Naruto Fantasy (AU) : The Rise of the New Generation

[Gerontis]

Coffee-Time.

A Collab between Gerontis and Fieryfly

Summary:
Jugo and Komei talk about the recent events and drink coffee.
​

Spoiler

It was finally over. At least, the whole interrogation sessions. There were some of his coworkers who were busy with theirs. Curious what others had to say as Jugo hadn't spoken with anybody that hadn't been in the mess and fighting the man had prepared some coffee. The biscuits were nowhere to be found and became the scource of Jugo's grumbling. It was probably Lee as last time he had eaten all of the dangoes as well. Not that Jugo would confront his somewhat more chubby coworker with that. Usually Lee would offer some favours regarding administrative work in return. A soft sigh escaped Jugo as he would rub his nose bridge before leaving to head to the canteen. Not a real spacious room, but he was hoping that Komei was there already. With the buzzling activity and amount of stress and work it was one of the rooms where they could talk without being interrupted or joined by others. It was a shame that he wouldn't be on time for the Godai match this evening, but hopefully he would learn of the score tomorrow.

Heading towards the canteen Jugo managed to open the door without spilling coffee or letting one of the mugs fall out of his hands. "I thought we had some biscuits as we all know that coffee with biscuits are one of the best combinations. Think that Lee managed to find them, so just coffee for this evening." He said as he used his left foot to close the door behind him. "How did your interviews go?" Jugo asked, not hiding the fact he was quite curious as he sat down.

Gratefully Komei accepted the cuffee mug from Jugo. It had been a long day and as per usual she was running on coffee. She felt like most of the officers at the station did. It was just something that kept you going that extra mile when you needed it. As she brought the mug to her mouth she eyed Jugo who said down across from her. There was a lot to talk about, but where to start. Her thoughts went to the people she had spoken to. Rini Yoto, the scared girl with the secrets. Mitsunari Riojin, the only adult shinobi who had so easily confessed to his crimes. Yone Tsuji, the hostage who wanted to go out by herself and collect clues.

Komei placed her cup down. "You sure you want to be here," she asked with a wry smile. "Shouldn't you be out and about? I am sure you have pestered your interviewees with questions about Godai. Shouldn't you also be capable of telling them in great detail how well the match went and that the Grim Brothers won, or at least I am assume that you are betting on that." She paused for a second and shook her head. "This whole case is a mess. I am very interesting if our interviewees tell the same things because so far no one can confirm anything the other has done."

Jugo's facial expression said enough as she asked her question in return. "Already am too late. By the time I am finally gone and about to see the game it is likely half-way. And I don't like to watch a game half-way. It is like somebody offering you ramen that they ate half of it." He grumbled. Another reason why he grumbled was because Komei managed to guess on who he had placed a bet on, but he was certain that was his own fault. Yet, still a bit of her own or perhaps that of Lee? As she answered his question, Jugo frowned. "How did they respond being interviewed? Mine so far have been a weird bunch. I even met the jinchuriki of the Four Tails and am not sure if she had some mental training, but only one person so far really seemed to be genuine with me."

Komei raised an eyebrow. "Respond? I mean as normal as can be expected. Miss Yoto freaked out so much that I had to manually calm her down. But that is to be expected from a young girl. Mister Riojin is a high trained shinobi so his reactions were I think genuine. Same counts for Yone. It is not the way they behaved it is what they told me that bothers me. Especially Rini..." Komei trailed off and her fingers tapped on the table. "Rini claimed she knew who was behind the attack. And yes, I believe this was some sort of attack. I cannot explain it, but all the witnesses are saying the same thing. I am assuming yours are too? But Rini claimed she knew who had set it up. And know who she called out?" Komei looked up to Jugo with steady eyes. "Soru Deshuga."

Blowing on the surface of his coffee Jugo wondered what they had told Komei. When the woman stated that this Rini knew who was behind the attack Jugo lowered his mug. He had pondered on who had been behind this attack. His best guess was that it were operatives from the Wind country. Though their intention and purpose was something he couldn't figure out with what he had learned so far. Just when he wanted to state his assumptions and theory, Jugo remained silent. "Soru Deshuga is in prison." The man shook his head lightly. "He is more secured from interacting with the outside than we try to hide sweets from Lee."

"Yes exactly. So far my thoughts. But she told me more." Komei wrapped her fingers around the coffee mug as she detailed what Rini had told her about eavesdropping on Liaru and someone else. How she had gone to the Jounin Commander and told her what had happened. As she was repeating Rini's story in detail, she had a good mind for such thing, she found herself thinking about the girl again. She had be so scared of telling this. Komei wondered if Rini had thought that she had worked for Soru in one way or another. "I haven't checked this story yet with the Jounin Commander, but making all of this up... that is kind of farfetched. And we do know that Soru Deshuga had an army or something akin to that, which is still around."

Hearing the story from Komei made Jugo drop his earlier theory and assumptions. In fact, he was a bit saddened that it wasn't anything like that, cause it seemed that the mess was now going to be more troublesome than he had considered it to be. "It is kind of farfetched and a bit too detailed. Besides, we never managed to get Liaru captured so he might be still around trying to be a good servant for mister Deshuga." Jugo's mind went back to Sho. Did Sho know more of this? Or at least perhaps some habits or manners of Liaru, which could help them to track Liaru down. Perhaps it would be a good idea to pay the boy a visit later. "The thing is," Jugo started as he briefly glanced at his coffee. "If Soru's army is still around then we can assume that those who attacked the place were members of that army. Seeing, however, that I have managed to not uncover much information as many of the members were serving in the regular military or shinobi corps those members can practically be anywhere."

"There is that and there is the fact that the members that attacked the post office were... normal people. I mean they were people with good records in the city. They were civilians. Oh, that reminds me." Komei dragged a hand through her hair. "You had your talk with Sho Deshuga right? What did he say about the thing that attacked him. Because I have from 2 accounts so far that there was something weird going on. Rini notes that there was a strange chakra signature in the building. I checked her records and she indeed is noted as a sensor. I didn't suggest it, she told me herself. Yone too mentioned something akin to it. Considering the wounds we knew mister Deshuga junior got, I was wondered what he told you about it."

Jugo's nose wrinkled as he thought back about that. "Yeah, which will be a drag to uncover who was part of that army. Not to mention if they are still stark loyalists to Soru or Liaru." The man mumbled, already feeling exhausted by the idea of trying to search for all current and ex members of that 'army'. When Komei asked about the 'weird something' Jugo shook his head lightly. "The boy confirmed that there was something indeed. A bipedal beast that was the reason how he got hurt and he claims that he had trapped it into a water prison." The man said. "Other than that? The report I got from the scanners that I requested stated that they hadn't found any chakra trace that reveal anything about morphing or transforming. Yet, I kind of believe the kid's story."

Komei pondered about Jugo's statements for a moment. "What is he like?" she asked then. "I mean now that we know that we are possibly dealing with Soru Deshuga, what can we expect from his son? To be fair I was hardly aware of the fact that he even had a son. Maybe we should ask him if he knows anything about his father's involvement... " She shook her head once more. "It just doesn't make any sense. We have these people who all claim there was an attack going on. There was no fire by the way," she interrupted herself. "Yone, the hostage, claimed there was no fire happening at the start of the attack. The smoke must have come from something else. I don't even know."

"Considering from that one talk, I get to say that he is a bit..." Jugo took a moment to look for the word that would fit Sho. "I guess he is a bit of a street urchin. Didn't give me much trouble, but he was certainly more sarcastic. Though," Jugo grinned a bit as he would continue. "He called me pal. Told you I was great with teens. He told me that he plays some Godai himself. Though, he didn't agree much with that the Grim Brothers would win this evening. Other than that," the man shrugged, "I don't think he is much of a bad apple. Can't say for sure if he has any ambition to contact his father again."

Upon hearing that there was no fire Jugo frowned again. It seemed that at every answer they uncovered that there were two questions laying in wait for them to make it harder to make progression on figuring it all out. "Odd. Guess the smoke was produced by ninjutsu then. Cause that is a thing, isn't it?" He asked her, which was rather typical. If anything happened with ninjutsu or chakra then Jugo usually went to Komei first. "Not to forget now that we're on the subject of fire. I had this kid who... seemed really full of himself. Think it was an act to keep himself up, but he also said something about a fire not too long ago. Some Uchiha that lost her sister and something about an eye." Jugo said while making an irritated gesture. Perhaps he should've brought his notepad with him.

"No one really agrees with you when you say that the Grim Brothers will win. We all just go along with it, because it is funny to see you try," Komei said absentminded as she went over Jugo's words again in her head. "And yes Jugo, that is a thing. You should really delve into ninjutsu sometime." But her thoughts were on the Uchiha that lost her sister. She could only think of one. "Ryu Uchiha, by any chance?" she asked the man who sat opposing her. "Because I had the... pleasure of interviewing her about that incident. There is literally no way of verifying that she didn't murder her sister though I am not sure if she would be capable of it. Yet she seems to carry a lot of anger inside especially towards her dad." Komei shot Jugo a meaningful look. "Tadashi Uchiha. We are getting through all the criminals today it seems."

Jugo's face went from a frown to a pained expression. "Oh, that is just not fair! You know how great Godai is? Remember the first match that I took you? Or when we went with the others? Come on, Godai is the best sport." He said, letting out a deep sigh afterwards. As she stated that he should delve into ninjutsu the man grumbled something underneath his breath before taking a sip of his coffee. Hearing the name, Jugo nodded. "That is the one. Her boyfriend seemed really protective. Stating I shouldn't ask this or that when I would interview her. You know, kids these days are getting more rude. If anything, I think that only Sho wasn't the one who did anything to tick me off." The man complained to his friend and coworker. "And great! First Soru Deshuga and now Tadashi Uchiha? Who is next? The Empress?" Jugo groaned as he didn't like how it was going. When it could just be a band of crumble thieves being busy?

"I'd like to remind you that the Empress of the Akinian Empire is not a criminal." Komei deadpanned as she rolled her eyes. "Also it is very likely that she will be coming to Amekagure in the future to see to the whole selection of the new Amekage. Either way, moving past your obsession, I had Ryu followed so we will know what she is up to. I think she really didn't mean for her sister to die, but I do not know to what extend she got mad at her during the fight. I mean who starts throwing fire balls around in an apartment...?" Komei sighed. "At least I do not think this is linked to the Post Office Incident in any way. Unless her boyfriend had anything interesting to add. I think we are still pretty much at a dead end. The only thing we need to look for is figuring out how much Soru is part of this and if we can put a stop to that. As well as try and make sure that something like this doesn't happen again."

"Didn't mean it like that. Then again, kunoichi." Jugo mumbled before taking a sip of his coffee. Thinking about what Komei said and what they had exchanged the man considered their options. "What did happen to the girl who told that Soru or Liaru was behind the attack? If she managed to uncover that information, perhaps we can see if she doesn't have some contact with Liaru?" It was more a thought than a real question as he would continue. "I will let somebody track the boyfriend of that Ryu person. Other than that, I fear that we will need to pass the information to the chief. Then again," Jugo locked his eyes on Komei as they gained a glint. "We don't know who we can trust unless we start to dig in all profiles to see if they had any affliation with Soru Deshuga or one of his lieutenants. Perhaps it would be a good idea to first try to uncover more ourselves?" He thought about his younger days, when he had just started as an officer. Trying to solve most of his cases just by himself. Then again, that had been more than almost a decade ago.

"Yeah well, I am not going to sift through over a 100 files by myself thank you very much." Komei said as she picked up her coffee again and took a sip. "We have enough work as it is. Truly if there is a spy in our midst then that spy is already at work anyway. We might as well keep working like we normal do and get the chief and the rest of the team informed. At least we might work fast. Unless you are the spy of course," she said and stared at him from across her mug with a serious expression. For a couple of seconds she held it and then smiled. "Though I doubt that. No spy would go for that Godai story every. time. he did an interview."

"Beg your pardon? I would be a tremendously, incredible spy. Mind you," Jugo said as he would huff afterwards. "That you're right. But the problem is that if we do have a spy in our midst that it will make our work so much harder. I was considering to perhaps see if Sho would like to work for us. Just to brighten up his resume as who doesn't like to hire an employee who worked for the police before?" He half joked, but was serious with his suggestion. "That and I wonder in how much trouble 'we'," he said with the word with a clear emphasis, "Will get if we keep the Four Tails jinchuriki in prison. Really, she did kind of freak me out. Ever met a jinchuriki before?"

Komei shook her head. "No and I do not really feel the need to. I might be capable of some basic shinobi tricks and mind you they are extremely simple though useful, I do not wish to delve more into it. The idea of a Jinchuuriki honestly freaks me out. While I understand that people want to use it to keep the city safe I feel like it would be way more useful when that beast would be gone forever. As for the spy..." Komei thought about it for a moment. "The point is that if we start to worry about that too, if we start to suspect our coworkers it is going to make everything much harder and also much more obvious. Also, I don't think we'll get into trouble for keeping her locked up. If it was a problem we would have the Amekage's Assistant on our doorstep already because I am pretty sure that they were very well aware where they Jinchuuriki hangs out every second of the day."

"Can't recommend it, but she was so calm. Only kid that didn't seem to be immune to the chakra restainer and the usual effect was Sho. Making me not really eager to believe them. Then again, I wonder if it perhaps is still not enough to disable the Bijuu sealed inside of her." He thought out loud. "And true, but if we don't do something about it then we won't be able to track the person or persons down. Perhaps we should split it up? You go through the files and let me know who you suspect of being a mole. And then I will do the rest?"

"Aren't you the hero in shining armor. You will take care of the rest? Which is what exactly? The files will literally be the most work. But it is fine I guess. We all know that the females do the hard work around here." Komei gave Jugo a wink. She finished her cup of coffee and looked almost sad that hot liquid was gone. "Anything else you need to discuss otherwise I'll get to my work and you can get to the rest."

"Well of course! What else can I do? Sit around and becoming an old fart like Yamamato?" The man scoffed at the mere thought. "And besides when I was your age, I did the jobs like working on the files. Perhaps one day you will be able to boss around a coworker and talk about Godai as much as I do." Jugo said, chuckling at the thought. "And not really, no. I think we should get some rest. With what we learned today I fear that we're going to be on our toes for some time. After, of course, informing the chief of what we discovered."

 

[Oetje]

Meilin Cho

Genin of Konoha Team 7,
Keishi, Kimotori District.

The desire of an answer.​

Meilin was a bit confused. Send back to the old base of operations of the team Meilin looked at the walls with the information. If anything the teen was glad about her current objective. It did put her mind on something else than wishing she could just lunge and start to beat out the answers from that Hyuuga. What made it worse, was that she already did not know how much she should feel aligned or trust Kensuke was only made worse with the fact he had known that traitor. For a moment it occurred to her that there was the possibility that Kensuke was in league with the culprits that kidnapped those families. There were, of course, some facts that objected to that theory, but how certain could she be of anything lately?
Sighing and massaging the bridge of her nose with her left hand Meilin briefly closed her eyes. Her task today was an easy one. Comparing the maps and information that they had with the previously acquired information.

Crouching Meilin would pick up the teddy bear that she had retrieved from one of the homes that she had investigated the teen thought about her promise. Turning her gaze back to the wall of information she began with her task. There were currently 8 addresses that they had uncovered. Four of those addresses were already targets of earlier investigations of the team. And four others were unknown - meaning that they could be future targets or past victims.
It wasn't in any sense complicated or difficult work for her. Knowing the districts in which the events happened pretty well she was able to figure out that they had been able to be in time to save the last two families from 'vanishing' to the east. Or at least where ever those thugs were taking people to. Meaning that there were two addresses unknown.

Reading the two remaining addresses Meilin would use the information that they had inscribed on the wall to try to puzzle it out. Not just to know where the addresses were, but to try to find a pattern. It was a simple guess, but she figured that if she could discover a pattern on how they operated it would be possible to calculate where the next strike would be.
And with that information, they could put a halt to it. At least, that was the intention behind the extra task that Meilin put into her work.
Busy with her handiwork for around an hour - as she didn't want to make any mistakes, thus taking it at a slow pace - Meilin managed to learn something.

Staring at the wall of information in front of her the face of the Cho started to pale. While she had not managed to uncover one of the two addresses that were unknown she had managed to learn at least one of them. It was an address she was quite familiar with.
One where she had spent most of her life even.

Her heart skipped a beat as Meilin found it difficult to breathe for a moment. Her mind was racing with the possibility that she could be too late to do something to save them. To protect them to be kidnapped and taken away as some goods, ready to be transported to gods who know where?!
As her hands balled into trembling fists Meilin forgot for a moment that she was part of a team. Her guts were telling her, no screaming at her, to check on her family. She had wanted to do it several times before and hadn't because Kensuke had told her not to.

And he was familiar with the traitor Hyuuga.

Lowering her head Meilin's gaze fell on the old teddy bear. What if there was a reason behind that? Perhaps the man didn't want her to pay a visit to her family because he knew already that they were a target?
Gritting her teeth Meilin squeezed her eyes closed as she started to become a victim of mixed emotions raging through her mind and body. Anger, fear and the idea of being betrayed.
What should she do now? Contact the man she now was wary of being a traitor himself? She already wasn't sure if they should continue to use the earphone communicator. If there was one rat working with the enemy then who know who else was helping them? And by using the earphone communicator they would know what she could be up to.
Glancing at the wall with the information, Meilin would think about the options she had going on. At first, she should make sure that this information would be hidden or at least destroyed so that nobody could use it anymore. Kensuke hadn't ordered that, but Meilin decided to take some decisions on her own.

Gripping a kunai out of her pouch she started to carve all over the information filled walls. It was in a way to also release some pent up anger and emotions. Making sure that the carvings of her kunai would make it hard for anybody to uncover what information had been written on the wall before Meilin would pick up the teddy bear and the maps that Kensuke had given her - the ones that they had uncovered before.
That done, Meilin would activate her earphone communicator and send a short message to her team leader : "It is done. I am going to check on something." That said she would deactivate her earphone communicator. One more glance was thrown in the direction of the information wall before she would turn on her heels and head out.

She wanted the answer now on how her family was doing. One way or another.

 

[Gerontis]

[fieldbox=A list given, teal]
A report has been send and recieved,

A collab between Gerontis and Roran Hawkins

Summary

Done with work, Zakito is heading home from the Jounin Commander's Office. As he leaves the building and decides to head down the street he is surprised by an unusual feline. From this meeting he manages to learn why Kensuke and his team have gone radio-silent as well how he will contact them.

Collab

It was starting to get late. After a meeting with some leading officers from a brigade of the First Division Zakito decided to head home. Fugiki had already on Zakito's request went to his office to pick up Akimoto. It wouldn't do the child much good to be in an office all day. Who knew what could happen from that? Perhaps his son would continue his father fight against the dreadful opponent that was dubbed as 'papwerwork'. Putting on a jacket as the cold was becoming worse the man would leave the office. There were as usual still people working. Finishing papers or just starting their shift as the office was like a hospital. Just an endless amount of work was moved all day and almost all night to keep the military in the entire realm running. Insane, was what Zakito thought about it. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket he would take a small detour towards his home. Just to get some fresh air before he would come home and need to make his own meal.

As he walked down the street Zakito pondered on some reports and decisions he had both read and made earlier today. Plans were constantly shifting, which was nothing strange. It was just that he was hoping that the others would soon come back as he was taking more work on his shoulders than he really wanted. Let alone keep up for a prolonged amount of time. His tenure as Third Hokage had already introduced the man to what dreadful amount of work one had to get through to make some small changes and keep a military running and stable. But now with Kiyomi, Hisoka and Meisa gone - though he managed to keep their status obscured for those curious enough - their tasks were now his. Which wasn't really easy or relaxing at all.

A small stray cat brushed up against his leg and started purring for his attention. Glancing down Zakito's right eyebrow rose slightly. Chuckling softly the man would crouch and stroke the cat's head once as he eyed the feline for a moment. When he did the cat strained its head against his hand. The weird part was that it did so with enough strength to move a boulder.

"Good gods," Zakito mumbled as he glanced at the cat. More out of reflex the man opened his left eye as he stumbled forwards by the push. Noticing the fact that the cat didn't seem to have a small chakra reserve as he threw a glance over his shoulder made the man half close his eyes. As he did the cat seemed to wink at him. Then it flashed a sly toothed grin and wandered off into a sidestreet.

Waiting for a second as the feline wandered off a soft sigh would escape Zakito. Following the critter on a 'safe' distance the Hon would remain silent. Not everyday did he encounter something like this. As he entered the sidestreet Zakito would come to a halt as he tilted his head slightly to the right. Observing the creature Zakito frowned once more. "Yes?"

The cat got up on its hind legs and flashed its unnatural smile again as its outer form began to change. Moments later there was no cat but anymore and instead there stood a small girl. It bore a wide grin just like the cat had and although in her eyes the vertical pupils betrayed its identity the girl was in all other ways a perfect copy of Kei Hon. "Hello."

"Charming, but won't work. Am afraid that I also don't have much time." Zakito said in a polite manner to the creature. Eyeing its true form, Zakito frowned again. "But interesting. So? If you want some tuna I can recommend to pay a visit somewhere else. Don't have any on me." The man stated, already half turning around while keeping an eye on the feline.

"Aw, you're not as much fun as your student was. I might take you up on that offer though." The cat said as it transformed once more, this time into its natural form. The dog-sized cat settled on a tile warmed by the sun and stretched itself. "Either way, the green falcon has asked me to find you and bring you a message." The cat continued with its eery reverberating voice.

