not that the rest of your team is of any value, of course." the man gave a nod to the guards and made for the door. "Don't beat them too bad men, we still need them functional." Snake Eyes wasn't sure how many guards were in that dimly lit room, but he could feel the systematic shift in atmosphere when the door slammed shut. Almost in unison with the inanimate object, Snake Eyes was thrown to the ground by a much more vicious punch. There was no more holding back in order for him to maintain consciousness. Snake Eyes heard Tommy receive the same treatment, but he had to remain level headed. The footsteps grew further and further away, it would only be a few more seconds.

"Now we finally get to let loose on you scumbags." a guard stepped forward from the darkness, taking the lead amongst his brothers in arms. He wouldn't be talking for long. Snake Eyes almost smiled underneath his face mask when he felt his binds loosen their grip on his wrists. The next few seconds were a complete blur, he had to calculate his adversaries' locations, weapons, and reactions in a split instant, but surely enough, a broken chair, one missed gunshot and many snapped and broken bones later, and Snake Eyes stood triumphant above five dead bodies. Retrieving a knife from one of his captors, he cut his comrade free, putting a finger in front of his mouth to silence him.

"No one gets left behind." they were the first words the Master Sergeant had spoken since they had arrived at the mountain complex.