Remaining silent as the feline spoke to him. He wondered at first who this student of his was, but the mentioning of the 'Green Falcon' made it evident who had sent him this creature. Kensuke had a summoning? Almost had Zakito frowned again and pondered on when the young man had obtained a summoning like this. If anything Zakito considered something more 'serious' fitting for the Nimatsu, but alas that wasn't what interested Zakito right now. "A message? How considerate of him." Zakito mumbled. "Very well and what of this message from him?"

"Bah, so hasty. Humans are so boring." The cat said and changed shape once again, this time appearing as an old, hunchbacked woman holding a letter. With a cackling laugh he handed the letter over to the former hokage. "Don't begin relying on my help, human." He said. "The only reason I'm helping is because this scroll contains details of a plot on the life of my friend's host. If you let the Nibi's host die I'm fraid that I won't forgive you." The old woman-cat said, waiting for him to open the scroll.

He simply nodded, already having in mind that he wouldn't request the creature's help afterwards. The mentioning of a plot on the life of Kiyomi made Zakito take the feline a bit more serious. Was that why Kensuke had gone off the radio? It could be a possibility, but Zakito didn't want to jump to the conclusions just now. As he took the scroll and quickly opened it he noticed that it was coded. "Been some time since I did this." He mumbled, trying to get the gist of the message. Luckily it wasn't as troublesome as what the Zero teams were able to conjure. He should request Meisa to make the messages from them easier for him to decrypt.
"Ah, I see." He muttered underneath his breath after getting some of the message. It was a hitlist so far he understood. He would, of course, study the content of the scroll better once he would arrive home. Rolling the scroll up, he moved his gaze back to the feline. It seemed the feline had already moved. Perhaps reporting back to Kensuke? Regardless Zakito decided to move the scroll into the inside pocket of his jacket. Heading home in a faster walking pace than he would've done before the meeting Zakito decided to first study the scroll in his study room.

It took him not too long to discover what the content was now that he could sit down and study it in a more relaxing surrounding. Reading over the hitlist Zakito rubbed his forehead. It wasn't a secret that people wanted some on the list to be gone. Lot of possible rivals and enemies, but there were some on the list that made no sense. Not to mention the strange language notes that were written down. He was certain that Kensuke didn't know Chonobi. And he couldn't figure it out if it was any other known language in the realm such as Yakimara for example. Deciding that he would leave that for now he would read over the report on how the operation was going. Hopefully, it would provide him some insight on why Kensuke had gone radio-silent.

As he decrypted the report Zakito didn't feel in any sense more comfortable with learning what the team had learned. So the Zealots were still operating in Keishi? But why were they targeting people like that? Theories started to form in the man's mind, but he forced himself to focus on the remaining content of the report. There were even some suspicions from Kensuke noted down. Not anything that he considered not being plausible. It was already a given to him and the other higher ups that the Zealots had managed to infilitrate some of their organisations. Reading further he learned how Kensuke had set up a way to contact him. Thinking about it, Zakito decided that he would see how he would do this. Leaving Konohagakure wasn't a wise idea. If he would leave then it would be a matter of time before people would realise that both the Governor of the Fire province as her majesty weren't in the city. And with him and Meisa gone there was nobody to keep the state running without anybody getting suspicious. Wishing that Hisoka and Meisa were back already was also a waste of energy as he had no way of contacting them at the moment.

Deciding that he would form a plan on how to contact Kensuke tomorrow morning he already had an idea. Glancing at the hitlist, his attention went to the name of a certain Hyuuga on the list. But he would deal with this tomorrow.

[/fieldbox]

 

[Nim]

[fieldbox="Karma Minami, #FFFFCC"]
Konoha Team 7 Chuunin | Akinian Empire | Keishi

New Findings and Concerns

With the help of Roran Hawkins​

Observation was key to what she was doing now. She was given two addresses to check. The first one was of a small family with a single child. From the outside the apartment they lived in seemed decent. She had sat a roof across, waiting, but eventually came to the conclusion there was nobody there, as the lack of movements, light or noise suggested. Getting off the building into an alley between the buildings as the sun's direction provided good shadow in the alley, concealing her presence there.

After making sure no one saw her, she went inside the building and climbed the stairs in silence, making sure not to attract any attention. Few minutes later she arrived at her floor, and quickly spotted the door to the apartment she needed to investigate. Taking out a hair pin, she began walking towards the apartment door, pretending as if she was making her hair look better. She then knocked twice on the door.

No response came.

Another two knocks, slightly louder.

Still no response from within the apartment.

Before she could knock again, one of the neighboring doors opened up and a couple came out, talking to themselves and not even noticing Karma until she made a coughing sound as they passed her "Excuse me, but do you know if the owners are around? I'm supposed to meet them." She asked politely, and the man shrugged while the girl rolled her eyes at her companion's lack of response "Really Yui? You need to meet them once." She then looked at Karma "I'm sorry, they are usually gone until three. Working and a child, busy family."

"Thank you. I need to deliver a message to them, but I suppose I could also write it down and leave it for them here." Karma said with a smile, and the guy returned a raised eyebrow while the girl smiled back. After a small bow of gratitude from Karma, the couple went down the stairs. After letting a few more moments pass and she ceased to hear the couple, she took out the hair pin and bent it a few times before putting it carefully into the door's lock. It took her a couple of tries before she managed to get it to start turning, and then the pin almost broke. Taking out a second pin, she bent that and a few moments later she was inside the apartment.

Looking around, she was about to begin walking deeper when she realized that if the family came back later, they would find the door unlocked and that alone would raise suspicion. Using the same two pins from before, she managed to lock the door behind her while one of the pins finally gave and broke into pieces. Now that the door served as an alarm if the family would come back, Karma begun investigating the apartment further.

Upon initial inspection, everything seemed to be average, boring even. There were a few drawings of the kid hanging, but they didn't have any special details except a couple that were of shinobi and soldiers fighting. Maybe the kid aspired to be a soldier or looked up to a few? She couldn't tell from the drawings. After going around a bit more, she noticed a statuette. It was of an ancient god of the sun as far as she could recall, but she couldn't remember the exact name.

Going around the apartment twice revealed nothing special what so ever. That raised Karma's suspicion further. Either the intel they found was that the people were targeting the most ordinary and boring families, or there was something else going on here. But then she thought about something.

Some of the locations had apparent struggling signs, while some appeared as if the family just went up and left without a trace. Karma tapped on her earpiece "Is it possible that the abductors are not forcing everyone to come with them? That they are convincing some?"

"I don't think it's very likely that they can convince anyone to come along with a bunch of fanatically religious abductors unless they're desperate for an income." Came the response from Kensuke.

That made sense. And this family didn't appear to be in distress or in big need of income. They appeared to be doing just fine. After giving the apartment another look, there was still nothing that appeared out of order. It was just a plain apartment of a family with a single child. She was about to start trying to knock on the walls and the floor in an attempt to seek any hidden compartments when she realized it could take her quite some time, not to mention possibly alert any neighbours due to the noise of the knocking around. Deciding to leave now instead, she approached one of the windows. She opened the window and glanced around. The window was stationed above the alley from earlier, and no signs of life within the alley. She carefully got out of the window and then closed it from the outside.

About twenty minutes later she had arrived at the second apartment she needed to check. Taking an hour to observe it, she looked around. The risk of encountering neighbours in this area from within the building was something she did not wish to repeat.

Ten more minutes of observation and she decided on going in through the window. After carefully reaching one of the windows of the apartment and ensuring no one was watching, she begun forcing the window open using a shuriken tied with a wire to unlock the window. It took her a bit, but she managed to do it after a few moments of moving it around carefully. When she opened the window, she noticed the lock was now partially busted.

Moving inside, she begun to inspect the place. It appeared to belong to either a large group of people or a large family. It was slightly better appearing than the other apartment she looked at, but there was one major thing that was off about it.

It was empty of almost everything.

One of the very few things she managed to find was a picture of quite a few people, but as soon as her eyes landed on one of the people in the picture, her hand moved to her earpiece.

"Kensuke, I finished inspecting both apartments. First one appears perfectly normal, almost too normal and average. The second one is mostly empty, and I can't say for sure, but I believe there are signs of struggle, but very few of them. Requesting permission to stay and observe the second apartment for the remainder of the day, to see if the second family was indeed abducted or not."

"Do what is necessary Karma." Kensuke replied.

Removing her finger from the earpiece, she took another look at the picture. If what she found was indeed what she thought it was, and from what she assumed on Meilin following how her teammate reacted, then she wouldn't be surprised to find her teammate coming here. Going back to the window, Karma left and closed it behind her. A couple more minutes later and she was station on a rooftop across from the second apartment, giving her proper view of it. Now all she had to do was wait.

If it was her family that was at risk, then she would want to make sure they were fine as well.[/fieldbox]

 

[Icy]

Hideki Hyuuga
Chuunin, Ogre, Swampmaster
Keishi

Effacing himself under the darkening twilight, Hideki loomed once more over the alley—more like an urban midden; smelling the part, too—his feet planted on the parapet of the roof in a crouch. This was his second visit of the day — once before noon. Kensuke had instructed him to supervise two areas: this alley and a downtown pub. Nothing had struck him as suspicious thus far — barring some disreputable characters in the pub; ordinary ruffians. Activating his Byakugan, he surveyed the area. Alas; garbage litter… scurrying rats… flies and insects… some moth-eaten books. Nothing new. He lingered for a while, the wind a menacing howl in his ears, then flew off to the apartment, done for the day. There, he reported his findings and went to bed, sighing at least fifty times before falling asleep.

---​

The next day, at noon, he was back at the pub, descending the grimy, uneven steps to the entrance. The alley had been untouched save for some fresh new waste and a loitering stray cat, tail whipping as it hunted for rats and critters. Halting just before the door, he activated his Byakugan and peered within. White shapes palpable as spectral apparitions sprouted like buds, the drab building made translucent. Immediately his eye was drawn to a recognisable blossoming of chakra, emanating from the silhouette of a portly man. Gotcha… His Byakugan waned. As soon as he entered, a hivemind-like gaze bore into him — vacuous and tired eyes, like a lounge of jaded lizards. Noon drinkers… Happy bunch... Most fell away within the fraction of a second, but some remained staring, evidently sizing him up. Eventually they shrugged and went back to their drinks and hushed conversations.

Making an order, Hideki found a convenient yet inconspicuous place near the corner of the bar and flipped open a worn paperback, pretending to be reading. He watched the man from the corner of his eye. Salt and pepper hair… Debatably hideous pencil moustache… bland clothing… bulging potbelly… A perfect disguise. He sat shrunken into himself, peering down his drink with insipid, dark eyes, hands folded on his lap. For fifteen minutes, he barely moved an inch — at one time Hideki had to blink to make sure he'd not hallucinated him or marked some statue or play of the lights. His glass remained half-empty, half-filled, the translucent liquid at peace. It all made for a depressing sight. Finally, after what felt like ages, the man got up from his seat, rising like a dead man from his grave, and made for the door. There was a faint ripple in the liquid when the door slammed shut, then once more, a dozen heartbeats after, as Hideki followed.

---​

The route the man took was… confusing, to say the least. Hideki never once had to descend the rooftops, cloaked in his second application of camouflage, tracking the man in the bright daylight as he wound through one detour after another. It was almost as if he was conscious of someone following him… Had Hideki been detected? The man's apparent disconcertion a bait for him to latch onto?
No, that can't be… He shook off the dull ache in his skull and concentrated on the minute changes in the man's expression. Sullen determination… dismay… wariness… ground jaw, slight scowl, dilated pupils… unease?
Two options, then, Hideki inferred: discovery of the ambushed cell and Ezuri's disappearance (likely) or knowledge of Hideki hounding his trail… Benefit of the doubt, then… for the moment.

After another long-winded detour, the man stopped in his tracks, standing before a plain building, the ground floor a colourful ice saloon astir with little kids and miserable-looking parents. Gauging his surroundings, he climbed a flight of stairs adjacent. Hideki activated his third and final application of camouflage, the third tattoo behind his ear sizzling a luminous green, and ascended the nearest wall before penetrating the building with his Byakugan. The top floor was what looked like a two-bedroom apartment, scant furnished. Shapes, many shapes... Hideki strained his eye, saw disquieted expressions, yet little surprise, as the moustached man seemed to be speaking — to be reporting something… Weapons littered about and strapped to backs and belts, a mix of contemporary and foreign, possibly archaic blades and clubs… And that… cages? His blood ran cold.

Three hostages, trapped like circus animals within metal bars. Bastards… Is there no end to your evil? Flexing his fingers, Hideki let out a quiet, deep breath to calm himself. He thought about Saki and Noru, his parents and Kiyomi, imagining them within those cages. Ezuri… maybe I was too kind to take just one finger…
Sticking around for a while longer, he eventually bounced off the painted wood and headed back to the apartment, reporting his findings to Kensuke and the rest of the team over the earcom.

 

[Fieryfly]

[fieldbox="Nami Tachibana, gold"]

Team 2 Genin | On the Mission​

Nothing to report about the first warehouse. There was fish in the crates and more fish and more fish. Somehow Nami felt like they had been given an easy start, but then again not all missions had to be difficult, they just had to be done. And that is what they were here for. To do their duty and do everything that their sensei told them to do. Nami was pretty sure that Mika Hayashi wouldn't have send them in the warehouse if she had known that there was nothing inside that could be of any value.

The second warehouse proved more difficult however. This time there were guards around. Some at the front, some patrolling. To get in they would either have to sneak past them or, as Aya suggested, use a disguise. As Shin and Aya discussed that Nami looked around, using her sensory to get a quick guess as to how many people were around in the area she could scan. As she looked around her eyes caught the signature of someone she knew. A slight smile passed across her lips as she turned her head away from the direction in which she could feel Hayashi's chakra, giving no indication that the woman was there.

"Transformation Jutsu could give us the disguise," she said, mingling in the conversation of Shin and Aya. "You two sneak in using the disguise of two workers who have to bring crates inside. I will stay outside and keep a look out for anything. I am told I am quite... perceptive. Check the wares as fast as possible and then leave. As a worker you can't stay inside too long especially not with the guards around. They wil notice if you are just walking about. So get it, search a couple of crates, get out, get another crate and then do the same thing. Sounds like a plan?"

[/fieldbox]

 

[Oetje]

lMeilin and Karma

Genin and chuunin of Konoha Team 7,
Keishi, Kimotori District.

Knowing can be a unpleasant thing.

Summary:
Meilin arrives at her parent's home in Keishi. There she discovers that her family isn't there as well Karma being present. The two have a brief interaction before they part ways as Meilin decides to give Karma a try as the Cho has made a decision.[/COLOR]​

[spoili]
She ran through the alleys and streets. The crowd and groups of people present on the street didn't hamper her speed or movement. Moving at a rapid pace Meilin had only one goal in her mind now as she kept running. Her hands clenched into trembling fists as she only wanted one thing right now. Perhaps she would need to explain herself to her parents what she was doing in Keishi. Why she would be winded when she would see them again. What she had been up to. But that was a worry for later. Not now.
"Hey! Watch it!" A stand owner yelled at her, raising and shaking a fist in the direction of the running teen - slide over a table where he was about to place some wares for sale.

Continue to run Meilin noticed that the way up ahead would soon be obstructed by two wagons. In a quick dash, the teen would slide down and underneath one of the waggons. The second she was sliding from underneath the waggon she moved up in a quick and fluid motion. Furthering her way she couldn't banish the nasty thoughts that kept infesting her thinking process.
Would they all still be alive? If somebody would be wounded or worse she would know who would carry her retribution. Her eyes narrowed in slits as she tried to push her speed to the limit - sadly, however, her legs couldn't carry her faster and only after a quarter of an hour did she arrive at the perimeter.

Panting Meilin glanced quickly around. Everything seemed normal. That was good. Taking a second to catch her breath and focusing herself on what she wanted to do here Meilin first would make sure that she was armed. Her left arm would slide to her pouch as she walked in a confident, but fast pace towards the back door of her family's home. She didn't trust it and knew that there was some chance that she would raise more questions, but at the current moment, she couldn't care for it.
Without having a key, she first did check if somebody had forced the door. For somebody who could see her would just notice she took a glance, but Meilin was quite aware how to recognise foul play with the locks. It would do her no good if somebody would be able to quickly recognise when she had picked a lock, after all.
Taking a step back the teen stayed wary of her surrounding. There were no windows open so far she could see, which couldn't help to prove a way to enter.
For a moment she considered her options but would then decide to pick the lock. It was quite quickly done. Closing the door behind her, Meilin would lock it. She wasn't in the need of somebody entering behind her and hopefully it could provide her some time to just take in the place she called home.

It was empty.

Just baffled Meilin stared at the sight of her. Everything was empty.
But how? Why? Where? Questions kept shooting through her mind as she clenched her hands into fists. Glancing around, she tried to find anything that could serve as a trace behind. It was tempting to turn on her earphone communicator to perhaps hear what the others were saying, but why would she care? Perhaps Kensuke would just order her around or to come back and she wasn't considering to do that now. A part of her tried to reason that doing such a thing could get her in trouble, but another and angrier part of Meilin argued that if Kensuke had let her check on her family that she could've been aware of what their plans were. And not being so confused, angry and scared of what all could have happened.
Raising her hands to her head slowly Meilin bites her lower lip. Placing her hands at her temples she felt like pouring her frustration out in screaming her lungs out. Filling the air with obscene curses and wishing those culprits a cruel death. Managing to stay 'calm' - so far one could call her current composure calm - Meilin decided that she would find out where the people were taken. Taking one more look around, the Cho would make a plan of approach. First, she had to go and vanish. Then she would take up contact, but first things first. Walking to the door, Meilin's eyes narrowed again.

Somebody was going to answer her and she already had somebody in mind who could provide some answers. Or else perhaps offer a target for her frustration and pent up aggression and anger.

"Meilin." Karma called out to her teammate in a quiet and calm voice "I'm sorry."

The voice made Meilin freeze for a second just as she was nearing the door. Slowly turning half around to face the source of the voice Meilin's face was blank of any emotion. Her eyes revealed that she was anything but content with Karma's presence in the already confusing as the troublesome situation.
"Sorry? For what?" Though the raven-haired teen spoke in a calm manner there was a venomous undertone to her phrasing. "What are you even doing here? Was it on Kensuke's orders?" She asked, feeling the need to question Karma before jumping to a conclusion.

After getting off the window ledge, she took a more proper look at Meilin "I was given the mission to investigate the two last apartments that we did not know of before. First one seem to be okay, but in this one I found something." She said and went to one of the walls of the room and pointed at a picture "You are in it. And with the lack of furniture or any items inside of the apartment for such a rather large family, and small signs of struggle here and in a couple other spots-" She pointed at a different side of the room "It became very likely that the family that lived here shared the fate of other families we have investigated before. Thats why I told Kensuke that I am going to be looking over the apartment for the remainder of the day, in a case one of two things will occur." Karma grabbed the picture off the wall and walked towards Meilin

"One of them was someone from this fanatic group coming to finish making the place appear as if the family merely left. The second was you coming here." She offered the picture to Meilin "All of this is on my own accord. I haven't told Kensuke you are here when I spotted you."

While she listened and kept an eye of Karma the mind of Meilin was working full tour on determining the situation. She reckoned that Karma didn't know much about her or hopefully, didn't know how she fights. Neither, however, did Meilin really know how Karma fought. The brief scuffle before hadn't given much information on how the other was regarding combat. Perhaps Karma tried to lower the tension and thus her guard? The left corner of Meilin's lip went a bit down as she slightly tilted her head.
"You have no proof of that," Meilin said, the venomous tone becoming more present. "You can't know for certain unless you know where they are or have more evidence than just a picture." The teen said.
She considered it a fact that Karma was in league with the culprits. It was too weird that a lot of stuff was missing except for that picture. If her parents and siblings had moved why hadn't they taken that with them? Was this perhaps a trap?
Mentally Meilin laughed at herself as she did curse her own naivety. If this was a trap she had walked straight into it. As Karma walked towards Meilin the latter moved her right hand to her kunai pouch. A clear signal that the Cho wasn't fond of having the other getting too close.

"And why should I believe you? Kensuke was already familiar with that Hyuuga. So is that other Hyuuga." Meilin said. "Furthermore, we're hiding and operating without contacting any member of a higher echelon than our own. My trust is growing thin if that hasn't been made clear by now."

"Your trust isn't the only trust that is growing thin. I have been considering a message of my own to my family back in Konoha to go into hiding following finding this. I brought up my previous theory because I thought that Kensuke and Hideki work for the right side, but seeing how quickly they did things with that other Hyuuga, and how quickly they decided to believe him made me even more suspicious. I've heard of people before that endured tortured and lied while pretending to fake that the torture was working. Considering it is someone they both know and have certain feelings toward him, that will make it even easier for that Hyuuga to do so." She said and looked behind her briefly

"I didn't come and start talking to you because I want you to come back and follow orders. If it was my family on the line, I'd do anything to make sure they are safe. I came here to ask if there is anything I could do to help you." Karma said in a serious tone, still offering the picture "If you want to attack me, go ahead. I won't retaliate."

Considering her options Meilin remained silent for some time. Upon hearing the last line of Karma the eyes of Meilin would half close. Without any warning the Cho lashed out with a closed fist, intending to punch the other straight at the nose without holding herself back. There wouldn't be any following up action as Meilin wanted to verify if the words of Karma were true or not. At least, the last comment. That and the pent up anger and frustration were starting to become a real bother for the raven-haired teen.

Upon seeing the incoming punch, Karma went and put the picture between her arms. Meilin's punch wasn't the hardest she felt, but it came with a decent force. She stumbled back a couple steps and then fell on her behind, the picture still held carefully between her arms. She placed the item to her side before raising her right hand to her nose. It didnt feel like it was broken, but it hurt quite a bit, and she felt the warmness of the blood that came from it as it moved down, eventually reaching her mouth. Looking at Meilin, she sighed "Satisfied? Or do you want to give me a few more of those?"

"I won't be satisfied with just beating you up or worse." Meilin said in return. Her eyes moved her gaze to the picture for a moment before returning back to lock on Karma.
"That having said, I am not going indeed back to Kensuke. Not just yet. I doubt that I will be granted to speak alone with Ezuri or that I will be allowed to stalk the trail to find my own family myself."
A pause followed for a moment as Meilin considered once more her options. She knew her way around Keishi. From what she understood this didn't count for the others in the team. Even though she considered it a problem that Kensuke could use some camouflage technique and that Hideki was a Hyuuga - for his eye - Meilin considered that she would be able to stay hidden from them unless she wished different.
"You should head back to Kensuke. If you want to aid me then all good with me." She said, knowing that she actually could use any help she could gain. "I will be on channel C over three hours. Won't disclose my location or my next purpose seeing that Kensuke or Hideki can switch and listen to the channel as well. I want you to leave a note with information on what Kensuke is planning at the Toshiwaka square. Right behind the fruit stand that is owned by mister Utaka. Don't ask him any questions and don't come with anybody else." Meilin said. Throwing a look at the picture there was no visible attempt of Meilin to reach for it or ask for it.

After cleaning the bit of blood came out, Karma stood up "Very well. Toshiwaka square, Utaka's fruit stand, no questions or company. I can't promise I will find out within three hours, but I will most likely not contact you to attempt and ensure Kensuke does not know you are using it. For now, go. I will report to Kensuke everything is quiet here and then head back." She said and walked to the window.

Standing still as she kept her eyes locked on Karma, Meilin remained silent. She wasn't sure if she could trust Karma, at all. Right now she was still dealing the boiling emotions that were kept underneath the blank expression. Waiting for Karma to leave Meilin threw a look at the picture. Biting her lower lip she clenched her hands into fists.
Deciding to pick up the picture she eyed it for a moment. Looking at the faces of her relatives. They seemed more than okay. Happy even.
Glancing around her Meilin decided she should go too. Already having an idea where she could go - even though it made her feel sick - Meilin would leave the residence as well.
[/spoili]

 

[Gerontis]

[fieldbox=A Dark Tide]
A grim night.

A collab made by Team 3 :
- Miu, @Honorabru620
- Toshi, @FrostedCaramel
- Yumeji, @Oetje
- Korina, @Aeronfarron
- Mizuchi, @Jason Diabolus
- Rei, @Sketching101
- NPC's, @Gerontis

Summary :
In the previous post(s) it was clear that the group of soldiers and few shinobi were under attack as they were taking position and letting a team investigate on why the hamlet was void of locals as if the damage caused to the buildings was a product of a conflict which involved chakra or perhaps just an accident of some sort. Before they could get a clear answer on their questions unknown hostiles attacked from all sides with the clear intention of wiping out the present soldiers and shinobi of the Lightning country.

---

[spoili]
The attacks kept on coming with her having to block with her shield at a consistent rate. She saw out of the corner of her eye, that allies were dropping and being replaced by fresh allies. Her shield was then jerked to the side and she saw an axe heading towards her, yet the soldier behind her held his shield in front of her blocking the attack, allowing enough time for her to swing and slice her sword through the man's neck, causing blood to spray her in the face as the man fell to the ground, only for another to replace him. She mentally sighed holding her shield to block, wondering if she would survive this onslaught.

Letting his last three kunai fly, Toshi didn't bother to watch and see if they met their marks or not, 'Nothing I can do about them hitting once they're out' he thought as he reacehd into his jacket again. Pulling his hand out with two more scrolls he quickly unfurled one of them and began stepping back towards the rear of the building allowing it to unroll on the roof. He unsealed the scroll, leaving a row of five neat stacks of shuriken on the scroll. Instead of taking any of them he threw another scroll into the air above him and unsealed a large umbrella catching it softly in his arms.

Slinging the umbrella over his back he tunred back to the shuriken on the scrolls and peered out into the madness that was the battle around him. "Just a little longer" he said as he unrolled another scroll, this time unsealing bunches of kunai held together with small bands. He took one of the bunches and began letting them fly into the shadows in the distance, every so often he would notice a shadow fall to never get back up again.

Continuing with building her barricade, Mizuchi ensured that the soldiers helping her were building it... correctly. More of, she kept an eye out for possible weaknesses and tried to reinforce it. Also keeping the soldiers currently making the wall in front of said barricade in mind, the chuunin began to think of how she could allow them inside the barricade without allowing the enemy in as well. For now, she continued making the barricade, keeping an eye out as she did so. One simply did not know when an enemy might break through, and she certainly had to be ready.

There was no end to these guys! Yumeji tried to keep holding her ground, but she knew it was a matter of time before she would succumb to either exhaustion or make a mistake. And it would just take one mistake for one of those shouting men to end her life. Raising her shield, Yumeji managed to parry a strike from an axe as her seax shot forwards. Using the shield to cover her strike she was forced to pull her weapon back as her opponent let out a wail of pain. Glancing with a bitter expression plastered over her face the stab had not ended the man's life. Only made him lean a bit forwards as he intended to lash out and take out Yumeji.
It was also evident that their formation wouldn't hold forever. Raising her voice, Yumeji tried to dispatch an order.
"Regroup at the center! Slow pace!"

The order was received as the soldiers tried to hold their ground while slowly moving backwards. Yumeji managed to kick her previous opponent backwards but was soon forced to step back as another man with a spear tried to stab her. Holding her shield in front of her, Yumeji glanced at their attackers.

Rei kept changing his position on the rooftops, ducking back and finding a new spot to attack, in order not to be spotted and shot with an arrow right away. While moving back to his first position, he noticed the wall of shields slowly falling back. He hesitated for a moment. As he stopped, an arrow, whizzed past the side of his head, grazing his ear. With that alert, he quickly moved towards the wall of soldiers without a second thought.

Korina used her positioning on the roofs to help her allies as best as she could. She positioned herself to the back left and used her bow to carefully pick off hostile targets that had gotten separated from the enemy group. She was careful to only shoot from the darkness and moved after she loosened her arrow. She crouched down onto a knee, pulled another arrow from the seal on her left wrist, drew then shot in the same motion. She shuffled a few feet over towards the shield wall before repeating her actions.

The battle kept raging on where the defenders managed to keep holding their ground on each front. With sheer determination to not succumb to the overwhelming odds it slowly became clear to even the most oblivious of defender that there were simply too many. A strange language was repeated and shouted among the attackers, who started to push the defenders back or managed to finish those off who got isolated. Due to the dark surrounding and their camouflage it was hard to see it until it was almost too late. Small groups of archers started to unleash volleys on those on rooftops, causing them to either withdraw or suffer one or even a few arrows down their throats. While most of the defenders would feel already tense and grow desperate by the constant stream of attackers, there seemed to be a cold growing among the ranks. The attackers even started to stop and form their own line as the defenders started to move back to the barricades.

The soldiers started to climb over the barricades and attempt to form their last defense as one of the soldiers would start to blow his warhorn to signal their distress. The attackers started to shout again in their strange language, slowly marching as well into the village while the archers kept their eyes on those who dared to move on the rooftops - if there were any rooftops reliable enough with most of the buildings already touched by damage done before.
The cold presence started to swell and some of the more younger soldiers started to cry as there was something ominous starting to twist in the area. A certain dread that smelled worse than a battlefield and was more horrible than the prospect of losing your loved one. The attackers started to raise a chant. Those with shields had the flat side of their blades, axes and shafts of their spears drumming against them. Others raised their fists in the air as they kept repeating a sole word.

"Vrykyl."​

As the battle waged on fatigue would keep stockpiling on her, wanting her to collapse yet adrenaline kept pushing her to keep going, or else pay the ultimate price. All she knew was their current leading officer ordered them to regroup at the center at a slow pace. It took all her concentration to start marching backwards while fending off attacks. These enemies were so strange, unending numbers and a weird language. Yet the worst of all came when this cold feeling pierced her body causing her to tremble in fear. She couldn't explain it but she felt like just dropping her shield and sword now. She slightly did too which is when she saw a sword being raised and coming down, yet her lifeline thats been saving her ass all day gripped the back of her hair and pulled her back. It caused her to stumble back enough to where the blade only made a gash on the left side of her face. Thankfully missing her eye, but causing enough blood flow to blind her left eye. "Keep your fucking shield up idiot!" The man shouted as they both got over the barricade and into a somewhat safer area for a moment.

As the girl heard her sister's orders, she nodded and began to back up from the barricade, slowly making her way into the group that was forming in the center. Mizuchi chose not to be on the outside wall of the formation, figuring that to be a position better served by those with shields. As the cold made its way through their ranks, she felt a shiver run down her spine as her eyes went slightly wider. The chakra... it had seemed humanoid at first, then as if something corrupted it began to change into whatever this was. Perhaps, against a force like that, they truly stood no chance. The girl felt her heart sink as hope began to leave her body that she would make it back home. Snap out of it. Her old sensei's voice rang in her mind, the same saying he had always said whenever she would be upset over failing at some task. The girl would then look around at the soldiers seeming to cry out in fear, and force herself to swallow her uneasiness. Slowly, a hand lowered to her sword as she stared ahead. The fear, doubt, and unease from earlier still eatting away at her gut... however, the girl couldn't recall a time when giving up brought any honor or allowed one to live. So with that in mind, she braced herself to fight despite what she was currently feeling; a small hope she would survive the night burning in her heart.

'They're moving back.' Toshi thought as he grabbed the last bundle of kunai and threw it into his pouch. Stepping backward he began to spin as an arrow landed just a half a meter in front of him causing him to gasp and the gravity of the situation began to finally hit him. He leapt from the roof to the soft ground and began sprinting for the barricade. In one fluid motion he jumped over the barricade and rolled on the other side in front of a few soldiers as they moved more and more debris to the barricade. "Watch it, damn Shinobi!" yelled one of the soldiers as he passed, "Yeah, yeah.." Toshi replied as he stood. All at once Toshi began to feel a deep dread that he couldn't quite place, as if heralding the stench that followed.

He turned in a circle trying to find the source of the odor and noticed that the enemy seemed to be pulling back and took his chance to prepare for the next assault. Taking note of the newly constructed barricade Toshi inspected his surroundings, and much to his surprise found that the well he had seen earlier was within the barricades small borders. Walking over to it he laid two more scrolls in front of himself and unsealed four small bunches of kunai and shuriken; just six total per bunch; on one and a small collection of explosive tags from the other, "Now that everyone's nice and close I can use these a little bit." he said with a smile. Sitting cross-legged in front of his scrolls he began placing the tags on the small amount of kunai available from the first scroll before he stood again and inspected his work "Right then, eleven tags left and no more kunai..." he scratched his forearm as he thought for a moment before plastering a smile on his face in an attempt to dispell the dreadful feeling, "Guess I'd better help them out." he said as he leaned over the edge of the well and stared at the pale face looking back at him in the still water below.

Ice senbon kept forming between Rei's fingers as he kept throwing them. They stopped forming when the young nin noticed the enemy had started to move back. He stared blankly for a few moments as the air started to get colder, giving Rei a brief moment of content, before the stench and the foul feeling started to set in as well. He took a few steps back and jumped down on the ground behind the Kumo barricades. The chilling shouts kept echoing in the background.

As she fell back with the group of soldiers, Yumeji had prepared herself to be charged. In fact, she had hoped that she could lure the enemy into a charge while they would fall back, allowing more targets to be visible between the buildings for their supporters on the rooftops. Instead, the enemy seemed to be content to allow them to get to safety. Moving over the barricade Yumeji quickly eyed around her. The group was still alive, at least the majority. Chewing on her lower lip the Hojo chuunin wasn't sure what to do now as there were enemies gathering at each three possible directions they could try to move at.
Glad that one of theirs was blowing their warhorn she was hoping it wouldn't attract more of those creeps. Just as that thought passed her mind Yumeji's eyes widened. Her breathing slowed down as a chilly sensation ran over her skin and seemed to crawl underneath it. Making it feel as if she was dealing with insects moving about underneath her skin. Sweating more than she had done before Yumeji glanced around, growing more and more tense. Trying to spot the origin of her uneasy feeling. The shouting of the barbaric men in front of them didn't do much to ease Yumeji. Yet that shouting and screaming paled in comparison to the dreadful sensation that seemed to drain her will to fight and even breathe.

Lowering her seax and shield Yumeji wasn't sure, but she didn't consider that they had any hope left. Tears started to form in her eyes as she didn't want to die in this place by the hands of those hostiles. Trying to struggle against the feeling wasn't working out well. What did it matter anyways? Glancing over her shoulder she noticed that some of the soldiers started to break down even. Just confirming that they were going to be killed within an hour or so. Biting on her lower lip Yumeji did try to grip her shield and sword better. If this was her fate, her destined end then she would try to do her best to face it as good as she could. Though much convinced or motivated wasn't fitting her current state.

Retreating back, Korina tried to cover her fellow comrades with some cover fire. However, she was forced into a full on retreat by the arrows from their enemies. One arrow impacted her chest, her tightly wound mail had kept the barbed tip from stabbing her over her heart. She grunted in pain and nearly lost her footing on the roof. Korina managed to get back behind the lines, her chest aching from the power of that bow and her mind reeling. The ache only intensified though when a chill ran through their ranks, which set Korina's heart aflame. She pulled her axe weapon from her belt and held it tightly in one hand, then released her hook blade in her left hand. If this would be the day she died, then she would die with the honor her clan gave up. She would die with weapons in hand and under the gaze of the stars in the night sky. Although, she did hope that whomever was their leader had sounded the call for help or at least call for a retreat...they were outmatched and outnumbered.

The dread and chilly aura started to become worse. As the hostile men kept banging their weapons against their shields and continued shouting and screaming that particular word, a figure started to stand out of the crowd. Clad in what seemed to be rusty armour and almost archaic of design there was something disturbing to it. A closed helmet that didn't reveal the face of the mysterious figure seemed to make it worse as with each breath being drawn and breathed out by the figure, a small sign of cold air could be spotted. Moving its gaze over the gathered group of the soldiers and few shinobi, loyal and serving the Lightning country, an invisible shockwave of killing intent would move over the area. Strange words spoken in an eerie, deep vibrant voice would be heard from the mysterious figure. A second passed by as the surrounding savages stopped their chant while the mysterious figure would move his right hand to the hilt of its sword. Pulling the weapon out, it started to walk towards the barricade while the savages would go on a charge. All focused on except a few opponents - so it seemed.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

 

[FrostedCaramel]

[fieldbox=Overcoming Dread and Fear]
A collab written by Oetje, FrostedCaramel and Gerontis.

Summary :
Just as the barbaric onslaught charges at the defense of the soldiers and shinobi of the Lightning country in the hamlet Yumeji and Toshi move in to fight against the unknown, armoured enemy. A grim fight follows as the two try their best to overcome this dreadful foe in order to defend their comrades, who are attempting to hold their own against the savages underneath the command of this brute.


[spoili]
The dread and chilly aura started to become worse. As the hostile men kept banging their weapons against their shields and continued shouting and screaming that particular word, a figure started to stand out of the crowd. Clad in what seemed to be rusty armour and almost archaic of design there was something disturbing to it. A closed helmet that didn't reveal the face of the mysterious figure seemed to made it worse as with each breathe being drawn and breathed out by the figure, a small sign of cold air could be spotted. Moving its gaze over the gathered group of the soldiers and few shinobi, loyal and serving the Lightning country, an invisible shockwave of killing intent would move over the area. Strange words spoken in an eerie, deep vibrant voice would be heard from the mysterious figure. A second passed by as the surrounding savages stopped their chant while the mysterious figure would move his right hand to the hilt of its sword. Pulling the weapon out, it started to walk towards the barricade while the savages would go on a charge. All focused on except a few opponents - so it seemed.

Yumeji glanced over her shoulder. This was it then? Was her life going to end by the weapons of some barbaric hostiles? Ending in a foreign land that meant nothing to her?
Biting on her lower lip, the chuunin would roll her shoulder as she turned her head back. While all the colour was starting to vanish from her face as she spotted the new enemy, Yumeji would raise her seax. Using the flat side Yumeji bashed the weapon against her shield as she narrowed her eyes.
[colot=tomato]"For the Saviour!"[/color] was the battle cry sounding from the Hojo as she would raise her shield up. Running towards the barricades she had her eyes set on the strange opponent, but was wary of the incoming barbarians. Instead, however, they seemed to ignore her or was it because of the soldiers charging at the incoming enemies - trying to hold them off with the use of the barricades. Without looking back, Yumeji would sheath her seax and slide over the barricades to try to form an obstacle for the new enemy.

Rooted in palce by the fear washing over him, Toshi stared at the armored enemy as he simply strode up to the barricade. Swallowing once and willing himself to move as he watched the enemy get closer and closer, he simply wasn't able to anymore than slightly move his fingertips. Then he saw it, the Chuunin in control of the mission screaming at the top of her lungs and full on charging the brute with all she had. Toshi's hands began to move, quickly followed by his arms and the rest of his body, literally swayed into action by the Chuunin he knelt at his feet and grabbed a few of the explosive tags he had left over, shoving them into his pockets.

Forming a single tiger seal, the well behind him sizzled for a moment and from out of it emerged two water clones that quickly picked up the premade bundles of kunai Toshi had rigged earlier. "Alright, guys you already know the plan since you're in my head and all..." he tapped the side of his head, "...so let's get right to it." he said, trying to steady the shake in his voice as he took the explosive tags back out of his pockets and shoved them into the chests of the water clones before all three of them took off toward the Chuunin and the brute. As he ran he began to veer out of the way of another one of the savages before realizing that they weren't even paying him or his clones any mind. Just a few meters behind the Chuunin as she jumped the barricade Toshi let two of his normal kunai fly for the large brute that seemed to be their only opponent.

The air would be filled with the sounds of men and women colliding at the barricades, shields splintering as axes, spears and swords would move through the air itself to cut down the other. A few arrows would be shot from both sides in order to support the fight at the barricades as the defenders managed so far to keep the enemy at bay. The mysterious, armoured figure came to a slow halt as it observed the scenery. Almost giving the impression it was revering in the grim scenario of the members of the Lightning military. Turning its gaze towards the opposing chuunin and the genin - and his clones - another few sentences were spoken, causing some of the barbarians who were close to either Yumeji and Toshi to almost step aside in fear of the two. Lifting its weapon, the foe started to walk once more. Increasing its pace, it readied its weapon to try to land a strike against the chuunin. The kunai that were thrown hit the armour, but a thud and the weapons falling made clear that the rusty armour was still serving its intended purpose.

The kunai surprised Yumeji, next to the fact that none of the surrounding savages paid any heed to her. Judging by the actions and the consequences of the foe in front of her Yumeji was certain that the mysterious foe was the leader. And perhaps if she could take him or her down then it would result in a mass route?
Moulding her chakra, she readied her shield to form the defence against the creature. A blue hue would start to emit from the shield as the Hojo tried to keep herself committed to the thought of taking the foe down as ignoring her instincts to just turn around and flee while she still could.

Watching in astonishment as the kunai simply rebounded off of the brutes armor Toshi slowed his pace and came to a halt next to the Chuunin, "So I figure if you go at this alone you're done for, so I couldn't stay back and watch!" he yelled as he readied a kunai in his right hand. His two water clones did the same while taking a few steps to either side of them, spreading themselves out a bit more. "Got any sort of plan here, fearless leader?!" he said as to his right the Chuunin's shield began to glow blue in the dark. Quickly placing his focus back on the brute he prepared to dodge the attack that was no doubt about to be brought down upon the two.

The enemy waited for a second, almost as if he wanted to give a breather before lashing out at the two. Gripping its weapon with both hands, a soft whisper would be audible for both Toshi and Yumeji. It was foreign in language yet holding a subtle threatening message in the strange phrasing. Lifting up its blade it tried to lash a sweeping attack from the right, trying to mow them both down in one move - its action showing the confidence that the brute had in its armour.

Glancing sideways for a moment, Yumeji considered that it was the scource of the thrown kunai.
"Thanks!" She yelled back to make herself audible for the other over the sound of the surrounding battle. Focusing her gaze back on their opponent Yumeji tried to draw out more resolve from the fact that she wasn't facing this scary foe alone.
"Not really, but I will take the hits! Take him down!" She shouted, stepping forwards as she slammed her shield to the right to block the incoming strike. Expecting already some force behind it the chuunin was almost slammed backwards by the physical strength behind the attack. Was this foe even human she found herself asking, putting her weight behind her shield.

As the Chuunin answered him, Toshi felt the dread weigh a bit heavier at her lack of a plan, or perhaps it was the words that he couldn't quite make out that the brute spoke as he reeled his weapon back before bringing it flying from Toshi's left side. Leaping back just in time Toshi landed with a bit of a slide due to the force he had put into the movement before steadying himself. Quickly he looked to find the water clone that had been on his left, and much to his surprise found it alive and well crouching ona roof top to the brutes right.

In front of him the Chuunin was managing to hold back the brute by some display of mythical strength. Letting out a surpised burst of air Toshi stood and began flanking around the side of the brute as he was locked in battle. Pull two shuriken from his pouch with wires firmly strung to them he let them fly for the brutes closer limbs in an attempt to disable one side of the enemy. To both his flanks his clones continued to slowly circle the brute, waiting for their opportunity.

A hiss was produced from the enemy as the chuunin managed to catch the blow. The blue hue, however, would slowly be drained as the foe's blade would start to be pushed against the shield. Trying to grind its weapon against the shield and likely push the chuunin off her feet the enemy twisted its head by a bit. Trying to follow the movements of Toshi it would take a step back in order to try to react to the action of the genin. The wires wouldn't be noticed by the brute until the shuriken managed to wrap them around it. Surprised for a moment, the brute would attempt to pull the wires and the boy with moving forwards.

Was her chakra being drained away? How, Yumeji asked herself as she felt more afraid than any previous skirmish and battle she had been in. Trying to pour more chakra into her shield to reinforce her defence, which was more of an act out of being desperate than having any other meaning behind it. Yet before she was being shoved off to be ended her ally managed to restrict their foe. Taking the second before their foe moved to catch her breath, Yumeji would raise her shield once more to slam herself against their enemy in order to stop its movement on her end.

Vaguely surprised as his shuriken wrapped around the brute Toshi couldn't help but feel a small tinge of success as all of a sudden his body was ripped from the ground. Aware that he was upside down and looking in the oppposite direction of his movement, a flash of panic shot across his mind as he quickly formed the seals for substitution jutsu. A moment later he barrelled into the brute, cutting his flight short.

Toshi's body burst into water on impact, revealing the three explosive tags hidden within now floating softly to the ground, "Move!" Toshi to yelled to the Chuunin from the first clones vantage point on the roof as the tags began to sputter and catch fire.

The sight she had caught of her ally being pulled with what seemed to be ease for their foe like that made Yumeji freeze after she slammed against the brute as the blue hue at her shield started to vanish upon impact. Gritting her teeth she felt the brunt of the dread that seemed to emit from their enemy and thus she was happy to oblige to move backwards. Skidding as fast as she could, Yumeji moved back as she kept her shield in front of her to cover herself.
She decided to even kneel down for a moment. What was this foe even? His physical strength was out of this world and for that reason Yumeji felt her excitement and fear rising. Figuring on how it had reacted on her chakra the chuunin wondered if ninjutsu had even some impact on their foe. Pulling out her seax again Yumeji decided she would try out something soon.

Just as Yumeji moved back the brute was about to turn around to face Toshi, only to be met with a lot of water splashed against the closed helmet. As the brute was about to lift its left hand - likely to grab one of the tags - an explosion incurred. Dust, pebbles and some earth was whipped up by the explosion as it did also catch some of the nearby savages. The dust started to settle revealing the figure to have its left hand at his helmet to cover the opening for its eyes. Slowly the brute turned its gaze on Toshi on the rooftop while there wasn't much damage done to the armour. The strange whispering started to ring through the air again as the foe flexed the fingers of his left hand before wanting to point at Toshi.

Watching as the explosion tore through the surrounding area, Toshi had to shield his eyes at the intense flash of light in the dark. He could hear his heartbeat as he watched the smoke quickly clear. Standing up in awe he felt a lump in his throat as he watched the brute simply shrug off the explosion in its armor and point up to him on the roof top. Fear began to creep down his back. 'How the fuck does it know this is the right me...?' he thought to himself as he pulled out a small scroll and quickly unsealed two fuma shuriken from it. Keeping them both folded he raised the bundle of kunai with explosive tags from his waist and aimed two for the brutes left hand as simultaneously his last water clone did the same from the other side of the brute with another explosive tagged kunai.

As Toshi let the kunai go he took one folded fuma shuriken in each hand and jumped from the building, landing on his feet before starting a desperate sprint to the side of the brute that his final clone was on.

The explosion caused Yumeji to smile for a moment. The sight of their foe largely unharmed made her smile vanish. Upon seeing how it spotted Toshi the chuunin would pour chakra into the blade of her seax. With the creature's attention focused on Toshi, she would attempt to catch the attention again of their foe. Charging forwards she would hold her shield in a protective manner while attempting to stab with the seax. The gathered chakra would jump forwards with the intention to impale the brute at its left knee. If she was correct it wouldn't do much as the chakra she had mustered before had been taken away. Yet she wanted to be sure of it as she didn't halt her advance.

Lowering its left hand the creature twisted itself to face Yumeji again. This time it seemed to take the two in a more serious light, moving in a faster way than before. Raising its blade as it prepared to face off against the chuunin the brute hissed. Raising the blade to hew it down on the bold Hojo there was a moment that the creature stopped moving. The chakra that had jumped forward from the seax didn't seem to hit the armour at all, just vanishing right in front of the armour. The blue tip turning black before it started to vanish. Instead of lashing out at Yumeji the creature would turn as it swing its blade in a different manner, unleashing an arc of wind towards the direction of Toshi's water clone just after the kunai had been thrown.

Caught off guard by the massive gust of wind from the brute, Toshi barely had enough time to raise his arms and protect his face as the kunai that his clone had thrown and his two kunai that had missed flew toward his clone, already one of them was lit. The ensuing explosion of some ten explosive tags sent Toshi tumbling into a partially destroyed wall, collapsing it on top of him. In a daze he began to push debris off his chest and face as he looked out of the hole that was once a wall, not at all to his surprise the brute was still standing.

Fumbling in the almost absolute dark of the destoryed building he retrieved both of his fuma shuriken and emerged through the hole back into the moon light, a tinge of red obscuring his right eye he raised his hand to his forehead and brought it back lathered in blood. Slowly he undid both shuriken and waited for the brute to make a move.

With Toshi being flung back the creature turned its attention on the Chuunin. A screech would be released from the helmet of the creature before it started to lash out. Hewing down at the bold chuunin leader the creature used its blade with only his right hand while it held its left hand at its side. While it kept attacking without any mercy or granting much reprieve for the chuunin there was something growing in the palm of the left glove of the brute. A small orb of what seemed to be made of some dark substance.

"Shit!" Yumeji cursed underneath her breath as she saw what just occurred. Not that she had the luxury to worry too much about the other as the intimidating foe was still standing, Yumeji readied herself for another exchange of blows. The screech, however, made Yumeji freeze for a second. Staring with wide open eyes at the dreadful opponent in front of her. More out of reflex and instinct Yumeji raised her shield, blocking and deflecting the barrage of strikes. The weight of the attacks was barely bearable. The chilling fear that gripped her was much worse.
Unable - or more unwilling - for a moment to strike back, Yumeji felt some small things running down her cheeks. Warm and salty.

Staggering forward into a full on sprint perpendicular to the fight Toshi quickly placed both fuma shuriken in his right hand while throwing his last two normal kunai at the brute, with any luck he'd take the bait and completely ignore the tiny thuds against his armor paying no mind to the two fuma that would follow shortly after, and just in case he did pay attention Toshi had a little trick up his sleeve however basic it truly was.

Watching as the kunai flew through the moonlight he took the fuma and set them up for a shadow shuriken technique. Throwing them with all his might and concentration he threw them in such a way that one would go for each of the brutes less armored back of the knees, with the hidden fuma only veering off for the far leg at the last second.

The kunai bounced off against the worn armour of the enemy who kept trying to smash itself literally through the defense of the chuunin. The creature would start to raise its free hand - with the growing orb - as it seemed to be intending to punch it towards Yumeji. However, the creature froze as it would throw a glance over its shoulder as it heard something approaching in its direction. Not spotting the thrown fuma shuriken on time the creature would stumble as the heavier shuriken seemed to have some impact - but no visible damage. A hiss would follow as the creature attempted to stabilise itself after the attack.

Feeling her strength ebb away with each passing strike Yumeji had already dropped on one knee. Even though she tried to push herself to keep fighting on it was only a matter of time before she would succumb to fatigue and fear. Just before she expected the following strike to slam her shield aside and leaving her open for a finishing blow the strike didn't come. Instead, as she looked she saw that the mighty foe was staggering from some impact. Breathing in Yumeji would lung forwards. Using her shield Yumeji would slam the rim of the weapon against the foe to deny its chance to stabilise from the earlier impact with all her remaining strength.

Taking his chance as the Chuunin stumbled the brute further Toshi pulled the umbrella strung over his back and brought it into one hand. Now looking at the brutes front the word "Crazy" flashed past his mind as he pulled whatever strength he had left into the short dash and using an abandoned cart as a vault he was quickly soaring through the air over the Chuunin and directly for the brutes chest. His impact caused the brute to stumble and begin rushing toward the ground.

Landing with his entire body weight on the chest of his enemy he half opened the umbrella directly over the brutes helmet before forming a tiger sign. In an instant the senbons within came flying forth, panging off the armor and making sickening wet sounds as they impaled themselves in Toshis lower legs. Through all the pain Toshi remained as firmly placed as he could as the brute fell to the ground, needing only a few of the senbons to get through the brutes visor Toshi remained all the way to the ground before being thrown from his enemies chest by the force of the impact.

Laying some five meters from the brute and another two from the now spent umbrella Toshi simply stared at the sky as the pain in his legs turned from a dull ache to searing pain.

A screech left the brute as it smacked against the ground. The senbon rain made the screeching worse as the surrounding hostiles seemed to waver for a moment. The armoured gloved hands of the brute twitched as it seemed that the senbon did have some impact as some got through the visor of the closed helmet. As the senbon rain eventually stopped the screeching came to a halt. Getting up the armoured enemy seemed to try to recover from the pain and damage that had been dealt. Catching the sight of a spent Toshi, a soft hissing became audible. Trying to crawl towards the genin the intensions of the creature were clearly unhealthy as the hissing from the foe became louder.

Falling once more to one knee Yumeji looked around her. The barbaric attackers seemed to still ignore her and Toshi. Though, Yumeji wasn't certain if that was a good or bad sign. Feeling her strength ebbing away she leant on her shield. Panting she noticed that Toshi had managed to deal some damage. Or at least, she assumed it from the blood-curdling shrieking that originated from their opponent.
Squeezing her left eye closed Yumeji tried to lift herself up. Exhaustion had caught up with her and she wasn't sure if it was due to the stress or another factor. Dropping her shield, the chuunin would reach into her kunai pouch. Pulling out a kunai as she walked towards the crawling enemy Yumeji decided that she would be sure that whatever it was that it had to die. With her left hand, she would pull out an explosive tag, wrapping it around the handle of the kunai.

Catching up with the crawling enemy that seemed fixated on Toshi it would soon enough feel the boot of Yumeji slamming down its back.
"Hope you like fireworks!" The chuunin grumbled as she would place her left hand on the back of the helmet. A chilly sensation crept down from her gloved hand up her arm, spreading around her body. Ignoring it, Yumeji plunged the kunai in the neck as deep as she could. As she leant back and intended to move away it would be too late.
The tag would go off as it would slam the air out of Yumeji's lungs. Being thrown backwards she would collide into the cart that Toshi had used before. Her armour protected her for the major part, but some splintered wood would cut and stab the girl at some places - such as her right cheek. Feeling pain shooting through her back Yumeji groaned softly as she squeezed her eyes shut.

Not bothering to lift his head as the explosion ripped through the ground where the brute once was Toshi simply let his head fall to the side facing Yumeji and raised a fist to the air in her direction. Unsure if she even had her eyes open he simply fisted bumped the air and let his arm fall to the dirt. "Guess that counts." he said as the pain began to spread up his legs.

Breathing heavily Yumeji managed to open her left eye. Her gaze went quickly to where their enemy had been. Spotting no movement she took a moment to close her eye and lean against the cart she had been slammed against. A warm sensation ran down the right side of her face following by a stinging pain. Licking her lips slowly Yumeji opened her left eye, again. At least they had managed to take out that one brute.
Spotting the other who had helped her in the battle against the armoured foe Yumeji managed to crack a small smile as she raised her left hand. Closing it in a fist she held it up for a second before her hand would fall down. Trying to remain conscious Yumeji didn't last for long before she felt she was ebbing away.

As the two combatants were worn out from their fight the soldiers as the savages continued their fight for a moment. Slowly, there was a change dawning on the conflict. More enemies dropped some of their weapons and turned around to start running away. From the location where the armoured foe had been was nothing left but the rusty armour and the weapon once wielded by the fearsome brute. Shouts and screams from the throats of the hostiles would soon be followed by other sounds.

Coming from the south of the hamlet a few squadrons of armed riders started to clear the perimeter to allow another group to ride into the village. Caught between the earlier defenders and the relief force, the hostile force of before would be scattered and soon enough the surrounding would be littered with the corpses of those fallen in battle. The few groups of cavalry would continue to hunt down and either kill or capture any of the savage attackers as the group that had been sent to investigate the hamlet would be reassured. A few riders turned out to be even shinobi medics who would start to work right away on mending the wounds of their comrades and fellow soldiers or shinobi.
[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

 

[Oblivion666]

[fieldbox="Solo Investigation, purple, solid"]

Kazumo Sarutobi- Genin of Team 8

Having his orders from Koike he would nod and go his separate way from the Hon and Hyuuga, a bit relieved that he was allowed on his own. He would be a bit to nervous at the moment trying to get information with someone from a clan that screamed for attention. Sure Hiraku was now in charge but that would only generate more attention for a while to see how this new leader conducts their business. Hiraku had good intentions but he was a bit uncertain if his Hyuuga acquaintance could fix the mistakes the previous leaders have caused. Yet he wasn't with a Hyuuga now, he was by himself and he would make certain to act like he always did. Hell it really wouldn't even be an act, he was considered a peasant most of his life. So acting like one was not hard at all, you just had to have a goal in mind and go to it. Its what he has always done before, and its never failed him before.

Well since he had to investigate while finding a spot to meet up at, he decide it would be worth his while to go and get some Ice cream. So he would ask this lady where the closest place to get some was and it was luckily just down the street and around the corner. Following the polite instructions, he would listen to random gossip of un-useful stuff, only one that stood out was the post office being attacked with a few shinobi being arrested. Apparently a couple of deaths happened, the most brutal coming from this child who brutalized an injured woman. Shit a child did all that? Man some people are just natural killing machines ain't they? He was in a genjutsu and he couldn't kill anyone out of fear. He had to wonder how the teaching in Amegakure went if such a thing transpired.

Finding the shop, he would go in and get himself a small vanilla Ice cream to enjoy as he walked about. Handing the man the money needed, he would take a lick from the white sugary treat and would smile in delight as he walked out of the store and down the street. The ice cream shop had a fair customer attraction so it was out for meeting up spots. Yet as he stuck to the shade eating his Ice cream, no matter what he listened to, there was no useful information to go off of. Just pointless gossip, although he did learn how to make some family's homemade chocolate sugar cookies. He also learned that this one kid's pet didn't run away like the mother told him. The rest was either garbage he didn't care for or just about the post office.

So far the only places he saw that might be nice to meet up in was this alleyway that was blocked by a fence. or this really tattered house that was abandoned from what he could tell. Yet as he was walking he happened upon a slight street performance. Simple in standards but impressive in the face he was bouncing on his hands with his feet in the air, all while he had a stack of place on his head. He would do a trick every now and then to make it seem unbelievable, yet the crowd ate it up. During the performance though a stench kept hitting him. Some people notice it but since it was resonating from an alley they paid attention to the performance, once it was over though and everyone including himself left a tip and scattered. He made his way over to the alley to see what would cause such a horrible smell.

Making his way down the alley he see a poorly dressed man, so a hobo lying among trash. Although it felt sad to him since its probably all he had. Frowning to himself for being to kind hearted, he would walk over with the intention of handing him some change to hopefully get the man a meal or such. Yet when he moved closer he noticed the man wasn't breathing, so Kazumo moved to look at his face to see no life resonating from him. The man had passed from the world. "Shit... what a horrible way to go." He mumbled to himself. Kazumo moved to close the man's eyes but upon touch he flinched at the chilling sensation that the body had. Now while bodies did get cold after death, they didn't get THIS cold. The coldest they ever get is like when you washed your hand in cold water. Thats about the level of cold he was use to, this time it was like the man was frozen solid. Looking the man over he finds out it was starvation or other causes of death, at the chest area was a stab wound. The man was murdered but for what reason? Shits and giggles, the man had nothing that seemed worthy of killing him for. Looking around to make sure no one was watching him, he pulled out a kunai from his pouch and cut away the clothing around the wound, and was taken back by it. it was festering and.... black around the area of penetration. Festering could be common with infections and such. He could have been stabbed and ran away and never got it treated. That could cause the festering. Yet even then it was odd enough to not further investigate the wound, then came the black area around it. It resembled obsidian in a way, yet investigation further might prove dangerous for him.

He made sure no one around the alley way once he left it and got away from the area. So he decided the abandoned house would be best for meeting up at, as for anything useful nothing really besides the murdered Hobo. Tapping his communicator to talk to Koike he looked around real fast. "Hey, its Kazumo. I'm coming to regroup with you now." With that said he would head off to their regroup point.[/fieldbox]

 

[Jessie Targaryen]

[fieldbox="Survival, green, dashed, 10, Tahoma"]

Mizuchi Hojo | Storm Guard Member | Kumogakure Vanguard Member | Sky-Wolf Border, Destroyed Village​

The Hojo narrowed her eyes as the enemy began their charge, so it seemed their temporary reprieve had come to an end. The chuunin tried to force the uneasy feeling into her stomach down, the lingering effects from whatever that other creature was hanging in her gut. "Stan-" the girl said, her voice cracking for a second before she forced fake confidence into her voice. "Stand firm! Defensive line, prepare for incoming! Hold them back!" the woman barked out, the unease and chaos from the situation preventing much further thinking. As the Hojo looked around, she noticed that some of the nearby soldiers seemed to raise their shields, however, some still seemed to be a bit shaken from earlier. Briefly the girl hoped to snap them out of it, yet it seemed she did not have anything resembling time.

The enemy had gotten over the barricades, closing rapidly like a sea of darkness coming to snuff out their light.​

With a thunderous roar, the incoming charge slammed into the brave defenders; an absolute mess of men, steel, and blood. Directly around Mizuchi, some of the line managed to hold against the incoming tide. However, the girl heard a scream to her right as something warm splattered onto her face. Seconds later, the attacker who had slayed the soldier next to Mizuchi was coming for her; axe raised high for a killing blow. Moving quickly, Mizuchi darted to the side to avoid the downward blow, and turned to follow up with an upward slash. Only to find the attacker on the ground, having suffered an attack from a soldier nearby. The girl nodded in thanks as another attacker broke through the line. As the defender in front of her fell, Mizuchi surged forward to meet this new attacker with an aggressive downward strike. A resounding thunk could be heard as her sword came into contact with a hastily raised shield. The Hojo chose to use her momentum and continued moving forward, aiming to knock the man off balance. However, the attacker had already planted himself in the ground, and rebuked Mizuchi with firm shove of his shield. The girl stumbled backwards as something warm dripped down her her face, blood running from her broken nose; thanks to the man's shield.

Regaining her balance, Mizuchi couldn't help but notice the battle seemed not be going in their favor. The endless sea of attackers dwarfed the size of their small group. Still a bit stunned from taking a shield to the face, Mizuchi barely raised her blade in time to block a downward strike from her opponent. The girl quickly broke back and away from the grapple, staring headlong at her attacker. On his features she could just make out a sick grin as they once more collided. using the pressure from earlier to his advantage, the attacker managed to continually keep the Hojo on the defensive, aiming to wear the chuunin down enough for a decisive blow. Various frantic blocks and attempts to counter led Mizuchi nowhere in the battle against her opponent, and wore away at her already waning confidence in the battle. Perhaps she would die today, in the heat of battle in a foreign land she did not care for. As if that thought were some sort of prophecy, Mizuchi felt a sudden pain as she was knocked off her feet by another attack from the shield. Hitting the ground hard, the chuunin fell yelped in pain, looking up just in time to see a blade coming straight down towards her face. Making a roll to escape the attack, she felt a pain like fire along the side of her face as the sword cut into her flesh. Like hell I'm going like this. the girl grumbled in her mind, as she rolled to a kneel to face the laughing enemy. As he brought his weapon up in another strike, the Hojo surged forward, moving past the man on the left side and using the moment to slice at the back of his leg. As her attack hit home, the man let out a scream of pain as he fell to a knee. Using the momentum, Mizuchi quickly got to her feet and spun around. Her sword coming around in a graceful, deadly arc towards the man's neck. Moments later the body slumped to the ground without its head, which lay just to the side.

The girl grunted as she was knocked back once more by a sudden force slamming into her side. Stumbling a few steps, Mizuchi shoved the force off of her, and took a moment to look ahead and see the same soldier who had helped her before watching the ground near her. As her vision shifted to the man she had just shoved off, Mizuchi noticed another attacker who had evidently been fighting the man from earlier. As he tried to move for a weapon, the soldier moved over and finished him off with a sword through his back. In their small oasis against the chaos, a reprieve from the violence all around them, the Hojo studied her ally. A young man, seemingly one of the newer soldiers to be deployed, only a year or two older than herself. "Watch my back, I'll watch yours. No way we will make it out of this on our own." She said, to which the man nodded and turned away from Mizuchi to raise his weapon as more attackers crossed the fields of bodies to attack the two standing there. "Deal." he said simply before the two would once more descend into the fray, trying to keep up in the tide of bodies all desiring to destroy them.

After holding off in a long, draining, fight against the masses, Mizuchi and her newfound ally bore the scars to tell the tale. Mizuchi suffering quite a few cuts across her face, and her shoulder screaming in protest every time she used it. The soldier to her back, her only reminder that she wasn't alone in this hell, bearing similar injuries. However, it seemed help was on its way after what had sounded like a explosion. Attackers dropped their weapons and fled, the sounds of horses with the riders accompanying them could be heard coming closer. The fighting seemed to have calmed down, and the two were finally able to rest a little bit. Mizuchi turned to her fellow as they stood among the body-strewn battlefield, the moonlight reflecting off her white hair as the two studied each other. A small smile formed on her lips as she looked at the man, a bond having been forged in the heat of their battle. "Thank you. Good job holding your own." she said, getting ready to head out to help the relief force, despite the great fatigue threatening to make the girl collapse.

The man's expression softened slightly, and he seemed about to say something before his eyes narrowed and he lunged. Shoving Mizuchi out of the way and reaching for his weapon. The girl fell to the side and hit the ground hard, the stun from the sudden move and impact causing her to react a bit slowly as she turned around. The sight before her causing the Hojo's eyes to grow wide in realization.

The soldier from before stood paralyzed in the night, his weapon raised partially as if to strike. Before him stood one of the attackers, bleeding from a wound but with enough in him for one final attack. Slowly the soldier fell to the ground, a blade slipping from his wound covered in deep crimson. The shine of steel in the moonlight just visible beneath the blood. A blade that had been meant for her.

A howl of anger and grief for her newfound friend tore free from the girl's lips as her Katana flew from its sheath. Chakra flowing through the blade to ignite it, a shining beacon in the night as she swung the blade in a vicious downward arc on the attacker. The honed edge being enhanced by the flaming chakra along the blade forming a blade sharp enough to make a clean cut. Slowly, a diagonal line from his right shoulder to just below his left upper rib came clear as she had cleaved the man in two. Cutting off her scream, Mizuchi felt tears forming as the emotions from both battle and the current events had caught up to her. Sliding her weapon home to its sheath, she dropped to a knee to look at the man's wound. A clean thrust through the man's right abdomen. She slowly moved to wrap his arm around her shoulders, using what strength she had left to lift the still conscious man. Together, the two stumbled through the bodies towards the riders. "He's wounded! Badly! Help, somebody! Help him please!" she cried out, wanting to see the man who had saved her survive the night. As they came close to the riders, and what seemed to be some preforming medical ninjutsu, Mizuchi succumbed to her pain, fatigue, and loss of blood from her injuries. Slowly the two collapsed in front of those helping out. Mizuchi, still conscious but lacking the strength to stand tried to push herself up to get help for her ally who had fallen into unconsciousness.

"Don't die on me. Please. I need to thank you."​

[/fieldbox]

 

[Gerontis]

[fieldbox=A lead?]
A collab written by Honorabru and Gerontis.

Summary :
Koike and Kazumo meet up. Kazumo briefs Koike in about his finding as the two then head out to inspect the corpse. Managing to uncover some information - from personal experience and knowledge - Koike formulates a plan of how they will continue. Though more questions are raised than answers have been given.

---

[spoili]

With Tomiko brought back with a shadow clone Koike would head towards the meeting point. He was interested in learning what Kazumo had found, but had instructed the Sarutobi genin to not disclose it over the earphone communicator. Just to be on the safe side he wanted to be debriefed in person and perhaps see the evidence himself before presenting their findings to Aiko. As he would head to the abandoned house Koike wondered if Kazumo couldn't have picked a nicer place to regroup, but that wasn't a topic that he could argue about. Blending in with the crowd he slipped unnoticed into the building. Staying silent to listen if Kazumo was around Koike would activate the communicator again. "I am at the meeting point. Where are you now?" He asked on a hushed tone, glancing around. This wasn't going to be one of his favorite spots in Amegakure, that was for sure.

Waiting inside the building, water would drip from the damaged areas in the ceiling. Yet for the most part it was dry enough for say a homeless person to spend their time here and relax. Although none seemed to be in this place. It had a second floor so it was probably a family home at one point, yet what happened to the family was beyond him. As he was walking upstairs Koike's voice would sound off in his ear. Activating it himself he would respond to his leader. "Upstairs, I'll come down." He said quietly as he made his way downstairs to see the man alone. "No Hyuuga? Anyway sorry for the location. It gets us out of the rain for the most part at least." Kazumo said softly.

"No. I figure that we can do this just together." Koike answered back. "And it is fine. Not really the place I had in mind to regroup," he continued as he threw a look around before turning his attention back at Kazumo. "Regardless, you sounded a bit stressed. Might be the fact that Tomiko also found something odd... or rather somebody odd. What did you, however, find that required us to regroup?"

"Yeah... didn't want to go to far away for a simple regroup point. Well I'm not sure if what she and I saw are the same thing or if hers was dead." He said throwing a look around just in case. "As I was walking around trying to pick up any info, I cam across a horrid stench from an alley where this hobo resided. Now that seemed fine until I got close and saw that he was deceased. That would have been normal except for the man's body temperature, when animals and people die their body grow cold. Yet this was like the man was frozen solid in ice, thats not normal by any means. Then came the fact that he was stabbed in the chest. I inspected the wound and it was no ordinary wound. It had a weird festering and around the stab wound, the skin was almost like obsidian."

Listening to Kazumo, Koike crossed his arms out front of his chest. The report of the genin was anything but pleasant. Frowning slightly upon hearing that the body had been quite cold Koike tried to run down a few possible scenarios. "Odd." He mumbled as he thought about something. "I trust you, but I want to see this corpse for myself. Mind taking me to it? Perhaps I might recognise something or at least we can try to see if we can move the body or set off the area so that nobody else will mess with it."

Kazumo nodded at him wanting to see it and motioned for him to follow. "Amegakure sure has strange tidings going on here.." He mumbled as he left the house and would make his way to the street without people wonderign what they were doing. Took roughly five or so minutes of walking yet he found the alley again. Peering down it the body still laid there. Kazumo nodded in the direction of the alley and made his way down it and towards the body. "There he is."

"I could say that about a lot more places." Koike mumbled as he would follow Kazumo. As they arrived Koike's wrinkled. The stench that already greeted them wasn't really appreciated by the Hon who felt the need to look away and even to just walk away. "Dear gods, the stench alone makes me wonder what killed that poor sod." Continue walking Koike would first eye the dead man and the situation. Not unknown with corpses Koike crouched. It seemed that there wasn't much violence at the scene. Probably whoever had killed the man had done it rather quickly. Perhaps it was a surprise strike or the victim just didn't have the will to fight back? Reaching with his left hand, Koike would touch the man's left wrist.

"Weird." He mumbled, though he had an idea. "No sign of violence." He said, throwing a glance at the man's possessions. "And we can estimate that this wasn't a case of being mugged." Remaining silent for a moment, the corners of Koike's lips would move down. He gripped the man's wrist in a firmer grip. After a moment he muttered something. "Either he has been dead for a week or longer or somebody... or something sucked his chakra out." The young man stated.

Looking at the wound, Koike would carefully push the clothing a bit aside to observe the wound. It was something he hadn't ever witnessed before. "This is really weird. A stab from a thin and small knife wouldn't end the life of an adult man. Unless the guy was paralyzed and unable or unwilling to move while something small penetrated his chest I don't know else to explain his dead."

He nodded that the stench was horrible, he felt the effects form his first trip towards the man. Kazumo watched silently as Koike investigated the body to try and determine how the man had died, and provided more detail than he could have come up with. "So would you think a shinobi did this? I'm leaning towards his chakra being sucked out, as a week or longer would show much more gruesome things. His body doesn't look like its decomposing just yet, so hes still in the early stage of rigor mortis. So you would cross out death by infection though? Like maybe he was stabbed and in a panic ran but never treated the wound?"

"I would cross that out. The more I observe it the more likely it is that he died by the fact that his chakra got ripped or at least leeched out." Koike responded back. He would release the wrist of the corpse and raised himself up. "That cold is usually the case when a person's chakra is being fully depleted and torn from them. Seeing that the body hasn't started to decompose that much it is only more plaussible that the guy died in a horrible manner. Can't say if it happened in a quick or slow pace, but lets hope for him that it was fast." Koike said throwing a sideways glance at Kazumo.

"Though we could speculate that he was on the run he got his... stuff with him. Think that the poor man got stabbed in surprise. But we just have to close off the area and alert Aiko-sama." He further stated. The idea of somebody being able to absorb somebody's chakra was a scary prospect. A light sensation moved down his left arm. Pushing himself to think about something else, Koike threw another look at Kazumo. "Good work finding this body."

"Your body gets colder when your chakra is taken? That must feel terrifying. Yet I agree, hopefully it was indeed fast." Kazumo said before Koike stated what they should do next. "Yeah she needs to know, mostly in case they encounter whoever caused this." Kazumo said, growing a confused look at Koike praising him, but smiling. "Thanks. So shall we get started on getting this area closed off?" Kazumo asked.

"Yeah. There are some other cases that the temperature of a corpse can grow this cold. But seeing I don't see any remains of ice release I am placing my bet on that it is chakra is being leeched." Koike said. He scratched his chin for a moment. "Yeah. Problem is that we can't just do it without making people wary. Know what? I will leave a shadow clone behind. If somebody decides to get rid of this body I can let my clone trace that person down or ward off anybody who might temper with this... corpse." A pause followed his words. Clearing his throat softly Koike looked away from the dead man as he wanted to get away from the stench. "Let us head back. Think that we have discovered enough for today's patrol."

Yeah they didnt exactly have the qualifications to close an area off, so Koike leaving a clone behind to watch it would have to work. "Best we can do probably." Koike then suggest they get away as they discovered enough for today. He chuckled slightly as he looked away from the body. "Yeah, sounds good to me. Hopefully the smell doesn't stick to us right?" Kazumo said smiling as he started walking off.

[/spoili]
[/fieldbox]

 

[Oblivion666]

[fieldbox="Fear the Reaper, seagreen, solid"]

Miu Sanosuke - Genin of Team 3

With blood leaking down her face, she had very little time to catch her breath before the attackers rushed over their barricade and charged at them again. She let out a cry of fear as they charged, wanting to back off yet the man from before held her steady and pat her back. "Didn't I tell you? Keep your shield up and you will live. Trust me I'm a professional at surviving people trying to stab me." The man said letting out a big belly laugh as he readied himself. Yet through that bravado she could see him shaking, he was terrified yet he kept fighting. The least she could do is fight as well, she may piss herself but if she just keeps up defending then she should make it through. She and a bunch of others readied their shield although the feeling of dread kept making her want to drop and just let it end. So many of them died and they had to have killed double their own number, yet it just kept coming. Since dread still overtook her a bit, she wasn't putting it all behind her shield so when the initial clash happened again, this time the man sent her flying backwards skidding backwards on her back from the attack. "Gahhh!!" She screamed in pain, she felt some cuts on her back, due to having most likely being rag dolled through her own people.

She stood up gasping a bit as their defensive line seemed to have been breached and fighting was now happening everywhere. She saw her allies dropping left and right and enemies flooding in to pour on the pain. She held her shield up in fear and almost screamed when someones back was against her own. "Much better! Now keep it up and block my back and I'll block yours. Sound good little cub?" The man said trying to reassure her the best he could to which she nodded shaking still. "S-sure thing." Ready or not wasn't even a factor now as they were rushed a man with an axe swung it at her sword wielding arm, to which she moved her shield to block, and grunted from the force. She swung her sword feeling it cut through his stomach and feeling what was inside to leak out onto her feet. Yet with the last breath he lunged forward letting her sword pierced through his stomach as he threw her to the ground and proceeded to bite her arm. She shrieked at the feeling of teeth sinking into her flesh, and the feeling wouldn't get worse as he died from his wounds. Yet she had to unclasp his jaw which was quite hard with him on her, yet managed and pushed him off.

She saw her ally being attacked by two men, doing his best to block both of them. One with the sword and the other with the shield. So when the two and their barrage of swings forced him to his knees. She rushed in from one of the attackers sides and rammed her sword through the man's left side watching it come out the other. They both collapsed to the ground causing enough disturbance for the other attacker to be caught off guard and receive a sword through his skull which caused a sickening sound to happen as his face caved in and he fell off the man's blade. Blood sprayed the man in the face getting it everywhere his hair and beard. The man wiped his face and groaned. "Blood is so hard to get out of beards! Anyway thanks little cub." He said raising his shield to block the next attack coming from a rather large man who practically threw the soldier aside. Miu lifted her own shield and raised her sword slashing at him, yet it didn't cut deep enough into the chest and the man swung his club and without and effort, sending her crashing to the ground clutching her chest as tears streamed out her eyes from pain. She couldn't breath and she knew some of her ribs were broken. She could feel her bones stabbing her lungs. The attacker came over lifting his club to bludgeon her head in, yet from behind a sword would come out of the man's neck and cleave open a side of it. Letting it dangle by a strand of flesh as he fell. "Rub some dirt in it, and get back up." The man said, to which Miu wanted to say fuck you too, but then saw him point at his face. The cut on her face was still bleeding and although she wanted to protest, he was the professional here and she quickly scooped up some dirt and soil and rubbed her cut on her face with it. It stung to all hell, yet she didn't feel the leaking feeling going down her face. So it was a temporary fix to a injury.

The battle kept waging on and fatigue was now hitting her like a sack of rocks and it appeared to be dawning on the ally as well. Yet thankfully the enemies numbers seemed to be dying down slightly as not too many were rushing them, or they were just pre-occupied with the others to rush them. Two came at them and one rushed her ally and the other herself. They started off with a series of attack forcing Miu to block, before ramming the shield against them. They stumbled back and she rammed them again, this time to the ground, to which she capitalized and thrust her sword downwards, watching it pierce the man's bare chest with him grabbing the sword but letting go and going limp. Her ally got the best of his engagement as well, yet no time to rest as this time four men rushed them two of them attacking each of them this time. Miu started to panic at the odds being against her, she felt her heartbeat pumping fast and her whole body aching, and what she was certain was blood filling her lungs. Yet what could she do but keep fighting? "Mom. Dad.... I'm sorry." She said to herself in case today she wouldn't return.

As the two started attacking she had no choice but to block and back away at the same time, hoping no one would attack her from behind. They didn't hesitate at all to keep her on the defensive, she couldn't get a lick of offense in. One of them though swung downwards towards her leg, while the other swung with intention to sever her arm off. Forcing her to grunt and hold her shield up while maneuvering her leg the best she could to take less damage. She felt the blade slice through a small portion of her leg, not enough to sever it but enough to cause her to collapse as blood flowed from the open wound. Yelling in pain, adrenaline was now pumping full force through her. Scared of dying without having done so many things in the world. It terrified her to the point she lost it and screamed like a banshee and letting go of her shield and sword in hand. She used all her energy to push herself off the ground and lunge herself at one of the attackers. They seemed caught off guard by it as they only managed to move their sword enough to graze the side of her stomach. Her sword pierced through their chest however, and she made sure to stab him twice before his ally threw her off. Yet she retaliated by swing her sword and cutting both his legs off, hearing him howl. She grabbed her shield nearby and crawled over on top of him and proceeded to start bashing his skull in with the shield. She couldn't hear anything anymore, not the explosion that went off and the attackers running away. She just kept on bashing away at the dead man's skull with the shield.

She felt herself being lifted off dropping the shield and biting the arm that was around her, only to be patted on the back as the body twitched. She looked back to see her bearded ally looking at her with a smile. Sound slowly returned to her as he let her go. "See? Keep that shield up. It works right? Right? OH SHIT!" He said reaching out and catching Miu as she blacked out, her adrenaline running out and all the pain hitting her at once just knocked her unconscious.
"Shit! Medic over here right now!!!!" The man shouted although Miu heard nothing, all she saw was pitch black.[/fieldbox]

 

[Gerontis]

[fieldbox=Getting ready - once more , maroon]
Hiron Hon,

Jounin | Team 9 | Konohagakure, at Hiron's home.

A soft sigh escaped the jounin. He had been to the hospital yesterday. He was almost recovered from his wounds that he had obtained from the last mission with Team 9. The pain was mostly gone, but the man did suffer some aching over his body. There had been somebody who had applied medical ninjutsu in order to aid the healing progress and Hiron had been advised to take it easy. Which he did now as he sat in one of the two couches in the living room. Raising the glass with sake to his lips Hiron pondered. He thought about what he should do. There were a lot of things that moved through his mind. All kind of things he couldn't do or was certain of that it was too late to start doing them.

Taking a sip of his sake Hiron would grumble afterwards. He was aware that he should kick himself up and get working. Resting while most others he cared for were putting themselves into risk wasn't something he would accept. Yet he already had been damaged to the point he was wondering if he was even of any use. The wounds he had gained from the last mission would heal, but not all. There were some that would likely haunt him for a long, long time.

Turning his gaze Hiron would throw a sideways look through the window outside. Dark grey clouds were massing and blotting out the usual blue coloured sky. Heralds of the cold season of the year, Hiron scoffed. He tried to move his mind to focus on something else. Remembering his conversation with Hayate Hiron took another sip of his sake.

Meeting with Hayate -2 days ago

A collab made by Chromehound and Gerontis :

Summary :
Hiron and Hayate spend some time talking together about Kiyomi and her vengeance mission. AlsoHayate brings up his uncertainty about his future task of leading the Guardians and the forces in the East.​

[spoili]
Grumbling, Hiron glanced at the Guardians. He knew that he couldn't send them away. They wouldn't listen and they were just doing their job. Yet it made him feel as if he couldn't chew his own meals anymore. Frowning, he was too stubborn to just keep sitting in his front yard. Though it was a bit chilly, he had a jacket and scarf. If those assigned Guardians would be man enough to be in this chilly condition, then why couldn't he be? With the sky darkening with dark grey clouds, Hiron didn't consider for one second to go back inside. In away it was his stubborn and slightly rebelious fight against the decision that he would need to be guarded. If somebody needed guards it was the person or group who had taken away his daughter and wife. Not him.

Rubbing his hands together to keep them warm, he already was looking forward that he could go back into service. It would take another two weeks as he was tasked to go to the hospital tomorrow. Technically, a medical nin would visit him at his home. Only Hiron wanted none of that. He could walk! He didn't need no damn pity of anybody in his opinion.

Approaching the house hesitantly, Hayate had not seen his mentor in quite some time. Pausing near the edge of the property, the young Hyuzu sighed and made his way forward. With a single signal of his hand, the Guardians on duty saluted and took their leave. Returning the salute, Hayate walked towards Hiron.

Stopping just in front of his mentor, Hayate bowed and tilted his head to the side. "Hello Hiron-sama."

"Ah, you," Hiron grumbled. He frowned as Hayate made a bow. "For damn sake, don't bow. You're lucky I'm told to not kick the ass of smartasses or else you would've sit at home like I am doing now." The man said, though there was a sliver of joy going through his grumbling. "I hope you're here to send your people away as it is getting rather chilly. Then again, doubt that will happen." Throwing a look at the nearby Guardians, Hiron scoffed.

Grinning at Hiron's words, Hayate lifted his head. "It is good to see you too old man. Speaking of this chilly weather..." Gesturing towards the house, Hayate raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps we could take this inside? I was asked to ensure the Guardians kept watch over you. Last time I checked, I am also a Guardian, so I suppose I could take on the duties for the day, if that might be a little more desireable?"

"Depends if you're going to make me soup and feed me it." Hiron grumbled back. He briefly seemed to consider his options and then let out a loud sigh. "Very well. Suppose that is a fair offer." Getting up, Hiron fought to not feel the sharp pain at his back and shoulder as he did so. Straightening his back, he would fish out the keys of the front door. Unlocking the door, the man would throw a look over his shoulder. As if he wanted to be certain that he wasn't going alone inside. "Coffee? Tea? Water? Something else? Though I assume you don't drink anything alcoholic."

Happy to see Hiron get up and move towards the door, Hayate signalled again and the remaining Guardians left. Following Hiron, the young Hyuzu smiled. "Water would be fine for now thank you. As for the soup, I doubt you'd really want to see me try and make any."

"Won't question that. Take a seat." Hiron replied as he gestured to the couches as he would get Hayate some water. If he remembered correctly, he had some coffee. Made before he had decided to sit outside. Luckily it was still somewhat warm. Pouring some of the still warm coffee in a mug, Hiron would return to the living room a few moments later with a glass of water and his coffee. "So, to what I've to thank this honor, captain-commander?" Hiron asked, putting the glass of water on the coffee table in front of Hayate as he would take place on the other couch with his mug filled with coffee.

Taking a seat as Hiron suggested, Hayate glanced around the room. As the jounin returned with water, Hayate thanked him and took a sip. Setting the glass down, he smiled. "It appears both you and I have been put on a sort of... house arrest, for the next little while. And to be fair, I feel it has been too long since you and I have had a chance to talk." Pausing, Hayate looked away, his eyes darkening. "I only wish we could be meeting under better circumstances."

"Oh?" Hiron raised his eyebrows for a moment. "House arrest? I am just taking a break. As if they would try to put me under such a condition." Hiron replied, taking a small sip of his coffee. Though he would let out a soft sigh after the sip. "Though I have to agree on the situation. I rather not talk about it though. Isn't going to help anybody."

"Understood," Hayate said, nodding slowly. "What then would you like to talk about?"

"Anything that isn't about them or her." Was Hiron's vague answer as he made an annoyed hand gesture. "The weather. The Guardians. Your day. What you read last time or anything." The man said, though he spoke now in a more casual manner. "Oh and no asking how I am. I'm just dandy as you can see."

Nodding again, Hayate chuckled. "You've cut out half of my normal conversation topics." Thinking for a moment, Hayate took another sip from his glass. "Very well. I was hoping to ask your advise, if possible?"

"Excuse me. Perhaps a good conversation could be about what you ate last evening?" Hiron suggested, half joking - or attempting to make it sound like that. When Hayate stated that he had came for advise, Hiron remained silent for a second. "I suppose that is possible. What's on your mind?" He now asked, sounding more serious than before.

Chewing his lower lip thoughtfully, Hayate looked away. "I am being sent to the front, well... To the East. To lead the first wave in what could very well turn into a full-scale war. I... truth be told I don't really know how to prepare for something like that."

Hiron slowly nodded twice. Taking another sip of his coffee, he locked his eyes on Hayate. "Nobody really knows how to prepare for a conflict or such a long period mission." Hiron said on a calm tone. "I remember people going into the Great War with a smile on their face. With looking pale or unsure. I can't offer real advise on how to cope with your position, but I don't think you're off that bad." The man said as he paused to let the words sink in. "Let's be blunt. You're valuable. Moment you're in grave danger, there is a way to pull you out. Don't think that the higher ups would just want to risk your life to honour a promise."

"Valuable? How on earth am I valuable?" Narrowing his eyes slightly, Hayate paused. "Sorry. I just don't really see what would give anyone a reason to pull me out. And I don't really think I would want them to, even if they did have a reason." Sighing, the boy looked away for a moment. "You are right when you say that nobody can ever really plan for such a thing, not truly, but... I don't know, I just don't want to make a fool of myself. I want to be able to make a difference and to help. I don't want to be treated like..."

Hearing Hayate out, Hiron grumbled again as the boy's voice trailed off. "I may not be as good as before to kick somebody's rear, but don't finish that sentence if you don't want feel my feet up your rear, Hayate." Scoffing, Hiron frowned again. "I have my subjects that I don't want to discuss. I'm sure you got yours and from man to man I've to respect that. I won't thus say why you're valuable. You know that very well. Besides, you got the attitude that is needed out there. You just say that you don't think that you want them to pull you out. Of course," Hiron raised his left hand and made a dismissing gesture as he shook his head a bit. "You might reconsider that later, but you didn't pull out during the revolution. Even when things were grim. You're a stubborn fool, no point in proving me or anybody wrong in that. Instead try to just do what you consider good and come home. Think I speak for more when I say that all that really counts."

Grumbling, Hayate folded his arms across his chest. "You are a difficult person to argue with Hiron-sama, even if I would like to..." Sighing, the Hyuzu took another sip from his glass and set it back down. "Do you at least have any tips for me?"

"Have you seen who I rasied, boy? If I wasn't difficult, imagine how much trouble I would have then." Hiron said, slight amused. He took another sip of his coffee. Thinking on how to answer Hayate's question, Hiron's facial expression shifted a bit. He did pity the boy's position, but made an effort to not make it too visible. "I'm not certain who all are accompaying you towards the east. But if friends and people that you can and do trust travel with you, then put faith in them. They will do the same as I do know that you're the highest ranking and the commander. Try to consider what is the best course of action and prepare yourself for failing. You survived the Revolution against Shoji and 'her'. I'm sure that if somebody could give tips then we should swap places." He said, both trying to comfort and cheer Hayate up. He could imagine the weight on his shouldes, deciding to continue.

"During the short conflict against the Wind country I was given command over a division. The smallest at that time and we were less well organized as we are now. I wasn't sure if I would do justice in the faith placed in me and considered Zakito a fool who took an unneeded risk. Yet I managed to pull through and even ambushed a surprise force of the Wind country. To not bore you for too long, I managed to pull through with most of my force surviving. I don't know what you'll be facing, but if you don't have some faith in yourself do know that this will effect those around you. And they will need you to have a source to keep hope. Unlike me and the people that fought in the previous conflicts, we were close at home. You lot won't be. That doesn't mean that you need to forget what you're fighting for." Pausing Hiron tried to think of how to formulate his thoughts. "I like to see the nation we're trying to fight for not as some dirt and material that we call home. It is in our actions and mind as hearts. While you be far away, that doesn't mean that you're far away from 'Akino', you know what I mean?"

Finding himself smiling as Hiron indirectly mentioned Kiyomi, Hayate settled back in his seat and listened to the man speak. The young Hyuzu shifted uncomfortably as Hiron spoke of the Shoji revolution. Those were still memories that crept up on him and reminded him of his failures. As Hiron began speaking of his own experience against the Wind country, however, Hayate found himself leaning forward slightly, eager to listen.

Letting the man finish, Hayate shook his head slightly and sat back. "I think I get it. While we are gone, so far away from home and everything that we might hold close, it is important for people not to lose sight of what we're fighting for. Is that sort of what you meant?" Chewing his lip thoughtfully for a moment, Hayate glanced away. Hiron's story helped with a few things, but the boy now felt more in awe than anything. How could he live up to those same accomplishments...?

"Possibly." Hiron said, slight amused by his own cryptic answer. "It is one way to coope with the distance and responsbilities. And of course what you might encounter and need to do." He would, however, start to explain. "Other than that, you need to figure matters out yourself. It is okay to rely on others, but you need to be capable of letting them also rely on you. And of course watching your six. I would recommend that highly. Always watch your back unless somebody you trust watches it for you."

"Can be hard finding people you trust to watch your back." Hayate said, raising an eyebrow. "I'd like to think that I can trust everyone within the Guardians, that is sort of their purpose after all. But I am not foolish enough to think that any organization is impervious to outside influence." Sighing, Hayate turned back to face Hiron. "The ones I can trust the most... Those are the ones I have leading beside me, the ones who will likely be sent to cover their own units. All I can hope in that case is that we have enough trustworthy people that they won't all have to be watching their own backs..."

Hiron thought about what Hayate said. Glancing at the window, Hiron remained silent for a moment. "You're probably stuck in one nasty position. To prove your worth, you need to go. To go is leaving what you love and cherish for a long time and a long distance away from you. Then there is the problematic that you might not even be able to come back home. I wouldn't want to trade with you." He said, leaning a bit back in his seat. "But the fact is that I actually wish I could still trade with you." Letting those words sink in, Hiron locked his eyes on Hayate, again.

"Sure, it all looks like shit and misery coming to your doorstep, but lets be honest Hayate. Unlike me now, you got the ability to go out there and make a chance. You're young and capable. What I wouldn't do to switch with you and try some matters over again. You're going to make mistakes, yes. You're going to fail, most likely. But if you don't let that stop you. If you just keep on working towards your goal and getting back home." Hiron's voice slowly trailed off.

"I hope that I don't need to make clear what I am trying to say. You're a clever one, at least last time that I remembered. Don't know if you knocked your head in the time that I got my skull husseled."

Nodding slowly, Hayate chuckled at Hiron's last words. "To tell the truth, it's probably been knocked quite a few times. But, as I have been told, I am quite hard headed." Smiling, the Hyuzu looked away for a moment to process everything Hiron had said. There was a reason he considered this man to be such a great mentor...

Turning back, Hayate took another sip of his water and spoke again. "Thank you for the words, Hiron-sama. Failure isn't exactly what I fear, though that may sound strange..." Pausing, he chewed the inside of his cheek. "While failure may indeed be imminent, I am going there to succeed. As you said earlier, I have something to prove. I can't exactly do that if I go there defeated already."

"There are things worse than defeated, but good to hear that you got other plans. Would dislike if there would be a change in leadership in the Guardians. With you? I at least know who I am dealing with. Gods may know who might else have dealt with me. Probably even sending more to keep me 'safe'. The idea alone!" Scoffing Hiron grumbled a bit more. "But enough of that. Talking more about it now might ruin the fact that you look different at it. Seeing you're too young and likely too nice and following the rules, you're not allowed to drink. Meaning that we either have to talk about something else. Such as not assigning Guardians to keep me 'safe', hmmm?"

Laughing heartily, Hayate shook his head. "I'll tell you what Hiron-sama. If I make it back from this thing, I'll have a drink with you then." Scratching his chin, Hayate settled in his seat, still chuckling. "As for the Guardians, well... That part I am afraid I can't change at the moment. Not that I'm afraid you can't take care of yourself, quite the contrary. But I've been stuck with guards of my own until things settle down and I can't imagine anyone, aside from yourself, being too happy with me pulling your guards away either." Sighing, Hayate shrugged his shoulders. "Only sort of workaround I've been able to get so far is when I mentioned I could look after you myself. Least they let me lower the number of guards that were stuck watching the both of us..."

Hiron just nodded and remained silent for a moment. He considered the options he had. Deciding to clear his throat the man would lower his voice somewhat, yet keeping it audible for Hayate to hear him. "Fair enough. But if you watch over me not going after the bastards, then who keeps watch over Kiyomi?" He didn't try to mask or hide his worry and it was clear that he wouldn't believe that Kiyomi wasn't plotting anything. "Unless Zakito himself is going to stand in her way, I'm sure as hell that she is going to do something. I already am at the risk of losing one daughter..."

Hiron's words felt like a shot and Hayate had to wait a minute before responding, the pain clear in his eyes. "Zakito has made it very clear that Kiyomi is not to leave the village... In the same regards, he has made it very clear that I am also not to leave. As it stands, that... makes it very difficult for me to look after her." Looking at Hiron, Hayate hoped the man understood what he was saying. "There are good people watching her, that much has been made sure of." Wondering for a moment what else he could say and how thin a line he could walk, Hayate hesitated. "You do know I would never let anything happen to her, right?"

He remained silent for another moment. Just eyeing Hayate after he spoke, Hiron looked away for a moment. Turning his head, he looked at the mug he had placed down on the coffee table. It remained silent longer than before as Hiron eventually would lean forward. Taking his head into his hands, a loud sigh could be heard. Only for a moment later for Hiron to straighten his back. "Knew it. All that she needed would just be a moment. That little rascal." He grumbled. For a moment it seemed as if Hiron would get up and attempt to also get out. Only to remember that he would only be an obstacle, a hinderance to others if he would do so. "What is her plan? She trusts you. Holds you in high regard. If I can't attempt to find her and prevent the potential losing of my first daughter, I demand to know what she has been plotting."

Lowering his head slightly, Hayate set his own glass down and sighed. "She may trust me Hiron, but this is the first time she has ever trusted me enough to pull me into something that she fears I could stop if it was my desire. I... I know that this is unfair to you, and for that I apologize, far more than you could ever know. Before I tell you anything Hiron-sama, I... I need to know that I can trust you not to try and stop her. Not to give away any information that could put her at further risk." Locking his gaze with Hiron, Hayate hated himself for even having to ask. He did not truly have a right... Hiron was her father, he was merely her betrothed. It felt wrong but Hayate had made a promise. He would not break that promise, even if it put a wedge between him and a man he saw as... more than just a mentor.

"Lad, look at me. I am unable to even kick you out of my house if I wanted that." Hiron grumbled, though he didn't seem angry at all. "I doubt that Zakito is just going to let her go away. By the time that I have struggled to reach the Jounin's commanders office they likely got a trail of her. After all, it isn't that hard to track down a jinchuriki. Certainly not one on the path of vengeance." The man said. Thinking on what Kiyomi was intending wasn't hard. She was out to try to get Keiko and Aimi back and likely revenge. Understandable, but Hiron wasn't sure if he was proud or wanting to pull her by the ear and scold her of the decision. "Who is with her? If she managed to get away I don't think she could've acomplished this alone. She had help, but who? You?"

Nodding slowly, Hayate accepted Hiron's answer. He had to. "You are quite right. Kiyomi is racing against the clock, which is why I want to ensure she has as much time as possible. I... I hope you can understand that and forgive me for not coming to you sooner." Glancing away for a moment, Hayate collected his thoughts before turning to Hiron once more. "She has Saki with her, along with two people I believe you are familiar with..." This was the moment that made Hayate hesitate. Hiron would likely not be as happy to hear it. "She also asked for Violet and Shikaroku to join her as well. Your students."

"I would have joined her... tried to join her... but it would have been too obvious, raised too many suspicions. I doubt we'd have been able to even leave the village before Zakito was on us if she allowed me to join her. I have... made some precautions however, to ensure that I can assist, if needed." Locking eyes with Hiron, Hayate let his last words sink in.

A loud sigh escaped Hiron. Crossing his arms, he started to tap the ground with his left foot. Though he would soon enough unfold his arms as a sharp pain moved through his left shoulder. "Saki Yamanaka. She's alright." Hiron mumbled, sunk into thoughts as he was trying to remember what he recalled about the Yamanaka. "Shika and Violet, however, they are genin. Then again it is as you said. If somebody really close to Kiyomi would've gone with her then they could trace her quicker. With two people that she isn't close with there is a chance that they will first look who isn't with her." Frowning Hiron would start to snort and then chuckle.

"Gods, that little scoundrel is becoming more devious than I had imagined. Oh, cruel fate that I can't chase her down myself." A short laugh followed as Hiron would stop as another shot of pain moved through his body. Grumbling, he shook his head. "I understand Hayate. Though doubt that she will come back before she has achieved something. I just hope that she won't lose her focus and wit. I don't want to lose more than I already might have." He mumbled, though he was aware that it was perhaps a selfish wish. Knowing well that if something happened to Kiyomi that he was just one of the many that would hope she would recover, he found that he had more right to be worried than others. "Guess we just have to wait then?"

A slight relief flowed through Hayate as Hiron seemed to accept his words. Shifting in his seat, the Hyuzu nodded. "She's a tough one Hiron. Tough and smart, just as you raised her." Smiling slightly, Hayate glanced away for a moment, thinking. "I can't really think of anyone else who could pull something like this off, but... even still I wish I could be with her." Letting out a soft sigh, he glanced back to Hiron. "I... I was hoping you might be able to tell me a bit about Violet and Shikaroku... I know it probably sounds stupid, but... Well, I know Saki. I know what she is capable of and knowing that she is with Kiyomi grants me a small measure of relief. However, I do not know much about either of your students, save what little information I have been able to get access to."

"I fear that I might forgotten to do something about her stubborness. Being tough is good, but she can be too stubborn." The man grumbled back, almost as if he ignored the compliment of Hayate. As Hayate asked about the genin, Hiron shook his head before he spoke. "Shikaroku is decently experienced with combat. Yet he doesn't yet possess the necessary combat skills in my opinion. Not for an operation as he is on right now. Don't get me wrong though, he is smart and even for a genin hard to deceive and surprise. As for Violet," the man paused, "She is full of courage and energy. Haven't seen many a genin that can beat her with the drive I've seen her working with. She lacks, however, experience and training I would rather give her than letting her accompany Kiyomi on such a mission."

"Hmm..." Hayate mused, considering Hiron's words. They didn't exactly fill him with hope, yet he appreciated the man's honesty. "Let us hope then that they are both quick learners." Scratching the back of his neck, Hayate let out a slight sigh. Not for the first time, he found himself wishing that he had accompanied Kiyomi. Staying home did not feel right. Chewing his lower lip, he came to a slight realization. Glancing back at Hiron, Hayate knew that the Hon must feel the same way. "Perhaps we should discuss a more pleasant topic, no?"

"Let's hope that they will return in one piece." The man grumbled, frowning for a moment. He knew he was perhaps being a bit too bitter about it. He knew that he rather was out there, leading those genin against the threats they were going to face. Hearing the proposal of a more pleasant topic, Hiron scoffed as the ghost of a smile dawned on his lips. "I'm all ears. At least one part of me that isn't broken or needed to rest I fear." He replied back to Hayate. "I already can tell you all about my day, but I fear that it going to be a repeative story seeing I'm guessing that your people keep you well informed."

Shrugging apologetically, Hayate smiled. "Believe me when I say that I wish I did not have to assign Guardians to watch over you. If it is of any consolation, I have been ordered to have some watch over me as well, so I know the pain." Wanting to shift away to a more pleasant topic as they had mentioned, the young Hyuzu thought for a moment. "In lighter news, what did you think of Koike's wedding?" The words felt awkward and Hayate cursed himself for not being good at small talk.

Hiron nodded instead of delivering yet another grumbling answer. He didn't after all harbour any ill will or negative feelings towards Hayate or the guardians. The question on what he, however, thought of Koike's marriage made Hiron chuckle. "Where to begin? I'm first happy that Koike didn't marry that Kusanagi. Do I pronounce that alright? Cause I never encountered one, but I heard enough about them. Good gods, if he would've married into a sect we would've a serious problem. I heard about teenagers doing all kind of weird things, but marrying into a tribe that is actually a sect? I heard that they drink a lot of milk, but did you know that its not that healthy? Not at all! Good man from which I buy milk and cheese states that two cups of milks are good enough. More and it will do more harm than good. You see," Hiron said as he leaned a bit forward and frowned, "Milk is given to the youngs of horses and cows for a limited set of time. They stop drinking the milk once old enough, cause it is else just poison for them. Judging from what I heard more about these... Kusanagi, I'm not surprised that they royally screwed themselves with the first diplomatic meeting with other clans. Too much milk I tell you!"

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Hayate paused before laughing. "You sound like an old man, Hiron-sama." Shaking his head slightly, the Hyuzu continued chuckling. "I did not really know any of the Kusanagi that well to be honest, but they certainly seemed to have some... different ideas than I am used to." While Hayate did not really harbour any dislike for the Kusanagi clan, he could not say that his experience at the clan meeting had enamoured them in his opinion. Not one to judge an entire clan off the actions of one individual, Hayate decided not to respond further on Hiron's comments. "What do you think of Shizu?" he asked after a moment, curious to see what Hiron thought of the Sarutobi.

"Different ideas?" The man first started, shaking his head. "That's one way to describe it, but it is one thing to field another idea and a total other thing to demand attention. I'm saddened that I wasn't at the meeting for all that I've heard, cause I would've scolded those Kusanagi back from whench they came! It is ludicirous how they had reacted and treated others," Hiron continued, "The bloody gods must have been drunk and a moment of crazy when they allowed this kind of crazy people." He further grumbled, shaking his head again. It was truly in his opinion clear madness. To think that Kiyomi was actually a Sato didn't come up in his mind. She was a Hon and she would always be one for him. When Hayate brought up the Sarutobi, Hiron scoffed. "I've not too much bad to say about the Sarutobi. They are a decent people. I mean, look at me. Half Sarutobi." There was a sliver of sarcasm present in his tone as he replied. "Ive yet to learn more about this "Shizu", but as long as she won't drink the same stuff that saw those cultist being raven stark mad. Mad, I tell you."

"Let's hope that the Sarutobi half isn't what makes you so grumpy, else Koike will certainly have his hands full," Hayate said, chuckling again. It was clear that Hiron had some strong opinions about the Kusanagi and while Hayate couldn't really blame the man, he didn't quite want to start him on a rant. After all, he was supposed to be cheering the Hon up, not making him more miserable. The Kusanagi were clearly a touchy subject for the jounin, and Hayate thought it would be a waste to continue talking about them further. "Shizu is one of my students, but unfortunately I have not had much time to get to know her yet. I do hope that the two can be a good fit together. Koike deserves someone good in his life."

"The kid will have his hands full anyways. Women." Hiron shook his head again as he would become silent for a moment. As Hayate stated that Shizu was a student of his, Hiron seemed to grow slightly curious as it was evident by his response and his right eyebrow perking up for a moment. "Oh? And what have you figured out from her record? I dare to guess that you at least studied the profile and record of this, Shizu Sarutobi." The man replied. He wondered if he couldn't gather intel on his own, but figured that it would be impossible. With those Guardians watching his trail, he would even be better off to ask if they wouldn't mind doing him a favour or two.

Tilting his head to the side at Hiron's question, Hayate paused. "I studied the profile yes, but I prefer not to judge someone based on paperwork. She has completed enough missions and earned her way to a Chuunin promotion, aside from that, I prefer to find out who she is by getting to know her in person." Shrugging, Hayate raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure you can understand." His tone was slightly teasing, aware that Hiron likely wanted to hear as much as he could.

Hiron raised his eyebrows. He prefered people earning promotion by merit. Never had the chuunin exams appealled to him. In fact, he rather had them to be a thing of the past. Who would after all invite rivals and 'neutrals' into their own land and homes? As if there wasn't enough distrust and spies as operatives moving in the shadows. "I see. I can understand, but sometimes a profile does state interesting things. We'll have to see from what wood this Sarutobi is made off." The man replied. "But didn't it state anything that's interesting to converse about?" He asked, not deciding to just let it slide.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Hayate frowned. There were parts of Shizu's profile that were things he was certain she would wish to remain private. Hiron was his mentor, and a man he respected and cared for greatly, but even so, Hayate was unsure whether or not he should share all of the details.

Chewing his lip for a moment, he decided upon a safe option. "She is the neice of Ling Sarutobi and also has inherited the Hasewaga Crystal Release from her mother."

"Ah." Hiron remained silent for a moment. He was aware of who Ling was. Not that he had much experience or ongoings with the Sarutobi. Both their work was quite different, but he certainly knew who Ling was. "Can be a rather good thing. Ling is a decent man. Loves discipline and order above all else. Though it is a bit odd and curious to hear somebody having the Crystal Release. Not many these days seem to harbour that particular ability. Have you ever seen it yourself?" The man decided to ask.

Nodding his head, Hayate's thoughts traveled back to Leo... "One of my old teammates, and Kiyomi's old student, his name was Leo. He was a Crystal Release user. Quite a unique ability if I must be honest."

"Better watch out with that. Heard that it is quite the pesky nature to deal with. Some elements such as water, wood and other liquid as firm natures are easily beaten by that." Remembering, however, what kind of style Hayate used with his metal release Hiron felt that the warning wasn't going to work. Seeing how the Hyuzu after all managed to turn the weakness of metal release into one of its more stronger points. "Then again, nothing beats a clever mind and a strong will. At least, that is what I learned."

"Heh," thinking directly of Kiyomi when Hiron mentioned a clever mind and strong will, Hayate found himself nodding and smiling. "That is quite true. I have yet to see Shizu in a true combat scenario, so I am afraid I cannot comment on whether or not she fights with cunning. If she does, then I can imagine she would be quite the threat."

"Probably. Though have to doubt that. Sadly, I've yet to see anybody fighting and being cunning at the same time." The man grumbled as he shook his head. If it were up to him, he would start to discipline and round up all the genin and chuunin to start to educate them on how to fight properly instead of being stuck in some fighting styles and manners. "But at least you got one member with some potential. How about the others? Anybody that you might fear becoming a problem for whatever reason?"

Chuckling at Hiron's comment, Hayate realized that he had a point. His mind flashing to his meeting with Meisa, it was all too clear what someone who was truly cunning was capable of. Thinking about Hiron's question, Hayate did not know how to answer at first. Scratching his chin, he sighed. "I don't know that I can point out any particular one that I would be concerned with becoming a problem. They are an odd bunch, that is true enough. But they all have potential. I just hope I can make them a team, instead of a bunch of individuals. If that makes any sense...?"

Hiron shook his head in response. "Not really. Everybody has potential, but it is a matter of their own desire and choice to make use of it or being an idiot. They can have all the talents and luck to be the greatest of the great, but if they lack the mind and brawn to it then they will become more of a nuisance than otherwise." The man stated, clearly not thinking already too high of Hayate's students if the former couldn't speak well of them. "A person that is lazy, but intelligent is more beneficial than an eager dumb person. Might be a saying that was thought by another bitter fool like myself, but so far I've yet to see a eager idiot that isn't being a trouble."

Raising an eyebrow, Hayate considered the Hon's words. While he agreed with some of what Hiron said, the young Hyuzu had a bit of a different perspective on things. "It isn't so much that any of them are overly eager in a way that makes them dumb. They are young, young and inexperienced. I don't necessarily believe that everything is on them to learn how to act and train to become as good a shinobi as they can. If they could all do it themsleves then what would our purpose be as senseis? We would be out of a job..."

Folding his arms across his chest for a moment, Hayate glanced away. "They have potential and they have some drive. Out of all of them, only Shizu really has the experience that should teach her how to act and function as a shinobi. Tomiko, Tatsuya and Sayuri are all very young and inexperienced in comparison." Pausing, he turned back to Hiron. "Do I wish they were a little more mature? Sure. Do I wish they were more experienced? Absolutely! But they aren't. And that really isn't their fault."

There he had it. More information from the boy. Listening to what Hayate said, Hiron was content that he had finally made the other talk more about his students. Leaning a bit back as he would let a soft sigh, he shook his head once more. "Can't say I envy you. You're dealing with three inexperienced and immature genin? Back in my time genin were either hardened or send back or away. But if you're convinced that they got what it takes to become decent shinobi and operatives of the state then I'll take your word on it." Of course it was clear that the man had doubts, judging by his tone. But for now he wouldn't argue against Hayate regarding the view on genin. Besides, he had his own genin to content with and right now they had the nerves to go out on a vengeance operation without consulting him. Talking about irony!

About to comment back to Hiron, Hayate paused and smiled. Shaking his head, the Hyuzu chuckled. "It would appear students are always full of surprises," he said, his tone teasing, "so who knows? Perhaps they will grow enough to impress you." Thinking about something, Hayate rolled his shoulders slightly, working out the stifness of sitting. "How have your students been?" He asked, before quickly growing an apologetic look on his face. "Aside from... well, you know..."

"Doubt it." Was his first response. He wouldn't mind being impressed, but there was the subtle difference in people trying to impres others or managing to impress others without being a nuisance. As Hayate asked the question back, Hiron scoffed as he glanced away for a moment. "They start to learn that an order is an order. If they make it out alive on the current ordeal they are in, I might be even somewhat proud. Not content, mind you," Hiron said as he looked back at Hayate, "While they can be slightly immature, they drop it as soon as I tell them to. Can't think I can ask for much more other than that from them."

Nodding, Hayate wondered for a moment if he would ever be able to receive the same level of respect from his students that Hiron received. The man had a way about him that commanded respect... Perhaps it was his stern and blunt outlook?

Shaking the thoughts from his head, Hayate smiled at Hiron. "You do have a habit of raising a well disciplined team Hiron."

"I might do, but the current batch does seem to grow their own little mind on what they should do. Both good and bad in their own way, I suppose." The man replied. He felt a sting at the kind words of Hayate. Knowing why the kind compliment did some pain, Hiron decided to bury it. Wasn't going to help or ask Hayate about his current trouble anyways. Some matters would he rather handle alone than accepting aid of others. "And perhaps in time you can take that responsibility from me? Seeing I'm already being enforced to rest and do nothing, anyway."
[/spoili]

Taking another sip of his drink Hiron wondered about how the Hyuzu would proceed further. It wasn't that Hiron had a lack of faith in the boy. If anything, it was quite the opposite. There was only the constant nagging doubt in the back of his mind if the boy could reel in Kiyomi. Thinking about what he had learned from his talk with Hayate he wasn't really surprised. The idea of Kiyomi sitting still and letting people close to her getting abudcuted would be something he wouldn't believe.

Then why wasn't he going out?

The question made him feel bitter, angry and frustrated to a whole new level. He wanted to move out and find clues and do what he could to get his family back. The aching reminded him subtly why he would, however, be just another obstacle. Just a hindrance that would slow down others. Attempting to shrug the thoughts of his mind he would place his drink down. Getting up from the couch his gaze fell on the few photo frames. They were all made from happier days and Hiron wished he had stored them away for some time. The smiles and joyful expressions weren't here to brighten him up, taunt him about his current condition or just being around.

Walking to the frames he would pick one up. It was when Kiyomi had graduated from the Academy. Sitting on top of Hiron's shoulder she had her hands in fingerless gloves held up high with the biggest, beaming smile one could imagine on her face. Her jade coloured eyes filled with a happy glint, reflecting her joy and pride on that day. It was a very nice memory as he couldn't imagine that the little troublemaker would go from a stumbling, stuttering kid to become one of the biggest stubborn fighters he had mentored. And cared for.

Remembering the hard training he had put her under. The constant drills and struggles. It hadn't always been nice and fun, but training wasn't meant to be always a game and joy. Hiron placed the frame back as he let out a sigh. Back then he had been the one who had the role of the protector. The one who would keep her safe as he was the jounin, the more experienced and capable to do that job. Now?

A sharp pain moved through his chest as he wondered if he could still even claim himself to be somebody able to protect another. Sure, team 9 had all survived the previous ordeal but what about his own family? A man that couldn't save his kin, what was his worth?

"Yes, I am!"

Second is the first loser

Not going to be second!
Lilia's Resolve.

A [flashback] collab written between Alice and Gerontis

Summary :
[ For those who aren't familiar with the name Lilia, it is simple said the name that Kiyomi was known with before she discovered her background - or at least a part that allowed her to uncover more. ] This flashback is set several years back, just before a week before Lilia's graduation from the Academy. Already having stated that to Hiron she wants to become the Hokage, not to prove her strength or just to protect everybody but for her own goals to bring changes Hiron had agreed to help and train her.

(Alice : Ice, no sorry, couldn't find a fitting moment to place the theme-song that we both love and cherish in this collab :C )

---

[spoili]
The lightning crackled into the air, violently lashing around the hand as the chakra-nature hissed in a loud fashion. It lasted for several moments before it would start to vanish. Resulting into the girl to breathe heavily as leaning forward, her hands placed against her knees. Squeezing her eyes shut the exhaustion had managed to catch up with her, at last. Attempting to straighten her back or even speak was out of the question as she barely could manage to keep herself standing on her own two feet.

"Over a week you'll need to undergo the exam." Hiron said, his arms crossed out front of his chest. Staring at Lilia, he wondered for a moment if she would ever get the technique under control. It was, after all, nothing more than a copy of a technique that was far from what he deemed she would be capable of mastering now. Perhaps never? "Lets try again." He said, lowering his arms.

Shaking her head, Lilia managed to straighten her back. An apologising smile crossed her lips before she would speak back. "I'm tired. Besides, it is growing late. Perhaps tomorrow?" She suggested in return. Raising her left hand she would sweep some sweat from her brow as she managed to stop breathing as if an angry rhino was sitting on her stomach.

"Tomorrow?" Hiron frowned as he repeated the word. "I thought that you wanted to become a Hokage? To strive for that position?" He said as it weren't really questions. "If you want to become somebody like a kage then you can't just resign to do something you can do today tomorrow."

Lowering her eyes for a moment Lilia shook her head. "Y-Yeah, but tomorrow we can continue. I already made some progression!" She raised her right hand up. There were a few blisters present on her palm. "The first steps are already done. Tomorrow I'll continue working, promised!"

The corner of Hiron's lips moved slightly down as he looked away for a moment. "You made some progress, but do you consider it already enough?" He asked her. Locking his eyes on her, he gestured to her right hand. "You have indeed worked hard, but there are kids out there who work until their hands and feet bleed. Until they drop from exhaustion. If you want to stop just cause you can continue tomorrow makes me think that you don't want to strive to the top."

Lilia's lips parted as her cheeks gained a reddish taint. Balling her hands into fists she narrowed her eyes. "I want to get to the top!" She said, even stamping with her right foot down on the ground. "I want to!"

"Oh? Cause from what I can see is that you'll be content with the last place. Or that you will just reach second place." Hiron said, continuing in a calm tone. He was well aware that she would get fed up with what he would say, but he deemed it necessary. "And the second is the first loser."

"I am not a loser!" She said, stamping once more with her right foot at the ground. "You'll see! I am c-capable! I am going to do it! I am! I am!"

[/spoili]

His eyes half closed as he thought of what he was now. His frustration started to grow but before Hiron considered to sit down and drink some more sake he would walk to the hallway. It was a time that he was going to do something than to be content with just second place.

---

Training Field 9, Konohagakure.​

Sitting on the large rock Hiron was garbed up in his jounin gear. There wasn't any sign of him being still hindered by his condition. In fact, he had sent the message that two of his current squad should gather as he wouldn't sit any more idle by. Kouta Riojin, a new addition to Team 9, and Masami Hyuuga were requested to come to the field that had a steep hill with the large boulder on top of it.

Not that Hiron had any plans to chase after Kiyomi. He was well aware that by this time that she could be anywhere and that by the time he would be capable of finding a track that he would be too late. Instead, he figured that he should just keep on going with his job. The idea that he was sitting home and waiting for that rebel to come back was one that he would accept any more.


[/fieldbox]

 

[Lesli]

Path of Revenge,

A collab between Unyielding, Lesli, Chromehound and Aliceee.

Summary :
A few days travel and the group has reached their destination. It is here where they continue and dig for answers. Answers that are hidden in the dark and the shadows of the past.
- Current Part : -
Descending down into the darkness of the underground facility, the group moves on. Unaware that they are being followed by two others. Just as Kiyomi exchanges a bit information with the group they are 'greeted' by an acquaintance of the young Hon.​

First Post
Second Post

---

[spoili]

Following after Kiyomi and Violet as they entered the facility, Shikaroku felt a cold shiver run down his spine. If not for the torches, it felt like the darkness would swallow them completely. Fighting the temptation to reach for his weapons, the Nara continued walking further into the darkness. As Kiyomi mentioned a chimera, he hesitated.

Chimera... it was a creature of myth, nothing more than a legend. Unless...

"Last time you were here... did you discover any records? Anything that might help describe some of the things we could see down here?" Asking his question through the telepathic bond, Shikaroku did not know which answer he would prefer. If Kiyomi knew what they could find down here, perhaps they could prepare in advance. Exploit their weakness... On the other hand, knowing what might lay ahead could cause them to overthink things. If they were too focused on what might be lurking in the shadows, they might miss what they came here for in the first place.

Watching as Kiyomi handed the torch to Violet and began making her way further down into the darkness, Shikaroku chewed the inside of his cheek. Gathering chakra in his hands and feet, he prepared to follow after Violet.

Violet snapped out of her daydream when she heard Kiyomi mention seeing a chimera. To her it sounded like some sort of made up thing, but she could recall what it was. She was never big on most myths and did not read a lot of high fantasy stories when she was younger. Still, if it had the great Kiyomi on edge then she could not underestimate it.

After receiving the torch, she watched as Kiyomi took out her weapon and proceeded deeper into the darkness. As the new keeper of the light, she made her best efforts to keep up while remaining on her guard. She equipped her and ran a little bit of charka through her fist. It wasn't enough to perform anything and acted only to verify she still had control over her energy. Now more then ever, she needed to remain calm.

However thoughts of heroically stopping monsters and evil ninja in front of Kiyomi slowly cracked her barren to the point that she was inching for a fight. Had she not been holding the torch, the sound of metal gauntlets smashing together would be filling the air. That did not stop her from tighten her free fist and biting her lip.

Like a toddler on who just gored themselves on a plate filled with sweet dangos, Violet's could only get more excited at the team discussed the thought of what secrets were inside this cave. Secerts she would be happy to punch in the face, gut, or what ever weak spots she had to aim for.

Saki kept her position as she had a different feeling about the menacing darkness they entered. If it weren't for the fact they were entering a facility that gave her some creeps Saki would've not at all been bothered. Darkness and shadows weren't threatening for the initated. In fact, they were comforting. Providing a way to vanish and find some reprieve from the world and even a way to strike back while their victims wouldn't be capable of defending themselves if they weren't 'initiates' as well. For that reason, Saki tried to keep watch over the rest of the group as well keeping the rear guarded. She was the most worried over Kiyomi but kept herself silent.

The answer that she got on her question made Saki be a bit surprised. A Chimera? Though she did believe Kiyomi even if the other had said that she had encountered the Sage of Six paths down here, it was just the fact that those creatures were nothing but myths. How could one survive down here in this dark hole? Unless somebody was feeding it Saki wasn't sure how plausible that was.
Shikaroku's question made Saki silently agree. Hopefully, they could just grab the information they needed and get out of there. As Kiyomi made her descent, followed by the others Saki glanced over her shoulder. Her right hand rested on the hilt of her sword as she thought she had heard something.

Glancing at the others, Saki would muster chakra at her feet and free hand as she would descend into the darkness as well - keeping up her position in the formation.

"Records? Not really, no. Then again, I was scouting more for any disturbances than like we are going to, searching for any written down information." Kiyomi answered back through the bond. That having answered the teen briefly glanced up at the three others before continue to climb down.

The silence was mildly disturbed by the four descending down in what seemed to be an abyss, ready to devour them. Crackling lightning around her sword, Kiyomi tried to force some of the darkness back as well reassuring herself. At times like this, she wished she had something like a Byakugan. It was a shame that she couldn't have asked Hideki to join them as his eye would have been a major help in this situation. Yet as the group moved down in formation nothing happened. Nothing else made a sound or moved in the shadows. What seemed to last an eternity was nothing more than a thirty minutes session of climbing down. Reaching the ground, Kiyomi let out a mental sigh. Glancing around she waited for the others to join her as she raised her now free hand to signal that they were going to continue. The silence continued to remain as they would enter through a hallway into a large room.

"This is where I encountered a Chimera. Not really a fun creature, I can tell you that so much." Though she tried to hide it, there was a certain bitterness present in Kiyomi's message. "Bloody bastard---"

"Now that is no way to talk about an old friend. And you have brought even more friends than last time, what a delight!"

The masculine voice didn't come from the darkness in front of them nor behind them. It was in their mind, as well. It spoke on quite a friendly tone to the group."Though I can't let you all come through. How about we exchange this time in a more friendly manner?"
[/spoili]

 

[Oblivion666]

[fieldbox="New Team, teal, solid"]

Kouta Riojin- Chuunin of Team 9

A new day and a normal one for the artistic man, the days recently have been used mostly for himself since he happened to be assigned to a team that was apparently off doing something. Well the students that was, the sensei was recovering from injuries so that left him with free time to do what he wanted really. So he spent those days practicing his art, and drawing portraits for those who requested them. It was one way he made money other than his shinobi income, and since he really wasn't being busy currently with those tasks he was only making money from his art. Now some may lecture him saying that he should be practicing his techniques to get better as a shinobi. Yet that's where he always wins, as the more he draws the more hes practicing as well. Sometimes it was great that his art was also part of his techniques. Yet today that would all change as when his mail arrived, a letter from his new sensei told him that he and one other were meeting up today. Well honestly it was about time, he loved drawing but he did wish to do something with this team. He at least wanted to see them before history repeated itself.

Getting his gear ready took a bit since he was carrying fragile items on him, after all one couldn't be too sure what was going to happen. So taking the time to make sure you had everything you made need was necessary. Leaving his house and heading towards this steep hill with a large boulder, took a bit since he didn't live exactly close to it. He took precisely around twenty minutes to arrive and climb the hill and at the top was a man sitting on the boulder in jounin gear. Kouta smiled brightly and waved his hand at the man. "Haha! Good to finally see you sensei! Here I thought I would never meet this team."[/fieldbox]

 

[conman2163]

Alone and in Prison!
[]Kona Omari [] Amegakure [] Status: Very moody [] Team what?[]

Kona awoke from the stiff cell bed sometime later. She wasn't sure what time it is, the cell bars not offering much help in that regard. She did know that she immediately felt helpless upon remembering that the chakra restrainer was still around her neck. Even more worrying was the ninja tool pouch being missing, along with the kunai thigh holster. It left her with an odd feeling to have no means of defending herself. Something akin to helplessness.

She sat up from the bed, only to see a meal had been delivered to her into the cell. Thoughtful if nothing else. It was simple, water and bread, but still, it was something, considering that she had no dinner last night.

Kona immediately picked it up and tore into the food, scarfing down the bread and sucking back the water, and looking down in a dismayed fashion at her now empty plate. With nothing but an empty cell, all Kona had now was her own thoughts.

What brought me to this point? Obviously killing that woman right? This is..... I don't know...... what do I do? I mean, regardless i'm still stuck with the punishment for my actions. Is the mere fact that it was a Rain citizen and shinobi enough to condemn me? And if that is all that stands as the barrier between right and wrong, whether it negatively effects Ame.......

The thought of the woman invaded her mind again. The sight of the woman, the kunai suddenly sprouting from her back, and then the second volley sticking into her as well, the blood pooling at her feet before she fell over dead. All of it caused by a mere flick of the wrist. To some it may have felt invigorating to know they had the power to simply take away life like that, but not for Kona. For Kona it was just sickening.

She shook her head, a bout of tears threatening to take hold of her again. She had no family, no living relatives at least, and how could she expect any of her neighbors to help her? How could they? Sure, they kept an eye on her since the death of her adopted parents, but she still had no one she could turn to.

Perhaps..... well no..... I doubt they even accepted that my parents adopted me, outcast from the clan as they were...... still.....

Kona let out a yell in frustration, stood up, turned on her heel, and punched the cell wall. She felt the knuckles of her fingers beginning to bleed, and then the pain that came with punching the hard wall. It ached, but it was something she could focus on besides the situation she was in. One particular point of interest was the liquid coming up from the wound.

The blood..... my blood...... it looks..... fascinating doesn't it?

All she could hope is that whatever they planned to do with her, they did it sooner rather then later.

 

[Oetje]

Meilin Cho

Genin of Konoha Team 7,
Keishi, Kimotori District.

Finding a trail.​

It had something serene to it. She looked down on the market in the shadow of a chimney, crouched. The light brown eyes stared down, looking for the stand where mister Utaka sold his wares. It didn't take that long before Meilin managed to catch the man and his stand in her gaze. Pulling her hood up the teen would straighten her back. She considered switching on her earphone communicator, just to try to listen if she could eavesdrop on Team 7 or any potential operative in the area. Deciding against it, the teen would head down.
Walking through the market towards the stand of mister Utaka Meilin did keep an eye out on her surrounding. She did expect that Karma would either sell her out or that another of Team 7 would try to be on her tracks. But she considered that Kensuke wouldn't be capable of using his camouflage technique in the public unless he wanted to attract attention to himself and so far what she understood that was the last thing he wanted with his team. What only worked more to her advantage.

Nearing the stand she waited a moment. The middle-aged man was speaking with a customer, bargaining about the price of some of his wares. Glancing at the watermelons Meilin wondered if she had some coin in her possession so that she could at least eat something this evening. Just as she went with her left hand into her pouch the teen noticed that Utaka was done.
A smile had touched his lips as he had likely made a good deal while the customer walked away. Turning his attention while he was about to praise his wares the man spotted a familiar face.
"By the beard of the Sage! That has been some time!"

---

"So if you would just give her this message then I will come back later to give you the price." Meilin finished, explaining the plan as she held up the note she had written down.
Mister Utaka frowned as he was leaning against a few crates. His wife and daughter had taken over to sell and praise his wares while he conversed with Meilin. The small family and Meilin went a bit back as Meilin had been the best friend of mister Utaka's son. He and his wife had frequently, back then, teased the two that they would make up for a lovely couple. Perhaps even taking over the family business. Alas, Utaka's son had moved to become a member of the Imperial military. Which was both a worry as a source of pride for the small Utaka family.
"How about this? I will do as you ask if this is really important for you. In trade for that, you can stay with us for a few nights?" The man offered. "Akihito's room is. after all, not used and he isn't home. Think that he wouldn't mind much if he could see you now." A wink followed, which made Meilin half close her eyes and chuckle back.
"That sounds great, but I do have some matters that I will need to attend to. So I'm not sure if it is okay if I will just come and by every evening. I don't want to be a bother---"
Utaka scoffed as he shook his head. "Of course not! Business is going well. Think I can perhaps gain a bit of good karma with helping you out."
Meilin smiled as she nodded. "Let us hope that we both get a good... Karma."

---

After a bit more talking and discussing a time when she should pay them a visit Meilin would head out again. She wasn't sure where to begin. She still had the information that Kensuke had given her. Managing to find a place where she could read the information in peace and silence - which was also served to alarm her if somebody was trying to trace her - Meilin would start to research the notes and list again.
There was only so much that she could learn and uncover from them. Certainly alone. Trying to puzzle it out she remembered what that Hyuuga had said. They took the victims through the western gate, but they would be taken east. How could one transport wares through the west gate and yet making them end up going east? She didn't mean any simple detour. Why would somebody wish to waste time, money and resources on doing that?
Thinking about that Meilin decided that she should take up at the western gate. Perhaps...

---

It was quite boring. Staring at the western gate Meilin saw how carts, waggons and people went into the city and moving out of it. There were a large number of guards. Checking the wagons and carts. Requesting papers of people and keeping an eye out on any potential troublemaker. On the rooftop, where Meilin was, she was quite well hidden from view. That was, unless somebody had the most random idea to try to discover if there was any teen on the rooftops. And then what? She doubted that she would raise any suspicion as she had left her sword and most visible gear with mister Utaka.
"Pffff."
Narrowing her eyes she tried to spot anybody that could be looking like they were transporting something. Remembering the small containers of before she tried to find any waggon or cart that was likely riding those away.
Just as she was about to take the decision to stop and come back tomorrow she noticed something. It was a waggon that was riding towards the gate. While the canvas over the wares didn't provide much of a good sight on what the people with the waggon were transporting Meilin felt a cold shiver running down her spine. She noticed what seemed to be a part of those coffins that they had placed people in.

Alerted she kept an eye on what would happen. As expected two guards would order the waggon and the merchants to a halt. One guard was speaking with the merchants while his buddy was checking the back of the waggon. But as she kept an eye on it Meilin noticed something. The guard did indeed go to the back and check the wares. He even knocked on the wood and opened one slightly - just enough for a peek. Instead of being alerted, he just closed it and walked back. Amazed and confused Meilin tried to memorise the face of the guards. Just as she was about to consider what she should do she noticed that one of the merchants laughed and offered a small bag.

A bribe.

Her previous anger and frustration started to boil once more. Those guards were selling out their own people! Just like that Hyuuga trash that they had captured earlier! Biting her lower lip Meilin didn't feel that she was almost biting her lip open.
Getting up she considered her options. She could wait and stalk one of those guards. Getting some answers 'her' way.
The other option was to follow that waggon and see what she could do. There were innocent people inside of them. Children even. Perhaps even her own family. The problem was that there were five merchants, who could be armed and more trained for combat than she was.

As the waggon was riding out of the city gates Meilin made her decision. Pulling her hood up she clenched her hands into trembling fists.

 

[Lesli]

[fieldbox=Heading out- Team Aika, violet]
A collab written by Roran Hawkins, Sketching, Lesli and (a little bit of) L0ck0n.

Summary :
A detachment from Aiko's group, under her leadership, is heading out to patrol and scout the streets of Amegakure. Located in the district where their barracks is, just one district away from the post office that had been attacked a short while before their arrival.

---

[spoili]
The first to report in was Sayuri Uchiha. Aiko threw a glance in the girl's direction as she made a salute. It had something adoring to it, but Aiko wondered for a moment how well raised the girl was if she didn't know the word 'ma'am'. Deciding to just nod back as the others had to arrive, Aiko didn't luckily have to wait for much longer.

The second person to arrive was Tatsuya Hon. She didn't yet have any opinion on the boy, but perhaps this scouting would help to formulate something of an opinion him. She was glad, though, that the street they were in wasn't that well populated at the current time. For that fact, she decided to not state to the genin that bowing or reporting them in wasn't really needed.

As soon as Shizu said she was ready to go, Aiko spoke up. Keeping her voice hushed it should be still audible for the three others to hear what she was going to tell them. "Okay, this evening the assignment will be easy, but a crucial one. I take it that each of you has been taught or at least know that by knowing your surrounding that you've more chance to succeed."
Letting those words sink in Aiko lifted her right hand and pulled the hood of her raincoat further down to protect her features better against the rain pour. "I will take the higher ground and try to keep an eye out on you all. Use the earphone communicator if you got any questions, but do so subtly. Remember that this isn't Konohagakure and there are some troubles that we need to deal with. Later, at least. First try to scout around, find places that can serve as a good vantage points. Shops and establishments that might provide a great view on the street and keep a watch of some alleys. Other than that, don't use your own names. Uchiha, Hon and Sarutobi aren't that common in this province, let alone in this city. Best is if we go by the following code names," the woman glanced at Sayuri.

"Naomi, sounds fitting for you." Her eyes moved her gaze to Tatsuya as she thought for a second. "Lee? Yes, let use Lee for you. And," Aiko glanced at Shizu, ,"I think Akane is a good one. Any questions? The sooner we do go, the sooner you guys can take a rest out. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day, as well."

Tatsuya looked back for a moment when she gave a pause, staring at the buildings reaching higher than he could've imagined.

"Lee," Tatsuya repeated, so quietly that even he couldn't be sure if a voice escaped the moving lips.

Shizu said nothing since she was content with the name given to her. Glancing both ways she wondered where to start looking, and with that thought came something else. Raising her hand at the mention of questions Shizu waited until she was recognized for having one. "How long do we have before we're to meet up again? Or, do we go back to the barracks building once we're content with the surrounding areas we've gathered?"

Sayuri's face broke into a wide grin and she nodded. "All clear!" She said and thought abotu their first assignment for a moment. "What are we looking for exactly?" She said, already thinking about how and where she would hide.

"Anything that seems to be odd. Think of matters that don't make sense or seem out of place. Such as people who carry a bit too man weapons on them or such. Not that any of you is allowed to do anything when encountering such a sight for we're supposed to be working under some cover. Best to keep just an eye out on people that seem off, locations that can serve later as good vantage points or rally points. The more we are known with the lay-out of the district the better we can operate in it." Aiko answered. "I can't state what any of you will find and seeing that I have not read anything in your records to let you guys go alone, we're going to do this in a formation."

Letting those words sink in, Aiko placed her gloved hands on her hips as she glanced for a second up ahead. "We're going to move in a certain wedge formation. At least, you three will. I'll provide some cover and vantage on the higher ground. Naomi," the woman looked at Sayuri, "You're going to take the left wing of the wedge. Lee," turning her head slightly Aiko turned her gaze upon Tatsuya, "You're going to take the position at the front of the wedge. And Akane," turning her attention to Shizu, Aiko continued. "You'll take your position at the left wing of the formation. Now, I will stress this again to be clear. Remain in a low profile. Even if there is some suspicious activity going on, just try to keep blended in. Judging from what I do know of possible hostile contacts is that I doubt any of you would love to be in a scuffle with them. For now we're on their turf, so best to behave ourselves as their guests."

That having said Aiko seemed to slowly disolve away. They would still hear her voice, though. "Move out. Stay sharp and try to mask your earphone communicator a bit. And, of course, don't use it in a way that everybody will notice what kind of vocation you have."

---

Tatsuya - Lee

[spoili]
Tatsuya looked around as he walked, the water pouring down all around him. There weren't many people walking around. It wasn't much of a shock for him, seeing that on as horrible a day as this, there was no way people would be hanging out on the streets. Still, even though most people were probably at work, he would see a couple of teenagers hanging out as if the weather was the best in weeks. It felt strange to see a scene like this, but it was probably quite normal here.

The place seemed quite nice, despite the pouring rain. The buildings were taller than anything he'd seen before. It felt unreal and humbling to be near structures hundreds of times taller than he was. As he looked up, the rain would find its way past the hoodie protecting him and onto his face. He quickly lowered his head and shook it, trying to dry his face using his hands.

The young nin stopped for a moment, looking around, feeling that something was strange. The buildings' architecture started to become more sophisticated and the number of people on the streets, though still mostly young teenagers. There were more and more stores and restaurants around there. Some seemed to be just opening for early dinners, some were almost packed, however most of those were cafés.

There were quite a few nice places along the road. He picked up some strangely incredible scents, which made sense when he looked to where they were coming from. There were some pretty decent places all around. He made a mental note of the place. As he walked, appreciating the area's beauty, a different smell came to his nose. He sniffed a couple of times, following the stench. He found himself in an alleyway between the buildings. He sniffed the air again and took another turn. He recoiled at the sight of the skinny, rotting corpses. "Um... I found some... uh... corpses," he spoke into the transmitter.
[/spoili]

---

Sayuri - Naomi

[spoili]
Clad in her fancy new raincoat she blended into the partygoing crowd. Although the people around her were a good deal older in general there were enough people of her own age around to become part of the picture for Sayuri. She grinned at her tasks. Blending in here was easy as pie. She'd done this before. The real problem almost became remembering her mission and the fact that she was supposed to pay attention to people around them. A man walked up to her and began advertising the 'amazing' bar he worked for and Sayuri sighed, shook her head and walked on.

As she leaned against a wall, 'waiting for friends', she noticed the same man interrupt another person. What made her take a second glance at this man was that he was hooded and looked as if he was being mugged instead of being asked to enter the 'amazing' bar. The man managed to wave off the bar's advertiser and looked around while frantically scratching his wrist. Sayuri raised her nose and suddenly remembered her mission. "Eh... There's a very nervous hooded man here."

A moment later Aiko would respond through the communicator. "Noted. If you consider him a bit too suspicious then break off from the formation. Stay at a distance and just observe for now. If you don't then try to point him out. I will else take over."

Sayuri nodded even though Aiko wasn't there and saw the nervous man look around and leave. "I'm tailing him." She said and got up from leaning against the wall, checked the time and made a gesture that she was bored of waiting, entirely in the role of bored teenager. Or so she liked to think. Following the man through the crowd was easy. Sneaking into the establishment he entered was a piece of cake.

The sushi place he entered was a nice place, one she would visit with her parents, would she live here. There were some waiters and waitresses of her own age serving dishes and she wondered why the tense man would go here of all places. She got a table near the window from where she could observe the man who ordered a table for two. She threw casual glances in his direction and was roughly within earshot. She was so focussed on her job that the waiter had to ask twice what she wanted to drink. "Eh, sorry! I'll take some lemonade." She said, and went back to her duties.

At some point during the evening the man was joined by a woman with who he started talking. In that time she'd ordered one round of sushi like the man, but a lot of new customers'd arrived and she had trouble listening to what the couple said. They looked like a couple at least. All smiles suddenly, and all smooth talking. The man's nervosity had gone with the wind, until his transformation jutsu ended in an audible poof. The woman looked shocked, like most of the bystanders, including herself. As the woman began yelling at him, obviously feeling cheated for meeting up with someone's fake appearance Sayuri cursed her clan eyes. Awhich she did not have yet, otherwise she'd have noticed straight away.
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[Gerontis]

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Old Team 8.

A collab between Sketching, Gerontis and Lesli.

Summary :
After their respective scouting and patrol assignments, Aiko holds a small meeting with Koike and Katsu to share information that they discovered - as well to listen how the others did it during their scouting operation. They then proceed to discuss how they will progress the next step, but not before discovering something that has been in the dark for quite some time.

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Everyone had come back and after a brief checking to see if nobody was missing - which might have been something not necessary, but protocols are needed to be followed. As the boys and girls would be send to their respective bunker rooms Aiko decided to hold a meeting with Katsu and Koike. Not in the barracks or any place where they could get eavesdropped on by just anybody walking by the room they would host a meeting in. No, instead Aiko had decided to give them both the location of a vantage point she had discovered and deemed useful for both regrouping and discussing matters without the need to be paranoid about potential moles listening in on their conversation. It was on one of the high buildings in the center. She wasn't too certain why some buildings in Amegakure were build to be high and slender - something that she found interesting, but not really a pretty sight - but the location would be on what she believed to be made to become a balcony only to be later serve as a part of the roof of the building next to it. Thus providing some shelter from the rain and cold autumn breeze as well not a location a random bypasser would cross along.

"Okay," Aiko started, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed out front of her chest, "Sorry that I couldn't find a prettier sight over town but if everything went smooth with your teams then I figure we will soon be able to take some rest for tomorrow." She glanced at Katsu and nodded. "You first, Katsu. How did your scouting go and how did the guys do it?"

Katsu nodded, standing up straight with his hands together behind him. "We split the area we were responsible of into three and split up to understand the area better. We found some proper vantage points. We also found some paths that could be used to tail without being noticed. It seems in the structuring of a city like this, in the case of most large streets, they are almost always surrounded by smaller streets parallel to them that have alleys leading up to said large streets. It could be easier to tail people walking on either side without attracting much attention. Other than structural information, we didn't run into any people of interest."

"Good job. And Neji as Hiraku? Followed orders without question?" Aiko asked. "Anything that made you wonder about their performance or perhaps even something you were content with?" The woman asked, content though that everything had gone well on his end.

"Nothing especially caught my eye," Katsu said, shaking his head. "They did their part well and to the extent that I expected. There wasn't anything that stood out to me.*/-"

Slightly surprised, Aiko would just nod. "Very well. Koike," Aiko said as she shifted her gaze to the Hon. "What about your team? Anything you guys came across?"

Koike scratched his chin for a second before he would answer back. "It went okay. We discovered some vantage and regroup points. As well some... other findings." He paused for a small moment, trying to formulate the findings without making it as if he didn't believe the genin he had led on the assignment. "Tomiko Hyuuga was somebody I watched over. Seeing that Kazumo has done a mission before and trains under you, I figured he could take a part for himself. Tomiko was tasked with trying to find anybody that was using chakra or anything that seemed off. She discovered a hooded person that seemed to startle her. I decided that it would be best to bring her back to the barracks as I wasn't sure if it would be a great idea to keep her in the field if she would remain spooked." He then thought about what Kazumo had shown him.

"Kazumo Sarutobi, however, discovered something as well. While I assume that in any big city crime is an issue he discovered a homeless person dead. Stabbed in the chest." Placing his index finger at his own chest to clarrify the spot to them, Koike continued. "The strange part is that the wound was really small. I figure that the weapon was something as small as a slender, small kitchen knife. Nothing also suggest that there was a struggle, which might imply that it was an ambush or perhaps the victim and culprit knew each other. The strange thing is," Koike half closed his eyes as he tried to block the memory of how cold the body had felt, "The temperature was cold. Abnormally cold, but no signs of ice release. The body hadn't also shown signs that it had been dead for any longer than a day. Around the stabbing wound it also had some strange... marking. It seemed to be something dark, like obisidian. Didn't touch it and left a clone to guard the body. If I have to make a guess, I would think that the man's chakra got leeched out from him."

Listening to Koike's report Aiko slightly raised her eyebrows. She understood why he had given Kazumo a bit more freedom, but she wondered what the girl had seen about the hooded person. The following news made her, however, frown even more. "To cut things short, Tatsuya Hon also found corpses. They were in the same state, though I had nobody to confirm if they were empty of chakra." The woman said, glancing at Katsu. "Do you think that you can later check one of those bodies with your sharingan? Just so that we can perhaps see a chakra trace left behind?"

Katsu looked over at Koike and Aiko in shock. He wasn't expecting for anyone to actually find something like that. It had visibly taken him off guard when Aiko had confirmed that it wasn't an isolated incident. He quickly regained his composure and nodded. "Ah--Yes," he said. He took a moment to pause, cupping his chin thoughtfully. "That's strange, though, isn't it? Not just the manner they were killed but the fact that whoever did these would leave behind such leads."

Hearing that there were other corpses that showed the same signs made Koike think. "It is quite strange. My mind instantly is saying it is perhaps the work of those Zealots. Seems right up on their alley after what we encountered in Keishi." Koike said, feeling a bitter taste coming up in his mouth. Katsu interjected. "But this just feels... sloppy. We hadn't even set out to actually find corpses or anything. We stumbled upon them. That time, even though they were... beastly, they moved with something of a plan, more systemically."

Aiko thought about what they both said, only to result into a stare at Koike. "Think we will need to investigate the bodies and see where the trace leads us. There was also not too long ago a random attack on a post office. However," Aiko frowned, once more, "You suspect that the body had no chakra left? How did you come to that conclussion when you brought Tomiko back? Kazumo isn't a sensor and if I remember correctly," she gestured to Katsu, "Katsu is the sensor out of you two."

He had a point, Koike realised. Yet he couldn't budge his mind on who else would do this or was comitting these weird acts. As Aiko spoke up, Koike resorted to listening. Agreeing that finding or trying to get a trace to the culprit was the best next step Koike remained silent for a moment after Aiko asked him the question. "It was a guess." He said on a calm tone and facial expression. "Could have been that the temperature was just off due to the increasing cold."

"Alright, well... I can make sure, in any case," Katsu said quickly after Koike. "If your clone is with the one you found, you could always summon me there, but we'd be walking to the other corpses. Though that does bring up another question to mind," he said, turning to Aiko curiously. "Is our next course of action determined?"

Keeping her eyes locked on Koike, Aiko did answer Katsu's question first. "Yes. I want you later to check the corpses. Any lead we can gather from them will be useful. I will need to consider how much information I'll be passing on to the local higher ups. Don't want to risk that we're going to be dealing with a mole, no matter who is behind those deaths." She said. "And that can't have been the case. You've dealt with enough corpses, so why did you think that the corpse was without chakra?" Aiko continued asking.

Remaining silent, Koike glanced sideways at Katsu for a second. "Cause I have dealt with it before." He said on a softer volume then before. He could feel a cold shiver running down his spine as he didn't look back at Aiko. Shrugging lightly, he continued. "I think that we could just focus on trying to find a trace. But scanning the bodies for chakra won't help."

Katsu looked back at Koike. As he looked back to Aiko, he realized something. "I think it might be best to move forward as soon as possible. Koike's intuition has proven more than reliable in the past," he said. "As he said, we might get a better chance to catch whoever did it if we pursue any traces we find instead of confirming things we already know."

Now it was Aiko that remained silent for a moment. Her gaze shifted between Koike and Katsu. "Can you leech chakra?" Aiko asked, giving Koike a stern look. "If you both know something then don't keep it away from me. Are you guys aware what is being said of chakra leeches? You... wait..." Realising something Aiko's eyes widen for a moment. "If you're a chakra drainer then you can't be... You're not the jinchuriki of the Kyuubi." Staring at the young man Aiko found herself confused. She wasn't sure if this new development was one she was happy with or should dread. "Did you know?" She also asked Katsu, growing more worried.

Looking away, Koike felt ashamed. The weird thing was that he wasn't sure why he felt ashamed by it. Sure, he had read and learned of what the common belief was about chakra leechers. Or those who at least had the ability to drain chakra without any technique. "I am a chakra leech." For a reason those words didn't make the weight lighter on his shoudler. More of the opposite. "I tried to see if I could drain some chakra and know the signature from the corpse. However, it was... empty." He managed to keep his tone calm and volume normal. "That and no," Shaking his head as he figured that he couldn't continue the lie to them now this was out, "I am not the jinchuriki. It is a plan to protect the real jinchuriki. Can't say who or where that person is."

"Ehh..." Katsu tilted his head to the side a bit and averted his eyes as an answer to Aiko's question.

A bit of colour started to vanish from Aiko's face. Closing her eyes, the woman raised her right hand as she massaged her forehead. "Dear gods," she mumbled. "Okay, okay. This doesn't have to bring up any complications." Trying to think clear she wasn't sure for a second what to do. The information wasn't what you could describe as a pleasant change of pace or surprise. "How many people are aware that you're a chakra... you know." She made a short, vague gesture as she was growing frustrated.

Nodding towards Katsu, Koike answered back. "Katsu saw me performing the ability for the first time. It was during the last escort mission I had. The one in the River country." He said, feeling only worse as how both seemed to react. "Other than that, I figure that Hayate and Saki might suspect it. Can't be sure as they never asked or spoke about it." Rubbing his neck, Koike lowered his eyes. "I am sorry."

Two others? Remembering the names and their positions Aiko wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. "For that long? Gods," she wanted to berate them both for not telling her it earlier. For not coming to her for help, but what could she do? Swing a wand and wish it over? It was something she had only heard from stories and rumours, like people stating that the pale looking neighbour that almost never got out of his home was probably a chakra leech. Trying to spin her mind around it Aiko made a decision. "Don't be sorry. Let us just keep this between us. If you had the occupation to keep the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi safe with pretending to be the host then we will just go with that. Nobody has yet full proof or else I figure that this mission would've started quite different." She said, not only trying to reassure them but also herself. "Katsu will inspect the bodies with you. I am going to consider what the next step is going to be. We will also need to try to find some time to train the genin. The more prepared they are for a scuffle, the better. Any questions?"

Katsu kept his presence as low as possible during the revelation. The one thing he found odd was the reaction from Aiko concerning chakra leeching. The young boy looked over at his friend as if expecting an answer for an unspoken question. He turned to Aiko as they were given their new instructions. "Ah--No, none on my part."

Shaking his head, Koike replied back. "No. All is clear ma'am." He still looked away, feeling uncomfortable. A bit less bad than before as he had expected that Aiko would be angry. Perhaps disappointed or grossed out. As that hadn't happen, he decided to take some comfort into that knowledge. "I will take Katsu now to the corpse and will bring out a report once we're back."

"Good, use channel A. And bring the report out in Chonobi. I will head back to the barracks and tell the others to switch to Channel C seeing that they are on a stand-by. If," she placed some emphasis on the word, "You guys find or encounter something drastic then inform me right away. I will be switching from channel A and C every five minutes, so I will be bound to reply at one point. Got that? Head out and then we all need to take a rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

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